THE THREE ENGLISH BROTHERS.  
Sir Thomas Shirley his Travels, with his three years imprisonment in Turkey: his Enlargement by his majesties Letters to the great Turk: and lastly, his safe return into England this present year, 1607.  
Sir Anthony Shirley his Embassage to the Christian Princes.  
Master Robert Shirley his wars against the Turks, with his marriage to the Emperor of Persia his Niece.  
LONDON Printed, and are to be sold by john hodget's in Paul's Church yard. 1607.   

TO THE RIGHT HOnourable Thomas, Lord Howard, Earl of Suffolk, Lord Chamberlain of his majesties household, and one of his highness most honourable Privy Council.  
Weakness (Right honourable) hath need of help and supportance, as well in Politic, as natural bodies: the like in studies & labours of the mind. Caesar's commentaries needed no Apology, because his power was able to defend then: Nor his Trium verborum literae, to the Roman Senate, Veni, vidi, vici, crave any other enlargement, because his fame went still before him to dilate his acts. In private, & inferior studies, that want countenance in themselves, the extensive power of greatness and authority gives strength, and encouragement, to intensive weakness, when our endeavours though unworthy of acceptation are suffered in their minority, and insufficient age, to grow up and prosper in the defensive bulwark of protection, against the storms of envious and calumnious tongues, that by continuance, through use and practise, they may happily afterwards prove worthy of regard. In the want therefore of mine own worth, I have presumed to shield myself under your worthiness: and finding cause to distrust mine own strength, I have adventured to shroud myself under your power: Humbly desiring your Honour so far to grace these my labours, as to vouchsafe them a passage under your Patronage, that thereby (though happily they have nothing in them to deserve your private reading and account) they may yet the better by your countenance find admittance and respect to public view. For I must confess they come much short, as well of the worthiness of the Subject, that they treat of, as also of your regard and estimation. If therefore out of your general respect to all, your Lordship shall be pleased to vouchsafe me this particular favour, I shall hereafter admit all times, and pretermit no occasions to manifest my duty, Ever remaining  
Your Honours in all service: Anthony Nixon.   

Sir Thomas Shirley his Travails, together with his three years imprisonment in Turkey, his Enlargement by his majesties Letters to the great Turk: and lastly, his safe return into England this present year, 1607.  
IT is a natural quality, both customary, & commendable in all Countries, to enlarge their fames, by divulging the memorable Acts of such worthy personages, whose Noble Spirits, shown by their honourable attempts and achievements, have drawn other Nations into admiration of their valours, and emulation of their virtues. It were then a fault unpardonable in us of the English Nation (whose acts and high attempts have not given place to any people) to bury in oblivion the virtues of those our country Men, whose noble deeds deserve for ever to live upon the tongues of men, with honourable mention. Amongst whom, the Three Heroes of our Time, the hopeful issue of a happy father, have so glorified their names by their honourable Acts, and hostile employments, against the common Enemy of Christendom: that honour by them hath added to her glory, and Envy lost the sting of her Detraction. And here am I drawn into a deep meditation of the Mind of man how infinite it is in opinion, and weening, and unquiet by Nature: that where it is once set upon the desire of honour, nothing can stay, or limit her adventures: But as the Clouds are harried by the winds from one part of the Hemisphere to the other, so the Body is carried by the Mind, even through the world, by land, by sea, with toil and danger, making it to suffer hunger, watching, and cold; where at home, it might sleep with peace, and feed with plenty. The manifestation whereof, is known in the tedious Travails, & dangerous Adventures of these three excellent spirits, that having no other Motives, but the honourable desire and pursuit of Glory (which indeedeis the Spur to every noble mind) have justly by their deserts obtained her, both for themselves, and for their Country: whose fame and renown, being by them made known, me thinks they were unkindly used by us, to be made strangers here at home. Having therefore received some particulars of their travels, and their Occurrents in them, though (I must confess. I am but lame as well in the instructions of their Adventures, as also in mine own worth, to display their worthiness; I have nevertherlesse attempted, though not to satisfy, yet in some sort to make known to expectation (which ever gapes after Novelties,) their variable fortunes, and honourable employments in strange Countries, and under great Kings, so far as my knowledge of them, and ability in myself, will give me leave.  
And first to begin with Sir Thomas Shirley the younger, who as he was eldest by the Fortune of his birth, so is he not inferior to the rest in the commendable parts, and honourable qualities of his mind; though happily not so successful in his Travels, as his other brethren: He began his last voyage in Anno 1602. who having long time kept the Seas unprosperously, and with unequal fortune to his hopes and deservings at length landed in Italy, and was for a time highly respected in the Duke of Florence his Court, where he carried himself in that honourable port as became both a Soldier and a Courtier, in all those commendable qualities that serve both for use and ornament. But to stay there long, was no life for him: the State being settled, and no employments foreign, or domestical, fit for the level of his thoughts and purposes; which aiming at a higher project, grew soon weary of the pleasures of Italy. Which the Duke perceiving, and knowing the wants that his long vayage by Sea had before bronght upon him, did honourably furnish him with such necessaries, as for his purposed employments did fully satisfy his longing expectation.  
Being thus once more at Sea, full of hope and courage, he lay hovering too, and again a long time upon the straits of Giblater, in a continual expectation of some purchase or other, to satisfy the desires both of himself, and of his company. In whom of late he found a strange alteration, both in their countenances, and behaviours towards him, savouring of Discontent (the dangerous disturber of any settled state) whether it was derived from a despair they had of the success of the voyage, or from a desire of return to England, I know not; but afterwards it turned to a mutinous revolt. He first persuaded them with fair words of hope and comfort, and afterwards for the time appeased them; by applying himself in many things to their humours: but as fire cannot be hid, whose smoke betrays it, so this poison of their minds and intents, could not be long contained, but at last it broke out into an ulcerous falsehood, and mischief which occasion afterwards did thus reveal.  
Sir Thomas having spent some time, and much part of his victuals in the Straits, and doubting of success to satisfy the greedy hopes, and ungorged desires of his company, and fearing least through idleness he might add more matter to their mutinous minds, having three Ships, and five hundredth men, held on his course towards Turkey. In the mouth of the Straits he met with a great Hulk, and (having cause given) fought with her a long time before he could come to board her, and afterwards fought 8. hours aboard, before he could take her. In this fight he lost above an hundredth of his own men, besides those that were hurt and maimed: and when all his cards were told, he found that the gain did not answer the loss he had sustained.  
Thus the hopes of his company being frustrate, and failing of their expectation, are ready upon the least cause to turn the nature of command into contempt, whereof at that time some of his company gave an ill precedent; for that present night one of his three ships forsook him, and ran away.  
From thence with his two bigger ships he went to Legorne, where he stayed eight days, as well to refresh his hurt men, and to furnish himself of fresh water and victuals, which he then wanted; as also to receive directions from the Duke of Tuscan, during which time divers Merchants corrupted his men and made them mutinous, alleging that the course he took was indirect, and dangerous, his plots shallow and unlikely to succeed, & that he failed of warrant and authority for his proceedings. Thus the matter of their mutiny being set on fire, which burned up all duty in them, possessing them with nothing but a neglect of obedience, which in their looks, words, and behaviours was soon made known. Sir Thomas being much perplexed in mind through this unnatural revolt of his men, and using all means he could to appease them, with much care and discomfort took sea again. But the third night after when he came within ken of Capaslera, a Town in the Island of Scicilia, one Peacock an English Pilot, whom not long before he had taken in at Legorne, went away with his second ship.  

