SIR Thomas Smiths VOYAGE and Entertainment in Rushia.  
With the tragical ends of two EMPERORS, and one Empress, within one month during his being there: And the miraculous preservation of the now reigning EMPEROR, esteemed dead for 18. years.  Si quid novisti rectius istis Candidus impertié si non, His utere mecum. 
Printed at London for Nathanyell Butter. 1605.   

To the Reader.  
REader, the discourses of this voyage (at the coming home of the Gentleman that was chief in it and his company into England) afforded such pleasure to the hearers, by reason the accidents were strange and Novel, that many waylaid the News, and were glad to make any booty of it to delight themselves, by which means, that which of itself being knit together was beautiful, could not choose but show wild, being so torn in pieces. So that the itching fingers of gain laid hold upon it, and had like to have sent it into the world lame, and dismembered. Some that pick up the crumbs of such feasts, had scraped together many parcels of this Rushian commodity, so that their heads being gotten with child of a Bastard, there was no remedy but they must be delivered in Paul's Churchyard. But I taking the truth from the mouths of divers gentlemen that went in the journey, and having some good notes bestowed upon me in writing, wrought them into this body, because neither thou shouldst be abused with false reports, nor the Voyage receive slander. I have done this without consent either of Sir Tho. himself, or of those gentlemen my friends that delivered it unto me: So that if I offend, it is Error Amoris to my Country, not Amor erroris to do any man wrong. Read and like, for much is in it worthy observation. Farewell.   

Sir Thomas smith's Voyage into Rushia.  
Traffic is the golden chain concatenation, that ties kingdoms together in mutual Amity: It is the very Cement that conjoins the hearts, the hands, yea the souls of Nations different in shapes, disagreeing in manners, in speech, in religion, with Neves not to be broken. The tongue of which harmony sounding sweetest in the ears of those Princes, who love the Palm and Olive tree ensigns of Peace, better than the knotted Oak, (Emblem of War.) Allude the Majesty of England (our Royal Sovereign King james) to allow all those ports and Havens to stand still open, which (in the days of his dear late deceased sister) nourished intercourse and negotiation between this kingdom and the Rushian. For his princely confirmation whereof, congratulations formerly interchangeably passing betwixt his majesty and the Emperor of Rushia, through the hands of Master john Mericke now agent there, Sir Tho. Smith knight, (a religious and discreet Gentleman) was thought fit to be chosen and commanded by his Majesty, to go upon an Embassy thither: which (according to duty) he entertained: making such speedy preparation for the journey, as the shortness of time squred out unto him, could minister.  
All things therefore being ripe for his departure, sir Tho. accompanied with sir Thomas Challenor, and S. William Wray knights, divers Gent. and his own attendants, repaired to the Court upon the tenth of june 1604. then lying at Greenwich, where (by the right Hon. the Earl of Salisbury) he was brought to his majesties presence: who in very gracious language demanded of sir Thomas the length of the voyage, the time of his return, the nature of the Climate, with some other questions touching the country: unto all which sir Thomas answered accordingly. But the king wondering that the detention there would be so long, (for Sir Thomas said it would be full xv. months, by reason of the winter's cruelty, whose Frosts were so extreme, that the seas were not at those times Navigable) pleasantly said, It seems then that Sir Thomas goes from the Sun: upon which the right Hon. the Earl of Northampton standing by replied, He must needs go from the Sun departing from his resplendent Ma. At which the king smiled, giving sir Thomas his hand to kiss, and bestowing the like grace upon all the Gentlem. that were for the voyage.  
The next day S. Thomas with some of his followers, took his leave of the Prince: and then being fully furnished with his Commission, and all other instructions from the Ea. of Salisbury at Whitehall, the day following, being the 12. of june, about ten a clock, the wind sitting fair, all the ships fell down to Gravesend, whether S. Tho. came, accompanied with sir Valentine Knightly, sir Fran. Cherry, many merchants, etc. staying there till next morning. Then after conference with the Gent. Mer. and masters of ships about his departure: sir Thomas calling all his followers about him, thus spoke.  GEntlemen, and the rest who have resolved to acompany and attend me in this embassage from his Excellent Majesty to the Emperor of Rushia, etc. I have conferred with the Merchants, masters of ships & others, upon the stay or speed of our voyage, finding the wind favourable, all our company as I think here, & no importune business to stay us, have resolved to go on board this present night, and so deliver ourselves as always into the protection of the Almighty: so now to his mercy in the merciless Seas, where we shall (especially the unexperienced, whereof I presume to have many) meet with a number of crosses the difference between Land and Sea as of two contrary elements: So that being of a contrary nature, I must give you my knowledge herein, and the rather considering you are of several preferments unto me, and consequently unknown to one another. I desire you like christians and fellow Brethren to love and delight each in other, and express your loves in helping and cherishing in time of distress, sickness, or distemperature: so as if God please to lay some sick & others health: the strong to help the weak, as fearing daily he may fall into the like need. As often as it shall please God to send us weather that we may visit one another, I shall be glad to see you aboard my Ship, where happily you may be entertained with something yourselves desire, and I will easily afford. I shall take it an argument of your loves, your daily (if daily might be your visitations) as he that shall esteem you the best guess that I can long expect. For the preservation of your own healths, beware of drinking: for your profit, of Gaming: for your ease, of quarreling: and for God's glory of swearing. All which, oft-times Sea-company makes men subject unto. Surely there is no such remedy against these, as daily, according to the Ship-custome, to serve God: presuming I have none in my company otherwise minded or brought up. Thus armed, let us in his name, who in his secret wisdom hath ordained us to this voyage, begin with honest and just minds that our success may be prosperous, and our end glorious: protesting, I shall be best served when God is most honoured, desiring nothing of any, but what befits my place, and his duty. Thus in the name of God let us go on Board. 
The Ambas. led the way himself, going aboard the john and Francis admiral, after him all his followers: having every man aboard, himself with some others went again on shore, there taking little rest, for the time was spent in very special businesses with the Merchants, who stayed still about two in the morn. Then after a warning piece shot, and some little stay for the long boat, which was not come down, we hoisted our sails with the rest of the ships (in number four) and having a gallant gale, we easily sternd the tide, having taken leave of the small rudder, and now trusting to the hopeful helm (which God be thanked well guided us, having for two days and one night a good gale and fair: But the 15. day of june, beyond Newcastle, that night the wind seized, so as we must bend our course easterly. In the night, we left behind us one of our ships, named the Minion, which with a side wind could not hold course with us. Whereupon our Master came to the Ambassador to know his pleasure, whether he would stay or no, alleging withal, it was their custom to prick forwardest, and with every wind to make the best advantage of their ships: But the Ambassador commanded him to tack about, and stay till the Minion were come up, which he obeyed: And surely the Ambas: herein showed his great care and love to the Gent. with the rest: for me thinketh it a great comfort on the Sea, to behold neighbor-ships, yea (and if occasion should require) it would prove wisdom and good discretion, when either the want of one ship, or that one ship might unhappily for his fellows, be diversly lost or cast away, as is too often found to be true.  
But for Sea accidents, it is not my purpose to make particular relation, being neither pertinent to my course, nor to any a matter of much validity: but as if our Ambas. were again in the Tower of London, as he is in the ship: now tossed, then becaulmed: in fear and hope within one moment, where sometime God Neptune like a Prince, will have his subjects know his force, and feel his rigour: where when Fogs and mists appear (like stratagems and policies) to make men imprisoned tremble, man then can see that he otherwise cannot see, danger in present deliverance, deliverance and help in present danger. For ordinary policies are like Mount Lybanus fogs, then most palpable, when least discerned: but as God brought him out with much honour and praise, only by the benefit of patience, clothed in Innocency, so shall I by the help of God, deliver ourselves safely at our Port and hanen, by the gaining of time out-running misery: for the Sea is a miserable commonwealth to live in, (If without much patience) where men's eyes must ever be open to all dangers: and this is there a preservation against all dangers, where men rest most in unquietness and stand safest, when the wind like Hu-an-cry, drives them forward for fear of worse weather, but to them that love the Sea, I wish health, and myself ever to stand well on dry ground: to behold one of the 3. gallant spectacles in the world, A Ship under sail, loming (as they term it) indeed like a Lion pawing with his forfeets, heaving and setting, like a Musco Bear baited with excellent English dogs. But the coming on board of some Gent. and others to my L. ship, (we being becalmed) invites me to turn my best wit to bid them welcome. Who are so honourably entertained by the Ambas. as having of his particular friends much, of his own more, of the company of merchants most, and very bountifuly of either, enough for any; did therewith feast them were invited at Gravesend, to be welcome about Shotland; It shall be honour sufficient to the Ambas. and comfort enough to his followers, that they never came, but they found him like a good housekeeper at home, and like a bountiful sir, command them the best cheer. In a word, the Ambas. own and ordinary praise shall ease me of more labour in proving it, all must confess necessarily, which was this: That all the provisions whatsoever (yea his purse likewise) was every ones & no one, no not himself for all. But the wind riseth, & they refreshed with wine and wound, are aboard their own ships. Thus they that came (who as often as they could did come) needed not depart till the weather whistled them thence: and surely on the sea, a fair gale is better than feasting, as where a man's mind is as great as his stomach: nor can a man on the seas be always so courageous (though many heroical spirits seem to breath there) but the wind will cool him (especially in danger) if it blow on the right side. Now being far entered the Northern Seas, I could here feed you: yea, make you a feast royal with little cost: and after that disport you excellent strangely, with Water-Tylts and Barryers': bringing in the Levyathan with his Oystershel-armed shield, like green, wild and savage men, casting out smoke to terrify the beholders, observing their time and measure, like the M. of a dancing school, indeed like a right Lo. roaming and ranging without fear, to fear. The gallant Sea-fight betwixt the huge Whale, the Swordfish, and the Thresher: Two against one, Rapier and dagger against your two-hand-sworde: Or I might speak very much to little purpose of the STURGEON, whose Rows makes the Italians delightful Caviar, of which this Nation makes the most and best of any. The Porpus, Belluga, Shark, Seal, Grampas, Salmon, etc. But I fear too many whilst they have gazed after them, have been made giddy, and others presuming to have made profit of them, have fed them: then, were it not unkindlye and unnatural to feed you, with those creatures, that rather are satisfied with men, whereby it would prove a hard digestion. Besides, I might discourse the Witchcraft of the Seas (as I may term it) when one Ship shall be becalmed, and divers have excellent gales or undergo the description of the Capes, Sands, Shelves, Islands, Rocks, Whirlpools, etc.  
But these are for a strange language, wherein men may not blush but Poetize: who in our Country are not so well (so ill are our affections) esteemed of, as Beasts, much less as lordly Fishes, who swim and play above the Water, where and when they please: only herein they are like them, they have the world like a Sea, to wade and sport themselves in, and yet unlike fishes, are often themselves drowned in their own elements. But I am very willingly drawn out of this fury of Makers, who yet certainly deserve much, especially remembering the curse the most worthy Knight of the Muses wisheth those do not honour them, (as out of the violence of the salt Seas at any time) principally now, after almost 40. days tossing, and tumbling, being with a sweet dream after a golden slumber, entered upon the fair and pleasant River of Dwnia, from which I suddenly awaked with the unknown language of a Pilate, sent from the Emperor to conduct my Lord upon the River: which is, (or at least they think) to us it is a dangerous passage: which Pilate excused his no sooner coming for want of knowledge of the Ambassadors being so nigh.  
But now come (when to our journeys sickly certain end we are so near come) how think you, must he not be welcome? I assure you fresh Water is a more excellent companion then your salt humoryst: and I shall love fresh water-Souldiers for my Travail on the Seas, while I live: wishing, when ever I fight, to have fresh water on my side to comfort me, which wanting I shall be more wo-be-don, then being in a wood, (though in Rusland, or Leisland.  
The 22. of july being come within a mile of Tharchangell, we ankerd, whether came at 11. of the clock in the night, a Gentleman (Captain of 500 gunner's, named Maxim urine: a man of good complement, and of indifferent stature and presence,) aboard the Ambassador's ship, being met with two Gentlemen and others, he was brought into his Lordship's Cabin, where after rehearsing the Emperors and Prince's Title (which is ever their custom,) he declared to the Ambassador, that his L. and Master and the young Prince, had sent him, to know of his majesties health of England, the Q. and Princes, which the Ambassador answered unto: then demanded of his own, and the Gent.  
The Ambassador, somewhat wondering what this Gent. should be (considering former Ambassadors Entertainment) presently was by him resolved with this, prosecuting his former speech: That whereas the Emperor understanding of the Ambassadors coming, to show his great love to his Majesty of England, the desire of peace and Amity, (as with his dear and loving Sister Elizabeth of happy memory late Queen of England) contrary to any custom of his Majesties heretofore, who never took knowledge thereafter, had sent him to be his Prestave, to provide the ambassadors house, and victuals, and to guard him from the Injuries of a strange nation: desiring that his service therein might express his thankfulness to his Ma. for so great an honour, and likewise be pleasing to the Ambassador. Both which to deserve, he would endeavour the best lay in his power.  
The Ambassador (though somewhat be-woondered or graciously prevented) very kindly and thankfully accepted of this truly honourable favour: saying, It behoved two such great Princes to use the best means for Amity and friendship. So the Prestave banqueted as befitting his place, was dismissed that night, but yet before he went, came aboard, the Ambassadors Ship, the Agent Master john Mericke, divers Merchants, and other English men to see his Lordship, as to welcome him to that Port of his desire: who after some hours discourse, privately betwixt the Ambassador and the Agent, tasting of his wine and Beer, with half a score good pieces they were sent away.  
