STRANGE AND WONDERFUL THINGS.  
Happened to Richard Hasleton, borne at Braintree in Essex, In his ten years travails in many foreign countries.  
PENNED AS HE DELIVEred it from his own mouth.  
NON PLUS  
WB   printer's or publisher's device 
LONDON Printed by A.I. for William Barley, and are to be sold at his shop in Gracious street, near Leaden hall. 1595.   


AA   
TO THE WORSHIPFUL Master Richard Stapar, one of the worshipful company of the merchants adventurers of this honourable city ofLondon, trading to Turkey and the Eastern kingdoms. Your worship's faithful well-willer W. Barley, wisheth all fortunate and happy success in all your enterprises, with increase of all worldly worship: and after death the joys unspeakable.  
Worshipful sir, the many reports of your rare virtues, generally spoken of all honest travailers, who hath tasted the benefit of your bounty, not only in our home borne country where you have your residence but in those far countries where your honest factors trade; by whose worshipful and express command given them, and the good they daily do for all men which seek them: your worship is accounted and called the Pattern of bounty, especially of such as are in their travail distressed with want, which with money are relieved, aswell as other great cost their favour or friendship can procure, so that not only the poor and needy are pleasured thereby, but those that swim in most abundance▪ all proceeding of your most kind and courteous disposition.  
The remembrance of which, moved a longing desire in me, in some sort, to explain your worthiness and fame by your bounty gained, it had never such opportunity until this time: when perusing my store of papers and writings, of sundry men's labours, I chanced on this Pamphlet, which importeth the troublesome travails of our near neighbour borne at Brainetree in Essex, named Richard Hasleton, whose miseries as they were many, being in the hands both of Christians and Heathen enemies, for God and our country's cause, and his escapes from death so often and so wonderful, with the constant enduring of the same: his preservation, and safe return to England, where his longing desire so often wished him: all which considered, with your worship's love to all Traua●●ers, emboldened me the rather under your worship's patronage to publish the same, especial zeal procuring me thereunto: and partly in regard of your many favours to the said Hasleton in his miseries extended, that your worship's good ensample may lighten others to such good actions, hoping your worship will except of it no less friendly, than I offer it willingly▪ which if you do, then is my desire satisfied, and myself rest bounden to your worship's worthiness: ever beseeching the giver of all good to increase the number of such worthy minded subjects, by whom our Prince and country, are in foreign parts so much honoured.  
Your worships to command in what I may, William Barley.   

The miserable captivity of Richard Hasleton, borne at Brainetree in Essex.  
IN the year 1582. departing the English coast toward the end of May, in a ship of London, called the Mary Marten, one of the owners was a citizen of London, called M. Eastwoode, the other of them named Master Ostrich dwelling at Lime-house, being laden and bound for Petrarch. A Town of ma●te, being within the dominion of the Turk, where we safely arrived and made our mart, and within eight and twenty days went lading homeward, and presently we weighed anchor, and set sail, and coming out of the golf of Lepontoe, grounded upon a rock, lying on the larboard side, being in very great danger, in doubt to lose both ship and goods, yet it pleased God that we recovered. Then about the midst of the month of july, we came right before Cape de got, when having a very small wind, we descried two Galleys, whereupon the master commanded the gunner to put forth the ordinance, and to heave the skiff over board, than did the gunner demand of the master to make a shot, which he granted. Then did he bestow eight and twenty shot, but to no purpose, for the enemy lay very far out.  
Now when we saw our shot and powder spent so much in waste, some of our company cried to our master to show the Turks letters, but he would not, but commanded the gunner still to shoot, for now the Galleys were within shot, and did shoot at us, both with great shot and Muskets, and presently both our gunner's were slain, both with on shot, and some other maimed, whereby we were in great doubt, for the Galleys lying on both sides of us, one of them had shot us under water, whereby our ship was foundered before we perceived: then we perceiving the ship to sink from us, such as were weariest leapt into the skiff, as many as it was able to bear▪ the rest leaping over board, such as could swim saved themselves, going aboard the Galleys, the other were drowned. Now I being the last man upon the batches, because I was at the stern and being sore hurt with a Muscot shot, the Turks made haste to board our ship, hoping to save some of our goods, two of them came aboard, the first came to me and took me by the bosom. I drew out my knife very speedily and thrust him into the body, and so slew him the other was gone down into the ship where I left him, for even then was the ship sinking from me, wherefore I betook myself to swimming and turning me about to see the ship I could see nothing thereof but only the flag: then did I ●●oun to the Galleys, and laying hold upon an oar, got into the Galley: when I was aboard, I stripped of my clot●es, then presently was I commanded to the Poop to talk with the Captain, who inquired of me whether I was a Merchant, which because I would not confess, he gave me xv. strokes with a cudgel, and then put me in the Ga●lie● hold, where I was six days, taking very little sustenance, lying in extreme pains, by reason of my hurts which▪ I have received in the fight, and with anguish of mind for my hard hap.  
