THE GLORY OF ENGLAND, OR A TRUE DESCRIPTION of many excellent prerogatives and remarkable blessings, whereby She Triumpheth over all the Nations of the World: With a justifiable comparison between the eminent Kingdoms of the Earth, and Herself; plainly manifesting the defects of them all in regard of her sufficiency and fullness of happiness. SENECA. Quicquid patimur, mortale: Quicquid facimus, venit ab alto. By T. G. LONDON Printed by EDWARD GRIFFIN for TH: NORTON and are to be sold at his shop in Pauls-Church-yard at the sign of the Kings-head. 1618. TO THE WORTHILY ENNOBLED, THE HIGH AND MOST HONOURABLE MARQVIS OF BUCKINGHAM, WITH ALL HIS OTHER WELL DESERVING TITLES, and attributes. Right Honourable, AS the divine Majesty proportioned all his attributes and works to some special end and purpose, redacting the world out of a confused Chaos for the use of man to a beautiful uniformity; raising man out of a heap of dust to glorify his Creator: sending his only Son to redeem us from the curse of the law, an expiation for our rebellious transgressions, and proposing his Mercy and justice with equal distribution as the mastering curbs of all human endeavours: with such like. So should we erect the frame of our actions upon the foundation of prevailing effects, and not attempt any thing without a special limitation. For even little children, that sport in the air at random can say, they meant to exercise themselves, or in emulation to shoot higher than their fellows. This inciteth me (right Honourable) to anticipate their calumniation, or derision, that shall startle me with these questions, why I presumed like a seeled dove to fly at random with such disguises, and amongst all others firmed myself on the sunshining beauty of your house. I answer both with the same truth and plainness, that detruded me between the straits of censuring imperfections: Besides the manifest reasons inserted in the Title and Preface, An honest fame, and peradventure orderly profit to maintain a poor liberty of life, and keep virtue unspotted from the filthiness of corruption, were the marks of my aim. But concerning your Honour, an earnest desire to prostrate my endeavours before you, and a mere presaging confidence, that with undefiled vows you will charily preserve the love of our Country, impulsed this insinuation, and extended the Argument thus far; that as it hath pleased his Majesty to overmantle you with favour, and support you with greatness (wherein Princes make their virtues truly eminent, and worthily exalted) so you will remember, that the good servant augmented his talent; and he lives not at all, who lives only to himself. Therefore Great Lord let me I pray you behold you like a fair moving Planet in a sufficient Orb, from whose influence can proceed nothing but sweet presages, and if there be any thing in these trivial discourses, that may boast of your acceptation, and noble construction, make me the prouder, because I come so simply naked without palpable flattery, or cunning displaying your Fame and merit. Besides, however I am so great a stranger, that not so much as the sound of my name hath passed by your ears, so low a shrub, that I stand at a stay, and keep my own greenness, and so ruinous a wall, that even bosom friends have started away for fear of falling upon them: I must be yet contented, and hope, you will not search me so narrowly as upon the discovery of my imperfections to pretend my contempt, nor dismiss me vilipended, when all the world hath proclaimed your worth. In which assurance I thus cast myself into the open mouth of the Monster of the world, Opinion: and presume to be preserved by the Antidote of your Patronage from any dangerous infection, or Lethal ruin. Your honours humble observant, TH: GAINSFORD. The Preface. Nec Adulatori. Nec Detractori. ALthough there is no end of writing books (as says the Preacher) and the vexation of our very souls ariseth from the desire of knowledge, especially when we step a little into vainglory, the last thing laid away of the wisest men: yet either custom, or some particular purposes do still traduce many in this kind, who otherwise walked with sufficient reputation, and like the fool in the proverbs might have been counted wise, if they had held their peace. So that it cannot choose, but I must incur the like imputation, yea peradventure ridiculous contempt; when I have nothing to say, but for the glory of my Country, and seem to maintain a Position, which few Englishmen deny, and that I do herein no more, than the Swizer or Savoian, who preferreth his snowy hills, before the beauty All nations love their own Country best. of Lombardy, and rageth in his disceptation, if you either vilipend his barren Mountains and dangerous passages, or prefer any other glorious nation before him. But again, when I strive to mount a little higher, and tune out this harmony to a reach of excellency, and prerogative over all kingdoms, and people in such things, wherein God doth bless any Nation, you now would a little procrastinate my journey, and cannot but suppose me over-liberal and over-partiall in my judgement, especially, if 1. either you are a stranger: 2. Or have been a traveler: 3. Or look no further, then on the bescarred and deformed face of antiquity as Authors have wounded the same: 4. Or live discontented through particular grievances in your Country: 5. Or are wilful and irregular by the impostures of superstition: 6. Or affrighted at the power and greatness of other Princes: 7. Or transported with a poor opinion of our wealth: 8. Or to conclude, are merely ignorant, and understand no more, then is conferred upon you by relation of others: wherein you must needs resemble certain empty trunks in Court removes, who only fill up a place: but understand not, wherefore, nor by whom they are employed: yet because I would also satisfy these, and corroborate my Hypothesis with probable reason, I will lead them by the hand into the fair fields of this discovery, and never desist, until they are conduced to safe harbour, and there Echo out the truth in security; though it seem a panegyrical applause, and carry a fantastical burden of flattery. Only the method I would use is somewhat intricate, and the desire I have to shun confusion, will make a greater confusion like a true and modest Lover, who fearing to disclose her affection by her looks, doth in that restraint make the next look more passionate. But to the purpose. If you be a stranger, which you 1 Strangers. may be either by ignorance, or nation: then peradventure you look no further, than what you see, or know, and not understanding the honourable secret of our Country, suppose nothing comparable to the ostentous bravery of some few stones, and dead things of those Cities, wherein you are reziant: but TACITUS, and other famous Authors can tell you, that Cities are not glorious with empty houses, and lime and stone compacted for show, and subject to ruin and breviary demolition; but in the wisdom, wealth, and resplendent eminence of noble Citizens, and well ordered men: so that no man, unacquainted with the secrets of a Kingdom, can comparatively subject it either to vilipending, or insufficiency. If you are a traveler? Then carried away with present shadows, or transported with a cursory vanity of some 2 traveler. stately edifices, brave Courtesans, entertainment of strangers (recommended by some special councillor of State) strong castles, new ramparts, convenient harbours, well furnished arsenals, some pretty galleys, and hearkening after every report to please the Hearing, or ravished with some comic sight to move admiration, you go no further, then present contentment, nor will once remember, what a mother you have of your own, and how a legitimate child ought to be loving, dutiful, and advised. 3 B●…ereader: If you search for no better secrets, then what absolute Authors have locked up in their storehouses, who many times filled their papers with extraneall reports, and when they were possessed with a novelty exciting astonishment, they then enlarged the same, setting down every thing as authentical, which only carried the show of probability by some enforcing circumstances, however it savoured of detraction, and calumny: Thus I confess have many written of Brittany, as of a strange and barbarous nation, naked people, painted, enraged, living upon roots and herbs, eating raw flesh, and remote from the bravery of populous Cities, and courtly pa●…aces: whereby a continued impression is so made, and lest to posterity, that in many places they suppose the same still. Wherein I cannot compare them better, then to some poor Farmer, who living in an old cottage, thatched, and deformed, is compelled at last to go into another Country, as dispossessed by some wealthy Lawyer, or Citizen, and so relateth to his new acquaintance, what a pitiful house he came from, and how miserable he left the same, little knowing, how delicately, yea stately it is re-edified, and holdeth up such a contrary face of Majesty, that if he were to return, and view it again, he could not imagine it the same, nor that any policy of man, or worldly means had contrived the alteration. If you live discontented at home, than out of a sullen and dogged humour you spare not any accusation of your 4 ●…me-bred discontents country, whether for deficiency of blessings, or government; but hearken after every report of strangers, and are contented to be cozened with the deceit of foreign relations, and so from a wilful neglect of our worthiness, wilt neither believe the majesty of our honour, the magnificense of our structures, the variety of our happiness, the decency of our Cities, the exaltation of officers, the beauty of women, the glory of conversation, and all other particulars tending to an absolute demonstration of our worth: but dost unkindly weigh it down with comparison, saying there are some slender commendable things amongst us, but far inferior to other nations. If you are superstitious, or would seem affectionate to religion, then under a pious show of devotion, you absolutely 5 Patisis. condemn all other things, and swear they are unvaluable to the pacification of the conscience, and settling the soul to peace, and understanding the way to salvation; and so without either desire, or endeavours to entertain a further truth, you not only deny those allegations which may divert you from falsehood, but are an adversary to all commemorations of temporal matters, which may give you light to conduct you to the acquaintance of ENGLAND'S merit, and high exalted desert. If you are terrified with the strength and warlike preparation of foreign Princes, because you hear of well fortified 6 〈◊〉 places, armies on foot, treasure amassed, ships rigged, Countries subjugated, garrisons dispersed, Princes affied, and the Pope blessing them. Then peradventure you may suppose, that we cannot propulse such adversaries, nor have sufficient means to rebate the insolency of so high exalted Monarches; because you are either faithless in heart, traitorous in loyalty, simple in apprehen●…ion, of overreached by cunning inferences of others, and so remain confounded at some common wants amongst us, disabling all things, which may tend to strengthen the hopes and love to your own Country. If you are desirous of wealth, and corrupted with the 7 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 filthiness of lucre, than it may be hearing of the infinite treasures of the GRAN SIGNIEUR, the Venetian riches, the many millions coming out of India into Spain, so many crowns of the sun coined in France, and the annual entradoes of divers Countries, and Principates, and troubled at home with strange rumours of penuries and wants, with exportation of our gold and coin into foreign parts, and some forcible convulsions of private men to enrich themselves: you are amazed, and cannot be settled with any opinion of our sufficiency, and will scarce be helped with better information. vide possessions by way of contribution to their children; reward their servants, and endeavour to be near the Prince? would you dispute of civil conversation, of a Land that floweth with milk and honey, of eating under thy own vineyard, of receiving the temporal blessings of increase, of solemnities at feasts, of burials and mournings for the dead, of martial exequys, of triumphant marriages, and private rejoicings, of honest and friendly visitations, of mutual commerces, of powerful presents? of detaining us within the limits of natural observation, as quod tibi fieri non vis, alteri ne feceris, and in truth of all fundamental principles of government in the hands of the Scriptures is lifted up a mirror to look into without speck, stain, base composure, or counterfeit foil. Would you have directions for maintaining a magistracy, for adapting you to reciprocal duties of relieving the poor, succouring the fatherless and widows, suppressing the proud, restraining the offensive, imparting of favours, acknowledging of friendliness, with such like? would you be thankful when your cup doth overflow, reposed when necessities knock at the door, patient when adversity dejecteth, moderate when prosperity ●…lateth, free from repining at the glory of thine adversary, sparing insulting over the misery of inferiors, and remember, who is the distributer of all good gifts, like the Master of a Comedy, who sorteth out his Scenes according to the inclination of his scholars, making a poor man's child to personate a Prince, and the son of a lord to act a meaner part? In the Scriptures shineth the light of such understanding, and liveth the soul, and life of the truest wisdom. In a word, would you know the duty to God and man, the hope of salvation, the mystery of religi●…n, the establishments of faith, the pre-eminence of truth, and 〈◊〉 sanctified calling of all God's servants; from the Scriptures ariseth the fountain and swelling spring flowing into rivers, yea seas of abundance, which in some are of bitter taste, but inward sweetness; in others pleasant in the mouth, but wo●…mewood in the belly: so that if from thence proceed all laws, statutes, and ordinances touching the supreme godhead, the spirits under his throne, the nature of things visible and invisible, the power of Devils, the glory of the firmament, the division of the earth, the bonds and limits of the sea, the secrets of hell, and the terrors of the last dissolution: what need we more, or go any further for a marking stone to colour any kingdom with, whereby it may be known to come near and enjoy most of those blessings, wherewith God hath sealed and ratified the glory of Countries, than out of the storehouse of the Scriptures. To this purpose I dare be bold to advance our England Engl●…nd comm●…h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 into the highest chair, as if she were to triumph for some notorious victory; and that I may bring up my forces together to a close encounter, and connect my reasons with probability, I will discover at large, what I have learned out of industrious Authors, observed by my own endeavours: . known as oculatus testis in most countries of Europe, and since determined in a combat of comparisons, not that I mean to rip up the bowels of antiquity, and call in question so many thousand volumes, which have consumed as many thousand years in discovery of originals, and as it were tormented Time with strange discourses: so that if you should take off the vail, wherewith divers Authors have overmantled both Countries, Kingdoms, and Cities, you would stand amazed at their deformed shapes, and remain confounded to view now their disparity. I will therefore leave all malign circumstances of my quiet, and show you with what countenance they look up to heaven at this instant, and in what manner they seem proud of their establishment, whereby 〈◊〉 that are willing to be impartial, shall be the better en●…ed to yield up a verdict of truth against all adulterate sophistication. Yet must I add with all this lesson of morality, that in 〈◊〉 kingdom, where understanding hath pleasured the people with 〈◊〉 of civility (as for barbarous nat●…s 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 only make use of their names) a Sol vitae est 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: c Antidote vitae patientia: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: ᶜ Vita vitae conscientia: ᶜ & glo●…●…ntia. For with wealth your entertainment 〈◊〉 ●…ght w●…th Princes; atonement made with Tyrants; 〈◊〉 ●…ed amongst strangers; adoration a●… 〈◊〉, and such as know not civility will stand 〈◊〉 at thy ●…rauery, and flourishing: By wealth are of●…●…gated, imperfections remitted, scandals re●… 〈◊〉 pardoned, follies excused, and the frowns 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…ed. For wealth, beauty yieldeth to a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…es are in opposition, enforced 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, men transported to exorbitant 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for strange undecencies, and all 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…ounded with contraries. But this is a pas●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 part of my work, or meaning; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for fear of longing after that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, a●…l as the Dutchman, who on●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Now to conclude: The whole 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 into two several Books: In the first, you shall ha●… a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Countries of the world, by way 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 plana●…on, as they are no●… 〈◊〉 In the 〈◊〉, as Drapers do 〈◊〉 clot●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 whereby the 〈◊〉 and prerog●… of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 made appar●…. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3. Discite nunc miseri, . Quid sumus, aut Quis datus, aut m●…ae quam m●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Quis modus arge●…o? U●…le num●…us hab●… Quantum elarg●… jussit, & humana qua THE CONTENTS OF THE FIRST BOOK. THe Empire of Tartary. Fol. 1 The Monarchy of China. 10 The Monarchy of India. 14 The Empire of Persia. 19 The Empire of the Turks. 27 The story of the Ottomans, together with their conquests. 31 The Empire of Aethiopia. 39 The Empire of Russia. 44 The story of the Goths and Lombard's coming into Italy and Spain. 53 The Empire of Germany. 56 The history of Coleine. 64 The glory of the Spaniard. 69 The Description of Italy, as in times past. 78 Italy described at this time. 83 The story of Savoy. 93 The story of Milan. 100 The description of France. 111 The description of the Low-Countries, 123 The Monarchy of Great Britain. 142 The description of Ireland. 144 THE CONTENTS OF THE SECOND BOOK. THe Majesty of Solomon, and happiness of Canaan; a full and absolute example for all Nations. 155 Countries compared to Canaan, and Salomon's glorious happiness; and first of all the Tartars. 162 China compared, and her deficiency manifested. 166 India compared, and her defects manifested. 170 Persia compared, with her insufficiency. 174 Turkey compared, and her imperfections laid open. 177 The lamentable death of the principal Viceer, when Sultan Achmat came first to the crown. 181 The famous history of Mustapha. 185 The story of a Renegado Bashaw. 188 The indirect proceedings of Turks against Christians, contrary to all religion or morality. 191 Their manner of advancement, and diversity of customs, far from our example and orderly prosperity. 198 Russia compared. 210 Aethiopia compared. 213 Germany compared. 217 Italy compared. 221 Spain compared. 230 France compared, with a discovery of her defects. 236 England compared, with the probable reasons, why she is nearer the example of Canaan's happiness, than any other nation. 242 Wherein the happiness of England is both perspicuous and commendable. 251 Foreign Cities compared to London, with the defects of either made apparent, and our sufficiency manifested. 256 divers particulars wherein England excelleth other kingdoms, and first in religion. 270 Certain particulars concerning the Greek Church. 282 Certain particulars concerning the Latin Church. 289 Another excellency of England, exposing the noble worth of higher Princes beyond other nations. 294 Another excellency of England, casteth up an account of her an●…quity in one united Monarchy before other nations. 299 Another excellency of England, consisteth in the happy life of our Country man and common people. 3●…4 Another excellency of England consisteth in the goodness of our navy and shipping. 309 Another excedency of England consisteth in the number, riches, en●…uors, and extraordinary worth of our Merchant. 316 Another excellency of England may be drawn from this observation, that we have had more glorious persons, and famous Kings and Princes to visit our country, than any other nation. 320 The Conclusion. 330 THE GLORY OF ENGLAND. The First BOOK: TOPOGRAFICALLY describing the Countries of the World, with some historical amplification. CHAP. I. The Empire of TARTARY. ACcording to the vain, popular, and indeed ridiculous error of opinion, The fir●… Monar●… of the 〈◊〉 as it is now made ●…rious. the world hath invested nine several Monarches with his glory, and from strange disproportions given them prerogatives to command all the Nations of the earth, interdicting any petty Prince to come near them by way of competition or comparison. First then the Empire of Tartary laid prostrate under the throne of the great Cham called Dominus dominantium, and Rex regum, spreadeth itself with so large embracings, that it extendeth from the northern Obba, or if you will Tanais, which falleth into the great Euxinum, even to the eastern sea; sometimes surnamed the Atlantic, whose vast lap is almost filled with a fry of islands, all Idolaters, and most of them enemies to strangers, but especially Christians. It begirteth those Countries formerly called, and many times still collaterally named, Scythia, Sarmatia, Albania, jeccomangall, Sumongoll, Mercat, Metrit, the vast deserts of Lop, Tangut, Cathaia, and Mangia, so that shouldering all the Northern shore of the Caspian, it runneth along without control by the high looking walls of China, and is TAURUS hath many names. overshaded by those formidable mountains Riphei, Hyperborei, Imaus, and Caucasus, all incorporated into the glorious Character of Taurus, of whom Pliny lib, 5. 27. writeth almost a whole book, showing that the variety of Nations under this great Empire, gave sundry names unto the vast body of this high-looking, and high-spreading heap of earth and stones: as in the first footing you have heard before: afterward in his larger body he is called Egidis, Paropamisus, Circius, Chambudes, Pharphariades, Cho●…as, Oreges, Orates Niphates, Taurus, in his glorious ●…ozen head, and snowy crown Caucasus, in his stretching arms Sarpedon, Coracesius, Cragus, and Taurus again, with divers others, and some more significantly. But if you would know how it shouldreth all other titles under 〈◊〉, and looketh up to heaven with the swelling eyes of Tartary, raised up by the supportation of three principal Commanders: you must be contented to believe some thing which is written to this purpose; or at least be reposed to ask no further questions, but know, that from Russia to the north-east sea, all the Countries and people are now called Tartars: But we will enlarge it a little. The Story of BARKA and ALLAV. IF you suppose Herodatus an Author meriting the fame, and good opinion disposed toward him: in his fourth book you shall find him overmantling Scythia from the denomination of Scythe the son of Hercules, with his brethren Gelo, and Agathirsis, and by a woman with much ado believed to be half a snake: but it may be the allusion from the cruel condition of the people extracted Amazons. from this lineage, gave way to the fiction. For after Agathirsis had taught the Inhabitants the use of bow and arrows, they became so expert in shooting, that from hunting and killing of beasts, they set upon men and strangers, yea at last grew barbarous toward one another: so that the admirable report of the Amazons a principal Nation amongst them, is now esteemed a matter of probability, who remembering their vows to Diana, and customs of their Herculean Progenitors, accustomed to cut off their right paps for the better dexterity of this military exercise, and so their famous exploits made all the Country reverence the Goddess for their sakes, in whose memory they performed actions beyond credit, and for whose reverence Thoas began an Holocaust of strangers, as by the story of Iphigenia Agamemnon's daughter may appear: so that they continued in glorious estimation, till Tomyr is conquered Cyrus, and taught all mighty Monarches and Tyrants this lesson, that the punishment of sins is a judgement from heaven, and when they are in the greatest burning heat of ambitious tumours; some ●…lender cloud of revenge shall over-shade their glories, and pour down showers of devastation on their heads, as you may read in the Scriptures, and other probable Authors of divers great Princes brought to ruin; yea slain by the private hands of women, which also happened to these insulting Dames themselves, who grew so proud by reason they supposed the Goddess Diana to protect them, or that some supernatural influence made their prosperity immovable, that they not only conspired against their Husbands, but had the name of man in a kind of hate, and vilipending, except for necessity of procreation: wherein yet as divers Authors have endeavoured to strengthen our credulity, they tied them to certain conditions of commorance amongst them, until they were conceived, and then compulsing them to return: so that at the time of their delivery the ●…aemales were reserved, and the males killed; or if you will believe so much for civilities sake, sent to their fathers; whereupon when time was weary of such degenerating inconveniences, and that some secret whisperers had incited the people to remember the glory of the first Creator, or the Goddess, Nature, in man's resemblance, the better sort conspired against the women, and by degrees ware them out of the Country with many slaughters, teaching the obstinate the vicissitude of things, and admitting the submissive under the warmth of loving embraces, by which occasion the men at last prevailed; and in time this vast Country was proud to be the life infuser into many valiant sons: such as Scitha with his mother Araxa, who conquered Armenia, and Scitheses who married his mother in law Opaea, and performed actions beyond credit: such as Ottoman, Barka, Allau, Tamburlaine and others, whose noble exploits made Fame fly about the world to divulge how glorious valour and virtue was in some worthy spirits over others. But amongst many hundreds, none obtained so much at the hands of history and report, as Barka and Allau both named Emperors at one time. For when many battles had filled the fields with the carcases of as many thousands, the people weary of such slaughters, and they themselves amazed at the cruelty, it was concluded between them to divide the Empire, having indeed a world of ground to satisfy ten Emperors: but some Authors are willing to maintain, that they scorned such partition, and so in a noble combat decided the controversy themselves, till the Controller of men and kingdoms made Barka triumphant, who in the next lustrum of his government had by the beautiful Tartara a son for his mother's sake named the Author of Peace, and proclaimed beside Barka Tartarus: so that when he leaving three sons behind him, gave them also leave to divide the Empire. The people were proud of their new name of Tartarians, and their Princes distinguished Tartarians a new name. with Tartar Chrim, Tartar Mercat, and Tartar Cham: who many times standeth for all the rest, & drowneth the murmuring sound of inferiors with the full name of the great Emperor, and Lord of Lords. For although the Tartar Chrim would fain challenge affinity with the Turk, expecting if the line of Ottoman should fail the greatest share of the world's magnificence: yet without question it is but a covert presumption, and the fanatical hopes of some imposturing prediction: Otherwise he dare not but acknowledge the Emperor Cham for his supreme; and is affrighted, when he hears of any complaints to his prejudice: As for his further enlarging his credit, because Tamburlaine was extracted from him, who conquered Persia, Asia minor, and Bajazet, it will stand him in little stead to startle from his first obedience, as I said before, and help him as little to intrude into Turkey. for all he diuulgeth, that the sons of Tamburlaine brought with them the daughters of the Persian Sophy, and Ottoman family into Tartary, from whence he is now lineally descended. But some will have it thus, that Barka in remembrance of the horrible confusion of the wars, named his son Tartarus, as a very deciphering of Hell, and that the people should be ever after affrighted at dissensions by recording the mischief formerly acted. But to proceed: From Scythia to the province of Tangut they live in troops called Hordas, and remove from place to place according to the temperature of the season, plenty of feeding, and conveniency of accommodating one another: nor before the year of Redemption 1212 (as I said) did we in Europe hear of the name of a Tartar: but Scythians, Sarmatians, Albanians, and such like, who were all idolaters, worshipping their gods in trees, hanging up their dead on neither boughs, and by way of auguring divining their happiness or damnation, which custom is still retained amongst the barbarous sort in the remotest places. They are generally men of square stature, broad faces, hollow eyes, thin beards, owgly countenances, and tie up their hair to the crown of their heads in rolls, like a Snails shell; to which you may add swarthnes of complexion, not that the Sun kisseth them with that fervency, but the air and their sluttish customs corrupts both their blood and bodies: yet hath nature prevailed over these outward inconveniences in the distribution of valour, swiftness of footmanship, vigilancy, and patience to endure the many encumbrances of travel, hunger, and want of sleep. They love Horses, and from that love accustom themselves to a savage drinking of their blood, practising a cunning theft herein, which being unpunishable, occasioneth many pretty changes, both in keeping their own, and purloining from others, as if some civil Artist had instructed them with the Lacedaemonian toleration Theft lawful, and unlawful. in this kind, for the better animating one another in the spoiling their enemies: yet for all this, by reason they live in tents, and have small defences for their furniture and goods, theft of petty things is severely punished amongst them, as also adultery, or if you will lying with another man's wife, which is most odious unto them, because they are tied to the trusting of one another, as I said within doors, and no man is debarred any intercourse: it were therefore a double treachery to deceive the trust reposed, and either purloin the goods which lie open, or abuse the women which admit you so friendly. They are governed in their travels and remove by the stars, and observing the North pole settle according to her influence: They live free from covetousness, and are thus far happy, that the strange corruptions of wealth, especially gold and silver breed no disorders amongst them: yet have they a kind of traffic, and by way of exchange continue mutual commerces, loving presents, and can be contented to be flattered even in their barbarism: and herein I think all the Eastern people are delighted, from a received tradition of our patriarchs. But howsoever, I can assure you Tartar Chrim himself, who is the most likeliest to be spoken with of all others, as being the nearest, will not admit of any Christian without a gratuity, and present worthy of his favour. You must now step a little forward toward the East, and with the suns rising see their glory arise: For Tangut is a wealthy Province, affording many things befitting Europe's magnificence, especially rhubarb, a simple of R●…barb. that prerogative, as if the whole world were beholding for this distribution, and had a saving health by virtue of the same. In Cathaia amongst many others, the great City of Cambala will excite admiration, if you measure a quadrant of 30 mile about, and overlook at every corner a Tower 40 furlongs in circuit, erected for a Seralia or Arsenal, wherein the Emperor's munition, armour, and provision for war are secured: but he himself is sequestered to the privacy of another stately Palace, and is a strange Meteor amongst them seldom seen, but for some portentous accident. In Mangia as Queen of the rest, is the City of Quinzai, having a circumference of a 100 mile, by reason a great Lake of 30 mile divideth the streets into channels, over which are numbered 1260 bridges, some opening the arches so high and wide, that a good ship under sail hath a passage of ease, but things a far off are quickly reported; yet hardly believed, and sometimes over-beleeved upon easy report, as you may perceive by the travels of Sr john Mandevile, the writings of Munster, and the constant asseveration of modern Pilgrims, who all tell of so many monstrous shapes of men in these parts, that our civil people are affrighted at the hearing, and many times come flocking to see such travelers, as have escaped the dangerous passages, and savage immanity. For my own part I would persuade you, that the world is a stage of variety and wonders, whereon are placed more strange things of truth, than the wit and policy of man can invent to seem fabulous: but as at a stage the spectators only are a few in number to the infinite multitudes for the time excluded; so in the exploration of Countries not one amongst ten thousand either take the pains, or have the judgement to look into the wonders of the world, and therefore I would be loath to exclude all enlargements of histories from the closet of truth: yet concerning those fabulous reports of Pigmies and Cranes, of men with long ears, one eye, one foot, and such like, the judicious take up the books to read, as if they would excite laughter; and I dare be bold to maintain, there are no such men or people in the world: but all God's images are miraculous in this distinction of voice, reason, and an erected countenance, with a proportion of shape, and what is not thus established, is merely a monster, or a beast. But because I am sure, whether true or false, there is nothing amongst them worthy respect, or challenging any prerogative of happiness, or imitation, I will leave them to their vast territories, and desist from amazing you with the almost incredible particulars of those places, especially Cathaia, and Mangia. CHAP. II. The Monarchy of CHINA. ON the second step of the earth's Throne is the Country of CHINA mounted, and divided into eight several Kingdoms, over whom one principal Monarch controlleth by those high and illustrious titles of MUNDI DOMINUS, and COELI FILIUS, as if indeed their challenge to all nature's immunities were a matter of consequence, & their boasting of many things before Adam true and canonical. The principal City is now called Faquin neighbouring Tartary, out of which the Emperor never issueth, but in time of war, which is as it were an exercise amongst them, and challengeth the attendance of every nation, as if an hereditary duty challenged the son to the father's obedience, & one succession received of another, what belonged to the settling their estates by attending their principal Commanders. For as you have read in England, that from the Twede between 〈◊〉, Westmoreland, and Scotland, even to the Irish Seas, there was a wall of a 100 mile long, called Picts 〈◊〉 are at certain spaces fortified with watchtowers, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hollow trunks placed within the curtains, received advertisements one of another; so that 〈◊〉 a moment upon any alarm, excursion, or attempt, w●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Picts, and turbulent Scots did 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…ountry was up in arms, and the ordi●…e 〈◊〉 of their military discipline put in pract●… 〈◊〉 ●…as in 〈◊〉 Country from the Atlantic sea to mount Taurus between the Tartarians, and there 〈◊〉 8000 furlongs in length is a wall raised ●…ke a strong 〈◊〉 fication, and at every miles end a ●…mpart or 〈◊〉 wherein is continual garrison. But when the 〈◊〉 disposeth himself to any field encounter of settled ●…attaile, he seldom marcheth under an Army 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 foot, and 200000 horse, and as seldom mee●… 〈◊〉 versarie without effusion of much blood, and 〈◊〉 many thousands, over whom their friends seem 〈◊〉 juice, whether they have their dead carcases, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a statue, as if some glorious blessing were imparte●… 〈◊〉 happy a thing they suppose it to die for their Count●… and obey their Emperor: of which I am not 〈◊〉 considering that sacred truth hath enlarged the ●…error 〈◊〉 that battle unto us, which was fought between 〈◊〉 and jerusalem, wherein 500000 felt the smart of 〈◊〉 and tyrannous dissension: And of another, wherein Zeres Emperor of Moors & Aethiopians brought 〈◊〉 pair of hands to pull down the walls of 〈◊〉 and not the God of jacob remembered his promise to 〈◊〉 and pushed them down to the pit of destruction. The great City of Manquin was once Capital of ●…e Kingdom, in which now only shineth a g●…●…een more, ensculpted with the present Emperor's name, and never unveiled, but at Festivals: at which ●…me the reverence appropriate to his own person exciteth the ●…ike ●…tion. The Governors of Countries, and 〈◊〉 of justice are called ●…utant, whose 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 looketh the punishment of thieves, who 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 chiefly abound, so are they most severely 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 commonly beaten to death with a 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…gers broad, and one thick: it is made of ●…ewes 〈◊〉 wet in water to supple the same the sooner: so that the executioner daring not moderate his strength, at every blow draweth blood, until all their joints and sinews are broken to pieces: and in this sort doth tyranny boast of the slaughter of 3 or 4000 every year, besides such as the prisons devour, being sent thither half maimed, and formerly tormented. Amongst them there are few Christians admitted, for fear of discovering the secrets and wealth of their country: so cautelous and subtle they are in understanding themselves and strangers, as for their commerces and uttering the commodities of the countries, it is done in the islands, or with certain Brokers Indians, who traffic reciprocally between Christians and them, receiving ready gold and silver for all, as scorning any thing which other nations can confer, or transport unto them: nor is this done without a kind of jealousy both toward the Indians and Christians; yea, sometimes a treacherous policy to cut all their throats whom they can overmaster, as Sr. Ed. Michelborn could have testified, and many other English, surprised by disloyalty of such as have thronged them on shipboard, or wearied coming on shore amongst the islands of Moluccae and Philippinae either for water, or to view the country: yet have some Portugals intruded themselves, and certain Jesuits by way of insinuation got liberty of intercourse, from whom it should seem they have learned to bless themselves with the sign of the cross, against the assaults & temptations of the Dinell, whom they much adore in these parts, & for fear of mischief, pacify with sacrifice and presents, which makes me remember a reasonable honest man of my acquaintance, who having two suspicious friends of contrary demeanours, and demanded why he observed one before another; answered thus politicly: that the one was honest of inclination, and would do him good for virtues sake, or at least no hurt: but the other was more pestilent and dangerous, and therefore must be diverted by flattery and insinuation from the ill he might prosecute, or intend against him. The better sort (notwithstanding these affrightings of the Devil) apprehend, that all things, both supernal and infernal, depend upon the protection of a greater Influence, whom by the name of Sun, Moon, and Stars they adore, allowing a duplicity of Priests, the one in a white habit, as sequestered with shaven crowns, like our cloistered Friars: the other in black with shag-hair and formidable aspect, going at random, and frequenting more often their temples, which are very sumptuous and rich, both in cities and countries: these Priests are confederate with certain women called witches, who do make travelers believe, they can sell them wind to sail from Island to Island, and bring them to certain wagons for their land journeys over barren and sandy places, which shall have sails, & be driven to and fro with great swiftness: wherein as I will not betray my understanding to any vain and idle credulity, considering that God is the only commander of his creatures: so must I yield to this probability, that by reason of the infinite number of islands, and the country lying open to the sea, the wind is every way more forcible then in other places, and by reason of mountainous blustrings, and pressing the air into straits, seemeth to fight one with another, and at one time to blow with sundry divisions. Concerning other particulars of their wives and concubines, of their wealth and jewels, of their odours and perfumes, of their wines & syrups, there is no offending chaste ears with their incredible customs: so wild and filthy is their idolatry, so obscene and shameless their lives, so ridiculous their incantations, so exorbitant their presenting of virgins to be deflowered of Idols, so abominable their exorcisms, and so odious their senseless profanation, with lamentable obstinacy not to be diverted: I will therefore leave them to the supreme judge, and return to England with this caution, that the fool hath said in his heart there is no God, and I hope we attend these discoveries with fear or contempt. CHAP. III. The Monarchy of INDIA. THE third part of the world's glory is enclosed within the storehouses of rich and The third Empire of the world. opulent India, a country not only invested with magnificence, but arrogating a pre-eminence over other nations, both for spaciousness of ground, and all such blessings, wherewith the divine providence hath made the ●…oyes of men exceed. For the two great rivers of Indus and Ganges water the same, and divided into many thousand brooks, like the children of a blessed mother, and plentiful housekeeper, bring glad tidings to the family 〈◊〉 extraordinary allowances: and thus it insulteth for two summers, temperature of air, duplicity of increase, and that we are adventurers for such things as she vilipendeth: not yet admitted to understand the one half of her secrets, The men and women do now imitate a noble pomp as not encountered abroad, nisi ma●…na comitant ●…terua, using many odours in their baths and washing; nor are they without oils and perfumes, jewels, pearls, and other ornaments, not only befitting the bu●…nesse in hand, but to please one another in matters of incontinency: yet have they many wives, who strive with all ●…cting demeanour to be best beloved of their 〈◊〉 But you have divers books of this subject, both an●… and modern, as Herodotus, Pliny, and other Cosmographers, who thus relate the matter: that since the conquest of Bacchus, whom by another name they call ●…oer Pa●…r they have settled in their country with magnificent eq●… page 5000. principal cities, advancing a fashion ●…le government to equal the best Commonwealths, only they adored Bacchus for a God, and Hercules for a giant: they never intruded into any other princes territories, but have defended their own from all innovation of strangers, as Q. Curtius relateth, adding withal a delicate commentary of their famous exploits and noble greatness, even against the Conqueror of the world, in the time of the He●…e Porus, who with great majesty, valour, and armies of Elephants would have maintained their freedom and glory: but that Fortune and Success had condescended to the conditions of ratifying Alexander's prosperity. And although the many Princes have sometimes repined one against another, and for superiorities sake, showed the ●…ety of their own glories and mightiness: yet 〈◊〉 still combined in the prop●…ing of for●… 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 appeasing private encumbrances, not reaching 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 civil deciding, and hating injustice and co●… 〈◊〉 much as may be. They love and reverence their Kings, (amongst whom the great Mogul, having us in some estimation before other Princes of Europe, and with whom we have a kind of correspondency, as by reciprocal letters may appear, is principal and of greatest reputation) making holiday when he shaveth his head, and attending his chariot with pompous bravery, spreading the way where he must pass, with costly ornaments and delicate perfumes. For he is carried in great pomp on the shoulders of men, adorned with purple, gold, and precious stones, the chair hanging with orient pearl, and all thing so ordered, as if the best of our ceremonies should add an honour to Majesty. His Guards for his person are many and the best of his soldiers, who suffer no nearer approaches to his stately throne, than he himself shall command, which is publicly known by the disrobing of his head of common ornaments, and investing himself with a magnificent Diadem, then are Ambassadors admitted, and divers laws enacted for the good of the people. Another book will discover, that when he disposeth himself to pleasure, his concubines are sent for to be partakers of the hunting, and then in open view the beasts are killed, being chased before hand into certain strait enclosures for the purpose: but if he determine a longer progress, their chariots are drawn with Elephants, and their divers authors write of India, and would include China as one Country honourable Queens left at home: but the wantoness are instructed to make proud incontinency swell with variety, not accustoming their wives to be partaker of such lascivious changes, but reserving them for necessity of children, or moderation of contentment: when he determineth to sleep, or peradventure is overloded with wine, that he must resettle his spirits and senses with rest and ease, the loveliest dames bring him to bed, singing a song of invocation to the God of silence, and the night. Another will relate, how worthily their honest matrons live after they have had children, how ever they yield their chastities at the first to their lovers for the price of an Elephant, which yet never exciteth any exprobration against them. In some places, when a virgin desireth marriage, her parents bring her to public view amongst a number of young men, where she electeth whom she fancieth. In their mutual commerces they hate usury, disclaim injustice, deny indentures of covenant, contracts of writing, and have many seeming excellencies of love, confidence, and trusting one another: only they are impatient of wrong, and think it a glory to take revenge, but will not offer the occasion. Another will tell you, that they once esteemed two sorts of wisemen, by the names of Samaraei and Brachamanes, both which were charactered for Gymnosophists: but the Samaraei for their preciseness were better esteemed of the Kings; for living more moderate than the rest, as eating neither fish nor flesh, it added to their reputation, that the peace of their Kingdoms was established by their orisons, and the prosperity of the country confirmed through their holiness. Another will demonstrate, how St. Thomas converted them to Christianity, how ever with the Syrians in Samaria, they have since intermingled horrible idolatry, and until the Portugals came amongst them, would scarce reform the most grossest abuses. Another will enlarge the conquest of their country by the Portugals and Spaniard, with a full description of all things, which may show you the perfect portraiture of their kingdoms, courts, commonwealth, riches, pleasures, civil administration, and mightiness: yet (as I take it) so far from a conquest, as we were over France, when we had only Calais in Picardy, or Turwin and Tornay, which cost more the re-edifying, than all the country about it was worth. here you shall also find how they have strived with the Egyptians for antiquity and cunning, how many islands are subjecteth unto them, amongst whom Summatra, in times past called Taprobana, mustreth the power of eight Kings. japan affordeth our English a harbour; and at Bantam they receive the commodities of China from the Indian Merchants, who are only admitted to commerce amongst them: and divers others, as are therein variated with many particulars. To conclude no one Country comes near it for greatness, India now intermingled with Christians. which without other addition lifteth up her title alone, as challenging all the territories between China and Persia; yea in times past China itself, almost 1200. English mile, and amongst many Kings, he is principal, that obtaineth by force or popularity. But of late they have over-exalted the high Priest called Voo, who in spiritual matters (as I may say) hath absolute power and authority, and upon whose blessing or cursing dependeth the expectation of future happiness. Yet hath this idolatrous superstition acknowledgement of a God, whom they invest with a triple crown, not yielding any reason for the same, but that he commandeth Heaven, Earth, and Hell. The Jesuits have taught them to baptise infants in some places, and to fast, wherein they are now tedious observants (as barbarous people are best maintainers of customs and ceremonies) and they use the sign of the cross, but it is where they are enforced by the Spanish garrisons, otherwise, what I spoke before of China: for all their silks, clothes of gold, delicate beds, houses of canes, Serpents, Elephants, precious stones, minerals, pearls, perfumes, drugs, spice, sweet wood, barks of trees, shells, nuts, and other things of estimation, I may with a Christinn-like sorrow amplify, concerning their turpitude and morosity. As for their cities, every one would afford a story, and I am unwilling to run into the error of fiction or miracle, considering your best Cosmographers have only extended the relations of others, and besides the variety of contradicting one another, would now be amazed to see so beautiful a face of many countries, which they left most glorious, so deformed: and so unpleasant a countenance, as they imagined, so illustrious and exalted. And thus much for that part of Asia, who are all Idolaters, barbarous, inhuman, treacherous, haters of strangers, and so remote from the happiness I would rely upon, as my joy exceedeth for not being a native amongst them. CHAP. IU. The Empire of PERSIA. ON the fourth principal palace of the world's majesty, attendeth the expectation of the Persian, 4. The fourth part of the world's honour. who though he cannot boast of 128. regions, as in the time of Hahashuerosh: of intruding into Greece, and subjecting the islands of the Hellespont, as in those confused Anarchies of Corinth, Athens, and Lacedaemon: of re-edifying of Babylon, and swelling with prosperity and glorious armies, as when Darius and Alexander the great made slaughter proud to have the fields furnished with gold, pearl, and treasure: of a since regathered and compacted mightiness, when the Roman Crassus was subjecteth to the calamity of an unfortunate overthrow: and of a strained original from Perseus, who advanced that magnificent structure of Persepolis amongst them, and made the people proud of their denomination, because he was the son of jupiter, and they the offspring of the supreme God: yet doth he still command many regions of Asia, with reputation of a principal Monarch. For the Kingdoms of Saca, with the magnificent exploits of Tolmilanda, that glorious Queen, the Virago of her time, and mirror of her Sex: the regions of Bactriana, Sogdiana, and many other nations compassing the East and South of the Caspian, lie still prostrate under the feet of this Empire: but because I find the best authors diffused in the●… discovery, and never conferred but with certain Armenians, who had traveled into those parts, by whom I only understood of much tyranny amongst them, and that their greatest exercise was rapine and murdering of passengers, with other mischievous practices, both on the confines of Media and India, without form of government, or control of superiors, as flying into the mountains, and securing themselves in the dangerous passages, in despite of any forces to be raised against them: so that they still remain unsubiected and unpunished, more than a general acknowledgemet of title and willingness, to make the Persian the arbiter of such controversies as are raised amongst them. I desist from further dismantling their savageness, as a living misery, without either form, or order of discipline. I might also be affrighted from poorer relations, in regard the locuplent history of Turkey, especially Chron●… Turcarum in Latin, the Tartarian Tamburlaine, and valiant Scanderbegg of EUROPE, or if you will George Castriot of Epirus with some others, have spread abroad, an open carpet of pandectical ampliation, concerning the conquest of these places and people, by another name Parthians, including Media, sollemnizing the ostentation of Samerchanda, and making Tauris with other Cities of Persia the seats of his reziance, wherein this Tamburlaine proceeded so far, that after the victory over Bajazet, he put a Tiara The 〈◊〉 Tiara. on his head in imitation of the ancient Cydaris, and Persian former renown. I will therefore be the more sparing either in exprobating them that esteemed him at the first a thievish robber, a base shepherd, or at the best a barbarous Scythian: or exasperating the displeasure of credible Authors, who have confounded one another with disparity of opinions, concerning the alteration of these people even in our modern times; especially since the Emperors of Constantinople never looked back on the terrors of their vengeance, nor forward on the preventions of their dissolution: yet because I must now keep a proportion in my discourses, I will gently lead you a nearer way to the knowledge of such occurrences, as my poor endeavours have obtained. About the year of our redemption 1360. after many . mischievous practices, and intestine broils amongst the mahometans, or Saracens, now Persians, Turks, and Moors a worthy Conqueror amongst them, and especially Prince named Sophy, advanced his head over the rest, and obtaining the Town of Abdenelis attempted likewise the principality over all those factions, that strove to advance the honour of Mahomet, and gave way to the strong receipt of his imposturing Koran. This Sophy from the blood and consanguinity of Alis Muamedes in the right of his wife Musa, Cusinus challenged the Empire, and lifted up the arms of a mighty power to overawe the turbulent spirits almost left breathless by a long and tedious dissension, (for at that time the Calipha of Babylon was extirped, and new authority with new names, obscured the first original of the Persian greatness, and quickly altered both the Princes and people, teaching them other customs even in civil and mutual conversation, with the well entertained religion.) But Hosenus the son of Alis stomaching his Uncle Sophy's proceedings, as having twelve sons of sufficient hope, like a hieroglyphical resemblance of a sheave of arrows bound together in one quiver, proclaimed his right to the Persian Cidaris, and well conceived opinion of his interpretation of the Koran, at such time as the Turk, assisted by the Tartars, advanced a standard of opposition, publishing, that whosoever affected their enlarging of these religious secrets should wear a Tiara on his head of purple with a Tullivant: whereupon both Turks, and Persians in infinite numbers bandied several parties, until at last great armies took upon them the deciding of these controversies, and by many auxiliary forces both of the Northern regions, and all the Arabians, filled the fields of Asia with tormenting The Persians a●…e. quarrels: where by the way you must consider, that both Persians, Turks, and Medes, with Arabians anciently called Saracens, do in a manner adorn their bodies and heads all alike, and may be thus worthy distinguishment and observation, First in the Tiara, which is a round ornament of the head, in the Turks, more formally called a Turban: in the others not so curious, but either interwinded like a rowll; or in some places plighted, at in Munster in Ireland. Secondly a Cidaris, which some will have a hat, or cap of velvet, or cloth of gold, on which they wreathed their Tiara, or linen scarves. Thirdly, a little swelling crown some four or five inches higher, than the wreath, or Turban called by them a Tullivant, and cannot be resembled better, then to your younger You 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Merchants wives of LONDON in their hat-cappes. Fourthly, long coats or gowns with halfe-wide sleeves: yet underneath they have a shorter, girt to them more closely. Fiftly, a large girdle either of network silk, or other curious needlework, hanging down as low, as the skirt of the inward coat. Sixtly, a Stola, or rob of Honour particoulored of delicate stuff, or velvet. Seventhly, a Scimitar, of a reasonable breadth and bending like a bow, or as much as the sheath will give ease for entertainment. And last of all fine coloured shoes plated with iron, and turning up at the toe with a peake. After many conflicts Hosenus the immediate Heir of Alis prevailed against his Uncle Sophy, and set the crown on his own head with remembrance yet of the others glory so far, that he was proclaimed Hosenus Sophy 〈◊〉 in the next generation the sanctity of Guines the son of Hosenus continued with such applause, that the 〈◊〉 were reputed Heretics, and suffered that contume●…s division, as now the Papist and Puritan in EV●… but so the fortune of Guines Sophy prevailed, that 〈◊〉 lain himself took arms in his defence, and as a principal Sectary of Mahomet made the colourable suppreding of Heretics (for so do Turks, and Persians reciprocally upbraid one another) the stimulatory cause 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 all Asia minor, until the Emperor Bajazet with 〈◊〉 Turks fell under the strokes of his warlike hand: Next unto him succeeded Secaider, as obstinate as his father, and as successful in enlarging their Mahomet's blasphemies, of whom I will say no more, seeing they acknowledge one God, one Prophet, and circumcision, differing only as I said in the antiquity of their Rabbi, and idle nicety, for which they have set in combustion the Countries of the East, and with violent intercourses divided the spoils of Asia. For this Secaider attempted the conquest of Georgia and Mengrelia on the West of the Caspian, who being Christians according to the superstition of the Greek Church, submitted to certain conditions, as toleration of religion, paying tribute, and disclaiming to assist the Turk against them: whereby they obtained a kind of peace and protraction, until again the Persians declined in their fortunes, and could not prevent the forwardness of the O●…oman glory: yet ever since there hath been an intermixture and admittance on all sides, especially in the interims of their truce; and when counterchangeable Embasies have passed between them. Besides, from an absolute tradition of the East, which that lascivious Mahomet inserted, as a toleration and princely prerogative from Ahasuerosh instance, or if you please Salomon's Concubines, all the beautifullest Virgins are taken up between Persian and Turk, even perforce out of the laps of Christian mothers, and sequestered with purifying oil, and ●…e fare for the Emperor's pleasure: witness SIR 〈◊〉 SH●…S LADY, who was a Christian Georgian either living with some kindred in the freedom of religion, or taken out of the Seralio (wherein he was exceedingly favoured) before she was graced with the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 presence; otherwise, it is death to marry a Christian, or a Persian to be married to a Christian. Thus you see how the name of Sophy began, and was added to the emperors titles, as the Abimelech●… to P●…e Pharaoh and P●…olomeus to Egypt: yea, within our memory, the Sultan called Cairo new Babylon, and Caesar was, and is an attribute to all Emperors, since julius and Augustus. But no sooner had the distinction of these people, Persians, Turks and Moors, from an interpretation of their law, limited the several subjects within certain bounds of strict allegiance: but time and curiosity corrupted all their manners, and neither Herodatus▪ 〈◊〉 nor Pliny, living now amongst them, would suppose them the same nations, for whom they took such pains in their descriptions: so that who views them now, must not look upon their riches and glory, otherwise the●…●…pon mighty conquerors, and magnificent people ●…yet because there are some differences amongst them, according to a breviary observation, wherein my time was employed, and that as the jews repined at the Samaritans, the ●…ritans at the Galilaeans: so here is the same discrepancy ●…ut extending to particulars of better consequence 〈◊〉 ●…e thought good to publish these uses. The Persian is 〈◊〉 minded, liberal, sociable, and far from affect●…on. The Turk is dogged, proud, sparing, and contemp●…, ●…s not knowing either consanguinity, neighbourhood, or any thing but the name of a ●…aue. The Persian 〈◊〉 noblemen, loveth such as we call hawke-●…ee, from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 commendation of Cyrus, weareth his upper ●…p w●…●…g and turning moustaches, boasteth of his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in propagato sanguine, is glorious in app●… 〈◊〉 ●…ous, inclining to peace, and de●…rous of ple●… 〈◊〉 they give life unto by solemnizing of feasts, whereat their noble wives may meet, except when they are heated to lasciviousness, then are they sent away, and concubines invited to make wantonness the fuller, to which they come by degrees, beginning with a modest shamefastness, but more bold, at last set open all the doors of petulant and luxurious variety: nor are they ashamed to produce instances of Darius banqueting in Susa 180. days, with all his Princes: of Baltashars' solemnities, when the cups of of gold were filled, and the beds of ivory spread: of Alexander's the Conqueror, imitating the Persian bravery, and rejecting the barren and shuffling customs of the Grecians, and divers others, whose inventions and customs are remembered to set on flame the already burning fire of their voluptuousness. The Turk contemneth such formality in condition: yet is more curious in apparel; for his Turban is delicately plighted, and when it rains, hath a hood to cover it, his upper gown is clean brushed, his mustacho carefully preserved, his beard the grace of his countenance, and many other delicacies maintained, while he is resident in corrupted cities, seeming more solid, tyrannous, warlike, and knoweth nothing but obedience, as conjured to raise up all the trophies of his endeavours to the glory of Ottoman: yea, in his matters of incontinency, he runneth also a strange race, with a more impudent violence than the Persian, as if the Satire were exemplined: Dum vitant stulti vitia, in contraria currunt: and both from that horrible corruption of the Grecians, have admitted the defiling of males, and the better sort do both geld and keep Eunuches, and other to the same purpose. The Persian loveth learning, painting, exercises, and many generous qualities. The Turk scorneth any language but his own, supposing him a right Politician, who speaketh or learneth his, careth for no quality, but riding, shooting, and playing at chess, contemneth many superfluous customs of Europe, and hath in derision, yea in malicious contempt all the ceremonies of the Western Churches, by reason of their images, and foolish profaning of God through idolatry. Thus then from India to Arabia East & West, and from the Caspian to the Persian Gulf (where the great Euphrates emptieth his streams, and under whose shores is that famous Ormus scited, where they fish for pearl, and travel six weeks together, from Damascus and Cairo to the same, with 6. or 700, camels and asses in a company, to carry their provision, for fear of the thieves of Arabia) prevaileth this Emperor, possessing withal divers cities on this side Ganges, as intermingled with the Portugals: so that in India at this instant you have many ports and harbours of fortification lying intricately diviuided between Turks, Persians, Spaniards, and the Indians themselves. CHAP. V. The Empire of TURKS. THE fifth and absolutely the greatest share The fifth par●… of the 〈◊〉 glory. of the world's honour for goodness of ground, as indeed throwing into his lap the spoils of Asia, Europe, and Africa, hath bedecked the Emperor of Turks with such ornaments, that we now call him the Gran Signeur, and he understandeth himself thus far, that for wealth, territories, and command of soldiers, all other Princes come short of him, and are terrified, when he is at peace with the Persian, and uniteth his Army against the ill-agreeing Princes of Christendom: But if you please, you shall thus expose the contention to your own arbitrement. For countries: He possesseth Asia minor, now Anatolia Countries. or Anatolia, of the Greek word signifying East, with all the Regions within the Propontis, and Hellespont, and such places as in times past made the Crowns of Kings to shine with gold and pearl, advancing their chairs to the establishment of the highest Majesty, as Phrigia, Galatia, Bithynia, Pontus, Lydia, Caria, Paphlagonia, Licia, Magnesia, Capadocia, and Comagena: then near the Caspian now Hyrcanian Sea, Georgia, Mengrelia, Armenia, all Christians of the Greek Church: To which if you add the Empire of Trebisond, you shall then find him the great controller of the black Sea: For although Russia, Bogdonia, Muldavia, and some Polanders keep the north and west shores; yet is it as a man, which hath notice of a thieves coming to rob him, and dareth not slack his guards, lest he be surprised unawares. Next doth the pride of his greatness send you into Assiria, Syria, Palestina, Mesopotamia, judea, some torn away pieces of Persia, especially the oppulent Towns of Tauris and Babylon, the three Arabia's, and the red Sea. Thirdly, if you will walk into Africa, he can invite you to the pleasures and plenty of Egypt, the fertility of Nilus, and all the shores of the middle land Sea, as far as the confederation of Morocco, Barbary, and Fess: Nor desisteth he so, but in the fourth place from the top of Alexandria he biddeth you look as far Northward as you can, and all the islands in the arches, except Candy, and some few circumspecting the couchent lion of Venice, acknowledge him for sovereign Lord, and King. Fiftly, the fields of Greece lie wall, and are ashamed to lift up their deformed countenances, and worn-out necks with the iron collar of servitude and bondage, considering that in times past Thracia, Macedonia, Thessalia, Epyrus, and Pelopenesus set both Philosophers and Poets on work to sing out encomiums of their delightsome magnificence, and pleasures of love; all which is now forgotten, as if the sweat of a brow were wiped away with a cloth. Last of all, his bashaws will bring you to Buda & Belgrade, and affright you with a relation of Hungaries' troubles, assuring you, that it knoweth not her first parents, but calleth the Turk a conqueror in many things. Yea the Princes of Poland, Transiluania, Sclavonia, and others, with whom he hath contracted a pacification, are yet uncertain of his damming in, and have a fearful care, lest he should break down his enclosures, and like an inundation indeed burst upon them unawares. His principal Cities are Trebisond, Amasia, Babylon: or if you will but the ruins of confusion: Tauris gotten Cities. from Persia: Mecha famous for the history and burial of Mahomet: Gran Cairo in times past Memphis, of late new Babylon, exposing the ostentous works of the Pyramids: but now you can wonder at nothing, but heat, dust, sluttishness, and the mortality of a 100000 in a year, when the pestilence rageth amongst them: Alexandria boasting of her Founder, and that she is the porter to let you enter the doors of Nilus: Algiers lifting up the head of a strong Castle, and daring to publish, how the Emperor Charles the fifth lost his Navy before her: and Tunis the Port of old Carthage, and now refuge of all the English Pirates: Shall I come back again and tell you of jerusalem, Tyrus, and Sidon? alas, they are but names, and all the plagues denounced by the Prophets have broken their bones in sunder, and bruised them like a rod of iron: Aleppo, which would fain be old Antioch, yea dare from the mouth of some Authors publish, the antiquities of Niniveh: The seven Churches of Asia renowned for former election, and former desolation according to the prophesy of the Evangelist for the removing of the candlestick: Rhodes mourning for the pulling in pieces the Colossus of brass, which named the whole Island Collocenses, and loaded 700 Camels after he departed from the siege: Nicosia, Paphos, and Famagosta, all Cities of Cyprus, and almost fretted a pieces to think, that the Venetians lost them so carelessly, and unfortunately: The few Cities left of Europe: the poor harbours of Asia minor: the port towns of the islands: the two castles of the Hellespont, reducing to your memory the misfortunes of Hero and Leander, whom the towns of Cestos and Abydos bewailed, & the principal place of all his reziance Constantinople, called Stanbole, or the Beautiful; and extraordinarily graced with the denomination and conveniency of the sacra porta. His riches consist in commanding the lands, bodies, Riches. and lives of all his subjects: For first his own nation called the Musselman laboureth in all business to increase his treasury, and pay him an yearly entrado: the countryman is a drudge, and tilleth the ground to maintain his officers, who distribute to the people, as he appointeth: the Christians maintain his Sansacks, and Timatriots; and all his janissaries and soldiers being the sons of Christians are paid, and have their salary from his Exchequer and treasury: the Merchant bringeth him gold from all the world, and filleth his Harbours with such commodities, as the earth affordeth, and the jew supplieth his wants in such a manner, that he neither lacketh pearls, diamonds, and precious stones, nor any thing which the earth affords to fringe the skirts of Majesty with extraordinary pomp and bravery. But if you will ask me in what manner Fortune attended thus to apparel, and set him on the stage of such magnificence, as never Emperor, or Monarch could dream on before; with all their tyrannous inventions beside? I will thus redact some occurrences of former times to help your memory. The story of the Ottomans. ABout the year of Grace 1300. to our greater disgrace, His Conquests. did Othomanus the son of Lichis step before other families, as if he were adopted the darling of success, and in his father's behalf obtained jurisdiction over Bithynia, Cappadocia, and most part of Pontus. His successor Orcanes conquered the great City of Prusia, and made it the City of his Kingdom, and seat of his inheritance: but in the 22 year of his progress he was killed by the Tartars, and left his son Amurah to succeed both in his honour and family; who perceiving the dissension of the greeks, and division of the Empire against the remainder of the Romans, spent not the advantage which he took at the same, without a great satisfaction. For with the water that drove the mill he drowned it, and invited as a guest to this banquet of combats became master of the feast; or rather resembled the viper, which destroyed the mother that brought it forth: so he admitted as auxiliary for another, at last made a conquest for himself, of Gallipolis, Chersonesus, Peloponesus, Philipopolis, Hadrinopolis, Servia, Bulgaria, and Misia: But after 23. years convulsion of the Grecian glory, and his own shouldering into the throng of magnificent renown, he was stabbed with a dagger, and so gave way to his son Bajazet to fill the chair of his imperiousness: He began well, attaining Phocis, Macedonia, and most part of Thracia, had not fortune kept him a little from insulting, and tripped up his heels even in the race of his triumph: For with the loss of 200000 Turks against that valiant Tamburlaine, he also lost his freedom, and how he died, our stages have instructed Mechanical men: Yet did Calepinus his son in the mean while take up the colours of defiance, and forbearing the revenges of Asia, wrecked his anger on Sigismond of Europe, and determined to overrun the other territories of Hungary, and the Empire; but prosperity was not so attendant. For ere six years had enlarged the branches of this strange spreading tree, the axe was put to the root, and as in daniel's vision, Nabuchadnezar fell to the earth: but his stump sprung again, and Mahomet his son in imitation of his father's progress, set forward his own journey, winning Walachia, Sclavonia, all the borders of the Ionian sea, and made Andrianopolis the storehouse of his honour, wherein for 14 year he heaped up such ornaments of Mars and Bellona, that he terrified the Emperor of Germany, and all the confederate Princes of Italy. Presently followed Amurath the second, and filled up his inventory with Epirus, Aetolia, Achaia, Boeotia, Attica, and Thessalonica: then subject to the Venetians, now Salenica, and the gulf of Napoli, running up by a corner of Nigropont, in times past Eubaea. Next him Mahomet the second overthrew the schools of Athens, and on a fatal day, a day of punishment and terror, a day of judgement and unanswerable accounts, the 29 of May 1452. brought such a reckoning before Constantinople, that she forfeited her liberty, and was compelled to pay the amercement, nor had she time with the politic steward to alter the bills of the debtor, whereby he provided against future wants: But when Corinth, Lemnos, Meteline, Capha a town belonging to the jurisdiction of Genoa, and many other islands understood of her arraignment, and perceiving there was no contesting with this severe judge of assize, they took a course of prostitution, and yielded both homage and fealty; to which they were the rather induced, because Trebisond first led the way of expectation for mercy, and gave him leave to continue in pomp, and glorious estimation 32 years. After him Bajazet the second obtained Naupact, Methon, and Diriachum from the Venetians; then went he to make a contract with fortune for the most part of Dalmatia, and thought to have bargained for Austria: but it should seem the conditions were very intricate, and something interposed itself. For an envious hand poisoned his body, as ambition had done his mind, which was imputed to his son Zelimus, who most unnaturally made him away with excuse of Alexander's emulation against his father Philip, when he told him his enterprises were so great, that he would leave him little to do: yet it fell out to them both otherwise. For Alexander set forward the conquest of Asia: and Zelimus of Africa, uniting Cairo, Egypt, Alexandria, and Damascus to the Empire. But now you must look upon the wanton of fortune, even Solyman the magnificent, who stepped back again into Europe, and reached at Belgrade, Buda, and Strigonium, with so forcible a strength, that he pulled them from the sides of a loving mother, and left the rest of Hungary mourning at the cruelty: yet desisted he not so. For he vanquished Rhodes, pulling the Colossus and wonder of the world in pieces; to which he added the devastation of the five Churches, and jula: but coming to Zigethis was there arrested with an imperious ●…one firma from the commander of Kings, and so died. But his son Zelimus the second, lived, and reigned, until Cyprus fell from the Venetians 1570. like a stone pulled from a ruinous wall: yet being loose before, it did not much endanger the foundation. For presently followed the battle of Lepanto, wherein these Italian confederates played the workmen indeed, and a little restored both their reputation and losses. Thus was Amurah the third left the great Lord of Lords, overlooking the most part of Europe, the West of Asia, and the North of Africa, but more proud of the old Sinan, Bashaw, and the Cigalas: the one his Admiral at sea, the other Viceer of his army: then the conquest of any one Kingdom, because through their industry the honour of the Empire flourished, and yet he might follow his pleasures. But being a corpalent man, he presumed so far, that luxury & incontinency ouergorged him in the feeding. For, Nihil violen●…um ●…erpetuum, and so his lamp was extinguished, leaving 〈◊〉 son ●…tanus Achmat the first of his name, and fouretee●… 〈◊〉 from Ottoman, not above sixteen years old, to ●…ge the horses of this Phaetonticall chariot. This Emperor is seldom seen abroad, unless he be 〈◊〉 ●…ted to some bashaws Seralio, or appoint to hawk according to the time of the year: but I impu●… this sequestration to his sickness, of the small pox, w●… which he was grievously the year before perplexed 〈◊〉 when he taketh his pleasure in this kind, to ans●… 〈◊〉 proportion of attendance, you shall have 300. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 4000 horse in the field together, with whose 〈◊〉 they spring the game. For wanting Spaniels, the ground besides being hot & stony, they seldom come to 〈◊〉, but quickly kill whatsoever is put up, by reason 〈◊〉 multitude, both of hawks and and officers: to this they add the music of certain half drums on horseback, and so for all our ridiculous proverb of hunting hares with tabor, they pastime themselves in all their sports, which I was an eye witness of, about the first of September 160●… and beheld the great Turk in the fields of Greece, a gallant youngman of nineteen years old, somewhat fat and and well favoured: yet did the pock-holes a little eclipse the sweetness of his aspect: his countenance was stern and majestical, and his apparel a plain crimson satin gown. He wore no gloves, nor suffered any to do so in his presence, which likewise all their women observe, especially the Sultanesses, whom when the Lady G●…ouer was admitted to visit, they caused her to put her gloves aside: On his thumb he had a horn ring, as all other Turks have, keeping one order for their shooting, as an artificial device to draw their strong sinewed bows, without which a treble enforcement cannot prevail. His Scimitar was rich, and boasted of a Christian workman in Dama●…s, and in a delicate Turban, he had a hanging feather of diamonds, valued at 40000. pound sterling, his company was not above 2000 horse, most of them Capogies and Chiauses, in velvet gowns and rich saddles●… should 〈◊〉 he went not far, because 200. Gimoglans' carried his repast on foot, in certain delicate baskets covered over with rich handkerchifs: after he was past, I was admitted into his galley, in which he came from his Caska, a delicate banqueting-house without his Seralio, close by the sea side to Porta del Fiume, where he took horse: it was a room of great riches, yet small capacity, set all over with inlaid work of mother of pearl, rubies, opals, emeralds, and had the metal beaten into thin plates laid countercompony, which with the borders answered one another in graceful proportion; within this Cabinet, as I may say, no man comes but himself, nor on horseback were any near him by 60. foot, except such as ran by him in their proper places, or durst adventure to deliver petition unto him, which certain Russians did, complaining on the borderers of Bogdonia, and daily excursions of the Rovers and Pirates of the black sea. Amongst other entertainments, the Ambassador Sr. Thomas Glover had several times invited the Bashaw of Tunis, the Polish and Persian Ambassadors, from whom I received an extraordinary description of all the well-deserving virtues of our noble Queen Elizabeth, as if that Majesty alone had made all the East to wonder, who before were never moved with any businesses of Europe, and with whom I went to Scideret a town in Asia, just over the sea, against the City, in whose fields about july before, the great army of 200000. Turks and Tartars were mustered: by the way in the midst of the sea standeth a watchtower, as the guard of the passage into the black sea, which in truth is a river of great pleasure for twenty miles to the black tower, and Pompey's pillar, adorned on each side of the bank with delicate houses, wherein both Turks and greeks pastime themselves in their harvest and vintages, and sometimes retire in the raging of a plague, yet was I in the great City, when there died 80000. in five months: but of all other things suppose themselves graced, when the Gran Signieur will vouchsafe to visit them, and extend his pleasure amongst them: this tower is well guarded and erected, in such a fashion, that we may dispute thereof, if an Island? how so small? and not washed in pieces with the violence of some tempest; if none? how was twenty fathom deep raised to a foundation: within two mile more particularly called the vines of Pera, the greeks for seven or eight days resort in famelies to their gardens, and solemnize their vintages with music and dancing, and although the country seemeth stony and hot: yet under the skirt of the hills are mantling meadows running in stripes, yielding hay and pasture for their greater cattle. Beyond Constantinople Northward, are the jews licenced to bury their dead, and according to the greatness of the family and person, set up tents of watchet and crimson satin, and observe a commendable order of mourning & lamentation in their exequys. The river runneth into the sea by the vines of Pera: so that Galata neither standeth in Asia, nor is an Island, but resembleth a spur of fortification, and is joined to the Continent of Thrace with an Isthmus: some fiveteene miles from the City, those stately aquae ductus, of which there be sixteen in several places, which feed the cisterns of Constantinople, give notice what men and money can do. For being the works of pleasure and ostentation, they are raised to a level from hill to hill, and the water coming from open springs, is as it were sent to be better secured within passages of stone, mounted upon arches 200. foot high, and a thousand in length, from whence it posteth with gladness to a delicate abode of cisterns and fountains, which by divers pipes under ground pay a continual tribute to the conduits of the great City. The towns and villages of the country are disordered, and the people line ●…luttishly on roots, fruit, garlic, onions, gourds, and such like. For they seldom eat any flesh, and if any good thing fall to their share, as melons, pomegranates, almonds, grapes, figs, and other delicates, they raise what profit they can: yea, as beastly as it is, they send their butter and cheese to Stanbole, which with a loathsome show openeth the Cow-hides it is put in, and next the filthy hair glutteth a stranger's stomach without tasting at all. They cart and plow with Buffoloes: yet have oxen, whom they feed to supply the markets and court, as being proportioned out of their Sansacks end Timatriots to a weekly number. About the end of November was a comet seen in the West, near the Constellation of Andromeda, and the plague continued without fear or repining, to which was added a lasting fire of seven days, consuming almost 4000 houses, and shaking the walls of divers bashaws houses: the loss lighting upon the already broken backs of the jews, and some Grecians, and the repining dispersed amongst the Turks themselves, who casting up an untoward catalogue of many accidents, and summoning altogether with divers revolts, but especially the rebels of Armenia, and the distasting humours of the S●…uano of Asia, or if you will, the Bashaw of Aleppo, dared to whisper many things against the dignity of the Empire. So that at this very instant, the expectation of a change may embolden us all, if Christendom will acknowledge that there is one in heaven, who disposeth of earthly kingdoms, and the Princes could admit of some principal josua to conduct his brethren. For without controversy, this swelling Monarch is now at the highest mark, and must have a cadence according to the revolution of time and governments. CHAP. VI The Empire of AETHIOPIA. THe sixth part of the world's Honour spreadeth The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 W●… 〈◊〉 ●…me abroad the royal mantle of Aethiopia, or if you will Abyss under the command of Prester jehan, to whom at this hour are so many Nations and Cities obedient, that for my own part I want names to decipher them; and concerning the Navel of Africa, few Europians I am sure have seen the secret, or searched how the compacted sinews are united yet was Meroe once the principal City, and many famous things are recited by the Scriptures, Pliny and Ptolemy in the description thereof: as that in Hebrew it was called Chus for the blackness of the people, dwelling between the two tropics, or else of Chus the son of Cham the son of Noah; or Aetheria, afterward Atlantia; and last of all Aethiopia of Aethiope the son of Vulcan▪ that they are now divided into Arothertae, Atha●…uii, Daraticae, Hesperij, and Perorsi; that Diodorus and Volacoran●… have maintained, how the original of all Creatures first began in this Country, and would extend Paradise to this place, when GOD caused Adam to name them: but these Philosophers not understanding the truth, invented what they listed to please themselves, as you may perceive by Homer's fictions: that they were the best observers of religious secrets, and ceremonies; and boasted of true devotion to their gods for the example of all Nations: That they were very warlike, and obedient to their EMPEROR in all things, and so populous, that the Emperor seldom went without a 1000000. into the field: That they were sold to all the Nations of the world for slaves, and seemed contented with such servitude, as being glad to go out of their own Countries: That they were wont to plight their hair in knots, and wind it with intricate divisions: That the great and high mountains of the Moon overlooketh their territories, and vnburtheneth Nilus from her womb, sending it abroad, as far, as the middle-land sea 1500. mile, like a timely birth to the comfort of his mother, and with joy to all good kinsfolk, & neighbours: That the nature of the River Niger flwius is so strange, that as ashamed of his imperfections, and abrupt break out under sandy hills, it hideth his head 60. mile together, and then bursteth out with horrible and impetuous violence: That whole Countries have been overwhelmed with sand, when the hills make a noise, and the Sun hath inflamed his heat, and anger against them, departing in that fury, that in breaking the sides of Mountains the air and wind maketh a rupture, and so the dry ground first parched presently crumbleth to powder, and is quickly tossed with forcible blasts: That the Kingdoms of Damutego and Manuongo as far as Caput bonaespei, with all the shore, Cities, and harbours, are numbered parcel of this Empire, and expose many stories and plentiful relations: That infinite islands full of drugs, minerals, gold, precious stones, pearl, spice, etc. are the handmaids of this Mistress, especially the great Island of Saint Laurence in times past called Madagascar, which now compareth with Britain for magnitude, as containing 600. mile in length, but say what devices can, ours is the greatest Island of the world. Many other particulars are inserted by Authors with addition of their manners, and customs: but because all absolute things are worn out of date, and that it would vex a traveler to read one thing, and find another, I will trouble antiquity no longer, but content myself with some probabilities, and the best received opinions of this Monarchy. You must then understand, that those limited Garrisons of Egypt under the Turk, are here very strong to keep back the excursions of the Aethiopians, who from Nilus The conversion of the Aethiopians. to the South-sea make one Country, and are all reputed Christians, boasting of their conversion from Candauce the Queen in the Acts of the Apostles, whom by another name they call judith, and so afterward submitted to the obedience of one principal, to whom they afforded the significant title of Pressed jehan, not that he is a Bishop or Priest, as some superstitiously conceive, but that those Prester jehan no Priest. words signify in the Aethiopian tongue Great PRINCE, or EMPEROR. Amongst them are many Monasteries both of men and women, but strictly prohibiting any intercourse between them, or wanton show of profanation: their fasts are 50. days with bread and water, and some slender fruit, as for fish they have little store, or less skill to take them, or make use of them by way of sustenance: they are so careful in the observation of their customs concerning this religious fasting and prayers, that they will sleep no longer, than they hold their heads over water, that the nodding down may give them warning to be more vigilant: their bells are of stone for the most part; their Priests marry, and celebrate the mass, allowing in their procession, crosses, censors, tapers, and lamps: the retired monks maintain their hair; the common Priests shave, and both are b●…refoote, especially in the Church, wherein no man enters with profanation; but putteth off his sandals and layeth them apart, as the Turks do, who are very careful in such devout observations, adding withal a ceremonious washing, taken from the jewish purifying, as in his proper place shall appear. The Sabbaoths and eves are festivals and celebrated accordingly; circumcision is added to their baptism both in men and women, unto which they are not admitted, until 40. days, and then the three persons of the Trinity have a reverent exaltation, and the Eucharist is administered by custom at the same time according to the credit of the Greek Church, which they resolutely confirm to have priority before the Latin: their names are all significant, and the religion ariseth from a certain book, which they confidently maintain was approved by the Synod of the Apostles, congregated at jerusalem. The very common people have plurality of wives, according to their sufficient ability to support their estates, and content their desires, suffering divorces either for natural imperfections, or just causes of incontinency: but such men and women thus scandalised are debarred intermeddling with spiritual matters; some say not admitted into the Church at all. Their Nobility are in great estimation, and according to actions correspondent to their professed virtue preserve the wealth, and credit of their Ancestors. Their greatest Cities are few in number, but such as stand by the sea shore are of good strength and eminence with stupendous Castles and works of antiquity. The common heap of houses are poor, sluttish, all on the ground open, without chimneys, and suitable to the dispersed manner of their villages. In all the Empire is no money, but pure gold: salt and pepper are excellent merchandise through Africa: but here so richly valued, that slaves are redeemed with them: but the commodities of the Country soon and easily exchanged, it affordeth many thing▪ as you have heard, especially Eliphants, Tiger Links, Taxos, Apes, Lions, and Hearts against an absolute opinion, that there was no Venison in Africa; but Bears, Coneys, Corduels, and Cuckoos are not seen amongst them. The custom of their hunt, raising their armies, order of diet, with civet and musk, washing and no●…ting with precious balms and perfumes, feasting, burials, and superstitions, would fill several relations, either to pacify ignorance, or strengthen their knowledge who are entered a little into the School of experience: but because there is nothing amongst them fit for our example, I will make my journey as cursory as I can, and study for no commorance, but where there is possibility of thriving. Their Cabalistical Arts, and secrets from certain wise men named Gymnosophists with the Indians, called also or some the Eastern Aethiopia, would make as tedious disputation, especially when I must name the Trogiodite, Garamaulis, Atlantides, Libera interior, Synega, the further plains of Monte nigro, and some others, and cannot tell you, whether they be Idolaters, or no; only I can assure you they allow of the immortality of the soul, on which they are besotted so diabolically, that they will murder themselves upon small enforcement, either to honour their lords, die with their husbands, prevent the discommodities of old age, help their friends, or pleasure their best beloved after their barbarous credulity: But because I would fain bring you into Europe, where my hope and purpose is to find the happiness of a kingdom, according to the reciprocal duties between Prince and Subject, I will leave these people to be rejected with Esau. For sure there is a jacob, whom old Isaac hath better blessed CHAP. VII. The Empire of RUSSIA. TIll now the world hath opened her The seventh share of the world's 〈◊〉. largest embraces, seeming to give Honour and Majesty a breathing time for fear of smothering with heat, and fulsomeness of air: but here she will hug it close with a contrary kindness, and keep it warm, for doubt of catching of cold; otherwise this great Dukedom of Muscovia, or if you please Empire of Russia will shut up renown in the dangerous passages of the frozen sea, or pinch her blood with congealed Icicles, and snowy frosts. For all the Country is biting, sharp, and in some places dangerous to the passengers, especially in winter, which here lasteth long: beside, it is full of woods, and desert places Northward, and they as full of wild beasts, noisome and unsavoury in their lives; but profitable and full of contentment after they be killed. For Bears, martin's, Sables, blacke-foxes, Ermines, and some others fill the magnificent Courts of Europe with furs. Notwithstanding toward Poland there is great difference both of ground and air, and in observing certain customs against the intemperateness of the weather, there is reasonable supplement of Nature's allowance either concerning food or raiment. It boasteth of four great Rivers, Olba, Volga, Duina, and Tanaies', sometimes taken one for another, and many times confounded, as if Olba and Tanaies' were all one, sending forth many brooks, like so many servants of a thriving Husbandman, and Housekeeper, who are orderly employed about their business for the credit and prosperity of the family. The Emperor's progeny hath given way to divers Histories, and is now so increased in wealth, mightiness, estimation, command over his Subjects, and such other tumours of Majesty; that many stratagems, and political devices have taught one another tricks to bring the proudest Monarch on his knees: whereby sometimes his will and imperiousness upon the least jealousy of competition, or encroaching on the Diadem, hath been mixed with a kind of tyranny, and the subjects obedience resembled to slavish prostitution: so that in his chiefest and best ordered Towns of Novagrade and Mosko, many strange and fearful executions have been practised, and the Subject enforced to wilful murdering one another to satisfy the Emperor's pleasure: as for his wars either foreign or domestic, how ever his many Countries, ostentous numbers of people, and seeming resolutions of the Soldiers, would give an affrighting shadow from some portentous body▪ yet is he glad of auxiliary forces, and according to politic observations of such confused multitudes, must have many men and few soldiers, as peradventure we ourselves have made some proof of late amongst them, when a few resolute and well ordered English, even in the fields of Novagrade contracted their own conditions, in despite of that threatening Army, which both Poles and Muscovites rallied against them. But let us return to the best flourishes of his peace: whether it be a native pride, or overgrown custom with corrupted time, he is questionless a proud and stately Prince, and once nailed an Ambassadors hat to his head, because he either abated him of that reverence appropriate to so great a majesty; or contested with him over peremptorily in behalf of his master: but St Thomas Smith was entertained with a contrary satisfaction and welcome, how ever our merchants were terrified, when the Abbey of St Nicholay should have been surprised by certain English, who I am persuaded would have done it indeed, if the project had not been discovered, and peradventure interdicted by supreme authority. If you would ask me any questions of Mosko the Metropolitan of the Empire; I will spend my topography from unseemly flattering, and assure you, it is compared to Gran Ca●…o for spatiousnes of ground, multitude of houses, and uncomeliness of streets: so that as the one is patible of sun●…e, corruption, and infectious air; the other is not free from bea●…linesse, smoke, and unwholesome smells: but because there be many unacceptable relations, sauou●…ng indeed of travelers over-reachings, and impossibilities, or at least absurdities, I will desist from bringing you into any such by-ways of misdoubt, and lead you thus into the plainer fields of knowledge and demonstration. They follow for the most part the rites and ceremonie●… of the Greek Church, and superstitiously maintain many idle traditions and ridiculous ceremonies: The Priests have wives, teach the adoration of images, fast, and compel to confession, which the common people suppose most necessary, especially for the Nobles and Gentry, in regard of their sensual liberty in sin, and voluptuous prostitution to all manner of filthiness, like those which were reprehended by the Prophet for sitting down to eat and drink, and rising up to play. Their chiefest prayers consist on the faith of this brief; jesus thou son of God have mercy upon me: as for the Lords prayer they have in small use or form, because the Scriptures are prohibited them, and not suffered to be published; yea the Priests themselves scarce have the New Testament amongst them. At seven year old they are terrified with actual sins, and so minister young children the sacrament, mingling bread and wine together. The Festivals they do rather abuse, then celebrate, gurmondizing with that excess, that it overpasseth the limits of neighbourhood, or friendly conversation. The common people attend their labour, and are indeed the tired servants of wearisomeness, rather coming near the tediousness of slavery, than the honest necessity of husbandry. They are all incredulous of Purgatory; yet as the greeks commit many absurdities for their dead, they howl about their graves, and repair with several songs to the places of burial; and this is customary in 〈◊〉 even amongst ourselves, especially in Gallowa●…, where all the summer long the younger women bedeck the g●…ues w●… flowers, every family in their several Chapels, an 〈◊〉 saturday at night solemnize a kind of mourning and ●…efunctory prayers: No man giveth himself holy water, but attendeth the Priest; they have many wives, allow of divorcement, and yet run into the deceitful by-ways of filthiness and incontinency: so that as they count it no adultery, except David lie with Bathsheba, when Urias is living: so it is a dangerous matter to transgress the law of wedlock, and the woman is terribly overwatcht, and suspiciously restrained from walking abroad, wherein the condition of their reputed honest women is more miserable than in Italy, and a wife or a maid looseth all reputation, if she go at random, or sit by the high way, as Thamar did to deceive juda. The people are naturally cunning and dangerous: yet as I said subject to servitude, and very slaves to the Emperor: their apparel is a long coat without plighting, almost after the manner of Hungary, but indeed all the East generally yield no other: they wear coloured boots coming no higher than their knees, the soles plated with iron; the better sort have them gilded, painted, and embroidered: the women wear such too, and like the Turks are not seen abroad barefaced: all sorts love justice, or at least the show of it. For they punish petty thefts, how ever great robberies and manslaughters, yea after due examination, pass without capital execution, which makes me remember the answer of Cleonidas the Pirate to Alexander Alexander and Cleonidas. the Great, when he sharply reprehended him for the baseness of his life, and intimated besides the common scandal of a rover, the mischiefs depending, as hindering the Merchant from filling the harbours, and resorting to the Cities, whereby the King's customs were enlarged, and the Commonwealth enriched: 'tis true O King saith he, because I rob with one or two ships, I am condemned for a rover: but thou that runnest over the Hellespont, and fillest great seas with thy Navies art saluted a mighty Monarch, and reverenced more for the fear of thy revenge, then beloved by the extension of thy bounty or liberality. Their coin is both gold and silver without form, as stamped long and unfashionable: their furs fill all the world with merchandise, making us not only warm, but proud in Europe: yea such is the estimation of Ermines, Sables, and black Fox from a received opinion of Priamus King of Troy, whose mantle to the greatest show of ostentation and magnificence, was lined with Ermines, that in the secrets of Armoury (except the Prince) all persons are limited, what and how to wear them: and amongst themselves, though the Emperor & Nobles have gowns of cloth of gold and silver, tread upon Persian and Turkey carpets, and are indeed adorned with great wealth both in jewels and marks of majesty; yet hath their head attires of black fox the pre-eminence, wherein he thinketh himself more honoured, than in an imperial crown after the manner of ancient Kings: Their great Cities are very thin, and villages lie scattered with low houses, spacious on the ground, with stones; and the territories which now he challengeth, extendeth almost 1200 English mile: their woods foster plenty of beasts, which in an extreme winter will come down to their houses, and endanger both cattle and people: their horse are reasonable good & many, by whom they maintain the strength of their Armies, and practising them in hunting have them the more serviceable in the wars: But I purpose no further discoveries, and therefore attend the business proposed, which is only to give you a superficial view of these countries, that when we come to compare England unto them, we may find them the sooner, and be able to judge the better. Thus liveth and reigneth this north-east Monarch, with reputation of one of the greatest sharers in the adventure of the world's happiness: As for the other Kingdoms of Norway, Sweden, Goteland, & Denmark, with the provinces of Bothnia, Finmarck, Lapland, Finland, and such Northern regions. like, they are only called Reges simplices, because they live and take care of their particular Sceptres, without ambitious intrusion into another's possession to make it their own hereditary. For though sometime Sweden, and Norway is united: sometimes Denmark triumphing, and sometimes as it were disjointed: yet happeneth it by several factions amongst themselves and to revenge injuries for the present, and may resemble a throng and press of people in a yard, who one while drive to that corner, another while shove to this, and suddenly stand at a stay, as wearied with the shouldering. For as Princes are exasperated to displeasure by their own conceived opinions of a wrong and indignity: so do they prosecute revenges from a wrathful indignation, and many times draw whole Armies into the field to stop further outrages, and show the adversary, there is no end, but blood and death, yea the country's devastation without an honourable agreement, or satisfaction: and thus have these people upon no other colour but wilfulness weakened one another with counterchangeable prevailings: But yet I do not see, that the Russian Emperor taketh advantage of their disagreements, only at this instant by reason of former troubles about the succession, and well-grounded suspicion of the King of Poland's warlike humours, he standeth on his guard, and for some private respects hath been auxiliary to the King of Swedea, to which belong so many particulars, that a whole history might fill your ears with pleasure and instances of worthy prosecution, which I desist from, for swelling the book too bog with so poor a breath of common and known relations, and will only go forward with some slender descriptions, as the country now lieth under fortune's control. Norway is famous upon the etymology of the word, Norway. as it were the North-way, and yieldeth plenty of fish, called stockfish, which is taken in the greatest frost for lasting, and is a reasonable good country for feeding cattle, the increase of a dairy, and many other excellent blessings for the nourishment of life. Swedia inviteth you to a Town in imitation of Swedia. Venice called Stokeholme, as if she boasted only of this place, considering the rest of her villages resemble the scattered troops of a retired Army: yet must you not overpass the famous Castle of Calmar, which is proprietory to Goteland, and so depending on Sweden, as the principal Port, City, and fortification of these parts, and advanceth her reputation of strength in such a manner, that excellent engineers, and judicious travelers have ranked it next the Castle of Milan. Denmark, and his tributes are known to every body, Denmark. with the shipping and customs of the Sont, where at one time you shall have 5000 sail brought to the bar of payment, and defraying the King's charges: Their feasts and drinking customs, wherein you must not challenge their liberal promises, nor take hold of cursory speeches upon an hereafter remembrance, lest his displeasure suppose you over-politicke for his plainness, yet dangerous humours in his rages: Their maintaining of Gentry, though fearful for affording titles of honour by opening the enclosures of desires to affect greatness and popularity, so that you have no ambitious titles amongst them: Their feminine scorn of mechanical men, trades, or professors of Art: insomuch though a man be never so excellent a scholar, or Musician, yet will not the Ladies of their country admit of their society, nor entertain their wives with befitting complement, but with a primordial contempt of ill musico, scholastico, pedant, or such like, countermand their intrusion: Their overlooking of passengers into the East Countries, and many other things, are matters of some notice: But amongst other points of Heraldry, the blazon of the coats of these countries displaieth the profitable distribution of masts, fir, deal, pitch, tar, rosin, cables, ropes, hemp, flax, and such like: To which I must needs add, how from this Continent former times detruded those Nations of Vandals, Goths, Lombard's, Geteses, and other famous people, who not only blotted out the scandal of their banishment with more memorable actions, but made a plenary satisfaction to their endeavours with the glorious diadems of Italy and Spain. The story of the GOTHS and LOMBARD'S coming into Italy and Spain. IN the time of Sennio King of Goteland about the year How the Goths came into Italy. 400. (For Norway and Denmark were but then characters of a new print) there happened a confusion of blessedness amongst these Nations. For considering, how he was a Prince not only of great settledness and government, but of peace and prosperity, his subjects likewise participated with the felicity, and lived so long, and in such increase, that I must resemble them to certain fish in the sea, amongst whom the great ones devour the small; yet not so fast, as they could prevent the sudden approach of a strange famine, whereby the King and principal Counsellors of the State were as it were brought to behold the coming forward of their misery, in regard that many thousands must perish for lack of food, and such as had wherewithal to supply their wants, in danger of spoiling, by the indigent multitude tied to tyrannous necessity: whereupon to prevent the worst, as they supposed, and from the law of nature of two evils to choose the least, and of nations to rectify the crooked lines of threatening destruction on them: it was concluded to disburden the Realm of all old, impotent, poor, and unnecessary people, and when the manner was likewise demanded, the inventors were not ashamed to publish, that they must be tied back to back and thrown into the sea: with the jollity of which devise every man departed home, and the King himself, as glad, that his subjects were generally appeased, seemed proud to be the reporter of the judgement: But when the Queen understood the cruelty of that doom, and from the tenderness of her sex began to compassionate the guiltless souls, she was not only amazed to see such an error seduce the wisdom of Governors; but stepped a little more forward, and in debating the matter, brought them to a hansommer path of prevention, which was by exile to expose them to the fortune of the world, and keep the conscience clear from shedding innocent blood, which no doubt in time would once lie heavy upon the most obdurate heart. Here reason and honest pity wan the field of former wilfulness and resolution, and the Queen was not only proclaimed the mother of charity, but applauded for her wisdom, and high exalted virtue: so they allowed her directions, and without further disputing the matter, shipped forth 300000 souls, who dispersed themselves over the north-east of Europe, filling those countries, which now are called Muldavia, Bogdonia, the borderers of the black sea, and Russia with new names and nations, such as were afterward distinguished by Samatae, Gothae, Longa-bardi, Hunni, Vandali, Getae, Swedi, and divers others, who raised their fortunes out of industry, and made their able bodies the ministers of a great prosperity: For when the Emperors of Constantinople groaned under the burden of division and dissension with the Princes of the West, and had no other way to pacify the indignation, but by drawing main Armies into the field; they were also compelled to entertain these strong and barbarous people, as presidiary, and depending on their military salary: But they quickly instructed in the discipline of Arms, and as quickly furnished for any employment, did as quickly perceive the weakened estate of both parties, and so understanding their own strength with tumultuous innovation kept the best countries of Italy to their own use, making the Grecian Emperors believe, it was in their behalf, and for the renown of the Empire; but when it came to the casting up the account, they denied the debt, and by force of arms sent the Grecian auditors home unsatisfied, and so fell again and again on the weakened forces of Europe, and at last possessed the diadems both of Lombardy and Spain. I could here add the islands of Freesland, and Iseland, famous for fishing, and the wonders of mount Heda, suitable to Gibello or Aetna in Sicilia, of both which some have submitted to a fabulous credulity concerning a local place of Hell, about the centre of the earth, and that the Devils go in and out at these monstrous Crateres some 4000 miles under sea and land: but because it soundeth both ridiculous even to superstitious ears, and blasphemous to religious hearts, I overpass it with slightness: beside, in regard that I am not emulous of any glory, wealth, or eminent magnificence appertaining to these northern kingdoms, I desist from further enlarging them, or telling them any stranger news, only I must needs say, their shipping is commendable, and the remembrance of our conquest in those times glorious: so that as we served France, and are contented with titles: they have served us, and still quarter the arms of our country with their Danish triumphs. CHAP. VIII. The Empire of GERMANY. THE eighth prize out of this great lottery of The eighth part of the world's bravery. the world, is proclaimed for the Emperor of Germany & king of the Romans, to which the house of Austria is (as it should seem, or at least would be) enfeoffed. For at this hour, the sons of the old Archduke have thus raised the throne of imperiousness: Rodulphus Emperor, yet famous for nothing but peaceable desires, and a private sequestration scarce affecting the defence of his own territories, much less the expatiating of any military project against the enemy of Christendom. Mathias after much repining and a great expectation, King of Hungary, out of which he hopeth (if occasion serve) to step into his brother's chair, and command Europe, or at lest so much as the Pope and King of Spain can support him in. Maximilian, Archduke of Austria, and powerful enough in being commander of Vienna, from whence the Turks with 200000. soldiers was valiantly repulsed. Albertus, first Archbishop of Toledo, than Cardinal, next dispensed with, and married to the Infanta of Spain his cousin german, and last of all Archduke of Burgundy, and Commander of the Low-Countries, or at least so many as are brought so low, that he standeth like a Colossus over them: and Ernestus called the Cardinal of Austria, but whether filius naturalis, or no, I dispute not on; so that if the father were now alive, to see this bundle of arrows so well, so strong, and so gloriously bound together, he would flatter himself with an opinion, that the imperials either would not, or durst not startle from their resolutions of corroborating the Diadem in his family. But although the Germans have thus raised up the principal tree, wherein the double necked Eagle doth build her airy: yet is it far from any royal flourishing, or Monarchal supremacy. For neither is it hereditary, nor after inauguration can he command, as other Kings, or like the brief of samuel's Oratory to the rebellious Israelites, show the reciprocal duties between Prince and Subject: but by no means is he powerful enough to overthrow the privileges of the Empire, because the Princes be so many, so mighty, so beloved, that they attend in Court at pleasute, raise their forces at pleasure, contest with the Emperor in many cases at pleasure, and supply his wants and demands for impositions at pleasure. The Towns again are so strong, so privileged, so populous, that out of obstinate finding fault with taxes and imperious restraints, they many times oppose against their principal lords, and in hostile manner exclude them from the benefit of commanding, like royal Princes indeed, witness the many contentions of Colleine with the Noble men and Bishops, and at last with the Bishop and the people, the power of the DUKE of Saxony in maintaining of LUTHER against both Pope and Emperor: the repining of divers Cities, and Princes, when the Lantsgrave of Hesse was imprisoned under Charles the 5. The last contention between the Duke of Brunswick and the City, and the general cause of the Protestants protected in every place invita fortuna, yea against Ecclesiastical curses and temporal menaces. Of all Europe it is the greatest Country with the best and richest store of Cities, Towns, Castles, and religious Germany the greatest Country of Europe. places, in that decorum, and order (for in a manner view one Town and view all) as if there were a universal consent to raise our admiration from their uniformity: To which is added a secret of Nature, that the people generally for honesty of conversation, probity of manners, assurance of loyalty, and confidence of disposition (setting apart their imperfect customs of drinking) exceed our belief, as being unoffensive, conversable, maintainers of their honours, and families, wherein they step so far, as if true Gentry were incorporate with them, and had his principal mansion in Germany. And although they repine at any stranger's intrusion, and will not suffer new Nations to bring in new customs, no not artificers; and seem withal fantastic in apparel, and gaudy with devices: yet do they hate formality of Courtiers, and of all other things beware of that horrible deceit of vaparous Germans haters of deceit. promises, common protestations, open embraces, palpable flattery, and hypocritical bindings of observation from inferiors: when the heart is corrupted, yea ready to leap into his Master's mouth, and tell him, that he lies, when it hears him swear, what he never meant: thus can they with Lucan exclaim: Exeat aula Qui vult esse pius, virtus & summa potestas non coeunt. and thus do they endeavour themselves in all honest courses to live of themselves, which questionless proceeds from some worthy caution concerning their misery, who eat meat under the repining eyes of another, and herein no doubt they lay a great imputation on many English, whose profession of liberty by base and servile attendancy is overthrown: or if they seem glorious in casting off the yoke of obedience; yet are they besmeered Errors of Courtiers. with the frothy corruptions of verbal & vainglorious Courtiers, who have with the viciousness of time so abused this profession of morality, that an honest and unsubiected heart is afraid to come near them. For although Liberality and Charity have equal properties to the opening, if it were possible, the gates of heaven: although the favour of Kings must be purchased by duty and obsequiousness, and although the majesty of a Court must not be depressed by admitting every man at pleasure: yet hath the errors of life so traduced worthy men for swelling too big with wealth and advancement, that their power and authority grows tedious, and the depending on another is a very excruciation of mind, which made the Poet exclaim against the protraction of good deeds with Gratia ab officio, quod mora tardat, abest: which made the Italians murmur with Dono molto aspettato è venduto è non donato: which made Berzelay say unto the King, I am old I will go a little way over jordan, but return to my own house, live with my people, and be buried in the sepulchre of my fathers. In these things are the Germans worthy of all commendation: yet me thinks wanting an hereditary succession of Princes, and having an Emperor sometimes by partiality of election, sometimes by factious strength, and sometimes by the absolute command of the Pope, they should a little abate their ostentation concerning his MAJESTY, or their own glory. As for their formal custom of denominating all the sons of archdukes Dukes, Earls, & Barons, according to their father's titles, and paternal honours, it keeps corespondencie with the name of Caesar amongst them, and the Italians hold it so ridiculous, that in their facetiae, as we term it, they jest it thus: The Earls of Germany; the Dons of Spain; the Monsiers of France; the bishops of Italy; the Knights of Naples; the Lards of Scotland; the Hidalgos of Portugal; the Noblemen of Hungary; and the younger brethren of England make a very poor company. But if you are curious indeed, and would search in nature's storehouse for the furniture, that Germany holds, or know in what manner she distributeth her blessings, you shall find corn, vines, rivers of fish, fruit, hot waters, baths, minerals, mines of all sorts, and very good cattle. If ambition transport you to view the palace of Honour, they can bring you into well fortified Cities, wherein you shall have munition, armour, and the very Burghers trained with martial discipline: they can carry you into the fields of Bellona, and delight you with a beautiful sight of 20000. horse divided into several batalions and squadrons with cornets, pennons, and sufficient equipage: they can conduct you into the very walks of princeliness, and show stately palaces, pleasant hunting and hawking, turniaments, justs, riding horses, and other exercises befitting a Gentleman. If you descend to more moderate expectations, you shall then have notice, how most men eat under their own vines, how the Citizen liveth in quiet, how the women are blessed in their children, how faults are pardoned, scandals removed, and every man appears like a fair shining Planet in his own Orb without disturbance. On the north from Calais to Dantske in Prussia lieth part of the seventeen Provinces, and Pomerania: On the East Brandenburg and Silesia, I might have named Hungary, and Transiluania: to the South as far as the Alps, Austria, Bavaria, Swevia, and Helvetia: on the West ●…ranconia, Hessia, and Munsterland: as a core in the midst Westphalia, Saxonia, Brunswick, Thuringia, Misina, the well compacted kingdom of Bohemia, circumcepted with ●…gra, silva, and Moravia, with many other divisions of Principats, Dukedoms, Lordships, and Clergy men, that to number them would be more tedious, then satisfactory; consider Munster their own Countryman h●…th . described them at full, and taken so much pains there●…n, as if he studied nothing more, then to set out the honour and dignity of the Nation, wherein he was borne. Amongst these are seven Princes sequestered to a special lifting up the Emperor into his throne: the three Bishops of Colleine, Ments, or as some will have it ●…agunse, and Trevers: the three Seculars, Duke of Saxony, Marqu●…, of Brandenburge, and Count Palatine of the Rhine; the binding voice is allowed the King of Bohemia, who was once so absolute, that he triumphed in the three●…old City of Prage with repining, when the Emperor challenged either submission or prostitution: but now the Pope and Austria have subverted such immunities, and under the danger of fulmination, and Church discipline terrify them all from contradicting their wilfulness. The Cities of this spacious Country are many, and have as many descriptions from several Authors, whom if you find contrary to one another, you must mod●… your anger, and remember how divers 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with sick bodies, that although they li●… with 〈◊〉 of learned men, yet shall not any, two agree, 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 causes, nor the remedy of the disease, le●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 understand the same never so well: So fareth it 〈◊〉 quarians and Chronographers, they show you such faces, as they themselves beheld, or wrote as private affection and information induced, and so the next age enlarged her talon; and the last opposeth against the former. But if you will be contented with my manner of Cosmography, and understand, that my meaning in this cursory journey is to run only away with Titles, you shall then find upon the Rhine a river coming out of Helvetia, and 800. mile together, gathering many confederates of springs and brooks to show himself well accompanied at the Court of the main Ocean: Constance, Basill famous in her original upon the Serpent found in her foundation; Strasborough beautiful in her name, and for her high steeple, Spires, Ments, Hidelburge the Court of the Palatine, Franckfurt glorious in her Marts, Coblents and Coleine; these be principal Cities, either supporting the chairs of Bishops, or maintaining their own freedoms with royal jurisdiction, or submitting to the control of some worthy Prince; as for other Towns, which are both walled, and fortified they are infinite, and would fill up too much room to join them here together. Upon Danubius the greatest river of Europe, as running 1500. mile between the banks of many Countries, and changeth his name into ●…er, when he cometh into the pride of Greece, and poureth himself, with troops of attendance into the lap of the black-sea: you have Vlmms, Auspurg, or if you will Augu●…ta proud of her title and fortification; Ingelstade boasting of the birth of Emperors; Regenspurg, Paslaw, Vienna, Presburg, and Keimar; upon Weserslood, that run●…eth through Brunswick and Westphalia, Brennen, and Ca●…; upon the river Alba, which posteth out of Bohemia, as it were with glad tidings through the midst of many flourishing Countries into the Germane sea; Prag●…, Dresda, East Wittenberg, Brandenburg, Hanborough and Stood; upon Odera, whose head almost meeteth with the Wexell of Poland; Neisa, Breslaw, Crossen, East Fran●…furt, and Stetin; this river running toward Brandenburg through Silesia watereth a great part of Pomerania, within the heart of this Continent, whose veins are yet filled, and life as it were refreshed with the moderate flowing and swelling goodness of divers arms, hanging as it were by the main bodies of these rivers, and may resemble kind messages, or intercourses strengthening the amity of unsettled families, are situated Norremberg the greatest of the Country, Wirteberg, Erfurt, Brunswick, Iger, Gorlitz, and so many other, that France and Italy both must a little yield. For if a difference may tend to make a place the better, questionless Germany hath the pre-eminence; yet because it resembleth a Capitol of so many Princes, rather than a Parliament house, where the Subject how great soever, acknowledgeth his Monarch; we will allow him Emperor, as I have said, for good manners sake; but questionless standing at the devotion of his imperials, and Cities; it diminisheth his glory, and obscureth the shining of his three Crowns; witness the business of Colleine itself, which amongst many others of the same kind, is so subjecteth to the authority of the Bishop, that the name of Emperor hath sounded harshly to their obedience, and both people and Clergy have still opposed against all secular Princes: the story is briefly thus. The History of COLLEINE. COlleine is a famous Town, and one principal of the Vbijs before CHRIST, which questionless the Romans made great account of as a receptacle for their garrisons, when they had war against the Swedians, who ●…nged then all over Germany, especially in Saxonia. In the time of julius Caesar there was a wooden bridge made over the R●…ene for the better transporting his army, which was after trans-shaped into stone, but the miracle proceeded from the power of money, and industry of man; but because many murders, rapes, and robberies were committed on the same, Bruno the bishop by the Emperor O●…os commandment ruined, and quite subverted it: so it should seem it was then called Vbiopolis, until a commutation into Colonia Agrippina of Marcus Agrippa son in law to Augustus Caesar, who re-edified and beautified the same; yet Tacitus extracteth the title from a daughter of Augustus borne here, and leaveth it as a place of great consequence under the jurisdiction of many worthy Commanders; but it should seem, they entertained Christianity betimes, and quickly cast away the authority of the Romans: For thus they record it. About the year 70. Maternus the Disciple of Saint Peter converted the Vbijs, who admitted their spiritual salvation with such gladness, that they likewise determined the preservation of their liberty and bodies, and so projected to be free of themselves, had not afterward divers Emperors, settled the Duke of Saxony, and Earls of the Em●… 〈◊〉 established greatness both over City and Coun●…, until again the Pope wrested the supremacy over the European Princes, and confirmed the Archbishops in the ostentation of a Count Palatine, and absolute power of the government of all, which yet the secular Noble men not only repined at, but sought by noble courses to prevent; and at last, when no devise could make gentle the hard wound pulleys of the Clergies ambition, they were resolute to effectuate it by force of arms, so that many contentions arose between the bishop, Nobles, and Citizens, which ended not without effusion of blood, and overthrow of whole armies drawn into the field by particeans, whereby the City itself felt the smart of warlike scourges, and saw her walls and houses pulled on heaps of rubbish, according to the nature of rage and fury the end of tumultuous uprors. But at last Colleine is re-edified, and in despite of all frets and fumes, either of Saxony, the Palatine of the Empire, or confederates of the Princes, acknowledgeth the Archbishop for supreme Governor, and he still overmantleth it with a superstitious protection, so that the people are kept under with his blessing and cursing accordingly. It now bendeth like a bow, as you see our great City from Surreies' side: the key before the wall is a place of great pleasure; the ports and ramparts worth the observing, the Palace stately and magnificent, the houses beautiful and comely, the streets sweet, spacious, and well ordered, the Inhabitants civil, sociable, and superstitious. For amongst the Churches they are of opinion, that the three Kings have a memorable monument, concerning the birth of our Saviour, when they were commanded to return another way home, but coming hither it was the fortune and glory of this place, not only to be their refuge from the fury of Herod in their life; but a receptacle for their bodies after death; but how the truth would prove all this ridiculous, it were pity to dispute. Howsoever, as I have said, the City and territories now swell with the pride of exemption from the Emperor's jurisdiction, and in the same race run many other famous Towns, whereby you may see the disjointed government of Germany, and the poor authority the Emperors have over the Electors, and imperial Cities. For although Charles the 5. had the fortune to imprison the Lantsgrave of Hesse, and by the service of the Duke of Burbone to possess the Castle of Saint Angelo, and punish the Pope with a terror of usurpation, even over his spiritual authority; yet was it a sudden greatness, and like the blaze of a bavin, lasted but a while. For the Germane Princes quickly repined, and the next Pope as quickly ratified his own conditions, so that the Emperors since have no more to do in Italy, than a Pilgrimme, who is admitted to see the wonders of our Lady at Loretto. But if How Germany is neighboured. you would know, how Germany is neighboured, and beloved of strangers, I answer as if my friend should ask me my opinion concerning another's love: the heart is unsearchable, we only can discover the outward countenance, and formal protestations: thus is it with topographical descriptions, we can say these and these be the Countries and people, but whether envious, ambitious, revengeful, traitorous, cowardly, or such like, it must be referred to actions and time. Toward the North lies Pomerania, Prussia, Lithuania, Silesia, Podolia, and Poland; but Poland now stands for all, within these 300. years a factious Dukedom, limited within her own territories, now a well compacted kingdom of many Countries; yet wilfully resolute to have no hereditary Prince amongst them, whereby the supreme authority is subject to the suffrages of men, and a manner of Oligarchy of Nobles limiteth the King in his royalty, and maketh his establishment but a slavish bravery. The Country from her plains, as spreading itself abroad without mountains, or hills, addeth to the Etymology of the word, and hath only the great City of Cracow upon the Vistula meriting discourse, but little commendation, or wonder. Toward the East lieth the noble Kingdom of Hungary; I call it noble, because whole volumes might be writ in relating her troubles; external with her enemy of Christendom; internal with a confused dissension: For sometimes the glory of the Kingdom elateth them; sometimes private revenges divideth them; sometimes the Clergy doth tyrannize over them; and sometimes the general cause exciteth compassion: then adjoineth what in times past you called Illiria now Transiluania and Sclavonia. Toward the South, but you must first see, what snow lieth upon the Alps all along the banks of the Adriatic sea, now Gulpho Venetiano, are spread abroad the Provinces of Friaull in times past forum julij, Histria, Croatia, Dacia, Dalmatia, as far as Ragusa once Epidaurus, all full of pretty Towns, the shores beautified with islands, and the sea beating on divers rocks serving yet for many uses, as the Venetians can tell, who are the Commanders of these people, and places for the most part. Toward the West, what we now nicke-name the Walloons, Lorraine with the memorable Town of Mets, and in a pretty corner Helvetia, containing the 13. Cantons of Switzerland even amongst the Alps, which remain with freedom of both religions in despite of Pope and other turbulent Princes, and can show Bazill, Bern, and Zuricke as fine and delicate Towns, as any in the pride of Italy; but withal you must understand, that both the Emperor, France, and Spain have divers times attempted the subjection of these people, especially Geneva, which belongeth to Savoy: yet failed, as the Romans did with the Parthians concluding a corroboration of friendship rather than a publication of their shame to be propulsed, which appeared in the time of Charles the fifth, who was mightily incensed fools may give good counsel. against them, had not the blunt reprehension of a fool diverted him. For when divers fiery spirits had brought fuel to set on flame these guiltless people, and that he determined to overrun them as it were with one speediness. ay, I, saith the fool, you all conclude well for going into the Country, but unacquainted with the terrible passages of the Alps, you little consider the difficulty of coming out again. Upon which pithy and compendious obiurgation, a new debatement of matters set up another loom of retraction. CHAP. IX. The glory of the SPANIARD. THE ninth proportion of the earth's happiness The ninth part of the earth's glory. hath so confirmed the King of Spain in a large inheritance, that he now lifteth up a head of majesty with an imperial countenance and extraordinary titles: But if I must conduct you into the enclosures of understanding, how this comes about, I am afraid I shall torment former times with vain repetitions, and confused originals; yea indeed abuse your patience with tedious and frivolous discourses, considering so many excellent histories have explained the difficulties of these people, and the modern commentary is a true and delicate glass to behold her form and beauty in: Otherwise I could fill your lap with these abstracts, and make up a kind of reckoning with pleasure and contentment from a modest ampliation. That Hercules with his large and warlike embracements clasped this country about, infusing such virtue, as his father jove innated in him, whereby his actions tended to reformation of abuses, & purging the Kingdom of such monsters, as had both terrified them with their huge bodies, and made them miserable with the confusion of rapes, murders, and cruel oppression: so that Hesperus, Geryon, and Cacus mighty giants were subdued, and the country calmed of all stormy blasts of rudeness, and confused barbarism: That after such heroic proceedings he stood like a Colossus over the straits, naming the great mountains of Abila and Calpe his pillars with this inscription of Non plus ultra, however afterward it was Non 〈◊〉 vl●…. P●…s 〈◊〉. the fortunate bravery of Charles the Emperor upon the discovery of the West Indies to write Plus ultra, quite obliterating Non; as if his new glory had better consequence: That he erected a Temple in the Island of Gades now Cales, and as it were enfeoffed the seas and straits with his surname: That from the burnt ashes of Tyrus after Dido was forewarned to abandon Phoenicia by the ghost of her husband Sichaeus, like the Phoenix sprung up a many Phoenixes, who possessed the shores of Africa, and built an airy in Gades: that is, the banished and discomfited people of Tyrus erected Carthage, Gades, and many other towns in Africa, and Spain: That presently followed the dissension between the Gaditanes, and Turditanes; between the Celtibrians and Iberians, settled nations in Spain, to the deciding of whose controversies Marrhable and Haldruball were called out of Carthage, which both made a conquest of Spain, and projected to clip the feathers of the Roman Eagle, who now began to spread her wings over the best inhabited fields of the world: That from this emulation, Rome stood on a better guard, and accounted these Africans a barbarous people in respect of themselves, as foretold from the prophesy of Daniel, and the sibils of her strange establishment, as Queen of the world, and at last shared the plenty of Spain: for impatient of any adventurers in that voyage, the Carthaginians were expelled, and the royal standard of Italy advanced: That time overwearied with the insulting of perpetuity, at last incited the strange nations of Goths, Vandals, and Lombard's to labour in the work of the god of alteration, who pulled this country from all Emperors and Kings, and made a fearful division of the same, keeping themselves warm in Spain, when all other countries failed: That long after Count julian began a new work, as if he could have powered down vengeance on the author of his discontents. For after Rodrigo had ravished his daughter, he called in the Moors a race of Mahometans into Spain to be revenged on the King, by whose assistance he not only banished the Goths, and other people into Castille, but killed the King, usurped the country, altered the government, and so played their parts in Granado, Valentia, and Andolozia, as if they were created of purpose to show some wonder of heaven, when dissolution of Kingdoms, and punishment of offences is determined: so that they quickly made their own conditions, and bound the country ever since to the ratifying of them, infecting the best families of Spain with paganism, whereby our modern King's weeding them out by little and little, have also attempted to purge their Churches of such filthiness, and when they could not prevail by precept, and authority of reason, they erected the office of Inquisition, to discover who were addicted to the adoration of Mahomet, Inquis●…. and durst contest against the blessedness of salvation in JESUS CHRIST, whereupon the Moors have raised many innovations in the country, & even the last year to 1609. the number of a million freighted their hearts with treason, and a burning desire to set on flame the wondrous compacted peace of Spain. Here is yet no great cause of amazement: For thus were the children of Israel persecuted by the Egyptians, affrighted with the Philistims, maligned by the Edomites subjecteth and made slaves to Babylon, tormented and threatened by Syrians and Grecians, and at last not only subdued, but subverted by the Romans, who of all other, put the axe to the tree, and at one stroke laid the same on the ground, leaving the holy City desolate as a widow, cast out as an orphan, despised as a vagabond, and punished worse than a traitorous rebel, until the mahometans by way of courtesy rid her of her pain at once, and utterly trampled her to pieces: so that now to see the people dispersed without a law, commonwealth, or King: to view the country like a barren wilderness: to behold nothing but rapes and robberies, where so many promises had been made from heaven, where such riches and majesty flourished, where such mightiness and state increased, and where all prosperity triumphed, would leniat an adamantine heart, and raise a crying voice from commiseration, with Heu cadit in quenquam tantum scelus? tanta iniquitas? And thus much for example concerning the several alterations of Spain's government, now to the rest of his ostentation. The whole country retaineth still the ancient division of Baeticam, Lusitaniam and Tarraconensem, and the memory of eight several Kingdoms, 1. Gallicia, to which Asturia and Cantabria are connected: 2. Navarra, the proper Eight kingdoms in Spain. inheritance of the house of Bourbon in France. 3. Castile's, a couple boasting both of antiquity and excellency. 4. Lusitania, other day Portugal, but now incorporated with the rest into the house of Austria. 