COCHIN-CHINA Containing many admirable Rarities and Singularities of that Country.  
Extracted out of an Italian Relatiòn, lately presented to the POPE, by CHRISTOPHORO BORRI, that lived certain years there.  
And published by ROBERT ASHLEY.  Cum hac persuasione vivendum est; Non sum uni angulo natus: Patria mea totus hic mundus est. Seneca. 
LONDON.  
Printed by Robert Raworth; for Richard Clutterbuck, and are to be sold at the sign of the Ball in Little-Brittaine. 1633.   

To the Right worthy Knight Sir Maurice Ahbot, Governor of the Honourable Company of Merchants, trading to the East Indies; and the rest of that renowned Society.  
Having of late years addicted myself, especially amongst other Studies, to a more curious search and inquisition of this glorious and wondrous workmanship of the World, (whereof the one moiety is in a manner unknown to the other) endeavouring to give myself some satisfaction, by all such Relations and Discoveries as I could procure, of those Conntreys' least known unto us; whether described by our Countrymen or by other foreign Travellers▪ I became so affected with the following Relation of Cochin-China by an Italian jesuit, (who as it seemeth had been resident there some years) that I conceived the description he maketh of the Country, and the Commodities thereof, would not only give some contentment to the curiosity of others; but might also happily be useful to our Countrymen that trade and traffic in those Eastern parts: If not to open a traffic to China itself, on which it confineth; yet at the least to give occasion of further enquiry and discovery; whether the Commodities of the Country be such as are pretended, and the access of all Strangers so freely invited, as is here insinuated.  
I am not ignorant that your trading into these remote parts of the East Indies hath had many opposers, especially of the ignorant and weaker sort; who suppose the Treasure of the Realm to be exhausted thereby, in regard that they have heard of much Money carried thither as well as other Commodities, and some late disastrous events and accidents: as if it were no good husbandry to cast seed into the ground, because we are not always assured to have a happy Harvest. But this must not make any wise man impatient in his expectation of better success; which commonly cometh by a constant continuance of all so well grounded proceedings. For (the case having been well canvased and every objection discussed) your experience hath taught, and your remonstrance to the Parliament hath manifested; that as the public profit by foreign Trade, is the only means whereby we gain Treasure, (for Mines we have none which do afford it) So the remotest traffic is always most beneficial to the public Stock; and the Trade to the East Indies doth far excel all others.  
I shall not need to enter into particulars, how many brave Ships are by this Trade yearly builded, rigged and furnished; how many good Mariners made and employed; how many Artificers and handicrafts men set on work; how many idle persons are taught to be serviceable Seamen; how our Enemies are affronted, and our Concurrents counter poised, which with many other obseruatious have been by sundry of yourselves very evidently declared.  
I will only conclude, that seeing it is so many ways apparent, that the King's Customs are so much by your trading into these remotest regions increased; His Fame thereby spread into Persia, India, japan, China, java, and even to the ends of the world dispersed; His whole Realm and Kingdom thereby so much strengthened, safegarded and enriched; with the Renown Honour and reputation thereof so much raised end enlarged. I could wish, that as the remote Navigation published by the Venetian Rhamusius, awakened the Industry of M ● Hakluyt,. and happily of M r. Purchas after him, to their diligent gatherings of the most remarkable Voyages of our Nation: so some other able person (of which our Country hath good store) were encouraged and stirred up, to continue such Collections: Yet not only to the recording the exploits of our own Nation; but also to collect and publish what they find worth the regarding amongst Foreigners, that may any way be serviceable for the instruction of ours.  
To such end this Relation is addressed unto you, that if you find aught that may be useful therein, you may make your benefit thereof; (as it seemeth others of our neighbour Nations have in some sort sought and attempted) or at least by your own farther experience, control and rectify their mistake: To which purpose I cast this poor Mite into your rich Treasury; and remain,  
a well wisher to your worthy endeavours. Robert Ashley.   

The Preface Apologetical.  
TWo sorts there are most like among others to be least satisfied with the Publication of this Relation: Whereof the one may suppose the Countries of China and Cochin-China so far distant, and with which we have no Commerce, to concern us so little, that it is but lost labour, to be curious or inquisitive how Men live there; or what commodities those Countries yield, and that therefore it were more safely and more wisely done, to look nearer home to our own; and to our Neighbouring-countreyes', with whom we have more to do.  
Another sort there is, that suddenly censure all strange Reports of things which they have not seen at home, or are not common in the Country's next consigning, to be leasings and lies: Condemning not only our Countryman Sir john Mandevile, and with him Paulus Venetus, and other modern Authors of fables and fictions, but even Pliny, Solinus, Strabo, and that ancient Historian Herodotus; whose incredible seeming narrations the Frenchman Henery Stephens in his Apology hath made more credible by modern examples; which, work the Translater of it into English hath entitled, A World of Wonders.  
To this latter sort (who would be thought wise, because they are not given to be credulous) I answer first: That albeit credulity be an Argument of too much facility, yet the way to the discovery of Truth is not in the other extremity.  Stulti dum vitant vitia, in contraria currunt: 
We must therefore learn to doubt and suspend our judgement in things not yet throughly discovered, and hearken to that of the great Philosopher Theophrastus, which he had from Heraclitus, Res Mundi pulcherrimae ob arrogantiam hominum ignorantur dum nihil statuunt credere, nisi humana Mens rationem illius perceperit. Let us also consider, that if Columbus had obtained no credit with any in his strange undertake (as indeed he had none with the Multitude, nor with many of the wiser sort) so great a part of the World as America is found to be (whose furthest extent towards the North is not yet known) had been undiscovered.  
To the first sort, who would not have us too curiously inquisitive of such remote Countries as China, and Cochin-China, where we have no Commerce, I answer, that howsoever China giveth no easy access unto Strangers; who knoweth what alteration of time may breed? seeing we find sundry Relations of Portugals that have penetrated into it? And diverse jesuits, forty or fifty years resident in it? Besides that, yearly there is a Fair held at Canton, where there is free access to Strangers of all Nations for certain months?  
But by this present Relation, it appeareth to be clean contrary in Cochin-China, where they admit all Strangers of what Nation soever, to have Trade and Traffic, which being so, I find not our own Nation excluded.  
Yet admit that there were no likelihood of access: How sweet and pleasant, how ingenious and ingenuous, is the curious Inquisition and speculation of this admirable workmanship of the World, and the nobler parts thereof? I will take a Testimony or two, both of Ancient and Modern Authors.  
Seneca, enquiring after Happiness, affirmeth, Curiosum 
De beata vita.  nobis Natura Ingenium dedit, & Artis sibi & pulchritudinis suae conscia spectatores nos tantis rerum spectaculis genuit; fructum sui perditura, si tam magna, tam clara, tam subtiliter ducta, tam nitida, et non uno genere formosa Solitudini oftenderet: Vt scias illam spectari voluisse; non tantum aspici. And again, Ego terras omnes tanquam meas videbo; meas tanquam omnium. Ego sic vivam tanquam sciam aliis me natum: & Naturae rerum hoc nomine gratias agam. Quo enim melius genere negotium meum agere potuit? unum me donavit omnibus; uni mihi omnes.  
Amongst other Modern Authors Postellus, (himself 
De orbis conc. lib. 3. cap. 25.  a great Traveller) saith, Homo Natura, praeter proprium loquendi munus quo differt a caeteris animantibus, id etiam habet, quod peregrina omnia admiratur & ad insolita obstupescit, atque externis potius quam domesticis capitur. And another industrious Author of latter time, Ingenium humanum 
Kekerm. phys. lib. 2. cap. 3.  est curiosum, & novitatis atque varietatis avidum, semper desiderat aliud genus remotum. And a little after, Quae nova quae rara undeas Ingenium humanum afficiunt; ut stolidus videri debeat, qui de his talibus non aveat disserere, neque secum ipse meditetur ea, & solicitet cum cura pernoscendi. I have therefore thought, that happily there may be many others, which finding the like affections in themselves, may make use of what is here presented.   

The Contents of the Book.  

CHAP. I. OF the Name, Situation, and Greatness of this Kingdom.  
CHAP. II. Of the Climate, and quality of the Country of Cochin-China.  
CHAP. III. Of the fertility of the Land.  
CHAP. FOUR Of the Elephants and Rhinoceros.  
CHAP. V. Of the Temperament, Manners, and Customs of the Cochin-Chinois, Of their manner of Living, Clothing, and Medicines.  
CHAP. VI Of the Civil and Politic Government of Cochin-China.  
CHAP. VII. Of the Forces of the King of Cochin-China, and of the Wars he hath within his Kingdom.  
CHAP. VIII. Of the Commerce, Ports, and Havens, of Cochin-China.    

A Relation of the Kingdom of COCHIN-CHINA.  

CHAP. I. Of the Name, Situation and Greatness of this Kingdom.  
COchin-China being so named by the Portugals, is called in the language of the originary inhabitants Anam, which is the West, in regard it is situate on the West of China; in respect whereof the japanese called it by the name of Coci, which in their tongue hath the same signification that Anam hath with the Cochin-Chineses: But the Portugals which traffic in Anam, are they which of the japonian word Coci and of China, have made and compounded this word Cochin-China, being as much to say, as Cochin of China, to distinguish it from Cochin a City of India frequented by them. And whereas in many maps Cochin-China is commonly called or designed by the name of Cauchin-China, or Cauchine, or some other; It proceedeth either of their 〈…〉 apting the proper name, or else because the makers of the Maps would signify, that this Kingdom is the entrance and beginning of China.  
Cochin-China on the South, confines with the kingdom of Chiampa, about the 11. degree of Northerly Latitude, on the North side; yet somewhat Eastward, it bordereth on Tunchim▪ on the East side it hath the Sea of China; and on the West Northwest the kingdom of Lay.  
In length Cochin-China is held to extend above an hundred Leagues on the Sea coast; from the kingdom of Chiampa, in 11. degrees of Northerly Latitude, reaching to the gulf of Anam in the elevation of about 17. degrees of the same, where the estate of the King of Tunchim beginneth. In breadth it is of no great extent, being straitened within the space of twenty Italian miles, all a plain country, bounded on the one side with the Sea; and hemmed in on the other with a great rank of mountains inhabited by the Kemois, which signifieth Saluages; for although they be Cochin-Chineses, they will not acknowledge the King, nor obey him in any thing, cantoning and fortifying themselves in those mountains, almost inaccessible.  
Cochin-China is divided into five Provinces: The first where the King maketh his abode, joineth upon Tunchim, and is called Sinwa: The second is named Cacciam, in which the Prince the King's son doth reside as governor: The name of the third is Quamguia: The fourth Quignim, to which the Portugals have given the name of Pulucambis: The fifth which bordereth on the Kingdom of Champa, is called Renram.   

CHAP. II. Of the Climate and quality of the Country of Cochin-China.  
