THE MEANING OF THE FRONTISPIECE. LEARNING the ATLAS of the world, does bear Earth's burden up; sustains this lower Sphere. Which else had fallen, and her declining light Had slept in shades of IGNORANCE and NIGHT. RIOT and SLOTH, and dull OBLIVION'S head Our ATLAS spurns, whose conquering feet does tread Upon those slavish necks, which else would rise (Like selfe-lewd Rebels) up and tyrannize: Grave HISTORY, and renowned GEOGRAPHY Keep Sentry here; their quickening flames do fly And make a SUN whole more refulgent rays Lightens the WORLD, and glorifies our DAYS: By that fair EUROPE views the ASIAN shore, And wild AMERICK courts the Sunburnt MOOR: By this, th'extreme ANTIPODES do meet And Earth's vast bulk is lodged within one SHEET. M. S. HISTORIA LUX ●VL GEOGRAPHIA MUNDI. HISTORIA MUNDI OR MERCATORS ATLAS. Containing his Cosmographical Descriptions of the Fabric and Figure of the World. Lately rectified in diverse places, as also beautified and enlarged with new Maps and Tables by the Studious industry of JODOCUS HONDY ENGLISHED by W.S. Generosus & Regin: Oxoniae. LONDON Printed for MICHAEL SPARK. and are to be sowld in green Arbowre 1637 SECOND EDYTION HISTORIA MUNDI: OR MERCATOR'S ATLAS. Containing his COSMOGRAPHICAL Description of the Fabric and Figure of the WORLD. Lately rectified in diverse places, as also beautified and enlarged with new Maps and Tables; By the studious industry OF JUDOCUS HONDY. ENGLISHED BY W. S. Generosus, & Coll. Regin. Oxoniae. Pingitur his tabulis Orbis, simul Orbis & urbes; Gemmae sunt urbes, annulus Orbis erit. LONDON Printed by T. Cotes, for Michael Spark and Samuel Cartwright. 1635. TO THE TRVELY NOBLE, and no less worthily honoured Sir H. Marten Knight, judge of his Majesty's high Court of the Admiralty of England, and judge of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury. SIR MERCATORS Geographical History, fitly Emblematized by the Sun, hath with refulgent rays illuminated the Transmarine World. But now rising up in our Critical Horizon, it fears the Eclipse of Envy, and therefore desires your worthy and learned Patronage, that being freed from such interposing shadows, it may shine forth as the Meridian Sun. Your great, and good Fame, inviting and encouraging strangers to boldness, is my Apology for this Dedication. For since the world is so much obliged to your Virtue, Learning, and upright Integrity, it will appear a just gratitude to devote this Cosmographical World to so favourable a Moecenae. The Translator in the performance, and Dedication, is enforced to aim at an inferior Object; and to descend beneath his own descent and Birth, which improved in the University of Oxford, flattered him with hope of a kinder Fortune. But modest ingenuity permits not a larger Character of himself, and the Brevity of few words is most intelligible to the judicious. The work in the Original was written by a famous learned Cosmographer, and a great light of his time Mercator, whose labours are here humbly presented, & his ashes sleeping in their Urn (if they could be sensible of joy) would rejoice in so worthy a Patron. Let the Authors, and your own worthiness mitigate my presumption, that I whose life hath been all Tristia, have presumed to offer up the whole World at so high an Altar. Pardon this double Ambition, and be pleased to accept this Sacrifice, from the hand of the most humble Sacrificer, The Servant of your Worthy Virtues, WYE SALTONSTALL. Ad Mercatoris dignissimum & doctissimum Moecenatem. LEarned Moecenae; I confess that I Was borne to love and honour Poesy. And though I do not writ a gingling Line To please the silken Tribe with a smooth Rhyme; Nor strive against Minerva's sacred will To extract Nonsense from a forced Quill. I shunning these two mad Extremes of Wit, To sing your Praise more humbly think it fit; Since justice (the main Pillar of a State) Virtue, and Learning, which did transmigrate Out of the ancient Sages, now do rest In the fair Mansion of your worthy Breast. Unto Pythagoras we may credit give, Their Souls informed but once, their virtues live In you by Transmigration, who have stood The great Protector of the Common good. And may you live to protect Mercators' story, Until you are exalted unto Glory. W. S. TO THE GENTRY OF GREAT BRITAIN. IT is an Argument of worthiness, to love worth in others, and virtue you know consisteth in action; so that Gentlemen should be always doing some worthy deed, or patronising that which is done. If you therefore consider the worthiness of the Author or Work, you will join your helping hands to support Atlas groaning under the burden of the world. Mercator drew these Descriptions of the integral parts of the World in Latin, but now they are drawn forth in English colours, which are but changeable accidents, for the real substance of Mercators' World remaineth the same in that manner as he fashioned it. But of late with great care, cost, and fidelity, these Descriptions have been converted into English with new additions and much enlarged, that the benefit thereof might have a larger extent, for bonum quò communius eo melius, Good becomes better when it is communicable to all. And beside, seeing personal travels in these tempestuous times, cannot be attempted with any safety, here you may in the quiet shade of your Studies travel at home. If therefore a work that is Bonum, utile & jucundum, good, profitable, and pleasant, may deserve your favour, Hic labour, hoc opus est, this is it. So that as Alexander grieved that there was but one World for him to conquer, so you will be sorry that there was but one World for Mercator to describe. Enjoy therefore that which is both good in itself, and was undertaken for your good, and benefit. Valete. W. S. The Preface to the courteous Reader. THat many solid and urgent reasons did induce them, who among the liberal Disciplines which without controversy are very profitable to man's life, do give the first place to the noble Art of Geographie, they shall best know and discern, who shall consider both the excellency, and pleasure, as also the incredible profit of this Art For, as concerning the dignity and excellency thereof, it doth not entreat of mean matters of small moment, as brute beasts, the first-fruits of the Earth, precious stones, metals, and other works of nature, the handling whereof no reasonable man will contemn; but it presenteth to our sight the whole Globe of the Earth as it were in a Mirror or Looking-glass, and doth show the beauty and ornaments of the whole Fabric of the world, and containeth all things in her ample and spacious bosom, and like the vast Sea, it doth not only open and lay forth the hidden and remote Jslands, but also all other Countries. To omit the near affinity which this noble Science hath with Astronomy, which mounting above the earth doth contemplate the Heavens. Moreover, if men as often as they hear some relation of this or that Country, of any strange unknown people, or of any rare and unusual Creature, or of the continual burning of the Mountain Aetna, also of diverse Jslands lying here and there in the great Ocean, and also of Savage Nations, some whereof go naked without clothes, others feed on man's flesh, and the like matters; or do read the wonderful histories of the East and West Indieses, (in which there are many things which do rather seem fabulous than true) do apprehended them with such great admiration, and give such earnest attention thereunto, out of the desire which they have to hear such novelties; how much more may the curious Readers delight in this work, which, as we said before, doth contain and