Of Sir Thomas his attempts in Turkey, and the treacherous revolt of the rest of his company.  
IT is the nature of Fortune seldom times to be singular either in her frowns or favours, but that one is commonly heaped on the neck of another, as appeared in this waning state of Sir Thomas his hopes, for the next morning after this revolt of Peacock, a like part was played even in his own ship, for the most part of his men begun a dangerous mutiny against him. They plainly told him that they would be no longer under his command, and did absolutely refuse to follow the courses and plots that he had laid, alleging with unkind words & uncomely speeches, that their hopes and expectations were deceived of him, that he was both uncircumspect in his attempts, and unfortunate in his actions, they utterly dislike his intendments, refusing to hear any thing that might sound of it, there being no possibility of good, and a certain and continual assurance of danger; lastly they protested unto him that they would still keep the Sea, and be no longer restrained of their own purposes, but lay hold upon all occasions that should be offered to enrich themselves, and satisfy their longing hopes Perfas, aut nefas, by any means whatsoever. Sir Thomas being much perplexed with the contemptuous & unruly behaviour of his men in his own ship first used threats & menaces besitting his place & command: but the mutiny being general, and that he that was their General being forsaken and left alone, he did but thereby add fuel unto that fire that raged so fore in the minds and tongues of his mutinous company, that he was enforced at last to leave all the extent of the authority of a Commander, and as a common and a private person, with tongue, gesture, & countenance unanswerable to his mind, in mild terms and gentle words, to entreat them that they would not thus despise and forsake him, whom they before had called their Captain, and their General, and had vowed to follow him in all his Fortunes. Let not (quoth he) the conceit of our hard success discourage your hopes so far, as to make a desperate account both of yourselves and me; neither suffer the remembrance of those runagates that have so treacherously forsaken me, draw you on to do the like, by their example, I have made choice of you, into whose hands I have committed my life, & whatsoeveris dear unto me. Two ships I have already lost, not by the unsteadfast fortunes of the Sea, but by the unfaithful dealing of my followers: I have only this one left me, and you in it, in whom I have hitherto put a special trust; wherein it you likewise deceive me, let me not live any longer, lest one day I record the place, where you unkindly & unmanly forsook, & betrayed your Captain: We have yet a living hope of our success, which if you kill not by these Mutinous dissensions, may yet ere long enrich your expectations: for mine own part, I shall omit nothing that may do you good, nor do any thing unfit or unworthy either your account of me, or mine own reputation.  
His men nothing satisfied with these words, but bearing still a mutinous and rebellious mind against their Captain; Sir Thomas in doubt what to do, calls before him the Lieutenant, the Master his Mate, the Master gunner, and other principal Officers in the Ship, and demanded of them, whether they joined in mind and malice with the company against him: They answered him, that they had no such meaning; but protested unto him, they were willing to follow him, and obey him, as it should please him to dispose of them, and to partake with him in all his Fortunes. Whereupon Sir Thomas taking advantage of their proffers, joined with them in the persuasion of the rest: and so for the time the mutiny was appeased. Sir Thomas to keep his company still employed, directed his course towards Millo, with a purpose to have taken an English Pirate that was there; but fowl weather & contrary winds drove him to Geo: where he found a Venetian Ship at Anchor: and here again his men began to mutiny, and he had much a do to keep them from spoiling that Ship. The greediness of that prey, and the ill affection they had to make trial of their Fortunes, elsewhere, increased their mutiny extremely; which with much ado, was once again pacified: and in this place, by contrary winds, he was forced to stay eight days. And to divert their humour, by putting Idleness from them, he attempted the surprising of an Island belonging to the Turk, which was not far off: the inhabitants being both Turks and greeks; which in this sort was managed, and put in execution.  
The 15. of januarie 1602. Sir Thomas landed one hundred of his men between 3. or 4. of the clock in the morning, the Moon being at full, and shining very clear; he divided them into two squadrons: whereof the vanguard was commanded by his Lieutenant, and he himself lead the Rear: and thus they marched up towards the Town, being three miles distant from the Sea: after they had passed through a plain, which was about a Mile in length, they came to a crooked rock, through the which, there was a way cut so narrow, that not above two men could march afronte. Having passed the rock without any interruption, they came to a hill, which was very high & steep, and having recovered the top thereof, they saw the Town, and were soon masters thereof, it being a place undefencible: and suddenly abandoned of the inhabitants, who fled into the woods and rocks, and other places unpassable. Here he gave charge upon pain of death, that no Soldier of his company should touch the person or goods of any Christian; but that needed not, for they had carried all their goods with them, leaving nought behind, but their naked and empty houses. Being thus in possession of the Town, where finding nothing to satisfy their expectations, & in doubt what to do, whether to go forward, or to return, he suddenly had intelligence by his Spials, that a great rabble of the Islanders had gathered head together, with purposed resolution to set upon them, and of greater force than they were able to withstand: which Sir Thomas understanding: and perceiving his men to murmur, and be afraid, commanded his Lieutenant to lead them down the hill, in a Soldierlike retreat, and to keep an easy pace towards the Ship, encouraging them not to fear the number of the Turks, for that they were a people in those parts unpractized and unskilful in any Military Discipline, and their best weapons were but staves and stones. He further gave directions, that when they came into the plain, they should make a stand, assuring there could be no danger for them there: and for his own part, he promised to do the like with the rearward. But his men being now changed from mutineers to cowards, not observing any charge or direction of their Captain, without any order posted down the hill, as fast as they could troth: which the Rear perceiving began to do the like. Whereupon Sir Thomas, taking a Gentleman by the hand, went a head the Rear, and so stopped the passage, that except they would have trodden upon him, they could not pass in that troubled and disordered manner. Here they were sore beaten with stones, and many of his men hurt, and himself hurt in the leg: howbeit, they maintained skirmish a while with them, and killed some of them, and then marched quietly for a quarter of a mile, the inhabitants still watching all advantages to endamage them: but at last they recovered the plain, which was within a mile of their Ship; where, when the Rear perceived that the Uanguard was fled so far before, that they were ready to go aboard, they followed as fast after, leaving their Captain in the midst of all his enemies, where he could not make any of his men to stay, and share fortunes with him, notwithstanding be commanded, persuaded, and entreated all he could.  
Sir Thomas being thus forsaken of his men, and environed of his enemies, having neither mind to fly, nor desire to live with a settled resolution, and out of all hope of life, yet desirous to sell it at as dear a rate as he could, priest upon his enemies, and having ten Greeks assailing him at once (only accompanied with two that could not escape) forced himself to make way through them, bestowing his blows on all sides, that the Islanders themselves well perceived, how hard a matter it had been for them to have overthrown, or defeated his company, if the rest had retained his courage, and resolution. But he being overcharged with multitudes, was in the endesore wounded, and beaten down: where being thus taken, and disarmed, they only can judge, that have undergone the like danger (if any such there be) what thoughts possessed his mind, when in this change of Fortune he found himself forsaken of his own men & now in the hands of a trustless, bloody, and barbarous people.   

The misery of Sir Thomas Shirley his imprisonment in a Turkish Island.  
THough it be a heavy thing for a man to fall from a happy and prosperous estate into a wretched and lamentable condition, yet is affliction the true and perfect trial or touchstone of the soul and mind of man: for she makes a deep search into our inward parts, whether she can find a residence of those heavenly and human virtues, that in the time of calamity ought to be in every Christian: whereof, she found such store in the immutable mind of this most worthy gentleman, that notwithstanding this forlorn and miserable change of his estate, he nevertheless held on the settled course of that confidence and constancy, that he before had in the time of his prosperity. But to return to our History: Sir Thomas and two of his men being thus taken, and in the hands of ten of the Inhabitants, nine of them were resolved to kill him, howbeit the tenth by entreaty and persuasion saved his life; but they stripped him of all he had, even to his boots and stockings, and binding his hands with one of his garters led him back bore footed through the rock, so into the Town. In all which time there was not a Grecian man or woman that they met by the way, but either did, or assailed to strike him: His Ship staid ●. days after in the harbour, but never made any attempt either by force or entreaty for his delivery. All the while the ship stayed there, they kept him in irons, but when the ship was gone, they took them off, and used him in better manner than he expected from the hands of so barbarous a people. Here was he kept prisoner for the space of a whole month, and from thence was sent in a small open boat to Nigro Ponte, and there delivered to the Caia, for so is the principal officer of that Island called: at the first he was used kindly, and entreated well, but safely kept, and watched every night with a guard of eight men, 4. Turks, and 4. greeks. After the end of five days, he lent him a janissary to carry his letters to the English Consul of Petrasle, which was 5. days journey from thence, howbeit he received no answer of his letters from the Consul; but upon the janissaries return, he was presently committed into a dark dungeon, & with a great galley chain, bound fast with a slave that was before taken, which grieved him worst of all.  
He continued in this loathsome prison, from the 20. of March, 1602. until the 25. of july 1603. during which time, his best diet was but bread and water, and his warmest lodging, the cold ground: having oftentimes besides the misery of his imprisonment, many threats and menaces sent him, sometimes of death, sometimes of the Galleys; being thus out of all hope of liberty, and in a daily expectation of death, without any comfort, but such as his patience ministered unto him, where nothing was presented to the eye, or ear, but matter of horror and despair; yet did he still retain in his mind, that guidance & command of his affections, as they were never much moved, or inwardly disturbed with the outward distraction of his senses. In this time he wrote diverse letters to the English Ambassador at Constantinople, entreating him that in regard of his country, he would deal with the Admiral Bashaw (whose prisoner he in right was) for his enlargement, protesting that as he was a gentleman, (whose name and family he knew well) he would in as short time as he could postbly requite his kindness at full to his contentment. But prisons are like graves, where a man, though alive, is nevertheless buried from the regard, or respect of any; for the Ambassador did not answer any of his letters, but told the Bashaw he might use him according to his discretion. During this time of his miserable imprisonment, some or other had informed the Bashaw, that he was able to pay 50. thousand Chickeno's for his ransom: whereupon the Bashaw sent him guarded by 4. Cappages, (whom we here call pursuivants) from Nigro Ponte to Constantinople. Thus were his miseries ended in one place, to be begun and continued in another.   

