The excellent and pleasant work of julius Solinus Polyhistor. Containing the noble actions of humane creatures, the secrets & providence of nature, the description of Countries, the manners of the people: with many marvelous things and strange antiquities, serving for the benefit and recreation of all sorts of persons. Translated out of Latin into English, by Arthur Golding. Gent.  
At London Printed by I. Charlewoode for Thomas Hacket. 1587.   

The Right Honble. Charles Viscount Bruce of Ampthill (Son & Heir Apparent of Thomas Earl of Ailesbury) & Baron Bruce of Whorleton   

THE LIFE OF SOLINUS, WRITTEN BY JOHN CAMERTES.  
THere is no certainty left in writing by them that are skilful, in what time julius Solinus flourished. which thing I believe to have happened because the monuments of such as writ after him perrished almost universally, at such time as the barbarous nations made havoc of all things. I marvel that the compiler of the Supplement of Chronicles (in all other respects a base writer.) hath reported that this Solinus flourished in the time of Augustus Caesar to whom he surmiseth him to have dedicated his Polyhistor. For it is evident that in this work, Solinus maketh mention of the Emperor Vespasians doings. Furthermore, he speaketh of Suetonius Paulinus, whom Pliny saw as he witnesseth himself. Besides this, Solinus hath drawn almost all his matter out of Pliny's fountains, and yet nevertheless in writing these things, he desireth his friend in the beginning of his work, to bear with his simplicity. But forasmuch as he no where maketh mention of Pliny, (by whom he was furthered) I conjecture that Solinus wrote this work while Pliny was yet alive. And thereupon (by likelihood) it comes to pass, that he made no mention of his author at that time living. By like reason it might fall out, that Pliny no where maketh mention of Dioscorides a famous wrighter of the same time that he was, when notwithstanding it is apparent, that Pliny borrowed many things out of him into his work. The same fault also might be imputed to Dioscorides (for it might be found in Ammon which of them purloined from other) if he suppressing the name of Pliny, have filched so many things out of him. They that have written most precisely of the lives and manners of Xenophon and Plato, and sundry other things of them, report that in all the numbers of Volumes which each of them wrote, neither Plato made once mention of the name of Xenophon, nor Xenophon of the name of Plato.  
Believe ●e such is envies kind, that Readers very ceil.  
To writers in their present times deserved thanks do yield.  
For En●y feedeth on the quick: but when that men be dead,  
The sting of Envy stints, and hath no poison more to shed.  
Which saying of Naso is very true. What may be said of Macrobius, who divers times taketh whole leaves out of Gellius? Or of Placidus, who borroweth of Ser●ius? or of Acron, who stealeth from Porphyrio? What shall we say of six hundred others, who in long treatises, suppressing the names of them from whom they borrowed them, have word for word attributed all things to themselves? No man doubteth but that Aulus Gellius the very Diamond of the Latin tongue, profited greatly by reading Livy, and yet he will not in any wise that Livy the prince of Latin Historiographers, should be partaker of his Nights. Yet am I not of the opinion of some men, which think that Solinus made no mention of Pliny, in hope that Pliny's works should utterly have perished, & so his collections only have remained, and in process of time no man should have been able to discover his filchings, as Florus & justine are thought to have traveled to the like end & purpose▪ would God there were none other cause then this of the loss of so many good Authors. Then to pass over the Greeks by the way, the monuments of Cato, Varro, Nigidius, Sallust, Higinius, Celsus, Ennius, Furius, Varrius, Actius, Nevius, and Pacwius, all noble Authors, (which now are perrished, to the great hindrance of Students) should have remained unto this day. But howsoever the case standeth, Solinus courteously confesseth, that whatsoever he hath comprehended in his Polyhistor, proceedeth out of most allowable Authors, & hechalengeth nothing for his own, in as much as (saith he) the diligence of men in old time hath been such, that nothing hath continued untouched to our days. And again he saith plainly, that he leaveth the avouching of the truth of things, to such Authors as he hath followed in this work. Neither is it to be upbraided to Solinus as a shame, that he hath every where followed Pliny, more than Virgil is to be found fault with for translating into his work the verses of the ancient Poets, & specially of Homer. For it is no small commendation to counterfeit singularly a singular Author.  
That Solinus was a Roman, it is to be conjectured both by his phrase of writing, and also for that commonly when occasion serveth to speak of the Romans, he is wont in most places to call them our men, or my countrymen. Not only the latter writers, (as Sipontinus, Perottus, Domitius, Calderinus, Angelus Politianus, Hermolaus Barbarus, janus Parrhasius, and divers others such like, whom not without cause a man might account among the ancient writers.) But Servius also in his second book upon Virgil's Husbandry, and Priscian, two of the six notable grammarians, have cited the authority of Solinus by name. Also the interpreter of Dennis, (whither it were Priscian or Rhemninus) hath oftentimes put whole sentences of Solinussis in his verses. If I be not deceived, all that which Macrobius reciteth of the division of the year, and of the odd days, are Solinussis. Moreover, the Doctors of the Church, jerom, Ambrose, and Austen, and other Doctors also, have many times borrowed sentences word for word out of Solinus.  
There are some that term Solinus by the name of Pliny's Ape, in like manner as julius Capitolinus Plinius Caecilius, and Sidonius Apollinaris report, that Titian was called the Ape of the Orators, and Arulen the Ape of the Stoics. But these men consider not, that such are wont to be called Apes, as either repeat things written by others altogether in the same order without alteration, or else such as counterfeit, not the Authors but their shadows. But Solinus hath so followed Pliny's phrase, that (under correction be it spoken) there may scarce any other be found, that hath approached nearer to the majesty of Pliny's style. He entitled his Book (as is found in certain old Copies) to his friend Autius, to who also he delivered it to be corrected. Some hold opinion, that he left other monuments also of his wit, which either by force of time are perished, or else perchance lie hid in some blind corner among Moths.  
Finis.   

¶ C. julius Solinus sendeth hearty commendations to his friend Autius.  
FOrasmuch as certain persons rather of too much eagerness then of good will, have hasted to snatch up this little piece of work that I was in hand withal, and have pulished it, being yet unpullished, before the matter that I had begun, could be fully finished: & now also do blaze abroad in corrupted copies, the things that are disallowed, as though they had been well allowed: slightly overpassing such things as by further advise have been added for the increase of knowledge: Lest peradventure such a rude and unperfect hochpotch should be brought unto your hands as a ●ooke by me well overlooked: I have sent you this work in such sort, as you may know it to be by mine own advise set in order. First, for that the process of the whole discourse was to be referred to your discretion, and secondly to the intent that the ilfavorednesse of that rusty publication might by the true edition be abolished. The title of this work therefore shall be Polyhistor. For it is my mind that the title which I had purposed upon at the beginning, (that is to say, A collection of things worthy remembrance) should be abolished with the rest of those things that I have disallowed. Wherefore when you shall compare this Epistle with the Epistle which is in the beginning of the other copy, you shall understand that I have made the same account of you, as of him to whom I have dedicated the whole substance of my travel.  
Farewell.   

❧ THE EPISTLE DEDICATORY of the Author written to the same Autius.  
INasmuch as I understand, that both in favourable perusing the doings of other men, and also in knowledge of the liberal Sciences, you excel all others, whereof I myself also have had so good experience, so as I cannot seem to have presumed unadvisedly upon your courtesy, any further than becometh me: I thought to dedicate the web of this my little work specially unto you, as at whose hand I hoped either for your learning's sake to be the sooner allowed, or for your courtesies sake to be the easier borne withal. The book is framed to a briefness, and (as far as reason would suffer) so moderately abridged, that there is not in it, either too lavash abundance, or to niggardly skantnesse. And if you consider it advisedly, you shall find it rather leavened with knowledge, then varnished with eloquence. For I confess myself to have studied earnestly certain choice Books, to the intent to digress further of from things known, and to make longer tarriance in things more strange. Recital of places occupieth the most part of this work, as whereunto the whole matter is somewhat inclined of itself. And hereof I minded in such wise to entreat, as I might set out the platts of the famous Lands, & the notable Bays of the Sea, every one in their order, keeping the accustomed distinction of the world.  
Also I have interlaced many things some what differing (but not disagreeing) from the matter, to the intent that (if nothing else, yet at leastwise) the variety itself might ease the weariness of the Readers▪ Heerewythall I have expressed the natures of men and other living things. And not a few things are added concerning strange Trees and Stones: concerning the shapes of farborne people: and concerning the diversities of customs of unknown nations. Moreover, there are divers things worthy to be entreated of, which to pass over, I thought had been a point of negligence, inasmuch as they be avouched by the authority of most allowed writers, which thing inespecially I would your wisdom should understand. For what can we calling properly for our own, sith the diligence of men in old time hath been such, that nothing hath remained untouched unto our days. Wherefore I beseech you weigh not the credit of this work that I put forth, in the balance of this present tyme. For I ensuing the print of the old stamp, thought good rather to take my choice of all the old opinions, then to alter them. Therefore if any of these things shall sound otherwise to your understanding, than I wish they should: I pray you bear with my unskylfulnes, and let those Authors which I have followed stand to the avouching of the truth. And even as they that draw the Images of men, setting all the rest aside, do first and foremost proportion out the head, & meddle not with portraying out the other limbs before they have taken their beginning (as ye would say) at the very topcastle of shape and proportion: So will I also take my beginning at the head of the world, (that is to weet) the City of Rome. And although the best learned Authors have left nothing that may be spoken a new to the praise thereof, and that therefore it be almost a superfluous matter to trace the path, that hath been trodden over in so many Chronicles. yet nevertheless, because it shall not be altogether over slipped, I will set forth the Original thereof with as much faithfulness as may be.  
Farewell.   

The first Chapter  
of Caius julius Solinus Polyhistor, entreateth of the first foundation of the City Rome.  
THere are some which would have it seem, 
Opinions concerning the name of Rome.  that the name of Rome was given first of all by evander: who finding there a Town built before by the young men of Latium which they called Valentia, 
Valentia.  kept the signification of the first name, & called it in Greek Rhome, which is the same that Valentia is in Latin. And forasmuch as the Arcadians planted themselves there upon the highest top of an Hill, it came to pass that ever after the Latins termed the strongest places of Cities by the name of Arces. Heraclides is of opinion, that after the taking of Troy, certain Achives came by the River Tiber, and arrived in the place where Rome is now: and that afterward by persuasion of one Rome a noble Lady (who was prisoner among them and at the time in their company) they did set fire on their Ships, settled themselves to abide, reared the walls, and called the Town Rome, after the name of the Lady. Ag●thocles writeth, that it was not this Rome the prisoner as is aforesaid, but the daughter of Ascanius and graundchild to Aen●a●, that was the cause of this foresaid name of this City. There is also registered a peculiar name of Rome: but it is not lawful to be published, forasmuch as it is enacted among other secrets of our Ceremonies, that it should not be blazed abroad, to the intent that the reverence given to the enacted secrecy, might abolish the knowledge thereof. And Valerius Soranus (because he durst be so bold as to disclose it contrary to the Law) was put to death in recompense of his over-liberal talk. Among our ancientest Religions, we worship the Chapel of Angerona, to whom we do sacrifice before the 
* That is about the 19 day of December.  twelfth day of the Calends of januarie, which Goddess (as the Governor of silence) hath her Image there with mouth closed, and lips sealed fast together. As concerning the times of the building of the City, 
The time of the building of Rome.  it hath raised doubtful questions, inasmuch as certain things were builded there long before the time of Romulus. For Hercules 
Hercules.  (according to the vow that he had made for the punishing of Cacus, 
Cacus.  and the recovery of his Oxen,) dedicated an Altar to his Father jupiter, whom he surnamed the finder. This Cacus inhabited a place named Salines whereas is now the Gate called Trigemina. Who (as Coelius reporteth) being sent to ward by Tarchon 
Tarchon.  the Tyrrhenian (to whom he came of Ambassade from King Marsias, 
Marsias.  accompanied with Megales the Phrygian) broke out of prison, and returning from whence he came, raised a greater puissance, and subdued all the Country about the River Vulturnus & Campane. Wherewith being not content, as he attempted the conquest of those things that were come in possession of the Arcadians, 
Megales a Phrygian the first founder of the art of Birdspelling among the Sabines.  he was vanquished by Hercules, who by chance was there at the same time. And the Sabines receiving Megales again, were taught by him the art of Byrdspelling. Hercules also having learned of Nicostrate the mother of evander (who for her skill in prophesying, 
Nicostrate counted one of the nine Sybilles'.  was also called Carmentis) that he should become immortal, erected an Altar to his own majesty, which among our Bishops is had in very great reverence. Moreover he made the consept, within the which he taught the Potits, how they should solemnize his rites and ceremonies in offering Oxen. Hercules Chapel is in the Oxe-market, 
Hercules' Chapel, and the institution of his Ceremonies.  wherein are remaining the monuments of his banquet and majesty, even unto this day. For such a gift is given it from Heaven, that neither dogs nor flies can enter into the place. For at such time as he was offering the inwards of his sacrifice, it is said that he cursed the God Myagrus, 
Myagrus the God of Flies.  and left his Club in the porch, at the smell whereof dogs ran away, and so it continueth to this hour. The Church also which is called the Treasury of Saturn, 
The Treasury of Saturn.  was builded by his companions in the honour of Saturn, whom they had learned to have been an inhabiter of that Country. Furthermore they named the Hill where now is the Capitol, Saturn's Hill. Of the Castle also which they builded, they named the Gate Saturn's Gate, 
The dwelling of Nicostrate.  which afterward was called Pandangate. At the foot of the Hill Capitoline, was the dwelling of Carmentis, and there is now the Chapel of Carmentis, whereof the Gate of Carmentis taketh his name. 
Whereof the Roman Palace took that name.  As for the Palace it is not to be doubted but that the Arcadians were founders thereof, who also before that time builded the Town Palanteum, which the Aborigens' inhabited a while, but afterward (for the noisomeness of the fen and marrys which the Tiber running by it had made) left it up and removed to Rhaeatee. There are that think this Hill took his name of the bleating of sheep by changing of Letters, or of Pale the Goddess of shepherds, or (as Silenus proveth) of Pallas the daughter of Hyperboreus, whom Hercules deflowered on that Hill. But howsoever these things agree: it is manifest that the glory of the Roman name did chiefly spring out of that 
* That is to sa● of Romulus.  lucky foretoken: specially seeing that the account of the years bringeth good reason to ground the truth upon. For (as Varro a most exquisite Author affirmeth) Romulus the son of Mars and Rhaea Siluta, or (as divers other suppose) of Mars and Ilia, builded Rome. And at the first Rome was called square, because it was plaited out by line and level. It beginneth at the Grove that is in the floor of Apollo, and endeth at the upper brew of Cacus stairs, where as was the cottage of Faustulus. And there dwelled Romulus that luckily laid the foundation of the walls in the 18. year of his age, the 
* The time of the building of Rome by Romulus, the 19 of April.  eleventh Calends of May between two & three of the clock, as Lucius Tarutius the famous Mathematic hath left in writing. jupiter being at that time in Pisces. Saturn, Venus, Mars, & Mercury in Scorpio: the Son in Taurus: and the Moon in Lybra. And it was ever after kept for a custom, that no sacrifice should be slain by men on their birth days, to the intent that that day should be pure from bloodshed. The signification whereof (men hold opinion) was taken of the deliverance of Ilia. The said Romulus reigned thirty and seven years. 
The first Triumph.  He led the first triumph that ever was. And first he triumphed over the Ceninenses, and spoiled Acron their King, whose Armour he first dedicated to jupiter F●retrius, and hung it up in his Temple, terming it by the name of a rich spoil. Secondly he triumphed over the Antenua●s: and lastly over the Viands. Finally at the Fen of Caprea he vanished away, the 
* The second day of july.  Nones of july.  
Now will I show in what places the other Kings dwelled. 
Tatius king of the Sabines.  Tatius dwelled in the Tower where as now is the Temple of juno Moneta: who in the fift year after his coming into the City, being murdered by the Laurents, departed out of this life, the 27. Olimpiad. Numa dwelled first on Quirins' Hill, 
Numa Pompilius the second K. of the Romans.  and afterward by Vestaas Church, in the Court, which yet still beareth the same name. He reigned 43. years, and is buried under janiculum, Tullus Hostilius 
Tullus Hostiliu●  dwelled in Velia, where afterward was made the Temple of Household Gods. He reigned two and thirty years, and died in the thirty five olympiad. Ancus Martius 
Ancus Martiu●  dwelled in the upper end of the holy street, where now is the Temple of the Gods called Lares. He reigned thirty and four years, and died the 41. olympiad. Tarquin 
Tarquin the Elder.  the elder, dwelled at the Gate Mugonia, above the New street, and reigned seven and thirty years. Servius Tullius 
Servius Tullius.  dwelled in the Exquilies above Olbyes' Hill, and reigned forty and two years. Tarquin 
Tarquin the proud.  the proud dwelled in the Exquilies also, upon Mount Pullus, by the Béechie Lake, and reigned twenty & five years. 
opinions of the time of the building of Rome.  Cincius thinketh that Rome was builded in the twelfth Olympiad. Fabius' ●ictor thinketh it was builded in the eight. N●epos and Lactantius approving the opinions of Eratosthenes and Apoll●dorus) suppose it was builded in the second year of the seventh Olympiad. Pomponius Atticus, and Marcus Tullius C●●ero, hold opinion, that it was builded the third year of the sixth Olympiad. Therefore by conferring our time● with the Greeks, we find that Rome was builded in the beginning of the seventh Olympiad, the four hundred and three and thirty year after the taking of Troy. For the gaming of Olympus (which Hercules made in the honour of Pelops his great Grandfather by the mother's side,) being left of, was by Iphiclus (one of his posterity) renewed after the destruction of Troy, the four hundred and eight year. Whereupon it cometh to pass, that the first Olympiad is reckoned from Iphiclus. So letting pass six Olimpiads between Iphiclus & the building of Rome, 
An Olimpiad and what it containeth.  of which every Olympiad containeth four years, seeing that Rome was builded in the beginning of the seventh Olimpiad, it must needs fall out that there were just four hundred thirty and three years between the destruction of Troy, and the foundation of Rome. To the proof of this argument maketh, that when Caius Pompeius Gallus, and Quintus Verani●s were Consuls, it was the eight hundred and first year from the building of the City: which time of their Consulshipp was registered in the common Records, to be the two hundredth and seventh Olimpiad. Now multiply two hundred and six. Olimpiads by four▪ and they shall amount to eight hundred and twenty four years, to the which must be added the first years of the seventh Olimpiad, to make up full twenty and five above eight hundred. Out of the which sum, abate twenty and four years for the six Olimpiads that were behind: and the remnant shall appear to be eight hundred and one years. Wherefore seeing that the beginning of the two hundred and seven Olimpiad is accounted for the eight hundredth and first year of the building of the City, it is to be believed that Rome was builded the first year of the seventh Olimpiad. The which was governed by Kings two hundred and one and forty years. 
Of the sundry governments in Rome.  The estate of the Tennement was erected the three hundred and second year. The first Punic war was begun the four hundred fourscore and ninth year. The second Punic war, the five hundred and thirty five year. The third Punic war, the six hundred and four. The war of the Confederates, the six hundred threescore and second year. Unto the year that Hircius and Pa●sa were Consuls, there had passed seven hundred and ten years. In the time of whose Consulship, Caesar Augustus 
Caesar Augustus.  was created Consul in the eyghteenth year of his age. Who so behaved himself in the entry of his reign, that through his circumspectness, the Empire of Rome was not only in quiet, but also safe and free from all danger. The which time was almost alone to be found, wherein wars for the most part had longest discontinuance, and wits chief flourished. Undoubtedly to the intent that during this vacation time, when wars ceased, the exercises of virtue should not grow out of ure.   

CAP. II.  
Of the division of the year, and of the odd days added in the Leape-yeeres.  
ABout this time was the orderly course of the year perceived, which from the beginning of the world had been deeply hidden in darkness. For before Augustus Caesar, men reckoned the year diversly and uncertainly. The Egyptians determined it in four months. The Arcadians in three. The Acarnanians in six. The Lavinians of Italy in thirteen: and this their year was reported to be of three hundred threescore and fourteen days. The Romans at the first, accounted ten months for a year, beginning at March. In so much that in the first day thereof, they kindled fire on the Altars of Vesta, they shifted their old Bay Garlands for Green, the Senate and people chose new Officers, the Matrons served their servants at the Table, in like sort as the Masters did at the feast of Saturn: the Matrons to the intent through this courtesy to provoke them to the more obedience, the Masters as it were to reward them in respect of their pains taken: specially seeing this month is the first, and chief of all the rest, which may well be proved, in that the fift month from it was called Quintilis, & when the full number was fulfilled. December did close up the whole circuit within the three hundred and four day. For at that time this number of days accomplished the year, so that six months were of thirty days a piece, and the other four had thirty and one a piece. But forasmuch as that account before the coming of Numa differed from the course of the Moon, they supplied the year to the computation of the Moon, by putting thereto one and fifty days. To the intent therefore to make up full twelve months, they took from each of the said six months one day, and put them to these one and fifty, and so made just fifty and seven, the which were divided into two months, whereof the one contained twenty and nine days, the other twenty and eight. So the year began to have three hundred fifty & five days. Afterward, when they perceived the year to be unadvisedly determined within the foresaid days, forasmuch as it appeared that the Sun finished not his full course in the Zodiac, before the three hundredth threescore and fift day, with the overplus well-near of a quarter of a day: they added that quarter and ten days, to the intent the year should consist of full three hundred threescore and five days, and the fourth part of a day. Whereunto they were the rather induced for observing the odd number, which (according to the doctrine of Pythagoras) ought to be preferred in all things.  
And hereupon it cometh to pass, that january for his odd days is dedicated to the Gods supernal, and February for his even days as unlucky is allotted to the Gods infernal. Therefore when as this order of account seemed allowable to the whole world, for the exacter keeping of the said quarter, it was of divers Nations diversly added, and yet it could never be brought to pass, to shall out even with this time. The Greeks abated out of every year eleven days, and the fourth part of a day: which being eight times multiplied, they reserved to the ninth year, to the intent that the number of nine being gathered into one gross sum, might be divided into 3. months of thirty days a piece. The which being restored again the ninth year, made four hundred forty and four days, which they called odd or superfluous days. The Romans liked well of this reckoning at the first. But afterward misliking it in respect of the even number; they neglected it, and within short space forgot it, committing the order of the addition to the Priests: who to pleasure the tolegatherers in their accounts, did after their own fancy shorten or lengthen the year as they listed.  
While things stood in this case, and that the manner of adding was sometime too short, and sometime too long, or else dissembled and let slip altogether: it happened oftentimes that the months which had been wont to pass in Winter, fell one while in Sommertime, and another while in the fall of the leaf. Caius Caesar therefore to the intent to set a stay in this variableness, did cut of all this turmoiling of the times. And that the error foreslypped might be reduced to some certain staidness: he added twenty and one days and six hours at a time, by means whereof the months being drawn back to their accustomed places, might from thenceforth keep their ordinary and appointed seasons. That only year therefore had three hundred and four and forty days, and all the rest afterward had three hundred threescore and five days, and six hours. This notwithstanding, then also was a default committed by Priests. For whereas order was taken that they should every four year add one day, which ought to have been done at the end of the fourth year, before the fift year began, they reckoned it in the beginning of the fourth year, and not in the end. By means whereof, in thirty and six years, whereas nine days had been sufficient, twelve days were reckoned. The which being espied, Augustus reform in this wise. He commanded that twelve years should pass without leap, to the intent that those three days above the nine, which were superfluously added, might by this means be recompensed. Upon which discipline was afterward grounded the order of all times. Notwithstanding, albeit that for these and many other things, we may think ourselves beholding to the reign of Augustus, 
The misfortunes of the Emperor Augustus.  who was almost peerless in his government: yet there are to be found so many misfortunes in his life, that a man can not easily discern whither he were more miserable or happy. First, for that in his suit to his Uncle for the Lievetenantship of the horsemen, Lepidus the Tribune was preferred before him, not without a certain foil of his first attempts. secondly, for that he was greatly annoyed by the authority of Antony joined with him in the office of the Thréemen, and with the battle at Philippo. Thirdly for the hatred that he raised against himself for proclaiming the Noblemen Traitors: The disheriting of Agrippa, (borne after the decease of his Father) whom he had adopted before to be his Son, and the great repentance he took thereof afterward, for the desire he had unto him. His shipwrecks in Sicill: his shameful lurking in a Cave there: the often mutinies of his Soldiers against him: the thought he took in the siege of Perusium: the detecting of his 
* Her 〈…〉.  Daughter's adultery, and of the intent she had to murder him: and (as shameful a matter as that other) the infamy of his niece, blamed for the death of her Sons: the grief of his solitariness for the less of his Children, which was not a corzie alone: The pestilence that reigned in the City. The famine through all Italy, in the time of his wars in Illirick: the narrow shifts that he was driven to for want of Soldiers: the crazednes of his body which was always sickly: the spiteful dissension of Nero his wives Son: the unfaithful imaginations of his wife and her Son Tiberius: and many other things of the same sort.  
Notwithstanding, as though the World had bewailed this man's end, the evils hanging over men's heads, were showed before by tokens nothing doubtful. For one Fausta a woman of the meaner sort, brought forth at one burden four Twins, 
Foretokens of the death of Augustus.  two Sons, and as many Daughters: prognosticatinge by her monstrous fruitfulness, the great calamity that was to come. Howbeit that Trogus the writer of Histories affirmeth that seven are borne together at one burden in Egypt: 
monstrous fruitfulness of Women.  which thing in that Country is not so great a wonder, forasmuch as the river Nilus with his fruitful water, maketh plentiful, not only the soil of the ground, but also men's bodies. We read that Cneus Pompeius did show openly in the Theatre at Rome, one Eutichis a woman of Asia, 
Twenty Children at three c●●ld beds.  with her twenty Children, which she was certainly known to have been delivered of at three burdens only. And therefore I think it expedient to treat in this place concerning the generation of man..   

CAP. III.  
Of Man and of his birth: of men of wonderful strength: and of the stone Alectorius, or the Cockstone.  
FOr inasmuch as we are minded to make a note of things worthy to be touched, concerning living creatures, as the Country's of each of them soverally shall put us in remembrance. Reason would we should begin chief at that creature which nature hath preferred before all others in judgement of understanding, and capacity of wisdom. Of Women, some be barren for ever: othersome by change of Husbands become fruitful. Many bear but one Child: and divers bring forth either only Males, or only Females. After fifty years the fruitfulness of them all is at a point: but Men beget Children until they be fourscore, like as King Masinissa begat his Son 
* He was also called Methym●us.  Metymathnus, when he was of the age of fourscore and six years. Ca●● when he was full fourscore year old and upward, begat the Grandfather of Cato that killed himself at Vti●a, upon the Daughter of his Client Salonius. This is also found to be of a truth, that when two are conceived one somewhat after another, the Woman goeth out her full time of them both: like as hath been seen in Hercules and his broth●r Iphiclus, 
The birth of Hercules and Iphiclu●.  who being carried both in one burden, had notwithstanding like distance of time between their births, as there was distance between their begetting. And likewise in a wench called Proconesia, who committing adultery with two sundry men, was delivered of a pair of Twins each of them resembling his Father. This Iphiclus begat jolaus, who entering the Island Sardinia and there alluring unto concord the wavering minds of the inhabitants, builded Olbia and other Greek Towns. They which after his name were called jolenses, reared a Temple over his Tomb, because he following the virtues of his Uncle, 
Of the conception of man..  had delivered Sardinia from many evils. The tenth day after conception will by some pain put the Mothers in remembrance that they be with Child. For from that time forward, their heads shall begin to be disquieted, and their sight shall wax dim. Also the appetite of their stomach shall abate, and they shall begin to loath meat. It is agreed upon among all men, that of the whole flesh, the first part that is form is the heart, and that it increaseth unto the threescore and fift day, and afterward diminisheth again: and that of gristles are made the backbones: and therefore it putteth them in danger of death if either of both those parts be hurt. Doubtless if it be a Malechild that is in fashioning, the Women that bear them are better coloured, and their deliverance is more speedy, and finally it beginneth to stir at the forty day. The Female stirreth not before the fourscore and tenth day, and the conception thereof dieth the countenance of the Mother with a pale colour, and also hindereth the legs with a faint slowness in going. In both kinds, when the hear beginneth to grow, then is the greater disease, and the pain is more bréeme in the full of the Moon, with time also is always noisome to them when they are borne. Wh●n a Woman with Child eateth meats that are oversalt, the Child shallbe borne without nails. At such time as the birth being fully ripe approacheth to the instant of deliverance, it greatly availeth the Woman that laboureth to hold her breath, for as much as yawning doth with deadly delay prolong the delivery. It is against nature for the birth to come forth with his feet forward: and therefore as Children hardly borne, 
Of such as are borne with their feet forward.  they are called in Latin, Agrippae. Such as are so borne, are for the most part unfortunate and short lived. Only in one Man, namely Marcus Agrippa, it was a token of good luck: howbeit not altogether so misfortunelesse but that he suffered more adversity than prosperity. For with miserable pain of his feet, and the open adultery of his wife, and certain other marks of ill luck, he did abye the foretoken of his awke birth. There is also an unfortunate manner of birth in the Female kind, like as was seen by Cornelia the Mother of the Gracchusses, who made satisfaction for her monstrous birth, 
The first Caesar among the Romans.  with the unlucky end of her Children. Again the birth is the more lucky where the Mother dies of it: as was seem by the first Scipio Affricanus, who after the death of his Mother, because he was ripped out of her womb, was the first of the Romans that was called Caesar. Of Twins, if the one remain still and the other perish by being borne before his time, he that is borne at his full time is called Vopiscus.  
Some are borne with teeth, as Cneus Papirius, Carbo, and Marcus Curius, who for the same cause was surnamed the toothed. Some instead of teeth have the room supplied with one whole bone. After which manner Prusias King of Bythinia had a Son. The teeth differ in number according to the difference of the kind. For in men are more, and in women are fewer of those teeth which are called dogtéeth. Unto such as have two double teeth growing up upon the right side of their mouth, it behighteth the favour of Fortune. And unto such as have them on the left side, it betokeneth the contrary.  
The first voice of Children after they be borne is wailing. For the declaration of mirth is delayed to the fort day. We know of none that laughed the same hour he was borne, 
Zoroastres king of the Bactrians. Crassus.  but only one: that is to weet, Zoroastres, who became most skilful and cunning in all good arts. But Crassus, the Grandfather of him that was slain in the battle against the Parthians, because he never laughed, was surnamed 
* That is to say laughterlesse. Socrates.  Agelastos. Among other great things that were in Socrates, this is worthy to be noted, that he continued always in one manner of countenance, even when he was troubled with adversity. 
Heraclitus and Diogenes.  Heraclitus and doggish Diogenes did never abate one whit of their stiff stomachs, but treading under foot the storms of all casualties, continued unchangeable in one purpose, against all griefs and miseries. It is Registered among other examples, that Pomponius the Poet, such a one as had been Consul, did never rasp.  
It is very well known, 
Examples of singular strength.  that Antonia the Wife of Drusis did never spette. We have heard of divers that have been borne with whole bones not hollow within, and that such are wont neither to sweat nor to be a thirst: of the which sort Ligdamus of Syracuse is reported to be one: who in the thirty and three Olimpiad carried away the first Garland of victory in the 
* Running leaping, buffeting, wrestling and throwing of the Sledge  five exercises of activity, from the gaming of Olympus, and his bones were found to have no marrow in them. It is most certain that the greatest substance of strength cometh of the sinews: and that the thicker they be, so much the more doth the strength increase. Varro in his Register of monstrous strength, noted that there was one Tritanus a Swordplayer a Samnite borne, that had sinews both right out, and cross overthwart, and that not only the bulk of his breast, but also his hands and his arms, were as it were lattised with sinews: who foiled all his adversaries with a fillippe, and almost with careless encounters: And that the Son of the same Man a Soldier of Cneus Pompeiussis, being borne in the same sort, did set so light by an enemy that did challenge him, that being himself unarmed, he over came him, and taking him prisoner, carried him with one of his fingers into his captains Pa●ilion. Milo also of Croton is reported to have done all things above the reach of Man's power. Of whom this is left in writing, that with the stroke of his bare fist, he felled an Ox stark dead, and eat him up himself alone the same day that he killed him, without overcharging his stomach. Hereof there is no doubt. For upon his Image is an inscription in witness of the fact, with these words. He died a conqueror in all attempts. There is a stone called 
* The Cock-stone.  Alectorius, of the bigness of a Bean, like unto Crystal, found in the bellies of Cocks, meet (as is reported) for them that go to battle. Moreover, Milo flourished in the time of Tarquin the Elder.   

CAP. FOUR  
Of the likeness of shape and favour: of the tallness of certain personages: of the measure of a Man: and of the reverence of the dead.  
NOw who so bendeth his mind to consider the causes of likenesses, shall perceive the wonderful disposition of the workmanship of nature. For sometime such likenesses belong to some stock, and descend from issue to issue, into the succession: like as divers times young Children bear sometime Molles, sometime scars, and sometime any other marks of their ancestors. As among the Lepids, of whom three of the same line (but not successively one after another) are found to have been borne after one sort, with a 
* A silly how.  film over their eye. As in the famous Poet of Byzance, who having a Mother that was the bastard of an Aethiopian, although there were nothing in her resembling her Father, yet did he degenerate again into the likeness of the Aethiopian that was his Grandfather. But this is the less wonder, if we consider those things that have been seen betwixt mere strangers. One Artemon a man of the base sort in Syria, 
Of strangers that resembled one another.  did so resemble King Antiochus in face, that afterward the kings wife Laodice, by showing this rascal fellow, kept close the death of her Husband so long, until such a one was ordained successor of the Kingdom as she listed to appoint. There was such likeness to all respects in parsonage and making, between Cneus Pompeius, and Caius Vibius a man of mean birth, that the Romans called Vibius by the name of Pompey, and Pompey by the name of Vibius.  
Rubrius the Stage-player did so fully express the Orator Lucius Plancus, that the people called him Plancus also. Mirmillo a Neatehearde, and Cassius Severus the Orator did so resemble one another, that if they were seen together at any time, they could not be discerned which was which, unless there were a difference in their apparel. Marcus Messala Censorius, and Menogenes a fellow of the very rascallest sort, were so like, that every Man thought Messala to be none other than Menogenes, nor Menogenes any other than Messala.  
A Fysherman of Sicill was likened to the Proconsul Sura (besides other things,) even in the drawing or wring of his mouth also. So fully did they agree, in the same impediment of speech, and slow bringing forth of their words, through the default of nature. Sometime also it hath been a wonder to see the undiscernible likeness of countenances, not only in strangers, but also even in such as have been brought together from the furthest parts of the whole world. For where as one Thoranius sold unto Antony bearing at that time the office of Triumuir, for thréehundred Sesterces, two Boys of excellent beauty for Twins, of which he had gotten the one in France and the other in Asia,) so resembling each other in all points, that they might have been taken both for one, if their speech had not bewrayed them: and that therefore Antony was displeased, thinking himself to have been deluded, because they were not Twins indeed. Thoranius pleasantly avouched, that that thing was chiefly to be esteemed, which the Chapman found fault with. For it had been no wonder to have had two Twins like: But this was it which could by no means be prised according to the value, that being of two divers Countries so far distant, they were borne more like one another then any Twins. With which answer Antony was so appeased, that ever after he would tell men, he had not any one thing of all his possessions, that he did set more store by.  
Now if we shall move question concerning the personages of men, 
Of the talenes and goodly personages of men in old time  it will manifestly appear, that antiquity hath vaunted no lies at all of itself: but that the offspring of our time being corrupted by succession growing out of kind, hath through the decrease of them that are now borne, lost the comeliness of the ancient beauty. Therefore although divers do conclude, that no man can exceed the stature of seven foot, because that Hercules was no higher than so: yet notwithstanding, it was found in the time of the Romans under the Emperor Augustus, 
Pusio and Secundilla.  that Pusio and Secundilla were ten foot high and more: the corpses of whom, are yet to be seen in the Charnel-house of the Salusts.  
Afterward, in the reign of Claudius, there was one named Gabbara 
Gabbara  brought out of Araby, that was nine foot and as many inches high. But almost a thousand years before Augustus, there was no such parsonage seen, neither after the time of Claudius. For what is he in our days that is not borne lesser than his Parents? As for the hugeness of men in old time, the Relics of Orestes 
Orestes.  do testify. Whose bones being found of the Lacedæmonians at Tegaea by the information of the Oracle the fifty and eight Olympiad, we are assured were full seven cubits long. 
A dead body of monstrous bigness.  Also there are writings Registered in remembrance of things done in ancient time, which avouch the assuredness of the truth, wherein it is specified, that in the Candian war, at such time as the Rivers more outrageously flowing than fresh waters are wont, had broken up the ground there, after the fall of the said waters, among many cliffs of the ground, there was found a body of three and thirty cubits. For desire to see the which, Lucius Flaccus the Lieutenant and Metellus himself also, being wonderfully amazed at the strangeness thereof, went thither, and beheld the wonder with their eyes, which they thought a Fable to hear reported. I may not let pass the Son of Euthymines of Salymis, who grew three cubits high in three years. 
An ouerswif● growth.  But he was slow of gate, dull witted, boisterous of voice, too soon ripe, and immediately beset with many diseases: so as he recompensed his overhasty growth with unmeasurable punishment of sickness.  
The manner of measuring agreeth two ways. For look how much a man is between the ends of his two longest fingers stretching his arms out. 
The manner of measuring a Man.  so long is he between the sole of his foot and the crown of his head: and therefore the natural Philosophers deem man to be a little World. Unto the right side is ascribed the handsomer moving, and unto the left side the greater firmness. And therefore the one is more apt to dancing and other exercises of lightness, and the other better able to bear burdens.  
Nature hath decreed a kind of reverence to be observed even of bodies diseased: 
Natural reverence in bodies diseased  so that if at any time it happen the carcases of such as are killed, to be borne up with the waves, men's bodies fleet with their faces upward, and women's with their faces downward.   