represent the whole Globe of the Earth, with all the Countries, Kingdoms, Dominions, Woods, Mountains, Valleys, Rivers, Lakes, People, Cities and innumerable Towns thereof, with the Seas flowing about it: all which any one may here view on dry land, without endangering his body or goods; and in this travel his friends shall not be solicitous or take care for him in his absence, or earnestly desire his return. Besides, in this peregrination or travel he shall want no delight that may drive away the tediousness of the journey; for while he fixeth his eyes on several Countries and places, he shall strait way behold the special gifts and peculiar excellency of every Country, and observe a wonderful variety therein, which are very delightful to the mind, for as the Proverb saith, A good merry companion is as a Coach upon the way. But they shall chiefly discern the great and manifold benefits of this Art of Geography, who in their eye-travell, and viewing of several Countries, shall consider the situation and disposition of Countries, the Customs, observations, laws, and manners of the Inhabitants, and shall afterwards traffic, and sand commodities to several places, or resolve to study the liberal Arts; seeing no Poet, nor Historian can be well read with profit, nor be conveniently expounded or declared by any Interpreter or Commentator, without the help and knowledge of this most Noble Science. I omit here to mention how absurd and unfit it is, that he who hath no skill nor knowledge in these matters, should give his opinion and judgement in the public assembly or council of the Commonwealth, when consultation is held about the discovery of some unknown Country, or in time of war concerning the bounds and confines of any Province. But Princes and Noble men aught chiefly to bestow great pains in studying this most excellent Art, in regard it may be very useful unto them in undertaking journeys and voyages when occasion requireth, as also at home for fortifying the Frontiers of their own Territories, or the directing and conducting of any warlike expedition. For that irrecoverable dangers have ensued when an army hath been led through places unknown both to to the soldiers and Captain, both Livy and many other Historiographers have abundantly testified by clear and manifest examples. And moreover, as it is very necessary, profitable and pleasant to know all Countries, Kingdoms, Dominions, and Provinces, with their situation, disposition, and qualities; so in like manner the several Seas, Rivers, Lakes, and memorable waters thereof, aught to be considered exactly in these times, when voyages are so frequently made, unto known and unknown Countries, so that not any one will continually reside at home, and abstain from making discoveries both by Sea and Land. So that Polidore Virgil's complaint is now vain, who in the fifteenth chapter of the third Book concerning the Invention of Matters, doth condemn mankind of too much rashness, and madness, in regard he cannot bridle his affections and desires with reason: and though God hath given him the Earth, being a firm and immovable element, abundantly producing all things necessary and convenient for man's life, yet he being not content therewith, hath made a Scrutiny and search into the stars, the heavens, and the vast Seas. To the same purpose Horace sung formerly, in his first Book, and third Ode: He had a heart of Oak or Brass, Who did launch forth a brittle ship, to pass At first through the rough Seas, And did not fear, when he set forth The Africa wind striving with the North wind, &c. And a little after in the same place: Not sort of death he sure did fear That saw the Monsters swimming there, And could behold them with dry eyes With the swelling Sea and rocks which in it lies. And afterward he addeth; In vain did God divide the land from the unsociable Seas, If impious ships can sail unto forbidden Ports when they do please. But mankind bold still to adventure doth on forbidden mischief enter &c. And hereunto Propertius in his third Book doth allude, in that Elegy wherein he bewaileth Petus his Shipwreck, where he singeth thus: Go crooked ships, of death the fatal cause, Which on himself man with his own hand draws. Unto the earth, we added have the Seas, That the miseries of misfortunes may increase. And a little after: Nature to ensnare the covetous man, Doth let him sail upon the Ocean. But these reasons are not able to discourage any one, but rather to quicken their industry, greedily to take any occasion to know, view and discover diverse Countries both near-hand and remote; partly by undertaking long voyages: and those that cannot conveniently travel, may gather the knowledge of all Countries out of Books and exact descriptions. And truly that study is irreproveable, so that it aught rather to be accounted laudable, profitable, pleasant and necessary. For Strabo in the first Book of his Geography saith rightly, that man aught to live on the Sea as well as on the land, and that God made him equally an Inhabitant and Lord thereof. Therefore they deserve great praise, who have laboured in this Art, as Abraham Or●elius, Daniel Cellarius, Anthony Maginus, Paul Merula, Peter Bertius and others: but especially that most learned Mathematician Gerard Mercator, although he were prevented by death, so that he could not finish his Geographical work, entitled Atlas. But jodocus Hondy did supply this defect; adding not only those Tables which were wanting to make the work perfect, but also accurate descriptions thereof, by the labour and study of Peter Montane. This work we do publish again in this new Edition, being accurately revised, and purged from many gross errors; and the studious Reader shall find that the enlargement of this Book is not to be contemned, being set forth with diverse additions, and some new Tables added, as he may see in the descriptions of England, Ireland, Spain, Friesland, Groonland, Vltrajectum, and other Countries, that shall compare this Edition with the former. Therefore Courteous Reader, enjoy these our new labours, favour them, and Farewell. TO The virtuous and learned Gentlemen of Inns of Court, Mercator dedicateth his Atlas or Cosmographical Meditations. TO you that are the Ornament of the Temples, And by your actions give such fair Examples Unto the Vulgar, that their judgements can Discern that Virtue makes a Gentleman: To you Mercator offers by my hand The World's Portraiture, wherein Sea and Land Which make one Globe, are drawn forth in each Part In Plano, with such judgement, Truth, and Art, That Pictures of all mortal beauties are Weak shadows of frail dust, nor can compare With these sweet Pieces; for who would not be A Lover? when he sees Geographie Drawn forth in such fresh colours, that invite The eye to gaze with wonder and delight? And while it gazes doth such pleasure find That it conveys love's flame into the mind. I know your judgements, let none henceforth be Your Mistresses but fair Geography. W. S. Reverendae, & Eruditae Matris Academiae Oxoniae in Albo Mercatoris Famae Inscriptio. QVis ille Mundum cogit in leges suas, Potentis artis machinâ! Non illubenti quis jugum victor dedit ut serviat feliciùs! Angustijsque clausit insuetum novis, ut major inde prodeat! Et quae lacerent membra magni corporis, Dedit videre singula. Per quicquid usquam est sparsa, nec lacera tamen Integriora reddidit. Non hunc vetustis edidere saeculis seu Roma, sive Graecia Aevo priores, & labore praevios, At post-futuris impares Dicemus istos; orbis incunabulis Quos admoveri fas erat. Quos & minores expedire fascias Debebat, ut mundo