5. Leon extinguished long since by the greater light of Arrogon. 6. Arrogon, laying claim to Naples and jerusalem, and so enlarging the King of Spain's titles. 7. Valencia, mourning for her corruption in religion: and 8. Granado, to which Andolozia or the country of Vandals, with the former Island of Gades are united. Amongst these Portugal did once boast of the conquest of India, Aethiopia, Persia, and many other places, especially Taprabona, or the Island of Saint Laurence, between whom and Great Britain (as I have said before) at this instant of all the islands in the world is comparison for circuit, and spatiousnes of ground. But shall we let them go on with these vainglorious titles of conquest and victory, when they are yet but poor possessors of some harbours and towns by the sea shore, and stand on their guard with more terror to lose, than ever they entertained comfort in getting them. ay, I, let them alone a god's name: For quarrels arise from contradiction; and there is no disputing with men resolved in the vain promises of worldly deceit; nor must you be incredulous, when a Portugal shall report, that these exploits were carried in the current of success without the help of Spain at all, as though there was ever a distinction, or rather separation between themselves, and a Castilian; yea they proceeded further, as if there were an Antipathy in nature: For they used to spit at the naming a Spaniard, like simple people in England after the Devil was pronounced. But to the rest: if you would truly understand the cause of his pride and former elation of countenance, you must then take notice, that he detaineth all these Kingdoms within his own Continent, as a commanding Monarch, and after many convulsions begged at fortunes hands the ratification of the Royalty, styling himself withal King of Naples, Sicilia, and Jerusalem: the two former governing by Viceroys, the latter claiming by inheritance, as unwilling to lose himself, or forget the glory of his ancestors, wherein he pleadeth imitation: For the Emperor writeth King of the Romans, not once visiting of Italy: the Denmark King of England, England of France, and France of Navarre: then are the islands of Sardinia, Corsica, Maiorca, and Minorca entered his book of accounts; to which if you add the noble Duchy of Milan, into whose demeanour Count Fuentes looketh with prying eyes for his behalf, & that the state of Genoa dependeth on his protection, you will say ambition set him well on work, and as well rewarded him for his days labour. As for the Low Countries, he would fain show them as feathers belonging to his broken wings, and taketh the house of Burgundy for his own, hoping that the Pope, which can canonize a Saint, will make the daughter of Spain a Queen, especially of her own inheritance. Thus liveth and ruleth he in Europe: but all this were rather burdensome unto him, considering the barren hills and sandy plains of his country, if you look not one way into the shores of Africa, and another way over the bottomless Ocean, and so examine the cause of his boasting indeed, which is his storehouses of golden mines, his conquest of many nations, his reducing them America conquered. to Christianity, and his triumph in the fruition of possessed tranquillity: For America is almost his own, resembling a Peninsule, and joined in the midst with an Isthmus. If you begin at the straits of Magellane, they will tell you, that Magellanus a Spaniard first explored the passage: If you ask, what was done a little before, an answer is ready, that Americus Vesputius gave name to this new world, and Christophorus Columbus of Genoa about a 130 years since, searched her entrails, discovered her maladies, and applied a Cataplasm to her most dangerous wounds, which was irreligion and barbarous idolatry: For although he found unlookt-for glorious Cities, and well compacted governments, yet was he fain by strong hand to overthrow their idols, and punish their obstinacy with cruelty. The south shore, or if you please the Continent on the left hand 10000 miles long called Psitacorum regio, is questionless inhabited, though undiscovered, and not fully descried. The other Continent beyond the line invites you to the view of strange nations, whom we confound with the general horror of Cannibals, as men or rather monsters feeding on human flesh, Giants: the land of Patagons', and Amazons, as supposed to fly hither, when the Kings of Europe repined to see women the equal sharers of honour amongst them: But for my own part, I rather suppose it the error of ignorant Cosmographers, who when they cannot, or dare not certainly delineate a country, then will they fill up a place with monsters and formidable creatures both men & women: Thus have they done with the interior parts of Africa, and the remote countries of Mangia, and the inhabitants of Taunis, when God knows all these places with the rest are possessed by men, and of orderly proportion, yea such men, that though they be idolaters, believe the immortality of the soul, and care not to die in hope of a better life: therefore let the judicious be persuaded, that what hath not voice and reason, is a beast or monster. From hence nearer the line or more northward looking from the straits of Magellane, you come into the golden kingdoms of Peru, Brazill, and Caribana, and may be pleased with the streams of two mighty rivers De la Plata, and Maragnon, which by computation maketh a winding of 5000 mile, and have their shores stored with Cities and inhabitants, of whom and which so many idle things are reported, that though I am not incredulous, as knowing, what barbarous nations can afford; yet do I disclaim unnecessary discourses, because I have further business in hand, and of better consequence. A little more remote toward the West, beginneth the Isthmus circumspected with the territories of Mexico, Cusco, and Themistian, with many other Cities of such wealth and mightiness, that the people were slain by thousands, or rather millions, ere they could savour other obedience, than idolatrous and savage liberty: On the other side toward the North looketh up to heaven the new fashioned islands of Cuba, Hispaniola, S. john's, and many others: the further side of the land is as it were fringed with the countries of Virginia, Terra Florida, Nova Francia, Norrembega, and the fishing land; I call it fringed, because as yet we have only entered upon the skirts of the same, not daring further exploration, and indeed not knowing what to do with the rest, much desiring the discovery of the northwest passage into India, and resolved there is a way, if success would lead us by the hand to prevent the tediousness and the charge of going about by the south Cape. Here you see is great cause of triumph: For of all these he either challengeth the principality and confederation, or over-looketh with such jealous eyes, that they dare not start from his obedience; and would not so many kingdoms, so many nations, and such power elate any Prince to assume extraordinary titles? But (as I said) all this were vaporous smoke, and the frothy breath of opinion, if his treasuries at home were not yearly supplied from the tribute of the Eastern & Western mines abroad, whereby he presumeth to yield more reason of his ostentation, than Solomon himself. For though Solomon did fetch gold from Ophir, and that the pride of jerusalem swelled with plenty, when gold filled every man's purse, and silver was as common as stones: yet he made it a journey of three years, and had no other cunning, no The true Philosopher's stone. other wisdom, no other Philosopher's stone, than the industry of Merchants, and confederation of the Kings of Tyrus and Sidon: But the King of Spain can make a yearly return, or at least once in 16 months, as understanding himself thus far, that his Cities of Toledo, Madrid, Valiodolid, Leon, Barcelona, Saragossa, Valentia, Cartagena, Malaga, Corduba, Sevilla, Lisbon, Baione, and the rest, cannot maintain their glories without them: That the monastery and stately Palace of the Scurial could neither invite you to her magnificent structures, nor supply necessities of life with provision: That the Garrisons of Milan, Naples, Sicilia, the towns of Africa, the inheritance of Burgundy, his own Castles and frontiers towns, with divers other remote in many Provinces, would quickly decay, and have oftentimes mutined for want of money, and their ordinary entertainment: That the Ports and Harbours would be empty of shipping, yea the ships themselves unbuilt and unfurnished: that the country commodities might be unuttered: his soldiers disappointed: his kingdoms many times famished, and his glory utterly eclipsed, if there wanted but one return of his treasure, or that any disastrous encounter defeated or disappointed his Navy. And thus much for the several principal Monarches of the world, as at this hour they look up to heaven with over-liberal titles, and have blowed opinion bog with some seeming reasons, and yet in comparison of true royalty and happiness, absolute partiality. CHAP. X. The description of ITALY, as in times past. WHereas you partly heard, that the house of Austria obtaining the Empire even Italy divided. with the Pope's grudging, did also intrude itself into the pleasant fields of Italy, whereby the King of Spain would have his head impaled indeed with one of the Imperial Diademmes of the world: we will step thither, and see with what fashion her countenance is made cheerful, and how her courtesy is prepared to entertain us. I will therefore desist from any former ampliation of absolute beginnings, lest I should wrong the labours of their men, and speak indeed their own words more imperfectly, only I must somewhat abstrusely and abstractly to help your memory with some things, that savour of antiquity, and shall assist your comparative bringing them face to face in these modern times. Understand then, that it was the first Country inhabited of Europe by janus, or japhet the son of Noah, whose history giveth life to many strange and fabulous relations: How presently followed the possession of many Nations, whose love to the Country changed her name into Oenotria, Ausonia, Hesperia, Saturnia, Italia; and some others of less consequence, some significantly according to the goodness of the place, some metonimically either pars pro toto, or totum pro part; some ironically for idle actions, or Poetical fictions, and some judicially according to the virtue of the Inhabitants, excellency of the soil, or honour of the first explorator, or Redacter to government, and thus it was suddenly divided into Provinces, as Liguria, Hetruria, Vmbria, Countries. Latium, Campania foelix, Lucania, Brutia or Magna graecia, Salentitij or Salentini, Appuleia Peucetia, Appuleia Daunia, Samnites, Pisenum, Aemilia or Galsia transalpina, now Lombardy; and forum julij or Friaul, now Venetorum regio; Some say 15. Blondus 18. and Leander 19 parts. Cities. How Rome became the metropolitan City of Italy, Rome. and Queen of the world, so that the Emperors amplified the same with magnificent structures and monuments, and in dividing, or rather translating their seats to Constantinople left all to the Exarchat of Ravenna, and usurpation of bishops; who by a higher style at last made themselves Popes, and with the cup of abomination, like the whore in the apocalypse, poisoned the western Kingdoms. How the Venetians began their City and State, and Venice. about anno 700. constituted a DUKE, boasting indeed that they were the poor remainder of the Roman Nobility, as it were sequestered into certain remote islands, which the Goths respected not, nor Lombard's regarded: yet hath Time you see raised a glorious flame from the poor dispersed embers, almost extinguished, either from heat, or light. How Milan was incorporated to a principality: First built by the Frence, after subverted by the Vandals, then Milan. re-edified, next made a Duchy; five, strengthened with the band of Sforza; sixtly, possessed by the French again, and now by the Spaniard. How Genoa boasteth of her antiquity from janus, and Genoa. about 1237. constituted a DUKE like unto Venice, but daring not to trust her own foundation entertained the noble assistance of the Spanish castles. How Turine or Taurinum was an Academy, the chief Turine. City of Piedmont, and now giveth so much air to Savoy, that he breatheth with one of the noblest Dukedoms of the world. How Papia or Pavy in times past Ticinum by reason of Pavy. the river, that runs round about it, was united to the Duchy of Milan by johannes Galeazius the first Duke. How Padua boasteth of her neighbourhood to the river Padus, her University, Antenor's foundation, fertility Padua. of ground, strong ramparts, and repineth at her subjection to Venice. How Cremona is very ancient, and flourished with orderly strength and prosperity, until it was burnt in the Cremona. wars between Vitellius and Otho. How Verona is pleased with the common enterpretation Verona. of her name quasi vera una, with the orderly access of Italians nobles, with the ruins of her amphitheatre so goodly a structure, that I dare be bold to say, it would contain 80000. people to behold the spectacles, presented to the Inhabitants for triumphs of Emperors, and famous Consuls, and being once free was subjecteth to the Venetians about anno. 1405. How Mantua was first a Marquisate, but by the marriage of the only daughter of Montisferate raised to a Duchy Mantua. by the Emperor, and thrust warm under the mantel of Gonzaga by the Pope. How Mirandula was fortified, besieged by the Emperor Mirandula. and Pope, assisted only by the French, and at last united to the principate of Parma. How Ferrara was first subject to the bishop of Ravenna, then under the family of Est, made a Marquisate; Ferrara. lastly, a Dukedom, and now usurped by the Pope, as part of Saint Peter's patrimony. How Parma boasteth of antiquity, suffered many concussions, Parma. fell into the blessing of the Clergy, and with the Coronet of a Duke was presented to Alexander Fernesius. How Bononia was once ruled by an Exarchate, as a place Bononia. of greatness, and important conveniency for the government of the Country: after given to the Church by King Pepin, and Carolus magnus, and hath now a famous University. How Ravenna boasteth of antiquity, was the principal Ravenna. seat of the Vicegerents, for the Emperors of Constantinople, and after surrendered into the Pope's hands by the name of Romandiolas territories. How Urbine was famous for courtship, and made a Urbine. Dukedom 1476. by Pope Sixtus in the family of Fredericus Vbaldinensis, who were once citizens of Florence, but for their virtue raised to this honour, so that the family extinguished, it is returned to the possession of the Pope again. How Ancona is an old walled Town and port in the Ancona. Adriatic sea, now Gulpho Venetiano, is known by her white cliff, inviteth you to come on land, and see the wonders of our Lady at Loretto; and obeyeth the Pope in his temporal jurisdiction. How Florence suffered many alterations, increased in wealth, buildings, state, populousness, was honoured in Florence. the house of Medici's, and advanced her fame with the best through the valour and well-deserving of that valiant Cosimo, by the style of Magnus Dux Hetruriae, and hath since boasted of two Queens of France from her daughters, who have filled the Courts of all the Princes in Europe with strange reports. How Pisa was once Mistress of Maiorca, Pisa. had an Acedemy, was sold to the Florentines, by the Viscount johannes Galeasius, and bought of the Emperor Charles, 1369. by Petrus Gambacurta, for 12000. pieces of gold. How Leuca was made a signory, and had L●…uca. many Governors, but at last obtained their freedom by donation of a Cardinal, who distributed for the same 25000. Checkinos. How Sienna boasteth of the birth of S●…a. Aeneas Silvius, called Pope Pius, of the University of Physicians, is delicately scited, was tossed, or rather tormented in the factions of the Guelphs and Gibellines, submitted to the Spaniard, then to the French, next to the Cardinal M●…ndoza, and at last 1558. yielded to the Duke of Florence. How Naples increased in glory, and raised her Naples. dignity next to Lombardy, of all the Principats of Italy, to a Kingdom, suffered many alterations, had Princes of several families, filled the world with the occurrences of her troubles; and at last, by example of Sicilia, prostituted itself to Spain's insulting. Of all which to discourse at large were another Gordian: and with the Preacher a man may cry out, all things are so hard to be known, that no creature can express them, the eye is not satisfied with sight, the ear not filled with hearing, the thing that hath been, cometh to pass again, and there is no new thing under the Sun: and therefore I will desist from further tormenting myself or you, because many worthy authors are opposite to one another, in unfolding the secrets of antiquity, and he which striveth to please all readers with satisfaction, must transform himself into all shapes, especially with janus look two contrary ways, and study the arts both of detracting and flattery: yet there is but one truth, if a man did live in such a blessed age, that he might maintain the same with worthy boldness, speaking what he thinks, thinking what he knows, and knowing nothing, but honest certainties: wherein not to be corrupted, is a glory exceeding report, and a work of wonder indeed: therefore as near as I can, I will reject all impossible reports and authorities, and tie myself to probabilities and truth, or at least so much, as is either received for currant in justifiable relations: or my poor experience dare warrant from mine own endeavours: and so I will show you with what face Italy looks up to heaven at this hour, and may with Heraclitus weep for the vanities and miseries of the earth: yet is cheerful, and thus like a strumpet is known by the pride of her eyes. CHAP. XI. ITALY described at this time. FIrst, towards the East lies the Kingdom of Naples, within whose enclosures are The estate of Italy in t●…is modern age. Naples. detained the countries of Calabria, Brutia, and Apulia, now Abruzzo Puglia, and separated by the chammpaine of Romandiola, and the large Appenini, which be mountains rising by Ancona, and running forward to the great gulf, that thrusteth itself between Rocca Imper●…all and Gallipolis. It hath many towns, but few cities: only Brindisi, Ottonto, Barletto and Naples are of some account: the Country is rich in vines, oil, and silkworms, the people are dangerous, superstitious, and the Villano lives beastly: the Gentle men are maintainers of liberty and pleasure, scoffers at their own religion, and as great blasphemers as the greeks of Cyprus, insomuch that I have heard them in their rages cry out, Iddio Beco: Puttana deal Diego: and swear by the absurd oath of potta del Cielo, as in their comedy called Ruffiana, and published in print, may appear: yet is their adoration of her so superstitious, that the Saviour of the world is accounted her inferior, her attributes make heaven amazed, and her altars smoke with incense and profanation. And what is this: but to cause the Prophets to exclaim against the sacrifices of the Queen of Heaven? and what is this, but with Ahaz to make images for Baalim, and burn children in the valley of Hinnon, after the abomination of the heathen? and what is this? but to build high altars with Manasses, and like a Sorcerer, to regard the crying of birds, to use enchantments, & give way to the imposturing art of witchcraft. As for true religion, oh God thou laughest them to scorn, as they have the truth in derision, which makes me remember, what is reported in these parts of that worthy Sr. Philip Sidney, who conversing with a Neapolitan Count, and brought to one of their Churches, wherein he was loath to enter at that time, was yet unwilling altogether to distaste him, but interiected some excuses: but the Count understanding him well enough, bade him tarry a while, and so went into his formal devotion, but quickly returning, embraced him with an oath, by his Santa Donna, that he would renounce all the religion of the world; yea, his part of Paradise, before he would trouble again the conscience of so well deserving a Gentleman and companion. They live in great pomp for outward show, and make the City, both rich and stately, because they are not permitted to be resident in the Country, but keep here continual intercourse, however they groan under the Viceroys control, and the overwatching of two strong castles, which keep both town and harbour in awe: and although the Spanish pride, and sometimes cruelty, is exercised amongst them, as abating their native glory: yet doth it little abridge them of modern pleasures and customary wantonness: so that if the Prophets in times past exclaimed against Tyrus and Sidon, threatened Damascus and Syria, prophesied the desolation of Egypt and Aethiopia, lamented juda and Samaria, and mourned for Babylon and Assyria, they might now cry out against Italy and Naples, which as in times past was called Parthenope, of the Sirens haunting these shores, of the dangers of Scylla and Charybdis, and for the notorious transhaping men into monsters by Circe's, allegorically alluding to the voluptuous sins, and abusive pleasures of this City and Country: so still may it retain the comparison, and men be terrified with the same dangers. For if any place in the world keeps wickedness warm, with glorious flames and stretcht-out sensuality to the length and breadth: here men are not only drunk with iniquity; but commit fornication with Idols; yea, are mad with the rage of impiety. The next is Romagna, or Romandiola, called S. Peter's Rome. patrimony; a great country under the Pope, in which are reckoned the two Dukedoms of Ferrara and Urbine, of late days fallen into the power of the Conclave of Cardinals, for want of lawful succession; or else by reason of their weakness, who peradventure have right, but are not able to contest with so irregular an adversary, which makes them step a little aside for fear of being trampled to pieces indeed. The chief Cities are Rome, Loretto, Rimano, Bologna, Ferrara, Urbine, Perugia, Viterbium, Spoletto, Ancona, and Ravenna, all places of account, well fortified, adorned with palaces, replenished with inhabitants, and resort of Gentills both natives and travelers, and supplied with all manner of provision both for necessity and wantonness. But Rome is the seat of the Pope, and keepeth the Priests to the duties of the Sanctuary: For the College of Cardinals suffer no man to depress the glory of the Church, and proclaims him an heretic, that intermeddleth with the ordinances of the great Bishop; so that according to their several degrees religious persons live in great st●…te, keep Courtesans, travel in Carosses with six moils sumptuously trapped, though but a quarter of a mile to the Conclave, solemnize feasts and banquets, make only show of some ridiculous ceremonies, and are in truth of slender devotion in spiritual secrets, but foolish superstition in absurd apparitions: so that if I were an Atheist, and a man unconscionable to suppose, that there were not a day of account to be made with the commander of all actions, I had rather live a religious man in Rome, than be a Nobleman of Naples, who (as I said a little before) of all men living wash their hands in carelessness, and like Pollicrates the tyrant have nothing to trouble them, but that nothing hath troubled them concerning worldly encumbrances; so that with the Prophet I may well cry out, the Priests are gone astray by the means of strong drink, and are overcome with wine, they fail in prophesying, and stumble in judgement, their tables are full of vomit and filthiness, and no place is clean: yea the vision of the Prophet is come unto them, as the words of a book which is sealed up, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, read thou, and he replies, I cannot, for it is sealed; then it is delivered to an ignorant with read thou, but his answer is, I am not learned: so that with the Apostle I may say, that Antichrist shall sit in the Temple of the Lord; and in the latter days shall be the doctrine of devils, forbidding to marry, and eat meat, which God hath sanctified: so that with the Evangelist I may lawfully tell you of the Vision of the beast, which rose out of the sea, having 7 heads and 10 horns, and that he opened his mouth unto blasphemy, resembled to the woman arrayed in purple and rose colour, decked with gold, precious stones, and pearl, and holding a cup of gold in her hand full of abomination and filthiness. The City yet is swelling bigger and bigger, though nothing comparable to the ostentation of former times: For Historiographers have confirmed it for greatness, riches, magnificence, Nobility, and famous illustrations the admiration of the world, as containing 20 English mile in circuit, and showing a countenance of bravery, and princely structures: But now it only boasteth of some few ancient buildings, the ruins of the amphitheatre, certain Obelisci, the swiftness of Tiber, new erected Palaces of Cardinals, the Castle of St Angelo olim moles Adriani, the Popes own Palace, and the Church of S. Peter, threatening to exceed with his high erected Cuba and wondrous cross Isles, our London Cathedral, which is the vastest heap of stones under the sun: the air is most pestilent, and unwholesome, so that S●… have died in a year by infection, and the uninhabited places afford such damps and mists, that many times they effectuate suffocations, but are always dangerous and patible of no remedy, but extraordinary fires. The third part of Italy affordeth an honourable title to the Duke of Florence, who is styled Magnus Dux Hetruriae, Florence. and registereth in his book of renown for principal Cities Florence, Pisa, Sienna, and Legorne a strong new haven town on the sea shore almost over against Corsica. The City itself is one of the stateliest and richest in Italy, the river Arnus runneth in the midst, playing the wanton under the arches of three delicate stone bridges: the Dona is a delicate and curious Church: the statehouse, Duke's palace, and treasury, with other Arsenals, and storehouses are to be made account of, as glorious spectacles, and worthy structures; but whereas you shall find a book of the wonders of the City, when you come to the substance from the shadow, it will prove either ridiculous, or not answering expectation. The Duke himself studieth nothing but wealth, for which he liveth both sparingly and basely, not caring by what means his yearly entrado is augmented, taking the indirect profit of common Inns: He is of the family of Medici's, and his subjects (if I may so term them, which do what they list) are fine speakers, but buggers, and blasphemers. The fourth room of Italy's palace is opened for the delicate state of Leuca, a Signiory and City of that riches, Leuca. and estimation, that in comparing it to so much ground again, you shall easily find the difference: For being not 20 mile square, yet can they muster 3000 horse, and 15000 foot: they make much silk, and are well conditioned Merchants: their chiefest Podesta or officer is called Confaloniero, changed every two months: his council are of the chiefest Citizens, altered every six months; they live altogether for the time in one Palace: they have had many Governors, but at the last the Cardinal (as you heard) purchased their manumition, and they as apprehensive are resolved to maintain their privileges. The fifth share is taken out of Italy's lap by the Venetians, who boast of great antiquity, have a Duke during life, Venice. chosen by the balls of the full Council, who is at this instant a Donatus, and are proud of their great possessions, but might have gloried, if they had not lost their first footing. Within the land they keep close Forum julij or Friaull, with the territories of a large country round about Venice itself, which is called the impossible within the impossible, scited in the sea, and divided into such channels, that you go both by water and land to their houses, which indeed are handsomely contrived, and belonging to the Noblemen worthy the reputation of Palaces; yet are the streets so narrow, that they endure neither horse nor cart, neither doth their Gentlemen wear sword or cloak; nor is any fresh water, or good air belonging to the same, more than what is brought them, or they reserve in pargetted cisterns, as in Zealand and Holland when it raineth. Padua is their University, and a large town, famous for Titus Livius and Peter Auenons' birth, who made the baths under the mountains some five mile beyond, where the vipers are taken; it retaineth a goodly monument of a Hall, keeps Antenor's tomb in the streets, and dare tell you, that S. Luke's sepulchre is in the Church called the Santo: Palma is a fine town, and strong in fortification: Verona a famous City, whither the Noblemen resort, who much stomach the Venetian government: Vizenza is a delicate Academy, and hath a stately & yet handsome theatre: Crema a frontier town, and well guarded: Vdine comely and convenient enough after the Italian manner, and superstitious alike. Treviso hath a fair Piazzo, and showeth some wanton Courtesans: and Brescia, where the language is corrupt; for belike they have beat out the fineness with hammering their armours. On the other side of the Adriatic sea, they command the pleasant shores of Histria, Dacia, and Dalmatia almost as far as Ragusa: a little further in their own Gulf, and amongst the musters of the Greek islands, they protect Cephalonia, once Ithaca, or the country of Ulysses. Corfu, where the strong Castle is accounted a principal piece of workmanship: Xante, an Island famous for the valleys yielding 4000 tun of Corans every year: Zerigo, and many other islands, in every one of which they have for Governor one Provisor, and two Conciliarij as assistant: they had also many other fortunes, but tempus edax rerum, and the Turks greatness hath almost broken the chain of their prosperity abroad in pieces: For they have lost Rhodes, Cyprus, and some other commands; yet do they keep Candy in the Mediterranean sea, whose Governor is privileged with the title of DUKE, and hath potestatem vitae & necis. Modena is the sixth step of Italy's glory, and an hereditary Dukedom, full of riches and fashionable Gentry, Modena. newly allied to Mantua, and reasonable well fortified against his dangerous neighbour in Milan: The country is very pleasant, and conducteth you to those plentiful water-pooles, called Lago de Garda, and Lago de Como; the first under the Venetian, the next belonging to the Cardinal of Trento, and both very near 50 Italian mile in length, and 30 in breadth. On the seventh degree of honours chair, as he is mounted Mantua. in Italy, is Mantua placed, a new Dukedom of an old Marquisate, in the name of Gonzaga: He liveth in better fashion of Courtship than the other Princes, with a guard of Swissers; the City is large, boasteth of Virgil's birth, the delicate streams of Po, over which for all the swiftness and breadth, a gallery bridge transporteth both coach, cart, and horse, and under which are preserved many courtly barges both for magnificent shows, pleasure of the water in summer time, and necessity of the inhabitants at all times. The eight prize of Italy's lottery is proclaimed for the Parma. Dukedom of Parma, connited to the house of Farnesius a Spaniard, and signorising over Macentia and Mirandula, not only holdeth up a stately countenance of three magnificent Cities, famous for many alterations, proud of well contrived ramparts, boasting of handsome women, and exposing an extraordinary profit from the vent of several country merchandise; but openeth the plentiful fields of increase, and giveth cause of wonder for many temporary blessings. The ninth proportion of this country's happiness is distributed to the Duchy of Millan●…, a principality in times Millano. passed of such eminence, that like a fair shining planet in a conspicuous orb, it once had a prerogative of title and goodness over other Dukedoms: and how ever the King of Spain hath charged Count Fuentes to overlook the City and country, and Don Diego de Piemontel to superuise the Castle and Garrison; yet is the bravery of the place very little abated, nor doth the Nobleman shrink under the burden, but carrieth his load lightly, how ever his inward groans are breathed, and lifteth up a face of cheerfulness, as if he drank wine, and fed on oil indeed according to the properties of either. On the tenth rondell of Italy's ladder is Genoa mounted, a rich, proud, and sumptuous state; yet much perplexed Genoa. for their perfidious dealing with the French, and now depending on Spanish protection; hath a Duke by their constitution, and placed or displaced according to the mightiness of factions, or favour of the Clergy: The City hath many buildings of eminent sumptuousness, and is not so filled in the ranks of reputation, but that they jest it thus with the air birdlesse, the sea fishles, the mountains woodles, the men respectless, and the women graceless. On the eleventh seat of this Country's councel-chamber hath residence the Province of Trent, famous Trent. for a General Council, and lieth warm under the alps neighbouring Germany: you may pass to it through the famous lakes of Lombardy, De guarda, and De Como, from whence arise those swelling springs, that fill the streaming river of Padus, and strengthen the City like an Island, except it be toward the West, where yet you shall behold a reasonable fortification, and a well murited wall with ramparts and ravelings: It is subject to a Cardinal, who like a Count Palatine taketh all jurisdiction upon him, and with the two mastering coorbes of the world praemium, and poena, governeth the stern of this principality. The twelfth place to make the jury the fuller, is assigned to Piedmont, the flourishingst part of Savoy, as opening the Piedmont. gates of his chiefest palace, and City Turine, where a Citadel of Spanish Garrisons taketh account of all passengers, which come over the Alps; it sendeth the river of Po through the country as far as Ferrara into the Venetian Gulf; and having many Knights of Malta within her walls is ready for their succour, which way soever it chance, and they again for hers, as reciprocally depending upon one another, and however they are all jealous of the Spaniard, they yet dare not breathe it aloud; but sure I am when I passed through Italy, and that the Cardinals Aldabrandino and Caesario came with a treaty to have the Prince of Piedmont and his brother under the King of Spain's protection, the Secretary was imprisoned by the Council of State for urging the matter in the King of Spain's behalf: so that there is probable suspicion, that the Savoijen and Spaniard will not continue long friends for all their alliance: it receiveth the customs of Merchants traveling over the Alps, and maintaineth the office of Dacij, and could be contented to have either Milan or Naples annexed to his Coronet. But if you will have Savoy fly with her own wings, you must hearken a little after some antiquity. CHAP. XII. The story of SAVOY. THE country of Savoy is all mountainous even from the fields and champain of Sa●…y descr●…d. Lions to Mount Sinese, the only passage of the Alps into Italy: It is called Sinese, quasi nunquam sine nive, never without snow, and is indeed a dangerous, tedious, and cold travel even in the midst of summer: but Savoy hath many other hills, as Aguabelle, and Agabellette, and is every way full of strange and uneven journeys, so that it shall not be amiss to derive our discourse from the etymology of the word, which may serve to confront ignorance, and enrich us with the knowledge of things, which is no great burden, but rather a happiness, according to the Poet, Foelix qui potuit rerum cognoscere causas: You must then understand, that this strange and unsavoury nation, by reason of the straight and narrow ways to travel in, was ever subject to thieves, and being slenderly inhabited had not sufficiency to protect either themselves or passengers from the confused rages of men addicted to spoils and murders: whereupon it continued in the name and scandal of Maluoy, the ill or mischievous way, until a worthy adventurer of the country attempted a reformation, and show'd these disordered people the strength of a more powerful arm, prevailing so far, that by his industry and fortune, these enormities were not only purged, but the first causers removed, I mean the robbers and thieves were either slaughtered outright, or publicly executed for a terrifying example, and as a reward to his virtues, the end of his labours had a quadruplicitie of blessings: First, the Emperor made him a DUKE, gave him part of Italy called now Piedmont, as if it would speak for itself, that it is a country at the foot of the mountain, and invested him with iura regalia, not to be accountable to any Prince for his actions within his own territories. Secondly, the country itself changed her title from Maluoy into Savoy, quasi salva via. Thirdly, these incredible mountains erected houses, entertained husbandmen, and cattle, and builded Chapels, where a man would imagine an impossibility of footing. Last of all, it was stored with forts and castles, in such a defensive manner, that some of them at this day rank themselves in the highest form of bulwarks and and ramparts. But I must not thus pass over their accounts, nor vilipend their glory. For they boast of antiquity of Kings, as that Hannibal found Brunco disseised of his inheritance by his younger brother, and so rectified that discord. That Bitultus or Bituitus, another King, was taken prisoner by Q. Fabius Maximus, some 50. years after Hanibals passage into Italy. And that Cotius reigned in the time of Augustus the Emperor, so that till the Goths and Vandals dissolved all governments of the West, these countries remained firm in their former renown, as part of Gallia Cisalpina: but afterward mischief was added to mischief, till it was concluded otherwise by time and worthy endeavours, as you have heard: whereupon Chambery was the chiefest town on this side the Alps, situated in a delicate rich valley, full of Gentlemen's houses, on the other side of the mountain Agabella, over which the traveler spendeth commonly five or six hours: it hath a handsome castle now manned with Spaniards, in the behalf of the Duke, the City is orderly ditcht and fortified, & by the favour of a pretty river, hath commodity of a reasonable water, otherwise it is snowy through the country, and the people are Strumosae, as in Switzerland. The suburbs are not fully recovered of her ruins, which they were subject unto in the year 1600. when the King of France, as stomaching the cunning violence of the Duke of Sauoy's detention, of the Marquisat of Sallust, came to Grenoble by the marches, and after good survey besieged Chambery, lodging in the suburbs, and commanded Villeroy to parley with jacob and the Precedent Rochet, about the surrendering the town and castle, whom at last the people compelled to a composition, as finding it impossible to resist the French forces: thus within three days was the town, and within six the castle surrendered, and Le Buise a Gentleman of Dauphin left for Governor: but the success of these actions was not comparable to the fortune of attaining mount Melian, and St. Katherine's fort, two of the strongest holds that ever I saw. For mount Melian is Mount Melian. seated on the top of an high and rocky mountain, the ditch banks very steep, and the defences consist of five great bastions flanked in most warlike manner, to which is but one passage, and that from the town. The King (according to the condition of men) transported only with outward shows, said it was impregnable, but understanding himself afterward a little better, commanded to besiege it: so the Marquis Rosny, great master of the artillery, drew up seven canons by the force of arms, and strength of men, and two batteries were made by De Bourdes, Lieutenant General of the artillery, against the bastions of Maivosin and Bovillars, besides an old Tower, which had been shaken by Francis the first. The Fort was commanded by the Earl of Brindis, who had all provision for his defence, and like one of David's Worthies, proved an honourable Servitor, had not the Duke failed, and broke his word, leaving him to such a fortune, as extremities accustom. For he held it out four months, after many thousand shot of forty canons, whose voices sounded out nothing, but terror; and effects made way unto fear and mistrust: and accordingly, seeing the French had too good footing to be removed, a composition was condescended unto, and the castle surrendered. The town of Aguabelle is situated at the foot of a great rock, as if it lay asleep in the lap of security. By it Aguabelle. runs the river of Arck, it was surprised by the good endeavours of the Signeurs of Crequy and Morges, not giving them of the castle any leisure to burn it. At the same time was Conflans commanding the passage of Tarentays and Carboniers, with all the straits of Morien in the King's hands: but if you would know what pleased him indeed, it was the brave surprisal of St. Katherine's Fort, a gift as if fortune should open her lap, and bid him with cheerfulness be his own carver. For it is scited on a high hill within six mile of Geneva, and not only overlookes the Country, but raiseth her rocky sides in such a manner, as if it cared neither for battery, nor bullet, but would return them back again, as you see a man spit against the wind to his own defiling. Concerning Geneva, by the water it seems impregnable, Geneva. as washed with the pleasant billows of the lake Lemanus, and yet made unaccessable, by reason of certain marshes, over which neither horse nor cart can travel: by the land it hath all the helps of art & nature, yet not without danger of treason and stratagems: but that I am persuaded God hath reserved it, as little Zoar was a city of refuge, when all the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha were on a blaze round about it. So Savoy, the King of Spain, the Pope, and her own treasons were all disappointed, and it still remains in the freedom of ablessed protection, boasting of nothing more, than her 300. years continuance in an uniformity of religion, and that it retaineth the true method of the primitive Church. But to St. Katherine's Fort again. It consisteth of five bastions, which are not walled but ditcht. well furnished with artillery, and had 600. men to defend it, who yet were in several distractions, when they perceived the confidence of the King's army, not to take all that pains without further satisfaction; so they submitted to the clemency of Count Soysons, after the King was departed, to go meet the Queen at Lions, and thus were these impregnable places made the tennis-ball of fortune, and left us this observation, that men, money, and endeavours, will overcome all disasters, and make the very mountains yield to heroic resolutions. This is that Fort, which was excepted in the composition between Savoy and France. This is that Fort, that was to keep the Country in obedience. This is that Fort, whose government being denied to Duke Byron, startled his resolutions, and plunged him in the irrecoverable gulf of discontented treasons. The town of Moriana is beautified with a College, Monastery, and Churches, and took the first name, either because the people are swartish & black; or the earth (like some places of Aethiopia) resembleth clots of pitch, and so indeed their swine are of the same colour. A little further lies Bramont, a city of that antiquity, that Caesar filleth some part of his Commentaries with her relations. The passages to all these places are somewhat fearful to strangers. For to ride under, and behold such mighty mountains and rocks, to see the snow dissolve and run down with that impetuous force, making such anfractus and ruptures, that divers hundred mills are turned with the same, to hear the terrible noise of the channel, whose foundation is huge stones dissevered from the hills: to see the pine trees stand under like a carpet, ready to receive the falling of the snow, is a thing both of admiration and pleasure. But for mine own part, it startled me not at all, in regard I had marched over some mountains and places in Ireland; especially Pen men mawre in Pen men mawre in Wales. Wales, which for the length of the passage, is the fearfullest that ever I saw, because the stony rock hangeth over so many hundred fathom high, and the sea lieth under as great a depth: so that a quarter of a mile together, the way is not eight foot broad, and (as it were) patch up in the broken places, with furs and bavin, to keep both horse and man from slipping. Besides, after a great frost you shall have an hundred load of stones fall at once from the rock into the sea, and almost batter the fence in pieces, which in the fearful report, and sudden viewing by a new comer, must needs be troublesome, and indeed surmounteth any place of Savoy, or the Alps. Thus much for Savoy, whose eldest son is now called Prince of Piedmont, having his court a part from the Duke's palace, with a small guard of Swissers, and liveth in reasonable eminence, knowing his father to be an absolute Prince, himself a nephew to Spain, & nearly allied to the house of Austria. As for the Duke's jealousy of the power of the Clergy, and the Spanish encroachments, I am resolved (like a smothering fire) it will one day burst forth into flames of despite, and did he not rather fear France, as a near neighbour, and more dangerous adversary, he would peradventure attempt further into Italy, in despite of Spain's overwatching. But because it is a thankless labour to glean the fields of other folks harvest, and that you have whole volumes of the Spanish, French, Low-Countries, Hungary, Venice, Portugal, and Turkish affairs, I will intermeddle no further: only I must speak a little concerning Milan, and so leave Italy between the straits of her own pleasures at home, and suspicion of foreign intrusion abroad. CHAP. XIII. The Story of MILAN. ABout the year 1492. the Realm of Naples revolting, Rhine Duke of Lorraine The occurrences of Milan. was sent for by the Pope to be invested King, which was the first motive for the French to be admitted into the attractive delights of Italy. For when many hands had (as it were) torn a pieces the peace of this Country, it seemed a charitable and meritorious work to contrive an establishment, and redacting it to uniformity, which the Controller of Kingdoms at that time, I mean the Pope, determined by this course, had not the very next year his mind received a further perturbation. For this Pope was a Spaniard, by the name of Roderick Borgia, or Alexander the sixth, whom the Venetians, and Duke of Milan being an usurper at that time, established in the Papacy, because they might be assisted from him in all their demands. Whereupon the Duke, by the name of Lodowick Sforza, and an uncle, surpriseth the Cittadle of Milan, insinuated into the love of the principal nobility, and confederated with many Princes of Italy, to corroborate his new got greatness. All this yet hindered not the next journey of Charles the eighth, King of France, who now pretending a very right to Naples and Sicilia, with much ado was incited to pass the Alps, and take his pleasure in these plenteous fields, in which, that his walks might be the more smooth, he condescended to certain articles with this Usurper Lodowick, much about the time that john the true Duke of Milan died, leaving behind him one son and daughter, in whose minority Lodowick, as he had before wrested the government, now assumeth the title, had not his forwardness been somewhat intercepted by this French visitation, whereupon he persuaded the Venetians, who of themselves were suspicious enough, when they saw the French Kings glorious entrance into Florence, to some interposition, and so both Milan and Venice grew jealous of King Charles his proceedings, which yet could not be so cunningly traversed, but he was made acquainted with their unconstancy, and held his peace till a fitter opportunity. For now he was to make his pompous entrance into Rome, where the walls both of the City, and the Castle St. Angelo fell down miraculously before him. By which occasion, as if the sword of jehu should kill the Priests of Baal, is prognosticated, that by the hand of France, the enormities of the Church, and the monstrous abuses of the Clergy, should be winnowed and thoroughly fanned: but it should seem there was a trick of prevention put upon him, and the name of an Emperor taught him another way to acknowledge the Pope's favour. For 1495. about the 12. of May he enters Naples in an Imperial habit, as Emperor of Constantinople, by the Pope's grant and confirmation: but he had not possessed it five months, before there was a general revolt concluded against him, as at the same instant Milan had done with Lodowick: whereupon the King somewhat fearful of an Italian receipt, or other strange surprisals, returns the next year home again, with purpose to renew the war, and reintegrate his former losses: but the Cardinal of St. Malo hindered it at that instant, had not the Princes of Italy, perceiving how the Venctian and Millenois triumphed for the departure of the French, incensed the King again to punish them both 1497. which was also interceded against by his brother the Duke of Orleans, who disclaimed in his own name or person to disturb the peace of Milan: yet had not sufficient authority to divert the King's designs, and so the wars of Italy were renewed. Now is Lodowick perplexed indeed, and compelled to prostrate himself before the Couchant Lion of Venice, and lower than the same useth so his submission, that the noble beast inclineth to succour him: yet in such a manner, as Israel assisted juda against Assyria, being fearful of extirpation herself; but as soon as the public enemy was departed, the emulation at one another's greatness drew whole armies into the field: so played Simeon, Eleazar and Ichoconon with the Romans, when their civil mutinies barricadoed the streets with heaps of slaughtered carcases, and filled the channels with the spilt-out blood of murdered men. For Milan is now jealous of Florence, Florence of Milan, both of Venice, Venice of both, and all three of the French: yet Charles goes on, and leaving garrison almost over all Italy, returns home again: but at his castle of Amboyse dies of an Apoplexy, 1498. after he had unfortunately struck his head against a low door, going to see a set at tennis. Lewis the 12. then succeeded, and not only claimed the Duchy of Milan, iure millitari, but takes upon him the style by right of succession, and a property of inheritance, as resolved to maintain, what his father had gotten, and so gloriously purchased, to which he is adiuted by all the supportation, wherein Pope Alexander could animate him, who to raise up his bastard son Caesar Borgia to a Princely throne in Italy, joineth with King Lewis in his enterprises, and so contriveth the matter, that Milan mutinies against Lodowick Sforza, and submits unto the French with Cremona and Genes. All this while is Lewis at Lions: but who will not run to The 〈◊〉 in poss●…ssion of Milan. carry so great a King glad tidings; so that he is quickly advertised of the fortunate proceedings of his army, and as quickly travels over the Alps, beating the way of Mount Sinese, entering Milan in triumph, and left for Governor, Philip Lord of Ravestine, and Baptista Fregose his Lieutenant. The castle was yet protected with the guard of 3000. men, and committed to the loyalty of Bernardine of Corte borne in Pavia, who by his good beginning gave life to their opinion, which supposed it impregnable, and not to be taken by force. But what men cannot in the Lions, they compass with the Fox's skin, and thus far deride both the strength of soldiers, and pride of fortifications, that where the mind may be corrupted upon any terms of disloyalty, neither walls, ramparts, nor manhood, can prevent the power and deceit of bribery. This appeared in the disposition or Bernardine, and Philip of Fresques; whom the cunning of Triwlce, and the disbursing 20000. crowns, quickly diverted from their first resolutions, and made a breach in the Citadle without mine or battery. Thus was the French possessed of this Duchy without competition, or diffidence, and Lewis the 12 made his royal entry accordingly. But mark the vicissitude of all things, Milan revolts again, and Sforza recovers all as easily, as he lost it, in which business the Swisses proved very disloyal to the French, and the lookers on were amazed to behold fortune proud of inconstancy, so that this use may be raised thereby: How ever men satisfy ambition for the time, yet are they certain of nothing under the sun. Again, when by indirect courses designs are concluded, they must stand the better on their guard, and prepare their patience when any alteration startleth resolution: thus fared it with Milan again. For as you see a glooing heat in April changed on the sudden to bitter blasts and cloudy tempests, so was Sforza's jollity reversed, himself surprised, taken and carried prisoner to Lions, where denied the benefit of a princely execution, and resolved nothing can be so acceptable to a man in misery, as a noble death, worthy the name of a Roman, he dies at once, whether for grief, or great heart, it matters not: yet doth the King of France pardon Milan, and at last keeps all in quiet. But the wars of Naples are renewed 1501. and the kingdom is divided between France and Arragon, so that great alteration happens in Italy, and within two years there is a general overthrow of the French with the taking of the Castle at Naples by the Spaniard: yet is not Benjamin discomfited, but calleth his brethren together, and with more settled courages reintegrate their estates, and so the French make head again, attending the good hour of a better prosperity. About this time in August died Pope Alexander the sixth of poison, which he had prepared for the Cardinals: but his taster by mistaking the flagons took away both his life, and the pride of his expectation concerning Caesar Borgia's glory, or his further desires to set the fuel of Italy on a blaze: After him to stint the strife of many Nations expecting the Papacy, old Francis Piccolamini Cardinal of Sienna was chosen Pope, by the name of Pius the third, in memory of Pius the second his Uncle, who made him Cardinal: but a young man must prepare himself to die, and an old man cannot live long: so he continues scarce a month, leaving his room, and the glory of all Rome to the Cardinal of S. Pierre, who was made Pope by the name of julius the second 1504 in which year Naples wrested her head out of the French collar, and seemed more glad to be supported by Arragon: nor was this sufficient, but upon a supposition to extinguish the light of the lamps of France in Italy, a new league 1511. was corroborated by the unsteadfast Italians against the French, which when the King perceived, and that he conjectured, how his bark must be driven to dangerous straights by the uncertain winds of alteration, he transported his Court and Council from Florence to Milan, and from Milan to Lions, determining to weary them with tedious journeys and attendance, so is Italy perplexed, and the Nobles repine without remedy; till at last the Emperor Maximilian spreadeth the wings of the Eagle, and clocketh the Princes of Italy under her sides: whereupon with the help of the Spaniard called the holy league, war is made against Lewis, and the Duchy of Milan recovered again to the use of Maximilian Sforza grandchild to Lodowick, who was invested Duke by the Cardinal of Zion about the end of December, yet by the Swizzes assistance, and loyalty, the Castles of Milan and Cremona hold still for the French; and the embers are not so extinguished, but fire appears, and yieldeth this comfort, that if they moderately proceed, a greater heat and more quickening light may be made. In the midst of which convulsions of Italy, Pope julius dies, and john Cardinal of Medici's succeeded him by the title of Leo the 10. whereby a second truce was ratified between Lewis of France, and the King of Arragon: so that Lewis made great benefit of this interim and cessation, confederating with the Venetians, by whose assistance he brought a royal Army into the Duchy of Milan: but the Pope having sent 40000 ducats amongst the Swissers, quickly weighed down their former steadfastness, and so when Milan and Cremona was stored with them, they were corrupted to be traitors to their first masters, and accordingly against all expectation, with an odious revolt encountered the French in as cheerful a manner, as ever before they had entertained the crowns of the sun against the Italians: so that ere the year went about, the Castles of Milan and Cremona return to the obedience of the Duke, and King Lewis held nothing in Italy but the lantern of Genes, which afterward the Genovais razed to the ground, both to prevent the occasion of future tyrannizing over them, and to manifest their inveterate malice against the flower-de-luce, though it glisteren never so gloriously in an azure field. Now dies Lewis 1514. but corruptio unius generatio alterius: For Francis the first survives, and renews the wars of Italy, passing the Alps the year following, and surpassing considering his Royal Army into the Duchy of Milan against the Emperor, Arrogonians, Sforza: and the Swissers contract a league, and advance a strength to shoulder the new French King from any firmness, nay if it may be footing in Italy; but like a Cedar of Libanus he standeth upright, enduring the shaking of these tempestuous storms, and so proceedeth to a warlike trial, whereby the 13 of September in a gallant encounter at Marignan, he prevaileth 1515. against the Swissers, besiegeth the new Duke Maximilian Sforza in Milan, and coadiuted by the Duke of Bourbon wrested this composition, that Maximilian shall be the King's pensioner in France, and the Swissers to depart with bag and baggage. Thus are the French once again welcomed into the pleasures of Lombardy, and Francis the first is Lord of this unquiet Duchy, which now is detained with a seeming security, because the Pope applauded the success, and according to the superstition of those times, and policy of temporising, blessed the royal standard of Valoys. But about the 20 of june 1519. the Emperor Maximilian pays his tribute of life to the first enlarger of breath, and Charles of Austria, competitor with the King of France, is preferred by the name of Carolus Quintus, inheritor of Spain, with so many titles beside, that the Heralds were troubled in the proclaiming them, and the style was tedious to be divulged. Between these two great Princes so many grudges increased, and stimulatory causes of enmity appeared, that at last open defiances proclaimed an unappeased war, and the trumpets of Bellona echoed nothing but disturbance in the fields of Europe, especially after the Pope declares himself against France, and by way of prophesy foretelleth the ruin of the French government in Italy, adding withal some ominous signs of calamity to ensue, and casting up an untoward reckoning in this manner: That on S. Peter's day at sunset, a lightning fell on the great tower of the Castle of Milan, and overthrew 6 fathoms of the curtain on either side, consumed 250000 weight of powder, 1200 fire-pots, salt for 5 years, and buried in the rubbish Richbowrg Captain of the Castle, with 300 Gentlemen of account: upon which advantage the 23 of November the Marquis of Pescarra with his Spanish bands, the Marquis The Spaniard taketh part with Milan against the French. of Mantua, the Cardinal of Medici's, and all the Emperors and Pope's confederates come to Milan, and once again recover it, sacking the Town which continued 15 days, in which time the Pope dying, a new Pope called Adrian the sixth, who was Cardinal of S. Sixtus, was elected, and admitted Sforza into Milan, had not the French the year following attempted to recover their losses, besieged Milan again, took Novarra, and presumed to establish themselves more strongly, which questionless they had done, but that the Venetians forsaking them, made the matter somewhat difficult, and left the Army staggering, like a tree almost tormented with the cruelty of many strokes, and waveth in the wind ready to fall with the next violence. At last the fatal stroke is given indeed, mischiefs throng on one another so hastily, that the French 1522 are expelled Italy, so far from hoping to augment their glories, that they are in despair to recover their own, formerly possessed. For presently the Castle of Milan yielded to the conqueror, the garrison was quickly dispersed, or rather consumed with sickness, the Spaniard insulted, the Italians trembled, and in a word all the French particeans were eaten out with hunger, diseases, and mutinies. Thus was Francis Sforza invested in the Duchy of Milan, and a general league between the Millanoys, Emperor, and Venetians concluded: but for all this success of the confederates (with the addition of the Duke of Bourbon's revolt to the Emperor) the French Army continues in Italy, and the Admiral with new forces breatheth out new malice against Milan, besieging the town, battering the Citadle, and trampling their best fields to dirt: in which times Pope Adrian dies, and julius Cardinal of Medici's is chosen by the name of Clement the 7. who to insinuate with the Emperor beginneth a strange work, and by the way of connivency permitteth him to usurp Milan for himself, whereupon all the Princes of Italy The Spaniard by the Pope's flattery looketh after Milan for himself●…. are terrified indeed, and not only repine against the Pope's proceeding, but go the plain way to work seeking by force of arms to propulse the Spaniard, wherein the better to prevail 1524, the French are recalled again, and by the glorious titles of Protectors of Milan, the Marquis of Sallust and Tremovile admitted for the French: But at the last the 25 of February, the fatal battle of Pavy determined all controversies, and the Emperor triumphed in the captivity of the King of France, which occasioned a very dissolution of the French government in Italy, as enforced to disclaim their interest both in the kingdom of Naples, and Duchy of Milan. Notwithstanding Francis Sforza is in no security of his estate, as suspecting the Emperors demand of 1200000 ducats for his expenses, and that he intended a plain usurpation of the whole Duchy, whereupon disabled by force to suppress him, he flies to the succour of his wits, and tampers with the Marquis of Pescara for the investure of the royal mantle of Naples, upon condition to endeavour the spanish expulsion out of Milan; which design and project the Pope and other Princes not only allow, but as principal agents are employed in the negotiation: but the Emperor Charles is incensed, and taking notice of these treasons, as he now entitleth them, raised up the dust, that made Sforza blind, and thus punisheth him, as chief delinquent. On the 24 of july 1526. he brings his Army to the siege of Milan, and with Caesar's speediness of Veni, vidi, vici, circumspecteth the City, obtaineth the conquest, and settles the Duke of Bourbon in the Duchy: nor is his anger so moderated, but seeing the father of charity durst transgress his own principles, he marcheth to Rome, and sacketh it, expulsing the Pope, not in admonitory manner, or after the discipline of the Church to excommunicate him ad coertionem; but with violence and terror to torment him ad ruinam, teaching him a new lesson of observing Emperors and Kings, and as far as time had discovered to his conscience, showing apparent signs of disannulling his authority in temporal affairs: nor desisteth he so, but understanding of new relief from the French and Lansguents, he hurrieth about with a full resolution to make due end of all. Thus endured this Duchy all the plagues depending on a miserable war, till at last 1530. the children of France are released, and a peace ratified between the Emperor and the French King, who in the articles of agreement surrendered his claim to all these territories in Italy, and the Emperor is proud, he hath so easy a passage into the country, which although seemed much distasting to the Princes, and was as thorns in the sides of the Clergy, as appeared The Spaniard absolute lie possesseth Milan. amongst the Cardinals, when they were enforced to ratify the same: yet was the Emperor careless of their displeasure, and proceeded in what journey he listed in despite of the Papacy; only with a colourable show of commiseration, he restored Sforza to the Duchy of Milan, but kept the Castles of Cremona, and it in his hands: so that presently after his death, it was incorporated to the crown of Spain, and hath ever since looked with the eyes of jealousy and repining upon all their Governors. CHAP. XIV. The description of FRANCE. THE flourishing kingdom of France ever The Topography of France. since that Charles the great did as it were spread the wings of the Cherubins over sanctum sanctorum, and ratified the glory of the Pope of Rome by expelling the Goths and Vandals out of Italy, was known by the characters of the Christian King, and eldest son of the mother Church. But long before it suffered a division into Cisalpinam and Transalpinam: Transalpinam again into Celticam, Belgicam, and Acquitanicam: whereby the best parts of Lombardy, the low Countries, and all on this side the Rhine westward marched under the standard of France, and was proud to be registered in the book of her accounts: so that whatsoever hath been since disjointed from this French frame, may be resembled unto children pulled out of the arms of a loving mother. But I will quietly bring you into her own rooms, whereby you shall partly behold the beauty and workmanship of her building: only by the way I must a little touch the Etymology of the word, and tell you, that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek signifieth milk, and so the people Galli of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. from their complexion, and resemblance to whiteness, were called Galli or Galati. For other particulars, you have Caesar's commentaries, and well compacted histories, which have tossed and tumbled the lodgings, yea the very beds of her chambers, and our own acquaintance hath over-lookt her choicest closerts. It was once the nurse of valour, and afforded her uberant paps in those days to such men, as trampled over the fields of Greece, robbed Apollo's Temple at Delphos, fetched away the spoils of Asia, and by the assistance of Brennus an Englishman performed actions of wonderment, and applause. It was afterward the pride of Roman Consuls, and the greatest ambition thought itself sufficiently recompensed with her government, when Rome had yet lessened her room to make it provincial. Presently followed the division of the Empire, and all the government almost of Europe was rend asunder with the fury of very strange and savage Nations, whose confused Chaos of barbarism the bravery and goodness of this country redacted to uniformity. A little while after divers families by being maiores palatij became masters of the Kingdom, wherein some by suppression, some by merit, some iure militari, and some by right of inheritance lifted up the crown and majestical head of this country: straightway the Eagle of Rome was sick, and from France recovered health, how ever afterward it sought for further cure from the Germans. Then followed the Law Salic amongst them, with absolute interdicting the Crown of this glorious Monarchy to fall to the distass: whereupon the three famous houses of Valois, Bourbon, & Lorraine entailed the same, and made as it were a feoffment of perpetuity, wherein this Diadem still keepeth her residence, and is dunged, watered, and liketh her manuring: so that whatsoever hath been long since divided amongst, many Princes, looking upon one another with the eyes of emulation, and ambitious desires to become greatest in the same, is now at length united under one Monarchy, and title of France: so that howsoever some will have Lorraine absolute of itself, and no subject: some stomach, that Burgoine is revolted: some repine, that Dauphin was united by donation: some confound Gascoigne and Guienne, abolishing quite the name of Acquitane: some remember, that Normandy was English: some presume of Brittany, as a Principate of her own: some make Savoy afraid, when Geneva calls the King of France patron and protector; and some by division and subdivision would extenuate her greatness: yet is now all France, and the worthy Princes are resolved to keep correspondency with strangers, but suffer no new intrusion, nor any foreign claims to prevail at their marble table: I will therefore desist from any further unwinding the yarn of strange bottoms, but spread a modern cloth, and give you some slender taste of her present dainties, whereby you shall not depart away altogether unsatisfied. To begin even under the mountains Pirenei, which Gascoine & Guienne. divide Spain from France: the first part is called Gasconia, including Guienne and Acquitane, Dukedoms once appropriate to the heir of England, before the investure of the Principat of Wales. The chiefest Cities are Bordeaux and Tholouse, washed with the plenteous waters of the Garonn, a river not only spreading her many arms abroad to send plenty all over the fields; but pouring out her greater streams into the sea, welcommeth store of ships into her ports and harbours, sending them back again into many countries of Europe with glad tidings of an abundant vintage. Bordeaux is watrishly scited, by reason the river, and springs raiseth many marshes here about; yet is it wholesome, and the heat of the climate can endure the moistness of the air; the City is ancient, and boasteth of an University, but more properly of the great concourse of Merchants: It is beautified with many monuments, especially