CAP. V.  
Of swiftness: of sight: of the valiantness of certain Romans: and of the excellency of Caesar the Dictator.  
But to the intent we may pass to the title of swiftness: 
Of Swiftness.  the prick and prize in that behalf, obtained one Ladas, 
Ladas.  who ran in such wise upon the lose dust, that the sand hovered still up, and he left no print of his footsteps behind him. Polymestor 
Polymestor.  a Boy of Miletum being set by his Mother to feed Goats, ran after a Hare in sport and caught it. For the which deed within a while after the owner of the heard brought him to the gaming in the forty and six Olimpiad, (as Bocchus reporteth) and there in the race he gained the Garland. Phylippides 
Phylippides.  ran one thousand, two hundred and forty furlongs from Athens to Lacedaemon in two days. Antistius a Lacedaemonian and Philonides the Lackeys of great Alexander, 
Antistius and Philonides.  journeyed a thousand and two hundred furlongs from Sycion to Elis, in one day. The same year that Fonteius and Vipsanus were Consuls, a Boy in Italy of eight years old, went 45. miles between noon and night.  
The quickest of sight was one Strabo, 
Quick●●●tednes. Strabo.  whom Varro avoucheth to have overlooked a hundred thirty & five miles, and that he was wont exactly to view from the watch Tower of Lyliby in Sicill, the Punic fleet ●etting out of the Haven of Carthage, and to report the just number of their Ships. Cicero maketh report, that the Ilias of Homer was so finely written in Uelame, that it might be closed in a Nutshell. Callicrates 
Callicrates.  carved An●s of ivory so finely, that some of them could not be discerned from other Ants. Apollonides declareth that in Scythia there is a race of Women called Bythies, which have two balls in each eye, and do kill folk with their sight, 
A race of strange Women.  if they happen to cast an angry look upon any body. Such there be also in Sardinia.  
That Lucius Sicinius the toothed excelled in valiantness among the Romans, 
Valiantness. Lucius Sicinius.  the number of his titles do declare. This man was one of the Protectors of the commonalty, not much after the driving out of the Kings, when Spurius Tarpeius, and Aulus Thermus were Consuls. He being vanquisher in eight challenges hand to hand, had five and forty scars in the forepart of his body, and on his back part not one. He took spoil of his enemy four and thirty times. In horsetrappers, pure spears, Bracelets and Crowns, he earned three hundred & twelve rewards. He followed nine Grandcaptaynes in triumph that had conquered by his means. Next after him Marcus Sergius 
Marcus Sergius, the Father of Catiline.  serving twice in the wars, in the first time received thirty and three wounds on the forepart of his body, and in the second lost his right hand, and therefore made him a hand of iron. And whereas almost none of both his hands were able to do him any service in sight, yet notwithstanding he fought four times in one day, and got the victory with his left hand, having had two Horses slain under him. Being twice taken prisoner by Hannibal, he scaped away, when by the space of twenty months in which he had been prisoner, he had at no time been without gives and Fetters. In all the sharpest battles which the Romans tasted of in those days, he being honoured with warlike rewards, brought Civil Crowns from Thrasymenus, Trebia, and Pavy, At the battle of Canvas also, (out of the which it was counted a point of valiantness to escape with life) he only received a Crown. Happy doubtless had he been in so many advauncements of honour, if Catiline his next heir by lineal descent, had not defaced his so renowned praises with the hatefulness of his cursed name.  
As much as Sicinius or Sergius excelled among the Soldiers, 
C. Iulius●  so much among the Captains (or rather among all men) excelled Caesar 
Caesar.  the Dictator. Under his conduct were slain eleven hundred, fourscore and two thousand enemies. For he would not have it noted how many he overthrew in the civil wars. He fought in piched field two and fifty times, alonely surmounting. Marcus Marcellus, who in like sort had fought nine and thirty times. Besides this, no man wrote more swiftly, nor no man read more speedily. Moreover, he is reported to have indicted four Letters at once. He was of so good a nature, that such as he subdued by battle, he more overcame them with gentleness.   

CAP. VI  
Who were notable for memory: who lost their speech by mischance, or got it by chance, who flourished in eloquence: of the praise of manners, of godliness, of chastity, and who hath been judged happy.  
CYrus was notable for the good gift of memory, 
Cyrus' King of Persia.  who in the most populous army whereof he was Captain, could call every several person by his name. The same thing did Lucius Scipio 
Lucius Scipio.  among the people of Rome. But we may believe that both Scipio and Cyrus were furthered by custom. Cyneas 
Cyneas.  the Ambassador of Pyrrhus, the next day after he was entered into Rome, saluted both the Knights and also the Senators by their proper names.  
Methridates' 
Methridates  King of Pontus ministered justice without an interpreter, to two and twenty Nations that were under his dominion. It is manifest that memory may be made by art, 
Memory made by Arte.  like as in the Philosopher Metrodorus that was in the time of doggyshe Diogenes: who furthered himself so much by daily practice, and beating with himself, that he kept in remembrance what many men spoke at once, not only in order of sense, but also in order of words. Notwithstanding it hath been often seen, 
The perishing and loss of memory.  that nothing may easiler be perished by fear, by falling, by chance, or by sickness. We have found that he that was but stricken with a stone, forgot to read. Surely Messala corvinus 
Messala corvinus.  after a disease that he had endured, was so stricken with forgetfulness, that he remembered not his own name, and yet otherwise his wit was fresh enough. Fear astonieth the memory. And again fear 
Fear.  is an enforcement of speech, the which it not only sharpeneth, but also extorteth although there were none before. Surely when Cyrus in the eight and fifty Olympiad entered by assault into Sardis, 
Athis the Son of king Croesus.  a Town of Asia, where Croesus at that time lay hidden, Athis the kings Son (who unto that instant had always been dumb,) burst out into speech by force of fear. For it is reported, that he cried out: Cyrus spare my Father, and learn to know (at leastwise by our casualties) that thou art a man..  
Now remaineth to entreat of manners, 
Excellency of manners. Cato.  the excellentness whereof appeared most in two men. Cato the founder of the stock of the Portians was a very good Senator, a very good Orator, and a very good Captain. Nevertheless, for divers quarrels picked unto him of malice, he was indited and arraigned forty and four times, but yet was always quitted. The praise of Scipio Aemilianus 
Scipio Aemilianus.  is yet greater: who besides the virtues for which Cato was renowned, surmounted also in love towards the common weal. Scipio Nasica 
Scipio Nasica  was judged to be the best man than living, not only by the voice of the commons, but also by the oath of the whole Senate, inasmuch as none could be found worthier than he, to be put in trust with a mystery of chief Religion, when the Oracle gave warning to fetch into the City the holy Ceremonies of the mother of the Gods from Pessinus.  
Many among the Romans flourished in eloquence, 
Eloquence or learning.  but this gift was not heritable at any time, saving to the house of the Curios, in the which, three were Orators successinelie one after another. 
The singular estimation of learning in those days. Archilocus the Poet.  Surely this was counted a great thing in those days, when eloquence was had in chief estimation both of God and man. For at that time Apollo bewrayed the murders of the Poet Archilocus, and the deed of the felons was detected by God.  
And at such time as Lysander King of Lacedaemon besieged Athens (where the body of Sophocles the Tragedy 
Sophocles the Tragedy writer.  writer lay● unburied) Bacchus sundry times warned the Captain in his sleep, to suffer his darling to be buried, and never ceased calling upon him, until Lysander having knowledge who it was that was departed, and what the God demanded, took truce with the Athenians, until so worthy a corpse might be buried accordingly. Castor and Pollux standing without the door in the sight of all men, called Pindarus 
Pindarus the Harper.  the Harper out of a place where he was making merry, (which was at the point to fall) to the intent he should not perish with the rest. Whereby it came to pass, that he only escaped the danger that hung over their heads. Next unto the Gods is Cneus Pompeius to be reckoned: who when he should enter into the house of Possidonius, 
Possidonius the Philosopher.  the notablest professor of wisdom in those days, forbade his Mace-bearer to strike the door as the custom was: and so holding down his sheaf, albeit he had at that time dispatched the war against Methridates, and was Conqueror of the East. yet of his own free will he gave place to the Gate of Learning. The first Scipio Affricanus commanded that the Image of Quintus Ennius 
Quintus Ennius.  should be set upon his Tomb. Cato that slew himself at Utica, brought unto Rome two Philosophers, one when he was Marshal of the Host, and another when he was Ambassador in Cyprus: alleging that in so doing, he had greatly benifited the Senate and people of Rome albeit that his great Grandfather had oftentimes decreed, that all Greeks should be utterly driven out of the City. Dennis the Tyrant of Sicill sent a Ship decked with Garlands to meet Plato, 
Plato.  and he himself in a Chariot drawn with four White steeds, entertained him honourably at his first coming to land. Perfect wisdom was adjudged only to Socrates 
Socrates.  by the Oracle of Apollo.  
The proof of godliness 
Godliness.  and natural affection toward the parents shined in the family of the Metels. But it was found most evident in a poor childbearing Woman. This Woman who was of low degree, 
A poor childbearing woman  and therefore not altogether so famous, being with much ado (and after much searching oftentimes of the Gaolers, least she should have carried any meat in with her) suffered to go to her father, (who was condemned to the punishment of perpetual prison) was found to seed him with the milk of her breasts: which thing consecrated both the deed and the place. For the Father which was condemned to death, being given unto his daughter, was reserved in remembrance of so worthy a deed, and the place being dedicated to the power that wrought the deed, was made a Chapel, 
Chastity. Claudia. Sulpitia,  and entitled the Chapel of godliness. The ship that brought the holy mysteries out of Phrygia, in following the hearelace of Claudia, gave unto her the pre-eminence of chastity. But Sulpitia the daughter of Paterculus and wife of Marcus Fuluius Flaccus, was by the verdict of all the Ladies in Rome advisedly chosen out of a hundred of the vertuousest of them, to dedicate the Image of Venus according as the books of Sibyl gave warning to be done.  
As touching the title of happiness, 
Happiness.  he is not yet found that may rightly be judged happy. For Cornelius Sylla 
Cornelius Sylla  was happy rather in name then in deed.  
Surely Cortiva judged only Aglaus 
Aglaus.  to be blessed: who being owner of a poor piece of ground in the narrowest nook of all Arcady, was never found to have passed out of the bounds of his natural soil.   

CAP. VII.  
Of Italy and the praise thereof: and of many peculiar things that are found therein.  
AS concerning Man I have said sufficient. Now to the intent we may return to our determined purpose, our style is to be directed to the recital of places: and chiefly and principally to Italy, the beauty whereof we have already touched lightly in the City of Rome. But Italy hath been written of so throughlie by all men, and specially by Marcus Cato, that there cannot be found that thing which the diligence of former Authors hath not prevented, for the Country is so excellent, as it ministereth matter of praise abundantly, while the notablest writers consider the healthfulness of the places, the temperateness of the air, the fruitfulness of the soil, the open prospects of the Hills, the cool shadows of the woods, the unhurtful low grounds, the plentiful increase of Uines and Olives, the sheeps courses, the pasture grounds, so many Rivers, so great Lakes, places that bear flowers twice a year, together with the Mountain Vesews, casting up a breath of flaming fire as if it had a soul, the Baths with their springs of warm water, the continual beautifing of the Land with new Cities, so goodly a sight of ancient Towns, which first the Aborigens', Arunks, Pelasgians, Arcadians, Sicilians, and lastly the inhabiters of all parts of Greece, and above all others, the victorious Romans have builded. Besides this, it hath shores full of Havens, and coasts with large Bays and harbouring places, meet for traffic from all places of the world. Nevertheless, lest it may seem altogether untouched of our part, I think it not unconvenient to busy my wits about those things that have been least beaten, and slightly to travel through those things the have been but lightly touched and tasted by others. For who knoweth not that janiculun was either named or builded by janus? Or that Latium was called so, 
The founders of the chief Cities and places in Italy.  & Saturnia of Saturn? Or that Ardea was builded by Danace? Polydee by the companions of Hercules? Pompeios' in Campane by Hercules himself, because that after his victory in Spain he drove his Oxen with a pomp that way? Or that the stony fields in Lombardy took their names of that, that jupiter fight against the Giants, is supposed to have rained down stones thither? Or that the Region jonica took his name of jonee the daughter of Naulochus, whom Hercules is reported to have slain, because he malapertly stopped the ways against him? Or that Alcippe was builded by Marsias, king of the Lydians, which being afterward swallowed with an Earthquake, was dissolved into the Lake Fucinus? Or that the Temple of juno of Argos was founded by jason: Pisae by Pelops: the Dawnians by Cleolans the Son of Minos: the japigians by japix the Son of Daedalus: the Tyrrhenians by Tyrrhenus King of Lydia: Cora by Dardanus: Argilla by the Pelasgians, 
Who brought Letters first into the shire where Rome is.  who also brought Letters first into Latium: Phalisca by Halesus the Argive: the Phalerians by Phalerius the Argive: Fescininum also by the Argives: the Haven of Parthenium by the Phocenses: Tybur (as Cato witnesseth) by Catillus the Arcadian the Admiral of Euanders fleet: or (as Sextius saith) by the youth of Argos? For Catillus the Son of Amphiaraus, after the monstrous destruction of his Father at Thebae, being sent by his Grandfather Oecleus with all his issue or ceremonies into Italy, begot there three Sons: Tyburtus, Cora, and Catillus, who driving out of the Town the Sicanes of Sicill the ancient inhabiters thereof, called the City after the name of the elder brother Tyburt. Anon after was the Temple of Minerva builded by Ulysses, among the Brutians.  
The Island of Ligaea took his name of the body of the Meremaid Lig●a cast a land there. Parthenopee was so called of the Mermaid Parthenopees Tomb: which town it pleased Augustus afterward to call Naples. Prenestee (as Zenodotus reporteth) took his name of Praenest the Nephew of Ulysses, and Son of Latinus: or (as the books of the Prenestines make mention) of Caeculus whom the Sisters of the Digitians found by the fatal fires, as the bruit goeth. It is known that Petilia was founded by Philoctete, Arpos and benevent by Diomed, Padua by Antenor, Metapont by the Pylians, Scyllace by the Athenians, Sybaris by the Troyzenians, and by Sagaris the son of Ajax, of Locres, Salentum by the Lycians, Ancon by the Sicilians, Gabye by Galace and Bius of Sicill, brothers: Tarent by the posterity of Hercules, the Island Te●sa by the jonians, rest by the Dorians, Croton by Myscell and Archia, Rhegium by the Chalcidians, Cawlon and Terin, by the Crotonians, Locros by the Naritians, Heret by the Greeks, in the honour of juno whom they call Hera, Aritia by Archilocus the Sicilian, whereof the name (as liketh Cassius Hermina) is derived.  
In this place Orestes by admonishment of the Oracle hallowed the Image of Diana of Scythia which he had fetched from Taurica, before he went with it to Argos. The Zanclenses builded Metawre, and the Locrines builded that Metapont which is now called Vibo. Baccbus saith plainly, that the Vmbrians are the ancient offspring of the Galls, Marcus Antonius affirmeth that they were called Vmbrians in Greek, because that in the time of the general destruction that was by water, they escaped the danger thereof. Licinius is of the opinion, that the original of Messapia (which was given by Messapus a Greek) was afterward turned into the name of Calabrie, which in the first beginning Peucerius the Brother of Oenotrius had named Pe●ceria.  
The like agreement also is among Authors, that Palynure took that name of Palynure the Pylotte of Aenaeas his Ship, and Misene of his Trumpeter Misene, and the Island Leucosie of his sisters daughter Leucosia.  
It is fully agreed upon among all men, that Caiet took that name of Caieta▪ Aenaeassis Nurse, and Lavine of his wife Lavinia, which Town was builded the fourth year after the destruction of Troy, as Cussonius avoucheth. 
The time of the coming of Aeneas into Italy  Neither must it be omitted that Aenaeas arriving on the coast of Italy the second summer after that Troy was taken (as Hemina reporteth) with no more than 600, in his company, piched his Camp in the fields of Laurent, and there while he was dedicating the Image that he had brought with him out of Sicill, unto his Mother Venus by the name of Aphroditee, he received the Image of Pallas of Diomed, and anon after receiving five hundred Acres of ground of King Latinus, he reigned three years in equal authority with him. After whose decease, when he had reigned two years, he went to the River Numicius and was never seen more.  
The seventh year after, was given to him the name of Father I●diges. Afterward were builded, by Ascanius, Alba longa, Fidenee, and Antium: by the Tyrians, 
Sibyl of Cumes  Nola: and by the Eubaeans, Cumes. There is the Chapel of the same Sibyl which in the fift olympiad was present at the Roman enterprises, whose book our Bishops resorted to for Counsel, until the time of Cornelius Sylla: for than was it together with the Capitol consumed with fire. As for her two former books, she had burned them with her own hands, because Tarquin the proud did offer her a more niggardly price than she had set them at. 
Sibyl of Delphos.  Her Tomb remaineth yet in Sicill. Bocchus avoucheth that Sibyl of Delphos prophesied before the battle of Troy, and he declareth that Homer did put many of her verses into his work.  
After her, within few years space, followed Heriphylee of Aerythra, 
Sibyl of Aerithra.  who was also called Sibyl for the affinity she had with that other in the same kind of knowledge: who among other great things, warned the Lesbians that they should lose the dominion of the Sea, many years before the thing came to pass. So the very order of the time proveth, that Sibyl of Cumes was third after this. 
The description of Italy.  Italy therefore (wherein sometime the ancient Country of Latium stretched from the mouth of Tiber, unto the river Lyris) riseth whole together from the sides of the Alps and reached to the top of the Promonorie or headlonde of Rhegium, and the sea-coast of the Brutians, where it shooteth Southward into the Sea. Proceeding from thence, it raiseth itself by little and little at the back of the Mountain Appen●ne, lying in length between the Tuscan Sea and the Adriatish Sea, that is to say, between the upper Sea and the neither Sea, like an Oaken leaf, that is to say, larger in length than in breadth, When it cometh to the furthest, it divideth into two horns: whereof the one butteth upon the jonish Sea, and the other upon the Sea of Sicill. Between which two heads it receiveth not the winding Sea in with one whole and main shore, but shooting forth as it were sundry tongues, it admitteth the Sea dissevered by the heads running forth in to the deep.  
There (to the intent we may note things here and there by the way) are the Towers of Tarent, the Country Scyllaea with the Town Scylleum, and the River Crathis the mother of Scylla as antiquity hath fabled: the Forests of Rhegium, the Ualies of Pesta: the Meremaids Rocks, the most delectable coast of Campane, the plains of Phlegra, the house of Circ●: the Island of Tarracine, sometime environed with the waving Sea, but now by continuance of time landed up to the firm ground, having clean contrary fortune to the Rhegines, whom the Sea by thrusting itself betwixt, hath violently dissevered from the Sicilians. Also there is Formy inhabited sometime by the Lestrigones, and many other things entreated of at large by pregnant wits, the which I thought more for mine ease to pass over, than not to set them out at the full. But the length of Italy, 
The length of Italy.  which runneth from Augusta Pr●toria through the City and Capua unto the Town of Rhogi●●●, 〈◊〉 to a thousand and twenty miles. The breadth of it where it is broadest, 
The breadth of Italy.  is four hundred and ten miles: and where it is narrowest, a hundred and six and thirty miles, saving at the Haven which is called Hannibal's Camp, for there it exceedeth not forty miles. The heart of the Realm is in the fields of Rheatee (as V●rro testifieth.) The compass of the whole circuit together, 
The whole circuit of Italy  is two thousand, four hundred, fourscore and ten miles. In the which circuit over against the Coast of Locres, is finished the first Coast of E●rope. For the second beginning at the head of Lacivium, endeth at the Cliffs of 
* Now called mount Cimera.  Acroceraunia. Further more Italy is renowned with the River Po, 
The river Po.  which Mount Vesulus one of the tops of the Alps, poureth out of his bosom from a spring that is to be seen in the borders of 
* Now called Lombardy.  Ligurie: from whence Po issueth, and sinking into the ground, riseth again in the fields of Vibo, not inferior to any river in same, and it is called of the Greeks, Eridanus. It swelleth in the beginning of the dog days at such time as the snow●● and hoarefrosts of the former Winter begin to melt: and so being increased with the surplusage of waters: it carrioth thirty Rivers with him into the Adriatish Sea.  
Among other things worthy of remembrance, 
A certain kindred privileged from hurt of fire.  this is famous and notably talked of in every Man's mouth, that there are certain households in the Countries of the Phalisks, (which they call Hirpes▪) These make yearly sacrifice to Apollo at the Mountain Soractee, and in performing thereof, do in honour of the divine service frisks and dance up and down upon the burning wood without harm, the 〈◊〉 sparing them. Which religious and devout kind of ministration the Senate rewarding honourably, privileged the Hirpes from all taxes, and from all kind of service for ever. 
A people unable to be hurt by Serpents.  That the Nation of the Marsyes can not be hurt by serpents, it is no marvel. For they fetch their pedigree from the Son of Circee, and of the power descended to them from their ancestors, they understand that venomous things ought to stand in awe of them, and therefore they despise poisons. C▪ Caelius saith, that Octas had three daughters: Augitia, Medea, 
Circe, Augitia and Medea the daughters of Octas King of Colchos.  and Circee, and that Circee possessed the Hills called Circe's Hills, there practising to make sundry shapes and fashions through her sorceries and charms. And that Augitia occupied the Country about Fu●num, and there (after practising the wholesome sciences of Léechecrast against maladies and diseases) when she forewent this life, was reputed for a Goddess. And that Medea was buried by jason at Buthrote, and her Son reigned among the Marsyes. But although that Italy have this customable defence: yet is not altogether free from Serpents. Finally, the inhabiters chased the Serpents from Amycle which the Amycleans of Greece had builded before.  
There is great store of a kind of Uyper whose biting is incurable. 
A horrible kind of Viper.  They be somewhat shorter than the rest of Uipers that are found in other places of the world, and therefore while they be not regarded, they hurt the sooner. Calabrie swarmeth with Snakes that live both by water & by land, called Chersydres: and it breedeth the Boa, 
A wonderful kind of Snake  which is a kind of Snake reported to grow to an unmeasurable bigness. First, it seeketh after Herds of mylche Cows, and what Cow soever yieldeth most milk, her dugs doth he draw. And batling with continual sucking of her, in process of time he so stuffeth out himself with overglutting him till he be ready to burst, that at the last no power is able to withstand his hugeness. So that in fine ravening up the living creatures, he maketh the Country's waste where he keepeth. And in the reign of Claudius there was seen a whole Child in the maw of a Boa that was killed in the ●ilde which now is called Vatican.  
Italy hath Wolves which are unlike the Wolves 
Wolves  of other Countries, and therefore if they see a Man before a Man see them, he becometh dumb, and being prevented with their hurtful sight, although he have desire to cry out, yet hath he no use of voice to do it withal. I pass over many things willingly concerning Wolves. This is most certainly tried, that in this beasts tail is a very fine hare, that hath the power of love in it, the which he is willing to lose, and therefore casteth it away when he feareth to be caught, for it hath no virtue unless it be pulled from him while he is alive. Wolves go to salt not above twelve days in all the whole year. In time of famine they feed themselves with earth. But those that are called Hartwolues, 
Hartwolues.  although after long fasting when they have hardly found flesh, they fall to eating it: yet if they happen to cast their eye upon any thing by chance, they forget what they are in doing, and forsake their present abundance, gad to seek n●we relief wherewith to fill their bellies. In this kind of beasts is also reckoned the Lynxes, 
Lynxes. The stone Lyncurion.  whose Urine such as have narrowly searched the natures of stones, do uphold to congeal into the hardness of a precious stone. Which thing that the Lynxes themselves do well perceive, is proved by this trial: that as soon as the water is passed from them, by and by they cover it over (as much as they can) with heaps of sand: verily of spite (as Theophrastus avoucheth) lest such matter issuing from them should turn to our use. This stone hath the colour of Amber. It it draweth unto it things that be near at hand, it qualifieth the grief of the reins: it remedieth the kings evil, and in Greek it is called 
* That is to say, Lynxpisse. Dumb Grashop pers.  Lyncution. grasshoppers are dumb among the Rhegines, and not elsewhere, which silence of them is wonderful: and good cause why, seeing the grasshoppers of the Locrine's their next neighbours, cry louder than all others. Granius reporteth the cause thereof to be this: that when they made a yelling about Hercules as he rested there, he commanded them to cease their chyrping, whereupon beginning to hold their peace, they continued mute from thenceforth to this day. The 
* The Sea of Genoa. Coral.  Lygusticke Sea bringeth forth shrubs, which so soon as they be in the deeps of the water, are lushe and almost like a grystle to touch. But assoon as they come above the water, by and by degenerating from their natural sap, they become stones. And not only the quality, but also the colour of them is turned, for strait way they look Red as Scarelette. The branches of them are such as we see on Trees, for the most part half a foot long, but seldom to be found of a foot long. Of them are carved many pretty things to were about folks. For (as Zoroastres saith) this substance hath a certain singular power, and therefore whatsoever is made thereof, is counted among those things that are wholesome. Other folk call it Coral, and Metrodorus nameth it Gorgia. The same man affirmeth also that it withstandeth whirlwinds and thunder and lightning. There is a precious stone digged up in a part of Lucanie, 
The Syrtite o● sandstone.  so pleasant to behold, that it casteth a Saffron colour upon the stars dimmed inwardly and glimmering under a mist. The same stone is called a Syrtite because it was found first upon the sea-coast of the Syrts. There is also the Veientane stone, 
The Veientane Stone.  so named of the place where it is found, the colour whereof being black, for the more beauty of variety, is interlaced distinctly with white lines, and whitish strikes. 
* This Island is now called S. mary's of Trinity.  The Island which faceth the coast of Puell, is renowned with the Tomb & Temple of Diomed, 
Diomedes birds The wonderful nature of them.  and alonely nourisheth Diomedes' birds. For this kind of Fowl is no where else in all the world but there. And that thing alone might seem worthy to be recorded, though there were not other things beside not meet to be omitted. They are in fashion almost like a Coote, of colour white, with fiery eyes, and ●oothed bills. They fly in flocks, and not without order in their setting forth. They have two Captains, that rule their flight: of whom the one flieth before, and the other behind: the sormost as a guide to direct them certainly which way to fly, the hindermost as an overséear to haste forward them that lag behind, with continual calling upon them. And this is the order that they keep in their fleeting. When breeding time is at hand, they dig pits with their bills: and then bending wickers over them after the manner of Hardles, they close in that which they have made hollow underneath.  
And lest they might be uncovered if peradventure the winds should blow away their wooden roofs, they coop this watling over with the earth which they had thrown out when they digged the pits. So they build their nests with two entries, and that not at a venture: insomuch that they cast their entries in and out, according to the quarters of the heaven. The dor● that they go out at to their feeding, openeth into the East: and that which receiveth them home again, is toward the West. To the intent the light may both hast them when they make tarriance, and also not fail them to return home by. When they will purge their paunches, they mount aloft against the wind, to the intent it may carry their ordure the further from them. They discern a stranger from a man of the Country. For if he be a Greek, they approach unto him, and as far as may be understanded, do fawn gently upon him as their Countryman. But if he be of any other Nation, they fly upon him and assault him. They frequent the holy Church every day after this manner. They wash their feathers in the water, & when they have wet their wings throughlie, they come flocking all on a dew, & so shaking the moisture upon the Church, do purge it. Then they rouse their feathers, & afterward, as having done their devotion, depart again. Here upon it is reported that Diomedes companions were ●urned into birds. Certainly before the coming of the Aetolian Captain, they were not called Diomedes birds, but ever since they have had that name.  
The running forth of Italy through the L●burnians (which are a people that came out of Asia,) 
Dalmatia and Illyrick are nov● one country, and are called Sclavoni.  extendeth to the foot of Dalmatia, and Dalmatia unto the borders of Illyrick, in which coast the Dardanians have their dwelling, a people descended of the line of Troy, but grown wild and savage, and degenerated into barbarous manners. On the otherside it extendeth by the marches of Lombardie unto the Province of Narbone, 
The founding of the City of marsiles.  in which the Phocenses (being in old time chased out of their Country by the coming of the Persians,) builded the City of Marsills in the five and fort Olympiad.  
Caius Marius in the time of the war against the Cymbrians, did let in the Sea in Channels made with man's hand, & mitigated the dangerous sailing of the river Rhone, 
The description of the river of Rhone.  which falling down from the Alps rusheth first through Swicerland carrying with him a number of waters that meet him by the way, and afterward by his continual increase becometh more troublesome than the very Sea wherinto it falleth, unless it be when the Sea is raised with the winds. Rhone is rough even in calm wether, and therefore they account him among the greatest Rivers of Europe. In the same place also flourished Sexties baths, sometime the consuls winter garrison, and afterward garnished with walls: the fervent heat whereof being breathed out, is vanished away by continuance of time, and it is not now according to the ancient report thereof. If we have a mind to the Greeks, it is best to look to the sea-coast of Tarent, from whence, (that is to say from the Promontory or Headlonde 
Saint Mary of Leke.  which they call * Acra japigia) is the shortest cut for such as will sail to Achaya-ward.   

CAP. VIII.  
Of certain base Isles of the Tyrrhene Sea, which lie against Italy: Of Corsica, and of the stone Catochites.  
FRom hence our style is to be directed another way, and other lands call us to treat of their matters, & it were a long piece of work to go leysurelie along the sea-coast to all the Islands that face the Promontories of Italy, although for that they be scattered in most delectable outnookes, and set by nature as it were to the show▪ they were not to be omitted. But how far should I step aside, if delaying the chief things, I should of a certain slothfulness treat of 
* Palmaria or Palmarosa.  Pandataria, or of 
* Procida  Prochita, or 
* Elba.  Ilba plentiful of iron, or 
* Caprara.  Capraria, which the Greeks call Aegila, or 
* Pianosa.  Planasia so called of the levelnesse of the Sea, or of Ulysses straying: or * dove. Island, the mother of the birds that bear that name, or Ithacesia, which is reported to have been the watch tower of Ulysses, or 
* Ischia.  Anaria named of Homer juarimee, and other no less fruitful than these. Among which, many having some what more largely treated of Corsica in writing, have most exquisitlie comprised it to the full, and nothing is omitted which were not superfluous to be touched again. As how the Ligurians sent first inhabiters thither: how towns were there builded. How Marius and Sylla sent people a new to refresh it: and how it is beaten upon with the Salt-water of the 
* The sea of Genoa,  Lygustick sea. But let all this gear pass. Nevertheless the Country of Corsica, (which is a peculiar thing to that land) doth only bring forth the stone which they call Catochites, most worthy to be spoken of. It is bigger than the rest, 
The Catochite  that are ordained to decking, and it is not so much a jewel as a common stone. If a man lay his hands upon it, it holdeth them down, so fastening itself unto several substances, that it cleaveth to the things that it is touched of. For there is in it I cannot tell what, a kind of clammy glue and gummishnesse. I have heard say, that D●mocritus the Abderite did oftentimes use to boast of this stone, to prove the hid power of nature, in the contentions that he had against the wyzardes.   

CAP. IX.  
Of the isle Sardinia: of the Shonnsunne: of the herb Sardonia: and of the wonderful power of waters.  
SArdinia which we read of in Timaeus, by the name of Sandaliotes, and in Chrysippus by the name of Ichnusa, is sufficiently known in what Sea it lieth, and who were first inhabiters thereof. Wherefore it is to no purpose to tell how Sardus was begotten of Hercules, and Norax of Mercury: and how the one coming from Lybye, and the other from as far as Tartesus in Spain into these quarters: the Land took his name of Sardus, & the Town of Nora took his name of Norax: Or how anon after, Aristaeus reigning over them, united the people of both the races together into the next City Caralis which himself had builded, and knit the two sundry Nations which hitherto had been dissevered, together into one order of living: in such sort as the strangeness thereof made them not disdain to become his Subjects. This Aristaeus also begat Io●aus, who inhabited the Country thereabouts. Further more, we will pass over both the Ilians and Locrines.  
Sardinia is without Serpents. But look what noisomeness Serpents bring to other places, 
The Shonsunne  the same noisomeness bringeth the Shonsunne to the Country of Sardinia. It is a very little Worm and like to a Spider in shape, and it is called a Shonsunne because it shunneth the day light. It lieth most in Silver Mynes, for the soil of that Land is rich of Silver. It tréepeth privily, and casteth the plague upon such as sit upon it unwares. To the furtherance of this mischief cometh also the Herb Sardonia, 
The Herb Sardonia.  which groweth much more plentifully than needeth, in groves where springs run. If it be eaten, it draweth together the sinews, and wryeth the mouth, so that such as thereby draw unto death, do die with resemblance of laughter. Contrariwise, all the waters of that I'll, 
The wholesomeness and commodity of the waters of Sardinia.  do serve to divers commodities. The standing pools are full of fish. The Winter's rain is kept to relieve the summers brought, and the Men of Sardinia have much advantage of rainy water. For they gather it and keep it in store, that it may do them ease when the springs fail them which served them for their meat & drink. In some places do bubble up warm and wholesome springs, which serve for cures in knitting of broken bones, 
A water that discovereth theft.  or expulsing the poyson●e sheadded by the Shonsunnes, or in driving away diseases of the eyes. But those that remedy the eyes, have power also to discover thieves. For whosoever denieth the theft with an oath, washeth his eyes with this water. If his oath be true, his sight becometh the clearer: if he forswore himself, the fact is detected by blindness: and he is driven to confess his fault in darkness, with the loss of his eyes.   