His misery in his imprisonment in Constantinople.  
THe sick man that shifteth place, yet altars not his disease, finds little comfort in the change of air, or climate, for that the nature of sickness doth kill, or control that pleasure and delight, which commonly keeps company with a healthful body. Such was the condition of Sir Thomas in his remove from Nigro Ponte to Constantinople, for both his usage by the way, and his entertainment there gave him small cause of comfort, in that only he found the place was changed, but not the nature of his imprisonment.  
Between Nigro Ponte and Constantinople is five hundredth miles, & all that way he was carried upon a Moil, riding upon a packsaddle with a great galley chain about his legs, and another about his waste, and many times his legs bound under the horse belly, sometimes he lay in houses, sometimes under trees, and whensoever he lay in any Town where there were any stocks, there they lodged him: & when they failed of such a place, they bound his legs together with a little chain, besides the great chain about his waste, & his hands fast locked with manacles of iron: his guard were the 4. Cappages which were sent by the Bashaw: It would have moved the patience of the best tempered mind, to hear, & be forced to endure the dispightful taunts & approbrious speeches, which though not by their language, yet by their stern countenances and behaviours, he might well understand in all his journey between Nigro Ponte, & Constantinople, The 12. day after their setting forth, about three of the clock in the after noon, they entered the City: Immediately upon his coming, he wrote again to the Ambassador giving him to understand the cause of his imprisonment, together with the manner of his former usage, and the nature of his present misery: he much importuned him that he would not leave him in his calamity, nor suffer him, being his Countryman, and a Gentleman, to spend his hope, his youth, his fortune, nay his life, in so vild and dishonourable a prison, under the cruel tyranny of an unbelieving people. But he flatly sent him word, That he would neither meddle nor make with him. Sir Thomas being thus left all desolate and disconsolate, still armed himself with his wont patience, and settled confidence against the horror of despair, not suffering his mind to be chained, and fettered (as his body) with servile thoughts and fearful apprehensions; but in the freedom of his Spirit maintained her liberty, and in the midst of all his fears, made hope the predominant.  
The next day after his coming to the City, he was brought before the Bashaw, who demanded what he made in the Arches, and why in that hostile manner against the law of Arms, and condition of the League betwixt both kingdoms, without any leave or admittance, he had landed a forcible power, with purpose to spoil and prey in that part of the Turks Dominion? sir Tho. answered, that being violently driven into wants by the Fortunes of the sea and his long travels, he was compelled to land, only to refresh his men, and the rather in that country which he knew to be friend unto his King. The Bashaw replied again, that his entrance was against law, and right and that he was justly his prisoner, & thereupon asked him presently, and in peremptory manner, what ransom he would pay for his delivery? Sir Thomas told him he knew no reason he should be enforced to pay any ransom being in a friends hands, whom neither in substance nor circumstance he had offended: & that if his cause were rightly scanned by an impartial judge, together with the long time and wild manner of his imprisonment, it would be thought but equity, that he himself should both require, and receive a sufficient recompense for the wrongs and miseries that he had sustained. Finally, he told the Bashaw that he held him in his own conceit and opinion, to be too just, and honourable to demand a ransom of him, that never deserved to be a prisoner. But (to be brief) the Bashaw told him that he knew he was a malefactor, and that his acts were violent and indirect, which he averd he could not answer, or otherwise the Ambassador would not have abandoned him: withal protested with a high voice, & stern countenance, that he would have 50. thousand Chickeno's for his ransom, or his head for satisfaction. sir Tho. doubting the cruelty of this barbarous Turk, and being much wearied & weakened with the misery of a long and wild imprisonment, to buy some ease and quietness, was content to promise the payment of 12. thousand Chickeno's, with condition that he might be well used, & wear no more irons: the proffer was neither taken, nor refused; howbeit a promise was made that he should be well entreated, but it was slenderly kept; for he was had presently into the porters lodge in the great Turk's Court, and put into a filthy common jail; where, though the first night he had a good supper, he found no other bed to lie upon, but the cold stones: Now ebeit, this had been well, if worse had not succeeded: for the Bashaw belike having new intelligence both of his state and alliance, & supposing that no better means could be used for the recovery of his ransom, then rough handling, gave strait charge that he should from time to time be worse handled then hitherto he had been, since the first time of his imprisonment.  
Whereupon, the next morning at break of day he was removed to a worse place, and both his feet put into the Stocks, a great iron chain about his neck, both his hands tied before him, and his body stretched out all along, with a great sharp stone laid under the rains of his back; so that it was impossible for him to stir, being also vexed continually with lyee, which was not the least torment he endured: so that he often wished that the sentence of his death had been pronounced, & did willingly frame his thoughts, and order his mind, to entertain with patience the destiny of such a doom: for this misery touched him so near, that he was content to relinquish all hope and desire of life, and to meditate on nothing, but of death.  
He continued in this estate, from Saturday the 23 of August, 1603. until the Tuesday following▪ in which time, he was suffered to rise but 4. times in 24. hours. That Twesday, about nine of the clock, he was brought again into the presence of the Bashaw, as he fate in open Court, where he renewed his old demand of filthy thousand Chickeno's. All Christian Ambassadors have in the bashaws Court continually two Interpreters, to have a care and regard of such causes and occurrents, as may concern their Country. This day the English Ambassador had none there, belike to avoid the opportunities that Sir Thomas in this his Tragic state might have used. But to return to the Bashaw his demand: Sir Thomas answered him, that he found little constancy in his words; that if his life might make satisfaction, that was in his power: and more just, and honourable it were for him to take it, then to prolong it still with torment: for his own part, he would promise no more, because he could perform no more. To be brief, he told him, he might have his life, but never his demand. The Bashaw never replied, but presently commanded his head should be stricken off. But though he was rash in the doom, he did deliberate in the deed: for Sir Thomas was carried back into prison, where though he found rather an increase, than any mitigation of his former torments, yet was his life still preserved by the miraculous power of Almighty God.   

The Continuation of Sir Thomas Sherley's misery in his imprisonment in Constantinople.  
SIr Thomas being thus returned into prison, and his old torments renewing, having small hope of life, and less expectation of release, every hour awaiting the execution of his doom; a certain jew dwelling in the City, understanding his imprisonment, and his vild manner of handling; and that he was also a Gentleman of account, and estimation in his Country: in pity and compassion of his estate, found the means to come and speak with him in prison: where, after a few salutations, the jew reasoned with him in this manner. As you are a stranger both by your birth, and language, to this Nation; so you also seem to be strange and ignorant of their Natures & Conditions. I have heard of your long imprisonment, and though I know not the cause, yet I grieve much at the manner of your handling. You shall do well in this, rather to follow my counsel, that have a little experience of their customs, then wilfully to cast yourself away by ignorance. Be ruled by me, and make promise of this great sum of money to the Bashawe, but take a long time for the payment. It can be no way prejudicial to you, if you way your own state, and his case aright: for if your King hold his amity with the Turk, and that the league be continued, whereof there is yet no doubt, you may before the prefixed day taken for the payment, by the benefit of your King, be freed without ransom. If that fail, and a far less sum be brought in the mean time, and that he finds there is small hope of more; they will rather accept that, though it be little, then hazard your life, and so loose all. And I will also give you a further comfort, which though it proceeds but from mine own opinion, without particular intelligence of any such matter, (for in this blindfolded state of Turkey, men may observe, howbeit know nothing, but to obey:) This Bashaw, this great adversary of yours, that now hath your life in pursuit, is like ere long to lose his own, for the nature and quality of his place will not hold an officer long.  
Sir Thomas having a Wolf by the ear, wherein there was danger, either to hold or let go▪ doubting whether he were best follow the counsel of a jew, or trust the cruelty of a Turk: yet having well weighed his words, wherein he could find nothing that savoured of deceit, he thought it best to follow his advice. And so holding that determination, he found means shortly to send unto the Bashaw, to whom he promised forty thousand Chickeno's, conditionally to have reasonable day for the payment, and in the mean time to be used like a Gentleman, to be kept in a house by himself, and not to be troubled with all manner of Rascals: to have allowed him two hundred Asper's a day for his diet, which is ten shillings sterling, and a servant to wait upon him.  
The Bashaw was glad to receive this proffer, and promised him more than he demanded: that he should have a good house, and a fair garden; that he should have two hundred Asper's a day allowed him, and two servants, at his choice, either men or women to attend upon him: and that for his money he should have good meat, & wine, because (quoth the Bashaw) I will have you contented.  
Though Sir Thomas was glad of this proffer, yet was there an occasion ministered very soon after to dislike it: for the next day the English Ambassador wrote unto him that he was as sorry for his error, as for his imprisonment, and that he entangled himself into an intricate labyrinth; out of the which, he could not wind himself, without payment of the money. He therefore advised him, to revoke his promise, and by no means to accept the bashaws proffer: for if he did, he was either tied to his word, or his life to the Turks disposing: and to comfort him withal, he told him that within ten days he would procure his release, get him home to his own house, and become his Bail.  
Whereupon Sir Thomas trusting the Ambassadors promise, refused the bashaws proffer, and so was carried back into his old prison, where with great misery and distress, he lay long after.  
About Michaelmas after, this Visior Bashawe his great Adversary was hanged, according to the jews Prophecy, which gave him cause to entertain a new hope of his Delivery: for presently upon the death of the Bashawe, he wrote again to the Ambassador, requesting him that now he would remember him, or never, for now was the time, if it pleased him to extend his credig in the Court, to procure his Release, his Adversary being dead, and no bar in the way to hinder it: and this he did with the greater instance importune, because (quoth he) I am not able to hold out long, having endured so many grievous, and strange afflictions: and being so much weakened with the tedious and miserable endurance of the same.  
Howbeit, the Ambassador returned him this uncomfortable answer, That he could do nothing, till there were a new Visior Bashawe ordained in his place, and then he would do what he could for him.  
It was ten days before there was a new one made: As soon as he was installed, the Ambassador (as Sir Thomas was informed) dealt with him for his liberty: but to no purpose, for the Bashaw answered him, that it lay not in his power to do him any good, for that he was a prisoner belonging to the great Turk, and therefore could not be delivered without his consent. Whereupon the Ambassador preferred a petition to the great Turk in his behalf, who presently gave commandment he should be enlarged the day following, which was Thursday: and undoubtedly, had the Ambassador not slacked this matter, but presently laid hold upon the Turks command, it had been an easy matter to have set him at liberty that night. But whether it was the too much confidence that he had in the Turks variable and uncertain humour, or that other business and intendments of his own carried his thoughts other ways▪ or that it was so ordained, that Sir Thomas his miseries should not yet have end, I cannot tell, but the matter of his release was lingered, till the Sunday following. At which time, upon new advertisements the commandment of his liberty was reversed, and he retained still in prison, loaden with more cares, and less hope than ever he had.   

