A New and Exact DESCRIPTION OF MOSCOVY.  
(1.) Containing its State Ancient and Modern, Situation, Extent, Latitude, Division into Provinces, Rivers, Soil, Sterility, and Fertility, with the Commoditys, and Observations on the Extreamitys of Wether Hot and Cold.  
(2.) Of the Cities and Towns, Fortification and manner of Building. The first Discovery made by the English; Populousness of the Country, Wild Beasts, and Disposition of the Natives.  
(3.) Of their Religion, Marriages, Obedience of the Wome● to their Husbands, Divorce, Burials, and other Ceremonies. Their Diet, Liquors, Stoves, Hothouses, Habits, etc.  
(4.) Of the Government of the Provinces and Shires, their Courts of Justice, holding Parliaments, etc.  
(5.) Their Military Affairs, Degrees and Orders in it, Arms, Discipline, with other matters.  
(6.) The Revenues of the CZAR, Coins, Weights, Measures, Tradeing, and of the Raritys of Moscovy.  
(7.) The Succession of the Royal House of Moscovy to the present CZAR, being a Historical accounted of all the Material Transactions happening for 1600 years. The manner of the CZAR's Coronation, Arms of Moscovy, and Degrees of the Nobility, etc.  
The whole containing all th●t is necessary to be known concerning that VAST EMPIRE.  
LONDON, Printed for R. Baldwin, and Sold by mo●● Booksellers, 1698.   

THE PREFACE.  
Reader,  
THe following Sheets will Accommodate you with the Pleasure of surveying the Famed and Spacious Dominions of the Renowned CZAR of Moscovy, in which you may rightly Inform yourself of all that is Rare or Admirable in that Northern Track, which for many Ages has been the Theatre of great Actions, and undergone divers notable Revolutions; a Country every where spoken of by Travellers, and a Trade or Commerce sought with it eagerly by distant Nations. Here you have the State of things so Compact and Lively represented that these few Sheets cannot miss of their end, in being exceeding Satisfactory, because I may be bold to say, I have not omitted whatever can be reasonably required in such an undertaking, even in the Minutest matters the Curious searchers after the Knowledge of Remote Regions are apt to pry into, and thereby satiate their Curiosity with variety,  
I shall not trouble you with my Reasons (as many too formally do on the like occasions) for this undertaking, but rather leave you to your own Conjectures; yet one thing I cannot pass over in silence, which is, that it may not prove only pleasant in Reading, but very profitable and advantageous to such as Trade, or may happen to Travel, in so large a part of the World, because it contains something of History as well as description, interweaving Antiquity with Modern speculation, costing no small pains to produce so fair a birth, when such slender accounts were to be had (from those that have resided there) to form it. It is true many Splendid Embassyes have been sent and returned in precedent Reigns; The understanding Men of our Nation have Travelled there, and seen the face of that Earth Glazed with Snow in Winter, and in Summer found it Fruitful to Admiration, yet their enquiry has been but little into the State of Affairs, or the Produce of divers kinds, as not being sufficiently Sedulous to inform themselves and others; But here you will find the curtain drawn, and what lay long in obscurity presented by a larger Industry than what has before been undertaken, and so banishing all Scruples that may arise to prejudice yours or my Expation in the Success of this Book; I am,  
Your Friend and Servant, The Author.   

A New and Exact DESCRIPTION OF Moscovy, etc.  

CHAP. I.  
Of Moscovy Ancient and Modern: Its Situation, Extent, Division into Provinces, Rivers, Soil, Latitude, Sterility and Fertility of the Fruits, Corn, and other Commodities it produces, with Observations on the Extreme Cold and Heat Incident to this spacious Country, etc.  
WE find by Experience, that God in his Infinite Wisdom has Framed and Posited the Globe of Earth and Waters, with the Dependant Elements, so Admirable in every part, that Man cannot but be surprised with wonder when he considers the Harmony in all the spacious Mass, and his Curiosity would be tired with a too tedious search into every particular. Let it suffice then that Modern Discoveries have brought to light, what former Ages knew little (or were altogether Ignorant) of. I shall not insist on the American, or New World (so termed by many) That, but a few Ages past, all Europe, and, I may with reason say, the then two other Divisions of the Supposed Total Universe were strangers to; for, my business at present not lying that way, I shall bend it on the vast Northern Track of Country, anciently hinted at, and now so well discovered by the Name of Russia; but more properly, to follow the Modern Writers M●scovy, as the far nobler, and most accepted Name of that part of Earth, producing great advantages to such as Trade with it, and an Improvement of Knowledge to those that Travel its Spacious Limits.  
The Famed Country of Muscovy, or as some will have it Russia, is bounded on the East with the River Ob, or Oby, and the Negayan Tartars; on the West with Lithuania, Livonia and Poand; on the North with Lapland and the Ocean; on the South with a part of Tartary, called the Crimee: It was formerly called Sarmatia, and, as most suppose, changed its Name (because it was divided into divers small, but Absolute Governments) to that of Russia; for, in their Language the Word signifies a Parting, or Dividing.  
When this Country was called Sarmatia, it was divided into Two Principal Parts, the White and Black. The first of these contained all that lieth towards the North, and on the part of Liefland, viz. (as now the Provinces are named) Vagha, Duyna, Vologda, Vstio, Carga, Polia, Novogrodia, and some others of lesser note. As for the Black Sarmatia of the Ancients, It comprehended the Southern part, toward the Euxine, or Black Sea, viz. The Dukedoms of Moscow, Volodemar, Rezan, and some others. Since this it has been enlarged by Addition and Conquest, and is at present under a single Government, notwithstanding all the Efforts the Tartars, and other bordering Countries have made to hinder the flourishing of it, and to share the Frontiers amongst them; to which end they have made Cruel Wars and Inroads, shedding much Blood, Plundering, Burning, and committing many othet Outrages.  
The Principal Provinces of Moscovy (for so I must properly call it) are Volodemar, Moscow, Plesco, Nisnovogrod, Smolensco, Novogrod-velica (or Novogrod of the Lower Country) Moschora, Rostove, Ghaletsa, Vstuga, Vagha, Cargapolia, Yaruslave, Bealo, Zera, Bezan, and Duyna. These, with their Dependencies, are very Large, far exceeding our Shires in England; and though they are termed the Natural Provinces, there yet remain others gained by Enlarging their Borders, viz. Twerra, Youghoria, Condora, Permia, Abdoria, Vedska, Boulghoria, Cheringo, Oudoria, comprehending Siberia, Cazan and Astracan, with some others now Dependant on the Government of Moscovy: So that this spacious Country, from North to South, Measured from Cola to Astracan, which bends somewhat Eastward, is in Length about 4260 Versed, a Versed being something more than 3 quarters of an English Mile; and Northward beyond Cola are other Territories, but the Extreme Cold is there very Oppressive, so that they are not much Fertile when their Coat of Snow is dissolved by the Sun in the Four Hot Summer Months. The Breadth from that part which lieth the farthest West from the Narve side to the part of Siberia Eastward, is, in a manner, equal to the Length.  
