THE VARIETY of Memorable and worthy matters.  
By Walter Owsolde.  
Imprinted at London by I. R. for jeffery Charlton and are to be sold at his shop, at the great North door of Paul's. 1605.   

To the Right worshipful Sir William Romney, Knight and Alderman of the City of London.  
RIght Worshipful, you may justly think I am very bold, being in respect a stranger unto you, to offer up these lines to your favourable censure, yet the love & good affection which I own to your worship for some sufficient causes: may fully excuse my rashness in that behalf: and considering withal your gentle disposition, hoping you will take in good part this mean gift, not respecting the value thereof but the good will of the giver, as did that worthy King accepting with gentle heart a draft of water of a simple hind, so I expecting you will courteously vouchsafe the patronizing of these simple collexions, although there be nothing worthy your reviewing contained therein, yet if you grant it but the reading, you may find some matter which may either delight you, by bringing into your remembrance such memorable & worthy things as have happened in former ages, or drive other drowsy thoughts out of your mind: which if it so come to pass, I shall have the full scope of my desires, and be the more bold an other time to offer to your view some thing of better worth. And so I leave you to the merciful protection of Almighty God, whom I beseech to bless you with increase of worship, long life, and eternal happiness.  
Yours to command Walter Owsold.   

To the courteous Reader.  
WHen I consider with myself gentle Reader, of the sundry kinds of delights which men of divers natures take pleasure in: as some in reading ancient histories, whereof there are many sorts and kinds containing the amorous discourses of young gallants, with the lives of their enamoured Mistresses, lively deciphering foolish dotage in old men & stolen widows, with the inconvenience of matching old age and wilful youth together, and again: some take pleasure in reading Chronicles, declaring the famous and worthy acts of valiant Captains, and famous Governors, with the changes and alterations of former times, which may much profit men of all sorts. Therefore I thought good to publish this small Treatise, taken and collected out of divers ancient learned and well approved authors, not unnecessary to be had in remembrance, which I hope the learned will take in good part, because it saveth them a labour in perusing over divers volumes, to find the time and place where and when the matters herein expressed, were begun, performed, continued, and ended; and as for the other sort I hope they cannot mislike it, treating of matters which without this book they should never have known: and so I leave it to your favourable censure.  
Yours as you like this Book, W. O.   

The Table.  

THE four parts of the World. page, 1.  
The four Monarchies. page, 1.  
The six ages of the World. page, 2.  
The seven wonders of the World. page, 4.  
The seven Wisemen of Greece. page, 5.  
The ten Sibylls. page, 6.  
The twelve Apostles with their martyrdoms. page, 9  
The ten persecutions of Christians under the Roman Emperors. page, 11.  
The eight times that Rome hath been taken. page, 11.  
The seven Electors of the Emperors of Germany. pa. 14.  
The three Crowns of the Emperor. page, 14.  
The twelve Peers or Pairs of France. page, 14.  
The eight Parliaments of France. page, 15  
The seven Saxon Kingdoms that England was once divided into. page, 17  
Five Orders of Chivalry which continue at this day among Princes. page, 8  
The xiii. Cantons of Switzerland. pag. 22.    

The four parts of the world.  
ASIA, so called of the Daughter of Ocean and Thetis, or as some say, of Asia the son of Maneé King of Lydia: is separated from Europe by the river Tanais, now called Don, by the sea called in time past Palus Meotides, now Mare de Zabache: and by Pontus Euxinus, now Mer major: and by part of the Mediterranean sea: and from afric by the river of Nile.  
Europe, that old Writers conjecture to be so called of Europa, daughter of Agenor King of Libya, is separated from Asia as is already shown; and from afric by the Mediterranean Sea.  
Africa, which some say is so called of one Affer, of the line of Abraham, is separated from Europe by the Mediterranean sea, and from Asia by the river of Nile.  
America, or West-India, so called of Americus Vespusius, but first found out by Christopher Columbus of Genua, the year of our Lord 1492. It is in manner of an Island, round about environed with the great Ocean sea.   

The four Monarchies.  
THE first Monarchy was of the Assyrians, founded by Ninus about the year of the World 2220. augmented by the Queen Semiramis, and after it had endured the term of 1300 years, it was translated by Arbactus unto the Medes: and there having endured 350 years, it was lost by Astyages, and conquered by Cyrus.  
The second Monarchy was of the Persians, founded by Cyrus, the year of the World 3425, which after it had endured 191 year, was lost by Darius, and subdued by Alexander the great.  
The third Monarchy was of the Grecians, founded by Alexander the great, in the year of the world 3634, and before Christ 320 years; after whose death it was divided among the Prefects, which in his life time he had appointed in divers countries: by which division Seleucus was King of Syria, Ptolomeus of Egypt, Antigonus of Asia, Cassander of Macedonia & Greece: all which countries were after subdued by the Romans.  
The fourth Monarchy or Empire was of the Romans, founded by julius Caesar, the year of the world 3914, after the building of Rome 706 years, and before Christ 47 years. This Monarchy flourished about the space of 470 years, till that after the death of Theodosius the great, it was divided by his two sons into two Empires: Arcadius was Emperor of Constantinople, which Empire endured (though afterwards much diminished by the invasions of barbarous nations) until the year of our Lord 1453, and then was quite lost by Constantine, and conquered by Mahomet second king of Turks. Honorius was Emperor of Rome, which Empire shortly after, in the year of our Lord 475, & about the ninth month of the rain of Augustus, was utterly ruinated by Othacar king of Goths. And long after, the year of our Lord 801 it was restored by Charles the great, and by him united to the crown of France: and by his successors translated into Germany, where it yet remaineth as a shadow only, or representation of the greatness and majesty of the ancient Roman Empire.   