CAP. X.  
Of Sicill, and the Land Pelorias, and the nature of the waters there: of the Mountain Aetna, and many other wonders of that I'll: and of the seven Isles called Vulcan's Iles.  
ANd if we have respect to the order of the times or of the places: after Sardinia, the matters of Sicill do call us next.  
First, because that both those Isles being brought in subjection to the Romans, were made Provinces both at one time. For Marcus Valerius was made Governor of Sardinia, and C. Flaminius' Praetor of Sicill all in one year: and secondly for that immediately after you are out of the straight of Sicill, the Sea beareth the name of the Sardine Sea. Sicill therefore. 
The Plat of Cicilye.  (which thing is first and foremost to be marked) by reason of his heads shooting forth, is plaited three cornered. 
a Capo passaro  Pachynnus looks toward, 
b Morea  Peloponnesus and the South coast. 
c The head of the fare.  Pelorus beholdeth Italy, butting Westward upon it. 
d Capo Boey.  Lylibye shooteth toward Africa. Among which, the Country about Pelorus is commended, for the temprature of the soil, inasmuch as it neither washeth away into dirt through overmuch moisture, nor crumbleth into dust through overmuch dryness. Where it goeth further into the main landwarde, and enlargeth in wideness, it hath three Lakes Of the one, 
A Lake that serves both for hunting and fishing.  that it is well stored with fish I count no great wonder. But the next unto it, for that in the thirke groves among the shadowy shrubs of young trees, it nourisheth wild beasts, and admitteth hunters by dry paths wherein they may have access a foot by land, serving to both uses of hunting & fishing, is numbered among the notable things. 
A strange Lake.  The third is proved to be holy by an Altar standing in the mids, which divideth the shallows from the deeps. All the way that leadeth unto it, the water is but mid leg deep. Whatsoever is beyond, may neither be gauged nor touched. If it be: he that attempteth it is punished for his labour and look how much of himself he putteth into the water, so much he goes about to destroy. They say that a certain man threw a line as far as he could into the deeps, and y● as to recover it again he thrust his arm into the water to the intent to have the more strength to pull, his hand became rotten. The coast of Polorias is peopled with inhabitants of Tauromiu● which Men in old time called Naxus. The town of 
* Messana.  Messana is set directly overagainst Rhegium of Italy, unto the which Rhegium the Greeks gave that name, by reason of the breaking of that place.  
Pachinnum is moste plentiful of Tunnyes and alother Sea fish, and therefore there is always great fishing. The beauty of the Headlond of Lyliby, is the Town Lyliby with the Tomb of Sibyl. Long before the s●edge of Troy, 
The first inhabiters of Sicill.  King Sicanus arriving in the isle with an Host of Spaniards, named it Sicanie. afterward Siculus the Son of Neptune called it Sicill. Into this land re●o●ted many of the Cor●nthyans, Argives, 〈◊〉, Dorians and Men of Candy. Among whom also the 
* Archimedes.  Master of all Carpenters & Masons hath the chief City, Syracuse, in which even in winter season when fair wether is hidden, the Sun shineth every day. Moreover the Fountain Ar●thusa is in this City. The highest hills in it, are Aetna and Eryx 
* Mount gibel and the wonderfulness thereof.  Aetna is hallowed unto Vul●ane, and Eryx, unto Venus. In the top of Aetna are two chinks which are named Cups, at which the vapour bursteth out, with a great roaring going before. which runneth rumbling a long while together in the bowels of the earth, through the burning brakes of hollow holes within. Neither do the flake of stror●se out, until such time as the roaring & rumbling within have gone before. This is a great wonder. And it is no less wonder that in that burning heat, nature is so stubborn, that it bringeth forth snow mingled with the fire: and that although it boil in outrageous hear, yet the top of it is white with snow, as if it were continual winter.  
There is therefore aninuincible force in both, so that neither the heat is abated by the cold, nor the cold assuaged by the heat. There are also two hills: Buckhyll and Neptune's hill. Upon Neptune's is a watchtowre that looketh into the Tuskane and Adriatish Seas. Buckhyll taketh his name of the store of red and fallow Dear that walk up and down there in herds.  
Whatsoever Sicill bringeth forth, whither it be by the nature of the soil, or by the device of Man, it is next those things that are judged to be the best: saving that in the fruits of the earth, there is none comparable to the fruit of 
* Ca●torby.  Centuripe. Hear was the Comedy invented: here came the sporting of jesters first upon the Stage: here was the house of Archimedes, who according to the Sryence of Astronomy, was the first inventor of engines.  
Here was that Lais that had rather choose her Country then be known of her Country. The great Caves under the ground bear witness of the race of the Cyclops. The place wherein the Lestry●o●s dwelled, beareth their name still. Of that Country was Ceres the Lady of ●●llage and husbandry. In the self same place is the field of 
* That place is now called Anna.  Aenna continually full of Flowers, and fresh like the spring every day of the year, by which there is a hole sunken into the ground, whereat This the Father of Hell had free passage into the world (as ●ame goeth) when he ravished Proserpina.  
Between 
* Catanea.  Catina and 
* Saragoza.  Syracuse is contention for the memorial of the two famous Brethren, whose names each part challengeth severally to themselves. If we give ear to the Ca●nenses, it was Anapias and Amphinomus. If we credit that which the S●acusans would willingly have, we must think they were Ac●●●nthius and Crit●o. Nevertheless, the cause of the deed proceeded from the Country of Catina. Into which at such time as the fire of Aetna had burst out, 
A notable example of love toward the Parents.  two youngmen taking up their Parents, carried them out through the flames unhurt of the fire. They that came after, did so reverence the memory of these young men, that the place where they were buried, was named the field of the godly.  
As touching Ar●thusa and Alpheus, 
The Fountain Arethusa and the River Alpheus.  it is true unto this day, that the fountain & the river meet both in one channel. In the River is the greatest store of wonders. If any man that is not of chaste & clean life take of the water of the fountain Diana, 
The Well of Diana.  which runneth by Camerine, the liquor of the wine, and the liquor of the water will not join in one substance. Among the Segestans', 
Herbesus.  the river Herbesus séething up suddenly in the mids of the stream, becometh exceeding hot. Acis, 
Acis. Hymerus.  for all that it issueth out of the Mountain Aetna, yet can no River be colder than it is. Hyme●us is altered with the Coast of the air. For while it runneth Northward it is bitter: but when it turneth into the South if is sweet. There is not more strangeness in the Waters then in the Saltmynes. 
Saltmynes.  If ye throw the Salt of Arigent into the fire, 
* Gergent.  it me●●cth in burning: and if ye put water to it, it cracke●h as if it were burned.  
Aena beareth salt of a purple colour. In Pachynnus it is found so sheer, that ye may see through it. The other Saltmynes that are near either to Arigent or Centuripe serve in steed of quarries. For out of them they have Images to the likeness of men or Gods. In the places where the who●e waters are, is an Island that groweth full of Reeds vorye mée●e to make pipes of all manner of sorts: whither they be Precentories whose use is to play before the shrines of the Gods: or Vasks, which exceed the Prerentories in number of holes: or maydenpipes, which have that name of their clear sound: or Gingrynes, with though they be shorter. yet have they a shriler sound: or Miluines' which have sharpest sound of all: or Lydians which they call also Turaries: or Cor●●thyans, or Egyptians, or any others, how diversly soever they be named by Musicians, according to the divers and sundry uses which they serve for. 
A dancing Fountain.  In the Country Halesine there is a Fountain at all times quiet & calm▪ when no noise is made, which riseth up if a Spalme be played upon, leaping at the sound and swelling over his brims as though he were in love with the sweetness of the Music. The Poo●e of ●e●on with his stinking savour, 
A stinking Poole  driveth away such as come night Also there are two springs, whereof if a barren Woman taste the one, she shall become fruitful and if a childbearing Woman taste of the other, she becometh barren. The Pool of the Petrenses is hurtful to serpents, but wholesome to men. In the Lake of Arigent swimmeth an Oil above. This fatness through the continual waving of the reeds, cleaveth to the cops of them: out of the sedgy hear whereof is gathered a medicinable ointment against the diseases of great cattle. 
Vulcan's Hill, See how the devil can work false miracles.  Not far from thence is Vulcan's Hill, upon which when men do sacrifice, they lay Uyn●sticks upon the Altars, without putting fire thereto when they cast on the offals.  
If the God like well of it, (for that is the trial of the sacrifice) the sticks (be they never so green) do take fire alone, and the God to whom the sacrifice is made, causeth it to burn without kindling. And as they are making merry, the flame playeth with them, and scoping out in wreathed flakes among them sindgeth not any man whom it toucheth. but showeth itself to be none other thing then the Image of fire, declaring that the vow is rightfully performed. In the same field of Arigent, do burst out quagmyres of mud. And as the veins of Fountains serve to make Rivers, so in this part of Sicill the soil never faileth, and earth with continual utterance casteth out earth. Sicill yielded first the stone 
* The Agate.  Achates, found in the banks of the river Achates, which was of no small price as long as it was found no where else. For the veins imprinted in it do portrait such natural shapes therein, that when it is of the best making, it representeth the likeness of many things. For which consideration the Ring of King Pyrrhus 
The Ring of king Pyrrhu●●  that made war against the Romans, was not meanly spoken of, the stone whereof was an Agate, wherein were to be seen the nine Muses, every one with their several cognisances, and Apollo with his vial in his hand, not ●●grauen by art, but grown by Nature. But now it is found in divers other places. Candy yieldeth a kind of them which they call Corallagats, 
Coralagats.  because they are like Coral. It is powdered with drops glistering like Gold, and it resisteth Scorpions. Ind yieldeth of them expressing the proportions of Forests and Beasts: the sight whereof comforteth the eyes. And being received into the mouth, it stauncheth thirst. There are also of them which being burned do cast a sent like Myrrh. The Achate is full of red spots like blood. But those that are most set by, have the clearness of Glass as the Achate of Cyprus. For those that look like ware, (because there is abundance of them) are as little esteemed as the stones in the streets.  
The circuit of all this whole Isle, is three thousand furlongs about. 
The whole circuit of Sicily.  In the narrowest Sea of Sicill, are the Isles Hephestiae, five and twenty miles distant from Italy. The Italians call them Vulcan's. Iles. 
V●lcans Iles.  For these by reason of the whole nature of their soil, do either borrow fire of the Mountain Aetna, or else minister fire unto it by privy intercourse under the ground. Here was appointed the dwelling place of the God of fire. They are in number seven. Lypara took that name of King Lyparus, who governed it before Aeolus. Another they called 
* Maretam  Hiera. The same is chiefly hallowed unto Vulcan, and burneth most in the night time with an exceeding high hill. The third named 
* Strombolie.  Strongyle which was the Palace of Aeolus, standeth toward the Sun rising. It is least covered, and it differeth some what from the rest in clearness of flames. Here upon it cometh to pass that chiefly by the smoke thereof, the inhabiters understand before, what winds are like to blow three days after. And this is the cause why A●olus was believed léeved to be the God of winds. The rest, Didymee, 
* A●●cur.  Ericusa, 
* Faelica●●●.  Phaenicusa, and Euonimon, because they be like the other, we have as good as spoken of them already.   

CAP. XI.  
Of the third Coast of Europe: of the Countries and places of Greece: of many things worthy to be recounted in them: and of the Nature of Partridges.  
THe third Coast of Europe beginneth at the Mountains of 
* Cimera of Albany.  Ceraunii, and endeth at Hellespont. In this coast among the Molossians (where as is the Temple of jupiter of Do●on) is the Mountain Tomarus, renowned for the hundred Fountains that are about the foot of it, as Theopompus reporteth. In 
* Albany. A well of strange nature.  Epire is a holy well, cold above all other waters, and of approved contrariety. For if ye dip a burning brand therein, it quencheth it: and if you hold it a good way of without any fire on it, of it own nature it kindleth it. Dodon 
Dodon.  (as Maro saith) is hallowed unto jupiter. Delphos 
Delphos.  is renowned with the River Cephisus, the Fountain Castalie, 
The situation of Acarnania.  & the mountain Parnasus. Acarnania vawnteth of Aracynth. This Country is divided from Aetolia with the Mountain Pindus, which breedeth Aclelous a river anciently renowned among the chief Rivers of and not unworthily, considering that among the little stones that lie glistering in his banks, there is found the 
* The Galac●●●● or Milk-stone.  Galactite, which being itself black, if it be chased yieldeth a white juice that tasteth like Milk. Being tied about a woman that giveth suck, it maketh her breasts full of milk: being tied to a Child, it causeth more abundant swallowing of spittle, and being received into the mouth it melteth, but therewithal it perisheth the gift of memory. This stone is found in Nilus and Achelous, and not in any third place. 
Scioessa  Near unto the Town of Patrae, is a place called Scioessa shadowed with the covert of nine hills, and not renowned for any other cause, then that the beams of the Sun come almost never there. In 
* The Country about Lacedaemon.  Laconia is an issue out of the earth, called Taenarus.  
Taenarus is also the Headlonde against Africa, where as is the Chapel of Arion of Methymna, 
The story of Arion the Mufician that was brought thither through the Sea upon a Dolphin's back.  who was brought thither by a Dolphin, as his Image of brass witnesseth there portrayted out lively according as the chance happened, and as the thing was done indeed. Moreover, the very time expressed there, namely the twenty and nine Olympiad (in which the same Arion is recorded victor at the gaming in Sicill) avoucheth the self same thing to have been done.  
There is also a Town called Taenaron of noble antiquity. Furthermore there are certain Cities, and among them Leutrae, somewhat famous by reason of the shameful end that the Lacedæmonians made there of late: and Amyclae brought to destruction in old time through their own silence: and 
* Called also Lacedaemon, and now called Mi●ithra.  Sparta renowned with the Temple of Castor and Pollux, and also with the titles of Otryas a man of great fame: And Theramu●● from whence first sprang the worshipping of Diana: and Pitan● which Arch●silaus the Stoic (who was borne there) did bring to light by the desert of his wisdom: And Anthea and Cardamilee, where was sometime the City There, which now is but the name of a place, where was fought a notable battle between the Lacedæmonians and the Argyues, the seventeenth year of the reign of Romulus. For the Mountain Taygeta and the river Eurotas are better known then that they need to be written of. 
Taygeta. Inachus.  Inachus a river of Achaia cutteth through all the Country of Argoly, which took his name of Inachus the first founder of the nobility of Argos. 
Epidaurus now called Rhagusia and Dubronik  The beauty of Epidaurus is the Chapel of Aesculapius, where sick and diseased persons lodging, are informed by dreams of remedies for their maladies. It is sufficient to put you in remembrance, that there is in Arcady a town called Pallanteun, which by means of evander the Arcadian, gave the name to our Palace.  
In Arcady are the Mountains Cyllen, Ly●aeus, 
Arcady.  and Menalus renowned with the Gods that were fostered in them, among which, Erymanthus is not obscure. Also among the Rivers is Erymanthus springing out of the Hill Erymanthus, and the famous Ladon. Héereabouts the encounters of Hercules are apparent. Varro affirmeth that there is a 
* This Fountain was named Phineus.  Fountain in Arcady which killeth as many as drink of it. In this part of the world we find this thing not unworthy to be mentioned concerning birds, that whereas in other places Mavisses be yellow as gold, 
White Mavisses.  about Cyllen they are as white as milk. Neither is the stone to be despised which Arcady sendeth. 
The stone called Asbest.  The name thereof is Asbest. It is of the colour of iron: and being set on fire, it cannot be quenched. Into the Bay of Megara shooteth the Isthmos which is renowned with gamings kept there every fift year, 
The gamings of Isthmos.  & with the Temple of Neptune. The said gamings (as is reported) were instituted in resemblance of the five coasts of 
* Now called Morea.  Peloponnesus which are beaten upon with five sundry Seas. On the Northside with the Ionian sea, on the West with the Sicilian Sea, on the Southweste with the Aegean Sea, on the North-east with the Myrtoan Sea, and on the South with the Candian Sea. This pastime being put down by the Tyrant Cypselus, was by the Corinthians restored to the former solemnity, in the forty and nine Olimpiad. But the name of Peloponnesus declareth that Pelops was king of that Country. 
The description of Peloponnesus.  The platform of it, is like the leaf of a Plane tree with creeks and nooks, and it maketh a divorce between the Ionian Sea, and the A●gaean Sea, dissevering the one shore from the other, with a slender baulk not above four miles broad, which for the narrowness thereof man call Isthmos. From hence beginneth helas, which properly they would have to be the true Greece. 
The true Greece.  That Country which is now called Attic, was in former time called, Actee. Therein is the City Athens, near whereto adjoineth Scyron's Rock, 
Athens now called Satmes  extending six miles in length, so named in honour of Theseus his victory, and in remembrance of the notable punishment of Seyron. From this Rock Ino casting herself headlong into the deep▪ increased the number of the Gods of the Sea. But we will not so slightly pass over the Mountains of Attic. There are Icary, Brilesse, Lycabet, and Aegialus. 
Mount Hymet  But Hymet doth most worthily bear the bell among them all, because that being very full of flowers, the Honey thereof excelleth the Honey of all other places, not only of foreign Lands, but also of the same Country, in pleasant savour and taste.  
They wonder at the Fountain Callyrhoee, 
The Fountain Cally●hoe.  & yet they make not therefore the less account of another Fountain called ●●unesos. The place of judgement among the Athenians is called Ariopagus. 
This battle wa● between the Persians and Athenians.  The plain of Marathon was made famous by the report of a most bloody battle fought there. Many Isles lie over against the main Land of Attic, but Salamis, Sunium, Cos, and Ceos which (as Varro witnesseth) yielded the first Garments of fine spynning that were made of wool for the decking of Women) are almost suburbs to the City. 
Boeotia.  Boeotia is renowned with Thebae, which City was builded by Amphion. 
Thebae now called Thiva,  Not that he drew stones together with the sound of his Harp, (for it cannot seem likely that any such thing should be done) but for that with the sweetness of his eloquence, he alured men that dwelled in Rocks (who were altogether savage and unnurtured,) to become obedient to civil order and discipline. This City glorieth in the Gods that were borne within her walls, as they affirm which with holy verses do set out the commendations of Hercules and Bacchus. At Thebae is the Grou● Helicon, 
Helicon  the Forest Cithaeron, the River Ismenius, and the Fountains Arethusa, Ocdipus, Psamatee, and Dircee: but before all others Aganippe and 
* Horsewell  Hippocren●e, which because Ca●mus the first inventor of Letters found out as he road about to search what manner of Country he was come unto, the Poets ran upon the bridle of liberty, publishing in their writings, both that the one of them was raised by the stamping of a winged Horses hoof, and that the other being tasted of, did endue men's minds with eloquence: and also that the winged Horses hoof was opened, and that the waters there of being drunk, inspired folk with learning.  
The Island 
* Negropon●.  Eub●a by shooting his side against the Coast of the main Land, doth make the Haven of Aulis, 
The Haven of Aulis.  renowned in all ages for remembrance of the confederacy of Gréece. The Baeotians are the same people that were the Lelegs, through whose Country runneth the River Cephisus & falleth into the Sea. In this land is the Bay of Oxus, the Town of Larissa, and Delphiramne also, wherein is the Chapel of Amphiaraus, and the Image of Diana, which the Caruar Phidias did make. Varr● supposeth that there are two Rivers in Boeotia, 
Two wonderful Rivers,  though of nature unlike, yet nothing differing in wonderfulness. If sheep drink of the one, their fleeces change into a Russet colour. If they drink of the other: as many of their fleeces as were of a brown colour, become white. He addeth moreover that there is a pit to be seen, that killeth as many as drink of it.  
Where as Partridges in all other places are free like as the rest of birds be, 
The Partridges of Boeotia  in Boeotia they are not free: neither are they at liberty to fly where they list, but but have bounds in the very air, which they dare not pass, Insomuch that they never go beyond their appointed limits, nor never fly over into the Marches of Athens. 
The nature of Partridges in general  This is peculiar to the Partridges of Boeotia. For such things as are common to all other Partridges, we will treat of generally hereafter. Partridges are sly in trimming and fencing their nests. For they hedge in their haunts with pricking shrubs, and sharp sprigs, to the intent such beasts as are noisome unto them may be kept off with the sharpness of the thorns. Under their Eggs they lay dust: and they come and go privily, lest their often haunting should bewray the place. Many times the hens remove the eggs out of the way, to deceive the Cocks, who trouble them out of all measure with their continual flickering about them. There is fight among the Cocks for the Hens: and it is thought that those which are overcome, do abide the other to tread them as if they were Hens. They are so rank of nature, that if the wind do but blow from the Cocks, the Hens become with egg, even with the very sent of them. And if any man come near the place where they sit, the Hens springing forth do offer themselves of their own accord to the comers, and feygning some default in their feet or their wings, (as though they might be by and by caught) they counter●et a slow pace before them. By which subtlety they egg forth such as they meet, and mock them until they have tolled them and drawn them a great way of from their nest. Neither are their young ones less careful for their part, how to save themselves. For when they perceive that they are seen, they cast themselves upon their backs, and take up clods in their feet, with the covert whereof they hide themselves so subtly, that they escape even when they are found.   

CAP. XII.  
Of Thessaly & Magnesia, and of the Towns therein: of the River Peneus: of the plesantness of Tempee: of the height of the Mountain Olympus: and of him that struck out King Philip's eye.  
THessaly is the same country that beareth the name of Aemonia, which Homer calleth Argos Pelasgicum, where Helen was borne, of whom the Kings were called Helen's. At the back hereof stretcheth Pieria toward Macedon: which being conquered, came in subjection to the Macedons. Many Towns and many Rivers are there. Of Towns the notablest are Phthia, Larissa, Thessaha, & Thebae. Of Rivers, the notablest is Peneus, which running down by Ossa and Olympus, by means of the hills bowing gently on both sides with woody bottoms, maketh the Thessalian Tempee: and sweeping thence with broader streams through Macedon & Magnesia, falleth into the Gulf of Thermy. Unto Thessaly belong the plains of Pharsaly, wherein were the thundering storms of the 
* Between Caesar and Pompey,  civil wars. And to the intent we go not altogether to known hills: let them buzie themselves about Othrys & Pindus, which seek for the original of the Lapythes: or about Ossa which delight to linger in the Fables of the Centaurs. As for Pelion, the marriage feast of Peleus and Thetis have brought it so much to knowledge, that it may be a marvel how it should be kept in huggermugger. For the things that are to be seen in Olympus, 
Mount Olympus  do declare that Homer did not celebrate it through unadvised rashness. For it riseth so big, with so high a top, that the dwellers by do call the knap of it heaven. There is on the top of it an Altar dedicated to jupiter, where upon if any part of the inwards be laid, they are neither blown a sunder with blasts of the wind, nor washed away with rain: but when the year comes about again, they are found the self same that they were left. And whatsoever is once consecrated there unto the God, it is privileged for ever from corruption of the air. Letters written in the ashes continue till the Ceremonies of the next year. In the Country of Magnesia is the Town of 
* Modon.  Methone, in the ●●edge whereof Philip the Father of great Alexander of Macedon, lost his eye by the stripe of an Arrow, which a Townsman named Aster shot at him with his own name, and the name of the party that he shot it at, and the place that he wounded written thereupon. That this people could skill of Archery, we may believe by Philoctetes, forasmuch as Melibaea is reckoned in the foot of this Country. 
Philoctetes.  But to the intent we proceed no further than we have Poets for our defence, the fountain Libethrus also appertaineth to Magnesia.   

CAP. XIII.  
Of Macedon, and the succession of the Kings thereof: and of the stone Peantis.  
THe people which were sometime the Edonians, and that which was the Land of Migdony, or the Country of Pieria, or Aemathia, is now in one entire term the Realm of Macedon. And the partitions which heretofore were severally disjoined, 
The bounds of Macedon  being now united in the name of Macedo●es, are become all one body. Macedon therefore is bounded on the forepart with the Marches of Thrace. The South Country of Thessaly is inhabited by the Epirots. On the Westside are the 
* The people of Servia & Rascia.  Dardanians and Illyrians. Where the North beateth upon it, it is fenced in with Paeony & Pelagony From the Triballs it shooteth forth in Mountains to the cold north-east wind. It is divided from Thrace by the River Strymon which runneth from the Mountain Haemus'.  
But to pass Rhodopee with silence which is a Mountain of Mygdony, and Athos sailed through by the Persian fleet, and cut of from the main Land, by the mountenance of a mile & a half, together with the veins of Gold and Silver, whereof there are digged up very good and great store in the fields of Macedon, I will speak of the Country Orestide. There are a people which take the name of Orestides hereupon. Orestes fleeing like an outlaw from Mycenae after he had killed his mother, 
The Orestides  forasmuch as he● had determined to go further of, commanded that a young Son of his, borne in Aemathia of Hermione whom he had taken to be his companion in all adventures, should be brought up privily here. The Child bearing his Father's name, as he grew to man's estate so also grew in courage and stomach meet for his royal race: and conquering all that extendeth to the Coast of Macedony, and the Adriatish Sea, he called the Land (whereof he was ruler) Orestide.  
Phlaegra (in which place, before there was any Town there, 
The giants war against Heaven.  the report goeth that a battle was fought between the host of Heaven and the Giants,) doth put us in mind to declare throughlie with how great proofs of sovereignty there, the tokens of that Heavenly warfare have and do continue it unto this day. If at any time (as it cometh to pass indeed) the brooks rise with foul weather, and the excess of waters breaking their banks do shoot themselves over violently into the fields: they say that even now through the gulling of the water, are discovered ben●s like to men's carcases, but far bigger, which for the unmeasurable hugeness of them, are reported to have been the bodies of that monstrous Army. And this opinion is furthered with the evidence of excessive great stones, wherewith heaven was thought to have been assaulted. I will proceed to the residue which extend into Thessaly and Aemony. For they be higher than that in any place, the height of the Mountain is able to reach thereunto. Neither is there any thing in any Land under Heaven, that may worthily be compared héere●nto in height, as whereunto only the rage of water never attained when the flood overwhelmed all things else with woozie moistness. There remain yet prints of no small credit, whereby it appeareth that these places were above the stormy flood. For in the dark Caves of the Hills, which at that time were eaten hollow with the struggling of the water, the shells of Fishes are left behind, and many other things which are cast up by the working of the rough Sea: so that although (to see to) the places be main Land: yet they have a resemblance of the Sea shore.  
Now will I speak of the Inhabiters. 
The descent of the kings of Macedoni.  Aemathius who was the first that obtained sovereignty in Amathia, (whither it be because the knowledge of his pedigree is worn out by time, or because it is a matter far fet) is counted to be bred of the earth. After him the name of Aemathia which proceeded from him, continued to the Realm of Macedony. But Macedo the Nephew of D●ucalion by the Mother's side, (who only with the family of his household scaped from the general destruction) changed the name, and called it Macedony, after himself. After Macedo followed Caranus Captain of a company of Peloponesians: who according to the answer given by Apollo, builded a City in the same place, where he had seen a heard of Goats sit, and named it 
* Which may be interpreted, Gotham.  Aegaea, in which place the custom was to bury their Kings: neither was it lawful among the ancient Macedones, to bury their chief states in any other place than there. After Caranus succeeded Perdiccas in the two and twentieth Olimpiad, who was the first that bore the name of King: after whom came Alexander the Son of Amintas, 
King Alexander, a lover of Music.  who was counted rich, and not without cause. For he had so good success in increasing his substance, that he first of all men, sent Images of clean gold for a gift, one to Apollo at Delphos, and another to jupiter at Elis. He was greatly given to delight his hearing: insomuch that for his pleasure's sake, he entertained with honourable pensions as long as he lived many that were cunning upon Instruments, among whom was Pyndarus the Harper. From this man Archelaus received the kingdom, 
King Archelaus a lover of Learning.  who was a politic Prince in feats of war, and the first deviser of battle upon the Sea. This Archelaus was so great a lover of learning, that he made Euripides the Tragical Poet, one of his privy Counsel. At whose burial, he was not content to follow the Hearse only, but also he shore his hair, and uttered in countenance the sorrow that he conceived in his heart. The same Archelaus winning the wager in running with Chariots at the gaminge of Pythia and Olympus, showed himself rather to have the heart of a glorious Greek then of a royal King, in seeking that kind of praise. After Archelaus the state of Macedony being troubled with dissension, at last was stayed in the reign of Amyntas, who had three Sons, of whom Alexander succeeded his Father: who being dispatched out of the way, the fruition of that great pre-eminence was first given to Perdiccas: by whose decease the Kingdom was left by inheritance unto his Brother Philip, who (as we told you before) lost his right eye at Methone, of which main there had gone a fore token before.  
For at his marriage ●easte it is reported that the musicans which served that day, sung (as it were in sport) a song of the one eyed Giants, called Cyclops. This Philip begat great Alexander, 
King Philip  howbeit that Olympias Alexander's Mother, coveting to purchase him a nobler Father, avouched him to have been begotten by a Dragon. But howsoever the case stood, 
Great Alexande●  Alexander so behaved himself, that he was believed to be the Son of a God. He travailed over the world, using the direction of Aristotle and calisthenes. He conquered Asia the less, Armeny, Iberia, Albany, Cappadocia, Syria, and Egypt. He passed over the Mountains Taurus and Caucasus: He subdued the Bactrians: he reigned over the Medes and Persians: He won Ind, and went beyond all that Liber and Hercules reached unto. He was of parsonage more stately than Man, with long and strait neck, cheerful & clear eyes, cheeks ruddy with a pleasantness, and comely featured in all proportions of body, not without a certain majesty. Being conqueror of all men, he was himself a thrall to wine and wrath. Through surfeit of drunkenness he died at Babylon, somewhat after a more base and uncomely sort than he had lived. We find that those that came after him, were borne rather to increase the glory of the Romans, then to inherit so great renown. Macedony bringeth forth a stone which they call Paeantis. The common report goeth, 
The stone Paeantis.  that this stone doth help Women, both in the time of their conception, and in the time of their labour. It is found much about the Tomb of Tiresias.   

CAP. XIIII.  
Of the manners and customs of the Thracians. Of the places and peoples of Thrace. Of Cranes and Swallows. Of Hellespont. Of the Island Clarob, and of the Aegaeum Sea.  
NOw it is time to take our journey into 
* Romania  Thrace, and to set sail toward the puissantest Nations of Europe: 
The manners and customs of the ancient Thracians.  which whosoever will look upon advisedly, shall easily find that there is a contempt of life in the barbarous Thracians, through a certain discipline of mother wit. They agree all to die willingly: some of them believing that the souls of them that decease return again, and othersome thinking that they die not, but are in a more happy and blissful state. Among most of them, the birth days are sorrowful, and contrariwise the burials are joyful. In somuch that the Fathers and Mothers fall a weeping when they Children are new borne, and rejoice when their are dead. The men do glory in the number of their Wives, and count it an honour to have many bedfellows. Such Women as are char of their chastity, do leap into the fires where their dead Husbands are burned, and (which they think to be the greatest token of chastity that may be) run headlong into the flame. When Women come to the time of marriage, they take not Husbands at the appointment of their Parents: but such of them as excel others in beauty, set themselves forth to sale, and making Proclamation who will give most, they marry not to him that is of best conditions, but to him that is best Chapman. Those that are foul or deformed, bring dowries with them to buy Husbands withal. When they feast, both sexes of them go about the harthes', and cast the seed of certain Herbs growing among them into the fire. The fume of which Herbs so striketh up into their heads that it woundeth their senses, and maketh them like drunken folk, whereat they have a good sport. Thus much concerning their customs. Now shall ensue of their places and peoples. Along the river Strymo on the right hand thereof, inhabit the Denselats. There are also many kindreds of the Besses, even unto the river Nestus, which runneth about the foot of the Mountain Pangaeus. The soil of the Odryses sendeth forth the river Hebrus which runneth among the Briants, 
The river Hebrus.  Dolonks, Thynes, Corpills, and other barbarous nations, & toucheth also the Cycones. Then is there Mount Haemus, 
Mount Haemus  six miles high, the back part whereof is inhabited by the Maesians, Gets, Sarmats, Scythians, and many other Nations.  
On the sea coast of Pontus dwelleth the people of Sythony, the renown whereof is augmented by Orpheu● the Poet and prophet that was borne there, who is reported to have practised the secrets (whither it were of his Music or of his Ceremonies,) in the Promontory Sperchius'. afterward is the Pool of Biston, and not far from thence the Country of Marony, wherein was the Town of Tyrada sometime the stable of Diomedes' horses. But now it hath given place to time, and there remaineth no more but the foundation of the Tower. Not far from thence is the City Abdera which Diomedes' sister builded, 
Abdera.  & called so after her own name. Anon after, it became the house of Democritus the natural Philosopher, 
Democritus.  & therefore to (say the truth) it is the more renowned. This Abdera being by time decayed, was restored to a greater countenance by the Clazomenians coming out of Asia, the hundredth and one and thirty Olympiad, who abolishing the things that had passed before, restored it to the old name again. The coming of Xerxes made the place of Doriscon famous, because he mustered his Army there. Mount Haemus hath the tomb of Polydore to show, on that side which the Scythians Ar●teres do inhabit, and it hath the City which in old time was called Gerania, and is now called of the barbarous people Cattruza, from whence the report goeth that the Pygmaeans were driven by Cranes.  
Surely it is manifest that Cranes in the winter time do fly in great herds towards the North, 
Of the nature and order of Cranes.  and it shall not grieve me to declare whither, and in what sort they direct their sight. They march in array as it were an Army under an Ensign. And lest the violence of the winds should drive them from the coast to which they direct their course, they gorge themselves with Sand, and balace themselves by taking up stones of a measurable weight. Then they mount as high as they can, to the intent ●rom thence (as from a high watchtowre) to aim the Lands which they would go unto. He that is surest of wing goeth before the heard, and with his clarying rebuketh their slothfulness, and causeth the train behind to make haste after. When he waxeth hoarse, another takes his room. When they shall pass the Sea of Pontus, they seek for the narrowest places, which they may easily find by eye sight, and they are between Taurica and Paphlagonia, that is to say between Carambis and the Rams head. As soon as they know themselves to be past the mid channel, they disburden themselves of the stones in their feet. So the Shipmennes report, who by sudden adventure have oftentimes been rained upon with their stony showers. As for their Sand, they put it not up again before they be well assured of their abiding. They are all alike rarefull for such as are weary. Insomuch that if any of them tire, the rest flock altogether and bear them up that faint, until they may recover their strength by resting. Neither are they less circumspect upon the Land. For they keep watch a nights, in such wise that every tenth of them waketh. Those that watch, hold little weyghts in their claws, which reprove them of sleep if they happen to let them fall. If aught be to be avoided, they give warning thereof by clarying. Their colour bewrayeth their age, for the elder they grow, the blacker they wax.  
Let us come to the Promontory 
* It may be interpreted Goldenhorne.  Chrysokeras, renowned with the City 
* Constantinople.  Byzance heretofore called Lygos, which is distant from 
* Durazo.  Dyrrachium seven hundred and eleven miles. For so much is the space between the Adriatish Sea, and 
* The Sea of Constant●nople  ●ropontis. In the Country of Cenik not far from Flaviople a Town builded and peopled with Romans, is the Town of Byzia in times past the Palace of King Tereus, now hated and unhaunted of Swallows, 
The nature of Swallows.  and so forth of other birds: although it be so that Swallows do shun to come within Thebae also, because the walls thereof have been so often taken. For among other things: that they have a kind of foreknowledge, it is known hereby, that they will not come near a house that is like to fall, nor come under the roof that by any means shall perish. Surely they are not chased by ravening fowls, neither are they a pray to any, but are as holy birds.  
There is an other 
* That is to say a narrow baulk of ground between two seas.  Isthmos in Thrace of like straightness, and having a narrow Sea of like wideness to that of Peloponnesus, upon the shores whereof stand two Cities, on either side one. The shore toward the Sea of Constantinople is beautified with the Town of Pactie, and Melane bay with the City 
* It may be interpreted Hartsted.  Cardy: which hath that name because the platt of it is in fashion like a heart. All the great Sea of Hellespont is straightened into seven furlongs, which space dissevereth the coast of Asia from Europe. Here also stand two Cities, Abydos in Asia, and Sestos in Europe. And hard by are two Promontories one over against the other: Mastusia of Chersonesus, where endeth the third coast of Europe, and Sygeum of Asia, where is a little Hill called 
* Dog's Tomb or dogs grave.  Cynossema the Tomb of Hecuba, and the Tower of Protesilaus, put to the use of a Chapel.  
On the Northmarches of Thrace, beateth the River 
* Danow or Tonware.  Ister, on the east Pontus and Propontis: and on the South, the Aegaean Sea. Between Tenedos and Chius, is the Island Cla●os situate at such place as the Aegaean Sea wydneth. On the right hand, as men sail to Antandros, there is a Rock (for so it deserves to be called rather than an Isle) which (to them that behold it a far of) seemeth to have the shape of a Goat, which the Greeks call Aega, that is to say a Goat. Of this Rock the Aegaean Gulf taketh his name. From Phalarion a Promontory of 
* Cor●u.  Corcyra, hangeth out a Rock of the likeness of a Ship, into the which Ulysses' his Ship was believed to have been transformed. Cythera which is ●lue miles from Malea, was heretofore named Porphyris.   

CAP. XV.  
Of Creta, and of many other things pertaining thereunto.  
MOre easy it is to to treat fully of 
* Now Candi●  Creta, them to say expressly in what Sea it lieth. For the Greeks have so mingled the names of the Sea that environeth it, that while they thrust one in an others place, they have almost drowned altogether. Nevertheless, I will bestow my travel with as much faithfulness as I can, in buttelling it out, to the intent that nothing may hang in uncertainty. It stretcheth out a great length between the east 
The situation of Candy  and the West, having Greece butting against it on the one side, and Cyrene on the other. On the northside it is beaten upon with the 
* Or Gotesea  Aegaen Sea▪ and on the South with the Lybic and Egyptian Seas. It was garnished with a hundred Cities (as they report which have lavash tongues of their own) but indeed with a hundred great and Lordly proud Towns: the chief whereof were Gortim, Cydon, Gnoson, Therapne, 
The ancient names of Candy  and Scylletion. Dosiades reporteth that it was named Crete, of the Lady Crete, the daughter of Hesperus. Anaximander saith, it was so called of Cretes K. of the Curets. Crates avoucheth that it height, first Aeria, and anon after Curetis. And many also affirm, that of the temperateness of the air, it was called 
* The blessed Isle. Of things first founded in that I'll.  Macaronesus. It was the first that could skill of sea-matters and of shooting. It was the first that comprehended words in writing. It was the first that taught dancing in Armour, called the Pyrrhicke dance, of Pyrrhus the first deviser thereof. It was the first that trained troops of horseman to wind and unwind themselves in way of sport and dalliance, whereupon was afterward founded the use of warlike discipline. The art of Music began first there, by means of the Dactyls of Ida, who finding out the distinction of tunes by the sounding and tinkling of brass, brought it in order of song, and sung ditties to it. It looketh white by reason of the snowy tops of the Mountains. Dictimus and Cadiscus, which are so exceeding white, that unto such as sail a far off, they seem rather clouds than hills. Besides the others, there is Ida, 
Mount Ida.  which before the rising of the Sun, seeth the Sun.  
Varro in his work entitled of the Seacoasts, affirmeth that in his time, 
The manners and customs of the ancient Candians.  the Tomb of jupiter was there to be seen. The people of Crete do very devoutly worship Diana, whom in their own mother tongue they call Brithomartis, which is as much to say in our language, as Sweet maid. No man may lawfully enter into the Goddesses Temple, but barefooted. The said Temple showeth the workmanship of Daedalus. By Gortyn runneth the River Laethey, at the which the Gortynes say, that Europa was brought in upon a Bulls back. The same Gortynes do worship Cadmus, Europa's brother, of whom they report thus. He is seen, and meeteth folk, but in the shutting in of the Evenings toward night, 
Illusion of the devil by walking Ghosts.  he offereth himself to sight, with a countenance of much greater majesty. The Gnosians account the Goddess Minerva to be a Countrywoman of theirs, and affirm that Corn was first sown among them, standing boldly in contention with the athenians for that matter. 
What things Candy breedet●  The fields of Crete are well stored with wild Goats: but it wanteth Red deer. It breedeth not any where Wolves, Foxes, and other fourfooted Beasts that be scarefull. There is no kind of serpents there. There is great store of Uynes. The soil is wondrous batling. The increase of fruits of trees is abundant. For in a part of this isle only, Cypress Trees being felled do spring again. There is an Herb called 
* Hungarlesse  Alimos, whereof if a man champ a little, it keepeth him from being a hungered for one whole day, and therefore this also is peculiar to Crete. There is a kind of Spider, called Phalangium. If ye demand what force it hath, there is no strength at all in the body of it, but if you would learn what power it hath, the man whom it stingeth dieth of the poison. The stone also which is called 
* The Fingerstone.  Idaeus dactylus, is said to grow in this Island. It is of the colour of iron, and it is in shape like a man's thumb.  
Crete hath no night Owls, and if any by brought thither, they die out of hand.   

CAP. XVI.  
Of Caristos, and the hot waters therein, and of the birds called Carists. of Chalcis, of the Circle Iles, and of the islands jos, and Delos,  
CAristos hath hot Baths which they call Hellops, and birds called Carists, which fly into the fire without singeing their feathers: and also a kind of fine Linen which remaineth in the fire without perishing. This Island (as Callidemus avoucheth) was in old time taken for 
* Brasselande  Chalces, because Brass was there first found. That the Titans reigned there time out of mind, the rites of their Religions do declare. For the Caristians do divine service to Briareus, like as the Chalcideans do to Aegaeon. For in a manner all 
* Negropont  Euboia was in subjection to the Titans. It is supposed that those islands took the name of Cyclads, because that although they be situate some further than some from 
* Sdiles,  Delos: yet they stand all in a Circle round about Delos, and the Greeks call a circle Cyclos. jos is more famous than the rest by reason that Homer is buried there. It is here to be remembered, that after the first flood, which is noted to have been in the time of Ogyges, when the day had continued as dark as night, by the space of nine Months together: Delos before all other Lands was lightened with the Sun beams, and thereof gate his name, in that it was the first that was restored to light. Now between Ogiges and Deucalion is accounted the space of six hundred years.   