THis Kingdom being (as hath been said) between the 11. and 17. degree of Northerly latitude, it followeth consequently that the Country is rather hot then cold: Yet it is not so hot as India, though it have the same elevation of the Pole, and be likewise under the Torrid Zone. The reason of which difference is, because that in India there is no distinction of the four Seasons of the Year: In regard that there their Summer continueth for the space of nine Months together, during which no cloud appeareth in the sky, neither by day nor night; in such sort that the Air is always scorched by reverberation of the Sunbeams. The other three Months they call Winter, not because they are without heat; but by reason of the continual reins which are ordinary there both night and day at that season. And notwithstanding it naturally seems that such continual rain should somewhat refresh the Air▪ Yet the same falling in the Months of May, june, and july, when the Sun is at his highest in the Zenith of India, no winds then stirring but those that are very hot, the Air is thereby so stuffed and thickened, that the heat is then sometimes less tolerable than in the midst of Summer itself: during which there commonly come from the sea, some gentle cooling winds to refresh the Land; without which gracious particular Providence of God, those Countries would be inhabitable.  
This is not so in Cochin-China, which enjoying the four seasons of the Year (howsoever not so exactly distinguished as in Europe) is much better tempered thereby. For notwithstanding that in their Summer which comprehendeth the three Months, june, july, and August, it be there very hot as in a Country seated under the Torrid Zone, and having the Sun in those months, in the highest point of elevation over their heads: Yet in September, October, and November, being their Autumn the heat ceaseth, and the Air is very temperate by reason of the continual reins which do ordinarily fall at those times on the Mountains of the Kemois; from whence there come waters in such abundance, that they overflow all the Country, and joining themselves with the sea they seem to be oneself thing therewith. Moreover these Inundations of waters come commonly once in a fortnight, continuing about three days together▪ The benefit that cometh thereby, is not only the refreshing of the Air, but also the fattening of the earth, making it more fruitful and abundant in all things, and especially in Rice, which is the best Manna, and the commonest nourishment of all the Kingdom. In the other three months of Winter, which are December, january and February, the Northerly winds bring such cold reins, that thereby they sufficiently distinguish Winter from their other seasons of the year. Finally in the Months of March, April and May, there are seen the effects of a pleasant spring-time, all being green and flourishing amongst them.  
Having thus declared these Inundations; I must also acquaint you▪ with some particular curiosities, and remarkable observations thereof, before I conclude this Chapter.  
The first shall be, that they are generally desired of all men, nor only because the Air is refreshed by them, becoming more ●●de● and pleasant, but much more in regard of the fruitfulness which they cause in the Earth: Whereupon as soon as they see them, the pleasure and contentment they have, is such and so great, that they make it sufficiently appear by their visiting, feasting and presenting one the other, crying oft for joy, and all repeating and reiterating Daden Lut▪ Daden Lut, which signifieth, the Water is come▪ the Water is already come: Insomuch that there is none amongst them of what degree or quality soever but Feasteth and rejoiceth: Yea, even the King himself.  
Yet in as much as these inundations come so suddenly, and sometime so unexpected, that when in the Evening they thought not of them, they find themselves in the Morning invested on all sides, and shut up in their houses, and that throughout all the Country it falls out now and then, that they lose their cattle, that have not had the leisure to retire and withdraw them for refuge into the hills, and higher places: In regard whereof there is a constitution in the Kingdom, that those Beefs, Goats, Hogs, and other beasts which are drowned in these deluges, shall no longer belong to the proprietary and owner of them, but shallbe his that first seifeth on them: which custom occasioneth good sport amongst them, in regard that when the water cometh, they betake themselves to their Boats, in quest of such drowned cattle, with which they afterwards make merry, and feast their friends.  
The young Children have also their plays and pastimes according to their age; by reason that these great plains covered over with Rice, abounding likewise with Rats, and Mice, they are forced by the water which hath filled their holes, to save themselves by swimming, and to climb upon the tres for refuge, by means whereof the trees are laden with Rats and Mice, in lieu of leaves and fruits: Thereupon the boys get themselves into boats by bands, betaking themselves to the shaking of the trees, dismounting those Rats and Mice, drowning them in the water; of which their childish disport, there cometh a great good to the Land, which by such means remaineth the more cleared and freed of this vermin; which otherwise by little and little, would much waste and spoil their fields.  
The last commodity yet not the least which the Lut bringeth, is, that every one thereby furnisheth and provideth his house the better of all necessaries; for in three days it maketh all the country navigable every where, with such ease and facility, that there is nothing but may easily be conveyed from one Town to another: in regard whereof they keep all their Fairs and great Markets at these times, when the concourse is always greater than at any other time of the year. In those days also they make their provision of wood for their firing and for Building, which they bring from the Mountains in their Boats, that pass easily through the streets, even into their Houses, which for the purpose are mounted on ranks of pillars, raised very high to give the water a free entrance and issue; every one retiring mean time into the uppermost story of his House▪ Unto which the water (which cannot be sufficiently admired) the Lut or Inundation never mounteth; for they take their measure, so well, through long experience of the height of the waters, that they have no fear thereof, being well assured that the waters will always remain below their Buildings.   

CHAP. III. Of the Fertility of the Land.  
ALbeit one may easily judge of the fruitfulness of Cochin-China, by the profit which the Lut bringeth (as hath been said) yet somewhat may be said in particular.  
The Land becometh so fat and so fruitful by this Lut or overflowing, that thrice every year they gather their Rice, and that in such great quantity and abundance, that there is none will labour for his living, every one having plenteously whereon to live.  
The plenty and the variety of fruits is great all the year long, of as many several sorts as there are in India; for Cochin-China lieth in the same Climate: Yet in particular it hath fairer and greater Oranges than we have in Europe, and those very succulent; the rind of them being so soft, so tender and so savoury, that it is as usually eaten as the inside, which is of as pleasing a relish and taste, as the Lemons of Italy: There are also certain fruits which the Portugals call Bananes, and others term them Indian Figgs, but with no great reason in my opinion, seeing neither the tree which in India is called the figtree, nor yet that of Cochin-China hath any resemblance of our figtree, either in the wood or in the fruit: The tree is like that plant which we call Turkie-wheat, though much higher, and the leaves so long and broad, that two of them will serve to cover a man from the top to the toe, and so compass him round about; which haply made some to be of opinion, that this was the tree of the terrestrial Paradise, with the leaves whereof Adam sought to cover his nakedness: This tree beareth a grape at the top, of twenty, thirty or forty together in a cluster, every of which in his shape, as also in his length and greatness, resembleth the common Citrons of Italy: When the fruit is not ripe, the rind is green of colour, and groweth yellow afterward as the Citrons do: One shall not need a knife to open and to pill this fruit, for the rind thereof cometh away as easily as the husk of young Beans; It hath a pleasing smell, and the yellow flesh or marrow within, is as firm as that of a ripe pear which will melt in the mouth; Whence it appeareth that this tree hath nothing common to the Figtree, but the taste and sweetness.  
There is also another sort of these Fruits, which is not eaten, but roasted and put in Wine. This plant is dried up every year when it hath yielded his fruit, having at his foot a tender sprout for the next year. Moreover▪ that which in Italy they call the figtree of India, hath no resemblance either with the plant or with the fruit of this Bananes: This fruit is also common to all the Provinces of India.  
But in Cochin-China there is another sort which is neither found in China, nor in all India; It is equal in greatness to the greatest Citrons of Italy, and is so substantial, that one of them will satisfy a man, the flesh within is very white▪ they are of a pleasing taste, and exceeding good against the looseness of the belly.  
There is also in Cochin-China another fruit, which I have not seen elsewhere; in India it is called Can, and resembleth in shape and fashion, the outside of the Pomegranate: But the Marrow within is more liquid to be taken and eaten with a Spoon, having an aromatic taste, and is for colour not unlike to a ripe Medlar.  
They have also a fruit like unto our Cherries, but their taste is more like that of the Raisin: In their language they call them Gnoo. Neither are they without Melons, yet not so good as those of Italy; nor are they usually eaten but with Sugar, or Hony. But their Cucumbers or Water-Melons, as others term them, are exceeding great, and most excellent.  
There groweth also a fruit called Gyaque, which is common also elsewhere in India, but not so fair by much, as in Cochin-China, growing on a tree as high as the Walnut or Chess-nut tree, with much longer prickels: This fruit is as great as the greatest Cabbage, for one of them is as much as one man can carry at one time. It is like a Pineapple in the outside, but the inside is tender and soft; full of yellow ears or cloves, whose grains are flat and round as a julio of Italy, or a Teston; and in the midst of each grain is found a bone, which they cast away when they eat the fruit. There are two sorts, those which the Portugals call Giaca-barca, whose meat is firm when the kernel is cast away: The other is not so firm, but rather soft as glue; the taste of either of them is much resembling that of the delicious fruit called Durion, which we are now to describe.  
The Durion is one of the most excellent fruits in the World, which groweth not elsewhere but at Malacca, Borneo, or some Isles thereabouts: There is no great difference between the tree that beareth it, and the Gyaque; the fruit thereof, as well as that of the Gyaque, resembling the Pineapple outwardly, both in the shape, and hardness of his rind: The meat is close to the bone, as in the other, being marvelous white, and in taste and sweetness like the Mangiar-bianco, a delicate dish of the Italians. This meat, and this liquor within the Apple, is in ten or twelve little cells, every of which hath his white meat about the bone as big as a Chess-nut: When you break or open it, there cometh out a very unpleasing smell, like that of a rotten Onion; yet that which is within hath no taste thereof at all, but is sweet and most delicious. Whereupon I will relate a History of what happened where I was present: One being desirous to give a taste of this fruit to a Prelate that was newly come to Malacca, opened it before him, not thinking thereof, whence there came so strong and so unpleasing a savour, that the Prelate became so distasted therewith, that he could not possibly be persuaded to taste thereof: But being set at the Table to his Dinner, amongst other services, there was presented to him a dish containing nothing but the inside of this fruit, which in savour and taste is so like to the Mangiar-bianco, that it was easy to make the Prelate or any other to mistake it, that had not seen it dressed or prepared. He had no sooner put his hand to it, but at the very first morsel which he took, he found the taste so exquisite, that with astonishment he enquired, who was the Cook that had prepared such a delicious white meat; whereunto he that feasted him in his House, made answer smiling, that no other Cook had meddled therewith, but the great GOD, who had furnished this Country with so rare a fruit; which was no other but the Durion which he had in so great horror at the first: Wherewith the Prelate was much astonished, eating thereof with so good an appetite, as if he could not have too much of it. This fruit is held so excellent, that even at Malacca where it groweth, the same is sometimes sold for a Crown a piece.  
In Cochin-China also there is great plenty of another fruit, which the Portugals call Ananes. And albeit there be nothing more common throughout India and in Brazil; yet because I do not find them so well described to my mind, by such as have made mention of them, I will add a word or two concerning the same. This fruit groweth not on any tree, neither cometh it of any seed, but of a root, as our Artichockes do: The stalk and leaf is very like those of the Carduus-thistles and Artichoks: It is round like a colomne or pillar of 9 inches in length, and of such a greatness, that one can scarcely clip it with both his hands. The meat thereof is closed within like as in the Radish: But it hath a harder rind, which is fashioned in resemblance like to the scales of Fishes. It is yellow within when it is ripe, and then the outside being pared away with a Knife, it is usually eaten raw, being of a sharp and sweet relish, when it cometh to his naturity, not unlike to a delicate Pear.  