The six ages of the World.  
IN the dividing of these ages, there is great contrariety of opinions among Writers: for that some follow the computation of the 72 Interpreters, & some follow the Hebrues, and the common text of the Bible. The first age from the creation of the world till the universal flood, endured according to the Hebrues 1656 years, which agreeth with the saying of Saint Hierom, Bede, Filo, and the common text of the Bible. The seventy two Interpreters, and Eusebius hold that it endured 2242 years, and Saint Austin is of opinion, that it endured 2272. Of this age few or no things are recited worthy of memory.  
The second age from Noah his flood till the birth of Abraham, endured according to the 72 Interpreters, Eusebeus, and the greatest part of writers 942: and according to the Hebrews but 292 years: Saint Austin counteth 172 years. In this age was builded The tower of confusion: the Empire of the Assyrians began, and the great City of Ninive was builded, which contained in circuit three days journey.  
The third age from Abraham to David, endured by the agreement of all Authors 942 years. During this age was the peregrination of Abraham: the beginning of the Amazons, Sodom and Gommorre were destroyed: joseph was sold to the Egyptians: Moses passed the red Sea: job the just: jason conquered the golden Fleece: the destruction of Troy: the Latins began to reign in Italy.  
The fourth age from the beginning of the reign of David, till the peregrination of the jews into Babylon, endured 485 years: during this age the Empire of Assyrians was translated to the Medes, the Olympiad's of the Grecians began: Carthage was builded by Dido, & Rome by Romulus: Byzance was also builded: the destruction of jerusalem by Nabucodonozor, and thereupon the captivity of the jews.  
The fift age from the transmigration of Babylon to the coming of Christ, endured by the agreement of all, 589 years. During this age Cyrus began the Monarchy of the Persians: the 70 year of this age the jews returned to their Country: Consuls began to rule in Rome: Zerxes invaded Greece with an army of 1000000 men: Plato, Aristotle, and Demostenes flourished with many other worthy Philosophers: Alexander won the Monarchy of the world: the destruction of Carthage by the Romans': Caesar usurped the Empire of Rome.  
The sixth age began at the birth of our saviour Christ, which yet endureth, and shall endure to the end of the world.   

The seven wonders of the world.  
THe first, were the walls of Babylon, built by Semiramis, of stone joined together with a strange kind of slimy and gluish mortar, which groweth in the mines of those Countries, and especially in the lake where stood in time past Sodom and Gommorre, now called Asfaltide. These walls according to the town, were built in quadrangle, and contained in circuit (as sayeth Pliny in the 26 Chapter of his sixth book) 60 miles; so that every square was fifteen mile long; they were 200 foot high, and fifty foot thick: and to build these walls were hired by Semiramis, out of divers Countries for a long space, 300000 men.  
The second, was the Pillar of the son, offered by the Gentiles unto jupiter. This Pillar stood in the I'll of Rhodes, and was made of iron, in the form of a man of incredible greatness; in so much that a man might scarce fathom the great finger thereof. After it had stood 56 years, it fell down by reason of an earthquake, and so lay till the Island was won by the soldan of Egypt; who carried so much metal away, as loaded 900 Camels.  
The third, were the Pyramids of Egypt: among the which there is one especially noted, about the City of Memphis, now called the great Cairo; this Pyramid covered about 40 acres of land, at the foot or foundation thereof; it was all built of marble stone, and in the building thereof were employed continually, for the space of 20 years, 3600000 men: and for the sustenance of these workmen, was disbursed in radish and such other roots 1800 talents, which according to our reckoning is the sum 1880000 crowns: this might seem uncredible, were it not that it is affirmed by so many authors of authority.  
The fourth, was the Mausol, of Mausol King of Caria, and husband to Artemisia so called: this woman for the great love she bore to her spouse, burned his dead corpse, and drank the powder thereof, thinking no Sepulchre so worthy thereof, as her own body; and the rest of the powder she buried in this famous Tomb, the stone whereof was of an excellent kind of marble: it was 411 feet in circuit, and 25 cubits high, and was environed about with 36 Pillars of stone, wonderfully well carved.  
The fift, was the Temple of Diana, builded by the Amazons: it was 455 foot long, and 220 foot broad, and in it stood 127 marble Pillars, each of them being 70 foot high: the work thereof was so wonderful curious, that it was 220 years a making.  
The sixth, was the image of jupiter Olimpique, in Achaie; all of Porfire, an infinite number of little pieces joined together: this image beside the excellency of the work, is especially noted for the greatness thereof, and was the more famous by reason of the gamigs, called Olympiad's, there kept.  
The seventh, was the Tower Faros, nigh unto Alexandria in Egypt, builded by Ptolomée Philadelphe King of Egypt, to direct the passengers which came to take haven thereabouts, by burning of pitch, or other like things in the top: this Tower was of a marvelous height, and singular workmanship; the building whereof cost according to our money 480000 crowns. Some authors put for the seventh wonder, the Gardens and Orchards upon the walls of Babylon. Others put the Obelisque of Semiramis, which differreth in nothing from a Pyramid, saving that it is all of one stone: the Obelisque, Semiramis caused to be wrought, and taken out of the mountains of Armenia: it was a hundredth and fifty foot high, and every square was four and twenty foot braod at the bottom; so that it contained in circuit 96 foot.   