The manner of Sir Thomas Shirley his delivery, by the benefit of the King of England's princely and gracious letters to the Turk.  
THe Merchant after a long, & dangerous voyage, having recovered with safety the Haven of his desire, though utterly lost the fruit of all his labours, recounts with pleasure the perils past, leaving a glad memorial to be told in after times by his posterity: for Contraria contrariis magis elucescunt, Contrary is best known by his contrary: we should never know the excellency of rest, but by labour; nor of plenty but by want; nor of safety but by danger; nor of liberty, but by restraint. And I doubt not also but sir Thomas, together with the pleasure that he now conceives in the remembrance of his forepast miseries, doth not forget in his daily prayers the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, unto that divine power that preserved him so wonderfully in all his troubles, and delivered him so happily, even from the very gate, and gulf of death and danger. But to return to Turkey, for we have not yet brought him to England. Within a fortnight after the countermand of his delivery, the great Turk died-leaving his son, (a boy of some 14. years) to succeed him: sir Thomas in this new world, retains a new hope of his delivery, and not slacking to lay hold of any occasion, writes again to the Ambassador, requesting him with much importunity, that it would please him to take the opportunity of this tune for his release, for that he had a hope, the young King whose mind was flexible, might easily be wrought to deal graciously with him. Howbeit the Ambassador sent him word, that they boy King could do him no good, he being by reason of his youth under government and protection; till either the Admiral came, who was then upon the confines of Turkey; or the Protector, who was shortly to return out of Egypt. At the arrival of either of them (whosoever was first) he protested he would solicit him in his behalf, and doubt not but he should soon work the means of his delivery; in the mean time he willed him to comfort himself, for he would not pretermit any occasion proffered to do him good Sir Thomas lingered on this hope, and bare out the brunt of many a cold and bitter hour, until the first of December, at what time the Admiral was returned: who being importuned by the Ambassador; answer was made, that he would not deal with the Prisoner, till the coming of the Protector. Not long after the Protector returned, whom the Ambassador belike finding untractable, soon gave over his suit.  
The first day the Protector sat in judgement, was Christmas day, before whom Sir Thomas was sent for to appear, & this day also the Ambassador had no Interpreter there. The Visior Bashaw having called him before him, asked him why he was committed to prison? Sir Thomas answered boldly, that his fortune, and the mistaking of his attempt and enterprise in the Island was first the cause of his restraint, but the malice and ill opinion that Hashan Bashaw conceived against him, without cause, had held him so long, a poor and miserable prisoner: Honourably desiring the Protector, that sith there was nothing questionable that might touch his life, except the enforced power, and extent of authority; and that if any fault were committed, his punishment was greater than the crime: That it would please him now at last to give him his liberty. But here was no such grace seated in the Protectors heart, for without any reply, process, or order of law, he gave a present, and peremptory command, That he with his two men should be hanged. It booted him not to ask why; but having prepared his mind before to such an horror, and living long in a continual expectance thereof, he yielded himself willingly thereunto; for he knew well that nought but his death would satisfy the doom. Hereupon was sir Thomas & his two men bound all together, and lead presently away towards the place of execution: what could he wish in such a case (besides his divine meditations) but that his mind & thoughts might suddenly be transported into England, to execute his tongues office, (that is) to commend his humble duty to his Father, and his kind remembrance to his friends and allies; to let them understand the miseries of his imprisonment, and the vildness of his death, occasioned by the treachery and cowardice of his own men: from thence he might wish them suddenly posted to Spain and Persia, that his honourable brethren might understand the manner of his life and death, that in their hostile employments against the Turks, they might be sufficiently revenged of his death. But God did suddenly possess the heart of one of the Interpreters to the Venetian Ambassador with a Christian pity, & regard of his estate, who suddenly repaired (for otherwise that had been too late) to the Protector, beseeching him that he would not in his fury take away the life of so gallant a gentleman, upon bare surmises that if he held him worthily a prisoner, (and that but supposed) being no greater, it might please him rather to take his ransom, than his life. At the first the Protector was very obstinate, being importuned, and having a hope of the gain of 40. thousand Chickeno's, (which were proffered) made him a little to relent: and so he commanded to stay his Execution. Thus Sir Thomas brought from the place of death, and presently carried to another place little better, it being a prison called the seven Towers, where he was put into a miserable dark dungeon, and extreme cold. There he continued till one of the clock in the afternoon the next day; at which time the Ambassador having understood of the misery of that place, sent one of hismen to the Gaoler to entreat him, that he might be removed to some better place: whereupon he was had out of the dungeon, and put together with his two men, into a little shed, but two yards square, built against a wall; having neither clothes, bed, fire, nor any good meat. In this state he continued fourteen days, in extreme cold, weather, of frost and snow: during which time, one of his men perished, and died even of very cold: and he himself was so benumbed in all his limbs, as he feared he should never again have the use of them. In this poor estate he continued till the beginning of April, 1604, at which time there were Letters sent from the King's Majesty to the great Turk, and money from his Father; for before that time, he had received no news out of England: But whether by negligence, or some ill accident, the letters were lost; Notwithstanding, by reason of his money, he was admitted to buy a Chamber, and to hire a Servant to attend upon him, being still a prisoner, and having a watchful guard about him. Thus he continued till the Christmas following; In which time his father having understanding of his great misery sustained, together with the loss of his majesties former Letters, and his Sons present case (as it stood) became again an humble suitor to the King in his sons behalf, and eftsoons obtained his majesties gracious letters to the great Turk for his delivery: howbeit those letters did not work his release, for he was still continued in prison: But by means of them he had not torture, nor torment inflicted upon him, as before, but continued a prisoner till the middle of November. 1605. It which time his Majesty of his Princely grace and favour, directed new Letters to the Turk, of greater force than before: by verive of which, and God assisting) he was delivered, upon friday, the sixth of December, in the year aforesaid: which was in this manner. The Protector Bashaw that day came in person to the prison, and causing him to be brought forth; delivered him, together with his man, into the hands of the Lord Ambassador with these words, He is your Prisoner till the morning. Thus being delivered, but not absolutely freed; the Lord Ambassador received him, promising to send him the next morning to the Duana, which is the name they give to their principal, Court: because the Bashaw told him the Emperor held him to be his lawful prisoner, & that he had forfeited his life unto him. Howbeit to gratify the Ma. of England, he was pleased to give him as a present to his King, and therefore he should be delivered to his Ma. officers in open Court.  
The next day following, being Saturday, he was brought into the Duana, there was no great doubt or question made of his delivery, only the Testadoes (who is, as we term him, the L. Treasurer) cast forth a word about the King's Letters, advising the Bashaw to consider what he did, in the delivery of him, for that he seemed to be a great man.  
The Cadiliscar, (that is as it were the chief judge in deciding men's causes) answered, he knew that well enough, and it was so general understood, for so great Kings, (quoth he) as is the Majesty of England, use not to write for mean men; and that their Emperor had freely given him to the King of great Britain, and therefore willed him to hold his peace: but his man ran a dangerous fortune that day, for divers great men of the court stood much against him, affirming the Bashaw had no reason to deliver him, because he was neither mentioned in his majesties Letters, nor in the emperors grant. But the Bashaw having under hand the pronuse of a great sum of money, after a speech made, and some solemnity used, delivered both. Howbeit, the Monday following, being the 16. of December, remembering himself began to find his error, and to be afraid that he had run into danger for releasing of his man, and thereupon presently sent to the Lord Ambassador, that he would send both Sir Thomas & his man to him again. The L. Ambassador went to the Bashaw himself, refusing to send either of them back, and with much ado persuaded the Bashaw, for though he found no danger in Sir Thomas, yet he teared much the Bashaw had a purpose to stay his man: and Sir Thomas was very loath to have his man returned again to his miserable kennel. The Turk is very strict and prccise in punishing faults in his Officers, for that very Evening the Bashaw was deprived of his place, for ro other cause, but delivering of his man without Commission.  
Thus ended the tedious trouble and misery of Sir Thomas Shirley in his imprisonment, which beginning in the Island where he was first taken, the 15. of januarie, in the year 1602. was afterwards continued in Nigro Ponte, and at last ended in Constantinople upon a friday the 6. of December, 1605. So that the whole time of his imprisonment was 3. years, saving a few days. And here is to be noted what a stamp and impression of duty and regard the countenance of a King's Letter makes in the hearts of subjects, though in places far remote. For the Ambassador that before that time did but faintly assist him in all his attempts and entreaties, and was many times afraid to speak in his behalf, and often refused to trouble himself in this business; upon the receipt of his majesties Letters, stood so stoutly by him, that he flatly refused to send Sir Thomas or his man back, notwithstanding the strict command of the Visior Bashaw, who in his place was a man of principal authority in the country. Sir Thomas stayed in Constantinople (a free man) from the time of his delivery, which was the 6. of December, until the 15. of February following, 1605. during which time, he took pleasure to solace himself there, where before he had endured so much sorrow and misery, taking a view and surucy of the seat, and situation of the City observing their laws, customs, and ceremonies, beholding their Courts, Synagogues, and Temples, with other things not unworthy a stranger's observation. And upon the 15. of February he departed from Constantinople in a Ragousian Ship, called the Maria de la Rosaria, and landed at Callipoly the 19 of the same month, from thence to Naples, and so at last to England: where being joyfully received of his Father, and his Friends, he now lives by the benefit of his majesties favour.  
FINIS.    