There is also found in Cochin-China another fruit, peculiar to that Country: It is called of the Portugals, Areca, which groweth on a tree of as strait a body as the Palmtree; hollow within, and hath no leaves but at the top only, as the Palmtree leaves are: In the midst of which there are little boughs on which the fruit hangeth, in bigness and shape like the walnut, having also a green husk like unto it, and the meat within as white and hard as a Chess-nut; yet hath no taste nor savour at all: Therefore it is not eaten alone, but covered with leaves of beetle, being a plant well known in all India, whose leaves are like ivy leaves, and the plant itself climbing on trees as our ivy in Europe. They cut their leaves into small pieces, and in every piece they put a morsel of Areca, so that of one fruit, they make four or five morsels: They use also to put Lime to their Areca; such as they make in that country of Oyster-shells, and not of Lime-stones as they do in Europe. And as with us there are commonly some appointed to dress the Meat, to provide Cates and to perform other offices: So in Cochin-China there is in every house some or other appointed to no other office, but only to enfold these morsels of Areca in the beetle, and the officers that are so employed, who most commonly are women, be called the Betleres. These morsels thus prepared are put into boxes, and they usually go chewing on them all day long, not only within doors, but even when they go up and down the streets, or speak with any, in all places and at all times; But after they have long chewed it and kept it in their mouths without swallowing of it, they spit it out; contenting themselves with the odour and quality which doth marvellously comfort the stomach. This fruit thus prepared, is in such request among them, that when any goeth to the house of another to visit him, he carrieth with him a box thereof, presenting it unto him, which he presently putteth in his mouth; and before he take his leave, he that is so visited, commandeth the Betlere of the house to bring him a box thereof, which he offereth to him that came to him that came to see him, in requital of his courtesy. In such sort that they must always have it prepared in a readiness; and so great is the profit thereof, that the greatest revenue of the Country, consisteth in possessing fields well planted with Areca, as in Europe with Vines and Olives. Tobacco is also used there, though not so frequently as their beetle. There are also Cabbages of all sorts in great abundance, as well as Sugarcanes. Our fruits of Europe are not yet come to Cochin-China; howbeit I am of opinion that the Vine and Figtree would prosper well there. Our herbs, as Lettuce, Succory, Coleworts and such other are growing in Cochin-China, and all over India; yet they bear leaves only without any seed: so that when they would have any new, they are fain to have the seed out of Europe.  
Flesh is also there in great plenty, by reason of the abundance of four footed beasts which they nourish there in their houses, as Kine, Goats, Swine, Buffles, and such other. Of wild beasts, as Hearts, they have many greater than those of Europe; Wild Boars and diverse others. They have great store of Fowls, tame Hens and wild, with which their fields are covered; Turtle-doves, Pigeons, Ducks, Geese and Cranes, which are very savoury meat; besides many others which we have not here in Europe.  
There is also great store of Fish, and that of so exquisite relish and taste, that having crossed so many Seas, and traveled through so many Country's as I have done, methinks I have not found the Fish of any other place, comparable to that of Cochin-China. And by reason that the whole length of the country lieth on the Sea, as I have said, there is such a multitude of Fisher-boats, and Fish-takers, and Fish-carriers throughout the Kingdom, that it is a pretty spectacle to behold so many ranks of men, carrying Fish from the Sea side, even up to the Mountains; in which exercise they employ twenty of the four and twenty hours of the day. And although it be true, that they like better of Fish then of Flesh, yet the chief cause why they are so much given to Fishing is, the desire they have to provide themselves a Sauce which they call Balaciam, that is made of a salted Fish mollified and dissolved in water; whereof they make a biting liquor, not unlike unto Mustard, with which they furnish their Houses in so great a quantity, that they fill Tons and Hogsheads therewith, as in many places of Europe men do with wines▪ yet they use it not for meat by itself, but for sauce only to quicken their appetite in eating of their Rice, which they suppose would otherwise be unsavoury.  
They abound also with Shellfish, with Oysters, and other fruits of the Sea; especially with one kind which they call Cameron.  
But beyond all that hath been said, God's Providence hath privileged them with a rare and exquisite kind of food, which in my opinion cannot be better likened or compared, then to that Manna with which the chosen people of God were fed in the Desert. This kind of food is so peculiar to Cochin-China, that it is not any where else. That which I will say thereof shall not be by hearsay, or by report of any other, but by mine own experience, who have seen and eaten of it often. There is a little Bird in this Country, like unto a Swallow, which fasteneth his nest to the rocks, on which the waves of the Sea do beat, and are broken. This little creature taketh with her bill some of the froth of the Sea, and with a certain humour which she draweth out of her stomach, mingling the one with the other, maketh I know not what claylike bituminous matter, wherewith she after buildeth her nest; which when it is grown to be dry and hard, becometh transparent, and of a mingled colour, betwixt yellow and green. These nests are gathered by those of the Country, and being softened and dissolved in water, serve to season all their Meats, either Flesh, or Fish, Herbs or any thing else; giving such a diversity of relish, and so proper to every of them, that one would think they were prepared with Pepper, cinnamon, Cloves, and all manner of Spices: in such sort, that this little nest is sufficient to season all sorts of Viands without Salt, Oil or Lard, or any other thing: Which made me say that indeed it resembled the Manna, which had in itself the taste of all the most savoury kinds of food; but that this is only the work of a little Bird, whereas the other was prepared by the Angels of God. And of this there is such store, that I have seen ten little boats loaden with these nests, gathered along the Rocks within the space of half a League. But because it is such an exquisite thing, none but the King doth traffic therewith, they are all reserved for him, and the greatest utterance he maketh of them, is for the King of China, who hath them in great esteem.  
They eat not any Milk nor aught made thereof, holding it for a great offence to draw milk from Kine or any other creatures: and their reason for such their scrupulosity is, that they say, the milk was ordained by Nature, for the nourishment of the young ones: As if he to whom the little ones appertain, could not dispose of the nutriment due unto them.  
They eat certain things which we loath and abhor as venomous; namely the Chameleons, which are greater there, than those which being dried, are brought out of strange Countries oftentimes into Italy. I have seen some brought by a friend of mine, bound, and packed up, which he cast upon the burning coals, and as soon as their bands were burnt, they marched fair and softly after their manner, on the live coals, till such time as they felt the force of the fire, which they endured for a while, being of a very cold constitution; but in the end they were roasted and broiled, whereupon this friend of mine, drew them to him, and scraping away the burnt skin with a Knife, found their flesh to be exceeding white, which he brayed and sod with a little sauce like unto Butter, and eat them as a most excellent meat, inviting me thereunto: But I was contented with the sight of it.  
Of all other things requisite for the entertainment of a man's life, Cochin-China is also very sufficiently provided. As first for apparel, there is such abundance of Silk, that the handicraft men, and the base sort of people wear it daily. By occasion whereof, I have diverse times taken pleasure to see the men and women travel in carrying Stones, Earth, Lime and other like things, without any regard taken of the tearing or fouling their fair and rich apparel which they wear. Yet this will not seem strange to any, that shall know how these high Mulberry trees, by whose leaves the Silkworms are nourished, are as plentiful here in these large plains, as Hemp is with us, and no longer time in growing. In such sort, that in a few Months the Worms come forth of them, and nourish themselves in the Air▪ spin out their Silk in due time, and make their Cod's, Bladders and Bottoms, in so great a quantity and abundance, that not only the Inhabitants have enough for their own necessary uses and occasions; but they furnish japan also, and send Silk to the Kingdom of Lais, wherehence it is also carried into the Kingdom of Thibet: For albeit the Silk be not so fine and delicate, yet it is stronger and more substantial than that of China.  
Their Buildings and Houses are all of wood▪ yet in regard thereof they need not envy any other Province; because that without any exaggeration, the Wood and Timber of this country is the best of all the world, by the judgement of those that have been in many places. Amongst that great number and exceeding great diversity of trees which they have, there are two sorts most commonly employed in their Buildings, which are so incorruptible, that they are not endamaged by being in the water, or under the earth: They be so solid also and so weighty, that they will not swim on the water, but serve for Anchors. One of these kinds of wood is black, yet not so black as the Ebeny: The other is red; being both of them so smooth and even, that when the Bark is taken away, they need no plaining or smoothing. These trees are called Tin, and haply he should not much be deceived, that should be of opinion that the trees which Solomon used in the building of the Temple, were of the same incorruptible Timber; seeing we know already by the Scripture, that those which he employed were called Ligna Thyine, 2. Chro. 9 10. 11. which approacheth very near their name. The mountains of Cochin-China are covered all over with these trees which are exceeding strait, and of such unmeasurable height, that they seem to touch the clouds with their tops; and therewith so thick, that two men cannot circled them about. With these trees do the inhabitants of Cochin-China build their houses; of which it is lawful for every one to take on the mountains as many as he will. Their houses are built upon pillars that are very high and sound, and well underlaid; unto which they join boards and planks, which they can take off and lay on again, as they list to change them with Grates or Lattices of Canes and Reeds, which they interlace curiously to let in the Air in times of heat; partly also to give the water free passage in and out, and that their boats may have egress and regress in the time of inundations. They use also a thousand devices and inventions to beautify and adorn their houses; carving their boards and planks with curious workmanship, and making their habitations delightful with variety of garnishment.  
Now whiles we are discoursing of Trees, I will add somewhat as concerning another kind of wood which is their most precious merchandise: This is that renowned wood called Aquila and Calamba, which are the same in regard of the wood, yet much different in the reckoning made of them, as also in their virtue and efficacy. There is good store of these trees, especially on the mountains of the Kemois, which are very great and very high. If this wood be cut from a young trunk or stock, than they call it Aquila; whereof there is such plenty, that every one may take as much as he will: But when this wood is taken from an old tree, this is the Calamba, which were exceeding hard to be gotten, if Nature had not holpen in that behalf, placing these trees at the top of the highest, steep, and craggy mountains, where they may quietly grow without any wrong or violence done them. There are falling from them from time to time, some branches which break of themselves from the body of the tree; either by becoming blasted and withered, or by extremity of old age, which are found to be rotten and worm-eaten. This is the high-prised and renowned Calamba, which far surpasseth the common Aquila, in efficacy and sweetness of scent. Every one may sell of the Aquila at his pleasure; but the traffic of the Calamba is reserved to the King alone, for the excellent odour and sovereign virtue thereof. And certainly in those places where it is gathered, it is so sweet, and so odoriferous, that proving certain pieces of it, which had been given me, I buried them more than five foot under ground; yet notwithstanding they betrayed themselves by their sweet smell. This Calamba where it is gathered, is valued at five Ducats the pound; yet at the Port of Cochin-China it yieldeth more; and scarcely to be had under sixteen Ducats the pound: And being transported to japan, it is valued at two hundred Ducats the pound: But if one meet with a piece of such greatness that a man may lay his head on it, as on a pillow; the japonese will give three or four hundred Ducats the pound for it: because they find by experiment (as they say) that it is better for health, to have some hard thing under one's head when he sleepeth, than a soft pillow of feathers: which because they hold to be unwholesome, they use ordinarily a piece of wood for a Bolster to rest their head on; which every one according to his ability, will have as costly as he can get. And if it be made of Calamba, they account it a pillow for a Prince. Now the Aquila, howsoever it be of less estimation and value then the Calamba; yet it is of such account and worth, that one Ships lading of Aquila is sufficient to enrich a Merchant all his life. And the best recompense that the King can give to a Captain of Malacca, is, to trade and traffic with this Aquila: by reason that the Brachmen and Banians of India, being accustomed to burn the bodies of the dead with this odoriferous wood, will quickly dispatch and rid him of an infinite quantity thereof.  
