portrait of Charles Patin 
M. Ʋander Gucht scu▪  
Effigies CAROLI PATIN. Med: Doct: parisians.    


The TRAVELS of C. PATIN. M.D.    

TRAVELS THROUGH 

Germany,  
Bohemia,  
Switzerland,  
Holland;   And other Parts of EUROPE:  
Describing the most Considerable CITIES, AND THE Palaces of Princes: TOGETHER, With Historical Relations, and Critical Observations upon Ancient Medals and Inscriptions.  
By CHARLES PATIN, M.D. of the Faculty of Paris.  
Made English, and Illustrated with Copper Cuts and a Map.  
LONDON, Printed for A. Swall and T. Child at the Unicorn in St. Paul's Churchyard, 1696.   

TABLE of the Cities and Provinces, Passed through in these Travels.  

ALtorf Described, Page 239  
Amsterdam, 20●  
Anspach 228  
Avanches, 323  
Augsbourg, 69  
Augst, 134  
Austria, 34●   

BAccharac, 185  
Baden, 308  
Basil, 133  
Bareith, 24●  
Bavaria, 113  
Berlin, 243  
Berne, 315  
Bohemia, 40, 27●  
The Briel, 21●  
Brisac, 16●   

CAstle of Amras, 7●  
Castle of Bipp, 31●  
Constance, 29●   

DElft, 20●  
Durlach, 17●  
Dresden, 26●   

EMmerick, 18●   

GEneva, 33●   

HArlem, 20●  
The Hague, 20●  
Heidelberg, 17●  
Horchst, 18●  
Hoentwiel, 3●●  
Hongary, 3●   

JEna, 2●●  
Inspruck, 79, 2●●   

KOnigsfelden, 306   

LEyden, 207  
Leipzyck, 246  
Leopolstadt,   

Maeslandsluys, 209  
Manheim, 174  
Mentz, 181  
Morat, 321  
Munick, 97   

NIeustat, 226  
Nimeguen, 189  
Nuremberg, 228   

PAssaw, 42  
Payern, 328  
Phillipsbourg, 170  
Prague, 273   

SAltzbourg, 282  
Scaffhausen, 299  
Schencken Schans, 188  
Soloturn, 316  
Stutgarde, 225  
Swaben, 220   

TYrol, 76  
Tubingen, 223   

VIenna, 3  
ulme, 65  
Vytrecht, 193   

WEimar, 244  
Windisch, 307  
Wittemburg, 221  
Wiitemberg, 249   

ZVrich, 319    

THE FIRST RELATION, OF THE TRAVELS of the Sieur Patin, To His Highness Friderick Augustus, Duke of Wirtemburg, etc.  
YOUR Highness has often conferred many signal Favours upon me, but n●●●ing can be more obliging er●n the manner doing it. For in requiring an Accounted of my last Travels, you have not ●●ly declined to make use of the absolute Authority your Highness has over ●●y Person, but have even condescended so far as to lay a pleasing Violence upon me, in these most pathetical and affectionate Terms: I was taking a review of a Troop of Horse, when your Letter was delivered to me, but having perceived your Hand, which I very much esteem, I could not forbear opening it, etc. Are not these so many secret Charms that supersede my Temerity, and which inspire me with Zeal to yield a ready Obedience to all your Injunctions? I am unwilling to call to mind; that there is nothing more difficult than to give Satisfaction to so discerning a Judgement as that of your Highness, that is to say, the Judgement of so noble and sagacious a Person, which has already penetrated into the inmost Recesses of Humane Literature, and has been formed under the Tuition of the Learned Monsieu● ●offel. What a copious Theme lies before me! What a natural Propensity I have in directing my Discourse to you (my Lord) to speak of nothing but your Highness! But I have a greater Veneration for so noble a Subject, which requires Talents and Expressions commensurate to its Grandeur, than to attempt such an Undertaking at all adventures. I must of necessity forget your Highness for a Moment, to call to mind that 'tis my Duty to obey your Orders.  
From Niewstadt, where your Highness was pleased to load me with all manner of Favours, I set forward to Vienna, the distance to which is great; the course of the Danube making ninety German Leagues within the space of five days. It is very delightful to embark on this River, where a Man may sail a great way without seeming to stir; and may change Countries and Provinces without any apparent change of Places; in short, he may there find means to perform as he Travels, whatsoever can be done by him at home.  

VIENNA,  
Is the Capital City of Germany, or rather of the whole Western Continent, for there at present is to be seen the Majesty of the Empire, as formerly at Rome, which can be no longer said to be the Metropolis of the World, since the other is now become the usual place of Residence of the Emperors. It may be esteemed strong, not only by reason that it is defended with Bastions and regular Outworks; but also because Solyman surnamed the Magnificent once besieged, but was not able to take it. For this Grand Signior was not accustomed to be foiled, neither indeed was he ever overcome; the same Ottoman Emperor, among his Titles, assumed the Style, of doing whatsoever he thought fit, and of doing nothing that he disliked. Your Highness has in your Repository some notable Monuments of this famous Siege in certain Gold and Silver Medals, with this Inscription, TURK BLEGERT WIEN, 1529.  
This City is large within its small compass. May your Highness not be surprised at this manner of Expression, I mean, that within the small extent of Ground in which it is enclosed upon account of its Fortifications, it is extremely Populous, extremely Rich, and very well supplied with all things necessary for the convenience of Humane Life: I might also add, that this City has little waste Ground in it, and is not irregularly built; that the largest Cities of Europe have a greater quantity of waste Ground, or are more irregular than this.  
The two Musaeums or Repositories which I saw there, are none of its least Ornaments; one of these was brought from Brussels, and owes its original to the Archduke Leopold, who furnished it with a vast number of Curiosities at an incredible Expense: The other is a Patrimony of the Imperial Family, and a Collection made (as they say) by four Emperors: In the former are contained fifteen hundred Paintings drawn by the most able Masters of that Art; among which I have observed some of Raphael, D' Urbin, Titian, Caraccio, Paul Veronese, Corregio, Palma, Holbein, Georgeon, Schiavone, Bassano, Albert Durer, Rubens, Van Dick, etc. There are also engraved Prints of the best Pieces of this Inestimable Collection; indeed the Project was well contrived, and the Reputation of Tenieres, who is the Graver, would have been much more considerable, if he had taken care to put his design in Execution with greater success: But these sorry Copies serve only to disguise the Originals, and to disfigure the finest Draughts in the World; so that the defects of the Artist, and not the excellency of those admirable Masterpieces are apparent. There are in the same Repository almost three hundred ancient Statues of Marble and Brass, besides a Collection of eight hundred Golden Medals, all different, and more remarkable for their Rarity, and the design of the History, than for the value of the Matter of which they are made. This vast Collection of Greek Consular and Imperial Medals, and others of large and middlesized Copper, could not be gathered together, but by the hand of a Prince as Potent and Judicious as he that left it. I have an exact Catalogue of 'em, and your Highness will be surprised to observe so many Rarities therein. I must not omit by any means one Article, of which a Person as curious as your Highness, aught to be informed: It is one of the finest Discoveries that has been hitherto made to give light to these first obscure passages of the History of France, and powerfully to establish the Antiquity of that Monarchy, of which perhaps your Highness is not so well persuaded, as of its Strength and Riches. About fifteen years ago in digging the Earth near Tournay, a Tomb was found, or rather the Remains of a Monument. It was that of Childeric King of France, and Father of Clovis the Great; The Bones of an Horse with pieces of Harness lay by him; and 'tis well known that in those times Princes were wont to allow a place in their Burial to that of their Horses, on which they road upon extraordinary Occasions. There was nothing wanting of all that the Pagan Religion consecrated to the Honour and Memory of deceased Persons, viz. the Sword, the Baganet, the Mass of Arms, and a small Instrument to write according to the Custom of that Age, with a great number of Gold Medals of the Emperors Leo and Zeno: But that which I take to be the greatest Rarity, was a certain number of Golden Bees longer than one's Thumb, and the Ring which this Prince was wont to use as a Seal or Signet. This is to meet with Truth in its Sanctuary, where it is inviolable, and thus the Dead themselves afford a much better Illustration of their History to the Living: But it was requisite that this Treasure should be discovered under the most accomplished Prince, that ever could Reign, I mean, the same Archduke Leopold, who then governed the Low-Countries for the King of Spain. His most Christian Majesty, who was not ignorant of its Importance, expressed his desire of getting it in his own Possession: I have been told at Vienna, that the Elector of Mentz, was very solicitous to obtain it for the King, and that the Emperor chose rather to make the Present himself, before this Elector had taken measures to sue for it: Thus the value of a Present is much augmented, when it is so frankly made. The Keeper of the Repository gave me a sight thereof, and was desirous to know my Sentiments concerning it. I met with no great difficulty in discovering the Truth, and soon told him, that that which he showed me, was only a Copy of the Original, which was kept in France in the Royal Repository; all the Pieces of which I had formerly examined. The Inscription seemed to me to be well composed, and ends (as I take it) with these words; Discas Lector, vel sepultam Majestatem nusquam interire. Some time after, his Imperial Majesty did me the honour to demand my opinion on the same Subject.  
The other Repository is so full and so rich, that it would be difficult to add any thing that is new, either in respect to the quantity or rarity of the Commodities contained therein: It may be soon perceived that it is the Storehouse of many Emperors, and that it was not possible for any, but these Masters of the World, who may be said to be in a manner Omnipotent, to make so noble a Collection of the most precious Things of the whole Universe; so that one may well affirm with respect to this Treasure, what Josephus wrote in his Jewish Antiquities concerning the Triumph of Titus after the Conquest of Judaea, viz. That even those Eyes that were accustomed to Miracles were dazzled with it. It would be a Trespass upon your Highness' Patience, to give a particular account of every one of these Curiosities in an endless Discourse; and you may vouchsafe to remember, that my present design is only to furnish matter for a simple Conference, in which I am unwilling to tyre the Reader with a Volume; therefore I shall only just mention that which has had the greatest Influence upon my Imagination.  
Two thousand two hundred Silver Medals of the Empress Sabina, with the same Reverse, VENERI GENETRICI, all ancient, made by able Artists, and very well preserved, are magnificent proofs of the Riches of this Musaeum. There is also a portion of the Cross, a Thorn of the Crown, and one of the four Nails which fastened our Saviour J.C. to the Cross, which, in my opinion, deserve the Veneration of all Christians; besides a great number of other Relics richly enchased. The Gold, Ivory, and Precious-Stones, dazzle the Eyes even of those that are accustomed to behold 'em: Among these is to be more especially admired, an Emerald-Cup of the bigness of an ordinary Bowl or Beaker, and the pieces that have been cut out in making it hollow, serve as a complete Furniture for the Empress. Whence (my Lord) can we suppose this Precious-Stone to have taken its rise? Those of this Sublunary World, are not of so prodigious a Thickness; indeed, there seems to be somewhat above the effort of Nature in its inestimable Mass; as to its colour and quality 'tis an Emerald, but in reality, with respect to its extent and thickness 'tis a perfect Miracle. The next thing remarkable, is, a large Plate of Oriental Agate about t●o Foot in Diameter, on which is engraved in the Substance of the Stone the word XPICTOC, with a B. set before it, which may be interpreted 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, according to the manner of writing observed in the Medals of the ancient Emperors of Constantinople. Here it cannot be determined what ought to be most admired, whether the Matter or Forms, the prodigality or the design of Natur. There are such huge Vessels of Rock Crystal, that so large ones of common Crystal are not to be found elsewhere. There is also a Press full of Pieces of wrought Amber. Of the infinite number of Agates, I shall only mention the large ancient one; it is an almost square Stone, broader than high, on which are engraved twelve or fifteen Figures, representing the Triumph of the Roman Emperors over the Germans, a little after the Nativity of Jesus Christ: It has been very learnedly explained by the Emperor's Library-keeper, and I am apt to believe that it was engraved by the same hand; the Heads of Princes only are drawn in the Original, and those of Slaves appear in the Graving; perhaps some other Persons may engrave it better, but it is indeed one of the best Pieces of Antiquity that are now extant.  
In another Chamber is to be seen the Image of Philip II. King of Spain, with his Arms of Massive Gold laden with Diamonds: This stately Effigies answers well the Character of so great a Prince, who dispersed his Riches throughout the World, and transported Peru into Europe. There is kept the Buffcoat of Mail, which Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden wore at the Battle of Lutzen, where he perished with the Fortune of his Party. I know not well how to come to a Conclusion, since all the Pieces are still represented fresh to my Eyes, so that I shall always retain the Idea of 'em during my whole Life, and will without doubt continue very lively, till I have communicated it to your Highness. Mr. Ʋander Barren first showed me these Repositories, to whose Custody they are both committed: Although I should declare that his Merit is extraordinary, that he is a good Clergyman, and a profound Scholar, and a most accomplished Person; and that he enjoys all those excellent Qualities with the Favour of his Master, which are things very incompatible; I should not be judged guilty of Flattery, since every one gives the same Character of him. His Imperial Majesty commanded that the other should be shown to me, and I was not capable of receiving a greater Honour, nor of bringing a more agreeable Disposition to the sight of so many rare Curiosities. The Imperial Library may be reckoned as the third Treasure; it is full of the finest Books in the World, and among others there are ten or twelve thousand Manuscripts of all sorts of Subjects, and in all Languages; as also the famous Libraries of Busbequius and Cuspinian, and the rare Collection of the Fuggers of Augsburg. I saw certain admirable Miniatures, which sometime belonged to the Dukes of Burgundy. I saw also Octavius Stradas fine Collection of Medals, with a vast number of the Designs of Raphael D'Vrbin, Albert Durer, and other excellent Masters of the Art of Painting. A particular Account of these Curiosities will be suddenly published, and ●he complete History of 'em is expected from Monsieur Lambecius, to whose custody they are committed, and who is constantly employed in the Work, as being perhaps the only Person in the World that is capable of taking exact Copies from those incomparable Originals, where your Highness may find these first rude Draughts that I have made, in their full Lustre and Perfection.  
Would it not be too hard a Task (my Lord) to discourse to you concerning his Imperial Majesty, with such mean Conceptions as mine? Could they form any tolerable Idea, or represent a Character in any wise suitable to so great an Hero? I had indeed the Honour to be in his Majesty's Presence in his Gallery of Paintings, when he was visiting his Treasure of ancient Medals: There I had an opportunity to see during three hours and a half, a Roman Emperor conversing with his Predecessors, which could not be observed elsewhere: There, a more discerning and sublime Judgement than mine might have made a Comparison between 'em on the very spot: In my opinion, the Lustre of the deceased Princes did not seem to eclipse that of the living Emperor, in whose Person I saw concentered all that I knew, and every thing that I had read concerning others: His profound Judgement, his exemplary Piety, Justice and Clemency, are conspicuous in so high a degree of Perfection, that a faint Idea of 'em is only to be seen in the World. Your Highness is sensible that extraordinary Virtues are often incompatible, and that that Soul which is so happy as to possess 'em all, does not always find an equal supply for all, during its Intercourse with the Body, from whence it cannot pass. Thus we rarely observe Magnanimity and Fortitude, intermixed with that Gentleness and Moderation, which are requisite for the complete Formation of Piety and Clemency in the Heart of a Prince: But in his Imperial Majesty, all these Heroic Qualities which are so much admired, proceed from a more noble Principle, that enforces Nature, and administers Relief to the Weaknesses of the Body. This is that Divine Character which Heaven imprints on the Minds of all those of this August Family: This is that second Soul which the Philosophers have attributed to Hero's, which is the cause that he who is at present advanced to the highest degree of Dignity on Earth, is at the same time a potent Emperor, a virtuous Prince, an accomplished Politician, and a good Christian, and hath all sociable Virtues united in his Person in a perfect Agreement, which will constitute the Happiness of the Empire, as soon as it shall be in a condition to answer thereto, and shall have merited of Heaven so many Blessings, which it may receive from his Hands, and under the Government of so excellent a Sovereign, and so prudent an Emperor.  
It is true (my Lord) that he is even adored by his own Subjects, for indeed the Respect and Affection that they bear to his Person is altogether boundless. The Court of Vienna is very Magnificent and Splendid, but that which in my opinion adds to its Lustre, is, that the Prince is every where imitated, that is to say, in his Piety, Generosity, Courteousness and Affability: I know not by what means his Imperial Majesty is more especially become a public Blessing to so many Illustrious Lords that depend on him, whether by the Riches or Preferments he bestows on 'em, or by the singular Example he shows 'em. However I shall give an account to your Highness of some of their Persons and Qualities, such as most readily occur to my Memory. The Prince of Lobkowitz, who is controller of the Household, Der Oberste Hoffmeister, has the first Station in the Court; his Father being High Chancellor of Bohemia, was created a Prince by Ferdinand II. A.D. 1626., but he could not enjoy the Privileges of this Dignity in the Diet of Ratisbone, and his Son was admitted thereto, by the Interest he had with the Emperor, and by the Exigency of Affairs.  
Count John Maximilian of Lamberg is High Chamberlain, and the principal Confident of his Imperial Majesty: He has a share in the transacting of all Public Affairs, and he is acknowledged by the common Consent of the People to be a Person that perfectly answers so great a Character; for he is endued with a sagacious Judgement, and a vigorous Disposition, joined with Learning and Experience: Indeed his Embassies in Spain, and to the Assembly of Munster, have made him known throughout the whole Continent of Europe: In short, he is beloved and esteemed by the Emperor even to the highest degree, and all Men are so well persuaded of his Merit, that none envies him the happiness of his Station.  
Henry William Count of Staremberg is the Great Marshal; your Highness is sensible of the extraordinary Power that belongs to this Office, in all the Courts of Germany: He has an absolute Authority over the Jews, and it may not be improper here to relate some particular Circumstances concerning this sort of People: There are in Vienna about three thousand of 'em, lodged in very convenient Apartments in a Burgh that bears their Name, distant about two or three hundred Paces from the City, which they may enter whenever they think fit, except on Saturdays and Sundays, being prohibited on those days by virtue of their Superstition, and the Christian Religion; but if they should act otherwise than according to this Order, they would run the hazard of being cut in pieces. Limnaeus propounds whether it be expedient for a Prince to tolerate 'em in his Dominions, and produces the affirmative and negative Arguments, but I shall not at present engage in the Debate. They have three Synagogues in Vienna, though at Francfurt they are allowed but one, and are there more numerous. I was told one day a Story in the same place which seemed to me very pleasant: A certain Germane disputed in Latin with a Jewish Physician, and pressed him to acknowledge the coming of the Messiah, citing some Passages which he showed in Hebrew, in the Prophecies and other Places of the Old Testament; insomuch that the Doctor, who could not find sufficient Proofs to maintain his Argument, told him at last; Will not you grant, that our Religion was given us by the true God, Creator of Heaven and Earth, and that he made a Covenant with us? The Germane readily acknowledged it; then replied the Jew, When you can demonstrate to me that your Religion proceeds from God, by as good Testimonies as we prove ours, all will be well. The Germane upon this occasion, was endued with more Zeal than Discretion: For (my Lord) what answer would the Jew have made, if any Man had replied to him? This Religion was given you as a Preparative for the accomplishment of the Promises, and this Covenant as a Type or Figure of the true one, to be afterward made by the Messiah: Now if the Promises are apparently accomplished, and if the Messiah be already come, your Religion and your Covenant or Dispensation are terminated. Therefore according to the Rules of an equitable Argumentation, it is not sufficient for you to prove the Continuation of your Religion and your Covenant, by the Settlement which God made with your Ancestors; but it lies upon you to prove it by a Negative; that is to say, by showing in the Holy Scriptures which are common to us, that the Messiah, who ought to consummate all things, is not as yet come. Indeed their Misfortune is very great in regard that 'tis grounded upon the Word of God. The Jews are extremely obstinate in their Opinions, and very Superstitious, yet they are miserable, and every where laden with the Public Hatred. I have had some concern with 'em, but none relating either to Religion or State Affairs; and have purchased of 'em divers extraordinary ancient Medals; they are easily wrought upon, because Ignorant, otherwise they are well skill d in Arithmetic.  
The Counts of Dietrichstein and Zinzendorf, are also principal Officers in the Emperor's Court; the former is the Gentleman of the Horse, and the other the Great Huntsman, both most worthy of their Master's Favour.  
The Count of Trauthson is one of the most considerable Lords of this Court: He is a very ingenious Person, and has in his Repository all manner of Curiosities, viz. Books, ancient and modern Medals, Paintings, Agates, Marchasites, Indian Rarities, and in short, every thing that can be imagined. Notwithstanding the little time I spent in viewing all the particular things contained in this Musaeum, the Description of 'em would afford too much matter for a Letter. Here was to be seen that famous Painting of Corregio, which was the most precious Spoil of the Sacking of Mantua. His most Christian Majesty, who well knew its beauty, thought fit to afford it a place in the Lovure, and I was also desirous to see it there. Another very remarkable Curiosity, is a Cherry-stone on which are engraved above an hundred Portraitures, with different Ornaments of the Head, viz. Crowns, Diadems, Mitres, Cowls, Hats, Hoods, and Commodes for Women of various sorts. This is to bring Art to it's highest pitch of Perfection, to comprehend such variety of Works within so small a space, and even in a manner to proceed as far as Nature itself, which animates Atoms, and gives 'em organical Parts. I shall also make mention to your Highness of an Amethyste Cup that I saw there, it seems to be as fine as those fabulous Cups with which the Gods were wont to Carouse; and indeed, if the Fable could impose on our Eyes as well as Mind, one would be apt to believe it. This Lord has the stateliest Palace, and the most spacious Garden in all Austria, which is altogether extended in length, or at least very near from the very City Gates of Vienna to the Danube. His Grandfather was the Favourite of Rodolph II.; and I am of opinion, that the Curiosity of this great Emperor excited that of his Confident.  
If your Highness required an Account of the other illustrious and ingenious Persons of Vienna, you would engage me to make mention of too many, neither do I know all: But I cannot forget Monsieur Schrimpf, who is Resident to the Elector of Saxony, the Duke of Wirtemberg, and many other Princes and States of the Empire. Cato and Brutus might be endued with as much Virtue, and as generous a Disposition as he, but (according to my Judgement) not with more. His Liberality was so great as to offer me whatsoever Rarity I could find in his House, which obliged me to take a Resolution to commend nothing any longer in his presence; nevertheless I did not refuse all the Presents which he thought fit to make me, and I hope e'er long to show some of 'em to your Highness.  
In the mean while I must entertain you with two or three Divertisements, which I saw taken by his Imperial Majesty, who delights very much in Hunting, and sometimes by that means recreates his Spirits, wearied with the Fatigues that are inseparable from the Management of the Public Affairs of the Empire. I had a sight of the Emperor in a Forest about three Leagues from Vienna to the North, where his Grand Huntsman had caused a Tent to be prepared for him, under which he was with the Empress and those Courtiers whom he had sent for thither: I was there in the Retinue of the Marquis of Baden Durlach, a Prince whom you know (my Lord) to be Learned, Judicious, and as well versed in Civil as Military Affairs. The Hunters started a great number of Stags and Hinds, which were constrained to run round the Tent by reason of the Gins that were laid on all sides. The Empress first fired at 'em with a Harquebus, and the Emperor shot nine or ten several times within the space of an Hour. About five or six days before, their Imperial Majesties had discharged Twenty three shot at Prater, which is the usual Walking-place of the Emperor and the Gentry of Vienna: It is a Forest of high Trees situated along the sides of the Danube, convenient spaces being left for all sorts of Walks; indeed this Place is very pleasant, where, 
Ogni di infonti o in boschi  
Scherzar si vedon' colle belle i vaghi.   
I saw one day three Tents, which the Emperor had ordered to be fixed for the abovementioned Hunting; they were those that the Grand Signior had presented to him by his last Ambassadors, and which were valued at sixty thousand Crowns. His Imperial Majesty in like manner takes much delight in residing at Laxemburg, which is a small Palace situated in a Champion Country at the distance of three Hours Journey from Vienna, where he passes every Year four or five Weeks in the Season of Heron-Fowling.  
The Emperor also very much diverts himself with Music, and is perfectly well skilled in the Science, as I have been told. He maintains in his Court a great number of Musicians, the most part of whom are Italians, and the others are either Germans or Spaniards: The former have by much the clearest Voices, but the later, are not willing to purchase that advantage at so dear a rate, and I have observe d that the Successors of the ancient Grecians and Romans are only of the contrary opinion, and willing to unman themselves so far as to become Musicians, and to give away part of themselves to divert others; neither do we hear that in the rest of Europe any Persons are gelt for that purpose, as in Turkey and in Italy. I saw the Comedy of Andromeda acted with Machine's, which his Imperial Majesty caused to be represented in Italian to celebrate the Birthday of the Empress. Some days after, a very magnificent Ball was made by his order in the entrance of the Palace, where one hundred and fifty Players on Violins gave attendance, who were all dressed in the habit of Comedians, and contributed much to the Divertisement.  
The Empress takes very great delight in such kinds of Sports, perhaps because they resemble those of Spain: She is honoured in all those Countries as much as the Emperor himself, which is done both by Reflection, and out of a due Consideration of her particular Endowments. The highest Veneration is likewise paid to the Empress' Dowager, who usually resides in the Favourites, which is a pleasant Seat about a quarter of an Hours Journey from Vienna, and has nothing extraordinary with respect to the Regularity of its Architecture, but is convenient and spacious, its Gardens being every where adorned with Fountains and Statues. This Princess does not often appear at Court, though she is always most honourably entertained there; neither does she almost at all intermeddle with any Affairs of State: She delights in Painting, and diverts herself with that Art. I have seen the Picture of a Virgin drawn by her hand, which is kept in one of the Emperor's Treasuries: But her chief Employment is the Education of her two Princesses; who are both very beautiful, and have well proportioned Bodies; Fancies habent dignas Imperio.  
At the distance of two Hours Journey from Vienna, is to be seen a Garden, which was formerly a great Theatre of War, where Solyman the Ottoman Emperor encamped when he besieged Vienna. God preserve Christendom, and more especially this Country from such furious Attacks: The very remembrance of past Histories, is sufficient to make those tremble that have the least concern in the present. On the Top of the Steeple of the great Church is fixed a Star in the middle of a Crescent, which are the Arms of old Constantinople, as your Highness may observe in the ancient Medals of Augustus' Time. It was set up in Memory of this famous Siege, and to excite the People incessantly to pray to God to divert this Scourge, that so often threatens their Destruction. For indeed (my Lord) the Great Turk is a bad Neighbour, whose Power and Impiety render him equally formidable to Christendom. This Garden has changed its form, and is at present only a Place of Divertisements. His Imperial Majesty causes wild Beasts, and extraordinary Animals to be bred and nourished there, among these are Lions, Lionesses, and young Lion-whelps, that are engendered in this place, and sufficiently prove the Heat and Fruitfulness of the Climate. I was about to buy two young Eagles on the Graben, which is the finest Marketplace of the City, and was heretofore the Ditch, and designed to present 'em to your Highness, but the want of the convenience of Carriage deprived me of this Honour: They were taken out of their Nests in the Rocks of the Danube, where they are often found, being very common in Germany. These sorts of Birds have been always admitted into the Coat Armour of the Empire, as the most illustrious Symbol of strength; and that which Constantine added a new, was only to show the Dominion which he had established in the East, and that he had united it to that of the West.  
Will your Highness suffer me to make a diversion with reference to Constantine, or rather are you willing that it should be continued? For this Letter seems to me to have no particular Subject, nor any matter peculiar to it. I have been often told that the Labarum was an invention of the Christians, who were wont to make use thereof in their Armies; as the Pagans of Sooth-saying and Divinations to re-animate the courage of the Soldiers, and to elevate their drooping Spirits, and that the Monks enhanced the Reputation of this Story: Do not give credit to such Reports, (my Lord) for the Christian. Religion which is truth itself, does not stand in need of falsehood to maintain it. I have in my possession the ancient Medal of Constantius, the Son of Constantine the Great, on the Reverse of which a Victory Crowns the Emperor, who holds a Standard or Military Ensign, on which the Word Christ is abbreviated, and round about are read these words, IN HOC SIGNO VICTOR ERIS.   

AUSTRIA.  
Upon the whole, is so fertile that it has no occasion to envy the plenty of the Neighbouring Provinces: The Fruits and particularly the Melons, are almost as good there as in Italy, and the Wines as agreeable to the Palate, but a great deal stronger: The heat of the Climate and the richness of the Soil are undoubtedly the cause of this quality. Although the heat of the Sun is not more intense there, than in the Parallel Regions; yet the Air is quite otherwise heated, for the Sulphur which is predominant in all those Countries, augments their Heat and Fruitfulness; nay, I have reason to fear the excess of this Sulphureous heat; which is apparently accompanied with Nitre, and some other Minerals that might cause a corrosive quality in their Wines, tho' it were in never so small a quantity. Their Cattle are large and fat, insomuch that the Oxen of Austria and Hungary are talked of every where throughout the World. As for this last Country, I hope your Highness will give me leave to entertain you for a while with its Description.   

HUNGARY.  
Is an admirable Country; where perhaps there is greater store of Grain and Fruit, than in any other part of the World: there are Wines that have the strength and delicious taste of those of Spain, and that even excel 'em in both, as that of Tokay; there are also some others as strong as Brandy. I have heard this saying given out long ago, Mirabilis Deus in Aquis Hungariae i. e. The wonderful effects of the Divine Omnipotence are apparent in the Waters of Hungary. And indeed, there are various kinds of all sorts of tastes and qualities; but a Scoffer might reply, except those that are good to drink; for it is certain that all the Waters in Hungary are somewhat Mineral, neither are they commonly drunk. A vast quantity of Fowl, Lobsters and Tortoises are frequently Transported from those Countries to Vienna. Your Highness cannot be ignorant of what has been wrote concerning the extraordinary fertility and verdeur of the Lake Zerniczee, where a man may every year Sow, Reap, Hunt and Fish. If the soil were every where so luxuriant, the Country (in my Opinion) would be three quarters larger than it is. Your Highness likewise knows what is reported with respect to the Mines, which are supposed to be the richest in the World. Indeed I have seen in the Imperial Treasury divers pieces of Bullion of above fifty pounds' weight, that had been taken thence, and were almost pure Silver The Inhabitants find very rich Marchasites, and sometimes even pieces of Silver at the foot of their Vines; which gave occasion to some Persons to affirm that Silver-Grapes grow there, which is a fable as well as the Golden Tooth of the Silesian Infant. The consideration of this abundance of Wealth, makes me resent the great loss that Christendom has sustained of a considerable part of this fine Country. Every thing goes to wrack with the Turks; even what relates to to the Art of. War, altho' they seem to take somewhat more care of these than of other matters, and 'tis well known that they have no farther regard either to Architecture or Agriculture than necessity requires, committing the charge of 'em to Slaves: Insomuch that either through slothfulness or Ignorance, they leave many Mines as unprofitable, which were already opened near Buda and Belgrade. I am afraid lest they should one day take a resolution to secure their past Conquests, by those of the Neighbouring Provinces; but perhaps the Divine Providence will never suffer it, the Piety and Power of the Princes of Austria, and the Zeal and bravery of their People induce me to believe so; besides nature itself seems to have set bounds on that side, to the aspiring ambition of those Enemies of Christianity. The River Danube does not transport the hundredth part of the Commodities to this Country that it conveys into Germany; for its Streams are too rapid in many places, and in others too shallow; the Rocks are also very numerous, and are often the occasion of Shipwrecks. Lastly, (my Lord) the Inhabitants are not able to mount their Cannon, and this is without doubt one of the most considerable inconveniences that hinders 'em from carrying their Arms toward the West. His Imperial Majesty is alone a very potent Prince, but if the Forces of the rest of the Empire were joined to his, he would have no longer cause to fear any thing. What may we not expect from the other Christian Potentates, when they shall think fit to unite against the common Enemy?  
To return to Hungary, 'tis a very rich Kingdom: Your Highness knows the Power of its ancient Monarches, and altho' at present it be divided between the Emperor and the Turk; yet the Christian Part still continues extremely opulent and very considerable. The Estates of the Realm endeavour to maintain their liberty as much as lies in their Power, and claim a right to Elect their Kings; but forasmuch as they alone are not sufficiently strong to make head against the Turks; they lie under a necessity for the preservation of their Commonwealth, to have recourse to a potent Monarch elsewhere, and one that is their Neighbour, which has always obliged 'em to make choice of a Prince of the August House of Austria.   