CAP. XVII.  
Of the Island Ortygia, and of quails.  
DElos is also called 
* Quaylland.  Ortygia, the most renowned of all the Cyclads, being itself one of the number of them, and is named diversly: sometime Asteria, of the honouring of Apollo, there: sometime Lagia, of hunting: and Cynethus, and Perpole because fire pans, 
Of Quailed and of their properties.  and fire itself also were found there. In this Island were quails seen first which birds the Greeks call Ortyges. Men think that these fowls are in the tuition of Latona. They are not to be seen at all seasons, but have their time of coming, which is when Summer is gone. When they pass over the Seas, they fly leisurely at the first, cherryshing their strength with flying softly for fear of a longer journey. But as soon as they spy Land, they cluster on a flock, and thronging close together, make all the speed they can: which hast of theirs doth oftentimes turn to the destruction of them that are upon the Sea. For it happeneth in the nights, that they rend the tackling, and bearing the sayleclothes before them by violence & turn the bottoms of the keels upward. They never sett● forth while the Southern wind bloweth, for fear of the force of a more swelling foggy blast. They commonly commit themselves to the Northern winds, to the intent that the gale thereof being more dry and more vehement, may the easilier carry their bodies which are somewhat fat, and by reason thereof somewhat slow also. He that guideth the flock, is called 
* The Quailguyde.  Ortygometra. As soon as he draweth toward the Land, the Gossehawke (which watcheth for the nonce) seizeth upon him, and therefore it is all their seeking to get them a guide of a strange brood, by whom to escape the first danger. Their chief delight is to feed upon the seed of venomous herbs, and therefore wisemen have forbidden them their Tables. And this living creature only (saving man) suffereth the falling sickness.   

CAP. XVIII.  
Of the isle Eubaea, now called Nigropont.  
THe I'll of Eubaea is dissevered with so small a cut from the main land of Boeotia, that it is to be doubted whether it be to be numbered among islands or no. For on that side which they call Eurypus, it is joined to the Land with a bridge, and is gone unto a foot by the frame of a very short Engine. It shooteth into the North with the Promontory Caeneum, and with two other it extendeth into the South, whereof Gerastus faceth the Country of Athens, 
The headlond of Capharew  and Caphreus looketh into Hellespont, where after the destruction of Troy (whether it were through the wrath of Minerva, or (as the certainer report goeth) through the influence of the Star Arcturus) the Grée●●i●h Navy suffered great loss by shipwreck.   

CAP. XIX.  
Of the Island Paros, and the stone Sarda.  
PAros is renowned for the Marble that is in it. Next Delos it is the best inhabited with towns. But before it had the name of Paros, it was called Minoia. For being conquered by Minos, as long as it continued under the Cretish dominion, 
* The Stone Sarda.  it was called Minoia. Besides the Marble, it yieldeth the stone Sarda, which is better than Marble, but yet accounted as basest of all jewels. Eyghtéene mile from Delos is the isle of Naxos, wherein is the Town of Srongyle. But before it was called Naxus, 
Naxus now called N●xia  it bore the name of Dyonisia, either because it was the harborough of Bacchus, or else because it excelled the rest in fruitfulness of Uines. Besides these, there be many more of the Circle Iles, but the things that are chief worthy to be remembered are in the Isles aforesaid.   

CAP. XX.  
Of the Island Icaros, and of the Philosopher Pythagoras: of the islands Melos, Carpathos, Rhodes, and Lemnos, and of the shadow of Mount Athos.  
ICaros also is one of the islands called Sporades, 
Now it is called Nicaria.  and gave the name to the Icarish Sea. This Isle shooting forth in Rocks between Samos and Myconus, is altogether harbourless: and because it hath no Bay nor Haven to arrive at, it is ill spoken of for the dangerousness of the Coasts of it. Varro therefore is of opinion, that Icarus of Crete perished there by shipwreck, and that the place took his name of the misfortune of the man. In Samos 
Samos.  nothing is more notable than that Pythagoras' 
Pythagoras.  was that Countryman borne: who being offended at the lordliness of the Tyrants, forsook his native Country, and arrived in Italy in the time that Brutus which drove the Kings out of Rome was Consul 
* Now called Mylo.  Melos (which Callymachus calleth Melanis) hard by A●olia, is the roundest of all the Iles. For 
* Scarpanto.  Carpathus is the same whereof the Carpathian sea hath his name. The air is never so cloudy but the Sun shineth upon the Rhodes. The Lemnians worship V●ulcane, and therefore the chief City of 
* Stalimene.  Lemnos is called Haephestia. There is also the town of Myrina, into the Marketsted whereof, the Mountain Athos casteth his shadow out of Macedon, 
The exceeding height of Moun● Athos.  which thing (not without cause) men have noted for a wonder, forasmuch as Athos is fourscore and six miles of from Lemnos. Surely Athos is of such a height, that it is supposed to be higher than from whence the rain falleth. Which opinion hath got credit here upon, for that the ashes which are left upon the Altars the stand on the top of it, are never washed away, nor do in any wise diminish, but do always continue even in the same heap that they were raked up in. On the top of it was sometime the Town Acrothon, wherein the Inhabiters lived half so long again as the inhabiters of other places: and therefore the Greeks call the people thereof Macrobians, which is as much to say in our language, as longlived.   

CAP. XXI.  
Of Hellespont, Propontis, the Bosphor of Thrace and of the marvelous nature of the fishes called Dolphins.  
THe fourth coast of Europe beginneth at 
* Saint Geo●ges arm.  Hellespont, and endeth at the mouth of Maeotis. All the said wideness which divideth Europe and Asia a sunder, gathereth into a strait of seven furlongs. This is Hellespont, here did Xerxes make a bridge of ships and pass over a foot. From thence stretcheth a narrow arm of the Sea to a City of A●ia called Priapus, which Alexander the great sailed unto, and got it into his hands, when he went about to conquer the world. From thence wydning into a main Sea, it groweth narrow again toward 
* The Sea of Constantinople.  Propontis: and by and by gathereth into half a mile breadth, and is called the 
* The straight of Constantiple, and it signifieth the Oxeforde.  Bosphor of Thrace, at which place Darius conveyed over his army. These Seas have many Dolphins, which have in them many strange things to be wondered at. First and foremost, the Seas breed not any thing swifter or nimbler than them: insomuch as oft-times in their leaping up, 
The wonderful nature of Dolphins and their love towards man.  they shóote themselves quite over the tops of the main sails of the ships. wheresoever they become, they go by couples. They bring forth pigs, and the tenth month is the full time of their farrying, and they farroe ever in Sommertime, and give their pigs suck, and while they be very young they take them in at their mouth, and they wait upon them for a time till they wax strong. They live thirty years as hath been tried by experience in cutting of their tails for a mark to know them by. They have their mouths not in the same place where other Beasts have, but almost in their bellies, and contrary to the nature of Fishes they only move their tongues. They have sharp pricks on their backs, which stand up stife when they be moved to anger, and are hidden as it were in a sheath when their minds be quiet. Men say they dont not in the water, nor take any breath but above in the air. When the north-wind bloweth they be light of hearing, & contrariwise thick of hearing when the wind is in the South. They delight in Music, rejoicing to hear shawms, & wheresoever is harmony, thither flo●k they together in herds. In the reign of Augustus, a boy in Campane, first trained a Dolphin with shivers of bread, & did so much by custom that he was contented to be fed by hand. Afterward when the boy waxed bold in playing with him, he carried him from the land into the lake of Laurine, & bear the boy as it were on horseback from the shore of the bay, unto 
* Pozzolo.  Puteolis. This was done many years together, so long till the continual beholding thereof made it to seem no wonder. But when the lad was dead, the Dolphin mourning for the want of him, died for sorrow in the sight of all men. I would be l●●he to vouch this thing, but that it is registered in the writings of Maecenas, & Fabian, & many others. Anon after, upon the sea-coast of Africa at Hippon Dyarrhyton, a Dolphin being fed by the men of Hippon, offered himself to be handled, and ever now an then carried such as were set upon his back. And this thing was not done by the people's hands only, for Flavianus the Proconsul of Africa handled him himself, and anointed him with ointments, insomuch as the Dolphin being cast a sleep with the strangeness of the smell, was tumbled hither & thither for dead, and many months after desisted from his accustomed keeping of company. At jassus a city of Babylon, a Dolphin fell in love with a lad, & in following him over eagerly after their accustomed sporting together, shot himself into the sand and there stuck fast. Alexander the great interpreting it to have been the love of the 
* Neptune.  God of the sea, made the lad chief priest to Neptune near unto the said city, as Egesidemus maketh report. Another child named Hirmias likewise riding on a Dolphins back in the sea, & being drowned by violence of the waves, was carried back again to land by the Dolphin, who took such repentance, that he punished the fact with wilful death, and never returned more into the Sea. There are store of other such examples, & yet I will not speak of Arion, whose adventure is credibly avouched by Chronicles.  
Furthermore, if their young pygs at any time play the wantoness, their ancients set one of the elder sort to be guide over the heard, by whose instruction they learn to slip from the assault of greater fishes that rush in upon them, howbeit that in those Seas there be very few great fishes except it be the Seal.  
In Pontus there is great store of Tunnyes, and they breed not lightly else where. 
Tunnyes.  For there is no place that they come sooner to their full growth in, then there: and that is by reason of the plenty of sweet waters. Their coming into the Sea is in the spring-time, and they enter in by the right side of the shore, and go out by the left side: which thing they are thought to do, because they see better with the right eye then with the left.   

CAP. XXII.  
of Ister: of the beast called a Beaver, and of the precious stone of Pontus.  
ISter riseth in the Hills of Germany, 
* Danow or Tonware.  and issueth out of a Mountain that lieth over against Turgew, a part of the ancient Gall. It receives into it threescore Rivers, almost all able to bear Ships, and it falleth into Pontus with seven mouths, whereof the first is called Peuce, the second Narcustoma, the third Calostoma, and the fourth Pseudostoma: for Boreostoma the fift, and Stenostoma the sixth, are slower than the rest: and as for the seventh, it is so dull and like unto a Pool, that it hath not any likelihood of a stream. The first four are so great, that by the space of forty miles together they are not intermeddled with the Salt-water, but keep their sweet taste with uncorrupted savour.  
Through all Pontus there is great store of Bevers, 
〈◊〉  which they call by the names of Fiber & Castor. This Beast is like an Otter, and is a very sore byter, insomuch that if he fasten upon a man, he will not let go his hold until he feel the bones crash between his teeth.  
His stones are greatly coveted for the medicinablenesse of them, and therefore when he findeth himself put to the pinch, he biteth of his own cods, and eateth them up, to the intent men should have no good of them when he is taken.  
●ontus yieldeth also precious stones of sundry sorts, which of the Country we call Pontiks: 
agates and Porphyris.  for some have stars of the colour of Gold, and some of the colour of blood in them, and they are counted among the sacred: for they are gathered rather for a show, then for any use that they serve to. They are not besprent in drops, but are interlyned with long strokes of sundry colours.   

CAP. XXIII.  
Of the river Hypanis, and the Fountain Exampeus.  
THe river Hypanis springeth among the 
* They are now a part of Moscovia.  Auchets. It is the prince of Rivers in Scythia, pure and very wholesome to drink●, until such tim● as it entereth into the bo●●ers of the 
* May be interpreted Fayrfeete they are also a people of Mos●ouia.  Ca●●pods, where the Fountain Exampeus (which is justly defamed for the bitterness of his spring) being mingled with the clear stream, inserteth the River with his fault, so that he falleth into the Sea unlike to himself.  
hereupon groweth diversity of opinions among folk concerning Hypanis. For they that know him at the beginning, do praise him: and they that taste of him at the end have good cause to curse him.   

CAP. XXIIII.  
Of the river Bo●isthenes, and the people that dwell thereby: of the nature of dogs: of the manners of the Scythians: of the precious stones called the Emerawd, Cyanie and Crystal.  
WIthin the Country of the 
* Nepar. The Nevers are now a part of Moscovia.  Nevers springeth the river 
* The manners and customs of the ancient Moscovites.  Borysthenes, wherein are fishes of excellent taste, without any bones, having nothing but very tender grystlies. But the Nevers (as we have heard) in the● Sommertime are transformed into Wolves: and afterward when they have passed a certain time limited for the continuance in that state, they return to their former shape again. The God of this people is Mars: in st●dde of Images they worship sword: they off●r men in Sacrifice and with their bones 〈◊〉 ●●re to burn the Sacrifices withal. Next Neighbours to these are the 
* These were afterward called Getes, and now are Tartarians.  Gelones: They make both raiment for themselves and furniture for their horses of their enemies shins.  
Upon the Gelones border the 
* These also are now Tartaria●s  Agathyrses, painting their faces with a blue colour, and dying their hair into a blue colour. And this is not done without a difference. For the better man he is, the deeper colour he dieth himself: so that it is a token of low degree to be lightly painted. After them are the 
* Meneaters or Cannibals.  Anthropophags, who like cursed caitiffs feed on Man's flesh. The which custom of that wicked nation, the countries adjoining bear witness of, by lying continually waste, the inhabiters of them abandoning them, and running away for fear of that cruel outrage: and this is the cause that from thence to the sea which they call Tabis all along that coast which lieth toward the North-east, the land is utterly without inhabiter and altogether wilderness, until ye come to the Seres.  
The Chalibyes and Dahyes which inhabit a part of that Scythia that is in Asia, do differ nothing in cruelness from the most outrageous of all. But the 
* Their Country is now called Zuira & Seroan.  Albans inhabiters of the sea-coast by the Caspian Sea, who will have themselves thought to be the posterity of jason) are borne with white hair, and have door heads as soon as their hair buddeth, the colour whereof hath) given name to the nation. The apple of their eyes is of colour bright grey, and therefore they see better by night then by day. The dogs that are bred in this Country, 
Wonderful dogs & of the nature and property of dogs in general.  excel all other beasts, for they pull down Bulls, kill Lions, and hold whatsoever they are put at. In consideration whereof, they deserved to be spoken of in Chronicles. We read that as Alexander was going toward Ind the King of Albany sent him two dogs for a present. Of which the one so disdained Swine and Bears brought before him, that being offended with the baseness of the pray he lay still a great while and would not once stir at them: Alexander thinking him to be but a cowardly cur (because he knew not his properties) commanded him to be killed. But the other at the information of them that brought the present, being put to a Lion killed him. And anon after, spying an Oliphant, he made a great leaping and skypping for joy, and being put to him, first tired the Beast with cunning fight, and afterward (to the great fear of them that looked on) pulled him down to the ground. These kind of Dogs groweth to a very large size, and make a far terribler noise in their barking, then is the roaring of a lion.  
These things are peculiar to the dog's of Albany: 
Examples of the love of dogs toward their Masters.  the rest are common to all dogs. All dogs generally do love their Masters, as is manifest by examples. In 
* It is now called Albany  Epire a dog descrying the murderer of his Master in a great throng, bewrayed him by barking. When jason of Lycia was slain, his dog forsaking meat died for hunger. When the fire was kindled wherein the corpse of King Lysimachus should be burned, his dog threw himself into the flame, & was consumed with him. Two hundred dogs brought home the King of the Garamants out of exile, and overcame them in battle that withstood them. The Colophonians & Castabalenses carried dogs with them to the wars, 
Dogs used in battle.  and made their forward always of them. In the time that Appius junius, and Publius Silius were consuls, a dog followed his Master that was condemned to prison, and could not be driven away: and anon after, when he was executed, he followed howling after him. And when the people of Rome for pity gave him meat, he carried and laid it to his dead Master's mouth. Lastly when the carcase was cast into Tiber, he swam to it, and endeavoured to bear it above the stream. Only dogs know their own names, and remember the wales that they have gone. The Indians when their Bitch's go proud, tie them in the Forests to have them limed by Tigers: of whom they cast away the first litter, and likewise the second, as the which will serve to no purpose because of their exceeding cruelness: the third they keep up. The dogs of Egypt never lap of the Nile but running, for avoiding the Crocodiles which lie in wait for them. Among the Anthropophags in the part of Asia are numbered the Essedons, who likewise are imbrued with the same ungracious food. It is the manner of the Essedons to follow the corpses of their Parents singing: 
The Essedons devourers of man's flesh.  and calling together a knot of their next Neighbours, to tear the carcases a sunder with their teeth, & dressing them with other flesh of beasts, to make a feast with them. The skulls of them th●y bind about with Gold, and use them as mazers to drink in. The Scythotaurians offer up strangers in sacrifice. The 
* Gr●syers.  nomads give themselves to grazing.  
The 
* Tillmen.  George's that are situate in Europe occupy Tillage. The Axiaks being likewise situate in Europe, neither covet other men's goods, nor set any store by their own. The Satarches utterly conden●ning the use of Gold and Silver, have banished covetousness out of their Common weal for ever. The Scythians that dwell more into the firm land, live much more straightly. They keep in Caves: they make themselves drinking Cups, not as the Essedons do, but of the skulls of their enemies: they love fight: they suck the blood out of the wounds of them that are slain: 
The manners of the Uplandish Tartarians in old time.  their reputation increaseth by the number of slaughters, from which it is a reproach among them to have clear hands: they make leagues by drinking each of others blood: wherein they not only keep the custom of their own Country, but also borrow the manner of the Medes. In that war that was held the forty and nine olympiad, which was the six hundred and fourth year after the winning of Troy, between Alyattes King of Lydia, and Astyages King of Media, the league was confirmed after the same fashion. Amphitus and Telchius, the wagoners of Castor and Pollux, builded 
* Sebast●ople.  Dioscorias the chief City of Colchos, from whence the nation of the Henioches had their beginning. Beyond the Sauromats' that are in Asia, where Methridates hide himself, and from whence the Medes had their original.  
The Thalians march upon those nations, which East ward lie upon the entering of the Caspian Sea, 
The wonderful nature of the entry into the Caspian Sea.  which entrance (after a marvelous manner) doth empty 〈◊〉, and increase by drowght. Out of the Mountains of the Henioches issueth Araxes, & out of the mountains of the Moscovites, issueth Phasis. 
Araxes.  But Araxes raiseth his head a little way from the spring of Euphrates, and from thence runneth into the Caspian Sea. The Arimaspes, 
* The Arimaspes.  which are situate about Gesglithron, are a people that have but one eye. Beyond them and the Mountain Ryphey is a Country continually covered with snow, called 
* It may be englished Fetherlande.  Pteropheron. For the incessant falling of the door frosts and Snow maketh there a likelihood of feathers: a damned part of the world is it, and drowned by nature itself in the cloud of endless darkness, and utterly shut up in extreme cold as in a prison, even under the very Northpole. Only of all Lands it knoweth no distinction of times, neither receiveth it any thing else of the air, then everlasting Winter. In the the Asiatik Scythia are rich Lands, but notwithstanding uninhabitable.  
For whereas they abound in gold and precious stones: the griffons possess all, 
griffons.  a most fierce kind of foul, and cruel beyond all cruelness: whose outrageousness is such a stop to all comers, that hardly and seldom arrive any there: for as soon as they see them they tear them in pieces, as creatures made of purpose to punish the rashness of covetous folk.  
The Arymaspes fight with them to get away their precious stones, the natures whereof I will not refuse to treat of. This Land is the native soil of the emeralds, 
Emerawdes'  to which Theophrast giveth the third place of estimation among precious stones. For although there be of them in Egypt, at Chalcedon, in Media, and about Lacedaemon, yet those of Scythia are of chiefest reputation. The eye can behold nothing more pleasant, nor nothing more wholesome than them, first they glister green above the moist grass, and above the herbs that are in the Rivers, and secondly with the mildness of their colour, they refresh the eyes that are wearied with beholding other things. For they relieve and sharpen the sight that was dimmed or dulled with the gloss of another stone. And there is none other cause why men think it not good to have aught engraved in them, but least the beauty of them should be perished with the cuttings of imagery: albeit that the right Emerawd will hardly be cut. They are tired in this wise: if a man may see through them, if being round they cast their colour upon the things that are next them by reflection of the air, or if being hollow they resemble the faces of them that behold them, or if neither in the shadow nor by candlelight, nor in the sunnelight is found any alteration in them. Nevertheless they are of the best fashion, which are plain and level long. They are found when the Eastern winds called Etesiae 
Etesian  do blow, for then the wind discovereth the ground, and they glister through the fine sand easily: for those Eastern winds do very much remove the sands. Other of less value appear in the seams of stones in Rocks, or in brassemynes, which they call brazen Emerawds. The refuse sort of them have certain pranes within, like either to lead, or to hair, or to salt. They are eased with Vinegar, but they are much better amended with green Oil, although they be spotted of nature. 
Cyanies.  And the best sort of the stone called Cyanie cometh out of Scythia, it is of the colour of a bright Azure. They that be skilful jewellers make two kinds of it, the Male and Female. 
* This should seem to be the stone called Lapis Lazulus.  The Females are of sheer brightness: but the Males are fretted with little sparks beautiful to behold, having as it were dust of gold scattered betwixt them. There is also Crystal, 
Crystal.  which although the greater part of Europe, and some part of Asia also do yield, yet Scythia yieldeth the best.  
It is much used to make drinking Glasses of, for it abideth heat best, although it cannot well suffer any thing but cold. It is found six cornered. They that choose it, covet the purest that no redness, no clowdynesse, nor frothiness, hinder a man to see through it: and moreover that the overmuch hardness thereof maketh it not subject to brittleness. Some think that I'll congealeth and hardeneth into Crystal, but that is false. For if it were so, neither Alaband of Asia, nor the isle of Cyprus should engender this kind of stuff, forasmuch as the heat in those Countries is mos●e ve●●ment. Livia the wife of Augustus dedicated among the gifts of the Capitol, a Crystal of a hundred and fifty pound weight.   

CAP. XXV.  
Of the people called Hyperboreans.  
SVndrye things that have been reported of the Hyperborcans had been but a fable and a flying tale if the things that have come from thence unto us had been beléened rashly. But seeing the best Authors and such as are of sufficient credit do agree in one constant report, no man needs to fear any falsehood. 
The Hyperboreans.  Of the Hyperborcans they speak in this wise. They inhabit almost the Pteropheron, which we hear sa●e lieth beyond the North pole, a most blessed Nation. They ascribe it rather unto Asia then unto Europe, and some do place it midway between the Sun rising and the Sun set, that is to weet, between the West of the Antipodes, and our east, which thing reason reproveth, considering what a waste Sea runneth between the two worlds. They are therefore in Europe, and among them are thought to be the poles of the world, and the uttermost circuit of the stars, and half year light, lacking the Sun but one day. Howbeit, there are that think the Sun riseth not day by day to them as it doth to us, but that it riseth in the spring-time, & goeth not down again before the fall of the leaf, so that they have continual day by the space of six months together, and by the space of other six months continual night. The air is very mild, the blasts wholesome, and no hurtful wind. Their houses are the wild fields or the woods, and the trees yield them food from day to day. They know no debate, they are not troubled with diseases, all men have one desire, which is to live innocently. They hast death, and by wilful fordooing themselves, prevent the long tarriance of their decease. For when they have lived as long as they would desire, then feasting and anointing themselves, they throw themselves headlong from some known Rock into the deep Sea, and they believe this to be the best kind of burial. The report goeth also, that they were accustomably wont to send the first fruits of their increase to Apollo of Delos, by the hands of their most chaste Maidens. But for because those Maids through the treachery of them in whose houses they lodged, returned not undefiled: they erected a Bishopric within their own Country for that devotions sake, for the performance whereof they were feign before to send abroad.   

CAP. XXVI.  
Of the Arimphaeans, of the Caspian Sea, of the Tigers, Panthers, and Pards.  
ANother Nation there is in Asia furthest North-east, where the ridge of the Mountain Ryphey faileth, like the Hyperborcans, which are called Arimpheans. 
●he Arymphae●an●.  These also delight in the levy woods, and feed upon berries.  
The Men and women are both alike weary of their bayre, and therefore both sexes of them d●o poll their heads. They love quietness and not to do any harm They are counted holy, and even the wildest nations that be, do think it an offence to touch them. Whosoever feareth any danger among his own Countrymen, 
The Cimmerians and Amazons.  if he fly to the Arimphaeans, he is as safe as in a Sanctuary. Beyond these are the Cimmerians, and the nation of the Amazons, extending to the Caspian Sea, which sliding along the back part of Asia, falleth into the Scythish Ocean. 
Hyrcany.  A great way of from thence is the mouth of the river Oxus: and there inhabit the Hircans, a Country full of rough woods, plentiful of cruel wild Beasts, and stored abundantly with Tigers, 
Of Tigers.  a kind of Beasts notable for the goodly spots wherewith their coats are powdered, and for their swiftness.  
Their colour is a bright yellow: which being powdered with drops of black, make a very trim show by reason of the variety thereof. I am not able to say whither it be their nimbleness or their eagerness that furthereth their swiftness. For nothing is so long but they pass it over in short time: nothing is gone so far afore them but they overtake it by and by. But most of all they show what they are able to do, when they have littered, and when they pursue them that have stolen away their whelps. For though post horses be laid by the way, and that they work never so subtly to go clear away with their booty, yet if the Sea ●e not at hand to rescue them, all their endeavour is in vain. And it is noted in them oftentimes, that if perchance they see the stealers that have carried away their welppes sailing away again: after they have raged in vain, they cast themselves headlong into the Sea, as it were to punish their own slowness by wilful drowning themselves, and yet of all their whelps (which are many in number) scarcely may one be conveyed away. Of Panthers also is great store in Hyrcanie, 
Panther's.  which are spotted with little round specks, in such sort that the hair of their skins, which is either white or of a sky colour, is beset with round eyes of yellow. It is reported that cattle are wonderfully delighted with the scent & beholding of them, and that as soon as they perceive them, they heard together in haste, and are not afraid but only of the grimness of their look. For which cause the Panther's hiding their heads, 
A Panther and a Lybard is all one kind of Beast  set forth the rest of their bodies to look upon, to the intent that when the cattle are astonished in gazing, they may fall upon them and devour them without danger.  
But the Hyrcans (as man's nature is ever full of devices) kill them more commonly with poison then with weapon. They steep flesh in the juice of Lybardbane, 
This Herb i● also called Woolfwort  and cast it in the ways where divers paths meet: the which as soon as the Panthers have eaten, by & by their throats are troubled with the squince, and therefore the weed is called in Greek Pardalianches. But the Panthers against this venom devour man's dung, and so by a remedy of their own finding withstand their destruction. They are very long in dying: in so much that they live a great while after that their bowels are taken out. In these woody countries, are also Lybards a second kind of Panthers, 
Lybarde●  sufficiently known, and therefore not to be entreated of with further circumstance. Between these and the Lionesses matching against kind, are engendered bastard Lions without force or courage.   

CAP. XXVII.  
From whence the Midland Seas have their beginning.  
FOrasmuch as we are in the matters of Pontus, it is not to be omitted from whence the Mydland Seas do raise their heads. For some are of opinion that they take their beginning at the straits of Marrok, and that they have none other original than the waves of the Ocean breaking in at that place, the lively operation whereof shedding itself abroad, causeth the flowings & ebbings of the tides on divers coasts of the mayneland; as for examples sake in a part of Italy. They that are of the contrary opinion, say how all that flowing cometh from the mouth of Pontus: and this they avouch with no trifling argument, because the tide that cometh out of Pontus never ebbeth back again.   

CAP. XXVIII.  
Of certain Isles in Scythia.  
FOurscore miles from the Bosphor of Thrace, is y● I'll of the Apollonits', situate on this side Ister, from whence Marcus Lucullus brought unto us the Apollo of the Capitol.  
Against the mouth of 
* Now called Nepar.  Borysthenes is the Island of Achilles, with a Church wherein cometh no bird: and if any come by chance, she flieth away again with all the speed she can make.   

CAP. XXIX.  
Of the North Ocean, of the Caspian Sea, and of the Island Baltia,  
THe North Ocean on that part where Paropamisus a river of Scythia washeth into it, 
The Frozen Sea.  is named of Hecataeus Amalchium: which in the language of that nation, signifieth the Frozen sea. Phylaemon saith, that from the Cimbrians to the Promontory Rubeas, it is called Morimarusa, which is as much to say, as the dead Sea. Whatsoever is beyond Rubeas is called Cronium. That the Caspian Sea on the otherside of Pontus beyond the Massagets and the Scythians called Apellaeans, 
The water of the Caspian Sea is sweet of taste.  in the coast of Asia, is sweet of taste, it was tried by Alexander the great, and afterward by Pomp●y the great, who in his wars against Methridates (as Varro one of his fellow Soldiers reporteth) would needs know whither it were true or no by drinking of it himself. It is reported that it cometh so to pass by reason of the number of Rivers, whereof there falleth such a sort into it, that they altar the nature of the Sea.  
I must not let pass, that at the same time the said Alexander was able to come in eight days out of Ind from Bactria unto the River I●arus, which runneth into the River Oxus, and from thence to the Caspian sea, and so by the Caspian to pass into the stream of the river Cyrus which runneth between the marches of Iberia and Armenia. From Cyrus also conveying his Ships after him by land, he came in five days at the most to the Channel of Phasis: at whose issue it is manifestly proved, that those which come out of Ind may be brought into Pontus. Xenophon of Lampsacum affirmeth that we may sail from the sea coast of Scythia, to the Island 
* It is now found to be many islands.  Baltia in three days, the greatness whereof is unmeasurable, and almost like unto a main land, from whence it is not far to the islands called Oones, the inhabiters whereof, live by eggs of Sea-foules, and the seed of wild Dates: and that other Isles adjoining thereunto do live after the same sort: or which, the people that are called 
* They may be called Egg islands.  Hyppopodes, 
* Hors-feetes  being shaped in all points like men down to the instep, have feet like horses. He saith also how there are other Islands, and a nation called Phanesians, whose ears are of such an unmeasurable size, that they cover the rest of their bodies with them, and need none other apparel to cloth their limbs with, 
Unmeasurable cares.  than their own flaps.   

CAP. XXX.  
Of Hearts and Tragelaph●s.  
BBefore we step aside from Scythia, me thinks it a matter of conscience, to pass over what beasts are peculiar to that Country. There is great store of Hearts in this land, & therefore we will treat of Hearts 
Of the nature of Hearts,  first. The male Dear of this kind, when rutting time comes, are mad fond over the Hinds. Although the Hinds be bukt before, yet are they not with fawn until the star Arcturus rise, neither do they bring up their young values at adventure. For they hide them very charily while they be young, and beat them with their feet to make them lie still in the thick bushes or weeds where they have laid them. When their strength will serve them to follow about, they teach them to run by exercise, and enure them to leap through places.  
When they hear the opening of a Hound, they fly with the wind, that the scent may go away with them. They like well the noise of pipes. When their ears stand up, they hear very lightly, and when they be down, they hear nothing at all. They gaze at all things, and therefore it is an easy matter to have a shoot at them. If they swim over the Seas, they aim to land, not by sight but by smelling. They set the weakest behind, and bear up the heade● of them that are weary upon their haunches by turns. Of their horns the right hath most efficacy in Medicine. If thou wilt drive away Serpents, burn which of them thou wilt, and besides that, the fume that riseth of the burning thereof, will evidently bewray if the falling sickness be in any body. According to their years the tynes of their horns increase, which multiplying continueth six years. For after that time, their horns cannot increase in number of tynes, but they may be thicker or broader palmed. If they be gelded their horns never increase, neither do they cast them.  
Their teeth bewray their years: for if they have few or none then they be old. They swallow Serpents, and with the breath of their nostrils draw them out of their l●rking hooles. 
The Herb Dittayne.  The herb Dyttaine they brought to light, while by feeding thereon they cast out arrows & darts sticking in their bodies. The herb also which men call an Artechoke they do eat of against hurtful weeds. 
The Artichoke  The curds that are in the maw of one of their Fawns killed in his dams belly, is a wonderful preservative against poison. 
A special preservative against poison.  It is manifestly known, that they are never troubled with any Fever: and therefore ointments made of their marrow, assuage the burning fits of those that have the Ague. 
A remedy against the burning Ague.  We read that very many which were wont to break their fast a mornings with red Dear lived a long time, and never had Ague: but it taketh not effect, unless the Hart be killed at one stripe. To discern the continuance of their life, great Alexander put collars about many Stags' necks, which were caught a hundred years after, & yet had not any likelihood of age in them. In manner of the same shape are those which the Greeks call Tragelaphes, 
Gotebucks  (but they are not to be seen else where then about Phasis) saving that they have long hair on their shoulders, and long rough beards under their chins.   

CAP. XXXI.  
Of Germany, and the wonderful birds therein, and of the Bugles, Vres▪ and Alces. wild Beasts.  
GErmanie takes his beginning at the Mountain Sevo which is great of itself, 
The bo●nds the ancient Germanic  and not less than the Hills of Ryphey. This hill is inhabited by the 
* They were Indwellers.  Ingevons, at whom first next after the Scythians beginneth the name of Germans. It is a land rich of men, and inhabited with people's innumerable and altogether savage. It stretcheth from the Forest of 
* Hertswalde  Hercinia, to the Hills of Sarmatia. Where it beginneth it is watered with Danow, and where it endeth it is watered with the Rhine. Out of the inward parts thereof, 
* Elb.  Albis, Guttallus, and 
* Wixell. Strange byrd●  Vistula very deep Rivers run into the Ocean. The Forest of Hertswald breedeth birds, whose ●ethers shine and give light in the dark, though the night be never so close and cloudy. And therefore men of that Country, do for the most part so lay their outgoings by night, that they may use them for a help to direct their journey by: and casting them before them in the open paths, do find how to keep their way by the glistering of those feathers, which show them which way to go. In this Region and in all the North coast, 
The be also c●lled Buffles or wild Oxen  there is very great store of Bugles: which are in manner like Oxen, brystled, with rough manes on their necks, they are far more swifter than Bulls, and which being taken will not by any mean● be made to come to hand. There are also Ures which the unskilful common sort call Buffles, whereas Buffles are bred in Africa almost altogether like a Hart. 
Vres.  But these which we call Ures have horns like Bulls, of such length, that for the great receipt thereof, they are taken to make Cups for Kings to drink in. There is also a beast called Alce much resembling a Mule, 
Al●●.  with such a long upper lip, that he cannot feed but he must go backward.   

CAP. XXXII.  
Of the Island Scandinavia, of Amber, of the stone calais, and of the precious stone called Ceraunius.  
OVer against Germany is the Island Scandinavia, 
Sconeland  which breedeth a beast 
* Munster taketh this beast to be the Alce  much resembling an Alce, which like the Oliphant boweth not the neither joints of his legs, and therefore lieth not down when he sleepeth, but resteth himself when he is drowsy, against a Tree, the which is sawn almost a sunder, ready to fall, that when the beast leaneth to his accustomed stay, he may fall down: and so is he caught, for otherwise it is a hard matter to catch him by hand. For although his joints be so stiff, yet is he of incomparable swiftness.  
Of the German Isles, the greatest is Scandinavia, but there is nothing in it great saving itself. The Island 
* Now called Sudawe, Of Amber,  Glessaria yieldeth Crystal, and also Amber, which the Germans in their Country speech call Glesse. The quality of this kind of stuff is touched briefly before. But at such time as Germanicus Caesar searched all the corners of Germany, there was found a Tree of the kind of Pines, out of whose pith every harvest issued a Gum. Ye may understand by the 
* That is to say by the latin name of it, which is Succinum.  name of it, that it is the juice of a Tree: and if ye burn it, the smell will bewray that it comes of a Pine Tree. It is worth the labour to proceed somewhat further, least men might surmise that the woods about Po, did weep stones. The barbarous nation brought Amber into Illyrik, which through intercourse of Merchandise with the Paunonians, came to the hands of the Italians beyond the Po, now because our Men saw it there first, they believed it had also grown there. Through the bounteousness of the Emperor Nero, no attire was gorgeous without Amber, which was no hard matter for him to do, sithence that at the same time, the King of Germany sent him three and thirty thousand pound thereof for a present. At the first it groweth rugged and with a bark, and afterward it is boiled in the grease of a sucking Pig▪ and and so is polished to that brightness that we see. According to the colour, it hath divers names. It is called Melleum and Phaleruum, both which names it hath given unto it for the likeness it hath to that kind of wine, or to honey. It is manifest that it gathereth up leaves and draweth chaff unto it: and the art of physic hath taught, that it remedieth many inconveniences of men. Ind also hath Amber, but Germany hath the best, and best store. Because we were come to the isle of Glessaria, we began with Amber: for in the i●ner parts of Germany is found a stone called calais, 
The stone calais.  which men prefer before the precious stones of Arabia: for it passeth them in beauty. The Arabians say it is not found any where but in the nests of the birds which they call 
* They may be interpreted black ●oppes.  Melancoryphes: which no man believeth, forasmuch as they are to be found in the Regions of Germany among stones, although very rarely. In respect of the estimation and value of the Emerawd, it is of colour a faint green. Nothing doth better beseem gold. Furthermore, of the Ceraunies are divers sorts, 
The Ceraunie or thunder-stone.  that of Germany is white, with a bright blue: and if ye have it abroad, it draweth the brightness of the stars to it.   

CAP. XXXIII.  
Of Gallia, of the Countries of Rhetia and Noricum, of Pannonie and Masia, and of the medicinable Oil.  
CAllia is situate between the river Rhyne and the Mountains Pyrenyes, 
The more part of it is now the Realm of France.  and between the Ocean and the mountains 
* The Mountain of Geneva, or the Mountains of Auverne.  Gebenua and 
* The Mountain of Saint claud.  jura, fortunate for the fatness of the soil, and rich of increase of fruits, in many places also replenished with Uines and orchards, and blessed with store of all things for the behoof of man. It is well watered with Rivers and Fountains, & of those Fountains some in times past sacred and hot.  
It is ill spoken of for the custom of the inhabiters, who (as is reported) for I avouch not myself to have had trial of the truth, after a detestable manner, (not to the honour, but rather to the injury of Religion,) offer men in sacrifice. Out of this Country ye may go into what part of the world ye will: Into Spain and Italy both by sea and land: into Africa by sea only. If ye journey into Thrace, ye must come to the fair and fruitful fields of 
* Swevia.  Rhetia, renowned with the Lake 
* The Lake of Constance.  Brigantine: from thence into 
* Bavyer.  Noricum, a cold Country and less fruitful, but where it is far from the Alps very plentiful: Then 
* Ostrich an● Hungary  Pannonie, puissant in men, the soil champion and rich, and enclosed with the two famous Rivers Draws & Saws, and lastly the 
* Walachy  Maesians which our ancestors called worthily the Gardener of Ceres. In one part whereof, 
A wonderful Oil.  (namely of that which is toward Pontus) there groweth 〈◊〉 hear●e wherewith they make an Oil that they call the chirurgeons Oil. This being set a fire, if ye go about to quench it with water, burneth the more, and cannot be put out otherwise then by casting on of dust.   