The seven wise men of Greece.  
Blas borne in the haven Town of Prieme, in the Country of jonia.  
Solon borne in the Island of Salamine. Chilo borne in Lacedemonia. Cleobulus borne at Lind in the I'll of Rhodes. Pittacus borne at Mycilene in the I'll of Lesbos. Thales borne at Mileto in Greece. Periander King of Corinth.   

The ten Sibylles.  
THe first was of Persia, called Samberta: which among other Prophecies said. The womb of the Virgin shall be the salvation of Gentiles.  
The second was of Libya, one of her Prophecies were. The day shall come that men shall see the King of all living things, and a Virgin Lady of the world shall hold him in her lap.  
The third was Themis, surnamed Delphica, because she was borne and prophesied, at Delphos. A Prophet shall be borne of a Virgin.  
The fourth was Cuméa, borne at Cimerie a City of Campania in Italia: who prophesied, that God should be borne of a Virgin, and converse among sinners.  
The fift was the famous Erithraea, borne at Babylon: who especially prophesied a great part of our Christian religion, in certain verses recited by Eusebeus; the first letters of every which verses being put together, make these words, jesus, Christ, Son of God, Saviour. These verses are translated into Latin by Saint Austin Lib. 18, and 23, de civitate dei: the substance whereof followeth. The earth shall sweat sign of judgement: from heaven shall come a King which shall reign for ever, that is to say, in humane flesh, to the end that by his presence he judge the world, so the unfaithful aswell as the faithful shall see God with their eyes aloft among his Saints; and in the end of the world, the souls of men with their bodies shall appear; whom he shall judge when the roundness of the earth, untilled shall be full of clods of earth and grass, men shall cast away their idols, and all their precious jewels, the world shall be consumed with fire, he shall pierce the inferior parts, and break the gates of dark hell: then to the flesh of Saints shall be given free and clear light, and the evil shall be burned with eternal fire, all secrets shall be opened, and every one shall know the secret of his neighbour, and God shall discover the consciences and hearts of all men: then shall there be lamentation and gnashing of teeth, the Sun and Stars shall lose their light, the firmament shall be dissolved, & the Moon shall be darkened, the mountains shall be thrown down, and the valeis shall be made equal with them, there shall be nothing in the world higher or lower than another, mountains and valleys shall be made plain, all things shall cease; the earth shall be dried unto powder and dust, the fountains and rivers shall be burned likewise, then shall a trumpet sound from heaven in woeful & horrible manner, and the opening of the earth shall discover confused and dark hell, with the torments and pains of the miserable condemned, and here before the judge shall come every King: a river of fire & brimstone shall fall from heaven. divers other things were prophesied by this Sibylle: and because they were obscure, and therefore not to be comprehended by the Gentiles before they came to pass, she said of herself these words. They shall think me a false and blind prophetess; but when they shall see these things come to pass, they will remember me & call me no more a false prophetess, but a prophetess of the almighty God.  
The sixth was called Samia, borne in the I'll of Samos, which said: He being rich shall be borne of a poor maid; the creatures of the earth shall adore him, and praise him for ever.  
The seventh was called Cumana, because she prophesied at Cumas a town of Campania in Italy: she prophesied that he should come from heaven, and reign here in poverty: he should rule in silence, and be borne of a virgin.  
The eight was called Helespontica, borne at Marmise in the territory of Troy. A woman shall descend of the jews called Marie, and of her shall be borne the son of God, named jesus, and that without carnal copulation: for she shall be a Virgin before and after his birth: he shall be both God and man, he shall fulfil the laws of the jews, and shall add his own law thereunto: and his kingdom shall remain for ever.  
The ninth was of Frigia, and prophesied in the town of Ancire, one of her sayings were; The Highest shall come from heaven, and shall confirm the counsel in heaven, and a virgin shall be showed in the valleys of the deserts.  
The tenth was Albunea, surnamed Tiburtina, because she was borne at Tiber, 15 mile from Rome. The invisible Word shall be borne of a virgin: he shall converse among sinners, and shall of them be despised. Lactantius Firmianus rehearseth diverse of their prophecies, without making any particular mention of them: they are to be referred specially notwithstanding (as it should seem) unto Sibylla Samberta, who wrote 24 Books in verse; chiefly entreating of the coming, miracles, and life of Christ, whereunto, the sayings of all the other Sibylles are conformable.  
S. Austin likewise in the 23 chapter of his 18 book De civitate Dei, reciteth those prophecies as followeth. Then he shall be taken by the wicked hands of the Infidels, and they shall give him buffets on his face with their sacrilege hands, and they shall spit upon him with their foul and cursed mouths. He shall turn unto them his shoulders suffering them to be whipped; yea he shall hold his peace without speaking ere a word, to the end that none shall know from whence his words proceedeth. He shall also be crowned with thorns; they shall give him gall to eat, & vinegar to drink: behold the feast that they shall make him: in so much that thou ignorant and blind people shall not know thy God conversing among men, but thou shalt crown him with thorns, mingling for him gall and vinegar. Then the vail of the temple shall rend, and at mid day it shall be dark night for the space of three hours. So the just shall die the death, and his death or sleep shall continue three days: and when he shall have been in the bowels of the earth, he shall resuscit and return to life.  
Lactantius moreover, lib. 4. chap. 15. rehearseth these prophecies of them. He shall raise the dead, the impotent and lame shall go, and run nimbly, the deaf shall hear, the blind shall see, the dumb shall speak freely. And a little before that, sayeth, with five loaves and two fishes, he shall nourish in the Deserts 5000 men, and the fragments thereof shall be sufficient to satisfy many more. Many other things were foretold by these Sibyls, as well of the ruins of great States as of Christ.   