Moscovy is Watered by many large Rivers, most of them, when the Wether is open being Navigable, some by lesser and some by larger Vessels that procure a considerable Trade, but in the Ridged Season they are frozen over so that Sleads and Carriages pass on them from place to place, they abound in Fish, and the Volga is famous for the great quantity of Sturgeon taken in it. It is about 2800 Versed in length, an English Mile in most places over, and empties its Waters into the Caspian Sea, running by Astracan, and other Towns of Note, to which it brings a considerable Trade. The other Rivers of Note, are the Boristhenes, that divideth the Country from Lithuania, and falleth into the Euxine Sea. The Tanais, or Don, the Ancient boundary between Europe and Asia, falling into the great Lake of Moeotis, by the City of Azou, Duyna falling unto the Bay of St. Nicholas, Northward, and to be brief, a great many more, as Moscow running through the City of that Name, and about ten others very large, besides smaller Streams, the least for length and breadth comparable to the River of Thames; and from these proceed many Branches; so that take the Country in general, it is as well Watered as can be desired, and accommodated with several good Ports and Havens.  
The Soil of this Spacious Country cannot be reasonably expected, no more than others, Fertile in all places alike, and in some parts particularly, by reason of its Northern Situation, lying from 33 to 69 degrees and some Minute's North Latititude: Yet is it wonderful to see how God has ordered things here to the Advantage and for the Subsistance of the Inhabitants. The Earth, for the most part, is of a slight Sandy Mould, but not alike for producing such things as spring up Northwards, towards St. Nicholas and Cola, and North-East towards Siberia, there is an indifferent Sterility, the Country there being full of Deserts and vast Forests, by reason of the extremity of the Climate in the colder Season; but from the Volga, which lies almost 1700 versed from the Port of St. Nicholas, down towards Moscow, and so the Southern parts that border on the Crimee, that contains near the like space, the Country is very Fruitful in the proper Season, yielding Pasture, Corn, Flowers, pleasant Fruits, and Woods in great plenty; and so it is between Rezan and Novogrod that lies Southeast from Moscow and other parts, as between Moscow and Smolensko, that lies South-West towards Littuania; insomuch that one would wonder to see the great alteration between Winter and Summer in Moscovy. In the former the whole Country is covered by a continual falling Snow, that is sometimes a yard or two in deepness in the Southern parts, but more excessive in the North; and the Cold is so extreme, that the Rivers and other Waters are Frozen to a vast thickness, and this usually continues for five Months, viz. from the beginning of November till towards the end of March, at what time the Sun's warm beams returning, the Snow gins to melt away, which makes the face of the Country look very frightful, and the Ways on the Thaw, for a time unpracticable. But then, as it were, on a sudden, the face of Nature is changed (for though a little before Water thrown up in the Air would descend in Ice drops, and any Metal grasped fast in ones hand stick to the Skin and make it blister if taken abroad, and many People venturing too far were frozen to death in the Streets, and on their Journeys in the Sleads.) Now the Woods (that are mostly of Birch and Fir) give a pleasing sight, the Meadows and Pastures look green and grow apace, variety of Flowers appear in the Fields, and the Birds make a pleasing Harmony, the Nightingales there in abundance have a clearer Note than with us, and this sudden growth of things proceeds from the Benefit of the Snow which lying so long keeps off the Rigour of the Frost, and disolving so thoroughly, drenches and soaks the Earth, that the Sun coming hot as it were on a sudden into a cold Climate, the Plants and Herbs, etc. find such a nourishment that they sooner shoot forth than in warmer Countries; and indeed, considering the past cold, the heat is greater than usually with us in June, July and August which produces store of Apples, Pears, Plums, Cherrys Black and Red, a Fruit like a Musk-Mellion but more pleasant in taste; Cucumbers, Gowrds, Rasps, Strawberrys, Hurtle-berrys and many other Berrys; also Wheat, Rye, Barley, Pease, Buskway, Psnytha, tasting somewhat like Rice, and sometimes they have such plenty that Wheat is sold at two English Pence a Bushel, the Rye is sowed before the Frost, all other Grain for the most part the beginning of May, but the Northern parts are usually served in a great degree by the Southern with Corn as being more Sterile.  
This Country above others is noted for Rich Furs which they get by hunting divers creatures, as also Hides, Tallow, Wax, Honey, Flax, Hemp, Tar, and other valuable Commoditys.   

CHAP. II.  
Of the Cities and Towns of Moscovy, their Situation, Fortification, Manner of Building. The Discovery of the North-east Passage by the English, their Factory Settled at Archangel, etc. The Populousness of the Country, considering the Wastes in it: The Danger of Wild Beasts, and the Disposition of the Natives.  
OF the Creatures of this Country I shall Treat particularly in due place; But now pursuing the Method I propose to lay down, The next thing that offers is the Cities, Towns, and the like, that Adorn and Beautify the Country, and those of Note are,  
Moscow the Metropolis, from which the Country at present seems to take its Name, as that City does from the River, on whose Bounds it stands: It is about 12 Miles in compass, and may contain about 41500 Families, Convents, Churches, and Chapels: The Houses in general are built with Wood, Plastered with Mortar and Straw, done over with Lime brought from Smolensko, etc. and then covered over with Board's and Bark of Trees, which renders them cooler in Summer, and warmer in Winter, but subjects them more to Fire, of which they have had many Fatal Experiments; for An. 1571. The Tartars Burnt it, and in it destroyed about 80000 Persons. Anno 1611. the Polanders Fired it. Anno 1676. an Accidental Fire happened, and sunk 5000 Houses in the Conflagration: But since care has been taken to Rebuild those Devastations, for the most part, and at present 'tis reckoned among the Flourishing Cities of Europe, and Guards are appointed to prevent the Progress of that Raging Element as much as lies in them, for the future preserving the Building.  
The Churches and Houses of the Persons of Quality are Built with Stone and Brick; some of the Principal Churches Covered with Gild Copper, or Tin, and Adorned with many Large Globes of the same Metal. There is a Bell Raised on a Tower, I conceive the Largest in the World, for it is held to Weigh 176 Tun, though it has been Clipped, and some Tuns of Metal taken from it to make it sound the better, it is 24 Foot in height, and the Clapper 21 Foot. By pulling the Clapper, and striking against the sides it is Rung on particular occasions. The Form of this Great City is in a manner Round, with Three Strong Walls Circling the one within the other, the Streets lying between, whereof the Inmost Enclosure in the Heart of the City, is all accounted the CZAR, or Great Duke's Castle; and the River Accommodates it with a Sufficiency of Water, store of Fish, and other Provisions. The Castle is Foursquare, Situate on a Hill Two Miles about, with Brick-walls very high, and a vast Thickness; it has Sixteen Gates, and as many Bulwarks: The Chief Markets are kept here, and on the River, when it is Glazed with Ice, this River encloses the Castle on the South-west-side, and in it are Nine Fair Churches with Gild Spires.  
The next City of Note is Novograde, but not so Stately as Moscow. The Houses are Built with Timber Layed-in, and Fastened with Dents, or Notches; and so fastened together holds well. The Streets, in stead of Paving, are Planked with Fir, and other Timber very neatly, of which Providence has plentifully stored them, so that a House may be Built for a very little matter, as 20 or 30 Rubbles. This City Boasts of the Famed Story of the Scythian Bondmen, who Rebelling against their Masters, and Seizing the City, their Effects, Wives, etc. in their Absence, and Overthrowing them on their Return, in a Bloody Battle; were, at length, nevertheless Discomfited and brought under by their Masters coming upon them only with Horse-whips, which put them in Mind of the Chain of Servitude they had so lately broken, and consequently Terrified them into Obedience; and, upon this Account they have a Coin bearing the Impression of a Horseman, shaking a Whip at a Flying Slave, Currant all over Moscovy.  