BOHEMIA  
Is a great deal weaker, altho' of a larger extent, and much may be said on the Subject of its Wealth and Power: But this Country has been horribly laid waste by the Wars since the Year 1618. and notwithstanding the Indulgence it recieves from his Imperial Majesty, it has much a do to recover its former state. It is rich in Mines, and here are found a greater quantity of Agates and Topazes than in any other part of the World, as also Emeralds, contrary to the common opinion: It is true indeed, that all these precious Stones are not so hard nor altogether of so full a lustre as the Oriental. This Country is more especially famous for its Mines of Copper, Iron, Silver and Gold; but where are not these to be found? I know not so much as one Province in Germany that does not afford such discoveries; altho' Tacitus seemed to be ignorant thereof, when he wrote Argentum & Aurum propitii an irati Dii negaverint dubito, nec tamen affirmaverim, nullam Germaniae venam, aurum argentumve gignere, quis enim scrutatus est? I doubt whether the Gods have denied these People Silver and Gold as a special favour to 'em, or as a Curse; nevertheless I durst not affirm that no Mines in Germany produce either of these noble Metals; for who has made an exact search into those Parts? The Silver-mines of Saxony and the Duchy of Lunenburg are noted throughout the World, and I know where there is one of Amethyst, almost of as good a quality as those in the Levant. Many different sorts of 'em are found along the Banks of the Rhine, and there are some Places where the Peasants gather Gold in certain little Baskets, which they leave in the Water for that purpose. Henry IV Surnamed the Great, King of France, caused divers Medals to be stamped with this Inscription, EX AURO FRANCIGENA AD RHENUM EFFOSSO. I know not how to make an end of writing on this subject, but I have already talked too much, and am afraid of trespassing any longer on your Highness' Patience.   

AT PASSAW,  
I met with a very rare Curiosity: Your Highness is sensible that this City was formerly one of the most considerable in Germany, that 'tis situated in Bavaria, and that 'tis under the Protection of its own Lord, who is always the Bishop of that Diocese: It was accidentally or rather by misfortune burnt, about five Years ago, insomuch that scarce one fourth part of it remained entire, but at present it gins to recover its former Grandeur: It is watered by the Danube, that receives two other Rivers, one of which runs from Inspruck, and is as large even as the Danube itself; but the other flows from the North being much less, and this last is the River of which I would mention somewhat in particular to your Highness: I was much surprised at the sight of its colour; for 'tis almost as black as Ink, and is intermixed with other Waters without losing its quality. I have been told that the Inhabitants often Fish therein for Pearls, which are very large and round, but not of so bright a lustre as the Oriental; yet some of 'em have been sold for 200 Francs. (15 l. Sterling.) The Elector of Bavaria, to whom this Fishery belongs, takes great care of it, as I have been also informed. As for these kinds of black Waters, they are very common in Germany, and I have even tasted some that have an intolerable smell and savour occasioned by Sulphur and other Minerals, with which they are impregnated.  
It is also requisite to give your Highness some account of what has been observed by me with respect to the manners of the Germans. I take 'em to be as Devout as any other People, and tho' their Religion be different, yet the practice of a virtuous Life and Conversation and the hopes of attaining to a future happy state, are equal in both Parties: Your Highness would be transported with admiration in observing the Zeal of the Austrians in every thing relating to the Divine service; the Churches are always full; Solemn Processions are made almost every day; and Sermons are frequently preached among 'em: They also take care to educate their Children in this Love of Holy Duties, so that it may be affirmed that they are devout both by Custom and Inclination, and this is the greatest obligation they have to their Prince: Their Piety has been no less Conspicious abroad than at home, and the very Stones themselves seem to declare the same thing in the streets of Vienna; that is to say, the Churches, Monasteries and Hospitals which have been founded by 'em. The Lutherans do not enjoy the public exercise of their Religion in this City, but in Strasburg, Francfurt, Ratisbone, Augsburg, Vlm, Stugart, and other places where it is predominant, they appear very intent and exact in their devotions: They observe the Sabbath with a great deal of Circumspection, and Religiously meet in their Churches at the times appointed for Prayer and the Exposition of the word of God: They that follow Calvin's Reformation, are more averse to Ceremonies, and retrench as many of 'em as they can. I have known some among these People that were of an upright Heart, and of most sound Principles: But thus much may be sufficient for a Physician to talk of Divinity.  
As for the rest, the distinction of Religions is here no impediment to Trade and Commerce, neither does it produce any heats or animosities among the People, who do not intermix any thing of this difference in their ordinary Affairs; which brings to my remembrance the History of those Countries of Barbary, where the Negroes live promiscuously with the White People; who are so far accustomed to this diversity of Colour, that they do not so much as take the least notice of it. But the Germans are more cautious in matters relating to the public Interest; for in that point every one is mindful of his Party, adhering to one and abandoning another without exception. However it must be acknowledged (my Lord) that the different Sects have driven Germany as near its ruin, as its Vigour and strong Constitution have supported and still continue to support it; neither is the Disease as yet cured, tho' it appears less malignant, because the State is accustomed thereto, and by reason that the Tranquillity which it enjoys, renders it uncapable of making an experiment itself. May Heaven continue to preserve it both for its own safety and the advantage of the rest of Europe.  
Among all the Countries in which I have Travelled, I never saw any, where there is less talk of these Divisions than at Vienna, so quiet a temper is to be observed there, as if all Men believed the seven Sacraments and the Mass: Not that there is any prohibition to dispute about matters of Religion as in Turkey; it proceeds from their love of Peace and Tranquillity, all Persons finding it to be their Interest to be silent; and perhaps the Emperor himself may find means to augment his Authority, by maintaining the Privileges of each Party, and by discountenancing Partiality. The domestic Broils of private Families may tend to the Disturbance of the State, whereas a profound silence as to these Matters preserves its Union, and makes its settlement more durable.  
The Germans take much delight in good cheer, as 'tis generally reported and believed; their Voluptuousness in this kind consists rather in the divertisement of the Feast, than the rarity and magnificence of the Provisions: In these Entertainments they chief seek for Mirth, and those charming transports to which they are excited by Wine: There for a while they insensibly lose that dulness, which is as it were natural to 'em, and their Wits being refined by the subtle and hot Vapours, introduce various sorts of Humours, which during the whole continuance of the Debauch afford as many Pastimes that are usually terminated in fervent Protestations, extraordinary flights and Passionate expressions of Friendship: Others grow furious when an Inflammation succeeds the Heat, and hence arise the Germane Quarrels. But I would be understood here to speak only of the ordinary sort of People, that are born and animated with the Genius of the Country; and by no means of those generous Souls, who are the pure Workmanship of Heaven, from whence they derive their Original, much rather than from the gross Earth. Durst I presume to cite your Highness as a Witness to this Truth? Can it be declared to what Nation you belong, since you have the defects of none? Or rather, of what Nation may your Highness not be said to be a Member, in regard that you are endowed with all the good qualities and all the advantages that are natural to every particular one?  
Upon the whole, the Entertainments of the Table among the Germans, are not confined as every where else, to a certain Place, and to certain Oppertunities, but they are used upon all occasions, they always begin and end with 'em; and it may be avouched that in the whole course of their Life and Conversation, they are the first Matter, of which the rest of their Actions and Affairs is the Form. I know not how to desist, (my Lord) this faculty of the Mouth is the vicious part of their natural Inclination. But what Nation is there in the World that is free from all manner of Faults? A Germane Ambassador made a smart Repartee to a certain French Man, who let lose the reins of his Ralilery somewhat to far; It is true (said he) the Germans are only Fools in there Cups, but the French are always so: It must also be granted that this depraved disposition has less Advantage than all others: For it shortens Life, overloads the Stomach and Waste, makes Giants in breadth and thickness, and finally its most malignant Quality is, that it can scarce be judged whether it be a sort of Folly that has its lucid Intervals; or whether it be a kind of Discretion, subject to Weaknesses and Periodical transports, or to speak more politely to your Highness, whether it be an intermitting Folly or Prudence. However, it does not otherwise corrupt the manners of the Germans; for certainly they are the best natured People in the World, provided some of 'em be excepted that are not so: They are endued with Probity, Generosity, Courteousness and a temper entirely addicted to Equity. These excellent endowments, are as it were natural to 'em, and to be found even among those that have no advantage of Education: Perhaps this is the Reason why they are beloved of all Nations, although they do not take any considerable Measures to Court 'em at home, and they have no regard to 'em, but proportionably as they conform themselves to their manner of Living. They have a greater stock of Discretion than of quickness of apprehension, and more Judgement than Politeness of Wit: Their Gravity tho' somewhat Terrestrial is of Singular use to 'em as well in the management of important Negociations as in their ordinary Commerce: It also disposes 'em to make great progress in the study of all manner of Humane Literature; insomuch that there are many profound Scholars among 'em, and none that has not some tincture of Learning. The ancient Roman Language is as commonly spoken by 'em as their Vulgar Tongue; 'tis true indeed, that as Titus Livius was censured for his Paduan Dialect, so it may be objected by the way, to the Germans, that their Latin has a small Relish of the High Dutch. Their Polity is none of the most refined as being such as is not proper for the constituting of Hero's and Conquerors; but 'tis solid and constant, and able to procure the tranquillity of the State, and the Felicity of the People. The distribution of Justice in this Country has no circular motion, nor all those Chimerical Explications, that serve to eternize the bad Fortune of the miserable. The Judges there are Men and not Demigods as among us.  
The Art of Physic is practised in those Parts quite otherwise than at Paris, and if you except a small number of its Professors, the latter are more Learned, and the others talk of nothing but extraordinary Secrets and Miracles. One Grain of their black, yellow or white Powder is sufficient (as they say) to cure all sorts of Diseases, but the event does not answer their Promise. They that have studied most have not the greatest employment in that Country no more than elsewhere: The happiness of a Physician is there owing to a certain blind Fortune, that I know not how to explain to you, but which usually depends upon the vogue of the common People, I mean those that unstand nothing at all of the Art. A sick Person is easily persuaded to resign himself into the hands of an Empiric, that promises him a Cure within Twenty four Hours, but he is often not in a condition to return thanks to his Doctor. Therefore I make a great difference between a Doctor of Physic and a true Physician.  
The Germans are not so magnificent as some other Nations, but I take 'em to be at least as rational, and they ought rather to be called good Husbands than Niggardly Misers. But I am speaking here only of the common People, and not in the least of the Princes, nor of those great Personages, whom the Divine Providence has ordained to exercise authority over others, who only seek for an occasion of doing good, and (as Tacitus has it) make no other account of Riches than to distribute 'em. I have even had sometimes experience of their Generous Bounty, for his Imperial Majesty in particular, has thought fit to honour me with a Golden Chain, which I shall keep during my whole Life as a mark of my good Fortune.  
The Germans count it Honourable to protect the oppressed, and to do all manner of Offices of kindness to 'em, yet the Maxim is not general; but I speak of the most part. These People are also Wealthy, and altho' they have not so great store of Gold as others, nevertheless they have in their own Country all sorts of necessary Provisions, without being beholden to Foreigners, and are much more content; is not this then to be richer? I should not know where to conclude, if I should continue to enumerate all their good Qualities, but they are much better known to your Highness than to me, and therefore I am well assured that you will take 'em into farther Consideration.  
I Remember, and perhaps too late, that I have tired your Highness' Patience with a Relation of many Impertinent things that are not worthy of your notice: Therefore to leave off where I began, I must reiterate my Protestations that I was only willing to obey, because you were pleased to lay your Commands upon me. If I have not found means to give satisfaction to your Highness; I doubt not but that your Justice and Generosity will be so great, as to impute the defect, to my incapacity, and nevertheless to be fully persuaded of my unfeigned Zeal for your service, and of that profound Respect with which I shall always endeavour to approve myself,  
My Lord, Your Highness' most Humble and most Obedient Servant, C. PATIN.   
It is very difficult to supply the date of this Letter, because it was writ at several times; for I digested the matter of it, as I was returning from Vienna on Horseback, in a Barge and in a Chariot, and I committed it to writing at my leisure in different days of the Month of Aug. 1669.  

O Meliboee! Deus nobis haec otia fecit,  
Namque erit ille mihi semper Deus.   

This quiet Shepherd, from a God we found,  
For he shall be my God:— Ogilb. Virg.    

THE SECOND RELATION, TO His most Serene Highness Eberhard, Duke of Wirtemberg and Teck, Count of Montbeliard, Lord of Heidenhaim, etc.  
My Lord,  
IT is a sufficient encouragement for me to speak, to know that your most Serene Highness is willing to condescend so far as to hear me: 'Tis also so very honourable an employment to entertain so Noble a Prince, that there can be no difficulty in resolving to set about the Undertaking. Any Man may easily imagine himself to be capable of affording some Satisfaction to your Highness, because every one cannot but be transported with the greatest Zeal to do it, and as being persuaded that altho' very common Effects are only produced every where else by ordinary means, yet even Miracles might be wrought upon so extraordinary an Occasion. Can this Assertion be esteemed as too peremptory with respect to your Highness, whose most sagacious Judgement can scarce relish what is even admired by others? But I have reason to hope that you will not require such Performances of me, who am at most but an inquisitive Person, or a lover of Curiosities; neither have I brought any thing for your Divertisement, except some particular Rarities of Bavaria and Tirol.  
Curiosity (my Lord) is extremely delightful, notwithstanding the contrary Sentiments of those that have no Inclination to it: For it sublimates the Mind, refines the Judgement, and enriches the Memory, without over-loading it: Indeed 'tis attended with Pains, or rather with those agreeable Disturbances that arise in the search after the delight of Novelty; but of such a Novelty as is wonderful, precious and solid, that never grows old with Time, because it neither tires the Eyes nor Palate. Those noble Souls only are capable of being affected with Curiosity, that have a very little mixture of ordinary Matter; who make a Collection of Ages, and discover the most secret Recesses of Nature to get Satisfaction, and for their more noble Employment; who seek for Truth in its very Origine, and are addicted to those sorts of Charms and Beauties, which proceed from a more skilful Hand than that of Art; who by their choice of the best Things that are in the World, do as it were create a new one for themselves; who know how to unite the Mind and the Senses in the harmonious Enjoyment of the same Pleasures, and to bring 'em to a perfect Association, by giving Eyes to the Understanding, and Understanding to the Eyes: This is the Nature of Curiosity, which is neither that Inclination for Trifles and Things of very little moment, and serve only to amuse our Minds; nor that impetuous Torrent of Luxury that swallows up Riches: It has a greater Elevation than the former, and less vehemency than the other, with a Perspicuity and discerning Faculty that belongs to neither. Upon the whole, this Passion is altogether Divine; which has inspired the Arts and Sciences, which has adorned the Earth; which has opened the Roads of the Ocean; and lastly, which has so conveniently lodged us in this sublunary World. In Republics and Empires, Curiosity has been observed to increase with Power, as if the Ambition of Heroes had laboured only for the Enjoyment of Her, as the chief Prize. Victory (my Lord) never had a greater share in Triumphs than Curiosity, which was usually there set off to the best advantage as the sweetest Fruit of Glory: Then the most renowned Personages, after the Fatigues of War, were wont to employ themselves during the leisure of Peace in the performance of Erterprises, to the undertaking of which they were excited by Curiosity. Finally, those Temples, those Pyramids, those Amphitheatres, those Columns that will never fall to ruin but with the Universe; those Triumphal Arches consecrated to Eternity; those Aqueducts, that Causey 300 Leagues long, which makes the Road from the Alps to Calabria; those Banks that force the Sea even at this day, the firmness and prodigious Mass of which might appear to our sight, as the Work of the Almighty Power, were we not otherwise informed in History, are all the magnificent Productions of Curiosity. But if I ever had any Veneration for this Virtue, it ought to be more especially conspicuous in this most happy Conjuncture, in which she has set me before your Highness, and supplied me with Matter proper for the composing of a Letter, to be presented to so noble and so judicious a Personage.  
The very diversity of Judgements and Opinions has its usefulness among Men: For it animates and stirs up the Mind to a search after Truth, and clears it from heaviness by keeping it in action; It introduces all those different manners of Living that appear so admirable in the World. This pleasing Variety, which is every where conspicuous in the Political Government, Manners and Commerce of divers People, is the most agreeable object of Meditation to a curious or inquisitive Person, who without putting himself upon the Wrack, as those unfortunate Philosophers were heretofore wont to do, admires, contemplates, enjoys and makes use of Argumentations according to the measure of his own Strength and personal Abilities. How pleasant it is! (my Lord) to see two reputed Wisemen taking different Roads to arrive at at the same Goal; ever contending for the Truth, and yet always continuing in Error; in short, endeavouring during the whole course of their Life to get a right Understanding, and nevertheless dying without having obtained it. How great delight there is in observing that nothing is less like a Man than a Man, and that if Almighty God had not drawn the Lineaments of his Face with his own Hand, he would have found means to disfigure himself, and to pass into another Form; but his fantastical Humour cannot proceed so far: He may indeed put off his Humanity, but cannot alter his Shape. If I were permitted (my Lord) to take a flight where my Imagination leads me; might it not be affirmed, that Man is born with a certain universal Disposition to all the Natures of Animals; that Reason makes him a Man, and that by his exorbitant Passions he becomes a brute Beast of one kind or other, according to the inclination with which he is carried away? Thus nothing else is to be seen but these sorts of Beasts in Masquerade, viz. Lions, Eagles, Tigers, Foxes, Horses, Asses, Swine, and even Infects under the mask of a Man. Your Highness, who is so perspicacious, cannot but take cognizance of these Humanised Animals, and of these fashionable Monsters: I am apt to believe that you may sometimes make proper Reflections on this Subject; but I return to my first Notions, which are to consider how very different one sort of People is from another, or one Nation from another.  
For we every where meet with new Customs, new Religions, new manners of Apparelling, Eating, Living and even Dying. Thus without expatiating too far, we may observe that the Sages and chief Judges among the Chinese are clothed as our Buffoons, and their High-Priests as our Comedians; they consecrate to their Religion what we detest in ours; for Example, these lewd Debauches of both Sexes, which excite horror in us, are charming delights to those People, and had in great veneration among 'em. The Indians are accustomed to burn their dead Bodies, the Americans to devour 'em, and we to inter 'em; but the Egyptians expose 'em to the Air, by a kind of Superstition that does not cease to comprehend a subtle Notion even under its Absurdity; for they believed that it was a piece of Jnjustice to bury the Corpse in the bosom of the Earth, that Heaven and the other Elements had a share in these dead Bodies, and that the restitution of it was due, which cou●d not be better done, than by depositing 'em in this great Vacuum, which is common to 'em with all. Neither did they erect those stately Pyramids, but only to serve 'em as Tombs. It is well known to your Highness how far the magnificence of these Works proceeded, in which are still to be observed the boldness of Art, and the first Beauties of Architecture; as also the Mysteries of their Religion, and the secrets of their History and Politics; nay, they may be esteemed as a Monument of the Country of Egypt, as well as of the Egyptians. How wonderfully did this learned Nation find out Expedients against the accidents of Death! they in a manner eternised their dead Bodies, lodging 'em in Edifices of an everlasting durableness, and by a certain rare Secret unknown to the rest of the World, they freed 'em from that mixture of Elements, which tends to Corruption, to leave 'em only the whole pure part of their Substance, under a kind of first Matter. We still see even at this day some of these natural Effigies, or precious Phantoms, in which are admired at the same time both the violent impression of Time, and the invincible force of the Mummy: One of these is kept at  

ulm,  
In the Musaeum or Repository of M. Weicthman, which seems to me so much the more admirable, in regard that 'tis entire, and has been preserved without the use of any Balsam or Medicinal Composition. It was found the last age in the Sands of Arabia, where the excessive Heat of the Sun has apparently dispersed all the Moisture of this Body, which is (as your Highness knows very well) the next disposition to Corruption, and has Communicated to it in process of Time, that preservative Heat, which resists extraneous Impressions, which is observable in its dryness, Colour and Lightness. I have read in Herodotus that an Army was overwhelmed with a Mountain of Sand, which the Winds had Transported, and that many years after, a contrary Wind having removed this heap of Sand to its former Place, discovered to the Inhabitants of the Country the dead Bodies of those Soldiers, as entire as if they had expired the very same day. In the same Repository is to be seen a Prodigious quantity of choice Rarities, more especially natural Curiosities.  
M. Schermeier showed me a great stock of Medals, from whence he endeavours to extract a Collection for an entire Universal History, and for want of the Original Coins which are not to be found for all times, he makes use of a Book called PROMPTUAIRE DES MEDAILLES, and of every thing that may contribute to the completing of his Design. He also used the greater part of the Prints and Devices that belong to another Book, which bears the Title of FRANCE METALLIQUE. However, I took the liberty to acquaint him, that these two Books were of no reputation, and that the Learned more especially, the inquisitive Antiquaries had disapproved the Fictions with which they are filled, since that which is useful in this matter ought always to be grounded upon Truth, and on Original Pieces. He seemed to be extremely surprised to hear so bad News of two Books, which were very much esteemed by him. However his Preparatives for this Work are curious, and contain divers very considerable Draughts.  
What is there to be declared to your Highness concerning the City of ulm, that is not already known to you? Certainly there is nothing concealed from your knowledge, that relates either to its Interest, condition or strength. I need not tell you that 'tis situated upon the Danube, which there gins to expatiate, and to assume that Swiftness, which is proper for the principal River of Europe. Eleven Bastions that encompass this Town have rescued it from the Desolation which the last Wars carried throughout the whole Continent of Germany; but the Honour it has had to make Alliances with your Highness, is in my opinion the most illustrious Pledge of its safety. Minerva's Bird incurred the hatred of all the others, but because it was protected by this Goddess, none durst offer it any violence. Your Highness is well versed in the Art of making yourself beloved, but perhaps you may be ignorant how far the profound Respect that the World bears toward you may be extended: I perceived the number of my Friends to increase even as soon as I declared myself to be one of your Servants, and when upon any occasion, I thought fit to show your Picture, and the Chain of Gold, with which you were pleased to honour me, I was much surprised at the extraordinary esteem that they had for me. A great Veneration was heretofore paid in Egypt to those Animals which carried the Image of the Goddess Isis, without having any regard to their meanness; I have also perceived in many Rencounters that Honour was done to me, only upon account that the People were desirous of doing it to your Highness. But these considerations ought to be referred to another Opportunity, when I may have leisure to insist on 'em more at large. From ulm I passed to.   

AUGSBURG,  
There are not any Cities in Germany more Beautiful, nor more Rich than this, The agreement which the Emperor Charles V made there with the Protestants, relating to Luther's Reformation, and the establishment of their Liberty, which was authorised in the Terms of the Confession of Faith, well known to the World under the title of the Augustan, or that of Augsburg, will also undoubtedly render this place famous in all Ages. The Avenues, the Fountains, the public Places, the Town-House, and all the other Edifices are magnificent: But the Emperor, who has a most exact knowledge of all things once told the Magistrates in admiring the Product of such vast Expenses, that the Inhabitants of ulm had disposed of the public Treasure to better purpose, when they laid it out in Fortifications, by reason that the Beauty of a Town does not secure its Tranquillity nor liberty, as the thickness of its Walls and the number of its Bastions. There can be nothing more stately than the Palace of the Fuggers, nor more excellent than the Paintings with which 'tis adorned on the outside. It is true, that after having admired the Beauties of Art, a Man would scarce meet with any thing that might answer his expectation in taking a particular view of certain Copies of Roman Medals, which are there found in some places. It is evident that they have no Originals, and that 'tis difficult to observe in 'em the least footstep of Antiquity: Upon the Sight of the word Tullius engraved on an ancient Piece, it has been thought a sufficient ground to hang underneath it, the Picture of Cicero, altho' the Head in the Medal represents only the Genius of the City of Rome: Men were not so inquisitive in those times, as they are now, because they were less learned.  
Augsburg has had its share in the Commotions of the last Wars, its Ramparts which were battered by the Swedish Cannon, are not so well repaired, but that some marks of those terrible Assaults as yet appear in 'em; there is also to be seen the Place where the great Gustavus Adolphus caused his Army to encamp. It may be reckoned among the most glorious Advantages of this Place, that it was overcome by this Hero of our Age; and if Germany which employed his Valour, has not been absolutely conquered by him; it has done in this point somewhat more than all the World together, for the subduing of which there was only requisite one Alexander, or one Caesar. I know not whether the Demigods that are so much Celebrated in History, would be now Gustavus', but I am assured that this potent King of Sweden, might well have been the Alexander of the Grecians, and the Caesar of the Romans. These Contemplations are too serious and too remote from my present design.  
Curiosity itself seems to be altogether confined to the House of M. Thoman, who spends what time can well be spared from the management of the Affairs of the Republic in making a Collection of all manner of Rarities. The ancient and modern Medals are placed in the first rank in his Repository, and afterwards the Books, Paintings, Prints, and Jewels: I have also observed there a Picture drawn by the hand of Albert Durer as genuine as I have seen elsewhere.  
M. Verner is not only a lover of Curiosity, but even the very source thereof, from whose incomparable Genius it daily flows, and is distributed to divers Parts: For he is the Author of an infinite number of Draughts that delight the Eyes, and ravish the Imagination. This young Painter has already attained to the highest perfection of Art, and excites Jealousy and admiration even in the most able Masters. The King has a great esteem for his Person, and has chosen some of his Miniatures for his own Repository; that is to say, to afford 'em a place among the finest Curiosities in the World. Now what can be added to this Commendation?  
In the Church of St. Vlric are to be read these Roman Inscriptions, enclosed in the Wall.  VITALIUS VIGOUR SIBI ET VITALIO VIRILI FRATRI VIVOS FECIT. CURIONI AL. III. L. ET .... COS. ET FL. DECORATO ..... LEG. III. ITAL .... DIUS .... VIV ........... 
In departing from Augsburg I turned towards the South; where I beheld the Sun shining with greater lustre than ordinary; it seemed to me not to be that Sun which appears every day; its vigorous heat animated whatever remained in the Verdant Plains, and seemed suddenly to ripen the Corn even in my sight; I perceived that its Splendour served less to disperse the light, than to beautify every thing that I saw. the Air was altogether pure and gentle, and I drew in by respiration a quickening Essence that gave me as it were a new Life, and a fresh supply of Strength. Then I was throughly convinced that Italy was the Enchanted part of the World, and the land of Delights and Pleasures. I no longer admired that it had been the Seat of Glory, and the Inheritance of Conquerors, and that so many Nations resorted thither to seek for felicity since 'tis its very native Country. At the same time I called to mind that memorable Passage of Hannibal, which has not been hitherto sufficiently Illustrated, Et montes rupit aceto. i e. He broke the Rocks with Vinegar. I passed as he did, through the Alps, without wasting so much Vinegar; but our designs were altogether different; for he marched on purpose to carry Fire and Sword to Rome, to destroy the marks of its Grandeur, and I made it my business to preserve, re-establish and publish 'em to the World. The reason (my Lord) is evident, in regard that I altogether applied myself to the search of Antiquity, which was not his Employment.  
Italy is enclosed on all sides with Mountains of an extraordinary height; which if they are no longer so many Ramparts for its defence; serve at least as an Amphitheatre to take a view at leisure of that delicate Country From thence I had a fair Prospect of the adjacent Plains of   

TIROL.  
The River Inn, which waters those Plains along an admirable diversity of Landscapes, affords the finest Object of Perspective in the World: There I saw the Energy and Vivacity of Nature, as it were in the delightful Representation of a Picture, with all the charming Embellishments of Miniature; certainly Moses had not greater Transports of Joy when he discovered the Land of Canaan; indeed there are not any Rivers of Milk and Honey in those Parts, but all the Comforts of this Life are there to be found in so great abundance, that considering the present state of Affairs, the Holy-Land, which otherwise deserves so much Veneration, might well be esteemed as a Desert in comparison of this Country. For the Turks, who are now Masters of Palestine, get only Milk from their Flocks, and Honey out of their Bee-hives; neither did I ever hear it reported, that they at any time employed two Slaves in carrying a Cluster of Grapes, as was done heretofore: It so happens, because 'tis no longer the Land of that well beloved People, who lived amidst Miracles, and by reason that the Infidelity which is there predominant has removed the Blessings.  
The Inhabitants of Tirol have every where very fine Crops and spacious Vineyards. Their Wines are excellent; for their Strength and delicious Taste, which are generally apt to be spoiled in all other Places, are here most exquisite, and give 'em an agreeable Tartness, that pleases and penetrates the Palate both together. Their  are of an admirable Kind; and they have such extraordinary Birds, that even the Hunters do not know their several Species: Some of these have been shown to me, that live only upon the Rosin of Fir-trees; neither have they any other Taste: They are called Artagenes, and I remember to have read their Name in Pliny. These Birds are without doubt very dainty-mouthed to live upon nothing but Extracts and Quintessences. The Coppermines are there so numerous, that they supply almost the whole Country of Germany; but the Workmen of Noremberg make more use of 'em than the others, because the Metal which is taken from thence is softer and malleable. Silver is also common in those Parts, and Gold less scarce than elsewhere. A certain private Person who knew not its use desired a Permission of the Archduke to cover part of his House with it, and the Answer was suitable to so impertinent a Request, I give you leave, (replied the Prince) but I will not be obliged to secure it for you from Thiefs. That famous Gallery, which is covered with two or three thousand Gold Tiles, is at present in the Emperor's Possession, and I have been told, that a certain Jew had offered one hundred thousand Florins for every one of 'em; but a Christian would have bid more, for the Jews are wont to buy Merchandises only after their manner. However, this Penthouse might shelter a great many People from Poverty, who could easily purchase one to defend 'em from the Injuries of the Wether at a much cheaper rate.  
All this may perhaps afford but little Satisfaction to your Highness, since an account of much finer Curiosities ought only to be presented to you, and I am very sensible that you have reason to complain of my extravagant Diversions. Therefore (my Lord) I will instantly retrench 'em to give you a Description of the chiefest Rarities and Curiosities which I observed at   