The twelve Apostles with their martyrdom.  
IAmes the son of Zebedee, called mayor, for that he was chosen to be an Apostle, was sent to convert Spain, from whence by reason of the obstinacy of the people, (for he converted in all but nine persons) he returned shortly again to preach in judea. Where by the envy of a jewish Bishop called Abiathar, he was accused, and beheaded by the consent of Herod Agrippa. His body was conveyed by his disciples first to jerusalem, and from thence to Spain, where it yet remaineth in Compostella a famous pilgrimage.  
james the son of Alphey, called minor, for that he was last chosen, he was the first Bishop of jerusalem, and that by the space of thirty years: and then as he was preaching in the Temple, he was thrown headlong down by the pharisees, and by them stoned to death. He was buried by the Temple.  
Simon by Christ called Peter, through the indignation of Nero, because he had overcome Simon Magus, was crucified with his head downward, according as he desired.  
Saul, after his conversion called Paul, after he had endured and escaped many dangers and torments, as beating with rods, and put in the stocks by Philippus; stoned in Listria, delivered to wild beasts in Ephesis, bound and beaten in jerusalem, and many others: lastly came to Rome, whereby the commandment of Nero, he was beheaded (because he was a Roman born) the same day that Peter was crucified. Paul in stead of john, because he ended not his life with martyrdom.  
Philip, after he had preached through the whole Country of Scythia, and converted a great part thereof in the space of 20 years, was at the last in the City of jerapolis (when he had there extirped the heresy of the Hebeonits) fastened to the cross, and so died.  
Bartholomew went to preach in India, and afterward came to Albania a City of Armenia the greater, where he converted the King of that City, and destroyed the idols, wherefore by the commandment of Astiagus brother to the King Polemius, whom he had converted, he was flayed quick. His body was afterwards brought to Italy, and is as some say at Rome.  
Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, went first to preach in Achaia, and afterward preached in Scithya: but lastly he was taken at Patras a City of Achaia, by Egeas, Proconsul of that Province: who because he had converted his wife Maximilla, cast him in prison, where he was sore beaten, and lastly stretched out and bound on a slope cross, to augment his torment, and so died.  
Thomas preached the Gospel to the Parthians, Medes, Persians, Hyrcanians, Bragmans, and converted a great part of India. He was by the infidels thrown into a burning furnace, and came out unhurt. Finally, because he prayed God to destroy the idol of the son, which the infidels would have compelled him to worship, he was by them thrust through with spears and swords.  
Matthew, after he had preached much in judea, he went into Ethiopia, & there converted the greatest part of that Country. Finally, having newly ended his prayers, and lefting up his hands to heaven by the altar, certain spies came behind him, and ran him through with their swords: which was done by the commandment of a King of those Countries.  
judas, called also Thadeus, after the ascension of our Lord, was sent by Thomas to heal Abagar King of Edissa: afterwards he preached in Ponte, and Mesopotamia, and converted many cruel and barbarous people. Lastly, he came to Persia, where for counfounding of their idols, was suddenly run upon, and murdered by the Paymin Bishops of that Country. He is buried at Netre a City of Armenia.  
Simon, called Chananeus, brother to Thadeus, and james the less; after he had preached in Egypt, returned to jerusalem, whereof by the consent of the Apostles, he was made Bishop after the martyrdom of his brother james. As touching his death and martyrdom, some say that he suffered with his brother judas Thadeus in Persia, others, that he was through the envy of Heretics, accused to be a Christian afore the Consul Atticus, and therefore crucified, as his master was.  
Mathy, after the ascension of Christ, chosen by the Apostles to supply Iudas ●ome, was borne at Bethlem, & descended of the Tribe of juda, he preached altogether in judea, where lastly he was accused by his enemies of perjury or rather blasphemy, and therefore he was condemned to be stoned to death by two men, during which torment, one smote him with a hatchet, and so he suffered martyrdom.   