In conclusion, there are also in Cochin-China, many Mines of the preciousest Metals, and of Gold especially. So to comprehend in few words the fertility of this country, which meriteth a more larger discourse; I will conclude this Chapter with that which the Merchants of Europe that trade thither commonly say, That the riches of Cochin-China are greater than those of China itself; which is known to be so exceeding rich and plentiful in all good things.   

CHAP. FOUR Of the Eelphants and Rhinoceros.  
THere are many Elephants in the woods of Cochin-China; of which they make no use, because they have not the skill to catch them and to make them tame, but they have some brought unto them from a neighbouring country called Cambogia, which are instructed and disciplined before. These are as great again as the Indian Elephants, the print of their foot which they leave behind them, is a foot and half in the Diameter: The teeth which come out of their mouths, of which ivory is made, are oft times thirteen, sometimes fourteen foot in length; but those of the female Elephants are much shorter: Whence may easily be conjectured, how much greater the Elephants of Cochin-China are, than those which are brought into Europe, whose teeth are not above two foot and a half in length.  
They are long lived; and thereupon when I once demanded how old one of them was, his Conductor answered me, that he was threescore years old when he was brought out of Cambogia, and had lived forty years in Cochin-China.  
And because I have traveled many times on Elephants in this Kingdom, I can report many things of them which will seem very strange, but are nevertheless true.  
The Elephant doth ordinarily carry thirteen or fourteen persons, who are thus in this manner accommodated; Even as we put Saddles on our Horses, so do they put upon their Elephants, a kind of Engine fashioned like unto a great Horslitter, within the which there are four seats; and it is fastened and tied with chains under the belly of the Elephant, in like manner as the Saddle is with the Girths to the Horse. This Litter hath two entries or open places on each side, in which are bestowed six persons, being ranked by three and three; and another behind, wherein two persons are placed; and then the Nayre, (who is as the Coachman or Conductor) placing himself on the Head of the Elephant, that he may guide and govern him. It hath not only happened unto me to travel by Land in this manner, but many times also by Water, passing in this sort over some arm of the Sea, sometimes more than half a league from the Land▪ And to speak truth, it is a marvelous thing to him that never saw it; to see such a great and huge mass of flesh, loaden with so heavy a burden, to go swimming and crossing the waters like a Boat with Oars. True it is, that he made it sufficiently appear, that he suffered much, as well in the pains he took to carry the great mass of his body, as for his difficulty of breathing; Insomuch that to ease and refresh himself in this great travel, he took up the water in his trunk, and cast it up so high in the air, that one might have thought it had been some Whale of the Sea.  
By reason of his great corpulency, it is an extreme difficulty for him to bow down; and although he must needs do it, for the commodity of those that are to go out or enter into the Litter, yet he never doth it but when the Nayre commandeth him; and if whiles he is so bowed down, any make too long stay, either in complying with friends or otherwise; he raiseth himself on his feet, with impatience to remain so long in such a violent posture.  
It is no less wonder, to see how at the commandment of the Nayre, he maketh his body in manner of a Ladder, for the greater commodity of those that are to enter into the Litter: For the first step, he offereth his Foot, which is distant enough from ground; for the second he presenteth his Pastern, at a convenient distance from the first; and for the third, he boweth his Knee▪ the fourth step, is on the bone of his Flank which is cast somewhat outward for the purpose; and from thence he receiveth you on his trunk, and carrieth you to a chain fastened to his Litter.  
Hereby evidently appeareth, how much they have been deceived who have written, that the Elefant could neither bow himself nor lie down, and that the only way to take him, was to cut the tree against which he was to lean when he went to sleep: because that by the fall of that tree which was to sustain and support him, he must of force fall down without any ability to raise himself again: by which means, he should be an assured prey to the Hunter that pursued him. All this is but a fable; although it be out of doubt, that he never lieth down to sleep: that Situation being so incommodious and violent for him, as hath been expressed: and therefore he sleepeth always standing, with a continual agitation of his head.  
In occasion of War and Battle, they take off the covering of the Litter, wherehence, as out of a Tower, the Soldiers fight with Arrows and Muskets, and sometimes also with Field-pieces; the Elephant having strength enough to carry them: For this beast is exceeding strong, and hath not his like. I have seen one myself, carry excessive burdens on his trunk: Another that lifted up a great piece of Artillery: Another alone to draw ten small Boats one after another, taking them between his Teeth, with great dexterity, and casting them into the Sea. I have seen others, pull up great Trees by the roots, as easily as a man would pull up a Colewort or a Lettuce: With as much facility they will throw down and overturn Houses, beat down whole Streets, when they are commanded in the Wars, to endamage the enemy, and in Peace, when a House is on fire, that it take not hold of the rest.  
The trunk of the Elephant is long, proportionally to the rest of his body, so that without stooping or bowing down, he can easily reach from the ground, what he list: It is composed of many little nerves, bound, and linked one unto the other, in such sort, that on the one side, it is so flexible and maniable, that he extendeth and turneth it as he list, to receive any the least things; and on the other side, it is therewithal, as hard and strong as we have said.  
His whole body is covered with a hard and rough ash▪ coloured skin: His ordinary travel, is 12. leagues a day. His motion to those that are not used unto it; bringeth the like incommodity as they find in the Ship, that are not accustomed to Sea-voyages.  
For the docility of the Elephant, I shall say more marvelous things, than those which are ordinarily rehearsed: Which will make it manifest, that with great reason it was said by one, Elephanto belluarum nulla prudentior; seeing he doth such things as will give men just cause to believe, that they cannot see how they should be done, without Intelligence and Prudence.  
First then, the Nayre useth an Instrument of Iron about the length of four hands breadth, with which he doth sometimes beat or prick him, with a sharp crook which is in the end thereof, to awaken him, and make him attentive to what is commanded him, yet notwithstanding he doth ordinarily rule and direct him with words, in such sort, that he seemeth to understand his language: And there are of them, that understand three or four, according to the Countries where they have lived. So it seemed that he on which I traveled, understood the Language of Cambogia, whence he was brought, and that of Cochin-China, where he served. But who would not wonder to see the Nayre talking to his Elephant, informing him of his voyage, of the ways he is to go, in what Inn he intendeth to lodge, what provision he shall find there, and to tell him particularly what he is to do in all that journey throughout; and that the Elephant performeth all with as much punctuality, as a man of sound judgement. In such sort, that having understood whither he is to go, he goeth strait directly thither, without seeking of a beaten way, and without any astonishment, if he meet with rivers, Woods, or Mountains, but imagining that he shall every where make his passage, he passeth through all difficulties: For if there be a River in his way, he either wadeth, or swimmeth through it; If he be to pass through a Wood, he breaketh the branches that hinder him, pulleth up whole Trees with his trunk, and cutteth off others with a sharp Iron, made like unto a scythe, which for such purposes is fastened unto the forepart of the Litter; and when occasion serveth, he draweth first the branches and boughs to him, than he taketh this Iron and cutteth them away; making himself an open passage through the thickest Forests whatsoever, whereby men perceive that the Elephant hath been there and opened the way. All this he doth easily, and readily to execute the commandments of the Nayre. One only thing this beast findeth incommodious and grievous, which is, when any thorn or other sharp thing pricketh the soles of his feet, which he hath very tender and sensible; going therefore but softly, and with great circumspection, when he is to pass through such dangerous places. I was once on a journey, in which there were seven or eight Elephants in company, when I hard the Nayres each of them advertising his beast to take heed to their footing, because they were to go for the space of half a League, through certain sandy places, in which there were commonly some Thorns growing: At which warning the Elephants bowed down their heads, and looking attentively with their eyes, as men commonly do when they seek after somewhat that is lost, they went fair and softly, with great heedfulness, whiles they were in that danger, till such time as being told that they were past fear, they lifted up their heads, and continued their pace as before. In the evening, being come to their Inn, the Nayres bid the Elephants go to pasture in a Wood, without taking their Litters from their backs: And when I questioned them why they did not discharge them of that burden, they answered me, that the Elephants were to feed on the boughs, and bodies of trees, and therefore that they might cut them down at their pleasure, with the sharp Iron we speak of, they were to keep on their Litters. The next day, being to lodge in a place where there was no Wood, the Nayres brrought each of them a great faggot of green trees for their Elephants, I took great delight to observe how one of them with his trunk took these boughs more nimbly than the rest, pulled them with his teeth, and did eat them after with as good an appetite as we would eat a fig, or any other fruit. The next day discoursing with the other travellers, being about some twenty persons, I told them what pleasure I took in beholding how handsomely this Elephant did make shift to feed on those boughs. Whereupon the Nayre by commandment of the owner of this Elephant, called him aloud by his name, which was Gnin, who being gone a little aside, presently lifted up his head, as harkening what he would say to him: Remember saith the Nayre the father the passenger, that was pleased▪ yesterday to see thee eat: Take presently a truncheon such as thou hadst then; and come into his presence, doing as thou didst: No sooner had the Nayre spoken, but the Elephant holding a Truncheon in his mouth, cometh before me, and finding me out amongst the rest, presenteth it unto me; then peeleth and eateth it, and doing me a profound reverence, retireth himself as it were laughing, with signs of gladness and rejoicing: And I remained astonished, to see in a beast so much aptness to understand and to do what was commanded him. Yet is he obedient to none but to the Nayre or to his Master, and endureth not to see any other get upon him; which if any attempt to do, and he see it, they doubt he would cast down his Litter, and kill him with his trunk. Therefore when any are to get up on him, the Nayre covereth his eyes with his ears, which are very huge and unhandsome. When he showeth himself resty in doing what is commanded him, and doth it not so readily as he ought, the Nayre having both his feet upon his head, beateth and chastiseth him sound, giving great blows with a staff, in the midst of his forehead. Once we being many in a company on an Elephant that carried us, and the Nayre beating him in such sort as we have said, we expected at every blow he received, that he would have cast us down. They give him ordinarily six or seven blows on hisforehead, but with such vehemency, that the Elephant trembleth every Limb and joint; yet endureth it with much patience.  