About three months after the Galleys returned to Argire, where immediately after my landing I was s●lde for 66. doubles. Then did I fall into extreme sickness for ten days space, notwithstanding I was sent to sea by my master (to whom I was sold) to labour in the Galleys at an Oars end, where I remained three months, being very feeble and weak, by reason my sickness continued the most part of that time, yet was I constrained either to labour or else to lose my head. I had no other choice: then the Galleys returning home to Argire, after my coming on shore I was in a marvelous weakness, what with continual labour, with beating, and with sickness, which endured three months, being in a most miserable estate without all sucker, seeing no man to pity my misery, having no nourishment but only bread and water, and that but sma●l quantity: no apparel on me but a thi● shirt, ●nd a pair of linen breeches, and l●dged in a stable on the cold ground. Thus I being almost in despair ever to recover, yielded myself to the will of Almighty God, whom it pleased in the en● to give me a little strength. And after for the space of two years or more▪ I was divers times at my labour at the oars end, after my accustomed manner, till such time our sleet of galleys 〈◊〉 wi●h the Galleys of Genua near the Christian shore, and they following ●● in cha●e, it chanced by reason of tempest, that our Galley was cast away near unto the wea● side of the Island Fermonterra: there were in it of Christians and Turks to the number of two hundred and fifty, which were all drowned, except fifteen, of which myself with two others, with great difficulty broke o●r chains, and taking hol●e upon an Oar, we escaped to the shore, not without great danger of drowning. We being now gotten to land, and accompanied both with Turks and Christians, we took our rest under bushes and thickets, the Turks were very unwilling to departed with us, thinking to find some other Galley of the company to take us aboard and carry us back to Argire, but we hoping now to get out liberties, conveyed ourselves as secretly as we could into the w●●ds▪ and went unto a ●●ck and with sharp stones we did beat off our Irons, and s●ed ●●mediatly to the Christians, and yielded ourselves: but one of them which escaped with me who was borne in S●lauony, tol●e them that I was and English Lutherian.  
Then was I presently carried aboard a Galley of Genua, and put in chains, and upon the mo●row was I sent over into the Isle of juisey, being within the jurisdiction of Maiorque, which all are in the dominion of Spain) there was I imprisoned in the high Tower of the town castle, with a pair of bolts upon my heels, & a clasp of Iron about my neck, there hanging a chain at the clasp, where I remained nine days, fed with a little bread and water. Now because I had in no respect offended them, I demanded wherefore they molested me, saying it was contrary to law and the profession of Christians. Then did they ask me if I had spoken any thing against the king, and against the Church of Rome? I answered nothing. Then they told me I should be sent to Maiorque, to answer before the Inquisition. Then the justice or chief officer of juesey brought me back to Genua, requesting to have me chained in a Galley, which the Captain did, ask the justice who should be my surety for running away? He demanded if there were not a spare chain? he said yes: then he commanded a chain to be brought forth, and chained me at the sixth Oar before, where I rowed until we came to the port of Spine in Maiorque, guarding me with xiv Galleys.  
Then were the ●●●icers of the Inquisition, sent for by the Captain, which came the second day after our coming there: and at their coming they offered me the Par, which I refused to touch: whereupon they reviled me, and called me Lutheran, taking me presently out of the Galley, carried me on shore in Maiorque, and finding the Inquisitor walking in the Market place, presented me to him, saying: Here is the prisoner. He immediately commanded me to prison, whether they carried me, and put a pair of shackles on my heels, where I remained two days. Then was I brought forth into a Church, where the Inquisitor sat usually in judgement: who being ready set, commanded me to kneel down and to do homage to certain images which were before me, I told him I would not do that which I knew to be contrary to the commandments of Almighty God, neither had I been brought up in the Roman law, neither would I submit myself to it. He asked me why I would not? I answered, that whereas in England, where I was borne and brought up, the Gospel was truly preached, and maintained by a most gracious Princes, therefore I would not now commit Idolatry, which is utterly con●emned by the word of God. Then he charged me to utter the truth, otherwise I should abide the smart: Then was a stool set, and he commanded me to sit down before him, and offered me the cross, bidding me reverently to lay my hand upon it, and urged me instantly to do it, which moved me so much, that I did spit in the Inquisitors face, far which the Scribe gave me a good buffet on the face.  
So for that time we had no more reasoning, for the Inquisitor did ring a little Bell, to call up the keeper, and carried me to ward again, and the third day I was brought forth again to the place aforesaid.  
Then the Inquisitor asked me what I had seen in the Churches of England, I answered that I had seen nothing in the Church of England, but the word of God truly preached: then he demanded how I had received the Sacraments? I replied that I had received them according to the institution of Christ that is, I received the bread in remembrance that Christ in the flesh died vp●n the cross for the redemption of man. How (said he) hast thou received the Wine? whereto I replied and said, that I received the wine in remembrance that Christ shed his blood to wash away our sins ●e said it was in their manner, I said no: then he charged me to speak the truth, or I should die for it. I told him I did speak the truth, and would speak the truth: for (said I) it is better for me to die guiltless then guilty. Then did he with great vehemency charge me again to speak the f●●th, and swore by the Catholic Church of Rome, that if I did not, I should die in fire, than I said, if I died in the faith, which I had confessed I should die guiltless, and told him he had made a vain oath. And so I willed him to use no circumstance to dissuade me from the truth, for you cannot prevail though I be now in your hands, where you have power over my body▪ yet have you no power over mysoule. I told him he made a long ma●ter far from the truth, for which he said I should die. Then he had me say what I could to save myself: where I replied as followeth. Touching the manner of the receiving of Sacraments, where he said it was like to theirs: you (said I) when you receive the bread, say it is the very body of Christ, and likewise you affirm the wine to be his very blood, which I denied: saying that it was unpossible for a mortal man to eat the material body of Christ, or to drink his blood.  