rudi. Adultus at jam crevit, & cingi petit (Quod repperit) solutius, Quin & Britanno, (quod Britanni gaudeant) Cinctu decorus visitur. N. S. Oxonia Aeque Eruditae &, Alma Matris Cantabrigiae, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. R. B. Cantabrigiae In Praise of Mercators' Works: INdustrious Camden; England's brightest star, By's Art gave light to us and after Times; Mercators Sun shines more resplendent fare By's History, describing all the Climes And uncouth Contnents, strange for us to view The Rocks, the Isles, the Rivers and their falls, God's greatest Works, and Nature's rarest show, Which here lies ope, with Mountains, Hills and dales; And in these Maps thou mayest at home descry What some have sought with Travail fare and near; At easy rate they all here open lie To feast thy judgement with delicious cheer: Than crown his Temples with deserving Bays That such a Trophy, to thy use could raise. W. D. Exoniae. To the worthy Translator. IF, what that famous Lyrick-Poet writ In praise of Poetry, so full did fit; That, * Omne tulit punctum qui miscuit utile dulci. Hor. de Arte poetica. He, of All, deserves the prize and praise, Which mixeth Profit, with his Pleasant-Layes: Than (sure) the same of History is true; And of all Histories, to This, most due. To this, I say; This Atlas of Earth's frame, This Geographick-Structure of much fame; This World's bright Light, Delight, and Sun most fair, Discovering all Earth's specious Countries rare, In such a Cosmographical display, In such a faithful and exact Survey. That (Now) at lest, Eleven fair Languages Themselves with It's Translation sweetly please. What thanks (Mendoza thinks) then unto Thee remains, Praiseworthy Saltonstall, for thy great pains! In thus Translating on our English-Soyle So choice a Piece, Wherein, without much toil; Yet with much Pleasure and Utility, The Mind all-bent on Foreign Novelty May here at home, even in his Chamber view Each Country in his state and station true; In figures fair lively delineated, And in exact descriptions demonstrated. For which, let Belgia give her Hondy praise, And we, our Saltonstall deserved Bays. I V In due commendation of the Author, with an Allusion of Atlas his supportation of the World. 1. An Acrostic on Mercators Atlas. M ercators Atlas' Mirror of all story, E xpresse in Tropes of deep cosmography, R eader admire in reading; for, It's Glory C laimes a precedence past equality All that Laborious Artists can compose T riangles, Circles, Lines and Parallels; OH nly (dear Hondius) these thy Maps disclose, R aising to life a Work that all excels. A tlas by fiction does the World uphold; Thou, more, by Art, dost all the Orb contain: L et Poets pencil forth thy praise in Gold, And all that reap the Harvest of thy pain; SAINT oh shall thy fame to every Age remain. Hear mayst thou read what ere thou wouldst desire, The manners of thine own and foreign Nations, And in thy Study only but retire To view their customs, strengths and Situations. Than praise his Name, such gifts to Man that gave Whereby thou mayst much cost and labour save. M. R. De Mercatoris Atlante in Anglorum sermone edito. ATlas Latine, fortis in laudes tuas Graeco politus carmine Heinsius fuit: At Nostrum Atlantem, qui novus prodit modò, Laudare non audere, laus, post Heinsium. R. B. S. S. M. Ad Anglum Lectorem. SCire cupis mores hominum, lustrareque terras? hic depicta tibi cuncta viaere ●ice●. Ne Linguae ignotae exaniment, hunc consule nostrum Atlantem: notus sic tibi mundus erit. Orbem fulcit Atlas, opus hoc intellige: Atlantem Lector, & Atlantis non leve fulcis onus. R. B. S. Hosp. On this Translation, an HEXASTICHON. MErcator, sure thy Merchandise is good, Having so current for so long time stood In foreign Countries; but in British soil Unkenned, unkissed, till Saltonstall with toil And study, rich, in thee, his natives made, Teaching thee with our English (now) to-trade. THOM. á VICARS, olim Reginensis. Oxon, NIli diluvium steriles faecundat agellos. Floscula sparsa iuvant: stercora lucra ferunt; Ind decus Solis, late quia lumina spargit. Rivi fama patet, flumina longa trahens. Sic linguis varijs, doctûm lucrantur opellae Laudem, diffusae: nos tamen omne bonum. Hebraei, Graeci exonerant: gens undique docta Alueum in Brittanicum, qui scatet arte nova. Olim non notus, noto divisus ab orbe Huc tendi petijt navita nullus iter. Olim tendebat clarus mercator ad Indos, jam oras Angligenûm, curva carina petit. Astella hic Mercator non est omninò viator Musaeo merces; littus & aequor eme. Pet. Vowel. To his learned (though unknown) friend the Author of this Translation. SOmewhat amongst the rest of those that press, To honour this thy Work, would I address Unto thy praise, and therein strive to be As brief and sweet as this Epitomee. The World is here contracted, and in this Thou showest us what the lesser world (Man) is, And therein workest a wonder, that the less Should comprehend the greater's spaciousness. As thou hast thus reduced both to a span, So shall my lines thy worth, and in this one Express thy world of that Celestial fire, Whose beams we love not more than we admire. I G. Verses in Commendation of this description of the terrestrial Globe, by G. W. With cost and peril, some adventure fare, Yet, ne'er the richer, nor the wiser are: But giddily through many Climates room, And come less honoured, and worse mannered home, Some others, Men and Cities, having seen, Epitomise each place where they have been; From every quarter, bringing like the Bee, The quintessence of all the flowers they see: And best are pleased when they shall contrive The honour, and the profit, of their Hive. This is one end of Travail; and, the next To that, which makes the world an ample Text, Whereon to meditate, and Preach abroad The many praiseful Attributes of GOD: For, though two other Books are now unsealed, He, by the World, was first of all revealed. The Second volume of that large Record, (Which is Earth's Globe) this Treatise doth afford, Abstracted so (by this our Author's pain) That, now, a Closet may the same contain: And, they that have not heart, nor means, nor time, To make their progress, through each foreign Clime, Or view the World's remotest parts, at large, May see them, now in brief, with little charge; Without those pains or perils which are found, In compassing, or traversing, this ROUND. And (which doth much endear it) this will show more profitable Truths, than many know By hazards, Pilgrimages, or expense: Yea, and with more exact intelligence, Than could be gotten (if these Charts were lost) By ten men's pains, and fifty times the cost. Than slight not Readers, that which here is tendered Nor let ill payments, for goodworkes, be rendered: But know (before miscensure this despiseth) What profit from our Author's pains ariseth: For by this Work, you have (though small it shows) A World of Kingdoms at your own dispose. Hereby, at leisure and with pleasure too (When any sudden use requireth so) Within your own command you may surveyed Earth's wide extended Empire every day; Rise (in an instant) from your seat, and see The farthest Kingdoms which discovered be; Informed become, how small or large they are; What profits, and what Rarities be there; What Cities they afford, what Hills of Fame, What Air, what Soil, what Rivers of great Name; How governed, how confined, how defended, What Foes they have, and how they stand befrended With many other things, which much may steed To serve your pleasures, or in time of need. And when your Inquisitions there are done You may (with swifter motion than the Sun) Remove to