The other Cities of great note are Rostove, Volodomar, Smolensko, Plesco, Yaruslave, Vologda, Perislave, Nisnovogrod, Astracan, Cargapolia, Columna, Vstive, Cazan, Golmigreo, and of these Astracan, Yaruslave, and Cazan, have the precedency by reason of their convenient Situation on the borders so commodiously near the Volga. Yaruslave exceeds the rest for (besides the plenty of Pasture and Corn the Soil yields) it has a great Trade by the River, being pleasant Situated on a high Bank overlooking it, and from its Situation it seems to take its Name, for that in the Russ Language signifies a fair Bank, though they boast it from Vlademira Surnamed Yaruslave, who Married the Daughter of Harold King of England, by the Mediation of Sueno the Dane, An. 1067. To these of Note I may add Vobsko and Smolen●ko, which in some measure, stand in competition with them; Vologda is a pretty large City taking its Name from the River that passes through it. It has a Castle in it walled with Brick and Stone and many Churches but mostly built of Wood, and whereas there are two for a Parish, one is so contrived that it may be heated with Stoves in the Winter, it is a Town of much Trade though lying far from any Sea port.  
There are many considerable Towns, as Colmogro standing on the River Duyna, which is a great Town though without Walls, the Building is somewhat scattering, and near the Bay of St. Nicholas (so called from an Abbey seated there when the English made a discovery of this Country) stands Archangel, where they have a Factory and convenient Buildings, which lies in about 64 degrees North-Latitude, and on the Banks of the River Duyna stands the Castle; the English have likewise Lands hereabouts asign'd them, and in this Cold part (so pleasant is the Country when the Snow is cleared, which it is doing 2 Months, and then the Ground in 14 days is dry) the Grass is soon knee deep; and in an Island in St. Nicholas Bayliff 7 or 8 Miles in Circuit, called Rose Island, grow Damask and Red Rose, Violets, Wild Rosemary and other pleasant things, so that to be brief I cannot but conceive this Country as to its many Wastes and Barren places, has been Misrepresented, and perhaps by some envious Neighbours because the English had the Honour and Advantage first to discover the North-East Passage by Sea, which was done by one Chancellor an Englishman, Anno. 1553 Sir Hugh Willoughby and others miscarrying in that tedious and painful Search; but since it has been easy and Practicable, not only to us but other Nations: The English above others have found Encouragement upon the account of their being the first discoverers, for before the trade lay through Poland and other Hostil Territories. But not to make any long digression I shall proceed in my intended Brevetie.  
This Country considering its largeness is well Peopled, where the huge Lakes and Deserts take not up the spaces, and Woods render it Impracticable, yet these are advantageous to them in afoarding store of Fish, Fowl and wild Beasts, that yield the Natives great advantage, their Flesh for Food, and their Skins, Feathers, Tallow, etc. for Merchandise; the Lakes are very large, most of them Navigable, but not very commodious to live near by reason of great Fogs and Damps that arise from them, and as for Towns and Villages near the great Forests and Woods, the Inhabitants must be in some apprehension of danger from the great number of Wolves and Bears that Rove about for Prey, which Ravenous Creatures pinched in the excessive rigour of Winter with cold and hunger, contemning the fear of Dogs or Fire-Arms, will come out in Troops, and make a fearful havoc among the People and their Cattle.  
The Natives of this Country are very industrious and Patiented of Hunger, yielding a profound Homage and Respect to their Prince, paying their Taxes with a willing and cheerful obedience, and run readily to the Wars on the first command or summons; where it is strange to see what hardship they will endure, for when the ground is covered with Snow frozen very thick, the common Soldier will lie in the Field without a Tent or covering over his head, only he hangs up his Mantle against that part from whence the Wether drives, and kindling a little Fire lies down before it, his Food Oatmeal or Pulse, and his Drink the cold Stream, his Horse feeding on green Wood and Bark, and yet do the Service of the War, or Travel as well as those that are Pampered in Stables with more convenient Provender, though the Horse has no other Covering than the Canopy of Heaven; and those Soldiers that bear hardship the best, and deserve well by Memorable Exploits, are rewarded sometimes with Money, and at others with certain Lands Assigned them during Life, which the CZAR of Moscovy always has in his Donation in one part or other of his Country for this purpose.   

CHAP. III.  
Of their Religion, Wooing, Marriages. The Moscovit women's Obedience to their Husbands. Divorce, Burial of the Dead, and other Ceremonies. Their Feeding, Diet, Liquors, Stoves, Hothouses, Habits of Men and Women, etc.  
THeir Religion properly is that of the Greek Church, differing in many things from the Roman and Reformed Churches; their Service is in their own Language; they Receive the Eucharist in both Kind's, observe Four Lents, and have Service Daily in their Churches. They have many Monasteries Possessed by Monks and Friars, which have considerable Revenues in Land and Houses belonging to them, and likewise deal in Merchandise: When two Friends meet in the Easter Holy Days, they, in a Solemn manner, join Hands, one of them thereupon saying, The Lord is Risen: Then the other Answers, It is so of a Truth, and then they Kiss. They have a Metropolitan, or Patriarch, who is in High Estimation among them, and Reverenced as the Pope among the Roman Catholics; they have a Veneration for our Lady, St. Nicholas, and other Saints.  
Their manner of Wooing is but short; for when they make Love, the Man sends Presents to the Woman, and she Accepting them, the Match is soon Agreed; but if they are returned, it is a sign she likes not the Party that makes the Proffer; and among other Presents sometimes a Whip is sent, to let the Woman know what she has to trust to if she be disobedient, or break her Marriage Vows; and for the generality, they are so far from resenting it as an Affront, that when Married, the Wife Loves her Husband the better if sometimes he Corrects her; and concludes, he Loves her not, if he altogether declines it: But this proved fatal once to an English Shoemaker, who Marrying a Russ Woman, and settling in that Country, thinking to gain her Love to a high pitch this way, upon being informed that her peevishness proceeded from the want of it, he so overloaded her with his Kindness, that she died, for which he lost his own Life by the hand of an Executiooner. The Women indeed are very Obedient to their Husbands, and the better sort especially seldom stir abroad but on particular occasions— And now as to their Marriages, because the Ceremony is Novel to us, I shall mention the most particular matters relating to it.  
The Day being come, the Bride puts on her Head a kind of a Hood made of fine Lawn, or Knit-work, that Veils her to the Middle, and so with her Friends and the Bridegroom with his, they go to the Church on Horseback, though it be near at hand. They Marry with a Ring, and the words of Contract and Ceremony much agrees with ours. The Ring put on, and the Contract Pronounced, the Bride's hand is delivered into the hand of the Bridegroom, standing this while on one side of the Altar, or Table, and the Bride on the other. The Knot being thus Knit by the Priest, she comes about with the Bridegroom to the end of the Table, and falling down at his Feet, knocks her head upon his , in token of Subjection and Obedience; then the Bridegroom casts the Lap of his Gown over her, signifying his Duty to Protect and Cherish her. Then the Bride's Father and Friends Bow to the Bridegroom, and his to the Bride, in token of Love and Affinity between the Two Kindred's. This done, the Bridegroom's Father delivers the Priest a Loaf of Bread, who presently returns it, upon a Solemn Promise that the Dowry shall be delivered at the Day Appointed, and that Friendship shall continue between one Kindred and another: so the Bread is broken, and they eat it amongst them, to testify their True and sincere Meaning for performing the Charge and Promise, and thenceforth to become as Crumbs of one Loaf, or Men of one Table.  
They use Divorce among them, and it is often practised on slender pretences. For a Man may go to a Monastery and shave himself a Friar, in a Pretended Devotion, and Quit himself of his Wife, and leave her to her Shifts. Yet this is mostly among the Vulgar, the Women of Quality are held in more Esteem, yet without distinction they are very obedient, and pay a profound Respect to their Husbands.  