CAP. XXXIIII.  
Of Britain and the other Isles about it, of the stone called Geate.  
THe Sea coast of Gallia had been the end of the world, 
Britain which now is England & Scotland  but that the isle of Britain for the largeness thereof every way, deserveth the name almost of an other World, for it is in length eight hundred miles and more, so we measure it to the angle of 
* Caten●sse  Calydon, in which nook an Altar engraven with Greek Letters for a vow, beareth witness that Ulysses arrived at Calydon. It is environed with many Isles, and those not unrenowmed: whereof Ireland draweth nearest to it in bigness, 
Ireland and the manners of the Irish men in old time, not altogether altered to this day.  uncivil for the savage manners of the inhabiters, but otherwise so full of fat pasture, that if their cattle in Summer season be not now and then kept from feeding, they should run in danger of bursting. There are no Snakes, and few birds: the people are harbourless, and warlike. When they have overcome their enemies, they first be smear their faces in the blood of them that be slain, and then drink of it. Be it right or be it wrong, all is one to them. If a Woman be delivered of a man-child, she lays his first meat upon her Husband's sword, and putting it softly to his pretty mouth, giveth him the first h●msel● of his food upon the very point of the weapon, praying (according to the manner of their Country) that he may not otherwise come to his death, then in battle and among weapons. They that love to be fine, do trim the hylts of their Swords with the teeth of monsters that swim in the Sea: for they be as white and as clear as ivory. For the men do chief glory in the beauty of their Armour. There is not any be among them: and if a man bring of the dust or the stones from thence, and strew them among be hives, 
This is found now to be contrary.  the swarms forsake the combs. The Sea that is between Ireland and Britain, being full of shallows and rough all the year long, cannot be sailed but a few days in the Sommertime. They sail in Kéeles of wicker done over with Neat's leather. How long soever their passage continueth, the passengers abstain from meat. Such as have discussed the cercertaintie of the matter according to reason, have esteemed the breadth of that narrow Sea, to be a hundred and twenty miles. The troublous Sea also divideth the 
* It should seem● to be the isle of Man.  Island of the Silures, from the coast of Britain: the men of which I'll keep their old customs even unto this day. They utterly refuse buying and selling for money, and give one thing for another, providing things necessary, rather by exchange then for ready money. They worship the Gods very devoutly. As well the Women as the Men boast of the knowledge of prophesying.  
The Isle 
* The I'll of Wight.  Thanatos is beaten upon with the French Sea, and is divided from Britain with a very narrow cut, lucky for corn fields and fat soil, and not only healthful to itself, but also to other places. For inasmuch as there is no snake creeping there, the earth thereof to what place soever it be● carried from thence, killeth snakes. There be many other Isles about Britain, of which 
* Iseland.  Thule is the furthest of, wherein, at such time as the Sun is at the highest in Summer, and passeth through the sign of Cancer, there is almost no night at all. Again in the dead of winter, when the Sun is at the lowest, the day is so short, that the rising and going down of the Sun is both together. Beyond Thule we learn is the dead and frozen Sea. From the Promontory of Calydon, 
* Catenesse 〈◊〉 scotland.  to the Island Thule, is two days sailing. Next come the Isles called 
* The West Isles of Scotland, of them are now found above forty.  Hebudes five in number, the inhabiters whereof, know not what corn meaneth, but live only by fish and milk. They are all under the g●uernment of one King. For as many of them as be, they are severed but with a narrow groope one from another. The King hath nothing of his own, but taketh of every man's. He is bound to equity by certain laws: and lest he may start from right through cocovetousnes, he ●earneth justice by poverty, as who may have nothing porper or peculiar to himself, but is found at the charges of the Realm. He is not suffered to have any woman to himself, but whomsoever he hath mind unto, he borroweth her for a time, and so others by turns. Whereby it cometh to pass that he hath neither desire nor hope of issue. The second Harborough between the main land and the Hebuds, is the 
* Orkney of them be now thirty,  Orcades: which are from the Hebuds, seven days and as many night's sailing. There be but three of them: no man dwelleth in them: they have no 〈…〉 are overgrown with rushye weeds: and the rest of them is nothing but sand and bare Rocks. From the Orcades unto Thule is five days and five nights sailing. But Thule is plentiful in store of fruits that will last. Those that dwell there do in the beginning of the spring time live on herbs among cattle, and afterward by milk, and against Winter they lay up the fruite● of their trees. They use their women in common, and no man hath any wife. The whole circuit of B●itaine, is four thousand eight hundred, threescore and fifteen miles. In which space are great and 〈…〉 and ho●e Baths, 
bath  finely kept to the use of men, the sooner 〈◊〉 of which Baths is the Goddess Minerva, in whose Chapel the fire burneth continually, and the ●oles do never turn into ashes, but as soon as the embars wax dead, it is turned into ●alles of stone. Moreover, to the intent to pass th● large abundance of sundry metals, (whereof Britain hath many rich veins on all sides) Here is store of the stone called Geate, 
Geate  and the best kind of it. If ye demand the beauty of it, it is a black jewel: if the quality, it is of no weight: if the nature, it burneth in water, and goeth out in Oil: if the power, rub it till it be warm, and it holdeth such things as are laid to it, as Amber doth. The Realm is partly inhabited of barbarous people, who even from their childhood have shapes of divers beasts cunningly impressed and incorporate in their bodies, so that being engraved as it were in their bowels, as the man groweth, so grow the marks painted upon him, neither do those Nations cou●t any thing almost to be a greater token of patience, than that their bodies should by manifest scars drink in the deepest colour.   

CAP. XXXV.  
Of Spain, and the Isles about it: Of the Ocean, and the Midland Sea, and of their sundry names, and what the Philosophers have left in writing, concerning the ebbing and flowing thereof.  
Now that I am come again to the main land the matters of Spain call me. 
The plentifulness of Spain.  The coast of this Country is comparable with the the best, and inferior to none, whether ye have respect to the fatness of the soil, or to the revenues of the Uyneyardes, or to the fruitfulness of the Trees. It aboundeth in all kind of things, whatsoever is costly of price, or necessary to be occupied. If ye seek silver or gold, it hath them: the iron mines never waste: it giveth place to no Country for Uines: and for Olives it passeth all others.  
It is divided into three provinces, and in the second wars against Carthage it became ours. Nothing is in it idle, nothing barren. Whatsoever ground is not able to bear corn, beareth good pasture, even the places that are dry and barren, yield stuff for ship men to make Cables of. They seeth not salt there, but dig it out of the ground. They scour the fine sparks of dust and make Sinople of it, and therewith die their wool, that they may afterward make it the better into a scarlet engraind.  
In 
* Po●●ingale  Lusitania is a Promontory which some call Artabrum, and some call it the Promontory of Lysbone. It dissevereth both air, land, and Sea. By land it finisheth the one side of Spain: and it divideth the air and the Seas in such wise, at the circuit thereof the French Ocean and the North coast begin, and the Athlantish Ocean and the West do end. There is the City of Lysbone builded by V lisses: and there is the river Tagus, preferred before other Rivers for his golden sands. In the marches of Lysbone the Mares exceed in fruitfulness after a wondrous manner. For they conceive by the blast of the south-west wind, 
This fable was made of the Genets because of their swiftness  and their lust is as well sped with the breath of the air, as if they were covered with Horses. The river Iberus gave name to the whole Realm of Spain, and the river 
* Granat and Andolosia.  Baetis to the province of 
* Guadalquever  Baetica, both of them are famous streams. The City Carthage in Spain, was builded by the Carthagenenses of Africa, and replenished also with people of that Country. The Scipios builded Tarracon, and therefore it is the head of the province called 
* Arragon.  Tarraconensis. The sea-coast of Lusitania hath great plenty of the precious stones called 
* The thunder-stone.  Ceraunie, which is preferred before the Ceraunie of Ind. The colour of this Ceraunie is like the Carbuncle: and the virtue thereof is tried by fire: the which if it be able to abide without perrishing or blemish, it is thought to be good against the force of ligtning. The Isle's 
* The Isles 〈…〉.  〈◊〉 rides but against the side of 
* By●●ay  Celtiberia very fertile of lead: so 〈◊〉 also the 
* The 〈◊〉  fortunate Isles: of which there is nothing worth the noting save the name only. 
* Euisa.  Ebusus, one of the Isles called Baleares, which is distant from Dianiu● sea●en hundred furlongs, hath no Serpent, for the soil thereof driveth away Serpents. But the isle 
* Adderlan●  Colubra●●● which is toward Sucro, swarmeth with Snakes. The 
* Mallorca and Menorca.  Baleares were sometime the king doom of Boccharis, and there was such store of Connyes, that they utterly destroyed all kind of fruits. At the heard of 
* Granad●  Betica where as is the uttermost point of the known world, there is an Island about seven hundred paces from the main land, which the Tyrians (because they came from the red Sea) called 
* Cales Male●  Erythraea, and the people of Africa in their language called Gadir, that is to say the Hedge. There are many monuments to prove that Geryon dwelled here, albeit some think that Hercules fetched his kine out of another Island, which lieth over against 
* Portinga●●  Lusita●●●. But the narrow Sea between Africa and Spain, took his name of the islands called 
* The straight of Gibraltar 〈◊〉 Marocke:  Gades. At that place, the Athlantish Ocean sendeth in our Sea which divideth the world. For the Ocean (which the Greeks so call because of the swiftness thereof,) breaking in at the Sun going down, razeth Europe on the left side and Africa on the right: and having cut a sunder the Mountains Calpe and Abila (which are called Hercules pillars) rusheth in between the Mores and the Spaniards. And at this straight (which is in length fifteen miles, and in breadth scarcely seven,) as it were at a gate, he openeth the bars of the inner Sea, and windeth himself into the mydlande coasts, which he beateth upon from place to place, even unto the East. Where it beateth upon Spain, it beareth the name of the Spanish & Balearish Sea, where it runneth by the province of Narbon, 
Now the Sea of France.  it is called the Sea of Gall: then 
* The Sea of Genoa.  Lygusticum: & from thence to Sicill, Tuscan, which the Greeks call jonian, or Tyrrhaenian, and the Italians the neither sea. From Sicill to the isle of Candy it is called the sea of Sicill: from thence to Pamphylia and the Egyptian Sea, 
Now the Candian Sea,  it is called the Cretish sea. The same gull of waters writhing his side first into the North, and fetching great circuits by the Greek lands, and by Illyrik through 
* Saint George's arm.  Hellespont draweth into the straits of 
* The Sea of Constantinople.  Propontis: the which Propontis dissevering Europe and Asia, extendeth to 
* The Sea of Zabacca.  Maeontis. Of the original of the names there is no one uniform reason. It is called Asiaticke and Phaenician of the Countries: Carpathian, Aegaean, Icarian, Balearick, and Cyprian of the islands: Ausonian, Dalmatian, Lygustian, and Thuscane of the nations: Adriatish, Argolicke, Corinthian, and Tyrian of the Towns: Myrtoan or Hellespontian of the mischances of men: jonian in remembrance of a King of that name: Bosphor of the passing over of an Ox, or of the straits which an Ox might swim through: of the natures of the dwellers by 
* Harboursome  Euxinus, or as it was called before 
* harbourless.  Axenus: and of the order of the flowing Propontis. The Egyptian sea is allotted to Asia: the Gallik sea to Europe, and the Africa sea to Lybia: and as the sea approacheth to any of the several parts of these Countries, so taketh it name thereafter. These are in the bowels of the world. But the Ocean beclippeth the uttermost coasts, which according to the shores it beateth upon, is named Arabic, Persian, Indian, Eastern, Serick, Hercanish, Caspian, Scythick, German, French, or British, Athla●tish, Lybick and Aeth●opick. 
Why the tides be higher in the East parts of th● world.  The flowing of the tides whereof, doth rise exceeding high about the Sea coasts of Ind, and make very great breaches there, which happeneth either because the waters swelling by force of heat, are held up beyond their stint, or else because that in that part of the world. is far greater abundance of springs and Rivers. The matter is yet in question, what should be the cause that the Ocean should swell or why it should fall again into itself, 
Reasons of the swelling of the Ocean.  considering the superfluity thereof: and it is evident that many things have been uttered, rather to show the wits of the disputers, then to the setting forth of the truth. But to omit the doubtful debatings of the Demurrers, we have found th●se opinions to have most likelihood of truth. The natural Philosophers hold opinion, that the world is a living creature, and that being compact of the divers bodies of the Elements, it is moved by a soul, and governed by a mind: both which being shed through all the members, do put in ure the force of their eternal moving: and therefore that like as in our bodies there is an intercourse of the breath and the soul, so in the deeps of the Ocean, there are as it were, certain nostrils appointed, at which the breach being sent out, or drawn in again, doth one while puff up the Seas, and another while call than back again. But they that follow the knowledge of Astronomy, affirm that these doings and comings are moved by the course of the Moon, and that the interchaungablenesse of the ebbings and flowings, depend upon the increasing and decreasing of her, insomuch as they keep not always one ordinary stint, but altar from time to time, according to her approaching or going away.   

CAP. XXXVI.  
of Lybia: of the orchards of the Sisters called Hesperides: and of Mount Atlas.  
Out of Spain my next start is into Lybia. 
Of Africa and the sundry names thereof  For when ye are loosened from Belon which is a Town of Betica, the next arrival on the furtherside of that Sea which is three & thirty miles broad, is 
* Tanger.  Tingie now a Town inhabited with people of Mauritanie, 
Antaeus.  whereof Antaeus was the founder. Moreover, because in that circuit the Sea of Egypt endeth, and the Sea of Lybie beginneth, it hath seemed good to men, to call Africa by the name of Lybie. Some notwithstanding have avouched, that Lybie was so named of Lybia, the daughter of Epaphus, and Africa of Afer the Son of Hercules the Lybian.  
Li●. 
Li●  also another new inhabited Town standeth on the same coast, where was sometime the Palace of Antaeus: who being perfecter in winding & unwinding of knots upon the ground then else where, as if he had been the native Son of the earth, was there vanquished and put to death by Hercules. As concerning the orchards of the Hesperides, 
The Orchards of the Hesperides.  and the waking Dragon, lest the liberty of Fame might be infringed this is the very truth. Out of the Sea cometh a crooked arm with so wreathed and winding banks, that to such as behold the broken turnings of it a far of, it resembleth the gliding of a Snake: and it environeth the place that they called the orchard. Whereupon interpreting it to be the keeper of the Apples, they opened a gap to devise lies upon. But this Island so wreathed about with the winding channel running forward and backward, which is situate in a certain circle of the Sea, hath nothing in it to prolong the memorial of antiquity with, saving a few Trees like wild olives, and an Altar consecrated unto Hercules. But this is a greater wonder than the golden fruit Trees or the levy gold, that though the ground be lower than the level of the Sea, yet the tide never overfloweth it: but the water being kept off by the providence of nature as by a jettie, stayeth at the very brim, and the waves of their own accord stand still in a circle at the innermost brews of the Sea banks: and so through the wonderful disposition of nature, the level ground continueth still dry, though the Seas come falling downward upon it. Upon the river Sala standeth the Town of Sala. From hence by the nation of the Autolians the way lieth to the 
* The deserts of Nu●idie  wilderness of Atlas.  
The Mountain Atlas rising out of the mids of the waste and sandy Countries, 
The description of Mount Atlas▪ called of those Countrymen D●ris.  and growing into a circle like the half moon, lifteth his head above the c●wdes. Where it reacheth to the Ocean that is named after him, no Fountains spring out of him, but all lieth horrible waist, all is steep cliffs and Rocks all is loath some and barren: the ground bare, and no grass growing thereon. But where he turneth back to Africa ward, he is rich of all kind of fruits springing of their own accord, and he is shadowed with bygh Trees, the sent whereof is rank, and the leaves like Cypress leaves, and they are covered with a kind of 
* It should seem to be Cotton. The herb Fupho●bia which some suppose to be Eybright,  down, of no less value than silk. On that side also groweth plenteously the herb ●●phrobia, the juice whereof cleareth the eye sight, and many ways preserveth health, and greatly expulseth the force of venims. The top of this hill is evermore covered with snow, the lawns thereof are haunted with four footed beasts, and Serpents, wild beasts & Olyphants together. All day long there is no noise▪ but all is whist not without an horror. But in the night time he glystreth with fires, 
These seem to be all one with the Fairies which appeared to men in the time of popish darkness.  and rings with the noise that the Egyptians make in dancing on a ring. There are also heard the sound of shawms, and playing upon Cymbals all along the sea-coast, it is distant from Lyx two hundred and five miles, and Lyx is from the straits of Marock a hundred & twelve miles: sometime it was inhabited as the plat of the place witnesseth, and thoroughly occupied, as where there remain a few Uines and Date trees for a token. Perseus and Hercules made themselves passage over the top of it, but no man else came ever there, as the inscriptions of the Altars do plainly manifest. Where it looketh Westward, between it and the river Anatis by the space of four hundred, fourscore and sixteen miles together, is nothing but woods full of wild beasts. There are Rivers about him, not to be passed over with silence, which though they be separated a great way one from another, yet they serve all after a sort to do the Mount Atlas' pleasure. Asava is brackish of fast like the Sea water. Bambothum swarmeth with Waterhorses and Crocodiles: 
Waterhorses & Crocodiles  and beyond them another river, which being of colour black, runneth through the innermost and scorched deserts, that are broiled continually with unmeasurable heat of the parching sun burning, hotter than any fire, and is never withdrawn from the heat.  
Thus much of Atlas: which the Mores call Dyris, according to the instructions of the Books of Hanno of Carthage, and of our own Chronicles, and also of juba the Son of Piolome, who held the kingdom of both the Mauritanies'. Suetonius Paulinus also hath finished the certainty hereof, who first (and almost only of all the Romans) advanced his banners beyond Atlas.   

CAP. XXXVII.  
of Mauritanie, 
Called Sanguia Draconis.  and of Elephants, and Dragons and whereof Cinnabar is made.  
divers are the provinces of Mauritanie. The province of Tingie where it butteth upon the Northwest, and where it extendeth toward the midland Sea, riseth with seven Mountains which of their likeness one to another, are called Brothers, and butt upon the Sea. 
Elephants and of the natures and properties of them.  These Mountains are full of Elephants. This kind of beast putteth me in remembrance from the beginning to entreat of them. Elephants therefore, according to man's perceiverance, have understanding, and excel in memory, and observe the discipline of the stars. When the Moon shineth bright, they go in herds to the rivers and there having washed themselves with water they salute the sunrysing with such gestures as they can, and then return again into the Forests. There are two kinds of them: the nobler sort are known by their greatness, the lesser sort are called bastards.  
By the whiteness of their teeth it is known that they be young: whereof the one is ever occupied, and the other is spared, least being made blunt with continual chaufing, it should have no force when they have need of it in fight. When they be chased in hunting, they break them both, to the intent that when the ivory is gone, they may be pursued no further: for they understand that that is the cause of their danger. They go together in herds. The eldest of them leadeth the band, and the eldest next him followeth the train. When they pass a river, they send the smallest before, lest the treading of the greater sort should wear the channel, and make deep guts in the Fords.  
The Females go not to make before they be ten years old, nor the Males before they be five. Two years they give themselves to generation, whereabouts they spend five days in each year & not above: and they return not to the heard, before such time as they have washed themselves in running water. They never strive for the Females: for there is no adultery known among them. They have in them the virtue of pity. For if they happen to find a man going astray in the wilderness, they guide him into some beaten and known way. Or if they meet with any Herds of cattle as they are traveling, themselves, they make way gently and courteously with their hand, because they would not kill any beast that meeteth them.  
But if it so chance that they must fight, they have no small regard of them that be wounded: for they receive the wearied and wounded into the mids of them. When they are taken and come into men's hands, they become tame with drinking meshes made of Malt. When they shall pass the Seas, they will not take shipping before it be sworn to them that they shall return. The Elephants of Mauritanie fear the Elephants of Ind, and as though their consciences grudged at their own smallness, they are afraid to come in their sight. They grow in their dams bellies, not ten years (as the common report goeth) but two years as Aristotle determineth. And they never engender but one time, nor bring forth more than one at that once. They live three hundred years, but in any wise they can not away with cold. They eat the bodies of Trees, swallow stones, and love above all things to feed of Dates. Most of all things they shun the savour of a Mouse: and they will not eat of any thing that Miso have touched. If any of them by chance devour a Camaeleon (which worm is a poison to Olyphants) he remedieth the mischief by eating a wild Olive. The hide on their backs is very hard, and the skin on their bellies is but soft, and they are altogether smooth without hair. Between them and the Dragons is continual enmity, and the ambush is laid for them in this wily sort. The Serpents lurk by the way sides, where the Olyphants use to go customably: and letting the foremost slip by, they assail the hindermost, to the intent the first should not be able to rescue the last, and first they writhe their tails in knots about their feet, that having snarled their legs, they may stay them from going away. For the Elephants if they be not prevented and stayed by this winding about their féte, do lean themselves to trees or stones, and there with enforcing themselves, tread the Dragons to drath. The chief cause of their fighting is (as men say) for that Olyphants have great store of blood, which is colder than the blood of other beasts, and therefore the Dragons do unsatiatiably desire it in the excess of heat. Finally, they never set upon them, but when they have drunk their bellies full, to the intent when their veins be well stuffed with moisture, they may suck the more out of them when they have overcome them. They seek nothing so much as the eyes of them, which alonely they know may be perished: or else the inner parts of their ears, because that part cannot be defended with their snowre. But when the Dragons have sucked out their blood, they themselves are also overwhelmed with the fall of the beast: and so the blood that is shed from them both soaketh into the ground, and all the earth that is steeped therewith, becometh a varnish to paint withal, called Cinnabar. The first time that ever Elephants were seen in Italy, was the fourehundred, threescore and twelfth year after the building of Rome, when Pyrrhus' king of the Epirhots made war against the Romans: and because they were seen in Lucanie first, they called them Oxen of Lucanie.  
In the Province Caesariensis is the Town of Caesarea, peopled with Romans, sent thither by the Emperor Claudius, heretofore the Palace of king Bocchus, which Town afterward by the bountifulness of the Romans, was given to King juba for a reward. There is also the Town 
* Seren.  Siga, where Syphax dwelled. But we must not pass mute from 
* It signifieth the number of twenty  Icosium. For as Hercules passed that way, twenty that forsook his company, chose a place, and laid foundation of the walls, and because no man should boast peculiarly of giving the name by himself alone, the name was given it of the number of the builders.   

CAP. XXXVIII.  
Of Numidia and of the Bears therein.  
How much soever is from the river Ampsaga, is attributed to Numidia. The Inhabiters hereof, as long as they strayed abroad in grazing like wanderers, were called 
* That is to say. Grazyers.  Nomades. In it are many noble Cities, but Cirta excelleth them all, and next Culloo, comparable to tire in dying Purple. All this Region bordereth wholly upon the marches of Zeugitane. In such part of it as is woody, it nourisheth wild Beasts, where it is high ground, it breedeth Horses, also it is commended for the excellent Marble that it hath. The Bears of Numidie excel all other Bears only in fierceness and deep hair, 
Of the nature and property of Bears.  for the littering of them is like in all places, wheresoever they be bred. I will speak thereof by and by. They couple not in like sort as other four footed beasts do: but inasmuch as they are form apt to embracings, they couple together as man and woman do. Winter stirreth up their desire of generation. The Males severing themselves for the time, do reverence the Females when they are bagged, and although they lie all in one den, yet they lie severally by themselves in couches divided one from an other with ditches. The time of their whelping is very swift for they go not past thirty days, whereby it cometh to pass, that their overhasty littering maketh them bring forth deformed whelps.  
The things that they bring forth are little lumps of flesh, of colour white, without eyes. And (by reason of the hasty coming forth before it be ripe) it is nothing but a shapeless matter, saving that it hath the proportion of nails. These they fashion by little and little with licking, and sometimes they cherish them by laying their warm breasts to them, to the intent that through the heat of their continual rucking upon them, they may gather the breath of life. All that while they fast. Surely for the first fourteen days, the dams fall into so heavy a sleep, that they cannot be waked with wounds. After they have whelped, they keep home by the space of four months together. Afterward when they go abroad into the open day, they can so ill away with the unaccustomed light, that a man would think they were blinded.  
Bears have weak heads, and their greatest strength is in their fore paws, and in their loins, whereby it cometh to pass, that sometimes they will stand upright upon their hinder feet. They lie in wait for Béehives, lusting greatly for the Combs, and they snatch at nothing more greedily then at honey. If they taste of the Apples of Mandrake they die. Nevertheless, they prevent the mischief before it grow too strong, and devour Aunts to recover their health. If at any time they set upon Bulls, they know upon what parts it is best for them to catch hold: and therefore they catch at no part, but their horns and their nostrils: their horns to the intent to weigh them down, their nostrils to the intent to put them to greater pain in so tender a place. In the time that Marcus Messala was Consul, Lucius Domitius Aenobardus being Curulis Aedilis, showed a hundred Bears of Numidie, and as many Huntsmen of Aethiop, in the great Theatre at Rome: and that sight was registered among his honourable titles.   

CAP. XXXIX.  
Of Africa, of Lions, of the Hyene, of the sundry sorts of Serpents, of precious stones, of monstrous kinds of creatures, and of other notable things of that Country.  
ALl Africa beginneth at the foot of Zeugitane, facing the Island Sardinia from the Promontory of Apollo, and butting toward Sicill from the Promontory of Mercury.  
Thus shooteth it forth with two heads, whereof the one is called the white Promontory, and that other which is in the region Cyrenaica, is called Phycus. The same being situate directly against the isle of Crete by the Cretish Sea, shooteth into the sands toward Taenarus of Lacedaemon. 
The Syrts 〈◊〉 whashes of Africa.  Catabathmos windeth into Egypt. The next Country whereunto (which is Cyrenaica) lieth between the two Syrts, which the shallow and uncertain Sea maketh unaccessible.  
The rising and falling of which Salt water, it is no easy matter to find: so uncertain is the moving thereof, one while breaking into shallow shelves, and another while overflowing like a spring tide. Varro affirmeth that the ground being there lose, is ready to be pierced with every wind, by means whereof the sudden force of the swift blasts, doth either puff out or sowpe in the Seas. All this coast is divided from Aethiope & the borders of Asia, by the river 
* 〈◊〉  Nygris, which is the mother of Nilus, and from Spain by the narrow Sea. On that side that inclineth to the South, it is void of springs & altogether droughty. On the other side that lieth toward the North, it is watered abundantly, insomuch that in the Country Bizacene which is two hundred miles over or more, the soil is so rich, that the seed there sown yieldeth increase of a hundred times as much fruit. That many strangers have resorted thither to inhabit, we will show you for a proof the Cities and places there. The Promontory Boreon which is beaten upon with the Northwind, was so named by Greeks that came thither. The Town of 
* Bona.  Hipp, (which afterward was called Rhegium, and the other Hipp called afterward Dyarrhyton of the narrow sea running by it, two noble Towns, were builded by Knights of Greece. The Sicilians builded the City 
* Coros.  Clypea, and named it first Aspis, they builded Venery also, whereunto they trans●ferred the religion of Venus of Eryx. The Achaeans in their language gave the name of Trypolis, because of the number of the three Cities Taphre, 
* Tripoli  Abrotone, & the greater Lextis.  
The Philene brethren took that Greek name, of the desire of praise. The people of tire were founders of Adrymet and Carthage. But now will I declare what true books have reported of Carthage. 
Carthage  This City (as Cato in his Oration before the Senate, affirmeth) was builded at such time as Hiarbas reigned in Lybia. Elyssa a Lady of the Country Phoenicia, who called it Carthad, which in the Phaenician tongue, is as much to say as a new City.  
Anon after as their speech turned into Punic, both she was called Elissa & the City Ca●thage: which was utterly razed seven hundred thirty and seven years after it was builded. Within a while after, being repaired again by Caius Gracchus, and peopled with Italians, it was named by him junonia, and continued for a certain time without estimation, in a low and faint state. At length after a hundred and two years respite, in the time that Marcus Antonius and Publius Dolabella were Consuls, it recovered the honour to be called the second Carthage, the second bea●tie of the whole world next Rome. But to the intent to return again to * Africa, it is an Angle severally enclosed by itself. The inner parts thereof are possessed with many kinds of wild beasts, but specially with Lions, 
Of Lions, and of the noble nature and properties of them  which alonely of the kind of beasts that men call toothed beasts, with they (as Aristotle affirmeth) do see as soon as they be whelped. Of them there is reckoned three sorts. For the shorter sort with curled manes, are for the most part weak and cowardly. The longer sort with smooth hair, are more fierce and strong. But those that the Lybards beget, are of the rascallest sort, and have no manes at all. All of them alike forbear gorging of themselves: first for that one day they feed, and another day they drink by turns, and oftentimes, if they have not good digestion, they forbear meat a day longer: and secondly for that if they feel themselves grieved with ravening too much flesh, they put their paws into their mouths, and pull it out again. And even the like also do they when they flee, if they be to full. The falling away of their teeth, argueth age. And there be many proofs of their pitifulness.  
For they spare them that humble themselves before them: and show their cruelty rather against men than women. As for sucking Children they kill them not, unless it be for extreme hunger. Neither are they without mercy. For by daily examples from time to time it is manifest that they have showed mercy inasmuch as many prisoner's meeting with some Lions by the way, have notwithstanding returned untouched into their Countries. And in the Books of King juba is recorded the name of a Woman of Getulia, who by entretaunce escaped unhurt from the lions that she met. They engender backward: and not they only, but also Lynxes, Camels, Elephants, Rhynocerots', and Tigers. The Lionesses at the first litter bring forth five Whelps, and every year after they diminish their number by one, and at the length when the dams come to bringing forth but one at once, they become barren for ever. The look and the tail declare the courage of the Lions, like as the stomach of a horse is known by his ears. For nature hath given these two marks to every notable beast to be known by. Their chiefest force is in their breast, and their chiefest steadiness is in their heads. When they be chased with dogs, they go away disdainfully, and now and then staying, dissemble their force with pretence as though they cared not whither they went away or no: and this they do when they be followed in open and champion fields. But in woody places (as though they thought no body were able to bear witness of their cowardliness) they run away as fast as their legs can bear them. When they themselves pur●ue any thing, they further their pace with leapping. When they go at leisure, they hide the hooks of their talants between the flesh of their toes, as it were in sheaths. And this they observe so warily, that they run not but with their talants turned inward. When they are environed and beset with hunters, they look steadfastly upon the ground, to the intent they will not be made afraid with the sight of the hunting staves. They never look a squint, neither can they abide that one should look a squint upon them. They fear the crowing of a Cock, and the rattling of wheels, but most of all they fear fire. 
The beast called Lyons-bane.  We read that there are little beasts called Lyonsbanes, which are caught and uncased, to the intent that flesh being powdered with the ashes of them, and cast in the paths where ways meet, may kill the Lions, if they taste never so little thereof. And therefore Lions pursue them with a natural hatred, & when they get them at advantage, they forbear biting of them but they tear them all to pieces with their paws. Scaevola the Son of Publius was the first that made a show of them, in the time that he was Curulis Acdilis. Africa breedeth the Hyene, 
The Hyene, and of his wonderful nature.  which beast cannot writhe his neck a side, unless h●e move his whole body, because his backbone is without joints, and runneth so whole through his neck. Many wondrous things are reported of it. first that it haunteth shepherds cottages, and by continual hearkening, learneth some name, the which he expresseth by counterfeiting man's voice, to the intent to work his wrath upon the man whom he tolleth out by his policy in the night time. Also he counterfeiteth the vomiting of men, and thereby alluring out the dogs with his false sobbing, devoureth them. Which dogs if perchance they touch his shadow in hunting of him, they lose their voice, and cannot bark. The same Hyene in seeking men's carcases, scrapeth up their graves: and therefore it is the easier matter to take the Males. For the Females are of nature more subtle. There is great variety in their eyes, and chaungablenes of colours, and in the balls of them is found a stone called Hyenie, endued with such power, 
The stone ●alled Hyevie.  that under what man's tongue soever it be put, he shall prophesy of things to come. But what living thing soever a Hyene compasseth in thrice about, cannot move itself: and therefore it hath been avouched for a certainty, that there is a magical power in him. In a part of Aethiop it coupleth with a Lioness, and between them is engendered a Monster named a Crocute. 
A Crocute  Which in likeness also counterfeiteth the speech of man. He never stirreth the balls of his eyes, but star●th continually without twinkling.  
He hath no gums at all in his mouth, but one whole and main tooth, which is naturally closed up as it were in Caskets, because it should not be blunted. Among those kinds of beasts that are called Grazers, the same Africa hath wild Asses, in which kind every Male hath his herd of Females. 
wild Asses.  They cannot abide that any other should have to do where they like. And therefore they wait very narrowly upon their Mares when they be with foal, that (if it be possible they may bite of the genetoryes from the Colts when they be new foaled: to the end they be not apt for generation. Whereof the Mares being ware, hide their young ones out of the way. 
Serpent's  Africa swarmeth in such wise with Serpents, that it may worthily challenge the pre-eminence in that mischief from all the world. The Caerasts peer with four little horns, 
The Cerast or Horneworme  by showing whereof (as it were with a bays) they allure birds to them, and devour them. For they hide the rest of their bodies for the nonce in the sand, discovering no part of themselves saving that only part wherewith they entice the birds deceitfully to feeding, 
The Amphisbene or double●eade.  when they lie in wait to kill them for their labour. The Amphisbene riseth with two heads whereof one is in his accustomed place, and the other where his tail should be. Whereupon it cometh to pass, that with both heads forward at once he creepeth in a roundel. 
The Darter.  The Darters climb up upon trees, from whence whirling themselves with as much violence as may be, they péerce through what beast soever happeneth to come within their dint. 
The Scytale.  The Scytale hath such a glistering and speckled hide, that the beauty of the spots stay such as behold it, by means whereof, he catcheth them as they stand gazing and wondering, whom he cannot overtake by his slowness in creeping. Notwithstanding, as beautiful as his scales be, he is the first that casteth his winter coat. 
Red Adders  There are many and sundry kinds of red Adders, but they have divers effects in hurting. 
A Thirstworme.  The Dipsas killeth with thirst The Hypuale killeth with sleep, 
A Sleepeworme,  and Cl●opatra may bear witness, that it is bought to kill folk. The poisons of others, forasmuch as they be curable deserve less fame. The Hemorrhoyd biteth till it bleeds, 
The bloodworm  and thereby breaking the intercourse of the veins, draweth out the life with bleeding. 
The Prester  Whomsoever the Prester stingeth he is bloune, and being puffed up to unmeasurable hugeness dieth with swelling. Immediately upon the stinging of the Seps ensueth rotting. 
The rotworme.  There are also, 
* A sandcreeper  Ammodits, 
* A Leaperworme.  Cheuchries, 
* A watersnake  Olyphantyes, 
* The Earthdragon,  Chersydres, and * Chamedraconts'. And finally as many sundry names as there be, so many sundry deaths there are.  
For Scorpions, Scinks and Lucerts, are accounted among unhurtful worms, and not among serpents. These Monsters, if they drink, do sting the gentlier. They have affections, for lightly they go not but by couples. If the one be caught or killed, the other that scapeth runneth mad. The heads of the Females are finer, their bellies rownder, and their venom more hurtful.  
The Male is a like round in all places, and higher also, and more meek. All Serpents are dull sighted They seldom look right before them: and not without a cause, forasmuch as their eyes stand not in their foreheads, but in their temples, so as they are lighter of hearing, then of seeing any thing. As concerning the precious stone called Helitrope, 
The stone Helytrope or Turn stone.  there hath been contention between Aethiop, Africa, & Cyprus, which of them should yield the excellentest of that kind: and it is found by mani● trayals, that the stone of Aethiop or of Libie hath the prerogative. It is of a green colour not altogether very fresh, but somewhat more cloudy and deep, powdered above with spots of scarlet. The st●ne taketh his name of his operation and power. Being cast into a brass pan, it altereth the colour of the Sun beams, making them to have a bloody reflection: and it casteth the glymering brightness of the air out of the water, and turneth it aside. Moreover it is reported to have this virtue, that being mingled with the herb of the same name, and consecrated before with the accustomable enchantments, it maketh the bearer thereof to go invisible. They that travel the Syrts, 
The alteration of the land like to the tides of the Sea.  though their journey lie by land, yet must they direct their course by the stars, otherwise they shall never come to the place appointed. For the ground is so rotten, that the air altereth the upper part thereof, and if there whisk never so small a wind, the blast thereof maketh such an alteration, that it leaveth no token whereby to know a man's way. For it evermore turneth upside down, the plaits of the places in such wise, that those which were even now full of high hills, sink into valleys: and those that even now were valleys, are heaped up with sand like hills. And the main land beareth the nature of the sea that beateth upon it. Neither makes it any matter where storms rather be, seeing that the elements conspire the destruction of travelers, 
The Syrts or Wha●hes.  so as the wind rageth upon the land, and the land as the sea. The two Sy●ts are separated two hundred and fifty miles a sunder: the less of them is somewhat calmer. We read that in the time that Cneus Servilius, and Caius Sempronius were Consuls, 
Meninx  the Roman fleet passed harmless between these shallows. In this Coast is the isle Meninx, where Caius Marius hid himself after he came out of the Fens of Minturue. 
The Psylls  Beyond the Garamants were the Psylls, fortified with a wonderful strength of body against hurtful poison. They only died not of the biting of Snakes: and although they were stung with their deadly tongues, yet they continued in unappaired health. Yea they laid their new born babes to Serpents, and if they were misbegotten, the adultery of the Mothers was punished with the destruction of the Children. But if they were right begotten, the privilege of their father's blood saved the innocent babes from death. Thus they put the assurance of their issue to the trial of poison. But the Nasamons' conquered this country, and destroyed it, insomuch that now● the Psylls have left nothing whereby to be remembered, 
The Nasamones  saving only their bare name. The Nasamones yield a stone which is called a Nasamonite, altogether blood shadowed with black veins. In the innermost part of the bigger Syrt, 
The Loteaters.  about the Philenes Altars, (as we learn) inhabited the Loteaters, and it is so indeed. Not far from the Philenes altars, is a Lake whereinto the river Tr●ton runneth, where men have believed that 
* Minerva.  the Goddess of arts was first seen▪ The greater Syrt ●aunteth of a City called Cyrene, 
Cyrene.  which Battus the Lacedaemonian builded. the five and fortieth Olimpyade, when ●ncus Marcius reigned over the Romans, the five hundred, ●ours●ore and six year after she destruction of 〈◊〉 the which Cyrene was the native Country and dwelling place of Callimachus the Poet. Between this Town and the Temple of Ammon, are fourehundred miles, hard by the Temple is a Fountain consecrated to the Sun, which with the moisture of his water bindeth the ground, and hardeneth ashes also into a clod, wherein (not without wonder) the place glistreth round about none otherwise than if it were the green fields. There is also gathered the stone called Ammon's horn. 
Ammon's horn.  For it is so warpped and crooked, that it is shaped like a Ram's horn. It is as bright as gold. Being laid under a man's head when he sleepeth, it is said to represent unto him heavenly dreams. 
Ammoniacke.  Also there is a Tree called Metops out of which floweth a clammy gum, which of the place it cometh fro, we call ammoniac. Furthermore among the Cyrenenses groweth Syrpe the roots whereof have a pleasant flavor, 
Syrpe.  and it is more like a shrubby herb than a fruit Tree. Out of the stalk thereof, issueth in the summer time a fat dew, which cleaveth to the beards of Goats that feed thereon, and when it is there thoroughly dried, it is gathered in drops like Isickes to serve upon Tables, or rather to serve for medicine.  
It was first called the milk of Syrpe, because it ●zeth in the manner of Milk. Afterward (custom drawing it thereunto,) it was named Laser. This Herb was afterward almost utterly digged up by the Inhabiters of the Country, by reason of the intolerable burden of tribute that was laid upon them, when their Country was wasted at the first invasion of strange nations.  
On the left hand of Cyrene is 
* This is Africa the less, where Carthage stood.  Africa, on the right side Egypt, on the foreside the rough and harborowlesse sea, on the backpart divers barbarous nations, and a wilderness not to be come unto, uninhabited and forlorn which breedeth the Cockatrice, such a singular mischief as is not in all the whole world beside. 
The Cockatrice and of his horrible nature.  It is a serpent almost half a foot long, white, with, as it were a little mitre, proportioned in lines on his head. He is given to the utter destruction not only of man and beast, or whatsoever hath life▪ but also even of the earth itself, which he staineth & burneth up, and seareth away, wheresoever he hath his deadly den. To be short, he destroyeth herbs, killeth Trees, and infecteth the very air: insomuch that no bird is able to fly over the place which he hath in fected with his pestilent breath. When he moveth himself, he creepeth with his one half, and with the other half advanceth himself aloft. All other Serpents are horiblie afraid to hear his hyssing: and as soon as they hear him, they flee every one with as much haste as they can, every one his way. Whatsoever is killed of his, biting, no wild beast will feed of it, no foul will touch it And yet for all this, 
God hath provided a remedy for every mischief.  he is overcome of Weasels, which men bring thither, and send them into the dens, where he lurketh. Notwithstanding, he wanteth not power even when he is dead. The Citizens of ●ergamus gave a full * Sestertium for the carcase of a Cockatrice, 
Five pound sterling.  and hanged it up in a net of gold in the Temple of Apollo, which was notable for the great workmanshypp thereof: to the intent that neither Spiders should spin there, nor birds fly in there About the uttermost nook of the Syrts, there runneth by the City Berenice the River Lethon, 
The river Lethon.  which (as is supposed) issueth from the springs of hell, and is renowned among the ancient Poets for his forgetful waters. 
Berenice.   
The foresaid City was builded and fortified in the great Syrte by Berenice that was married to the third P●olomie. All the large country that lieth between Egypt Aethiop, and Lybia, as far as there is any woods to cast shadow, is replenished with sundry kinds of Apes: and I would not that any man should be grieved at the mistaking of the name. For surely it is not expedient to omit any thing, wherein the providence of nature is to be seen. 
Apes.  Among these is the common sort of Apes which we see every where, not without great aptness to counter●et, by means where of they are the easier taken. For while they desirously practise the gestures of Hunters, who for the nonce leave byrdlime to anoint them withal, they daub up their eyes as they had seen them pretend to do before, and so when their sight is stopped up, they are easy to be caught.  
They make merry at the new of the Moon, and they become sad when she is in the wane. They love their young ones out of all measure in so much as they easiler lose the whelps that they are most char over and carry in their arms, because those that are not set by, do ever follow their dam hard at her bréech. The Moonkyes have tails: 
Monkeys Dogheads  and this is the only difference between them and the Apes. The Dogheads are also of the number of Apes, most plenteous in the parts of Aethiop, sprightish in leaping, cruel in biting, never so tamed, but that they be more rather wild.  
Among Apes are also accounted the Sphinxes, 
Sphinxes'  shack haired, side and deep dugged, apt to be taught to forget their wildness. 
satires.  There are also that men call satires, very swéetefaced, and full of mopping and toying continually. 
The fairhayres.  The Callytriches are almost altogether unlike the other. On their face is a beard, and on their rump a broad tail. To catch these is no hard matter, but so bring them out of the Country is a rare thing. For they live not but in the soil of Acthiop, that is to say in their own soil.   