Truly herein, the extraordinary beginning was hope of a prosperous conclusion: for this was a favour never manifested to any heretofore, who after their arrival at the Castle, staid and that very untowardly) till a post were dispatched, from the Gentleman or Governor of the Town to the Musco, (which is 1000 Miles,) and his return with the emperors further pleasure for his direction and warrant.  
The 23. of july the Prestave, the English Agent, Merchants and other, being come to bring the Ambassador with honour into his lodging, he withal the Gent. before him, and his Liveries before them, two and two together, accompanied as is aforesaid, landed at the Castle: in the road whereof, then being many English, French, and Dutch Ships, they discharged a mighty peal, (or rather many peals of Ordinance.) Thus the Ambassador came safely to his first lodging in Rushia. The Prestave taking a solemn leave, went to see the Provisions which were laid in before, to be good, as also to provide necessary lodgings, for divers which were to be lodged abroad, and others not as yet Landed, for it was 4. days before all our Ships came up.  
Here the Ambassador lay some fourteen days, or less, where in the mean time, there was demanded a particular note of the names of all the Ambassadors train, first of the King's Gentlemen, (which name not only the Emperor, but the Great Turk, Persian & Morocco Princes do highly account of) as indeed soothing their own greatness therewith, and we who were his servants, and highly graced by kissing the Princely hand of our royal K. meeting herein with any others, travailing in the same kind: as also by our particular births, not being less (so unexpectedly required of us) did undergo the name, as which we could not without dishonour to the Ambassador, and disadvantage to our Being refuse, it being given by an Emperor, who should be in that kingdom so great as not to allow it, though he would (which none could) disprove? Secondly, of the Ambassadors Gent, and thirdly, of all the rest that attended, which forthwith was delivered to the Prestave, and sent up by him to the Emperor: the reasons hereof are, as may be gathered, to esteem the state and honour of the Ambassador thereafter: also, to provide accordingly for houses, horses, and other provisions, and perhaps to learn thereby what names of great houses are among the kings Gent.: as particularly now they did inquire after. Here, it pleased the English agent M. john Mericke, (truly a wise, honest and kind Gent.) to invite all the Gentlemen to their house to dinner: whether he would have willingly invited the Ambas. if he might have presumed thereupon, and of the fitness, considering that as yet letters were not secondarily come from the Emperor, for the gent. farther proceeding: whereby he would happily have made a question there of; as also for the Ambass. greatness, (the town then so overcharged with many Nations) it could not be performed according to the respect ambassadors are used with there, nor perhaps would it be well agreeing to their more private fashion, who hold it greatest glory for greatest men, rather to be reported of, then seen, etc.  
But we were very bountifully feasted and as kindly and heartily welcome, as an honest mind (rather indeed with virtue than formality) might express, the Ambassador having many dainty dishes, sent home to his own house. Now the whole company of Ships safely arrived, and all the Ambas. followers landed some days before: it came forthwith into the care and love of the Ambas. (being by the Agent well informed of divers vices, customs, and Observations, fit either to be followed or avoided) who was ever desirous to keep an honourable opinion to himself, and an honest name in his followers, as in his going up to the Court, so, ever after also to engrave within their memories, their happy deliverance from the Sea, before his departing the Archangel, very honourably thus to advise & counsel them.  
SInce it hath pleased the Almighty of his great mercy, safely to protect us in our dangerous travail upon the Sea, and to bring us on Land, even all of us, without any the least misfortune, let us think it a very great blessing, and the remembrance of the dangers, and perils past, let them be ever before us, as before those, that not only will live accordingly, but which must assure themselves; are to return the same way again: knowing, that God doth oftentimes use his creatures (and none oftener than the Sea) to execute his judgements: let us then be heartily thankful for our deliverance, and show our obedience thereafter in our lives, especially in a strange Country, where he is not rightly known: a people and Nation very subtle and crafty, likewise inquisitive after every stranger's actions, and this place the Port where all nations do come to: where many understand our language, let us be wise and very circumspect what we speak, of what, and to whom, for much cause of speech will be given us, because the people as well as their manners, customs, & salutations, are not only strange, (as with modesty I may speak somewhat ridiculous) and the rather since we bring the message of pe●ce and Amity, Let us show towards them love and courtesy.  
To be courteous, as it is a virtue beyond Envy, so is it an advantage without loss. I am likewise to require you, and that earnestly, to avoid Dicing and carding: which games, besides that they are among the better sort here, accounted very base and odious, to me it shall be offensive, and in the end to your selves great discommodity: as when some will carry that in his purse, his fellow should have clothed his back with: especially, if you withal do but remember the cold Climate you are to live in Drukennes is rather here a custom, than a vice: yet themselves hate it in other. Be then conquerors, if in this, in any thing, & make your wisdom, out of their vile beastliness herein, that you can refrain that, I hope you were never acquainted with all.  
Also Whoring in this Country is so common a sin, as their eyes, can soon observe it in strangers: for the peace of your own Consciences, the strength of your own bodies, abhorrè it as the most unnatural wickedness: and rather, in respect they are not only herein monstrous impudent, but impudence itself. Be it ever loathsome the thought thereof unto you all. Thus if your carriage be, it will be an honour unto our God, and he will honour you. It will be a glory unto your Country, add reputation to me, and quietness to your own Consciences, and I shall be glad to reward them are careful herein, as ready to punish the offenders. But I hope my speech shall only serve to testify my desire, and not be the letter, to punish any hereafter withal: yet, let not any one presume upon my leanity or gentleness, for I assure them I will ever prefer my protestations in the seruiee of God, if it lie within my power as these things now do.  
The Prestave Maxim urine having a new commission from the Emperor, accordingly provided five Loddies, two with Cherdecks' and all other necessaries. The Ambas. took his leave of the Castle the sixth of Aug. and with some 30. men to a Boat, we were towed against the stream, when the wind was contrary: and thus changing our permiearies every 10. verse, we came to Colimgro, where the Am. lay at the English house, two days, and went forward upon the fair and pleasant river of Dwyna, tell within some 30. vers of Oysticke. My Lord was met upon the river with one other Prestave, named Constantine Petrowich Artishove, a man of far much better esteem than the former. A grave, honest, and peaceable gentleman, a happiness to any Ambassador, and as necessary in this Country as may be, the contrary whereof other Ambassadors and the last that honourable and renowned Gen. Sir Richard Lea, found his greatest cross, for pride, opinion, and self will, is inherent to any Ruff put in place of honour.  
This Gentle. being come within a quarter of a Mile, sent to the Ambas. to give him notice, that the Emperor had sent him as his Prestave, and he desired to see his Lordship, as well to know of him concerning his health, his usage, and his provision, as to let him understand the Emperor's especial favour towards him, in sending him presently upon News of his arrival, with a larger commission, and that at all Yames and Towns of quality, he had delivered letters for his receiving of horses and provission of diet, and what he would desire. So two of the K. Gen. fetched him on board the Ambassadors Doshonicke, where he was honouraly entertained, and indeed he was a kind Gentleman, as who knows this Country people might easily acknowledge, whence after half an hours drinking and eating he departed: presently after his departing, the Ambas. sent six of his Liveries, and his Enterpreter or Tolmatch to his boat, with a banquet, which he very kindly and thankfully accepted: so we passed along on our journey, which was as pleasant and delightful, whether you consider the admirable strait pine, tall Cedar, or fyrre woods; Alabaster Rocks, or the pleasantness of walks, in sweet Meadows, and fair pastures, than which, for 1000 verse cannot be more welcome in the whole world, which we fully Towed and sailed in the Dwina, Soocana, and Vollagda. I must leave many fair towns, and great Presents, where we lay and rested, because it will be rather an Hyperbole, than a received truth: and I desire to escape those small rubs, that others may the easier fall upon them, being safely come within five vers of Vollagda, the sixth of Septem. and unwilling to forsake so pleasant a passage, we the 7. day, accompanied with many Du. and Gentlemen, and for the Am: a fair horse from the great Bish. there. As for the Kings Gent. and some others, we road to a very fair and large house provided for the Ambas. where they left him, not as then willing to take or taste of his goodness (as the Ruff terms it) partly, it is to be supposed for that the many are never in sudden accidents of one resolution, and partly, for that it was to be thought, the Ambas. was not so well provided for them, as afterwards being settled he would be. In this great town we easily found the Emperor's command, for our better diet, and liberty to ride, was withal willingness performed, where the Ambassador first, (as in ever place after) was more graciously entertained.  
The 12. of Septem. the Ambas. accompanied with divers Gentlemen, took his travel by Land, himself riding in his own Coach, with a spare horse led by at his pleasure, with 150. horses, with the carriages. So by easy journeys, we passed a pleasant and fair travel, as is or can be for so many vers, in the whole world, without any rainy days, or foul ways, resting every Sabaoth day, as the Ambas. had by water before done, not indeed missing two Sermons at any time, no (hardly at the Sea though our Preacher were the sickest man.) Such was his care and zeal, and truly he was an honest quiet man, and a sufficient Scholar, named Master Samuel Sotheby.  
Thus we passed from Yam, to Yam, upon excellent Post-horses, till we came thorogh many well situated, and pleasant towns, unto the City of Yerri-slave, which we came unto, the 19 of Sept. where we were received with a multitude of people. After we had rowed in a very great Barge, over the famous River of Volga, (whereunto adjoining this city on a hill is scittuated) a rich and pleasant City where the Ambassador was lodged in the house of Gregory Euannowich Micolin, late Ambassador, to her Majesty of England.  
It might be fitting for me to speak somewhat of this famous River, as is I think for length, and breadth, any (one) excepted in the world, but so many excellent writers, as in the worthy labours of Master Richard Hacklyute, have made particular mention thereof, as it induseth me, to leave the description of this River and town, to those that have largely and painfuly wrote of such things: especially to M. Doct. Fletcher's true relation, sometime Ambas. to this Emperor. The 21. of September, we went from Yeri-slave being well accompanied from the City, passing through Shepetscoy, (where we lay) and dwells an English gentleman named Georg Garland, sometime servant to that Noble but unfortunate E. of Essex, of whom many through the world, do make in divers kinds, but (as that learned and heroical Poet Sir Phil. Sidney speaks of Prince Plangus) never any can make but honourable mention.  
The next day we came to Rostove, an ancient, but a great ruinous town, whereof is one of their Metropollitanes named. Here in a fair house the Ambassa. lay 2. days: in which time the Emperor's Mate. wrote to our Prestave, that the Ambas. and the King's gentlemen should have ambling horses from the Monasteries, and that we should take as easy journeys as we pleased: with command, to give content to every one's desire. And certainly, had not the Emperor as then been taking a Progress to the Monastery of Troiets, (which four times a year for Religious causes he doth) we had received more especial favours. Yet he that hath but travailed to know what Monasteries are, and how provided of all things, may easily esteem it, a great ease, and especial honour to have there horses. The 25. day we came to Perri-slave, a long decayed town, where in a rich merchant's house, new builded, the Ambas. lodged. Here (in regard of the Emperors and Princes being at Troytes, which was but of our easy travel two days journey) we lodged 3. days, & then departed through Doobna to Troites, that fair and rich Monastery, so to Bratte-sheene, and Rostovekin, 5. verse from the great city of Musco: where in a Churchman's house, the Ambass. that n●ght lodged, and the rest in very good houses, for so small a Derevena.  
This night the Agent having been with the chancellor came to visit his Lordship, and let him understand, that the next morning about nine of clock, he should be honourably brought into the Musco, whereupon every man prepared accordingly.  
The next morrow, being the 4. of October, the Prestave came and declared to his Lordsh. it was the Emperor's pleasure, he should come into the Moscow that forenoon: presently after came M. I. Mericke Agent, with some twenty horses to attend his Lord ship, and informed him his understanding, in his coming into the Moscow, and that he should presently be sent for, which forthwith was performed. Then we did ride, till we came within a little mile of the many 1000 of Noblemen and Gentl. on both sides the way, attended on horseback to receive his Lordsh. Where the Ambassador alighted from his Coach, and mounted on his foot-cloth horse, and so road on with his trumpets sounding. A quarter of a mile farther, met him a proper and gallant gentleman a foot of the Emperor's stable, who with cap in hand, declared to the Ambassador, that the Emperor, the young Prince, and the master of the horse, had so far favoured him, as to send him a jennet, very gorgeously trapped with gold, Pearl, and precious stone▪ and particularly, a great chain of plated gold about his neck, to ride upon. Whereupon the Ambassador alighted, embraced the gentleman, returned humble thanks to them all, and presently mounted. Then he declared that they likewise had sent horses for the kings Gentlem. which likewise were very richly adorned, then for all his followers: which ceremony or state performed, & all being horsed, he departed, we riding orderly forward, till we were met by three great Noblemen, severed from the rest of the multitude, and the Emperors Tolmache or interpreter with them. Of which state the Ambassador it may seem, had forknowledge, (it being in this Country a custom used) but with more or less Noblemen, as is the Emperor's favour and grace.  