As for the Burials of their Dead, it is done with much Ceremony. They put them on New Shoes, and put a Letter in their Hands Directed to St. Nicholas, intimating the Party to be a Russ-Man, or Woman, dying in the True Faith: when the Ground is Frozen that no Spade can enter it, they lay up their Dead in Houses, which they call God's Houses, and when the Ground is practicable, they bury them in their , causing Prayers to be said over them; and beside the Relations there are other Women Mourners, who are employed to that purpose. They have Great Veneration for the Cross, Images, and Holy Water; once a year the Rivers are Hollowed with much Ceremony by the Bishops, and then there is Great Struggling among the People for the Water, and some leap into it, though in a bitter Season, and Women Dip their Tender Infants, concluding there is now a Great Virtue in it; and often it is Given to the Sick in order to recover them, or cleanse them.  
They keep many Vigils, and other days set apart, and are very Zealous in their way of Worship; their Patriarch wears a Globe on his Mitre, seeming to signify his Universality over the Church. In their Religious Worship, etc. They use a great many Ceremonies, too many here to enumerate; The vulgar sort little affect Learning, and are not much knowing in the Affairs of other Countries, bending their Studies or Industry on Tillage, Handicrafts, and other Inferior Offices, little affecting Travel, though their Merchant's Journey and Trade in divers Countries of Europe and Asia, having great advantage in the Latter by reason of the Commodious Situation of the Caspian Sea, into which the River Volga carries them, falling with such violence that it keeps its stream for some Leagues in the Salt Water.  
The Moscovites are generally very Burley, much affecting a Plump Fleshy Corpulency, and this may happen by reason of their feeding, which they do very plentifully among the better sort, and such as are able to keep Good Tables, though their Diet is rather much, than overcurious. They commonly begin with a Chark, or Small-Cup of Aquavitae, which they call Russ-wine, and after that drink not till toward the end of Meals, and then they are not sparing. They have variety of Dishes, the first are their Baked Meats, for Roast-meat they little affect, and then their Broths or Pottage; After Dinner they usually sleep on Benches The Drink of the Better sort is Mead, but the poorer 〈◊〉 content with a thin Drink, called Quas, not exceeding our Small Beer, which many Drink. The Women are mostly of Gross Bodies, and not so comely as in many European Countries; Wherefore knowing their Natural Defect, to be the more B●lov'd of their Husbands, they use Art to mend their Complexions, but their Paint and Washeses are easily discerned, bu● 〈◊〉 being the Fashion, it is rather Commended than Reproved, ●●d the Husbands Allow their Wives and Daughters a comp●●●●● to buy Red and White Colours to this purpose; but th●● 〈◊〉 the heat of their Stoves, which are almost in every House, much dries and wrinkles them, making them look old before they arrive to it; and for their Health, or rather to preserve it, they use Bath-stoves, or Hothouses commonly twice a week. Their Houses, by heating their Peaches, which are made like Germane Bath-stoves, and their Potlads, like Ovens, are never without a considerable heat, though many times they will come out of them Sweeting, and sometimes plunge into the Water when they are foaming-hot, which would certainly kill any but those that have Innured their Bodies to the two extremities of Heat and Cold, which few or no other Nations do, equal to them.  
As for their Habits, they are generally after the Greek Fashion. The better sort go decently and very Richly clad, and their Habit in some measure shows a distinction of degrees by some or other little variation. They shave their heads close, unless fallen under the Prince's displeasure, and then let the hair grow as a Mark of dejectedness or Sorrow so to have offended as to be out of favour; but their Garments differ in Stuffs, though little in fashion; the Women affect Rich ones as well as the Men, as Cloth, Rich Furs, Silks, Cloth of Gold, or Interwoven with it, and usually down to their Ankles or Heels, though their Summer Garments are much lighter than those they wear in Winter, the latter being always well lined with costly Furs, as Black Fox, Ermine, Martin, Grey, Squirel, etc. of which Creatures, and many others yielding Furs, they have abundance in the several Provinces. But the Mousic and his Wife go meanly clad, yet will not be out of Court Fashion as near as may be; their upper Garments are Course Cloth, and their under one's perhaps Sheep's Skin with the Wool on, though so dressed that they are very warm and pliable; but this is for Winter, for in the Summer the Man goes in his Shirt and the Woman in a Linen Garment, called two Shirts. Thus as I hope having given a Satisfatory account of this matter I proceed to others—   

CHAP. IU.  
Of the Government of the Provinces and Shires. The Courts of Judicature. Their Jurisdictions, and the manner of Proceeding in them. Of the Chief Assembly, or Parliament. Their Justice, etc.  
HAving proceeded thus far in Generals and Particulars Relateing to Moscovy, I now come more closely to the latter, as to what remains more Materialy to be discovered; and first of the Government of the Provinces and Shires, of this large Dominion.  
They are properly divided into four parts, which they call Chetfirds, or Tetrearchies, every part contains divers Shires, and is annexed to the several Offices from whence it derives the Name.  
The First beareth the name of Pososkoy Chetfird, or the Jurisdiction of the Office of Ambassages, and the standing Salary to the Officer is yearly 100 Rubbles or Marks, beside great advantages accrueing.  
The Second is called Roseradney Chetfird, because it is proper to the Roserade, or High Constable, who has a like Salary with the former.  
The Third is Pomeslenoy Chetfird, as appartaining to that Office; and here is kept a Register of all the Lands given by the Prince for service to his Noblemen, Gentlemen, and others. This Office giveth out and taketh in all the Assurances for them, and the Chief Officer has 500 Rubbles per Annum.  
The Fourth is called Cassanskoy-deworets, as being apropriated to the Office which has the Jurisdiction of the Kingdoms of Astracan and Cazan, with the Cities and Towns lying on the Volga, and is stipened at 150 Rubbles per Annum, and from the Jurisdiction of th●●● Offices, but a very few places are privileged, or exempted, except the CZAR's Inheritance, or Vochin, as they call it; for that it pertained from ancient time to the House of Beala. This standeth of 36 Towns, with their Bounds or Territories, and some other particular Royalty: These great Officers reside at Court, and carry their Offices with them wherever they go: They receive all Complaints and Actions that are brought out of the several Chetfirds, and Quarters, to exhibit them to the CZAR's Council and send back, and to send direction to those that officiate under them in the Provinces for all matters given in charge by the Prince, or his Council, to be done or put in Execution within their precincts; and each of the Dukes of lower Nobility in head Towns, hath in Commission with him a Dyack or Secretary to assist and advise him the better to Regulate and order matters as they fall out, and are directed, and their Commission is to this Effect, viz.  
(1.) To Hear and determine all Civil matters between Man and Man, and to that purpose have under them many Substitute Officers.  
(2.) They have Cognizance of all Criminal matters, as Theft, Murder, Treason, etc. but there lies an Appeal from them to the CZAR's Council; and though they take the Evidence in this case, they must draw up the Evidence and Information of the cause, and send it ready digested to the Officer of the Chetfird whereunto the Province belongs, by whom it is preferred and propounded to the Council; for they are not to determine Criminal matters, or do Execution on the offender without the Councils order.  
(3.) If within the Province there be any public Service required, as the Publishing of a Law, or Common Order, by way of Proclamation, Mustering Soldiers, Collecting Taxes or Impositions, etc. it is proper to them.  