the Palace, wherein King Richard the second, the son of the black Prince was borne; and another without the Town, a work ever since the Emperor Galienus, and then supposed a glorious amphitheatre. The town of Tholouse is more proud of antiquity, and telleth of time before Troy's devastation: yea remembreth since Deborah judge of Israel was famous for her wisdom and government. It hath now a well disciplined school, a court of Parliament, populous streets, and reasonable buildings, but indeed they seem very ancient, and for some special structures may carry the credit of magnificence. The other towns are many and very good, except country villages, which are as rude as in other places, and the Peasant liveth like a drudge, not daring scarce drink of the wine of his own garden, lest he should not raise such profit, as would answer the proportion of his rent. But herein our English Merchant hath somewhat overreached them: For they hire the gardens themselves, and make the best use of them, not trusting their labourers and husbandmen to handle the presses, but as they be hired by the day, or great. The second part is called Poictoy, a country so great, and plentiful, that there are numbered 1200 parishes, and Poictoy. three Bishoprics, & fain would have you reckon these principal walled towns within her division of inferior and superior: The bishoprics are Poitiers, Leucòne, and Mailezay: The superior towns Roch sur yond, or if you will Rochel, one of the strongest towns in Europe, and the rather because it hath not trusted her walls and ramparts, which are yet stupendous, and magnificent, but the Lord of hosts, and his true religion, which hath always raised their spirits to an extraordinary confidence of mercy, and prevailing against any Antichristian attempt: Talmont, Meroil, Vowant, Meruant, Bresfure, Lodun, Fountenay le Conte: The inferior, or towns of the lower division, Noiart, Partenay, Tovars, Moncontoul, Herenault, Meribeau, Chastelleraut, and others of like eminence, amongst whom Poitiers is reckoned the most populous of all France next to Paris, it is watered with the overflowings of Clanius, a river filling the Loire, and sending it the faster into the sea: it boasteth of some antiquities, a Theatre called the Sands; a palace of the Emperor Galienus; an aqueduct, to which belong certain fountains, vulgarly called arceux de parigne, and other memories from famous Romans, who were here ever resident: To talk of their Churches, prisons, walls, ports, ramparts, arsenals, towers, rivers, bridges, and such like, it were superfluous considering they are not subjects either of admiration, or delicacy, but even common or ordinary buildings. The third part is Anjou, though a little Province, yet very Anjou. fruitful, and affordeth such excellent vines, that the common proverb crieth out, the wine of Anjou. For the stately river of Loire coming from Orleans posteth a pace with the glad tidings of a plentiful country, and excellent husbandry in their gardens: The mountains yield a red stone and parget called ardoises; the valleys plenty of grass, the rivers fish, and the barrenest place pasture for cattle: The chief City is Angiers on the bank of the Meduan, not far from the Loire; yet is it joined by a bridge of stone to another on the other side, and so you may conclude, that two towns make one City: Here you have also ruins of theatres, vulgarly Brohan, and an Academy enlarged, or rather founded by Lodowick the second 1389: the other towns are Samurs, Belforce, Bange, and such like, of whose particulars my purpose is not to make relation. The fourth part is Britania, in times past Armorica: It boasteth for sending over such inhabitants into our country, Br●…taigne. as not only taught them a language, but peopled and possessed the same: We again are resolved, that though France was first inhabited, yet from the greater Britain the less received denomination, and by intercourse of people, affinity, marriage, and politic confederation, both countries learned one another's language. For being called Armorica, it at last condescended to be entitled little Britain, retaining a long time an absolute Duke of her own, and dividing her territories into low and high Britain: in both which are numbered nine Bishoprics, Carnovaile, S. Paul, Treguires, Doll, Rheines, S. Malo, Nants, Vannes, and Brein, amongst whom Doll hath the precedency, though Renes and Nants be the chiefest and greatest Cities: It is three parts exposed to the sea, and hath many strong ports, especially Breast, famous for sundry warlike exploits, and the last intrusion of the Spanish leaguers. The fifth part is Normandy, divided into the countries of Constantine, Bessin, Maine, and Auge, in which as principal Normandy. Cities are recorded Rouen, Pontoise, Alenson, Argenni, Caen, Baieux, and some few others: The people boast of their endeavours in spinning linen cloth, excellent wits, and able bodies for the wars: But of all other things, they would exceed (especially the Gentlemen) for mansuetude, courtship, and affability in attending the affairs of peace, and quietness. The sixth part challengeth the title of the I'll of France, a country so named, because it is in a manner environed I'll of France with excellent rivers, which make the ground so fertile, that for number of Towns, gentlemen's houses, places of pleasure, conveniency of provision, and other particulars tending to bravery and profit, it excelleth all the country: But her chiefest pride ariseth from the possession of Paris on the river Sequana, or the Sein, the mistress of all Cities; and Orleans on the Loire famous for many remarkable actions, between whom almost 40 English mile is one causey of stone, or otherwise there were no traveling, especially in winter: For all the ground is so fat and clammy, that Paris itself is called Lutetia of luto, or the durtinesse of the soil. The seventh part belongeth to Bourges, or Berry, a country Berry. boasting of many delicate things; but the City is quite out of patience, if you either forget her monuments, or contradict her first founder to be Ogiges, the grandchild of No: It is enclosed with the countries of Touraine, Bourbon, and Nivernois, and on the river of Loire washing clean the fields with his strange overflowings are erected Cosme, Le Charity, the City of Nevers with her long bridge, Molins, and many other towns, some of handsome eminence, and some of less consequence. The eight part is attributed to Limosin or Lemania, Limosin. containing the County of Auernge, and yieldeth such plenty of fens and marshes, that the fatness of the soil is both bettered and augmented thereby, however the air seemeth not so wholesome, and the Cities & Towns are fuller of inhabitants, by reason of nature's supplement in all things, and the easiness wherewith good husbandry dispatcheth her business: yet are they neither great, nor extraordinarily beautified: no not Lymoges, Clermont, Beurgard, Monferau, and Goudade, which are the principal. The ninth lot of France her renown, is taken out of fortune's lap for Languedoc, reaching to the sea as far as Languedoc Montpelier and Arles; on the other side Westward, Car●…ossen and Narbon: yet do some join Languedoc to Provence, and call all these sea-coasts, with the territories adjacent, by the title of Gallia Narbonensis. The tenth principal room of this French palace, is Provence. beautified with the Parliament robes of the several countries of Provence, Dauphin and Orange. For they account Arles, a town compassed with the streams of Rhodanus, rather in Provence then Languedoc, because it standeth (as it were) at the mouth of the river, to watch how the sea and the fresh water meets: as for Narbon, they esteem it the pride of the river Araxis, and boast of the great lake for her denomination accordingly. here about were those excellent baths contrived, spoken of so much in the Roman Commentaries: and Marius celebrated his triumphs for conquering the Cimbrians, who came thus far in those days, from that country which we now call Denmarck, to re●…st the Romans. To Dauphin they added a gracious allowance of the famous and ancient city of Lions, whom the 〈◊〉 divideth, and whose walls are so ambitious, that they ●…mb up to the top of very rocks: the river plays the wanton about the town, and runs a pace to Valence & Vienna, never leaving until he thrust himself into the Mediterranean sea, hard by Marselles, a city and port of great consequence: but is so separated from the river, as if it were afraid of his swiftness. But Lions hath yet more cause of insulting, in regard that all this part of France was called Gallia Lugdunensis, from her own name Lugdunum and divers monuments of waterworks, bridges, towers, and temples, were magnificent in Caesar's time. The province of Dauphin was given to the eldest son of France, with no other intent, but to name himself accordingly, by which occasion all Europe knows what the Dauphin means. To Orange is a town so named appropriate, & Grenoble with Avignon, are conjured within this circle. For although ever since the Pope made it his seat, & established here a Conclave for the Cardinals, it hath since rema●…ed firm to the Roman Clergy: yet is it sited in this province, and called France her natural mother: some reckon herein the three bishoprics of Carpentoract, Lissa and Vaurias, with many other towns, allowing us to call it the Principate of Orange, and will have us take notice, that the house of Nassau, which challengeth the glory of the Low-Countries, as by the worthy life of the last Prince of Orange (whose younger sons are still so famous for the Belgic wars) may appear: was extracted from hence, and glorieth in her denomination accordingly. For mine own part, I have thus bound them together within the girdle of Provence, and could find in my heart to make Geneva with her great lake and plains under the mountains, a daughter of France, although she hath urgently denied her first mother. Besides, however the Rhosne or Rhodanus cometh a pace out of Burgundy; it was once known by the name of Araxis, and telleth a true tale of an hundred several towns dispersed on his streams, and supported by his banks. The eleventh book of this noble country, openeth 〈◊〉. the leaves of knowledge for Burgundy, which was once a Kingdom, as absolute as the King of France himself; and is still a Dukedom and County graced with such royalties, that by their own prerogatives they have brought armies into the field, and proclaimed the absolute freedoms of their government: yea, in the latter times of contestation with France, they held the dignity of a Parliament: kept a full palace sequestered: and instituted the noble order of knighthood called the golden Fleece: some would annex the Duchy of Bar unto it, which I think more properly belongs to Lorraine, and many Earldoms of estimation. The petty rivers receive augmentation from the springs of her fields, and the swift Araxis is sent into the sea from her mountains. Her chiefest cities are Digion and Austune, maintaining regal tribunals, exposing ostentous edifices, boasting of great antiquity, setting out the bravery of divers monuments and palaces, and supporting the necessities of many people. The towns of the Dukedom would be called Latornelle, Rochpot, Chalons, Verdune, Seure, Argilly, Sausieu, and such like. The towns of the County please the inhabitants with the titles of jussy, Grace, Dole, Besanson, Quingay, Salins, Arboys, Paligny, Boutevant, Noseroy, Vennes, Chastillion, and divers others: none of which, but either boasteth of one excellency or other; some for making salt, some for fulling cloth, some for spinning linen, some for mines and minerals, some for excellent pastures, some for vines, some for cattle, and all for good building, plenty of Gentlemen, and concourse of people. The twelfth door of this Country's enclosure, is unlocked Lorraine. for Lorraine, however the Duke repineth that he is not a King with his ancestors, and still protesteth he will be as absolute within his own territories as an Emperor: nay, sometimes addeth the French King himself. For loving both alike, he will be auxiliary to either, and sometimes enemy to both, as being such a Prince, who advanceth and diminisheth at his pleasure the Marquisate of Ponce, the Earledoms of Vademont, Verdune, Blamont, Demanche, Marchen, and divers other coronets, with the immunities of sundry Baronies; all depending upon his praemium & poena. The towns of this country are Metts, famous for the emperors siege, and many warlike fortifications, Nancy, Voige, Chaligy, Vaudmont, Dompair, Rosiers, Rumbelluillier, and such like worthy description: but as I said in the beginning, I intent not to extenuate the endeavours of other men, either in their travels or commentaries, nor tell any abrupt tales, when such and so many famous Authors and Cosmographers speak so orderly and plainly. Therefore I refer you thither for more ample discourses, especially concerning such cities as I have overpassed, and yet flourish at this hour in several countries; it shall only suffice me to name the countries and principal places, that I may prepare you the better to attend my comparison, when I shall set out England to the sale with her ornaments of commendation indeed. The thirteenth room of the palace of France her Honour, is appropriate to Calais and Boulogne, maintaining the Boulogne. seashores over against Kent, and the sweet breathing mouth of the Thames in England: but in such emulation being so near, that either they complain to be thus long disjointed from her government, or seem offended that we ever possessed them, and could keep them no longer: much of this country once belonged to Artoys, and was divided between the Emperor and France, by way of composition. But if you would know, wherein and whereof it boasteth indeed, it is for two famous Dukes of the same, or if you will, but Earls; who by their valours and heroik endeavours, obtained the noble Diadems of the world: the one was Godfrey, invested King of jerusalem, and made like another Agamemnon, Captain General of the Christian army against the Saracens. The other was Stephen, son of Duke William's daughter of Normandy, raised to the dignity of England, and maintaining the possession against Maud the Empress and her son, during his life. The last part of this glorious Kingdom may include Vermond and Picardy, whose principal towns are Guise, Picardy. La Fere, Han, St. Quintine, Tornay, Chatel, Abevile, Amiens, Auxi, Peron, and such like, washed with the streams of the Some and Scaldis, whose rivulets make the fields plentiful in corn and grass, although the inhabitants are not industrious in planting of vineyards, which I rather impute to the indisposition of the soil, than their negligence. Thus you see with what a glistering crown the head of France is impaled in the chair of Majesty, and may visit the palace of honour with more and better attendance of Princes, Dukes, Earls, and Gentlemen, than any absolute Monarch of the world: yet because it hath some defects in mere matters of state, according to the true prosperity of a country: and that divers deficiencies chance somewhat disgraciously unto her, like stains and spots to pure linen, I cannot yield her the pride of happiness: because you shall see in my next book of comparison, wherein her fullness of glory is eclipsed, and how we ourselves enjoy many prerogatives before her. CHAP. XV. The Description of the Low-Countries. BEyond all, even to the sea, which made a sea of their fields and towns, lie the seventeen The glory of the s●…uenteene Provinces, as modern times esteem them. Provinces, called the Low-Countries, or Germania inferior. For alas, the name and title of Gallia Belgica is long since extinguished, although (as I said) all the Countries on this side the Rhine toward France, were reputed as France. Of these I must use a little ampliation, because I cannot choose but wonder, how any Prince would neglect such a benefit, as the peaceable possession of these places, which for goodness, greatness and wealth united with the love of the inhabitants, might have exceeded Spain itself, as by their revenues, multitude of people, cities, shipping, traffic with all nations, and homebred commodities, may appear. They are called Ditiones inferior is Germaniae, divided into Dukedoms, Counties, and Lordships, and known by these Characters: The Dukedoms, Brabant, Limburck, Luzenburg, and Gelderland. The Counties, Flanders, Artoys, Henault, Holland, Zealand, Namurs, and Zutphen, which is but one principal town, and some small territories adjacent. The Marquisate of the Empire. The Lordships, Freesland: for you must take notice, that East Freesland belongeth to a Prince of her own, and ever disclaimed to be subject either to Emperor or King, and so holdeth up a head of liberty accordingly, Mechlin, Vtrech, Trans-Ysell, and Groining. In these are numbered 228. great towns, murited with walls, ramparts, ditches, warlike ports, bridges, and fortifications. Besides, their guards are continual, either of their own Burghers, or Soldiers lying in garrison, according to the proximity of the enemy, importance of the place, necessity of affairs, or inconveniences of the time. The villages or dorps are 6300. beautified with embattled Churches of many several fashions, frequented with intercourses of people, adorned with handsome markets, and privileged by ancient immunities, fairs, solemn festivals, and neighbourly meetings; besides granges, castles, religious houses, towers, and younkers mannor-places. The air seemeth moist, especially of Holland and Zealand, with the sea-coasts of Brabant and Flanders; yet not prejudicial to the health of the inhabitants: for in the champain of Brabant men live an hundred years. The Country is every where visited with navigable rivers, nor come they empty handed, but afford delicate water and excellent fish: but what talk I of fish? when the large Ocean is so nigh, out of whose storehouse a man may take, without being called in question, or repining. It is beautified with many woods, affording timber to build withal, and the pleasure of hunting. It is smally, or not at all mountainous, except about Namurs, Luzenburg or Henault, It is fruitful of corn, grass and herbs, fit for pasture for cattle, and medicine for health: yet in some places of Brabant and Gelderland full of heath, which notwithstanding is not so barren, but cattle are fatted with the same, and their flesh hath an extraordinary sweet taste: It is free from those creatures, which are either noisome, or dangerous to man, and wanteth none of those blessings, wherewith the God of all blessing marketh a Country: but a noble Prince, unity of religion, and a quiet government. The Country of Limburck hath many names, and is a Limburck. province full of villages, it containeth part of the Dukedom of Boulogne, the Marquisate of Franckmount, the Earldom of Haspengo and Lootes, with many other Baronies. There are brought into the lists 24. great towns, amongst whom we begin inprimis with Liege, situated on the Maze, as having a Bishops See, a delicate castle, & many well-ordred edifices: the dorps are reckoned 1700. besides abbeys and religious houses: toward the North adjoining to Brabant, it flourisheth in corn & hath some vines. Toward the South, neighbouring France and Lutzenburg: it is more barren, as intermingled with hills and woods, the remainder of that great forest of Ardenia, of which so many fabulous accidents are recorded. It containeth divers mines of marble and coal, and in such goodness of everything, that a proverb raiseth itself, to have bread better than bread, fire hotter than fire, and iron harder than iron. The Dukedom of Lutzenburg is for the most part mountainous and full of wood, in the rest well tilled, and Lutzenburg where they have stocked up the trees, excellent ground: what neighboureth France conserveth both their language and customs, the rest speak Dutch. The names of the Province and principal City have one sound, but it is ill divided, part on a hollow by the river Essa, part on a rocky mountain: so that it proposeth no great uniformity: but yet yieldeth a graceful object, and in retaining the authority of a Parliament, hath a pre-eminence of many greater and prouder towns. The next is Arlunum, quasi ara Lunae, as supposed, that they here worshipped the Moon. The rest are suitable, some for strength, as Thion on the mosel; some for commodity, as Baston, the mart of the Country, and adjacent to the forest; and some for contentment and orderly conveniency, as 26. others. The country of Henault is suitable to the rest, and marcheth with the same equipage of plenty and pleasure: the Henault. chief cities are Mons and Valenciens. To Mons is attributed the precedency, for antiquity, strength and riches: yet is it almost near the centre of the Land, and on a little river called Trulla, whose visitation makes the common people wealthy and industrious, especially in weaving of a stuff called Says, which here exceed all the towns of the Low-Countries. Valenciens is better sited on the river Scaldis, and is very spacious, well walled, and full of ancient buildings, the Citizens are great tradesmen, and gain much by the making of fustians, the rest are brought into the account with the number of 22. Amongst whom Binchium might have shown you a goodly palace, erected by Mary, sister to Charles the fifth, and beautified with gardens of pleasure to these uses. To beguile idle hours, to countenance a solitary retiring from the great encumbrances of the world, to quicken meditation with a corresponcency of time and place, and to invite the body to a better air, then commonly populous cities afford, it was yet destroyed, some would fain say defaced, by Henry the second, King of France, in those times of desolation, when intestine mutinies could not be appeased without effusion of blood, and the rage of Princes exasperated one another to sore revenges. here is also the ancient town of Ba●…aies, which flourished in the time of Constantine the Emperor. The rest are Charlimont, Manburg, and Philip's town, wherein the first founders, or rather re-edifiers, made strong defences against the eruptions of the French, and were resolved to divide the house of Burgundy for ever from the Flower-de-luce. Many other towns with the villages might be spoken of; but because there are few memorable things in them, I pass all over with such a slightness, as is required in a man, that maketh haste out of an idle journey, till he come to his place of rest, and better consequence. The country of Artois did once absolutely belong to the Flower-de-luce, as by the antiquity and situation Artois. may appear: But afterward in the contract 1529, it was patible of division, when the Emperor and the French King were weighed in the balance of success to set forward the renown of either's prevailing; so that when France was found too light, in regard that the false hand of fortune turned the scale on other side, twelve pretty towns fell from the King, as stones pulled from a ruinous wall, leaving the whole Province in hazard of falling too, had not the other part of the country succoured itself under the supportation of Picardy, and now telleth us of good corn, many rivers, much wood, and reporteth of the raining wool by the testimony of Saint Hierome, and others, who set it in the account of wonders. The Province of Namurs is plentiful of all things, that Namurs. belongeth to the use of man, as if the horn of Achelous were not only reserved here for a monument, but distributed abundance by reason of the virtue following the possession: it hath many iron and coal mines, of whose nature and condition this is observed, that whereas other coals are extinguished with water, and inflamed with oil; these are set on fire with water, and rebated in their heat with oil. It hath only four walled Towns, who dare thus lift up their heads above water to keep the bodies from sinking. 1. Namurs, situated on the two rivers Mosa and Scambra united by a well compacted bridge of stone, retaining a Bishop's sea, and keeping the solemnity of a Parliament. 2. Bovinum on the bank of Mosa, much defaced by the wars, being of late a rich, stately, and populous City. 3. The third is Charlemont, one of the strongest Castles in Europe, mounted on a high looking rock, whose foundation is washed by the river Gillet, and from the Emperor retaineth both glory and denomination. 4. The last is Vallencuria, whose etymology doth almost express itself: For here are all civil causes determined, and the villages of the Province bring their controversies to be decided. The Dukedom of Brabant challengeth a more plentiful description: For it hath 26 walled towns, and at Brabant. least 700 villages well inhabited, industrious people, and proud of their glory in retaining the presence of the Enfanta, and the Court of State in Brussels, where, by reason of the pleasure and conveniency of many delicate fountains, divers well ordered palaces invite you to behold even objects of magnificence, and the Noblemen boast, how they are better accommodated here, than in other parts of the country. Antwerp is scited on the river Scaldis, and so glorious for goodly buildings, famous marts, a beautiful Statehouse, delicate Churches, an Exchange for Merchants, an house for Englishmen, a wonderful Cittadle, an admirable harbour, and such like illustrations, that not long since it strove for the Coronet of Europe, and to be the Queen of Towns. Louvain is very populous, and graced with an University, which the Duke of Brabant, john the 4. erected. Mechline hath her estimation from the assembly of States, and deciding of controversies. Busumduce, a town of note for a public school, and the people's meeting to solemnize triumphs. Tiena, neighbouring the river Geta, from whence the cheese hath a particular estimation. Lewa, famous for drink brewed there. Nivella, proud of a monastery only of noble women. Arscot by the river Demera, in times past a Marquisate, but by the Emperor Charles advanced to a Duchy. Berghen-op-zoome, named so for the kisses of the river that saluteth it, and famous for the ancient Mart, and frequentation of Merchants; yet since Antwerp flourished utterly decayed. Megen, a place of contentment, glorying in the passages of the river, playing the wanton with her shores, and running up and down, as if it brought glad tidings of prosperity. Breda, a town of delicacy; yet may you in respect of her building add the Epithet of magnificent. Steneberg upon the sea, which once had wealth enough to invite Merchants to a banquet of commercing. Lira, a place so sufficiently pleasant, that divers Noblemen have retired thither, as repining against the troubles, which debarred them from more oftener intercourses. Vilevord raiseth her fame from the strength of a well situated Castle, and the fear of a soule-terrifying prison. Gembloures can show you a Lord Abbot, as free and imperious, as a Count Palatine in his jurisdiction. judoigna boasteth of her nursery of Princes, and that the wholesomeness of her air inviteth them to an abode of wantonness and contentment. Hannutum maintaineth the credit and estimation of an Earldom, and addeth withal the blessing of a most fertile country. Landen lifteth up the head of age in such a manner, that she warranteth herself the first, though not the best of Towns. Halen is notorious for the wars and many devastations by battery of the Canon, and breaches made in her walls and bulwarks. D●…ist, a town washed on both sides by the fluent river of Demeta, it is of great receipt, and famous for woollen cloth, and the profit arising from thence, as if it were powered by the hand of plenty into the laps of the inhabitants. Sichnum proud of the kisses of the same stream. herentals full of clothiers, and of such inhabitants, who boast of of their labour and handiwork. Endove upon the river ●…ommela, which watereth the fields of the champain, and maketh very seeming barren ground exuberant: and Hellmount raising her walls upon a hill, and is both overlooked, and defended by the fortification of a well munited Cittadle. The country of Flanders is nobly divided into three parts, Teutonicam, Gallicam, Imperatoriam, and plentifully 〈◊〉. watered with three principal rivers, Scaldis, Lisander, and Tenera; affording this reason for Imperatoria, that it never acknowledged any superior, but their own Earls, and therefore had also the attribute of proprietory: For as the Dukedom of Milan boasted with a superiority before other Dukes; so the Earldom of Flanders had the prerogative of other Counties, in regard that with Kings the Earl's style had this emphasis, Comes Flandriae Dei gratia; yet were they afterward subject to France, and numbered amongst the 12 Peers. It retaineth the estimation, and advanceth the walls of 28 Cities, ploughing the fields of 1200 villages, whose enclosures yield plenty of grass toward the West, and bringeth forth strong oxen for tillage, and horses for service, as you may see by their beautiful mares, of whom we make such good trial, and use in our Carosses. The blessings of milk and honey fill their cups even to overflowing, and the abundance of wheat might once have told them, that it was no miracle, when Isaac sowed in the land of Abimelech, and received a 100 for one, because they have reaped, and found after harvest 60 for one. The people are gentle, and the women straight and comely: their husbandry is graced with the sale of linen cloth, and their Sempsters boast of bonelace, and delicate needle-workes: but concerning the Towns the principal are thus the subject of relation. Gaunt hath a wall of 9 mile circumference, but possessing much waste ground is not very populous, nor filled with houses, although three rivers are at strife for her partition, and making 20 islands of her territories, challenge one another for lifting up most land above water: but in truth the inhabitants in her behalf complain of the misery of many sieges, and that her fortunes have been as it were tossed to and fro with extremities: For she hath tried the several dispositions of French, English, Dutch, and Spanish, boasting of nothing so much, as the famous birth of john Duke of Lancaster, son of Edward the third, and in the right of his wife King of Castille; and that memorable retreat, wherein General Norris with a few resolute English confronted the whole Army of the Prince of Parma. Bruges for delicacy of buildings, sweetness of streets, frequentation of merchants, and strength of walls did once surpass all the towns of the Low Countries, and still boasteth, that however her reputation is somewhat diminished, she was yet the occasion of the credit and glory of Flanders. Ypers raised her wealth from the endeavours & industry of Clothiers, until the English with the help of those of Gaunt destroying their great suburbs, overthrew likewise their traffic, & brought more ruder hands to pull their looms & mills a pieces, then laboured in their first building, and raised them up: the rest with the villages, castles, houses, Churches, bridges, and such like structures of admiration, are worthy of further enlargement: but the book fills already too fast, and I purpose another thing, then to patch up thus an ill favoured cloth out of the shreds of other men's Cosmography, who tell you of Turwin and Tornay, and those noble endeavours of Hen. 8. when the King of France claimed Artois and Flanders, as well as Picardy. The Province of Gelderland is altogether champain, yet intermingled with woods, and stored with every Gelderland. thing to satiate our desire, especially if we look after plenty of corn, and pasture, which both stuffeth full their garners, and fatteth their cattle, insomuch that they bring them lean in great herds from the furthest part of Denmark, to receive here, as it were a more seemly form. It is visited with the three rivers of Rhine, Mase, and Whale: it hath 22 walled towns, attended on by the care and diligent service of 300 villages, amongst whom Numegam is metropolis, and indeed boasteth not only of antiquity, but the royalty of a King, had not time worn out the shining brightness of his Crown, or some boisterous hand pulled the sceptre out of his arm, and shouldered him quite aside from his Throne; or else it was as the Kings of Cities in Mesopotamia, Reges à regendo, when nine of them made battle together, and the prevailers spoiled Lot, and took him prisoner. Herein is also contained the country and Earldom of Zutphen. Zutphen, and the delicate Island of the Betto, how ever Holland would challenge her of disobedience, if she should call another mother. For Goricum, Worchum, and many other towns are reputed hers, only Arnham on the other bank of the Rhine, with the sweet fields of the Vellwe, will still belong unto Gelderland, and could tell you of a sconce builded over against it: of another on the bank of Icell: of another before Numegen, where that valiant Germane Sir Martin Skinck lost his life, and was tossed from grave to grave, until a military ceremony laid him in an honourable place of rest: and of another at the point of the Island, dividing the river into the Rhine and Whale, which says you can scarce show such another, and is proud of nothing more, than her founder, and title: For it is called still Skinck sconce, and could affright you with the relation of many strange designs, and changes of military service, as if the Armies chose these parts of the country to play at base in, and as it were dance a mattachene in armour. For I myself knew the leaguer one year in Gelderward, within two mile of Eltam; another year at Bommel; a third at Berck; a fourth in Cleveland, etc. It flourished under Otho the third Earl of Gelderland, who walled in Ruremond, Arnham, Harderwick, Bomell, Gooch, and Waggenhen, and so held the title of a County until Rheinaldus the second, whom for his valour, justice, piety, and other virtues the Emperor Lodowick lifted up to the dignity of a Duke in the presence of the Kings of England, France, and the Prince's Electors 1339. Zealand is a new name, and not read of in ancient histories, as if a man should say, a country compounded both Zealand. of land and sea: For it is every where distinguished with islands, which are environed with water, and known by 15 several names, against whom the sea hath much prevailed, and not long since with violent inundations swallowed 300 of their inhabited towns; so that now you may sail by the steeples of Churches, and not knowing the reason, wonder to what purpose the Towers were so erected. There remain now three principal, which are preserved against the rage of the Ocean with exceeding cost, and powerful industry, namely Walcheren, Schoven, and South-beveland: and four inferior, Divelant, Tolen, North-bevelant, and Woolfersdike; which are graced with the prerogatives of eight walled towns, whereof six continue their Estates Deputies for the whole County. Midelborough, Flushing, Camphor, and Armenden, which hath no voice, although it cry out never so loud, that it standeth with the rest in Walcheren. In Schoven, Sirexee, and Bucers' haven, which hath likewise no voice. In South-beveland which is the greatest and fertilest Island, the town of Tergowse; and in the land of Tolen, the town of Tertolen, and Martin's dike, which hath also no voice. These islands are preserved by the downs, which be certain banks of sand cast up with the tides, and where there are no sands, as toward the south, the dikes are raised by the industry of man, and proportioned with equal height to the rest; all so rammed with mats & casses of faggots 6 or 7 foot long, that it not only performeth the effect of their security, but seemeth an artificial gracefulness, and being so near England is worthy the over-viewing. In times past the Marquis of La Vere, and Flushing were only at the General Counsels of the country, now the places are supplied with Deputies, and new times have given way unto new orders: For these inheritances and titles are incorporated in Prince MAURICE of NASSAV, and the Abbot of St martin's in the town of Midlebourgh, which at this instant is the Court of Zealand: As for the Prince, he is the servitor of the States, and can do nothing absolute of himself without their direction: And for the Abbot, his name is extinguished with his superstition, and the reformation of religion hath also reform his very title and authority: so that the Estates make the Democratia a princely government, and assume to themselves the power of life, death, controlling, punishing, rewarding, and resolute ordering all their affairs, except in cases of necessity, wherein there is no disputing, nor interiecting any cause of imputation either of negligence, or improvidence: For so great Princes either diminish or augment their illustrious royalty, and monarchs whose pride at the first swollen over the banks of prevailing, have in one age been left bare on the sands of an ebbing fortune. The chiefest trade of the inhabitants is navigation, fishing, and making salt: yet within the land they employ themselves to tillage, and feeding of cattle. The people do so multiply and increase, that they are compelled to enlarge their Towns, as well for their own inhabitants, as frequentation of strangers, who since the troubles of Antwerp resort hither extraordinarily; but if I should add the bravery of fortifications, I should do them no wrong, nay I might augment their glory: For Flushing is one of the strongest Towns of Europe; and Middleborough so ramparted and guarded, that a very military renown is attributed unto them, and the Burghers themselves deserve well of all good reports. The province of Holland is (as it were) a Peninsule, circumuironed Holland, with water. For the sea, the Rhine, and the meeting rivers, open their doors in such a manner, that you may go (as it were) round about the house, except in one corner toward Gelderland. and although it containeth not in circuit above two hundred English mile: yet lifteth up the walls, ramparts, and warlike ports of thirty towns of such receipt, wealth and shipping, that the pride of Tyrus and Sidon, exclaimed upon by so many Prophets, had not greater occasion of raging and ostentation, however they are yet blessed with moderation, and restraint of distempered actions. The villages or dorps are four hundred, amongst whom the stately county of the Hague advanceth her countevance equal to a great city: for their court retaineth some show of princilnesse, and the old palace maketh demonstration of those noble customs and hospitality, which the ancient Earls in their former power maintained; yet because it is unwalled, neighbouring a pretty park of fallow Deer, and inviteth you to better retired places, than the towns of hurly burly and continual commerces accustom, it is reputed a Dorp, and seemeth much contented with her situation so remote from the foreign enemy of the State. Harlem with her spaciousness is founded most delicately; for as soon as you are entered, the pleasure of a pretty wood inviteth your abode, where the Citizen in the days of pastime make their honest conversation, the strengthening of one another's friendship. Besides, for bulwarks, harbours, shipping, capacity, intercourse, and noble meetings, it challenged the precedency of all the towns of Holland, & however Amsterdam hath got the start for riches, merchants, and navigation; yet hath Harlem a greater wall, and better compacted buildings. Dort or Dordrech some 150. years since was made an Island by the inundation of the sea, which with ungentle violence (at that time) washed away whole fields of firm ground, and like a barren unsatiate womb, filled her paunch with above 200. villages: It is a beautiful long town, and graced with the staple of Rhenish wine, corn and timber, brought in great, strange and long boats called Punts, which never go back again, but serve in these rivers as a receptacle of divers families, and many people who have no other dwelling then on shipboard, & if you demand how they live the voyage ended, & maintain their estates when the first business is determined. They spin, fish, follow the league with provision, carry corn and turf from town to town, and are employed for the use of bridges, to transfer whole armies over rivers; but to tell you that some of them are 160. foot long, and have three or four divisions or houses in one boat, would raise a suspicion, and peradventure make you smile at the fiction, but admire the truth. Delft is so named of a ditch, cut out between it and the Hague, and is a sweet and pleasant town, although the inhabitants are employed for the most part about brewing, and spinning of wool. Leyden boasteth of her antiquity, as deriving her original from the Legions of the Roman soldiers here resident, when the custom of war, and the coldness of winter did enforce them to garrison, and orderly sequestration: it is now an University, beautified with walks of pleasure and magnificence: yet cannot wash away the imputation of many traitorous revolts and unconstant resolutions against the government of the States. Gouda is a populous town upon the river Isell; yet could tell you of another of her own name, that runneth into the Ocean, as if it made haste to tell you, from whence it came. Amsterdam, besides the sea is visited by the gentle river Tia: yet seemeth sorry that she cannot be afforded the sweetness of her waters, and is so contrived as the channels of Venice, which direct you by boat from house to house: for shipping, it is one of the most famous harbours in the world, and hath such intercourse of Merchants and Sailors, that I have numbered 1000 ships of all sorts to go out at one tide: for buildings it equals the best, and for orderly watches and fortifications the Burghers have a blessed uniformity and glorious reputation. Enchusen upon the bank of the sea called the Zuidersea, is famous for the building of ships, which are here yearly built and orderly rigged. Horn hath the same foundation, and in May bringeth together such a fair of butter and cheese, and in such incredible manner, that almost all countries have supplement from thence. Alcmar likewise maintaineth the dairy, and encloseth such fields, that a very few acres of ground raise a good farm. Purmerndum boasteth of her first estimation, by reason of the palace and delicate castle, which belonged to Count Egmond, was within her walls. Edam hath great store of shipping, and such kine, that few oxen are larger: beside, here is sowed so much hemp, that most of the netting, which either Holland or Zealand use is here made. Sconhoven is a delicate town and place of pleasure: for indeed it is an attribute, or significant name from the attracting delight of their gardens, and hath a staple for Salmon. Rotterdam a great city full of shipping, yet rather boasteth of the birth of Erasmus. Brill is a town of defence, and was once causionary to England, in regard of great sums disbursed for the States, but now of late, by the King's Majesty, resigned into the hands of the States. Thus for strength, fertility, wealth, and plenty of shipping, Holland exceedeth any country in the world, challenging no more circuit of ground, as may be guessed by the year 1587. when there was 600. ships arrested in the Sont by the King of Denmark, and in 1588. it is well known, that in very short warning they supplied us with an hundred men of war, as for Cales voyage, the third part of that Navy was theirs: but if you look further, in the West and East-Indies, in the havens of Barbary and Africa, in the Arches, and Constantinople, in the Gulf of Venice, and almost all the frequented places of the world, the Hollander adventures, and is now a glorious Merchant and Mariner. To conclude, Holland, Zealand, and Freesland, smile in the possession of 2500. good ships, from 150. tun to 700. and although they have no timber, or at least very little growing for this purpose, yet do they yearly set upright 5. or 600. of one sort or other. Of all in the State's division, the City and Lordship of Vtrech. Vtrech is principal, as retaining an ancient Bishops See, and showing the ruins of a castle, erected to suppress the insolency of the inhabitants, who in a pride of their own greatness, made a continual sport of rebellion, it is now utterly defaced, and the loyalties of their hearts seem more firm, than the works of men's hands, assuring us that so noble a city and populous territories would yield a very ambitious Prince reasonable satisfaction, if it might be commanded by the authority of a Monarch, and had the unity of a well-ordered Commonwealth and Kingdom. The Country of Freesland would require an ample discovery Freesland. to extract her original, and relate her stories: so would Cleeveland, the land of Luke Munsterland, and some others reputed Neuters, that is, neither maintaining the Spaniard in his military invasion, nor supporting the States in their justifiable defences. But I refer you to their own & manyother commentaries, & content myself with a cursory travel, and what I can catch hold of by running touches. It is divided into two parts by the river Amisia, which cometh down by Embden: East Freesland challenging a particular pre-eminence and jurisdiction, as I said, by itself: and West Freesland suffering this partition, Ostergo, Groining. Westergo, Transilana, Drenta, Tuenta, the seven woods and Lordship of Groining, a beautiful town and famous for that siege, wherein were 80000. in the field on both sides 1594. when Prince Maurice obtained it for the States, being before overawed 1580. by the Duke of Parma. As it hath more cattle and pasture then other provinces: so more villages, & the inhabitants are more warlike, insomuch, that commonly there is a Regiment or two of Frizons in the army, when amongst the foot-companies there is scarce two hundred Dutchmen besides: yet have they many troops of horse, and are distinguished by divers characters, although they speak all one language, either high or Low-Dutch, as Resties, Lansguents, Frizons, Swissers, High-Germans, Dutch, and Freebooters, or Boot-halers. I have insisted the longer on the discourse of these Provinces, The Low-Countries is lost by the Spaniard. because you may see the errors of self will and ill counsel, even in the government of mighty Monarches, as I said before. For the conquest of the West Indies, the only greatness of Spain, was not, nor is so glorious to his ostentation, as the loss of the Low-Countries (when he might with peace & mansuetude have opened the arms of a loving father over them) grievous to his remembrance, and a very wound to his policy. Because if these countries were united, and altered from their Aristocratia or Democratia, choose you whether, to the uniformity of a Monarchy, affording to Caesar what belongeth to Caesar, raising their nobility, advancing the well-deseruers, increasing their estates, disciplining their able men to the service of the wars, and from the imitation of other countries endeavouring to raise their own glories, it would surmount all the revenues of Spain, which for extent of ground measureth six times as much; nay, if I added the West Indies, computatis computandis, I might be believed after some reasonable disceptation. For say a stirring spirit desired glory and pompous attendancy. From hence might be obtained infinite treasure, settled content, high magnificence, multitude of subjects, commerces of merchants, store of shipping, stately horses, loving people, and the glory of A general commendation. nature, beauty itself: so that if the archdukes fortune could raise him to such a height, if at first he honoured the Enfanta, with ushering her bareheaded into Brussels, he might then prostrate himself before her throne indeed, as one of the greatest Princes of the world. For although his hopes did depend upon other supportation, and in her own language he cries Kala, as peradventure determining a composition with his brother Mathias, if the peaceful Rodolphus were once discharged of his debt to nature, whereby she might be Empress of Germany: yet cannot a mere titular dignity come near so great a contentment, as to have the fruition of such a kingdom, and native felicity. But if delicate life and quiet establishment of temporal happiness were propounded, amongst these is honesty of contracts, probity of manners, truth of word, prevention of wants, fullness of wealth, delicacy of apparel, neatness of furniture, uniformity of building, magnificence of structures, plenty of viands, sumptuousness of feasts, liberty of conversation, and what else inflameth our desires to help our deficiency: yea the very behaviour of the women enforceth admiration. For being tall, beautiful, active, and familiar, they are yet free from those peenish humours of jealousy, lightness, & pride, which make us weary one of another: Besides all their words, & actions tend to simplicity, and modest plainness, retaining with all this supplement of wants, making of cloth, and knitting of lace and dainty works: But when I consider their mutual intercourses, their skill in buying and selling, their frequenting of the shops, their going from place to place without so much as suspicion of incontinency, and their love to their husbands and children even in the overflowings of natural imperfections, or if you will diseases of the Nation; I stand amazed, and swear, that virtue cannot be poor, and an honest mind will not be seduced for any worldly respects to the slavish corruption of las●…iuiousnes, or dishonesty. CHAP. XVI. The Monarchy of Great Britain. THE last of all Countries, and as many England. think the least, but such a least, as if a pretty spark of a pure Diamond should triumph over a border of soft topasses, is the kingdom of ENGLAND; now proclaimed under the royal standard of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, style enough, if the desire of man know what is enough. But alas, ●…nisi ab orb Britanni: wherein I think nature and glory played the silken Artist or Artificer, choose you whether, who in sorting out his commodities lays the principal aside for a friend, or his own use: so did our first mother deal with this ISLAND, allowing it a double portion of blessings before the other countries of the world for her own honour. But at this time you shall not hear me stammer out my words, considering Mr Cambden hath spoken so well and distinctly, as if a Lawyers cunning had not only enlarged some excellent matter, but doubly graced the same with good delivery, and pleasing elocution: Besides, I must in the second book untie her bound-up farthel, and come to more nearer particulars, and therefore there shall be now no further disputing of the same: yet Ireland hath made me amazed to see such an impossibility to reduce her, which me thinks cannot proceed from any innated hatred against us particularly (though it be an unsavoury truth) because in affecting Spain and France she disclaimeth their formality, and would fain besprinkle the beautiful faces of civility, government, forms of Cities, courtlines, majesty, and state, with the untoward terms and abuses of policy, restraint of liberty, covetousness, flattery, pride, and licentiousness: therefore I will be the bolder to speak a word or two of her unkindness. CHAP. XVII. The description of IRELAND. THE country and kingdom of IRELAND is generally for natural air, and commodity Ireland. of blessings, sufficient to satisfy a covetous, or curious appetite: but withal divided into such fastness of mountain, bog, and wood, that it hath emboldened the inhabitants to presume on hereditary securirie, as if disobedience had a protection. For the mountains deny any carriages, but by great industry and strength of men (so have we drawn the Cannon over the deepest bogs, & stoniest hills) and the passages are every way dangerous, both for unfirmenes of ground, & the lurking rebel, who will plash down whole trees over the paces, and so intricately wind them, or lay them, that they shall be a strong barracado, and then lurk in ambush amongst the standing wood, playing upon all comers, as they intent to go along. On the bog they likewise presume with a naked celerity to come as near our foot and horse, as is possible, and then fly off again, knowing we cannot, or indeed dare not follow them: and thus they serve us in the narrow entrances into their glins, and stony paths, or if you will dangerous quagmires of their mountains, where a 100 shot shall rebate the hasty approach of 500; and a few muskets (if they durst carry any) well placed, will stagger a pretty Army, not acquainted with the terror, or unpreventing the mischief. The Province of LEMSTER is more orderly than Lemster. the rest, as being reasonable well inhabited, and having some form of a Commonwealth; so that I find no mislike either for delight, or profit, but that the want of wood abridgeth their computation of happiness; yet questionless was the principal cause of our reducing them to civility, and the place wherein we first settled many English families. Some unite, and some divide the kingdom of Meth from Lemster, and make it a Province of itself, containing East-Meth, West-Meth, and Longford, wherein O Roorck is resident, supposing himself the greatest Gentleman in the world; yea contesting many times with Oneal, how ever with much ado he afforded him precedency: The country is very fruitful and pleasant, not so mountainous, but ill inhabited: For the wars, and their own bestiality, have not only made a separation of all good order, but even terrified both beast and fowl from commorance amongst them in many places. The Province of MUNSTER hath some Towns well Munster. advanced by the sea coasts, and many excellent harbours, wherein Ireland may boast over all the countries of Europe: The grounds adjacent are very fertile, and in many places afford cause of ostentation; but more inward they are very barren and mountainous, full of bogs, wood, and other remote places, whose fastness hath incited the people to overgreat presumption: yet because of the spatiousnes with men desiring good order, it might be reduced and reform, as enjoying plentiful and sweet rivers, full of fish, and some of sufficient depth to transport reasonable boats into the land. The Province of CONACH is divided from the rest by a Conach. goodly river called the Shanon, being as I take it the greatest of any Island in the world: For it fetcheth a course of 200 mile, and filleth his channel along the shores of Longford, Meths, Ormond, Limrick, and Kerry, yet serveth them in no great stead: For their shipping cometh no further, than Limrick, where it is five mile broad fresh water, and 60 mile from the main sea, from thence small cotts, as they term their boats, carry their wood, turf, fish, and other commodities: but for fish, as Salmon, bream, Pike, and divers other sorts, I shall not be believed to relate the numbers, and hugeness, by such as are enemies to observation, or the belief of the blessings of other countries. Within 20 mile of Limrick, as I take it, a little beyond, the praecinct of Caher-Castle a strange rock hath taken her lodging even cross the river, and filleth the room in such a manner, that almost the navigation is hindered thereby: but what cannot men and money do? and why should not these idle people be industriously employed to remove the same, & so free the passage to Athlone: As for an objection of impossibility; the judgement of men hath yielded to survey, and many examples have confirmed the effects of more laborious attempts. The south part, namely Tomond, (for by reason of the rivers interposing itself I see no reason why it should be disjointed from Conach) with Galloway and Clenricard is very stony, full of marble, alabaster, and jet, and hath better order both for number and good building in their Castles, than other parts of Ireland: The north from Athlone to the Abbey of Aboile, and so beyond the Curlewes as far as Slego, is of excellent temperature and goodness: These Curlewes are mountains full of dangerous passages, especially when the Kern take a stomach and a pride to enter into action, as they term their rebellion and tumultuary insurrections. On the other side the County of Maio consorteth with the pleasing place in the Kingdom, by whose beaten banks lie those famous islands of life, of whom a ridiculous tale is fathered, that nothing dies in them, so that when the inhabitants grow old, they are carried else where, which custom they have of late superstitiously observed both in these islands of Aran, and some other adjoining of the same condition, as they suppose. The Province of ULSTER, and called the North is Ulster. very large, and withal mountainous, full of great Loughs of fresh water, except Lough Cone, which ebbeth and floweth, as the Sea shouldreth aside the straights at Strangford, and with that violence at the ebb, that a ship under sail with a reasonable gale of wind cannot enter against the tide. These lakes nature hath appointed in steed of rivers, and stored with fish, especially Trout, and Pike, of such strange proportion, that if I should tell you of a Trout taken up in Tyrone 46 inches long, and presented to the L: Montioy, than Deputy: you would demand, whether I was oculatus testis, and I answer, I eat my part of it, and as I take it both my L: Davers, and Sir William Goodolphin were at the table, and worthy Sir josias Bodley hath the portraiture depicted in plano. Here are no Towns, or at least very few, but divers Castles dispersed, and the inhabitants remove their cabins, as their cattle change pasture, somewhat like the Tartarians, except in times of war, and troubles, then do they retire under the covett of Castles, and order their houses wound with rods, and covered with turffs, as well as they can, bringing their cattle even within their houses, lying altogether in one room both to prevent robberies of Kern, and spoil by Wolves. Amongst these every country is subject to the Law Tanist, which is, he which is best able to maintain the reputation of their family, is the great O, and commander. Through the Kingdom generally the winter is neither so cold, nor the summer so hot as in England, by reason whereof Harvest is very late, and in the North wheat will not quickly ripen, nor have they acorns once in a dozen year: their principal corn is oats, which are commonly burnt out of the straw, and then trod from the husks with men's feet; of this they make their bread in cakes, being first ground by calliots and drudges very naked, and beastly sitting on the ground, with the mill like our mustard quernes between their legs, and then upon broad iron presses they bake the meal when it is kneaded; which custom the best observe in Munster with their chiefest corn. The continual showers and mists make the country more dangerous to our Nation, debarring the absolute assurance of wholesome air, and the consequent health: seldom any frost continues, or snow lieth long, but on the mountains, in which are great store of Dear both red & fallow. The abundance of Wolves compels them to house their cattle in the bawnes of their Castles, where all the winter nights they stand up to the bellies in dirt: another reason is, to prevent thieves, and falseharted brethren, who have spies abroad, & will come 30 mile out of one Province into another to practise a cunning robbery. The people are generally haters of bondage, and beyond measure proud: so that the younger brothers, and bastards, who are as dear as the other, scorn all endeavours, but liberty and war. The Gentlewomen stomach, and in truth vilipend others, who get their living by trade, merchandise, or mechanically: yet are divers Gravers in gold and silver, called plain tinkers, who make their chalices, haps, buttons for their sleeves, crucifixes, and such like, in estimation amongst them. Their Noblemen, or Lords called Dynastas, are known by O and Mac, and every family hath such as minister justice to the people, famoused by the title of Breahans', and yet the exactions over their tenants by way of cuttings, and other terrible impositions, have caused divers rebellions and insurrections amongst themselves, which when the State hath attempted to reform, then have they stood on their guard, and taken indirect occasions to condemn our usurpation, whereby their odious and hateful repine, like a menstruous cloth, have made their disobedience loathsome, and brought upon them such miseries, as a calamitous war and angry Prince inflicteth turbulent people withal. These families have also such, as by way of history elate them to exorbitant actions, joining withal the abuse of Poetry, and deceit of Physic, known by the name of Bards, on whom depend certain harpers, rymers, and Priests, which live in a kindred, the father instructing the son, or brother, and he his cousin, or friend. The name of Galliglas is in a manner extinct, but of Kern in great reputation, as serving them in their revolts, and proving sufficient soldiers, but excellent for skirmish. They have strong and able bodies, proud hearts, pestilent wits, liberal of life, subject to incontinency, amorous, wherein their women are extraordinarily pleased, patient to endure, lovers of music, and hospitality, constant to their maintainers, whether men or women, implacable in their hatred, light of belief, covetous of glory, impatient of reproach, or contumely; not thinking it yet any disgrace to receive a nickname at their christening, as Con Oneale banco, because he was lame. Besides, they are all extremely superstitious, as indeed barbarous people are best observers of ceremonies, and when any of them enters into religion, it is admirable with what austerity they reform themselves: Their children are nursed abroad, and their foster-fathers' and foster-mothers' are as dear to them, as their own kindred: They use incantations and spells, wearing girdles of women's hair, and locks of their lovers; they suppose idleness a glory of nature, and by their sluttish, or rather savage customs strive to scorn (as they say) our superfluity: They are ready upon any enforcement by the imposturing Art of their Bards to innovation, as envying our first conquest, and stomaching they were never able to expel us: They are desperate in revenge, and their Kern think no man dead, until his head be off: They suppose theft no great offence, as imitating the Lacedæmonians; for they pray to prosper in their attempts: but these be commonly the bastards of Priests, who prove notorious villains, and the daughters either beg or become strumpets, or if you will, beggarly strumpets. They commonly intermix oaths with their speeches, as by the Trinity, God, his Saints, St Patrick, St Bridget, faith, and troth, the Temple, your hand, O Neales' hand, and such like. Their marriages are strange; for they are made sometimes I have known of them delivered in the morning & march along with us the same d●…. so conditionally, that upon a slight occasion the man taketh another wife, the wife another husband: They are easily delivered of their children, and if they have any by divers men, at their deaths they resign them to the right father; the new married and conceived with child giveth the Bard her best clothes: They have soft and excellent skins and hands: but the small of their legs hangeth in a manner over their brogs: Their apparel is a mantle to sleep in, and that on the ground on some rushes or flags: a thick gathered smock with wide sleeves graced with bracelets and crucifixes about their necks: They wear linen rowles about their heads of divers fashions: in Ulster carelessly wound about: in Conach like Bishop's mitres, a very stately attire, and once prohibited by Statute: in Munster resembling a thick Chesshire cheese. Their smocks are saffrond against vermin; for they wear them three months together; but to be lousy is hereditary with the best of them, and no disgrace. Both men and women not long since accustomed a savage manner of diet, which was raw flesh, drinking the blood, now they seeth it, and quaff up the liquor, and then take Whisky: not having flesh they feed on Watercresses, Shamrocks, and Bonniclaboch, which is milk strangely put into a tub a souring, till it be clodded, and curdled together: when the Cow wiil not let her milk down they blow her behind very strangely, and sometimes thrust up their arms to their elbows, speaking words of gentleness and entreaty by way of bemoaning. The men wear trowses, mantle, and a cap of steel; they are curious about their horses tending to witchcraft; they have no saddles, but strange fashioned pads, their horses are for the most part unshod behind: they use axes, staves, broad swords, and darts: In Terconnell the hair of their head grows so long and curled, that they go bareheaded, and are called Glibs, the women Glibbins. These and many other do the mere Irish observe with resolution and our wonderment not to be diverted, as if the Poet should find fault with Quo semel est imbuta recens servabit odorem Testa diu. And thus much for Topography, or superficial view of the Kingdoms of the world. LIBRI PRIMI FINIS. EVRIP: ORESTES. Io, Io, lachrimosae mortalium gentes, laboriosae, Videtis quam praeter spem parca adveniat. Aliae aliis atque aliis permutantur Clades diuturnitate temporis: Mortalium namque universum instabile est aewm. ENGLAND'S GLORY: THE SECOND BOOK. Wherein by way of comparison you shall see, with what prerogatives she maketh her progress to the house of perfection before other NATIONS. Imprinted at London by Edward Griffin. 