There is only one occasion wherein he will not be ruled by the Nayre nor by any man, which is, when on the sudden he entereth into Rutilio: for then being beside himself, as if he were mad, he endureth no body; but taketh his Litter with his trunk, battering and breaking all to pieces. Yet ordinarily the Nayre perceiving it a little before, by certain signs, alighteth off him, and likewise the company; and taking off the Litter from his back, leaveth him in some close corner alone till his heat be overpassed: after which, as if he were ashamed of his disorder, he goeth holding down his head, submitting himself to the blows and bastinadoes which he seemeth to himself to have well deserved.  
These beasts in former times have been of great use in the Wars, and such Armies as came into the field with great bands of them, were much feared. But since the Portugals found out the invention to encounter them with Torches and Firebrands, they have rather been hurtful then profitable, because being not able to abide those fiery flames before their eyes, they furiously fled away, putting their own Armies in disarray, killing and overthrowing all that stood in their way.  
The tame Elephant fighteth only with two sorts of beasts, which are the Wild Elephant, and the Abade or Rhinoceros; for this latter he is commonly two hard, but by the former he is ordinarily overcome.  
The Abade is a beast which hath some resemblance of the Ox, and somewhat of the Horse; and is of the bigness of a little Elephant: He is covered all over with Scales, which is to him as an armour; he hath but one horn in the midst of his forehead, which groweth strait, being form like a Pyramid: his feet and hooves like those of an Ox. Whiles I was at Novoemon a Town in the Province of Pulucambes, the Governor went out once to hunt an Abade, which was in a Wood not far from our dwelling: He was accompanied with more than a hundred, some on foot, others on horseback, with eight or ten Elephants. The Abade cometh out of the Wood, and at the sight of so many enemies, not only showeth no sign of fear, but furiously goeth against them all; thereupon the company dividing themselves into two wings, the Abade runneth through the midst of them, and came to the rearward where the Governor was mounted on an Elephant, which sought to take hold on the Abade with his trunk, but could not, by reason that the other made so many leaps and friskoles, seeking to pierce the Elephant with his horn. The Governor knowing well that this beast could not be wounded, but where he had no Scales, which was only in his flank, watched when in his leaping his belly was towards him; and taking his advantage, threw a dart at him, with which he pierced him through, which caused great acclamations and shoutings of joy throughout all his troop; who there presently in the field made a great bonfire of wood, wherein whiles the Scales of the beast were a burning, they danced and leapt about it; and when, as by degrees, the flesh came to be roasted, they cut out every one his Carbonado, and merrily eat it. Then they opened the Abade to take out his Heart, his Liver and his Brain, whereof they made a delicate dish, which they presented to the Governor, who had retired himself somewhat aside to a higher place, where he sollased himself with their jollity. I being present at this piece of service, obtained of the Governor, the Nails or Hoofs for my share, which are esteemed to have the like virtue and property, that the Hoof of the Elk hath. The Horn also is thought to be as sovereign against poison, as the Unicorn's Horn is held to be.   

CHAP. V. Of the Temperament Manners and Customs of the Cochin-Chinois, Of their manner of Living, Clothing, and Medicines.  
THe Cochin-Chinois are little differing from the Chinois in their Countenance, being all of Olive colours; those I mean that are toward the Sea: for the others which are farther into the Land towards Tunchim, are as white as those of Europe. In the lineaments of their faces they are like the Inhabitants of China; flat nosed as they are, with little eyes. They are of a mean stature; neither so little as the japonois, nor yet so tall as the Chinois; but in strength and agility of body, they exceed them both: They surpass the Chinois also in courage and valour: only the japonois surmount them in one thing, which is, their contempt of life in perils and conflicts: for these japonois seem to make no account thereof, and to have no fear of death at all. The Cochin-Chinois is more gentle and courteous in conversation, than any other nation of the East: and albeit on the one side they stand much upon their valour; yet on the other side, they hold it as infamous to be transported with choler. And whereas all the other Eastern nations hold the Europeans for profane people, and have them naturally in horror; in such sort, that when we land in any of their Countries, they betake themselves to flight. In Cochin-China on the contrary, they contend who shall converse with us most; they ask us many questions, they invite us to eat with them, using all kind of Courtesy, Civility, and Familiarity. So it happened with me and my companions at our first arrival there; where it seemed unto us, as if we were amongst our ancient acquaintance. By which occasion, there is a fare Gate opened for the Preaching of the Gospel of jesus Christ amongst them..  
Of this gentle and pleasing disposition, and of this facility of manners, there cometh that great union, and good intelligence, which they have amongst themselves, conversing together one with the other, as openly, with as much Candour, as if they were all brethren, bred, and brought up together in the same House, though they never saw each other before. And it would be held a great baseness amongst them, if any should eat any thing, were it never so little, without imparting it to those that are with him, and giving to every one his morsel. They are of a liberal inclination, and beneficent to the poor, never refusing their alms to those that ask it, and would think they had failed much in their duty, if they had denied them, as holding themselves bound in justice to relieve those that are in want. By means whereof, it happened that some strangers making ship-wrackein one of the ports of Cochin-China, and having no knowledge of the tongue, by which they might beg what they needed, holp their necessity sufficiently by learning this one word, Doij, which signifieth, I am hungry: For as soon as they perceived strangers complaining in such a manner, and crying Doij at their doors, they went out all avie, being touched with compassion, and gave them somewhat to eat, whereby they got suddenly so much provision, that the King having granted them a Ship, to carry them into their Country, there was not one of them willing to take that opportunity, they were become so affected to that Country, where they had found such as would liberally furnish them wherewith to sustain themselves without working▪ Insomuch that the Captain of the Ship was driven to constrain them with a good cudgel, and with the flat of his Sword, to embark themselves, as they did with good store of Rice which they had gathered, going but from door to to door, and crying, I am hungry.  
But as these Cochin-Chinois do show themselves prompt and liberal in giving, so are they as much or more in requesting whatsoever they see to their liking; for they no sooner can cast their eye on any thing which they think rare and curious, but they are desirous thereof, and will say unto you Sin Mocaij, which signifieth, give me one of those: and they hold it a great discourtesy to deny them any thing, though it be rare and precious, or no more such to be had; and account him base that refuseth them, whereby men are driven either to hide what they have, or to be ready to bestow it on him that shall ask it.  
A Portugal Merchant, nothing liking this strange custom (as indeed there are few that like well of it) seeing himself every day importuned to give whatsoever good thing he had, was one day disposed to carry himself in like manner toward them; and so coming to a poor Fisherman's boat, and laying hands on a great panier full of Fish, he saith unto him in the language of that Country, Sin Mocaij, Give me this; the good man without further discourse gave him the panier as it was, to carry away, which the Portugal carried to his House accordingly, wondering at the liberality of the poor man. But having consideration of his poverty, he paid him afterward the value.  
Their terms of Civility, Courtesy, and Entertainment, are very near those which are used in China, the inferiors using great respect toward their superiors, as also those of the same rank, practising one towards another all those petty punctualities, and compliments, which are peculiar to the Chinois: Especially the great reverence they bear to the aged; always preferring the ancientest, of what degree or condition soever they are; and giving to the aged all kind of preeminence above the younger. And so some of these Lords coming often to visit us in our House, though they had been sufficiently advertised by the Interpreter, that a certain Father being more aged than the rest was not our superior, they could not possibly forbear to salute him that was old before the superior, being much younger.  
In all the Houses of Cochin-China, be they never so poor, three sorts of sitting are used. The first, and least of all is▪ on a Matt stretched out on the ground; whereon all do sit, that are of the like quality and degree. The second is on certain Coards or Girts, stretched out and covered with a finer kind of Mats than the former, where those of the better rank place themselves. The third is on a Tent which is raised from the ground, about some two foot and a half, made in manner of a Bed, which is reserved only for the Governors, or Lords of the place, or for such as are dedicated to the Service of God: On which they always make our Fathers to sit.  
Of this gentle and agreeable humour of the Cochin-Chinois cometh; the account they make of Strangers, giving them liberty to live according to their own law, and to apparel themselves as they think good, commending their course of living, admiring their Learning, and frankly preferring it before their own; contrary to the Chinois, which make no reckoning, but of their own Country, their own fashions, and their own Doctrine.  
Concerning their Apparel and Clothing, we have already said, that Silk is so common in Cochin-China, that all are clad therewith. It only remaineth to speak of the Fashions which they use: And to begin with the Women, I must confess, that their habit hath always seemed unto me, to be the most Modest of all India, for they cannot endure any part of their bodies to be uncovered; no not in the greatest heats. They wear five or six Taffetas, one upon another, all of several colours. The first reacheth down to the ground, which they make train along, with such Gravity, Decency, and Majesty, that one cannot discern so much as the end of their feet; the next is four or five finger's breadth shorter; the third cometh short of the second; and so are the rest, the one shorter than the other; in such sort, that all the colours are discerned. This is their Habit ftom the Girdle downwards. Their bodies they cover with certain curious Stuffs, which are wrought Eschecquer-wise of sundry colours, casting over it so fine and thin a veil, that all this diversity, and variety may easily be perceived through it, like a pleasant and gracious Springtime, accompanied with great Gravity, and Modesty. They wear their hair loosely, hanging on their shoulders, which they suffer to grow so long, that it reacheth to the ground, and the longer it is, the fairer it is accounted. They wear a great Hat on their Heads, with such broad brims that they cover all their Faces, and suffer them not to see more than three or four paces before them; and these Hats are woven or interlaced with Silk, and Gold, according to the quality of the persons: The Women are not bound to any further courtesy in the Saluting of any whom they meet, then to lift up their Hats so far that their Faces may be seen.  
The men in stead of Breeches wrap themselves with a whole piece of Stuffe, clothing themselves over it in the like manner, with five or six garments which are long and large, all of fine Silk, of sundry colours, with great large Sleeves, not unlike those that the Benedictines use to wear. These garments of theirs, from the girdle downwards, are all becut and slashed with curious devices; in such sort that as they go through the Town, they make such a show of all these colours mingled together, that if never so little a wind should happen to blow upon their garments, one might say they were so many Peacocks going about showing the variety of their plumes.  
They let their Hair grow as the women do theirs, even down to their heels, and wear their Hats in like manner. They which have any Beard, of which their are but few, do neveruse to cut it, conforming themselves therein with the Chinois; as also in letting the Nails of their fingers grow, which the Gentry do not use to have cut, keeping them as tokens of Nobility, to distinguish them from the Common people and the Artificers; who may not wear them long, lest they should be hindered by them in their work: whereas the Gentlemen have such long ones, that they cannot gripe any thing in their hands. They cannot relish our fashion of cutting our Hair and our Nails, because they suppose them to have been given by Nature for an ornament. When we were once in discourse about the Hair, they made an objection▪ to which it was not very easy to make answer on the sudden: If, said they, the Saviour of the world, (to whom ye profess that ye seek to conform yourselves in all your actions) did wear his Hair long after the manner of the Nazarites, as ye assure yourselves, and as appeareth in the Pictures of him which ye have shown us, why do ye not the like? adding thereunto, for more force of argument, that the Saviour of the world, wearing his Hair at the full length, gave us to understand it was the best fashion: Yet notwithstanding they contented themselves, when we told them that our imitation did not consist in the exterior man or in the outward habit.  