INSPRUCK.  
This City has not been ruined by the Wars; for the Prudence of its Princes has preserved its Civil Tranquillity, and the situation of the Country has defended it from Foreign Assaults; Your Highness well knows it to be inaccessible except in two places, where four hundred Men may repulse forty thousand. This is that rich Plain, in which the Archduke's of Austria have fixed the centre of their Treasures. Ferdinand cause d the Castle of Amras to be built at the distance of half a League from Inspruck, and there (my Lord) I saw those Rarities, a particular Account of which will (as I presume) be acceptable to your Highness. M. Roland, who is the Governor of the said Castle, gave me entire Satisfaction in this Matter; his Merit is extraordinary, and his manner of Deportment the most obliging in the World. I had Commendatory Letters from his Imperial Majesty, which gave me admission into all the Apartments, but I perceiv d in the governor's being so extremely officious to me, that he was not only ready to obey the Orders, but that he had also a particular Respect for the Bearer of 'em, and that I could not come off, without acknowledging that I owed the sight of so many rare Curiosities purely to the Emperor's favour, being also obliged to him, for part of the delight I had taken in the viewing of 'em.  
After having observed the Outworks of the Castle, its Situation, the order of the Buildings and the Fortifications, I entered and applied myself entirely to the Enjoyment of those incomparable Treasures. The first things that offered themselves to my view, were some of those sorts of Stones, of which the old Romans were wont to make use to mark the distances of Places, which were counted in those times by tertio aut quarto ab Vrbe Lapide, i. e. The third or fourth Stone from the City: Some of 'em had no Inscriptions, and those that had any, were conformable to what I have read in ancient History.  
From thence I passed into two Galleries full of all sorts of different Armour, which are now in use, and were so in former Ages: They induced me to make this Reflection, that Men notwithstanding that they might wear Skins of Iron and Steel, or at least,  made of those Materials, were nevertheless neither invulnerable nor immortal. I there saw the Arms of the two Maximilians, of Charles V and of some other Emperors, as also those of Francis I. King of France, with the Garment which he wore at the Battle of Pavia, which makes me call to mind, that I had already seen one in the Repository of Brussels, so that he either put on two Suits of  on that day, or they were divided on purpose to spread abroad the fame of the Victory, at Brussels and Inspruck. There are also to be seen those of Charles IX. King of France; of Ferdinand and Philip Kings of Spain; of Don John of Austria, and of many other Princes. I was told that these last were the very same that he wore at the famous Battle of Lepanto. But I spent some time in viewing those of Alexander. Farnese Duke of Parma Governor of the Low-Countries, recollecting what I had read in Strada concerning the notable Exploits of this Prince: I know not whether any thing were wanting to his Merit; but I am persuaded that his History cannot be better writ, and that even the actions of Achilles and Alexander the great are not set off to more advantage by Historiographers than his. I admired the Arms of Solyman the Great, which as yet strike Terror into the Minds of Beholders, and I remember with some Consternation, that this Ottoman Emperor once caused the whole World to tremble. The Arms of the most part of the renowned Generals of these later Times, are in like manner kept in the same Repository. The Archduke Ferdinand made this Conquest; could any Man proceed farther (my Lord) than to disarm so many Heroes? But this was only an amicable Conquest, this Prince who was the most excellent Antiquary of all that governed in his Age knew well what value ought to be set upon those precious Spoils; He was desirous to obtain 'em every where, and was even sometimes prevented: I am apt to believe that they were offered to him, lest not being sought for, they should not have the good Fortune to be so gloriously consecrated.  
At the end of one of the Galleries, I saw the representation of a Giant and a Dwarf, the living Originals of which had sometime resided at Vienna. Indeed this exorbitant inequality of Stature between two Men, is a very strange thing; the Elder of these was not able to reach with his Hand to the Navel of the other, yet a Ballad was made concerning a Box on the Ear, which was given by this Dwarf to the Giant: It is true, that the later stooped to take up the Emperor's Glove, who had let it fall on purpose to facilitate the giving of the Box o' th' Ear. These sports of Nature are still much esteemed at Vienna, either because her Ability in forming Men of quite different sorts and sizes is there admired; or her Error in sometimes making much more, or else much less than she ought. Their Imperial Majesties likewise maintain some of these Giants and Dwarves in their Court, whom I could never behold without a kind of Horror, in regard that they are so far from the ordinary proportion and size of other Men.  
In a spacious Hall are to be seen all the several sorts of Garments which the Turks are wont to wear both in their Houses and in the Camp. There are many rich Vests in which the price, quality, quantity and colour of the Stuff of which they are made, show the natural Disposition of this Nation to Luxury and Magnificence. This manner of attiring surpasses all ours, that are introduced purely by a fantastical Humour, and the continual change of which denotes but too much Levity. If we could be once persuaded to imitate this August manner of Apparelling, and to appear in these magnificent pieces of Drapery, perhaps we should continue the use of 'em, and our Fashion might turn to a settled Custom as among the Levantines. And indeed, these Infidels have got the advantage in this respect, insomuch that one of their Viziers, one day told the Venetian Ambassador, that the Christians were apt to deride, but were not well clad: The Venetian might have replied elsewhere than at the Port; 'tis true, but 'tis pity to see such Swine as you attired with the Ornaments of Sovereign Princes. I also observed there, Turbans of a hundred various Fashions, and one would not imagine, that they had all the same use: The finest of 'em have a kind of stately Air, and notwithstanding whatever our nice Fashion-mongers may affirm to the contrary, these Mountains of Linen-cloth that serve so well to adorn the Heads of these Barbarians, would not disguise our Hero's; for they really implant Grandeur and Severity in the Countenance, which would even set off Majesty itself. Afterward I took a view of divers Scimitars or Hangers of great value for the rich Ornaments with which they are covered, and also upon account of their rare Temper, so that Fury itself might well go to work with these Weapons. Lastly, all manner of choice Rarities of this Country are to be found Here.  
In the same Hall are two Figures that represent two Turkish Lords on Horseback, and I observed in 'em as great an Air of Grandeur, Gravity and Stateliness, as is possible for Art to express in Copies, but 'tis probable that the Originals were quite another thing. One of these Personages was Aga of the Janissaries, and the other Beglerbeg or Bassa of Offen or Buda. They were taken Prisoners upon different occasions, and gave as a part of their Ransom their most sumptuous Equipage; which is very carefully preserved, and well deserves to be so: For not only the Garments, but the Horse-cloth, Saddles and Bridles were all beset with Rubies, Emeralds, Grenats, Topaz-stones and Pearls, being so many profuse Treasures.  
I entered another Gallery full of Paintings of the best Masters, although it must be acknowledged that they are not all choice ones as those at Vienna. I applied myself more particularly to the viewing of the Portraiture of a certain Hungarian Nobleman, which is not so much to be admired for the excellency of the Draught, as for the Prodigy which it represents, viz. a Wound made with a Lance in the Eye, which penetrated into the Substance of the Brain, even to the hinder part of the Head, and yet did not prove Mortal. This is a Secret of Nature, that is altogether hid from us, and which confounds all our Argumentations.  
I did not allow myself time sufficient to examine these Paintings in particular, because I was diverted by the variety of other things that were not so common. Amidst a great quantity of Stag's Horns, which are there very extraordinary, I observed one as it were mortised in a Trunk of Oak, so neatly that the Artifice cannot be perceived; it was cut on purpose to be placed among the other Rarities. Upon this occasion I remember that pair of Stag's Horns which I saw (my Lord) amidst so many others, in your Guard-Chamber at Stugart, which are so entangled one with another, that they seem still to express the Fury of the two Animals, which would never cease but with their Life.  
The same Gallery seems to be divived into two by twenty Presses, twelve Foot high and six broad, where all the richest and choicest Rarities are deposited: In the first are contained divers pieces of Alabaster and Marble, whose Colours and various Figures dazzle the Eyes of the Beholders: In the second is a vast quantity of Glass vessels, and every thing that can be imagined ingenious in the Art of Glass-work: In the third is Coral of all kinds and of all sorts of Colours, viz. white, red, black, grey and violet-coloured: There are some pieces of it in the form of Plants, Shrubs and Branches, and others are wrought in the shape of a Man's Head, of a Rock, of a pair of Beads, and an infinite number of other Figures: in the fourth are found wrought Precious-stones both ancient and modern, the most part of which are agates, Jaspars' and Cornelians: There are also Rocks beset with Pearls and rich Stones; and in short, the Jewels of this nature are so numerous, that this Press alone is an inestimable Treasure. In the fifth are preserved Urns of red Earth, and others of Porcelain of China and Japan, among which are observed some counterfeit; they are the common ones that come from Holland, which have been put in vogue on purpose to save a greater expense: But do not imagine (my Lord) that they are placed there to make up the number, there is a quite different design and meaning as to this matter: For super fine things ever appear more illustrious, when accompanied with ordinary ones, and the Comparison made between 'em serves to enhance their Value. Thus an Aethiopian is sometimes painted standing near a beautiful Woman, and it tends to her advantage; for the Deformity that appears at her side, serves as a foil to set off her Beauty with more charming Lustre: Thus the light of a Torch that grows pale in the Sun, shines bright and sparkles in the dark.  
In the other Presses are contained Curiosities of all sorts, but a larger Description of 'em would tyre your Highness' Patience: Therefore I shall leave it to speak only of those kinds of Matters, of which you seem to require a more exact Account. There is a Collection of ancient Gold Medals from Julius Caesar to Heraclius; being the most perfect of all that ever I saw, both with respect to the number of the Coins and their Beauty: It would be very difficult, if not impossible, to find elsewhere any Medals that are more rare, or have been better preserved. There is also another Collection of those of the Consuls and Emperors, and a prodigious quantity of Silver-Medals, but those of Copper are infinitely more precious than all the others. None but a Prince so much addicted to Curiosity and so Learned, could be capable of making so good a Choice, or of defraying the charge of so expensive an Undertaking. When his Imperial Majesty shall have joined these incomparable Pieces to as many others that are in his Possession at Vienna, I am persuaded that his Repository, and that of the King, will be the largest and most considerable. Is it not reasonable that the choicest Rarities should be shared between the two greatest Princes in the World, and that those venerable Monuments of Antiquity should find such secure Sanctuaries, against the injuries of Time, and the accidents of bad Fortune.  
It is now time to declare somewhat to your Highness concerning that incomparable Archduke, who in endeavouring to gratify his Curiosity and to divert himself, found means to advance his Glory; neither did those curious Inquiries, exhaust his Spirits, but only afforded some Relaxation to his noble Soul, which was by that means better disposed to the practice of Virtue. His Life was as glorious as profitable to the Age in which he lived. The Siege of Sigeth in Hungary, which he forced the Turk to raise, is an everlasting Monument of his Valour, and the Treasures of the Roman History, which he has re-collected and re-established in their primitive Lustre, will be so many Heralds to proclaim the great Obligations which he has laid upon all his Posterity, and more especially upon the Republic of Learning. If so great Veneration is usually paid to the Memory of Historians, only because they have transmitted some Copies of Antiquity, with what transports of Zeal ought we to express our Gratitude to a Prince who has furnished us with the very Originals, and given us the Enjoyment even of Antiquity itself? A Roman Senator who was advanced to the Imperial Dignity, esteemed it an honour to his Family, to reckon Tacitus the Historian among his Ancestors: Who then can doubt but that the Princes of the House of Austria do still call to mind with great delight, that an Archduke of their Noble Stock, has been the Restorer of Truth, and of so many Rarities of which we had been almost entirely deprived by Ignorance and the injury of Time? This one Consideration of his Merit is alone sufficient to supply us with Matter for a Panegyric.  
It may not be improper to add a Word or two concerning the Library, since it owes its original to this Prince: There are not any Books contained therein, but such as are more correct and of the best Editions. I have observed a considerable number of 'em, that more especially treat of the Mysteries of the Curious, as also many that I did not know, and perhaps such as are not to be met with elsewhere. The Portraiture of the greater part of those Authors whose Learning has made 'em famous throughout the World serve as the peculiar Ornaments of this Library. This indeed, is properly to associate the Fathers with the Children, to place the Learned amidst their Books.  
I know not how to leave Inspruck, without mentioning to your Highness certain brazen Figures or Statues, which I saw in the principal Church. They are Twenty eight in number, about nine or ten Foot high, and altho' the Materials of which every one of 'em is made, amount to the value of two or three thousand Crowns; nevertheless the Workmanship is infinitely more precious. I there discovered many Emperors and Archduke's; and took particular notice of the four Dukes of Burgundy, and their Heiress Mary, whose Wealth and Power have rendered the House of Austria formidable to all Europe. There was no need of reading the Names that are engraved over these Statues, I knew the very Air of their Countenance, which I had before observe d in so many Medals and Prints, and the Proportion is so exact, that I easily distinguished 'em, even at the first sight. These Images are also represented upon Brass Cuts and illustrated, with an Historical Description, so that they may well deserve a place in a Prince's Repository: If your Highness be of this opinion, I shall take it as an Honour to be permitted to augment your Library with a Set of 'em, which I have in my Possession.  
It is very difficult to give a good description of the Genius or natural Disposition of the Tirolians; who are neither Italians nor Germans, but both together. There may be some variety of Matter, with which to entertain your Highness, concerning the Judgement that ought to be made with respect to these People, who equally partake of the Qualities of two very different Nations that border upon 'em. For a Question has been propounded long ago, whether contrary Temperaments are brought to Perfection, or spoiled in the Mixture: Some Persons affirm that the Quickness and Subtlety of Italy is meliorated by being somewhat allay d with the Phlegmatic Temper of Germany, and that this Phlegm likewise stands in need of Vivacity to animate it: Others are of opinion, that this subtle Spirit beyond the Mountains, has its tincture of Melancholy, which serves to set it off, that a mixture of a grosser sort of Blood would diminish its lustre, and that the slowness of the Germans has a Solidity, which cannot be refined without weakening it. Your Highness is a much more competent Judge than I, what Party 'tis requisite to follow, but if you should enjoin me to declare my opinion as to this matter, I would entreat you to permit me to do it only to yourself in private.  
To take breath again a little, will your Highness vouchsafe to give me leave to speak a Word or two to you concerning my Host at Inspruck. Upon account of the uncertainty of my abode in this Town, which might perhaps continue for some days, I ordered my Servant to treat with him about my Expenses, and they agreed for two Florins and a half a day, nevertheless when he was ready to pay according to this Price, the Landlord would not be satisfied, and alleged for an Excuse, that the Entertainment indeed did not exceed the Price agreed upon, but that he was obliged to act conformably thereto only with the ordinary sort of People; that for a Person of Quality as I was, the Price ought to be proportionably enhanced; that he was ashamed not to have a greater regard to me than to others; and that he knew too well the Honour and Respect that was due to me, to stand to his first bargain. This was not altogether to pay for Quality, but 'twas a Device to put me upon purchasing Respect at a very dear rate.  
I left Tirol, and repassed the Alps in the same place, to get into the Road that leads to   

MUNICK.  
So many great Ideas of those things that I saw there, still present themselves to my Mind, as may be sufficient to justify my detaining of your Highness for a Moment: This City is moderately large, well built, extremely populous and very rich. All its Outworks and Avenues lie open and waste, and the nearest Villages are situated at a great distance, so that a Man enters a Plain convenient for Hunting, even as soon as he has set a foot out of the Gates. I happened to arrive there at a very seasonable time, for the whole Town was taken up with a pompous Solemnity celebrated in memory of the famous Battle of Prague: Your most Serene Highness is not ignorant how much this Victory contributed to the good Fortune of its Prince, for it secured the tranquillity of his Dominions, caused the Electoral Dignity to pass into his Family, and made him Master of the upper Palatinate; all which advantages cannot but wonderfully augment his Power and Authority. The State and even private Persons spared no cost to honour the Festival, and Joy appeared on all sides in the sumptuous Apparel and Feast, as also in the Fireworks, Illuminations, the discharging of Artillery, etc. Their Electoral Highnesses invited the People by their Example to return thanks to God for the gaining of this Battle, and thus Piety and Religion were no less engaged in the Solemnity than Magnificence and Divertisements.  
This Festival was followed by another appointed for the Birthday of the Elect'ress. The whole Court shone as it were with a new lustre, there was no other talk than of Pleasure, and Germany seemed to endeavour to surpass itself, by the profuse Expenses that were laid out upon this occasion, and the utmost extent of Gallantry. The Sumptuousness of the Feasts appeared in the good Cheer, in the Treasures of Silver-Plate that were set forth; and in the Consorts of Music, which served to quicken the Delights. The Principal Ladies of the Court waited upon their Electoral Highnesses, and nothing could be more rich and splendid than their Attire; insomuch that I fancied that I saw Apollo and Minerva attended by the Muses and their Nymphs. The Comedy, the acting of which had been deferred for some days by reason of the Indisposition of the Elect'ress, was then represented with greater advantage: It was taken out of an Italian History, and called Adelaide, in Honour of the noble Personage for whom it was composed.  
Nothing appeared to me more stately than the Carrousel, which was performed in a covered manage or kind of Theatre, separated from the Palace only by a small Canal. The Elect'ress was conducted to her Balcony by the Elector himself, and two Galleries situated one over another, that take up the whole compass of the Building, were filled with Spectators, who were at first surprised by the Consorts of Music that appeared in Pageants made in the form of Ships, every one of which was drawn by six Horses; when these Machine's were brought under the Balcony of her Electoral Highness, the Musicians began to play and Sing their Parts; neither was there any need of Divination to conjecture that they were Sonnets of Praise, composed on purpose for the Solemnity. This Delight continued above two hours, neither could I perceive any one to be tired with it during the whole time; but it was followed by a greater and more magnificent Diversion. For four small Bands of Horse, each of 'em consisting of four Horsemen, road about and showed their Bravery and Dexterity, in the swiftness of their Horses, in the exactness of their Course, in the Agility of their Bodies, and in that admirable Facility, with which they were observed so fortunately to arrive at the Goal: His Electoral Highness and Prince Maximilian his Brother, appeared at the Head of the two first Bands, and it was observed, that these two Princes, who had won the first Prizes, abated somewhat of their speed, on purpose to leave the Honour altogether entire to their Officers, and to give 'em the Recompense of Glory, and the whole Victory which were due to their Merits: This manner of acting has certainly a great Character, and really there is need of a superfluity of Glory to be so prodigal of it. His Electoral Highness is endowed with all the other excellent Qualities that are requisite in an accomplished Prince: It may be perceived by his Conduct, that the Heroical Virtues are set on work by Piety, Gentleness and Moderation, which inspire him with a perfect tranquillity of Mind: When there are no occasions of carrying on a necessary War, he is unwilling to undertake an unjust one; thus he generously regulates his aspiring Thoughts, endeavouring to bond their exorbitant Motions, and to distribute the sweet Fruits of Peace and Prosperity throughout his Dominions; If his Renown does not make so great a noise in the World, 'tis so much the more solid; thus the Stars of the Firmament which dart so little light, are of a value quite different from that of blazing Comets, that cause so much admiration in the ignorant Multitude. He takes much delight in Hunting and Fishing; which puts me in mind of those of that excellent Emperor Antoninus, Piscando & venando oblectatus est. By the means of these innocent Diversions, he gets rid of all other less lawful Pleasures, and his solid Delights are no detriment to his Health, Religion, or Secular Affairs.  
I shall always remember, even during my whole Life, with the highest sense of Gratitude, the signal Favours which he has conferred upon me; neither can I declare 'em more gloriously than to your most Serene Highness. His Electoral Highness condescended so far as to send an Officer to my House, on purpose to show me the Place of his Residence; that is to say, the Palace which the Elector Maximilian caused to be built at so vast an expense, that all Germany was surprised at it, and could not comprehend, whence he raised a sufficient Fond for the carrying on of so prodigious a Work. Nevertheless this Magnificent Prince declared, that if he could be assured of living ten years longer, he would have it demolished, in order to rebuild another more stately. However, this noble Pile of Building has so many different Apartments, that besides those which are already possessed, there would be room enough in the others to entertain the Emperor, the King and the Electors, as conveniently as in their own Palaces. Your most Serene Highness would be altogether tired with so long a Discourse, if I should proceed to give a more particular Account of its Architecture; than which there can be nothing finer; but 'tis affirmed by some Persons, that there is no such Architecture to be found, whose Orders take up so vast a space of Ground. There is so great a quantity of Marble, that one would believe it to be the natural Product of that Country, and the ordinary Stones of those beyond the Mountains, because they are more scarce in those Parts. There is no Corner, Nich, Gate, nor Chimney, that has not its Statues or Ornaments in Relief; but all this disappears at the sight of the Hall of ancient Monuments: There one may reckon up 354 Busts or Statues drawn half way, of Jaspar, Porphyry, Brass and Marble, of all Colours, which represent either Grecian Generals or Roman Emperors, and Personages whom either their high Birth, or notable Exploits have as it were immortalised. Among other Statues I saw that of Alexander of Macedon, larger than the Life. It has all that ravishing design of Antiquity, which inspirits the Marble, and gives it so lively an Air, that less Art is discerned in it, than a kind of Magical Energy; insomuch that one may observe at the same time, Valour, Ambition, and that charming Civility, which had so great a share in the Conquests of Asia; In short, Alexander the Great is much better represented here than in the History of his Achievements. The other Statues are likewise admirable in their several kinds, and a much greater quantity of Paper than that which is sufficient for a Letter, would be requisite to make particular Reflections on every one of these Curiosities. There are also to be seen a great number of Idols, and Vessels that served for the Sacrifices of the Ancients.  
There are two Galleries, one of which is adorned with a hundred Portraitures of Illustrious Personages, especially those that were famous for their extraordinary Learning, who were not unknown to me: Upon the Ceiling of the other, are represented the principal Towns of Bavaria, as also the Rivers, Castles, and whatever is most remarkable within the compass of this Electorate. I saw a Hall of that sort of Work, which the Italians call Stucador, where the Figures are excellent. The King of Sweden, who made himself Master of Munick, met with nothing in this Palace more beautiful than a Chimney-piece made of Stuc, with the Work-manship of which he was exceedingly pleased, to that degree that he seemed to be much discontented that it could not be made a Spoil: But when a certain Lord among his Attendants endeavoured to persuade him to cause these stately Buildings to be demolished, he replied, That he had no mind to deprive the World of so great a Rarity. Thus Magnanimity appears every where magnificent and 'tis to be endued with the true principles of Generosity, to spare the Goods and Estate of an Enemy.  
The Apartment of the Elect'ress is admirable, and her Highness was so Gracious as to permit that it should be shown to me. There is nothing to be seen but Gold and Azure, but that is what I least considered: The Furniture and Movables are so sumptuous, and the Attire so splendid, that if I had not known that she was descended of the Royal Stock of Savoy, I might easily have guessed that this Neatness came from beyond the Alps. Indeed Italy is the very Source of it; so that the rest of the World in this particular Circumstance, is only the Copy of which that Country is the true Original.  
I have also this farther Obligation to his Electoral Highness' Favours, that he has thought fit to give me a Sight of his Repository of Curiosities and Medals: For his Highness sent me word that he was to go a Hunting betimes in the Morning, and that he would leave Orders to show me all things: And indeed, I received notice from an Officer of the Household of the Day and Hour.  
I was at first introduced into the Apartment of the Elector himself, and into a Gallery of Paintings, which were all of exquisite Beauty: In the spaces by which they are separated, divers Presses are fixed along the thickness of the Wall; where I saw as rich Jewels as any that are extant in the World. There is abundance of Precious-stones, and some Oriental Pearls, besides others of the Country, which were taken out of that little River which unloads itself at Passaw into the Danube. In these last, the different progresses of Nature in the bringing 'em to Perfection is more especially remarkable: For some are black, which is the Colour of that first Matter that assumes its Solidity: Others are grey, in which it may be perceived that this Matter gins to grow clear. Others again are whitish, and others perfectly white. I plainly discovered upon these little Creatures the immediate Workmanship of Heaven, which communicated to 'em by degrees that Whiteness and that Astral Lustre. Then was shown to me the Garter which the King of Bohemia lost in the Defeat of Prague, where the Devise of the Order is set in Characters of Diamonds. I there took a view of the Works of Raphael Urbin, Albert Durer, and Lucas Leidensis, and particularly admired the Draughts of a certain Painter of Augsburg, who served the Emperor Rodolph; but I was much surprised at the Tediousness of his Work, there being nothing that comes near it; so that it may be affirmed that none but Germans can be capable of so great Patience. I also took delight in viewing the Gold-smith's Ware of Sigismond King of Poland, and the Elector Maximilian, and an Ivory-Vessel, which his Electoral Highness turned with his own Hand. The most part of the Princes and Noblemen of Germany have some insight in the Mechanics, and perhaps from their Example, the Grand Signior's Children are instructed therein. The same Practice has prevailed likewise among the Hungarian Gentry, even upon a very Politic account; for they pretend by this means to have an opportunity of concealing their Quality, when they are made Prisoners of War, and to avoid a Ransom, which would be their ruin.  
But I have insisted too long upon these Particulars, when there is occasion to say somewhat concerning the Medals, among which (my Lord) I have seen Wonders. A Cabinet of Cedar three Foot high, serves only as a covering to another, which is much more precious; 'tis made of Ivory wrought with Figures, the Order, Design and Work-manship of which exceed every thing that I have seen elsewhere in this kind. There are 1400 Gold Medals contained in twenty Shelves: Their Beauty consists in the continued Series of Roman Emperors; for as for the Grecian and Consular, of which there may be three or four hundred, tho' they are exactly counterfeited, yet Truth and Antiquity is altogether wanting to 'em. I was informed that a Jesuit, to whose management they were committed, could not satisfy the Elector's Curiosity, by any means than by causing those that were wanting and could be recovered, to be copied in Gold, at any expense whatever. I confess, that these Copies are so accurate, that I was even surprised at the sight of 'em, and that I was obliged to spend some time in the discovering of 'em. There are two or three hundred admirable Pieces among the Imperial, which are capable of charming the Eyes even of the most inquisitive Beholders. I expected to have seen those of Silver and Copper, but they were not shown to me. The Officer whom I entreated with all possible Civility, to give me entire Satisfaction, replied, that he had a Charge to do so, but that he knew of no other Medals than those that I had already seen. I was also informed afterward, that they had incurred the same Fate with great store of other Riches, that were transported out of Germany beyond the Baltic Sea.  
To conclude, nothing was wanting to complete the Delights that I took in the City of Munick. But of all the Favours which I received from the Prince both publicly and in private, that of having enjoyed his Treasures as I thought fit, to the sight of which very few Persons are admitted, engages me to an acknowledgement; which so noble and magnificent Ideas of 'em that are still imprinted upon my Mind will render everlasting.  
Prince Herman ought to have the greatest share in this Discourse: He is his Electoral Highness' Favourite, and (as I have reason to believe) his extraordinary Merit has procured him this Happiness. The Illustrious Name of Furstemberg is also very auspicious; for the Goods of Fortune, and the most sublime Endowments of the Mind are inseparably annexed thereto; but so many Ages that have honoured it, have done less for its Glory than the three Princes to whom it now belongs. One single Place of Europe would not be a Theatre large enough for the exercising of their Princely Virtues; therefore Heaven has separated them, and without explaining myself any farther (for so ample a Subject is not properly that of a Letter) their Genius is every where the Source of the Political Function, and their admirable Qualities the Ornament of the Court.   

BAVARIA.  
Is a Country of a large extent, and its Climate would render it incomparable, were it not that the neighbourhood of the Alps, shelters it too much from the South: The Plenty which it enjoys of all things requisite for the Sustenance of Humane Life, does not hinder but that a Traveller may take notice of the necessity there is of sometimes having recourse to other Countries: For he cannot sit down at Table without being put in mind that there is no Wine; neither does the Beer, which in those Parts perhaps is better than in any other in the World, sufficiently supply this defect. For this sort of Drink is only at most a liquid Paste, which serves to nourish the Belly and Stomach, but does not affect the upper Region of the Brain, to which the Animal Spirits resort to partake of the Aliments. It is not impregnated with those Divine Atoms that inflame the Imagination, and drive away Melancholy, and even Sorrow itself. Indeed the use of Reason may be taken away by drinking this Liquor to excess, but without any Delight, and the Soul languishes under a heavy Oppression. Upon this account it is (my Lord) that your Territories are so much talked of; and that the People have so great an Esteem for the Wines of the Necker, which noble River conveys 'em a great deal higher than Stugart; as also that they make so good a Return for the Pains that are taken in Transporting 'em so far.  
The Riches of this Country are not divided; neither are they to be found any where but at Court and among the Clergy, all those that are below this Quality having no share in 'em. The same Custom is not observed there as in other Places, where the Coin circulates through all the parts of the State, and enriches the People of all Conditions: The Gentry, Priests, and Monks are wealthy, but the Peasants languish under a sordid Poverty; so that this Dispensation may be said to be the perfect Idea of that Statue of the Prophet, which had the Head of Gold, the Body of Silver, and the Feet of Clay. But the Case is quite different (my Lord) in your Dominions; for the Peasants of Wirtemberg do not stand in need of any thing, as enjoying not only whatever is necessary, but also that which is convenient, even to all those comforts and delights that this World can afford. I observed nothing like it in Bavaria, perhaps because I only saw the worst part of the Country, or happened to be there in a bad Season.  
The Bavarians appeared to me to be very stupid and clownish, but I do not speak of the Persons of Quality, whom their Birth distinguishes, and their Education renders polite; for the Common People, and the rest of the Scum of the Nation, only deserve this Character. It is almost every where known what course of Life those Women lead, who are met with along the Banks of the Danube, and how lightly they are esteemed; neither have the Men a greater stock of Merit. It was an apposite saying of Homer, that Jupiter had taken away Common Sense from Slaves, and Beggars for the most part are altogether Sots. It seems as if Poverty debased their Mind, and that their bad Fortune which has left 'em destitute of all things, only allowed 'em so much time as to think of Living. Thus their Soul becomes the most unprofitable part of themselves, and notwithstanding their Rational Faculty, they have no more Discretion than brute Beasts. But a more subtle Notion comes in my Mind upon this occasion; is it not (my Lord) that the Divine Providence has proportioned men's Understanding to their Fortune, to accustom 'em to that great inequality, which would incessantly disturb the order of things in the World, if those who are so ill provided for, had so much sense as to know how to resent their Misery? We observe that all Men endeavour to find delight in their respective Conditions, and that this Inclination of every State, is the secret Foundation upon which Civil Society is grounded. And when by an extraordinary Revolution, of which there are frequent Examples, we see the Advancement of those of low degree, and the fall of great ones, it so happens (my Lord) because the Understanding of the former is enlightened, and that the others have lost their discerning Faculty, and the knowledge of Good and Evil.  
There is a great deal of Religion among the Bavarians, and their Zeal is more especially extended to matters of Controversy: But their Neighbours accuse 'em of neglecting the main Points of it, to adhere to Trifles; they believe that their Religious Worship is vagrant, and that Christianity has made a farther Progress among 'em than it ought. A certain Puritan who bore no great Affection toward 'em, accosted me after this manner: Are you French- Men more enlightened, notwithstanding your recourse to the Springhead? All these foreign Means, all these pretended Intercessions do not confound you; you are of our Humour, you are of no Religion, and yet cry out for a pure one: If you have broken all measures with Rome, which no longer holds you but by a small Thread, we shall be soon agreed. I confess, (my Lord) that he showed me more kindness than I desired; but without troubling your Highness with the Answer I made him, which was very large, I shall only insist briefly on the two last Points: I told him then, That there were in France as many true Christians as in any other Place; and that we knew the Distinction which ought to be made between Rome and the Holy See; between the Vicar of Jesus Christ, and the Temporal Prince; between the Successor of St. Peter, and the Donatary of Charlemagn; between the Pope and the Politician; that we readily acknowledged his Spiritual Supremacy; and that we adhered thereto, not by the means of a String; but by a cordial and voluntary Submission, by Faith and Grace; and that as for our Estates, Goods, Interests, and every thing else that does not relate to matters of Religion; they were independent of His Holiness' Dominion, who had no other Subjects in the Church than those that belong to his own Territories and Patrimony. Perhaps this Discourse may be too tedious upon such an occasion, and I shall add no more at present, but that 'tis requisite to take an opportunity to make mention to your Highness of a notable Divertisement, which I saw in your Neighbourhood.  
It is not known in France, what is meant by a Sledge, nor what the Wirtschaft is; neither are the Ladies there accustomed to run at the Ring. I was pleasantly surprised to see a Winter A-la-mode, or a Winter Travesty; as also Frost and Snow applied to the use of Gallantry, and so many exquisite Beauties displayed in a Plain: The Sumptuousness of their Apparel, and the the Stateliness of their Deportment, represented to my sight as it were so many Deities and Amazons: They were most magnificently mounted on Triumphal Chariots, and pass d before my Eyes as swift as Lightning: I know not whether those flying Machine's were so many Ships sailing upon dry Land, or Chariots running upon a solid Water: They seemed to me sometimes to be a crowd of Goddesses in Clouds of Gold and Azure, that had lately cut the Air and lighted upon the Ground, on purpose to enjoy those Delights that the Winter alone (which they have not in Heaven) is capable of affording 'em. The Sports were different; some were terminated in the swiftness of the Course; and in others, there was Honour to be acquired, because there were Victories to be gained. It was a very extraordinary Object to behold a Lady with a Lance in her Hand, endued with the sprightliness and and fiery Temper of an Hero; as also to observe Vigour and Fortitude appearing amidst the Charms of Beauty, & a Female Warrior running herself into danger wherever there was any prospect of Glory, with a precipitate Forwardness that showed nothing of that Weakness and Timorousness, which is so natural to her Sex. last, (my Lord) the Pomp was so great, that it was less a Career than a spacious Theatre, which reached even out of sight, having the Divertisements of the Gods for its Scene, and the lively Representation of Winter for its Decoration. I know not whether the ancient Romans would have laid out so much expenses in the management of their Naumachiae, or Sea-fights represented upon Land, if they had known the secret of Sailing upon the Snow as the Germans.  
I have no Expressions sublime enough to declare to your Highness, what I then thought of the two Princesses of Baden-Durlach. They are always extremely beautiful, but their Attire on that day, their graceful Mien, and their Dexterity in performing all the Exploits of the Career transformed 'em into Heroines. The Princess Catharine Barba, who was dressed in the habit of an Egyptian, did me the Honour to ask me how I liked her: I answered bluntly, That she appeared to me more charming than Cleopatra; I ought to have added, and worthy of somewhat more than Caesar or Antony; but I had so much the less presence of Mind, as my Eyes were more employed in viewing these delectable Objects. The Princess her Sister appeared likewise in the Garb of a Peasant; and the Lot which divided these sorts of Characters fell very appositely: For the natural plainness and simplicity which she communicated to her Disguise, completed the lively Representation of a Countrywoman in the Person of the most beautiful Princess in the World. Insomuch that a certain Stranger, who believed what he saw in good earnest, accosted her after a familiar manner, seemed to be well pleased with her Company, and after having informed himself of part of what he was desirous to know, asked her where the Princess Elizabeth was; She replied seriously, without any change of Countenance, that he should see her immediately, and that she would not fail to be present at the Ball. Thus the whole Intrigue was pleasantly carried on, and the good Man made much sport during the Festival, without knowing any thing of the matter.  
At my return, I took particular notice of a kind of Foppery, which afforded me an agreeable Diversion, by reason of the relation it had to the manner of the Ancients. In ulm and its Neighbourhood, the Women and young Maidens usually wear their Hair plaited up backward, as it were a Mat, which is afterward tied with a Ribbon. The very same Fashion prevailed among 'em two thousand Years ago, at least according to the Report of Tacitus, Insigne Gentis Suevorum obliquare crinem, nodoque substringere. It is the peculiar Custom of the Suevi, or Inhabitants of Schwaben, to wear their Hair curled into Tufts, and to tie it with a Knot. This illustrious Historian makes some other notable Remarks concerning these People, which may not be improperly applied to those of Wirtemberg. It is not known (says he) in those Parts what is meant by Usury, by which means the People are more free from it, than if▪ were prohibited by a Law: They do not spare drinking there, and they sometimes spend a whole Day and Night, without giving any occasion of reproaching 'em upon that account: They are very courteous in entertaining Strangers, and no Nation can boast of being more addicted to Hospitality: The Customs of the Inhabitants are so equitable, that they even surpass the wholesome Laws of other People: They are less corrupted than in any other Part of the World: Nothing is exacted among 'em by Authority; so that the most gentle means as that of Persuasion, are sufficient for the obtaining of whatever one desires. They Adore the Goddess Isis, and offer up to her the greatest number of Sacrifices. These last Words sufficiently explain the Original of so many Altars and Inscriptions, which your Highness has done me the Honour to cause to be shown to me at Stugart. Tacitus, who never received any Benefit from the People of Schwaben, has frequently afforded divers little Testimonials in their praise, which he could not deny to the Truth of his Descriptions. Indeed I lie under an Obligation of making many more, as being better acquainted with the Country than he, and loaded with a multitude of Favours by its Sovereign Prince: But 'tis requisite to be Tacitus, to be capable of doing it effectually, and I am sensible that my Abilities are not sufficient for such an Undertaking.  
I shall leave Your Highness to contemplate upon these noble Ideas, wishing that they may inspire you with so much Gaiety of Humour, as may serve to disperse that melancholy, which I fear my unpolished and impertinent Discourse has caused in your Mind. But Sovereign Princes act in a Sphere so far above other Men; that they ought not to expect any thing of 'em that is worth their Acceptance, or in any wise commensurate to their Grandeur: Neither are they wont to despise the smallest Presents that are made to 'em; since their Generosity is such as to acknowledge even the first motions of Zeal with which their Subjects are incited either to serve or to divert 'em. Upon account of these Considerations, it is (my Lord) that in doing nothing for your Service, I hope to get some Advantage for myself, and that I presume with so much boldness to assure you that I am, and shall be during my whole Life, with all manner of profound Respect;  
My Lord, Your most Serene Highness' Most humble and most obedient Servant, C. PATIN.  
Vivendum moribus antiquis, loquendum verbis recentioribus.  
It is requisite to live according to the ancient Manners, and to speak with modern Words.    