Likewise understanding of the strange Ceremony of first alighting from their horses, (as who either hath read sir Jerome Bows his formality and observance hereof, or sir Richard Leaes painful standing upon the priority herein) may think the Emperor's command is very straight thereunto, and as they think much honour is lost to dismount first: but they being within speech, thus began that Oration they could never well conclude: Which was, That from their Lord and Master the mighty Emperor of Rushia, etc. they had a message to deliver his lordship. The Ambassador then thinking they would be tedious and troublesome with their usual Ceremonies; prevented their farther speech with this (to them a Spell) That it was unfitting for subjects to hold discourse in that kind of complement, of two such mighty and renowned Potentates on horseback. They hereby not only put by their ceremonious saddle-sitting, but out of their paper instructions for the state thereof ashamed (as was proud Artexius, stepping aside in the dangerous fight with Zealmene) they alighted suddenly, as men fearing they were half unhorsed, and the Ambassador presently after them, coming very courteously all three, saluting the Ambass. and the king's gentlemen, taking them by the hands. Thus like a scholar, too old to learn by rote (the Duke named K. Volladamur Evanywich Mawsolskoy) with his Lesson before him, declared his message, which was, that he with the other two Noblemen, were sent from the Great Lord, Emperor and great Duke Borys Phedorwich, selfe-upholder, great L. Emperor, and great Duke of all Rushia, Volademer, Moskoe and Novogorode, king of Casan and Astracan, Lord of Vobskoe, great Duke of Smolenskoe, Tuer, Huder, Vghory, Perme, Viatsky, Bolgory, etc. Lord and great duke of Novogorod in the Low-countries, of Chernigo, Rezan, Polotskey, Rostove, Geraslave, Bealozera, Leifland, Oudorskey, Obdorskey, Condingskey. King of all Syberia and the North coasts. Commander of the countries of Iversky, Grysinsky, and Emperor of Kabardiusky, of Chirkasky, and of the whole country of Garskey, and of many other countries and kingdoms lord and Emp. to know of his Ma. health of England, the Qu. and Princes. The second, being a captain. of gunner's (the Emperor's guard) named Kazarine Davydowich Beaheetchove, pronouncing the Emp. and prince's title, said he was sent from them to know his Lordsh. health and usage, with the kings Gent. The third, was one of the Secretaries, named Pheodor Boulteene, observing the former order, did deliver what he had in command from the Emp. prince and Empress, to inform the Ambassador of their much favour towards him and the king's Gent, in providing for his honourable entertain and ease, a fair large house to lodge in: Also, that they three were sent from the Emp. Prince, and Empress, to be his Prestaves, to supply the Emperor's goodness toward him, to provide his necessaries, and deliver any suit it pleased the Ambassador to make to the Emperor. To all which the Ambassador very wisely gave answer (as they made report unto the Emp.)  
So we all presently mounted again, the Prestaves on either hand of the Amb. his horse and foot-cloth being led by his Page, some small distance, his cotch behind that, and some 6000. Gallants after behind all: who at the Ambas. riding through the guard, that was made for him, very courteously bowed himself. Thus was he followed by thousands, and with in the three walls of the City, many hundreds of young Noblemen, Gentlemen, and rich merchants well mounted, begirt the ways of every side: divers on foot also, even to the gate of the house where the Ambassador was to be lodged, which was some two miles. Whether being come, he was brought into his bedchamber by the Noblemen his Prestaves, where with many thanks for their honourable pains; they were dismissed, betaking themselves to their further affairs. The next morn came three other Prestaves with the former, to know of his Lordship's health, and how he had rested the night past: withal, that if his Lordship wanted any thing, they all, or any one of them, were as commanded, so ready to obey therein. These, with the Enterpreter and six Gent. were most within the walls, lodged in a house over the gate, beside we had fifty Gunners to attend, and guard us in our going abroad.  
The 8. of Octob. being the 4. day after our coming to Musco, the Prestaves came to his Lordship to let him understand, they heard he should go up the next day: wherefore they desired his speech and embassage to the Emperor: and the rather, that the Enterpreter might (as they pretended) translate it. To this purpose, very earnestly at several times they made demand. The Ambassador answered, that he was sent from a mighty Prince, to be his Ambassa. to their Emperor, having with no small danger passed the Sea, and a second water travail, with a long land journey, and still was comforted, with hope to see his majesties clear eyes, that for a welcome was the tidings thereof unto him? Especially, to have audience within so short a space as he might not less do then ackcowledging the Emperor's great favour towards him: and being sent to their master, he deemed it, not only a dishonour to him, but a weakness in them, to require that at his hands, (which besides that he would never do) he could not, being to speak that in the delivery was according as it pleased god, to give him time, occasion, memory, and courage, being to come before a strange and mighty Prince, where what he said, was to be interpreted as pleased their Tolmatch.  
This, peremtorely, and finally was his answer. Yet, whensoever he did go, as he was both willing and ready at all hours, ●e desired to have certain horse and other things, which without them, he could not be so well provided of. So, after banqueting departed away rather discontented, then satisfied. Surely it is a custom (not so wise as ancient) for them to fall out into bad language, if they cannot have their wills, which to many would be, as simple a demand, as it were folly in the Ambassador to grant: Especially, if men knew how undiscreet a man they would think him to be, would please their humours herein. For it is but a Stratigem they use to undermine withal, that they may report the magnanimity or pusillanimity of the Ambas. unto the Emperor.  
The 10. of October, his Prestaves brought word as from the Lord Chaunsellor▪ that he thought, (for they will never tell any thing to come for certainty) his Lordsh. should go before the Emperor the next morrow, therefore prayed him to provide: also, that he should have the Em. horses to ride on, & of his guard to help carry up his present, of which they had (after demand) a particular.  
The 11. of October his Lordship being sent for by his Prestaves there waiting, having excellent gennets for himself, the King's Gentlemen, and good horses for the rest●. as likewise two gallant white Palfreys to carry or draw a rich Chariot, one parcel of the great present, with his followers and the Emperor's guard, carrying the rest At his gate many gallants attending for his receipt, rode to the Court, accompanied on each hand with his Prestaves, and some others following him, with many Gentlemen behind them. Thus we road a short verse beheld with thousand of eyes: on each side the streets standing the Emperor's guard with pieces in their hands well appareled, to the number of two thousand by esteem, many messengers posting betwixt the Court and our Prestaves. Thus with much state, softly riding, tell we came unto the utmost gate of the court, (having passed thorogh the great Castle before) there his Lordsh. dismounted. Then met him a great Duke (named Knase Andriay Metowich Soomederove) with certain Goe to bring him up. So in order as we road, we ascended the stairs and a stone gallery. where on each side stood many Nobles, and Courtiers, in fair coats of Persian stuff, velvet, Damask etc. At the entry to the great chamb. two Councillors encountered the Ambassa. to conduct him thorogh that room, round about which sat many grave and richly appareled personages. Then we entered the Presents, whether being come, and making obeisance, we staid to hear, but not understand, a very gallant Nobleman, named Peter Basman, deliver the Emperor's title: Then the particular of the Presents, and some other ceremonies: which performed, the Ambassa. having liberty, delivered so much of his embassage, as the time and occasion then afforded: After which the Emperor arising from his throne, demanded of the King of England's health, the Princes, and Queens: then of the Ambassadors and the kings Gentlemen, and how they had been used since they entered within his dominions: to all which with obeisance we answered as was meet. Then the young Prince demanded the very same.  
The Ambassador having taken the King's Letter of his Gentleman Usher, went up after his obeisance to deliver it, which the Lord Chancellor would have intercepted. But the Ambass. gave it to the Emperors own hands, and his Majesty afterwards deliveit to the Lord Chaunsellor: who took it, and showing the superscription to the Emperor and Prince, held it in his hand openly with the seal towards them. Then the Emperor called the Ambassador to kiss his hand, which he did, as likewise the Princes, and with his face towards them returned. Then did he call for the King's Gentlemen, to kiss his hand, and the Princes, which they after obeisance made, did accordingly. Afterwards, his Mayest. invited his Lordsh. the K. Gent. and the rest to dine with him, as likewise M. I. Mericke Agent by name, who gave his attendance there on the Ambas. and was now (as divers times) very graciously used of the Empe. and Prince: no stranger (that I ever heard of) like him in all respects. Then we departed the presents, accompanied with divers Noblemen, and passed on into the Councel-chamber where we will leave them.  
Being entered the Presence, we might behold the excellent Majesty of a mighty Emperor, seated in a chair of gold, richly embroidered with Persian stuff: in his right hand he held a golden, Sceptre, a Crown of pure Gold upon his head, a collar of rich stones and Pearls about his neck, his outward garments of Crimson-veluet, Embroidered very fair, with Pearls precious stones, and Gold: On his right side, (on equal height to his throne) standing a very fair globe of beaten gold, on a Pyramedis, with a fair cross upon it, unto which before he spoke, he turned a little and crossed himself. Nigh that, stood a fair basin and Ewer, which the Emperor often useth daily.  
Close by him in another throne sat the Prince, in an outward garment like his Fathers, but not so rich, a high black Fox cap on his head, worth in those countries five hundred pound, a Golden staff like a Friars, with the likeness of a cross at the top. On the right hand of the Emperor, stood two gallant Noblemen in cloth of Silver garments, high black Fox caps, great and long chains of Gold, hanging to their feet with pollaxes on their shoulders of gold. And on the left hand of the Prince two other such, but with Silver pollaxes. Round about the Benches, sat the Counsel, and Nobility, in Golden and Persian coats, and high black Fox caps, to the number of two hundred. The ground being covered with cloth of Arrasse, or tapistry. The presents standing all the while in the Room, within little distance of his Majesty, where he and the Prince often viewed them. The Emperor's favour, complexion, and disposition with the Princes, I shall defer (tell unhappily before our departing I declare the manner of his death.) Being now by our Prestaves and others come for to dinner, who led us through much press and many Chambers to one very fair and rich room, where was infinite store of massy plate of all sorts. Towards the other end stood the Emperor's uncle, named Stephean Vaselewich Godonove, Lord high Steward, being attended with many Noblemen and Gentlemen. Unto whom my Lord in his passage saluted, which with an extra ordinary countenance of aged joy, he received, making one of their honourable Nods. Thambassador entered the dining room, where we again viewed the Emperor and Prince, Seated under two chairs of State, ready to dine, each having a skull of pearl on their bare heads, but the Princes was but a Coronet. Also their vestments were changed.  
The former Duke, that for that day was Thambasssadors Prestave, came, as commanded from the Emperor, and placed the Ambassador at a Table, on the Bench side some twenty foot from the Emperor. Then the King's Gentlemen, Master Mericke, Master Edward Cherry, and all the rest were placed, so that our eyes were half opposite to the Emperor. Over against the Ambassador sat his Prestaves upermost, also in this large place sat the Pri●y Counsel, to the number of 200. Nobles at several tables. In the midst of this hall might seem to stand a great Pillar, round about which, a great height stood wonderful great pieces of plate, very curiously wrought with all manner of Beasts, Fishes and fowls, besides some other ordinary pieces of serviceable plate.  
Being thus set (some quarter of an hour as it were, feeding our eyes with that fair Pillar of plate) we beheld the Emperor's table served by two hund. Noblemen, all in coats of cloth of gold. The Prince's table served with one hun. young Dukes and princes of Cassan, Astrican, Syberia, Tartary, Chercasses, & Russes, none above twenty years old.  
Then the Emperor sent from his table by his noble servitors, to my lord and the kings Gent. 30. dishes of meat, and to each a loaf of extraordinary fine bread. Then followed a great number of strange and rare dishes, some in Silver, but most of massy gold: with boiled, baked and roasted, being piled up on one another by half dozen. To make you a particular relation, I should do the entertainment wrong, consisting almost of innumerable dishes: Also, I should overcharge my memory, as than I did mine eyes and stomach, little delighting the Reader, because Garlic and Onions, must besauce many of my words, as than it did the most part of their dishes.  
For our drinks, they consisted of many excellent kinds of Meandes, besides all sorts of Wine, and Beer. I assure you I had rather drink to you a daily health in them, then make you long after their pleasantness, considering the cold and sour voyage you must undertake, before you taste of their vigour and sweetness.  
divers times by name, the Emperor sent us dishes, but in the midst of dinner he called the Ambass. up to him, and drank our king's health, where the Emperor held some discourse of our king & state. But at one time (striking his hand advisedly on his breast) Oh, said he, my dear Sister Queen Elizab. whom I loved as mine own heart, expressing this his great affection almost in a weeping passion. The Ambassador receiving the cup from his Princely hand, returned again to his own place, where all of us standing, drank the same health out of the same cup, being of fair Crystal, as the Emperor had commanded, the wine (as far as my judgement gave leave) being Alicante.  
Thus passing some four hours in banqueting, and refreshing ourselves too plentifully, all being taken away, we did arise. The Ambassador and the king's gentlemen being called by name to receive from his Imperial hands, a cup (or rather as they call it a Yendover) of excellent red Meande, a favour among them never observed before, which cups for they were great and the Meant very strong, we often sipped at, but without hu●ting our memories, we could not say Amen unto: which the Emper. perceiving, commanded them to be taken away, saying: He was best pleased with what was most for our healths.  
Thus after our low courtesies performed, we departed from his presence, riding home with the same former guard and attendance to our lodgings, where our Prestaves as for that instant left us, but shortly after they came again, to accompany a great and gallant Duke, one of them that held the Emper. golden Pole-axes, named Knes Romana Phedorowich Troya Narove (who was sent from his majesty, to make the Ambassador, and the kings Gentlemen merry: likewise having instructions to drink their Emperors, our King, and both the Prince's healths, and divers Princes else, which he did himself very freely and some of us, as many of them as we could with our own healths, there being such plenty of Meandes and other drinks, as might well have made forty Russes have stumbled to sleep. Thus lightheaded, and well laded, especially if you take knowledge of the 30. yards of cloth of gold, and the two standing cups with covers, which the Ambassador rewarded him withal, before he departed. And surely a wise Duke shall he ever be, that covers his back with his belly, and by taking a cup or two extraordinary can swallow down a hundredth Marks in silver and gold, to recover his P●pemeli●, as they call it: I say his wits withal, but he had it given him with a very good will, and with a better mind, than he had that did so lightly carry it away.  