These Dukes and Dyacks are appointed by the CZAR but for a year, and then at his pleasure he may change them; which is usually done, unless by Merit or Intercession any are continued Longer; and though their highest Salary is but 100 Rubbles per Annum, yet coming bare into these places, in one year they very much enrich themselves.  
For ordinary matters, there are many other officers that hold Inferior Courts, and otherways look after ●●e affair, not much differing in the main from what is practised in England, so that the Provinces are carefully regarded, and known Bribery is severely punished.  
As for the Courts of Civil Justice in Moscovy for matters of Contract, and others of like sort, beside the former they are of three kinds, and by way of Appeal one is subjected to the other; the lowest of these appointed for the Ease of the Subject, is the Office of the Gubnoy Starust, which signifies in their Language an Alderman, and of the Solsky Starust, or Baylif of the Soak, or Hundred; these have power to determine matters within their Soaks or Hundreds under the Dukes and Dyacks of the Province before whom the Causes may be removed if not agreed or determined.  
The second is held in the head Towns of the Provinces, Shires, before the Deputies of the Lords of the Chetfirds, and from these they have a Privilege to Appeal or remove their Causes to the Third or Chief Court held at Moscow, where usually reside the Officers of the Chetfrids. These are the Chief Justices or Judges, every one of them in Civil Matters, that arise within their several Chetfird or Quarter; and may be either commenced originaly before them, or prosecuted out of the Inferior Courts of the Shires by way of Appeal.  
Their Commencing and Proceeding in Civil Actions is in this wise; The Plantif delivers his supplication, wherein he sets forth the Merit of his Cause, or wrong done to him; then, if aloud, a Reepis or Warrant is granted, which he delivers to the Prestave or Serjeant, who hereupon Arrests the Defendant who must put in Surety to Answer or else be kept in Custody, and often on this account loaden with Irons; when they come before the Judge, the Plantif pleads his own Cause, and the Defendant make his Defence; as for Attorneys and Counsellors they are not known in these Courts, when the Evidence, if they have any, is heard, Judgement is given, but if the matter remains doubtful, than the Judge demandeth of either party, whom he thinks sit, whether he will kiss the Cross upon that which he denyeth or avoucheth; and he who consents to do it is carried by an Officer to the Church, where he does it in a devout manner, and this is held a very Sacred Oath; and hereupon if it be the Defendant he is declared free of the Debt, paying 20 pence charges; but if both demand this privilege, than they draw Lots, and he that has the best is only allowed it; and thus by short proceeding with a little charge the Controversy is ended; but if the Defendant be condemned and not able to pay, his case is miserable.  
Notwithstanding all I have said of these Courts, there is yet another superior to them; and this is called Zabore, or the Public Assembly, which properly is termed a Parliament. The States and Degrees of Persons that are present, are, 1. The CZAR. 2. The Nobility of Council. 3. The Clergy, for I do not find the Commons have any peculiar Representatives in this Zabore, or Parliament, which is held briefly after this manner.  
The Prince causes the Nobility to be summoned together, with the Patriarch, who Convocates his Clergy, viz. the two Metropolites, or Arch-Bishops, with other Bishops, Abbots and Friars, as are most Learned, and of best repute: These assemble in the Court at Moscow, and then the day is appointed when the Sessions shall begin.  
The day being come, the Clergy Assemble before, sitting at a place called the Stollie, and when the CZAR approaches with his Nobility then all the Clergy arise, and bowing themselves, pass on with their Patriarch to meet him. Then the Patriarch blesseth him with his two Fingers, laying them on his Forehead, and the sides of his Face, than he Kisses him on the Rightside of his Breast.  
These Ceremonies ended, they pass to the Parliament-house, which is not very stately, and there they place themselves in this order, The CZAR Seats him in a Throne on one side the Chamber, and not far from him is a little square Table, and at it sit the Patriarch with the Chief of his Clergy, and Principal Nobility of the Council; also two Dyacks, or Secretaries, called Dumnoy Dyacks, who writ down what passes, or is to be Enacted. The rest take their places on Benches that Encompass the Chamber.  
Being placed in this order, one of the Dumnoy Dyacks, who represents a Speaker, declares the cause of the Assembly, and Propounds, as he has it in Writing, the Principal Matters they are to proceed on, and the points being opened, the Patriarch and his Clergy have the Priority of speaking, and giving their Opinions or Advice; but they usualy, out of a kind of Modesty, refuse it, and desire, these things, being matters of State, and other advantage to the Commonwealth, that the CZAR and his Nobles, who are more knowing and learned therein, would order these weighty Affairs, whilst they that are Churchmen would assist them with their Prayers, and so one by one they answer to that Effect. After this, the matters propounded are agreed to sometimes entire, and at others with little variation; for without much difficulty every one gives his consent. Then the Clergy take their leaves, blessing the CZAR, who conducts the Patriarch to the next Room, and then returns to his Seat, till things are prepared for his return to his Palace.  
The Acts that pass in this manner, the Dyacks, or Secretaries draw up into form of Proclamation, which are sent, and directed to be Published in the Provinces and head Towns by the Dukes and Dyacks or Secretaries of those places, and so the Sessions ended, after a Splendid Entertainment, every one has leave to departed.   

CHAP. V.  
Of the Military Affairs of Moscovy, the Degrees and Orders of the Soldiers, Officers. Their Abilities and Warlike Discipline, and other things at Large relating to Martial Erterprises, etc.  
THe next thing I shall Treat of is the Military Affairs of Moscovy, which is a thing very well worth noting; and first of their Forces for the War, and Chief Officers.  
The Soldiers are called Sinabojarsky, or the Sons of Gentlemen, being all, or mostly of that Degree, by virtue of their Military Profession; for when they are of years to bear Arms, they come to the Reserade, or Great Constable, who, at their request, enters their Names, alloting them a Maintenance to support their Charge, there being Lands Assigned for this purpose, annexed to this Office, which cannot be Alienated, so that there is, as I may term it, a Succession of Soldiers, and usually the whole number in continual Pay is as followeth.  
First. The Dworany, or Pensionary-Guards of the Prince's Person, who are 15000 Horsemen, with their proper Officers, and are always in Readiness; but of these there are Three Degrees, who differ as well in Estimation, as Wages, viz. The Dworany-Bulshey, or Head-Pensioners. The Serendany Dworany, or the Middle-Rank of Pensioners. The Dyta Boiarsky, or the Lower Rank. These have from 100 to 20 Rubbles per Annum, lessening according to their Station; one half is paid at Moscow, and the other by the General in the Field; besides this, they have proportionable Lands Allotted them, from the greatest to the least.  
There are other Horsemen, to the number of 110, much like the Roman Praetorian Soldiers, who have the more immediate care of the CZAR's Person when he goes the Wars, all of special Account for their Trust and Nobility, which he chooses himself, and causes their Names to be Registered; and for their Large Revenues in Pension-places, they are to bring to the Wars 65000 Horsemen, with their Furniture and other Necessaries; and once a Year, if there be no Wars, they are to make their Appearance on the Tartar Frontiers, so there seldom fails of being 80000, a few more or less, when they are required to take the Field; and greater Forces are speedily Raised on any occasion out of the supernumerary Sinabojarsky, that are not in Pay till called upon necessary occasions, and all willingly flock to the Regal Standard, upon the first Notice; and if a competent number be wanting, the Noblemen that hold Lands of the Crown, are to make them up with their Servants and Tenants, called Colophey, which when the Service is over, lay down their Weapons, and return to their Servile Occupations. Over and above the Horsemen mentioned, there are seldom less than 12000 Foot in Pay, that bear Fire-Arms, or Gunners, called Strelseys, and these are appointed to their several Posts, some to Guard the City of Moscow, and the Palace, others are disposed of in Garrisons till there be further occasion for them. There are likewise in his Service a competent number of Strangers, and these are Europeans of divers Nations, being chief employed against the Tartars.  