The ten persecutions under the Roman Emperors.  
THe first began in the 13 year of the reign of Nero, in such sort, that the Christians were feign to hide themselves in caves of the earth.  
The second began in the 12 year of the reign of Domician, who caused S. john the Evangelist to be put in a vessel of burning oil, whereof he received no hurt.  
The third began in the tenth year of the reign of trajan, which ceased afterwards by the pity and means of Pliny, 2. perfect of the Empire.  
The fourth began under Marcus Antoninus, and Aurelius Commodus Empire.  
The fift began at the commandment of the Emperor Severus.  
The sixth began by the indignation of Maximinus, who especially persecuted the Clergy.  
The seventh began under the Emperor Decius, and continued cruelly.  
The eight began under the Emperor Valerius, who though at the first he were a Christian, yet afterwards being corrupted by certain heretics, he became a most cruel persecuter of Christ his Church.  
The ninth began under the Emperor Aurelianus.  
The tenth began by the commandment of the Emperors Dioclesianus and Maximianus Herculeus: this persecution was far more cruel and general than any of the rest: insomuch that Dioclesianus in the orient, and Maximianus in the occident, destroyed all Churches, and tormented the Christians with all strange torments.   

The eight times that Rome hath been taken.  
Room was first taken by the Gauls, under the conduct of their captain Brennus, the year of the foundation of the City about 365, the year of the world 4835, & the year before Christ 364. This Brennus is by the Britain & English Chronicles reported to be a Britain, and brother to Belinus' king of Britain; but neither the Chronicles of Rome nor of Gaul do speak of any such matter.  
Rome was secondly taken by Alaricke king of Goths, after he had held his siege to it the space of two years, which befell the year of the foundation of the City 1164, the year of our Lord 412, and the 25 year of the Empire of Honorius. It is written in the Chronicles of Constantinople, and in other places, that as Alaricke (being a Christian,) marched with his host towards Rome, a certain Monk, of holy life and great authority, came unto him, who having audience, admonished and counseled him to break of that evil purpose, and to remember that he was a Christian, and that for God's sake he would moderate his wrath, and that he should not take pleasure in the shedding of Christian blood, sith that Rome had not in any respect offended him. Unto whom Alaricke answered him, Thou must understand man of God, that it proceedeth not of mine own will that I go against Rome: but contrarily I assure thee, that every day there cometh unto me a man, which constraineth and importuneth me thereunto, saying unto me, Hasten thee, go against Rome, destroy it utterly, and make it desolate. At which words the religious man being astonished, durst not reply: and so the King followed his enterprise.  
Rome was thirdly taken by Gensericke king of Vandals, the year of the foundation of the city 1208. the year of Christ 456. who sacked and burned it in many places, which befell in the Empire of Marcian.  
Rome was four taken by Totila King of Goths, who because he could not obtain peace of the Emperor justinian, (who trusted too much in the power of his Lieutenant Bellisarius) commanded the Citizens to avoid the City, and afterward burned, sacked, and destroyed almost all the City, walls, and the Capital, and made it altogether desolate: in so much that never since it could be repaired according to the first form, although a while after Bellisarius peopled and repaired a great part thereof, and calling again the old inhabitants, fortified and strengthened much the walls. This desolation, and of all other most lamentable, happened the year after the foundation of the City 1300: after Christ 548, & the 21 year of the Empire of justinian.  
Rome was fifthly taken by the same Totila, King of Goths; after that Bellisarius had repeopled & repaired it: but whereas before he had almost destroyed it, he now called again the Citizens, which were fled at his coming, and travailed all he could to restore and repair that which he had destroyed: and behaved himself towards his subjects, and especially towards the Romans', not like a stranger but a father. This happened but three years after he had destroyed it.  
Rome was sixtly taken by the Moors & Sarrazins, followers of Mohomet his law, which in great multitude came into Italy, and in the year of our Lord 833, sitting in Rome, Gregory the fourth, & govering the Empire Lewis the first; besieged, took, and sacked Rome, profaning the Temple of Saint Peter: which done they returned to their ships, charged with prays and prisoners.  
Rome was seventhly taken by Henry the fourth of that name, Emperor of Germany, sitting in Rome, Gregory the seventh: this time Rome was most cruelly destroyed, by reason that both the armies of the Pope and the Emperor scurmished, and fought long within the City, and the capitol, which had been before (destroyed) was now again (repaired) which befell the year of our Lord 1082: authors writ that Rome never was so much endamaged at any thing, as at this, for the lamentable destruction that was done by the Normans on the Pope's side, and Germans for the Emperor.  
Rome was last taken by Charles, the last Duke of Bourbon: who being slain as he scaled the walls at the first assault, and by that chance, the soldiers being in liberty and without a head, pitifully destroyed the City, and committed all kind of enormities, and barbarous cruelties, saving that they burned not the Churches, although they spoiled and rob them to the uttermost, for a great part of the army were Germans, and most of the Germans Lutherans. This adversity happened to Rome the year of our Saviour 1527, sitting at Rome Clement the seventh: and govering the Empire Charles the fift.   

The seven Electors of the Emperor of Germany.  
THree Ecclesiastical: that is to mean, the Archbishop of Magonce, called the Archchancelour of Germany: the Archbishop of Colen, called the Archecancelour of Italy: and the Archbishop of Treues, called the Archechancelour of France. Four Temporal: the Marquis of Brandebourg, great Chamberlain of the Empire: the Duke of Saxony, beareth the sword before the Emperor: the Earl Palatin of Rhine, Dapifer, of carrying the plate: the King of Baeme, Taster to the Emperor, or carver. These Electors were first ordained by the Emperor Othon third of that name, in the year of our Lord 1000, to take away the dissension which before times had been for the choosing of Emperors: and ordained moreover, that being chosen by these seven Electors, he should be called Caesar, but being afterwards crowned by the Bishop of Rome, he should be called Augustus.   