THE THIRD RELATION, TO His most Serene Highness Frederick, Marquess of Baden-Durlach, etc.  
My Lord,  
FOrasmuch as your most Serene Highness is not tired with giving ear to my Discourses, and you have graciously condescended so far as to tell me so; I am so much the more emboldened to present to you some others upon Subjects that are altogether new: However, I have not so much Presumption as to expect that these should be as acceptable to you as the former; neither can I pretend to ground 'em upon any thing else, but the respectful Obedience which I own to your Commands.  
Not but that (my Lord) I might flatter myself with an Assurance of being capable even to offer such Things as would afford some kind of Diversion to your most Serene Highness, either upon account of their Novelty or Variety. But (my Lord) how extremely difficult it is! for a Person endued with so mean Abilities as mine are, to entertain a Potent Prince as knowing and judicious as your Highness, and to hope for a good issue of such an Entertainment: However (my Lord) you are desirous of it, you are pleased to command it, and I am also sensible that this kind of Prologue is offensive to you. Therefore I shall put an end to my Apology, and yield a ready Obedience without any farther delays.  
Nothing affords so much delight and satisfaction as Travelling; (my Lord) your most Serene Highness has thought fit to tell me so sometimes, and I have ever found it true. Indeed the Epitaph of the great Trivulcio might well be objected to me, beforehand, Hic quiescit qui nunquam quievit. Here rests he that never rested. It seems as if the Air which I draw in by Respiration in different Provinces, inspired me with new Knowledge, at least it supplies me with Matter for new Meditations; neither do I take any notice of such sorts of Varieties as surprise the most part of those that never had a sight of 'em; yet I often find an opportunity to spend my time to better purpose. I do not insist on the difference of Habits in every Nation, altho' there are some so odd, that they even appear ridiculous. I have sometimes sought for the Reason or Original of 'em, but could never discover it; neither did I expect to find it any where but in Usefulness and Decency, which in my mind, are the two Rules to be observed in Clothing. However, I was obliged to be content with the ordinary Fashions, that is to say, the Custom of those People who make use of 'em: Besides, this Custom which Herodotus treats with the style of Royal, is a kind of Supreme Law, more especially in Germany, where Novelty is not so easily admitted as in other Places: Thus a House is usually rebuilt after the very same Model that 'twas built in the preceding Age, and if a Man should go about to persuade a Proprietary never so little to make the Structure more regular, to give it more light, to diminish the thickness of its Walls, and to deviate somewhat from the ancient manner of Building, on purpose to take the advantage of so many Conveniences that arise from the more refined modern Architecture; he would immediately answer, that he derided the new Mode; that his deceased Father or his Grandfather were very prudent Persons; and that they had caused the exact Dimensions of this House to be taken, such as they now appear to be, if perhaps even they had not received the Model from their Predecessors; but in a Word, that he was resolved to make no alteration.  
The same Temper is also observable with some sort of rigour in the exercise of the most part of other Arts, which are practised even at this day in those Parts after the same manner as under Charlemaigne, altho' a thousand considerable Inventions have been found out since his Reign, and very many more Works are brought to Perfection, with a much less expense both of Money and Time. I was surprised to see Meat dressed in many Places, as Tacitus makes it to be done by those Germans, whom he knew only to be Barbarians: It is true indeed, that in others particularly within your Territories (my Lord) this ancient manner has been long since laid aside, and no other is followed but that which is wholesome, neat and magnificent. As for the Art of Physic, I have a somewhat greater knowledge of it, and have observed that almost every where they make use of a great quantity of Drugs, and of that Method of Practice which prevailed two thousand years ago, as if we were Socrates' or Epaminondas', without making any Reflection, that the diversity of Climates, Aliments and Customs, which altar the Bodies of Men and their Constitutions; produce new Symptoms and Circumstances in Diseases; and require new Remedies; or at least a different Application of the old ones. There was scarce a Woman that did not censure me, for not prescribing a Dose of Hellebore according to Hippocrates' Form. Therefore without alleging any other Reason, altho' I might have done it; I replied, that People were in this Age much more senseless and silly than heretofore, and that upon that account quite different Remedies were to be applied.  
The Argumentation which might be made upon these Customs would be without doubt very tedious at least too prolix for your Approbation (my Lord) and for my own Inclination; so that I shall confine my Discourse to those Matters that have the nearest relation to both; and to those that have not been as yet so copiously treated of as Pieces of Morality; on which Subject I meet with Books almost every where, as I am travelling.  

BASIL.  
Is the first City that presents itself to my Mind, perhaps because 'twas the first that I saw among those, of which I have some account to give to your most Serene Highness: It's Political Government, Strength, Alliances and State of Religion, are well known to all Europe, and to your Highness more than any other Person, and so much the rather, in regard that you are Master of some Territories which are distant only a quarter of an hours Journey from thence; as also that you always honour this Republic with your Friendship, and often with your Presence. I might perhaps have taken there some singular Observations which would have afforded some Satisfaction to your Highness. Some of my Friends, who are almost always to be supposed Men of Learning, and ever of good Reputation, conducted me within two Leagues of the City; here you may be pleased to take notice by the way, that my Leagues are equivalent only to the Germane half Leagues, commonly called Hours, by reason of the time that a Man may spend in passing it on foot with his ordinary Pace. There we viewed the Ruins of that ancient City, which gave to Basil the Title of Augusta Rauracorum, the name of the Village that remains having very much relation thereto; For   

AUGST,  
Undoubtedly derives its Etymology from Augusta. The adjacent Country is altogether full of these old Ruins; so that we took much delight in going on foot about the distance of half an hours Journey from the principal Castle, where we perceived in a Forest an Opening, which discovered to us a vaulted Canal, with some considerable remnant of Architecture. It is reported that it served as an Aqueduct; for the Place which is situated on very high Ground seems to demonstrate it; but others affirm that 'twas a secret Passage for Forces in case of Necessity; for 'twas as it were the Lodgement of the Germans, who Marching from the Black Forest, called Sylva Hercynia in the ancient Maps, endeavoured to pass the Rhine there, to make their Incursions against the Romans. The principal Castle, which is now known to the Inhabitants of the Country by the name of Das Scolves, might also have been a part of the Town, and was one of those three with which the Passage of the Rhine was fortified, which being lower in those Parts than elsewhere, may be so much the more easily traversed. Ariovistus escaped thither after having been defeated by Caesar, and some time after, Drusus caused to be built in the Neighbourhood the Burgh of Guards, which still even at this day bears the name of Bartemburg. The Salt-Tower which remains at Basil near the Bridge is built after the same manner, insomuch that it may well be presumed that those three sorts of Castles, were erected on purpose to discover the Enemies with greater facility, and vigorously to oppose their Passage, on whatever side they should attempt it. However, the Place deserves all the pains that we took in the viewing of it; and it appears by the name of Augusta, that the Romans were settled there, as in a Canton convenient for making head against the Germans; as also that they built this Fort of which appear such stately Ruins: Nay 'tis very probable that they founded a great City there, as well in regard that this name of Augusta was attributed by 'em only to Capital Cities, as Augusta Trinobantum, Augusta Trevirorum, Augusta Vindelicorum, as by reason of the vast number of Stones and other Materials which are found in the neighbouring Fields, none of 'em being to be seen in those that are supposed to have been situated without the compass of the Walls. The Ditches and Walls are in many Places such as they were a thousand Years ago, and the manner of cementing the Stones is altogether inimitable, at least according to the Judgement of the most skilful Masons of the present Age, who acknowledge that they know nothing of the matter, and that they are not able to comprehend it. But that which chief excited our Curiosity was, that the last Towers, of which we reckoned up nine within the whole Circumference are all flanked on the inside, contrary to the Rules of modern Architecture, which is infinitely more regular than the ancient: 'Tis true indeed, that this method was more adventageous in the Defence of those Times; for the battering Rams which were the strongest Machine's, were apt to fly in pieces when run against the Concave of a Tower, whereas they might break it down down if it were Convex. One of our Company affirmed, that as in the Amphitheatres, and other Roman Buildings, there were Niches on the inside, in which wild Beasts were usually shut up for the magnificence of their public Shows, or the Punishment of Malefactors, so these perhaps might have had the like use: However, 'tis difficult to make a right Conjecture, although I had an opportunity to confer with those of the Country that seem to be most expert in these matters, and took delight in turning over the Draughts of 'em made by the Ingenious Amerbachius.  
This Learned Man was of opinion that there was a Theatre composed of four Towers, every one of 'em being separated by a Staircase; so that the Spectators might resort thither at all times through these easy Passages, and place themselves conveniently at their leisure. 'Tis probable that the Thought is true, at least it seemed to me to be very fine. Therefore I have caused two Prospects of this Theatre to be engraved according to his Project and Memoires, with three ancient Inscriptions. The two Former were found in his time, and the third is to be seen in the Musaeum of M. Fesch, to whom a Peasant of Augst brought it a little while ago.   engraving of theater 
p. 138. b.  
D.M LAS ERIAL TRENE VALERIO XI DIXDUS XXVII VEIURIOS HELIX ET LABERIA SYNTICHE FILIAE FILETIS SIMAE TECERUNT.  
M. JULI.   engraving of theater 
p. 138. a.  
TIOQU ELLO · TLA VIRO · CO ATRON  
I cannot forbear to put your most Serene Highness in mind, how serviceable the curious Searchers of Antiquity have been to the Republic of Learning. Was it not in a deplorable Condition even in the time of Constantine, and has it not languished for about Twelve Hundred Years? Rome itself was full of Barbarians as well as Barbarity. What Judgement could be made of the State of the Provinces, which had no Learning nor Politeness, but what was transmitted to 'em from Rome? Humane Literature, has indeed at last recovered some Vigour since about an Age or two, but 'tis entirely owing to the Industry of curious Inquirers, who have as it were dug up Learning and Truth that lay buried in Oblivion. I could willingly erect a public Monument to the Memory of so many Illustrious Personages, who have employed themselves in this Work to very good purpose, were it not that I remember that I am writing a Letter and not a Panegyric. Give me leave nevertheless (my Lord) to set a part three out of this Honourable Company, whose Merit was extraordinary; since this Encomium is due to their Labours, Travels, Expenses, and to the design they had of doing Service to the Commonwealth. All these three Heroes were furnished with very large Libraries, rare Manuscripts, and most curious ancient Medals. It may be justly avouched that Augerius Busbequius that Noble Ambassador, whose two admirable Relations of his Embassies are as yet extant, has enriched the World, and particularly the August House of Austria whom he served, with an infinite number of Manuscripts and Medals, that were in danger of being utterly lost, without his Assistance. Monsieur de Peiresc, Counsellor to the Parliament of Ais, was much honoured by all the Learned Men of the Age in which he lived; but Posterity ought to have a greater Veneration for his Memory, although 'twere only upon account of that excellent Treasure of Medals, which he heaped up: I have had above a Thousand Grecian Coins that were taken from thence; this very Word (my Lord) is precious, and though it be a kind of Riddle to the most part of Mankind, yet 'tis not so to your Highness. This same Monsieur de Peiresc was the only Person of his time, that could read the Greek upon the Medals, and was capable of explaining it. Amerbachius, for whose sake I have made this Digression, is the third Hero: I have read many of his Letters all full of Learning and Elegancy; He held Correspondence with the most part of Men of his Temper, who then flourished, that is to say, with the Learned, and the ingenious Lovers of Curiosity; but he maintained a very strict one with Occo, that illustrious Antiquary and Physician of Augsburg. This very Name alone deserves Commendation; and if future Ages should forget Amerbachius, the University of Basil which still possesses his Library and Repository, would have sufficient proofs to convict 'em of Ingratitude. But to return to the Discovery which he has made of this Theatre of Augst; without his Description, it could not now be known what it is, at least it would be very difficult to make a Conjecture. Therefore to illustrate the Idea of it, I have taken care for the Engraving of certain Combats with Beasts, after the same manner as they were ordered among the Ancients, and as they are represented to us in their Medals.  
 silver ring  
 crescent silver jewel  
 silver ring  
 ornamental foot of a Tripod  
 Cupid with torch  
 clasp or buckle  
 clasp or buckle  
 clasp or buckle  
p. 142  
Perhaps I might give occasion to Your most Serene Highness to smile at the Simplicity of some Peasants, who seeing us in the Field at Noon-tide with Fire and Candle, took us for Sorcerers; for they are more inclined in that Country to those sorts of Notions than elsewhere, and that which absolutely confirmed 'em in their persuasion, was the sight of one of our Companions, as he was coming back out of a kind of Hole, through which it seemed impossible for any Man to pass. It was the opening of a Cavern, through which that Ingenious Gentleman M. Platerus made no difficulty to get out, with a Lantern in his Hand, after he had taken a view of all those secret Recesses. It may not be improper here to say somewhat to Your Highness concerning this M. Platerus, whom they took for a Devil, or at least for an Enchanter. He is a Professor of Physic, and a Man of extraordinary Parts, and of a most Genteel Carriage, being the Son, Grandson, and as I take it, the Great Grandson Son of a Physician, which answers to what was heretofore called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. The fine Musoeum or Repository of Rarities, which is carefully kept in the possession of his Family, and the Epigram which Theodore Beza wrote in its commendation are sufficient Testimonials of the Learning and Ingenuity, of the Proprietaries: There is neither Plant, Metal, Mineral, Figure, nor any extraordinary Curiosity which is not contained in this rich Treasury. There are also some of those kinds of Rarities, for which the Roman Catholics have a greater Veneration than those of the Reformed Religion, and among others a precious Relic of our Blessed Saviour's Crown of Thorns. There are also divers Medals, but let us not leave Augst without acquainting Your Highness that some of 'em are often met with in tilling the ground. I have heard as much of many Persons, and have even seen some of 'em of all sorts of Metals. I went myself to the Cottages of divers honest Countrymen thereabouts, who showed me some that they had found a few days ago, and among others I procured one of Delmatius, the Nephew of Constantine, with the Labarum or Imperial Standard, and the mark of JESUS CHRIST. I can assure you, that in the payment which I made 'em, they twice looked earnestly upon my Money; nay these ignorant People were so simple as to fear, lest sometime after, it should turn into Oak leaves.  
But at Basil they were much otherwise undeceived, and in that City I have seen many Persons of better sense, without doing any injury to the others. There they delight much in Learning and Integrity; which is a Union that is very seldom to be met with, and which affords me extreme satisfaction. The Oriental Languages have been always most carefully cultivated there, and the Learned Buxtorfius, who is Professor of 'em, perfectly answers the Character which his Father had acquired, of being the most Skilful Master of the Hebrew Tongue in the World. If M. Wetstein were as well versed in Divinity, as in all the other Parts of Human Literature, it might be avouched that he has attained to the highest degree of perfection in that Science; but forasmuch as I have but little knowledge of Divinity, and less of that sort which is there Taught, I shall leave his Commendation to others, who are capable of doing it to better advantage: But I must add that he is the most obliging Person in the World; and that he has a Son who is no less so than himself; whose Youth is adorned with as many Sciences and singular Endowments, as are requisite for an able Divine. The Famous Professor Bauhinus has sufficiently signalised himself by his Works, without standing in need of my assistance, neither will I undertake to compose an Encomiastic in his favour; but only declare him to be one of the most Accomplished and Polite Men in the World, that he has a great affection both for me and my Father, and is beloved by all Persons of Honour. To conclude, this Country is altogether full of such Illustrious Personages, and among others we must not forget M. Battier, who perhaps has attained to the knowledge of as many curious Sciences as ever were known in Switzerland, and has made very good use of the time which he spent at Paris, in conversing with Learned Men, and particularly with Mr. Justel: He has also a Cousin, whose Name is known to Your Highness. Besides that, the Family of the Fesch's is one of the most considerable in the City, give me leave (My Lord) to tell you, that 'tis also one of the most Numerous, as it will appear from this single Example. Rodolph Fesch Burgomaster, and the Son of a Burgomaster; after sixty years of marriage with Ann Gebveiler, saw one hundred sixty and five Children, begotten by himself, his Children, and grandchildren: One of these is named Sebastian, and has in his possession one of the finest Repositories in Germany. His House is a Palace, and Your most Serene Highness is very sensible, that these Republicans are not only content but well pleased with their manner of living; neither could I have ever imagined that they were endued with so much Politeness. But let us leave the Outworks and enter the Repository itself, where nothing is wanting; for there are Paintings, Sculptures, Books, and other Curiosities of all sorts: As for the Medals (My Lord) since Your Highness does not refuse to honour me so far as to give credit to my Assertions without an Oath, I hope you'll take my word in this particular. There are some so singular, that they are surprising; neither have they any relation to the Memoires which I have of other Repositories, or to the Descriptions of Authors, or to those that I have seen elsewhere. The Possessor of 'em bears not only the same sincere affection toward me, as all other Honourable Persons of my Acquaintance, but also shows that sweetness of Conversation which the Grecians call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which is not conformable to what is commonly reported concerning the Swissers, who are reputed to be a dull and rustical sort of People: I have sometimes conversed with, and have held correspondence with 'em in different Countries, and never perceived any such quality inherent in 'em: I have observed 'em generally speaking, to be Industrious, Faithful, Accurate, Sincere, Candid, and for the most part very Learned; nay I have been surprised to meet with some, who have attained to the highest degree of Politeness. I shall not insist upon their Religion nor Civil Government. These People (as they say) are well versed in matters relating to the former, and I am throughly persuaded that they are perfectly well skilled in the other. I shall only beg leave of your Most Serene Highness to add a word or two, concerning the extreme kindness that M. Fesch showed me, and in which (My Lord) you have a greater Interest than perhaps you are ware of: He permitted me to take a Draught with a Pen of all those Rare Medals that I have already mentioned to Your Highness: This was to procure me a small Treasure without diminishing his own, and to lay an everlasting obligation upon me, by so great a favour.  
Again (My Lord) the Curiosities to be seen in the City of Basil are extended yet farther; for I am unwilling to let slip an opportunity of entertaining Your Highness with the Description of another Repository, which is very much talked of, upon account of its Famous Founders, Erasmus and Amerbachius, whose Memory is highly honoured in that Country, which acknowledges them as the Restorers of good Literature. The first of these is Painted half way, by Holbein, and upon that Picture this very Ingenious Epigram was Composed: 
Ingens ingentem quem personat Orbis Erasmum,  
Hic tibi dimidium picta Tabella refert.  
At cur non totum? mirari desine Lector,  
Integra nam totum Terra nec ipsa capit.   
This Repository belongs to the University of Basil, by virtue of a Donation, made by the Magistrates of the City, who had purchased it with the sum of a thousand Crowns, of the Heirs of Amerbachius, the Legatee of Erasmus, whose last Will and Testament is as yet preserved, written with his own Hand. There is also in the great Church a Sumptuous piece of Marble, wrought according to the Rules of Architecture, which confirms this Account by its Inscription. The Medal of Erasmus, to be seen there, seems to have taken its Type from the God Terminus, who is represented on the front of that Inscription, which was made on purpose to honour the Memory of this Great Man.  
That, which alone would be sufficient to procure the highest esteem for this Repository, is a score of Holbein's Originals, and among others that Picture of Christ Crucifi'd, for which a thousand Ducats have been proffered. Those that are ignorant of the admirable Skill of this Painter, need only take a journey to Basil to be well assured of it. There the Citizens would show 'em in the Town-House a large Painting drawn by his Hand, or rather eight several Paintings of one Piece, which represent so many different Acts of the Passion. 'Tis in my mind, one of the finest Pieces in the World: And I do not admire that the Deceased Elector of Bavaria thought fit to offer to the City a quantity of Salt, amounting to the value of twenty thousand Crowns, for so choice a Rarity.  
Give me leave (My Lord) to acquaint you with somewhat concerning this Holbein: He was a Gallant Man, but so extremely necessitous, that sometimes he had not wherewith to pay for his Dinner. In another Painting of the same Repository, are drawn the Portraitures of his Wife and Children, whose Apparel argues that they were very little better supplied with Necessaries. In a word, this Painting is a Treasure in Rags. All Travellers usually stop with delight at the corner of a narrow street in Basil, where is to be seen a House, Painted on the outside from the top to the bottom by Holbein's incomparable Hand: Indeed even great Princes might take it as an Honour to have so Curious a piece of Workmanship in their possession; nevertheless 'twas only the payment which this poor Painter made for some Meals, which he had there taken: for it was a Victualing-House; the situation of which as well as its meanness sufficiently shows that 'twas none of the most noted. Our Holbein was at last delivered out of this miserable condition, by the Generosity of an Earl of Arundel, from whom was descended that Illustrious English Nobleman, whom Curiosity has as it were rendered immortal, as well as the vast number of ancient Inscriptions and Marbles, as yet to be seen in the Theatre at Oxford, which he had sent for from the Levant and which were so Learnedly and fortunately explained by Mr. Selden. This Book, by the way, is very scarce, but if it be not in Your Highness' Library, you need not be concerned, for 'tis about to be Reprinted, and I have been told that the new Edition will be much finer and larger than the former. This Earl of Arundel, as he was returning (if I mistake not) from an Embassy to Vienna, brought over along with him Holbein and his whole Family, and advanced his Fortune so far, that Holbein himself cried out; Is it possible, that ever I should have been so indigent as to be forced to Paint to get a sorry livelihood? These are the effects of the discerning Judgement and generous Disposition of a Noble Lord, without whose Favour perhaps Holbein might have spent his whole life in misery, and always lain hid in Obscurity. Others affirm that he did not pass into England till a long while after, with a Design to get some Preferment; that he at first presented himself to Sir Thomas More with the Commendatory Letters of Erasmus, and that he was entertained by him with all possible demonstrations of Kindness. I have seen in the Emperor's Repository, the Portraiture which he then made of this Famous Minister of State. 'Tis reported, that not being able to call to mind the Name of the Ambassador, who had promised him his Protection, he hastily made a Draught according to the Idea which he had of his Lineaments, and luckily hit upon the whole Air of his Countenance; so that Sir Thomas immediately knew the Earl of Arundel; thus he found at his finger's ends, that which had escaped his Memory. Afterwards these two Illustrious Patrons made known his Merit to the World, more especially at Court, insomuch that King Henry VIII. Honoured him with his Esteem and Friendship, and expressed himself in the most obliging Terms in his Favour to a certain Earl, who had made a complaint of him: I can at my pleasure (said the King) Create six Earls in in an Hour, but I cannot make one Holbein. I could insist on many other particular circumstances, but I shall only mention one here, which will oblige us to resume the Discourse concerning Erasmus.  
When Holbein saw his Book, that bears the Title of Encomium Moriae, or a Panegyric upon Folly, Printed by Frobenius, in Quarto A. D. 1514. He drew in the Margin certain small Figures, which are all hatched with a Pen and make eighty three Pictures; they serve as it were for so many Illustrations of the Text, and are so curiously designed, that Holbein's Energy might be discovered, even by this single piece of Work. Upon the Margin of the Title of this Book he wrote these words: Hanc MORIAM pictam decem diebus ut oblectaretur in eâ Erasmus, habuit. This Moria was Painted in ten days, to the end that Erasmus might be delighted with it. Erasmus had a great affection for Holbein, neither could he forbear putting himself in a good humour, at the sight of his Book, which he found so well embellished, and to add very pleasant Devices to some of these small Draughts. I took particular notice of three, which perhaps may afford some Diversion to Your most Serene Highness.  
In pag. 53. The Text has it, Ne videar Erasmi mei Commentaria suppilâsse. Lest I should seem to play the Plagiary with the Works of my Erasmus. Holbein places in the Margin Erasmus sitting and writing in a Book upon a Desk, after the same manner as he was wont to paint him, and even as he was represented by Albert Durer. Erasmus seeing himself drawn, in somewhat too good case, wrote upon the Book, which was adorned with the Figures ADAGIA ERAS: and underneath, Quum ad hunc locum perveniebat Erasmus, se pictum sic videns exclamavit Oh, Oh, si Erasmus talis esset, duceret profecto Vxorem. When Erasmus came to this Place, and saw himself Painted after such a manner, he cried out, Heigh ho! if Erasmus were so lusty a Fellow, he would certainly marry a Wife.  
In pag. 54. on the right side of these words; Sed multò candidius pinguis ille ac nitidus Epicuri de grege porcus: But that fat and slick Swine of Epicurus 's Herd would appear much more beautiful. Holbein Painted a jolly young Gallant, sitting at a well furnished Table; drinking a Bottle of Wine, which he held in his left hand; and with his right embracing a Lady of Pleasure, that sat by his side. But Erasmus wrote underneath, HOLBEIN, imagining, that his meaning would be very well understood, even by this single word.  
In the following Page, over against these words, Scoti Anima, Scotus 's Soul; the same Painter drew an Infant, shaved after the Monastic fashion, to represent the Soul of that Famous Author of Scholastic Divinity, with the marks of his Order, which I cannot describe more decently. Erasmus pleasantly subjoined, Scoti anima cacat stulta Logicalia: Scotus 's Soul cacks Logical Toys.  
But this Repository contains many other things, that is to say, all the Curiosities that were gathered together by Erasmus and Amerbachius; among these the Seal, Library and the greater part of the Movables of the former, are preserved with the highest esteem: There are also some Manuscripts of Amerbachius, which are no less precious, and there I observed those Curious Draughts of the City of Augst, that were delineated by him, and of which I have already made mention; besides four considerable Sets of ancient Medals, viz. Greek, Consular, Imperial of Silver, and Imperial of Copper; neither do I remember to have elsewhere seen the Golden Medal of the Empress Plotina. Although Erasmus apparently was not in a condition in the beginning of his Life to lay out so great expenses, nevertheless the liberality of Princes, by whom he was very much esteemed, enabled him to do it: For he received from 'em many Presents, which he celebrates in his Epistles; and 'tis even reported that if the Pope's untimely Death had not happened, he would have been advanced to the highest dignities in the Church.  
However, this is not the first time that he has been decried by all Parties: Those of the Reformed Religion are also sensible that he did not approve their Innovations, and that he was desirous of Reformation, of a different nature from theirs. The Lutherans could never forgive him for writing in his Books: Poteram in Lutherana factione esse Coryphaeus, malui totius Germaniae in me odia concitare, quam à Sacrosanctae Ecclesiae consortio discedere. I might have been the Head of the Lutheran Party, but I chose rather to incur the hatred of all Germany, than to departed from the Communion of the most Holy Church. The Monks of his time, who were for the most part Ignorant and given to Debauchery, treated him as a Libertine and impious Wretch, altho' it appears in his Letters, that he never undertook a Journey without hearing Mass, and even approaching the Altar: Nevertheless it may well be affirmed, that among all Parties he has met with some Persons that have a great respect for him, and acknowledge that his Renown will be immortal. Indeed his Memory is almost every where honoured, and the House where he died is still to be seen at Basil. But I have no mind to fill this Letter altogether with an Account of the Life of Erasmus.  
I have somewhat to communicate to Your most Serene Highness, concerning the Public Library, in which are contained a vast number of Manuscripts, besides Printed Books, and it may not be improper here to mention some of 'em that occur to my Memory: The Greek Edition of Thucydides, in Quarto, published by Camerarius. The Gospels in Greek, with square Letters, Accents, Spirits, Points, and at the bottom of the Pages the Concordance, with the other Gospels. The Acts of the Apostles, which are kept at Oxford, are almost of the same Character, but have no Points nor Accents. The Manuscript of the Epistles of St. Paul, which is preserved at Paris in the Abbey of St.  des Prez, is conformable to that of Basil, both with respect to the Accents and Spirits, which are there to be seen, as also in regard of the disposition of the Characters, where the Alpha has this same figure α, the Epsylon this ε; nevertheless there is no separation between the Words as in the Manuscript of Basil, which is apparently above a thousand years old. There is likewise preserved with the highest esteem a Parchment Manuscript, in Quarto, containing certain Reasons, which Calecas prepared for the Grecian Bishops, who were to be present at Basil; in that General Council, which Pope Eugenius transferred to Florence, upon particular Considerations. Besides these, there is to be seen the Code of the Canons of all the Councils, and of the Fathers, with Photius' Nomocanon, and the double Commentary of Zonaras and Theodorus Balsamon, much larger than in the Paris Edition; for there are also comprised many Responses and considerable Pieces of the Patriarches and Bishops, which are not to be found elsewhere. All these will be published in a short time in the Edition, which is now preparing at Oxford. The Works of St. Gregory Nazianzen, writ in red Characters, and the Commentaries of Elias Cretensis, in black, which were never as yet Printed but in Latin. This Greek Manuscript is extremely neat, and its Chapters are enriched with very fine Miniatures, in which St. Gregory is often represented in the Pulpit, Preaching and seeming to Dispute against the Heretics, which are placed below on his left Hand, as the Orthodox are on his right; more especially in his Sermon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. I likewise saw an Alcoran, very fairly writ on a kind of Oriental Paper, which we know only by Curiosity, and an admirable Manuscript Virgil: Lastly there are four Presses full of Manuscripts, the Description of which would rather require a large Volume than a single Letter. I shall only add to 'em a Curious Book, Printed in Folio, a Joh. Fust, Cive Moguntino, per Petrum de Gernsheim, Anno 1459. It is the Officiale Durandi, which may serve to decide the Controversy between the Nations that lay claim to the Invention of PRINTING. At Oxford are to be seen the OFFICES OF CICERO, Printed in 1465. but in regard that it bears date six years after, the Printed Copy of Basil is more valuable.  
It is also requisite here to take notice of a rare piece of Painting, which is to be seen in the Preachers Cloister, in which is represented that curious Dance of Death, where Persons of all sorts of Conditions may find the true Character of Humane Frailty. Emperors, Kings, Princes, Clergymen and the Rich, may there see themselves lying under an unavoidable necessity of dying, as well as the Poor, and those whom we commonly call the most miserable. It is one of the most mortifying Spectacles that I know of in Christendom, and tho' it be adorned with all the Embellishments of Painting, I could never look upon it, without making very pathetical Reflections upon our Mortality. It is exposed to public view, and to make it (as it seems) yet more public, the whole Design was engraved on Copper-prints in the preceding Age, by a very able Master: And indeed this little Book is not unworthy of a Place in a fine Library.  
If I were obliged to stay till I had taken a full view of all the Rarities in this City, I should never leave it; yet there is one notable Circumstance, of which I cannot but take some notice: In the Arsenal are to be seen the Spoils of Charles Duke of Burgundy, I mean that great Prince (My Lord) whose memorable Exploits fill up the whole History of that Age; but the Swissers made it appear that he was not invincible, and that 'tis very dangerous at the same time to make an attempt upon Justice and Liberty; of which Truth Morat and Nancy will be everlasting Proofs.  
In the Neighbourhood of Basil one may observe a thousand Remarkable Things that depend on the Situation and Nature of the Place: The natural Landscape of the Country thereabouts is a most delightful object, and even the Prospect of Basil along the River, which runs through the two Towns is admirable. Is not that part of the Rhine, where the Salmon go up again from the Sea to propagate their kind, in like manner very considerable? The Season of their arrival is precisely known, as also the time of their abode and that of their departure: The Fishermen are ready to take an advantage from this opportunity and are never deceived. The Golden Sands which are found in some parts of the adjacent Country, sufficiently show that there are some Mines of Gold, and I could wish that they were already discovered by such Persons as deserve to be fortunate.  
At my return from Basil I saw   

BRISACH,  
One of the Strongest Holds in the World; none can be ignorant of the Conquest of those Parts, made by Bernard Duke of Weimar, who delivered up the Town to the French, which was also granted to 'em in the Treaty of Munster. I saw the little Village where he died, between Basil and Brisach.  
This would be a proper place to make mention of Strasburg, but I shall refer the matter to another opportunity; since this Famous City deserves a more particular Description.  
In passing down the Rhine we come to   