Then he said I had blasphemed the Catholic Church, I answered that I had said nothing against the true Catholic church, but altogether against the false church: he asked how I could prove it, saying, if I could not prove it, I should die a mos● cruel death.  
Note by the way, that when any man is in durance for religion he is called to answer before no ●●en assembly, but only in the presence of the Inquisitor, the Secretary, and the Solic●●●●, whom they term the Broker: the 〈◊〉 is as I take it, because they doubt that very many of their own people 〈◊〉 confess the Gospel, if they did but 〈◊〉 and understand their absurd dealing. Again to the matter because it was so secret, they v●ged me to speak the more: then he inquired whether I 〈◊〉 ever been confessed, I said yes: he demanded to whom? I said to God: he asked me if I had ever confessed to any Friar? I said no, for I do utterly defy them: for how can he forgive me my sins, which is himself a sinner as all other men are.  
Yes said he, he which confesseth himself to a Friar, who is a Father, may have remission of his sins by his mediation, which I said I would never believe. Wherefore seeing they could s●duce me by no means, to 〈◊〉 to their abominable idolatry, the Secretary cried, Away with him: the Inquisitor and he ●rowned very angrily on me for the answers which I had given, and said they would make me tell an other tale. So at the ringing of a little Bell the Keeper came and carried me to ward again. At my first examination, w●en the Keeper should lead me away, the Inquisitor did bless me with the Cross, but never after. Two days a●ter was I brought and set again upon a stool before the Inquisitor, he bade me ask misericordiam, I told him I would crave mercy of jesus Christ, who died for my sins, other misericordiam I would crave none. Then he commanded me to kneel before the Altar, I said I would, but not to pray to any image, for your Altar so adorned with many painted images (which were fashioned by the hands of sinful men,) which have mouths and speak not, ears and hear not, nosesand smell not▪ han●s and handle not, feet have they and walk not, etc., which God dot● not allow at his Altar, for he hath ●tterly condemned them by his word. Then he said I had been wrong taught, for said he, whosoever shall s●● these figures in earth, may the better remember him in heaven, whose likeness it doth represent, who would be a mediator to God for us: but I replied that all images were an abhemination to the Lord, for he hath condemned them in express words by his own mouth, saying: Thou shalt not make thyself any graven image, etc. Yea said he, but we have need of a Mediator to make intercession for us, for we are unworthy to pray to God ourselves, because we are vile sinners, I said there was no mediator but jesus Christ: where a●ter many absurd reasons and vain persuasions, he took a pause.  
Then I asked him why he kept me so l●ng in prison, which never committed offence to them, knowing very well that I had been Captain in Argire near five years space: saying, That when God by his merciful providence, had thorough many great dangers, set me in a Christian country, and delivered me from the cruelty of the Turks, when I thought to find such favour as one Christian oweth to another, I found them now more cruel than the Turks, not knowing any cause why. The cause (said he) is, because the King hath wars with the Queen of England (for at that instant there was their Army prepared ready to go for England:) whereupon they would divers times give me reproachful words, saying that I should here shortly of their arrival in England, with innumerable vain brags, which I omit for brevity.  
Then did I demand if there were not peace between the king and the queens Majesty? whether they would keep me still? yea said he, unless thou wilt submit thyself to the faith of the Romish Church: so he commanded me away, I asked, wherefore he sent for me, and to send me away, not alleging any matter against me? he said I should have no other matter alleged, but that which I had spoken with mine own mouth. Then I demanded why they would have the Romish Church to have the supremacy? whereto he would make no answer. Then I asked if they took me to be a Christian? yes said he, in some respect, but you are out of the faith of the true Church. Then the keeper took me to prison again: and after for the space of three weeks, I was brought forth to answer, three several times every week: at which times they did sometime threaten me with death, some while with punishment, and many times they attempted to seduce me with ●aire words, and promises of great preferment, but when they saw nothing would draw me from the truth, they called me shameless Lutherian, saying many times: see, he is of the very blood of Luther, he hath his very countenance: with many other frivolous speeches.  
After all this, he commanded to put me in the dungeon within the Castle, five fathem under ground, giving me once a day a little bread and water, which they let down in a basket with a rope, there remained I one whole year, lying on the bare ground seeing neither Sun nor Moon, no not hearing man woman or child speak, but only the keeper which brought my small victual. It happened about the years end, upon the feast of Philip and jacob, being the first day of may, that a pretty boy being the Keeper's son, came to give me my ordinary food, which he used sometime to do. Now when he opened the door, and had let down the basket, I asked who was there? he answered by his name, saying here is Matthew. I asked him where his Father was? he is gone to Mass, said he: so he let down the trap door and went his way, leaving the rope with the basket hanging still. And forasmuch as I lay without all comfort, reposing my self only unto God's providence, yet unwilling to lose any opportenitie that lay in me (if God were pleased) whereby I might be delivered.  