The three crowns of the Emperor.  
THe first Crown is of silver, for the Realm of German, and is kept at Aix the Chapel. The second Crown is of iron, for the Realm of Lombardie, and is kept at Modene, a little Town not far from Milan. And the third of gold, for the Empire of Rome, where it is kept.   

The xii. Peers, or Pairs of France.  
IN the Realm of France to be a Peer, is the greatest dignity under the King, for that in many things they have almost equal authority with the King; for Peer in the French tongue signifieth equal. But because it might be too prolix a matter to speak of their prerogatives, it shall suffice to number them, and each of their offices at the sacring or coronation of a new King. These ancient Peers are twelve in number; whereof six are of the Clergy, and six are Lay men: the six of the Clergy with their offices at the coronation, are the Archbishop and Duke of Reins, which hath his accustomed charge to oynt and consecrate the King, the Bishop and Duke of Laon, who office is to bring the holy Ampoule, or divine water, wherewith the King is anointed: the Bishop and Duke of Langres, whose office is to bring the sceptre & the hand of justice; the Bishop and Earl of Beawais, bringeth the King's cloak; the Bishop & Earl of chaalon's, bringeth the King's Ring; the Bishop and Earl of Noyon, bringeth the King's girdle. The six temporal Peers with their offices at the coronation, are the Duke of Burgundy, Deane or chief of the rest, whose office is to bring the king's crown: the Duke of Guienne bringeth the first square banner: the duke of Normandy bringeth the second square banner: the Earl of Earl of Tolowze bringeth the King's spurs: the Earl of Champain bringeth the kingly banner, or the standard of war: and the Earl of Flaunders bringeth the King's sword. And although the five first temporal Peerdoms be united to the crown, and the sixth be subject to another Prince, yet at at the King's coronation, there are other noble men appointed to supply their room and offices. These be the twelve ancient Peers, although since their creation others have been made, which though they have like authority to judge in the Court of Parliament, yet they want offices at the King's coronation, and bear not that majesty that the other Pees do, for that they are not of so great antiquity.   

The eight Parliaments of France.  
THE chief & generallest justice of the realm of France, is continually kept in eight Cities, wherein are Palaces made expressly for that purpose: and this general kind of justice is divided into eight parts, according to the eight Cities, and every of them are called Parliaments, which differ very little from our Terms: but whereas these are but four times in a year, those are continually kept, each of them having in stead of our Lord Chancellor, a chief Precedent.  
The first and chiefest of these Parliaments is that of Paris, called the Court of the Peers of France: and to the equity and judgement of this Parliament, many foreign Kings and Princes have submitted themselves in matters of greatest importance, as to the most venerable and chiefest Senate of justice in the world. Such were the Emperor Frederick the second, called Barberousse, king of both Sicils, when he submitted himself to the judgement of this Court of Parliament, as touching all the controversies of his Empire and kingdoms, which he had against Pope Innocent the fourth: Philip prince of Tarente, and the Duke of Burgundy, who sumbitted themselves to this Parliament, for the controversy betwixt them upon the expenses of the recovery of the Empire of Constantinople. The Duke of Lorraine subject to the Empire, and the Lord Guy of Chastillon, who submitted themsenlues to the judgement of this Court, as concerning the limitation of their lands and possessions: the Dauphin of Vienne, & the Earl of Savoy summitted themselves to the judgement of this Parliament, concerning the suit betwixt them, for the homage of the Marquisat of Saluces. Moreover, without the consent of this Parliament, it hath not been seen that the Kings of France have done or passed any matter of importance touching the state of the Realm, so much is it respected both within the Realm and abroad. This Court of Parliament was first ordained by Philip the fair, King of France.  
The second Parliament is at Bourdeaux, for the countries of Gwyen, Gascoine, Zaintonge, Perigort, part of Poictou, and others: and was first ordained by Charles the seventh.  
The third Parliament is at Rouën, for the Dukedom of Normandy, first made Exchequer by Philip the fair, and afterwards continual Parliament by Lewes the twelfth.  
The fourth Parliament is at Toulowze, first ordained for certain times of the year by Philip the fair, and afterwards made continual by Charles the seventh, for the Country of Languedoc.  
The fift Parliament is at Grenoble, for the country of Dauphin, instituted by Lewes the xj.  
The sixth Parliament is at Dijon for the Dukedom of Burgundy, it was likewise ordained by the said Lewes the xj.  
The seventh Parliament is at Aix, for the Earldom of Proveme, appointed by Lewes the xii.  
The eight Parliament is at Renes in Britain, ordained by Henry the second. Of all these Parliaments Paris Parliament is the chief; and certain cases are reserved to be judged only at the Parliament of Paris.   