The Learned sort and the Doctors, apparel themselves somewhat more gravely, without so many colours and cuttings; covering the rest of their garments with a Gown of black Damask: they wear also a kind of Stole, hanging about their Neck, and a Maniple of blue Silk on their Arm, covering their heads commonly with a Cap, not unlike to a Bishop's Mitre. The men as well as the women, have ever a Fan in their hands very like ours here in Europe; which they carry more for countenance then otherwise. But whereas we in Europe use to be clad in blacks, during our mourning, they use the white on like occasion: when they salute any, they never uncover their head, holding that for a discourtesy and full of irreverence, unbefitting; wherein they agree in opinion with those of China.  
The Cochin-Chinois use neither Hose nor Shoes, but only take at the most, to keep the soles of their feet from what might offend them, a sole of Leather, made fast and tied upon the foot with some buttons and ribbons of Silk, after the manner of Sandales: not accounting it any way undecent to go without Stockens or Hose and Shoes. And albeit, going after such a manner shod or unshod, they often times find their feet very dirty, they reckon little of it, having for the purpose in every house, at the entry of the Hall, a Basin of fair water in which they wash their feet; and such of them as use to wear Sandals, leave them there to put on again when they go forth, having no need to use them within doors, where the ground being covered with Mats, they fear no fouling of them.  
The ordinary food of the Cochin-Chinois is Rice, and it seemeth a strange thing, that this Country being so plentiful in all kinds of Flesh, Fowl, Fish and Fruits, that nevertheless, they feed still on Rice; wherewith they commonly fill themselves at the beginning of their repast, and then by way of ceremony, do but assay and taste of all the other Viands. So that Rice is to them the principal and chief, as bread is with us, which they eat alone without sauce or mixture, either of Butter, Oil or Suggar, but only seething of it in water; whereof they use no more than will serve to keep it from sticking to the Pot, and so from being burnt; by reason whereof the grains remain still entire, being only a little mollified, and moistened. They find moreover by experience, that the not using to season the Rice maketh it digest the more easily; whence it is, that throughout all the East they accustom themselves to eat four times a day at the least, and that plentifully, to supply the necessity of Nature.  
The Cochin-Chinois eat sitting cross-legged on the ground, having a round Table before them, brest-high, curiously wrought, and the edge or border about it gilded with Silver or Gold, according to the quality of the persons. This Table is not very great, the custom being, that every one have a several Table; and that as many guests as are invited or expected, so many Tables be prepared for them▪ which is also observed when they eat in private, unless haply the Husband and Wife, or the Father and the Son be contented with one Table. They have neither knives nor forks at the Table, not needing any. They have no need of knives, because their morsels are before cut out in the Kitchen; and in lieu of forks they have little sticks finely polished which they put betwixt their fingers in such sort, that with their dexterity they can take up any thing therewith. They have as little need of table Napkins, seeing they never soul their hands, but always take up their meat with those sticks.  
They invite one another often to Feasts and Banquets, in which they serve many other sorts of Cates besides those I have mentioned: Yet therein they serve no Rice, because they suppose that every one hath enough at home. And how poor soever he be that giveth entertainment, they think he hath not done fairly, if every of the guests have not his Table served with an hundred dishes at least. Also, because they use to invite all their Friends, Kinsfolk and Neighbours to these feasts, there is seldom any such meeting, at which there are not thirty, forty, or fifty, and sometimes an hundred, or two hundred persons. I was once myself at one of these Sollemne-Feasts, in which the Guests were no less than two thousand. Therefore such Feasts are made in the open fields, that there may be room enough to place so many Tables: Neither ought it to be found strange, that these Tables being not great, there should be an hundred Dishes served thereon at once; because at such times by a marvelous pretty device, they place a little castle on the Table, having sundry Stages made of Suger-canes, on which they bestow in very good order, all these Dishes, in which also there is contained whatsoever the Country yieldeth, as well of Flesh, Fish, Foule, Fourefooted-beasts, both wild and tame, as also all sorts of fruits which the season afordeth: For if there be any one wanting, it is very disgraceful to the entertainment; and they will scarce vouchsafe it the name of a Feast. The Masters are first served, by their principal attendants, who eat in their Master's places when they are risen; being served by inferior servants, which succeed them in their turn. And because they cannot devour all that is prepared, and the custom is to make a clean riddance of all, as soon as these are satisfied, there cometh yet a base sort of followers, who when they have also eaten their fill, use to put up the remnant in bags which they bear for that purpose, and carry it home to feast the Lackeys and Scullions of the Kitchen, who make good cheer with it; and then the Ceremony endeth.  
They have no Grapes in Cochin-China, therefore in stead of wine they use a kind of drink made of Rice distilled in a Limbicke, which hath the taste of Aquavitae, and resembleth it in colour, being also of like Acrimony, subtility and Vivacity. They have such abundance thereof, that every one drinketh commonly as much as he list; and are no less drunken therewith, than others are with wine in these parts. Yet those of the better sort, use to allay it with another drink made of Calamba distilled, which giveth it a pleasant savour and acceptable odour, being an excellent composition.  
They use also to drink a days, of a certain warm water, in which the root of an herb which they call Chia hath sod, of which this drink taketh the name, being very cordial, and not a little helpful to disperse the noisome humours of the stomach, and to facilitate the digestion. The like is used in japan and China also; saving that in China, in lieu of the root, they seeth only the leaves of the tree, and in japan they take them in powder, but the effects are the same; and they all call it Chia.  
Concerning their Physicians, and manner of curing their diseases, I can say there are many, as well Portugal's as natives of the Country; and it is often seen, that many unknown maladies, for which the Physicians of Europe know no remedies, have been discovered and cured easily by those of that Country. And it happeneth sometimes, that the Portugal Physicians give over a diseased person, supposing him in a desperate estate, who is afterward easily cured by a Physician of that Country, if they send for him.  
The Method used by them is this, that as soon as they enter into the sick persons chamber, they sit down a while near unto his bed, to settle the stirring of their spirit, which they have contracted in their coming; then they feel the party's pulse with much attention and circumspection, saying afterward unto him, you have such a Sickness; and if it be uncurable they say unto him sincerely, I have no Medicine for this Malady: which is a shrewd sign that the sick person will not escape. But if they judge the Malady to be such as may be healed by their Remedies, they will say, I have that which will heal you, and by such a time I will set you on your feet. Then they agree upon the Salary that the Physician shall have, in case he cure the disease; which they measure and proportion according to the quality of the disease, and so make the contract. The Physician afterward composeth his Medicine himself, without any Apothecary, for they have none there for fear of disclosing the secret of their Medicines, which they conceal as much as they also can; partly because they dare not trust any other with the Ingredients they prescribe. If the sick person recover his health by the time prefixed, he is to give the price agreed on: If he fail of his cure, the Physician looseth both his labour, and his charge.  
The Medicines which they use to give, are not like unto ours, which are distasteful, mollifiing and loosening the belly; but are as pleasing as their Pottage, and nourishing withal, so that they need no other aliment: Whence it cometh that they give of it oftentimes a day, as we would give broth to the diseased from time to time. And their Medicines do not alter Nature, but assist it in her ordinary functions, drying up the peccant humours, without any trouble to the sick person at all.  
here is offered me a thing worth the relation: A Portugal falling sick there, called unto him the Physicians of Europe, who after they had visited him a while, gave him over for a dead man, and came no more at him. A Physician of that Country being sent for, undertaketh to cure him within a certain time, charging him straitely, that whiles he had him in cure, he should not meddle with Women: Otherwise there was no hope. The sick man taketh the Medicines appointed, and within few days he finddeth himself so well recovered, that he took no great care of performing what the Physician had enjoined. Thereupon the Physician coming to visit his Patient, and perceiving his Incontinency by the change of his pulse, adviseth him to dispose himself to death, because he was past all hope, for he knew no remedy now to save his life: And that nevertheless he was to pay him the Money agreed on between them; because if he died, it was his own fault. Sentence was given for the Physician, the Patient Died.  
They have also the use of Blood-letting by Phlebotomy; yet are they more sparing thereof, then with us in Europe; neither do they use Lancets, but have many Goose-quills, into which they fasten diverse little pieces of Porcelain that are very sharp, fashioned and placed like the teeth of a Saw, some greater, and some less. And when they are to open a Vein, they apply one of these quills thereunto, and giving a little stroke thereon with their finger, they open the Vein with the Porcelain, which entereth no further than is requisite. But that which is yet more strange, is, that when they have drawn Blood sufficiently, they use no band, nor Ligature about it: but only wetting their thumb with a little spittle, they press it on the wound, and make the skin return to his place, the Blood suddenly staunching, and the overture closing together: Which I attribute to their opening of it with the Porcelain, which maketh the Vein to close up, and to heal so easily.  
They are not without Surgeons, that have wonderful secrets; I bring no other proof, but what they have practised on myself, and one of our Brethren my Companion. Having fallen from a very high place, I fell on my stomach, against the edge of Stone, in such sort, that I began to spit blood, and my Breast was sorely bruised and hurt, some of our Europian remedies were used, but I found no help nor ease, until a Chirurgeon of that Country, taking a quantity of a certain Herb, like unto the Herb Mercury, and making a Plaster thereof, applied it to my Stomach; then boiled some of the same herb with water, for me to drink, and made me eat of the same raw, as it was: And in few days, I was perfectly healed. To make trial thereof again, I caused the leg of a Hen to be broken in many places, and a Plaster of this Herb to be applied thereunto, and within few days, the Hen's leg was made whole and entire again.  
A Scorpion had bit one of our Brethren on the Neck, (who was my Companion) such biting being held to be deadly in this Kingdom, for his throat began to swell in such sort, that we were about to have administered unto him the extreme Unction, but a Chirurgeon causing presently a pot of Rice to be boiled with fair water, and setting the same at his feet, he compassed him about with clothes, that the hot vapour and fume thereof might not be dispersed: whereof it followed, that as soon as the fume had gotten up to the wounded place, he found his grief assuaged, the swelling of his throat vanished, and himself in as good plight as before.  
Many more such like might be added; but I will only affirm, that their Medicines are of much more force in those parts, than they are with us. And I can say this in particular, that I brought with me therehence a little barrel of Rhubarb, being esteemed to be of the best; but when I came into Europe, after two years' voyage, I found my Rhubarb so altered, that I could not know it for the same. So much do the Simples lose of their virtue, by being transported out of those Count 〈…〉 s into ours.   

CHAP. VI Of the Civil and Politic Government of Cochin-China.  
THeir Government in General, hath some affinity with that which is used in japan and in China. But as the japonians account of Arms, much more than of Sciences, and the Chinois on the contrary esteemeth highly of the Sciences, and maketh no great reckoning of Arms: The Cochin-Chinois not following the course of either of these nations, do not reject or abandon the one, as if they were wholly addicted to the other; but are indifferently affected to either, according to their occasions. And accordingly do recompense and prefer, sometimes the Doctors, and sometimes the Soldiers, to the offices and dignities of their Kingdom.  