So soon as I heard the boy was gone. I jumped up and took hold upon the reap, and wound myself up to the door▪ setting my foot against the wall and with my shoulders did I lift up the trap door. Now when I was aloft, and saw no man, for they were gone to see some ceremonies of their idolatrous exercises in the city. I knew no way to escape away, being now in the midst of the way: wherefore it was unpossible to convey myself so secretly but I should be espied.  
Wherefore for a present shi●t▪ I went secretly into a void room of the Caste●l, where lay great store of Lime and earth, where I tied an old cloth (which I had) about my head and face, to keep the dust out of my eyes and ears, an● so did I creep into the lime, and covered myself so well as I could▪ lying there till toward midnight: and then hearing no man stirring, I got up, and sought some way to get forth but could find n●ne. Then being greatly perplexed, I bent myself to the good pleasure of Almighty God, making my humble prayers, that he would of his mercy vouchsafe to deliver me out of this miserable thraldom And searching too and fro, in the end I came where three great horses stood tied by the head and feet: then did I unloose the halters from their heads, and the ropes from their legs, and went to the castle wall: when I had tied them end to end, I made it fast to the body of a vine which grew upon the wall, and by it did I strike myself over the wall into the town ditch, where I was constrained to swim about forty paces, before I could get forth of the ditch.  
Then walked I too and fro in the city above two hours, seeing no man, neither could I devise any way forth: wherefore I returned back again to the town ditch▪ to see if I could 〈◊〉 any way to bring me without the town walls▪ and following the ditch, at the last I perceived by the noise of the water, that there qas a water gate thorough the wall: where I 〈◊〉 and found that the 〈◊〉 of the water was under the wall, than did I very 〈…〉 y enter the water, and diving under water, got into the watergate, and suddenly the force of the water did drive me through with such violence, that it cast me headlong against an other wall on the outside, which with the blow did much amaze me: yet by the help of God I recovered, swimming down the ditch, till I came where was a trough or pipe, which I took to be laid over the d●tch, to convey some fresh water spring into the city: there did I climb up a post which bore the same, and got upon the top of the pipe, where some of the watch being near the wall perceived me, but could not any way come near to me. Then cried they in their tongue, who is there, three or four times, but I made no answer, but crept as fast as I could to get off the pipe to land: where before I could get down, they shot some of their Muskets after me, but thanked be God none of the shot did hit me. Thus with great difficulty I escaped out of the city, and went about six miles from thence before the day broke.  
Thus ●●aueiling for the most part by night, I cha●sed to come where was a house standing alone, and near the house there stoo● a cart, wherein lay certain horse collars, where searching among them, I ●ound the collars lined with sh●●pe skins, which 〈◊〉 I 〈◊〉 ●pon the collars, and appareled myself with them in 〈◊〉 manner. I put one piece before me like a breastplate, and an 〈◊〉 on my shoulders and back, with the wolsey side toward my body 〈◊〉 them together over my shoulders & under my arms with 〈◊〉, which is a weed like to that whereof our hand-baske●● are made, which is we●l known to such as have trauel●●● 〈◊〉 parts▪ and with an other piece I made me a cap. And in 〈◊〉 s●emely ornaments I passed forth till about three days after, 〈◊〉 early in a morning, most unhappily I crossed an high way, 〈◊〉 a countryman travailing with a Moil laden with rundlett of wine, espied me, and demanded of me whether I was bound, I said I was going to Coothea, which is a town lying upon the shore side, but he suspecting me to be the man which was pursued, b●d me stay but I went onward, he ran after me, and threw stones at me, but I not able to overrun him, being very feeble, turned back, and with a pole which I carried began to defend myself, striking at him three or four times, at the last I thrust at him, and hit him on the breast, and overthrew him, whereupon he made a horrible cry: and immediately there came to the number of fifteen more, some horsemen, some footmen: some having sword▪ some Harquebusses, and other Crossbows: when I was thus beset, knowing no way to escape, I yielded myself. Then they bond me hands and feet, laid me on a Moil▪ and carried me back again to the city of Maiorque, delivering me to the Inquisitor, who when he had sent me to prison, commanded a pair of bolts to be put on my legs, and an Iron clasp about my neck, with a chain of five fathom long hanging thereat, which was done accordingly. And on the morrow I was brought forth to the accustomed place, and in the same manner, where the Inquisitor sitting, asked me first why I had br●ken prison, and run away, I said to save my life: yea (said he) but now thou hast offended the law more than before, and therefore shall the law be now executed upon thee.  
Then I was carried away again, and immediately there was called an assembly of Citizens, and such as were seen in the law, to counsel, and to take advice, what punishment they might inflict upon me▪ which being deliberated: I was brought forth again and carried to the place of torment, which was in a Cell or vault under ground, there being present but four persons, that is to say, the Inquisitor, the Solicitor or Broker, who is to see the law executed, a dutch woman that dwelled in the city, who was commanded thither to tell them what I spoke, because I spoke many times in the dutch tongue, and lastly the tormentor. The Rack now standing ready before them, with seven Flaxen ropes lying thereon, new bought from the market.  