Now there was after our first being at the Court, much inquiry made whether the Ambassador would go home by the narve and so over land, but upon what reasons I know not, only I understood his Lo. should have had a second audience forthwith, after he had delivered by writing to the Em. those things he did not speak before, being sent unto for them the next day, perhaps the heads whereof he did send to the Emper. that his council might advise upon them. But unwelcome news within four days after our audience so unhappily came, as not only our affairs but any else, except counsel against present danger, was not regarded. For this was held for currant, that one who named himself Demetre Evanowich Beola, as the son of their late Emperor, Evan Vasillowich, he that in the reign of Pheodor Evannowich his brother (at what time Boris Pheodorwich now Emperor, than Protector) was in his infancy (as was thought) murdered at Ougleets, is now revived again, and up in Arms for his right and inheritance: so did he distract the Emp. & kingdom, such a world of tales troubled the commons that the Ambass. must necessarily be in some fear, because the Emp. and State were in all, and thought he would be persuaded it was but deceit, yet the butchering of him, or at least the intent, much terrified his soul and conscience: whereupon presently was sent an army of 200000. soldiers, either to take or slay him. But he was so strengthened with Poles, Cassackes, etc. that a number of Russes yielded to his obedience. Insomuch as he hath been the author of more bloodshed, then hath been there of many years (although these Emperors have continual wars with divers Nations.) Notwithstanding the Emperor's favour was much, and greater every day than other to the Ambassador and the kin, Gentlemen. For we had liberty to ride at our pleasure, and to this end had the Emperors sleds or horses upon demand, with one of our Prestaves, & other gent. to accompany and guard us.  
So as upon the 21. of November, 〈◊〉 Prince of an ancient custom going to a Church within Musco, the Kings Gent. upon knowledge thereof, (Th●mbas. being unwilling to be seen public, as also for that the Emp. himself did not go as he was accustomed) went and attended where his excellency might see them, and they safely behold him, who road in a very fair and rich slead, having a gallant Palfrey led by two grooms to draw it, many hundreds running before to sweep the snow away where he should pass, and were said to be slaves, which I verily believe, because certainly they were his subjects. Then came the Prince richly appareled with two tartar Princes standing before one his slead and two young Dukes behind, with 200. sleds following him, who when he came against the place, the King's Gentlemen gave their attendance, made a stand, graciously questioning them of the Ambas. health and their own, which with low courtesy they made answer unto: so his Majesty departed, and they expected his return, which would be within one hour, then came before the Lord Chaunsellor, and wished them to stay, very honourably and kindly bespeaking them, and Master john Merick (who attended there with them) so the Prince returning made a second stay: then giving knowledge he would send them home a present, willing his commendations to be remembered to the Ambas. and so passed in. Within 4. hours after came a Gent. one of the Emp. chief Butlers, named Bactayer from the Prince, unto the Kings Gent. with a great present.  
After their entertainment to the Gentlemen, and drinking of our Prince's healths, they brought him into the Ambassador's bedchamber, who gave great thanks to the Prince, on the King's gentlemen's behalf, they giving him at the Ambassadors appointment, a piece of silver and guilt plate worth twenty marks, and very thankfully returning their service to the Prince for his royal present, and to himself much thanks for his pains.  
The Ambassador kept here a great Christmas having a good company, not without some sports befitting his state, and the present time.  
Upon Newyears day, he was very honourably presented with New yeers-gifts, from master Doct. Christopher Writtinger, the Emperor's chief Physicians some of the kings Gentlemen, Master john Mericke and his wife, and many other English Merchants: wherein they expressed their good will, and love, as to him, not only had or would deserve it, but accounted it a virtue, not to be unthankful or unmindful of any kindness bestowed on him.  
The 8. of February the Emperor sent us sleds to ride abroad, and this day the rather, that we might behold a reported victory, against the reputed Rebel Demeatry etc., So we the King's Gentlemen did behold three hundred poor prisoners, seventeen Ensigns, and eleven drums, brought in, with more glory, than victory.  
About this time returned Peter Basman, one of the generals, who had performed very honourable service, and certainly, he was the man of greatest hope and expectation in the whole Empire, who was brought into the Musco, with all the Counsel, Nobles, Gentlemen, and Merchants, a grace never performed before to any Subject. But not without suspicion of some extraordinary secret herein, and beside particular favours, bountiful rewards, and a promise he should never go again until the Emperor himself went, he was being but a young man, made a Privy Counsellor, forthwith one thing I will you shall observe the Emperor's favour, and his then Noble spirit, he making divers times suit (as was thought) because they were in great danger to go again to the wars once prostrated himself, to obtain his desire, but falling down too humbly, he could not easily rise again, whereby the Emperor understanding of his many and great wounds, was said to weep, rising himself up to raise and help him up, but extraordinary causes, have the like effects, as hereafter you shall understand.  
Among other times of our taking the air, we be●ing lodged in that large house builded for the Entertainment of 2000 Poles, with as many horse, attending the great Chaunsellor of Letto: The first Ambassador of (but of a strange) peace, concluded about the time, Sir Richard Lea, was Ambassador there, for her late Mayest. of England: the same house the young Prince john of Denmark, Brother to that King, and our now Queen of England did lodge in, who would have married the young Princes Oucksinia, the Emperor's only Daughter, but that he unhappily there died of a surfeit, as I was creadible Informed of one of the Em. Doctors.  
The Ambassad. as Played lying in the same house, but not in any those lodgings: for it is a custom there, that where a Prince dies (especially a stranger) not of long time after to let any other lodge there: yet we saw, and after walked in those lodge. though they were for the most part barred up and kept close: which often seeing of the chamb. where he departed, being brother to our Noble and virtuous Quee. wrought a desire in us to see his tomb. The king's gentlemen and some others, having the Emp. horses and sleads, rode to their Sloboda, as we call it Suberbes, where in the Chancel of the dutch Church he was interred, with a great and Princely obsequy: the Emp himself and Prince, attending the corpse to the first g●te, but all his Councillors, Nobles, gentlemen, etc., following to the Church where they stayed till the Sermon was ended. He had a large tomb covered with black velvet, many banners and Scutcheons hanging about the body of the Church and chancel, with his Arms and Crest, and considering the country, very princely.  
Now the Ambassador understanding of the convenience of his passage down by slead way, also fearing (as wise men had cause) what the issue of these wars would be, knowing the state here used in any suits, bethought himself advisedly that it was high time being the midst of February, to desire a second audience for his sooner dispatch, which he forthwith requested, and wrote a letter to that purpose, unto the L. Chancellor, whom he knew must necessarily show it unto the Emp. but within two days, the Chancellor was himself to go unto the camp, upon business of great importance, so as it would consequently be upon his return, before he could have audience: for that none would nor could●, so well and willingly supply that office, of dispatch for Ambassadors, as Ofod Nasse. His return accordingly, the Ambassad. by his Prestaves, put him in mind of his dispatch, which he said directly should forthwith be performed: so as within ten days a●●●r, the Amb. had his second audience very graciously and honourably as thus: Having notice given of the day, he was accordingly sent for with the Emp. own slead for his own person, and horses for the kings Gent. and the rest, as was desired by them.  
Upon the 10. of March, the Ambas. with the kin. gentlemen all richly appareled, and all his followers decently attending, very honourably (as before) and with the like recourse of beholders, and guard of Gunners, (but that they were said to be Citizens by reason of their wars, put in like apparel) was attended to the Court, being received with the former grace, or more, he ascended the Presence: the Emp. and Prince holding their wont state, only changing their vestments with the season, but for the riches nothing inferior.  
So soon as the Ambass. and the king's gent. were come opposite to his throne, he commanded seats that they might sit down: then with a Majestic countenance, representing rather constraint, then former cheerfulness, he declared, that he, his son, and Council, had considered his majesties letter, the Majesty of king james of Eng. as also on whatsoever else was desired, and in token of his joyful received amity with the renowned king of England, as with his predecessor, he had wrote his Princely letters to that purpose. Herwith the Chancel from the Emp. delivered the Amb. his highness letters to his excellent Ma. Withal understanding by the Chan. he had some farther matter to entreat of, then in his brief to his mayest. was remembered: therefore he had appointed four principal Councillors to consult with him of his requests, which was done. After, the Ambas. yielding courteous thanks for his Mayest favour, his Lordsh. attended by many Nobles, proceeded to the Council chamber, whether presently after came fou● Councelors, and the Em. Tolmach: who after salutations, we withdrew to the next chamber, where we passed away an hour in discourse, among many young Nobles, having the Ambass. enterpreter. In the end, after three or four goings and returns of the Chancellor from the Em. we went again before him (where after he had commanded us to sit down as before) by the mouth of the Chancellor was openly delivered a brief of the whole Embassy (and that d●yes particular desire according to the Ambassadors request confirmed) Also in good and pleasing language, was declared the great desire that the Emperor had, for the continuance of p●ace and amity with the renowned Iam●s king of Eng. as with the la●e Q. Eliz. with all that in due time (all accidents well ended,) he would send an honourable Ambas. for further affairs, as likewise to congratulate with our King of his happiness in so applausable coming to his right and inheritance: Farther, that of all demands, their grants, or reasons why not granted he would send the Ambas. a role. Also of the grant of 600. robles, which for the love of the King of England, and at the Ambas. earnest request, he commanded should be paid back again. Likewise, a grant of a new Privilege for the company, which he said should be under the golden seal etc.  
Which ceremonious speech ended, the Emp. called for the Ambas. and the Kings Gent. to kiss his hand, and the Princes: which done, with the Empe. Nod or bowing to us, as likewise the Princes, desiring the remembrance of his and the Prince's commendations to his Majesty, the Prince, and Queen of England, we were dismissed, but not before the Emp. said he would send home to us. Thus we took our last leave of the Emperor's Court, being more graciously, and especially entertained then before, or then ever any would take knowledge Ambas. were used withal. At which I do not a little wonder, considering the heaviness of times, and the bad success of his new entertained wars, and no doubt the secret trouble, and grief of his conscience: but he that was from his Infancy, (then being a subject) esteemed and accounted subtle and ingea●ious, now being an Emp. experienced with many strange plots and stratigems, to his number of years and employments, could he less be, or less seem th●n a wise politician? But we are honourably attended home, and a Duke of great account named Knas evan Euannowich Courletev, calls me at this time (from Princes proceedings) to attend him, that was attended with many of the Emp. servants within our gates: following him a dinner, sent from the Emp. by some 200. persons, consisting of 300. several dishes of Fish, (for it was now Lent) of such strangeness, greatness, and goodness, (for their number) as it were not to be believed by any report, but by a man's own eyesight, with infinite store of Meandes, and beer, in Massy plate.  
The Duke sat at the table's end by the Ambas. having every dish delivered him by the name, which was interpreted to the Ambas where having long sat, and well feasted, we rose, and observing their countries fashion, after the room was deasentlie beseen, the Ambas. drank the Emperor's health in a small guilt cup covered: then our Kings and the two Princes, all which the Duke pledged willingly, although his cups held four times the Ambassa: beside, the drink was as different, the one being beer or Meant, the others aligant, Sack and Muskadel. After them, the Prestaves, the Kings Gent. and others of the Emp. servantes being there did the like. Thus some four or five hours was soon stolen away, night before dinner having sent his borrowed torches to light us, when the Duke having received a worthy present of the Ambas. was lightly (whether you consider the torches, his drinking, or the Ambassa. bounty) sent away, and so this festival daies-night was concluded.  
The 17. of march, the Ambas. being before often invited by this Agent, now after so honourable a dispatch, was willing to see the English house: having the Emp. sleds and horses, one of the Prestaves, the Tolmatch, and some Simboyarskes or Gentl. we road thither: where his Lordship had a bountiful feast, a hearty welcome, and as good company. After dinner, the Ambas. his Prestaus, & the Tolmatch, went forth of the dining room to see Mistress Merick, (for their fashion will not admit any women at tabl●) who had provided an excellent banquet of English stuff, and was much rejoiced to see the Amba. (whom she knew before) at her house in so far a Country. There the honest and kind Agent (by the fair hands of his virtuous wife) after the banquet, presented his Lord ship with a fair standing gilt cup and cover, worth thirty pound, likewise his Prestave and Enterpreter, very bountifully, so returning to the comp. for that time we left. One observation I there made, of the great desire and often offer of the Prestave when he saw Mistress Mericke, to be gone: saying, it befitted him not to behold such creatures. But the Enterpreter (being a Dutchman) borne to our English fashions, and acquainted with the Agent, persuaded him to Patience, both to his profit, pleasure, and belly delight. Thence (after a like bountiful supper) about 10. in the night we departed. One honourable kindness of the Chaunsellor I must not forget, who imagining the kings Gentlemen would that day ●ide abroad, sent to us to make offer of his Horse and sleds at our command, but we not minding to leave the Ambassador for our pleasures, returned humble thanks to his Lordsh▪ for his honourable kindness, not resolving as that day to take more than sufficient.  
The 18. of march, the Empe. sent by Vassilly Gregorewich Telepnove, the role wherein was the demands of the Ambas. and the particulars of the whole negotiation, as there at large appears.  
The 19 his Majesty sent by Mensboy Buldec●ue, under Treasoror, a royal present to the Ambas. of many particulars, also to each of the Kings Gent. being rewarded, he departed.  
The 20. of march, being honourably accompanied with thousands of gallants of each side the streets all along as we passed, the Ambas. departed from the City of Musco.  