Cochin-China hath many Universities, in which there be Readers and Schools and Degrees; to which their Scholars are advanced by examination, as they are in China; teaching the same Sciences, using the same Books and Authors; namely, Zinfa or Confus, as the Portugals call him; being an Author of as sublime and profound Learning and Authority with them, as Aristotle amongst us, and indeed more ancient. These books are full of Erudition, of rare Histories, of grave Sentences, of Proverbes and such like, all concerning good manners; such as Seneca, Cato, or Cicero here with us. Many years labour is spent in learning the propriety of the Phrase, Characters and Hieroglyphikes in which they are written. But that part which they account most of, and have in greatest estimation, is Moral Philosophy; comprehending the Ethik, Oeconomik and Politic. And it is a goodly sight to see and understand them in their Halls, when they read and pronounce their Lectures aloud as if they sang: which they do, to accustom themselves, and to get a habit, to give to every word his proper accent; of which they have a great number that signify many several different things: whereby may be gathered, that to converse with them, it is requisite to know the principles of Music and the Counterpoint.  
The Language which they use in common speech, is much differing from that in which they teach and read in their Studies, and in which their Books are written. Even as amongst us our vulgar Languages, common to all, differ much from the Latin which is used in the Schools. Wherein also there is a difference between them and the Chinois, who if they be Learned or Noble, never speak but in one kind of Language, which they call that of the Mandarins, who are their Doctors, judges and Governors. And the Characters which they use in their writing and in their printed books, are above fourscore thousand, differing one from the other. Whence it cometh to pass, that the Fathers of the society of jesus, are eight or ten years studying of these books, before they become able to treat, or capable to converse with them. But the Cochin-Chinois have reduced this great multitude of Characters, to the number of three thousand at the most, which they use in their ordinary Discourse, in their Letters, in their Supplications, Memorials and other such things as have not respect to their printed books: which must of necessity be composed in the Characters of China. The japonians have yet been more ingenious, who albeit they endeavour in whatsoever concerning their written and printed books, to conform themselves to the Chinois; have notwithstanding handled the matter so well, that for dispatch of their ordinary affairs, they have invented eight and forty Letters, by the combination of which, they express and declare what they will, even as well as we do with our A. B. C. Yet are the Characters of China, still in such request, and so great estimation in japan, that those forty and eight Letters, howsoever they be more commodious to express their Conceits, are little regarded in comparison, but by way of contempt, are accounted and called the women's Letters.  
That most Ingenious and Excellent Invention of Printing, was practised in China, and Cochin-China, before we had the knowledge thereof in Europe; yet not in such perfection: In regard that they do not join Letters with Letters, or Characters with Characters; but with a Punchion, or Graving-iron, they grave, and cut their Forms on a board, or plank, even as they intent to Print them in their Books: Then they apply their Paper upon the board that is so graved and cut, putting it under the Press, in like manner as we do in Europe, when we Print on a copper Plate, or other such thing.  
Besides those Books which treat of Moral Philosophy, they have also of Sacred matters, as they call them, concerning the Creation, and beginning of the World, of reasonable Souls, of the Demons, of Idols, and of their different Sects; these Books they call Sayc Kim, to distinguish them from the profane, which they term Sayc Chiu.  
Now albeit the Language of the Cochin-Chinois be therein like to that of the Chinois, that they use only words of one Syllable, pronounced with diversity of tones and accents; yet they differ much in this, that the Cochin-Chinois are more fruitful and abounding in vowels, and therefore more sweet and pleasing: richer in accents and in tones, and so more melodious and harmonious: in such sort that they have their ear made for Music, proper and apt to distinguish the variety of tones and accents.  
The language of Cochin-China is to my seeming the most easy of all; because it hath neither coniugations Verbs, nor Declining of Nouns: but with one only word, adding thereunto an adverb or a pronoun, maketh known the time passed, the time present, and to come; the singular number and the plural, and supplieth all the Moods, Tenses and persons, as also the diversity of Numbers and of Cases. As for example, this word Have (which in the Cochin-Chinois tongue is expressed by Co) without other variation but adding a pronoun, will serve all occasions: and so that whereas we should say by Conjugation, I have, thou hast, he hath; they contenting themselves with the pronoun, without varying the Verb, would say, I have, you have, he have: In like manner to supply the diversity of the Tenses, they will say in the Present, I now have; for the passed, I heretofore have; and for the future, I hereafter, or in time to come have; and so from one to the other, without ever changing their Co; whence it easily appeareth, how easy this tongue is to be learned, as indeed, in six Months whiles I was there; I learned as much as was sufficient to treat with them, and to understand their Confessions; though I had not the perfect knowledge thereof; for to say the truth, four whole years were no more than requisite to make one exact, and excellent therein.  
But to return to the course of my History: I said the custom of the Cochin-Chinois was not only to regard men of Learning, recompensing their great knowledge, by advancing them to high and honourable degrees of dignity, and assigning to them good rents and revenues; but that they had also in great estimation, those that were Courageous, Valorous and excellent in Arms. Yet do they govern themselves therein, after another manner than is accustomed amongst us. For in stead of giving to their great and generous Captains, as they do in these parts, some Lordship, Earldom or Marquisate, in acknowledgement of their deserts; they reward them by subiecting so many persons unto them, as a certain number of the King's subjects and vassals, who in what part of the Kingdom soever they be, are bound to acknowledge him for their Lord, to whom the King hath given them, to serve him with their Arms when he shall be occasioned to use them; as also to pay him all such duties as they paid before to the King: And so as we say such a one is Lord of such a place, Earldom or Marquisate; they say, such a one hath the command of five hundred men, this other of a thousand; the King hath increased this man's command to a thousand more, and of the other to two thousand: so augmenting their greatness, their dignities, riches and commodities, by giving of them more vassals.  
Of their Wars, we shall speak in the next Chapter. There remaineth yet somewhat to be said concerning their Civil Government. First they dispatch all their affairs more readily, rather according to the Martial Law More belli, then by plead at the Bar with judges, Notaries and Procttors with their dilatory proceedings. The Viceroys and Governors of Provinces, supplying all those offices, and giving public audience four hours every day in a fair large Court within their Palace; two hours in the forenoon, and two hours in the afternoon. Thither go all that have controversy, to represent their pretensions and their plaints; and the Viceroy or Governor leaning on a window, understandeth the grievances of each one after the other. And because the Governors are ordinarily men of good judgement and experience in affairs, questioning the parties to good purpose, and observing also the apprehension of the assistants, which they conjecture by their countenance, and the approbation which they have of the demandant or defendant, they discover easily the truth of the business forthwith, and pronounce their sentence aloud without delay, which is presently executed, without appeal or any other formality; whether it be death or banishment, or whipping, or pecuniary amends; chastising every offence as the Law requireth.  
The crimes whereof they are most commonly accused, which are severely chastised among them, are many: But above all, they punish rigorously the false accusers, thieves, and Adulterers. When the first are convicted to have charged any falsely with a crime, whereof he was not guilty, he is condemned, without mercy, to endure the same punishment which the other should have suffered, if he had committed that whereof he was accused. And indeed experience hath made it appear, to be the best course of sifting out the truth. Their thieves are punished according to the proportion of the theft: If they have stolen any thing of great value, they cut of their heads: If of less consequence, as a Hen, they lose only a finger; and for the second offence they cut off another: If they be taken with a third, they must lose an ear; and for the fourth offence they cut off the neck.  
The adulterers, be they men or women, are exposed to the Elephants, who kill them in the manner ensuing. The offender is conducted out of the Town into a Plain, where in the presence of an infinite number of people, he is brought into the midst of the place, with his hands and feet tied near unto the Elephant, unto whom the sentence of the party that is to be put to death is read, that he may execute it from point to point. The order being this: That first he shall seize on him, take him and strain him with his trunk, and hold him so suspended in the air, showing him to all the world; then that he cast him up with violence, and receive him again on the point of his teeth, that by the heavy fall of his weight he may gauge himself thereon, and that then he dash him against the ground, and that in the end he tread him under his feet. All which the Elephant doth, without failing in any one point, to the great astonishment and terror of all that are present, who by the punishment which they see inflicted on another, do learn, that fidelity is to be kept between those that are married.  
It will not be amiss, being now discoursing of married folks, to relate some particularities concerning the marriages of that Country. It hath not been seen that the Cochin-Chinois, though they be Gentiles, have contracted marriages within the degrees forbidden by God's Law, or the Law of Nature; neither within the first degree of the collateral Line of Brothers and sisters. But in the other degrees marriage is permitted, so that he have but one wife. It is true, that the richer sort under the title of their greatness and liberality, are accustomed to have many Concubines; taxing them with avarice and miserableness, that do not keep as many as their revenues will maintain. These are called their second, third and fourth wives, which they took after the first which is accounted, and is truly and really their wife, and to her it appertaineth to choose the rest according to her liking, and to give them to her husband. Yet their marriages are not indissoluble, their Laws permitting a divorce, though not altogether at the will of either party: for they must first prove the suggestion for which they would leave one the other; which being averred it is lawful for them to withdraw themselves from the first, and to marry again. The husbands bring the Dowries, and relinquish their own houses to dwell with their wives, by whose means they are maintained, and by whom all the household affairs are managed: for there they bear the charge and government of the Family, whiles the husband keepeth himself within doors, not putting himself to any pain, contenting himself to be provided of what is needful for his food and raiment.   

CHAP. VII. Of the Forces of the King of Cochin-China, and of the Wars he hath within his Kingdom.  
IT hath been touched already, in the beginning of this History, how that Cochin-China being a Province, dismembered from the great Kingdom of Tunchim, was usurped unjustly by the Grandfather of the King that now reigneth, who having the Government, rebelled against the King of Tunchim: Whereunto he was not a little emboldened, when he saw himself suddenly furnished with diverse Pieces of Artillery, recovered and gotten out of the Shipwreck of sundry Ships of the Portugals, and Hollanders against the Rocks, which men afterwards gathered up by those of the Country. Whereof there are to be seen at this day, threescore of the greatest in the King's palace alone yet remaining. The Cochin-Chinois being now become so expert in the managing of them, that they surpass our Europeans: For indeed they did little else every day, but exercise themselves in Shooting at a Mark: Whereupon they became so fierce, and so glorious, and to have so great an opinion of their own valour, that as soon as they perceived any of our Ships of Europe to come towards their Ports, the King's Cannoneers presently presented them with defiance: But ours understanding now that they were not comparable unto them, avoided the Trial as much as they could, knowing well by experience, they were grown more certain to hit where they would with their Artillery, than others are with the Harquebusse; which also they are ready and well practised in, going out daily by troops into the Field, to exercise it. Moreover, that which further encouraged him much to that resolution of revoulting, and banding himself against his Prince, was the sight of a hundred Galleys, and more of his own; by which means, being become to be powerful at Sea, as well as he was by his Artillery at Land, it was easy for him to accomplish his design against the King of Tunchim his Lord. Seeing also that his continual commerce with japan had brought into his Country, great store of Swords and Cemiters of that Country, which are of an excellent temper. He was also provided with a great number of Horses, which though they be but little, are very serviceable and generous, on which they fight with darts, and exercise themselves daily therein. The power of this King is such, that he is able to bring threescore thousand men into the field. Which notwithstanding, he is not without fear of the King of Tunchim, whose forces are four times more: Therefore to keep him in good terms, and to maintain good Intelligence with him, he payeth him a Tribute of all his Kingdom doth yield, that may be acceptable to him; particularly of Gold, and Silver, of Rice, and further furnishing him with Boards, and other wood, wherewith to build his Galleries. Now the only occasion that made him resolve to make League with the Son of the late King, who at this day hath the Gonernment of the last Province of Tunchim, bordering upon China, was that he remaining Vanquisher, and making himself Master of all Tunchim, Cochin-China might be discharged of the Tribute.  