1618. that every man may step into a Milliner's shop, and prune himself in another body's glass: every Reader take a book of maps, and very near delineate as much; and every eye gaze on the outside of a Palace to praise or dispraise according to the transportation of humours: I will conduct you somewhat further into more inward rooms, or at least wise such, as my fortune or friendship admitted me into: For you must understand, that as indeed in the Palaces of Kings, the privy chamber, bedchamber, galleries of state, gardens of sequestration, and walks of privacy are debarred common intruders, yea sometimes denied to men of good eminence: so in the understanding matters of state, conditions of kingdoms, secrets of common wealths, uses of travel, and such like, every man hath not the gift, & capacity to yield you reason, or satisfaction: You shall therefore have no more vainglorious promises of me, than a plain demonstration of my own endeavours, opportunity, and observations, concluding with that excellent Seneca: Quicquid patimur mortale: Quicquid facimus venit ab alto. And because my first purpose and intent promised to approve that of all the former recited countries, England had the prerogative, & enjoyeth most of those blessings wherewith God ever marked any kingdom: in this book I would fain persuade you to the same, and by reason or comparison bring you the sooner to distinction, & knowledge, whereby you shall be the abler to conclude with judgement, & confidence in the truth: I must therefore give you an instance of a time, country, & King, which had a prerogative in happiness over all nations either before, or since, & then contract our sophistry thus: that that kingdom, which cometh nearest to the example, shall have the precedency. The reign of Solomon, and country of Canaan, even the best part of terrestial paradise shall be the lantern to light us out of this contention. For although Ahashuerosh prevailed from India to Aethiopia over 127 Provinces, and made a feast in the Palace of Sushan to all his Princes, and subjects, which lasted 180 days under a hanging of white, green, and blue cloth, the beds of gold and silver, upon a pavement of porphyry, marble, and alabaster, the drinking vessels of gold with change after change; and the Queen Vashti likewise kept the same correspondency with the women in the royal house of the King: Although Nabuchadnezar by lifting up his eyes toward the Palace of Babylon, elated also his heart with vain ostentation, because he not only had triumphed over Israel, took jehoiachim King of juda prisoner, sacked jerusalem, and carried the Princes of the Tribes into captivity, but might now establish the glory of the Chaldean Monarchy, and celebrate his magnificent feasts in the great City: Although Beltashar banqueted with the vessels of gold, wherein his Princes, his wives, and concubines drank before a 1000, and with magnificent bravery was advanced on a throne to command their prostitution, when he had cause of imperiousness: Although another Nabuchadnezar was invested in Ninevie, and after the conquest of Arphaxad and his Cities, returned to that great Town, & Palace with a wondrous multitude, celebrating a feast 120 days, & with insulting jollity appointed Holophernes to conduct 120000 foot, & 12000 horse, with all the glory of an Emperor's army against Syria and judea: Although Alexander the Macedonian prevailed against the forces of Asia, conquered Darius' King of Medes and Persians, and compelled the tributary nations of the East to a slavish prostitution, rewarding his endeavours with an assumpted reputation of a godhead, & all the effects of wanton peace and magnificence, when he returned to Babylon to celebrate the triumphs of his victories. Although Antiochus surnamed the Great, established his Kingdom from India to Aethiopia, and satisfied his ambition with the spoils of juda, jerusalem, and Egypt, whereby he exposed a wonder of honourable courtship, and illustrious government. And although Octavius, for his happy success in all his actions, was surnamed Augustus, and had those halcyon days, as an Emperor of peace, wherein abundance, state, and prosperity played the wantoness with one another. Yet questionless must all instances of Emperors, Kings, majesty and government, give place to the time and royalty of Solomon, whose prosperity overflowed like a swelling river, and filled every empty place with fullness, gladness, and increase: so that if you will examine me upon interrogatories, I thus put in mine answer, and according to the true use of an affidavit, affirm nothing but truth and plainness. Then was Solomon in his royalty, when the Temple was built, the Priesthood confirmed, the Prophets set at Salomon's royalty. liberty, and the Saints of God were had in estimation: when he erected a brazen scaffold in the midst of the court, five cubits long, five broad, and three in height, on which he stood, and kneeled before all the congregation of Israel, when he offered a sacrifice of 22000. bullocks, and 120000. sheep, making a feast of seven days, and all Israel with him: when he served God truly, and permitted Nathan the Prophet, Ahiah the Silonite, and jeddo the Seer, to pronounce the judgements of God against the reprobate and obstinate, and divulge his mercy toward the penitent, and true convertist. Then was Solomon in his royalty, when he made a porch of fifty cubits long, and thirty broad, in which he sat to determine the controversies of his Kingdom, whereby all sorts had access to the throne of justice, and very harlots leviated in their grievances. Then was Solomon in his royalty, when his own palace was finished after thirteen years labours of 160000. workmen, to which he brought his wife, even Pharaohs daughter: when he was advanced on a throne of ivory and gold, and caused a seat to be placed for the King's mother, & rose to meet her, settling her on his right hand: when his throne had six steps, and twelve Lions of gold, when all his drinking vessels were of gold, and silver was nothing esteemed: when he made two hundred targets, and three hundred shields of gold, a throne of precious stone, and covered the Ibony with the best gold: when his provision for one day was 30. measures of fine flower, and 60. of meal, 10. fat oxen, and 20. out of the pastures, 100 sheep, besides hearts, bucks, bugles, and fat foul. Then was Solomon in his royalty, when he asked wisdom at the hands of God, and distributed equity to all his people, when he spoke 3000. proverbs, and 1000 songs, when he related the nature of trees, plants, beasts, fowl, fishes, and creeping things, when he appointed the Officers of his household, and Commanders over Provinces, first 3300. then 300. lastly 250. as Princes and principal over the other, when the Queen of Sheba came to prove him with hard questions, and brought him odours, gold, and precious stones: when she saw his wisdom, the house he had built, the provision of his table, the sitting of his servants, the ordering of his ministers, and their apparel, his drinking-vessels, and burnt offerings, when there came of all people to hear his wisdom, when he excelled all the Kings of the earth in riches, and administration of equity, when he blessed the people, and praised God in public, giving the Priests and Prophet's liberty to maintain the cause of the Lord of hosts, and not permitting the corruption of the world to transfer them beyond the limits of true devotion, and religious piety, and when he so over-looked & overawed all Officers of the Kingdom, that neither the mighty made their greatness a bar to descend to the practice of charitable actions, nor the better sort took ill example by the higher to practise unbefitting policy, or oppressions of the poor: nor the inferior had cause of clamorous repine, or tumultuary insurrections against the government, abusing the people. Then was Solomon in his royalty, when he had built cities of store, cities of chariots, cities for horsemen near jerusalem, when he went in person to Hamah Zobah, and overcame it, and re-edified Bethoran the upper, and Bethoran the neither, cities defenced with walls, gates, and bars: when he built the cities of store in foreign parts, and walled in all places expugned and depopulated by the wars of Saul and his father, or if you will, the house of Benjamin and juda, contending for the Diadem. When he had 40000. stalls of horses for his chariots, 12000. horsemen for his guard, and fortified divers places of garrison, maintaining martial discipline, and by example of David's Princely rewarding men of merit, not permitting the virtue of well-deseruers to mourn for want of acceptation. Then was Solomon in his royalty, when he built a navy of ships by the red sea, when King Hiram sent him mariners, and they were entertained for their experience, industry, and knowledge: when they went to Ophir, and brought from thence 400. talents of gold, when he joined the navy of Tharsus with the navy of Hiram, which once in three years brought gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks, when he had horses out of Egypt, and fine linen, which the King's Merchants received at a price, when he went to the red sea to view his navy, when he mustered his chariots and horsemen, marching with his armies like an Emperor indeed, and making his peaceable progresses like a magnificent Prince. Then was Solomon in his royalty, when the King of Tyrus contracted a league with him, when the Egyptians and Moors sent him presents, and all the neighbouring Princes combined amity, and were (as it were) either emulous of his greatness, or proud of his friendship. Then was Solomon in his royalty, when the cities of his Kingdom were populous, opulent, and full of delight, when juda and Israel dwelled without fear, every man under his vine and figtree, when they were many as the sand of the sea, eating, drinking, and making merry, when the people rejoiced in mutual intercourses, living with reciprocal observations, no man repining, no man malicious, no man jealous, no man elated, no man oppressing, no man insulting, no man ambitious, no man an Usurer, or traduced for such raging sins, as commonly are supported in all governments by Prince's favours, connivency of Magistrates, power of authority, corruption of officers, and wilfulness of offenders: not that the times were so clear, and free from abuses, as if men were Angels on earth, without errors or imperfections: but that they lived in a more modest fearfulness for offending God, then in these presumptuous times, and durst embolden one another to make a pastime of iniquity, and vex the honest neighbour with a violent prosecution of wickedness: otherwise in all ages, times, and nations, as you endure at nature's hands frosts, thunders, tempests, unseasonable weather, barren years, and raging inundations; her hereditary defects: so must you tolerate the vainglory and prodigality of Courtiers, the covetousness of Magistrates, the legal dissembling of Citizens, the cunning of Artificers, the idleness of Gentlemen, the stubbornness of Peasants, the contumacy of Soldiers, and such like offences, as inconveniences of life, and sometimes national vices, or customary sins. And thus much for example. CHAP. II. Countries compared to Canaan, and Salomon's glorious happiness, and first of all the Tartars. NOw must we take out our other clothes to The dominion of the great Cham compared. the light, & by laying them together, judge of their fineness, or at least, how nearly they can match our example: and although to this purpose we need not once name the countries of profanation, or fill our discourses with the unsavoury particulars of such beastly, filthy, and abominable government: so far from the method of true majesty, and established blessedness, as their works of men's hands, I mean their Idols, from the omnipotency of the Creator, or blasphemous ignorance from the translucent light of inestimable truth: yet will I not be so partial, or prejudicate, to cast them off without reason, or sufficient cause of disparity. To begin therefore with those vast and huge territories of the great Emperor Cham, now including infinite nations under the name of Tartarians. Until you come to Tangut and Mangia, all the North & Western parts are still rude & uncivil, without fashionable cities, or any formal handsomeness, and live in a manner as barbarously as the ancient Scythians, who to their frozen climate and distempered air, added as frozen hearts to morality and charitable works; nay in truth, lived in all inhuman bestiality, under the covert of valour, and being a fierce nation to strangers, and in battle against their enemies: so that, what with their vast deserts, remote countries from Europe's concourses, and want of such things, which we either desire, or stand in need of: they are seldom visited by strangers but for curiosity, and as seldom entertain such as come amongst them with affability and orderly welcome. Besides, according to that absolute principle, that barbarous people are best observers of ceremonies & customs, they will neither reform any thing which is amiss, nor conform themselves to the decencies of our Christian cities; nay, in a manner either out of scorn or hate, their next neighbours the Turks are distasting unto them, & after a strange fashion of derision they mock at their formality, although (as I said in my first book) the Tartar Chrim challengeth a kind of affinity with the race of Ottoman, and ever since Tamburlaine conquered Persia and Bajazet, have intermingled some of their women amongst them, whereby they keep correspondency and confederation, so that when the Turk hath occasion to supply his running army, either against Persia or Christendom, they send him 100000. at a time: but so rude, naked, unprovided, and undisciplined, that I speak confidently, and out of some experience, a hundred well trained and ordered soldiers will beat a thousand of them, especially if they can be first staggered with any unacquainted sight, or strength; I mean our battalions of pikes, strong squadrons of horse, firm standings of muskets, and martial cheerfulness from trumpets and drums: for they are presumptuous of nothing, but their bows and arrows, swiftness of horse-manship in pursuits, and running after preys or spoils, and clamorous noise of horse, and miserable outcries: so that at one word, neither in war or peace, they cannot be graced with one word of our example, or Salomon's happiness. As for Tangut and Mangia, the very cause of his pride and elated titles, if there can be any pride in bestiality, or show of magnificence in a Prince's sequestration from his people; they are mighty provinces indeed, and extend to the circling about 1500. English mile of ground, have many and great cities, and that part toward China, is walled 800. mile, for fear of excursions of the common adversary: but neither is their government tending to the true use of justice in general, nor their conversation admitting of happy and sociable meetings in particular: for he that is most mighty overswaies the weaker, and he that is most friendly, will cut your throat upon the least susption or cause of revenge: as for their best fortified cities, their temples, walls, storehouses, and Emperors, or Govenors' palace, are structures to be looked upon, and only worthy of commendation: but the rest of the houses low, unfashionable, builded most of turf and canes, which they buy from India and China, and in winter full of smoke and stink, as in other remooveable cabins or tents of the Tartars: so that except the Emperor himself, and his customs, which are rather tyrannous, then princely, there is nothing amongst them worthy imitation of ruder people. For such merchandise as pass reciprocally between them and the Chinesses, or those of japan (except rhubarb, which commonly cometh 〈◊〉 nearer way into Europe through the Caspian sea, and so into Armenia) are ever in hazard to be lost, by the most powerfullest fraud, either of the buyer or seller: so that sometimes you shall have 20000. merchants of japan, China, and the other islands, stayed at a time in Quinzay, Camb●…lu, and Tangut, whereupon the unkindness bursts out into open hostility, and to be revenged of one another, army's of 200000. and more of a side, fill their fields with terror and death, to which if you add the advantageous lying in wait on the wall raised under mount Taurus between them, upon sudden excursions of the inhabitants, or breaches in the time of invasion, it will add a fear and terror to your attention, from the report of so many savage slaughters, and wilful command of the Emperors, for whose sake whole families will not care to die, nay, strive to show their duty in this kind: yet there is one thing most commendable amongst them, that except the war is (at it were) publicly proclaimed between their Emperors, the people of themselves live peaceably from offending one another, and dare not touch a stone on either side of the wall, with a cunning purpose to weaken the same. Amongst other things, their strife about their emperors titles is so ridiculous (for Cham will be called Dominus Dominantium, and he of China, Filius Coeli, as in my first book may appear) that the least derogation is breach of the peace, and a small comparison casteth up the dust of contention in both their eyes. For although China be not so big as Tartary by two parts, yet being better inhabited and adorned with Towns, and Cities, it presumeth for competition of glory, and dare adventure to maintain their honourable bestiality, and idolatrous wretchedness both ways with force of arms. To conclude, if you come to government, love, diet, conversation, handsome apparel, attendancy, friendship, honest meetings, peaceable traffic, and all such things, whereby the temporal blessings of God are manifested to men, that look no further, nor enjoy the happiness to search for happiness more deeply, there is not any thing otherwise, than the pride and state of their Emperor, some herbs and drugs for physic, their northern race of horses, and certain skins & furs, which cover their houses, and keep their bodies warm, worthy the looking after, or indeed fit to come near the borders of the kingdom of true felicity. CHAP. III. CHINA compared, and her deficiency manifested. BEfore I proceed any further in the China far short of Salomon's happiness. description of these remote countries, I must by way of Apology excuse my poverty in knowledge and brevity in bringing either par-'ticular, or substantial matter before the bar of examination. For first I dare not meddle with ancient Authors, because times have altered all things, and there is a kind of vicissitude of government and kingdoms attending the highest providence: nor will I once read over modern writers, lest I be tempted to a cunning theft, and can but show you indeed the countenances of other men, so that if the first were now to view their own handiworks, and either saw, how wars, or antiquity had overmantled those delicate, strong, and magnificent Cities and countries, with devastation, misery, and wretched affliction, which they had so much commended, and laboured by great art and industry to delineate, or decipher: Or could consider how peace and ingenious endeavours had manured, and made exuberant even barren soils, & unfashionable grounds, had clothed naked men with royal ornaments; had enlarged poor Towns and Cities to stately, and princely structures; had taught despised people to march arm in arm with honourable renown, and glorious victories, with infinite such like, they would questionless stand amazed to see now such a change and alteration, or confounded to suppose themselves unhappy for not living in this happiness, and these times of peace and plenty, yea such peace and plenty, as if they had learned an art of gracefulness, and cunning of adornation: like a curious and expert jeweller, who though a diamond be a diamond, and stone of inestimable value, yet can by his skill add a bravery and extraordinary lustre to the same. As for the newer sort of Historiographers, first for myself, they shall have no such advantage over me, as to challenge me for felony in stealing any wealth or riches from them, or exprobrate me of ingratitude for being beholding unto them, and not acknowledging the same: Next concerning themselves, I wonder they are not ashamed to fill up their leaves with the lines of falsehood, and marvel they are so little acquainted with honest travelers, that may tell them the truth, or at least instruct them in an art of seeming probability; as for example: in plain honesty I wonder, how Munster that learned man, and famous Chronologer, could be so deceived or abused to talk of Pigmeys, of men with long ears, and one foot, and such like? I could name many others, as Sir john Mandevill, the description of India, divers pamphlets of voyages, and peradventure histories of acceptation, in which not only absurdities pass for current, but untruths and impossibilities carry the sway of licence, and approbation. Therefore (as I said) for my own part, I disclaim them all, and either tie myself to my poor endeavours, or adventure on such passages of civil authority, as come near probability and religion: only in this I will play the truant with others, that as in unknown countries they fill up the Map with giants, beasts, monsters, and some strange battles: and in writing of Chronicles they pass over the lives of their first Princes with only names, and peradventure suppositions, because they would say some thing: so in these, or of these remote Nations, I will only tell you what I have seen myself in some cursory travels, or learned of others, with whom by an Interpreter I have of purpose entertained communication: As when I was in Turkey I saw the Army of the Tartars mustered by the fields of Scideret, and had the privilege of a janissary to protect me from wrong, and be my interpreter for such things, as my wit and memory incited me to make use of. At my L: Ambassadors again I presumed on a conference with the Persian Ambassador, and as far as my memory and understanding was capable of instruction, made benefit of some relations: and going to sea to Alexandria there were both Indians, jews, Arabians, and Armenians aboard, from whom I catched what I could, supplying my desire of novelties with their discourses: of whom concerning the purpose in hand, I learned, that China was a great and oppulent country in continual wars with the Tartars, jealous one of another, and an enemy in the highest degree to all strangers, yea so far from hospitality, and pious inclination to entertainment and commiseration, that they study to cirumvent their passengers, and come aboard with hypocritical desire of satisfaction in novelties, and then at advantage either surprise the ships, or endanger the weaker company by over-mastring them, as many of our English both at the Philippines, and landing in japan have had cause of testification: nor amongst themselves is there any such appearance of happiness, or plenty. For though they boast of mines and many precious stones, yet do they vent no commodities or merchandise, but for ready money, and we are fain to carry silver into India, from whence we receive such things, as curious stuff, and trifling toys, as they are disposed to utter. But if you come nearer them, and to our purpose indeed, as by the Indians discourses may be collected; they are jealous, malicious, want provision, take little rest, are in tumultuous uproars, terrified with thieves, for all there is nothing so severely punished, dare not displease their Emperor, who is in a manner adored amongst them, live on roots, and kernels of nuts, and troubled with serpents, and many venomous worms, distempered with strange tempests, and winds, terrified with apparitions and illuding visions, kill their old men, if they live too long, make no conscience of selling their virgins for money, and filthy pr●…stitutions, are careless of any orders, and glory in nothing but going to wars with the Tartars, and keeping all Nations out of their country. Besides, they are divers times subject to famine of bread, and live upon herbs and fruit, nor do they converse one with another with cheerful meetings, but are envious, if any grow richer than themselves: as for the countryman, his only maintenance consists in keeping a few Bees, silk worms, filling his gardens with gowrdes and roots, and making a kind of drink of berries, and the fruit of certain trees preserved for the same purpose: but in all things so short of our example of happiness, as he would be of reaching heaven with a stretched-out arm, that goeth of purpose to the top of the Alps with supposition of attaining his purpose, because the mountain seemeth so exalted above the inferior ground. CHAP. IU. INDIA compared, and her defects manifested. ALthough (as I said before) concerning India cometh short of a happy country. these idolatrous countries, I might with jehu cast out the Priests of Baal, break down the altars, and overthrow the idols of the heathen, and so need not once name them for want of true religion, and acknowledging the mystery of salvation: yet will I overpass that principal point, and come to their City walls and plenteous fields with nearer approaches of confutation: nor shall their two summers, double increase of fruit, plentiful rivers, temperature of air, strange wolly and tailed sheep, great fowl, and unheard of worms, with rinds of trees, silks, precious stones, canes, and many other trifling ambergris, which they receive for the most part by commutation out of China, terrify me from my assertions, considering, if God send temporal blessings, and they are either not wrought upon with comfort, and orderly profit; or abused in their use and service, it were better for a kingdom not to enjoy the same at all. If then in India, and the many countries and kingdoms marching under the flourishing colours of her prosperity, be as many filthy customs of incontinency, that they prostitute their daughters for money, and are contented to sell their chastity for reward, nay in sundry places to bring their virgins before beastly idols, and cause them to fill their womb with the priapus of the same, whereat, if so be the tender maid seemeth terrified, or ashamed, the mother shall stand behind, and thrust her most violently forward: with divers other lamentable customs tending to abomination: how can it come near our example, when adultery was punished with death in Israel, and there was not a whore to be found (especially by toleration) amongst the daughters of juda? If then in India the Kings and Princes swell against one another with tyrannous ambition and revenges, raising violent hostility against their neighbours and confederates, and practising horrible cruelty in their slaughters and victories: how can it come near our example, when Solomon was denominated the Prince of peace, and confirmed a league of amity and confederation with all adjoining Princes? If then in India the Kings and Princes suppose it a glory to be sequestered from their people, to terrify them with cruel looks and imperious controlling, not to be seen abroad, but in times of fears and terrors, to deny them orderly access for their complaints and grievances, and to live, as commanding obedience by tyranny, rather than love: How can it come near our example, when Solomon made a porch before his Palace to determine the controversies of his people in person; offered sacrifice in public upon an Altar, and for seven days feasted all comers with cheerfulness; admitted the harlots to plead before him; and advanced his mother on a throne by his right side in the open view of the congregation, and proclaimed free audience and access for all comers, that had cause of complaint, and oppression? If then in India theft and intrusion by strong hand be common matters, and however there is great punishment inflicted on offenders in this kind, as also in China, yet do they live in continual fear one of another, and the rich are hard-hearted against the poor, not only suffering them to starve without relief, but in a manner hastening their deaths by authority, if either they grow aged, or impotent, and have not of their own to relieve their necessities: How can it come near our example, when in Israel there was neither vagabond, or beggar, no man durst remove the mark in his neighbour's field, no man oppressed his brother with usury, and even contrary families were entertained with mutual intercourses; yea when nature came to challenge her due, and sent her harbinger death to demand the same, they brought the body to the grave in peace, and solemnized the exequys with a fashionable ceremony? If then in India there is a main want both of flesh, fish, and other provision for the sustenance of man, especially to feed any multitude, or satisfy the meaner sort of people, who know not, what orderly feasting, and neighbourly meetings mean: How can it come near our example, when Solomon spent 30 oxen, with infinite other acates every day, and the people met in abundance, eating and drinking every man under his vine & fig tree, and sent presents and gifts to one another with mutual conversation & reciprocal love: If then in India neither are the Cities handsomely contrived, nor well furnished with houses, want civil government, and administration of justice, if the country villages are rude, and disordered, living in suspicion of one another for spoil and robbery, if they fail in all comeliness and moral fashioning themselves to handsomeness, and good order: How can it come near our example, where Solomon re-edified the Cities of store, the Cities of fortification, the Cities of refuge, the Cities of pleasure, when Solomon had his orderly officers of visitation, and gave commandment to overlook the manifold disturbances of the kingdom, and redress the same with a strong hand against the mighty & insolent, and with a supporting arm for the poor and afflicted? If then in India they care not to visit other countries, sell their people for slaves, make ambergris of one another, barbarously scorn to gratify other Princes, and will in no sort practise the exploration of remote countries: How can it come near our example, when Solomon built a Navy at the red sea, had another to join with Hiram, and sent abroad for gold and other provision into foreign nations; when he lived in peace and amity with Pharaoh, contracted a marriage with his daughter, and maintained all the honourable customs to enlarge the glory and happiness of a kingdom? And so in divers other particulars. scenting from Salomon's prosperity and happiness. So that to conclude in a word, neither are they to defend their own glories, which so spread abroad former estimation, not to come near our comparison in this her modern di●…unction. For in their wants they are almost unwilling to make trial of any fortune, considering they have had such disastrous events, as both the Turks have mightily encroached and prevailed against them. The Arabians with divers roads and overwatching have dilacerated their government, and the other country's adjacent to the Caspian sea stood at defiance with them: so that they not only live in continual fear of further mischief, but are compelled to maintain frontier garrisons, to prevent final overthrow and extirpation, and this they do with extraordinary charge on all sides, and want indeed the martial bravery, and forcible possibility of their former armies. In their best peace (which is now still poisoned with the dregs of mischievous insurrections) they are deficient in orderly traphique of merchants, in well-rigged navies for exploration of other countries, or maintaining confederacy with remoter Princes: in pleasant and secure passages and ways to travel in: in cities or towns of entertainment, to lodge and repose the wearied company: in provision of the country to sustain nature, according to the blessing exposed in that kind: in the countryman's honest vocation, who is here worse than a miserable slave: in the honourable liberty of women and conversable meetings, who are here debarred friendly intercourses, except wantoness and strumpets, whom they invite against festivals, to lengthen out their pleasure, and lascivious delight in voluptuousness: all which with divers other, as there are divers others to be brought to the trial, if we should dispute the matter more forcibly, come so far short of our example, that they are rather mere contraries, and by reason of opposition, utterly to be excluded from any fullness of reputation, or true example of a kingdoms prosperity. CHAP. VI TURKEY compared, and her imperfections laid open. ALthough the Grand Signior is the only The Ma●…umetans are no way near our example absolute Prince in the world, as having the lives, lands, and wealth of his subjects liable to his wilfulness, and imperious controling of whom he please; yet cometh he far short of a kingdoms happiness, religious administration, or general blessings of a country, especially our example, where Solomon established his Princes and Nobles in propagato sanguine, where the Israelites pitched every man under the tents of their father's houses, and arms of their family, where Israel eat and drank in mirth, and all sorts were over-shaded with their vineyards and figg-trees in quiet, where the merchant traveled in peace, and grew rich without repining, where many merchants were entertained from foreign countries, and wellcommed with noble hospitality, where neither witch, beggar, whore, or usurer were permitted, and where plenty opened her lap, affording equal distribution to all comers, who were either marked with merit, labour, virtue, or valour, and because you shall have pleasure in a little variety, we will thus search the wounds of this government, and discover those defects, which must needs exempt her from exemplary happiness, how ever she may swell with a big swollen face of territories and conquests, and first concerning the cruelty and tyrannous slaughters amongst themselves. To begin with the fundamental firmness of their government The cruel government of the Turks amongst themselves. and greatness, and the chief cause of expatiating the Empire: it consisteth all in advancing of slaves, and cutting off any one, whether brother, son, and sometimes the fathers, who are either a bar in the pleasant walk of their sovereignty, or give the least cause of suspicion through competition or popularity. As for the name of slave; the greatest Viceer must acknowledge it, as the infallible position of establishment, a law ratified by Mahomet, confirmed by custom, and strengthened through the obedience of all his vassals, as you may collect by that famous history of Mustapha, the principal Bashaw under Mustapha's story about Hyrena. Mahomet the first, who when he saw the great Emperor effeminately overcome with the love of Hyrena the fair Greek, and that there was suspicion of ill success in the wars, by this retardance and over-passionate satisfaction of pleasure, he adventured to reclaim him from such neglect of his army, and took upon him by some formal advice, to divert him from vilipending the Otthoman glory; but how he proceeded, with what prostitution, with how many terms of slave, and miserable wretch, and how unlooked for he escaped with life, after he lay groveling on the ground, as resolved to die, our common stages can relate, and the story hath pregnant authority from many famous authors, who all conclude, that how ever he remembered himself, and with a stern repining at Mustapha's audaciousness, with much a do pardoned him from cruel execution: yet the beautiful Grecian shrunk under the stroke of a savage hand, & ●…e the next day (after a glorious showing her with admiration to the whole army) struck off her head, and most barbarously, as he inferred, to satisfy the army, delivered him and them from further suspicion of his effeminateness: in which fury he approached Adrinopolis, & never desisted till he had laid it prostrate before him. But if you would be acquainted with the true condition of their tyranny & imperiousness, then look upon the new admission of their Emperors, into the sublime chair of Majesty, and you shall hear him commanding all his brethren to be strangled before him, except one; reserved, if the time allow it, for propagation of children, who likewise upon the Turks supplement that way, shall miscarry by one means or other: yea, sometimes it happens, that when the aged father, or eldest brother is contented to admit of his son or younger to the coparcinary of administration, or if you will, absolute power in the Empire, by reason of impotency, age, lunacy, or other natural defects, they are most inhumanly rewarded with death, as Zelimus poisoned his father Bajazet, and the sons of Soliman the Magnificent shouldered one another into the pit of destruction. Concerning the subject; nobility they never suffer in continual descents, nor permit any man to grow rich, mighty, or popular, otherwise then may stand with the pleasure of the Emperor, which is apparent by the destruction of many worthy bashaws and Servitors, who (when the Doctors of the Law have concluded the matter by private conference) are commonly carried by a confessing that Mordecai had not been rewarded; but secret politicians supplied the room, intimating still and still matter against him, which kindled the fire of the Emperor's jealousy to such a blaze, that nothing but his personal appearance could quench the same. When the Viceer perceived the danger of such overwatching, and began to be acquainted with too many princely messages, he absented himself a while, and with dilatory excuses laid as it were open his suspicion of the Emperor's jealousy against him, whereupon followed an obstinate denial of coming, lest the affairs of the kingdoms might be intermitted; and when that served not the turn, he determined to stand on his guard, till at last the Gran Signior was advised not to regard him at all: whereupon the Mufti was called to council, which is their principal Churchman, who together with divers Doctors of their law resolved, that he was too dangerous to live, and yet policy must be used in cutting him off: When the foundation of this building was laid, letters were contrived from the Prince unto him deceitfully importing thus much: That he had great cause to be thankful to the great Prophet Mahomet for his indulgent care over the house of Ottoman, even in these suspicious times to provide, that a man of such courage, wisdom, and magnanimity governed the stern of the ship of his affairs, & like a discreet pilot knew how to conduce the bark of the Commonwealth to safe harbour. He accordingly assumeth the glory to himself, with full resolution, that either the young Prince durst not find fault, or nothing was fault-worthy, like Aesop's ass, who supposed, that the Lion would be terrified with his braying. For at last he came to the Emperor's presence into the Seralio, who was taught to entertain him with a political acceptation, which lasted a while, and with the continuance of 14 days seemed to wipe out the print of former unkindness: But when the day of his fatal destruction approached, (after the young Prince had been a hawking, and meeting with certain inhabitants of Bogdonia, and the borders of Russia, who made petition unto Him for divers redresses, gave them a kind of audience) he was suddenly sent for to a private conference, which he verily supposed, according to some special inferences, tended to that purpose: nor did he once rebate the glory of his former jollity, but went at least with 300 janissaries, and his other officers toward the gates of the Seralio, where by the way the Haga or Captain of the janissaries met him to tell him, how the Prince was retired to a Caska by the sea side, and he must go through the garden, and enclosure of Roe-bucks unto him, which he performed accordingly, and never seemed once staggering in his resolutions, till he came to the iron gate, and saw his company prohibited to enter, and the gate fast barred, as soon as he was admitted. Here he must needs pass through a guard of Capogies, who demanded his Scimitar, which he furiously denied, and with increase of rage and choler railed upon them all. But they being too well instructed to forbear any such opprobrious speeches, spared a reply of words, and took an opportunity to overmaster him with the company, who most cruelly cut him all to pieces: yet some would raise the Emperor's jealousy from a suspicion of love to his mother, who taking a fitting opportunity, as was imagined, came with him to admonish her son from his pederastria, or accompanying with boys, but belike they performed it with unseasonable wisdom; for in his fury he spurned her away, and bade him remember, he was but a slave. Some report that the first motive of the Emperor's displeasure was occasioned by reason of his buildings, which overlooking some private walks in the Seralio, was both irksome to the majesty of the Prince, and a door to let in his everlasting hate, to which there wanted not the several suggestions of many flatterers, and temporizers. But let his death, and the cause be what it will, there is no gainsaying their wilfulness, nor moderating their rage and tyranny, witness his father's killing of his elder brother, a Prince of great expectation: but coming one day (though he did it with reverence and tears in his eyes) to put him in remembrance of the Ottoman glory, and enlarging the Empire, which every Prince had done saving himself, the admonition was so unsavoury, or the jealousy of his virtues so forcible, that he beat him to death with his own hands, to the amaze of all the janissaries and soldiers: insomuch that the grandmother, a woman of excellent parts, who is yet living, had like to have perished in the hurly burly. To which may be added, this young Princes dislike of one of his Concubines, whom he shot to death in his gardens. I could here insert many other stories of their cruelty, and tyrannous supplanting one another, murdering bashaws, destroying Princes, and letting loose the streams of all rage, wilfulness, and distemperature: but you will say I glean but out of another's harvest, and time is too precious to spend it in idle relations, I will therefore leave you to the original, and only for the strangeness make a breviate of Mustapha's tragedy, who was so cruelly murdered by an intemperate Prince, intoxicatedby the cunning of a malicious strumpet. The famous history of MUSTAPHA. SVltanus Soliman surnamed the Magnificent, amongst The lamentable tragedy of Mustapha. many others had one beautiful Concubine called Rozza, or Roxalana, but more properly Hazathia, on whom he so doted in his later times, that all amorous dalliance with the rest was neglected for her sake, as if pleasure and delight attended her, though she were but his slave. Thus he so followed the humours of this wanton woman, that at last the noble Prince Mustapha his eldest son was prohibited his presence, and his former children slightly regarded, in respect of hers: which when she had fully apprehended, and politicly entertained, the next business was to make use of the same, yea such use, as cunning favourites, and newly advanced officers contrive, who suspecting some sudden alteration, and perceiving the Prince cannot last long, care not by what means they enrich themselves, and many times run in the race of indirect courses to establish their hopes. Whereupon she wound up her wilfulness on the pestilent bottom of Rustan bashaws ambition, who had married her daughter, and having likewise corrupted the principal Mufti to second her enterprise, they all combined a league of amity, and projected to cast the Empire on her own sons: which was no sooner ratified, and confirmed between them, but on a sudden she became very devout, and being rich with the favours and presents bestowed upon her, proposed a meritorious work for her soul's health by erecting some religious monument or Mosque, which was intercepted by the high Priest, as discovering the invalidity of the same, because she was yet a slave, and therefore laboured in a business, whose merit and effects must tend to the good of another. This caused such a dissimiled pensiveness, that Soliman himself was in a manner exanimated to behold the darling of the world in such a confusion and heaviness: she again well lessoned how to act her part, filled the scene with tears of disconsolation, related all occurrences from the beginning, and finely urged, how her godly zeal had certain obstacles, which must be removed, ere her former alacrity could gain the field of this sullen meditation and untoward sadness: whereupon the Doctors and Interpreters of the Koran were sent for, and commanded to deliver the truth without prevarication, who thus animated, discovered the secret most plainly, and with impudent asseverations concluded, that she had just cause to complain, & insist on the means to procure her redress, which made such impression into the overworn heart, and easily-perswaded disposition of the Emperor, that he presently manumitted her, & by sound of trumpet proclaimed her freedom, and so cheered her, that he might the better rejoice in her company. But when she had thus raised herself upright upon the honourable steps of liberty, she stood upon higher terms, and was not ashamed to assure him there was another lesson to be taken out, than now to dally with her as his slave: for being free it was against the law of Mahomet to be commanded as a strumpet, and therefore, how ever he could dispense with religion, and overawe the same, she would not, nor durst betray her soul, as a delinquent in such impiety: yet she prostrated her life before him, and was ready to yield her neck to the block, if so it pleased him to enforce it. Here again were the Doctors summoned, who maintained her cause, and with exceeding admiration at her piety and zeal fell humbled on the ground before him, with request not to cast her headlong to destruction, and damn her soul for ever, which so inflamed him, as Nititur invetitum, that without looking advisedly on the pretended mischief, and searching too narrowly in the closet of her devices, in a foolish passion he solemnly married her. This is that she long expected, and raising her thoughts with her fortunes, after much variety and infinite passages Look the Commentary, and Lettere de principe in Italian. in the Commonwealth, she now studied nothing but the advancement of her family; which could not be done until the worthy Prince Mustapha his eldest son by a former wife was thrust into a slaughter house, she quickly brought him into the danger of suspicion (for even good Princes are jealous in points of sovereignty) and cunningly inferred, that she affected not his popular love, his great concurses, his strengthening of Amasia, his entertaining of Embass: from Tartary, his taking up such beautiful virgins out of Georgia and Mengrelia, with divers other probabilities, that he determined a present enlarging of his greatness: which was as quickly apprehended; as politicly urged, and nothing could satisfy the Emperor, but the present sending for Mustapha, who although he was forewarned of the mischief, and advised to stand on his guard with full resolution, that the army was firm unto him: yet remembering it was his father commanded, and how obedience was a duty befitting a son; but principally laying a firm foundation on a clear conscience, and an uncorrupt heart, he came to Constantinople, but was welcomed as Husbandmen do their cattle into pleasant fields for to make them the more fit for the Butcher. Thus followed the tragedy of this noble and worthy Prince made the tennis ball of Fortune, the misery of a doting jealous man, the flourishes of an impudent cunning woman, the vanity of an ambitious idle Bashaw, and the hypocrisy of a deceitful imposturing Priest. For the Father strangled his son the jewel of the Empire, and perished after the action with untimely grief. The villainous woman raised her sons to the dignity; but they quickly supplanted one another, which tumbled her into the pit of destruction. The Bashaw shrunk under the pressure of confusion: the Priest was disappointed and strangled; and the whole government tossed with the tempestuous billows of destruction. The Story of a Rennegado Bashaw. IN the reign of Amurath the third this man's father there was a certain Rennegado Dutchman advanced to the dignity of a Bashaw; for so they call Christians, who abjure their religion at man's estate, and are circumcised according to the Law of Mahomet. Where by the way you must consider of that mischievous position not to dispute of either law, government, or ceremonies of their religion, but absolutely allow of the great Prophet, and the Koran as infallible verity, wherein the Roman bishops tread the same measures, and interdict any man from calling their actions in question, not suffering us to read the Canon of God's law, nor once dispute in matters of faith, but to confirm the power of the Church as of sufficiency to direct us in the way of truth: a most devilish, and repugnant conclusion against God and his word, who commands us to search the Scriptures, and try the spirits. But to our Story. This Bashaw living in great pomp to the outward show, seemed yet much excruciated in mind with meditation on the latter judgement, and the saving of his soul, whereupon he communed with one of his principal slaves to the same purpose, admitting all freedom of speech, and animating him so far to deliver his opinion, that at last he attempted his patience in this sort. Sir you know, or at leastwise should know, that God at the first did choose unto himself a people called the jews, giving them a law, priesthood, and Prince named The doctrine of the Deruices or mendicant Priests of Turkey. Moses, who questionless is the Mediator still in heaven for honest jews imploring his assistance on earth; but when this wretched people despised the blessings of so great a God, falling to idolatry, and other horrible abuses, they were cast out of favour, and vanished like smoke, or if you will, resembled, water spilled on the ground never to be gathered up again. Then did God select another nation called Christians, and admitted of their worthy acknowledgement of jesus Christ, whom they suppose God and man, and borne of a Virgin, and in whom still the good Christian believeth; this caused their increase of wealth, majesty, and greatness, till at last growing wanton with prosperity, they took the same or worse courses with the jews, and by degrees became flat Apostates, so that God was weary of them likewise, & gave a third nation power to thrust them from their firmness, and disjointed their established foundation of religion, and happiness: which was acted by the hands of Turks, who succeeded them, and had likewise their Prophet Mahomet to instruct and direct them to love the great God of heaven more religiously than the others, from whose supportation the majesty you now behold, spreadeth the wings of glory over the imperial Cities both of jews, and Christians, namely, jerusalem and Constantinople: nay, if you look into Asia, we have Tauris and Babylon; and in Egypt possess Cairo or Memphis, and Alexandria: so that no doubt we shall multiply blessing upon blessing, if we continue confident toward him, and his elected Prophet; otherwise some strange and barbarous nation shall expel and extirpate us, as we have usurped over others. Thus than you see with what success these three religions have been carried in the current of estimation both with God and man; namely the jews, who have Moses to make intercession for them: The Christians, who have JESUS their Mediator; and Mahometans, who depend upon the merits and exaltation of Mahomet. But for you, that are of no religion, nay, have denied the faith, wherein you were borne and baptized, there is sure no redemption, but the Devil himself to fetch you away. Which answer was so distasting, although as you heard, it went under safe conduct, that the tyrannous Lord not only commanded him to be broken on a wheel to shivers, but inflicted many Christian slaves in his house with the like punishment, and thus much for their cruelty amongst themselves: now you shall see their behaviour toward Strangers. CHAP. VII. The indirect proceedings of Turks against Christians contrary to all religion or morality. WHen Mr BARTON was Agent for the English in Constantinople, as he passed along to This was in the time of Amurath the third. the Viceers upon occasion of business, the great Empress this man's Grandmother, (For Amurath the third his father was but a young man, when he died) came of purpose to see him, formerly moved with a commendatory report of his virtues and parsonage by divers judicious Turks. Whereupon she promised her fancy some satisfaction, which not to be performed without a formal looking upon him, she was somewhat appeased, that this occasion was ministered; but finding it far short of a fullness, another interueiw was contrived, and the Scene acted in the house of a jew, to whose wife she came disguised to bargain for certain pearl, after which in the affairs of the Merchants she countenanced him extraordinarily, and had at last private conference with him, giving so way unto their opinion, that supposed the secret passages of kindness between them, which was no sooner published, and entertained amongst the bashaws for current, but shortly after he died, not without suspicion of poison, and our English affairs had untoward alteration, as the hanging of our Consul at Alexandria, the imprisoning of divers in the black Tower, a place near Pompey's pillar at the mouth of the euxine sea, especially Arnald and Stranguish, who lay there long for their ransom; the terrible insulting over slaves committing all to their galleys without respect of persons; the denying of our former right in the admitting of Merchants into the sacra Porta under the bandiers of England, and giving the precedency to France; the raising of customs, the office being farmed by the jews; the abusing of travelers and other of our Country men by janissaries, and Mechanics of Stanbole: the customary calling us Christians dogs, not daring once to return an unsavoury answer; with divers such like exorbitant abuses. In the time of Master Henry Lisso the Provinces of Bogdonia and Moldavia were at strife about the establishment Prince of Moldavia. of a Governor; but at last condescended to an usurper, which caused the banishment and flight of the true Princes, whereby they were compelled to seek for succour under English protection at Constantinople, being Protestants, or at least willing to admit of our reformation; but whether fear, or corruption prevailed, he was to the great indignity of our Nation not only discovered, but taken away perforce even out of our Ambassadors house, and very disorderly committed to the seven Towers prisoner, from whence by the help of signor Gasparo Gratiano a man for special uses entertained amongst the English, whose brother and sister were both taken and admitted amongst the Turks, being formerly Christians of Transiluania, or Austria; he escaped: but some disastrous fortune returned him back again into the hands of apprehenders, who with a more powerful restraint sent him to the castles; from whence once again through the favour of a Turkish woman he got his liberty, and escaped into Poland; but there he tarried not long, both in regard of their jealousy of him to discover their proceedings, and his suspicion of them for some treachery against his life, or at least his liberty, and so he passed to the Emperor, where finding small relief, he came through France into ENGLAND, and there saw the difference between other Nations concerning the entertaining of strangers. For he was not only admitted with correspondency to his estate, but had letters of credit to the Gran Signeur for his re-establishment, with sufficient inducement to our merchants to lend him 10000 ducats, upon the least hope of his better success. In his absence his mother with great expense and gifts elaboured his restitution, but greater sums as it should seem weighed down the other scale of his respect, or the fortune of happier men prevailed against him. For after she had spent 20000. ducats, tasted the misery of contempt, importuned my Lord Ambassador, I mean Sir Thomas Glover, in the business, and saw the affliction of Petitioners fed with dilatory excuses, she very impatiently attended the good hour of her sons return, and was terrified to experience with what extremities men dejected must wrestle, especially when he came indeed, and was not only repulsed in his suit, but entertained with scorn and contempt. Where is now the Turkish ostentation of supporting the innocent, and distributing of justice to all sorts of people? When Soliman Catanea was Bashaw of Algiers, Master Christopher Willoughby a Gentleman and Merchant of Mr Christopher Willoughby. LONDON had his ship and goods seized on most injuriously to the value of 50000. ducats, whereof many complaints were made, and divers letters from the Council of ENGLAND in his behalf; but still distasting answers were returned, procrastinating the matter, and affording much suspicion of not prevailing in his recovery: whereupon he went another way to work, and made the principal Viceer acquainted with the same, between whom and Catanea he understood was a little grudging: so that when he had promised him 5000. pieces of gold, and laid open his grievances, that they seemed unanswerable, he was removed from his government, and by a missive commission cited to Constantinople. But it should seem all this was but form; for in Zio the counsel of his friends diverted his appearance, and the power of his presents reconciled the Viceer, who contrary ●…o expectation sent him to Tunis as Governor, not only neglecting his former promises and prosecution of the business, but in a manner deriding their importunity, who complained against a Turkish Bashaw. Master Willoughby every way unsatisfied made it a new suit, and with letters both from King and Council came himself to Constantinople, and there solicited the cause, prevailing so far by Sir Thomas glovers means, that the Bashaw was at last mansuold, and condemned to pay the money, or lose his head: But this was still the ordinary manner of satisfaction, when Christians demand justice against Turks; for the Gentleman was only protracted with good words, but in a manner despaired of further prevailing, and so he remained every way discontented. The Vineyard a ship of London, where of Harris was Master, having Turks and Turkish goods aboard, 1605. The Vinyard taken by the Maltasses. was surprised by the Maltasses, which although it fell to the loss and displeasure of our Merchants, yet bred it great unkindness even in Constantinople by forcible inducements, how the ship was rather betrayed by the treachery of the English, then surprised by inequality of fight, so that the Emperor as young as he was, (for he was then scarce fully 16.) commanded in a fury to set fire on all our ships in harbour, and threatened the Merchant with further inflictings, not once admitting either of excuse or justification, whereupon that night (for all the Viceers and Muftis opposition) one of them was burnt indeed, whether by chance or of purpose, I may not dispute, such is the tyranny of their government, and misery of men under their subjection. Edward Conach a Merchant resident at Aleppo, when Edward Conach. Master Paul Pindar was Consul joined with a Frenchman in a bargain of galls to the value of 12000. collars, which they bought of a Moor: the money was no sooner paid, and the commodity ready to be housed, but a certain Turk persuaded the Moor, that he was cozened in the weight, who still replied to the contrary, confessing himself much satisfied, and a great gainer in the traphique; but at last overruled by the suggestion, and villainous instigation, they made it a matter of complaint before the Bashaw, who with an apprehensive anger entertained the same, as glad of any occasion to quarrel with a Christian, especially a Merchant, from whom money might be extorted; whereupon he sent for the officer, that weighed the galls, and so urged the matter against him, that whether right, or wrong, he was broken on a wheel all to pieces, and after many words of reproach calling us dogs, and deceitful wretches, the Consul had a terrible command to put in execution the like exemplary justice on the Merchants. But he perceiving a treacherous conveyance of the business, procrastinated the Sessions, had not the janissaries and common Turks exclaimed against our retardance, and urged, that seeing the Officer suffered death there should be either a commutation of lives, or full restitution, which in the end cost 10000 collars, 6000. for the French, and 4000 for the English, a sum that stopped the mouth of fury, and brought the Tiger at last to more lenity. About the 20. of October 1607. the Viceer, that came The Viceer of Arabia. from Arabia, and had been resident before in Gran Cairo presented the Emperor and rest of the bashaws with many rich jewels, by which occasion the opinion of his inestimable wealth filled very quickly the dangerous ears of Repiners, and divers murmured against him, as if he grew too mighty for a subject; nay, there wanted not malicious instruments to sound out the harsh discord of his overthrow by traducing him for many sinister actions in his governments; for ambitious insinuating into vulgar respect; for attempting to win the janissaries by vainglorious expenses; for releasing of slaves, in whom another man had a propriety; for repining at the former Viceers supplantation; for complaining on the emperors vicious loving of boys, with such like: all which added but fuel to the fire, which at last consumed him. For within two days he was found dead, some said of the plague, some that he was strangled, some poisoned, and some that he entertained two unwelcome guests grief and discontent: Howsoever, his goods, treasure, children, houses, and all belonging unto him, were seized upon to the Gran Signeurs use, which confirmed their opinion, that supposed him murdered for his wealth. The ship of the john Baptist being in Zio about the beginning of November the same year, was searched by Turks for the Cook, upon a supposition, that he was confederate with a French slave about his escape; but he denying the accusation was imprisoned, had his hands almost flayed, and suffered great torment to enforce a confession. At last mere hunger compelled the Offender to discover himself, and most voluntarily to lay the guilt upon his own shoulders, whereby the Englishman was after great suit discharged, otherwise no doubt he had felt the effect of Turkish justice. In the year 1605. amongst other travelers, and searchers for novelties out of curiosity, a French Gentleman presumed to tell the artillery, and canons before the Tapinaw, as they lay by the sea shore, which was taken for so great an offence, that he had a 100 blows given him on the feet according to the manner of such revenges, and not dismissed without great intercession of the Ambassador. These and many other instances of their tyrannous government would fill whole volumes, and make easy collections the discoverers of their incongruity between Salomon's magnificense, peace, plenty, administration, wisdom, affability, uprightness, and good orders; and their pride, contentions, wants, confusions, devilish policy, tyranny, wrested constructions, and wilfulness: so far from the example of happiness, and method of a well settled Commonwealth, that I will absolutely disclaim the naming of any true goodness amongst them, not that I touch the main point of religion in denying the Godhead of Christ, an argument of sufficiency to debar him from worldly and terrestrial happiness, but that many heathenish reasons of firmly settled kingdoms disallow his usurpation, and strangely compacted tyranny tending to nothing, but wilfulness in themselves, and slavery over others, all proceeding from his challenges militari iure, and that the Disposer of Kingdoms would humble us from any ostentation of a perpetuity on earth. CHAP. VIII. Their manner of advancement, and diversity of customs far from our example, and orderly prosperity. Our former allegations have maintained, The Turkish government deficient in exemplary goodness, or happiness. that the Turkish Empire is corroborated by the absolute will of the Prince, and wretched duty of the subject; for he pulleth down and advanceth whom he pleaseth, and without sense or reason debarreth any man from pleading in his own behalf, or contesting with authority, if so be, he will not have it so; otherwise, there is a certain shadow of uprightness amongst them; an approaching to honour by degrees, and spreading the fair colours of some good customs, though far short of our example: all which in in this Chapter shall be for divers reasons enlarged. You must then consider, that every second or third year his Officers range over all his kingdoms, and territories for slaves, Moors, and Eunuches, but especially for the beautifullest and handsommest children they can find, being all the sons and daughters of Christians, who accordingly are brought into his several Seralios by 20. and 30000. at a time, and there from their infancy instructed in the Law of Mahomet, circumcised, and disposed of without knowledge of parents, friends, or country, except some Eunuch or Keeper out of mere commiseration discover the same; so that all his Concubines, Wives, Officers, and soldiers are the offsprings of Christians depending immediately on the Prince's Exchequer, and pensions, not acknowledging other God, other law, other religion, other King, other Benefactor, or other life (except in the story of George Castriot, who rebelled against him, after he knew his father was a Christian, and King of Epirus, which we may briefly run over thus. When Amurath the 2. had conquered Epirus, with many other places of Servia, Bulgaria, and Albania, he took prisoners The story of Scanderbag, and why he was so called. with him to Adrinopolis the King, and five of his sons, whom he tormented most barbarously upon some distasting reply of the old Prince by putting out their eyes, and at last strangling them, except the youngest named George, whom he so fancied in his infancy, that he presently circumcised him, instructed him in the Law of Mahomet, and kept him secure in his own palace, until a mighty Champion of Persia made a challenge to fight with any Turk for the honour of both Empire's hand to hand, starknaked, and with single Semiters: wherein as the motive might be honourable enough, so the manner seemed ridiculous; yet so formidable, that for three days together he insulted round about the Court without a daring answerer, or any man who durst take the matter in hand; at last this George Castriot out of some divine inspiration, and generous spirit, stepped forth in the presence of the Emperor, not fully 18. year old, and without procrastinating the matter, stripped himself before them, and made them as much amazed at the beautifulnes●…, and comeliness of his person, as greatness of courage, and shaking his sharp and glistering curtle-axe triumphantly over his head, approached the Persian, who by this time was prepared to the encounter, and in less than one quarter of an hours traversing the ground, closed with him, wrestled with him, stradled over him like a Colossus, after he had laid him on his back, and struck off his head: for which he was presently embraced in his sweat by the great Emperor, invested with a rob of honour, proclaimed by the sound of a trumpet Scanderbag, quasi Alexander Magnus, and advanced to the dignity of General of the army: Therefore I wonder at their ignorance, or slender enformation, which have published in print, that it was a name of scorn and derision; when we never read of so famous an action, and so high a recompense, wherein he proceeded more and more, with love of the army and regard of the Prince, till indeed an Eunuch, ravished with his worthiness, discovered what he was, and opened at large his father's story unto him, whereat he startled, as it were confounded, and never desisted, till he had persuaded the army to revolt, and so obtained his Kingdom, making war against the Turk seventeen year together, as in the larger stories may appear. But to the business in hand. The natural Turk they call Muscellman, and he seldom comes to preferment: but lives as a tradesman in cities, The degrees of the Turks husbandman in the country, or mariner at sea: yet, for the most part, are all your galleyslaves Christians, and overlooked by the cruel eyes of hard-hearted masters, the rest cast up their account in this manner. At the beginning they are called Gimoglanes, or Azamoglanes, resembling 1 poor hospitall-boyes, doing all manner of drudgery, both in court & the houses of bashaws, and are known by a plain habit and strange hat on their head, which is a felt like a sugar-loaf, of a maidenhair colour. The second degree is of janissaries, whose Haga or Captain is a most honourable, though dangerous place. Of 2 these be two sorts: of the court, limited in their numbers; and at large without restraint, as always mustered for chief soldiers in the army: yea, as (a man may say) the principal beam of the whole Empire's frame. For from their suffrages and obedience, the Gran Signior is confirmed: from their repine, disorders are multiplied: from their partiality, a son deposeth a father: and from their mutinies confusion riseth, and like a swelling sea casteth down the banks of all government. The third sort are Capogies, employed as porters of gates, pursuivants on errands, attenders on the Viceers, as 3 they sit at meat in their great Dowana's, which be open hals traversed, as occasion shall serve with Persian hangings, and sometimes trusted with secret murders, and such like dangerous business. The fourth place is appropriate to the Spahyes, who are inferior horsemen, with high feathers in their strange fashioned 4 hats, somewhat more glorious than the janissaries, their arming, as also the janisary, keeps some correspondency with the Persian. On foot, either bow and arrows, and a scimitar, or hargabush and a scimitar: on horseback the very same, with addition of a shield made of sinews, or the bark of an Indian tree, cast behind at their backs, with addition of a pole-axe, hatchet, or iron mace, which are made like sceptres: but, for the most part, none presumes to wear them under the degree of a Chiaus, who have them in the city of silver for show, and of steel for execution. The fifth room is supplied by the Chiaus, a degree of 5 honourable eminence and may rank with our Barons. For they ride in velvet gowns, siluer-plated saddles, costly stirrups, and rich turbanes: with these I may almost equal the Captains of castles, forts, frontier towns, bands of foot, cornets of horse, and such like Commanders, known by the name of Haga's. here also, though he seem to step a little higher, may be seated the Cady, who is a judge or Magistrate over criminal causes, over whom there is one principal called Cadeleskier, as our Lord chief justice, in some places they have also Sub-Bashawes according to his Sansacks, Trimatriots, or country divisions, either for maintaining his armies, or provision over his cities. Then may you name with a little better reputation the Treasurer called Testerdy, overseer of customs, which is an office farmed by the jews, his Chancellor, Doctors of the Law, and such like. On the sixth step ofhonour is the Bashaw lifted up, who is a principal Viceroy, or at least hath been, over Kingdoms 6 and Countries, such as Arabia, Egypt, Tauris, Tunis, and divers others, both in Asia, Africa, and Europe, and Beg, in Turkish is great or honourable. according to the dignity and majesty of the place called Beglerbeg: these are every three years mansuold, that is to say, removed. For as they be subject to strange overseers, so they are not permitted to grow rich, and indeed seem jealous of their lives and estates, if any extraordinary fortune or greatness be imposed upon them, except the Bashaw of Aleppo, who either is so permitted to have, or maketh his place hereditary, daring sometimes to do actions befitting an absolute Prince. The last and greatest place of account is a Viceer, who commonly exceed not five in number, besides the General 7 of the army, who is principal, these be they that govern the Empire, and to whose trust all matters depending in controversy are committed. But you must consider, that times have altered their first strictness, when in the inchoation of goodness they resolved on a perseverance & steadfastness. For amongst the best of them, abuse hath bespotted that fair promising countenance, and over-vailed that beauty, which showed true justice, punished extortion, and made adultery one of their haynousest offences, with fowl deformity, and new fashions of impiety. And thus much for their persons. Now to their customs, and general conditions. The Turks, by the law of their Koran, should drink nothing but water, or water mixed with honey, which they The manners of Turks, and their government. call sherbert: yet the better sort have certain juliups, which be syrups of roses, violets, and such like, of which a spoonful or two will season a pint of water, and is not only pleasant in taste, but powerful enough in operation: they shave all their head, saving one tuft on the crown, superstitiously imagining to be pulled up to heaven thereby: they maintain their beards with great formality and cost, and have them in such reputation, that they swear by them: they seldom do any thing in vain, or speak an idle world, but in a substantial gravity pass the time, even at their pleasure and sports: they sit cross-legged, and so commonly eat on the ground, or higher bench: they hate profanation, and will not suffer Christ to be ill spoken of. Their religion generally carries a reverent show, but no substantial commendation, as allowing God Omnipotent, a father, invincible, and creator of the world, and jesus Christ as the Prophet of his time, as Moses had been before, but have opinion that Mahomet was sent to them, as the last Mediator, with promise ofreturne to consummate their eternity after 1000 years, which time is almost expired, whereupon he enroled a book called his Koran, in which he bound together, both laws touching religion, and precepts for civil administration, with prohibition of disputing on their probability, and warrantise of the flourishingest Commonwealth under the sun, upon their observation; conjuring them to a strict obedience, if ever they hoped to thrive in glory and terrestrial majesty, and attain the blessedness of an immortal Kingdom, and a trebled felicity in the world to come: wherein he imitated Lycurgus, who compelled the Lacedæmonians, and bound them by oath to the resolute keeping his instructions, until his return, which they ratified by a solemn vow, whereupon conjecturing the subsequent good, he banished himself for ever; or, as some suppose, threw himself from a cliff of Olympus. The like we read of Empedocles, but with greater suspicion of ambition, as indeed affecting a godhead, who cast himself into the Crateres of Aetna, after he had combined the Sicilians to the judicious allowance of his decrees. They love their Churches, reverence the Priests, make account of Naturals, dumb men, and Lunatics, and must Their religion. not enter into their Mosques, either with their shoes on, or fowl hands, or any unreverent gesture. Amongst these the order of Deruices or Turner's are of greatest account, as men living a contemplative life, and no way transported with mundane affairs. They celebrate divers religious days, especially Friday, and have many ceremonies of preaching, music & solemn silence: concluding their service with a strange turning about, increased by degrees from a slow stillness to a violent circular whirling, pa●…ible of four several divisions, lasting in all an hour, according to the modulent sound of certain instruments, which have a primordial solemnity, and so by little and little increase to a swiftness, in which time they with strange gestures look up to heaven, and when they have done thus a quarter of an hour, all in a sweat they fall groveling to the ground, and have certain garments cast over them, to prevent taking of cold; then after a while they begin again, and so four times together: the looking up hath relation to extraordinary visions, and that they are ravished with high inspiration, forgetting the world, and all affairs in the same: the prostitution on the ground would acknowledge the vileness of man's creation, and their humility to consider of the same: they observe the ceremony of praying for the dead, bewailing their loss, and bemoaning over the graves; they repair to their Mosques or Temples four times a day, and on Friday five: and they have a solemn fast and a solemn feast, called Ramdam and Byrame, much about our Alhallowtide, at which time their Mosques, and the turrets, are solemnly furnished with burning lamps night and day, five weeks together: with divers other particulars, much like the absurd ceremonies, both of Greek and Romish Churches, consisting all in form and outward adoration, as you shall hear anon. They circumcise the men, & in Arabia cut their women, they sell all things by weight, write Bias, like the ancient Arabians and Chaldeans, read backward as the jews, and observe many other customs of Moses Law. For their women are seldom or never seen abroad, except the meaner sort, who yet cover head and face (saving their very eyes: what rich apparel soever she wears, the outward garment is a long cloth gown with wide sleeves, breeches, boots, or rather buskins, and an ill-fashioned tyre on their heads: their hands are without gloves, their nails and eyebrows painted, which they learned of the greeks, and all outward appearance most uncomely; but within doors they are more stately, and with a comely presence entertain those which are to be admitted. Their marriages are somewhat strange; for they never see their wives, until they lie with them, unless it be such as are able to buy slaves, and keep many concubines; and then expect no dowry, either of land or money, but utensells and presents of apparel, which are carried in delicate baskets on boy's heads, singing of songs in the street before the Bride, until she come to her place of abode. In which negotiation are elder women employed, and dare not but tell the truth, until the matter be fully determined. Thus are also their incontinences satisfied by intercourses of Panders, yet for advantage they have brothels and stews; yea, the very Balnea's serve for meeting places. Thus could I run over a large field of discourses: but my purpose is only by demonstration to bring the defects The comparison laid together. of this Empire in question, for all their ostentation of glory, and proud boasting of magnificent government, yet so far short of our example and comparison, as they are from judgement and love of religion, who extol it for the greatest, best, and richest Kingdom of the world. Solomon led the Vanguard of royalty, and like a noble minded Landlord, let happiness to farm amongst all his Tenants rend free. The Turk is so far from augmenting the peace and plenty of his subjects, that as soon as any of them is but entering into the field of thriving and contentment, he pulls them back, and thrusts them doggedly into the dungeon of penury and wants. Solomon was an honourable King, and sat on a throne to decide the controversies of his people. The Turk is an absolute Tyrant, and neither cometh amongst them, but for glorious magnificence, nor admitteth any to approach near him, but for pleasure and wantonness. Solomon had Princes over the Tribes, and the sons of Lords enjoyed their father's immunities. The Turk hath none of eminence, but himself, and the name of slave obscureth all light of posterity. Solomon kept an order in his cities and towns, whether they were places of harbour, traffic, and fortification; or for concourse, sacrifice, and reposedness. The Turk alloweth none, or very few, with Decorum and glory of Citizens. In the days of Solomon, the Countryman lived at peace under his vine, and the Israelites without number eat, drank, and made merry. Amongst the Turks nothing but fear and terror is threatened, like a tempestuous storm hanging over the heads of the Inhabitants. For the cities lie devasted, the towns depopulated, and confusion is powered out in full measure amongst them; yea, spread like a menstruous cloth, to make modesty and true government ashamed, so that if you return to the overlooking the gallant fields of Greece, which in times past was a subject for Philosophers and Poets to write upon, except some few, namely Constantinople, Gratianopolis, Andrinople, Philipopolis, Gallipolis, Salenica, and such like, and here and there a pretty town in an Island, the rest are unwalled, the people unarmed, their goods taken by force, their daughters reserved for incontinency, and the whole Country a true pattern of misery, insomuch that the Inhabitants being Christians, in a manner creep into their houses at a little door through a wall, otherwise shall a Turk come and make a stable of his hall, ravish his daughter, abuse his wife, and consume him like a lingering disease, which washeth away the flesh, and leaveth nothing but skin and bone: beside, he dare not manure the ground to grow rich, lest an intruder reap his harvest, and make his endeavours fruitless: so that though this great Emperor be so mighty in people, spacious in territories, opulent in wealth, and glorious in imperiousness: yet receiveth he not the fifth commodity of his countries, by reason the fields are unplowed, the vineyards undressed, the meadows unstored with cattle, and the very trees unpruned, all which were plentifully supplied and compassed about with the embracings of husbandry in the time of Salomon's peace. Nay, such is the misery of corrupted times, that whereas the Turks have been ever a true and religious people toward their Prophet, observing the laws of his Koran very strictly: in these days they are all transported with prosperity, and seduced with filthy and abominable wickedness. For they endure both sloth and idleness, augment their desires of incontinency, maintain the extremities of gluttony, and will be drunk, against their own prohibitions and natural inclination. I have insisted the longer on these Turkish particulars, because of all the Empires of Asia, and Kingdoms of Africa, it affordeth matter of discourse, and mine own commorance amongst them warrants the truth of what is published, whereby you may thus conclude, after a summary collection, that their Commonwealth may rather be termed a conjuration of tyrannies, than method or form of good government: their emperors masters of a slaughter-house, than fathers of the country: and their Governors such as the judges of Israel, when every man did what was best in their own eyes, than josua or Samuel, who washed their hands in innocency, either from doing wrong themselves, or winking at others under them, witness the stories you have heard, and thousands other unrepeated. But if this will not yet exclude them out of our palace of happiness, nor divert their conceits, which are only carried away with novelties, why then let us extract these fearful particulars amongst them. First, that fundamental 1 point of establishment, by murdering all their brethren. Next their ambitious supplanting their fathers 2 and elder brothers, and rather than they would be disappointed in their projected drifts, thrusting them into a slaughter-house. Thirdly, the policy and cunning of their Concubines, who have destroyed very worthy Princes for 3 degenerating persons. Fourthly, the raging cruelty and jealousy against bashaws, neither permitting the lawful 4 descent of the son, nor continuing long a constant opinion toward the well-deserving father (for even the worthy Cigala's themselves, had much a do to keep their credit without murmuring, and repining of others. Fiftly, against the main position of preserving justice, their corrupting 5 by bribes and presents, even to the perverting of manifest causes, especially against Christians. Sixtly, the miserable estate of the countryman, and poor communality, 6 who are in as ill condition as their asses, fit for nothing but to have heavy burdens laid upon them. And last of all, their confusion of diet, both for the time and 7 plenty, wherein nothing is gracious or acceptable, nor any thing worthy the name of a happy country, or wealthy people. Now to the rest. CHAP. IX. RUSSIA compared. ABout the 25. of our famous Queen ELIZABETH Albertus Alasco Vaivod The de●…cts of Russia. of Siradia in Poland, came over as Ambassador from the King of Poland, and amongst other particulars concerning the estate of his own Country discovered many secrets of Muscovia, or Russia choose you whether; since when (as before our Merchants had begun a traphique amongst them) both Ambassadors have come to us from them, and we have sent many Agents and gratuities to confirm a peace and intercourse; wherein more especially then in any other Sir Thomas Smith prevailed with honourable welcome and dispatch; so that besides the continual travel of our Merchants, and endeavours of many Gentlemen addicted to curiosity, we have a kind of public authority, and certainty of collections to warrant our discourse, and make manifest the imperfect customs of this great Empire, so contrary to our example and pattern of happiness, that whereas we look out for a yoke-fellow with Solomon to draw along the chariot of magnificense and terrestrial prosperity, he cannot come near the dashings of the wheels, nor must presume of any thing more than the commanding of his subjects as slaves, which is tyranny; and the keeping the better sort of women honest by sequestering them from wandering abroad, which is misery and wretchedness. First concerning religion, the main point and foundation of all goodness, in the days of Solomon they knew not what a grove meant; a strange altar was odious unto them, and until his later falling away from God, which was revenged with the falling away of 10. Tribes from his son, there was no mention made of idolatry, and the very sound was a harsh kind of discord. In Muscovia they are both ignorantly superstitious, and ambitiously affected to superiority: for although in that poor knowledge they have, they ever depended upon the authority of the Greek Church, as by their Saints may appear, which be Saint George, Demetrius, and Nicholay, to whom is consecrated one of the richest Abbeys of the world: yet have they presumed in the assumpting the same to themselves, boasting of a bargain by commutation, wherein the Patriarch of Constantinople was contented to resign to the Metropolitan of Moscow all his authority, and supremacy for a great sum of 1588. gold. But see the just judgement of God, as he returned into Greece, he was robbed of the same, and most treacherously murdered. Thus yet do they presume of the glory of the Church amongst them, and in Russia think it sufficient to cry out JESV thou son of God: as for the Scriptures, in some places they have the Greek Testament only, and hear of the Bible a far off. For preaching or interpreting, they know not what it means; and the common people believe any thing their Priests tell them, allowing of nothing but some ridiculous ceremonies, strange fasts, and idle feasts. Concerning their Princes, oh how far are they from the reciprocal duties between themselves and subjects, and those excellent prescriptions which Samuel prescribed to Saul, and Solomon practised to his eternal honour. For such hath been the confused and disordered intrusion of these Emperors, that they have without care of posterity, conscience, or the Commonwealth shouldered one another from their thrones by treasons, murders, devices, and public hostility. For ever since that old ivan Vasellowich grew odious to his subjects, horrible stratagemmes have succeeded, and even Poland like a neighbour hath feared the burning of his own house, when the next hath been on a blaze; especially in the usurpation of Borris Pheordiwich, who to aspire to the dignity made away Demetrius the second son to Vasellowich, and so from other monstrous effects of policy obtained the Diadem, wherein at the first by his bounty and worthy promising demeanour, he in a manner blotted out the print of his former unjust proceedings, and taught them as it were away to forget the wrongs done to their lawful Princes, till at last growing odious to the subject, a new search was made, and a further hurly burly about another Emperor confounded all estates, and for many years hath turmoiled the Country round about. Concerning the government, there is only some form of justice, & punishing of adultery; but so far from Salomon's magnificense, Salomon's palace, Salomon's provision, Salomon's navy, Salomon's Nobles, Salomon's tranquillity and peace, and Salomon's worthiness in every thing, that I am ashamed to name them for Christians. For the common people, though they lie not with other men's wives, yet they change their own as often as they list, and however the better sort maintain many wives, yet do they practise nothing more than gurmondize and incontinency, with Strumpets and Concubines, whom they resort unto in certain stoves or hot houses, as the hotter Countries have Balnea's and washing places. Concerning their Cities? in a word both their Cities and towns are subject to such bestiality and confusion, that they seem rather so many smoky cottages, and Irish cabbines, then handsome dwellings, or convenient places of abode; and in Moscow itself for all her populousness, and large extension of ground, there is not any thing worthy the admiration or imitation, more than the markets of furs, and some rich ornaments of the skins of beasts; as for the Citizens, or Countrymen, I rather resemble them to some scattered troops of a discomfited army, than men orderly disposed to the managing affairs either for mutual commerce, or noble trade of Merchants. And thus could I run over all other particulars, but that I shall overrun my own discourse, considering there is nothing but a mere disparity between them and our example. CHAP. X. AETHIOPIA compared. AS the distempered climate of cold and unseasonable weather seemed a bar of The de●…cts of Aethiopia. separation between Muscovia and handsome Prosperity, or true happiness of a kingdom; so is orderly plenty, and necessary provision affrighted to come near Aethiopia, lest the scorching heat, and burning sun should consume the same, and not only turn their corn into cinders, but stifle their cattle for want of water, sending them braying, as the Hart to the rivers up and down after refreshing springs. For although Egypt hath been counted the garner of corn, and that the watrey Nilus hath dispersed her rivulets over many Countries, yea coming out of Aethiopia hath taken along sundry swelling fountains to accompany her into the Mediterranean sea; so that divers Historiographers have numbered 6000. Cities on the banks of the same, and boasted of the glory of their Emperors, and mightiness of their armies: yet (not once speaking of the barrenness of the rest) could any of these places take upon them any glorious exaltation of a well compacted Commonwealth, or terrestrial happiness of a Nation. For you may read, that when it flourished in the height of prosperity (as when there was a general famine in many Countries) there was corn in Egypt, Saba the Queen of Aethiopia came to visit Solomon in his royalty, and went away with admiration, when she saw the difference between her own Country, and the blessedness of judea, so that the particular relation of the Court, and government, was occasioned from this Empresses willingness to be instructed, and desire to gratify the King for his extraordinary magnificense, and administration of the Commonwealth: whereby I am not incredulous of their information, that report, how that many times the Parents sell their children to Merchants for corn, and at all times send the people to the market for slaves, which are bought up at easy rates, and dispersed over the world: nor will I much contradict their opinion, that have fashioned their Commonwealth out of an unfashionable government without law, terror of disobedience, civil institution, orderly precepts, and sociable loving of one another. For since they marched under the colours of Christianity, it hath not been much better, and except it be such as are borne under the same Climate, no man of a temperate Country can live amongst them. Their manners and customs I have partly described, and could here add, that however they boast of their antiquity, as being the first Country inhabited by Chus the son of Cham, which in the Hebrew tongue signifieth black, and that afterward they changed their name from the son of Vulcan: I cannot find either any settled government, or state worthy the imitation; or noble enterprises befitting a story, or slender praise. However they are commended for the first acknowledging a divine power, and entertaining a religious Priesthood, and manner of celebration of sacrifices; I cannot see, that there now remains any thing amongst them, but idle customs, and corrupted abuses, believing the incarnation of Christ only, without a better progression to sanctifying graces; and never disputing further than a barren observation of ridiculous ceremonies. However they have some scattered Cities, and nobility in estimation, as the Captains of their Soldiers, and Leaders of their armies, I cannot find either orderly preservation of families, or loving entertaining of one another, but rather thefts, rapines, murders, and spoiling of themselves, and passengers. However their Countries are very spacious, and have a great quantity of ground with variety of people; yet is the barrenness, and unfrequented Cities a bar to their estimation; and as we say a little good is worth a great deal of bad; and one corner of Canaan equalled ten times as much ground for provision, and plenty of riches. As for their tying their hair in knots, their odours, perfumes, sweet wood, spices, Elliphants teeth, almugge trees, and such like; alas, there is neither milk, nor honey, neither good provision for back or belly, neither comeliness of raiments for ornament, or necessity,; neither order for glory, or good neighbourhood; neither provision for handsomeness, or magnificense. To conclude in a word, it wanteth many things, wherein barbarous Nations (after their account) come nearer prosperity, and retaineth nothing, which either happy kingdoms stand in need of, or desire by way of imitation. As for such blessings, wherewith God hath stored their Countries, and they have corrupted the Merchants of Europe; I answer in one word for all, both for China, India, and themselves, that they resemble poison thrown into a wholesome potion, which of itself had been a The merchandise from India and Aethiopia superfluous things and such as we need not. preservative, but now is a dangerous receipt, and not fit for every one to drink: or else they are like sluttish masks, which cover more beautiful faces, and debar one another from pleasing themselves with their own native comeliness. But say, that both jewels, precious stones, perfumes, spices, minerals, metal, and other glorious riches are befitting the Majesty of Princes, the honour of palaces, the ornaments of Kings, and the benefit of Countries; I hope we have them in more abundance than themselves, and like the Servant that proved better workman than his Master, make more commodious use of them, than any Country in the world: so that our Merchant is a noble adventurer, and our Cities rather storehouses of blessings, than shops of wares: and as for LONDON itself, I protest, I rather wonder at it for her excelling prerogatives, then commend it for a thriving Emporium. CHAP. XI. GERMANY compared. SHall we come nearer home, and The imperfect condition of Germany. with prying eyes (like the Censors of Rome over offenders) look into the Empire of Germany: or if you will, the country itself, as it might make a glorious Kingdom indeed. You know how I have already stepped into her enclosures, and opened the very gates of her secrets. The Princes are too absolute, and he himself not able to reign, as Ahasuerosh did, from India to Aethiopia, over 127. Provinces: nor doth the Queen of Saba, come to hear his wisdom, or view the ordering of his palace, the attendance of his Nobles, the sitting of his servants, the provision of his tables, and the charity of his devotion: nor doth the Kings of Arabia send him presents, the Kings of Egypt wives, and all the confederate Princes admire his magnificence, nor Hiram of Tyrus contract a league, or the navy of Tharsus join with his, to fetch gold from Ophir: nor will the Merchant bring him horses and fine linen from remote places, or supply his wants according to the prerogative of Kings, or glorious abundance of opulent countries: nor are the cities ordered by the appointment of his ministers, nor can he send his chariots to this place, nor horsemen to that, nor his army whither he list, nor fill the streets of jerusalem, when he would solemnize a Passover. For here the chiefest towns live in freedom, and the Burghers boast of their wealth and policy, in manumitting themselves, and (as it were) sealing the honour of chief commanding; yea, sometimes contesting with the Emperor himself on their own gates. As for the country commodities and provision tending either to necessity or pleasure; alas, the commutation consisteth in enriching particular persons, and smally to the augmentation of the emperors Majesty, wherein all the tracts of avarice, corrupt mixtures, overreaching one another, and putting off either refuse things, or paltry trifles, as the Italians call them Baggatini: are trod amongst them, and even beaten smooth with continual intercourse. So that their marts and fairs are so many booths of drunkards, and instead of ships at sea, fill the fields with wagons of such strange creatures, who make their bellies as great devouring gulfs as the sea, so that their eating and carousing is far from the moderation of mirth, which the Israelites accustomed, or the Persian banquet, where none were compelled: but letting that pass, as an imperfection proprietory to the country and nation. I can traduce them further, for mangling the blessings of God bestowed upon them, by the cuttings and hackings of many gross sins, as usury, rebellion, contumacy, profanation, swearing, drunkenness, murders, and such like: but especially for vilipending the high commission of the Almighty in two principal matters. The one, in murmuring and repining at strangers, not suffering any to have any commorance, or dwelling amongst them. For how ever in some of the chiefest towns there is a glorious show and formal entertaining of Merchants and passengers, who come stored with crowns to power them into the laps of Innkeepers, and houses of wantonness: yet will they neither relieve the wants of indigent beggars, nor permit Gentleman or Artificer to dwell amongst them, or be entertained as a free denizen, being a stranger of another country, except in some sparing cases, and times of necessity, wherein a bribe or great Princes commendatory letters prevail, by way of entreaty and insinuation. The second is, their grossness and simplicity in refusing the right of Kings, and succession of their Emperors, debarring so the best of governments, which is the Monarchy, from ruling over them, and whereas they may allege, that the suffrages of men are uncorrupt, and a Prince so chosen shall be the worthier, in regard his virtues must be eminent, whereas the father may leave a son compounded of so many vices, which overruling his virtues, shall make him odious: or otherwise he may prove simple, tyrannous, dishonest, or irregular. First, it is merely erroneous, because we are not to contest with the disposer of Kingdoms about his vicegerents, in regard, that sometimes as a fatherly correction he permitteth a defective Prince, rather than folding up a sorer mantle of vengeance, to spread it abroad to their more grievous punishment. Next they have failed in this also amongst themselves: for many of their Emperors thus elected, have proved doltish, lascivious, cowardly, and rather manglers of the Empire, then provident stewards to augment the wealth and reputation of the same: nay, the best of their Caesars have been affrighted at the fulmination of a tyrannous Pope, and seduced with the imposturing cunning of deceiving Priests, and a corrupted religion, nor could they go with the wise King to view his navies, visit his cities, fortify the towns, erect storehouses, or come near the six steps of gold on Salomon's throne, which was most apparent, even the other day, in one of their glorious Princes, from whom the house of Austria hath taken such firm rooting, that it hopes to spread so largely, and so high, that no daring hand shall presume to lop a bough, or break off a principal stem. I mean Charles the fifth, who for all his seeming corroborated mightiness, quickly lost the love of the Princes, and for want of ceremonies maintaining the glory of a King, was even scorned of Peasants. The story is briefly thus. Upon the report of the loss of his galleys at Argier, he had a purpose to reinforce his navy, The Emperor Charles the fifth, despised for his mean habit. and as the Poet says, saepe prement Deo, fert Deus alter opem, to hope, that as one misfortune had overclowded the fair shining sun of his glory: another happy wind would over-blow the threatening storm, and make a serene element, which caused him to come into Italy, for his better and speedier passage, either at Ligorn or Genoa: but entering into Milan, a lean old man in a black cape cloak, the people thronging to see a glorious Emperor, or at least some magnificent show and pompous ceremony: they were so daunted to be thus frustrated, and in a manner scorned to be so disesteemed, that they neither gave him a Vive le Roy, nor scarce opened a window to look toward him: nay more, when he set forward for Spain, indeed there scarce went a voluntary Gentleman with him, and the very wagoners put their thumbs between their fingers, in contempt of his troops, which is as disgracious a thing in Italy, both amongst themselves, and against strangers, as either the lie in France, or Beco to the Gentleman of Venice, whereat he took such a conceit, that he never returned into Italy or Germany again, however some would impute it unto his grief, for not prevailing against the mahometans: or devotion, as desiring to give over the world, and not be entangled any further with disaduantagious encumbrances. And thus you see, why Germany cannot match our example, especially as the Eagle flies now, with broken wings and bruised sides CHAP. XII. ITALY compared. SHall we venture over the Alps, and the gulf of Venice into Italy, and The mangled prosperity of Italy. search either the Apennine hills, the fields of Campania, the garden of the world called Lombardy, the territories of Rome, or attractive Naples, for an instance of greatness and happiness, which may come near the example. I must not now dispute, what it was in the flourishing times of Augustus and other Emperors, sweetening contentment with the delicates of riches and pleasure, till God sent strange and cruel Physicians to purge them for their surfeiting in gormandize and wantonness, I mean the Goths and Vandals: nor will take upon me to presage what it might be, if some divine power would gather her plights together, and make it one handsome and magnificent garment for a sole sovereign: but show her, as she is now loose, unlaced, and hath her ornaments dilacerated, and even rend from her sides and shoulders. Alas, it is far worse with them, than it was with the Israelites in the time of the judges, when every man did what he listed, and having no King (as if they had been embracers of the Tanist law in Ireland) ran like sheep without a shepherd, and through the presumption of their own forces, wrested the inheritance from the true heirs. But more properly I may resemble them to the Anarchies of Greece, who through emulation at one another's greatness and credit in the world, kept true prosperity indeed from a noble race and happy thriving amongst them. For as in civil wars, while divers factions fight one by one, all are in the end subdued; whereas if they did unite themselves with a stubborn holding together, they might peradventure hazard and propulse the greatest strength, and raised forces against them. So in the plenties of peace and flourishes of happiness, the best portion divided into many parts will quickly be spent, and a flowing river hath not that bravery, when it is cut out into small brooks, as in his own stream running in a deep and fashionable channel. Again, as in noble families, when the manor houses, capital messages, and populous Lordships descend to one immediate heir, the dignity & honour of the same, is more and more upheld, whereas if they were divided amongst many sons, the glory would soon be extinguished, and strength of the first firmness rebated. So fareth it with Italy, the very blessings afforded by nature are disjointed, and the dividing it into Principates, hath also divided her fortunes, and former credit of ravishing beauty. For in one corner rules the Spaniard, at another end encroacheth the Savoyan, on this side the Venetian keepeth all in awe, on that the Hetrurian Duke maintaineth a jurisdiction, here the Church with the contraries of blessing and cursing locketh up St. Peter's Patrimony, as the Pope himself in the castle of St. Angelo, there many petty Princes are jealous of foreign treacheries, and however they do malign the common enemy, yet can they not agree amongst themselves, but repine with an emulous hate against one another. But would I could unite them together, and set up the walls of Rome, placing her seven hills in such an order, that the city might boast of twenty mile compass, and the government lift up a head, as in daniel's visions. Or that I might in a year of jubilee settle you under the wings of the Angel on the top of the palace, and show you the Consistory of Cardinals, the triumphs of a Pope's inauguration, his stately carrying on men's shoulders, his triple crown, and such like ostentous and pompous ceremonies with all the glorious celebrations of the other Princes, either at their own elections, or entertainment of foreign Ambassadors, yet would all this come far short of our example. For the very provision of Salomon's palace would exhaust the country, consume the commodities, and like a barren ground drinking up the rain, devour the plenty of the land, and pull in pieces their best compacted husbandry, of which we have had many instances in former times, when Italy suffered divers famines and want of corn: so that if Egypt had not been a storehouse and garner of grain to let in a supplement, as it were an unlooked for way, the people had perished for lack of food, and the country been wasted for want of husbandmen and tillage. Again, say they could drink in vessels of gold (wherein yet I find them very sparing) and that they determined to expose the glory of some ambitious triumph. Wherewith should their cups overflow, considering their wines are not only small, but in such a penury and scarcity, that if the women and children were not not prohibited, or at least from the customs of modesty did not limit themselves, a stranger should either drink water or nothing, and had not wherewithal to satisfy their thirst. As for the Villano, he is glad of any water, and quencheth his heat from the muddy channels, which fall from the mountains of snow, and are cleansed with much ado by the swift courses of Eridanus, which sendeth her streams into the Adriatic sea, and makes a confederacy with other rivers for the same purpose, though the places require stranger titles. Many other defects have, and must bespot this country's face, and debar it from boasting of that happiness, I would propose unto you. For though the Innkeepers daughter go in a satin gown, and that the bravery of their women is amplified from their attire, as if the burrs had golden kernels, and every corner were full of silkworms; yet do they neither eat good meat, feed cleanly, nor meet together with friendly neighbourhood, or invitation. As for civil government and administration of justice, every Province hath a several method, and the pride of one another's liberty and power to defend a delinquent flying to them for succour, raiseth a presumption of strange committing offences, and perpetrating horrible thefts, rapes and murders: so that whether they by bandited, or no; when revenge or wicked instigation hath set any man on work, the Neapolitan flies unto Rome, the Roman to Florence, the Florentine to Venice, the Venetian to Mantua, and so in all the rest. And for the more peaceable Inhabitants, they seldom rejoice under a unity, and very sparingly admit of any customs, tending to the smoothness of love and true contentment: so that in a manner all the defects, which deform the natural beauty of Kingdoms, may be here looked upon with pitiful eyes, and much lamented with passionate heart grief. As for those ostentous heaps of stone, which transport the slight credulity of the ignorant, to believe that it surpasseth for cities, buildings, and outward magnificence, any country in Europe, when you come to examine particulars, you shall find it only, as we deceive our children, in sugaring over a little course bread, made in the form of delicate manchet on the outside. For what says Tacitus, cities are the men; government, feeding; and obedience of people, subject to formal orders and handsome ceremonies, and not houses or palaces made of lime and stone, unfurnished of dwellers, void of hospitality, and jealous even of one another's best inclinations, when they are furnished at the best. So that besides all natural imperfections: In Italy there is neither room in the house for thy servants, nor litter for the camels, especially out of their frequented high road ways, as Rebecca promised the steward of Abraham's family: neither can you fetch the well-fed veal from the droves to entertain the man of God with the Patriarch, dress fine venison with Esau for old Isaak, nor kill the fat calf with the good father, that welcomed home his penitent son, which makes me remember a merry reason, by one of the same country, who being demanded why the muttons, calves, and other cattle, were so few, small, and lean; replied very soberly, because the Italians devoured the grass in salads, and robbed the pastures to deceive the poor cattle: but in truth the sun kisseth the ground with that fervency, and the fields are so matted with dryness, that for the most part the meadows are unbefitting to satisfy much store of cattle, nor can feed oxen to any purpose. In another place, a Courtesan questioned with about the conditions of men in her faculty, or if you will, concerning matters of incontinency, touching the Italian (for all the world's opinion of his forwardness in that kind) she answered with a tush, Il Italiano pisciar molto. Nor, if I would flatter them according to the ridiculous soothing of Princes: could I of late days exemplefie any of their glorious exploits abroad, or famous attempts at home, more than ruining one another, and making of forts and fortifications, which sometimes proved like Perillus bull to the inventor, many times emboldened disobedience to rely on a wrong security, and at all times raised up greater distrust and fowl suspicions, even in their best cities and governments, as you see, how Naples and Milan is kerbed, & the brave liberty of the Gentlemen, strangely fettered from the terror of Citadels, of which the Spaniard himself is yet transferred with an imaginary conceit, that soldiers may be corrupted, and no place is so impregnable: but thendeavoursendeavours and policy of men can subject to the fortune of alteration. But let us search a little into their best flourishing fields, for all Naples hath a story of itself, and boasteth of famous divers particulars concerning Italy's glory & disreputation. Kings, and certain Queens the Viragoes of their time and Mirrors of Europe. For all the Romans have had the advancing of Trophies to the honour of the modern Columni, Caesarij, and many worthy families from the Guelphi Gibellini, divers from Florence, Ferrara, Urbine, and some others. For all the Venetians expose to open view the Statues of Gatto Malato at the Santo in Padua, of Bartholomeo Coloneo a Venetian General at Saint john and Paul in their City; the memorable battle of Lepanto against the Turk; the donation of the kingdom of Cyprus by the Queen, who was once a Devotresse in their Monasteries; the attempt against Milan, and expelling both French and Spaniard in those days; the entertaining of Francis the third King of France, and Poland, in despite of foreign threatenings, searches, pursuit, and the Pope's displeasure; and the last over-daring contesting with the Pope in matters appertaining to their State and government. For all Florence swollen up to this height of riches, and bravery, from the plentiful spring of a noble Medici's, and famous actions of a politic man. For all an heroic Gonzaga advanced his Marquisate to a Duchy, as a worthy recompense of his warlike endeavours. For all the Dukedom of Milan was incorporated into the house of Sforza a devised name for his valour and martial proceedings; with divers others of this kind: yet alas you see, what is now become of Naples, and the noble man repines at his lost liberty, nor can he be satisfied, for all he may flutter in a golden cage, and ride through the streets in a velvet Carosse; yet you see that Rome hath been sacked, and almost trampled under feet even of late days, insomuch, that when the Duke of Bourbon entered for Charles the 5. no worthy Roman durst show his head, and the other principates of Italy were afraid of pulling down such a house, whose dust must needs fall into their eyes, and smoky rubbish stifle their breath; yet you see, how pitifully Ferrara and Urbine have lost their reputation of courtship, and offered their coronets on the altar of a Clergy man's usurpation: yet you see, how Florence lives now, and for all the style of Magnus dux Hertruriae, thinketh of nothing but amassing of treasure from mechanic drudgery, and corrupted avarice: yet you see, that Rhodes is lost, and the miraculous Colossus beaten to powder, that divers discomfitures have made Venice sweat in the midst of her cold bathe the sea; that Cyprus was pulled from her sides by violence, when but a little more strength and providence would have kept it secure, and so warm, that no boisterous arm of Turks should have uncovered her to the catching of cold; that they have been since enforced to contrive a treatise of pacification with the Gran Signeur, and in truth been subject to many indignities, which a man would not imagine so rich and politic a government could endure: but alas the Duke is but an unsignificant voice. For the sword is carried before the Gran Concilij, who take order, that he neither live profusely in his expenses, nor have any daring confidence to practise any thing prejudicial to their government: yet you see, Mantua is now at quiet, and dare not intermeddle with any warlike troubles, or martial affairs, except he have the cunning to discover the advantage of a prevailing party, and the fortune to rank himself in the strongest squadrons: yet you see, how Milan mourns like a captive, and for all her 300. Carosses, and 500 foot-cloths, dare not lift up a countenance suitable to their hearts, nor a hand to pull the ramparts of the Citadle to the ground, when their wishes would fain see all thrown into the sea. And so in divers others of this kind. As for the general reputation of Italy, which it hath gotten by Merchants, it is abused in the metonimia. For their silks and velvets, their merchandise and wares, that all Europe and Turkey welcome them into their harbours and ports, but with such errors, oversights, and peradventure difficulties, that they neither make use of navigation out of their middle sea and Arches: nor have any good sailors and Soldiers amongst them: nor will adventure as worthy men indeed for their country's honour, nor can perform any voyage with true judgement and expedition. For the least affrighting news of a Pirate, shall detain them three months in harbour, and an unexpected storm drive them into every Port and Island. Thus have I myself been witness, that an Englishman hath left two great Italian ships in the town of Xant, for fear of Ward, supposed to hover about Sapientia an Island adjoining, being bound for Scanderon, and sailed to Cyprus, unladed, dispatched, and returned back again, ere they were on their journey. Nay, thus have I known them fourteen weeks between Constantinople and Venice, which an Englishman with a prosperous wind hath dispatched in fourteen days, although I imagine it 1700. English mile, and in less than six weeks almost with any wind. So that Venice itself boasting of the bravery of three hundred galleys, eight or ten galleasses, and thirty ships for merchants, neither hath sufficient men to man twenty, nor can without time and great expenses fill up the room of that inventory without greeks, who are their chiefest Sailors, and condemned slaves, whom they spare from a death at the gallows, which must needs release them from worldly troubles, to a living misery in the galleys, wherein to breath in continual horror is worse than twenty deaths indeed. Thus could I tyre you with distasting particulars against the reputation of Italy: but I mean not to overlook them with any malevolent aspect, or disparaged them, to bring my speeches within compass of defamation: but only keep my example in practice, and conclude, that it wanteth many things (with Germany) to make it proportionable with Salomon's greatness, and Canaan's goodness. CHAP. XIII. SPAIN compared. SHall we then go into Spain, where Spain wanteth many things to come near our example. the Grandes of the King's court have golden keys of his chamber, and are privileged by patent, to stand with covered heads before his Majesty: where the Exchequer is full of gold from India, and the Treasurers bring in account of 100000. soldiers in garrison and active employment, yearly paid and orderly supplied: where the Nobleman insulteth for his Gothish blood, and will prove a true Castilian, more ancient in gentry then the race of Ottoman, and every one, though he be but a maker of Chappinoes, wears his rapier pointblank, as you call it, looking as high (though not altogether so big) after an olive an a little ruske, as a German, that eats and drinks more at a meal, than a Spaniard doth in a week: where so many Kingdoms are united, as you see the seven stars in the firmament make a more perspicuous show then single planets in their sequestered spheres: where they can without boasting, I will not say vainglory, relate divers histories of voyages at sea, discoveries of Countries, plantation of Colonies, conquest of both Indies, usurpation of many Principates, running armies, and divers other glorious exploits: however the rest of Europe have resembled them to prying and raging wolves over silly sheep, either with a covetous mind of intrusion, or tyrannous desire of devouring. Shall we I say go thither, and look out a match for our example; me thinks I am answered of every man that wears a light hat, great ruff, and full pair of hose. If Spain do not equal him, who can do it? I am not yet prepared for such a satisfaction, but will presume to shut Spain out of doors, from entering into the privy chamber of one example, for all his India supply, the only tumour of his greatness, which did not Apollo pardon the fault, would prove but the wish of Midas, who with his golden fortunes wanted the use of nature's benefits, and could neither eat nor drink without choking. But to particulars. If Spain be the richest Kingdom of Europe, and that some of them boasted, when time was, in overlooking the beautifullest work in the world, I mean the Chapel at Westminster, that their King was able to make such another of silver: where is Salomon's gold amongst them, or jerusalem's plenty? when silver had no better reputation than stones, and every man in judea was rich indeed, without abusing others, or others repining against them: where is their care to store the country, which questionless money would do, from other exuberant provinces, though nature had denied them orderly provision? How came the Malec●…ntents in Flanders and Brabant, to threaten the principal cities for want of their salary? who incited the Garrisons of Antwerp, Gaunt, and even Brussels itself, with divers other towns, to mutiny? who distasted sundry times the whole armies upon their marches and employments? who advised the Treasurers to be so slack in discharging of Liberanca's and other soldierlike pensions? who doth every year thrust the Garrisons into penury and scarcity, insomuch that not only in the Low-Countries, but even in his government of Milan, Naples, and Sicilia, the soldier wanteth, and many times is compelled to remit one half, to purse up the other: Is not all this either for want of treasure (the opinion whereof hath made his pride swell uncontrollable) or orderly distribution? the spring from whence the fluent plenty of Solomon had increase. Be not therefore affrighted at this monster opinion, nor seduced with the vanity of report. For put the best Hispaniolized English man to the skirmish of understanding the truth, and the wealth of Spain shall prove but false fires, if you be so near to discover their disbursements, and infinite occasions to dispend their treasure: but if you should adventure to lay their pieces to the light with Salomon's cloth, by way of comparison, good God, how course, how cockeld, how short, how shrinking, how faulty, and indeed ridiculous would all appear? And thus much for their wealth. Now to the rest. What hath Spain worthy commendation, much less any prerogative of happiness? why, Canaan flowed with milk and honey, yielding such blessings of increase, that the King not only had his great store of provision without repining: but Israel, as the sand of the sea, eat, drank, and made merry, and can this be done in Spain? The burnt hills and desert places will quickly answer the argument; the countryman hides his garlic and onions, as ashamed of his diet; the Citizen powders his fish, and buys cheese of the Dutchman; the Gentleman is limited what he shall eat, and how much he may carry home to his family; the Court hath much ado to be supplied, and many concussions are practised from the King's prerogative, to furnish the offices with reasonable allowance, and the whole Kingdom is sometimes afraid to want bread; whereupon certain agents are employed, even in remote countries, to bring in both corn and victual, tempting both them and ourselves with gold and ready payment of money: for which purpose only is a proviso in their acts of Parliament, concerning exportation of coin, of which in truth though they have great cause to boast, yet are they tied to so many inconveniencies for other wants, that in their best cities is neither good fare, nor good lodging, nor any thing worthy the name of a blessing. As for their silly praising of salads, fruits, and herbs: I remember Sr. Roger William's answer to an idle Spaniard, boasting of his country's citrons, oranges, olives, and such like: I, but (said he) in England we have dainty veal, and well fed capons to eat with this sauce, and many delicate dishes worthy the name of sustenance indeed. For God made the beasts of the earth to live on the grass and fruits of the same; but man to live upon them, and command all. So that Adam's wisdom gave them titles, and his superioriry prescribed subjection: but how? for man's use, man's delight, man's necessity, man's conversation, man's triumph. Thus doth oil make a cheerful countenance, wine a gladsome heart, bread a strong body, and flesh a fullness of blood: thus was Salomon's palace and tables furnished, and David praised God for infinite blessings: thus were odours and incense provided, and the love of brethren compared to the dew and balsam of Hermon, or the costly ointment on Aaron's vestures: thus in Peter's vision he might kill and eat, and the Saviour of the world lived amongst Publicans, feasted at marriages, and allowed of honest conversation: and thus had Canaan neighbourly meetings, banquets of triumphs, and times of public and private celebrations. But in Spain no such matter; they neither dare, nor can bid you welcome. For far worse than in Italy, idle jealousy, filthy malice, fear of expenses, arrogant menaces, wicked suspicion, and such like, will debar you from the pleasure of invitation, from the freedom of intercourses, and cannot savour the noble liberty of mutual amity. Canaan had the temple furnished as God commanded, the Priest obedient to the King, the Prophets in estimation, and the feasts of the Levitical Law orderly celebrated. Spain is polluted with Paganism, and invented that cruel office of Inquisition to punish the Moors, or such as adhered to their superstition, is overawed by the Clergy, and is so terrified with the thundering voice of excommunication, that he durst not but put his own son to death, to please the Pope. Canaan was a receptacle for strangers, loved princely solemnities, and could not endure neither beggar, nor whore of their own nation. Spain hates all men, or at least vilipends them in respect of themselves, commits them to fire and sword, that exclaim against their stews and profanation, and cannot order many solemn festivals, except at a King's inauguration, a Prince's marriage, or a Cardinal's jollity: where yet an Italian invention shall fill a table with painted trenchers and dishes of China: but a hungry belly may cry for meat, and not be satisfied. Canaan had cities of refuge, cities of store, cities of strength, cities for horses, and the King's magnificence, to all which the highways were convenient, and men passed to and fro without danger, or want. In Spain you must have a Guide, yea sometimes a guard, and are so far from expecting relief after your days endurance, that if you have not a borracho before your saddle, and commodious provision on an Ass or Moil hired for the same purpose, you may go supperless to bed, and peradventure have no other bed, but a Stramezza, or some stinking tike filled with sedge, and shaling of hemp. Canaan Beautiful wom●…n. had beautiful women; Abraham and Isaac were afraid of their wives, lest the Abimileckes might be enamoured on their beauty: Dina was full of favour, and her ravishment revenged in blood. jacob served 14. years for his wives, and Rahel was a woman of great comeliness: Ruth no doubt pleased Boaz, and the times afforded delicate creatures, Bersabe, Abigail, and Abisack are commended for their beauty: Thamar was at first pleasing to Ammon, and her love molested the young Prince: Ester and judith were Mirrors of their time, the one pleased the Monarch of the world, the other overcame with a double victory the great Captain of Assiria: Susanna's beauty inflamed the judges, and the dotards fell into the pit of burning wantonness: Herodias was so attractive, that she might have commanded half a kingdom: the Queen Berenice alured Titus, and he neglected his greatest affairs for her sake, and so in thousand other relations, besides the general applause afforded the meaner sort, whereby the very heathen confessed the happiness of judea in this kind, and added blessing to blessing, when they understood their worth, virtue, and commendation. But Spaive must mourn for strange disparity this way, and either lament that the whore of Babylon hath poisoned her Countries with the dregs of abomination, or complain, that the women are painted like the images of the groves, and sit in the highway, as Thamar when she went to deceive juda. For if they be honest, they are for the most part unpleasing, and swartisb: if Courtesans, dangerous and impudent: so that for these and many other insufficiencies I dare be bold to say, that as yet Solomon must sit vnparraleled, and Spain can in no sort come near the Country of Canaan, as it was in the time of his prosperity, and administration. CHAP. XIV. FRANCE compared with a discovery of her defects. But what think you of France? says As the blessings of France are abused, it cannot equal our comparison. some judicious traveler, is not your journey now almost at an end, and will not your searches be satisfied with the goodliest Kingdom of the world? The answer shall not be a peremptory contradiction, nor derogate from the merit of the least worth, or virtue: yet are they traduced for many defects, and I believe will fall under our example; howsoever, I am sure, it dares not abide the touch in the trial. For setting the wisdom of Solomon aside, whereof France could seldom make ostentation, the Queen of Saba commended the obedience of the Princes, the sitting of his servants, the ordering of the palace, the furnishing of the tables, the provision for the household, and the glory of his throne: not so much for outward majesty of the structure, and princely magnificense in his attendants, as the advised care over his subjects, and impartial determining of controversies. In France the Princes contest with the King, the Clergy affront the Princes, the Gentrey murmur against the Clergy, the Pages mock the Gentlemen, the Citizens complain of the Pages, and all sorts of people are proud of nothing, but slovenlines familiarity, and disorder; so that with much ado the Mechanical man stands bare to the King; and the Nobles sit at meat, as Carriers in an hostery without any reverence, with unmannerly noise, with impudent snatching the dishes from the table by the Servitors, and confused trouble of comers and goers: whereby a vild custom having got the upper hand, the majesty of the Court and Kingdom is much depressed, which otherwise redacted to an uniformity might indeed augment the glory of Europe. The Kingdom of JUDEA and government of CANAAN, as soon as ever obedience had set in a foot amongst them, admired the wisdom of their women, as well as admitted the policy of the men; and in no sort debarred the daughters, neither from the princely throne, nor father's inheritances, when the sons were extinct, and the line failed in the males, which all men know, whose consciences are opened with the key of understanding God's truth. For the daughters of Zelophaad came before josua, and had their portion with the rest of the Tribes: But in France the Law salicke debarreth the woman from her lawful inheritance, out of a wilful position, that the Flower-deluce may not go to the distaff, The law salicke in France against the law of ●…od and nations. which I wonder at the rather, because we have such forcible instances both in Scripture, and many other worthy Nations to the contrary. For to enlarge our protasis a little: In the swelling fullness of the greatest and longest lasting Monarchy of the world, I mean the Assyrians, S●…iramis reigned sole Empress above 20. years. When the Persians began to shrink in their estimation, the Kingdoms of Saca, Sogdiana, and Bactriana were subject to Tamira, and Tolmilanda two famous Queens. The barbarous Scythians admitted of Tomiris for their Sovereign, and how she conquered Cyrus, a worthy Historiographer hath enlarged. In Canaan Deborah judged Israel, and Athalia was Queen of jerusalem. When Solomon had advanced both the Temple and Palace, Saba came as Empress of Aethiopia unto him, and in the time of the Apostles Candauce governed the same Country. When Caesar presaged his own fortunes Cleopatra was sole Queen of Egypt: and some write that Dido overruled Carthage and Africa. In Bohemia even of late days Libussa and Velasca obtained the Diadem, and when they supposed themselves seated in firmness, they gathered a company of Ladies, and upon a light credulity, that the story of the Amazons was to be believed, would have erected such a foolish Commonwealth. Amongst ourselves before the conquest we had a Gueudoline Queen of Britain, a Cordelia Vaodicea, and some other; and since two Daughters of HENRY the 8. Amongst whom ELIZABETH was such a Prince, that forrane report hath established her for the Miracle of all ages, however some of ourselves have been too sparing in her admiration, and enlarging her greatness. In Italy we remember two Queens of Naples, who have done such actions in the world, that they will be remembered in despite of oblivion. In Hungary the history of divers Queens hath startled even men of resolution to be ashamed of their pusillanimity, and incited divers heroic persons to worthy imitation. I might name the Queen of Cyprus taken out of the Monastery at Venice, and so invested with the Diadem, which at last she laid prostrate before the feet of the Senate, and they protected the same, till a stronger arm wrested it out of their tuition. Whereby I cannot but wonder, that neither example, nor precept can prevail with them, considering in all kingdoms, with all sexes, and at all times such inhibitions to debar the right of kingdoms from the true and indubitate successors did not pass without the scandal of intrusion, tyranny, and wrong. Besides, according to the Satire, Dum vitant stulti vitia in contraria currunt. from an inconvenience (as they suppose) they have fallen into a mischief, and if I would use it by way of personating, whereas in submitting to divine appointment in such cases, they might please both God and man, in overruling the truth, they have made their preposterous dealing ridiculous to all the world. For however they deny their own natural daughters this prerogative, by a contrary fashion they admit of stranger women to be more imperious over them: as by the two late Queen mother Regent's, and both Italians of the house of Medici's, is made apparent by lamentable experience: what the one contrived, and how like a firebrand she had like to have set all France on a blaze; the History is pregnant, and the Legend of the Cardinal of Lorraine composed by that true hearted Frenchman Francis de Lisle a man of honour, is most apparent; & how the other is suspected is now no news: But to the rest. Solomon made divers navies, went in person to view his ships, had great custom from his Merchants, loved and maintained good Mariners and pilots, contracted leagues with foreign Princes, making the confirmation of them honourable, and performed all good offices, that tended to the expatiating his glory. France wanteth shipping, is careless of navigation, raiseth few Sailors, seldom attempteth voyages, or discoveries, and hath many times incurred the imputation of perfidious breach of faith, under that diabolical position, fides non est conseruanda cum Haereticis: as also that jesuitical doctrine of equivocation: witness their horrible massacres, the imprisoning the Princes of the blood, their tragical war, the inhuman murder of the Admiral, the Guisian pride, and the terror Francis the third was put into, when he was put into the Lovure. Solomon had that good order and obedience in his towns and cities, that he knew his cities of store, his cities of traphique, his cities of fortification, his cities of refuge, and his cities of composition. But in France both cities and towns with their inhabitants, and Merchants are unfashionable, sluttish, dangerous, rebellious, and the people neither of wealth, nor eminence: In Paris they dare talk of a King's wantonness, intermeddle with tractates of Parliament, and State, call any Prince Huguenot, that only says the Nostre Dame is but a dark melancholy Church, and justify very monstrous and abusive actions: Besides, to tell of their inconstant and refractory dispositions, would be too tedious, and sooner discover their loathsome treasons, then prevent the customary, and mischievous practices of the people. The peace of Solomon caused plenty, and that spread itself over all Israel like a shady tree, which as a double shelter kept back the cold of winter, and tempered the burning heat of summer: so that it is apparent with the King's magnificense at Court, the husbandman's peace and wealth in the Country was enlarged, whereupon most of them were Berzalites and would go no further, then over jordan with David, but rerurne to their own household, sit under their own figg-trees, and be gathered together into the graves of their ancestors. But France knows not now what to say: For the Court is a mere map of confusion, and exposeth many actions more ridiculous than worthy imitation: as for the Countryman, he is called a Peasant, disparaged in his drudgery and servile toilsomeness, liveth poor and beastly, is treacherous at advantage, and yet afraid of his own shadow, and cannot free the vineyards from thieves and destroyers: yea, all the country swarmeth with rogues and vagabonds, whose desperate wants drive them to perpetrate many horrible murders, although for the most part the Provosts of every division are very diligent. The wisdom of Solomon settled his cities, that strangers were admitted at all times, except in frontier towns, which peradventure were guarded in the night, according to martial discipline, provided that the passages were easy and secure, admitted of all complainants, and leviated their grievances, advanced himself on a golden throne to entertain matters of justice, allowed of the Prophets, who yet out of zeal cried out against the abuses of the Temple and Palace, and commanded the subject, first to remember his duty to God; then his obedience to the Prince; and last of all, his love to his neighbour: and this he performed by admonitory precepts to instruct the ignorant, and princely indignation to punish the obstinate. France referreth all to Parliaments and Precedents, excludeth the reformed Churches out of the walls of the cities, hath the name of Prophet in derision, suffered the Jesuits to murder two famous Princes, permitteth them still a Sanctuary, and from worldly policy excludeth true religion out of doors. In France the passages are toilsome and disordered, dangerous for extraordinary robberies, and under officers shuffle up divers times most notorious abuses. To conclude, in France many particulars choke the breath of happiness, from giving life to a glorious Kingdom indeed, if the reciprocal duties between Prince and subject were but easily extended: so that with these defects I cannot choose but exempt her from sitting on any hand of Salomon's throne. Whither shall we then go to match our example? or at least to come so near, that a civil censurer will neither flatter nor detract: you know my first purpose, and I now determine to lead you into the sweet and orderly fields of England. CHAP. XV. ENGLAND compared, with the probable reasons, why she is nearer the example of CANAAN'S happiness, than any other nation. WIthout preface or circumlocution, you shall find the Kingdom of England in The glory of England both abroad and at home. geographical dimension equal to the country of Canaan, and the people praising of God, in regard of their great and extraordinary blessings. For begin where you will, we shall come so near the comparison, as a close order in ranging a battalion. Concerning the general view of the same, did you ever hear or read of any so well divided into shires and hundreds, with Lords, Lieutenants, Sheriffs, justices, and other inferior officers: insomuch, that it hath laid an imposition on the endeavours of a principal scholar, and he (according to the secret of satisfaction) hath most worthily unclasped the records of antiquity, and with such sufficient ampliation, that our adversaries have been silent in excepting against it. But to my first purpose: I say, that to match all the particulars, wherewith I have stored Salomon's magnificence and the country's prosperity, there is not at this hour any Kingdom in the world, so ready, apt, or worthy to take him by the hand, to place out the measures of true glory and happiness, as the Kingdom of England. Concerning our glory abroad, what worthy voyages have we made? I hope no people or nation ever equalled us, witness Sr. john Mandevill into India by land; Stafford over Europe, much about the same time; jenkinson, Willoughby, Borogh, and many others into Russia and Muscovia; Forbisher and Hawkins to discover the northern passages: the Fenners, Ralph Lane, john Clarke, and divers into America; another voyage, where of Sr. Walter Raleigh was the proposer; our settling in Virginia; our traffic to the West Indies, Brasill, Peru, Caribana, and Guiana; Captain Drake round about the world, twice or thrice; Thomas Candish the like, our travels to the East Indies, or Philippines; the Earl of Cumberlands worthy voyages, & amongst others, that to Santo Port-Ricco; the Portugal voyage; Cales voyage; the Island voyage, and sundry others; as in Master Hackluits' book about this subject only. Besides modern travelers, both of Noblemen & Gentlemen, although every man is not a free denizen of prosperities Kingdom, nor can boast of nature's bounty in the gifts of understanding, or fortune's liberality in disposing her treasures. If you would see how our merchants are bestowed, look into all the Ports of the world, you shall find them settled, & our shipping in harbour? If you could view all the countries of the earth, where men dare or can come, we are nobly dispersed, & I believe might be pulled out of the centre of the same, if such a passage did ever excite man to explore for secrets, merchandise, or wealth. If you were admitted into the remotest palaces of Emperors & Kings; yea Tartary itself, Englishmen would salute you, and speak your own language: and if you have a purpose to affright idleness with any enterprise in the world, especially to make them believe, that the hand of profit will fill their laps with plenty, Englishmen dare set endeavours on their best feet, and can tell how to tumble all blocks and hindrances aside, which may either terrify them from such enterprises, or detain them from the glory of the actions: only here lies a secret of traducing them, that a supposition of the wants of others, or fear of cumbersomnesse, when they meet with an indigent countryman abroad, hath debarred free conversation, and doth make the mutual supplying the necessity of strangers, a harsh-kinde of welcome; yea, an absolute leaving them to misery, if they have not bills of exchange or letters of credit, to overbear mischances. But our glory abroad is truly expatiated, when you shall know how helpful we have been to other nations, both with purse and forces; yea, contrary to the opinion of the world, concerning our penury, opened the enclosures of riches, and hononrably supplied the defects of other Kingdoms. We have made peace between Denmark and Sweden, and pacified those troubles long ago. We have relieved the Estates of Holland with men, money, and munition, underpropping them, as if a man should undershore a ruinous wall, until the foundation were repaired. We have assisted the Protestant Princes of of France in their first civil wars, and been auxiliary to many noble houses of Germany, we settled the last King in his greatness, and lifted him up to that honour, that none of his Predecessors had their crowns shining with such a lustre. We played the Physician with Geneva, and administered her such an antidote, that no aconite of Pope or Savoy could envenom her to death, or contrive her destruction. We brought the distressed Prince Antonio to knock at the gates of Lisbon, and had he not found a fatal vicissitude of times and occasions; yea, the minds of inconstant men corrupted with by-respects, and private following the stronger side, we might questionless have prevailed in the project, and upon the least filling the sails of our expectation with the wind of home assistance, brought recovery to receive the fullness of life. We have made Spain weary of the wars, and at last desire a peace, which I would be loath to resemble to still waters, wherein are the deepest gulfs and most dangerous places to adventure. We returned the Polish Ambassador, with admiration at our Prince's greatness and magnanimity. We have settled the good opinion of the Muscovite. We have emboldened the Venetians in their last dissensions against the Pope. We have accorded the Archduke, who not only admitteth us into entertainment, but giveth way unto such, as yet maintain the cause of the contrary. We have welcomed the Prince of Moldavia, and as far as policy or charity could go, brought him along into the fair fields of expectation to regain his inheritance. We have lately overlooked the fields of Sweden and Russia; yea, thought