The Commanders in Chief of these Great Forces are the Voyavod Bulshaia, Great Captain, or Lieutenant-General under the CZAR, usually chosen out of the Four Houses of the Chief Nobility; he has joined with him Lieutenant Generals of great Experience. Beside, there are Four Officers that have the Marshaling of the Army divided among them, called Marshals of the Field, every one hath his Quarters or fourth part. The first is called Prava Polskoy, or the Right-wing, the second is Levoy Polskoy, or the Left-wing. The third Rusnoy Polskoy, or the broken Band, because there are Detachments made from it on any necessary occasion. The fourth Storeshovoy, or the Warding Band; These have each Two Marshals under them, who are to Muster and Train the Soldiers, and do Justice on Offenders; and these are commonly chosen out of the 110 I have before mentioned. They receive and deliver Pay to the Army; under them are the Gulavoy, or Captains of Thousands, Five hundreds, and Hundreds. The Petydesetskoy, or Captains of Fifty, and the Decetskiss, or Captains of Ten.  
There are, beside the Lieutenant-General, two other Voiavods, one Master of the Ordinance, who hath divers under-Officers necessary for the Service, and the Walking-Captain, or Scouts-Master, who has under him 1000 Expert Horsemen to go out on Parties, and Spy the Enemy; so that a Moscovite Army appears very Formidable: And indeed they have done many brave. Exploits, they have lately taken Asoph, a very Important place, and the last Year, in a Set-Battel, Overthrown and Ruined a Great Army of Turks and Tartars, going completely Armed, and well understanding the use of Fire-Arms; Whereas formerly their Weapons were but slight, mostly Bows and Arrows, Marching in good Order more than ever, as having learned the Art of War more perfectly from the Poles, and other Neighbouring Nations. They also Encamp, Entrench and Lodge Advantageously, being very patiented of Hunger, Thirst and Cold, Obedient to their Officers, and Ready to Charge the Enemy on all occasions. They had in use a Moving Castle, as they call it, which mainly defended them against the Tartars Arrows, and gave them a more secure Opportunity to Offend their Enemies. This was Framed Wood, carried on Numerous Carts, which, upon Occasion, was easily put together, and made a Standing Wall of Seven Miles, or as few as they thought fit, with Loopholes in it, to discharge their Shot, or dart their Arrows; but I am not well assured, whether they have so cumbersome a Machine now in use or not, for it is little or no defence against Great Artillery, which the Turks, Assisting the Tartars, use. The Muscovites are very Expert at Defending Garrisons, and are accounted there better Soldiers than in the Field; however by their Wars they have greatly Enlarged their Borders, almost on all sides them; Especially since they have entertained Expert Officers of divers Warlike Nations, who have, by their Experience and Valorous Examples, Cultivated and Animated the Soldiery; but not too tediously to dwell on this Particular. I'll now proceed to other Matters, as worthy of Note, so that taking altogether, I cannot doubt but I shall give the Reader all the Reasonable Satisfaction he can desire of a Country, that but a few Ages passed we were in a manner Ingorant of.   

CHAP. VI  
Some Account of the Vast Revenues of the CZAR, by Customs, and other ways arising. The Coin, Weights, Measures, and other matters Relating to Trade. The strange sorts of Fish, Beasts, Fowl, and other Rarities of Moscovy.  
THe Customs and Revenues that Maintain so Great a Charge in War and Peace, are very considerable; and, by a few, one may guests at the rest. That at Moscow amounted to 12000 Rubbles Yearly; Smolensko 8000; Vobsko 12000; Novogrod-Velica 6000; Sturrarouse, by Salt, and other Commodities, 18000; Torshock 800; Otfer 700; Yaruslave 1200; Costrome 1800; Nisna Novogrod 7000; Casa 11000; Vologda 12000: A Rubble is a Mark English. And thus stands the Ancient Account, since the stating of which Trade is greatly increased. Besides this, the Province of Volsko pays yearly for Tagla and Podat 18000 Rubbles; Novogrod 35000; Torshock and Otser 8000; Razan 3000; Morum 12000; Colmigroe and Duyna 8000; Vologda 12000; Cuzan 28000; Vstiuga 30000; Rostove 50000. The City of Moscow 40000; Siberskoy 20000; Castrome 12000.  
The former in the Cities are for Custom, and these latter, viz. The Tagla is a Yearly Imposition, raised on every Wite or Measure of Grain within the Provinces, gathered by Shozen-men; a Wite contains 60 Chetfrids, every Chetfrid is Three Bushels English, or little less. The Podat is an ordinary Rent, imposed on every Hundred. There comes in a Vast Sum Yearly by the Vochin, or Crown-lands. The CZAR's Inheritance containing 36 Large Towns, with their Territories, or Hundreds belonging, and a vast quantity of other Lands, that bring great Incomes to the Crown. The Tithes of Furs, and Customs on Goods, of Strangers by Navigation, or otherways, very much Increase the Revenue, beside other things and ways to Raise Money, too Numerous to mention; and for these there are Offices and Officers respectively appointed, who have considerable Salarys, so that the Riches of this Large Northern Kingdom appears very great, and the Princes Vast Revenues very difficult to be Summed up: And since I am come to this part of Relation, I shall speak briefly of the Coin, Weights and Measures, that are so necessary in Trade, and vary so much from ours, that so Merchants and Travellers may the better understand them, when their Occasions, or Curiosity shall make them useful.  
The Merchant's Accounts are kept at Moscow the chief City divers ways, as by those of England, in Rubbles and Pence, called by the Moscovites Muscofskins, two hundred of them going to a Rubble. The Duthby Grevens and Muscofskins, 20 of the latter going to the former, so 10 Grevens make the Rubble, which is held an imaginary Coin; for the Currant Money is the Capeck worth a Stiver Flemish, and something more in value than an English Peney, 10 of them make a Greven, 3 Capecks are call, d an Altine, by which Contracts and Bargains are usually made; 33 Altines and one Capeck make a Rubble.  
At Archangel there is an Exchange practised, and the Price of Russ Money bears as the scarcety or plenty will allow. The Receipts begin in August to return in London about the latter end of December.  
The Weights chief in use, are the Pood, by which all fine Goods are weighed, as Beaver, Silk, Wool, etc. but for gross Goods they have a Weight called the Berzovet, accounted 10 Poods, or the Russship-Pound, computed to be 360 Pound Averdupois; so that all Goods bought by this Weight are accounted to be 10 Per cent profit; so that many have reckoned Goods so bought to pay the Freight with over-weight, and all Goods bought by the Pood to be 10 Per cent less.  
The Measure of length is called the Archin, and is accounted 28 English Inches, so that 100 Archins are supposed to produce Incirca, 78 yards of London Measure, Oil, mostly Fish-Oyle, they sell by the Barrel, each Barrel accounted half a Hogshead. Concave Measures are little used in Trade; As for their Furs, of which they have many sorts, as Beaver, Otter, White, Red Black and Dun Fox, Sables, martin's, Minever, etc. they are usually sold by the Timber Weight, or Tale, and much coveted by Merchant Strangers who purchase them at dear rates, and send them into most Countries of Europe, and Asia, and into the other parts of the World.  