any Province when you please, From thence again to her Antipodes; Yet neither be compelled to adventure About the sphere, nor seek it through the Centre: For only by the turning of the hand, The place desired, in your view shall stand, And at one Prospect, show it with all those Adjacent Countries, which the same enclose. Moore might be said. But, I may think you prise not An honest man's report, if this suffice not: And therefore will no more thereon insist; But leave you to accept it as you list. Concerning the use of these Tables. PTolomie and we in this book, do make the Longitude to be a segment of the Aequator, or Equinoctial Circle, comprehended with the Meridian of that place, and the Meridian of the Fortunate Islands: for from these Islands the beginning of Longitude is taken. Some do not begin the Longitude from the Fortunate Islands (which are now called the Canaries) but from the Flandrian Islands, which are now called the Azores, because the needle of the compass doth point there directly toward the North. But the superficies of the Globe containeth in Longitude 360 degrees. The Latitude is the Arch or Segment of any place between the Equinoctial and Parallel which is drawn through the vertical point of the same place, and it is always to the elevation of the Pole. Latitude is twofold, either Northern, or Southern, and there are reckoned from the Equinoctial to either Pole 90 degrees of Latitude. We have noted the degrees of Longitude and Latitude on the sides of all the Tables, and for the most part, the degrees of Latitude on the top and bottom, and of Longitude on the right and left hand, except when some Country is to be described that is more extended between the South and North. The several degrees both of Longitude and Latitude, according to the capacity of the place, are sometimes divided into 60, sometimes into 10. 6. or 5. parts, which are called minutes, and we have noted the degrees with greater Arithmetical figures, and the minutes with lesser for difference sake. If one would find out the Longitude and Latitude of any place, where the Meridian Parallels are, by taking with a pair of compasses the distance thereof from the side of the Table, and afterward by applying the compasses to the other side. If thou takest the distance from the East side, the compasses being turned from that side to the North side, will show the degree and minute of Longitude. If thou hast the distance from the North-side, turn thy compasses from thence to the East side, and it will show the Latitude. But if the Meridian's be not Parallels, the Latitude of a place is found in the same manner, but in the Universal Tables where the Parallels are circular, the distance of a place being taken from the next side, will show the same on the East side. But the Longitude is to be taken with a thread or Ruler, laid upon the place and turned until it do point out on the Northern and Southern side, the same minute of the same degree, and wheresoever it be, that is the Longitude of the place. How to find out the distance of degrees or Miles between two Cities, or any other Places. WE have added scales of Miles to all the Tables, by which thou mayst easily find out the distance of all places in this manner. Take a pair of Compasses, and open them until the 2 feet do touch the extreme points of the places given, then appy them without any alteration to the scale of miles, and the numeral figures noted thereon will give the distance. But if the Distance of places doth exceed the length of the Scale, then with thy compasses thou shalt take the length of the Scale, and thou shalt turn the Compasses from one place to another, as fare as the distance of places will permit, and then reckon the miles together. But because the length of miles in all Countries is unknown, thou shalt more certainly take the distance of places with thy Compasses, and apply the Compasses without variation to the degrees of Latitude, which will give the true distance, by multiplying them by the Miles of the known Country. But the Miles do differ much in diverse Countries, and therefore I will here insert their difference in the chief Countries. Of common Germane Miles; which we Hollanders do also use 15 do answer to one Degree. Of the middle sort of Germane Miles 12 do answer to one Degree. Of great Germane Miles 10 do answer to one Degree. Of common French Miles 25 do make one degree. Of great French Miles 20 do make one degree. Of Italian Miles 60 are contained in one Degree. Of English Miles as many, or as some will have it 50 contained in every Degree. Of English Leagues 20 do make one degree. Of Spanish Leagues 17 do make one degree. Houre-Leagues, and itinerary hours 20 do make one degree. Of Swedish and Danish Miles 10 do make one degree. A Table of the Cosmographical Descriptions, Maps, and Tables contained in Marcators Atlas. The first figures directing to the Descriptions, The second to the Maps. 1THe World. Fol. 3. and 5. 2 Europe, Fol. 8. and 9 3 Africa, Fol. 12. & 13. 4 Asia. 18, 19 5 America. 21. 23. 6 The North-Pole. 28, 29. 7 Iseland, 33. 35. 8 The Isles of Britain. 38, 39 9 Ireland, 43, 45. 10 Ireland 2 Tab. 48, 49. 11 Ireland 3 Tab. 53. 55. 12 Ireland 4 Tab. 58, 59 13 Ireland 5 Tab. 63. 65. 14 Scotland. 68 69. 15 Scotland 2 Tab. 73. 75, 16 Scotland 3 Tab. 78. 79. 17 England 83, 85. 18 England 2 Tab. 88 89. 19 England 3 Tab. 92. 93. 20 A Particular Description of Wales. 97. 21 England 4 Tab. 99 101. 22 England 5 Tab. 105. 107. 23 England 6 Tab. 110. 111. 24 England 7 Tab. 116. 117. 25 Norwey and Swethland 121. 123 26 The State Politic of the Kingdom of Denmark, 126. 27 The Kingdom of Denmark. 132. 133. 28 Denmark 137. 139. 29 Denmark 3 Tab. 142. 143. 30 Denmark 4 Tab. 147, 149. 31 Borussia or Spruceland. 152. 153 32 Liefland. 157, 159. 33 Russia or Moscovie. 162. 163. 34 A more Particular Description of some Provinces of Moscovia. 165. 35 Lithuania D. 168. 169. 36 Transyluania or Siebenburgen. 173, 175. 37 Taurian Chersonesus 178, 179. 38 Spain 183, 185. 39 Portugal and Algarbia. 197. 199. 40 Gallicia, Leon; & Asturia de Oviedo, 202, 203. 41 Biscay & Guipuscoa 207. 209. 42 Castille Old and New. 212. 213. 43 Andalusia 217, 219. 44 Valentia and Murcia. 222. 223. 45 Arragon and Catalonia 227, 229 46 Catalonia more particularly described. 233. 235. 47 France 245. 247. 48 Brittany, Normandy, and Belsia 259. 261. 49 Lemovicium, 264, 265. 50 Xaintogne 269, 274. 51 Aquitaine 274. 275. 52 Provence, 269. 271. 53 Picardy and Campania. 284. 285. 54 France. 289, 291. 55 Picardy. 294. 295. 56 Campania 298, 299. 57 Bellovacum 303. 305. 58 Boulogne 307. 309. 59 Anjou. 311. 313. 60 Bituricum 316, 317. 61 Burbun D. 321, 323. 62 Burdigala 326, 327. 63 Perch, C. 332. 333. 64 Turone D. 335, 337. 65 Pictavia 338, 339. 66 Cadurcium 343, 345. 67 Bressia 348, 349. 68 Lions 351, 353. 69 Languedoc. 356. 357. 70 Delphinate of France 359. 361 71 Lotharingia D. 362. 363. 72 Lotharingia D. South part. 367. 3●9. 73 Burgundy D. 372, 373. 74 Burgundy C. 377, 379. 75 Savoy D. 382, 383. 76 Helvetia, 387, 389. 77 Lurichg●w 39●, 393. 78 Wistispurgergow. 397. 399. 79 Lake Leman 409, 411. 80 Argow 414, 415. 81 Rhetians 419, 421. 82 Low Countries 422, 423. 83 Flanders 439, 441. 84 Eastern part of Flanders 444, 445. 85 Brabant D. 449 451. 86 Holland, C. 454, 455. 87 Zealand C. 459, 461. 88 Gelderland, 464, 465. 89 Zutphania 469, 471. 90 Vltrajectum 472. 473. 91 Machlin 478, 479. 92 Groeninga 481, 483. 93 Transissalana 484, 485. 94 Artois. 487, 489. 95 Hannalt 492, 493. 96 Namurcium 497, 499. 97 Lutzenburg D. 500, 01. 98 Limburg D. 505, 507. 99 Germany 509, 511. 