❧ SIR ANTHONY Shirley his Adventures, and Voyage into Persia.  
MAnkind doth unjustly, and without cause complain of the state and condition of his life, for that it is frail, subject to infirmities, of a short continuance, and governed rather by Fortune, then by Virtue. But if we shall consider what excellent sparks of ornament there are yet left in Man's nature, notwithstanding the soil of some, which by the corruption of Adam, is universally centracted unto all: and that we would but descend into our minds, to see what matter of worth there is, or might be lodged there, both for the life, Active, and Contemplative: we should not find Mankind so wholly depraved in his degenerate nature: but that we may observe some signs and tokens yet left in him, of the notable light and resplendent beauty of his first creation, which by the two principal parts whereon the mind consisteth, viz. Understanding and Will, and the faculties belonging unto them, may easily be made mavinifest, what notable memorials both of their studies, and travels, have been recorded to the world, and worthy to be continued to all ages, until the end of time, and the beginning of eternity, by the natural instinct, and industrious labours of the mind, to check and control the dull and sluggish conditions of such men, as in their homebred affections consume their time in base humour, and the delights of idle pleasure. And when I think upon the circumstance of the subject I am to entreat of, I am drawn into an admiration, that Sir Anthony Shirley, having so slender beginnings, should nevertheless continue that state, countenance, and reckoning, as he hath done ever since his departure out of England, even in the Courts of the greatest Princes, in, and out of Christendom: so far exceeding Stukley, that I am afraid to be taxed of an impartial, and rash judgement, but to intimate a comparison between them, there being so great difference, both in the manner of their travels, the nature of their employments, and the end of their intendments. The one having his desire upon a luxurious, and libidivous life: The other having principally before him, the project of honour: which, not in treacherous designs (as Stukley attempted in the behalf of the Pope, against his Country) he hath impaired, or crazed: But chose hath so enlarged, and enhanced the same, that his fame and renown is known, and made glorious to the world, by his honourable plots and employments, against the enemy of Christendom: which, according to the instructions I have received, I will briefly relate unto you.  
After Sir Anthony his departure out of England, he landed in a short time at Vlishing, where being honourably entertained, & feasted by the Lord Sidney, Lord Governor of the Garrison, he held on his journey towards the Hague, as well to visit his Excellency, as to receive his pass for his better convoy through the Country. From thence he passed along by many parts of Germany, as Frankford, Noremberge, and so to Augusta, and from thence passed the Alps, and within 10. days after came to Venice, having a purpose from thence, to take his course to Ferrara, in aidance of the Duke against the Pope. But the matter being before compounded, and agreed between them, that journey was stayed.  
He continued for the space of 10 weeks in Venice, where the Duke gave him Princely entertainment▪ sending a mighty and Courtly banquet unto him, of all sorts, of Italian delicates: but being soon tired with the pleasures of Venice, in May following, having with others compounded for one Italian ship, in one and twenty days he landed in an Island called Zane. In which time he was much distressed for want of victuals, certain Italians being in the ship, using them unkindly, of whom they could not get any for love or money. Howbeit some Persians that were likewise in the ship, relieved them, and did very kindly supply their wants. There fell also a jar between the English, and the Italians, about the baffling of one of their Country, for words of Contumely, spoken against the late queens Majesty, which in the end was pacified to the disgrace of the Italians, and the honour of the English. At Zane he stayed 10. days, & was driven to take Sea in a little old open boat, in which he passed with danger into the Isle of Candie, where he stay. 12. days, and was honourably entreated of the Governor of that Isle, it being under the Venetian State. From thence he passed into the Isle of Cyprus, which is part of the Turks Dominions: Here the Italians that before had jarred with them in the ship (being landed before them in the Island, and bearing in mind their old grudge) had so incensed the Inhabitants of Cyprus against Sir Anthony, and his company, by telling them that they were Pirates, and Rovers, waiting only for prey and spoil: that Sir Anthony and his company were no sooner landed, but they were stayed by the Turks, and threatened to be sent prisoners to Constantinople, but this storm was with a little money soon overblown.  
From Cyprus he purposed to pass into the holy Land, and had hired a little boat of some ten tun for that passage, but contrary winds drove him upon Tripoli, passing the famous river of Orontes, where they were driven to endure many villainies, and approbrious speeches by the Turks that dwelled upon the borders of that River. From hence he sent to Antioch, to hire certain janissaries to safe-conduct him to Aleppo, being 6. days journey. At Aleppo he was much honoured, and respected by the English Consul, and other Merchants there resident. Sir Anthony stayed at Aleppo 6. weeks, after which, having received the Bashaws pass, (which is governor of that place) together with the Consuls, and Vicconsuls' for their safe-conduct, through the heart of Turks Country, he prosecuted his journey through the heart of Turkey, which he found to be much unanswerable for the strength and populausnes, to the report and opinion that the world conceives of it. From Aleppo he came to a town called Birrah, by which runs the famous river of Euphrates, that parteth the two Countries of Mesopotamia, and Syria: From hence after 7. or 8. days tarriance, he sailed in the company of certain Turkish Marchchants along Euphrates, by the space of 2. or 3. & twenty days, and were stayed by the King of Arabs, (his Court and abiding being at that time upon the River side in Tents) Before whom, Sir Anthony and his company being brought (after they had kissed his hands) he demanded what they were? Answer being made they were English Merchants, and come to traffic in those parts: the King was very desirous to see their Merchandise, which they not daring to contradict; he borrowed without any specialty, thirty yards of the richest cloth of silver, to be paid, ad Calendas Graecas. From thence he journeyed to Babylon, where, by the Bashaw, all his goods were stayed, and arrested to be sold at his rate: & they were constrained to take half that they were worth for payment. He also extorted a great deal of plate from Sir Anthony, made of pure Emerald, which he pretended to send as a present to the Persian King. Having stayed a monteh or more in Babylon, he received Letters from Aleppo, wherein he was counseled to make what hast he could from thence, for that their were letters shortly to come to Babylon, by which the Bashaw had a strict command to make stay of him, and all his company: whereupon sit Anthony made what haste he could out of Babylon, being both weary of his entertainment there, & thoroughly weakened with this news, and so passed through the waste Country of the Medes, in company of a Caravan, which is a great many Camels together, and men to drive them not much unlike to our English Carriars. Within six days after they entered the Confines of Persia.  

Of Sir Anthony Sherley's entertainment in Persia, and of his employments to many Christian Princes, to join in League against the Turk.  
TO set down the whole process of Sir Anthony his voyages and travels, both by Sea, and Land, with his variable fortunes in them, from the time of his departure out of England, till his coming into Persia, and the manner of his receiving, and usage in several Courts of many foreign Princes, were a Subject of itself, fit for a large volume, which happily myself or some other more worthy (upon better intelligence of the occurrents thereof) may hereafter publish to the world, as a matter worthy of memorial. I will now relate his coming into Persia, his honourable entertainment there, and high employments in those parts, according to the notes & instructions I have received.  
Sir Anthony after his long and weary journeys, at last entered the King of Persia his Country, having his brother Robert Shirley in his company, who still continued with him in all his travels, a kind and natural partaker of all his fortunes. He found his entertainment good, the climate healthfully, the soil fruitful; and full of pleasure; the people civil, and very gentle; far differing from the nature of the Turks, whose Country he had already passed: Insomuch that he wondered with himself, that being so little difference (as there is) between them in climate, there should be so great diversity in condition. The borderers understanding that his coming was to their King, attended him with the more regard, and observance, and still as he passed, sent passed before to the principal Officers of their towns, and cities, to give notice of his coming, where he wanted not any thing that was worthy of acceptance, both for himself, and his train. When he came near Casbin (their Capital city in those parts) he sent word to the principal Governor, to give him to understand what he was, and that he was come to see the King, hearing of his worth. Whereupon the Governor prepared one of the King's horses for him, richly furnished, and appointed many gentleman of the best reckoning to entertain him But Sir Anthony not desirous of any solemn entertainment, being in his traveling apparel, (his carriage yet behind) and unfurnished of show, stole by night at unawares into the city. Howbeit the Governor, the next morning, accompanied with divers of the chief Gentlemen of the King's house, with certain Officers also of the City, came to his lodging, where after many Courtly salutations, according to the custom of the Country, he told him, he was welcome, and that his presence would be very gracious, and acceptable to the King: in whose absence, he should not want those things, which either his own worth deserved, or the city could afford, for his pleasure, or provision: and that he would speedily direct Posts unto the King (who was then in Person in the wars of the Tartarians, his borderers) to inform his Majesty of his coming: and that in the mean time he would rest, and solace himself in the City. Sir Anthony gave him thanks, and after some complement between them, they parted for the cime each from other.  
The next day, a post was dispatched to the King to give him notice, that a Christian, a man of some account and reckoning, very well accompanied, understanding of his great fame and power, was come from far to see him, and to do him honour.  
The King sent word back, that he should be well entreated, until his own return. In which mean time, the Governor of the city, and the King's Steward, did many times feast Sir Anthony, & his company, bringing them to the King's Palace gate, to do that homage that all Strangers use to do: viz. To kiss the entrance of his Palace 3. times.  
Not many days after, the King made his return towards Casbin, and approaching near unto the city, sent to the Governor, giving him commandment, that he should furnish Sir Anthony & his company with horses, the next day to meet him on his way, being then not far from the city. Which being performed accordingly, Sir Anthony set forward towards the King, in this manner.  
His whole company passed not the number of xxvi. their apparel being rich, and differing from the Persians, made a fair and delightful show: Sir Anthony himself in cloth of gold, and his brother Robert in cloth of silver, both their upper and under coats: some Gentlemen of his train, having their upper ceats of cloth of silver, their neither coats of silk. The chief of his servants in silk under coats, the upper crimson velvet: the rest in a fair kind of stuff, all their upper coats being watched Damask. The King came forward, in princely and triumphant manner, in honour of a late obtained victory, against the Tartars: having a thousand of their heads advanced upon Pikes, and carried before him, according to the custom of the country.  
Sir Anthony being brought in presence of the King, dismounted his horse, observing the manner of the country, and coming towards the King, bowed down his body, to kiss his foot: which the King perceiving, did prevent, for in an unusual manner he suddenly put his hand between his mouth, and his foot, and so in a princely favour gave him his hand to kiss. The rest of his company, according to the custom, performed that duty.  
The King having welcomed Sir Anthony, caused him again to be mounted, and so holding their way towards the city, Sir Anthony riding next unto the King: many signs and tokens of favour and acceptance were all the way showed unto him.  
Having entered the city, and the state and solemnity of the triumph being that time to be performed, according to the custom, in honour of the late succesull victory, the King commanded one of his greatest men to accompany Sir Anthony, and to convey him and his company to the principal place of the city, there to behold the solemn manner of the triumph. Which done, and the King repaired to his Palace, he caused Sir Anthony to be brought before him: who being by the King's appointment, and his brother placed near unto him, sitting upon his Throne, where he discoursed unto the Sophi of Persia, his country, the state, power, & Majesty of his Prince, the religion, and conditions of the people, the manner of government, with the nature and discipline of their wars: then he descended to particularise the cause, and the several occurrents of his Travels: Lastly, he declared the special matter and occasion that drew him into Persia: namely the fame and renown that he heard of his Acts and Government, and the inveterate hatred he bore unto the Turks. The King was highly pleased with his discourse, and all this while having well observed his speech, gesture, and countenance, he held him in his conceit to be of very honourable reckoning, which after Princely thanks given, and many graces and favours shown, he made manifest: for he took Sir Anthony by the hand, & lead him into other inward Chambers, where being that night royally feasted, he was after Supper by many principal Gentlemen of the Court, conveyed and attended to his lodging, which in a far more sumptuous manner then before, was newly provided for him. Not many days after, the Persian King sent him a rich and costly present by his Steward, to demonstrate his love, and the account and estimation he had of him.   