Surely a great and (according to their wooden building a fair City) with the whole numbers of horsemen still becking us, till we came a short Mile on this side the City where we made a stand, and after some complement between the Ambassa. and his kind and honourable Prestave, the Duke Vollag demor, with almost weeping on his part, the Ambassa. went from the Emp. fled, to his coach set upon a sled, and we alighted from the Emp. horses, and betook ourselves to our easy and pleasant passage in sleds, such a passage as this part of the world would wonder at, in which a man though he go a Hackney pace, may as easily read, as sleep: Having according to the Amb. request, one of our sonnet Prestaves, named Constantine Petrowich Arteshove, than whom the Emperor could not afford a more humble or diligent Gent. with him a Dyack, named Patrick Nasonove, and three of our former Sunboy arskeiss, with their servants.  
Thus accompanied with Master john Mericke, M. William Russell, sometimes Agent for the Dutch, and many other merchants, we easily road that night to Bratteshin, 30. miles from the Musco. The next morrow taking leave of them all, we continued our journey 50. and 60. verse a day easily. Our Prestave had in command to let our Ambas. see any monastery or place he desired, in his travail: also to lodge in what houses it pleased him, in any City or Town: and where the English Merchants had houses, that the Ambas. might have them, which indeed he desired, aswell in respect they were the fairest and most at his command: as also to understand their courses, dealings, and behaviour of the servants that kept them, and other special things, which but by personally there being, he should never truly have understood. And for the general good of the company, I know he did that Service, that while it stands and he lives, they need not fall into any unadvised courses, if by him they will but be counseled, being furnished every way with a full understanding and judgement to that honourable intent. Especially, meeting here with so honest & discreet an Agent, so well beloved of the Emp. Prince and Nobility, so approved of by the merchants, in as good esteem of all other, so thoroughly experienced in affairs, as well concerning their trade, as their customs, and demeanour, having a mind and ability, I am persuaded for the good and benefit of the whole company, as never had nor will succeed a fitter man.  
The 23. of march we came to Yery-slave being saturday, and there rested our Saboth, where the company hath a very fair and tied house, which we lay in, and surely an honest discreet servant than kept it. From hence we took our journey the 25. because we feared the breaking up of the way, we made great but very pleasant journeys, so as the 29. we came to Vollagde, where the Ambas. lay at the English house, within the walls whereof it hath a great many of rooms, as chambers, worke-houses and the like, but the house itself is very old, and stands with an humble body as though it would shortly kiss the earth, at our being here the company had many servant and the Amb. took a course they should thrive by his there lodging, allowing them for their beer for himself and the Kings Gent. their whole diet: being desirous to ●o the company good and their servants no hurt. After Easter week was passed, the Prestave came to desire that the Ambas. would appoint some to go and make choice of boats which then lay upon the River, that they might be fitted for his Lordship. which accordingly very carefully was performed, the Governor of the town having a Letter from the Emperor to give the Ambassa. full content, as indeed without detraction we had, to the wonderment of the common people. Within few days after we heard News certainly of the Emp. sudden and untimely death: which considering, neither the Prestave, the governor, or Bishop, had not or would not of ten da●es after take knowledge, we might in the mean time have doubted of, but that his Lordship had it from Master john Mericke by letter particularly. which news as indeed there was great cause was very ill welcome to the Ambas. much troubling him for divers respects, wherefore upon mature deliberation, as whose thoughts then only were intended that way, he resolved forthwith to send up to the Musco, to this end: therefore early bestirring the next morn he sent for his Prestaves, who came willingly and cheerfully to hear that with great heaviness and sorrow, which yet they were so wise as not to believe though the day and hour of his death, with the manner of his enterring, were to them by the Am. own mouth delivered: but he believed it, and therefore gave them to understand he would send up post, and write to the Prince, their expected Emp. and others concerning affairs of importance. To that end he demanded post horses and convoy accordingly: which demand, though yet for the suddainnes and heaviness did somewhat distract their heads, have seldom easy resolutions but to sleeping: yet after desiring an hours liberty, and therein consulting with the Bish. and Gent. of the town, it was effected. So then his Lordsh. requested M. Edw. Cherry (though he was best to be commanded) as being used to ride post, having the language, knowing the factions of the Country, and an easy command in every town because of his bountifulness, himself no doubt well pondering the weight of his message, with the care and speed therein to be used, indeed as the only he, whether you consider the interest the Amb. had in him, or his serviceable mind, often manifesting his duty to his Lordship: even from his first going from the Archangel to this present. Thus having all things meet and fit for their speedy journey, and weighty business he with one of the Emperor's Gentlemen underwent this dangerous and hard travail.  
Here it might be befitting this my relation, to declare somewhat at large the Emp. death, the cause or disease, his nature, stature, complexion, and stratigems. The Princes succeeding, the Nobles mourning, and the commons censuring, each of which I could with little labour perform, but I know that man is made to undergo much envy, doth undertake to write of Prince's persons or policies: which whosoever hereof writes truly must necessarily incur, it being as a fit subject for another Plato to write of: so for a free born spirit to wade in, myself protesting rather a will to be reputed timorus, than a desire to have the least detraction, only because I will not be thought dumb in such a speaking age, (the time so falling out at my being there) nor to want intelligence sufficient to tell the truth, I shall say something, as accounting him a fool, upon a just occasion sp●ake● nothing. His death was very sudden, and as it was in itself, very strange: for within some two hours after dinner having (as he usually had) his Doctors with him, who left him in their judgements in health, as the good meal he made could witness, for he dined well, and fed plentifully, though presently after as may be thought, feeding over much, he felt himself not only heavy, but also pained in his stomach: presently went into his chamber, laid himself upon his bed, sent for his Doctors (which always sped) yet before they came, he was past, being speechless and soon after dying. Before his death (as speedy as it was) he would be shorn, and new christened, what the cause was otherwise then the grief, inward sorrow, with divers distractions about the wars, and their bad success, fearing the worst on his part, only God knows: yet who, so remembers God's judgements, or Prince's policies for kingdoms, with man's inherent sinfulness: and considereth the one with the other, may be satisfied, if not contented. It is reported, and I am to the truth thereof rightly persuaded, that being, in this present not being, some of his Counsellors and Nobility demanded, if he would not swear them a new to the Prince, and whether he should not be their Em. his answer (with much trembling) was, as it pleased God, and the Commons thereby, presuming of the sufficiency, of their former oaths, but despairing of the commons, if not withal fearing gods judgements. For the Princes succeeding I must defer that to hereafter, but for the mourning, who doth consider the fodaine loss in that time●●f rebellion, of their best, chief, and wisest heads, whose first election was from their own applause, the youth, with the inocency of the Prince, herewithal remembering many strange plots long time used by the house of the Godonoves, and flattering themselves in their good success, and now the general opinion in the right of Demetre, whereby all their hopes ended, may think there was morning, sorrow and fear, as in those whose consciences are compacted all of fear. For this many headed-beastes of the multitude, none caring how nor what he spoke, being naturally ever suspicious of the best, how could they digest this, which of all other was the worst? The rumour of the Emperors poisoning, with his reviving, Demetres Crowning, the Princes imprisoning, the Nobles fight, most of the councillors revolting, and the Merchants flying: with the variety, the likelihood, the necessity, the desire, the hope, the fear, being all as nothing to them, living under that government, which least needeth to care who govern them so they be overruled in any other more civil Nation. A subject might have lost his tongue to have spoken all: his ears to have herd all, & his life to have believed and defended al.  
For the Em. person, he was tall and well bodied, teaching out of his authority obedience, of an excellent presence, black and thin haired, well faced, round and close shaved, strong limbed, A Prince framed between thought and resolution (more fit for a kingdom then a king) as being ever in labour, but ne●er till death delivered: never acting (though ever plotting) but in his closet or council chamb. One rather obeyed than loved, being feared where he was not served, protected by the mighty, rather than any particular, perhaps under pretence of continual wars, to oppress his poor subjects, couching tyranny under policy, as one whom long experience (in opposite actions, had made as fit to rule thereby, as by cquity and conscience) But gaining that Crown with much cunning, that he had no right unto, held it great wisdom accordingly to maintain the same: esteeming it less blame, so to win a kingdom, than any other means to lose it: doubtless upholding a true Majesty and government in every part, but in his own mind: that it is a question, whether he were more kind to strangers, or severe and just to his Subjects, or most hateful and terrible to his enemies. In his entertainments, making royalty and state, give place to fashion and custom.  
A father and a Prince, whose words, counsels, observations, policies, resolutions, and experiments, were but the life of his dear son, never advising, entertaining, no not praying without him: In all embassies & negotiations, remembering his son's name with his own, loving him (being lovely) for that himself would be loved, unwilling to spare his presence, desirous to have him at all occasions before his eyes. I shall not do amiss, to give a taste of the fruit sprung from so stately a tree. Being by a learned and well travailed gent. divers times particularly advised, to let the Prince take some mo●e (than no recreation) by which means he might aswell prolong his life, as instruct his judgement and delight his mind. Oh, would the Empe. answer, one son is no son: nay I am persuaded, three sons to me is but half a son. But had I six sons, than I might safely say I had one, how then should I part with that at any time, I know not to be mine for any tim. This may give satisfaction to any understanding both of his fears and gelousies: his great love, and much care. Another saying of the Emperor was this, and then let any judge what I have writ, & why. It was a usual speech with the Emp. upon good reason: to say he was the Lord and father of his son, yet withal, That he was not only his servant, but his very slave. And thus he proved it That he might command him, and that he begat him. For the second, that all his actions were only for his service though not commanded by him, yet in his own nature and affection urged thereunto. For his chief good he was his addopted Prince, and that he knew it was his duty, he remembered ever more he was his father as his Sovereign able, and as his father obliged. For the third that he was his Slave, he would allege for him in many kinds, he knew that he had done that, could not but from a Tyrant, be required of his vassals, and the greater was his subjection herein, that he was forced to commit that no Potentate could exact (I say neither by law nor Conscience) from his Slaves, neither any could thereunto be commanded.  
This being spoken from him, who best knew his own secrets, may be every way held enough for any to understand sufficiently by: yet that he is to be registered among none of the worst Princes, that could with such ease attain so great an Empire, having no just Title thereunto: but on the contrary, to be recorded among the famous (I leave to say wherefore.) upon what ground of reason was his greatness in the late Emp. days, especially in the sons government, being Protector. The policy of that time when he aimed at the kingdom, his election by general consent, after the death of Pheodor Euaniwich, and the resignation of the Empress his sist. Irenia Pheodurna. His many refusals to be Emperor, with the general and particular desire that he must take it: the necessity that one must speedily be chosen: his conditions in taking it, with entytling his son after him: the form of their Oaths to them both so soon as he was established: his wife-seeming and applausible Reign, till the late demand made by Demetre, when he had governed 8. years, & thereupon his sudden death and other occurrents, who wisely scans, must acknowledge him (but only in his final and fatal judgement) a prudent & pollitik Prince, as any times make mention of, & that if his latter end answered not the expectation of so happy a beginning, with a like prosperous continuance, It is in the like case to be demanded, why Acbitophel murdered himself, because (in but one th●●●) his council was not followed: the true echo returns, (because his council was not followed) and why judas would hang himself when he had betrayed his master: the reason was (He had betrayed his Master.)  
Of this Emperor it is reported by Sir jerom Horsey, in his writings in M. Hacklayts works, that the aforesaid Emperor when he was a Subject, had 12000. li. yearly, besides his places of Honour; as being Protector, Governor of the Kingdoms of Cozan and Astracan, etc. Unto which, Doctor Fletcher's report agrees; whereof 3500. Marks was given him by Pheodor Euanch at one time in one Shire: And howsoever towards his end, he grew very miserable and covetous; which was not the least cause of his overthrow: insomuch as it was observed, himself would often take notice of the passage to his Seller and Buttery. Not much unlike (in that kind) one writes of the French King:  
Il▪ feit d'argent avec ses dens,  
That he made Money with his teeth.  
Yet when he aspired to the Empire, note his greatness, with his bounty; first to Sir jerom Bowes when he was there Ambassador: then to Sir jerom Horsey, when he was there Messenger, (recorded by themselves) yea even to her late Majesty of blessed memory: the particulars are set down in the forementioned Book of Voyages: notwithstanding what the lord of Pibrac observes in his Quadrones, is fulfilled in this Emperor▪ viz. Petite Source ont les grosses Rivieres: etc.  
Even as from smallest Springs the greatest Rivers rise:  
So those that roar aloud, and proud at first,  
Run seldom far; for soon their glory dies  
In some near Bogg, by their self-fury burst.  
Two policies of the said Emperor, I shall willingly acquaint you with, for divers reasons. One was, when he caused fire to be kindled in four parts of Moskoe; whereat himself was noted to be very diligent, with all his Nobles and Courtiers: and after it was quenched, he sent his Bounty to them all, that builded anew their Houses, and repaid all their losses: And this was but to stop the Rumour than was so common, of his strange gaining the Empire: by which Stratagem of his, when his people were ready to Mutiny, they were created anew, good Subjects; yet did admire his not only Care, but goodness towards them all.  
A second, was at that time the Land was visited with a mighty Famine, and as great a Plague (some four years since) whereof a third of the whole Nation is rate● to have died: and the murmuring multitude said the cause was, their electing of a Murderer to the Empire; wherefore God did thus visit them: Whereupon, he caused Galleries to be built round about the utmost wall of the great city of Moskoe, and there appointed d●yly to be given to the poor, twenty thousand pounds sterling: which was accordingly performed for one Month; Whereupon the Common people's mouths and bellies were well stopped. Yet notwithstanding he died, and that untimely; as a Noble man of France well saith: Men seldom see Tyrants or usurpers, live long or temperately; or die well and naturally.  