The seven Saxon Kingdoms that England was once divided into.  
THe first, was the Kingdom of Kent: which had his beginning of the Saxon Hengist, in the year of our Lord 476: and the fift year of Vortiger King of Britain his last reign (for he had been deposed) the Kingdom continued 342 years, till that Egbert King of Westsaxons vanquished Baldred last King thereof, and joined it to his own Kingdom.  
The second Kingdom was of Sussex, or South-Saxons, which began by the Saxon Ella, in the year of our Lord 482: and the second year of Aurelambrose King of Britain. This kingdom continued not above 112 years.  
The third kingdom was of Estangles, or east Englishmen, and contained Norfolk and Southfolke: it was first begun by the Saxon Vffa, about the year of our Lord 492: and the 11 year of Aurell Ambrose king of Britain. This kingdom continued 376 years; the last king whereof was Saint Edmond martyred by the Danes.  
The fourth was the kingdom of Westsaxons, containing the West country of England, and had his beginning by the Saxon Cerdicus, the year of our Lord 522: and the fift year of Arthur the great king of Britain, and endured from the first year of Cerdicus to the last of Alured, the term of 378 years. The kings of this Country subdued at length all the other six kingdoms, which Egbert began, and Alured finished, making of all the South part of this Island one Monarchy.  
The fift was the kingdom of Northumberland, containing the Countries betwixt the River of Humber and Scotland, had his beginning of the Saxon Ida, king of Brenicia; the year of our Lord 547: and the second or last year of the reign of Aurele Canon, king of Britain. This kingdom of Northumberland was at the first divided into two kingdoms, the one was called the Brenicia, which bended towards the North, & the other Deyra (about) the Country of Durham: and this kingdom continued some while under one king, sometime under two, the term of 409 years: first under the Saxons, and then under the Danes.  
The sixth kingdom was of the East Saxons, or Essex, which began by the Saxon Sobert, the year of our Lord about 614: & continued from the beginning of the reign of Sebert till the eight year of Edward the elder, 293 years.  
The 7. kingdom was of Mercia, containing Huntingtonshire, Hertfortshire, Glocestershire, and others: and was the greatest of all the other, taking his beginning of the Saxon Penda, in the year of our Lord 626: after the coming of Hengist 126 years: during the reign of Cadwan king of Britain, and continued from Penda till that Edward the elder chased out the Danes, about 280 years. These 7. kingdoms of the Saxons, beside that of Walls & Scotland, were all contained at once in this Island of Britain, and continued along space.   