Of the Manners, Conditions, and Customs of the Persians.  
OUr English nation within these few years, by reason of their travels (wherein I suppose they are at this day second to no country) have such knowledge, and experience of all people, of their customs and conditions, that it is an easy matter to control a writer, that discourseth only upon report, except he be truly and directly instructed, but so far as I have read & heard by the testimony of such persons as know somewhat, (& have little cause to say more than they know) I will be bold, for the better understanding of those that are ignorant, in some sort, to relate the Manners & Conditions of the Persians, as not impertinent to this present purpose.  
For their devotion, it is much after the Turkish ceremonies, their Priests somewhat differing in their Orders, and habit, their Temples and religious places, much after their building and fashion. The Persian prayeth to Mahomet, and Mortus Ally, The Turks both to them, and three others, that were Mahomet's servants: against which three, the Persian still inveighs, and is an enemy.  
Their conceit of Christ, is, that he was a great Prophet, a most holy and religious man, beloved of God, & mighty both in deed and word, but no way to be compared to Mahomet, for Mahomet (say they) was that most excellent and final Prophet, through whose grace, virtue, and power, all things concerning the Resurrection, and salvation, are made full and perfect.  
Further being only governed by Natural and Carnal knowledge, and wanting the illumination of God's heavenly and powerful Spirit to lighten the understanding part of the Soul, with the inward apprehension of the excellent mysteries of faith, and man's redemption, they affirm, that because God had never no wife, nor never knew woman, it was therefore impossible that Christ could be his son: So hard a matter it is for natural reason to comprehend the mysteries of Faith. And therefore as Pallengenius saith in his Zodiac: Succumbat ratio fidei, et Captiva quiescat.  
But to leave their religion to themselves, and their conversion to his divine power that hath their hearts in his disposing, let us speak a little of the commodities that their Country affords. They have great plenty of silks of all colours, great store of spices, drugs, pearls, and precious stones, Carpets they make of divers kinds, in which works they are excellent. Their principal merchandise among themselves, is, to buy and sell men and women in their markets, They are a people for the most part unlearned, ignorant in all kind of liberal Sciences, yet are they good warriors, politic and valiant, observing order, and discipline, they have heretofore been held a people fierce and uncivil, little better than the Turks; But of late they are grown very courteous, and respective unto strangers, by whose conversation they have much bettered their manners & conditions. Certain Towns and Provinces, belonging to the Persian, bordering upon the Turks, were lost by this King's predecessors, which he hopeth to recover, being now better able than ever they were, or he himself hath been in times past, for he hath lately taken in certain other Towns, upon the frontiers of the Turk, that will much advantage him, whensoever he begins to war. For the undertaking whereof, Sir Anthony ceased not, during the time he lay in the City, by all importune means, and forcible reasons, to animate and incense the Persian: alleging how easy a matter it were for him, by his means, being a Christian, to join many of the Christian Princes, his borderers, in League and friendship with him, & draw them to the assistance of these wars, both with supplies in his own Country, and also with powerful invasions in many other places of the Turks dominions, far remote: that he being thus driven to sunder his forces into many parts, his army should be the weaker against Persia, & he himself being the head of this League and combination, would be the surer guarded. He further alleged how honourable, and easy it would be for him not only to recover those his Towns and Provinces, which now the Turk holds in his possession: But be also able in short time to win upon him even in his own Country, and that no time could be fitter than now, for that of late having obtained a great victory against the Tartars he had no cause to fear them, they being so weakened with their overthrow, that it was an easy matter for his garrisons being manned, to keep them from all incursions, or other Acts of hostility.  
The Persian being tickled with this devise, and project of Sir Anthony's, set the Lords a work in council and consultation of this overture, whilst he himself in words and opinion gave his approbation, having now nothing in his conceit, and fantasy, but plots, draughts, and stratagems, concerning this war, and there was not a day passed over his head, but he would send for Sir Anthony and his brother, to confer with him about these matters, sometimes at midnight into his bed chamber: at last the King and his Council fully concluded and resolved to further these designs, and negotiations in what they might, and by a special direction from the King, and a general consent of all, Sir Anthony was made choice of, as a man most fit for these employments: not only for that he was a Christian, and so might the rather induce the friends of his religion, to the undertaking of this worthy enterprise; but also that he had such an assured trust, & confidence in his wisdom, and resolution, that he thought nothing could miscarry wherein he was employed. So the managing of that was committed to Sir Anthony, and a great-man of Persia appointed to accompany him; but the whole burden of that imploymentt, obee upon Sir Anthony, who undertook it.  
This concluded, they resolved to depart, and to take their journey from the Persian Court, to some convenient place, where they might be embarked to pass the Caspian Seas: for their intent was first to the Emperor of Russia, and so forward to other Princes. To show how he was entertained in the several Courts of such Christian Princes, as he had to deal withal in those affairs, is needles, for it may be imagined, his entertainment to be so great and honourable, as befitted the State of such worthy employment. All things sorted to his desire, & expectation, but that this cross fell by the way, namely a jar between Sir Anthony and the Perasin, that accompanied him, who strived for the first place of that Embassage, albeit the dispose thereof was wholly committed to the order and discretion of Sir Anthony: But his high Spirit not borne to brook such indignity, did so thwart the Persian in his pride, as that he followed his daring presumption even to his deep disgrace.   

Of the Manners and Fashions of the Turks.  
THere are two sorts of Turks: the natural Turk, and the Renegado.  
The Natural Turk hath his original in Scythia, not far from the Caspian Seas, and they are, & have been ever the most inhuman of all other Barbarians. Their manner of living is for the most part uncivil, and vicious. For their vices, they are all Pagans, and Infidels, Sodomites, and Liars. They are a very scornful people, and their pride is so great, as it is not possible to be described. Next that, followeth their cruelty; in which their Kings exceed, Nero, Calliggula, or any other Tyrant whatsoever. They take pleasure in bloody delights, and to see men put to death: For their breach of promise, they hold it an high, and commendable virtue: for they say, if a man speak what he thinketh, his purposes will be prevented.  
Touching their justice, that is the most ordinary Merchandise, that is bought and sold amongst them. For first the great Turk selleth all his offices, and governments to such Bashaws as will give most for them: And the chief Visior Bashaw sitteth even in judgement: If any other Bashaw offer no little more than he giveth for his place, the Tyrant will presently send, and cut off his head without any further circumstance. So did he to Mustapha Bashaw, the last of December 1604. and to Hashan Bashaw in September 1605.  
Their Renegadoes are for the most part Rogues, and the scum of the people, which being villains and Atheists, unable to live in Christendom, are fled to the Turks for succour, and relief. And of these are most of the bashaws made. Their ancient respect is now quite lost, and weakened, because the arrogance of this king, and the dissolute negligence of his three Predecessors, Selim, Amureth, and Mahomet, have caused the Turks to lose the awful regard, which they used to bear their King in former times. His chiefest forces by land consist of janissaries: these janissaries are all made of the sons of Christians, that are taken from their Parents, when they are very young, and are called Tribute children. They are at the first divided into two sorts, when they are first brought to Constantinople, & Adrianople: for in these parts, they are brought up. The one sort, the Turks call Hitch Oglandes': of them are made the Sphayes. These are horsemen, and have fifteen Asper's a day, he that hath most: but many of them but twelve. The other are called jam Oglandes', of these are made the janissaries: no janissary hath above nine Asper's a day: many of them but five. The manner of the fights the Turks use, are strange, and altogether unsouldierlike, for they are all unarmed, and the horsemen have for weapons, a Lance de gay, a bow and arrows, and a Scimitary, which is their best weapon. They wear no armour, nor ever fight in rank, or troup, but disperse themselves, and come to fight more like men that would play at iogo de taro, or iogo de caro, than Soldiers. Of the foot: the janissaries do use a certain piece, as long as a Musket, and the height of a Calliver, which makes it carry far: they have very good Match there, but no good powder, but what they have got from overthrown Christians, or else brought them out of England. The other sort carry half Pikes, or short axes, and their bodies unarmed.  
The Turks are beyond all measure, a most insolent, superbous, and insulting people, ever priest to offer outrage to any Christian, if he be not well guarded with janissaries. They sit at meat, as Tailors upon their stalls, cross legged, and their meat served them upon the ground, passing the day for the most part in banqueting, and carousing. They will not permit a Christian to come within their Churches, for they hold their profane and irreligious Sanctuaries defiled thereby. They have no use of bells, but some Priest three times in the day mounts to the top of their Church, and with a loud voice cries out, & invocates Mahomet to come in haste, for they have long expected his second coming.  
They that have passed through the heart of the Turks Country, report the strength thereof to be very small, & that if the Christian Princes knew as much as they do, that in their Travels with all circumspection observed it, doubtless they would with no great difficulty utterly suppress him, or at the least, so put him to the worse, that they would constrain him to embrace the Christian faith, and rest at their devotion: or else remove his seat from the help land, and parts adjacent. To give a taste how probable this is, they allege that in all Palestine, and Syria, there are but one thousand and five hundredth janissaries, that guard the cities of Aleppo, Damascus, Antioch, and jerusalem: as for Grand-cagro they are not able to stir, for divers Arabs that lie in the hills betwixt jerusalem and it: Between whom, and those Turks of Grand-cagro, there is a deadly enmity. As for Babylon and Balsera, they have like wise continual wars with those Arab's of Arabia Foelix. Besides, there are a great number of Christians borne, and bred in those parts, which would most willingly be assisting for their liberties.   