PHILIPSBURG:  
Philippopolis and Vdenheim are the Names by which 'tis known in the Latin and Germane Writings. It has been noted for its Sieges during the last Wars of Germany, but now, thanks be to God, all those commotions are allayed. The General Treaty of Peace has left this Place to its old Master the Bishop of Spier, under the Garrison of the King of France, that is to say, the Town belongs to that Prelate, and the Fort to his Most Christian Majesty; or rather the Bishop is the Lord of it and the King the Master.  
About four hours' Journey from thence to the right stands   

HEIDELBERG.  
This City, notwithstanding its meanness, is beautified with all manner of Ornaments: The Necker which washes its Walls, supplies it with very wholesome Water, abundance of Fish, and the most pleasant Walks in the World: But that which renders it most delectable, and enhances its Reputation, is the generous Wine that bears its Name, and which is drunk in all the parts of Europe, where there are any noble Entertainments.  
The University was heretofore one of the most Famous in Christendom, and still retains its whole Merit, but is somewhat depopulated through the malignity of the Times. For that Country has been oppressed with War above 30 years and stood in need for its restauration of a Government as prudent and as exact as that of a Prince, who now constitutes the sole happiness of his Subjects. The differences between him and the Duke of Lorraine have for a while interrupted his Design of restoring this Place to its ancient splendour, but 'tis probable that Heaven will prosper his Undertake and good Intentions. The Alliance which is at present negotiating between his Noble Stock and the Royal Family of France, is a sufficient Testimony of the Esteem that he has gained in that Court. England, Sweden and Denmark maintain a very considerable Correspondence with him, and even a greater than with the other Princes of the Empire. The Marriage of the Electoral Prince with the Princess of Denmark, is an Illustrious proof of what I have just now declared; but his Highness' presence is capable of affording more Noble Ideas: Indeed every thing that is sublime serves only to consummate his Character; that is to say, Magnificence, Generosity, Magnanimity, Solidity of Judgement, and that profound Wisdom, which appears in all the particulars of his Conduct. As for the Electoral Prince His Son, none of these excellent Endowments are wanting in him, which promise to represent to us one day in His Person all those rare Qualities, which we so much admire in that of the Elector His Father.  
Perhaps I might have left Heidelberg without making any mention to Your Highness of the Great-Tun, if the ingenious M. Polier had not admonished me that it ought not to be forgot. I confess that Advice seems to tend somewhat to debauchery; yet it proceeds from a very sober Person, whose moderation is every where well known; but he is sensible that Prodigies deserve to have a place among Curiosities. This huge Tun (My Lord) is as Famous as the Rhodian Colossus was heretofore, which had no greater a quantity of Water between its Legs, than this contains of Wine within its Cavity. I am apt to believe, that the product of a whole Vintage might be stowed in it; and its compass and thickness is so great, that 'tis requisite to undertake a Journey to View it all over: For it is twenty one Foot high, thirty one long; and sufficiently capacious to hold two hundred and twenty ordinary Tuns of Wine. Thus this prodigious Vessel bears its own Ocean, and such a one as has its ebbing and flowing Tides; 'tis also very dangerous to sail upon it; and a Navigator is no sooner come near it, but he immediately loses his Compass; Storms frequently arise there without any boisterous Winds or foul Wether, and the Understanding suffers Shipwreck even in the very Harbour: In a word, this is that Pacifick Sea which involves the whole World in a Hurricane, without disturbing its own Tranquillity.  
In following the course of the Necker one may arrive at MANHEIM: It would be difficult for me to forget its Situation, for besides that I have often taken particular notice of it, 'tis also represented upon that Medal with which his Electoral Highness Palatine has thought fit to honour me; where it appears that this Fort serves as a Defence to the Rhine and Necker, both which Rivers are covered and secured by it. At my return, I saw the residue of that Magnificent Entertainment, which the People had prepared for the Solemn Entrance of the Electoral Princess. This small Territory is very happy upon account of its Plenty, but more especially in regard of the Prince's Indulgence, who has eased the Inhatants by taking off the ordinary Taxes and Impositions.  
I must now beg leave of Your most Serene Highness to be admitted into Your Palace to discover to you certain Pieces of Antiquity, which appear after such a manner, as is not unknown to me: They are those two ancient Columns which Your Highness has caused to be transported into Your Garden. Indeed they have suffered much detriment by the injury of Time, as all other things of the same Antiquity; yet the Characters are sufficiently conspicuous to be perceived by a discerning Eye, and I have taken from thence the following Explication.  
It is certain that these Columns were carved in the time of the Emperor Alexander Severus, who was slain near Mentz, by the order of Maximinus. I read this Inscription upon one of 'em which is almost conformable in every thing to the other: IMPERATORI CAESARI, DIVI SEVERI PIINE POTI, DIVI ANTONINI MAGNI PII FILIO, MARCO AURELIO SEVERO ALEXANDRO, PIO, FELICI, AUGUSTO, PONTIFICI MAXIMO, TRIBUNICIAE POTESTATIS, CONSULI, PATRI PATRIAE. GA. AO. AB. AO. L. FOUR We have many other ancient Inscriptions that relate to these, and which precisely determine the time. The fourth Roman Legion that possessed the Country caused 'em to be erected, and the Characters of the last Line but one, might be the first Letters of the Names of the principal Officers of that Legion, which remain in obscurity. It is probable that they were made to adorn their Tombs.   Remus and Romulus suckled by the she-wolf on top of a column 
p. 176.  
IMP CAES D●●● S●VERIPIINEPOTI 〈◊〉 ANTONINI MAGP●… MAV●EL SEVERO AL●… PI●●ELICI AUG PONTI●●● MAXIMO TRIBUNAL POTESIATIS COSPAT●●●  
GA' AO AB A●  
L IIII   

DURLACH,  
As it appears to me by the Abbreviation, which is so peculiar to their manner of speaking, and by the Character T. which by them is almost always turned into D. There is also another circumstance to be observed; viz. that this Tower commonly is called Ho●e Graetzinguen, by reason of a Village at the foot of the Hill, which retains its ancient name of Graetzinguen, from the Grecians, who served the Emperor Severus in that Country. This is confirmed by the Inscription of the abovementioned Columns, which were made at that time, and even by the Testimony of Lampridius. This Emperor (says he) at his return from the Levant, caused divers Arabians, Parthians and others to be transported into the Western Countries, for the service of the War, which he designed to undertake in Germany. It is probable that there were also some Grecians among 'em, who settled in those Parts as it were a kind of Colony. These Forces (according to the report of the same Historian) passed into the Army of Maximinus, who caused himself to be proclaimed Emperor, after the Assassination of Alexander Severus. Now the Time, Place and Name as yet remaining, (as I take it) sufficiently explain these Monuments. The Figure somewhat defaced, on the top of the Column, contributes very much to the illustrating of our Explication; whether there were some other Figure of a considerable Officer, with whom might be joined that She-Wolf and those Children hanging upon her Teats, as the Symbol of his Country; or whether it were simply a mark of the Original of the Romans. It is well known after what manner Ambition inspired those Famous People, who had as great a Veneration for the Image of their Wolf, as the other Nations had for their Deities; and therefore they interpreted the Mystery of it by a Miracle, which was wrought for the preservation of the Founders of their State.  
It is now (My Lord) time for me to return to my Subject, for I am sensible that remote Reflections are not delightful to Your Highness: But I cannot leave Durlach without making some mention to You of the Learned M. Keck. There are few excellent Endowments that may not be justly attributed to him, but his profound Learning is most transcendantly conspicuous: For he has attained to a perfect knowledge of Politics, Antiquity and History, has penetrated into the most abstruse Notions, relating to the different Interests of Princes and the Law of Nations, is well versed in all the liberal Sciences, and speaks ten or twelve several Languages. Your most Serene Highness knows that I am not accustomed to intermeddle in Matters of Religion, but I am very sensible that M. Keck has made a most exact search into the nicest Points, relating to the Controversies of Christians and the various Sects of Infidels. These are Qualities very rarely to be met with, yet such as are necessary for the Precedent of Your Highness' Ecclesiastical Council. If I should declare to the World that he is an excellent Poet, I should affirm nothing but the truth: In short, he is an admirable Personage, and were it not that I call to mind that he is one of my best Friends, I should add much more in his commendation.  
I also saw near the Rhine that Pillar, which the King of Sweden erected as a Monument of his Victories: And at   

HAECHST,  
Which is Situated on the right side upon the Main, the deplorable Remains of the War. This so beautiful a Town with its Stately Castle, is now nothing but a kind of Village, which is maintained only for the convenience of the Road that lies between Mentz and Francfort; so that it may well be said of it; Nunc seges ubi Troja fuit.   

MENTZ  
Is a quite different sort of a Place, and the Residence of the Elector contributes not a little to its Reputation: Besides that 'tis large, Magnificent and very Populous; 'tis also considerable upon account of some Footsteps of Antiquity which are there to be seen.  
Within the compass of the Citadel, which has been lately built, there is a rising Ground, supposed to have been the Tomb of Drusus: This Noble Roman had put the Germans so hard to it, that his name became detestable even to a Proverb, Das dich der Drus hole; nevertheless we read in Suetonius that his Funeral obsequies were solemnised in the Campus Martius, and that his dead Body was carried even to Rome, upon the Shoulders of the most eminent Inhabitants of the Places through which it was conveyed. However, we may get some farther light without departing from the Text of this Historian; in which 'tis observed that the Legions paid the highest Honours to the Memory of that great General; that they abhorred even the very Camp where he died, leaving it the infamous name of Scelerata Castra; that they consecrated to him the representation of a Tomb, and certain Festivals, which were to be celebrated every year in the same Place, with combats of Gladiators and Horse-races; and that they engaged the ancient Gauls to compose certain Annual Prayers upon that solemn occasion. Hence it may be easily concluded that this piece of Antiquity, which has acquired so much reputation, is only that Honorarius Tumulus or Honorary Tomb of which Suetonius makes mention.  
I had also the satisfaction (My Lord) to converse there with a Person in whom I saw so many rare Qualities, that I soon perceived that the public Fame, which had talked so much of him, had not given me a full narrative of all his Accomplishments. His extraordinary Merit and solid Virtue, which have been equally conspicuous, both in Prosperity and Adversity, are not the only Ornaments of his Life and Conversation. The World has been sufficiently informed of the share he has in the management of the principal Affairs of the Empire, and how much his Counsels are esteemed in the Imperial Court. But 'tis requisite to take a nearer View of him to observe the singular Endowments of his Mind, which render him most amiable, for a great deal of Generosity and Courtesy, and every thing that can be imagined to be honourable appears in his Conduct and Deportment. It would not be necessary to declare that I mean the Baron of Boineburg, since this Character is no less peculiar to him than his very Name. His two Daughters have passed into the Noble Families of the Electors of Mentz and Triers, and there is nothing so Great, but what may be expected from his Son.  
In travelling farther, the Countries afford a most delightful Prospect, and the Towns upon the Rhine are admirable, as Coblentz, Colen, Andernach, Nuys, Wesel, Reez, Emmerick, etc. which perhaps I remember more particularly, because I had a sight of divers curious pieces of Antiquity in those Places, and have even had the good Fortune to recover some of 'em. Your Most Serene Highness will be surprised to hear, that the People of all conditions have their Repositories of Rarities: viz. Princes, Noblemen, Divines, Lawyers, Physicians, Historians, Students, Merchants, and even Artificers. I have in my possession divers Copies of admirable Designs, which I had caused to be taken in those Parts from very Curious Medals, which may afford Your Highness some Diversion at a convenient Opportunity.  
But I must by no means forget that Famous Vineyard, which produces those most delicious Wines, which are so highly esteemed by Foreigners; neither is it without Reason that   

BACCARACH  
Is reputed the principal Town of that Territory, since the High-Dutch Word being mollified, clearly imports Bacchi Ara, i. e. Bacchus' Altar; and indeed, there are now extant not Altars more Remarkable, which are dedicated to any ancient Deity. The Revenue of the Country consists chief in these Wines; 'tis also a very considerable Revenue, which constitutes the most liquid staple of the Palatinate. This is that blessed spot of Ground, which God preserves as it were the Apple of his Eye; at least, (My Lord) I only make use of the Expression of one of their most Famous Preachers. This small Province luckily appertains to the Jurisdiction of the Elector Palatine, who, altho' he be one of the most temperate Princes in Europe, causes a high value to be set upon these Noble Wines: His Disposition is also so Generous and so Magnificent, that 'tis in every particular conformable to that of the other Princes, who delight in Feasting and sumptuous Entertainments.  
Some few Leagues from thence the Moselle empties itself into the Rhine, accompanied with those excellent Vines that grow along its Banks, and distributes its Streams to the Northern Countries, where these sorts of Wines serve to furnish the best Tables: Indeed they are not so strong as the Rhenish Wines, but they surpass 'em in the deliciousness of their Taste. I presume to discourse to You (My Lord) about Matters in which You cannot but be much better Skilled than myself; for altho' Your Highness makes only a very good use of the best Wines, yet I have very often observed You to take delight in hearing a true Estimate and Judgement made of 'em by others. If this may pass for a Repetition, 'tis so much the more tolerable, because 'tis a very short one.  
I should have taken greater Delight in the course of this Journey, if I had not found Holland making great Preparations for War; for Arms were there taken up on all sides, upon the apprehension of a Rupture with France. There were then lodged ten thousand Men in Maestricht, for the Defence of the whole Frontier of that Country, and I was present at a Review of five thousand Horse, that was made at Wesel: Emmerick was likewise in a very good Condition. These two Places, the Garrisons of which consist in Dutch Troops, belong (as Your Highness well knows) to the Elector of Brandenburg. These Commotions deprived me of the Opportunities which I waited for to get a farther light in the knowledge of divers Medals, nevertheless I found means to make some new Discoveries in that Affair, and perhaps another Journey may give me entire satisfaction: But this will not happen till the King shall have given encouragement to the Hollanders, by removing their Fears, or to express myself more clearly, till his Intentions shall be better known. However the Conduct of this great Prince is conformable to the Rules of Equity and Prudence, and the League which he has made with those States is founded upon so considerable Interests, that one cannot but hope for its continuation, at least I wish with all my heart that it may be effected.   

SCHENKENSCHANS,  
Or as we pronounce it in French, Le Fort de Skens, is Situated on the very Point of that Island, where the Rhine divides its Streams. It is a Place of great importance, and serves as a Bulwark to the whole Country, being defended by its Bastions and Outworks: But that which makes it of difficult Access is the Marsh that lies round about, and across which, 'twas absolutely necessary to raise a Causey leading to the only Gate of the Place. This Fort is the Chief Magazine and strong hold of the Neighbourhood. The Toll which is there very moderate, affords no small profit to the States, but the Customs for the Importation and Exportation of Merchandizes amount to a vast Revenue.  
The lesser of these Branches of the Rhine retains its name, and the other which assumes that of Vahal or the French Rhine, runs to the Foot of   

NIMEGVEN,  
The Capital Town of Guelderland, which is very rich, and altho' its name in the Vulgar Language of the Country, denotes Novelty, nevertheless 'tis certain that the Place is of very great Antiquity. Indeed it sufficiently appears even from its Situation that 'tis the Oppidum Batavorum, of which Tacitus and some other Historians make mention, with respect to the Wars of Civilis and Cerealis. M. Smetius not long since deceased, made this Discovery in a Treatise which he has published upon that Subject. His Son is also a Learned Man, and among all his good Qualities, that of being addicted to Curiosity affects me most. He has in his Repository some of those Pieces of Antiquity that are found in the Country, which are Monuments of many Ages, left by the Romans: For there are to be seen Altars, Urns, Fragments of Sepulchers, Inscriptions, Rings, and every thing that the Magnificence of their Religion had introduced: But the Medals constitute the finest part of this Repository. I have caused Draughts to be made of the most Curious, and I own to my good Fortune the opportunity I had of procuring some of 'em.  
The Castle of Nimeguen is a very stately Pile of Building, but that which renders it most Famous is, that 'twas built by Caesar, and that Tradition has preserved its name even to this very day. The neighbouring Plains heretofore served as the usual Theatre of War to the Romans; so that they who are well versed in History may call to mind, that Civilis was there defeated, and that he could not have avoided falling into the Hands of his Enemies, if he had not provided for his safety in the abovementioned Island, in which the place where he made his escape is still to be observed. However the Liberty of the Country would have been ruined, if the Roman Fleet had appeared timely enough to gain and cover the Passages, where the scattered Forces were posted in order to rally. Debellatum eo die foret, si Romana Classis sequi mâturasset.  
As to what relates to this Liberty, 'tis an Advantage which these People have always entirely preserved; insomuch that the Power of the Romans could never prevail so far, as to force 'em to submit to that Yoke of Servitude, which they had laid upon the other Nations; nay their very Victories were not sufficient to constrain 'em to admit any Conditions, that were never so little derogatory from that Right, which so is natural to 'em. Thus in the Treaties of Peace, we always find their Liberty secured with these honourable Titles of Friends, Allies and Neighbours, and if they were obliged to enter into any Engagements, 'twas never done but under a show of Friendship and Respect. This is the very Expression of Tacitus, mansit honos & antiquae Societatis insigne; and this is that Society mentioned by Titus Livius, which leaves an entire Equality between the Parties; Societas aequalis juris est. Thus they have incessantly secured themselves by the Concessions and Privileges which the Emperors have thought fit to grant 'em from time to time; and the last Attempts that Spain made against this Liberty, served only to establish it with greater Honour and Reputation. It must also be acknowledged that they have set no bad Example to their Neighbours, who do not enjoy such Privileges: The Roman Catholic Religion, which their Civil Government cannot tolerate is there prohibited; yet the Professors are not prosecuted upon that account, and notwithstanding all these precautions, the Exercise of it cannot be altogether restrained.  
Afterward I continued for some days at   

VTRECHT;  
There is nothing wanting to the Beauty of this City, and it may be affirmed that it is the Residence of the Nobility; because a greater number of Noblemen is to be seen there, than in any other part of the Seventeen United Provinces. The Situation of the Town is very delightful, and it stands upon a higher Ground than the rest of the Low Countries; upon which account the Waters are admirable, insomuch that they are often transported to very remote Parts. Here are two notable Canals, one of which still bears the name of the great Drusus; but in both the Magnificence and Wealth of the Inhabitants may be discovered as well by the vast multitude of Barks, with which these Canals are incessantly covered as by that double Row of Houses that stands on each side; one of which serves as a Parapet and Platform to the other. Thus all manner of Commodities are brought up to their very Doors, and that which is esteemed extremely rare in all cold Countries is here very common, and sold at a very cheap rate; neither does it appear that the Oranges, Lemons and other delicious Fruits come from Parts so far distant, by reason of their Freshness and Plenty. Among the Persons of Quality, one M. Christian Vtembogart is more especially conspicious; He is (My Lord) an illustrious Personage for whom I have the highest Veneration; He is endued with much Learning, Generosity, Affability and somewhat more, that is to say, a kind of Courteous Demeanour, which is predominant in his Temper, and wins the Heart of those that converse with him without any Reservation.  
There is also the most ingenious Doctor Kerckringius, who is much more than a very Learned Physician, and has brought the Art of Anatomy to its highest pitch of perfection. In his House I clearly discerned every thing that is transacted in those Obscure Recesses, in which the Foetus is formed; for he has some of all sorts of ages and sizes (if the expression may be tolerated) and one may there observe with the Order and Proportion, the Progress which is daily made from the Ouum or Egg to the complete formation; that is to say, from that minute Matter, which is at first gathered together by the Hand of Nature to the absolute perfection of an organical and animated Body. One cannot sufficiently admire those little Skeletons of Flesh, those almost liquid Bones, and those first Draughts of a Humane Body: They are so many Mysteries unveiled, which leave great light in the Mind, and so many subjects for the finest Reflection's in the World. He caused me to observe three Ventricles in one Heart; and a Stone in another; as also the Vena Cava and Vena Portae with their several Branches separated from the other Parts with exquisite neatness and an unconceivable Curiosity of Work-manship; besides an infinite number of Rarities of the like nature, which may be termed small Originals that copy themselves, or lively Demonstrations, that charm, instruct and persuade the Beholders at the same time: The Possessor of these Treasures by his polite and most obliging Conversation completes the Delight that a curious Inquirer takes in seeing himself amidst so many surprising Objects. But that which this Learned Doctor brought for his part at a Conference which we held concerning Superfoetation, was a kind of Curiosity, that affected me more than all the others: That admirable Treatise which he has published under the Title of SPICILEGIUM ANATOMICUM shall be my Voucher for the truth of every thing I have even now declared, concerning his extraordinary Abilities.  
The Country round about Vtrecht is full of these enchanted Places and delicate Solitudes, where Wisdom has made so great a Progress. There are to be found those happy Retirements that afford a Shelter to satiated Ambition, and where great Heroes surfeited with Glory, and tired with the weight of the Government of the World are wont to resort to enjoy the sweet fruits of Repose and Tranquillity.   copy of an ornament 
D· M· VALENTI BITITRALI VET· EX· N· ALAEI ACHU· M· H· F· C·  
p. 198.   

AMSTERDAM.  
So great Ideas of this City have been every where formed, that whatever can be said of it, is always too little. Your Most Serene Highness well knows that it is the Seat of Opulency and the Rendezvous of Riches: that with respect to its situation; its extent; it's more than stately Buildings; it's Canal which divides it on all sides; and that loftiness, which cannot be expressed and which is its true Character, it shows more Grandeur and Magnificence even than the most beautiful City of Rome; neither do I admire (My Lord) at such an occurrence; since it has extended its Commerce, much farther than the other ever did its Conquests. Again, Amsterdam has discovered two Worlds to enrich itself, whereas Rome was content with the spoils of one. It is a very pompous Spectacle, to behold in its Ports and Canals those numerous Fleets that come to People the Town. Sometimes they are seen there to the number of ten thousand Vessels, that is to say, another Amsterdam upon the Water; or rather a floating Province, of which Amsterdam is the Capital City. To see the Arrival of so vast a multitude of Ships and so prodigious a Resort of People, a man would fancy himself to be present at the General Fair of the Universe. This Imagination (I confess) is somewhat odd; But what can one say of a City, in which there is a Concourse of so many different Nations; where so great Wealth is exposed to view; where is to be seen at once every thing that the Fruitfulness of the Indies has produced in a course of many years; and to speak more clearly, where a view may be taken of the Storehouses of all the rich Harvests of the Levant?  
The Town-House is a Noble Pile of Building; its Architecture being the most magnificent and the most regular in the World. It was erected by Art, within a little space of time, at the expense of thirty millions, and the particular Dimensions and form of it are represented in Prints, which are very much esteemed. Private Persons in this City are very Rich, and there are some who would be judged to be so, even in the opinion of Crassus: I also know one who sent so powerful a supply to the King of Denmark, as was sufficient to rescue him from the violent Attacks of Sweden. Their manner of counting is extraordinary, and somewhat more stately than that of reckoning by Talents in the first Empires; so that to hear 'em talk of dividing Gold by Tuns, would put Your Highness in mind of the Triumvirs who made only three parts of the World. At Amsterdam every one chooses a Creed at his pleasure, and Religion is as free as the State; nay even the Roman Catholic does not offend their Consciences, but because it interferrs with their Civil Government, the public Exercise of that alone is prohibited.  
I had a sight of all their Curiosities and those of all sorts, and among others divers Paintings that we know, and others which are unknown to us; as also Indian and Chinese Pieces of an inestimable value. In these last, a curious Eye may discover all the secret particulars of the History; the manner of living; Customs and Religion of those Countries, and there are represented certain Martyrs, who sacrifice their Blood to the transport of their Zeal, if it may be allowed to make so bad an application of that sacred name, which belongs only to the Heroes of the true Religion. For the Effusion of Blood and even Death itself are only the exterior Decorations of Martyrdom, the proper place of its Sacrifice is the Heart and the Will, where it has Faith for its Object.  
As for the other Curiosities, they are so numerous, that they may even be reckoned by Tuns as well as their Gold. Among others there are four Remarkable Repositories, in which are contained as many Rarities as I ever saw elsewhere. M. de Witzen Recorder of the City, is Master of the first of these, and it seems as if his House were built less for an Habitation, than to delight the Eyes; nothing being to be found in any part of it but Magnificence and Symmetry; neither can it be distinguished whether the Repository serves as an Ornament to the House, or the House to the Repository. For there are choice Collections of Paintings, Books, Images and the finest pieces of Antiquity; insomuch that it may be affirmed, that that which is scarce every where else, is here found abundance. M. Ʋander Hem and M. Occo Advocates, have in like manner each of 'em their particular Musoeum, and a Comparison cannot be made between 'em, because their value cannot be known. A Man may imagine that he has taken a view of every thing when he has seen but one, and yet in the other he meets with a Multitude of new Rarities; so that it does not seem as if he passed out of one Repository into another, but out of one World into another. The fourth Repository is in the possession of M. Gril, and I have caused Draughts to be taken from the best of the Medals which are there preserved: But those sorts of Rarities are unknown to many Persons, and I shall keep 'em entire for the use of Your Most Serene Highness.  
In another Place I saw certain Charts of an extraordinary importance, which discover all the secrets of Navigation: They are the lively Images of the Sea, and the bottom of its Channel is likewise as exactly represented, as if it were from the dry Land. The Shelves, Quicksands, Rocks, straits and Channels are all expressed upon these Draughts; insomuch that without having attained to the skill of an able Pilot, one might by the help of those Instructions trace out the Roads from one Pole to the other. But the public Interest takes no notice of these Oracles which Experience has uttered from time to time, but even suffers 'em to be buried in Oblivion.  
Let us now leave Amsterdam and set forward in our Journey to England. The Town of   

HAERLEM  
Is the first on the Road, and we cannot behold it without calling to mind, that it supplies the place of another, which fell as a Victim to the Cruelty and detestable outrages of the Spaniards: The Sea which bears its name is properly only a Plain of Water, but more dangerous than the main Ocean itself: For the Head of the Palatine Family was very near perishing there, and could not escape but with the loss of one of his Children. The great Church is one of the most beautiful Structures in Holland, and in it is to be seen the stately Tomb of Admiral Opdam. Afterward we passed to   

LEYDEN  
A Place so Famous for its University: The History of the last Wars will eternize its Fame to the perpetual Disgrace of the Spaniards, who were forced to raise the Siege, and to abandon a Victory which they had gained the day before. I am now bringing a Medal to Your Most Serene Highness, which shows the same thing in better Terms, to this effect; SICUT SENNACHERIB à JERUSALEM, SIC HISPANI à LEYDA NOCTU FUGATI 1574. As Sennacherib from Jerusalem, so the Spaniards were driven away from Leyden in the Night. There innumerable Curiosities are to be seen in the Anatomical Amphitheatre, as well as in the Physick-Garden, which well deserve the view of inquisitive Travellers, more especially the Skeletons of all sorts of Animals, and many natural Rarities, which the Bounds of a simple Relation will not permit to be described in particular.  
It is indeed too little barely to make mention of   

THE HAGVE  
By the way. I have been informed that the Merit of the Prince of Orange is there entirely acknowledged, and that at the same time a kind of secret Distrust is also predominant. Hence it appears (My Lord) that this Prince is worthy to derive his Original from the illustrious Stock of so many Heroes, and that those People are no bad Politicians.  
A Man cannot choose but admire   

DELFT.  
Although it were not situated in the Country of beautiful Towns. It has also this advantage above the others, that 'tis the Depositary of the Ashes of the Great William Prince of Orange. I have viewed the Tomb in which they are kept, and indeed, it by its stateliness and variety of Embellishments and Inscriptions, one is forced to do Justice to his Memory. That of Admiral Tromp is likewise erected in the same Place.   

MAESLAND-SLVYS  
Is Remarkable for its situation at the Mouth of the Rhine: It is a very delightful Object to see this Noble River flowing thither with such a mass of Water; so that one might avouch that being tired with its Course, it came on purpose to expatiate, and to take rest in this Plain, where it loses its form to make a kind of little Sea, which assumes the name of the Maes, by reason that the adjacent Territory belongs to the District of that River.  
We embarked at the   

BRIEL,  
Which stands a little beyond, to make our Passage from thence. This was one of the Cautionary Towns which were formerly consigned to Queen Elizabeth, when She sent her Forces to the assistance of the Hollanders against Spain. We had an opportunity of beholding at our Leisure one of the finest shows in the World: For the Dutch Fleet drawn up in the Line of Battle possessed the whole Passage, and altho' we could discern no other Object round about us than that of War, yet nothing was so peaceful as our Road. Thus we enjoyed in safety what can scarce be seen elsewhere without Danger, and it seemed as if good Fortune had peopled this spacious Desert on purpose to divert us, and to take off the tediousness of our Voyage. This vast Element lying in profound tranquillity seemed as it were to humble itself at the formidable appearance of that Naval Army. But 'tis not always so gentle (My Lord) it sometimes resumes its Rage, and sports itself with that arrogant Fury, driving those huge Machine's before it, as the Wind does the Dust. We were informed that this Fleet was fitted out to prevent the Designs that were feared on the side of France; and without troubling ourselves any farther with State-Affairs we continued our course through the Thames.  
But I ought to remember that I am directing my Discourse to Your Most Serene Highness, who is better versed in the Knowledge of the Affairs of Europe, and has received a clearer Information from History alone, of the Particulars contained in my Letter, than myself who have examined 'em with the strictest Inquiry that could be made. Therefore this Present which I make Your Highness is much less mine than a Recapitulation of Your own Lights, which I bring to Your Memory. And indeed, this is all that can be offered to a Prince who is ignorant of nothing, and that I durst attempt to produce as a public Demonstration that I am,  
MY LORD, Your Most Serene Higness' Most humble and Most obedient Servant, CHARLES PATIN.    