They take upon the Coast abundance of Seals, which is done in this manner; they carry their Boats over the Ice to open Water, and finding their haunts where they lie basking on huge Flakes of Ice, in a Sunshiney day coming out of the Sea for that purpose, they him them in, with their Boats, and with great Clubs, striking them on the Nose quickly kill them; their Skins are good Merchandise, and of their Fat they make a sort of Redish Oil.  
There is another Sea-Creature called a Morse, who has Teeth about a foot long, by the help of which he clambers up Rocks to seek for Prey, and for the sake of his Teeth they take him, which exceeds Ivory, and are of great esteem among them. They have in some parts of the Country White Fox, Grey and Red Squirrels, a large Water-Rat, whose Skin smells naturally like Musk. They have also Wulberins: They have likewise a Beast called Losh or Buff, whose Skin turns to very good account.  
They have a Fish called Ribzuba, whose Teeth are as fine as Ivory, and used for heads of Knives, Sword-hafts, etc. Likewise some use the Powder to Antedote Poison, as the unicorns horn; this I hold to be the same with the Morse: The word Ribzuba in their Language rather signifying the Tooth than the Fish, for it is caught about Pecliora, or Petzora, some of them have been found with their Teeth of 2 foot long, weighing 11 Pound, or more. They have in the Woods and Mountains many wild Horses, also flying Squirrels, having Tufts of hair growing to their Shoulders, like Wings, which makes them seem to fly when they take vast leaps from one Tree to another; their Tails are much broader than others, which shakes and spreads as they leap, and so facilitates them in their Agility. They have Hares the colour of ours in Summer, but in Winter they change their Coats into Milk-white, and the Squirrels the like, from a Redish unto a Grey, whereof cometh the Calaber. They have store of Deer, Roe-Bucks and Goats, in some parts Elks on which the Semoids on their borders Ride, and cause their Sleads to be drawn by Hearts, or Ollins large Dogs, etc.  
Their Horses and Sheep are but small, yet both good in their kind. As for Fowl, they have great plenty, as the Egle-Hawks of several kinds, The Swan Wild and Tame, the Stork and Crane, the Tedder of the colour of a Pheasant, but much biger, living in the Firr-woods: of Pheasant and Partridge they have great plenty. The Owls in Moscovy are exceeding large, their Ears as big as a Man's, and much like them. They have many River-Fish common with ours, as Pike, Carp, Roaeh, Tench, etc. but others altogether strange to us, as the Behlouga or Bellougiva, 4 or 5 els long. The Severinga or Sterledy, somewhat in fashion and taste like a Sturgeon, but not so thick nor long. The Ribela or White Salmon, these are found in great plenty in the River Volga, and other Rivers; in a River near the Town of Perislave they take a Fish, like our Herring, but not so big. They have abundance of Salt-wells turning to great advantage in making Salt, and near Astracan the Sea-Water being thrown up among the Rocks in the hot weather, the Sun makes it into Hills of Salt; they have in this Country a Lucid Slate cut out of a Rock, which being split into thin slivers serves as Transparent Glass, and in the Rivers near the Bay of St. Nicholas, several Rocks of Alabaster; but not to wade too far in matters that to some may seem Trival, I intent to close with what may yet seem more worthy of Note.   

CHAP. VII.  
The Succession of the Royal Houses of Moscovy for about 1600 years, to the present CZAR, giving an Historical account of their Victories, Enlarging their Dominions, the Revolutions that have happened in the State. The manner of the Coronation, and other things of the like nature. The CZAR or great Duke of Moscovys Honourable Titles. The Impress of the Broad Seal. Degrees of Nobility, etc.  
THe Succession of the Government of that vast Country now called Moscovy, in part, and in the whole has been of Ancient standing, as will appear in the following brief History, brought down to the present CZAR, Peter Alexowitz.  
The Dukes of Moscovy are held, though it may be thought something doubtful, from Augustus Caesar the second Roman Emperor; however according to other Historians Writing of this matter, I shall trace it from hence to an undoubted certainty, as the times came nearer to us, and briefly touch on what memorably happened by the way.  
They tell us that Augustus Caesar sent some of his near Kindred to be Governors in these Parts; and amongst them one Prussus, who Named his Province or Government Prussia, which lay on the Eastern Baltic Shoar, by the River Wixel; of whom Rurek Sirianus, and Truurio decending, by the fourth Generation, were by the Russians, then living without Civil Government, sent for Anno. Dom. 573 to bear Rule over them, at the persuasion of Gostomislius, chief Magistrate of Novogrod; and taking with them Olechus their Kinsman, they had by common Consent, the Government of those Countries divided amongst them, and all but Rurek dying without Issue, Vorson his Son succeeded him in the whole Government, as it had been Agreed amongst them, who took to Wife Olba Daughter to a Citizen of Plesco, who brought him a Son called Stoslaus, who succeeded him, and was slain in Battle. He left behind him 3 Sons, to wit Teropolehus, Olega and Volodimir. The latter supplanted the two first, and took the whole Government upon him, and Married Anna Sister to Basilius the Eastern Emperor; and with all his People, in the year 988. was Baptised, as Historians say, upon a Miracle performed by a Greek Bishop, viz. his throwing the Book of the Gospel into the Fire, and its remaining there a considerable time untouched by the force of that consuming Element.  
Volodimir left behind him 11 Sons, among whom he divided his Dominions; but Jaroslaus one of them, by reason of a division among them got the sole Government into his hands; and Volodimir his Son succeeded him, holding his Court at Kiow on the River Boristhenes, and had great Wars much enlargeing his Borders, and was the first that had the Title of CZAR, or Caesar conferred on him by Constan the Greek Emperor, who sent him many Rich Gifts. After him in descent, were Vuszevolodus, George, Demetrius.  
Then George his Son, who in the year 1237 by Bathy a Tartar Prince, brought Moscovy under his Subjection, making it Tributary to him; and the Russ say this Bathy was Father to Tamerlain, whom they call Temirkutla.  
Then succeeded jaroslaus Brother of George; and to him Alexander his Son. Then Daniel his Son, who first made Moscow his Royal Seat, builded the Castle, and took on him the Title of great Duke, and was succeeded by John his Son Surnamed Kaleta or Scrip, as the word signifies, because he usually carried one about him and dealt his Alms out of it to the poor. He left the Government to John his Brother, and John left it to Demetrius his Son; who had two Sons Basilius and George. The first Reigning had a Son, but doubting his Legitimacy, by reason of his Wife's Incontinency, he left his Brother to succeed him. But George dying preferred his Nephew, whose Name was Basilius, before his own Sons Andrew and Demetrius, which occasioned much disturbance in the State, for they warred on their Cousin, took him and put out his Eyes; yet the Nobles kept their Allegiance; and John Vasilwich his Son succeeded him. This was he who by his Prudence and Valour first brought the Name of his Country out of obscurity, and made it Renowned in Europe and Asia; Stileing himself great Duke of Volodimir, Moscovy, Novogrod and CZAR of all Russia; he won Plosco, the then only Walled City in all Moscovy, and shook off the Tartar Yoke, doing many other brave Exploits; so that the Poles, and bordering Nations on either side courted his Friendship.  