CAP. XL.  
Of the nation of the Hammanients, and of the houses therein builded of salt.  
BEtween the Nasamonits and the Troglodits, 
* Cavecreepers  is the nation of the Hammanients, which build their houses of Salt, which they heawe out of the Mountains in manner of stone, and lay it with mortar. Such is the abundance of this vain, that they make them houses of Saltstones. These are the Hammanients which have intercourse of Merchandise with the Troglodits. 
Carbuncles  The precious stones called Carbuncles are on this side the Hammanients, 
The Asbysts  more nearer the Nasamones. The Asbysts live by Laser. This is their nourishment, and this is their ●oode.   

CAP. XLI,  
Of the Garaments, and of a wonderful fountain among them.  
Among the Garamants is the Town Debris, 
A wonderful Fountain,  with a wonderful Fountain in it, which by turns is ●old a day times and hot a night times, one while seething like water on the fire, and another while becoming as cold as Ice, both contrarieties proceeding out of the self same veins. It is a marvelous thing to be spoken of, that in so short a time, nature should so strangely disagree with herself, that whosoever tried her doings in the dark, would think there were a continual fire in the spring: and he that felt it in the day, would believe it were none other thing then a winter's Water continually frozen. By means whereof (not with out good cause) Debris is famous among those nations, for that the waters change their property according to the moving of the heaven, though after a manner clean contrary to the disposition of the Planets. For whereas the eventide assuageth the heat of the world: this spring beginneth to heat in such wise at the Sun going down, that if ye touch it, ye shall find it scalding. Again, when the Sun is risen above the ground, and all things are chafed with his rays, the water thereof is so exceeding cold, that no man is able to drink it, be he never so thirsty. Who then would not wonder at a Fountain that becometh cold through heat, 
The Garamants.  and hot through cold? The head of the Garamant region is Garaman▪ whereunto for a long while the way was very cumbersome, and not able to be passed. For the thieves covered the pits with sand, so the intent that withdrawing the waters deceitfully for a time, no man might be able to travel to them for famine and thirst. But in the reign of Vespasian, in the war that was against the Oyans, this distress was taken away, by finding a nearer passage. Cornelius Balbus was the first that subdued the Garamants, and for his victory first triumphed over them Surely he was the first of 〈◊〉 (for 〈◊〉 was borne in one of the islands Gades) that attained the honour of a triumphant conqueror. 
Strange cattle.  The great cattle of this Country feed with their necks awry, for if they should graze with their heads right forward, their horns bowing down, with the tynes into the ground, 
The Island Gaulos.  would hinder their feeding. On the same part that Cercina lieth, the report goeth that there is an isle called Gaulos, wherein breedeth no serpent, neither liveth any that is brought in thither. And therefore the dust thereof being strewed in any place of the world, keepeth away Snakes: and being cast upon Scorpions, it killeth them out of hand.   

CAP. XLII.  
Of Aethiop: of the filthy fashions of the people of that Country, and of their monstrous shapes: of the Dragons, and other wild beasts of wonderful nature there: of the spice Cinnomom, and of the jacint stone.  
THe Aethiopians, and the Nations that inhabit the countries bounding upon the Mountain Atlas, are parted a sunder with the river 
* Senega.  Nigris, which is thought to be part of Nile.  
It is so green with Rushes whereof paper is made it is so clad with Reed, it bringeth forth the same kind of living things, it floweth over at the same times, and returneth again with his banks even then when Nilus is content with his own channel. 
The beastly manners of the Garmants of Aethiop.  The Garamants of Aethiop know no several marriage, but use their women in common, who that list. Thereon it cometh that the Children acknowledge only their mothers. For the name of Father hath no reverence at all among them. For who is able to know his Father, where such incestous lechery runneth at large. Therefore are the Garamants of Aethiop counted a bastard people among all nations: and not without cause, considering how they have infringed the discipline of chastity, 
The Aethiopians  and by a wicked custom destroyed the knowledge of their succession. The name of Aethiopians extendeth large.  
On Africa side, where Lybie faceth the Island Meroe, there be many and sundry nations of them. Of the number of them the nomads 
The Nomads  live by the milk of the Dogheades. The Syrbots 
The Syrbots,  are lazy things of a 12. foot long. The Asaches 
The Asaches  take Elephants in hunting, and devour them. Among the Sambres 
The Sambres.  no fourfooted beast hath ears, no not so much as the Olyphants. Their next neighbours, make a Dog their King: by whose gesture they divineg what he commayndeth them to do. The Aethiopyans on the Sea coast are reported to have four eyes a piece, but the truth is otherwise, namely that they are very sharp sighted, and aim the throwing of their darts most certainly. 
The Agriophages or wyldeaters,  Toward the West dwell the Agriophags which feed only on the flesh of Lybards and Lions, and have a King that hath but one eye, which stands in his forehead. 
The Pamphags or eateals Meneaters or Cannibals Bytch ●ylkers  There are also Pamphags who feed of all things that may be chewed, and all things that grow vnse●t. There be also Anthropophages, whose name expresseth their conditions. They say that the Cynamolgies have chaps like Dogs, and long snouts. The Arthabathits, go groveling like four footed beasts, 
Arthabathits.  and wander abroad without dwelling place, as beasts do. The borderers upon Mauritanie gather Loeusts, in time of year, and powdering them, do lay them up as their only food to live by: But none of them liveth above forty years. From this Ocean unto 
* Guagu●ra.  Meroe (which is an Island that Nile maketh where be first parteth and meeteth again) are six hundred and twenty miles. Beyond Meroe toward the Sun rising, are the 
* The Macrobians or long lived and their manners.  Macrobian Aethyopians. For their life is longer than ours by the one half. These Macrobians, execute justice, love upright dealing, excel in strength, are very comely and beautiful of parsonage, are decked with brass, and make gives of gold for offenders. There is among them a place called 
* The suns Table.  Heliutrapaeza continually furnished with dainty fare, whereof all men eat without difference, for they uphold that they are increased by the power of God. There is also in the same place a Lake, wherewith the bodies that are washed, shine as if they were anointed with Oil. This Lake is most wholesome to drink. 
A strange Lake  Surely it is so sheer, that it will not bear the leaves fallen from the Trees, but letteth them sink down to the bottom, by reason of the thinness of the liquor. Beyond these lie desert and uninhabited wildernesses, 
Monstrous Nations,  even unto the coast of Arabia. And then in the furthest part of all the East, are nations of Monstrous shape, some having ill favoured visages, altogether plain without noses: & othersome having their mouths grown together saving only a little hole to put in an Oaten Reed, whereat they draw in their sustenance. Some have no tongues: but use beckning and gestures in stead of speech. Certain of these nations never know the use of fire, before the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 Lathyrus King of Egypt. Aethiop containeth all that is from the South east, to the South west. As much of it as is under the South coast, is garnished with thick woods, which are gréenest in winter. On the South part there hangeth into the Sea a high Hall▪ continually hot with gentle fire, and burning on the top with restless flames, among which co●tinuall 〈◊〉▪ fires, there is great store of Dragons. Furthermore, 
Dragons.  the true Dragons have small mouths, and not ga●ing wide to bite with, but of a narrow conduit, by which they draw breath, and spirit out their tongues. For their force lieth not in their teeth, but in their tails, and they hurt with beating, rather than with ●yting. 
The stone called Draconce  There is cut out of the Dragon's ●raynes a Stone called Dracon●●, but it is not a stone unless it be taken from them while they are alive. For it the Serpent die before, the hardness resolveth and vanisheth away with his life. The Kings of the East do chiefly vaunt themselves of the wearing thereof, although it be so hard, that no man can devise to imprint or engrave any thing in it: and whatsoever is beautiful in it, is not made by man's hand, because there should none other colour stain the pure natural whiteness thereof. An Author named Soth●●us, saith that he hath sée●e this jewel, & declareth by what means it is come by. Men of excellent courage and audacity search out by holes where the Serpent's lie, and also their haunts. Then watching ●yll they come forth to feed, and passing by them with as much apéede as they can, they cast them herbs steeped in things that have as much force as may be so provoke sleep. So when they be fast a steep, they cut the stones out of their heads, and getting the booty of their heady enterprise, enjoy the●reward of their rashness. The places which the Aethyopians possess, is full of wild Beasts, whereof one is the Nabis which we call a Cameloparda●is. 
The Nabis.  It is necked like a horse, footed like an Ox, headed like a Camel; & of a bright ●ay colour powdered with white spots. This beast was showed first in Rome at the gamings that Caesar the Dictator made in the Lists. Almost about the same time also were brought from thence monsters called Celphies, 
Celphies.  whose hinder feet from the ankle up to the top of the calf, where like a man's leg, and likewise his forefeet resembled a man's hand: notwithstanding, these were never seen of the Romans but once. 
The Hornynose.  Before the shows of Cneus Pompeius: the Romans had never seen the Rhynoceros openly. This ●east is of a pa●e ru●●et colour: in his nose is a horn that boweth upward: the which he maketh sharp pointed like a bo●kyn, by whetting it upon stones, and lighteth with it against the Olyphants, being almost full as long as they, but some what shorter legged, and with this his natural weapon he pusheth at their bell yes, 
The Catoblepe  as the only part which he 〈◊〉 may be pierced with 〈…〉. By the River Nigris breedeth the Catoblepe, a little sluggish beast, with a great heavy jowl, and a venomous sight For they that happen to come in his sight die. 
Wonderful Ants.  There be Aunts as big as a Mastiff, that have talents like Lions, wherewith they scrape up sand of gold, which they 〈◊〉 that no man may fetch it away, & if any man 〈◊〉, they pursue them ●o death. 
The Lycaon  The same Aethiop breedeth y● Lycaon, which is a wolf with a mane on his neck, & so pied, that men say there is no colour, but he hath part of it. It breedeth also the Tarand, of the bigness of an Ox, cloven footed, with tined horns, headed like a stag, coloured like a Bear, 
The Tarrand●  & shack haired. It is said that this Tarand changeth his complexion for fear, and that when he hideth himself, he becometh like unto the thing that he is next unto, whither it be a quarry of white stone, or a grove of green trees, or what thing soever it be, of any other likeness.  
The same thing also doth the Fish Polypus in the Sea, 
The Fish Polipus.  and the 
* Land lions  Chameleons on the land. But the Polypus and the Chameleon have a sheer skin, and therefore it is the easier for them to resemble things next unto them, because of their thin smug skins, which are like glass. But it is a strange and singular case, that harsh hair should alter colour, hereby it comes to pass, that they are hardly taken. 
The Wolves of Aethiop.  It is a peculiar property to the Wolves of Aethiop, to be as nimble in leaping, as a bird, so as they rid not more ground by running, then by going, but yet they never assault a man. In Winter time they are hairy, and in Sommertime naked. men call them Thoes.  
The Porkpine also is very rife in those Countries a beast like a Hedgehog, 
The Porkpyne  with a hide full of rough bristles, which he oftentimes looseneth of his own accord, and darteth them forth so thick as it were a shower of pricks, 
The bird Pegasus.  and therewith woundeth the Dogs that pursue him. Of that coast is the bird Pegasus: but this bird hath nothing of a horse but his ears. So is also the Tragop, a bird bigger than an Eagle, vaunting himself with an armed head, 
The Tragop or Goteface.  beset with horns like a Rams horns. 
Of Cynnamom  The Aethiopyans gather Cynnamom. This shrub groweth on a short stalk, with low and flat boughs, never above two cubit's high. That which groweth slenderest is counted the excellentest: and that that swelleth into thickness, is nothing set by. But it is gathered by the priests, who make sacrifice before. Which done, they take good heed that they begin not their harvest before the Sun rise, nor continue it after the Sun set. He that is Primate among them, divideth the heaps of sticks with a spear, which is consecrated to the same use. And so a portion of the faggots is dedicated to the Sun, which if it be rightly divided, taketh fire alone. Among these things that we have treated of, is found the Iacin●, in colour a bright azure, 
The Iacin●.  a precious stone, if it may be found faultless: for it is not a little subject to faultiness. For divers times it is either varnished with a violet colour, or darkened with a mistynesse, or wanzing into a watery shéerenesse, the best fashion of it is, if it be not dimmed with two deep a die nor over lighth with too pure a shéerenesse, but have a sweet orient colour of lightsomeness and purple equally mixed together. This is he that feeleth the air, and altereth with it: insomuch as it is not a like bright when the wether is cloudy, as when it is fair. Moreover, being put into ones mouth, it becometh colder. And for engraving it is nothing meet, because it will abide no cha●ing, yet is it not altogether invincible: for with a Diamond a man may write in it, 
Crysolamp.  and draw what he list in it. Where as is the jacint, there is also the Chrysolamp, which stone the light hideth, 
The Haematite or bloodstone  and the dark discovereth. For this diversity is in him that in the night he is fiery, and in the day he is pale. Out of that soil also we take the Haematite, a stone as red as blood, and therefore called the Haematite.   

CAP. XLIII.  
Wonderful things of the nations of Lybia, and of the stone called Hexacontaly those.  
Whatsoever lieth between Mount Atlas and the mouth of Nile called Canopitane, which beareth the name of Canopus the Master of Menelau● ship who was buried in that Island, which lieth against the said mouth of Nile, where Libie endeth, and Egypt beginneth, is inhabited by nations of sundry languages, which are withdrawn into wayless wildernesses. 
The Athlantians  Of these the Athlantians are altogether void of manners meet for men. None hath any proper calling, none hath any special name. They curse the Sun at his rising, and curse him likewise at his going down: and because they are scorched with the heat of his burning beams, they hate the God of light. It is affirmed that they dream not, and that they utterly abstain from all things bearing life. The Troglodits dig them caves under the ground, 
The Troglodytes or Cavecreepers.  and house themselves in them. There is no covetousness of getting, for they have bound themselves from riches, by wilful poverty. 
The stone called the threescore stone, or the Sixtistone.  Only they glory in one stone which is called Hexacontalythos so powdered with divers sparks, that the colours of threescore sundry stones are perceived in his little compass. All these live by the flesh of Serpents, and being ignorant of speech, 
The Augyles'.  do rather iabber and gnarre then speak. The Augyles' worship none but the devils. The first night that they are married, they compel their wives to have to do with as many as will come: and from that time forward, they bind them by most strait laws to continual chastity. The Gamphasants abstain from wars, 
The Gamphasants.  eschew intercourse of merchandise, and will not abide to intermeddle with any stranger. It is thought that the Blemmyes (but not those Blemmyes that dwell by the Red sea) are borne headless, 
The Blemmyes  & that they have their mouth and eyes in their breast. 
The Satyrs or woodward's. The Goatefeetes The crookelegs  The satires have no resemblance of man saving only shape. The Egypanes are the very same that we see them painted. The Hymamtopodes having the joints of their legs bowed, do rather creep than go, and in walking use rather to slide then to step.  
The Pharusians having brought Hercules on the way as he was going toward the Hesperids, 
The Pharusian●  were so weary of the journey, that they tarried there. And thus much of Lybie.   

CAP. XLIIII.  
Of Egypt, of the head, increase, & mouths of Nile, of the Ox Apis: of the Crocodiles: of the bird Trochyle: of the Skinks, waterhorses, and the bird Ibis, of the wonderful trees of Egypt, of Alexandria, and of Pyramyds or broochs.  
EGypt runneth to the South inward, until it meet with the Aethiopyans. 
Of Nile.  Behind it floweth Nile about the lower part thereof. The which River being divided at the place that is named Delta, embraceth a piece of ground within it like an isle, and it is almost unknown where the head is from whence it cometh, as we shall declare. It hath his beginning from a Mountain of the lower Mauritanie, that is n●ere the Ocean. Thus affirm the Punic books, and so reported King juba as I understand. By and by therefore it maketh a Lake which they call Nilides.  
And it is conjectured that Nile cometh from thence. because this Pool bringeth forth the same kinds of herbs, fishes, and beasts that we see in Nile, and that if Mauritanie from whence it hath his original, happen to be watered either with over deep snow, or rage of rain, the flood in Egypt is thereby increased: But the Nile when he runneth out of his Lake is sucked into the sands, and hidden in the lose mould of the earth▪ and afterward, bursting forth in the Cave of Caesarea, larger than he was before, bringeth the same tokens with him which we noted in him at his first spring.  
Afterward he sinketh down again, and venteth not above the ground, till after a long weary journey, he come to the Aethyopians. Where it riseth up again, it maketh the Ryuir Nygris which we told you before bounded the borders of Africa. The Inhabiters there call it Astapus, which is as much to say, as a water flowing out of darkness. It environeth many and great Isles, whereof some are of so large and huge bigness, that a man can scarce lakey through them in five days, 
Now called Guaguera.  run he as fast as he can. The noblest of them is * Meroe, about which, the river being divided, is named on the right Channel Astusapes, and on the left Astabores. Then also traveling through great Countries a long journey, as soon as the Rocks meeting him by the way make him rough, he carrieth his waters with such violence through the cragged cliffs, that he may seem to fall rather than to flow, and at length when he hath passed the last leap (for so the Egyptians call certain straits of his) there is no danger in him. Then leaving the name of Syris behind him, he runneth from thenceforth plain without any stop. Lastly he is divided into seven channels: and so turning toward the North, is received into the Sea of Egypt.  
Such as are ignorant of Astronomy and cosmography, 
Conjectures of the increase of Nile.  have alleged many causes of his increase. Some affirm that the East winds called Etesiae, do drive great store of clouds to the place where the river springeth, and that the spring rising by the moisture coming from above, afoordeth so much water to the flowing of the River as the clouds have let fall moisture to the feeding of the spring. Othersome report, that being driven back by the violence of winds, when he cannot utter his waves, which keep their accustomed swiftness, the water being penned in the strait overfloweth his banks, and the more the blasts of the contrary wynds resist, so much the higher doth the swift River (being beaten back) mount aloft, because that neither the accustomed course can empty the channel, and yet the weight of the stream cometh on still from the head of the spring upon the river which is dammed up: And that thus by the agreeable violence of the Element on the oneside striving forward, and on the otherside beating backward, the waves swell, and gather into a heap, whereby is made the flood.  
divers hold opinion, that this spring which is called Phiala, is raised by the influence of the stars, and that being haled out by the Sun beams, it is heaved up by the celestial fire, but not without a sure and orderly custom, that is to say, at the new of the Moon, howbeit that the Sun is the very ground of his excess. For the first rising and swelling thereof beginneth when the Sun moveth through the sign of Cancer: and afterward, when the thir●y parts thereof are run out, so as the Sun is entered into Leo, and the star called Sirius riseth: then the River flushing forth with so great a violence, breaketh over his banks: which time the Priests judged to be the birth day of the world, that is to weet between the 
* The nineteenth day of july.  thirteenth of the Calends of August, and the eleventh day of August, and that afterward all the excess is called back again, when the Sun passeth into Virgo, and is driven clean again within his banks, when the Sun is entered into Libra. They add this moreover, that he hurteth both ways, whether he swell too high or too low, forasmuch as his scantness bringeth small store of increase, and his over great abundance hindereth the tillage by to long continuance of moistness. They say that his greatest excess riseth to eighteen cubits, and his measurablest to sixteen: and that at fifteen wanteth no store of fruit. But if it be under, it causeth dearth. They attribute also this majesty unto him, that he should foreshow things to come: grounding their argument hereupon, that at the battle of Pharsalie, it exceeded not five fathom. This is most certain, that he only of all Rivers breatheth forth no airs. It beginneth to appertain to the Realm of Egypt from Syene, wherein is the uttermost bound of Aethiop, & so from thence until it fall into the Sea, it keepeth the name of Nile. Among all the things that Egypt hath worthy to be spoken of, they make a wonder specially of the Ox which they call Apis.  
Him they worship as a God, 
Apis the God of Egypt.  and he is notable for the white speck which groweth naturally on his right side, representing the likeness of the horned Moon. The time is appointed how long he shall live, which being expired, he is drowned in the bottom of a holy Well, because he should not live any longer than is lawful for him. By and by not without solemn mourning of all the whole Realm another is sought.  
Assoon as he is found, a hundred Priests wait upon him to Memphis, to the intent that taking orders there, he may begin to become holy. The Temples into which he entereth or where he resteth, they mystically name bride Chambers. He giveth manifest foretokens of things to come: 
See how the devil can delude Idolaters by false Miracles.  and that inespecially if he take meat of their hands that come to ask counsel. By refusing Germanicus● Caesar's hand, he bewrayed that which hung over his head, for it was not long after, but Caesar was dispatched of his life. The boys follow flocking after Apis, and suddenly, as though they were moved with some spirit, they tell of things to come. Once in a year a Cow is showed him, and she also is not without certain marks, the which is killed the same day that she is found, assoon as she hath been showed to him. The people of Memphis solemnize the birth day of Apis, by casting a cup of gold into Nile. This solemnity is held seven days together, during which time the Crocodyles keep as it were a truce with the Priests, and touch them not in their washings. But the eight day, when the Ceremonies are now finished, (as though open war were proclaimed again) they take to them their former cruelty. 
Of Crocodyle●  The Crocodile a fourfooted mischief, hath force both upon land and water alike. He hath no tongue, and he moveth the upper jaw. Where he biteth he taketh horrible fast hold, his teeth shutting Checquer wise one within another. For the most part he groweth to the bigness of twenty fathoms, and they lay Eggs like Géece Egs. He chooseth a place to build his nest in, where the water of Nile cannot come when it is at the fullest. In cherishing up their young, the Male and Female keep their turns. Beside his wide chaps, he is also armed with outrageous long talants. A nights he keepeth in the waters, and a days he resteth upon the land.  
He is clad in a marvelous strong hide, in so much as a piece of artillery shot at him out of any engine reboundeth back again from his skin. There is a little pretty bird called Trochylos, 
The bird called Trochylos.  which in seeking to feed upon the flesh that sticketh in the Crocodyles teeth, doth by little and little scrape his mouth, and so delighting him easily with his soft tickling, maketh him gape, that he may stand between his chaps. 
The beast called the Enhydre.  Which thing the Enhydre (which is a kind of water Rat) perceiving, whyppeth into the beasts belly, and eateth up his inwards, and then grating through his paunch cometh out again. There is also a kind of Dolphins in Nile, 
The Dolphins of Nile.  that have fins like saws upon their backs. These Dolphin's egg forth the Crocodiles for the nonce to swim, and then diving subtly, they pop up under them, and cutting their bellies kill them. Moreover in a certain Island of Nile, there dwell men of a very low stature, but of such a boldness, that they offer to meet the Crocodyles, for these Monsters pursue them that flee from them, and flee from them that follow them. Therefore are they caught, and being made tame become slaves in their own waters, and when they be throughly brought in awe, they are so obedient for fear, that for getting their wildness, they carry their masters riding on their backs. As soon therefore as they escry this Island or this nation by the smell, they flee far of. In the water they are dull of sight, and on the land most sharp sighted. All the Winter long they eat no meat: but from the beginning of the short days, they continue fasting by the space of four Months together. There is also about Nile great store of Skinks which are like Crocodiles, 
Skinks  but of a lesser making, and shorter, howbeit they are very necessary for the preservation of health. For Physicians make drinks of them to ease the numbness of sinews, and kill the force of poison. In the same river, and in the same soil, breedeth the Water horse, like a Horse in back, mane, and neighing: with a snout turning upward, 
The Waterhorse  cloven clées, tusks like a Boar, and a writhed tail. He eateth up the Corn in the night, whereunto of a subtlety he goeth backward, that by the deceitful print of his foot, he may not be laid for in his way homeward.  
The same beast, when he is over-full with feeding gets him to the reeds that are new cut down, and trots so long up and down upon them, until the sharp stumppes have so wounded his feet, that with bleeding he may abate the burden of his belly. afterward he stoppeth the wound with clay, until it grow to a dry scar. Marcus Scaurus was the first that brought Water horses and Crocodiles to Rome. About the same banks is a Bird called Ibis, 
The bird Ibi●  which maketh havoc of Serpent's Eggs, and carries them as a most delectable meat to her young ones in her nest: by means whereof the increase of hurtful things is diminished. Neither do these birds good within the coast of Egypt only. For whereas swarms of winged Snakes come out of the Fens of Arabi● whose poison is so swift of operation, that men die of their stinging before they feel any pain, the birds being moved with a certain foresight (wherewith they are endued for the same purpose) go altogether in array, and before the said foreign mischief can waste the bounds of their own Country, they meet the pestilent flocks in the air, and there devour all the whole host of them. For which desert they are counted holy, and no man may hurt them. They lay their Eggs at their mouth. Only Pelusium breedeth them black, the rest of Egypt breedeth them white. Of the trees which only Egypt beareth, the chief is the Fig tree of Egypt, which hath leaves like a Mulberry Tree, 
The figtree of Egypt.  and beareth fruit not only on the boughs, but also on the body of the Tree. It is so ●o●●teous in fruitfulness, that in one year it beareth seven times. Wheresoever ye pull of one Fyg, by and by buddeth up another. The wood thereof being put into the water sinketh down to the bottom: and afterward, when it hath lain long soaking in the water, as though it were made lighter, it riseth up and fleeteth upon the brim: and clean contrary to the nature of all other woods, moistness maketh it dry. The Date tree of Egypt, 
The Date Tree of Egypt. Thirstlesse,  is also a thing worthy to be spoken of, properly it is called Adipsos, and so it ought to be called: for being tasted it putteth away thirst. The savour thereof is like a Quince: but it stauncheth not thirst, unless it be gathered somewhat before it be ripe. For if it be taken full ripe, it perisheth the memory, takes away one's going, makes once tongue trip, and weakening the powers both of the mind and of the body, counterfeiteth the vice of drunkenness. 
A strange finding of the beginning of the year.  The Marches of Egypt where it riseth in height toward the uppermost point of Kakecaumen, are inhabited by a people, which find out the moment wherein the year beginneth first his ordinary course by this device. There is chosen a holy grove, whereinto they drive beasts of all kinds. These beasts, at such time as the motion of heaven is come about to his determinate point, express their understandings by such outward signs and tokens as they are able. Some howl, some low, some roar, some bray, and divers run together into the mire, and their wallow.  
This experiment is a rule to them, whereby to find out the beginning of the time. The same people report also, that it hath been left unto them for a certainty by the first founders of their Nation, that the Sun rising was there, whereas is now the going down. 
Thebae of Egypt  Among the Cities of Egypt, Thebes is notable for the number of Gates, unto which City the Arabians bring merchandise from all parts of the world. Hereof the Country Thebaica taketh his name. 
Abydos in Egypt.  Abydos also sometime renowned with the Palace of Memnon, and now beautified with the Temple of Osiris. Both the hugeness of the work itself, and the King of Macedon the founder thereof, do ●nnoble Alexandria, 
Alexandria.  and Dimocrates the master of the works, deserved the second place of fame next unto the builder, for setting out the platt thereof. Alexandria was builded in the hundred and twelfth olympiad, when L. Papyrius the Son of Spurius and C. Petilius the Son of Caius were consuls of Rome, not far from the mouth of the river Nile, which some call Heracleotick, and othersome Canopick. There is also Pharos▪ 
Pharos  peopled with inhabiters set there by Caesar the Dictator, where lights are set up a nights for men, to sail safely in and out of the Haven by. For the coming to Alexandria is subtle, full of deceitful shelves, an untertaine Sea, and arrivable only at three Channels, Tegamus, Posidonius, and Taurus. Hée●e upon therefore such beakons or engines as are framed in Havens to give light, are called Phari. 
Pyramids  The * Pyramids are Broches in Egypt, raised with sharp spires above the height of any thing that can be made by man's hand: and for as much as they pass the measure of shadows, they have no shadows at all. Now let us turn our talk from Egypt.   

CAP. XLV.  
Of Arabia and of the Frankincense and Myrrh in it, of the birds called Phoenix and Cynamolgies Of the manners of the Arabians, and of the kinds of their precious stones.  
Beyond the mouth of Nilus called Pelusiacum is Arabia stretching to the Red sea, 
This is Arabia ●he Desert.  which Varro affirmeth to be called Erythraeum, of King Erythrus the son of Perseus & Andromeda, and not only red of the colour, thereof. The said Author, avoucheth also, 
A strange spring  that on the shore of this Sea, is a Fountain, whereof if Sheep drink, they change the colour of their fleeces: and whereas they were white before, they lose that which they had until they drunk, and afterward become a deep yellow colour. Upon the Red Sea, standeth ●he City Arsinoe. And this Arabia extendeth to that spicebearing and rich Land, 
Arsinoe.  which the Cutabanes and 
* Dwellers in Tents.  Scaenits possess. The Arabians are renowned with the Mountain Casius. The cause why these Scaenits are so named, is for that they dwell in Tents, and have none other houses. Their Tents are covered with hairs made of goats hair woven.  
Moreover, they utterly abstain from swines flesh. Surely if this kind of beast be brought thither, it dieth by and by. This Arabia the Greeks call 
* Blessed 〈◊〉 happy.  Eudaemon, and we call it by interpretation blessed. It is inhabited with a Hill made by hand, between the river Tigris, and the River Eulaeus: which springing among the Medes, 
The estimation had in old time to the water of the River Eulaeus.  is so renowned for the clearness of his water, that all the Kings of that Realm, drink none other thing then the liquor thereof. That it was not unworthily surnamed Eudaemon or blessed, ye may gather hereby: that besides the spices whereof it hath great store, that Country only and none other, yéeldest, Frankincense, and yet not all the whole Country neither. For in the mids of it are the Atranits a shire of the Sabaeans, 
Of Frankincense.  from whence about eight remooving of, is the Country that beareth the Frankincense. It is called Arabia, that is to say holy, for so the name signifieth by interpretation. 
What the word Arabia signifieth.  These low trees are not common: but (which is a strange thing among barbarous nations) they go by right of inheritance in the succession of certain Families. And therefore those that have the possession of this grove, are called in the Arabian tongue holy. The same persons also at such time as they do either crop or fell●these groves, come not nigh any coarse, nor defile themselves with the company of women. Before the truth of the matter was certainly known, some likened this tree to the Mastic Tree, and some to the Turpentine Tree, until such time as by the Books of King juba, written to Caesar the Son of Augustus, it was plainly declared, that it was a Tree with a crooked stock, and boughs like a Maple, yielding a juice like the Almond Tree, and that it is wont to be cut in the beginning of the Dog-days, when the Sun burneth hottest. In the same lands groweth also Myrrh: 
Myrrh.  the roots where of do thrive with dyging, and delight to be pruned: and when they be laid bare, they yield the fatter gum.  
The juice that issueth of his own accord is the more precious: and that which is drained forth by slitting the bark, is counted the worse. The bark windeth round like a whirlpool, and is full of rough pricks: the leaf is like an Olife, saving that it is somewhat more rough. The uttermost height that it groweth unto, is five Cubits. The Arabians make fire with the shreds of it: the fume whereof is so noisome, that if they prevented not the mischief with the sent of burnt Storax, divers times they should catch uncurable diseases. Among the same people breedeth the bird called the Phoenix, 
The Phoenix  of the bigness of an Eagle, his head garnished with a plume of feathers sticking up like a crest, with tufted cheeks, and with a ring about his neck, shining like gold. All his hinder part is purple, saving his train, the feathers whereof are of a rose colour, meddled with a bright Azure. It is proved that he liveth five hundred and forty years. He maketh his hearse of Cynnamom, which he trimmeth near unto Panchaia, bringing his pile of sticks into the City of the Sun, 
Hel●opolis. What a great year is.  and there laying it upon the Altar: It is a matter of doubtful credit among Authors, whither a great year be accomplished with the life of this year or no. The most part of them affirm, that a great year consisteth not of five hundred and forty, but of twelve thousand, nine hundred fifty and four of our years. Finally, when Quintus Plautius, and Sext●● Papinius were Consuls, the Phaenix ●lewe into Egypt, and being taken the eight hundredth year after the building of the City, was by the commandment of Claudius the Emperor, showed openly at the election of the Officers. The which deed, besides the decree that remains concerning the same, is also enroled among the Acts of the City.  
The Cynnamolgus likewise a bird of Arabia, 
The Cinnamom Bird.  maketh his nest of the twigs of Cynnamom in the trees that be highest, whereunto because there is no climbing by reason of the height of the trees, and brittleness of the boughs, the inhabiters throw lines with plummets of lead on the ends of them into the nests, and so pulling them down, sell them far dearer, because the Merchants like that Cynnamom better than any other. 
The manners of the Arabians.  The Arabians have a large and a wide Country every way, and live after divers manners, with divers kinds of Religion. Many go with pulled heads, and hoods like miters, and in apparel fashion like to the same: and some shave their beards to the hard skins. They give themselves to Merchandise: not buying other folk's wares, but uttering they● own. For they be rich both in woods and waters. The shadows which lie to us on the right hand, 
Not at all times of the year, but openly while the Sun is in Cancer, and that is but in the South part of Arabia only.  lie to them on the left. Some of them that live hardly eat Snakes flesh. They have neither regard of body nor soul, and therefore they are named Ophiophags. From the sea-coast of this Country was brought unto King Polycrates, a precious stone called a Sardonix, which first stirred up the firebrand of excess in our part of the world. 
Snakeaters.  But the Sardonix 
Sardonix.  is so well known of all men, that I think not meet to make long process about it. The upperpart thereof is allowable if it be a sheer red: but it is reproved if it be thick like dregs. The mids of it is girded with a whitish circle, the grace whereof is if it neither shed his colour into the next, nor he himself borrow of the other. The rest of him is finished with a black, which (if it give a light through it,) is counted a fault: but if it let from seeing through, it giveth it the greater grace. 
The Molochyte.  The Arabian also findeth the Molochite of a deeper green than is the Emerawde, having a native virtue against the perils of infants. He findeth likewise the Iris in the Red sea, six cornered as the Crystal: 
The Iris or Rainbow stone  which being touched with the Sunbeams, casteth out of him a bright reflection of the air like the rainbow. The same Arabians gather the Androdamant bright as Silver, 
The Androdamant or Male Diamond  with sides equally square, which ye would think to have borrowed somewhat of the Diamond. It is thought that his name is given him of that he assuageth the passions of hot minds, and restraineth the rage of anger. We have from thence also the Arabish 
* The Pederote called also Opalius,  Pederote: which (to see to) is like ivory, and will not be filled. It helpeth them that bear it, against pains of the sinews. In the Pederote is conveyed whatsoever is excellent, with a certain prerogative of comeliness. It is clear, like Crystal: it is ruddy like purple: glistering in the uttermost verges as it were out of water, with a border yellow like Saffron. With this sweetness it ravisheth the eyes, allureth the sight, detaineth the beholders: and for this beauty, it pleaseth also the Indians. This is enough concerning Arabia, now let us retire again to Pelusium.   