THE FOURTH RELATION To His Most Serene Highness, Antony Vlrick, Duke of BRUNSWICK and LUNENBURG.  
MY LORD,  
IT is a very great Honour to me that Your Most Serene Highness condescends so far as to be mindful of me, and that too with signal marks of Magnificence; that my Desires are prevented; that I am loaded with Favours; and that Your Highness has thought fit to attribute to the single Opinion you have conceived of me, what might well serve as a Recompense for an extraordinary Merit and for much more considerable Services. I cannot but be surprised at it, I confess, and not daring to penetrate into the depth of Your Judgement, am constrained to set a greater value upon myself, notwithstanding the vanity of such Thoughts. Indeed (My Lord) 'tis to partake of somewhat of that exquisite discerning Faculty, to know how to esteem You, as I do: The Lustre of Grandeur is apt to dazzle common Eyes, but does not always cause admiration in those that have been well enlightened: For neither that Highness of Birth, nor that Illustrious Rank which Your Most Serene Highness holds in the Empire, is capable of commanding my Attention; so many rare Endowments, so many Divine Characters imprinted on Your Noble Mind, are the only Charms that attract my Eyes: And this Prospect (My Lord) being always fixed upon the most Heroic Points of Antiquity, does not cease to have a particular regard to to Your admirable Perfections. I could even presume to avouch, that I have discerned in Your Person more excellent Qualities than I have ever read of; but I shall not enlarge any farther upon this copious Theme.  
Your Highness is a Lover of Curiosity: How fortunate is the Destiny! how happy is the Inclination! that a Prince should be induced to recreate himself so pleasantly, and that that interval of Leisure which happens after the Transaction of the most important Affairs of State, should refine his Mind and augment its Vigour: For these sorts of Studies serve to divert without amusing, and to employ without confining; always retaining the Animal Spirits in a convenient Elevation without Disturbance, and in Activity without any Fatigues. Curiosity is the second Employment of Heroes, but more especially that of Medals: These everlasting Monuments, these little Sanctuaries of the Memory of illustrious Personages; these sacred Pledges of Virtue and Glory, show us the most beautiful Ideas of Antiquity, and discover 'em in their innate simplicity; insomuch that they may be seen as they really are in their entire, Lustre and Perfection. They are properly so many Pieces of Metal, animated as it were with a secret Life that does not take its rise from the Workman; but proceeds from I know not what Energy communicated from the incomparable Originals to their Images. This is not the Thing itself but the Quintessence of it, neither is it a representation of the Man but of the Demi-God. What delight is there (My Lord) in taking an Estimate of Your Qualities from those great Examples which seem as yet to have an influence over their Copies; to judge of them by You, and to observe in them that which You find in Yourself? To discover at first sight that all Ages have had their Heroes; and if some have been more renowned than others, 'tis because the Occasions were more opportune, and not in regard that their Endowments were not equally conspicuous.  
History supplies us with a Relation of past Occurrences and produces the particular circumstances of Time, but the exact Truth and the nicest Points are often wanting; or the manner of Expression does not furnish us with a true Idea of the nature of the Things, as they appear in the Medal. This is not a proper Place to discourse of every Particular that we know on this Subject; but give me leave (My Lord) to declare, that I have not met with so many Ingenious Lovers of Curiosity elsewhere as in Germany. This part of Europe, which has peopled all the others, has reserved the best Treasures to itself; so that it may well be affirmed that the rest is only the Refuse, and in the comparison we shall always find a very great inequality. It is true indeed that there are some more fashionable People, whose Manners are more polite, and that would have the advantage if they were seen only once or twice, so that it seems as if their studied Regularity served only to cover their Deformities, and perhaps Your Most Serene Highness may have already made this Reflection that even where no solid Judgement is to be found, there appears a kind of modish Air or affected Gallantry, which dazzles the Eyes; at least I have often observed it in France. Again, where no sense of Honour nor real Generosity is to be met with, there is a studious affectation of Civil Carriage, and a certain number of Cadences which seem to supply the defect, and to afford some satisfaction but are really nothing less than Virtue. The Germans (My Lord) are more Grave and naturally endued with a great deal of Solidity: They are what they appear to be, but in regard that they do not appear at first sight altogether as they are, much Skill or at least Application is requisite, to discover their Merit. Among them more especially, good Nature and Courtesy are in their natural Purity, and their Integrity of manners is altogether plain without any adulterate mixture or disguise; which is every where the Character of a generous and free Temper, that cannot endure Affectation. These People are ready to perform whatever they undertake in good earnest, without putting themselves to any trouble to find out agreeable and specious manners of setting about the Work; so that a Man may soon know when they bear good will toward him and when not: In short, to make use of the Terms of one of our Ministers of State: The Heart never appears there in Mascarade, but Sincerity and Candour are the distinguishing Marks of the Country. Tacitus had declared as much sixteen hundred years ago, Nullos mortalium armis aut fide ante Germanos esse. i e. None ever surpassed the Germans in Valour and Fidelity.  
It is of no great importance to know, whether the Love of Curiosity be common among 'em, upon account of that natural Inclination they have for Truth, which is discovered in it as it were in its source; or by reason of that severity of Temper, which of all the Divertisements of the Mind, induces 'em to make choice of the noblest and most profitable. However, 'tis certain that Curiosity is most honoured and sought for by the best means in those Parts, and I have every where found this Disposition predominant. I shall here subjoin some Discoveries which have been made by me in my last Journey, which Gratitude obliges me to consecrate to Your Most Serene Highness, not being able at present to do any of greater moment for Your Service.  
I shall begin then with Kniebis in Schwaben. What a prodigious Mountain is this (My Lord)! It's vast height, which leaves the Clouds far below it, and set my Feet almost in Heaven, surprised me less than the two Seasons, which I saw there at the same time, and at the distance only of four Paces one from another, that is to say, Heat and Cold met together, which every where else make so great a noise over our Heads; the Reason (as they say) is, because they cannot agree in a Neutral Country, but altho' they be neighbours, yet if each be detained in its respective Region, nothing is more quiet and calm. If this Observation in Natural Philosophy be true, I am content to refer myself to it; however, I very well remember that I was frozen and broiled within a Moment without hearing any such Noise.  
I left the Prodigy soon after, in order to pass to Wirtemberg. The Hills thereabouts appeared to me the finest and most delightful in the World, being altogether beset with Vine-yard Plots and Cornfields. These plentiful Crops by I know not what Disposition caused by the situation of the Country, form a most pleasant Landscape on all sides, and a kind of Regularity which is extremely surprising. The Inhabitants are very sociable; perhaps, because they are supplied with all manner of Conveniences. Thus a good accommodation at home naturally inspires us with sentiments of Civility toward Strangers, but these People own part of this Domestic happiness to the Generosity of their Prince, so that one cannot cast an Eye upon 'em, without every were perceiving the marks of the Gentleness of his Government. Power and Authority are only exerted in Protection and Discipline, and this is the only use that is there made of Sovereignty; so that I am apt to believe, nothing more is needful for the eternising of his Memory. How difficult it is to use absolute Power with so much moderation; and what a degree of Constancy and Magnanimity (My Lord) is requisite to attempt nothing when one is in capacity of doing every thing, and to maintain the exercise of so many Virtues amidst all the bad Examples of the degenerate Age! I shall stop here without extending my Reflection any farther, which would be too hard a Task. The Rarities of the College of  

TUBINGVEN  
Are more agreeable to my Inclination, and I am desirous of mentioning 'em to Your most Serene Highness, as being one of the principal Ornaments of Wirtemberg. Every thing is there conformable to the illustrious name which it bears: The Building with its outer-Courts and Embellishments is Magnificent; it is also very spacious, and its Apartments well ordered for the convenience of all those sorts of Schools and public Exercises which are there performed. There are divers Masters, not only endued with singular Abilities, but also with all manner of Politeness and Courtesy, so that the Scholars under 'em soon make a considerable progress in all the parts of Humane Literature. Their Tables are not only plenfully furnished with all sorts of necessary Provisions, but even with Dainties: The Division of Time is so well managed, that that exact distribution of Hours for every particular Employment, forms a settled Custom, which becomes very agreeable to the Disposition of the Students; insomuch that it appears less to be a regular Discipline than a well ordered Liberty. But in regard that every thing is established upon a Noble Foundation, none but Persons of the highest Quality can be admitted into that College; neither is there any Mixture allowed. For 'tis alleged that in that tender Age a mean Air would prove contagious, and those marks of Distinction which inspire 'em with a sense of their good Fortune, afterward induces 'em to assume that Majestic Air, which ought to be the Character of their high Station. Thus (My Lord) without running into the common Road amidst the Crowd of ignoble and vulgar People, they attain to the most absolute Accomplishments, and pass over with the same steps to the Court, and to the most Honourable Employments either in Church or State; neither do they stand in need of any other Medium or of being educated in any other Schools or Academies. M. de Merlay, who is the Chief Governor, as also M. May and M. Cramer Professors, are Persons of extraordinary Merit, and no small Ornaments to the College. I shall always lie under an Obligation even during my whole Life to His Most Serene Highness the Duke of Wirtemberg, for permitting me to reside there for sometime, and to take notice at my leisure of this curious manner of Institution.  
After my departure from Tubinguen I set forward to   

STUGART.  
There to pay those Respects which were due from me to His Most Serene Highness, and to assure him that whatever I might be capable of doing for his Service, I should never have reason to be satisfied with my performances: However, that tho' this Inability were the effect of my Misfortune, yet it should never proceed from my Ingratitude: His Highness was pleased to give me leave to augment his Treasure with some Medals that I had brought. The fine Place where they are deposited and the good company that they enjoy is sufficient to take away any regret they might have for the loss of their first Master: And indeed, I am much better pleased to see 'em in so Illustrious Hands than in my own. His Highness often visits 'em, and I doubt not, but that his Inclination attracts (as I may so say) the greater part of His Most Serene Family. The Princes his Sons are all well proportioned in their Bodies and have singular Endowments of the Mind; so that Time, that is to say Age is only wanting to cause 'em to be admired by all Europe. I saw at   

NIEUSTADT  
Another Repository, but it would be improper for me to commend it, because 'tis almost entirely the Work of my own hands, or at least the Product of my Invention. His most Serene Highness Duke Frederick takes as much delight in it as it deserves, and often diverts himself there with much satisfaction. I have been told that the Duchess has a favourable regard to those that afford her these pleasant Entertainments, and that She was not offended at my Visits. Perhaps also She may be somewhat addicted to Curiosity, and that being Sister to Your Most Serene Highness, Her Inclination may lead her to such kind of Divertisements; however, if She be not curious in Medals, She is so at least in Jewels. I have seen in Her Apartment a precious Chest, that weighs more than myself, in which is contained nothing but Diamonds, Emeralds and Pearls. This is a very rare sort of Curiosity, but 'tis not exposed to the view of all manner of Persons. For altho' 'tis capable of affording an Universal Delight, and is admired as well by the Ignorant as by the Learned and Ingenious; yet 'tis esteemed as a very great Privilege to get a sight of it. To conclude, nothing is here wanting, either with respect to Nobility, Ingenuity, Curiosity, Riches or even Happiness itself. I should have seen at   

ANSPACH.  
Some very considerable Rarities; but it fell out unluckily for me that the Prince was gone to pay a Visit to that beautiful Marchioness of Durlach, whom he afterward took to Wife. But I arrived so much the sooner at   

NOREMBERG or NURNBERG,  
A City that has acquired so great Reputation, and deserves as much. Which of these two (My Lord) would Your Highness think fit to prefer Noremberg or Augsburg? Indeed they both bear away the Bell from the other Cities of Germany, in regard of their Beauty, Extent, Neatness, Concourse of People, and the Magnificence of their Buildings. The Marquis of Durlach, to whom they are both well known, finds Augsburg more stately in some Places, but declares at the same time that Noremberg is all over Beautiful. I observed it to be well situated and full of civilised People, but that which afforded me greater satisfaction is, that Curiosity is there very much in vogue, that it supplies the place of Neatness and Elegancy, being not only sufficiently known, but also highly esteemed among the Inhabitants. I saw in the House of M. de Viatis an infinite number of Rarities, and every thing that is proper to be admitted into the Musoeum or Repository of an Ingenious Antiquary, viz. Books, Paintings, Medals, etc. But his Eagerness, transport of Passion, Frenzy or whatever else you please to call it, is much to be admired in one particular, that is to say, in heaping up a prodigious Mass of Arms, which are more especially remarkable, either upon account of the Work-manship or for some notable Historical Circumstance. He showed me the Sword that put Olden-Barnveldt to silence, and in that point did more than even the whole Power of the House of Austria was able to effect. And indeed, the very sight of it would be sufficient to affright the boldest Orator. He also presented to my view that which was employed in cutting off so many Heads at Prague during the Rebellion, and the Partisan which pierced the Body of Walstein at Agria. This last Weapon attracted my Eyes, and obliged me to make some Reflections upon the Destiny of this formidable Favourite; who could have imagined that so firm a settlement of Grandeur, so great Authority and Power could be so suddenly quashed with so very little difficulty! The whole World was in expectation of the event of his Enterprises; the Empire trembled at his Proceed, and Foreigners were ready to ground upon his Designs the establishment of all their Affairs: In a word, preparations were making even to change the very frame of the Universe, when a blow given by a pitiful Fellow cast him to the Ground, and there was no longer any talk of this great Man.  
There are also to be seen the Arms of the most Potent Princes of the last Age: I know not whether it were a turn of my Imagination; but it seemed to me (My Lord) as if that sparkling Lustre which darted forth on all sides, was less the brightness of the Metal than the Reflection of so many fierce Blows and Heroical Achievements. Indeed there is nothing that imprints a more lively Idea on the Mind than these sorts of Objects; but perhaps the Difficulty that there is in gathering together such precious spoils, hinders the Curiosity from being so common.  
As for the Medals, there are not very many of the first rank, but others are to be met with almost every where, and in the Hands of all sorts of Persons; whether the Love of Curiosity has made the Collection; or whether Wealth which always brings along with it whatever is most precious, has conveyed 'em thither. However, M. Wolkamer enjoys a better share of 'em than others, and Your Highness may Judge of it by this Pattern, being a Golden Julio with the reverse of Augustus, which I have obtained by his Liberality. He is a very able Physician, and endowed with all those excellent Qualities that procure Esteem and Reputation. I might also associate with him M. Noberlein an Apothecary of more than ordinary Parts, who has a Library and a Repository, and whose personal Endowments set him above all those whom I know of his Profession: I received from him that curious Golden Medal of Constantine, which has this Inscription: VICTOR OMNIUM GENTIUM.  
There are many Learned Men in this City; Antiquity, History, Politics, Eloquence, and the Mechanical Arts are there in a flourishing State. Much time might be spent in entertaining Your Most Serene Highness, if I should go about to call to mind every thing that might be said upon this Subject. I shall only add one word concerning M. Grundler, a Monk, who (as he says) had lately embraced the Reformed Religion, according to the Doctrine of Luther: But to justify to me the change of his opinion it would be requisite for him to have as much command over Men's Reason, as he has over their Eyes, to which he represents whatever he thinks fit, and in any manner whatever at his pleasure; for he is absolutely Master of the most abstruse Secrets in Optics. This is that Art (My Lord) which is capable of fixing half the World in a Point, and which has found out means to extract visual Repercussions out of Crystal, and to draw near the most remote Objects by certain Re-productions of Species and Correspondences of Prospects, which are extended in the most limited spaces from the Distances as far as the Eye can reach. In short, 'tis that fallicious Art that deceives our Sight, and which with the Rule and Compass disorders all our Senses. But our Artist proceeds yet farther; for he can even remove Ghosts from their Stations at his pleasure, without any assistance from the Infernal Regions. Some mention has been already made to Your Most Serene Highness of that Sphoerical Looking-glass, which receives the several Species of remote Objects through a small Thread of light, and which rolling about in the dark, imprints 'em on it, and causes 'em to follow its Motion; so that real Phantoms and Ghosts are now no longer sensible of the other World. I know divers Persons of great courage who have changed pale at the sight of these Sports and of these Magical Artifices.  
And with M. Grundler's good leave, all the Esteem that I had of his profound Learning, was not able to free me from that Dread which seized upon my Spirits on that occasion; insomuch that I was apt to believe that there never was in the World a greater Magician than he: For it seemed to me as if I had a sight of Paradise, of Hell and of wandering Spirits and Phantoms, so that altho' I know myself to be endued with some measure of Resoluteness, yet at that time I would willingly have given one half to save the other: All these Apparitions suddenly disappeared and gave place to Shows of another Nature: For in a moment, I saw the Air filled with all sorts of Birds, almost after the same manner as they are usually painted round about Orpheus, and in the twinkling of an Eye, a Country-Wedding appeared to my view, with so natural and lively a representation that I imagined myself to be one of the Guests at the Solemnity. Afterward ●he Horizon of my sight was taken up with a Palace so stately, that nothing ●ike it can be produced, but in the Imagination; before which there were di●●rs Personages running at the Ring: These Heroes seemed to be the God's ●h●t were adored by Antiquity, and ●mong them 'twas pleasant to observe ●●mus mounted upon a Barbary-Horse, ●nd making Satirical Reflections upon Jupiter, who had made a false step amidst so jolly a company. But let us put an end to these Visions and endeavour to divert Your Most Serene Highness with somewhat that is more solid.  
Although private Persons are very rich at Noremberg; yet it may be affirmed that the State is infinitely more magnificent. This is what I have observe d in the Republics which I have seen, and is a Quality essential for their Preservation. The Arsenal of this City is very well furnished, and capable of affording Arms to nine or ten thousand Men at an instant: The Court is a most noble Pile of Building, adorned with a vast quantity of valuable Paintings, among which that of this great Duke deservedly holds the first Rank; and the Castle, which is supposed to have been built in the time of Drusus, answers well the reputation of its Antiquity. From the best Quarter, which serves upon occasion as an Apartment for the Emperors, the whole City may be discovered, and (if one may be allowed to say so) an entirely perfect Horizon: For there is nothing in the adjacent Plains to bond the sight, and the weakness of the Eye only hinders it from taking a farther Prospect. One may judge of the Height of this Place by the Detpth of its Well; which is so great that a very long Story may be told during the time that a Stone is thrown into it e'er the noise of its fall be heard: Insomuch that this Interval is surprising, and I doubt whether that Well of Joseph so much celebrated in ancient Histories, and Modern Narratives, deserves more Consideration; at least I have no mind to go thither to take the Dimensions of it, on purpose to make the Comparison. I saw in the House of a private Citizen those curious Brazen Figures which the Magistrates had caused to be cast, to adorn the Fountain of the great Marketplace: certainly this must needs have been the Work-manship of the Gods and not of Men, or at least these Statues were made by Giants: For that of Neptune weighing three thousand and three hundred Pounds, is alone sufficient to brain more people than all the Giants of the Fable, and 'tis in my opinion one of the finest Masterpieces of the Age:  
The public Library after those of the Emperor and the King is the finest that I have seen; for the Manuscripts and Miniatures very much surpass others, and its small Embellishments render it more delightful and profitable: They are the Portraitures of Learned Men, divers Skeletons of many different Animals, and some of those Natural Curiosities, which elevate the Mind at the same time as they instruct it. The Ingenious M. Wolkamer has furnished this Library with part of these Rarities, and left an Example worthy to be imitated by others. I received Information here of the Honour that the Senate had done me in making a Present to me of certain Medals, which they had sent to Paris for my use; whereupon I was overjoyed and ready to make all manner of Acknowledgements for so great a favour, altho' I had not as yet those Treasures in my own possession.  
It was requisite that the Plenty of Noremberg should be divided, and therefore the University is settled at   

ALTORF,  
Where the Liberal Arts and Sciences flourish with all manner of splendour; the curious Public Library being the foundation of these Studies and the Professors the Instruments. M. Hoffman there teaches the Art of Physic with great success; but M. Wagenseil more particularly applies himself to the study of the Hebrew Tongue and of the Divinity of the Jews. How great delight would the great Scaliger have taken in conferring with him about so many Difficulties relating to their Law and the Talmud, with which his Noble Mind was so much taken up! None ever attained to so profound skill in these matters since the Nativity of Jesus Christ, and since Scaliger's time (as I am apt to believe) none has advanced the knowledge of 'em so far. This most Ingenious Person takes much delight in the viewing of Medals, and is well versed in the method of distinguishing 'em: I am also indebted to his Courtesy for a Greek one of Gordianus, coined at Byzantium, which I shall publish at a convenient opportunity.  
At the distance of about three day's Journey from Noremberg stands   

BAREIT.  
It is a small Town which with its adjacent Territory serves as an Inheritance to a Prince of the House of Brandenburg. He who is at present Master of it, at first took to Wife the Daughter of the Elector of Saxony, and afterwards married that of the Duke of Wirtemberg, namely Sophia, that prudent, judicious and magnificent Princess: She is highly honour d by all those who know her, because her Merit requires it, and even in regard that she is much addicted to Curiosity. Her Repository is as it were a Sore-house of Golconda; I saw there, all those choice precious Stones, which are usually taken out of the Mines of that Country, and among others one longer and broader than my Eye, very thick and perfectly clear; It is a Diamond of great value by reason of its extraordinary beauty and weight. If the Town of Bareit be so rich in its Repository 'tis no less so in its Wine-Cellar: I have been there (My Lord) and should not have been able to return from thence, if I had followed the Advice of those that conducted me thither. Perhaps Ulysses would not have been so sober at his departure from this Place, as when he left Circe's enchanted Island; for here he would have met with the Liquors of his own native soil, accompanied with all the Delicates of the Western Countries: Indeed these kinds of Rencounters sometimes put a stop to the carrying on of the most generous Designs. I have been informed that the Prince spares no costs in making those agreeable Provisions, as neither does the Princess in adorning her Cabinet of Jewels.  
This delectable store of Rarities and Riches did no longer retard my Journey than during so much time as was requisite to take a view of 'em. Afterward I set forward to Saxony and arrived at   

JENA,  
Where I saw that so flourishing University, to which all the Students of the North usually resort to pay their first Hommages. There are above 3000. of 'em, and 'tis probable that their number would be augmented if the profound Peace which they now enjoy should drive away all suspicion of a future War. Otherwise a small Commotion would be sufficient to terrify the Muses, and I am afraid that at the very first discharge of a Cannon they would all quit their claim to their Mount Parnassus. However, the Prince who is of the House of Saxony causes this University to be enlarged, and leaves no means  that may tend to increase its ancient Splendour. I was there acquainted with two very eminent Professors, viz. M. Rolfinus and M. Bosius, the former is very Famous for his skill in the Art of Physic, and the other for that of History: But I have reason to fear that they will not long possess those honourable Stations, one of 'em being very old, and extremely indisposed; neither does the other enjoy a much greater degree of Health, altho' he be much younger. This M. Bosius has divers considerable Medals and is well versed in the knowledge of 'em; He permitted me to draw with a Pen some Copies, which may one day be of use to the Republic of Learning, and in the mean while serve to adorn my Manuscripts.  
Give me leave (My Lord) to represent to You a Character of this Prince in a few Words, who notwithstanding his Youth is endued with as much Judgement as the most accomplished; so that nothing seems to be wanting to him but an occasion of making known his excellent Endowments to the World. He has a particular respect for France and its Natives, and speaks their Language as politely as the Persons of Quality at Paris and in the French Court: The Duchess his Wife was born Duchess of Trimoville, and apparently promotes this Inclination. What shall I say in commendation of her Virtue and generous Temper, which were not sufficiently known either in France or Germany? The Ermine which I gave for her Device may discover somewhat of it in these Words CANDOUR MIHI SUFFICIT UNUS.   

WEIMAR,  
Which is situated in the Neighbourhood communicates its name to a Branch of the House of Saxony to distinguish it from the Electoral. It is a Town of a moderate largeness, whose Palace nevertheless is extremely spacious and Magnificent. That Hall in which are painted the memorable Actions of Duke Bernard is the stateliest that I have seen in Germany. If nothing can be made finer to delight the Eye than this piece of Work-manship; it may be justly affirmed that another Chamber is contrived on purpose to divert the Mind, where those Persons who stand in the middle, cannot hear so much as one Word that is spoken by those that are placed at the ends. One would suspect it to be a Magical Artifice, and indeed, 'tis very surprising, yet 'tis only a Device of Architecture, which conveys the sound of the Voice along the concave Line of the arched Roof to the other end, without dispersing it through the great Vacuum of the spacious Chamber. But my Mind was taken up with much more melancholy Thoughts, as I was travelling from Jena to Leipsick through those vast Plains, which seem as yet to reek with that prodigious quantity of Blood which was spilt there about forty years ago. What strange Ideas then presented themselves to my Imagination! There was slain (as they told me) the great Gustavus; there Papenheim was wounded; there he died in bringing him back to Leipsick; there was planted the Artillery of the Imperialists, and there that of the Swedes; there was the main Battle, and the greatest slaughter, and there were interred the nine or ten thousand Men that remained in the Field. All the Towns round about will for a long time bear the lamentable Marks of this furious War. It seemed as if I there saw 'em all together; so that Lutzen, Namburg and Weissenfeld in particular possess d my Mind much longer than my Eyes.  
It is known to all Merchants, that there are great Fairs kept at   

LEIPSICK.  
Although Learned Men are sufficiently informed of the Constitutions of its University, yet they have not so good an Account of its Curiosities. I there viewed the Repository of Burgomaster Laurents full of all sorts of Rarities: But his House is a Palace, which is more valuable than the Repository: His Daughter is esteemed as a very virtuous Gentlewoman, who is well skilled in various Sciences and knows how to express 'em in several Languages; which rare Qualities may be sufficient to set a higher value upon her Person than upon the House and Repository. I had also a fight of divers Medals in some other Places, and among others in the renowned Musoeum of M. Meyer, which is to be exposed to sale; but if every thing that I have been told concerning this Repository be true, I had as many Ducats about me as would be sufficient to pay for the Purchase. One of those Persons who showed me these Rarities, and is in part Heir to 'em, was very angry at me, when he heard me say, that his Copper-Medals of Otho were not Genuine: But he was so firmly persuaded to the contrary, that I was very near receiving an Affront as the Reward of my too ingenuous Sincerity, besides the disappointment of being deprived of the sight of the rest. This unlucky Accident made me take a Resolution not to speak so much as one word for the future when I met with people of such a peevish Humour, and not to declare the Truth upon the like occasions, till I were ready to departed from the Place. However, there is to be seen a large sized Copper-Medal of Julia the Wife of Augustus, which in my mind, would be the most precious of this Repository, if I had no grounds to suspect it to be counterfeit: Its Consecration is apparent from the Figure of a Peacock and the Inscription. Besides these there are some other good Gold and Silver Medals of which I took a Memorandum, but eight hundred Crowns were demanded for 'em, which is a greater sum of Money than I was willing to lay out upon such an Account.   

WITTENBERG  
Is a fair City well fortified both by Nature and Art, and adorned with an University: But the Students in Divinity are not there endued with so much Moderation as in the other Places where the same Religion is predominant: They are more rude and (as I durst avouch it) more outrageous than elsewhere. In the Church of the Castle they take delight in showing to Strangers the Sancta Sanctorum of the High Altar despoiled of every thing that it contained. Ossa Sanctorum debent quiescere: i. e. The Bones of the Saints ought to lie at rest: (say they) We have buried under that Stone hard by, all the Relics which the Papists were wont to adore there, and this was one of the first effects of our Reformation. I likewise saw divers Paintings rather scandalous than edifying, and one among others in which the Painter has introduced Doctor Martin Luther and D. Philip Melancthon administering the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper; on their left hand is a Representation of Hell through the wide mouth of a Fiend, in the inside of which appears a Pope attended with Cardinals, Prelates and Monks, I could not forbear ask the Person that conducted me, whether that were a Place dediceted to Divine Service, and whether these Pictures inspired those People with Devotion? In the same Church are erected two very stately Brazen Statues of the two Dukes and Electors of Saxony, Frederick III. and John: The former founded the University of Wittenberg, changing the Religion of his Country, but the other completed the Work, and presented his Confession of Faith to the Emperor Charles V at Augsburg. I stayed in this Place so much the more willingly to take a view of two admirable Paintings of Albert Durer, and of two Portraitures of Luther and Melancthon, as large as the Life, drawn by Lucas Cranis, which are placed over against 'em and above their Tombs. There are also some other Pieces of the same Painter, but none so odd as that which I saw in the principal Church of the City, which is as it were the Parochial. It is drawn by an excellent Artist and represents our Saviour Jesus Christ followed by St. Peter and some other Apostles who fell into the Hands of Judas and the Jews: Your Highness could never imagine what manner of Ornaments are appropriated to 'em: For our Saviour's Person appears wearing a Triple Crown upon his Head, exactly as the Pope is painted at Rome, and those that accompany him are clothed in the Habit of Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, etc. Is this a true representation of the Jews who betrayed and delivered up Jesus Christ? nevertheless this is their meaning. I have seen many Lutherans elsewhere, and have always found 'em more moderate. Indeed Reproaches serve only to exasperate the Minds of People and to excite Hatred and Animosities, and what can be expected in the end, but all sorts of Calamities? I am much rather inclined to pronounce with a low voice, Doce nos Deus vias tuas, etc. O Lord teach us thy Statutes. Upon the whole, the Memory of Dr. Luther is extremely honoured in that Country; so that the Inhabitants have a great Veneration for the Places through which he passed; the Chambers where he slept; the Books that he read, and the Gardens where he walked: They have likewise given his name to a certain Spring, which is distant about a mile from the City, because he was often wont to repair thither to study and to hold Conferences with his Friends concerning the Reformation which he was about to introduce.  
We continued our Journey very speedily to   

BERLIN.  
Although the extent of the Country be very large, yet Travellers are wont to ride post upon this Road in Chariots that run incessantly day and night; neither is there any rest to be taken but only to change the Horses. I was delivered from this Fatigue as soon as I saw Berlin, and every thing there appeared so beautiful to me, that I fancied there was a kind of opening in the Firmament, through which the Sun dispensed its most benign Influences to this Territory; neither are those dismal Solitudes to be seen any longer, through which I had lately travelled. The City is composed as it were of three others, whose Buildings are very regular, and for the most part after the Italian method of Architecture. The Forest which is situated at the distance only of half a mile from thence, affords much delight to the Prince, who maintains in it numerous Herds of Deer and all sorts of Game; where he often diverts himself with Hunting, after such an extraordinary and pleasant manner, as very few Persons are capable of apprehending it: I have even heard it reported, that he knows so precisely the very moment when the wild Boar is ready to pass by, that he leaps upon his back as it were that of a Horse, and sitting astride stabs the Beast under him. This circumstance alone is sufficient to strike terror into my Mind, and none can bear such Affection toward this Prince as I do, without fearing at least the Misfortunes that may happen to his Noble Person, by exposing it to so desperate an Adventure; Therefore I would willingly give him the same Advice that Venus once did to her beloved Adonis: 
— In audaces non est audacia tuta,  
Neve feras quibus arma dedit natura, lacesse;  
Fulmen habent acres in aduncis dentibus apri.  The Gardens are there full of Orange and Lemmon Trees, Jasmin and all kinds of Flowers, and in a word, afford all those charming Delights which have procured Italy, the Royal style of Queen of Countries, by reason of the advantage of its Climate and the fruitfulness of its Soil.  
The Castle in which his Electoral Highness resides, is a very ancient Fabric, and its Architecture shows a kind of Majestic Air; but the modern Buildings joined to it are most commodious. The Library is there placed in so magnificent an Apartment, that I know none that surpasses it in Beauty. Indeed it well deserves so advantageous a situation, for 'tis one of the finest and most complete in the World, both as to the number and choice of the Books of which it consists: The Cabinet of Medals that accompanies it, in like manner may well be thought worthy to be viewed by all ingenious Lovers of Curiosity. His Electoral Highness, who is entirely addicted to the administration of the Government does not cease nevertheless to allow some time for the completing of this Collection. One would scarce imagine how great a progress he has made in the Work, only within his own Territories about Wesel, Santen and Cleves, where a great quantity of these Medals has been found, and (what is most important) even of those that are very rare: That of Cornuficius is of this number, than which I never saw a finer, but I shall not here produce a particular Description of any of 'em: I have Memorandum's of those that are most valuable, and these Notes are as good luck would have it, very considerable; nay I have even delineated with a Pen those that I judged to be singular: But they were so numerous, that I was obliged another day to desire leave to employ myself in the same Work: I remember that I spent the second time five or six hours in the enjoyment of this agreeable Diversion, and that I very much enriched my Manuscripts with those Rarities; But altho' I had observed only the tenth part of 'em, yet I should have thought my Journey undertaken to very good purpose. The custody of these choice Treasures is committed to M. Heimhach, who is a very great Admirer of 'em, and I doubt not but that he contributes, as far as his utmost Abilities will admit, to the satisfaction of which the Elector his Master is desirous in these Matters. Indeed this Prince is as exact in his scrutiny as is possible, which is apparently the effect of the skill that he has acquired in such Curiosities, and of the sagacity of his Judgement. He did me the Honour once to tell me, that he took great delight in this Employment, and that he would spend more time in it, as soon as the more important Affairs of State could allow him so much leisure. However, (My Lord) the Season was very improper for the carrying on of our Studies; in regard that then there was no talk in Berlin, nor even in the whole Marquisate, but of the Passage and Levies of Soldiers. In this Conjuncture all Europe had regard to his Electoral Highness' Conduct; it was also well known that the Hollanders did not hope for a more potent nor more ready Protector, and that the Assistance he afforded 'em; was sufficient to prevent, or at least to defer their Ruin. His memorable Actions performed not long since, have gained him so great renown in Poland and Sweden, that his very name alone is capable of supporting the Interest of that Party which he shall think fit to favour. In a word, he is a Prince of an admirable Genius, insomuch that I never saw any Man that had not a respect for his Person, and as for my own part, I must acknowledge that my Affections toward him are most cordial and sincere: But I ought also to acquaint Your Most Serene Highness that I am more particularly obliged to the same Prince for the kind Entertainment he afforded me at Berlin; for the Offers with which he was pleased to honour me, and for his Generosity in condescending so far as to tell me that he was desirous to hold a Correspondence with me. I hope this Word may not be offensive to You (My Lord) His Electoral Highness only thought fit to lay his commands upon me▪ in Matters relating to Curiosity, ancient History and Medals, and I have reason to take it very ill, if my Enemies should seek an occasion from thence to create me new Troubles: As to those that are past, I doubt not but God, the King and Time, will do me Justice, and indeed, it might have been already done; but 'tis my Duty to wait with Patience.  
In the Elector of Brandenburg's Court at Berlin there is another illustrious Personage, as well versed in Curiosity as any that I know, I mean in the knowledge of Medals, which we call by way of Excellency the most delicate Curiosity: He is a Privy Counsellor to his Electoral Highness, who has as great a quantity of Medals in his possession as is possible for a private Person to procure: Some of 'em are so well preserved that it sufficiently appears that they belong to a choice Collection which is of a very old standing. I was acquainted with him in France above twenty years ago, and notwithstanding his youth I easily foresaw his future Merit; neither were my expectations deceived in this particular, for his Learning has increased with his Age, and I doubt whether there be any one besides myself, that takes a greater delight in Medals than he: This Nobleman has spent some years in Italy and has travelled through the whole Continent of Germany, and his profound skill induces me to believe, that he has observed every thing that is necessary to be taken notice of, in order to constitute an Ingenious, Learned, Judicious and absolutely accomplished Person. I can also assure Your Highness that he is one of the most courteous Gentlemen in the World, and I was persuaded that I should have done an injury to the Honourable M. Seidel, not to have made this Parenthesis in his favour. I know that he is a Lutheran and a zealous Professor of the Reformed Religion, but that most inviolable Friendship which has been always between us, and the Conformity of our Inclinations would never suffer us to differ tho' never so little, about the Diversity of our Opinions.  
The two young Princes (My Lord) will be one day great Patrons of Curiosity. Their tender Age receives its form from that of the Heroes with whom they daily converse, and His Electoral Highness himself is a domestic Model, from whence they cannot but take very noble Ideas. They have already attained to the knowledge of divers Languages, and are very expert in all sorts of Martial Exercises, neither are they less instructed in those Sciences which are capable of cultivating their generous Minds. For their several Apartments are rather loaded than adorned with Books, Geographical Maps, Chronological Tables, Globes, Spheres and Medals. In short, these are the Instruments that work Miracles by innocently maintaining Magnanimity during Prosperity, and by supporting it even in Adversity. It is a general Maxim among the Prudent to be always prepared for all manner of Events, as we learn from the Example of Hannibal. It is very probable that these Princes may always see Fortune smiling and uncapable of doing 'em any injury; but 'tis a much more Royal Prerogative to have Virtue for their familiar Friend and Confident. The Baron de Swerin principal Minister of State, and a great Patron of the Muses has inspired 'em with these generous Sentiments, and has done a very signal piece of Service to His Electoral Highness in so well managing the Dispositions of these two young Princes, and in so happily following the Advice of Aurelius Victor; who writes to this effect; Compertum est eruditionem, elegantiam comitatem, praesertim Principibus necessaria esse; cùm sine his naturae bona quasi incompta aut etiam horrida despectui sint. i e. It is certain that Learning, Curiosity and Courteousness are more especially necessary in Princes, in regard that without these Qualities the Endowments of Nature would appear as it were unpolished, if not altogether rude and deformed.  
Having left the Marquisate of Brandenburg, I entered Saxony, where the Climate is undoubtedly more temperate, and consequently the Soil more fruitful. I never saw a finer Garden than that which His Electoral Highness has caused to be cultivated in the Suburbs of   