Gabriel his Son succeeded him, who changed his Name to Basilius, he recovered a great part of Moscovy from Vitoldus Duke of Lithuania; won Smolensko and many other Cities, Anno. 1514.  
juan Vasiliwich his Son, a Child, succeeded him; but growing up, he stripped the Tartars out of the Kingdoms of Cazan and Astracan, and took the Prince's Captive; he made vigorous Wars in Livonia pretending a Right to that Country by Inheritance; and did many other admirable things, but inclining much to oppress his Nobles, they conspired and called in the Crispinus n Tartars, who committed great Outrages, Besieged and burnt the City of Moscow, and in it about 80000 people perished, mostly by the Flames. This Prince Reigned 54 years, he had 3 Sons; in his Reign the English came the first time by Sea into the North parts of Russia; his Eldest Son died before him.  
Pheodor his Second Son succeeding, he was, being a Minor, left under the Tuition of Boris, Brother to the Empress, and Boris by the Deceased's Will adopted third Son to him; and here once for all it will not be amiss to give a brief account of the Ceremony in Crowning this great CZAR.  
Forty days Mourning for his Father expired, he came from his Palace, attended by his Clergy and Nobility, to the Church of Blaveshin, or Blessedness, and hearing Service there, proceeded to the Church of St Michael, then to that of our Lady, being the Cathedral. There he was placed in a Chair of State, his Robe of Goldsmith's Work, all Gold, set with Precious Stones and Pearl. The Imperial Crown was then placed on his head by the Metropolitan, who, in doing it, Read Exhortations to him of Justice and Peaceable Government. Then rising he was Invested with another Robe much Richer than the former; his Train born up by 6 Dukes, the Staff he held was of a unicorns-horn, 3 foot and a half long, curiously Polished, and set with Precious Stones; a Globe and 6 Crowns were carried before him by Princes of the Blood; His Horse waited at the Church door, covered with an Embroidery of Pearl, and the Saddle suitable, to the value of 3000 Rubbles There was a kind of Bridge made 3 ways, 150 Fathom in length, 3 foot high and 2 Fathom broad, whereon the CZAR, with his Train passed from one Church to another above the vast throng of People. The Churches were spread with Cloth of Gold, and the Porches with Red Velvet. The Bridges with Scarlet, and Flannel Cloth, which the People got among them, when the CZAR had passed, and a great many new Coins of Gold and Silver were thrown among them, from the Church; the Ceremony ended, he returned to the Parliament-House, where a stately Banquet, after the Russ manner was served up by Noblemen in Plate of Gold and Silver, 2 standing on either side his Chair with Battle Axes of Gold. This Triumph lasted a Week with many Shows and Pastimes; after which Election was made of the Nobles to new Offices and Dignities, and all concluded with a peal of 170 Brass Ordinance, and 20000 Harquibusses twice discharged, as he passed with a Train of about 50000 to his Palace.  
This CZAR Conquered the large Country of Siberia, and took the King Prisoner, overawing the Tartars, and doing many other great matters: But Boris his Guardian aspiring to the Throne by Treachery, first made away Demetrius, the CZAR's Brother, and then the CZAR himself, and usurped the Royal Seat. But a Counterfeit Demetrius, set up by the Poles Invading Moscovy and every where prevailing, Boris, as 'tis thought, Poisoned himself; for after a full Meal he died suddenly in his Palace; and his Wife drinking Poison made her Son and Daughter pledge her, of which she and the former died, but the latter only lightly sipping recovered.  
Demetrius Evonowich hereupon was Proclaimed and Crowned, and kept about him Polish-Guards for his securety, but had a short and troublesome Reign, for being suspected an Imposture, the Moscovites Conspired against him, rushed into his Palace before break of day, draged him out of his Bed, and Slew him, with many of his Guards and Favourites.  
To him Succeeded Vasily Evanowich Shusky, who had been mainly Instrumental in his destruction, and had not long before been at the Block for reporting to have seen the True Demetrius Buried; but he was recalled by him he deposed, and advanced to be the Instrument of his Ruin: It's reported the Impostor's True Name was Gryfcha, the Son of a mean Gentleman. Nor did the New CZAR long hold the Throne, for the Poles raised up another Demetrius, who Besieged him in the Castle of Moscow, and wrought him Great Troubles; so that being hardly pressed, he betook him to a Monastery, and so the Polish Army became Master of the City; who having got the Spoil, Quarrelled with their Upstart Demetrius, and he flying to seek Shelter, was slain by a Tartar's Shusk, who was carried into Poland, and there died miserably in Prison. Yet the Poles were soon after Starved, and driven out of all the places they had Garrisoned in Moscovy, and much Confusion happened in this Interregnum, till at length taking Advice to settle matters, Michalowich, or Michael Pheodorowich was Chosen CZAR, a Youth whom Shusky much feared, and had put several of the Name to Death, upon a Presage one of that Name should Succeed him; and having been Raised by the Valour of Pozarsky, and Boris Licin, he made them the Generals of his Forces, and Joined with them another Great Commander of the Cossacks, who had very much Assisted him, and raised to Honour many other of his Friends, so that soon after a Peace was Concluded between the Muscovites and Poles, partly by the Mediation of King James the First of England, he was Elected Anno 1615. and Managed his Dominions in a more constant way of Peace with the Turks, Tartars, Polanders and Swedes, than any of his Predecessors had done before him.  
Feodor Alexowitz, or Alexis, Succeeded him, who did many brave Actions, and secured his Borders against Invaders, and Reigned to the Year 1682. Who then dying left Two Sons behind, John and Peter, who were Joint- CZARS of Muscovy till the first dying, the Whole Government devolved on the Latter, who now Reigns Successfully and Victoriously, being a Wise and Judicious Prince, of a sound discerning Judgement, Courteous and Affable, having Enlarged his Territories by the taking Asoph, and giving the Turks and Tartars many Overthrows; his Understanding Refined, and much Improved by Learning and Travel; The Delight of Princes, and the Joy and Safety of his own People.  
THIS Prince's Style is very Magnificent, viz. CZAR and Great DUKE of all the Great and Lesser White Russia, Moscovy, Kiovia, Volodomir, Novogrod; CZAR of Casan; CZAR of Astracan; CZAR of Siberia, LORD of Plesko; Great DUKE of Smolensko, 'tTwere, Inhor, Permo, Westquia, Bulgaria and others; LORD and Great DUKE of the Inferior Novogrod, of Tzerni, Kiovia, Resens, Rostof, Jeroslaw, Bielejezorvedor, Obdor, Condomir, and of all the Northern Part; LORD of Iberia; CZAR of Cartalania, Garsinea; DUKE of Cababadin; DUKE of the Dukes of Circassia and Georgia, and of several other Oriental, Septentrional, and Occidental Lordships and Estates; PATERNAL, Great PATERNAL Heir, SUCCESSOR, LORD and RULER.  
The Great Seal of Moscovy is an Eagle displayed Sable in a Field, Or, bearing on its Breast a Shield the Field being Gules, Charged with a St. George Argent, holding a Lance piercing a Dragon; between the Heads of the Eagle are 3 Crowns placed, one over another, which are said to signify Moscovy, and the two Kingdoms of Cazan and Astracan.  
The Nobility of Moscovy are of different Ranks, those of the Ancient Nobility, and such as have been raised by Favour or otherways for their Noble Attchievements, viz. of four sorts, The Chief for Birth Authority and Revenue are called Vdelney Knazey, that is, the Exempt or Privileged Dukes. The second, the Bojarens Raised to Honour by the CZAR, beside their Nobility, with the Title of Counsellors. The Third are the Voyavodey, such as have been Generals of Arms under their Prince. The Fourth are such as bear the Name of Knazey, or Dukes, but come of the younger Brothers of the Chief Houses through many descents. And thus I doubt not but I have given a Satisfactory Account of this Famed Country.    
FINIS.