Now if I can be thought blame worthy, which I conf●ss●, no not of them m●st partial; yet the mo●t that Nation can (if they would) say any thing to me, reverencing an● approving their own proverbs, is this: (As the Dog doth bark, the Wind carries it away): In answer whereof, I say; it is the true nature and quality of a Dog to bark, yet he seldom hurts that so barks: for our ancient Proverb is, The barking Dog bites least, as the cursedest Cow hath the Shortest Horns.  
here we lodged till the 6. of May, being wearied with the inconstancy and ill-come news of flying reports, whereupon the time of the year requiring, the Ambassador re●olued to pass down the River to Colmigro, as well that he might the sooner have news from England, as happily to be out of fear of any disaster, the rumours being so innumerable and uncertain, as they were doudtfull, and fearful; and indeed the extraordinary care for the ambassadors provision, especially the large and well builded Boats, never the like i● memory before, wrought in the people's opinions many contrarieties, as obsurde as untrue: One, that the young Prince necessarily, and personally, must be, and was in English apparel, within the ambassadors lodging: Else, that it was impossible, that Great men should so willingly obey, and so earnestly command, for the full content ●f all, in all things: Likewise else, where it was reported, that the Prince would come down, and go over into England with the Ambassador: Also, far of from us, it was said, that the Prince and the Ambassador, were in chains to be sent up to the Moskoe: But it repenteth me of relating thus much; only you may observe hereby, their willingness to rebel: also the wilfulness of the Commons, to be as great as their ignorance; if not as senseless as their Intelligence: But we are on the fair and pleasant River, within five fair and convenient Boats, with two great Loddyackes for provisions, rowing with wind and stream, from the overflowing Tide of these reports; and within twelve days are safely arrived at Colmigro, where we lodged at the Comp house; surely the largest, tytest, and fairest in all the Country; and of Warehouses, Ambarres, & workhouses as well accommodated.  
For our being at Colmigro, it was not much unlike (for the strangeness of reports, troublesomeness of the State, and mutable events of time) to that one, and the only unhappy day of the unfortunate (too sudden rising) Earl of Essex; wherein most men's minds: for as many days as we weeks, wear bewondred as much, with the not well directed beginning, as the unhallowed sucsesse, or the bemoaned, (Oh be it ever lamentable, such conclusions: but as far different is the rareness, as the goodness between them) ill-advised well-intended, ever-good-resolutions in the one: ill-intended worse-enacted, never-good-conclusions in the other: One, as the unhappy timefalling of a great Noble, with some others; But by the goodness of God, and the graciousness of our renowned King, within short and memorable time, restored in his posterity, and theirs. The other, the fatal and final overthrow of a mighty Emperor, and his all posterity and family, never till the Resurrection, to be raised: and then, Oh then, it is to be feared, to a terrible judgement for their high-offending, Heaven-crying-sinnes.  
Now I shall tell you of a 18. year esteemed dead Princes reviving of an other Prince's (that twice 18. years might have lived) poisoning, like (and indeed not unfit for the same) Stage crowner's, within one day dying and reviving; as it were to make Time a liar, who is the Son and Heir of Truth.  
Of the Almighty's providence, by the benefit of Patience, innocency of past-yeares, Right of Inheritance, and his just judgement upon the contrary; and to the eternal happiness of this never yet civil Nation, in effecting his exceeding mercy (that Age's wonderment) this last year: But it will be a Labyrinth to me, as it were to ravish myself with, if not a Dylemma wherein I may (not having the Art of Logic or Rhetoric) needless, if at any time (to my time and discourse, though incident to the general) rather confound myself, then satisfy the Readers expectation, or every particular propriety, it not only being very tragical and comical in the event: But as all such State-pollicies are beyond ordinary intelligence, or a writers honest patience; but what Truth hath been servant, and my Ea●es subject unto, I will without either flattery to the living, or envy to the dead, compendiously diliuer.  
Aft●r the suspicious death of the old Emperor Boris Pheodoricke, etc. by the appointment of the Prince (than their expected Emperou●) and the Cou●sell, Peter Basma● (that noble Spark) was speedily dispatched and sent a General unto their ill succeeding Wars, as their last hope, (in deed he proved so in a contrary sense) and the only refuge to the Commons: Wh●ther being come, (bemeeting as you may imagine) he insenced the Counsel, A loving and belou●d Prince, of such heroical spirit, so worthy selfe-acting and politic a Soldier, so generally good a Scholar, as being rep●rted to be both well Letterd, well traveled; as great a Linguest as he was Statist; feared, as being allayed; he for special grace and favour, who●e bount●e & courtesy, sent Defiance to Pride and Extortion; in whom Industry & Labour were twins, innocency and Freedom brothers; that held Wisdom as his rest, True Valour as his Servant, Flattery as his Enemy, and Envy as his Slave; not being him●elfe subject to any greater Potentate. but Princely poverty; He (I say) reviewing the Majesty of his person, and comparing the age of his Youth with the grey heads of his Honour: not in all, but in every particular hereof, not less to this Nation then a Phoenix; was resolved, he could not less be than (being a Prince of so many Virtues) the Heir of the Kingdom, his Emperor, Lord and Master: whereupon he sped with the wings of Hope, Honour, and Confidence, to deliver himself in such an infected and pestiferous a time, to the hands of him either whose Enemy being, he was without being; or whose Subject and Patient received, he might well fall away; but neither from his right Sovereign, nor Loyalty: Also he prostrated, or presented most of his Command, as many as freely would offer themselves: Under which, were all the English, Scots, French, Dutch and Flemings, whatsoever: and with him, or rather before him (as lea●t suspected) Rises Vasili Euanch Goleeche, the other General a man of great birth, and in the priority of place, to be received before P. Basman.  
All which, the now well known newly opinionated Emperor very graciously received, happily not without some jealousy of many particulars; as of the Generals, the world surmising a former correspondence to be hel● ever since a Parle ha●, at what time he was besieged, and is aforesaid to perform very honourable service; and for the same had so applausable a receiving by the old emperors appointment into the Moskoe.  
After this General, from the Prince and Counsel was forthwith sent many thousand Rolls or Marks, they ever having the discretion of wi●e and politic States to account it as the Nerves and Sinews; but now were persuaded it would prove the Soul and heart of the Wars: but the general received, he could not accept it and his General, being offered it by the faithful treasurers, would not, but gave them this answer.  He would, they that sent that (though in-directly to him) should know, He who had the Patience to forbear a Tyrant usurper, sitting upon his Throne so long; And hitherto of himself (by his stranger Friends) had thus happily and far, entered into his Right, could not now want that should encourage those noble Spirits, fought with him in so just a quarrel: neither did he hold it Princelike, to receive, from his Enemy in that kind, especially by their hands could not show their face without blushing to their commanding Lord: Yet when he came to receive the Crown and Kingdom, (which he assured himself and them, would be very shortly) he doubted not this monegs would be then infinitely increased, as should be his honour, and their affection. 
So he let them have safe conduct to depart.  
This falling away of them, the State so greatly blinded upon (especially Peter Basman, whom I neither dare commend, nor will condemn, because I am not studious in his arguments: and the answer from the Emperor) with the many continually doubts of the issue, hastied the last breath of the once hoped-for Prince, as from him that (though an Fmperour, was much hoodwinked by his politic kinsmen great counsellors) now might easily discern those times to outrun his, and must notoriously know (though happily his youth and innocency shadowed the reflection) that his Son was setting or beclouded at noon-days, and that the right heir was (and would be when he was not) apparent: that his father's Empire and Government, was but as the Poetical Fury in a Stage-action, complete yet with horrid and woeful Tragedies: a first, but no second to any Hamlet; and that now Revenge, just Revenge was coming with his Sword drawn against him, his royal Mother, and dearest Sister, to fill up those Murdering Scenes; the Embryon whereof was long since Modelled, yea digested (but unlawfully and tootoo vive-ly) by his dead selfe-murdering Father: such and so many being their fears and terrors; the Devil advising, Despair counseling, Hell itself instructing; yea, wide-hart-opening to receive a King now, rather than a Kingdom; as L. Bartas divinely saith: They who expect not Heaven, find a Hell every where.  
These wicked instruments, the whole family of the Godonoves, their adherents and factors, making a second (but no divine) damned jury; these dejected and abjected, as not knowing how to trust any, they so disinherited themselves, like men between murdering others, and being massacred themselves; holding this their only happiness, that they were then only miserable (Nobleness yet esteeming any preferment felicity, but Honourable employment): As those whose unmerciful greatness gained a pitiful commiseration, accounting Security neither safety, nor reward; Indeed they were like Beasts, that have strength, but not power.  
Oh for some excellent penman to deplore their state: but he which would lively, naturally, or indeed poetically delyneare or enumerate these occurrents, shall either lead you thereunto by apoetical spirit, as could well, if well he might the dead living, life-giving Sidney Prince of Poesy; or deify you with the Lord Salustius devinity, or in an Farth-deploring, Sententious, high rapt Tragedy with the noble Foulk-grevill, not only give you the Idea, but the soul of the acting Idea; as well could, if so we would, the elaborate English Horace that gives number, weight, and measure to every word, to teach the reader by his industries, even our Laureate worthy Beniamen, whose Muse approves him with (our mother) the Hebrew signification to be, The elder Son, and happily to have been the Child of Sorrow: It were worthy so excellent rare wit: for myself I am neither Apollo nor Appelles, no nor any heir to the Muses: yet happily a younger brother, though I have as little bequeathed me, as many elder Brothers, and right borne Heirs gain by them: but Hic labour, Hoc opus est.  
I am with the late English quick-spirited, clear-sighted Ovid: It is to be feared Dreaming, and think I see many strange and cruel actions, but say myself nothing all this while: Be it so that I am very drowsy, (the heat of the Climate, and of the State) will excuse me; for great happiness to this mighty Empire is it, or would it have been, if the more part of their State affairs had been but Dreams, as they prove phantasmaes for our years.  
But imagine (as truth is in the imagination) the new received Emperor hath written twice or thrice to the Old and new Emperors, (if so be I may ●ow call them) and their privy Counsel, (which Letters you must know are intercepted by the Godonoves, and their Secreataries) wherein he demands his Right and Inheritance; and proves himself Heir very directly, with their resolution herein; and that he was thereunto not only unanswered, but his Messengers retained, tortured; and some executed: whereupon (much troubled) he consulted with his Nobles, and many great Associates new come unto him, and yet resolveth once more to send unto their supposed Emperor, and many the great Boyeryres privy Counsellors particularly: for so he did, and writ his Princely Letters to them, sending them by men of courage, birth, and wisdom; also giving them authority thereafter, who being dispatched, are come into their Slobada or Suburbs, where the multitude of the Commons (retired long before within the first Gate) came flocking unto them without Authority, demanding what they were: (For you must understand this was as a City besieged within itself, and at wars within her own walls: her Engine (if so he could be that is now their Emperor) being 200. verse from them: also, they required what their Message was: (Ignorance now not being the Mother of Devotion, but the Father of Peace) and to whom they were sent, and (out of order) from whom?  
It was answered, that they were sent from their right & lawful Emperor D. E. Vandh. etc. to the usurpers Son, and many of the Privy Counsel; and that if in obedience to their lawful Prince, they would guard them into the City, and safe conduct them to a chief Street therein, they would not only satisfy them in reading those letters so nearly conscerning them all, but they should be then most happy, when they understood how vildly and slavishly that had been used by the Godonoves; and how by the Almighty's power, their right K. was living, and required their obedience herein: and he that late governed them, to be an Usurper, and his Son but as heir thereunto.  
Thus the Commons, who ever are desirous of change and novelties; and knew full illy, well they could not have a more Tyrant: also, seeing them to be resolute and confident (as any wise man, considering their being) must confess, & also known men of great birth; and also of the late Boris his Enemies: indeed thereunto led by the Spirit of God, as they were strengthened with his all-sufficient power, (if I might so speak) they in infinite numbers, brought them safe into the spacious Plain before the Castle gate: within which, as daily they did use, so now were all the Counsellors in consultation; but happily not in a secret Counsel; also wherein was the Imperial Court.  
There these Boyeryns made demand for many of the Counsellors, especially for the Godonoves, to come to hear their right K. D. E. speaking unto them by Letters▪ Who yet after refusal (and I cannot condemn all) many came; the Commons being resolved, else to fetch them out; all alleging, their guiltiness to be so great, and to be so ashamed as they were astonished, with the long deluding and mocking the common and their new trial of all their treasons.  
But one, by the mouth of the golden tonged Chaunsellor or Secretary (he thereunto commanded by the P. and Nobility then in counsel) indeed the only Orator and Popular man among them, was required the reason of that strange assembly, tending to little less (indeed too much more) then a Mutiny: also the Boyeryns countenancing them herein; alleging they needed not so to assemble themselves undutifully and disobediently, that by petition might have any request answered, as having so merciful, mild, and humble-harted a Prince; As when the time mourning for his dear Father was performed, (which is 6. weeks) and his Coronation, with his former Prince's magnificense and state observed, they all should confess him to be, till ●hen th●ir Courtrie L●wes did not a●mit of public or private suits in extraordinary persons or particulars, etc. but in such Language this was delivered, as he might well supply t●e Tongues office: But the affection of the heart powered not out this Oration. Then, by the Boyeryers aloud was read the emperors Letters, to this effect.  