Sir Anthony his receiving into Prague, by Rodolphus, Emperor of Germany.  
SIr Anthony failing of his expectation in Russia, made what haste he could in Germany, but for want of true instructions, we must let slip his occurrents in the way, and with a pace as swift as thought, bring him from Russia to Prague. The Emperor understanding of his coming, (as wheresoever he came, his fame went still before him) commanded 13. Coaches to be sent for him, the Persian, and their train. There came also to meet him, and to do him honour, at least five thousand men, whereof the most of them were Colonels, Captains, Lieutenants, and Gentlemen of note and account, together with many of the Nobility; and with his train and attendance he was brought with solemn & observant state and regard into the city of Prague: where being royally entertained in the emperors Court, and having delivered the purport and tenor of his Embassy, found all things answerable to his worth and the weight of his affairs. His lodging, together with the Persian, was provided in a fair house, not far from the Court, they were served all in plate parcel gilt, but in divers manner, according to the several customs of their Countries. He lay in Prague at least half a year, in all which time, he found nothing but Revels, Feast, and other pleasures of Court. Whensoever he went abroad, he had allowed him by the emperors appointment, a fair coach drawn with 6. horses: the Persian had the like, but still Sir Anthony had the chiefest place and regard, which was the only cause of the often jars and breaches that was between them: for the Persian being haughty and ambitions, would many times in his pride, and insulting humour, as well openly in words, and behaviours, as closely under hand with plots and devices, attempt many things to bring Sir Anthony into disgrace, which still was revealed, and in the end revenged, even by his own Prince, in his own country, as you shall afterwards hear, to Sir Anthony's honour, and the Persians shame and confusion.  
But to return: having taken his leave of the Emperor in all reverend and solemn manner, he came from thence to Norremberge, where, by his welcome and costly entertainment, the citizens showed what account & estimation they held of him: where also, besides many stately banquets, and rich presents, they bore all his charges for four dates; and at his departure, they presented two cups of gold, the one to Sir Anthony, the other to the Persian. Howbeit the lining of Sir Anthony his cup, was better than the outside, for it was stuffed full of gold. Having taken his leave at Norremberge, he came to Augusta, where he was well entertained: from thence to Minikin, where also the Duke of Bavier gave him great entertainment. From Minikin he came to Insbrooke, where stands the stately house of Austria: from thence to Trent, and so to Rome: in all which places, he still found his entertainment beyond expectation.  
At Rome the Persian and he fell again at odds, about superiority, where Sir Anthony plainly told him, that he had many times borne with his proud and insolent behaviours, more than stood with his own honour, and natural condition, only for the furtherance of the negotiations they had in hand, which since (saith he) you have done what lies in your power to cross, observing rather your own ambitious humour, than the nature, and quality of our employments, I will give you to understand, that from henceforth I will take a more strict note, and use a more peremptory controlment, both of your words, gestures, and actions, and you shall learn to know I am your superior, and that I do nothing that becomes me not, both in the worthiness of mine own person, and in the virtue and authority of my commission. The Persian being thus gauled, having neither a mind to suffer, nor a heart to ravenge, in a sullen manner departed from Sir Antho. & took his journey towards Persia, plotting and devising by the way all means he could to article against Sir Anthony, letting nothing slip either from his own mischievous conceit, or the false and malicious suggestions and informations of his followers, to bring Sir Anthony into contempt with his King. But as many a man digs a pit for others, and falls into it himself: so this unhappy Persian, supposing he had carried the poison of Sir Anthony's disgrace, brought in his heart the have of his own undoing: for being come to Court, and having delivered before the Persian King in the presence of Ma. Robert Shirley the whole process of their travels, he did in a particular manner, and with an envious and a malicious tongue prefer his suborned, and suggested accusations against Sir Anthony: which Robert Shirley hearing with countenance and words, both befitting himself and his wronged brother, humbly besought the King, that there might be an indifferent hearing of this matter, and himself admitted to plead his brother's cause: which being granted, he did so trip & confound the Persian in his informations, that being found guilty in the breach of his Commission, and that he had demeaned himself in these great affairs with acts and behaviours derogatory to the honour of his King, and dangerous to the effecting of so great a business, his accusations also against Sir Anthony savouring of malice, and not of truth, he was finally doomed by the king to have his hands cut off, and his tongue cut out, in the presence of M. Robert Shirley, who being demanded what he would have more done unto him, in the revenge of his brothers wrong, he answered that he took no delight in his torment; and that which was already done, was more than he was willing, or consenting to: and that now he would 〈◊〉 in the behalf of the miserable Persian, for that he supposed there could not be in his case a greater pleasure done unto him, than to have his head follow the fortune of his tongue and hands. Thus ended at one time both the pride and life of this unhappy Persian.   

Of Sir Anthony Shirley's Voyage and Travels into Spain, with his entertainment there.  
MAn in regard of his mind and body, being compared to Heaven and Earth, is said to be a little world: the one subject to corruption, the other to immortality. Gold and silver therefore, which Saint Bernard calleth Terra rubra & alba, are not said to be the riches of the mind, but virtue is her divine substance: by the power whereof she doth extinguish that immoderate fire of sense and appetite, wherewith man's Nature is dangerously inflamed, drawing it to be governed by the qualified and temperate rule of reason: and in the excellency of her own account being carried aloft with her celestial wings (her object being drawn another way) she either beholds not or doth not esteem the riches, pleasures, and profits of the world, or whatsoever the base delights and erroneous desires of men holds to be precious. From hence it comes, that having the body's government and virtue to be her own guide, she doth so rule and order it in all her projects and intendments, that she suffers it to commit nothing uncomely or unworthy her direction: but with a mutual sympathy and agreement they pass the whole progress of this life, showing themselves in all their desires and designs, to bereligious, temperate, just, honourable and worthy the image of their Creator. They are not servilely tied to any place, or country, nor lulled with the delight of idleness and homebred pleasures, but as well to enrich the intellectual part with knowledge and experience, as also to exercise the body with the practices of labour, and grace the life with virtuous attempts, they seek out other climates, preferring the honourable drift of their desires before the respect of life, or whatsoever is dearest unto man.  
And thus having the assistance of the divine power, what a memorial do they leave behind, worthy to be recorded to all posterity. Such was Paulus Aemylius, and Publius Cornelius Scipio, who in their hostile employments and successful attempts against Perseus and Hannibal, the two objects of their honourable emulations, and the dangerous enemies of their country, besides their valours, directions, policies, stratagems, ordering, and ending of the wars were otherwise: also even in their victories, and all their civil actions so temperate and so virtuously governed, that at their return, men of all Countries repaired to Rome, only to see them, and honour them, as men exceeding the state of Mortality.  
And when I compare the time of Sir Anthony Shirley's departure out of England, together with those great attempts he hath undertaken & compassed (whereof I cannot discourse at large, being solemnly instructed) I am drawn to wonder, that neither the desire which every man naturally hath to his own Country, nor the joyful welcomes nor honourable entertaynements that attend him here, can any whit stir his mind, or draw his affections from his purposed intendments against the Turk, as well to show the Christian respect he bears to his Religion (it being the principal Square and Rule of all his attempts and actions) as also to make god his promise and protestation to the Persian King, still to persist in stirring up the minds and powers of the bordering Kings, enemies to the house of Ottoman, & the Turkish Alcoran, that there is a great hope and expectancy in short time to see a sudden darkening and eclipse of that glaring beauty and out stretched bounds of the Turkish Empire.  
Let us therefore attend him a while into Spain (having already passed Russia and Germany, and other parts) where, being entertained with all the honour of the Court, and having delivered his Message, (wherein was included the scope and purport of his coming thither, both in regard thereof, and of the honourable League newly made, and likely to be continued betwixt the two famous Kings of England and Spain) he found his entertainment doubled, his lodging and provision both for himself and his retinue in sumptuous manner prepared. To be brief, nothing wanting that might either satisfy the delights and pleasures of an honourable Stranger, or set forth the state and Majesty of so great a Prince.  
But Sir Anthony not desirous to bury his thoughts in the delights of the Court, nor sleeping in the pleasures of that flourishing Kingdom, had still his mind waking upon his affairs, holding all time misspent that was not spent in the revolving, consulting, and concluding of the business he had in hand, that his toiling mind scarce gave his body rest, so great a desire had he both to redeem his brother, whom he left as pledge with the Persian King, but chiefly to restore Religion to those unhappy conquered Kingdoms by the Turk, where now the holy Churches and sanctified Temples of our Saviour are changed to be the idolatrous places of the blasphemous Synagogue of Mahomet.  
He stayed not long in Spain, before the King installed him one of the Knights of the Honourable Order of S. jago, and created him Captain of his Galleys for the wars against the Turks: So great a liking and love he seemed to bear as well to his person, as to the State and condition of his affairs, which Sir Anthony at all convenient times did urge and prosecute, pretermitting no occasion that might still stir up & inflame the mind of this young King with an honourable desire to undertake this war.  
As he had thus many honours done unto him by the King of Spain, and was well entreated by most of his Nobility, so was he as much crossed by some other of that country, whom he had freed from captivity. For having by suit obtained the liberty and ransom of three, who had been taken prisoners: the said prisoners upon this enlarged, and Sir Anthony expecting the payment of their ransoms, received very good dealing at the hands of two of them: But the other unthankful wretch to save the ransom which he was to pay, ministered a dram of poison to him: which wrought so far with him, that it caused both the hair of his head and the nails of his fingers to fall off; but yet took not that devilish effect that he desired: for in short time he recovered, and God restored him to his former health.   