it befitting to send a martial supply into Denmarck, and however the Polander repine, must in the end (I believe) determine those controversies. To conclude, (though it shall be no cause of ostentation) we have prospered in so many glorious thriving, that the Spaniard in his profanation hath sworn JESUS CHRIST to become a Lutheran, and railed on report, for filling the world with the sound of so many memorable actions. Concerning our glory at home, lay abroad our example The glory of England at home. and spare not, and mark the emptiest place, which we will not fill up with comparison. First, the best manner of government from Gods own mouth, which is monarchal; and philosophical principles, which is a King; and moral instructions, which is a distributer of justice; and people's desires, which is an honourable preserver of Commonwealths: all united in one person, from a continual descent of princely ancestors, gaining the love and obedience of many nations, by excelling induments of nature, as wisdom, learning, judgement, peaceable desires, honourable liberality, magnanimity, & such like. And did it please him to add some glorious repairing, or rather magnificent quadrant, to his palace at Whitehall, being the principal place of entertainment, and the eye to overlook such a city, as is not in the world, it would come near our example indeed. For the King's house in jerusalem was thirteen year a building, and no one thing adds more honour to a nation, then regardable edifices, and eminent works of Majesty, being the very fruit of peace, and (as it were) the birthright of prosperity, whether it bring forth sumptuous structures or adorning monuments. And (if it were not a pride & elation of heart to number the people, look how many nations and languages are under subjection: namely English, Scottish, Irish, Welsh, Cornish, Ments, Islanders both Hebrides and Orchades, & the French of Gersy and jersy: so that if the honour of a King consisteth in the multitude of his subjects, what Prince hath more, and such variety? If you look on his palaces, where are so many, and so good, belonging to any Kingdom in the world? If you will behold his court; I hope for state, good order, expenses, entertainment, and continual attendancy, other places come far short? If you will view his shipping and navies, I am sure you pass away with astonishment, when you are instructed in the secrets of their service and strength? If you will behold his armours and munition, they exceed report, and the arsenals of other countries have neither such equipage nor sufficiency; but when you shall find every Nobleman and Gentleman's house so well furnished, every Hall and Company so well provided, every Shire so willing to continue their preparation, every Master so cheerful in storing himself, and every man so ready to give ear to any martial summons, and prepare with joy to attend the service; you must needs return, not loving us with fear and trembling, but affecting us with triumph and well wishes, for our prevailing against the proudest adversary? If you will number us at sea, I know there is not so many good Mariners and sailors in Europe, excepting the Low Countries. If you will muster us at land, who can show such companies of foot? such troops of horse? so many worthy servitors? and so well appointed? Insomuch that I know divers Gentlemen of England, who can conduct 3000. men into the field (in their King and Country's name) of their own tenants, servants, and friends. If you will examine our Nobility, I confess they do not boast of factious greatness, as in France, & the Princes of Germany: but their number, noble disposition, & willingness to be obedient, may pass in the best items of Fame's account. If you would see our Councillors, prepare a reverence, and settle your estimation toward them for their orderly life, probity of manners, integrity in deciding controversies, & affability in admitting suitors: & though you come from the Grandes of Spain, the Principalities of Italy, the Electors of Germany, the Dukes of France, & the States of other Countries, yea, the ostentous pomp of Cardinals: yet be not too prejudicate, nor transported with self-conceited wilfulness; for you shall see as great bravery, retinue, & observation amongst us, as any subjects in the world dare challenge or put in practice, for outward glorious ostentation: nay more, the order of our Garter, and the ceremonies of installing, are continued with that triumph and majesty, that no one celebration of petty Princes dare lift up a countenance of such jollity & regardable honour. And if you will behold the other Courtiers, they are generally so many, so handsome, so serviceable, & of their own retinues so well provided, that I protest they so far exceed other places, both for graceful shows and sufficient estates, that I wonder, how such a corner of the world should have such a general confluence of all happiness and courtship, as if a raised wind should beat the swelling sea of prosperity to one shore. But if you will be ravished indeed, or transported with the love of the world, come and behold the beauty of our Ladies, and the disposing them at a night of solemnity, to which if you add the general contentment, which our English women afford generally, without sophisticate and adulterate additions, either to comeliness or favour, there is no man can hold his peace, but proclaim our pre-eminence. Again, if you would see justice proud of her entertainment, and how she presents both praemium and poena to the several attendants on her throne of equity; look into our star-chamber, and view the Sun in most perspicuous splendour, without so much as the least cloudy respect of persons. If you will enter our Gentlemen's houses, I hope, there is no such cupboards of plate, beds of of velvet and embroidery, hangings of tapestry, variety of rooms, duty of servants, order of housekeeping, store of pastime, and all that man can desire in any country in the world. If you will search our cities and towns, what they want in outward deceit of formality (and yet I cannot so extenuate our buildings) is supplied in sweetness and delicacy, and within door surpasseth the best of them for wealth and furniture. As for expenses, I am sure some Citizens of London are at more annual charge of diet, than the Dukes of Venice, Florence, or Genoa, for their own palaces. If you will examine our merchants, however some great Foulker or agent for a whole Kingdom, in Genoa, Antwerp, Brussels, or other cities may surpass us for usury, venting commodities, or supposition of wealth: yet I am sure, there died not two such in one year, out of one town in the world, as Spencer and Sutton. As for the rest, they surpass for curious fare, stateliness, following their pleasures, handsome education, comely entertainment, and orderly contribution, Besides, they live at home in ease, purchase land with security, bring up their children in daintiness, maintain their families in obedience, and cannot be matched by any foreign opposition. Would you be acquainted with the Tradesman, Artezan, and others of manual occupation, look how he lives, look how he fares, look where he dwells, look what he wears, look whether he goes to buy his meat, to such markets and shambles, that the very sight astonisheth all strangers, and once made acquainted with their variety and goodness, they are amazed at our blessings, and wonder, how so much provision can be orderly devoured. Would you be refreshed with the pleasant country air; our Yeoman and Husbandman liveth in such delight and sweetness of situation, that you may repine at his health and prosperity: but if you consider in what comeliness and decency, in what peace & tranquillity, in what neatness and hospitality, in what wealth and good condition; you will fall to praising of God, for imparting his blessings to our nation, and wishing the like to your own deficient country in this kind: For believe it (as you shall hear hereafter) whether he be Purchaser or Farmer, our enemies have repined at our prerogatives in this kind, and our friends embtaced our noble customs with desire of imitation. I could add many things to the ampliation of our glory, as our havens and harbours, especially in Ireland, our rivers, high ways, secure traveling, universities, castles, baths, mines, and honourable orders of watchings, trainings, and musters: but I refer them to their due places, when I shall prove our excellency and transcending prerogatives beyond other nations. And thus much for our glory. CHAP. XVI. Wherein the happiness of ENGLAND is both perspicuous and commendable. COncerning the happiness of a nation, what The happiness of our country. Kingdom hath more commodities within itself, wanteth less, or is better furnished from foreign parts? so that whether for profits sake, the strangers of other countries make sale of their best things, or that there is a secret in transportation, or that custom or cunning hath taught our merchants, even curiosity itself, in selecting the choicest things, I know not, but am sure our England is the shop of the world, and London the Magazine of nature's dainties. But to particulars; if it be a blessing for every man to eat under his own roof, to sit with the pleasure of conversation in his orchard or garden, to enjoy the fruits of the earth with plenty, to live in neighbourly gratuities: and in a manner our doors open all night, to have many children, servants, and store of cattle, to purchase great estates, marry our daughters beyond expectation, and strengthen one another in worthy families and prevailing affinity: look amongst us, and tell me where is the like? If it be a blessing not to be suppressed with superiors, not to have the Commonwealth rend in pieces with tyranny, not to see others enjoy the fruits of our labours, not to be tormented with intrusion, usurpation, or malitions looks of over-covetous Landlords: look amongst us, and demand who can complain, or at least, who is so wronged, but he may have satisfaction or redress. If it be a blessing to enjoy the preaching of the Gospel, to be free from corrupting and absurd ceremonies, to rejoice in the liberty of upright consciences, to continue in a true, perfect, and established religion (as heereaster shall be more amply explained) to abound with reverend learned men, to have liberal access, and dispute of our faith with moderate persuading and dissuading, and to have all controversies tried upon the touchstone of God's truth; come and hear us, and tell me wherein you are unsatisfied. If it be a blessing to have sociable conversation, and yet with honourable respect to continue the freedom of neighbourly meetings, exempted from this intolerable yoke of jealousy and suspicion, to love one another with those comfortable conditions of charity, to feast without scandal, to entertain without repining, and to be merry without lasciviousness? Examine the disposition of us all generally, and setting men's imperfections aside, which follow life, as the shadow the sun, and tell me where is less offence in so great fullness offelicity. If it be a blessing to make the best use of nature's blessings, to be rather helpful, then indigent of others help, to be at peace with all the Kingdoms of the world, to have confining Princes gratify us by Embassy, to have the greatest Monarches allied, or desiring our alliance, to welcome all comers with a noble and correspondent invitation, and to thrive every day more & more in the propagation of our worth, Take up the example, put us to the trial, and see whether I speak vaingloriously. To conclude with the best of all blessings, if it be a blessing to live in expectation of a royal succession, to be confident of hopeful Princes, to have adjoining countries study our observation, to see our own country and people flourish with all abundance, and to suspect nothing but the corruptions of greatness, through wantonness and ease: look upon us; pencil out our defects, if you can, and let not emulation, which sometimes dependeth on virtuous deserts and desires, be turned into envy, or so attended on by malice, that you will not yet confess our nearness in matching our example, when I am sure no Kingdom is so beautified with unstainable colours. But you will say, for all this, we neither fetch gold from Ophir, nor are our cities and buildings of any sufficiency, to hold out against a military expugnation, nor satisfy the high looking eyes of magnificence. To the first, I answer directly, we may if we list, either fetch treasure where it is, or be the cause, that it shall be brought us even to the doors of our Exchequer in peace. For I am sure, we have not only ships and men, but such hands and spirits, as with David's Worthies, can pull the spears out of the hands of the Philistims, and with Sampsons' riddle take meat out of the eater, and sweetness from the strong, and who shall hinder us? I hope not Spain, if there were such occasion, nor the galleys of the middle-land sea, nor the confederate Princes of Italy, nor the Turkish Carmisans or galleys, nor the fortifications of China, nor any one worldly Monarch. But see the conditions of true worthiness; valour and a noble spirit dare do no wrong, and our excellent King (out of true addictions to uprightness) hath rolled up all ensigns of defiance, and therefore will not infringe the honourable covenants of his compacted peace, nor give example to his son, to stir the pool of Silo, until the Angel descend for the good of the people. Concerning our buildings and cities: first for the gloriousness and bravery of them; I answer, Ars non habet inimicum nisi ignorantem, and men are too prejudicate, that either condemn us for want of knowledge; or effeminate, that vilipend us for defect of formality; because of mine own knowledge, I dare say, generally there are not so many beautiful Churches, handsome castles, glorious palaces, sweet towns, stately houses, and of great capacity, and delicate structures, within the circular dimension of so much ground in the world: so that if our Gentlemen (admitting the custom of living in cities, as they do in most parts of Europe) would compact all the edefices and convenient houses of a shire within a wall, or that we were sited in a continent, like the thoroughfares of France, Germany, or Italy, we might questionless have more glorious, great, and populous cities, than any one kingdom under heaven. Secondly, for the strength; what care we for extraordinary fortifications amongst ourselves, the only dare of presumption, and inducements to unnatural treasons, when times and worthy government so curbs the ambitious subject from any dangerous attempt, that they are so far from affrighting the Prince, or one another, with factious hostility, that they can quickly unite themselves for the common good: as for the fear of foreign enemies, and invasion of any enraged foe, we have the sea for our walls, the shores as strong as brass, and such a navy for our defence, that I protest my heart leaps for joy, when I see the channel so plentifully stored, the King's harbours so magnificently filled, and know that all the havens of the world entertain us for one respect or another. But say, we do not this way put the ambitious man in any hope ofthriving in fowl pretension offormidable actions against the peace of our State: or the quiet man in any fear, that well fortified places may be surprised by treasons, and maintained by power, to the disturbance of the whole Realm, and animating foreign Princes to expect such coadiutement by corrupted and abused men. I am sure we come nearer our example (some frontier towns or special landing places excepted) both for hospitality and the general blessings of the kingdom, reciprocally imparted to poor and rich. And for our other towns and villages, such as they are, considering the use and necessity of travel, surmount by far the Hosteries and deformed villages of other nations, and am sure, if you let loose the Queen of cities, as you term Paris; the Sacra Porta; or the beautiful, as Constantinople; the impossible within the impossible, as Venice; the happy and fashionable, as Augusta; the populous, as Norremberg; the great, as Milan; the delicate, as Florence; the Gentle, as Naples; the spacious, as Cracow, Moscow, Cayro, and tripartite Prage: not one of them all (as for infinite other towns, they are not once to be named to this purpose) can look so bog, or angrily upon our LONDON: but she can affront them with a matching countenance; yea, overmatch them in many several exercises and excellencies, wherein for your better instruction we will dispute a little. CHAP. XVII. Foreign cities compared to LONDON, with the defects of either made apparent, and our sufficiency manifested. IF I begin not at first with too sullen or London and Paris com●…. concise a question; more than the new gallery of the Lovure, and the suburbs of St. Germans, as it is now re-edified, what one thing is worthy observation or wonder within Paris: as for London, but that you will say my particular love transporteth me, it hath many specialties of note, eminence, and amazement; & for greatness itself, I may well maintain, that if London and the places adjoining were circummunited in such an orbicular manner, it would equal Paris for all the rivers winding about, and the five bridges sorting to an uniformity of streets: and as we now behold it, the cross of London is every way longer than you can make in Paris, or any city of Europe: but because peradventure you will not understand what I mean by this word cross, it shall be thus explained, that from St. George's in Southwark to Shoreditch South and North; and from Westminster to St. Katherine's or Ratcliff, West and East, is a cross of streets, meeting at Leadenhall, every way longer, with broad spaciousness, handsome monuments, illustrious gates, comely buildings, and admirable markets, than any you can make in Paris, or ever saw in other city, yea Constantinople itself. Concerning multitude of people, if you take London merely as a place composed of Merchants, Citizens, and Tradesmen, the world never had such another: If you conjoin the suburbs, Southwark, Westminster, St. Katherine's, and such like, it exceeds Paris even for Inhabitants, or if you will come to us in a term time, according to our custom of resorting together, I hope you may be encountered either with hands or swords, as for Paris, you know the better half, even of the indwellers, are Gentlemen, Scholars, Lawyers, and belonging to the Clergy: the Merchant living obscurely, the Tradesman penuriously, the craftsman in drudgery, and altogether insolent and rebellious upon the least distasting, unaccustomed impositions, or but affrighted with the alteration of ridiculous ceremonies. But let us search our comparison a little further: instead of a beastly town and dirty streets, you have in London those that be fair, beautiful, and cleanly kept: instead of foggy mists and clouds: ill air, flat situation, miry springs, and a kind of staining clay, you have in London a sunne-shining and serene element for the most part, a wholesome dwelling, stately ascension, and delicate prospect: instead of a shallow, narrow, and sometimes dangerous river, bringing only barges and boats with wood, coal, turf, and such country provision: you have at London a river flowing twenty foot, and full of stately ships, that fly to us with merchandise from all the ports of the world, the sight yielding astonishment, and the use perpetual comfort: so that setting the unconstant revolutions of worldly felicity aside, who shall oppose against our navy, and if we would descend to inferior rooms, the river westward matcheth Paris every way, and supplieth the city with all commodities, and at easier rates: In steed of ill favoured wooden bridges, many times endangered with tempests and frosts, you have in London such a bridge, that without ampliation of particulars, is the admirablest monument, and fir●… erected structure in that kind of the Universe, whether you respect the foundation, with the continual charge and orderly endeavours to keep the arches substantial, or examine the upper buildings, being so many, and so beautiful houses, that it is a pleasure to behold them, and a fullness of contentment to understand their uses conferred upon them. Instead of an old Bastill and ill-beseeming Arsenal, thrust as it were into an outcast corner of the City, you have in London a building of the greatest antiquity and majestical form, serving to most uses of any Citadle or Magazine that ever you saw. For the Tower containeth a King's palace, a King's prison, a King's armoury, a King's mint, a King's wardrobe, a King's artillery, and many other worthy offices: so that the Inhabitants within the walls have a Church, and are a sufficient parish. Instead ofan obscure Lowre, newly graced with an extraordinary gallery, the only palace of the King near Paris. In London his Majesty hath many houses, parks, and places of repose, and in the countries dispersed such a number of state, receipt, and commodity, that I protest I am driven to amaze, knowing the defects of other places, nor do I here stretch my discourse on the tenterhooks of partiality, or seem to pull it by the by-strings of self-conceit or opinion: but plainly denotate what all true hearted Englishmen can aver, that to the crown of our Kingdom are annexed more castles, honours, forests, parks, houses of State, and conveniency to retire unto, from the encumbrances of the hurly burly of cities, than any Emperor or King in Europe can challenge proprio iure. Instead of an old ruinous palace, as they term their house of Parliament, Hall of justice, concourse of Lawyers, or meetings of certain Tradesmen or Milliners, like an Exchange, and as it were promiscuè, confounding all together: we have in London such a Circo for Merchants, with an upper quadrant of shops, as must needs subject it to foreign envy, in regard of the delicacy of the building, and stateliness in the contriving. We have in London a second building for the ease of the Court, profit of the Artisan, and glory of the city, which for any thing my outward sense may judge of, can equal the proudest structure of their proudest towns, though you should name St. Marks Piazza in Venice, for so much building. We have in London a Guild Hall for a Statehouse, and Westminster for general causes of the Kingdom; two such rooms, that without further dispute, maketh strangers demand unanswerable questions, and gently brought to the understanding particulars, lift up their hands to heaven and exclaim, O happy England! o happy people! o happy London! and yet I must confess, that the hall at Padua, and great counsel-chamber in Venice, be rooms of worthy note, and sufficient contentment. We have in London divers palaces for resort of Lawyers & their Clients, & other offices appropriate, all works rather of ostentation to ourselves, than imitation to others. Instead of narrow dirty streets, neither graceful to themselves, nor beautified with any ornament, we have spacious, large and comely streets, exposing divers works of peace, charity, and estimation. Instead of obscure Churches, we have first the goodliest heap of stones in the world, namely Paul's; next the curiousest fabric in Europe, namely Westminster chapel, and generally all our Churches exceed for beauty, handsomeness, and magnificent building, as framed of hard stone and marble, and exposed with a firm and glorious spectacle, as for the Dona of Florence, St. Marcks in Venice, St. Marcks in Milan, the Noterdame at Paris, and some others in Germany (the steeple only at Strasborough except, which is denominated Beautiful, for the height and handsomeness) they are either buildings of brick, or conceited structures like a fantastical birdcage of a little inlaid or mosaijcke work, worthy of applause from such as respect new dainties, and not to be overpassed for curious pictures and paintings: where yet by the way you must observe, that in those days of superstition, and particulars of ostentation, concerning rich hangings, imageries, statues, altar-clothes, roods, relics, plate, pictures, and ornaments, other Churches and monasteries of Europe come far short of our glory and Popish bravery. Instead of Gentlemen on dirty foot-cloths, and women in the miry streets: the one with an idle Lackey or two; the other with no company of respect: we have fashionable attendancy, handsome and comely going, either in Carosse, Coach, or on horseback, and our Ladies and women of reputation, seldom abroad without an honourable retinue. Instead of a confusion of all sorts of people together, without discovery of quality or persons, as Citizens, Lawyers, Scholars, Gentlemen, religious Priests, and Mechanickes, that you can scarce know the one from the other, nor the master from the man. In London the Citizen lives in the best order with very few houses of Gentlemen interposed, and in our suburbs, the Nobility have so many and stately dwellings, that one side of the river may compare with the Gran Canale of Venice. But if you examine their receipt and capacity, Venice and all the cities of Europe must submit to the truth. Nay ' in London and the places adjoining, you have a thousand several houses, wherein I will lodge a thousand several men with conveniency: match us now if you can. Instead of a poor Provost and disorderly company of Merchants and Tradesmen, we have a Podesta or Maior, that keepeth a Princely house, we have grave Senators, comely Citizens, several Halls, and authorized Corporations, all governed by religious Magistracy, and made famous by triumphant solemnities: so that our best Gentry are delighted with the spectacle, and strangers admire the bravery. To conclude, if you look on and in our London truly, as it is composed of men following trades & occupations, there is not such a city, such a government, such a method of conversation, such a unity of good fellowship, such a glass to see unity and beauty in, such a treasury of wealth, such a storehouse of all terrestrial blessings under the sun. If you will view it without at all times, and yet consider the customs of keeping our country houses, you will say there are not so many Gentlemen in any place, nor gathered together to better purpose, nor can the variety of Paris bring you into the walks of such pleasure, with so little charge and offence, as London. For with us our riding of horses, music, learning of all Arts and Sciences, dancing, fencing, seeing of comedies or interludes, banquets, masks, mummeries, turnaiments, shows, lotteries, feasts, ordinary meetings, and all the particulars of man's invention to satiate delight, are easy expenses, and a little judgement with experience, will manage a very mean estate to wade through the current of pleasure, although it run to voluptuousness. But if you come to our Court, I hope you find not such another for stately attendants, dutiful service, plenty of fare, resort of Nobles, comeliness of Ladies, gallantry of Gentles, concourse of people, princely pastimes, noble entertainment, and all things befitting the Majesty of a King, or glory of a nation: so that I may say for London, as the King of France answered the Emperor's tedious titles with France, France, France, and nothing but France: so cry I London, London, London, and nothing but London, to their proudest and all their cities. And thus much for Paris: now to Constantinople. What I have said of Paris by way of comparison, concerning Constantinople described, and compared with London the government and orderly managing the affairs of a city, I may well conclude against Constantinople: but because this imperial place looketh with a more majestical countenance then other cities, and lifteth up (as it were) a daring head against all contradiction, for her superiority: I must needs pencil out the line of her praises at some length, and tell you truly, wherein her worthiness consisteth, and yet may deceive opinion without true judgement. Constantinople, otherwise called Stanbole, the Beautiful, hath a handsome and formal triangle of a wall, the first part whereof reacheth from the seven towers (which is a place for supplement of a prison, a treasury, and wardrobe) unto the Seralio, some three English mile. The second from the Seralio to Porta deal Fieume, a little more and both toward the sea, which runneth one way between Asia and Europe into the Euxinum, and another way to encounter a pretty fresh water river, beyond the North of Pera. And the third overlooketh the fields of Thracia, with a greater compass and strength, because it is a double wall, and openeth three or four gates, as Andrinople, Gratianople, the Tower gate, etc. into the country, which flourished when Pausanias was contented with the title of Duke and Captain of the Spartans, and built this wonderful town by the name of Byzantium, in honour of his father Bize, who was Admiral of the Grecian Navy, when Thebes, and other cities strove for superiority. The wall is orderly beautified with square towers of hard stone, whose equal distance makes a reasonable show, but that it resembles a painted Courtesan of outward good becoming, yet within full of corruption and danger. For concerning the streets, citizens, houses, or order of a well compacted Commonwealth, it retaineth nothing coming near our London, or happiness. The situation is yet a stately ascent from the sea, as if it had a pride to mock at the swelling of any tempest: and embolden the Merchant with the security of the Sacra Porta, being indeed the goodliest harbour in the world, twenty fathom deep close to the shores of two cities. Thus it containeth ten English mile in circumference, having no suburbs, and showing much waste ground in the unfrequented places toward the land, especially where the bashaws houses are sequestered from the hurly burly of the Tradesman. The Seralio is the palace of the Gran Signeur, yet is a Why Seralio name appropriate to divers sequestered places, wherein his women are detained, and hath questionless the derivation from our Latin word Sera, or locked up: it is a receptacle for divers thousands, enclosing as much ground, as St. james park. For the courts are very large, with several guards of janissaries, according to the necessity of the times, or nearness to the emperors person. The gardens spacious, with embattled walls, stored with artillery, the gates most of them iron, kept by Capogies: the buildings are many and stately, bearing in their front certain Dowana's or open hals, which have travesses of Persian stuff, and are rooms of great receipt, wherein the officers of the palace sit in open view at their feasts and diet. The banquetting-houses, wherein his concubines and boys are aparted from the court hurly burly, expose divers manner of structures, and seem indeed several palaces, amongst whom there is one called a Caska without the wall of the Seralio close to the seaside where he accustometh to take his galley, of the delicatest and richest presence, that ever I beheld: for it is a quadrant of seven arches on a side cloister wise, like the Rialto walk in Venice, in the midst riseth a core of three or four rooms with chimneys, whose mantel trees are of silver, the windows curiously glazed, & beside protected with an iron grate all guilt over most gloriously: the whole frame so set with opals, rubies, emeralds, burnished with gold, painted with flowers, and graced with inlaid work of porphyry, marble, jet, jasper, and delicate stones, that I am persuaded there is not such a bird cage in the world. Under the walls are stables for sea horses called Hippopotami, which is a monstrous beast taken in Nilus, Elephants, Tigers, and Dolphines: sometimes they have Crocodiles and Rhinoceros: within are Roebucks, white Partridges, and Turtles, the bird of Arabia, and many beasts and fowls of Africa and India. The walks are shaded with Cypress, Cedars, Turpentine, and trees which we only know by their names, amongst which, such as afford sustenance, are called figs, almonds, olives, pomegranates, lemons, oranges, and such like: but it should seem, they are here as it were enforced, and kept in order with extraordinary diligence: for the sun kisseth them not with that frevency, as may make them large, or ripen in their proper kinds. The city is very populous toward the harbour, the Besesteine, bashaws houses, Mosques, conduits, tombs and monuments, open as it were a storehouse of magnificent works: yet when I read, that Constantine unplumed Rome, and as it were robbed all the world, making this place accessary to the theft, and cannot find the particulars in mine inventory, I marvel who hath either dared to purloin them, or presumed to ruinate and deface them. For the chiefest structures and monuments are now the great Seralio, the lesser Seralios, the seven towers, the double wall, divers bashaws houses, before some of which are spacious quadrants graced with antiquities, recording the ancient manner of turnaiments, when the greeks flourished: the Mosques or Temples, amongst whom the Sophia, Solimana and Amorata, are indeed heaps of ostentation and fabrics of great delight, the place called jobs tomb, sequestered for the burial of the emperors children, who are commonly all strangled on the day of his elder sons inauguration by Mutes, and then enclosed in coffins of Cypress, and so received by the Mufti into chapples consecrated for that purpose; the patriarchs house; certain Balnea's; Aquae ductus; Constantine's palace; and the Towers on the wall. To these you may add the Besesteine, a place like our Exchange, for variety of merchandise, market of virgins, selling of slaves, and the vaults under ground fenced with iron gates to secure their treasure, which especially belongeth to the jews, who farm the office of Dacij or customs, and are (as it were) the Turks receivers, so that these places must needs be strongly guarded, both to prevent the fury of the janissaries, who are very irregular in their tumults, and the extremity of fire and earthquakes, to whose violence the City is many times subject. The next division is of Galata, a city over against it divided only by sea, no broader here than our Tamisis, of great antiquity, walled about, and retaining a particular name and renown, for holding out a year and better, after Constantinople was surprised: it standeth likewise up a hill, and equals it both for beastliness, confusion, and uncomely streets and houses: here live many greeks, and the Francs, as they term the Papists (of what nation soever) have a Church by permission; the Courtesan likewise liveth at some liberty; yet is it death for any Christian to lie with a Turkish woman or jew. The third part of this great city comprehendeth the vine of Pera, which is a huge suburbs, compassing Galata round about, a place of quiet dwelling, good air, and pleasant gardens: yet in regard the many thousand tombs of Turks (for you must know, that neither Turk, jew, nor Christian, inter any corpse in their Mosques or city, except they build a chapel of purpose, or have the privilege of the Frank Church) fill up a great quantity of ground, with disordered, confused noisome, and fearful graves. On the one side toward the north-east, you have an Arsenal for galleys, a little beyond, a handsome Seralio, & somewhat further a pretty fresh water river, as if they lay in sequence, by whose banks are certain houses erected of purpose, for the pleasure & reposednes of special bashaws. On the other side toward the south-west, the office of artillery called Tapinaw, inviteth you to the view of such ordnance and munition, that for number, greatness, and use, surmount any one city of Europe: you have likewise another Seralio, and in these suburbs are resident the English, French, and Venetian Ambassadors: as for the Persian, Emperors of Germany, and Polacks, they lived in the great city, and sometimes visited one another, as either necessity of business, or pleasure of invitation afforded. The last quarter of this division affordeth the object of a town in Asia called Scideron, or Scideret, between which and Constantinople, the sea runneth 20. English mile in length, and only two in breadth, as far as Pompey's pillar and the black Tower, resembling a lace fringed with spangles and purls: for the bashaws and Chawses houses, so stand on both sides, as if they were made to answer a proportion of handsomeness: but when time and a days travel hath taken away the pleasure of this spectacle, then fall you into a larger gulf, once called Euxinum mare, now the black sea, extending a thousand mile, as far as Trebisond: on the farther shore of the continent now called Russia, is shouldered up close Maeotis Palus; into which the great river of Tanais sendeth his streams, as if a messenger of glad tidings and business should hasten to discharge his duty. Thus I confess, if on the towers of the Amorata, or battlements of the Sophia, you beheld all at once, as it were one united body, it would equal, if not surpass London, for spaciousness of grounds, some monuments, and divers palaces and houses: but yet come no way near my satisfaction, as being defective in many things, which I supposed to excel in it, & deficient in all things, wherein a happy country supplieth the wants of her enhabitants. For here is neither good lodging, proportionable fare, free recourse, gracious entertainment, true religion, secure abiding, allowable pleasure, orderly government, or any thing wherein a noble city is made glorious indeed: nor is it so populous as report hath busied us, but famarialum, and it may be, the plague having consumed 80000. and the army of 200000. deducted, diminished somewhat the glory, & left the rest of the people to enjoy more freedom. And thus much for Constantinople. Now a word or two for Venice. Venice I confess is both rare in situation, and wonderful for government, as cementing together divers islands with Venice described, and compared with London small bridges, and not trusting their liberty either into the the hands of one Prince, or judgement of inferior persons. Thus hath the Duke but a binding voice, and the sword is carried before the Senate: thus is nothing done without the consent of the Nobility, who are very near 1500. in number, and the tradesman is in no sort admitted amongst them, till either he purchase the freedom, or deserve it by some heroic employment; therefore they do them wrong, that call the Venetians merchants. For though some of them have a traffic at sea: yet do the better sort of the Nobility scorn to trade for profit, and those which are adventurers, are either newly raised houses, or licenced by the state for special purposes: but howsoever, he leaves the managing of affairs to inferiors, and the drudging (as we say) for money, either to the jew as an Usurer; or to common bank for the good of the city; or to the Shopkeeper, for the entertaining the concourse of people, sitting at home in ease, and going abroad for some variety of delight, as the true Gentlemen of Naples and Milan accustom, who suppose nothing worthy, which savours of kerbing liberty, and tying them to servile attendance. But yet in all this, so far short of our London, as a dumb painted statue of a living substance. For neither are the Noblemen permitted the eminency of other natious, nor patible of such degrees, as our greatness looketh upon one another withal: nor can the Merchant equal the twentieth part of our comparison for number: nor in that which they boast of, which is wealth, can they generally match our Londoners: as for the Tradesman and Shopkeepers, as I said before, neither for order, government, liberty of meeting, diet, purchasing of land, delicate furniture, and all the particulars whereby a city is made famous, worthy, or wealthy: only some few houses have a handsome show of comeliness, and (according to the custom of their stone-buildings) seem pretty piles for the receipt of a small company. But where are their five hundred ships at sea; when all Venice hath not above thirty merchant men, and ten galleasses; only they boast of three hundred galleys, according to the custom of Naval encounters in the Levant? where are their voyages and settled abode in all the harbours in the world? where are their large and brave streets, antic monuments, when their city is scarce eight hundred year old, glorious gates, magnificent structures to lodge Princes and all their retinue, houses of entertainment for travelers and strangers, such as our Taverns and Inns? where are their conduits and good waters? where are their fields and pleasant walks? where are their exercises and heroic pastimes? where are their triumphant shows and magnificent spectacles, with infinite other particulars, wherein they must yield, if London had no other Commander than the Mayor and Senators? after this manner could I run into Africa, and fetch Cayro; into Russia, for Mosko; into Poland, for Craccow; into Germany, for Augusta, or Norremberg; into Bohemia, for Prage; into Austria, for Vienna; into Spain, for Leon, or Madrid; into Portugal, for Lisbon; and so in all the rest: but if they were brought before the bar of comparison, they might be quickly arraigned of presumption for contending with our London in any of those things, wherein a city looketh up with a justifiable countenance, to show her comeliness, beauty, glory, bravery or antiquity. But see what it is to embolden a forward man; I am not yet satisfied, until I tell you divers stranger things, and so open the enclosures of knowledge, that you shall enfeoff her with many excellencies, wherein our England is truly imparadized before all nations. CHAP. XVIII. divers particulars wherein ENGLAND excelleth other Kingdoms, and first in RELIGION. WE will begin with the blessing of all blessings, Common places against idolatry: yea the vain erecting of images. and as the Logicians say, Causa sine qua non, which is RELIGION, or the true worshipping of God, and to be found amongst us, or no where in the world: For I hope without further disputing, as I have spoken else where, we will exclude even out of our thoughts, heathenish profanation, and the filthiness of idolatry, against which the sharpest arrows of God's quiver are darted, and the Prophets sound out his judgement, as terribly, as the Angels the trumpets to summon the inhabitants of the earth against the day of doom. But because the Devil before the general dissolution must appear like an Angel of light, and hath taught us cunning to deceive our own souls with false interpretations of scripture, with the impostures of equivocation, with adding and diminishing to and from the book of life, to which most formidable curses are belonging, with quite extinguishing the second commandment, & other dangerous pollutions infecting the Churches of Europe: I thought it not amiss both to discover the enormities of the 1. Greek, and 2. Latin superstition, and muster together some pretty forces out of God's camp against the 3. pride of the Popish Cl●…rgy: 4. the worlds vilipending the true Saints of God: 5. and that deceivable worshipping of images under a covert praying to the Saints, upon a supposition of being our Mediators in heaven: of all which in order, and first against idolatry. When Rahel stole her father's idols, there was much ado in the search, and Laban would fain have picked a quarrel with jacob: but God foreseeing the wretchedness of his mind, prevented the mischief, and laughed man's invention to scorn, even before the Law was established: But presently so soon as the LORD had prescribed them, what to rely upon, even twice in one chapter the gods of silver and gold were forbidden, and a sentence pronounced, that he which offered unto any gods save unto the LORD should be slain: whereupon by a divine inspiration, jacob reform his household by putting away the idols, termed in scripture, cleansing, purging, and pleasing of God. If you come forward to Moses government: never any temptation traduced him for impatience, being the meekest man on earth, as at the making the golden calf in Horeb, and the folly of Aaron, which brought 3000 men to destruction: but look a little further, and all fellowship with Idolaters is forbidden; and whereas the wickedness of man's invention had so far enlarged itself, as to terrify one another with the mischief wrought by Devils, imposturing them yet withal by a cunning art of pacification in offering sacrifices, and vows to that purpose, God interdicted the same, and Moses flatly prohibited such abomination: yea in the 20 of Leviticus it was absolute death to offer their children unto Molech, meaning any kind of idol: nay more, such was the jealousy of God's honour from the beginning, that it was loss of life to blaspheme the name of the living, mighty, and only true God. In the 26 of Leviticus idolatry is forbidden again, and the very making of images reputed an unanswerable sin; and because the policy of man should be quite defeated, the eternal providence is contented to yield reasons for the same in the 4 of Deuteronomie 15: yea such sufficient reasons, that we may conclude them positive laws to all Nations. First in the third verse, to prevent Reason's why we should not commit ●…iolatry. their destruction, lest they might utterly perish, as they did, because of Baal Peor. Secondly, because it was wisdom and understanding, wherein the natural man delighted, to keep the ordinance of God, vers. 6. Thirdly, because the Lord had done more for them in their deliverances, than for other Nations, v. 7. Fourthly, because the laws of God were better, more upright, and had a fuller justice in them than the laws of other Nations, v. 8. Fiftly, because they saw no image in that day, wherein the Lord spoke unto them in Horeb, and out of the fire, v. 15. Sixthly, because we must not worship either sun, or moon, and stars, which are most glorious; therefore much less the inferior creatures, much less idols and images the work of men's hands: Argumentum à fortiori, or à maiore ad minus, v. 19 Seventhly, because God was angry with Moses for speaking in their behalf, when they had worshipped the golden calf in Horeb, and punished him for their sakes, with debarring him from entering into the land of Canaan, v. 21. Eightly, and last of all, because they might be blessed in performing the will of God, whom they knew to be the only true God, v. 35. Whereupon when the jews were to take possession of the land of the Gentiles, although it might be intended, that there could not be wrought an utter extirpation at the first; yet did the spirit of God covenant with them, that they should not be at atonement with their abominations, but destroy their idols utterly: yea a little further, the very places where the idols were to be erected are to be abandoned, as if he should then say, I will be worshipped, as I command, and not as man's fancy deludeth, whereupon followed that great curse against the inticers, and seducers to idolatry, and the Magistrates had a strict commandment to prevent the planting of groves and trees, the very nurses of heathenish invention, and to hinder the occasions of solitary sequestration, whereby were practised Diabolical arts, Pythonistical incantations, Cabalistical secrets, hieroglyphical representations, imposturing devices, and all dangerous sacrifices belonging to the formal perfecting the same. This that is alleged might be sufficient to understanding men to affright them from affecting either idol, image, or church-painting: But I will go a little further, and wade in the ford of this swelling stream, which from the springs of the Prophets overflow the fields of all countries: but how? even by shouldering aside the proud cast-up-banks of opposition, and threatening God's vengeance against such as dare perpetrate such ●…llicit actions. So that if I store this discourse with some collected abstracts, intimating nothing from envy, or malice against the greatness and wealth of other Kingdoms, which are Idolaters, I hope we shall thereby avoid in ourselves the least savouring of those monstrous customs of India, China, or other dangerous Kingdoms, and adulterate excuses The foolish excuse of Idolaters. of misled Christians, who thus far agree with the grossest idolaters, that their images are but representations of more excellent spirits, and no man is so senseless to kneel to, or adore the dumb and dead things, but only to resuscitate our stupid memories, either of God, or his Saints, in regard the nature of man is so slender of itself, and the condition of the Deity so gentle to give way to any thing, which may further the adoration of his glory, and the confirmation of our salvation: in both which how gross and palpably they abuse the great and wise God, and deceive ignorant and simple men, shall here appear. In the 17. of Deuteronomie there is as it were a solemn quest of inquiry against the perverters of true religion in this kind, and the conclusion tendeth to the punishment of stoning to death; and because we should have no starting hole or trick to deceive ourselves, God is contented in the 28 to establish to his people a contract of blessing, and cursing, all tending to discover the uses and reasons of either: following it so far, that he plainly nameth idolatry, or if you will, erecting of images, for any cause to exasperate his displeasure, that plagues, punishment, and utter extirpation must follow: to which end and purpose Iosua's exhortation for the worshipping the only, true, and wise God, and after his own only, true, and wise way, was so enlarged, commended, and applauded after his so many and great victories, and established quietness. How near to utter destruction, and desolation, were the Israelites in the time of the JUDGES, when the Angel rebuked the people for living wickedly in the sight of the Lord, and serving Baalam, whereupon followed a casting them away by God, and the hands of Midian fettered them in chains seven year: nor could the Princes of juda deliver them, although Gedeon began well, and set up prevailing on his strongest legs, to stand upright for their behoof. But what followed? He and all his house fell into the pit of destruction: and wherefore? for making an ephod, wherein he presumed yet to do well; but it was the step and stair of idolatry, and that the cause of a following vengeance; then if you look into Micahs story, you shall find that every man did what was good in his own eyes, whereby ensued murders, rapes, robberies, and such like intolerable enormities, all having their current from this spring, that his mother made him images of silver, and he consented to the wicked work. If you overlook the story of Samson, however he lost his strength, and was inflicted with a severe punishment, of being bereaved of his sight, and disgraceful captivity; yet you saw, as the Eagle casts her bill to renew her youth, for the punishment of Idolaters, God raised up another wall of fortification, and when his vigour was restored, he pulled down the profane temple upon the heads of two thousand souls: when the Philistines brought the ark of God into the house of Dagon, the Idol fell down before it, and the men of Ashdod were plagued for abusing the same. Did not Solomon rejoice in all worldly felicity, and was not the mantle of pleasure and happiness spread before him? until he fell to idolatry, than did his private enemies cast it out of sight, and God divided ten Tribes from his son, which was a strange disparity, considering his father built the Temple, consecrated the same, and blessed the people. Wherein was God so offended with jeroboam, that he made him the capital author of the sins of Israel? but by reason of his golden calves, the punishment whereof was thus far extended; His son died, his hand was dried up with leprosy, the seduced Prophet was killed by a Lion, and the same Abiah that made him King, confirmed the extirpation of his family, and for all his wife went to delude him, yet she heard the judgement of terror, which she could not prevent. In the story of Ahab, what was the cause of so many troubles in Israel, tyranny in the Commonwealth, murdering of God's Prophets, usurpation of other men's inheritances, wickedness of jezabel, witchcrafts, whoredoms, and in the end a general defection from his obedience, and conjuration against his house, was it not idolatry? whereupon followed the slaughter of the King, the casting the Queen out of a window, the kill of Baal's Prophets, first by Eliah, then by jehu, and an utter confusion in juda and Israel. Wherein was jehoiada so acceptable to God, as when he destroyed the altars of Baal, and laid his images on a heap? look amongst all the Kings of juda, or Israel; and whereas you find some of them murdered, some of them deposed, some of them taken away in the pride of their years, some of them lepers, and some of them carried into captivity: it was all by reason of idolatry, & transfounding the adoration of the only true God, with the infectious leprosy of men's traditions: thus Azariah of juda became a Leper, Zacharia of Israel was slain by Shallum, Shallum by Menahen, and Menahen purchased his peace of Assyria by money. The wicked idolatry of Ahas, and that horrible consecration of his son in fire, was a motive of trouble and desolation to all jerusalem. Hosea King of Israel was ensnared, and he and his realm caught in the net of Assyrian policy, by reason of their confidence in Idols, & that every one worshipped the God of his nation, contrary to Moses Law; but what ensued? curses, plagues, utter desolateness, adumbration of the sunshine of heavenly favours, and when they presumed of well-doing, in making a hodge-podge of religion in Samaria, the Lions of the forest came into the city, and devoured both Priests and people. When Manasses restored idolatry, giving life to filthy profanation, which viperlike abused the courtesy of him which warmed her, and stung him to death. I will bring (says God) an evil upon juda and jerusalem, that who heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle, & I will stretch over jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab, and I will wipe jerusalem, as a man wipeth a dish, and turn it upside down: so Ammon was slain by his servants, and the poison of idolatry that had choked the people of God with the dregs of abomination, made juda so ulcerous and deformed, that God would not know his own handiwork, but suffered them to be led into captivity, and brought into the school of tyrannous correction. Look over all the prophesy of Esay, where the desolation of jerusalem is denounced, where the Medes and Persians shall destroy Babel, where Moab must look for an overthrow, where Damascus and Ephraim must come to ruin, where the Egyptians must be dislocated by the Assyrians, where Aethiopia, Idumea, and Arabia must groan under affliction, where Tyrus must feel the yoke of subjection, and all superbous Monarchies come to ruin: and you shall find that idolatry is the cause, and principal motive of God's wrath against them. nor desisteth he so, but exemplifieth at large, how the full cup of God's vengeance floweth over for following the traditions of men: nay more, certain curses are exaggerated against such, as either adhere to man's assistance, or are seduced with worldly vanity, and in the 41. chapter, you shall find an ironical derision of the Inhabitants of the islands, for making of images, and such like bestial traducements, especially for extenuating the power of God, by introducing the inventions of man, and mingling worldly devices with true religion, concluding in the 43. that there is no God but one, nor any worshipping of him, but in spirit and holiness of life. Look into the prophesy of jeremy, and all his Lamentations, and you shall find, why the jews were destroyed, why compared to a disobedient woman to her husband, why reprehended for crying out the temple, the temple, and relying upon the outward ceremonies, why exprobrated for following strange Gods, after the custom of their fathers, why threatened with such plagues, as savoured of bitterness & poisoning their outward prosperity, chiefly for idolatry, as more especially 22. Then followeth the word of God, like the voice of a crier in the wilderness, against Egypt, the Philistines, Moabites, Ammonites, Idumea, Damascus, Kedar, and Elam, all in one chapter: nor is it a bare angry vehemency; but illustred with many excellent comparisons, not desisting till he leave Babylon flat on the ground, yielding reasons for her desolation, because the nations of the world were made drunk with the carouses out of that golden cup, which she represented out of the Lords hand, and all to show the vanity and wickedness of idolaters. Ezekiels' visions were most against Israel, and his mouth opened the fearful indignation of the Lord against jerusalem, because their altars were erected to strange Gods, and that they made images of the sun, to pollute their souls worse than the carrion of a dunghill: then proceedeth he against them with personating names, calling Samaria and jerusalem, Aholah and Ohalibah: the end only to discover their idolatry, and intimating God's wrath for their notorious wandering from the true path of knowledge, insomuch that from the parable of a seething pot, Iuda's destruction is threatened: yet for all this, God will not condescend to any treatise of pacification, until all the nations round about, namely Edom, Moab, Egypt, Chaldea, Tyrus, Sidon, Gog, and Magog, taste the bitterness of the same fruit, corrupted and made irksome by the same transgressions. Was not the adoration of Nebuchadnezzars statue of gold, a strange and notable work of God against Idolaters? and the history of the King's humiliation, an instance of terror and revenge against the pride and ambition of man? was not ●…altashars tragedy and example of admiration? and would a man desire a better warning to avoid the punishment of idolatry, and blaspheming the true God? did not daniel's miraculous delivery from the Lions strike the Heathen with amazement? and brought confusion amongst the imaginary vanities: so that Darius himself disclaimed the worship of the sun and fire, according to the ancient manner of the Persians, and proclaimed exaltation of the eternal Deity indeed. Doth not Hosea threaten the people, because of idolatry, and makes jerusalem worse than an harlot, telling of the swift coming of their enemies, by the comparison of an Eagle, resembling the jews to an empty vineyard, an heart divided in twain, and concluding, that her sorrows shall be like the travel of a woman in childbearing, because of their going a whoring after false Gods, or if you will, counterfeit Idols, and colourable images, being no other, nor other ways used, then now the Church of Rome accustometh, Romish Idols. by prevaricating true religion, by calling them the books of the Laity, by excusing them with an honourable remembrance of the Saints deceased, by corrupting them with filthy painting, and the art of the craftsman, and by a diabolical erecting them, as if they had life and motion. Doth not Amos (as if a man should run a race for a reward) pass from one country, city, and person to another, with prophecies and threatenings against Moab, juda, Israel, the Governors of Samaria, and the Princes of the Tribes, adding withal the famine of the word of God, for their abusing true religion, and teaching and practising a doctrine which God never prescribed, nor had any thought correspondent. Was not Michahs' voice raised higher and higher against juda and Israel, only for idolatry? and did not Zephaniah tremble at the disobedience of the jews? foretelling their destruction, by reason of their corruption and abomination of Idols. Look Zechariah clean over, and where the jews are affrighted with the exclamation of wants, famine, and overthrows, his warrant proceedeth from this occasion, that the altars of incense smoke up a pace, but stink before the throne of God, sending their vapours back again, to choke the Inhabitants of the earth. All Malachies' complaints are against the Priests and Seducers of the people, who not only were wicked themselves, but permitted the rest to be polluted with idolatry. There is scarce one chapter in the book of wisdom, which doth not pencil out the gross and palpable running a whoring after the ridiculous adoration of images. To conclude, our Saviour, the Evangelists and Apostles preach, that the true worshipping of God consisteth in spiritual devotion, not worldly or carnal circumstances, and inveigh against nothing more than men's traditions, the observing the outward letter, the adhering to ceremonies, and with Martha leaving the most needful thing to be encumbered with worldly vanities and beastly corruptions, to which if you add that excellent revelation, it is a plain discovery of Antichrist, and how the western Churches should be infected with the contagious diseases of trumperies, idolatry, and devilish interpretation of Scriptures, I durst say a jewish contradiction of the truth, and Apostate falling from the main building of God's Church. And thus much for Idolatry in general. CHAP. XIX. Certain particulars concerning the Greek CHURCH. SOme define religion, and indeed most truly, thus: Religio est vera Wherein the Greek Church is far from true religion. cultura Dei, and then I refer you to monsieur de Plessis discourse, wherein he proveth with sufficiency, that all the customs of the world concerning divine adoration come short of Christianity: but if you will convert it thus: Religio est cultura veri Dei, then may you both divide, subdivide, and divide again, allowing of three Religions; the jews, Christians, and Mahometans, all maintaining the omnipotency of God, and pretending obedience toward the high Creator of all things. But because we hope for our established salvation in the merits and mercies of jesus Christ, and know, that the excellency of the Trinity is described in the old Testament, when God said, Let us make man, when the great King saw the image of one like the son of man in the furnace, when job knew that his Redeemer lived, & when the mystery of the Trinity is revealed in many places: let us leave the vanity of the Heathen with their obstinacy, the abomination of Idolaters with their gross abuses, the antiquity of the jews with their stiffneckednesse, the innovation of the mahometans with their errors and impossibilities, and be only proud of our livery of Christians. But now we must subdivide again, and say, that amongst Christians there is a tripartite separation. For the Greek Church runneth one way with the title of East: the Latin Church rangeth another way with the denomination of West: and the reformed Church spreadeth a modest glory with the liberty of Protestants. Concerning the Greek Church I will be bold to tell you, that I have heard some of their Protopapans and Archimandritans maintain their greatness, precedency, and trueness of Religion before the Latin, and thus they assume the defence. For greatness it containeth most parts of Armenia, Georgia, Mengrelia near the Caspian, many places in Anatolia, or Asia minor, the Countries of The greatness of the creak Church. Aethiopia in Africa, which may equal them of the West Indies, of whom the Pope doth now boast so much: In Europe all Grecia: many great islands (except such as are diverted Papists, incurring the scandal of Heretics) Muscovia or Russia: some parts of Poland, Lithuania, Bogdonia, and the shores of the Euxinum, much more ground, than the Pope can challenge, where he is the most offensive Usurper. For Precedency it claimeth likewise the prerogative, both ways: First, by priority, in regard they were first The precedency of the Greek Church. Christians, and the Apostles planted Churches amongst them, before either Paul preached at Rome, or Linus was appointed bishop. Secondly, by authority, as by translation of the Empire, from whence Rome challengeth hers: For when there was no such ambition thought upon john Patriarch of Constantinople, usurped the title of universal bishop, and practised the supremacy over all other Churchmen, by reason the Emperor Constantine had so ennobled and enabled the great City, where he would have the bishop to be principal in regard of the majesty of his person and the bravery of the place, and therefore not only graced him with the elated title of Patriarch, but invested him with many royalties, and palaces, and temporal jurisdictions, to which the bishop of Rome did then intercede, interposing a negative even against the very title, disproving it as Antichristian, and Gregory surnamed the Great. traduced john the Patriarch, as a wicked and malicious man for practising such ostentation: nor desisted he so, but writ whole volumes of letters tending to a manner of defamation: some entreating him to disclaim such elation of heart: some disallowing the presumption, as exorbitant in a bishop, who should rather imitate the humility of Christ: some thundering the cursed prediction of Antichrist by such apostasy, and all of them dissuading the true Ministers of God's word from poisoning their preciously redeemed souls with the venom of pride, and vainglory: then followed the fearful history of Nauclerus a strong papistical writer, on whom they lay the imputation of a fable: But he says plainly, that that very instant, in which Constantine the great enfeoffed the Nauclerus. Church with temporary lands, and sumptuous edifices, the heavens seemed to frown, the air was thickened with a cloud, the earth troubled with a tempest, and after great thunder and lightning, a voice was heard; now is poison thrown into the pure stream of God's truth. Upon this the matter was a while respited with a grant only of sitting down first at general councils, naming in Commissions, and the binding voice in equality of censuring; all which, if they were privileges, enlarged first the precedency of the Patriarch of Constantinople. Afterward, when the sins of the Empire, like a fluent stream overspread the banks of his enclosures, and that God determined the utter subversion of all: two wicked men contrived the most lamentable desolation, both of the government of the Empire, & religion of the Church, which were Phocas and Bonifacius; the one conspiring thus with the other against God and Angels, against heaven and earth, against men and Devils, that to establish Phocas in the Empire of Constantinople, he would be contented, that Bonifacius of Rome should be consecrated with the title of Universal bishop; whereupon Phocas by the murder of his Master Mauritius and other inhuman treacheries was invested Lord of the Eastern Monarchy, and Bonifacius by the cozening his Predecessor Silvester, and other religious practices obtained the papacy: insomuch that Platina and divers of their own writers (amongst other pasquils and satirical invections) exclaim, that he came in like a fox, reigned as a lion, and died like a dog: so that all premises considered, if there be a necessity in any such precedency, the Roman bishops be but usurpers. For Constantinople had it at general councils, and was permitted all the favour of titles, which the Church, and most Christian Emperor collated at that time. Concerning the truth, it is well known, that Peter of whom they boast so much was bishop of Antioch The verity of the Greek Church. 