That he much wondered at that time, wherein expedition was to be accounted safest policy, having s●nt many Letters & Messengers to them, concerning their approving him to be their lawful Prince, as being the Son of evan Vasulrach their late Emperor, and the only brother of Pheodor Euanchers selfe-upholder, of happy memory, both with invincible arguments and direct reasons to the manifesting thereof, they (notwithstanding his long patience and gracious remissness) were not only so proud as not to answer his Princely Letters, but so presumptuous as to retain his Messengers, whereby they made themselves apparently to be no less Vipers to the State in obscuring him, than Traitors to himself the true and right Emperor, by defrauding them: yet giving him a strong Argument by their Silence, of their guiltiness; also allowing thereby, time and opportunity (if he had not been their trueborn Emperor, and with the natural Mother, tendered the life of her dear Children) to have conquered & destroyed the whole Nation; a●ding thereunto, the love of the many and daily falling to his side of the Mighty; whilst they like either unworthy, or unwise Counsellors (blinded with Honour and partialities) securely slept in their particular strength, ignorant of this Principle, That where the Members are disjointed and broke, the Head and Heart suffer of necessity.  
All which notwithstanding, he (being confident in his own conscience, of his just Title, made the Prince of patience and humility from his former many great miseries and dangers) had in his princely wisdom and clemency again wrote these (but certainly his last Peace-requiring, and Grace-offering Letters: yea, was content to desire them he might,) and doubted not shortly but he should command, only aiming at the good of the Commonwealth and State in general; as he that without much shedding of his subjects blood, desired the Kingdom.  
Also to this end he had sent ●en of great birth, viz. Rues Pheodor, Euanrich Methithsosky, and Rues Demetre, Euanrich Suskey; and given them Commission to displace his Enemies, and prestave the Godonoves, & others, till his further pleasure were known, consuming those monstrous bloodsuckers and Traitors, with return of the Commons answer thereunto: Likewise to demand his Messengers, and they to be brought before the Commons, whom he had reason to believe, were ill entreated, if not murdered; withal, that if they did submit themselves now to him, as to their lawful Prince and Sovereign, (which he was truly resolved their Consciences were guilty of) that yet they should find him a gracious and merciful Lord; if otherwise, a severe and just Revenger of them, and their many misdeeds towards him, as he that had his Sword ever unsheathed to execute his vengeance on them all: and was easily persuaded they were not ignorant of the many Victories he had obtained, formerly against them, when they would seem able and willing to fight with his Soldiers: and how afflicted and troubled herewith they all were: But that now, he had their chief & strongest heads and arms in his own hand, the whole world might not betrothe him they durst once speak openly against him, as assured all (excepting a very few, and they of the worst) in heart, were his loyal Subjects.  
Of all these premises, he wished them from the highest to the lowest, seriously and considerately to advise and reinform their judgements, for that he was forthwith determined, and that peremptorily of a course, as greatly to their terrifiing and horror, as verily not agreeable to his nature and Princely disposition: and how vehemently and earnestly he desired of God, to regain his Inheritance, and to be Enthroned in his Fathers and Mother's Empire without blood; he only was the witness to his Conscience, should be the judge of his innocency, if it did so come to pass withal, that he had humbly beseeched of the Almighty, that as he had miraculously and wonderfully preserved him from many dangers, sorrows, and miseries, to this happy time; so that it would please him to grant him wisdom, patience, and mercifuln●sse, to si●t in his Fathers and Mother's Throne without shedding of innocent blood, if possible to the shedding of one drop. etc.  
But before this Princely Letter was half read, the hearts and hands of the multitude were strangely combined together, not one speaking, but all confusedly like letterde and chained Horses stamping; being indeed without any fear, but of not doing mischief enough, all (as one) running violently into the Castle (where meeting two of the pitifully tormented Messengers) they paused to hear them as sufficiently as their insufficiency would permit them deliver the vil●e manner of their torturing whipping & roasting, which was in deed a Whip and Spur to drive them without wit or humanity, as if they had been fired like Gunpowder with the very sparks of heat: Such barbarous cruelty, beastly actions, and inhuman spectacles, as without the great Devil had been there general, no particular could have enacted; laying violent hands on all they met: but not killing (the great mercy of God) any man of account.  
Thus the whole City was in an uproar, all the Couns●ll●rs Houses Sellers, and Studies, ransacked, beginning with the Godonoves; spoiling, r●nting, and s●ealing all they met with; but carrying little away but drink, that they could not carry away; for beginning to stagger in the Sellers, they left their Wits in the Butteries, and laid down th●ir eyes in the Kitchens; so as the ●ext day, by reason of th● many were mad and dead drunk, this day well-nigh ●oo▪ persons ran into forgetfulness, being past life by their former less of understanding.  
The Commons (no doubt) would have made this day little inferior to the Massacre of Paris, so violent & devilish were their sudden resolutions; but that the Nobles (b●st beloved and obeyed) entreated, where none could command: others persuading; all wishing an end to this most miserable and never exampled mischief. But the multitude did what they would and could; especially on the greatest, which certainly were the worst: So as the Empress flying to a safer Lodging, had her Col●er of Pearl plucked from her neck, & yet a happy creature that she so escaped; which she not easily did: but the young P. indeed ha● no greater punishment or disgrace (too much for a P. to bear) proffered him, than to be pitied by such Slaves, that had not the sense of Envy of the Nobles: many lost Peards' and Haure, as if the French Disease had possessed them; surely 'twas no inferior Evil that did work this.  
Few men's houses, as the Stranger Doctors, or Merchants with their own, escaped ransacking: yea, such was their miserable poverty, they stripped many to their very skin, that a man might have seen an Army of Adam's covering, (and in their transgressing Gardens) their Nakedness, with Leaves, as ashamed not only for their poor being, but their inhuman suffering; Parents entreating, Children weeping, Wives raging, the Richer punished, whilst the pitiful poor overruled: And though the Nobles kept many places, and made strong the chiefest, they could not resist the multitude there, thought such a drunken kind their only heaven, living many years without the use and effect thereof: But wearied & woried with their own long devotion in God Bacchus' Temples, many slept, the more suffered, whilst the most least repent their bringing this strange judgement to a happy unhappy conclusion.  
Then the Prince, Emperor, and Princess, were prestaved (a second Command being come from the Camp) with the Godonoves, and many others that were suspected most: The Nobles joining in one Counsel for the present ordering of these sudden accidents, and for answer to the P. Dem. Euanich, who suddenly was by general consent concluded (by the particular knowledge of Bodan Belskey a great Counsellor, that was pridie to his departure, and some others) to be their right and lawful Emperor, only a few excepted, that could be true subjects to none, because unfaithful to themselves, such were imprisoned forthwith. Thus began the greatness of Demetre; and his right became apparent: but as it happens for the more part in such unusual and rare accidents (as the deposing of Princes and Statesmen) Tragical eue●tes fail one in the neck of another so necessarily here▪ for now whilst the good were in consulting for the well ordering of this yet perplexed state, the evil were plotting more mischief by new stratagems and policies: for the very soul of Envy was crazed in this body, that the twins of Tyranny and Cruelty, strove for priority of birth. And not more ingenious & industrious were some in devising for the raising of the old Emperor and his posterity in times past, than (to be accounted constant) now the same villainous Statesmen were laborious and wickedly wilful to overthrow them: having no reason but a selfe-norishing pity, to be accompanied to the place of of Repentance and Punishment. So as the young Prince was by many (but particularly by his mother jezabel) counseled to leave the Kingdom utterly, before it forsook him; to follow his Father's good example in murdering himself, and herein his Mother (that Map of Miseries, that Cradle of Cruelty) and his only dear Sister, would associate him.  
Letters were devised, and Messengers framed to effect this desperate Treachery on his innocent life; so as in very few days (for Mischief hath the wings of Thought and Resolution, they three did consent (an unhappy conjunction) to destroy themselves; and rather to lay violent hands upon their hateful lives, then make an Enemy seem cruel in executing justice on them: which yet certainly this Emperor never dreamt of, but determined the Prince should be within himself, not less than Absolute, and in a very great Dukedom: Yet behold, nor Hope, nor Pity, nor Greatness once comforted them; but as if selfe-Crueltie had been equity of Conscience, the Mother omitting the tender affection of her Children, the Son neglecting the natural love to his Mother, the Sister condemning herself in either: Man forgetting (besides the 4. cardinal virtues) his principal virtue, Patience: Women despising Modesty and Bashfulness, would give the wanton world a precedent to run Death out of countenance without selfe-blushing: They would (Oh unspeakable misery that they did) poison themselves. The Princely mother began the health of Death to her noble Son, who pledged her with a hearty draft, therein so much strength did he add to his vild wicked obedience, that he proved a Banquerour presently: Yes hand in hand (as heart in heart) embracing each other, they fell, and died as one, the Mother counseling and acting, whilst the child bethought and suffered: Yet see Providence and commiseration, Constancy and Obedienc●; the Princess drank, but like a Virgin temperately: so as (the want of modesty (which was the death of the Mother) now proved the life of the daughter.  
Presently after this Tragedy came into the Chamber, many great men where they were saluted with a dol●fall welcome, the Emperor that might have been, and his Mother (that was) embracing each other even in the kind arms of death, ●ast all hope: but the young, Princess only groveling, and assured of breath therein, to be a motherless and brotherless Virgin, from whom was learned ●he manner of their behaviour; which is said to be very resolute in the Empress, pitiful in the Emperor, lamentable in both. Certainly a wicked Tree was it to bear such fair but untimely Fruit.  
Upon the ground was a sealed Letter from the dead Emperor to the living (some report it was sent before his poisoning, not answered before he poisoned, it being forthwith; but it matters little the time or circumstance, only the truth is necessary): and to this purport it was written by his own industrious hands.  
Though the vain world may innocently condemn us of pusilla●ymitie, that being the true Son and Heir to so great and mighty an Emperor (as our late Father of happy & sweet remembrance Boris Pheodorich, of all Rushia Emperor and selfe-upholder was), he being there unto elected by so general a consent, and the like importunity and beseech of the Bishops, counsellors, Nobles, and Commons of their Empire, undertaking the government thereof merely of pity, without the least motion of pride or popularity, only to satisfy them all in general, rather than in any particular to please himself, but in happying and blessing them withal his Princely and contionerie conditions thereafter: that we his only Son so beloved of the mighty and many, so reverenced of the good and religious, will f●r many princely arguments approved of by ourself and our graver Counsel (notwithstanding a double oath of the most to our Imperial dignity, lawful succession and inheritance) in person come into the field with an invincible Army to make good our cause against thee: yet doth it not befit such a mighty Prince as thou either art, or wouldst be thought, so cruelly and unjustly to determine of ourself, our royal Mother, and no less dear and princely Sister; of which we are informed, thou thyself of us art resolved.  
Thou shouldest wisely and thankfully have remembered thy ow●e hard fortunes, and as miraculous a preserving, with our inn●censie and youth: and that we b●th were or have thought ourselves (if so to be we are yet worthy) great Princes Sons, and Christians: yea, and more happiness and glory would it have been to thee, sitting on thy dear Father's Throne to rule his people with equity and justice, then to have b●en accounted his Son in tyranny a●d blood.  
Little cause shall this Nation have to hope of a merciful and just Prince, that begins thus to terrify and condemn the Innocent. What ● it were granted? We have no right; yet our Father was elected? Do we resist thee? Dost thou not (or will not blood-thirsty greatness let thee) understand what an Innocent in years and Counsel we then were, and yet have been? What if we were persuaded thou art the right, yet there are many, many, that never will be? and the greater are their arguments, as thy cruelties a●d policies. But that thou shalt perceive we never did resolve to keep thee from thy Inheritance (if of thy justice and true Title thereunto we were but reasonably le●) notwithstanding our Princely and safe Intelligence, behold for thee our only Enemy we sacrifice ourself: behold how innocency & Youth, like the Twins of affection, are ma●e guilty in themselves, and we are an Usurper to ourself only: Yet be not thou hardened here with, nor yet rejoice herein, lest neither bemeetes thy dignity: but be thou rather (if not at least) the true heir to Virtue, yet like a King in Pity: and assure thyself, we die not for fear of thee, but for love to ourself: not despairing of thy mercy, but for our preventing thy justice, as he that thinks hopeless benefit a comfort, than presumption; fo● we die but to contain our own burden: yet with a much better resolution, than either sel●e-co●ceite, or enthralled cowardice can be witness of, as he that had much rather be condemned, than by accusing Enemy's spared to be justified indeed only for thy expected Servants, our beloved and loving Subictes, who we know dearly would purchase our life and liberty, for them we do thus lay violent hands on our puttied, but not hateful l●fe, as he that esteems it more worth to die an innocent, then live, it but deemed death worthy: for greater sorrow shoul● we sustain to suffer without desert, then thus to die without compassion.  
Shall not the Earth say, Thou wert the cause? yes, yes. All Prince's words are Laws, or should be; yet oft times unlawful or unmerciful be their intents and actions. May the world report we were our own murderer? If they can, yet let them remember only if ourself justice, but of our innocent self: and better were it for any one Innocent, than many Innocents' should perish: for so thy friends shall be more and thy love greater when, we that are thy Rival are departed: yet imagine with what joy or sorrow we embrace death, that breath our last in that bosom we first received our being; and be persuaded ourself, our dear Mother and sweet Sister, drink only for thee this Cup of Lyres; So be thou a King, and thy posterity Princes, as thou hast right to our late Empire, and art just to thy Enemies, loving to thy Subjects, merciful to the poor; and so be thou ever prosperous: Thus thou mayst be assured of us. Lo thus we dearly go to Heaven.  