CAP. XLVI.  
Of Mount Casius: of the great Pompey's tomb: and of the Town joppa.  
FRom Pelusium is Mount Casius, and the Chapel of jupiter Casius, and also the place of Ostracina, ennobled with the Tomb of the great Pompey. From thence beginneth 
* Edom  Idumaea, fruitful of Date trees. Afterward comes 
* Now called Port Iaffe  joppa, the ancientest Town in all the world, as which was builded before the general flood. In that Town is to be seen a Rock, which keepeth yet the print of the chains of Andromeda, who (as is reported, 
Of Andromada and the Monster  and that by no vain rumour) was set forth there to be devoured of a Monster.  
For Marcus Scaurus in his Aedileshyppe showed the bones of that Monster openly at Rome. The thing is registered in Chronicles. The measure of them also is contained in true Books: that is to say, that the length of his ribs was more than forty foot, and that he was far higher than the Olyphants of Ind. Moreover, every joint of his ridgbone were above half a foot broad.   

CAP. XLVII.  
Of jewry: of the Rivers and Lakes therein: of Balm: of Sodom and Gomor●he: and of the Essaene Nations.  
IEwrie is famous for waters, but all the waters are not of one nature. 
The river jordan.  The river jordan being of excellent sweetness, and flowing out of the fountain Peneas, runneth by most pleasant Countries, until that falling into the Lake 
* The dead Sea.  Asphaltites, which engendereth Bitumen, it is there corrupted with the standing water. This Lake hath no living thing in it, nothing can drown in it. Bulls and Camels swim without danger in it. There is also a Lake called Genezar, 
The Lake of Genezareth  sirtéene miles long, beset with many goodly Cities, and himself fellow with the best. But the Lake of Tyberias 
The Lake of Tyberias  is preferred before all these, wholesome for his mild taste, and effectual of operation for health. The head of jewry hath been jerusalem, 
jerusalem.  but it is utterly destroyed. In stedde thereof, succeeded jericho, 
jericho.  and this also hath ceased to be the head, since it was conquered in the wars of Artaxerxes.  
Near unto jerusalem is the Fountain 
* Fairestreame.  Callyrhoe, greatly commended for the medicinable heat thereof, which taketh his name of the renown of his water. 
Of Balm  Only in this Land groweth Balm, which kind of Tree was not to be found out of the compass of twenty acres of ground, unto the time that we conquered the Country. But after that we had gotten jewry, those groves were so spread abroad, that now very large Hills do yield us Balm.  
The stocks of them are like vines: they are set of slips: they we●e lusty with dygging about the roots: they delight in water: they love pruning, and are shadowed continually with their own leaves which stick fast.  
The wood of the stem being touched with iron, dieth without delay: and therefore they be cunningly slytted either with glass or with knives of bone, and that only in the Bark, out of which issueth a Gum of excellent swiftness. Next after the Gum, the second place of price is given to the Apples, the third to the rind, and the last to the wood. A great way from jerusalem lieth a sorrowful coast, which was stricken from heaven, as appeareth by the soil thereof, which is black, and resolved into Ashes.  
There were two Towns, the one named Sodom, 
Sodom and Gomorrhe.  the other Gomorrhe: and there groweth an Apple which though it seem to be ripe, yet can it not be eaten. For within the skin that goeth about it, there is contained a cindrye soot, which at every light touch puffeth out like a smoke, and crumbleth into lose dust.  
The inner parts of Iewrye toward the West, 
The sect of the Esseyes.  are possessed by the Essaenes: who using a notable trade of dyscypline by themselves, have departed from the custom of all other Nations, ordained hereunto (as I think) by the providence of the divine majesty.  
There are no Women among them: they have utterly renounced fleshly lust: they occupy no money, they live by Dates: no man is there borne, and yet there wanteth no store of men. The place itself is deputed to chastity: whereunto though many resort from all places about, yet is none admitted unless his approved chastity and innocent life make him worthy. For he that is guilty of never so light a fault, cannot get in there, make he never so much suit: but is removed by the power of God.  
Thus time without mind (a wonderful thing to be spoken) the nation continueth, and yet no chyldbeddes among them. Beneath the Essaenes was the Town of Engaddie, which now is utterly razed. Nevertheless, the notable woods keep their reputation still, and the high groves of Date trees are nothing at all defaced, neither by time nor by wars. The uttermost bound of jewry is the Castle of Massada.   

CAP. XLVIII.  
Of the Town Scythopolis, and the Mountain Casius.  
I Pass over Damascus, Philadelphia, and Raphana, and will tell who were the first inhabiters, and who was the founder of S●ythopolis. 
Scythoplis.  At such time as Bacchus had buried his Nurse, he builded this Town, to the intent by rearing the walls thereof, to advance the renown of her Sepulture. And forasmuch as inhabiters wanted, he chose out of his company the Scythians: and the more to encourage them to defend the City, he gave it their name.  
In the Country Selucia is another Mount Casius, hard by Antioch, from the top whereof a man may in the fourth watch see the Globe of the Sun, 
Mount Casius.  and with turning his body about a little aside, behold day on his one side, by means of the Sun dispersing the darkness with his bright beams, & on his other side still night. Such a prospect is there out of Mount Casius, that ye may see the light before the day appear.   

CAP. XLIX.  
Of the Rivers Euphrates and Tigris, and of sundry sorts of precious stones.  
EVphrates cometh out of the greater Armenia, 
Euphrates  rising above Zimara under the foot of a Mountain that is next Scythia, which the dwellers by call Capotes. This River receiving certain others unto him, waxeth big, and being increased with foreign waters, wrestleth with the straits of the Mountain Taurus, whom he cutteth through at Eligea, albeit he withstand him twelve miles broad: and so running still forth a long way, leaveth Comagene on his right side, and Arabia on his left. afterward, sweeping by many Nations, he divideth Babylon sometime the head City of Chaldey. He enricheth Mesopotamia with the excess of his yearly overflowing, and maketh the soil fruitful by shedding himself upon the land, in the like sort as the River of Egypt doth. He passeth over his banks in a manner the same time that Nilus doth, namely when the Sun is in the twenty degree of Cancer. And it falleth again at such time as the Sun having travailed over Leo, is setting foot into the uttermost Marches of Virgo.  
The Cosmographers hold opinion, that it happeneth so unto like parallels, which by the plat both of the heaven and of the earth, meet just and even together, according to the order of the imaginitive line. Whereby it appeareth that these two Rivers, being situate plomme under one parallel, albeit they flow out of sundry quarters, have nevertheless one self same cause of both their increasings. 
Tigris.  It is convenient also to speak of Tigris in this place. In the Realm of the greater Armenia, it lifteth up his head with a marvelous fair and clear spring, in a high ground, which is named Elongosine: and yet is he not big from the beginning.  
first he goeth slowly, not with his own name: but as soon as he entereth the borders of Medea, he is forthwith called Tigris: for so do the Medes call an arrow. He runneth into the Lake Arethusa, which sustaineth all weyghts: 
A strange Lake  the Fish whereof never come within the Channel of Tigris, like as the Fish of Tigris never pass into the Pool of Arethusa, through which he shooteth unlike of colour, and a very swift pace.  
Anon after being letted by the Mountain Taurus, he sinketh into a deep Cave, and so running under him, venteth again on the otherside of him at Zoroanda, bearing before him weeds & other dross, and a little way of sinketh again, and afterward advancing himself, he runneth by the Adiabines and Arabians, embraceth Mesopotamia, receiveth the noble river Choaspes into him, and carrieth Euphrates into the Sea of Persia. As many Countries as drink of Euphrates, do glister with sundry precious stones. 
The Smilax.  The Smilax is gathered in Euphrates own Channel, a jewel like to the Marble of Procomiesus, but that in the belly of this stone, there shines a yellow, like the ball of ones eye. The Sagda cometh to us from the Chaldyes', not easy to be found, but that (as they affirm) it offereth itself to be taken. For by the natural operation of the spirit thereof, it riseth out of the bottom to the ships that sail over it, and cleaveth so fast to their Kéeles, that it can hardly be separated from them without scraping away part of the timber. 
The Sagda  This Sagda for the effects that they know it hath, is highly esteemed of the Chaldyes': and it hath such an orient green, that the beauty thereof maketh it to be liked above all others. 
The Myrrhite  The Myrrhite is common among the Parthians. If ye should judge this stone by the eye, it is of the colour of Myrrh, and hath nothing that may delight the sight. But if ye try him thoroughly, and chafe him till he be hot, he hath as sweet a flavor as Nardus. In Persia is such abundance of stones, and such variety, that it would be a long matter to report their names. The Mythridax being stricken with the Sun, 
The Mythridax  glistereth with sundry sorts of colours.  
The Tecolythe 
The Tecolythe  being like the kernel of an an Olive, is despised in sight: but in goodness for medicine it excelleth the beauty of other stones. For being beaten into powder and drunk, it breaketh the stone, and easeth the diseases of the rain and the bladder. 
The Ammochrise or goldsand.  The Ammochryse being meddled with sparks of gold and fine gravel together, hath here and there little square spots of goldfoyle and dust. The Aetite is both yellow, and round of proportion, containing another stone within it, which maketh a noise when it is stirred, albeit that the cunningest jewellers say, it is not the little stone within it that maketh that tingling, 
The Aetite or Aeglest one.  but a spirit. This Aetite Z●roaster preferreth before all other stones, and attributeth very great virtue unto it. It is found either in eagles nests, or else on the shores of the Ocean: but most of all in Persia. Being worn about a woman with child, it preserveth her from deliverance before her time. The Pyrrhite is of the colour of gold, and will not suffer himself to be held over close in ones hand, for if it chance to be strained over hard, 
The Pyrrhite or Fyrestone.  it burneth the fingers. 
The Chalazias or Haylstone.  The Chalazias pretendeth both the whiteness and the fashion of a Haylestone, of hardness most sound and invincible.  
The Echite is spotted like a viper. The Dyonisias is brown, 
The Echite or Adderstone.  besprinkled with red specks: the same being broken in powder and mingled with water, 
The Dyonisias or Winestone  hath the flavor of wine, and (which in that scent is a wonder) it resisteth drunkenness. 
The Glossopetre or Tongue-stone.  The Glossopetre falleth from the sky in the wane of the Moon, like to a man's tongue, and it is of no small power as the Magicians affirm: who think that the motions of the Moon are stirred out of it. The jewel of the Sun is very white, 
The jewel of the Sun Venus' hair.  after the manner of a streaming star and spreadeth out ruddy beams. The hair of Venus is of glossy black, resembling inwardly the likeness of red hairs. The Selenite is of a sheer white colour, 
Selenite or the Moonestone.  meddled with the colour of honey, containing in it the Image of the Moon, which is reported to grow or diminish from day to day, 
The Meconite or Poppy stone  according to the course of the Planet.  
The Meconite resembleth Poppy. 
The Myrmecite or Antstone  The Myrmecite is marked with the likeness of an Ant creeping. 
The Chalcophthong or brasse●ounde.  The Chalcophthong ringeth like Brass beaten upon. Being carried chastened, it preserveth the voice clear. 
The Syderite or Ironstone  The Syderite (to see to) differeth nothing from iron: but like a makebate, wheresoever it is brought in, it stirreth discord. 
The Phlogite or flame stone  The Phlogite representeth as it were flames of fire burning within it. 
The Authracias or the colestone.  The Anthracias glistereth as it were with sparkling stars. The Enydros sweateth in such wise, 
The Enydros or Waterstone  as ye would think there were some spring of water shut up within it.   

CAP. L.  
Of Cilicia, and the Den Coricium, and of the Mountain Taurus.  
COncerning Cilicia which now is in hand, if we treat of it as it is now, we shall seem to discredit antiquity. Again, if we ●ollowe the bounds it had in old time, it is clean contrary from the state of things present. And therefore to avoid both inconveniences, the best that we can do is to report the states of both times. In old time Cilicia extended even unto Pelusium of Egypt, 
The bounds of Cilicia in old time.  and the Lydians, Medes, Armenians, Pamphilians, and Cappadocians, were under the dominion of the Cilicians. Anon after, being subdued by the Assyrians, it was straightened into a narrower room. It lieth for the most part in Champion ground, receiving the Sea of Issos' in a large Bay: and on the back it is enclosed with the ridges of the Mountains Taurus, and Amanus. It took the name of Cilix, whom ancient time hath hidden quite beyond the reach of remembrance. They say he was the Son of Phoenix, who is counted ancienter than jupiter, and one of the first that ever was bred upon the earth. It hath the mother of Cities Tarsus, 
Tarsus.  which Perseus the noble imp of Danae founded. 
The river Cydnus.  The river Cydnus cutteth through this City. Some have left in writing, that this Cydnus falleth from the Mountain Taurus: and othersome say it is derived out of the Channel of Choaspis: 
Choaspes.  the which Choaspis is of so sweet taste, that as long as it runneth within the borborders of Persia, the Kings of Persia reserved it only for their own drinking: and when they should go a progress any whither, they carried of the water of it with them. Of such parent therefore doth Cydnus take his wonderful sweetness. Whatsoever is white the Syrians in their native language call it Cydnus: whereof the name was given this river. He swelleth in the spring time when the snows are melted, the rest of the year he is slender and quiet. About Corycus in Cilicia groweth much Saffron, and very good, 
Corycus.  for though Sicill, though Syrena, though Lycia yield Saffron to, yet is the Saffron of Cilicia the most principal. It hath a more fragrant smell, it is of a more golden colour, and the juice thereof is more eflectuous in medicine.  
There is also the Town Coricus, 
A description of the Cave of Corycus  and a Cave which maketh hollow the Mountain that butteth upon the Sea, from the very top to the hard bottom, with a most large and open room within. For having both sides pitched fast in the deep of the ground, it cometh over the midspace that is empty in manner of a vault, with green trees hanging inward with their tops down. The descent into it is two miles and a half long, having the open day all the way, and springs of fountains flowing out on both sides. When ye come to the bottom of the first vault, there openeth again another Cave: the entry whereof is at the first wide and lightsome, but after ward in going further in, it waxeth dark by reason of the narrowness.  
In it is a holy Chapel of jupiter: in the innermost retreat whereof, the dwellers by do believe that the couch of the Giant Typhon standeth. There was in Cilicia an ancient Town called Soloe: 
Soloe  the native place of Chrysippus' Prince of the Stoic Philosophers: which being won by Tygranes King of Armenia, was long after named Pompeyople by Cneus, pompeius the great, who conquered Cilicia to the Roman Empire. The Mountain Taurus riseth first at the Indian Sea, 
The description of Mount Taurus.  and so bearing his right side toward the North, and his left side toward the South, and his frunt full into the West, shooteth himself between the Sea of Egypt and the Sea of Pamphilia at the Rocks of Chelidonie.  
It is manifest he would have continued the main Land still forth, but for the deep Seas, which will not suffer him to extend his roots any further.  
Surely they that treat of the natures of places, do prove that with his promontories, he hath assayed all means possible, to find passage. For wheresoever he is washed with the Sea, he runneth out in Promontoryes. But he is stopped, sometime by the Phaenician Sea, sometime by the Sea of Pontus, sometime by the Caspian or Hyrcan Sea: through whose resistance being often broken of his will, he wrytheth toward the Lake of Maeotis: and being as it were tired with so many distrese, joineth himself with the Mountains Riphaei. According to the diversity of nations, 
The names of Mount Taurus.  and variety of tongues that he passeth by, he is diverstie named. Among the Indians he is called Imaus, and afterward Paropanisus: among the Parthians, Choatras: from thence Niphates: then Taurus: and where he riseth of greatest height Caucasus. By the way also he taketh names of peoples. On the right side he is called Caspius or Hircanus, and on the left side Amazonicus, Moschicus, and Scythicus. Besides these, he hath also many other names, where he gapeth with riven cliffs, he maketh Gates, whereof the first is called the Armenian, the second the Caspian: and the third the Cilician. He beareth his head toward Greece also, where he is called Ceraunius. From the Coast of Cilicia, he looketh down into the Marches of Africa. As much of him as lieth to the South, is scorched with the Sun, and whatsoever butteth upon the North, is punished with wind and frost. Where it is woody, is is replenished with wild Beasts, and most cruel Lions.   

CAP. LI.  
Of Lycia, and the Fable of the Monster chimera.  
THat which Veswius is in Campane, 
Mount Chimaera  & Aetna in Sicill, the same is Chi●era in Lycia. This Hill breatheth up smoky flames in the night times. Whereupon rose the Fable of the thréeformed monster among the common people, believing that Chimaera was a lively beast. And because the place is of a fiery nature, the Lycians dedicated the next City unto Vulcan. and called it Ephaestia, after the original of his name. Among other things, there was also the noble Town of Olympus: but it is de●●yed, and now it is but a Castle.  
beneath the which are the kings waters, a wonder to such as behold them, for the beautifulness of them.   

CAP. LII.  
Of the lesser Asia: of the Temple of Di●na at Ephesus: of the birth of great Alexander, of the famous writers of Asia: of Phrygia, of the fourfooted beast called Bonasus, of the times of Homer and Hesiodus, of Memnon's birds, of the Chameleon, of Storks: and of the original of the Galathians.  
Now followeth Asia: 
Asia the less now called Anatolia.  but I mean not that Asia which being the third part of the world, is from the Egyptian Sea bounded with the river Nile, and from the Lake Maeotis with the river Tanais: but I mean that Asia which beginneth at Telmessus of Lycia, from whence the Gulf, of Carpathus also taketh hy● beginning. This Asia therefore is enclosed on the East with Lycia and Phrygia, on the West with the 〈◊〉 Sea, on the South with the Egyptian Sea, and on the North with Paphlagonia. 
Ephesus.  In it is the most famous City Ephesus. The beauty of Ephesus is the Temple of Diana, builded by the Amozons, such a royal piece of work, that when Xerxes' 〈◊〉 fire on all the T●mples of Asia, this one only he spared.  
But this gentleness of Xerxes exempted not this holy Church utterly from that mysfortune. For one Herostratus to the intent (to purchase himself an everlasting fame by his mischievous deed) did set this noble piece of work on fire with his own hands, 
The desire of vain glory  and when he had done it, confessed it to win himself a continual name.  
It is therefore noted that the Temple of Ephesus was burned the self same day that Alexander the great was borne in Pella, 
The birth of Alexander the great.  which (as Nepos reporteth) was in the consulship of Marcus Fabius Ambustus and Titus Quintius Capitolinus, the three hundred fourscore and fift year after the building of Rome. At such time as the Ephesians afterward repaired it, more beautiful and stately than it was before. Dinocrates' was chief master of the works, 
Dinocrates  even the same Dinocrates who by the commandment of Alexander builded Alexandria in Egypt, as we told you before. The great ruins of Asia bear witness that there never happened so continual earthquakes, and so many overthrows of Cities in any place of the whole world, 
Horrible earthquakes.  as in Asia. In somuch that in the reign of Tiberius, twelve Cities were overthrown at one time with earthquake.  
The wits of Asia have been renowned over all the world. first for Poetry Anacreon: then Mimnermus and Antimachus: 
Famous Poets  after them Hipponax: then Alcaeus: and among them also one Sapp●o a woman.  
For writing of histories, Xanthus, Hecateus, Herodotus, 
The famous writers of Histories  and with them Ephorus and Theopompus. Also of the seven Sages, there were Bias, Thales and Pittacus, and of Philosophers, 
Sages Philosophers.  Cleanthes one of the excellentest Stoics, Anaxagoras a searcher of nature, and Heraclitus also that bestowed all his time in the secrets of a subtler doctrine.  
Next Asia, 〈◊〉 in Phrygia: 
Phrygie.  wherein was Celenae▪ which having abolished his former name, fléeted into Apamaea, a Town builded afterward by Seleucus.  
Here was Ma●●●as borne, and here was he buried: of whom the river thereby took his name. For in remembrance of his ungracious challenge, and over malapert contention with the God of Music, in playing upon a shawm, there is a Ualley with a Well in it not far from thence, which beareth marks of the thing that was done, and is a ten miles of from Apamaea, bearing the name of 
* Pypewell  Aulocrene unto this day. 
The crooked River Maeander  Out of a Mount of this Town, the river Maeander lifteth his head: which running forward and backward in crooked banks, falleth headlong between ●aria, and Iconia, into the Gulf that divideth Miletum and Priene.  
Phrygia itself lieth above Troas, 
Phrigya.  and bordereth Northward upon Galatia, and southward upon Lycaoma, Pisidia, and Mygdonia. The same is on the east, next Neighbour unto Lydia, and on the North to Mysia and Caria. On that side that is toward the midday, is the Mountain Tmolus flourished over with Saffron, and the River Pactolus, 
Pactolus.  whom they call by another name 
* Goldstreame The beast Bonasus.  Chrysoroa, because he carrieth gold in his stream. In these Countries breedeth a beast called Bonasus, who hath the head and all the bod●e forth on, like a Bull. Only he hath a mane like a Horse, and his horns are so many times twysted round one within an other, that if a man light upon them h● cannot be wounded. But that defence that the fro● 〈…〉, his pau●che recompenseth. 〈…〉 ground: the heat whereof is such, that it scaldeth whatsoever it toucheth, and so with his mischievous squirt, he keepeth of such as pursue him. The head of jonia is Miletus, 
jonia  sometime the house of Cadmus, the same that first found the order to write in prose. Not far from Ephesus is the City Colophon, renowned with the Oracle of Apollo Clarius. And within a little way of that, 
Colophon  riseth Mount Mimas, which giveth knowledge of the alteration of the wether by the clouds that fly over the top of it. The head of Maeonia is Sypilus, 
Maeonie  called heretofore Tantalis, and for the longer continuance of that name, cometh Niobe, borne to the loss of her husband and children. About Smyrna runneth the river Melas, 
The prince of all Rivers in the lesser Asia.  without all controversy, the prince of all the Rivers in Asia.  
Through the fields of Smyrna, cutteth also the River Hermus: which rising at Dorilaum in Phrigya, cutteth Phrigya of from Caria. Antiquity was in a belief, 
Hermus.  that this Hermus also flowed with golden streams.  
Smyrna (which is the greatest beauty of all to it) was the Country of the Poet Homer, who departed out of this world, 
Homer's byrt●● and death.  the two hundred, threescore, & tenth year after the taking of Troy, Agrippa Silvius, the Son of Tyberinus then reigning in Alba, which was the hundred and threescore year before the building of Rome. 
Hesiodus  Between whom and the Poet Hesiodus (who died in the beginning of the first Olympiad,) there were a hundred and eight & thirty years. In the Rhetaean shore, the Athenians and Mytileneans at the Tomb of the 
* Achille●.  Thessalian Captain builded the Town Achylleon, which is almost decayed. And about a forty furlongs from thence, in another nook of the same shore, the Rhodians builded another Town in the honour of Ajax the Son of Telamonius, which they named Aeantion.  
But hard by Troy standeth the Tomb of Memnon, whereunto come certain Birds flying continually out of Aethiop in flocks, 
Memnon's birds  which the Trojans call Memnon's Birds. Cremutius is mine Author that these Birds every fifth year, assemble in flocks from all quarters wheresoever they be in all the world, to the Palace of Memnon. In the upland Country, above a part of Troas, 
Teuthranie.  lieth the region of Teutranie, which was the first dwelling of the Mysians. Teutranie is watered with the river Caicus. Through all Asia is great store of 
* The Chameleon or earthlyon.  Chameleons, a fourfooted beast, in making like a Lucert, but that he hath strait and somewhat longer legs growing to his belly, with a long tail wrythed round in, with hooked talants finely bowing inward, slow of gate, and in a manner trailing like a Snail: rough bodied, with such a hide as we see Crocodiles have, and hollow eyes sunk far into his head, which he never shadoweth with twinkling. Moreover, he beholdeth things not with rolling the balls of his eyes, but with staring continually forward. His mouth is ever gaping, and serveth to do no kind of thing with all: for he neither eateth meat, nor is nourished with drink but liveth only by drawing in the air, which is his only sustenance. His colour is variable, and every moment changeable: so that to what thing so ever he leaneth himself, he becometh of the same colour. Two colours there are which he is not able to counterfeit, red and white: all other he counterfeiteth with ease. His body is almost without flesh, and his entrails without spleen: neither is there any blood to be found in him, save in his heart, and thereof is very little. He hides himself in winter, and comes abroad in the spring time. The Raven hath great spite at him, but if he taste of him, he being dead, killeth his enemy that hath killed him. For if the Raven eat never so little of him, he dieth by and by. But the Raven hath his defensive, by means of nature itself, which putteth forth her hand to heal him. For as soon as he feeleth himself diseased, he eateth a bay leaf, and so recovereth his health.  
There is in Asia a ground called Pythous 
* Village.  Come, a plot in the Champion fields, to which at the very first time of their arrival, the Storks assemble, 
Of Storks  and there all of them fall upon him that cometh last, & tear him in pieces. They say these fowls have no tongues, but that the crocking which they make, is rather a sound of the mouth then a voice. There is in them a singular naturalness. For look how much time they bestow in bringing up their young birds, so much time do their birds bestow in cherrishyng them again. For they are so fond in keeping their nests, that by continuance of sitting, they cast their feathers. They think it a heinous matter in all places to hurt them, but specially in Thessaly, where is unmeasurable store of Serpents, which they persecuting to feed upon, do greatly ease the Countries of Thessaly of that mischief.  
Galatia was in ancient time conquered by the old inhabiters of Gallia, 
Galatia.  namely by the Tolistobogians, Voturians, and 
* People of Amiens.  Ambians, which names remain unto this day, albeit that Galatia by the very sound of the name, declareth from whence it is derived.   

CAP. LIII.  
Of Bythinia, and the ravishing of Hylas: and of the death and burial of Hannibal.  
BIthinia at the entrance of the Sea Pontus, toward the Sun rising, overagainst Thrace, wealthy, and garnished richly with Cities, taketh his beginning at the head of the River Sangarius. 
The names of Bithynia.  It was in old time named Bebrycia, afterward Mygdonia, and lastly (of King Bithynus) Bythinia.  
In this Country by the City Prusias, runneth the river Hylas, and likewise there is the Lake Hylas, wherein it is thought that the Child Hylas Hercules delight whom the Nymphs had ravished was drowned. In remembrance of whom, the people unto this day run solemnly a scatterloping about the Lake, 
The place where Hannibal was buried.  and cry Hylas as loud as they can. In Bythinia also is a place called Lybissa, near to Nicomedia, registered in the Book of fame for the Tomb of Hannibal, who after the judgement given upon him at Carthage, resorting first to King Antiochus, and after the unfortunate battle of Antiochus at Thermopyles and his utter discouragement through the unconstancy of Fortune, being retained a guestwise by King Prusias, because he would not be delivered to Titus Quintius who was sent into Bythinia for the same purpose, and be carried prisoner to Rome: poisoned himself, and by wilful death defended his body from the irons that should have been laid upon him by the Romans.   

CAP. liv.  
Of the Coast of Pontus.  
IN the Coast of Pontus beyond the straits of Bosphorus, and the river Rhaesus, and the Haven of Calpas: the river Sangaris (called of many Sangarius) which riseth in Phrigya, 
The river Sangaris  maketh the beginning of the Mariandine Gulf, wherein is the Town of Heraclea, standing upon the river Lycus, and the Haven Acone, 
The Haven of Acone.  so notable for the increase of wicked weeds, that of the name of that Town, we call all hurtful herbs Aconite. Next unto that is the Cave of Acheruse, 
The Cave of Acheruse.  where (as men say) is a dark deep hole, that goeth down to hell.   

CAP. LV.  
Of Paphlagonia, and of the original of the Venetians  
THe Marches of Galatia enclose Paphlagonia on the back part. This Paphlagonia from the promontory of Carambis, looketh unto 
* Precop  Taurica Chersonesus. It riseth in height with the Mountain Cytorus, the space of threescore and three miles, 
The original of the Venetians  famous for the place called Henett, from whence (as Cornelius Nepos affirmeth) the Paphlagonians passing over into Italy, were anon after named Venetians. The Milesians builded many Cities in that Realm. And Mithridates builded Eupatoria, which being subdued by Pompey, was named Pompeyople.   

CAP. LVI.  
Of Capadocia, and the nature of horses in the same.  
OF all the Realms that border upon Pontus, Cappadocia draweth furthest into the firm land. 
The bounds of Cappadocia.  On the left side it lieth all along both the Armenies and Comagene: on the rightside it hath the Marches of many people of Asia. It riseth at the ridge's of Mount Taurus, and the sun rising. It passeth all along by Lycaonia, Pisidia, and Cilicia. It goeth beyond the Coast of Syrya that is about Antioch, stretching even unto Scythia at another part of the Realm, and is divided from the greater Armenia with the river Euphrates, which Armenia taketh his beginning at the mountains Pariedrie. There be many famous Cities in Cappadocia: But to pass over the rest, the river Halys runneth by Archelais, which Claudius Caesar peopled. The river Lycus washeth by Neocaesaria. Semiramis builded Melita. Mazacha which is situate under Mount Argaeus, the Cappadocians call the mother of Cities. The which Argaeus being very high, 
The river Lycus.  hath his tops so covered with snow, that even in the whotest of all Summer he is frozen, and the Inhabiters of the country believe there is a God dwelling in it. This country is a special breeder of horses, and most commodious for increase of them, the natures of whom I think meet to be treated of in this place. 
The nature of horses.  For it is manifest by the sundry proofs, that there is discretion in horses, forasmuch as there have been some found, that would not be acquainted with any but with their first owners: utterly forgetting their accustomed tamenes, if at any time they happened to change their old masters. They know who be enemies to their side, in so much that in incountering in battle, they run upon them with open mouth to bite them. But this is a greater matter, that when they have lost their former Keepers whom they did cast a love unto, they starve themselves for hunger. These conditions are found in the excellentest kind of horses: for those that are of the base sort, have showed no examples of themselves.  
But because we will not seem to take liberty to speak more than we are able to avouch, we will propound divers examples.  
Great Alexander's horse which (either of the stowrenesse of his look, or of his mark because he had a Bulls head branded on his shoulder, or else because certain bunches like little horns swelled in his forehead when he was angry,) 
Bucephalus the horse of great Alexander.  was called Beucephalus, whereas at all other times he would gently suffer his keeper to ride him, as soon as the king's saddle was set upon his back, he disdained to bear any man at all saving his Lord and Master. He showed many proofs of himself in battles, by bringing Alexander safe, out of most sharp encounters: for which his desert it came to pass, that when he died in Ind, the king kept his funerals, and made a costly Tomb over him, and moreover builded a City which in remembrance of his horse's name he called Bucephala.  
The horse of Caius Caesar would suffer no man to take his back but Caesar. 
The horse of Caius Caesar  And it is said, that his forefoots were like the feet of a man, as should seem by the Image of the horse, which was placed by him in that shape, before the Image of his mother Venus.  
When one that killed a King of Scythia in combat hand to hand, 
A King's horse of Scythia.  would have spoiled him, the kings horse felled him with his heels, and tore him in pieces with his teeth. The Country of Agrigent also hath many Tombs of horses in it, which burial they think was no more than the horses had deserved. The sights in the great Theatre bear witness that they have a delight in pleasant things. For some of them at the playing upon shawms, some at singing, some at the variety of colours, and divers also at the sight of burning Cressets, are provoked to running.  
That there is affection in horses their tears do declare. 
The horse of king Nicomedes The horse of Centaretrius.  After that King Nicomedes was slain, his horse died for hunger. When Antiochus had vanquished the Galathians in battle, as he was about to have gotten upon the horse of their Captain Centaretrius, (who was slain in the field) to have vaunted himself in a lusty bravery: the horse did set so little by his raining of him, that falling down for the nonce, he threw himself and his rider both to the ground. The sights that Claudius Caesar showed in the great Theatre, declared the wit of horses, for when the wagoner was overthrown, they overran their adversaries that contended with them, not more by swiftness then by pollicie● and after running their full course orderly, stayed of themselves at the races end, as it were to claim the reward of victory. Moreover having so cast of their Ruler (who was named Ratumena) they forsook the gaming place, and ran full flight to the Capitol, never stinting (although they ●ad many lets by the way) before such time as they had gone thrice about jupiter Tarpeius righthandwise. In this kind of beast the Males are longest lived. We read that a horse hath lived full threescore and ten years. And this is out of all question, that they engender till they be three and thirty years old, and that after the twentieth year they are purposely kept to cover Mares. 
A horse named Opus.  Also we find it noted, that a Horse named Opus, did hold out in serving the race, until he was forty years old.  
The lust of Mares is extinguished by shearing their manes: and in the fools there breedeth a poison that provoketh love, which is in the Colt's forehead when he is new fol●d▪ and is of colour yellow like a dry Fig, and it is named 
* It is called the knap.  Hyppomanes: and if the same be taken from the Colt, the Dam will never give it su●k. The ●●ercer that any horse is, and of greater courage, the deeper doth he thrust his nose into the water when he drinketh. The Scythians never bring horses to battle, but Mares: because the Mares can state and ru● never the less. Mares do conceive and bring forth Colts by the wind, but those never live above three years.   

CAP. LVII.  
Of Assyria, and of the first coming up of ointments.  
THe beginning of Assyria is Adiabene in a part whereof is the Country Arbelite, 
The place of encounter between Alexander and Darius  which place the victory of great Alexander will not suffer to be foreslipped. For there he vanquished the power of D●●ius, and 〈◊〉 him, and in ryffling his Camp, among other of his princely furniture, 
Perfumes open the Gate to excess.  found a Caskettfull of Ointments, which thing afterward opened first the gap of excess unto the Romans, to delight in foreign perfumes. Nevertheless we were defended for a while from the allurement of vices, by the virtues of our ancestors, and that even unto the Censureshippe of Publius Crassus, and julius Caesar, who in the five hundred threescore and fift year of the building of the City, forbid by open proclamation, that no ma● should bring foreign Ointments into the City. Afterward our vices got the upperhand, and the Senate grew to such a delight in the pleasantness of the scents, that they used them even in their 〈◊〉 Chambers: as it appeared by Lucius Plo●ius the brother of Lacius that had been twice Consul: whom being proclaimed Traitor by the Thréem●n, the ●ent of his ointments be wrayed where he lay hidden in a hole at Salerne.   

CAP. LVIII.  
Of the tree called Medica.  
AFter this row of Countries followeth Media, the Tree whereof hath been celebrated even by the verses of Virgil. It is a great tree, and hath leaves almost like the leaves of a Crab●e Tree, saving only in this one point, that they be rough with sharp pricks. It beareth an Apple which is enemy to venom, 
The Apple of Media,  of harsh taste, and of wonderful bitterness▪ The sent of this odour is very fragrant and exceedingly pleasant, and 〈◊〉 a far of. But the Tree is so plentiful of bearing, that it is always overcharged with the burden of his fruit. For as soon as ever his fruit is ripe and fallen of, new spring forth, and it tarrieth no longer without increase, then while the first grown fruit may fall of. Other nations have endeavoured to plant these Trees in their grounds, and slips and ymps have been fetched from thence and graffed. But nature is so coy in that behalf, that no other soil could borrow that benefit from the Land of Media.   

CAP. LIX.  
Of the Gates of Mount Caspius.  
ALl the Caspian Gates are a way cut out by man's hand, eight miles of length: and it is scarce so broad as a Cart may go through. In these straits among other things, this also is very difficult: that the stones on each side which are ragged, by means of the veins of salt that melt in them, yield forth moisture abundantly, which soon after being hardened by force of heat, congealeth into Ise. By means whereof it becometh so slypperie, that no man can pass them. Moreover, by the space of eight and twenty miles, all the Coast. which way soever ye go from thence, hath no wells nor springs, but dry ground without any rescue against thirst. Also the Serpents that breed in all countries there about, flock thither as soon as ever the spring time beginneth. Thus through the conspiracy of the difficultness and of the dangerousness, there is no coming to the Caspians but in the winter.   