100 Germany 518. 101 West Friesland 5●2 533. 102 Embdanum and Oldenburg 536, 539. 103 Westphalia 1 Tab. 541, 543. 104 Bremes 545. 105 Westphalia 2 Tab. 547, 549. 106 Munster B. 552, 553. 107 Westphalia 3 Tab. 555, 557. 108 Colen 560, 561. 109 Westphalia 4 Tab. 563, 565. 110 Leiden 566, 567. 111 Muers 571, 573. 112 Waldeck 576, 577. 113 Palatinate of Rhine, 580, 581. 114 Wirtemberg 585, 587. 115 Alsatia the Lower 589, 591. 116 Alsatia the Higher, 594, 595. 117 Saxony the Lower 599, 521. * Hear the figures go false, but I follow them as the pages are misfigured. 118 Brunswick D. 524, 525. 119 Hessen 529, 531. 120 Nassaw 534, 535. 121 Duringen 537, 539. 122 Frankenland D. 542, 543. 123 Bavaria D. 547, 549. 124 Bavaria Palut. ●52, 553. 125 Saxony the higher D. 557, 559. 126 Brandenburg D. 562. 563. 127 Pomerania D. 649, 651. 128 Rugia 652, 653, 129 Bohemia 656, 657. 130 Moravia 660, 661. 131 Austria 664, 665. 132 Saltzburg 669, 671. 133 Poland K. 674, 675. 134 Poland 679. 681. 135 Hungary 683, 685. 136 Italy 688, 689. 137 Lombardy 704, 705. 138 Valesia 707. 139 Lombardy 2 Tab. 709. 711. 140 Lombardy 3 Tab. 714, 715. 141 Genoa D. 720, 721. 142 Lombardy 4 Tab. 723, 725. 143 Bressia and Milan, D. 728, 729. 144 Milan D. 734. 735. 145 Verona 737, 739. 146 Friuli 742, 743. 147 Istria 744. 148 Carniola 746. 149 Tuscany 747, 748. 150 Spoleto D. 752, 753. 151 Campagna di Roma 757, 759. 152 Abruzzo 762, 763. 153 Puglia Piana 767, 769. 154 Corsica and Sardinia 772, 773. 155 Sardinia 775. 156 Sicily 777, 779. 157 Stirmarck 782, 783. 158 Slavonia 786, 787. 159 Walachia, 790, 791. 160 Greece 794, 795. 161 Macedon 799, 801. 162 Morea 804, 805. 163 Candie 809, 811. 164 Barbary 814, 815. 165 Egypt 816, 818. 166 Morocco 819, 821. 167 Abyssines D. 824, 825. 168 Guinea 829, 831. 169 Turkish Empire 834, 835. 170 Holy Land 839, 841. 171 Asia the Lasser 844, 845. 172 Cyprus 849, 851. 173 Persia 855, 857. 174 Tartary 860, 861. 175 China 865, 867. 176 East Indies 870, 871. 177 Islands of the East Indies 875, 877. 178 japan Isle. 880. 881. 179 Zeilan I 885, 887. 180 Islands of the West Indies, 890, 891. 181 Cuba, Hispaniola, &c. 893, 895. 182 Virginia 898, 899. 183 New Virginia 905. 184 Description of New Spain M. 905. 185 New Spain 906, 907. 186 Firine Land 911, 913. 187 Peru 914, 915. 188 Summer Islands or Berm. 917, 919. 189 Southorne America 920, 921. 190 Straitss of Magellan. 925, 927. 191 New England after the book before the Table. THE BOOK OF THE CREATION AND FABRIC OF THE WORLD. The first Chapter. The scope of all cosmography. IT is a common Axiom among those, who are in any wise elevated in the contemplation of the work of this frame of the world, that God who is the Author thereof, is of an immense power, wisdom, and goodness, and it is impossible that a man should doubt of his power, who believeth that created of nothing, and that the matter thereof is not eternal. If there be any man, to whom this power and goodness of God doth not sufficiently appear, as not having yet considered well the commendable, exquisite, and most wise ornament, and disposition of this Fabric, let him then diligently inquire with us, so fare as the contemplation of the workmanship itself may persuade him, and as fare as is lawful to know by the Word of God, and the experience of things. For this is the main scope we aim at, that in handling cosmography, the infinite wisdom of God, and his inexhaust goodness, may be known, as well by the admirable concordancy of all things to one and the same end of God, as also by his inscrutable providence in the composition, whereby we may be continually rapt up to reverence and honour his Majesty, and to embrace his rich goodness. God grant then, that he will be pleased, to enlighten our dark understandings with his light, and direct our minds, to the finding out of this true wisdom. It is so then, that this immense goodness of God, not able to contain his own glory in himself, by reason of superabundant fecundity to beget, was willing to created man, to whom he communicated the same, and having conceived in his wisdom, to invest him a body, such as we see, as his first Creation showeth him to be, Created and brought forth the world by his Almighty power, and digested it into that order, nature, and proportion, according to that Idea, which he from all Eternity had conceived, furnished with all parts necessary for the use of man, so created. Therefore the chief end of the works of God, and his primary intention, was to communicate his glory. The second was the creation of man. The third, the disposition of all things in the world, and the last drift of his intention, was the beginning of the work. It behoveth him then, that will undertake the description of the world, to begin at its first exordium, who would profitably extend it to Philosophy. Curious men were wont to ask, first what God did before he Created the world, how and where he was then, when as yet there was neither place, nor time? secondly, why he did not Created the world many Ages before? and wherefore he did not make man so perfect, that he could not fall? to which frivolous and rash questions, he will easily answer who hath knowledge as fare as the Scriptures and the work of God teacheth us of the sacred Trinity, and who shall diligently observe the true definitions of time, and place: but this impiety, and wickedness of men are not worthy the answering; for it is religion, not to pry further into the hidden secrets and judgements of God, than he hath revealed unto us in his holy Word, and to dispute of things that are out of our element, and before the world was, and of things that are above our reach and capacity, is mere madness and folly: seeing they beget only opinions, not sciences, and therefore can bring no true wisdom along with them: but rather produce strange doctrines, which obscure and darken the truth. Let it suffice us then, to know the truth o●●hings, so fare forth, as history and sense reveals them to us, and not according to opinions, whereof there is no science, and in so doing, we shall not err, if we only proceed in a right order. Du Bartas. Thou scoffing Atheist, that enquirest, what The Almighty did before he framed that, What weighty work his mind was busied on, Eternally before the world begun. (Sigh so deep wisdom, and omnipotence, Naught worse beseems, than sloth and negligence.) Know (bold blasphemer) that before, he built A Hell to punish the presumptuous guilt. Of those ungodly, whose proud sense dare cite And censure so, his wisdom infinite. God was not void of sacred exercise He did admire his glories, mysteries. His power, his justice, and his providence, His bounteous grace, and great beneficence; Were th' holy object of his heavenly thought Upon the which eternally it wrought. It may be also, that God meditated The world's Idea, ere it was Created: Alone he lived not; for his Son and Spirit, Were with him ay, equal in might and merit. The Prolegomena of the Fabric of the World; The second Chapter. Of God, the beginning and Workemaster of all things, according to the Platonists. THE Platonists from the communion of the Species, which is discerned in things, and in the order, which appeared in them, have ascended unto that one, who is the first, and the beginning of all things, that is (according as Paul saith. Rom. 1.20.) that in beholding the disposition, and most adorned harmony of all things, perceived after some manner in them, the existence of some Providence and understanding them to be the work of some one; have attained so fare, that they were drawn, as well to the meditating of them, as to the