These Funeral speeches being afterward delivered to the Emperor, h●e fell into tears upon reading them, mixing much gracious language of the young Prince, amongst his bemoninges of his fortunes: And hearing some speak unreverently of his Father, he checked them in these words.  It ill beseemeth any, much less his Subjects, and those who had elected him, to wound his Honour (now he lies dead) whom living they kneeled to, as their lawful Emperor, if not as right Heir, but as approved by the general voices of the States. 
Then he gave commandment, that all those who had the keeping of the young Prince, should be imprisoned till his further pleasure were known; and that the Mother and Son, should be basely and obscurely huried: which accordingly was done. The old Emperor Borris his body being likewise taken from the royal Monument where it first was laid, to be buried with theirs in a mean Church within the Moscow.  
Before we carry you any further, it shall not be amiss to place before your eye the picture of the young Prince: who was in countenance effeminate, in tongue fair and quick: his speech (like his body) high and great: charitable to the poor (which his Father was not) bountiful to the mighty; an indifferent rewarder both of the Virtuous and Valorous.  
The living thus having made the dead serve as Stairs to lift him up into a Throne, each one held ●t safest insudome to fly (with the foremost) into ●he Camp, there to make their peace: by which means they flocked in troops; being driven thereunto either through fear of present dangers, or of tempests to come.  
But their rightful Emperor (casting behind him all thoughts of precedent actions) only applied himself to the present receiving those that came unto him, with princely, and kind embracementes, esteeming himself then to be an absolute Prince; when he could so subdue his own affections, as to forgive his Enemies; yea those that were accounted Arch-traytors and Bloody-tyrantes'.  
Besides, he held it a good part of wisdom, not to detain any by force (as his predecessors did) within the Country, not suffering any to enter; but rather made it known, that all his Dominions should be free for every Subject to go forth, and every Stranger to come in: by which means (besides the honour of being styled the First Emperor that made the State Free) he should (through commerce with other nations) enrich his own, and propagate the fame and greatness of his name and Empire.  
Thus suddenly he became of a Poor and il-attended Prince, a mighty Emperor: his Command reaching and swaying almost as much as a third part part of Europe comes to; colleaguing himself to many potent Princes, especially the mighty Polacke, (heretofore the most mortal Enemy to the Russie) and even from his Camp (now his royal Court) he wrote his Princely Letters to all Cities, Towns, and Villages, appointing Noblemen to take their Oaths to his Majesty: which in all places was willingly performed. In the number of all which Letters, taking knowledge of an English Ambassadors residence in the Country (tho 2000 miles from his Camp) and calling to mind the peace and amity held between the Princes of England and his predecessors, he wrote unto the English Agent; who was departed from the Moscow towards the Sea side: but by good fortune (upon some special occasion) returned back again, and received this gracious Letter, presenting himself at that time, before the Counsel: Which being translated out of the original, is here set down.  
Demetrie Euaniwich Emp. and great Duke of all Rushia, selfe-upholder, etc. to john Merick Agent for the English Merchants. etc.  
WHereas by the mighty hand, infinite mercy, and almighty providence of God, we are happily, and with the full consent of all our loving Subjects, not without admiration to the world, received and betrothed to our Right and dignity, even the Throne and Communion table of our Regal Father evan Valsiliwich, and our noble Brother Pheodor Euanriuch, both of happy and famous memory, selfe-upholders: We, remembering the Amity and friendship first concluded in the reign of our dear Father evan Vasiliwich, famous with all Christian Princes, especlally with the noble Princes of England are resolved of our Princely disposition, to be in greater league and amity now with this renowned King james, than any our predecessors have been with all Princes: And to that purpose resolve to favour his Servants and Merchants more than any our predecessors; and forthwith after our personal Coronation, are determined to send our Ambassadors to his excellent Majesty to that purpose. Further, that thou john the Son of W. after the receipt of these our Princely Letters, and the dispatch of thy Marchant-affaires, at our Castle of the Ark-Angell, then to return to our greart and famous City of Moscow, there to behold our clear and Princely Eyes: And to this purpose we have given order for Post-horse for thee, as also for thy appearance before our Chancellor Offonasse Euanouch Naseveo.  
Written at our Royal Camp at Toad. 8. june. 7103.  
The Agent (upon receipt of these Letters) with M. Russell (sometimes Agent for the Dutch, and his now Brother in law) prepared to meet the Emperor before he should come to the Moscow; before whom being brought by the Chancellor, the Agent (in name of his Brethren) delivered unto him a worthy Present; which he graciously accepted, and withal, uttering thus much in effect.  
That whereas it had pleased God so miraculously to preserve him, and so gloriously to establish him in the Throne of his Ancestors: It would please him, to look upon the English merchants, with the same eyes as they have done: In doing which, he should not only merit their loves, but no Nation would be more thankful unto him. etc.  
The Emperor returned many gracious words, much to the effect of his former Letters, but more amply; and then invited them to dinner in his royal Tent (being set up of purpose to entertain a King of the Tartars, that was his Subject.  
So after a bounteous Feast, many noble speeches, and a Princely welcome, they were dismissed for that time: but within few days after, the Agent delivered (in the name of the Ambassador) somuch as he had Commission and instructions for, of him: which Message was most acceptable, and received with protestations of desired Peace and Amity with the King of England; for which purpose, he had already appointed one of his Courtiers speedily to post unto the English Ambassador.  
Upon our departure from Colmogra, to the Ark-Angell, the Agent came to the Ambassador from the Emperor, with order for his free Post-horse and Men to conduct him; and that no Custom should be demanded of any Englishman, appertaining to the Ambassador. And that the Courtier (who was to be sent) should follow him very speedily: for the English Ships had been at the Castle fourteen days before: whereupon, the Ambassador rowed down the River, and the next day following, came to the Ark-Angell; where we were met with many Shipmaisters and Muskets to the number of an hundred: The Ships (aswell English as Dutch) discharged their Pieces liberally: But this Triumph was altered in a moment into Sadness. For upon our landing, a fair new Ship (called the Globe) the Master, Master and his Father, being owners of her, was utterly lost in our sight, by means of a Minion bursting in the Gun-roome; where four Barrels of Powder standing by, one of them being not well covered, the rest took fire, blew up all the Stern, slew the Gunner and his Mate; hurt the Master, his Mate, and some six others, whilst the Ship splitting in sunder, sunk presently; to the exceeding sorrow of all the beholders.  
Hither (within few days after) came from the Emperor a Courtier, named Gavarello Samollorich Sallmanove, that had been Ambassador to the K. of Denmark: (a Gentleman of great birth, and well in years) to signify to the Ambassador the emperors desire to enter into Bonds of peace and amity with the King of England: And this was an extraordinary grace of the Emperor done to the Ambassador, if we consider the Person that was sent, the Message, and the Miles he so posted over, for fear the Ambassador should be gone.  
T●e Message which he brought was much to the purpose of tha● Conference held with the Emperor and the Agent; the che●fest branch of all, being a renovation o●●h●● League now between ●ot● the Kingdoms of Englan● and Rushia, which was between the late Q Elizabeth (his dear and ki●d Sister) and his Father: and with a protestation to be in greater amity & correspondence with th● King of England, then ever any of his predecessors had b●en with other Kings thereof; for better manifestation of which, all the said K. james his Subjects shall have surer liberty than ever they had before. Adding further, that his personal Coronation being performed, Ambassadors should be sent to salute and congratulate his loving Brother of England. etc.  
The Ambassador hereupon, not only sent thos● Letters which he had received from the late Emperor Borris, but also (by twenty Liveries) a Present worth 100 Marks: And within one week aft●r this Courtier's departure, we hastened our own, because the season of the year so require●.  
The day before our departure, by reason of some wrong done to an English Sailor by a Ruff, a great tumult arose: in which the Common people (with stones and billets) behaved themselves so furiously, that the English-house gates were broken open, their chambers in peril to be rifled, their windows thrown down, and their warehouses violently entered upon, yea some aged Merchants very evilly entreated: Insomuch that the Ambassador himself stood not free from the danger: to revenge which, both English and Dutch manned out their boats, to have gone on shore with some shot, but by entreaty they were staid, and all was pacified, not without some hurt on both sides, but most of the Russes.  
The next day (being the sixth of july) the Ambassador being accompanied with master john Mericke, divers Merchants and others, passed (in his Cherdeck) the River of Dvyna, the ships then lying at the Barr-foote for a Wind, which not having, we went on board upon the twenty eight of july, being compelled notwithstanding to stay here seven days, both for wind and Water to carry us away, which the Country (having had our company of many months together) seemed to deny us, as unwilling to licence our departure. Yet on the 8. day following, we went over the Bar, not without some danger of the Sands, which by the providence of God, and the care and cunning of master William Wye, (our pilot and master) we happily escaped, and very joyfully arrived upon the sweet shores of our own native Country England, etc.  

The state of Rushia when Borris Pheodorwich came to be Emperor.  
Our Voyage is ended, yet must I now entreat your imaginations to be carried back again into Rushia, where you shall receive so much and such perfect News, as will make up the precedent matter into a pleasing History.  
Understand therefore, that the old Emperor evan Vassiliwich, dying, left two Sons behind him, (Viz) Pheodor Euannowich the eldest, (who succeeded the father in his Empire) and Demetrie the youngest (an infant.) Pheador being given to devotion, and neglecting the State and dignity due to a Prince, was held but simple, insomuch that by the secret workings of Bodan Belskey, (who was chief Minion to the old Emperor evan Vassiliwich) in hope of honours and preferment, procured Boris (who was brother to the then Empress) to be created Protector over Pheador, who upon his presents coming to the Crown, sent his mother in Law, with her father and mother (defending of the house of the Nagayes) and his young brother Demetre, to a place called Ouglets, where he was to be Nursed. Pheadors reign being expired, and his brother unfit to rule (being but an infant) Boris set up such ladders, that from a protector he was advanct to be Emper. Bodan Belskey afore named, Andrea Shulcan, and Andrea Clyskenine, being his there instruments that wrought for him. But Boris growing weary of their presence, by whom he was mounted so high, and thinking that he must ever hold himself bound unto them, laid plots in his brains how to be rid of such creditors, which he did, by throwing discontents upon one of them and a slightly-regarding of the other.  
Whereupon Bodan Belskey left the Court. But the other two prying into Borris his actions, signified from time to time, all matters to Bodan, who (knowing the ambitious thirst of Borris to extirpate the race of evan Vassiliwich himself now but an Usurper) took deliberation with the old Empress (mother to Demetre) for the preservation of the child. And seeing a far off, arrows aimed at his life, which could very hardly be kept off, it was devised to exchange Demetre for the child of a churchman (in years and proportion somewhat resembling him) whilst the other (by this means) might live safe, though obsure.  
This counterfeit Churchman's son being then taken for the lawful Prince, was attended on and associated according to his State: with whom one day, another child, (that was appointed to be his playfellow) disporting themselves, finding fault that the colour which the supposed Demetre wore about his neck (as the fashion of the Country is) stood awry, preparing to mend it, with a sharp knife (provided as seems of purpose) cut his throat.  
The report of this arrived presently at court: the Usurper makes show of much lamentation, yet to satisfiy the people & seat himself faster in his throne, the dead body was openly shown three days, to the eyes of all men. Many arguments were drawn to make the world believe, that Boris son sought the death, of this his brother in laws child, and to wean the people's loves and hopes they had from him, as first to have it spread abroad, that Demetre was like to prove like his father, that's to say, a Tyrant because, even in his childhood, he took delight to see Hens and Chickens killed, and to bathe his hands in the blood: add unto this, the poisoning of his Nurse: beside, it was forbidden to have him prayed for, as the rest of the Emperor's children were because he should be utterly forgotten. To conclude an old overworn law buried long in forgetfulness was now again freshly revived, and that was, That the child of a sixth wife was not to inherit. (yet the murder being acted) Boris the usurper, to blind the eyes of the world, and to wear a cunning mask over his own, Sent a noble man with divers others to take strict examination of each particular circumstance, and to imprison all those that had the guardiaunce of him, yea to put some of them to tortures and to death, which was done accordingly. But heaven protected the lawful, to be an instrument for the usurpers confusion. Obscurely lived this wronged Prince, the changing of him being made private to none but his own mother (Sister as is said before to Boris) who is now living, and to Bodan Belskey: but upon what wheel his various fortunes have been turned, (which of necessity must needs be strange) came not within the reach of our knowledge being there.  
Only thus much was received as currant, that the king of Poland sent word to the Usurper, that such a Prince of Rushia was abiding in his court, describing him by name and other particular notes to be son to their old Emperor: upon receit of which News (which went but coldly to the heart of Borris) an Ambassador was presently dispatched into Poland, one that had been Godfather unto Demetre, because he should bring certain knowledge of the truth: who at his coming was presented with a Counterfeit (Princely attired) but afterward with true Demetrius, whom (by the aid of the Polack) the Rushians within short time after received for their Emperor, and now reigneth over them.  
FINJS.    

Errors escaped in the Printing, thus to be corrected.  
IN the first page, for Chain Concatenation, read chain and Concatenation: for Neves, read Nerves: for allude read Allured: for squred, read Squared.  

In the eight page, for Dronia, read Dwyna.  
In the xv. page, for Coli●gro, read Colmagro.  
In the 31. page: for Meands, read Meads, and so in any other place where that word is found.  
In the 56. p. for Comp. house, read companies house.  
In the 66. p. read Boycrins.  
In the 67. pag. read Knees Pheodor, and Knees, etc.   
Reader, thou shalt understand that the Godonoves is the name of the Royal family. A Prestave is a chief Officer about the Emperor, who hath continual access, and doth command provision and lodging for any Ambassador, etc. A Versed, signifies a Mile. A Derevena, is a little village. These words because thou mayst doubt of them, I thought good to explain.