CAP. LX.  
Of Direum, and of the Country Margiana.  
FRom the Caspians Eastward, is a place that they call Direum, to the plentifulness whereof, there is no place any where to be compared: about which dwell the Tapyres, the Anariaks, and the Hyrcanes. There bordereth also upon it, the Country Margiana, not able for the wholesomeness of the air, 
Margiana  and commodities of the soil, in so much as in all that large Coast, the Country only hath wines It is enclosed round about like a Theatre with hills, the compass of a thousand and five hundred furlongs, almost unpossible to be come unto, for the sandy desert, which environeth it every way round about, by the space of a hundred and twenty miles. Alexander the great liked so well of the pleasantness of this Region, that he builded the first Alexandria there, which was anon after razed by the barbarous people, and repaid again by Antiochus the Son of Seleucus, who according to the name of his progeny called it Seleucia: the circuit of which City containeth threescore and fifteen furlongs. Into this City did Orodes convey the Romans that were taken at the slaughter of Crassus▪ Alexander reared another Town also among the Caspians, which was called Heraclea as long as it stood. But this also being beaten down by the same nations, was afterward repaired by A●tiochus, and (as it liked him best) was named Achais.   

CAP. LXI.  
Of the river Oxus, and the nations about it: of the voyages of Liber Parer, Hercules and Semiramis, of the bounds of King Cyrus, and of the nature of Camels.  
THe river Oxus springeth out of the Lake Oxus, the brims whereof are inhabited about by the Henioches, Batenes, & Oxistages: but the chiefest part is inhabited by the Bactrians. The Bactrians also have a peculiar River of their own called Bactrus, 
The Bactrians.  and a Town thereupon which they inhabit named Bactrum. The nations that are behind this, are environed with the hills of Paropamisus, which endeth against the head of the river Indus: the rest is enclosed by the river Oxus. 
The bounds of Liber, Hercules, Se●yramis and Cyrus.  Beyond these, is Panda a Town of the Sogdians, in the borders of whom great Alexander builded the third Alexandria, to testify the bounds of his journey. For this is the place where Altars were erected first by Liber Pater, secondly by Hercules, thirdly by Semiramis, and lastly by Cyrus: and therefore it was counted one of the greatest commendations of Alexander, that he set out the bounds of his voyage so far as the place.  
The river Iaxa●tes dissevereth the borders of all the Countries that lie in that tract only: which river nevertheless the Bactrians only call jaxartes, 
The river jaxartes.  for the Scythians call it Silies. The Soldiers of great Alexander's host, took this jaxartes to be the same river that is ●anais. 
Demodam●●  But Demodamas a Captain of Seleuchus, and Antiochus, a sufficient Author in this behalf, passing over this river, went beyond the titles of all that were before him, and found it to be another river than Tanais: in remembrance of which his renowned enterprise, for the more aduaun●ment of his own fame, he reared Altars to Apollo Didymaeus in the same place. This is the battable ground where the Marches of Persia and Scythia, meet. The which Scythians, the Persians in their language call Saks, and the Scythians on the otherside name the Persians Chorsars: and the Mountain Caucasus they call Graucasus, that is to say white with snow. Numbers of people innumerable here abouthis keep the same Laws and customs that the Parthians do, if an universal consent from the beginning, without breaking or alteration of order. Of which the famousest are the Massagets, the Essedons, the Saks, the Dahes, and the Assaeans. Beyond whom by reason of most cruel and barbarous nations that lie betwixt, we find great uncertainty in the report of the customs of other nations.  
Out of Bactria come strongest Camels, 
Of Camels  albeit that Arabia bred of them too. But this is the difference betwixt them: that the Camels of Arabia have two bunches on their backs, and they of Bactria have but one.  
These do never were their feet: for the feet of the other have as it were little palms of flesh turning back again. By means whereof they have a contrary fault in their going, in that there is no help for them to set their feet steadfast upon the ground, They serve to double use. For some be good for the burden, and some are light & swift in running. But neither will those receive more than a reasonable burden, nor these go above their ordinary pace. For desire of generation they become mad, in so much as they are outrageous cruel when they would go to make. They hate horses, and they will forbear drink by the space of four days together. But when the time serves that they may drink, they hale in as much as will both staunch the drought that is past, and moist them for the thirst that is long to come. They covet soiled waters, and refuse the clear. And if it be not muddy of itself, they will raise up the mud with continual stamping, & make it troubled. They endure an hundred years, unless it be so that they be conveyed into strange Countries, and so the change of air make them diseased. The Females are prepared for the wars, and means is found how to kill the desire of generation in them by gelding them. For it is thought they become the stronger, if they be kept from the Males.   

CAP. LXII.  
of the Seres and of their silks.  
AS ye turn from the Sythick Ocean, and the Caspian Sea toward the East Ocean: from the beginning of this Coast, first deep snows, then long deserts, beyond that the Cannibals a most cruel kind of people, and lastly places full of most outrageous wild Beasts, make almost the one half of the way unpassible. The which distresses have their end at a Mount that butteth upon the Sea, which the barbarous people call Tabis, beyond which, the wildernesses do nevertheless continue a great way on still. 
Of Silk.  So in that Coast which faceth the North-east, beyond those waste & uninbabitable Countries, the first men that we have heard of, be the Seres: who sprinkling water upon the leaves of their Trees, do by the help of that liquor comb of certain fleeces, and with moisture so card that fine Cotten, that they make what they will thereof. This is that silk admitted to be worn commonly, to the hindrance of gravity, and wherewith the lust of excess hath persuaded first women, and now also men to apparel themselves, rather to set out the bodies to sale then to clothe it. The Seres are meek and very quiet among themselves: but otherwise they eschew the company of all men beside: insomuch that they refuse to have any traffic or intercourse of Merchandise with other nations. For those that occupy the trade of merchandise with them, do pass over the first river of their Country: upon the banks whereof (with out any communication of talk between the Chapmen, the Seres considering by eyesight, the price that they bid for the things laid down, utter their own wares, but by not ours.   

CAP. LXIII.  
of the Attacene Nations.  
Now followeth the Coast of Attacene, and the nation of the Attacenes who have a singular prerogative for the temperat●es and gentlesse of their air. The hills keep of the hurtful blasts: which hills being cast round about them every way, do with their wholesome openness to the Sun, fence them from all pestilent airs. And therefore (as Amomaetus affirmeth) their life and the life of the Hyperborcans is a like. Between these and Ind, the skylfullest Cosmographers have placed the Cycones.   

CAP. LXIIII  
of Ind, and the manners of the Indians of the temperate air of that Country, of the Rivers of Ind, of the wonderful beasts, trees, kinds of odours, and precious stones in the same.  
INde beginneth at the hyls called Emodii, 
The bounds of East India.  and extendeth from the south sea to the East Ocean, and from the North to the Mountain Caucasus, most healthful with the blasts of the South west wind. It hath Summer twice a year, and twice a year harvest: and in stedd of Winter, it hath the Eastern winds called Etesiae. Posidonius placeth this Country directly against France, and surely there is no doubt at all in the matter. For first being found by the wars of great Alexander, and since his time traveled through and through by the diligence of Kings, it is now come full and wholly to our knowledge.  
Megasthenes having continued a good while among the Kings of Ind, wrote the acts of the Country, to the intent to leave to his posterity the certainty of those things that himself had seen with his eyes. Dennys also (who in likewise was by king Philadelphus sent to see whither those things were true or no,) writ the like.  
Bacchus was borne of jupiters' thigh. Without the mouth of the river Indus, are two islands, 
* Goldland  Chryse and 
* Silver land  Argyre, so plentiful of metals, that divers have reported them to have soils of gold and silver. 
The Manners and behaviour of the Indians  All the Indians wear long hair, stained with a bluish or yellowish colour. Their chief attire is in precious stones.  
No cost is bestowed in burial of the dead. Furthermore (as is expressed in the books of King juba and King Archelaus) as much as the people disagree in manners and conditions, so great difference is there in their attire. Some wear linen garments some woollen, some go all naked, some cover but their privy members, and many go clad in barks of trees. Some people are so tall, that they will as easily vault over Elephants, as if they were horses. Many think it good neither to kill any living thing, nor to eat any flesh. Some eat only fish, & live by the Sea. There are that make as it were a sacrifice of their Parents and kinsfolk, before they become bare with sickness or age, and then make a feast with their flesh, which thing in that Country is not counted a wickedness, but a godliness.  
There are also that in extremity of sickness, or when diseases linger upon them, get themselves into some secret corner far from resort, and there quietly abide for death.  
The Nation of the Aspagones' 
The Aspagons  have goodly woods of green Bay and Box, and as for wines and all other trees, wherein is pleasure and beauty to delight, it hath most plenteous store of them. The Indians have Philosophers whom they call Gynmosophists, 
Gymnosophists  who from the rising of the Sun to the gooing down thereof, behold the Globe of that burning Planet with fixed eyes, searching in that fiery circle for certain secret things, and standing all day long upon the scalding sand, now on the one foot and now on the other. 
Strange kind of people.  At the Hill that is called Milo, dwell people that have their feet turned backward, with eight toes on each foot.  
Megasthenes saith, that in divers Mountains in Ind, are Nations that have hands like Dogs, armed with talants, clad in hides, having no likelihood of man's speech, but uttering a noise of barking, with rough chaps. We read in C●esias, that certain Women bear Child but once, and that the Babes as soon as they be borne, become by and by gray-headed: and that there is again another nation which in their youth are hoar headed, and wax black in their age, which endureth far beyond the race of our years. We read also of a people called Monoscelans, 
The Monoscelans or one legged people.  borne there with one leg a piece, of singular swiftness: who when they will defend themselves from the heat, lay themselves down upon their backs, and shadow them with the largeness of their feet. They that dwell at the fountain of Ganges, need no manner of victuals to feed upon. They live by the sent of stubfruite and Crabs, and when they have any long journey to go, they carry the same with them for their bait, to refresh themselves with the smell of them And if it happen them to take any corrupt air, certain it is, that they die of it by & by. There is reported also to be a nation of women which bear Children at five years of age, but their life endureth not above 8. years. There are the want heads, and have their eyes in their shoulders. There are also wild men, rough skinned, toothed like dogs, & that make a terrible goarring. But among them that have some more care to live according to reason, many women are married to one man, and when the husband is deceased, each of them pleadeth before most grave judges, concerning her deserts, & she that by the sentence of the judges is deemed to have been more dutiful & serviceable than the rest, receiveth this reward of her victory, that at her pleasure she may leap into the fire where her Husband is a burning, and offer herself as a sacrifice upon his hearse. The rest live with infamy.  
The hugeness of their Serpents is so excessive, 
The hugeness of Serpents  that they swallow up Hearts, and other beasts of like bigness whole, yea and as great as the Indian Ocean is, they swim through it, and pass over into islands a great way distant from the firm ●ande to seek feeding. And the self same thing is a good argument to prove their hugeness, that they have force to pass over such a breadth of salt water, and to attain to the places that they aim at. There are many and wonderful beasts, out of the which multitude I will pick some to treat of.  
The Leucocrote passeth all wild Beasts in swiftness. 
The Leucocrote.  It is of the bigness of an Ass, haunched like a Stag, breasted and legged like a Lion, headed like a Camel, cloven cléed, mouthed up to both the ears, and with one whole round bone instead of teeth. Thus much as to his shape. In voice he counterfeiteth the speech of man. 
The Eale.  There is an Eale, otherwise like a horse, tailed like an Olyphant, of colour black, chapped like a Boar, armed with horns above a cubit long, pliable to what use soever he list to put them. For they are not stife, but are bowed as need shall require in fight: of which he putteth out the one when he fighteth, and rolleth up the other, that if by any stripe the point of the one be blunted, the other may succeed sharp in his room. He is compared to the Waterhorses, and to say the truth, he delighteth in waters to.  
The Bulls of Ind are of colour bright yellow, 
The Bulls of Ind  exceeding wight of foot, with their hair growing the contrary way, and as much mouth as head. These also bear horns pliable to what purpose they list, so hard hided, that nothing is able to enter, so unmercifully cruel, that being caught, they kill themselves for moodiness.  
Among these breedeth also that Manticora, 
The Manticora.  with three set of teeth in his head checkquerwise one against another, faced like a man, grey eyed, sanguine coloured bodied like a Lion, tailed like a Scorpion with a stinging prick in the end, with so shrill a voice that it counterfeiteth the tunes of pipes, and the harmony of Trumpets. He seeketh most greedily after man's flesh. He is so swift of foot, and so nimble in leaping, that there is no space so long that may foreslow him, nor any thing so broad that can let him of his way. 
Strange Oxen  There are also O●en with one horn and three horns, whole hooved, and not cloven cléed. But the cruelest is the Unicorn, a Monstar that belloweth horribly, 
The Unicorn.  bodied like a horse, footed like an Oliphant, tailed like a Swine, and headed like a Stag. His horn sticketh out of the mids of his ●orehead, of a wonderful brightness about four foot long, so sharp, that whatsoever he pusheth at, he striketh it through easily. He is never caught alive: killed he may be, but taken he cannot be.  
The waters also breed no less wonders. 
Strange Eels  Ganges breedeth Eels of forty foot long, and Statius Sebosus saith, that the same river (among the chiefest miracles) swarmeth with worms both in name and colour grey. These have as it were arms not under six cubits long a piece, so boisterous of strength, that with the hand thereof, they take hold of Olyphants that come thither to drink, and hale them so rudely, that they pull them under the water. The Indian Seas have fishes called Thyrlpooles, above the bigness of four Acres of ground. There are also which they call 
* Spowters'  Physeters, which being huge beyond the measure of great pillars, lift themselves above the sayleyards of ships, and puff out the water that they have haled in at their venting pipes, in such wise that many times they sink● the vessels with the rage of water, that they let fall upon the Mariners. Only Ind breedeth the Poppiniey, 
Popinieyes and Parrots.  of colour green, with a red list about his neck, whose bill is so hard, that when he is thrown from high upon a stone, he saveth himself upon his bill, using it as an extraordinary defence of his infirmity. And his head is so strong that if at any time he have need of stripes to put him in mind of his lesson, (for he learneth to speak like a man) he must be knocked on the pate with a wand of iron. While he is a Chicken, and as yet under two years old, he learneth the things that are taught him more speedily, and beareth them more steadfastly in remembrance. Above that age he is somewhat more slow of taking, forgetful, and unapt to be taught. The number of toes maketh the difference between the nobler and the rascaller sort. The better have five toes on a foot, the worse have three. His tongue is broad, and much broader than the tongues of other birds: and that is the cause of his perfection in uttering words so distinctly. This nature of his made the Romans to have so great pleasure and delight in him, that the barbarous people made a merchandise of their Poppinieyes. The trees if Ind grow up in such an excessive height, that they cannot shoot an arrow over them. The Orchyards have Fig trees, the bodies whereof are threescore paces about, 
Of Figtrees  and their boughs shadow two furlongs every way, the largeness of their leaves is compared to the shield of the Amazons, and the fruit is of very singular sweetness. The Fenny grounds bring forth a Reed 
Reeds.  of such grossness, that between knot and knot they make boats of them to row in. Out of the roots whereof, is pressed a sweet juice, as pleasant as honey. 
The prerogative of the Island Tylos.  There is an Island of Ind called Tylos, which beareth Date trees, bringeth forth olives, and aboundeth in Uynes. It surmounteth all lands in this one wonder, that what tree soever groweth therein, is never without leaves.  
There beginneth Mount Caucasus, which with his continual ridge, pierceth through the most part of the world. The same hill on his front that faceth the Sun, beareth Pepper Trees: which men affirm to be like the juniper Tree, and to bring forth sundry fruits. 
Of Pepper and of the Pepper-tree,  That fruit that cometh forth first, is like the agglets of Hasles, and is called long Pepper. That which is uncorrupted, is called white Pepper. That which hath the skin wrinkled and scorched with the heat, is called black Pepper. Lastly, that which falleth down and is parched with the burning Sun, taketh ●ys name of his colour. But that which is stripped of the Tree as it is, is called white Pepper. And as only Ind yieldeth Pepper, so alonely yéelddeth it Ebonye: 
Ebony,  & yet not in all places but in a very little part of the Country doth it yield this kind of wood.  
The Tree for the most part is slender, and growing many together, thin branched, swelling to the bigness of the stock, with a hoven rind, and very full of holes with open veins, insomuch that for all the uttermost bark, the very wood is scarce covered with a thin rind. All the wood of it is medicinable, & it is, almost of the same fashion & colour that is in the yet stone.  
The Kings of Ind have their Sceptres hereof, and they make the Images of their Gods of none other would then Ebonye. They report also that no noisome liquor can be contained in this kind of s●uffe, and that whatsoever is hurtful, is disappointed by the touching hereof. And for this pleasure they make Cups of Ebonye, wherefore it is no marvel though it be had in great price in foreign Realms, considering it is so much honoured in the place it comes from, and where it grows. The great Pompey brought Ebonye first out of Ind and showed it in Rome, when he triumphed for vanquishing Methridates. Ind yieldeth also Calamus odoratus, 
Calamus odoratus.  a special remedy against griefs in the bowels. It giveth many other sweet Odours, acceptable for the pleasantness of their wonderful flavor.  
Of the jewels of Ind, the chief pre-eminence is in the Diamond, 
The Diamond and the ●undry sorts and natures of them,  as which driveth away franticness, resisteth venims, and expulseth vain fears from such as have qualms coming over their hearts. This I though was to be spoken first, of those things that have respect to profit. Now will show how many and what sorts of Diamonds there be, and what colour is best to be liked in each of them. In a certain kind of Crystal, there is found this kind of stuff: which groweth after the likeness of most sheer water gently gathering sharp at both ends to a sixcornered point, and it is never found above the bigness of a filbert kernel. The next unto this is found in the excellentest gold, somewhat paler, and shining more toward the colour of silver. The third is found in the veins of Copper, 
The Syderite  drawing toward the colour of brass: which is very effectual in medicine, and is called Siderites. The fourth is gathered in iron mines, of weightier substance than the rest, but not like them in virtue. For both this and that which is found in Copper may be broken, and for the most part they are pierced through with another Diamond. But those that we spoke of first, can neither be broken with iron nor hurt with fire. Notwithstanding, if they be steeped long in Goat's blood, (so it be warm & fresh bleeding from the beast,) at length (with the breaking of some Hammers, and stythes before) they yield and shiver in pieces: which sparks are greatly sought for of engravers to draw in any precious stone withal. Between the Diamond and the loadstone is a certain privy dissension of nature, 
The loadstone  in so much as if they be laid near together, the Diamond will not suffer the loadstone to draw iron unto him: or if the loadstone have already drawn a piece of iron to it, the Diamond snatcheth and pulleth away as his booty whatsoever the loadstone hath taken hold of. Moreover, Ind bringeth forth the Lychnite, the freshness of whose light is furthered by the brightness of burning candles: 
The Lychnite or Lampstone.  and therefore the Greeks have called it Lychnits. There are of two sorts: for either it is of an orient purple colour, or else it is shadowed somewhat with a sheer scarlet. If it be pure, it admitteth an unstained clearness through all the inward part of it. Also it if be heat with the Sun beams, or catch warmth by chase between one's fingers, it draweth hard to it either the husks of chaff, or the shreds of paper, and it resisteth stoutly against engraving. And if at any time it be engraven, when a man sealeth therewith, it holdeth part of the wax still, as it were some lively thing should bite it. The Indians do grind their beryl in pieces six square, to the intent by reflection of the corners, 
The beryl  to cheer up the dullness of his weak colour. Of beryl are sundry sorts. The excellentest do with a certain equal mixture of ruddiness and deep blue, overshadowed with a green, resemble the grace of the pure Sea. A degree beneath these are the Chrysoberyes, 
The Chrysoberill, or goldberill The chrysoprase or golden●eeke The bastard jacints,  which having a fainter gloss, are shadowed about with a golden cloud. The Chrysoprases also (whose gloss is of gold and Léekgréene mixed together) are judged to the kind of beryl as well as the other. The bastard jacints, that is to say, those which in manner resemble the jacints, are also allowed for Beryls'. But as for those that are like Crystal, and are stained with little hairs running in and out, (for that is the name of their fault) the skilfullest Lapidaries have accounted for the meanest sort. The Kings of Ind love to fashion this kind of jewels into very long rolls: & making holes through them they hang them at the bristles of their Olyphants in stead of poytrels and trappers, or else at their ears, on both sides of their heads, set in bosses of gold, to the intent to flourish their withered colour with a more fulsome brightness, by means of the metal cunningly wrought about them, (which as a foil) may cause them to gather a more glistering light.   

CAP. LXV.  
Of the isle Taprobane, and by what means it came first to knowledge: what manner of sailing is there: what is the custom of that Country in choosing their King, also of the shellfishes Margarits, and pearls.  
Until such time as the rashness of man searching the Sea throughly found the truth of the matter, 
The first discoverers of the isle of Taprobane now called Zeilan,  men thought a great while, that the isle of Taprobane had been another world, and the very same which the Anticthones were believed to inhabit. But the valiantness of great Alexander, suffered not the ignorance of the common error to continue any longer: but he spread the renown of his name even into these unknown places. For One sicritus Admiral of the fleet of Macedon searching out this land, brought unto our knowledge how big it is, what it breedeth and in what case it stood. It extendeth seven thousand furlongs in length, and five thousand in breadth. It is divided into two parts with a River. For part thereof is replenished with beasts and Olypyants, greater than Ind beareth, and the rest of it is possessed by men. It is abundantly stored with mother Pearls and all precious stones. 
Margarits or mother perle●  It is situate between the east and the West. It beginneth at the Eastern Sea, and lieth full before Ind. From the Parsians a nation of Ind it hath been twenty days sailing thither. But forasmuch as they went in boats of Reed and ships of Nile, 
A shallow Sea,  it is now abridged to seven days sailing of one of our ships. Between them and Ind lieth a shallow Sea, not above six fathom deep, and yet in certain Channels of such an exceeding depth, that there was never Anchor yet that could come to the bottom thereof. There is no heed to be taken of the stars in sailing there. For neither is Charles wain seen there, neither do the seven stars called 
* They be also called Pleiades and Athlantides.  Vergiliae at any time appear there. They see the Moon above the earth, only from the 8. day to the 16. There shineth Canopos a bright star, & of very great largnes. They have the sun rising on their right side, and the sun setting on their left. 
Sailing by the flight of birds  Wherefore as there is nothing for men to observe whereby they may sail to arrive at the appointed place: birds lead them whose flight in making to the landward, they use as a lodestar to direct their course. There is no sailing thither but 4. momoneths' months in all the year. Here is all that we knew of Taprobane until the reign of the Emperor Claudius, at which time fortune opened a wider gap of knowledge. For one that late before was the servant of Annius Plocamus (who then was customer of the red Sea) as he was sailing toward Arabia, was driven by violence of the North wind along the Coast of 
* Now called Rasigut  Carmanie, and the fifteenth day arrived at this shore and took harbour in a Haven called Hyppuros. There learning the language in six months, and being admitted to the kings speech, he brought word again, what he had found. That is to say, how the king wondered at the money that was taken with him, because the same being stamped with divers faces, had nevertheless like weight. At the contemplation of which equality, when he coveted more earnestly the fréendhip of the people of Rome, he sent Ambassadors to us, 
A description of the personages and manners of the people of 〈◊〉.  of whom the chief was Rachias, by whom all things were brought to our knowledge. Those men excelled all others in tallness of parsonage, and making. They die their hair, they are grey eyed, grim of countenance, and have a terrible réere in speaking.  
Such of them as are short lived, continue to the age of a hundred years: all others live much longer, and far beyond the reach of man's frailty. They sleep not from before the day break till the night be shut in, for they ever rise before day. They make their houses but a little height above the ground. Corn holds always at one stay. They know not what Uynes mean. They have abundance of Apples, and such other kind of fruits. They worship Hercules for their God. 
The choosing of their king  In choosing their King, nobility availeth not, but the general consent of the Country. For the people chooseth such a one, as is of approved good behaviour, and rooted in gentleness from his cradle, and at that time an old man. And this is chiefly requisite in him, that he have no children. For he that is a Father, though his life be never so virtuous he is not admitted to the kingdom. And if perchance in the time of his reign he beget a child, he is deposed. For above all things this is most straightly observed, that the kingdom go not by inheritance. 
The executing of justice  Furthermore, although the King seem to be never so good a justicer, yet they will not let him have the Law in his own hand. And therefore he admitteth forty Moderators, because he shall not sit alone upon matmatters of life and death. Yea and if the judgement shall then also be misliked: appeal is made to the people, who appoint threescore and ten judges, to whose determination there is no remedy but they must needs stand. The King is appareled in raiment unlike the common fashion, 
The King is subject to the Laws,  called Syrma, a rob wherewith we see Liber Pater was wont to be clad. If it happen that the King himself be taken tardy in any offence, and thereof convicted, he is punished with death: howbeit, not so that any man layeth hands upon him. But by the common consent of the whole Realm, he is utterly forbidden the use of all things: yea even communication with any man is denied him after he is cast. 
Their pastimes  They give themselves to good nurture universally. Sometime they spend the time in hunting, and that of no rascal game, for they seek only for Tigers or Elephants. 
Monstrous Se● Tortoises  Moreover they ransack the Seas in fishing, for delight to catch the Sea Tortoises: the hugeness of whom is such, that the shell of one of them will make a house able to receive a great household of many persons without pestering. The greater part of this isle is parched with heat, and endeth in waste wilderness.  
The Sea that beateth upon the one side thereof, groweth so full of shrubs (and those of very green colour) that sometime the tops of the trees are brushed away with the sternes of ships. From the tops of their Mountains they behold the Sea cost of the Seres. They delight greatly in gold: and to garnish their Cups withal, they set them full of all kind of jewels. 
Of the Margarite or Mother pearl, Of Pearls,  They hew out Marble that is chequered, and gather great store of Mother pearls, and those of the greatest sort. They be shellfishes in whom this kind of stones is sought, which at a certain time of the year when desire of conception pricketh them forward, do thirst after the dew as after their milter: for desire whereof they gape, and when the Moon sheddeth most abundance of moisture, they draw the desired humour by a certain sucking, whereby they conceive and are great with young, and according to the quality of the thing they have glutted in, such is the disposition of the pearls that they breed. For if it be pure that they have taken in, their little round stones are white: if it were troubled, either they have a faint pale colour▪ or else are stained with a red. Thus have they their seed rather of the air then of the Sea. Finally, as often as they receive in the morning dew the pearl becometh clearer: and when they suck in the evening dew, they become dimmer, and the more they have haled in, so much the stone groweth greater If it chance to lighten upon the sudden, they shut for fear, and closing fast for sudden fearfulness, they take in that which they lose again ere it be ripe: for than they have very small stones, or else none at all. And the shellfishes themselves have a kind of understanding, for they are afraid to have their issue stained: insomuch as when the day is at the hottest, because their stones should not be dimmed with the heat, they duck under the water, and dive into the deeps to save them from the heat. Nevertheless, age forestandeth this foresight of theirs. For the whiteness decayeth by age, and as the shellfishes wax greater, the pearls wax more yellow. While the pearl is in the water it is soft, and as soon as it is taken out of the shell it becometh hard. There are never found above one in shell, and therefore the Latins call them Unions. 
Unions  They say they be never found above half an inch big. The shellfishes are afraid to be laid for by the fishers: and thereon it comes to pass, that they hide themselves for the most part, either among the Rocks or else among the Dogfish. They swim in schools. Some one is Captain of the whole school. If he be taken, even those that escaped return into the net again. Ind yieldeth pearls, 
pearls  and so doth the sea-coast of Britain, as julius Caesar (by the inscription that was written upon if) witnesseth, that the breastplate which be dedicated to his mother Venus in her Temple, was made of British pearls. It is a thing commonly known that Lollia Paulina, the wy●e of the Emperor Caius, had a gown of pearls valued then at four hundred thousand Sestertius: through covetousness in getting whereof, her father Marcus Lollius for spoiling the Kings of the East, offended Caius Caesar the son of Augustus, and was put out of the Prince's favour, for sorrow whereof ●e poisoned himself. This is also registered by the diligence of old men, that pearls were first brought to Rome in the time of Sylla.   

CAP. LXVI.  
The journal of Ind.  
FRom the Island 
* In stead of Ausea it should be Taprobane  Ausea there is a direct cut to the firm land. Therefore from the Island Taprobane let us return back to Ind: for the things of Ind are worth the seeing. But if I should make tarriance about the Cities & nations of Ind, I should pass the bounds of my prepurposed abridgement. Next unto the river Indus, they had a City named Capissa, 
Arachosia  which Cyrus razed. Arachosia standing upon the river Arachota was builded by Semiramis. Alexander the great builded the Town of Cadrusi● by Mount Caucasus▪ whereas also is Alexandria which is thirty furlongs wide. There are many other also, but these are of the most renowned. After the Indians the 
* Fisheaters'  I●thyophags possess the Hill Countries: whom great Alexander subduing, forbade them to eat fish, for they lived thereby before. Beyond these are the deserts of Carmania, than Persia, and so a journey by Sea, 
The Island of the Sun  wherein is the Island of the Sun which is always red, and not able to be come unto by any living creature: for it killeth all living things that are brought into it. As men return out of Ind, the first sight that they have of Charlsis wain is at Hy●anis a river of Carmania. They say that the dwelling of Achaemenides was in this Coast. 
* Rasigut  Between the Promontory of Carmania and Arabia, is fifty miles. Then are there three Isles: about which there come forth salt water Snakes of twenty cubits long. 
The way from Alexandria in Egypt unto Ind●  H●ere it is to be declared, how the way lieth from Alexandria in Egypt unto Ind.  
first ye must go by water up the Nile with a North-east wind unto Copton. Then by land unto Hydreum. From thence passing over certain mansions, ye come to Berenice whereas is a Haven of the red Sea. After that, ye must arrive at a Haven of Arabia called Ocelis. The next arrival unto that is Muzirun, a Mart Town of Ind, defamed for Sea Rovers. Afterward by divers Havens ye come to Cottonare, to which Town they convey their pepper in boats made of one whole Trunk. Those that go to Ind take water either before the beginning of the dog days, or immediately after the beginning of them, in the mids of Summer. And when they come back again they sail in December. The spéediest wind out of Ind▪ ward is the North-east. But when they come to the Red sea, then must either a Southeast or a full South wind serve. The largeness of Ind is reported to be seven thousand and fifty miles. The space of Carmania is a hundred miles, a part whereof is not without Uynes. Moreover, they have a kind of men that live by nothing else but by the flesh of Tortoyles, rugged and hairy all saving the face, which alonely hath a thin skin, and they be clad in skins of fishes. They are named 
* Tortoys●ater●  Chelonophages.   

CAP. LXVII.  
of the Gulf of Persia, and the Gulf of Arabia, and of the Azanian Sea.  
THe red sea breaketh into these Coasts, and is divided into two Gulfs. 
The Gulf of Persia,  Whereof, that which is toward the East, is called the Gulf of Persia, because the Persians inhabit that coast. It is in compass six thousand and twenty miles about. The other Gulf overagainst which lieth Arabia) is called the Arabic Gulf, 
The Gulf of Arabia  and the Ocean that floweth in there, is called the Azanian Sea. Upon Carmania joineth Persia, 
Persia,  which beginneth at the Island Aphrodisia, wealthy of sundry sorts of riches, translated sometime into the name of Parthians, stretching fifty miles along the sea coast, where it faceth the West. The noblest Town of that Realm is Susa, 
Susa,  in which is the temple of Susia Diana. A hundred and five and thirty miles from Susa, is the town Babytace, all the inhabiters whereof (for the hatred they bear to gold,) do buy up this kind of metal, and delve it deep in the ground, to the intent they should not be defiled with the use thereof, and so work unrighteously for covetousness sake. Héereabouts is most uncertain measuring of grounds, 
The uncertainty of measuring in Persia,  and not without cause, inasmuch as some nations about Persis meet their lands by Schaenes, some by Parasanges, and othersome after an unknown manner, so that their uncertain order in meeting, maketh that a man cannot tell what measure to trust unto.   

CAP. LXVIII.  
of Parthia, and of King Cyrus' tomb.  
PArthia is so large a Country, that on the southside it encloseth the red sea, and on the North side the Hyrcanian Sea. In it are eighteen Kingdoms which are divided into two parts. Eleven of them which are called the upper kingdoms, begin at the borders of Armenia, and pass along the Caspian sea coast, to the land of the Scythians, with whom they live like good peaceable neighbours. The other seven neither kingdoms (for so they term them) have on the East the Aries and Arians, on the South Carmania, on the West the Medes, and on the North the Hyrcanians. And Media 
Media.  if self, running overthwart on the west side, encloseth both the kingdoms of Parthia. On the North it is bounded with Armenia, on the East it beholdeth the Caspians, on the South Persis, and from thence this Coast passeth forth to a Castle which the wisemen call Passargada, and here is the Tomb of King Cyrus.   

CAP. LXIX.  
of Babylon, of the Athlantish Ocean▪ of the islands of the Gorgon's, and of the fortunate Iles.  
THe head of the Country Chaldea is Babylon, 
Babylon,  builded by Semiramis, so renowned that for the nobleness thereof, both the Assyrians and Mesopotamians yielded into the name of Babylon. the City is in compass threescore miles, environed with walls two hundred foot high and fifty foot broad, every foot being longer than the foot which we measure with, by the breadth of three of our longest fingers. The river Euphrates runneth through it. There is the Temple of Belus lupiter whom even the religion itself that believeth there is a God, reporteth to have been the founder of that heavenly discipline. 
C●e●ipho●  In spite of this City, the Parthians builded Ctesiphon. But now it is time to retire to the Coasts of the Ocean, and to call back my pen into Aethiop. For as we have already told how the Athlantish Sea taketh his beginning at the west and at Spain: so it is also convenient to be declared, from whence he beginneth first to bear the name of Atlas in these parts of the world also. The Azanian Sea holdeth on unto the Coast of Aethiop. The Aethiopian Sea continueth from thence to the Promontory Mossylicum, and from thence forth it taketh again the name of the Athlantish Ocean. Therefore, whereas many have held opinion, that all that part is not possible to be sailed by reason of the exceeding heat: juba avoucheth the contrary. And for assured proof that the matter is so indeed, 
The navigation from I●de to Spain  he maketh a rehearsal of the Nations & Islands by the way: giving us to understand, that all that Sea is unsailable from Ind unto the straits of Marrock: so as it be when the wind lieth south-west & by west, the blast whereof is able to drive any Navy by Arabia, Egypt, and Mauritanie, so they direct their course from that Promontory of Ind which some call Lepten acran, and othersome name Drepanum. Moreover, he added the places of harbour and the distance of them one from another. For from the promontory of Ind to the Island Malachus', they affirm to be fifteen hundred miles. From Malachus' to Scaeneon two hundred twenty five miles. From thence to the Island Sadanus a hundred and fifty miles: and so is made to the open Sea, eight hundred threescore and fifteen miles.  
The same I●ba so striveth against the opinion of many which say that most part of this Coast is uninhabitable of mankind by reason of the heat of the Sun, that he affirmeth the Merchantmen to be troubled in their passage out of the Isles of Arabia, which the Arabians called Ascitae possess, 
For Askos in Greek signifieth a bottle or a Tub.  who have that name of their doings. For they join borders together, and cover them over with Leather, and sailing forth in this kind of Ship, assail the passengers with venomed Darts.  
And he affirmeth also that the scorched Countries of Aethiop are inhabited by the nations of the I●thyophages and Troglodits, of whom the Troglodits 
The Troglodits  are so swift a foot, that they overtake the wild Beasts whom they chase. The Icthyophags are able to swim in the salt water as well as the very Beasts of the Sea.  
In searching the Athlantish Sea even to the west be maketh mention of the Isles of the Gorgon's 
The Gorgon Iles.  also. The Gorgon Isles (as we understand) are over against the Promontory which we call 
* The western horn.  Hesperionkeras. These are inhabited by the Monstars called Gorgon's: and surely a monstrous nation possesseth them yet. They are distant from the main land two days sailing. Xenophon Lampsacenus hath reported that Hanno King of the Afers' wasted over into them, and found women there as swift as birds and that of all the number that were seen, but two could be taken, which were so rough and rugged of body, that for a remembrance of the strange sight, he hung up their two skins for a wonder among other gifts in the Temple of juno, which continued there unto the destruction of Carthage.  
Beyond the Gorgon's are the Isles of the Hesperides, which (as Sebosus affirmeth) are withdrawn forty days sailing into the innermost heart of the Sea. They report that the fortunate Isles lie against the left side of Mauritanie, 
The Canaries  which juba saith are situate under the South, but next unto the West. By reason of the names of these, I suppose a great wonder is looked for: but the matter is not equal to the same of the word.  
In the first of them which is called Ombrion, neither is nor hath been any houses. The tops of the hills are watery with Pools. reeds grow up to the bygnes of Trees. Those of them that be black, when they be pressed yield a most bitter liquor, but thos● that be white, yield a juice good to make drink of. They say that another of those Isles is named junoma, wherein are a few cottages ill-favouredly piked at the tops. The third is near unto this and of the same name, but all is bare and naked. The fourth is called 
* Goateland  Capraria, which swarmeth beyond all measure with monstrous great Lucerts.  
Next followeth 
* Snowland  Nivaria, where the air is thick and cloudy, and therefore ever snowing. And lastly 
* Dogland  Canaria replenished with Dogs of exceeding hugeness, whereof two were presented to King juba. In that I'll remain some foundations of buildings. There is great plenty of birds, fields full of fruitful Trees, places bearing Dates, great store of Pyneapples, abundance of Honney, and Rivers swarming with fishes called Silures. 
Much like a Sturgeon  Also it is said that the waving Sea casteth up monstrous beasts upon the land, which lying still there and rotting, infect all things with an horrible stench, and therefore the quality of those islands agree not altogether to their name.  
FINIS.