affirming their Creation. First of all, in that they make the intellect or Spirit Fabricator of the world, out of this one, and distinguish him entirely from him, and make him another afterwards. Again, in this, that separating the matter itself from all form, they understand it not to be the generation of any Idea: for Ideas are species or forms, which can engender nothing but forms, and so consequently must of necessity follow, that they understand it, not to have been Created, but that it is eternal. The original of this error is, because they believed the matter was only susceptible of forms, and that it had no communion with the forms of nature, and therefore have not only once dreamt, that it was in the seeds of forms, and that the force thereof might be conducted by the worker. Whence they were at length constrained to constitute a certain perpetual, and a formal beginning out of the matter. By the same reason, they were induced to set down one selfe-same selfsame out of one, and divers from him, so cutting too near the quick, and spoiling this one, and primary beginning of all things out of this one, begotten of one, but distinct in Essence and propriety of nature, from whom alone as from the Father, first, and immediately depended the first model of the work of the world, and of the immediate virtue formatrix of things. The traces of which doctrine Valentine following added other fancies unto it, having found out a mean, whereby one, whom he calleth Proarch and Bythum, hath proceeded to the generation of the Spirit, and by some generation coming betwixt afterwards. Finally, deducing it to the Creation, aswell of the matter, as of all things, and even mixing therewith this prodigious Philosophy of Pythagoras, whom his disciples following, taught the same doctrine in obscuring and adulterating the truth in all parts; more than with old wives fables, but seeing the raving of these men, vanished of itself, we will rather have respect to the Theology of the Platonists, and to the original of the world, the which as it hath more appearance of divinity, than all others, and seemeth to come near to the Mosaical truth: so likewise it may more easily draw us to true and sacred Philosophy. And therefore in propounding a brief sum thereof, we will oppose against it a true narration of things drawn as well from the secrets of the holy Scripture, as from nature, confirming the one, by solid reasons, and rejecting the other wherein it strayeth from the truth; to the end that under the colour of a more divine Theology, the eyes of understanding be not dazzled in the search of this philosophy, wherein much falsity is contained. That it may also appear to all men, that among the Ethnics, there was never School so holy, no care so fervent, no wit so excellent, that by their own industry could attain unto the truth of things; considering also the most Religious among them, even the Platonists themselves wandered astray, and ministered matter of erring to others. Wherefore let us give thanks unto God alone, who is the beginning, the Creator, the Animatour, the Conservatour, and the end of the work of the world: And that it pleased him by Moses, and his other Prophets to reveal unto us the Fabric of the universe, the beginning and fountain of all Philosophy and of all truth. This then is the Sum of the Platonists Theology, they lay down three beginnings, One of good. Simonides being asked what God was after three days deliberation said, that the longer he thought what God should be, the less he understood him. And Plato, It is hard to find a God, but to understand him impossible. The Spirit. in things divine, to wit, one Spirit and Soul which are called in their fables Coelus, Saturnus and jupiter: following one another in order. The chiefest whereof is he, whom they make to be their first and Sovereign God. Himulco they call one, in regard of his most simple essence, and good by reason of his superabundant fruitfulness to engender, and facility to communicate himself: they describe him to be, neither being, nor essence, neither intellect, nor good, adjectively: neither to understand no not himself, neither to live nor to move, but to be above all these things, that is, the beginning and original of being, and essence of intellect, and of intelligence, of life, and of motion, and the first and supreme of all things, that may be apprehended, beside himself. Again, that he hath nothing in himself, that he differeth from all things, that he consisteth in himself, and cannot be mixed with things sequent, and yet nevertheless that he is present in all things, and that he containeth all things, and in like manner he is every where and yet no where, that is to say, he hath no need of any place, neither is he finite, nor determined, neither within, nor without, but is the power of all things: yea the greatest power of all powers, and yet is not all things, but above all things. That this one or good, produceth from his own abundance, not by consent of any cogitation, not by any counsel, not by any determinate will, not being moved by any means, but abiding in his own habitude, by his own peculiar perfection, accompanied by a potential act, or an efficacious power, internally he created a beam, which he disperseth almost like the Sun, that abiding one and the same immovable, spreadeth its light, which beam in as much that on a sudden, it is made that which it is, abiding in him, it becometh a being, but in that it is converted naturally to the Parent, whence it received its motion, it is made living, from whom being fortified, and replenished with power, and perfection, is enriched by itself, of the same Intelligence, and becometh a Spirit, and Intellect, and as well in respect to his Father, as to himself becomes Intelligent: but in as much as regarding himself, and being well acquainted with his own power (how fare it is extended, as that from whence the virtue, which is the Genetrix of all taketh her force) defineth to himself his essence, which hitherto was indefinite, and indeterminate, and maketh it explicate, not in applying thereto his Spirit, or in passing it into his understanding, as a man doth in seeking that which he hath not, or desireth to know, that which he is ignorant of: but by a sole and perpetual Act of his understanding, which never slumbreth. An Internal act, (I say) of his essence, having evermore an eye to his power, and knowing determinately things, which were hidden, without addition of Intelligence, so (I say) he conceiveth in his understanding the Ideas, or formative species of all things, which they call intelligible gods, and engendereth them in some sort. Distinguished by a formal reason, but the same in essence, as many existents One. I say not One, and many, but One many, as Parmenedes will have it, for the less numerous unity, as well in the thought, as in the soul, and as the Intellect is replenished with power received from One: so likewise being full of Ideas, or the forms of all things remain one and the same with them, all beings existing in this, and them true, because they are immutable and eternal, which as Saturn suddenly swalloweth them up, as being engendered from him, and in him, suffering them to fall into the matter of things natural and frail: but keepeth all things in himself, and containeth without dissolution or partition, and possesseth all things in one, being present also to all things, and in all places, and yet nevertheless is not in them, but they in him, as depending of him, and consisting in him. Now as the intellect is One many, that is one being of himself