Then the Inquisitor charged me (as at all other times he used to do) that I should speak what I had to say, and to speak the truth, otherwise I should be even now tormented to the death I seeing myself in the hands of such cruel tyrants, as always thirst after the blood of the innocent, even as Cain who being wroth with his brother Abel, and carrying an heavy countenance, could no way be eased but with his brother's blood: so I past hope of life, turned my back toward them, and seeing my torments present before me, I fell down upon my knees, & besought the Lord to forgive me my sins, and to strengthen my faith, and to grant me patience to endure to the end.  
Then they took me into a void room, and stripped me out of my ornaments of sheep skins, which I repeated before, and put a pair of strong Canvas breeches upon me to cover my priories, then bringing me to the rack again, he commanded me to lie down (the bars of the Rack under me were as sharp as the back of a knife) now I willingly yielding myself, lay down, than the tormentor ●ound my hands over my breast crosswise, and my legs clasped up together, were fast ●ied the one foot to the other knee. Then he fastened to either arm a cord, about the brawn of the arm, and likewise to either thigh an other, which were all made fast again under the rack to the bars, and with an other cord he bond down my head, and put a hollow Cane into my mouth than he put four cudgels into the ropes which were fastened to my arms and thighs.  
Now the woman which was present being interpreter, began to persuade me to yield, and confess the faith of the Church of Rome. I answered, if it were the will of God that I should end my life under their cruel hands, I must be content: but it it please him, he is able to deliver me, if there were ten thousands against me. Then the tormentor (as he was commanded) began to wrest the ropes, which he did by little and little to augment my pains, and to have them endure the longer, but in the end he drew them with such violence, as though he would have plucked my four quarters in sunder, and the●e stayed a good space: yet to declare their tyrannical malice, thinking my torment not sufficient, he added more, pouring water thorough the Cane which was in my mouth by little and little, which I was constrained either to let down, or to have my breath stopped, until they had tunned in such quantity, as was not tolerable to endure, which pained me extremely: yet not satisfied, they took and wet a linen cloth, and laid it over my mouth, till I was almost strangled: when my body being thus overcharged with such abundance of water, after they had thus stopped my breath with the wet cloth, suddenly with the force of my breath, and that my stomach was so much overcharged, the water gushed out and bare away the cloth as if it had been the force of a condict spout. When the Inquisitor saw that all this would not make me yield, he commanded the tormentor to wind the cord on my left arm more strait▪ which put me to horrible pains, and immediately the rope burst in sunder. Then said the Inquisitor, yea is he so strong, I will make him yield, and commanded the tormentor to put too a new rope.  
Then the woman again bade me yield, saying it were better to yield then to die so miserable a death: but I besought Almighty God to ease me of my pains, and to forgive me my sins, answering her, that though they had power over my body, yet there was no torment should compel me to yield to their idolatry, whereby I might bring my soul in danger of hell fire. Then the Inquisitor asked her, what I said? she answered that I had said I would never submit myself to the Church of Rome: then did he most vehemently charge me to yield and submit myself to the Romish Church, otherwise he would pluck off one of my arms: Whereupon I denying still, the tormentor in most cruel manner, wrested the r●pes as if he would have ●ent my body in sunder: I being now in untolerable pains, and looking for nothing but present death, cried out in the extremity o● my anguish. Now farewell wife and children, and farewell England, and so not able to utter one word more, lay even senseless.  
The Inquisitor asked the woman again what I said, she laid her hand upon my head, & perceiving that I was speechless, told him I was dead: wherefore the Tormentor loosed the ropes, unbound my hands and feet, and carried me unto a chamber which they te●med S. Welter's chamber. Where I c●mming to myself and receiving some sense and reason, but could have no feeling of any limb or io●nte. Thus I lay in a most lamentable and pitiful manner for five days, having a continual issue of blood and water forth of my mouth all that space, and being so feeble and weak by reason of my torments, that I could take no sustenance: till the sixth day, a little recovering my strength, they gave me a little quantity of bread and wine ●oo together, and presently the very same day, they carried me forth into t●e City, and set me upon an Ass' back, and whipped me thorough out every street of the City of Maiorque, giving me to the number of five hundred lashes, which made the blood to run down my miserable carcase in such abundance, that it dropped at the belly of the Ass, to the ground. Now there were carried with me about the City very many harlots and whores, and other malefactors which had offended the law, but none punished like me. After this they carried me to the chamber from whence I came, where I lay without all worldly comfort.  
Can any man (which understandeth the absurd blindness, and wilful ignorance, of these Spani●● tyrants, or Romish monsters) think them to be of the true church, which defend their faith with fire, sword, and hellish torments, without all remorse or pity, as you may perceive by a manifest trial here set down to the open view of the world: for when these hellhounds had tormented this miserable creature, as you have heard with a monstruous and most unchristian kind of torment, which he endured for the space of three howe●s: till being at the very point of death, and ready to yield up the ghost, they not yet satisfied with these torments which he had suffered already, reserved his life, minding to increase his pains, which they were nothing slack to perform, so l●ng as he remained in their power.  