DRESDEN.  
I there saw the Royal Princess of Denmark, married to the Electoral Prince, who (as they say) takes greater Delight in these Walks than in any other Divertisements. The Wines of the neighbouring Country are most delicious, and the Beer there brewed is as good as in any part of Germany. There is also more variety of Game than in any Place in the World, which every where causes good cheer and plentiful Entertainments. I am very much obliged to Doctor Schubart, in whose House I lodged, upon this very account, as also for giving me a sight of the most remarkable Curiosities in the City of Dresden. I would willingly make no mention of 'em at all, because I am sensible that the most part of what I have to say as to these Matters is already known, and that I am not capable of expressing myself sufficiently in their commendation. This City is very Beautiful, Strong and Rich, not to add, that 'tis adorned, fortified and enriched more and more every day, and I have lately perused an advantageous Description of it in a Book that bears the Title of L'Europe Vivante, but I am not inclined to make Repetitions. The Palace contains a World of Wonders, a List of which has been printed, but they are not all comprehended therein. Seven spacious Chambers are filled with the richest Jewels that Your Highness can possibly imagine, with a prodigious quantity of Vessels of Rock-Chrystal, Coral and precious Stones, besides curious Paintings drawn by Albert Durer, Titian, Lucas Leydensis, Lucas Cranis, Rubens and many other excellent Masters. I saw there the Life of the Virgin Mary represented by the first of those Hands, which was carved in Wood, and a large piece of the real Cross upon which our Saviour was crucified.  
One may there also observe with much delight the Mechanical Works of divers Princes, and 'tis admirable (My Lord) to behold what Art can produce when exercised by so noble Hands. Therc is perhaps a greater number of Automata than in any other place in the World, and those too very large, rich and surprising. I should have spent much longer time in the Examination of 'em, were it not that my Mind was taken up with the curious Medals which presented themselves to my View. M. Beurel, to whose care they are committed, will e'er long apply himself to these kinds of Studies, so that I doubt not but that he will find sufficient Employment in delineating a considerable number of rare ones which are there preserved, and in placing 'em in a more regular Order. I could not get a sight of a little Chest of old Gold, because 'tis kept in the private Closet of His Electoral Highness, who was then absent from Dresden, and came not thither during the whole time of my abode in the Town, but only to lie there one Night. This rich Treasure is very highly valued and 'tis probable, that I should have esteemed it no less if I had had the good fortune of seeing it. Indeed 'twas no fault of the Barons de Frizen who have there the most honourable Employments as well as the chiefest Merit; but as I have already declared, the Prince's Absence alone deprived me of that satisfaction, which I might have otherwise had. However, I determine to return thither once more on purpose, and the Delight that I always take in the viewing of Medals is so great, as to oblige me to resolve upon this Journey; neither have I any regard to the loss of time or Expenses, whenever I find an opportunity to enrich my Mind with new Discoveries: I shall then have seen the Repositories of five Secular Electoral Princes, and perhaps none has so great an insight as myself into the admirable Curiosities of this Nature.  
 artifact from tomb  
 artifact from tomb  
 artifact from tomb  
 sarcophagus  
 artifact from tomb  
 artifact from tomb  
 artifact from tomb  
p. 269.  
It is a very singular Object to behold the Repository of Skeletons; for the Founders of it have taken much pains in causing 'em to be made of all sorts of Animals, and they are preserved with no less care and circumspection, which is to procure 'em a kind of Immortality. To these are joined many other sorts of Rarities, and among others I remember that I have seen a Prodigy. It is a real Elephant about a Foot long which is avouched to be the Foetus of a Woman: Let the Inquisitive seek for the cause of so strange a product in the effects of a deprayed Imagination, or in a Crime, which 'tis much more expedient to conceal than to suspect; yet it always seems to be supernatural: Pliny produces the like Example in these Terms. Alcippe Elephantum peperit, quod inter ostenta est. Alcippe was delivered of an Elephant, which ought to be reckoned among the Prodigies of Nature.  
As for the different kinds of living Creatures, I never saw so great a multitude before, and can scarce believe that there are so many elsewhere; neither perhaps does Africa produce so great a number of Monsters. The Elector who delights in this Curiosity, caused 'em to be transported thither, both from the Eastern and Western Countries, but the most part of 'em come out of his own Territories. There is not finer Hunting in the World than hereabouts, so that sometimes above a thousand wild Boars are destroyed in one Day. Indeed his Electoral Highness takes very great delight in these sports, and lays out greater expenses about 'em than any other Prince in Germany: I could not forbear admiring the Keeper of these Beasts, who uses 'em at his pleasure. You would be apt to affirm that Wolves, Lions, Bears, Lynxes, Tigers, Leopards, etc. lose their whole fury at the very sight of him, at least they are no longer wild whilst they continue in his presence. One of the greatest Noblemen of Carthage was heretofore expelled that City, only because he had tamed a Lion; so jealous were those ancient Republicans, lest their Liberty should one day be invaded by so ingenious a Person, who having found out the knack of doing whatever he listed with savage Beasts, might be induced with much greater reason to turn the Hearts of his Fellow-Cityzens, so as to make 'em comply with his desires.  
I cannot leave Misnia, Saxony and Lusatia, without declaring that I was very much surprised there, and that for want of good Memoires. I did not stay so long as I might have done in so delicate a Country; neither do I any longer admire that Charlemain met with so many difficulties in carrying on his Conquests in those Parts.   

BOHEMIA.  
Formerly constituted a particular Kingdom, but at present is subject to the Emperor. It is a very fine Country, but its intestine and foreign Wars have extremely weakened and depopulated it: Insomuch that it may not be unfitly compared to a valiant Soldier who has destroyed his Enemies, but ●till languishes under the Wounds he ●eceiv'd in the Battle. I have heard ●ay, that the Emperor's Presence would ●n a little time restore that vigour which is now no longer to be seen ●here; and this puts me in mind of ●ome sick Persons, who recover their Health at the very sight of their Physician. I met with nothing thereabouts that I sought for, and indeed, Curiosities are seldom to be found in ●he small Towns; But   

PRAGVE  
To make amends for that fault, fur●●sh'd me with very many. The Jews ●ought Medals to me every day, ●●t such as were of very little value; so ●●at I was even ashamed of their Ignorance and despicable Poverty. They also showed me a considerable quantity of Stones which may be called precious; but in those kinds of Rarities I have regard to nothing but what is extremely beautiful; neither did I there meet with any of this Nature. I found so much employment in this City, that I was daily tired with traversing it altho' new objects appeared to my sight in its several Quarters. I was told that I ought not to be surprised at its vast extent, in regard that it consisted in seven different Towns, but this served only to increase the Wonder, for I should have judged that it contained above a hundred. It is altogether as broad as the City of London is long, and the number of the Inhabitants is proportionable to its compass. If the thirteen hundred Apothecaries of London are a sufficient Evidence of its Populousness, the two thousand Jesuits of Prague may be cited to the like purpose: The other Religious Societies are also as numerous as in any part of the World whatever, and there are some Monasteries that resemble the Palaces of Princes rather than the retiring Places of Persons who profess to renounce all the Vanities of the World. The Spaniards have a Church in this City and consequently a Habitation with the Title of Pilgrims of Emaus, but I never heard any mention made of that name any where else. The People are very devout; yet I do not think myself obliged to believe every thing that their mistaken zeal suggests to 'em. They showed me in a Church the three Stones of a Pillar, which the Devil (as they say) had brought from Rome to deceive a certain Priest as he was celebrating Mass, with whom he had made a Compact: They added that St. Peter threw this Fiend and his Pillar three several times into the Sea, and that this Balk having spoiled all his Measures, he was so much enraged, that he broke his Pillar for vexation, and nevertheless too fortunately found means to escape, etc. My silence was not well interpreted by those that related the Story to me, and I was obliged at last to declare whether I believed it or not. I thought to have got off by saying, that I had never read nor so much as heard of it before, altho' I had been tolerably well informed of St. Peter's Miracles; but that perhaps the circumstance of Time might afford me some light into the matter: Therefore I demanded of 'em when this happened; they answered many thousand years ago: I replied that the Christian Religion was established only sixteen hundred years ago that is to say, since the Nativity of Jesus Christ: It is true (said they) but the Miracle which we have mentioned to you is a great deal older than that: Thus my Chronologie being entirely subverted, I was almost forced to believe that the Catholic Church, St. Peter and the Mass were much more ancient than they were supposed to be.  
In the same Place I saw a large Stone Tomb, which was found in Moldavia, with the Body of St. Anthony. It is a considerable Monument, the Carving and Ornaments of which have a very great Conformity with the Sepulchers of the Primitive Christians that are discovered in Italy; and of which there are so many Draughts in that curious Book, known by the Title of Roma subterranea: These Characters XP. which denote the Name of Christ with A and Ω, are there expressed as upon our ancient Medals of Magnentius and Decentius. In the same Church is shown the Portraiture of the Virgin Mary, painted by St. Luke; and I am only displeased to meet with these Pieces so often; for 'tis certain that People are mistaken as to the most part of 'em, it not being probable that St. Luke ever drew so many Portraitures of the Virgin; besides that, some modern Marks are apparent in this Piece: Nevertheless I have a pious Veneration for all these sorts of Relics. They also showed me thereabouts a kind of Temple or Mosque, supposed to have been built by the Turks when they carried on their Incursions even to those Parts: It is altogether different from ours, and receives light only through the Roof, almost after the same manner as the Pantheon of Agrippa.  
That part of the City, which is situated beyond the River, and commonly called the lesser side, is much more delightful, and scarce any thing else is to be seen there but sumptuous Palaces, which amount to the number of above Three hundred; so that this Quarter may well be styled the Magazine of the Riches of Bohemia, and of his Imperial Majesty's Hereditary Countries. The King's Palace is at present that of the Emperor, and, in regard of its advantageous Situation, Architecture, and Ornaments, justly deserves the Title of a Royal Pile of Building. M. Misseroni, to whose Custody the Treasury is committed, gave me a sight there (without any manner of exaggeration be it spoken) of the finest Paintings in the World: There were above fifty of Titian, as also a little Room crowded with the Works of Raphael Angelo, and four or five spacious Chambers full of Paintings of the highest Value. I cannot call to mind the sight of some empty Rooms without Tears in my Eyes, by reason that all the Books and Medals were kept in 'em. It is the Property of War to spare nothing; and that which none durst attempt by open Force, was at last effected by the Treachery of a private Person, who enriched Count Konismarck with these Treasures. I have been informed that this General made a Present of Part of 'em to Queen Christina; and that he caused the rest to be conveyed into a Castle which he has in his possession near Bremen. Indeed it will not be my fault if I have not a sight of 'em; and I am as likely as any Man to undertake a Journey on purpose. If Curiosity has obliged me to endure so many Toils and Fatigues, it must also be acknowledged that I have thence received a great deal of delight and satisfaction as a Recompense for my labour. I have there observed some Medals, which are supposed to be ancient, but I durst not give Credit to such an Asseveration: I have also seen some at Paris that were sent thither from Italy, and which seemed to me to be of the same stamp; so that 'tis apparent that there are Counterfeits every where. The abovementioned M. Misseroni communicated to me many other choice Rarities, with the highest degree of Civility, upon the Recommendation of the Count de Lambers his Imperial Majesty's principal Minister of State; to whom I shall be obliged for this Favour, even during my whole Life.  
It was requisite once more to visit Vienna; but before my Arrival there, it may not be improper (my Lord) to give you an account of a strange show that entirely possessed my Imagination. As we were passing between the River Elbe, and a small Wood or Copse, we were surprised to behold at one end of the Meadows, as it were, an Epitome of the Resurrection, and of the last Judgement: For three or four hundred Persons suddenly risen up from the Ground on which they had lain: They took no care to dress themselves for want of ; not but that some sew were meanly furnished with 'em, yet none had any sense of shame. I durst not describe what I saw, and much less what they proffered to show me, in case I would have bestowed some small Benevolence upon 'em. This was a Company, or if you please, a Regiment of Bohemians, not of the Natives of Bohemia, but of those Bohemians by Profession, that have no Trade, no Wealth, no Friends, and no Industry, and yet live, and that too with a sort of liberty, that you shall not meet with in the most free Republic in the World.  
I was then travelling, accompanied with a Polander, and a very learned Student of Stralsund, named M. Leave: They were no less surprised than I, at this Apparition, and our Conference was not discontinued but by a little Quarrel that arose between 'em upon account of Religion. The Polander, who was a most zealous Roman Catholic, recited by way of Devotion, a Te Deum, in honour of St. Anthony, made in imitation of the Hymn which St. Ambrose and St. Augustine composed for the Divine Service. The Lutheran could not endure to hear it; neither could he forbear telling him, that his Prayer was superstitious and impious; and, that, by presuming to attribute to Men such Praises as were peculiar to the supreme Deity, Almighty God was entirely deprived of those that were due to him alone. I had much ado to put an end to this Altercation, and effected it only by opposing that Article of the general Treaty of Peace, which Prohibits all sorts of Persons to disturb the Public Tranquillity under any pretence of Religion whatsoever.  
At Vienna I had once more the Honour to do Reverence to His Imperial Majesty, and those Moment's, during which he was graciously pleased to admit me into his Presence, finally determined my Persuasion, that he is the most accomplished Prince that ever was, and even ever shall be in the World: He was standing upon a kind of Alcove: when he condescended so far as to call me to him, where what he thought fit to tell me, and the manner of expressing himself, affected my Heart more than my Ears. Indeed I had hitherto only offered it to God, but then I judged it not to be unreasonable to make a Present of it also to him, who represents the Divine Majesty upon Earth. The Poets have not given so sublime a Character of their Jupiter, as that which I observed in the Person of this most August Emperor: Insomuch that the most Heroical Eloquence would fail, if it should undertake to express my Thoughts concerning him; and much more my mean Epistolary Style. However, I cannot forbear declaring, that if Fortune should one day favour my moderate Abilities, I shall leave no means unattempted to demonstrate my grateful acknowledgement of that kind Reception, and of those many signal Bounties with which his Imperial Majesty has thought fit to Honour me. I took another opportunity to visit his admirable Treasures, but more especially those of the Books and Medals. I there saw that infinite number of choice Manuscripts in all Languages, and upon all sorts of Subjects, as well Ancient as Modern, without which (as I take it) 'tis impossible to attain to an exact Style; and at the same time I turned over those incomparable Draughts of J. Strada, which a Man cannot peruse without becoming both more Judicious and more Learned. M. Lambecius, who has 'em in his Custody, in quality of Library-Keeper, showed me all possible demonstrations of Kindness: His Name is well known, and highly honoured by all those that are addicted to the Study of the most sublime Sciences; but the Five Volumes which he has lately published, seem to add a new lustre to his Reputation. His admirable Book which bears the Title of Bibliotheca Caesarea, contains an Account of every thing that is exquisite, curious, and rare in the Emperor's Library. I have perused those Five Volumes at Vienna; and altho' I had but a small space of time to spend in that Employment, yet they appeared to me to be too short, which is undoubtedly a good sign (my Lord) as 'tis a very bad one, when a Man is tired with reading a little Book. Indeed I never set Foot in this Library without discovering some new Lights and improving my Knowledge to a higher degree; so easy a Matter it is to become Learned, by having recourse to so inexhaustible a Store-House of good Literature. The most part of Matters are there to be found already digested, and with never so little Judgement one may easily discern what is certainly true from what has only some appearance of Truth, and by consequence argue rationally upon any Subject whatsoever. I resided there about three Months, and could even have spent my whole Life in these Studies, without the least fatigue or weariness.  
There were no longer any Jews to be seen at Vienna, which was the cause that I wanted many Medals: They had been expelled thence about a Year before, and out of the whole Country of Austria. Indeed Complaints are every where made of 'em; and the Tributes which they pay to Princes for their Protection are not very efficacious to mollify the Hatred which they have deservedly incurred: They are the most cruel Enemies of the Christians, as if they were authorised by the Old Testament to commit those Robberies, Massacres, and Poisonings of which they are so often Convicted against those that believe the New. A Physician may well compare 'em to the Spleen, whose use is of no great Importance; in regard that 'tis often separated from the Body, without any diminution of the Animal Functions: It impairs the Soundness of the other Parts, by appropriating to itself the Humours which ought to serve for their Nourishment; and in a word, causes 'em to pine away, and to perish through emptiness, if it be not timely prevented from growing too big. The Jews would do the like to the Christians, if it were in their Power; for they subsist only by Artifice and Fraud. I have observed, that the common People are not so miserably Poor in any Countries as in those where the Jews are tolerated; so that it may be avouched, that they consume their Substance. Besides, they are good for nothing; they are not so Judicious as they were in times past, neither can they endure to apply themselves to any sort of Work or Labour; so that Sloth and Ignorance will at last involve them in all manner of Calamities. The little Town which they formerly Inhabited, at present bears the Name of Leopolstadt, and serves as it were a Suburbs to Vienna, which is separated from it only by a small Arm of the Danube. It is very neatly built, and the Churches are purified, after having defaced even the least Marks of their Superstition; a Monument of which will be seen for a long time in the Painting of the high Altar, where the Emperor and Empress seem to offer up all their Regalities to God, imploring his Protection for the safety of their little Imperial Princess and of their People. In another Painting of the same Church is represented a Young Christian Infant stabbed to Death with Pen-knives by the Jewish Rabbins, who under Colour of Religion receive the Blood in a Basin to be afterward used in their abominable Mysteries. It is not without reason that the Religion of the Turks is called that of Swine: and it may be also justly affirmed, that the Religion of the Jews is that of superstitious Bigots; nevertheless, without profaning that Word, which is in a manner Sacred, and ought only to be applied to signify the Worship which we own to the true God.  
The Turks put me in mind of a flight Embassy which I saw at Vienna, where they resided about two Months. After having had a Public Audience of the Vicepresident of the Council of War, they demanded one also of the Emperor himself, and had much ado to obtain it, by reason of the little importance of the Affairs about which they came to treat; yet the good Correspondence which is held between the two Empires at last caused it to be granted. It was joyful News to me to be informed that the Turks avoided even the least occasions that might give any offence to his Imperial Majesty, and that by that means the Rebels in Hungary could expect no Supplies, but would be soon constrained to submit to his Clemency. These Ambassadors were lodged without the City, and guarded after the same manner with which those Christian Noblemen are usually treated who are sent on an Embassy to Constantinople. I often repaired to their Apartment, and yet could never get an opportunity to see 'em at their Meals, altho' I was very desirous of the Sight; I was only permitted to enter their Stables, where I saw very fine Horses, which they had transported on purpose to Trade with 'em: For these Turks (my Lord) notwithstanding their Babarity, are very Covetous, and leave no Stone unturned to get Money. I brought along with me out of that Country a rich Horse-cloth Embroidered in Mesopotamia, where (as they say) is the finest Workmanship of this kind: Indeed 'tis extremely beautiful without comprehending the Gold and Silver which are wrought in it, even to the thickness of two Fingers. I could wish that it were sufficiently curious to give content to your Highness, and that it were worth your acceptance.  
It is well known that the Turks have an aversion to all manner of Games and Sports; or to express it better, they know not what 'tis to Game or Play; insomuch that Tennis-Play and Bowling seem altogether ridiculous in their Apprehension. These sottish Christians (say they) throw a Ball into the Air, run after it, pursue it, and run back again: If they are so enamoured with it, why do they not take it? Why do they not keep it? Why do they take so much pains for a Ball that cannot stir of itself? They abhor all sorts of Games at Cards and Dice, but they have another kind of Sport. I have often seen 'em hurling Faggot-sticks and small Billets at one another's Heads; the chief Dexterity of the Thrower is to strike his Antagonist as hard as he can; whilst the other not only endeavours to avoid the Blow (as I should be apt to do in the like case) but also goes to meet it and catches it with his Hand, as if it were neither heavy nor hard, in order to throw it back immediately, with the like design of offending the former. You may easily imagine, that they do not often leave off without spilling of Blood, yet they are as much good Friends as ever, and he that does the most mischief passes among 'em for the most gallant Man.  
I saw some other Sports or rather Exercises at Vienna, in which the Germans (in my Opinion) take delight, as it were to keep up their ancient Customs. Much Agility of Body and dexterity are absolutely necessary for the performing of this Exercise; but both these Qualities would not produce any considerable effect, unless accompanied with a great deal of strength. The two-handed Sword, the Spear, the Halberd, and the Toseck are their principal Instruments. Although these People seem still to retain somewhat of that ancient fierceness, with which their Ancestors were taxed, nevertheless they are far from being so cruel, as the Cudgel-Players whom I saw in the public places of the City of London, where a Man's Head is unavoidably broken by way of Divertisement: The Inhabitants of Vienna are wont to do it only in the presence of an Officer, who takes care to regulate the Fight, and interposes his Authority to separate the Cambatants, whensoever he suspects that they may be transported with Animosity, Jealousy, or overmuch Passion; not but that I have often seen the effusion of Blood in those Rencounters.  
Although these Sights were irksome to me, yet they had not that effect upon my Mind as the fury of the brute Beasts, especially when the Mastive Dogs were let lose upon a Bull, and new ones were set on to relieve the others that were Wounded, or tired with the Fight. I also saw others engaged with Bears, Wolves, and Dogs. The outrageous fierceness of these Animals puts me in mind of the delight they afforded to the ancient Romans, who were wont to confer the Consular and Sacerdotal Dignities upon those Persons from whose Liberality they expected the most magnificent public Shows, and the most extraordinary Divertisements of this Nature. Julius Caesar was very sensible of it; and altho' he was endued with undaunted Courage, Magnanimity, Prudence, and all those excellent Qualities which are necessary for the keeping of so potent a State in subjection; nevertheless he did not forbear to make use of these little Artifices; nay, it has been observed, that he brought his Family to very great Exigencies; or to speak more properly, ruin'd himself to get the  of the People, by the multitude and grandeur of the Shows with which he dazzled their Eyes. Upon the whole Matter 'tis evident, that Vienna is a delightful City, if there be any in the World; and as I make no difficulty to affirm, that unless a Man were born in France, it were to be wished, that he were a Native of Germany, so I may also aver, That if one cannot find means to spend his Life at Paris, 'tis most expedient to do it at Vienna. From Vienna I passed to   

SALTZBURG.  
One would imagine, that no remarkable Object were to be seen at the Foot of the Alps, and on that side which is exposed only to the North; nevertheless every thing appears wonderful fine, that is to say, the Fields, Pastures, Rivers, Walks, Gardens, Buildings, etc. so that nothing can be more delectable nor more stately. But that which (in my Mind) augments the Beauty of the Place is that vast mass of Rocks, which is as it were cut perpendicularly, and seems to threaten the City with Destruction. Indeed we there beheld the miserable Ruins of a Monastery, and some Houses which were, as it were, buried some Months before under a heap of Rocks. Certain Workmen who were employed on the top in cutting the Rock perfectly steep, seemed to us to be no bigger than Aunts; and to say thus much may be sufficient (as I take it) to express its height. The finest Churchyard or Buryingplace that ever I saw, is that of St. Sebastian, which is rather a Repository of curious Paintings to delight the Eyes and Mind than the dismal Pomp of a Funeral Show. The Inhabitants of this Country are ambitious to cause their Memory to be honoured after their Death, or rather (as I am apt to believe) these Honours are paid to the Deceased, for the Consolation of the Living. The stately Chapel which stands in the middle of four Galleries, was built to serve as a Tomb to an Archbishop. Indeed all these People from the highest Station to the lowest seem to take delight in this kind of Magnificence; much after the same manner as it happened in Egypt three or four Thousand Years ago, where the Indigent had their Pyramids as well as the Kings, neither were the several conditions of Men otherwise distinguished than by the difference of the Expenses: Such is the Vanity of degenerate Mankind, which nevertheless will be at last as it were annihilated, and lie hid under a few Foot of Earth, where will be no longer any distinction between the Rich and the Poor; nor will Alexander the Great take up more space than the Beggar Irus.  
Sarcophago contentus erit; mors sola fatetur,  
Quantula sint hominum corpuscula.  CONDITUR HIC PHILIPPUS THEOPHRASTUS INSIGNIS MEDICINAE DOCTOR, QUI DIRA ILLA WLNERA, LEPRAM, PODAGRAM, HYDROPISIM, ALIAQUE INSANABILIA CORPORIS CONTAGIA MIRIFICA ARTE SUSTULIT AC BONA SUA IN PAUPERES DISTRIBUENDA COLLOCANDAQUE HONORAVIT: ANNO M.D.XLI DIE XXIIII. SEPTEMB. VITAM CUM MORTE MUTAVIT. 
Here lies the Body of Philippus Theophrastus, a famous Doctor of Physic, whose wonderful Art removed those direful Maladies, the Leprosy, Gout, Dropsy, and other incurable Diseases incident to Humane Bodies. He honourably gave Orders, that his Estate and Goods should be Sold and distributed to the Poor, and changed this Life for a better on the 24th day of Septemb. A. D. 1541.  
This is very little comformable to the Information which I received concerning him in France, where he passes only for a Quack-salver, who endeavoured to blind the World with the extraordinary advantages to which he pretended. How many Minters of false Coin has he caused to be Hanged, who dreamt of nothing less but that by reading Paracelsus' Works they might soon learn the Art of making Gold? This Impostor promised to reveal the Secret to the whole World, yet died a Beggar, and in the same Hospital of Saltzburg, where the Estate which he gave to the Poor, can serve only as two Lines of Amplification to his Epitaph. Besides, he was wont to boast, that he could bring the Pope, Luther, and the Turk to an agreement, and indeed, he was a very ill Man that he did not do it accordingly; but the only facility of performing this Exploit (in my Opinion) is, that he was not zealous for the Interest of any Party. Lastly, He gave it out that he knew the Secret of enabling a Man to live to the Age of a hundred and fifty Years; and nevertheless died himself Aged only thirty seven, worn out with exquisite Pains. Insomuch that I cannot be persuaded by any of these Occurrences, either of his Integrity or Learning. It is true indeed, in regard that he had acquired some (Reputation, divers Learned Physicians in Germany prefixed his Name before their Writings: Thus Paracelsus gained unexpected renown, even after his Death, but thanks be to God the World is now undeceived. It is well known, that our modern Physicians studiously avoid that commendation with which they were so much charmed in the preceding Age, in treating 'em as excellent Chemists. This would now be esteemed the Character of a very unfortunate Physician; not that I would by any means go about to condemn the Art of Chemistry. I am not ignorant of its wonderful effects; but I am also sensible, that 'tis a kind of Stumbling-block, which causes the most part of those that come near it to fall, even to their utter disappointment. My Father, whose Memory is most precious to me, was wont to say, that it was the Ape of the Galenical Art, and the adulterated Coin of our Profession.  
The Castle of Salizburg is a somewhat surprising Structure, and is justly esteemed (as it ought to be) one of the Bulwarks of Christendom, as being capable of putting a stop to the Incursions of the Turks, in case by misfortune they should ever penetrate so far. The Archbishop was so obliging to me and my Company, as to give Orders that it should be shown to us; and I saw the place of his Residence, the stateliness of which is conformable to the Account of it I had before received; as to its Ornaments, Beauty, number of Apartments, etc. 'tis not inferior to any Palace in the World. However, I shall leave the description of it to others, in regard I am accustomed only to behold such sorts of Objects with admiration and complacency,; my chief delight being conversant about Historical Rarities, but except some few Statues that were set there for State and Magnificence rather than out of Curiosity, I could not find any thing of that nature. Moreover, that which increased my admiration is that the Prince, the present Archbishop is a very Learned and Eloquent Person, endued also with a profound Judgement; as I plainly perceived in the Conference with which he was pleased to Honour me. In acquainting me that he had no ancient Medals, he expressed the esteem that he had for 'em, and showed me at the same time, several Books that were writ by me on that Subject, and which he had sent for out of his Library. It would be a kind of good Fortune to Curiosity, if so sublime a Genius, and so Noble a Lord as this Archbishop would vouchsafe to set apart some time for these Studies; nay, I durst even presume to affirm, that His Highness would reap no small advantage from such a disposition of Mind. How great are the Cares of Government, and with how many wearisome Hours is it attended! You are not ignorant of it (my Lord) Alexander the Great endured these fatigues; and Julius Caesar was not exempted from 'em; so that Your most serene Highness and the Archbishop of Saltzburg are only free from such anxious Distractions: A Cabinet of Medals; a little application to the viewing of so many Hero's which they represent; a word of Commendation for the Virtuous Princes; a grain of Salt let fall upon the Tyrants; and admiration for all, might serve (in my Opinion) as a Restorative for a sublime Mind, too much taken up and tired with the administration of secular Affairs. This would be the most delectable Nepenthes, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, at least to my Palate. Shall I take the liberty to declare to Your Highness what is a farther cause of my admiration in this respect? It is upon account that those Persons who seem to be best able to bear the charge that is necessary for the making of such Collections, are lest of all inclined to do it. The Ecclesiastical Princes with whom I conversed in Germany, are not much addicted to Curiosity, at least to that of Medals. I met with nothing remarkable at Mentz, altho' the Elector lately Deceased, was endued with all the excellent Qualities that can be imagined; but perhaps he was not acquainted with these kinds of Delights. The Grand Master of the Teutonick Order, at present Viceroy of Hungary, is Magnificent in every thing; for 'tis apparent from the vast Expenses which he lays out in furnishing his Table, in Hunting, and other noble Divertisements, that 'tis not the effect of Frugality that he has no Medals, and yet he is not supplied with any. He told me himself at Mergentheim, where I went on purpose to wait upon His Highness, that if those Princes could be persuaded to set apart a hundred or two hundred Pistoles for that use (which is a very inconsiderable Sum with respect to their Revenues) besides the benefit which they themselves might reap from thence, it would turn very much to the advantage of Posterity, and the Republic of Learning. By this means their Cabinets would be daily enriched with new Supplies, and many rare Pieces would be easily preserved, which are often melted down by the Goldsmiths for want of Buyers, witness that half of a Golden Medal which remains in our Possession with the Portraiture of Pescennius Niger. Those Princes that delight in such Curiosities would take a very good course (in my Mind) to enjoin the Goldsmiths in their respective Dominions, to give notice to the Magistrates of every Town of all the occasions they shall have both of buying and selling Medals of Gold, Silver, and Copper. Besides, that by that means all opportunities of stealing 'em might be taken away, it would tend very much to the Prince's advantage, without doing Injury to any Person whatever. The Goldsmiths usually buy 'em by weighr, according to the value of the Metal, and for a small profit that might be allowed to these Artificers, they would be engaged to melt none down. It is true indeed, that for a greater precaution it would be requisite to impose a Fine upon those that should presume to act contrary to the Royal Mandate, in melting down any without a Licence, or that should neglect to give timely notice of it to the Magistrate, or some other Person authorised by the Prince to exercise that Employment in every City or Town. This Order (in my Opinion) would take great effect in the principal Towns, especially those that are situated upon a Road or public Highway. Therefore it were to be wished, that the Archbishop of Saltzburg were informed of this Project, and that he would vouchsafe to put it in execution; neither do I doubt but that in process of time it would evidently appear, that I have no less zeal for his Service than affection and respect for his Person.  
After having spent eight Days at Saltzburg, I determined to set forward from thence to Tirol, but in the middle of the Alps two Soldiers showed me an Order they had received to prohibit all manner of Passengers from entering that Country, without obtaining a Pass from the Emperor. However, my Equipage gave 'em no occasion of suspicion, in regard that I road Post in a Chariot, accompanied only with a Friend on Horseback; but perhaps the Character of my Nation made 'em stand it out more obstinately, and the respect that I owed to their Master obliged me to return. I had a fair Plea, that I was just now come from Vienna, where His Imperial Majesty treated me with all manner of demonstrations of his Princely Favour, yet nothing was able to divert 'em from their Resolution. Polybius would never have imagined a Frenchman to be endued with so much moderation; and indeed, he was sometimes mistaken, when he declared, Galli non dicam in plerisque, sed prorsus in omnibus actionibus suis; irâ atque impetu, non consilio reguntur. The French- mwn, I will not say for the most part, but even altogether in all their Actions are transported with Heat and Passion, and never observe the Rules of Moderation. Thus I was constrained to return to Saltzburg, where the Archbishop did not think fit to grant me a Pass through the Emperor's Territories; insomuch that I was much troubled how to get back to Vienna to procure one; but I chose rather to go to Munick, where having obtained a Licence, I entered the most delightful Plains of Tirol.  
Inspruck seemed to me as it were a rich Diamond set within its Ring; nothing but Lustre appearing every where, and that transcendent Splendour which affects the Mind rather than the Eyes; altho' I happened to be there at the Festival of Christmas, during which the fervent heat of Devotion is a very necessary defensative against the coldness of the Season: There I saw that , who (as they say) was designed to be given in Marriage to His Royal Highness of England. Indeed so great a degree of Beauty, Gracefulness, and Majesty, cannot well be imagined; insomuch that Zeuxis' Venus, which was the Masterpiece of the most famous Painter in the World, was not set off to greater advantage; nevertheless, that Painting was the Epitome, or rather exact Copy of the most exquisite Beauties among the Grecian Dames, who were reputed (as Your Highness is sensible) to be the fairest in the World. What I have been told concerning the rare Endowments of her Mind, surpasses every thing that I have seen; but I shall not detain your Patience so long as to express the Idea which ought to be formed of it. Whilst I was writing these particulars, News was brought me of the Death of the Empress; so that if it were not too audacious a presumption to propose a Match for the Emperor, I should be induced to nominate this Princess: All their Qualities (in my Mind) are conformable, and who knows whether this may not actually come to pass, since 'tis not the first time that Imagination has been seconded with a suitable event; Imaginatio generat casum, according to the common Saying of Physicians; as for my part, I should be extremely delighted if it should so happen, as well with respect to the Consolation of His Imperial Majesty, as for the benefit of the Empire. I hope your most Serene Highness will not take it ill that I presume so far as to add a Word or two in commendation of the deceased Empress; I have had the Honour to see her both in the Church and at the Court, and have every where observed her to be a most virtuous Princess; so that Malice itself would grow pale for want of sufficient Matter to raise a Calumny against her Person. The Emperor had the greatest Affection and Respect for her imaginable: But I have been told, that the ill Treatment of the Protestants in Hungary was the effect of the Zeal of this Princess, and of the Advice of the Spaniards, to which His Imperial Majesty had much deference upon her Account. The state of her Health was never very vigorous; the tenderness, or (to speak more like a Physician) the weakness of her Constitution being no less than that of her Body: Indeed the later was capable of being strengthened by proper Remedies, and a good Diet, which were not wanting; but I durst even affirm, that she sometimes used too much with respect to her natural Temperament and Strength, which was not able to digest so great a quantity. For 'tis necessary in this case to observe a kind of Geometrical proportion, & ad vires, (as 'tis expressed in our Physical Treatises) and the most part of the World is deceived upon this very Account.  
In Travelling from Tirol I spent five or six Days on the Alps in the midst of Winter, and yet without feeling any Cold; for every thing was covered with Snow except the Road, which was as dear and verdant as in the Spring-season▪ There I saw the Passage which the Swedes endeavoured to make during the last Wars, but were not able to bring it to effect: However, King Gust●vus Adolphus declared, that he knew very well how to enter it, and that it was requisite only to find means to get out again. At Lindaw I Embarked on the Lake, and afterward arrived at   

CONSTANTZ.  
A City so famous for its Council, and for the Execution of John Huss. There I was informed, that the Authority of its Bishop, who is a Prince of the Empire, is very considerable, altho' his Revenues are as small as those of any other Bishop in Germany, as the Archbishop of Saltzburg enjoys the largest.   