all, and in identity of essence, or an unity impartible, but distinguished in himself, according to the parts, abiding together, and inwardly by an alterity, is not partible in sequent being, but remaineth always with itself, as one is not distributed into sequents. For it is not dispersed distinctly into many things, according to his internal alteritie, but procreateth one only, according to the seminal reasons, being already by act, and power many together, to wit, the Soul, whereof we shall come to speak immediately. They term this intellect, the great God, the second God, and beside not any, but All God, from whom as from the primary, and sole all-being, all beings immediately obtain their essence, and therefore all gods. They call this also the word of God, and an act produced from the same good, and again the Image of God, because it imitateth the goodness of his begetter, with all his strength, by a copious and a fruitful propriety to engender, which forces seeing he receiveth them from his Begetter, are yet so conjoined to him, that it seemeth only to be distinguished from him, by a certain alterity. And Plato calleth it Idea, because it comprehendeth in its essence the Pattern and sole individual species of all things. He calleth it both the cause and the maker of the world, inasmuch as being made the first being, it afterward becometh the Parent of all beings. The Soul. The generation of this Spirit is the Soul of the world, the third God, no otherwise proceeded from thence, than it from one, for itself is the word of the Spirit. It is the light streaming forth by the Spirit Creator of the world, it is an act, and the whole, produceth outwardly, and the life, which quickeneth things inferior, according as it is enlivened by conversion to one, and as being which looketh to its begetter is made intellect: so the Soul also having regard to the Spirit is made reason from the same intellect. Light and truth evermore depending from thence. It being likewise of the same conjunction, but comprehending from thence inferior things, one and many existing together, according to Parmenedes: One, because that under a Common intellectual essence, it receiveth the reasons of all forms, and is replenished, when it hath regard to its Father the intellect, and so many together, because that when it is converted to itself, it conceiveth a part by itself, the seminal reasons of all forms, and their number by order, and by their exceeding great fecundity to produce, being heated within: it animateth them, and giveth them a beginning of motion, to engender forms, in the matter, to wit, to Created sense to living Creatures, Nature Vegetative to plants, Motion to celestial bodies, and besides all this, whatsoever appertaineth to order, Species, Nature, proportion, and the motion of things. Therefore, the Soul being so constituted into her essence, that as the one, and the Intellect, the same may also be in every place, and being present to all things, it cannot be otherwise, but it must ordain all things in this visible world: dispose, vegetate, animate, and conduct every thing as it were in hatching it to its proper being and form: yet the Spirit abideth, not in itself impartible, but in some sort to all bodies, and insinuateth itself into them in every place, that is according to the reason of every Species, but not distributed into parts divided by itself: for it is both according to its substance, and according to all its essence indivisible, and is both together in all places, and things, but worketh diversely, in exercising its forces by the seminal and specifical reasons, which are many, and make one resemblance, to wit, of Species in things of itself, and therefore though that in its essence it becometh divisible: yet nevertheless, that is done by a proper necessity of division (for it abideth always wholly in itself) but it is because that the bodies by reason of their divisibilities, cannot receive indivisibility, so that this partition of bodies, is not a passion, or necessity of the Soul. The Platonists then ascribe to Divine things, these three beginnings in the same manner, as I have declared them. As for the first, they do not agreed, that it is an act of some One (as it aught not to be) or that it hath any action: yet they grant that it is potential, that is to say, that it hath the power to produce; retaining the simplicity of One. But that the Intellect, is is an act flowing from one. And that the Soul also is an Act from this same intellect, and that both the one, and the other, are differing from him, from whom they proceed. That he also who begetteth is greater, and better than he which is begotten of him: and therefore the intellect is less, and worse than the One; but that it is better, and greater than the Soul, and likewise the Soul than the Species, which it produceth. This is the meaning of all the Platonicke-Theologie, against which we will here oppose that which is more true. The Prolegomena of the Fabric of the World: The third Chapter. The true Confession of God, and of the Trinity drawn from the secrets of the Scripture. THE Word of God proposeth unto us one God, God is that one Spiritual essence, whose being is of himself from everlasting to everlasting. Again God is one essence most simple, pure and absolute, and being essentially indivisible is personally distinguished into the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, and is therefore called Unity in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity, or Vni trinity, or Triniunity. under three hypostases (or subsistences) distinct but not divided, or separated in himself, every of them hath their proprieties, whereby it is distinguished from the other. Now therefore the Father, the Word, or the Son, and the Holy Ghost, which are one: not because they are of one essence in number, for considering that they are inseparable in himself, and all the hidden sciences of the Father, shineth in the Word as by an eternal generation, in such sort, that the Word is the shining Character and express essence of the Father, and this same essence shineth from the Father by the Word, in all the universe, the splendour whereof is the holy Spirit. These three have one and the same Deity, omnipotency, virtue, wisdom, goodness, will, and may in no wise be called three. Seeing their force, power, and action, is but one in number, as the Son teacheth us. john the 17. speaking thus of his Father. All mine are thine, and thine are mine, beside, the Father that dwelleth in me he doth the works, john 14.10. and john 5. My Father worketh hitherto, and I work also. It is also most manifest by the sacred Scriptures, that the holy Ghost, the Father, and the Son, work all things. And in the first Book of Wisdom, The Spirit is there said to have replenished the universe, so that of all these three, there is but one common operation, but according to their personal propriety, proceeding otherwise from the Father, otherwise from the Son, and otherwise from the Holy Ghost. Therefore, we do not set down three Gods, nor three beginnings of things, as Plato doth, but one individed, according to himself, present in all places, of whom, by whom, and for whom all things were created, existing by a triple reason: but one and the same essence distinguished into three subsistances, or People, but which differ not in essence, neither are divided among themselves, neither by lesser consequents, are worse in order, as the Platonists make him, but all equal in Divinity, Eternity, Power, and efficacy; the Propriety of whose essence is neither less nor