Now the second night a●ter that they had whipped me about the city as aforesaid, about midnight I recounting to myself in what misery I both did and h●d remained, I thought to put in practice once again to get my liberty, craving of the Lord with hearty prayer to assist me with his mighty hand.  
And immediately searching about, I found an old Iron stub, with the which I▪ broke an hole thorough the chamber wall, and crept through 〈◊〉 an other chamber, where I felt in the dark many pieces of plate, which I little regarded: after I found many Towels and Table napkins. Then seeking further, I found a long Cane whereon there hung many puddings and Sauceges, I plucked down the Cane, but had little mind on the victual. Then I found certain knives, than I espied some light at a great window in a Garret or fit over me: wherefore I tied a crooked knife to the Cane, and thrust up a long Towel, and with the knife at the end of the Cane I drew the Towel about a bar of the window, and drew it to me, and with that towel I did climb up into the window, but then I could not get forth between the bars, wherefore I digged forth one of the bars, and tied my towels and napkins together end to end, and fastened one end to a bar of the window, and then did slide down by them till I came within three or four fathom of the ground, when the towels broke in sunder, and I fell down into a Well which was direct under me, where I was almost drowned: yet it pleased God to deliver me. And then being in the city without the castle w●lle●, I knowing no other way to get out, went again to the town ditch, where I got thorough the water gate with less peril than before, by reason there was less water than was the other time. Then went I with all speed into the woods, lying all days in woods as close as I could, and travailed by nights thorough woods and mountains: and upon the third night about midnight, I happened into an Olive garden, not above half a bow shoot from the sea side, in which garden I found a little skiff or boat lying under a Pomegranate tree, and there lay in the boat a hatchet, all which served happily for my delivery.  
Now I being unable to carry the boat to the water side, disrout small tr●rchens of wood, and upon them did slide it downell the water fide. Then I cut down an arm of an Olive tr●e, t● make my boat a mast, and having no other shift, made me a sail● cloth with my breeches and a piece of mantle which I had abou● me, and for my Oars were very mean, yet durst I stay to look● for no better, but presently set sail and yielded myself to the goo● pleasure of almighty God, betook myself to sea, willing rather to abide what the Lord would lay upon me, then to die among these most cruel tyrants.  
And by the providence of God, upon the second day in the forenoon I descried the coast of Barbar●e, for the ●●●de stood North-east, which seruedme most happily.  
Understand that this cut is from shore to shore, one hundred and fifty leagues, which is four hundred and fifty Englishmiles, and at that time a very rough sea, in somuch if it had not been by the great and wonderful power of God, my vessel and I, had both been over whelmed.  
But I falling with the country of Cabiles, commonly called the king of Cookooes' land, near a town called Gigeley, where I went on shore, leaving my boat to swim which way the wind and weather would conduct it, thinking it had done me sufficient service.  
But see now, when I had escaped through the surges of the sea from the cruelty of the Spaniard, I was no sooner landed and entered the Mountains, but being espied by the Moors which inhabit the country, who pursued very earnestly to take me, supposing me to be come from the Christian shore to rob in their coast for many times the Spaniards will pass over in some small vessel, and go on shore: and if they can catch any man of the country, they carry them away to make galley slaves, wherefore the Moors are very diligent to pursue them at their landing: and if it chance they take any Christian▪ they use him in like sort. Wherefore I being very ●nwilling to ●all into their hand●, was constrained to go into a river which ran between two Mountains, and there to stand in water up to the chin, where the bushes and trees did grow most thick over me: where I stoo● certain hours, until they had lest searching for me.  
This good aged father, when he had heard my lamentable discourse, 
The charitabl● mind of a simple old man.  showing himself rather a Christian, than a man brought up among the Turkish Mahometists, greatly pitied my misery▪ and forthwith did lead me home to his house, and caused such vi●tu●●s as the country yieldeth to be set before me, which was dried Whea●e and Hun●e, and baked a cake upon the fire hearth, and then ●ried it with Butter which I thought very good mea●e, for I had not been at the like banquet in six● years before▪ the good father showing me what comfort he could.  
There I remained 〈◊〉 and twenty hours, in ●he mean● time the Moors▪ which dwelled in the villages by, understanding of my being there, came, and calling me forth, inquire of me what I was, from whence I came, and whether I would▪ and with great vehemency charged their weapon's against my breast, 
The old man still pitted him, and did what lay in him to deliver him.  insomuch ●hat I thought they woul● verily have 〈◊〉, but mi●e 〈◊〉 t●at good old man came forth and 〈…〉 for me, and ●o dissuaded them from doing me any 〈◊〉 ●nd took me back again into his house▪  
This being past, I r●queste● him to help me to a guide to con●ict me to Argire, and he presently provided two, whereof the one was his son, to whom I promised to give four crowns for their pains. So taking my leave of my good hoas●, we ●●oke our way toward Argire: when we had not passe● above xxiv. miles on the way, we chanced to meet a Gentleman of that country, who was as 〈◊〉 were Pu●ueior to the k●ng, and went about the country to take up c●rne and grain for the king's provision: he meeting us upon ●he way, asked whet●er we were travailing? my guides answered, that we were going to Argire, he asked what we had to do there? they said to deliver me there. Then he demanded what I was? ●hey ●ol●e him I was an Englishman that came from the Christian ●●oare; and was bound towards Argire.  