To understand the same the better, it must be known, that whiles I was in Cochin-China, it was not the Son of the late King of Tunchim, that took possession of the Kingdom, but his Uncle, out of whose hands the Young Prince escaped to save his life, into the last Province of that Kingdom, confining upon China; where being acknowledged to be the Son of the King disceased, the people chose him to be their Prince; and by his good Government, he won their hearts, in such sort that the King of Tunchim his Uncle entered into great apprehension, lest he should join in League with the King of Cochin-China, who possessed the other end of his Country, and enclosing him between them, dispossess him of the Kingdom usurped: For preventing whereof, he sent year by year a great and puissant Army against this Prince, to defeat him: But all in vain, for the Army being of necessity to pass five or six days journey through ways where there was no other water to drink, but of certain Rivers which descended out of the enemy's Country; they found those waters poisoned by the Prince his people; with a certain Herb; in such sort, that as well men as Horses that drank thereof died: Whereby the Army was enforced to retire after much expense, and great pains taken to little purpose.  
Their Military discipline, and manner of governing themselves in the Wars, is much like that of Europe. They observe the same order in making their Squadrons, in going to Skirmishes, in Assaults, and in Retreating. And this King hath War ordinarily in two places of his Kingdom. For first it standeth him upon, to stand always on his guard; on that side next to the King of Tunchim, who doth menace him uncessantly, and always maketh some onsets on his Confines. Therefore the King of Cochin-China keepeth his residence in Sinwa, being the furthest and last province of his Kingdom, that he may be ever in readiness, with his Forces on the frontiers of Tunchim, which is the entry to a very puissant Province, that is ordinarily provided of Governors of great experience and knowledge in the Wars.  
Secondly he is kept in continual Alarms on the Westside in the last Province of his Kingdom called Renram, by the king of Chiampa, whose assaults he doth easily repel, in regard he is not so mighty as himself, and needeth no other forces thereunto but those of the same Province, the Governor whereof with his Soldiers, is sufficient to defend it.  
Moreover, he is continually levying and raising of armies to succour the King of Cambogia, who hath married a natural daughter of his; furnishing him with Galleys and with men against the King of Siam. In such sort, that on all sides, as well by sea as by land, he maketh the glorious name and reputation of the Arms of the Cochin-Chinois to be renowned.  
On the Sea he maketh war with his Galleys, each of which hath six pieces of Cannon, and is also well furnished with Musket-shot. And it will not be found strange, that the King of Cochin-China hath always more than an hundred Galleys well furnished in good readiness, if one know in what manner he provideth for it: For the Cochin-Chinois use not to make Gallislaves of their delinquents or others; but when they are to put themselves to fight at Sea, they furnish their Galleys with as many men as are requisite in this manner. They send out secretly and suddenly many Sergeants and Commissioners, who going throughout all the Kingdom ere men are aware with the King's authority, do seize and press all such as they find fit to handle an Oar, and bestow them in the Galleys, unless by reason of their birth and extraction, or for some other consideration, they be exempted and privilidged. And that course must not be thought so hard and difficult, as at first it may seem, because, they are as well entreated in the Galleys as any where else: And yet better paid: and beside, their Wives, their Children, and all their Family, is maintained at the King's charge, with whatsoever is needful, according to their rank and condition, during all the time that their Husbands are thus absent. And they serve not only to tug at the Oar, but also to fight upon occasion: To which purpose they have every one his Harquebusse and Musket given him, with Darts, Coutelasse, and Cemeters: and as the Cochin-Chinois are hardy and valiant in their approaches, with their Oars, and with their Muskets and javelins, they are no less in the encounter and close medley; where they make rare proofs of their valour. Their Galleys are not so great nor so large as ours, but they are so bravely bedecked with Gold and Silver, that they are a glorious spectacle to behold. The Forecastle, namely which they account the most honourable place, is all of Gold. This is the Captain's place, and the chief of his company: The reason they give for it is, that the Captain being to be the foremost upon all occasions, ought therefore to be in the most hazardous place of all the Galley.  
Amongst other defensive Arms, they use little Bucklers or Targets, of an Ouall form, of such a length, that they will commonly cover the whole Man, being so light also, that they are nothing cumbersome.  
In their Towns in this Kingdom, their Houses being built but of boards, as I have said, and supported with Pillars of Wood, they have this advantage▪ that if the Enemy come with such Forces, as they find themselves unable to resist, every one taketh his householdstuff and flieth to the Mountains, setting their Houses on fire, and leaving nothing of value therein. In such sort that the Enemy finding no place wherein he may sortifie and maintain himself, is forced to retire out of the Country, and they returning again, do soon build themselves other Houses as good, and restore their Towns in as good plight as they were before.   

CHAP. VIII. Of the Commerce, Ports and Havens of Cochin-China.  
THe Realm of Cochin-China being so abundant in all sorts of Commodities, as we have said, for the life of man; the people are the less addicted to travel abroad, and to traffic elsewhere: They do never therefore make further Voyages by Sea, then within the view of the Coasts and banks of their well-beloved Country. Yet are they nevertheless willing to give all Strangers free access into their Ports, and take a singular pleasure to see others come to Trade and traffic in their Country, not only out of their Neighbour Provinces and Kingdoms, but also from remote Countries. To which end they need not use much Art, seeing that Strangers are alured thither fast enough by the fruitfulness of the Country, and the riches overflowing therein. And therefore not only those of Tunchim, of Cambogia, of Cinceos, and others their Neighbours do traffic there, but every day there arrive Merchants of Countries further distant; and from China, Macao, japan, Manilla, and Malacca, which bring Silver into Cochin-China, for the merchandise of the Country: Which are not bought, but exchanged with the same Silver which is sold there as Merchandise, the price thereof being raised or diminished according to the great or little plenty thereof, even like Silk and other Wares.  
The Money with which all things are bought, is of Letton, of the like Value as a French Double, or a Stiver of the Netherlands. This Money is exactly round, Printed and marked with the King's Arms, every Piece having a hole in the midst, through which they are filled by thousands, every file or string of them worth about two crowns.  
The Chinois and the japonois are they that make the chief negotiation of Cochin-China, in a Fair which is yearly held in one of their Ports, for some four months together: the one bring on their jonks, the value of four or five millions in silver; and the other upon certain vessels which they call Sums, an infinite quantity of fine silk, with other of their country merchandise. The King receiveth a great revenue out of this Fair, by his duties and imposts, and the Country an unspeakable gain. And as on the one side the Cochin-Chinois have no wrought Stuffs nor Manufactures, because they do not apply themselves to Manuary trades, by reason of that idleness into which their plenty hath plunged them: and that on the other side they are easily inveigled with the curiosities coming from other places, which they higly esteem; they will buy them at what price soever they be set, and do not spare for money, to have such things which of themselves are of little worth; such as Combs, Needles, Bracelets, Beads of glass to hang in their ears, and such other trifles and womanish curiosities. And I remember that a Portugal having brought from Macao into Cochin-China a box full of Needles, which could not cost him above thirty Ducats, got above a thousand; selling them for a Rial a piece in Cochin-China, which had not cost him above pence a piece in Macao. In conclusion, they vie one with the other in buying whatsoever they see, so it be new and brought from far: for which they disburse their silver without difficulty. They are very desirous of our Hats, our Caps, Girdles, Shirts and all our other garments, because they differ from theirs. But above all, they make most esteem of Coral.  
Concerning their Ports; It is certainly a thing worthy admiration, that within the space of little more than an hundred leagues, there are reckoned above threescore places fit and apt to land in: which cometh of this, that there are in that Coast many great Arms of the Sea. The goodliest Port where all the strangers arrive, and where that famous Fair is kept which we have mentioned, is that of the Province Cacciam. Men do enter thereinto by two mouths of the Sea; the one is called Puluciambello, and the other Turon. These mouths are distant three or four leagues asunder, by which, after that the Sea thus divided in two Arms, hath extended itself seven or eight Leagues within the Land, as two Rivers that are disjoined; It rejoineth in the end, and casteth itself into a great River, where the Vessels also meet, that come in on either side.  
The King of Cochin-China permitted the japonians and Chinois to make choice of a commodious place to build them a City in, for the more Commodity of the Fair, whereof we have spoken. This City is called Faiso, which is so great, that one may well say, that there are two Towns; the one of the Chinois, and the other of the japonois: Each of them having his Quarter apart, and their several Governors, and living after their own manner: That is the Chinois according to their own particular Laws, and Customs of China, and the japonians according to theirs.  
And because as we have said the King of Cochin-China doth refuse no Nation to enter, but leaveth it free for all sorts of Strangers, the Hollanders came thither also as well as the rest, with their Ships laden with diverse kinds of Merchandise: Whereupon the Portugals of Macao designed to send an Ambassador to the King, to entreat him that the Hollanders as their sworn enemies, might be excluded out of Cochin-China: Wherein they employed a brave Captain, called Ferdinand de Costa, who effected it with good success, yet not without much difficulty; prevailing so far, that the King by his Edict or Proclamation, forbade the Hollanders to approach the Countries under his obedience, or pain of their lives. But those of Macao apprehending afterwards, that the said Edict was not well observed, thought good to send a new Embassage into Cochin-China, to obtain a Confirmation thereof; and charged their Deputies to make the King understand, that the affair concerned his own Interest, and that if he did not prevent it, he might have cause to fear that the Hollanders in time (being so crafty and cunning as they are) would assay to invade some part of his Kingdom of Cochin-China, as they had already some other places of the Indies. But certain Persons of good understanding in that Country, advised them not to speak in that sort to the King; because that would be the very way to make the Hollanders have permission to come to Traffic in that Country, and to invite all Holland thither: The Maxim of the Cochin-Chinois being, not to acknowledge ever any the least apprehension of any Nation in the World. Clean contrary to the King of China, who fearing all, shutteth the Gate against Strangers, permitting no traffic in his Kingdom.  
This is that little which I have thought good to relate concerning the Temporal estate of Cochin-China; according to that knowledge I could get during the space of some years whiles I remained there: the Air being so benign, that they never have any Pestilence, neither do the people know what kind of thing it is, or what it meaneth.   
FINIS.