20. years, and those of Asia the first reputed Christians in the world; so that even from Scripture itself and Paul's peregrination, many plentiful collections enlarge his history and life with warrantable knowledge of what we must trust unto. As for his visiting of Rome, however Eusebius adhereth to some formal discoveries, and other Authors produce instances of his own death and daughter's Martyrdom under Nero, it is both fanatical, imaginary, and unwarrantable by Scripture: nay I will say more, neither by collected circumstances, probable conjectures, or authentical Authors is there any inducement to believe it: But say he did visit Rome, and conferred with Paul, what sense, reason, or honesty can allow the translation of his own Bishopric out of Asia into Europe, an intrusion into another man's jurisdiction. For Paul was constituted to be the light of the Gentiles, and lost his head at Rome in justifying his innocency: how then could Peter be condemned of so functory a negligence, that being appointed to the dispersed jews of Asia, he would vilipend them, and intrude himself into the government of the Gentiles of Italy: so then considering Antioch and the 7. Churches spoken of in the apocalypse, were the first receivers of the Gospel, from whence the greeks in Europe were the next embracers of the truth, who can oppose against her residence and conservation rather, where it was first published, then in Italy, and the remoter places of Europe, whereas yet some of their Countries are not quite purged from Paganism. Thus do they dispute, and with stomachous ardency enueigh against the pompous and ostentous glory of the latin Church, putting them to silence, as our Saviour did the pharisees, when he questioned their opinion of john's baptism, & exprobrated them for advancing the Hidra's head of confusion through enormous ceremonies, and men's traditions, wherein they saw the inconveniences before their faces, that they were not only patible of alteration, but would grow in time to a Congeries and mountain of deformity, as men & devices did augment them: notwithstanding time being weary of stability, and the Devil afraid of impeachment in his kingdom, hath scattered many corruptions in the fields of God's farms, which have overgrown the seeds of verity in these parts, that it now resembleth the corn sown amongst tars, which choked the growth of the best seed, and came up with such a violent overspreading, that at harvest there was little benefit to the owner. For all the Greek Churches are very small, full of idle painting, lamps, candles, tapers, and such like: their service and language Greek, and when they write or print it is a reasonable good Character, though far from the attic Dialect: and yet I will be bold to say, a good Scholar of our grammar instruction, shall scarce understand the phrase of their common speakers, no more than a southern man, one borne far north, or in Scotland. Their Monasteries are poor, unhandsome, and far from the state of the Romish Church; and surely if in any thing they imitate the Apostles, it is in their scorn of worldly pomp, carelessness, wants, and sometimes austerity of life, although naturally they are the merriest and most jovial men in the world: their chief Abbots are called Archimandritans, but all in general submit to the Episcopo of the Diocese, who weareth coloured apparel of silk with a cross over his hat, which is low crowned, broad brimmed, and tied under his beard with long strings, he carrieth a crosier in his hand, but it hath a plain cross; they call him also Protopapan the first Father of the congregation (from whence the bishop of Rome assumeth his Papa, or if you will the name of Pope) acknowledging the Patriarch of Constantinople at this very instant for supreme, and absolutely contesting against the Pope's tyrannical usurpation: yea such is their hate to the Latins, I will not name their corruptions and Church, that they had rather live in slavery and bondage under the Turk, then either implore the aid of Italians for their restitution, or submit to that strange ambition of that Cleargy-man, as some of them ironically term the Pope. They observe four lents in a year, eat flesh on Saturdays, but on Fridays and all the lent, with other prohibited times, they neither eat flesh, fish, butter, cheese, or any meat, but like the Christians of Aethiopia, are abstinent beyond reason, the ordinary desire of man, or any prescription of Scripture, or example of the primitive Church. They baptise with water and oil, deny purgatory, never cut their hair, adore no pictures, nor images out of the Scriptures, and yet are superstitious in divers festivals, as St. Nicholay about sea matters, and Celestinus; St. Demetrius, a feast about the 25. of October, called their drunken feast; and St. George, who as our Lady's Knight hath obtained sufficient reputation. Their marriages, dance, festivals and burials, have the several passages of many and strange ceremonies: but because whole volumes are written against their erroneous superstition, I refer you to such commentaries, concluding; that although they are some way more tolerable than the Romish abuses, yet are their best garments so plighted with errors, and laid up unhandsomely with wrinkles, that when you come to unfold them, you either exclaim against the negligence of the servant, or carelessness of the Master: who should be a better overseer. And thus much touching the Greek Church. Now a little concerning the Latin. CHAP. XX. Certain particulars concerning the Latin Church. THere are so many books and disputations concerning the enormities of papistical religion, that little children can in a manner The corruptions and abuses of the Romish Church. retort an argument, and cite you common places of Scripture, against their absurdities and idle traditions. I will therefore refer you to the larger dilations of matters of faith, and fundamental points of salvation: and concerning the strength of their props, which now uphold their supremacy and monarchal jurisdiction; in a few leaves of Sr. Edwin Sands his worthy discourse, you shall see them turned upside down, as if an arm of Hecate were put into the throat to pull the entrails outward, and show you the strange diseases both of heart and lungs: or else examine the paraphrase of the Revelation, and you shall hear distinctly proved the seat of Antichrist, the pride of the whore of Babylon, the persecution of the Saints, and the enormities of this Hosean strumpet, that hath broken the bands of her first wedlock, and bedashed herself with lusts loathsome chariot. For mine own part therefore, I will leave that common way of invection, or mustering up the forces of argument out of the main battle of God's word, and briefly sum up the accounts of her condemnation in this manner. 1. First, concerning their government, it is mere political, as allowing all positions of tyranny, revenge, disloyalty, licentiousness, wealth, and liberty, and wherein Euripides, Demosthenes, Isocrates, Tully, Sallust, Perseus, Horace, Sigonius, Lipsius, Machiavelli, or any other absolute or modern writer opened a school-house door of devilish devices and distasting principles, to modest and orderly governments: they have culled out the same to serve their own turns, and with the Jesuits, repute all others simple, that cannot labour in the work of alteration of Kingdoms, and setting Princes at variance to corroborate their own greatness. 2. Concerning religion, it is merely ridiculous, and a dart out of the quiver of man's invention; yea, so Diabolical and Turkish, that it interdicteth the searching of Scriptures, disputing of matters of faith, or any opposition of their superstitious decrees, counsels, and consistorian statutes. 3. Concerning society and conversation, it is merely mundane, voluptuous, and savouring nothing but delightsome liberty: so that if there were not a God to be prayed unto and believed in, a heaven to be expected, a salvation to be hoped after, and an account to be made upon a dreadful summons indeed, I had rather be a Cardinal of Rome, than a Nobleman of Naples, who of all the Gentles in the world spread the largest cloth of vanities and voluptuousness. 4. And lastly, concerning their seeming vows to obedience, chastity and poverty; it is like janus face looking two ways, and with the Lapwigg crying farthest from her nest: for they savour not one word of truth in the same, as you shall see in the next chapter. So that I will only relate unto you three several stories of three several sects, in which the absurdities of the Latin Church most plainly appear. In Rome amongst divers others there lived a certain The story of a converted jew. jew, who had many controversies with Christian Friars about both their religions, alleging for himself prevailing arguments against their idolatry, or worshipping of images, wherein they would fain distinguish with the differences of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc. praying to Saints, profaning of the Saboth, incontinency of life, and burning candles in the day time, as it were in scorn of the glorious light of the sun, all which though they were unanswerable, yet the Friar pleading the calling of the Gentiles, the destruction of the temple, the disannulling of jewish ceremonies, the birth and coming of Christ, as a prefixed time of another religion, the authority of the same, and the orders of the Church, prevailed so far with the other, that he inclined a little to be a Proselyte, which the Friar rejoiced to hear, triumphing exceedingly at the good success of his oratory: nay soft (quoth the jew) it is not thy persuasion hath coapted me to this course, but a certain impression, that some great and good God is protector of this place, or the prayers of an holy Patriarch (as Abraham disputed with jehova about the saving of Sodom and Gomorrha) are acceptable to heaven in the behalf of some unknown good men; otherwise the sins of Rome are so many, the lives of Priests so corrupt, the wickedness of men so abominable, the villainy of politics so mischievous, and all things so discrepant to true religion and honesty, that I have wondered a thousand times, how the whole country, especially the city, hath been protected and supported from sinking to hell. At another time, a sober Turk living in Rome, and wearied with the riot of their Carnevall or Shrovetide, at his The story of a Turck concerning his opinion of Rome. return to Constantinople, being demanded his opinion of the Christians, answerered, that they had some tolerable customs, eat good meat, wear good clothes, or rather spoiled much stuff with fantastic slashing and cutting it, and lived in good towns; but they were mad twice a year: For at one time they ran like Devils in a play up and down the streets with squibs of fire, making a noise both on horseback, and on foot, keeping a coil with Courtesans and Bawds, sporting with scurrilous and unmanly gambols, and performing actions of strange undecencies, which indeed is their time of Carnevall, a time of such sluttishness, unruliness, and venereous riot in all the cities of Italy, that in Venice one Iceppo Marcello hath written an invective against it. Shortly after they went howling in the streets like dogs, mourning with lamentable gestures, and whipping themselves until the blood came, and this was on good Friday, when the Penetenciaries are covered over with a cassock of canvas, except two holes to look out at, and all to belash themselves, until the blood run down their shoulders, whereby great Princes are so impostured, that contrary to a main position of Scripture, against such voluntary humiliation and ridiculous inflictings, they have entertained the penance, and undertaken the stripes, witness Charles the 5. who left his rod of cords, as a jewel of his treasury to King Philip. Duke joieuse, called father Angelo; who returned to his orders, which was a barefoot, or Mendicant Capuchin Friar, as soon as the league was dissolved, and many other both men and women of noble families, who enjoined penance by their ghostly fathers, either by punishing their bodies, unsavoury pilgrimages, fasts, abstinence, or such like endurances, are very zealous in the execution, and upon confidence of some meritorious act, condescend to dangerous and laborious miseries, yea, terrors abhorring to nature. Now to my old woman. It is well known, that in the last days of Queen Mary, The story of the old woman at Strasborogh those days of fiery trial, our roods and images in England were so palpably abused, and devilishly stored with devices, that the Priests had divers tricks to move either eyes, heads, or hands, yea to make them speak with variety of voices, and palpable gesture, as if the Idols of Molech and Chemosh were to entertain the presents of the people, and Bell had life indeed to devour the King's allowance: which course is continued still in many places of Europe, insomuch that a while ago in the Froe Church at Strasborogh, when certain old devout women came to worship our Lady, the knavish Priests caused the child to salute them in her arms, and (as it were) courteoufly to thank them for making such account of his mother, which they not only wondered at, but seemed in a manner offended, that the son should be so bold in the presence of our Lady: whereupon one more zealously angry than the rest, cried out aloud; Peace I pray you young Gentleman, I have nothing to do with you, let me hear what my good Lady your mother says; and so when she had no further reply, went away discontented. Of this sort in our own Kingdom of Ireland, in the beginning of his majesties reign, when the towns were Irish devotion. commanded to frequent the Churches, I was myself an earwitness of many strange grudge and murmurations, amongst which I yet encountered with this facete and indifferent devotion; while two neighbours of Dublin were disputing about Church-matters, the one an indifferent Protestant, the other a superstitious Papist, and yet so seeming cunning, that she durst dispute between the Pope's supremacy and the King's authority, with a willing mind to satisfy either; her neighbour thus advised, to go to Church a God's name, and for the Pope's sake to say Pater noster, for the Kings Our Father, let God take which he will: and so it was merrily concluded, and the woman went accordingly to her devotion. And thus much concerning the Latin Church. The parelell of which with ours would sufficiently show our happiness: And this you may see at large delivered in the works of many learned Divines of our Country, to whom I refer you. CHAP. XXI. Another excellency of ENGLAND, exposing the noble worth of her Princes beyond other Nations. WE will not be so uncivil, as to awake the The Kings of England have exceeded for many memorable virtues and actions other Princes. drowsy eyes of antiquity, or call in question things done so long ago, that either by-opinion, or the deceit of men's inventions have been falsified against all reason and understanding; but quietly maintain the glory of our modern Kings, and plainly uphold this position, that we have had more famous and illustrious Princes since the Conquest, than any government of the earth. If you begin with William of Normandy, his actions and warlike exploits are memorable, his travels and laborious industry extraordinary, his wisdom in the sedation of the tumults and factions amongst us wonderful, his magnanimity in settling his Court and Palace admirable, and his success in all designs unmatchable. However William Rufus was so beholding to peace and prosperity, that he tempered his warlike spirit from affecting either foreign or domestic dissension; yet did he consecrate many famous works to the memory of his quietness, and out of a swelling of princely greatness, thought Westminster Hall (the wonder of the world for a room in a house) too little for so great a Majesty. Robert of Normandy went in person to jerusalem, and for his Heroic success and exploits might have been rewarded with the Diadem, however he was diverted to return home again into the fields of peace. Henry the first was settled in the love of his people, tamed the French, pacified Normandy, looked after Ireland, terrified his foes, corroborated his friends, loved learning, and was a Maecenas of all worthy conditions either in himself, or others; and however the jealousy of sovereign points intercepted the amity of the brethren, yet was his worth many ways expatiated, and divers particulars of estimation extracted from his government. Henry the second obtained the dominion of Ireland, brought to happy period many conflicts in France, stopped the breath of gaping hostility in England, lashed the sides of his unruly children with stripes of discomfiture, and lived in great honour and estimation: insomuch, that he never exacted imposition of his people, nor wanted in his wars, yet left a treasure of above 200000 pound in ready coin, besides jewels, and plate, which was much in those days. What think you of Richard the first? Were not his voyages, conquests, titles, and surname of Cuer de Lion for his valour, and exceeding courage, marks of true honour? Would not his life make a memorable story? Shall not his actions be registered in the court of eternity? Did he not prove a worthy champion of renown? Cyprus' was won, Acon conquered, jerusalem established, the confederate Princes jealous of his glory, and all the country full of his memory: so that considering his tedious journeys, the peril of his person, the success of his actions, and the noble end of his achievements, let the proudest of the Ottoman race be compared and spare not. The troubles of King john, the Baron's wars, the plantation and buildings in Ireland, the discovery of the Clergies corruption, the calling in of Lewis, the dismissing the French back again, and the turbulence of those times may rank themselves with the fame of very proud monarchs. Henry the third subdued the Welshmen, made sundry voyages into France, had many conflicts with his own Barons, set forward a notable expedition to Jerusalem, showed divers effects of an heroic and magnanimous spirit, reigned gloriously 56 years, and in the interims of his peace brought many ostentous buildings to perfection. Edward the first went divers times into Scotland, disposed of that Crown, as he thought good, subjecteth them to England; conquered the Welshmen, appeased them with a Prince of his own son borne in Carnarvan; settled his estate, and ended a famous life with a glorious death, to which when renown and victory was added, the applause rang through the world. Edward the third, and the black Prince have engrossed the fame and renown of the universal earth, and many memorable actions are advanced up as trophies of their unimitable glory; so that they may march to the palace of majesty with the proudest Emperors. For what worthy achievements so ever have been perpetuated in England, Wales, Scotland, Almaigne, and Flanders, in their own persons they have brought to pass, as if they had been borne to show some wonder of nature, and exposed as rare examples to succeeding times. And for his other sons, step into the proudest house of Austria, and tell me who can match them? john of Gaunt went twice into Spain, and conquered Castille in the right of his wife. Lionel Duke of Clarence passed the Alps into Italy, married the daughter of Milan, reveled in those parts with extraordinary cost, pomp, and attendants, and wrought both a reverence and love toward his person from foreign people. Edmond of Langley Duke of York was so wise and reposed, that the government of England kept itself warm under the overspreading of his embraces. Thomas of Woodstock Duke of Gloucester was so true a lover of his country, and champion of honour, that he contested with Majesty for degenerating from her own properties, and durst tell his nephew King, wherein he wandered from his paternal renown. Henry the fourth, when he was but Earl of Hertford, went into Africa, bore his father company into Spain, and obtained the diadem through popular love, and respect of the people. And although King Richard the second, was an unfortunate Prince, yet did he surpass both ancestors and successors for bravery in apparel, costly expenses, sumptuous fare, glorious courtship, noble company, princely revels, and magnificent estimation: For all the while Queen Anne of Bohemia lived, the fame of England was dispersed over the world, and the King had 8 or 10000 continually in his Court, whereby his pomp and port surpassed other Princes. But would you wonder indeed? Then look into the 9 years of Henry the fifth, and you shall see such a unity of virtues, consent of graces, entertainment of valour, perfection of industry, military bravery, and fullness of generous designs, that his very enemies gave way to the report of his worthy life; and France in his death was left as a comfortless widow, or desolate orphan. I might recite the fame of Edward the fourth, for revenging his father's death, many conflicts before and after he was King, his voyages into France, his distasting against Burgundy, his troubles at home, and other princely dispositions. I could also bring into your good opinion the valour of Henry the seventh, his miraculous delivery, his noble establishment, his buildings and sumptuous monuments, his riches and wealth, his wisdom and politic contriving of affairs, the stately disposing of his Palace, and many other remarkable actions, but I am afraid, that I am too weakly furnished to enter into the lists with judicious censurers, nor shall be able to wrestle with opinion and severe examination, which will rather condemn me for slight extenuation in the attempt, than entertain the discourse, as a befiting subject, or adapted explication of princeliness. Henry the eight won Turwin and Turnay, entertained the Emperor Maximilian, welcomed Charles the fifth, compounded at his pleasure with France, made voyage after voyage, conquered Boulogne, had almost obtained the Empire, was majestical in all things, and died as it were in the arms of kingly reputation. Queen Elizabeth deserves a whole story of her life, majesty, and government: For the very Heathen and Mahometans, the Persians and Idolaters, the Aethiopians and Muscovite do name her with reverence. CHAP. XXII. An other excellency of ENGLAND casting up an account of her antiquity in one united Monarchy before other Nations. AS no country in Europe did ever advance England the auntientest united kingdom of Europe. up so many excellent parts together toward the building the frame of perfection: so is it apparent in nothing more lively, than in England's antiquity in one united Monarchy, without either claim or competition of foreigners, usurpation of intruders, attempt of hostile invaders, and desire of alteration amongst ourselves: whereas yet all the Kingdoms of the world, especially within the reach of European knowledge, within 400 years have had other titles, been subject to strange disparity of government and religion, and confronted many times with such Princes, or fearful subjects within their territories, as have made them jealous of sovereign points, yea the very loss of their chiefest crowns and dignities. If you search the wounds of the Persian and Turkish government, as they seem now to be healed, you shall find them badly cured, and indeed festered so dangerously, that they must be better over-viewed, or their inward putrefaction will on a sudden poison the very entrails: For they have been tossed and tumbled with many alterations, and ever since Tamburlaine descended out of Scythia amongst them, suffered divers concussions both in government and religions, so that however the Persian is more noble, yet he hath permitted a mixture of many barbarous people to the great disturbance of his former glory: As for the Turk he is merely new to us, and a formidable intruder into such territories, as he gripeth with a strong arm; so that what you now behold amongst these mahometans is only upheld by tyranny, a band of no greater strength, than power, force's, and reward can tie together, wherein if any fail the government is quickly let loose, and the subject at liberty taketh hold of every innovation: and although by tumbling and tossing like to heaps of snow rolled up and down, they have grown greater and greater, while the frosty coldness of our Christian Princes gave them leave to harden, whereby they are increased to that stupendous heap you now see: yet when a thaw comes, and that rota fortunae is in Gyro, it shall and will be subject to diminution, especially when the glorious sun of success shineth out the consent of our Kings to expulse them at least out of Europe, if not from the usurpation of the better parts of Asia. The Kingdom of Hungary, though but lately established, and known by a different royalty from the Empires either of Greece, or Germany; yet as you see a prey seized on by a hawk, or other tormenting vulture, pulled in pieces, and cruelly rend a sunder: hath suffered many dilacerations, and besides the capital enemy of Christendom her props sawed a sunder by some barbarous hands amongst themselves. The Kingdom of Poland is not 300. year old: For it retained in times past, but the prerogative of a Duke's coronet, and was ever in contention with Lithuania and the adjoining Princes, until the Pope undertook the appeasing of those troubles, and added the grace of a royal investure to Sigismundus, surnamed the great, who at last united both Pomerania, Prussia, and Lithuania; yet is not so established, but the Election of the Peers diminisheth the prerogative of the King, and new Princes; new laws, new confederacy, new government, have let confusion, and alteration lose upon the Country. The Emperor, Princes, Electors, and principalities in Germany are almost of the same nature and condition, but that many liberties of Cities have been bought out with money and divers franchises purchased to redeem themselves from the tyranny of wanton lords: so that in particular many families have been chopped and changed, honourable houses transmuted, and new names and titles have as it were thrust the old out of doors: and in general, what with the French, Germans, and the house of Austria, there hath not a thought passed for hereditary succession, but all things have been subject to instability, and are still hurried in the current of prevailing, as either the Pope, Electorum placitus, or militareius filling the sails full of wind, giveth them leave to drive the bark of the government forward. The Princes of Italy in worse estate, than they. For except the Venetians, some of their Dukedoms, as Ferrara and Urbin are fallen to the Papacy: some of their Kingdoms, as Naples and Sicilia possessed by the Spaniard, with Milan and Genoa: and the rest suspiciously standing on a guard of circumspection, lest they should betray one another to the stronger side: and whereas the Venetians do boast of 700. years continuance, I am sure they never flourished, but by the dissensions of the rest, and in their first inchoation, these islands were but receptacles for banished men: yea compared to cavernus for simple beasts to shroud in, whom the others of prey and rapine did not look after. For the Goths and Lombard's, that infested Italy, made no more account of them, than we did of the stragglers in the mountains of Walls, or fastness in Ireland; but they have been better coadiuted, and taken success by the hand to place out the measures of prosperity, as you now see their glory, riches, and augmentation. The Kingdom of Spain is so new, that the other day there was a King of Portugali, as absolute as himself; a King of Arragon of sufficiency to contest with Castille; a King of Granado & Valencia within memory subject to Paganism, and maintaining the new sect of Mahomet; a King of Navarre as fearful to him, as the rest; and sundry other abridgement tending to the diminution of Majesty: however at this instant he is blown big with the wind of superfluity and greatness. The Kingdom of France but a while ago compacted. For Burgundy challengeth a royalty, and had afterward a Duke maintaining his own privileges. The Earl of Flanders writ Comes Deigratia: Normandy was another man's: Britain in a Duke's possession: Gascoine, Given, and Acquitane our own: Dauphin and Province incorporated by gift, and Rhine Duke of Lorraine invested with the Toialties of Naples: and thus could I run over all the rest, if either they were of eminence suitable to the glory of these recited, or consequence to store us with observations and example: only England for above 600. years (I might reckon from Edgar) but that you will answer some 400. years since the Prince of WALLS was only an Homager, and SCOTLAND in continual opposition, had fed upon the plenty of a flourishing Monarchy, and been fatted with the well fed dainties of an exuberant Country, diplaying the colours of her own royalty in such a glorious manner, that she hath not only spread her fame with an uncontrollable hand, but brought the glory of other Nations under the adumbration of her canopy: so that if I should add her several conquests of Ireland, Walls, Scotland, France, Cyprus, jerusalem, and Castille itself, it would torment us with remembrance of our losses, or augment our jealousy for hassarding our honour by negligence, and corrupted peace, which was once so worthily established by the props and supportation of merit, and virtue. CHAP. XXIV. Another excellency of ENGLAND consisteth in the happy life of our Countryman and common people. IF you look on our example you shall find, that the chiefest part of The Husbandmen are happier in England then in other nations. Salomon's glory extended itself from the abundance of his people, when every man did eat under his own Vine, or figtree, when Israel were many as the sand of the sea, making merry one with an other; when the Husbandman ploughed in peace and reaped in content; and when the wrongs of the common sort were as well straightened by the line of justice, as the oppressions of the mighty reform by the hand of authority. In which prerogatives I dare be bold to say, that ENGLAND excels all other nations, as the light of the Sun inferior Planets: For in some places they are absolute slaves: in some places denied the comfort of their own endeavours: in some places not capable of purchases: in some places not permitted to marry above their degree, and elsewhere not suffered to enjoy the freedom of life, or benefit of nature: as for an instance. In Turkey he is with the rest a most poor and unfortunate slave; for whether Mustleman or Christian, he dare not manure his ground to the best profit of his endeavours, living so poorly with such sluttish and drudging company, that I have pitied his fortune, and commiserated his distress. In Hungary and those parts they resemble carrion to be preied upon by ravens, who not only feed themselves, till their gorges be full, but call for others to consume that which is left: thus living under the Turk he hath nothing of his own, and in the Christian government all is taken from him, either to furnish the wars, or maintain the tribute. In Italy they are a little better, as long as they be able to pay their rents, and husband their grounds; yet do they seldom live of their own, or execute any thing befitting the freedom of conversation: Besides in many places they are so terrified with the troublesome incursions of the Banditi, who even make a prey of their wealth and cattle, that although they know of their robberies and murders, yet dare they neither detect them, nor deny to entertain or relieve them. These be men proscribed Banditi. by the Law, and banished from their own Inheritances for some heinous mulct or other, and flying into a stranger Princes jurisdiction live by rapine and overmastering of Passengers, as they do in Arabia, and most parts of Turkey, remote from the great City, especially in Epyrus, where both thieves and Rovers shelter themselves within the Mountains Assassini, but seldom perform any robbery without murder: whereupon as we say figuratively, all inhuman and monstrous delinquents in this kind are called assassini. But to our Italian Countryman again: After the pride of Italy (especially the women) they will be a little gaudy in the same apparel their mothers bestow upon them, or their amorosoes send as a gratuity, and thus I confess I have seen an Innkeepers daughter go to Church in a coloured damask gown with Spanish sleeves laid on with gold lace, and come home to dress our dinners: the men are very industrious according to the goodness of ground, as having in one self-same field (though it be but an acre of Land) both corn, vines, and fruit trees, and in his gardens about his house roots, salads, Bees, and silkworms, boasting how the Romans maintained their Colonies from the Countryman, and supported the Farmer as a nursing father for Soldiers: nay they can remember the Law Agraria, when the Gracchis lost their lives about an equal distribution of the Roman territories, and the maintaining the immunities of the free Italians: but they sigh to recount, how it was abrogated, and ever after they were suppressed in their insolences, as kept from outward pomp, and pleasures of frequented cities. He is now called Villano (from whose character we have 〈◊〉. a contemptible tenure of land in England called villeinage) serving to no other use, but to enrich his Lord, feeding himself upon garlic and onions, and is acquainted with no good thing but superstition, a few gaudy clothes, and the incontinent life of courtesans. In Spain it is far worse, and the Contadini are numbered amongst the reproaches of their government, and almost Contadino. esteemed as the asses, which bring their cabbages, melons, & suchlike to the market. For he neither dare attempt to cheapen any thing appropriate to the use of Gentlemen, as flesh, fish, wheat, and excellent fruit, nor must he (though he have of his own) but furnish the market with the best, feeding himself with the worst and vildest stuff. Besides, as the error of Italy, or if you will horrible abuse, if the mother have a comely daughter, she is contented for money, with her prostitution, and many times is her Bawd, if she can happen of a good Chapman, nor desisteth she so, but in one house you shall sometimes have the mother a drudge, & 3. or 4. daughters mercenary strumpets. All France over the peasant is not only beastly within doors but churlish of condition, savouring nothing but Peasant. his labour either in setting forward his husbandry, or dressing his vines: yet how? with base and servile behaviour, with poor and miserable expenses, with obscene and filthy lodging, with jealous and malicious welcome, with licentious and ill becoming liberty of speech against both Court and Commonwealth. In Germany the Boor is somewhat better, for he eateth good meat sometimes, though vildly dressed, will be Boor. drunk and merry, must be always employed, and always a hungry or desirous of drink, even when he is able to drink no more, and can apparel himself handsomely to go to Church either on sunday or holiday: but they are dangerous in their tumults, and rages, and not to be trusted in their reconciliation after a wrong. In Ireland he is called Churl, and if we nickname him in England we term him Clown: He lives in great drudgery, Churl. not so much for his labour, as his watches. For he is compelled to guard his poor Cattle, as well as he can, both from thieves and wolves: insomuch, that although he have but one poor Cabin his cow and hog lies with him in the same. But if he boast of larger increases, he is then compelled to bring them all night into some bawne of a castle, or under the loop-holes of some raft, or fortification: For the Kern watch all advantages in times of peace, and think their thefts justifiable in defiances of war. But look upon us truly, as we live indeed, and you shall find our Yeoman of England a title of estimation Yeoman. in regard of his wealth, antiquity, and maintenance of his family in a continued descent: so that in times past he would not alter his title of rich Yeoman for any vainglorious attribute of beggarly Gentlemen: you shall now see them dwell in brave houses, Manors, Lordships, and Parks to the annual value of a thousand pounds, having sometimes their sons Knighted, their daughters well bestowed, their other children so disperse, that Lawyers, Citizens, and Merchants are raised through our Kingdom from sons, and kindred of Countrymen: nay, you shall behold them invited to courtly promotion, and knowing that the breath of Kings advanceth or dejecteth can attend the good hour, and beg all such graces, as a Prince's favour distributeth to the subject: yet have I read of a King in England, who importuned by a Yeoman to be made a Gentleman, answered, he could ennoble him with knighthood, or the title of a Baron; but not confirm him a Gentleman; because true gentry had another manner of lustre from the rays of virtue, and honour in a continual descent of Ancestors, illuminated from the sun of worthy actions, either in military profession, or administration of civil government But thus liveth our Countryman, by what name or title soever: only we were wont to interpose this difference between Yeoman, & Franklin or Farmer, that the Yeoman was a Trarcklin or Former. landed man, either Freeholder or coppieholder: the Farmer only hired another man's land, paying a fine or rent, and so growing rich had the denomination of the other, and did not in times past murmur, though you called him Good-husband, or expert Ploughman: yet call him what ●…man you will, he is in some Country's able to lodge you richly, set a piece of plate on the cupboard, five or six dishes of meat on the Table, sweet and fine linen on your bed, cheerfully to welcome you, and is so cunning beside, that he can tell his Lawyer a formal tale, and complain to the justice, if a far better man do him wrong: and in this who can come near us? CHAP. XXV. Another excellency of ENGLAND, consisteth in the goodness of our Navy and shipping. I Hope I shall now pass without contradiction, No nation ever came near us for so many and good ships. especially when I bring you forward to our ports, harbours, and rivers, showing you the glory of our shipping, whether you esteem them, as the Kings, and only purposed for magnificence, state, and occasion of war; or the Merchants for exploration of countries, plantation of Colonies, bringing in of commodities, enriching of our Kingdoms, and yet withal defending ourselves: or both together for noble actions, memorable voyages, extraordinary encounters, and ceremonious bravery, wherein we have been so privileged, that from the memorable fame of Edward the third, to this instant, we never met enemy, but prevailed upon equal terms, yea great odds, and when we had misfortunes, it was as Sampsons' death amongst the Philistims, who pulled down the Temple on their heads, and slew more at that instant than in his former enterprises; witness many naval battles, wherein what loss soever we sustained, the adversary had double and treble: even when about the fourth year of Hen: 8. the Navies of England and France met at Britain's Bay, and we lost the Regent of England, wherein Sir Thomas Knevet was Captain with 700 men; yet did they endure the wreck of many ships, especially the French Carick, called then the wonder of Europe, in which Sir Piers Morgan with a 1100 men perished: as also when Sir Richard Greenueild within our memory miscarried by a mere disastrous chance, although I might honestly excuse it by overgreat advantage of both ships and galleys; yet as they themselves have confessed, they had no great cause to boast, or let any vainglorious insulting run at random. But how we have prevailed indeed, let these few instances suffice. About the 14 of Edw: 3. the King gathered a Navy of 200 sail against the French, who in those days were coadiuted with Flanders, as a Peer of France, wherein though he was mightily overflowed with numbers, yet prevailed he in execution, and had so triumphant a victory, that their own account numbered 30000 men slain, 200 ships surprised, and taken, and the rest put to an ignominious flight. The 20 year he went into Normandy, dismantled her Towns, spoiled Cane, and as a messenger of revenge brought fire into the Harbours until the ships were consumed and set on a blaze. Anno 24 he encountered the power of Spain, and unplumed their feathers of ostentation by taking 28 great ships, and making the rest unserviceable. Anno 33 he sailed into Picardy, and so prevailed, that the sea yielded him safe passage, and all Burgundy safe conduct. Anno 41 with a memorable victory both at sea and land did the black Prince resettle Peter of Spain, and in despite of all the sea forces, or other warlike opposition passed and repassed at pleasure. In the time of Rich: 2. about the 10 year the Duke of Lancaster sailed into Spain, but how glorious that victory was on our side, and how surmounting our Navy before theirs, the wonderful success attested, and their own inventories record the loss with lamentable Items. The next year following Richard Earl of Arundel, and Thomas Earl of Nottingham encountered at sea with an infinite number of Flemings; but victory is in the hands of God, and multitudes of men fail in their ostentation: For in that maritime contention were taken a 100 ships and better, the success filling our Cities with commodities, and our mouths with praises and thanksgiving. In the 5 of Henr: 4 when the French came to the I'll of Wight, and assailed Dartmouth with a great Navy, the rustical people prevailed against them, and manning out but the fisher-boats of the country, with certain Pinnaces attending the service, took 16 of their best ships, and compulsed the rest to be the messengers of their own obloquy. The 3. of Hen: 5. was a year of triumph, and a 1000 sail of ships filled the narrow seas, cleared the passage into Normandy, amazed all men, who had notice of our bravery, and rejoiced the rest of Europe with Encomians of our success, which followed presently in France. In the 15 of Edw: 4. it pleased the King to pass over to the aid of the Duke of Burgundy, but however his inconstancy proved unsavoury to us at land, it matters not: I am sure the seas gave us way, nor durst their Navy presume to intercept us. In the 5. of Hen: 8. the former encounter, which I named at Britain's bay was a day of terror, and we took, burnt, and spoiled as many, as we mustered out of harbour. The next year threatening Turwin and Turnay our Navy carrying all afore it like a swelling river, beating down the slender banks, there scarce appeared an opposite: for the former losses were so great, that they halted downright in their recovery, and France once lamed in her shipping, cannot every year bring a new Navy into the channel with good equipage, or advantage. The 14 year the Earl of Surrey was Admiral, and not only prevailed in all encounters at sea, but by virtue of our shipping conquered divers towns both in Britain and Picardy. The 15. the Duke of Suffolk was sent into France with an army of 30000, who passed the seas, yea the water of Some without battle, and so terrified the French with all their coadjutors at that time (for you must understand in those repining and murmuring days against our glory, France, Spain, the Low-Countries, and Scotland were either confederate, or entertained for wages: so that almost all the mercenary shipping of Europe attended on the payment of the crowns of the sun) that they thought it the best part of their security to absent themselves. The year 35. Sir john Dudley Viscount Lisle high Admiral of England, with a Navy of 200 sail, passed the seas into Scotland, in despite of all the power the confederates could raise, and not only performed actions beyond expectation, but taught them the true knowledge of English shipping and mariners. The next year the French Navy came into Sussex; but upon very short warning were dissipated, and in a sudden encounter felt the smart of presumption. Presently as in divers advantages of such petty roads and excursions; they landed at Portsmouth, and the I'll of Wight, but with what success or satisfaction, I cannot compare it better than to a bowl of water spilled, irrecoverably to be gathered up again: For they never durst adventure, when our ships looked bog upon them, but understanding of their employment abroad, and sequestration far off, then hurried they suddenly upon us; yet I hope neither found us unprovided, nor returned back again with true cause of insulting. In the 3. of Edw: 6. the French Kings galleys and Caricks invaded Gernsey and jersey: but with what face fortune looked upon them, the loss of a 1000 men, with the spoil of their greatest ships and galleys suddenly discovered. Why may I not name here our journey to Newhaven in the 4. of Queen Elizabeth, when through the power of our Navy, at which both French and Spaniards began to repine, the Earl of Warwick made the seas wanton with jollity, and affrighted the land with those small troops of old soldiers from the Garrison at Barwick, united to others raised from the willing musters of our country: and although some envious hand would stop the mouth of report from echoing our applause at this time, yet I am sure Count Ringrave and his army felt the smart of affliction, and the sorrow of many defeatures, and dare avouch, that the seas lay open unto us in despite of opposition, or any encounter our enemies durst or could prepare to invite us to. In the 18. year was Furbishers first voyage, and by reason that this glorious Queen had as it were tied the observation of all Nations to her actions and government, a peace being generally contracted, divers presumptuous persons took advantage of the same, and filled the narrow seas with rovers and pirates, who ran up and down without control, like untamed colts, scorning all enclosures and bounds ', until Captain Holstock with 4. good ships and two pinnaces was appointed the reformer of these abuses, who presently brought into the school of correction 200 rovers, 8 Flushingers, divers Barks and Pinnaces, and pacified the outrageousness of these petty thefts. The 19 Furbishers' second voyage. The 20. Furbishers' third voyage, with many other of famous memory, amongst whom Hawkins, Drake, Candish, and such worthy seamen (prevailing in all their explorations) as they attempted great matters, deserve as great commendation. About the 23. that famous business of Desmonds' rebellion breathed insolency into those people, by reason the Pope and Spaniard had fortified themselves in Smirwick in Ireland, and with a sufficient number of ships blocked up the haven, until certain of her majesties Navy, and the Deputies forces at land (being then the forward Lord Grey) behaved themselves with such good order and success, that all the passages of victory to us, and miserable discomfiture to them were set open, and we triumphed with a plenary satisfaction to our endeavours. In the 24. Monsieur returned into the Low-countries to be invested with the Duchy of Brabant: but when he beheld our glorious fleet, and judiciously looked upon their strength and bravery, he burst out into a passionate applause, and swore, that however men were enemies to our peace, they were enemies to truth, if they did not acknowledge it without comparison. The year following Captain Borough with one ship, and a small Bark went to sea against Rovers, and although the Council at that time suspected us over-weake to withstand an united desperatenes; yet the fight continued against 7 or 8, and all men can witness our memorable success in that encounter. The triumphs of 88 are of such renown, and worthy celebration, that the world still remembers our illustrious Navy, and admirable victory: but this secret was not fully revealed, that we were not provided, nor thoroughly furnished: so that as true hearts prayed for us, the great God of heaven fought for us. The year following the Portugal voyage, and (as it were set on degrees) Cales voyage, the Island voyage, Sir Richard Leusons' noble exploits, and his place since supplied by Sir William Mounson, have set forward our reputation to run the race of unresistible prevailing, and hold up our glorious countenances in despite of any confronting look, or repining eyes. Nor do I hear reckon up our Merchant Adventurers, and the sundry times encountering with greater and more advantageous forces: witness the Merchant Royal in those times, when john King was Master, which alone encountered with 3 ships, and 10 galleys, and came off with such jollity, as they fretted to be so disappointed, and we triumphed to welcome home so well deserving a man. Since when, although those of Malta, Florence, the confederates of the Arches, and many desperate Pirates, have conspired against our traphique, and made our journey into the Levant somewhat dangerous: yet we have still gone forward, and could not be pulled back by any wrenching arm whatsoever: especially in those days of trial, when we stood on our guard, and made our warlike preparation a very pair of tarriers to the Spaniard. For in those days the Convoy for his western treasure was so toilsome, troublesome, chargeable, and dangerous unto him, that one million defrayed but the charges of another, and by that time it came to distribution, there was a strange account cast up of losses, and defatigable expenses. Thus had our hopes still life, and our spirits grew stronger and stronger with honourable expectation, and noble impl●…t: And now it hath pleased his Majesty to shut up the brazen doors of contention, and we have reason to sound out his excellent Motto of Beati pacifici. CHAP. XXVI. An other excellency of ENGLAND consisteth in the number, riches, endeavours, and extraordinary worth of our Merchant. IN the overlooking as it were the map of the world's business, I must needs The Merchant of England surpasseth all other Nations. confess, that never Monarchy was established, or enlarged, but by the power of the sword: yet alas, when I consider the inconveniences impending, the affrightings of people, the demolition of Cities, the devastation of Countries, the slaughters of Armies, the rapes, murders, and terrors of the world in the best conquests and victory; I cannot but lament the condition of man, that doth extract his glory from tyranny and curses, from confusion and turmoil, from blood and death. For thus do we boast of our ancestors, and the very women do esteem no man noble or worthy, that cannot relate the victories of his forefathers, and dare not himself set fury on work to the kill of his enemy, nay to the murdering of his Competitor, whether for love, or displeasure. But if you will truly consider the admirable composition of Commonwealths, and extraordinary glory of Kingdoms, it consisteth in sedation of troubles, and in the enriching of private men: yea even Salomon's greatness was raised to a stupendous mountain of amazement, from the effects of a well compacted peace; in which his Temple was built, his Palaces were finished, his Cities disposed of, his Soldiers maintained, and his glory spread abroad with sufficient fullness: For horses were brought him out of Arabia, fine linen from Egypt, perfumes and odours from Aethiopia, spices from India, precious stones from the islands, gold from Ophir, beasts and strange fowl from Africa, and many other things both for exornation and pleasure from the remotest parts of the earth. But how? by the industry of Merchants, and worthy endeavours of men disposed to honour their Country, and advance themselves: As for corruptions of life, covetousness, vainglory, ambition, pride, emulation, cunning, and infinite of this kind, they are not to be named by way of Character, or personating any particular condition of man whatsoever. For from a Prince to a Peasant no body lives, but may be traduced in the self same kind, that you would lay imputation on the shoulders of the Merchant: therefore I will absolutely conclude, that the true Merchant-aduenturer, as he is one way the supporter of political States by commerce, conversation, and bringing in of wealth, so is he another way the Atlas of honour and magnificent majesty by his customs, filling the storehouses of a Court, supplying the wants of a palace, pleasing the desires of novelty, cooling the heats of pride, and satiating the vanity of wishes; nay if you would and the islands, explored Virginia, Norrembega, Guiana, and other coasts, and made a trade with these Indians for divers commodities; so that from one place or other of our Country, we have not so few as a 1000 sails of ships abroad: nor so small a number as a 100000. persons disperse under this acceptable title of Merchant. For so I must tell you, that except you advise with yourself for this denomination in many places of the world the excuse of curiosity will not serve your turn: For you shall be taken for a Spy, and a dangerous Hypocrite, such is the jealousy of Kingdoms toward wanton travelers, and the necessity of entertainment for well employed men. And thus much for some special excellencies wherein England excelleth all other Nations. CHAP. XXVII. Another excellency of ENGLAND may be drawn from this observation, that we have had more glorious persons, and famous Kings, and Princes to visit our Country, than any other Nation, etc. AMongst other spreading boughs of prerogatives drawing sap from the tree of England's glory, I may not leave out this observation, that we have had since the Conquest more several magnificent entertainments of foreign Princes, and voluntary progresses of famous Kings, and Emperors; some for pleasant journeys, others for necessary employment, than any Nation of Europe: not that I mean to trouble you with vain or tedious repetitions of Ambassadors, Legates, Cardinals, or other ordinary Leigers, as is customary in all Prince's Courts, and concurses of State; but merely of extraordinary solemnities, and occasion of resplendent shows, triumphs, and festival invitations to delight and contentment. No sooner had the Normane settled his Conquests, and established his son William Rufus in the throne of greatness, as well appeared by his ambitious desires to fill all Europe with the report of his exaltation; especially after his return out of Normandy, and that he found fault with the smallness of Westminster-hall, being yet the remarkeablest room for State, greatness, and capacity in the world. But Malcolm King of Scots, and the two Princes of Wales came to do homage unto him about the third year of his reign; yea Robert Duke of Normandy with many Princes of France acknowledged his eminent glory, and majestical Kingdom; although the said Robert was his elder Brother, and made way to his peace and amity. This likewise continued toward Henry the first, and for addition, the Kings his adjoined neighbours assumed nothing to themselves, but what stood with the good liking of the King of ENGLAND, for which purpose they many times came in person to gratify him: To which if you unite the advantageous marriage of Henry Emperor of Rome to his daughter, I hope it may pass for a reasonable beginning, and give life to after hopes for the augmentation of our credits, and exaltation of our prerogatives. Anno 1184. about the 31. of Henry 2. Heraclius Patriarch of Jerusalem came into our Country to desire aid against the Turk. 1201. and the 3. of King john at a solemn entertainment in Lincoln, William King of Scots and divers of his Nobles did homage unto him in person, to which if you add his marrying of Lady JANE his bastard daughter to Levelin Prince of Wales, who was in those times a turbulent and ambitious man, you may easily judge, what reputation our Country had got in the world, when the Pope was more affrighted at the starting aside of little ENGLAND, then if whole Spain had at that time fallen quite away, from his supportation, or if you will Antichristian usurpation. Anno 1224. about the 8. year of the reign of Henry 3. john de Brennes King of Jerusalem came into England for aid and assistance against the Saracens, and from that unimitable example of Richard 1. called in those times the flower of chivalry, that won Cyprus and Acon in person, well hoped to find the other branches of that kingly offspring full of the sap of the same royalty; but when I remember, how the chiefest Potentates of Europe came to elect Richard Earl of Cornwall his brother Emperor, and King of the Romans, I am more than satisfied for maintaining this unanswerable position of our excellency in this kind. If you overlook the life of Edward 1. you shall find it a very map of honour, and be able to tell the world, that besides many foreign Potentates, the Prince of Wales and his brother David rejoiced in his acceptation of them; and john Balliol King of Scots was glad to be named and established by him: But come a little forward, and at the naming of Edward the 3. me thinks all English hearts should leap for joy. For 1334. Edward Balliol King of Scots did him homage; the Prince of Wales was glad to A glory worthy all observation. kiss his hands; and the Electors of Germany 1348. invited him to the chair of the Empire: nay such was our royalty that Henry Pichard Vintner and Mayor of London feasted EDW. of England; JOHN King of France; the King of Cyprus coming to see our worthiness; DAVID King of Scots; EDW. Prince of Wales, Duke of Aquitane, Guien, and Cornwall, all in one day: Besides at divers triumphs and justs these foreign Princes were led as it were by the hand of amazement to magnify, and extol the heroic spirits of our nation. Again in the 38. year of the King; the French King, the King of Cyprus, and the King of Scots, came all into England, and made pleasure proud, that it had good occasion to welcome them. Besides, 1367. Peter King of Spain was disseised by his bastard brother Henry, but coming into England made such impression in the compassionate soul of EDW. the black Prince, that he assisted him in person, and re-established him in his kingdom. Shall I remember you of that glorious celebration of Himmeneus triumphs, when Duke Tussus and many Princes of Boheme and Hungary brought that magnificent Lady ANNE daughter to the King of Bohemia, and married her to King RICHARD the 2. of England, during whose life such was the royalty of our Court and State, that in the 8. year the King of Armenia came into England for coadiutement against the Turks. In the 12. year the Earl of Saint Paul and many Princes out of France and other Countries came to a justs in Smithfield, and made a just estimation of our unvaluable glory. In the 16. year the greatest Lords of Scotland came to our triumphs in England, and checked their own presumption for confronting us with a supposition of equality. In the 20. year the Dukes of Bourbon and Bar brought over Isabella of France to be a Queen in England, and glad was that Prince of Europe, that had been an eye-witness of our glory: yea that magnificent workmanship concerning the exornation of the Hall of his Palace, now Westminster (and by community and disparaged alteration unregarded) was as it were a magnes to draw over the seas thousands of people, and hundreds of Princes, and Noble lords to look upon the wonder of the world. In the 4. year of HENRY 4. King of England the Emperor of Constantinople came of purpose as the Queen of Sheba to Solomon, to set report on the touchstone of truth, and see whether custom had enlarged our fame or no, and here he was entertained with all the sumptuous and attractive shows, and delights, that Art and expenses could devise to satiate the mind of man: But when Dame JANE Duchess of Britain came over to marry our King HENRY, I hope our enemies will imagine, her train and Attendants to be much augmented with the company of many foreign Princes and Potentates: And if you step forward to the 8. year of his reign the Earl of Marre, and the great lords of Scotland came to solace themselves, and made their triumphs both at Tilt and Turney acceptable to the beholders. The like was performed the 10. year, when the Seneschal of Hennault with all those Princes reputed the Court of England a very School of chivalry, and put in practice accordingly all the braveries of marshal discipline. But when the Lady LUCIA the Duke's sister of Milan came to marry EDMUND Earl of Kent, both city and palace was so furnished with strangers, and the concurses of people so well ordered, that inferiors were amazed at so extraordinary attraction, and the better sort gave a plaudite to our glory. If you overlook the time of Henr: 5. surnamed the Champion of Honour, though it was lamentable for the brevity, yet was it unmatchable for the royalty. For after his coronation he was scarce three years in his own Kingdom, and yet in the third of his reign he welcomed the Emperor of Almain and King of Rome, and presently after graced the daughter of France and all her retinue, with many foreign Princes, who would not return, till they saw their Lady Katherine Queen of England. To which if you add the entertainment of the Duke of Holland, and many Princes of those countries, especially Freesland, you cannot choose but make up a plentiful breviary of Heroic Majesty, and worthy princeliness. About the year of Grace 1502. and the 17. year of the reign of Henry 7. the expectable Prince Arthur married Katherine daughter to Ferdinando King of Spain, and his eldest sister Margaret was affianced unto james King of Scots, at whose inaugu●…tion the concourse of strangers, and amongst them of the choicest Princes was so great, that all other adjoining Kings as much magnified our royalty, as feared our power, insomuch that the very report of our kingdoms bravery drove Philip King of Castille, and his wife into England. About the end of August 1546. Flawd high Admiral of France was so royally entertained in England, that the King lying at Hampton-Court, the Prince of Wales met him coming to have audience with a 1000 horse, whereof 500 were in one livery, the coats of velvet half embroidered with gold, and one sleeve of cloth of gold: let other Princes acknowledge this magnificence. Holinshed saith 2000 horse. In the beginning of Henry the 8. Lewis the 12. of France married Mary the King's youngest sister: and 1520 the great Emperor Charles the 5. came into England to visit his Aunt, and within two year after made a second return to view London, and be acquainted with our country, from whose example Christiern King of Denmark, and his wife about the 15 year arrived in England, and was welcomed to the pleasures of our country, and variety of our pastimes. The Prince of Salerne, and divers of Naples about the 30. etc. Shall I name you King Philip's marriage with Queen Mary? I hope than I must trouble you with a tedious solemnity, and tell you, that many strangers knew not the way home again into their own countries a long time; and if the peace of their souls as they vainly imagined, might have been added to the delight of their bodies, the happiness of England had been the subject of their tongues, and the object of their eyes. In the second year of her reign Ecmondine a Prince of Germany, and other Ambassadors were sent from the Emperor. In the third year Emmanuel Prince of Piedmont, with other Lords came into England, and the next month the Prince of Orange landed at London. But let me pass forward to the mirror of all times Queen Elizabeth: how proud was the Prince of Sweden, that he was graced in England with so glorious entertainment at the beginning of her reign. Not long after 1565 Christopher Prince and marquess of Baden came of purpose to have his child borne amongst us, and rejoice in the fortune of such a godmother. About the 11. year of her reign anno 1568 Mary Queen of Scots, though she was surprised in her flight to France, and defeated in her main projects; yet for a long time misliked not her imprisonment, and was glad to confess the prerogatives of her native soil and country. In the 14. year Francis Duke of Memorancy, and Betrawde de Saligniers Knights of the order of St Michael, came both into England, with other great Princes to gratulate her Majesty, and acknowledge her worthiness. In the 21. of her reign 1578. Cassimirus Count Palatine, and Duke of Bavaria was entertained the better, because he came of purpose to admire her Majesty, and commend her country. Not long after 1581. Francis Bourbon Prince Dauphin of Auvergne, Arthur Cass Marshal of France, with Lusignian and others came to make way to Monsieurs admission, who accordingly anno 24, as Duke of Anjou, the French Kings brother, and next heir to the flower-de-luce, was welcomed beyond expectation, and entertained with such sumptuous shows, and variety of delight, that they know not, how to put it over with true nobleness, considering the disparity between their customs and ours. About the year 1583. Albertus Alasco free Baron of Lasco Vaivode, or Palatine of Siradia in Poland, was an eye witness of our many prerogatives, such as we may term Court bravery, City's excellency, country's happiness, uniformity of our Universities, strength of our Navies, and glorious contentation in all estates. Anno 1596. The Duke of Bolloigne came into England, and in 1600. extraordinary Ambassadors from Barbary and Russia, who although from a stubborn bestiality seemed to vilipend the managing of many affairs by outward form; yet were driven to applaud our general happiness, and confess with admiration, that no Kingdom was so disposed for reciprocal duties between Prince and subject. Yea 1601. that undaunted soldier Duke Birone, who seldom gazed at any meteor, or settled planet out of his own sphere, came over amongst us with 300 attendants, and returned with this resolution, that the Queen and Court of England under such a Queen, was the true mirror of majesty, and map of magnificence, had not some of them misliked the broken and unsavoury structures of Whitehall, which indeed if it might hold up a head of outward uniformity and stateliness, as it doth when it list of inward majesty, and greatness, I know not then who could compare with us any way: except the gallery of Paris, being the work of 60 years expenses, and pride of many several Princes; and the Turks Seralio in Constantinople, a vast edifice for many purposes, and receptacle for 20000 people, which one way or other are lodged in and about it. For in truth within the walls and iron gates it containeth as much room or more, than all S. james park, and Whitehall together. When our King james was established to the admiration of all the states of Europe; Monsieur Rosne from France; Don john de Tassis from Spain; and many other extraordinary Princes from all the Courts of Christendom, came over to gratify his happiness: but 1604 Don john de Velasco, Constable of Castille was as an extraordinary Prince extraordinarily entertained: to which if you unite the glorious welcome and admission of Prince Vlrick Duke of Holstaide: as also of George Lodowick Landgrave of Lutenburgh sent from the Emperor Rodulph, you may well expose their entertainment against the greatest magnificence of other countries. Anno 1606 Don john de Mendoza Marquis of S. German was sent over to his Majesty; and presently the King of Denmark came to visit his sister. The next year 1607. Prince jenuile second son to the Duke of Guise sported amongst us, and much applauded our Court and customs. Then in 1608. followed the welcome of Christianus Prince of Henault; and presently after the admission of many great personages, besides the Leigers Ambassadors of divers Nations. To which if you unite the second coming in of the King of Denmark; the Duke of Bolloignes welcome, and many others about the several treatises of our Princely marriages, with the Lady Elizabeth's solemnities, when Prince Frederick Count Palatine came in person to take her to his wife, I make no doubt concerning the purpose in hand, you will all confess that England hath not been a little graced, and the roll of our excellencies hath one Item beyond other countries for remarkable persons coming amongst us either for pleasure, or state-employment: which the rather hath place of wonder, because we are seated in the sea, and so far remote from the main commerces of the world: so that whosoever comes to us, must look for no thoroughfare, nor Cities of strength, as in many places; but be content to sit amongst us with amazement, that every man eats under his vine with plenty, peace, and such acates, as great Kingdoms want for all their treasure, and popish fasting days. CHAP. XXVIII. THE CONCLUSION. I Could further mark your tallies with many memorable privacies, wherein we overpass other Nations: but they be things so well known already to judicious and understanding men, that I must needs be jealous of myself for entering so slenderly armed into the lists of so great a contention, and against such adversaries, who will either out of courtesy smile at my folly, or prouder experience deride my ignorance, or peremptory wilfulness scorn my tenuity: but I will anticipate all censorious exceptions with a plain confession of Scribimus indocti, doctic poemata passim. Yet notwithstanding seeing I have played the truant already, I will imitate the cunning and stubborn schoolboy, who perceiving an impossibility to avoid the punishment for his offence, gave a longer content to his pleasure, and tarried out the last hour with supposition, that all could end but with one chiding: so considering I have racked your patiences thus far, I will questionless determine my first purpose after my own fashion, and undergo your pity, or vilipending for all together. Know then, that our Universities for state, majesty, good order, number of scholars, and judicious learning, surpass all countries of Europe; and if in Cambridge you look on King's College chapel, the sumptuous quadrant of Trinity, and the delicate compacting of our new Colleges, you cannot but imagine, we had a hope in the structures to contrive some thing for admiration. If in Oxford you consider the Divinity schools, the foundations of Christ's Church, Sir Thomas Bodleis library, and other things of account, you must needs conclude, that we strived to exalt our Nation for such rarities. Our baths, high ways, and security to travel in are not to be over passed. Our Inns, or as they call them Hosteries, with other places of entertainment, yield a plenary satisfaction to our travels, and open the embracings of extraordinary welcome, insomuch that our wearied bodies are folded in the arms of quietness and rest, and our troubled spirits settled in reposednes and content. In our hospitality we go beyond all other Nations, and many worthy men's houses exceed scattered villages both for divers buildings, and numbers of people else where: Our diet is abundant, and the best of the cattle, and for the blessings of increase bids you welcome to the fat of the earth, Abraham's cake, Abraham's calf, Esau's venison, Laban's good cheer, the loving fathers fat kid, and all of that sort. Our servants are handsome and honest in comparison of others: our civility and attendance extraordinary, nor is the Gentleman to be dallied with by inferior grooms, nor any man to be abused, if he stand on the true legs of observation. Our laws are severe toward capital crimes, and if offences bedurty us, we are not yet impudently to mount on a stage to be seen; nor be so ignorant, but we can hide ourselves, till we be cleaner, or make a composition with mercy and pacification, if the business be not darkened indeed with loathsomeness: and every thing amongst us with a fashionable handsomeness overswaieth nicer exception. Thus I hope you will first pardon me for vainglory or affectation, considering I speak for my country, and then yield unto the truth, which at last must prevail, considering I have confirmed her excellencies and prerogatives: Nor have I taken this task upon me out of supposition, that England would have lost her reputation, if I had not traduced myself in these trivial Tractates: but merely I protest to affront some humorists, who as irresolute or ignorant think too slightly of our worth, and in my own hearing have presumed to match petty Princes with us, against whom I dare maintain, that if there were such occasion, the Voluntaries and idle disposed of our Country would go in such troops, and in such a manner, that we need neither pay customs for silks out of Florence, Genoa, Leuca, or some other of their principal states of Italy; nor have our storehouses empty of the ambergris of India or China. As for the gold of Ophir, though many think, ancient mines may be exhausted: oh that they might try their fortune, I believe we should not need proclamations against exportation of our coin. But better is better: I have commended the peace of Solomon, as one of the chiefest parts of blessedness, which the birth of our Saviour ratified, and the coming in of our King exampled: and let it continue a God's name with the spreading of the Cherbins' over sanctum sanctorum, and the shadow of the Almighty cover us, until we come to the port indeed of all comfort, happiness, and security. FINIS.