SCHAFFHAUSEN.  
Through which I passed, is a very large Town, and the Capital of its Canton; where some Curiosities, and divers Cabinets of ancient Medals are to be found, as also about half an Hours Journey from thence those famous Cataracts of the Rhine, which make almost as much noise in the World as in their Neighbourhood: This River leaving its Bed, where it seemed calmly to rest, falls as it were perpendicularly from a considerable height on the top of the Rocks, which Nature (as one would say) has cut steep down, on purpose for this Prodigy. The same thing is reported of the Nile in some part of Aethiopia, but I never heard that the like Object is to be seen elsewhere, which so extremely amuses the Senses both of Seeing and Hearing at the same time. On the other side stands the Fort of   

HOHENTWIEL.  
Which is the most important, that is to say, the strongest Place in the Duchy of Wirtemberg: The last Wars are a sufficient evidence of this Truth; and here I cannot but call to Mind a Circumstance which I never read of but in our Old Romances; as I take it 'tis that of Valentine and Orson, where two Brothers engaged in different Parties are introduced ready to Fight without any knowledge one of another; both being Valiant Hero's, and renowned for their notable Exploits. These were the two Dukes of Wirtemberg, Frederick and Vlrick. I saw the latter die in his Bed at Stugart, after having magnanimously run through innumerable Dangers, with his Sword in Hand, and performed many noble Enterprises; but the other is still living, and will continue to live for a long time, if my Wishes and Prayers prove by any means effectual; for I must here take the liberty to declare, that I have a very great Respect, and yet more Cordial Affection for his Right Honourable Person.  
Thus my Journey is at last terminated at Basil, where I took a Resolution to allow myself some Refreshment, and to commit to Writing those Remarks that were made by me during this Journey, and of which I had as yet only some short Memorandums. At present I am employed in looking over again with much delight the rare Medals which I procured about a Year ago, and in causing those to be curiously Engraved that I had only drawn with Crayons; in order to communicate 'em to the Public (if the Divine Providence shall favour my Undertaking) and to those Princes who have an absolute Authority over my Person and Affairs. My design is also to get Suetonius Printed here, together with the Figures of the Ancient Medals that serve to explain and illustrate the Text; to which purpose I have already caused above four hundred of 'em to be delineated by a very skilful Artist; but I am still at a stand to know whether this Book ought to be writ in Latin or French; nevertheless, since these two Languages are in a manner universal; perhaps I may publish it in both. In the mean time I thought myself obliged to present this succinct Relation to Your Highness, as well to give you a particular Account of my Actions as to testify my Gratitude, and the Respect that I bear to Your most Honourable Person. I am,  
My Lord, Your most Serene Highness' Most humble and most obedient Servant, CHARLES PATIN.    

POSTSCRIPT.  
I Know not (my Lord) whether you shall think fit any longer to give Ear to my impertinent Discourses, and whether I may be allowed to add a Postscript to this Letter, without trespassing too long upon your Patience: However, the manner of Writing in this Country seems to authorise me to that purpose, and the small Journey that I have lately made has informed me of some particular Matters, which perhaps may not be altogether unacceptable to Your most Serene Highness, by reason of the Relation they have to those Studies in which You chief delight, I mean Antiquity, History, and other parts of good Literature.  
Every one talks of the Strength and Valour of the Swissers, but they are not sufficiently known to the World; neither is it possible for any Man to get a clear insight into their Constitutions, if without making any Reflections on their past History, he applies himself only to the consideration of their present State. The Art of War and those Sciences which are termed Liberal flourish in those Parts at the same time; but since their lustre has been eclipsed during many Ages, it would be requisite to search out their Original even before the time that the barbarous Nations over-ran, as it were an universal Deluge, the fairest Provinces of Europe, particularly Germany, France, and Italy. For Switzerland being contiguous to the others was soon involved in these common Calamities, and it may be justly affirmed, that it has sound means to free itself from 'em only by virtue of its own Strength and Energy. Indeed this Country has always wrought Wonders for the preservation of its Liberty; and when it was forced to submit to the Power of Caesar and the Romans, it wanted only time to shake off that Yoke of Servitude. The Love that the Swissers retain for their Liberty is still even at this day the principal part of their Character, and serves to maintain the Tranquillity which constitutes the happiness of these Territories; nay, even when it strikes Terror into the Mind of those that endeavour to procure its ruin, it renders itself amiable in the sight of all the States of Europe. I shall not now make it my business so much to describe the particulars of the present Occurrences and Transactions as to illustrate the general History of this Nation with some Historical Proofs that have fallen within the compass of my Knowledge.  
I have seen more footsteps of Antiquity in Switzerland, than in any other part of Europe; insomuch that 'tis probable that the Romans had there settled very considerable Colonies as well upon account of the pleasantness of the Country, as to secure themselves against the Germans who often made Incursions on that side. I passed through that Plain which lies near  

KOENIGSFELDEN.  
Where Constantius being as yet only General of Dioclesian's Army overcame the Germans in a pitched Battle. Many Bones are daily found thereabouts, and none can doubt that they are the remains of this Defeat. In   

MARTIGNT or MARTINACH,  
Which was heretofore called Octodurum, this Inscription concerning his Grandson is to be read upon a Column,  
IMP. CAESARI VAL. CONSTANTIO PIO FEL. INVICTO AUG. DIVI CONSTANTII PII AUG. FILIO FOR. CL. VAL. BONO REIPUBLICAE NATO.  
These last words (my Lord) are notable and very stately; nay, the Romans, in order to transmit 'em to Posterity, were not only content that they should be Carved on Stone, but also caused 'em to be stamped upon their Gold Coins, some of which are still extant, and I have a fair Original in my Possession.  
The Cloister of Koenigsfelden was Founded A. D. 1309. by Elizabeth the Widow of the Emperor Albert, who was there Slain by his Nephew, John of Austria, Duke of Schwaben, and I have seen the place at the passage of the River R●ss. At the distance of one League from thence appear the Ruins of the Castle of Haspurge, of which the Emperor Rodolph bore the Name.  
The City of Vindonissa, which is mentioned by Tacitus in the Fourth Book of his Histories, was situated in the Neighbourhood: It was burnt by the Swissers, who attempted to enter the Territories of the ancient Gauls, in the time of Julius Caesar, and was Rebuilt a little after by the Romans. They retained it in their Possession till the Reign of Valentinian the Third, when it was utterly ruined by the Huns and Germans; so that there how remains only a small Village which bears the Name of Vindisch, and its Episcopal See was translated to Constantz by King Dagobert. The truth of all these matters of Fact is evident from divers ancient Inscriptions.   

BADEN,  
Which is not far distant, is the Place where the General Diets or Assemblies of the Cantons are held for the transacting of the Public Affairs of the State, and where Foreign Ambassadors are usually entertained. The Romans imposed the Name of Aquae Helveticae upon this Town, and in succeeding Ages it was likewise called Castellum Thermarum, by reason of the hot Baths which have there acquired much reputation. I have sometimes bathed myself in 'em with delight, and dare avouch upon my own Experience, that they really deserve the whole Esteem in which they now are; insomuch that very great Advantages may be reaped from these Baths conducing to the preservation of Health; althô perhaps, I should require somewhat more Circumspection than is observed in the ordinary use of 'em: But to return to my Historical Observations, we are informed by Tacitus, in the first Book of his History, that Caocina Captain of Vitellius' Party defeated there an Army of Swissers, who adhered to that of Otho, and he seems in a manner to describe the very place, Direptus longâ pace in modum municipii extructus locus, amaeno salubrium aquarum usu frequens: Then also was pillaged a place that by a long continuance of Peace had grown up as it were to a Town-Corporate, and which was much resorted to upon account of the delectable use of wholesome Waters. An Inscription of Trajan has been lately found, and Medals are daily picked up in the Neighbourhood, some of which I have purchased. But that which surprises me most, is that a vast quantity of Dice, such as are used at Games are also met with thereabouts, without being able to discover their Original. At the distance of four Hours Journey from thence stands the beautiful Town of   

ZURICH.  
At one end of the Lake on both sides the River Limat. It is supposed to have been built by one Thuricus, 1900 Years before the Nativity of Jesus Christ, which is to advance its Antiquity even above that of Rome; but this last City as it were revenged the Affront by the Hand of Marius, at the defeat of the Cimbrians, to whom the Inhabitants of Zurich were united. The Statue of Charlemain, who was the Founder of the great Church, is still to be seen on one of its Towers, with a Crown upon his Head, and a Sword in his Hand; and I take this Monument to be very remarkable. The Canton of Zurich, (as you well know my Lord) holds the first Rank among those of Switzerland; being very potent upon account of its Populousness, Riches, and Extent: But I shall leave the particular description of it to Historians, in regard that my present Design is only to take notice of Matters relating to Antiquity or Curiosity.  
Will your most Serene Highness vouchsafe to give me leave to relate two pleasant Stories, which may serve to give some Indication of the Manners of these People? Two Burgundians went on a certain time to buy Horses at Zurich, where in discoursing with their Landlord they gave it out that as the French had already made themselves Masters of the Franche Comtè, they might perhaps arrive very suddenly in Switzerland; and that they would at least oblige the Inhabitants to tie and untie their Shoes: In the mean while, a Neighbour being informed by the Innkeeper of the Discourse that happened between these Foreigners, went to meet 'em with a Sword by his side, and demanded of 'em whether that which was reported to him were true: Whereupon these poor Wretches were extremely affrighted, yet could not deny what they had so openly declared: Come hither (said the Swisser to one of 'em) and untie this Shoe for me which was accordingly done: Then (continued he) go forward and bring thy Companion before me: As soon as the other drew near, he was in like manner obliged to submit, and to tie the same Shoe again. Learn then (replied the Swisser to both) that our Countrymen are only induced to serve by Friendship, and that they'll cause themselves to be obeyed whenever they are threatened. The other Story is much of the same Nature. A Germane passing through a Village of the Canton of Zurich, demanded which was the Road, of a young Peasant, whom he called according to his usual manner of drolling Kyemelker; the latter set him in the right way, and immediately ran to his Father to acquaint him with the Nickname which had been imposed on him by the Traveller. The good Old-Man had no sooner heard it, but he engages two of his Friends to accompany him, overtakes the German, and having enjoined him to alight from his Horse, compelled him to Milk a Cow for a considerable time in spite of his Teeth. Get thee gone then (said he afterward) and boast if thou shalt think fit, that thou hast been in the Country of Keyemelkers, and that thou hast been no less a partaker of the same Employment than they.  
This may be sufficient (my Lord) to show the Genius or natural Disposition of the Nation, and I have even found an ancient Inscription, GENIO PAG. TIGOR. If I durst describe it by any other Character than that of Liberty, I should undoubtedly mention the Zeal that they have for their Religion. The Divines have great Power and Authority among 'em, and even sometimes oblige the Magistrates to a more than ordinary severity.  
Notwithstanding the continual noise of the Drums, yet the Muses do not cease to have their Parnassus in this Country; insomuch that I have there known some very Learned Persons, and among others M. Suicerus, who alone understands more Greek than all the Natives of Greece, and for whom I have a greater Esteem upon account of his Integrity, than for his Learning. I have been shown the place in the River where the Ingenious M. Hottinger was unfortunately drowned with part of his Family: He was that famous Professor of the Hebrew Tongue whom the States of Holland sent for to adorn their University of Leyden. I am also obliged to the Courtesy of his Sons for the sight of some Oriental Medals that remain in their possession. The public Library is as it were a Nursery for Arts and Sciences, as containing all sorts of Books, and very considerable Manuscripts. There are likewise divers Medals, and some very rare ones: They have been much esteemed as soon as their use was known, and 'tis probable that their number will be increased from time to time, till at last a very fine Cabinet be made of 'em. As for my part; I viewed 'em with great delight, and was even surprised at the satisfaction which they afforded me. I shall not here make mention of any Caresses or Compliments which are every where Customary, but the Senate was pleased to show their good Will toward me with much more solid Marks, which I shall always keep in Mind, even during my whole Life.  
One cannot Travel very far in that Country without discovering some rare Monuments of Antiquity; and indeed, I find many of 'em mentioned by Historians, but I could wish they had been described after another manner; for Books are now subject to a much more critical Censure than formerly. Therefore perhaps I may give encouragement to one of my Friends to undertake the Work, whose Abilities (I can assure you) are sufficient for the performing it with good Success. However, I shall here observe beforehand, some of those Curiosities that have affected my Mind more than the others. I took delight in viewing the Castle of Bipp, which (as 'tis reported) was built by the Order of King Pepin for the convenience of Hunting. There are Bears in those Parts, my Lord, and at that time the use of Muskets and Fowling-pieces was altogether unknown. The People were then apparently more resolute and desperate in their Erterprises than at present, at least they were much more Courageous than I am.   

SOLOTURN,  
Is one of the most pleasant Countries in Switzerland: The Mountains seem to stoop as it were on purpose to give passage to the Waters, and to afford a most delightful prospect with all manner of necessary Conveniences. I had there a sight of divers very curious Inscriptions, and I copied out those that appeared to me to be the finest. But that which is proper for Memoires or Commentaries may be too tedious to be inserted in a Postscript.  
Thus I left Soloturn, meditating upon this Epigram.  
In Celtis nihil est Soloduro antiquius; unis  
Exceptis Treviris, quorum ego dicta soror.  
Near the Cloister of Frawbrunnen is to be read upon a Cross a notable Historical Memorandum: It was erected in a Field where the Inhabitants of Bern defeated a numerous Army of English men, A. D. 1375. A certain Lord of _____ in the right of Catharine of Austria his Mother, laid claim to divers Territories of Switzerland, which had appertained to that Illustrious Family: But this defeat (it seems) has quite ruined his Pretensions, at least there has been no Talk about the Affair since that time.  
I shall here take an occasion to mention to your most Serene Highness a remarkable Circumstance concerning Medals, for some were found in the same place, A. D. 1628. when two young Boys pursued a Serpent even into its hole, and as they were poking in the Ground with their Sticks, discovered an Earthen Pot filled with fifteen hundred Silver-Medals, which were for the most part those of Severus, Julia and Caracalla. Can you imagine (my Lord) that this Serpent was metamorphosed into Medals, or that the little Animal showed his Persecutors this means of enriching themselves? As for my part, I can believe neither; but I know that the Serpent is generally esteemed as a good Omen: The Nicomedians luckily met with 'em in laying the Foundation of their City. The Romans were indebted to one for the cure of their Plague: The Israelites were in like manner healed by looking upon a Brazen Serpent; and perhaps one may put an end to my Mis-adventures Feliciter.  
To return to the Medals, they are found almost in all parts of that Country, and some Years ago a great quantity of 'em was discovered, together with divers Sepulchers, Lamps, and Urns. The Inhabitants are also now inclined to set a Value upon 'em; among whom M. Morel in particular has already procured a considerable Cabinet; and altho' his Curiosity began at first only with a small Medal of Maximinus which he had accidentally obtained, yet I can assure your Highness, that he has since made a great progress therein, and has some very rare Pieces in his possession: He has likewise made a Collection of the finest Prints of Italy, France, and Germany; insomuch that I have met with very few Persons who are addicted more to Curiosity than he, neither is his Judgement and Skill in these Matters less profound; and as a recompense for his Pains and Trouble, I am certain that this kind of Study affords to him, as well as to me, a great deal of Delight and Satisfaction. A Man need only take a prospect of   

BERN.  
To form in his Mind a suitable Idea of its Power and Wealth. It was Founded by a Duke of Zeringhen, A. D. 1191. to oppose certain petty Lords of the Country, whose Territories are now escheated to this Canton; neither would the Town any longer acknowledge the Authority of their Duke Berthold. It is entirely built with Freestone, and every where adorned with Porticoes, Arches, and Pillars, so that a Passenger may walk through all the Streets at any time under shelter, secure both from the Storms of Wind and Rain, and the excessive heat of the Sun. Thus the Houses seem to be only the Apartments of so many Kings; and indeed, every Burgher is actually a Prince in his own Family. The Church, Arsenal, and Public Library are stately Edifices, and deserve well to be viewed by Ingenious Travellers. Some of the Inhabitants caused me to take particular notice of a place in the highest Wall that ever I saw, being that which supports the Platform of the Church, from whence a certain Student fell down headlong on Horseback, without receiving any manner of hurt. Curtius' himself never fell from so steep a Precipice, altho' his Fall procured him immortal Fame; but who would be willing to purchase it at so dear a rate? for my part I know none. The Student of whom I now make mention is still living (my Lord) and is not this a strange Prodigy? Except in the Libraries of the Emperor and the King, I never saw a greater number of Manuscripts than those which are kept in that of Bern; all those of M. Bongars, are likewise preserved there, and I have been so fortunate as to get a Catalogue of 'em. I am altogether unwilling to let slip any opportunity that may in the least tend to the advantage of the Republic of Learning.   

MORAT  
Is situated at the distance only of five Hours Journey from Bern▪ being a very noted tho' small Town, which has imparted everlasting Renown to the Inhabitants of the Country, who have caused a Chapel to be erected on the side of the Lake which serves as a Sepulchre to twenty Thousand Burgundians that had made an attempt upon their Liberty. This Charnel-House is adorned with the following Inscription,  
INVICTISSIMI ATQUE FORTISSIMI CAROLI DUCIS BURGUNDIAE EXERCITUS MURATUM OBSIDENS CONTRA HELVETIOS PUGNANS HIC SUI MONIMENTUM RELIQUIT ANNO M. CCCC.LXXVI.  
The Army of the most Invincible and most Valiant Charles Duke of Burgundy, that Besieged Morat, and fought against the Swissers, has here left its Monument.  
It is scarce possible to pass by that Place without making some notable Reflections. The Swissers there call to Mind the greatest danger to which their Liberty was ever exposed; and even those who have no interest in either Party cannot forbear taking some delight, were it merely out of the veneration they have for History. There are to be seen at one prospect the Town which was Besieged, the Ground-plot of the three Camps that were pitched before it; the place through which the Swissers passed to force the Burgundians; the Field of Battle, and the passage of the Flight▪ How many Valiant Hero's perished in that Engagement! What a prodigious Mass of Riches was transmitted from the Camp of the Vanquished Forces to that of the Victorious! This in my Mind is an ample Theme for Meditation, but too copious to be described here.   

AVENCHES or WIFLISPURG,  
Situated at the distance of two Hours Journey from thence is the remainder of that noted Roman Colony of which so great a number of Inscriptions are as yet extant: It is generally believed that Vespasian's Father lived there for some time, and Suetonius declares that, Faenus apud Helvetios exercuerat. He followed the Trade of Usury in Switzerland; but he does not name the Town. I find it expressed upon a Medal of Domitian, cited by Goltzius, COLOnia JULIA AVENTICORum; neither is the modern Name of this Town in French any thing else but a Translation of the ancient, for Avenches apparently proceeds from Aventicum. It's Episcopal See was removed to Lausanna, A. C. 600. In the Churches, in the Town-Walls, and in the Fields round about are to be seen so many rare Monuments of Antiquity, that it would be too tedious to make a particular description of 'em. In the middle of the Highway lie such huge pieces of Stone, that their excessive thickness and weight hinders 'em from being fixed in any other place: There I observed the admirable remains of Sculpture and Architecture; yet they did not seem to me to have been wrought in the best Times, as that of Augustus' 〈◊〉 Adrian: The Freeze, Architrave, Wreaths, Mouldings, Cornices, Acroteria, and Gable-ends are all beset with Ornaments, and among these is a very large one of Dolphins, leaning their backs one against another. I suppose they may be the Ruins of some Triumphal-Arch; but I cannot forbear here to represent to your view some of those Inscriptions, which appeared to me to be very fine: The following is to be seen in the great Church.  — LEGATO IMP. CAES. NERV A AUG. GERM. LEG. XVI. FLAVIAE FIRMAE ET LEGATO IMP. NERVAE TRAIANI CAESARIS AUG. GERMANICI DACICI LEG. VI FIRMAE SODALI FLAVIALI PRAETORI AERARI MILITARIS LEGATO IMP. NERVAE TRAIANI CAESARIS AUG. GERMANICI DACICI POVINCIAE LUGDUNENSIS CONSULI LEGATO IMP. NERVAE TRAIANI CAESAR. AUG. GERMANICI DACICI AD CENSUS ACCIPIENDOS. COLONIA PIA FLAVIA CONSTANS EMERITA AVENTICUM HELVETIORVM FOEDERATA PATRONO. 
In the Chapel of St. Mary Magdalen this Inscription is to be read.  NUMINIBUS AUG. ET GENIO COL. HELL. APOLLINI SACR. Q. POSTUM. HYGINUS ET POSTUM. HERMES LIB. MEDICIS ET PROFESSORIB. D. S. D. 
These three others are extant at Villars, surnamed Monk, by reason of a beautiful Convent which was erected in that Place.  
I. DEAE AVENTIAE ET GENI. INCOLAR. T. JANVARIUS FLORIANUS ET P. DOMITIUS DIDYMUS CURATORES COL. EX STIPE ANNVA.  
II. DEAE AVENT. T. TERTIUS SEVERUS. CUR. COLON. IDEMQVE AL. CVI INCOLAE AVENTICENS. PRIM. OMNIUM OB EJUS ERGA SE MERITA. TABULAM ARG. P. L. POSVER. DONUM D. S. P. EX HIS V C E D. D. D.  
III. DONATO CAES AUG.— SALVIANO EXACTOR— TRIBUTORUM IN HELL— COMMUNIS VICARIUS—  
At Wiflispurg one may observe a kind of Tower in a Wall flanked on the inside as all the others are that I have seen of the Roman Building. There are also daily found Medals from the first Times to that of Constantius, which induces us to believe, that it was demolished under his Reign. However, 'tis certain, that the Goths, Huns, and other barbarous Nations completed its ruin by the Irruption which they made under Valentinian. It is supposed that   

PAYERNE.  
Paterniacum derives its Name from Graccius Paternus, who was Commander in Chief there for the Romans. Many Inscriptions still remain there, of which I have only transcribed this: JOVI OM. GENIO LOCI FORTUNAE REDUCI APPIUS AUGUSTUS DEDICA.  
There I saw the Church which a Queen of France caused to be built, I mean that Berthe concerning whom the Proverb is so common, Du temps que Berthe filoit: At the time when Berthe was employed in Spinning. Very few Strangers pass by that way without taking notice of a Saddle which (as they say) was used by Julius Caesar. Indeed 'tis so highly esteemed by the Inhabitants that they have hung it up before the Town-House, to be exposed to public View, and to save Passengers the labour of going any farther to seek after it. I observed the Stirrups that belong to it; but were any worn at that time, my Lord? I am persuaded that your Highness being so judicious, would answer in the Negative; if you should think fit to make me any reply: Galen seems to intimate, that the Romans were subject to a certain Disease for want of making a stay for their Feet when they road on Horseback; and Stirrups are undoubtedly a modern Invention; nay, there are some whole Nations that do not as yet make use of 'em. However, I shall have a due deference for Tradition, and shall not condemn those Persons who are willing to believe, that the Stirrups which are kept at Payerne, were really serviceable to Julius Caesar.  
Although many Monuments of Antiquity are to be met with throughout the whole Country of Switzerland, yet they do not appear in any part of it more frequently than at   

GENEVA.  
For the Church, the College, the public Places, and the private Houses are all full of 'em; nay, in the very Lake itself there is a kind of Rock which is called La Pierre de Nijon by the Inhabitants, and which, without doubt, was an Altar dedicated to Neptune: The Hole that remains above is apparently the place of the Idol: Divers Instruments, heretofore used in Sacrifices, are often found thereabouts; and certain Fishermen who dived in this Lake some Years ago, brought up from thence a very long Brass Knife, which was a kind of Secespita of the ancient Priests; so that all these Circumstances taken together may well serve to illustrate the Matter, and to justify my first Asseveration. What can I declare concerning Geneva, that is not already known to your most Serene Highness, who is so well versed in the knowledge of the peculiar Interests of States, as also of the Original of their various Leagues, Differences, and public Transactions. This City is better secured at present than in the preceding Age from the Erterprises of its Enemies, and it has reason more especially to ground its safety upon the Protection of our Kings; nay, the Prudence, Equity, and Power of the great Prince who now Reigns will certainly deliver it from all occasions of Fear. Otherwise, the Inhabitants are not unmindful of their true Interest; their Arsenal is always maintained in a good Condition; and there they show with Joy the Spoils of the Savoyards, who twice failed in their attempt to surprise the Place. These unpleasant Relations (my Lord) are not agreeable to me, I would much more willingly certify to your Highness, that there are some very fine Medals in those Parts. M. Turretin alone showed me two or three hundred of Gold, with a large one of the Emperor Valens made of the same Metal; neither is the Rarity of 'em sufficiently known to any Persons, but those that are accustomed to apply themselves to this kind of Study. The Library is filled with variety of useful and curious Books. M. Sertori who has the charge of it, caused me to observe in the great Manuscript Bible of St. Jerom's Translation, the Title of the First Epistle of St. John, Incipit Epistola ad Spartos: It is presumed, that the Transcriber was mistaken, and that instead of Spartos he ought to have put Sparsos, i. e. Dispersed, as St. Peter directs his first Epistle, Electis Advenis dispersionis. To the Elect Strangers scattered, etc. or Parthos, in rearguard that St. Augustin (l. 2. Quaest Evangel. 39) makes mention of an Epistle of St. John, ad Parthos, to the Parthians, which is the same of which we now treat; and he citys 1. Joan. 3. Dilectissimi nunc Filli Dei sumus; We are now the wellbeloved Sons of God, etc.  
The Bible is highly esteemed at Geneva, and I cannot better put an end to my Discourse than with this Observation. I shall likewise at the same time bring both my Postscript and whole Letter to a Conclusion, entreating your most Serene Highness with all manner of humble Submission, not to be displeased at their length, in regard that some considerable time would be requisite to make an Abstract of 'em: Therefore if your Highness shall vouchsafe to excuse the other Defects, I shall be more emboldened for the future, to present to You the product of my Studies: In the mean while I shall only beg leave to subscribe myself with all due Respect,  
My Lord, Your most Serene Highness' most Humble, and most Obedient Servant, Charles Patin.   
FINIS.   

Some Books lately Printed for Abel Swall, and Tim. Child, at the Unicorn in St. Paul's Churchyard.  

THE English Historical Library; or a short View and Character of most of the Writers now extant, either in Print of Manuscript, which may be serviceable to the Undertakers of a General History. Written by W. Nicolson, Archdeacon of Carlisle. 8vo.  
The Essays or Councils, Civil and Moral, of Sir Fran. Bacon, Lord Verulam and Viscount St. Alban. With a Table of the Colours of Good and Evil; and a Discourse of the Wisdom of the Ancients: To which is added in this new Edition the Character of Queen Elizabeth; never before Printed in English. 8vo.  
The History of the Revolutions in Sweden, occasioned by the Change of Religion and Alteration of Government in that Kingdom. Written in French by the Abbot Vertat, Printed the last Year at Paris. And now Englished by J. Mitchel, M. D. 8vo,  
The Evangelical History, or the Life of our Saviour Jesus Christ, comprehensively and plainly Related, with practical Inferences and Discourses thereupon. Adorned with Copper Cutts. 8vo.  
The Evangelical History, Part Second: being the Lives and Acts of the Holy Apostles, comprehensively Related according to the Holy Scriptures, and the Writings of the Primitive Fathers. Illustrated with the Effigies of the Apostles, and a Map of their Travels, fairly Engraven in Copper. 8vo.  
Romae Antiquae Notitia: Or the Antiquities of Rome, containing a Short History of the Rise, Progress, and Decay of the Commonwealth, a Description of the City, and an Account of their Religion, Government and Customs, with Copper Cuts of the principal Buildings, etc. Written by Basil Kennet of Oxon. Dedicateed to the Duke of Gloucester. 8vo.  
CAMDEN's Brittannia, newly Translated into English. With large Additions, and Maps of every County, Engraved anew. Folio.  
Thesaurus Geographicus, a new Body of GEOGRAPHY, or Complete Description of the Earth. Containing the general Doctrine of Geography, and a particular account Geographical, Topographical and Political of all known Countries. With accurate Maps of each Country. Engraven in Copper. Folio.  
The Gentleman's Journal for the War, a Description of the principal Fortifications in Europe, with Draughts Engraven in Copper of each Place. Four Parts. Quarto, whereof the last containing the Descriptions and Plans of Dinant; Winoxberg, Calais, Tournay, and Cambray, may be had alone.  
Terence's Comedies, made English: With his Life, and some Remarks at the end. By several Hands. Octavo.  
Plautus' Comedies, Amphrytrion, Rudens, and Epidicus, Englished with Critical Remarks. Octavo.  
De Quatuor summis Imperiis; An Historical Account of the Four Monarchies, viz. Assyrian, Persian, Grecian, and Roman; continued to the Time of the Emperor Charles V Being a Relation of the most considerable Occurrences that have happened from Noah's Flood to the Year 1620. Written in Latin by J. Sleyden. Newly Englished. Octavo.  
The Memoirs of the Count De— Written in French by Monsieur De St. Euuremont. Made English. Octavo.    

 map of Germany and Netherlands 
A Map of that part of GERMANY, The NETHERLANDS etc. thro' which the Seur Patin traveled.