Sir Anthony his expedition into Turkey, with his respective kindness done to an English Merchant at Lisbon.  
BUt to return to Sir Anthony, his expedition into Turkey being thus concluded on, great preparation was made for the war: Soldiers and Sailors taken up in all parts; provision for armour and artillery, rigging of ships and galleys, great suit for places of command & offices of account, new Colonels, Captains, and Lieutenants made: In all which, Sir Anthony had the most special place of command. In fine, his Commission was signed, wherein he was established Captain General of the Navy, consisting of 200. great ships, besides Galleys, and many other smaller vessels for provision, and 30. thousand land Soldiers. All things being thus in a readiness, Sir Anthony repaired to the Court to take his leave of the King. The King after many great signs & tokens of grace and favour, took from his own neck a jewel of great price, with the picture of Philip his father on the one side, and his own on the other, and delivered it to Sir Anthony with these words: When you look upon it, think on me. Sir Anthony receiving it in all humble and thankful manner, protested, that his life & that should part together.  
Thus when all solemnities and compliments of parting were ended, Sir Anthony made what haste he could to Lisbon, where his Army stayed his coming; and where in a second state of entertainment he found his welcome beyond expectation. But the wind joining with the necessity of his affairs (that required expedition) stayed him not long there. Howbeit, before his departure from Lisbon, we should do him wrong, unkindly to forget the remembrance of a great benefit and good turn done by him to a certain English Merchant, whose name and credit is well known in London: for Sir Anthony had ever a care in all his travels to relieve such whom he found distressed, and especially his country men, as among others, this for instance.  
This Merchant having against the laws & customs of Spain, embarked 12000 ducats of gold of the Spanish coin, with a purpose to have transported them into England: The searcher and other officers for the K. having knowledge thereof, seized the whole sum into their own hands, it being by authority prohibited, and therefore forfeited unto them by the Laws of the land. The Merchant being much moved with this unfortunate and unexpected chance, it being the principal stock whereon his state relied, with a heavy heart repaired to Sir Anthony, unto whom complaining of his miserable estate by this accident, besought his favour, that it would please him to extend the credit of his place for the recovery of this great some: which being lost, he knew well would be the undoing, both of himself, his wife & children: protesting, that in am thereof, he should command what part of it, it pleased him, and that he should ever hold himself so much bound unto him, as that he would thence forwards still acknowledge him to be the principal upholder of his state and fortunes.  
Sir Anthony being moved with pity of the merchants mischance, so charmed the watchful keepers of this Treasure, that to his great honour & commendation, without improprating any part thereof to his own use, he soon returned back this great sum into the merchants possession, who like jason with his companions did merrily sail homewards with this golden fleece. Shortly after Sir Anthony with all his Navy weighed anchor, and with a presperous gale of wind soon lost the sight of Spain & Portugal, and we must now (for want of further intelligence) leave him upon the Levant Seas, to that hopeful happy fortune that attends this honourable Enterprise.    

Of Master Robert Sherley's employment in the wars of the Persian against the Turk, after Sir Anthony his departure: Of his Victories, and his Marriage with the King of Persia his cousin German.  
MAster Robert Shirley after his brother's departure was made General, and possessed the chiefest place in the King of Persia his wars against the Turk, wherein he so valiantly bestirred himself, that the Persians gave him a crown of Laurel for the victory: for being armed and made ready for fight, taking a Pole-axe in his hand, he himself gave first such an honourable attempt, and so amazed and repulsed the enemies, that his soldiers imitating his courage, put all the foes to the edge of the sword: only reserving alive some thirty of the chief Commanders among them, whom he led in triumph to the King, having taken them prisoners: and forthwith dispatched a messenger to the Turk with letters to this effect: That for the redemption, and liberty of one that he kept prisoner (meaning Sir Thomas his brother, who was then undischarged) he should command the lives of those thirty, & have themsafely without danger, or ransom delivered unto him. But envy that hangs upon the sword point of the Turk, did so stir up the mind to revenge, that he was so far from entertaining this proffer, as he did not only make refusal thereof, and bid him do his worst with his prisoners, but he also returned words of defiance, and menared that the sun should not twice step from the bed of Aurora, but he would waken him with such an alarum, as should strike his whole company into wonder and amazement.  
This might have daunted the mind of Robert Shirley, knowing his men to be weak, and weary, and overtoyled in the late battle and victory, to be so suddenly called again unto Arms: & considering the strength of his enemy, and that the Turk had always three hundred thousand men in readiness, but that honour (the chiefest mark he aimed at in all his actions) abandoned Fear and Timidity: for he no sooner received the daring threats of the Turk, and the denial of his gentle offer, but he presently cut off the heads of those 30. Commanders, and (according to the custom of Persia) caused them to be carried in triumph about the Market place, on the top of his soldiers Pikes, and swore in great choler, that that day should prove dismal unto his enemy, for either he was resolved to return Conqueror, or to leave his carcase in the field. And thereupon set his Soldiers in array, and imbattailed them with all speed: who coming within view, might conjecture by computation their enemies to be ten to one, which much affrighted the minds of his men: but he perceiving it, began to give them encouragement, on this manner.  

Master Robert Shirley his Oration to his Soldiers.  
I Need not (worthy Gentlemen, and soldiers of Persia) seek to encourage you with a long discourse, lest putting oil in the flame, I should add spurs to a free horse: your former valiant resolution manifested as well in this last, as in many other battles, assure me, that were the enemy's multitude greater, yet (our quarrel good and honourable, and our minds armed with true valour) in despite of Fortune, we shall, (as hitherto we have done) return in Triumph, and victory. And for that it toucheth mine honour, I will be the first man in the battle, and the last man in the field, unless death give an honourable quittance to my life: Let me be this day a mirror of your Magnanimity: let my actions be your precedents: press but as far as your General, and courage Gentlemen, the victory is ours: & with that catching a strong staff, pulling down his be●er, and putting spurs to his horse, he furiously rushed upon the Enemy, his soldiers following with such a desperate resolution, that the Turks were amazed at his valour: for he ran without stop through the troops, and like alion massacred whom he met: which the Enemy perceiving, & what a great slaughter he had made amongst them, many of them fled, many laid down their weapons, and yielded, the rest he put all to the sword, without partiality or savour.   
Out of this his second overthrow of the Turks, he again reserves alive some threescore of the chiefest of them, and sends the like proffer to the Turk, for redemption of his brother (the King's Letters not then come for his enlargement.) But the Turk enraged that Fortune had thwarted his high hopes with such contrary events, utterly refused to subscribe to his request, but bade him still continue to do his worst, for he intended not to depart with his prisoner. Upon which reply, Ma. Robert Shirley, as he did the first, so put he the last to the sword, in remembrance, and revenge of the cruelty done to sir Thomas, whose miseries (in the time of intercourse between the Turk and his brother) were much more aggravated, and made so great, as the truth upon report will hardly be believed.  
In these wars against the Turks, this younger brother purchased such honour and estimation, as the cousin German to the King of Persia (being the widow of a Duke in that country) entered into such liking of his worthiness, as she resolved (with Andromache) to rest her whole estate upon his prowess: saying, Tu dominus, Tu vir, Tu mihi frater cris.  
The which affection of hers, was likewise on his part answered with equal proportion; so that after their private interchanging of faith and troth, their several desires were made jointly happy in the honourable end of marriage. Cuius virtus valde efficax est ad concordiam faciendam, quae adeò Deo placet, sicut discordia multum ei displicet: Whose virtue is of great force to make peace and concord, with which God is as much pleased, as he is displeased with discord.  
The King himself also was so well pleased with this match, that for many days together he solemnized the marriage.  
It is reported, that Ma. Robert Shirley since his marriage with the King's cousin German, hath had isive by her, two children, both Christened in that Country, in the Christian faith, the King himself being a witness to one of them in Baptism. He labours the King very much to christianisme, to which (it is said) he lends such attentive ear, that he doubteth not, but by God's assistance and his good persuasions, he may in time be brought to become a Christian.  
To strengthen which hope, Robert Shirley hath already erected there a church, called after his own name, in which he hath divine service as duly read, as here it is on this side the seas. He hath also obtained of the King a number of young infants of that country to be brought up in a house appointed for that purpose, that altogether estranged, & kept from hearing or speaking their own Language, may in time learn our English Speech, and come at length to Christian knowledge, being brought up & educated among Christians. Howsoever the effect answer the intent, his purpose is most honourable and religious, & deserves such worthy commendations, that what Princes soever lend furtherance to his godly proceedings, I may say with the Evangelist: Merces corum copiosa est in coelis: Their reward is very great in Heaven, where they shall enjoy the abundant fullness of all felicity.  
FINIS.