Then did this Gentleman take me from them, sending them back from whence they came, but compelled me to go with him to a village by, and very earnestly persuaded me to turn Moor, promising if I would, he would be a mean to prefer me greatly, which I still denied. Then upon the next day, he carried me further to a town called Tamgote, and delivered me to a noble man of great authority with the king, which was as Lieutenant general for the wars (for this King of Cook●o● holdeth continual war with the King of Argire, although they be both subject to the great Turk.)  
I was no sooner brought before this Nobleman, but he demanded whether I would turn Moor, I answered that I would not immediately he commanded a pair of shackles to be put on my heels, and a clasp of Iron about my neck▪ with a chain thereat▪  
Now he seeing he could win me by no gentle means, commanded me to prison, saying, that he would either make me to yield and turn Moor, or else I should die in captivity.  
In this while that I remained in prison, diverse of the king's house came to me, persuading me to yield to the king's demand, alleging how hardly the king might use me, being now in his power, unable any way to escape, and again how bountifully the king would deal with me, if I would submit myself.  
Within a little time after, it happened there was great preparation for to receive the King of Abbess, whose country adjoineth to the king of Cookooes' land, and are in league together, and join their armies in one against the king of Argire. Now at his coming, I was fetched forth of prison, and commanded to charge certain pieces of Ordinance, 
These men are nothing expert in Artillery.  which were three Sacres and two Minions of brass, which I refused not to do, trusting thereby to get some liberty, wherefore at the coming of this king of Abbess into the town, I discharged the Ordinance as liked them very well, for they are not very expert in that exercise, for which I had some more liberty than before.  
After this I was set to saw Boards and Planks, and was commanded to make a carriage for a piece of Ordinance: Thus they compelled me to labour daily, which I did the more willingly, because I hoped still to get my liberty thereby in the end. Then they willed me to show the fashion of our edge tools after the English, which when they saw the fashion, their Smiths wrought them very artificially, & gave them very good temper: for these things I was had in more estimation, insomuch that they took off my Irons, and let me walk abroad with a keeper. Then was I commanded by the king, 
I was made master of work wherein I had but small skill.  to teach the Carpenters to frame a house after the manner of English building, and for that purpose were sent forth Carpenters and workmen with me to the woods to fall timber, all which were to do what I appointed upon the king's commandment. Now I being chief Master of the work, appointed out the trees which were very special good timber: in small time we had finished our frame, which liked the King very well. By this means I had more liberty than before, and was very well entreated, yet I was greatly grieved in mind, that I could not procure any means for my liberty, although at that time I wanted few necessaries: yet was I daily devising how I might escape away, for three special causes: one was, for the special care I had of my salvation, because (as you have heard) there were many temptations laid before me, to draw me from a Christian to be an abominable idolater. The second cause was, for the love & dutiful allegiance which I own to my Prince & natural country. The third is, the regard of the vow which I had vowed in matrimony, & the care of my poor wife & children: which causes moved me so much, that whereas by reason of my diligence in these foresaid matters, I walking abroad with my keeper, who not suspecting me, was not so attentive as before he had been. So soon as our frame was finished, I took opportunity, and showing them a pair of heels, took my way over the Mountains, intending to go for Argire. But presently there was great store of men, both on horseback and one foot, who being more perfect in the way than I was, quickly overtook me, & carried me back again to Cookooe. I was presently brought before the King, who asked me why I ran away? I told him to have liberty. Then he called certain of his servants to him, and commanded them to lay me down at his feet, which four of them did, and laying me flat upon the belly, one of them gave me 75 stripes with a great cudgel, till I was not able to remove out of the place. Then the king commanded to carry me to prison again, whether two of them carried me, and put me in Irons and there left me, where I remained for the space of two months: 
I was now made a water bearer.  then was I brought forth of prison, & sent daily to a fountain or well, about half a league from the town to fetch water with a couple of Asses, for the use of the king's house.  
Now in this time many artificers, as Smiths, joynces, and carpenters, and many other, came to me to understand the fashion of many English tools, as Plane irons, Goudges▪ Chissels, and such like, for which they showed me some favour, and gave me some money: and when I had gotten a little money, I bestowed it upon apparel, and caused it to be made like to theirs, which I carried secretly, when I went to fetch water, and did hide it in a dry cave under the side of a rock: I bought me likewise a sword and a lance, such as they use to travail with, I also provided a file, all which I laid up with my apparel.  