Five Orders of Chivalry, which continue at this day among Princes.  
THe first and ancientest of these Orders of Chivalry, or Knighthood, is the Order of the Garter, instituted the year of our Lord 1348 in Bourdeaux, chief City of the dukedom of Guyne in France, by Edward the third, king of England, and then possessor of that Dukedom: which order he consecrated, and dedicated to S. George, though the motive of the institution thereof, proceeded of the loss of a Garter, which he supposed to have been the Countess of Salsburies', but I refer the Reader to the Chronicle. And it happened in this manner: as one day he was entertaining her with pleasant talk, a Garter chanced to unlose and fall down, the King endeavouring to take it up, wittingly caused such a jest as moved the Noblemen to laughter: the Countess thereat blushing, and blaming that more than seemly familiarity of the King, for that he had caused such a jest among the assistance, said sharply to him, and the rest, Honi soit qui mal y pense: which englished, is, defamed be he which evil therein thinketh. And the King in recompense of his rashness, said forthwith, that before it were long, those Noble men which had made a jest and laughing at the Garter fallen down, should esteem themselves much honoured to wear it for a mark of honour and chivalry, and thereupon ordained the said Order, and dedicated it to S. George, and made thereof 26 Knights, and ordained that they should wear their cloaks of violet colour Velvet; their hoods of red Velvet, lined with white Damask, their bases of red Velvet, and under the left knee a blue Garter, buckled with gold, garnished with precious stones, and about it wrought the words of the Countess of Salisbury, HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE, and a collar of gold full of red & white Roses, with an Image of S. George hanging thereon: & about these Roses are written those words which are in the Garter. This Order is celebrated on S. George his day, being the 23 of April.  
And although it was first ordained at Bourdeaux, yet the said King Edward the third, would that the siege and place of the solemnizing thereof should be at the Church of Windsor, here in England, where at the same time he founded Canons or a canonry, for the better prosperity of the Knights of his order.  
The second order in antiquity, is the order of the Annunciation, instituted anno dom. 1356 by Ame the sixth of that name, Earl of Savoy, and surnamed the green Knight. The Knights of this order wear a great colour of gold, made winding with three laces which are called of love, wherein are interlaced these words, FERT, FERT, FERT, every letter importing his Latin word, thus, F. fortitudo, E. eius, R. Rhodum, T. tenuit: that is, his force hath conquered Rhodes: and at this colour hangeth an image of our Lady, and of an Angel saluting her, and for that occasion is called the Order of the Annunciation. This Earl ordained this Order in memory of Ame the great, Earl of Savoy, which succoured the Knights of Saint john, when they conquered the I'll of Rhodes upon the Turks, in the year of our Lord 1310.  
The third in antiquity is the Order of the golden Fleece founded upon the fable of the golden Fleece, that jason with the other Argonauts went to seek in the I'll of Colohos, which is to mean, that he went to the mine of gold: and ordained by Philip the second, surnamed the good Duke of Burgundy, in the year of our Lord 1430: the complete number of which Order are 24 Knights: and wear their cloaks and hoods of Scarlat, guarded with embroidery, made with flames of fire, and a colour of gold, made with fire stones sparkling out fire, whereat hangeth a Fleece of gold: and appointed for the celebrating of that Order Saint Andrew's day, being the 30 of November. But the Emperor Charles the fift (heir of the house of Burgundy, and chief of that Order) changed their apparel, and ordained that their cloaks should be of crimson Velvet, and their hoods of violet colour Velvet, and that underneath they should were a Cassoke of cloth of silver.  
The fourth in antiquity is the Order of Saint Michael the Archangel, instituted by Lewis the 11, King of France, the first day of August, in the year of our Lord 1469: and ordained that of that Order there should be 36 Knights, gentlemen of name and of arms without reprooch, of whom he himself was chief and Sovereign, and after him his successors Kings of France. And the brothers or companions of this order were bound, at the receiving thereof, to forsake and leave all other Orders, if any they had, either of a Prince or any company, only excepting Emperors, Kings, and Dukes, which beside this Order, might wear that Order whereof they wear chief, with the agreement and consent of the King and confrarie of the said Order: and in like manner the said Kings of France might wear beside his own, the Order of other Emperors, Kings, and Dukes. And for the connoissance of this Order, and the Knights thereof, he gave to every of them a collar of gold, wrought with Cocquell shells, interlacing on another with a double pointing Ribon of silk, with golden Tags, which King Francis the first, because his name was Francis, changed into a white Friars or Franciscans girdle, made of a twisted cord: and hangeth on that colour a tablet of Saint Michael upon a Rock: of the institution of this Order is made a book containing 98 Articles, wherein are set down the things whereunto the Knights of this Order are subject.  
The fift Order is that of the holy Ghost, instituted by Henry the third, King of France at this present, on New years day in the year of our Lord 1579: of this also is written a book, containing the Articles whereunto the Knights thereof are bound. Among the which I have principally noted one, that is, to defend and sustain the Clergy: for the king doth give to every of them the rent of certain Abbeys, religious houses, or other spiritually Lands, whereof they shall allow a certain stipend, to the entertaining of a certain number of religious persons, in every religious house under him; and for that benefit, are sworn at their entering into the said Order, always to defend the spirituality, and maintain the Clergy in their privileges: but how they keep their oath, it is well seen in every place of their spiritual possessions: and thereof myself have often times had ocular experience, for traveling in that Country, and passing often times by goodly religious houses, I have sometimes for recreation (having well tried the courteous demeanour, that commonly religious men use towards strangers that come to view their houses) entered into sundry of them: where I have divers times been sufficiently informed by the religious, how the king had given the rents and possessions of their houses to the Knights of his Order, with the conditions already rehearsed, which Knights allow them such bare exhibitation, that by reason it is not sufficient to entertain the fourth part of the number by them appointed, almost all of them are constrained either to forsake their houses, & beg, or else there to starve: through which occasion, many goodly religious houses are of late fallen in decay for want of reparation, trimming up, and inhabiting, and will do more and more without a redress. And this have I learned in divers religious houses, beside the common murmuring of the Clergy: and so we may see, how these Knights, called, of the holy spirit, for to defend and maintain the spirituality, do under pretence thereof, rob, and prodigally waste the spiritual possessions: so that it may seem only to be a policy (under the correction of better judgement) put in the king's head, to diminish spiritual livings (which in that Country are wonderful great) & satisfy his prodigal mind, in rewarding by that means his flatterers; because through his exceeding lavishness, he is scarce able otherwise to reward them. The Bishop of Rome considering what dismembering of Church-lands, and decay of God's service, cometh through this Order, in the Realm of France; will not grant the confirmation thereof, although the King hath been instant for the same: but notwithstanding the Pope's misliking thereof, the Order is maintained, though to the great weakening of the religion in that Country. Yea at the last celebration thereof, which was on Newyears day even, 1581., I saw three Bishops were admitted into that Order, the connissance whereof is a Dove, representing the holy Ghost, wrought in Orange tawny Velvet, garnished about with silver beams, which the Knights of that Order wear commonly upon their cloaks, before their heart.   

The 13 Cantons of Switzerland.  
THE inhabitants of Helvetia or Switzerland, after they had emancipated themselves from the yoke of the Empire, and expelled the nobility of the Imperial faction, began to make leagues and confederacies one town with another, to fortify themselves by that means against foreign invasions, if any happened. And in process of time, within little more than an hundred years, are increased to the number of 13, which they call Cantons, by which the whole Country of Swiss is governed and defended. And here (according to their antiquity) I place them the first that confederated together, and gave example to the rest, were Vri, Swits. Vnderuard, Villages: and these three by little and little, have drawn to their faction all the rest that followeth, Lucerne, Zurich, Cities: Glaris, Zug, Villages: Berne, Fribourg, Soullcurre, Basle, Schaffouse, Cities: Appensel, village. Whereof 7. profess the Romish religion, j Vri, Swits, Vnderuard, Zug, Lucerne, Fribourg, and Soullcurre, the rest are Zwinglians: which diversity of religion hath caused dissension, and mortal wars of late years among them, although they be all sworn together to defend their liberties against strangers.  
FINIS. Non munus sed animus.