It happened that the King of Abbess, came again to visit the King, and to take counsels about warlike affairs, as usually they did, wherefore when they heard of his coming, making great preparation for him, it fell out so that there wanted water, in the offices: where in an evening there was exceeding thunder▪ and rain, and lightning so that there was no man would go for water, but every one calling for the Englishman: then I, which durst say no nay, took the vessels, and hung them upon the Asses, and so went thorough rain, and wind, and thunder, and all, till I came to the well, where I left my Asses, to wander whither they would, and went to my apparel, and with my File cut off my irons, and made me ready, in my suit of Moors clothing, and with my sword by my side, and my Lance on my shoulder, took my way once again towards Argire.  
And that night I went about twenty miles over Rocks, and mountains, keeping myself out of beaten ways, casting my way by the moon and stars. When the day began to be light I lay me down in a brake of thick bushes, and there I slept the most part of the day, and in the evening I began to travel forth on my way.  
Now on the third night I was to pass a bridge where was continual watch, and ward, both day and night, where I must of necessity pass, by reason the river ran betwixt two mountains which were so steep that no man can neither go down to enter water, nor yet being in, can by any possible means get up on the other side, which river is a great defence to the Country.  
Where I used no delay but entered the Bridge in the beginning of the night, about nine of the clock, being in great doubt of the watch, but at the first end of the Bridge I saw no man, until I was happily passed over, than there came one after me and asked who goes there, it being somewhat dark and I in apparel and with my weapons like a Moor, of their country, answered boldly that I was a friend and told him I was coming to the Governor to deliver letters from the King, for near the rivers side there is a village, where dwelleth he who hath charge of the keeping of this passage.  
Whereby I went onward thorough the village, but before I was far passed: I heard horsemen upon the Bridge, which asked whether any man had passed that night, the watchmen told them there was one gone even now, which said he went to deliver the King's letters to the Officer.  
But I thought no time now to hear any more of their talk but betook ●e to my heels, and so soon as I was without the Town I went out of the port way, into woods, and kept desert ways that night and day following. And the next night I came within the liberties of the King of Argire, where I knew the Cabiles, could not fetch me back again.  
In this order I escaped their hands, by the mighty power of God: for understand, that in these desert Mountains there are all manner of wild beasts in great number, 
Many dangerous wild beasts in that country.  as Lions, Bears, Wolves of marvelous bigness, Apes, wild Swine, and also wild Horses and Asses, with many other hurtful beasts, yet was I never in danger of any of these.  
In this country of Cabyles, there is diverse kinds of very pure mettales, as Gold, Silver, and Led, and good Iron and Steel, but they for want of knowledge and skill, make no use of any metal, except Iron and Steel: although at such times as I have been present whiles the Smiths have tried their Iron, I have seen among the dross of the Iron very perfect gold, which they perceiving me to behold, were very inquisitive to understand whether it were gold, or any other metal of substance: but I told them it was but a kind of dross, whereof we made colours for paint●●● in England.  
They carried me out to the Mountains, and showed me the rocks where they gathered their Iron, which rocks had veins of very pure gold Oar, which I would not reveal to them, but answered as before: because I doubted if the king once knew me to have experience in such mysteries, he would keep me the more strait, whereby I might have remained in bondage during my life.  
Now when I was within the country of Argire, I was out of danger from the pursuers, and then did I walk by day, and kept the common ways, where coming within the view of Argire, upon the way I met a Turk, who knew me at the first sight, since I was prisoner in Argire, and demanded if I had not been captive with such a man? I said yes: he then inquired whether I went to the city? I said yes, than returned he back, and did accompany me to the City.  
When I came there, I would have gone to the English house, but he led me violently to my old Master, where I rested me a day and a night, my master not being very earnest, for because in this time that I was absent all the English captives were redeemed and sent home. Wherefore I went to the English counsel, hoping to be presently delivered, who gave me very good words, but did not show me that favour which he professed.  
I could make some discourse of his unkind dealing with me and other of our countrymen, which I will leave till more fit occasion: for understand that whiles I was with him, there came a messenger from my old master, with whom I was before I went to Genua, who would have carried me away by force, but I would not go, requesting the counsel to take order for my delivery: but he persuaded me to go with him, saying, that he would in time provide for my liberty.  
But by means I would not yield to go to my Master, nor yet the counsel would not take order for me I was taken by the king's officers, and put in chains in the King's prison among other captives: and at the next setting out of the Galleys I was put to my old occupation, where I remained a Galley slave for three years and above after.  
In which time I was eight voyages at sea, and at such time as the Galleys lay in harbour, I was imprisoned with the rest of the captives, where our ordinary foo●e was bread and water, and at some few times, as once or twice in the week a small quantity of sodden wheat.  
To conclude, I passed my time in sickness and extreme slavery, until by the help of an honest Merchant of this city of London, and having a very fit opportunity by means of certain our English ships were ready to set sail bound homeward, upon Christmas even being the 23 of December 1592. I came aboard the Cherubin of London: who weighing anchor, and having a happy gale, arrived in England toward the end of February following.  
Thus have you heard how it hath pleased the Almighty God (after many and great miseries) to bring me to the port which I longed greatly to see: beseeching God of his mercy, to prolong the days of our most gracious and renowned Queen, whose fame reacheth fair, and whose most happy government is in admiration with foreign Princes▪ So wishing all to t●e glory of God, and furtherance of the Gospel, I end.  
FINIS.