more than the other, but equally necessary to the Creation of all things. For in every work three things are necessary in a worker, Power, or beginning of the internal Act, the Conception and the Disposition of the Act, or the Internal worker, and the issue of the Act. Even as in fire, the beginning of the heat, is the nature, or form of the fire, the act of it, is the internal heat. The Action, or act proceeding is the heat, which cometh out of it. And the Soul is the beginning and motive power, it is the disposition, or will to move, it is finally the motion itself. But because that God hath not created the world, either by chance, or through ignorance, searching the means how, or wisdom, but with a great deal of Prudence, and wisdom, it cannot be denied, but that from all eternity, he had conceived some certain determinate model, The Creation of the world peculiarly belongeth to God the Father. and all the Ideas of his works, to which we give not beginning in the Word, as Plato doth, but to the Parent of the world, considering that whatsoever the Son hath, he hath it from his Father, and for this cause we will place the Father first, as the Seminary reason of the world, the Son, the force vegetative, the Holy Ghost, the virtue Productive, and animative, the which with him proceeding from the Father, and being shed out by the Son, it passeth into a work. So, the Holy Ghost, which is abounding in the Father, awakeneth this Almighty and inexhaust fountain of the Either, and the immense fecundity of the Son incites him (as it were) to bud forth, and by the quickening spiration of his holy Spirit, the Father begetteth the world, by a mean and seminal reason, having conceived it, gives it to his Son, as he who properly expresseth the Father, from the Son already by act the world is brought forth, but by the means of the Holy Ghost as being the Chariot, whereby the world spreadeth itself, through its parts, and is animated in all things according to the proper Idea of every one of them. Now the Spirit accompanieth the work always, and in all things, to the end that that which is conceived by the impregnant activity, and form by the quickening motion thereof, is also conserved by the same: It accompanies not then all things in such sort, that therefore it is divided into parts, but indivisibly, and in the same manner as the Platonists call it, the Soul of the world to be present in all things, and is not so severed from them, that it becomes, either the Soul, or the form of every one, but abideth in himself, and in all things present, and diverse, and separated from all, he formeth all things at once by the Power of the Father, by the Act of the Son, every one in his essence, and form, accomplishing by degrees, both the essence, and the matter, according to the reason of the model, and afterwards appropriateth all things, according to the law, conceived of the Father. CHAP. I Of the Fabric of the World. Of the Wisdom of the Creator. HAving purposed (Friendly Reader) to treat of Geography, it is requisite for me, as the weightiness and excellency of such a work requireth, to apply all the faculty of my understanding thereunto; that I may represent before the eyes of evidence, as well the species, as the order of all things created: that by this means I might the better conduct and lead the Reader to the contemplation of the universe, and the knowledge of the Fabric of the world, for so it is written, OH Lord how manifold are thy works, in wisdom thou hast made them, the earth is full of thy riches! Now it is wisdom to know the causes, and the ends of things, which can never be better known, then by the most excellent ordained frame of the world, drawn out by this great, and most wise Architect, according to the causes expressed, and noted by order. For as in creating, he gave to all thing their nature: so they also immediately effected that, which was enjoined them, and shall so continued, till the consummation of things. And therefore no thing is more sure, then to search out diligently his work, as it hath been wrought by this same Author, and it hath been left unto us in Writ by his holy Spirit, by the Ministry of Moses, faithful in all his house. For we cannot so easily err, in assigning the cause of things, when as we shall contemplate; the primary, and principal laws of nature, commonly known, and that we describe the like effects. So than nothing is more certain, then that all things ponderous, fall downwards, and all light things ascend upwards, that nothing, which hath motion in the world is infinite, and that which is the subtlest, evaporeth from the grosser, whence we collect that heavy things, meet all together in the Centre: that the world hath a special form, or round. And the order of all its parts, and the difference of its subtlety, and mobility. By the order of things, their causes, and their ends being demonstrated, we shall easily perceive, and soon convince the errors of the ancient Philosophers, touching the beginning and causes of things, that by this means, the truth may be firmly fixed and settled in the minds of men, to the end they may not be shaken nor seduced by diversity of opinions, and ambiguous reasons, whatsoever appearance of persuasion they may have. And so by the site and nature of the Celestial bodies, marvellous things shall be declared, which as yet have not been well sought into, nor well known: so there are many things yet to this day desired in the knowledge of the Elements, which by Art, and the diligent study of the Learned, might be cleared by adding to the Fabric of the world; the observations and laws of many Learned men dispersed in diverse kingdoms ' and so in fine, some matter of truth may be found out; touching the increase, and decrease of the Moon, the admirable flowing and ebbing of the sea, and of the causes thereof, and so the search of things which concern the art of Navigation, may be enlarged, wherein it seems, some things of great consequence are yet deficient. And so by this means all Geography might be accomplished, and made perfect, to the great good and commodity of Princes, and of the whole world, the necessity whereof is such, that without the help thereof, Merchants cannot have any access into strange and foreign countries, which might make them familiarly acquainted one with another; neither Princes themselves know well the large and long extent of their Realms and Dominions: some years since, I have begun this Work in the description of the neighbouring parts most desired, before whom now, I set forth the first Tome of our Geography, with the Septentrional and Sarmatic tables: being minded (God willing to describe by Tomes all the universe, according to that knowledge, which God hath given me. CHAP. II Of the Fabric of the World, Of the beginning of the Creation, and of the matter created. The first Day beginneth. A Little before the time of Moses, Saturn was borne, and before him other gods of the Gentiles; who being given to study natural things, were the inventors of diverse things, and sowed many heresies, which afterwards falling into the hands of Philosophers great disputers of the beginning of things, and of great variety of opinions, among themselves, produced diverse sects: Moses therefore giving a true narration of these same beginnings, opposeth this most ancient verity, against all their errors, and convinceth them taking his beginning from the first matter of things, whereof they had forged many leasings in their brains, and ending the whole Fabric of the world, he speaketh thus in the second and fourth Chapters, of Genesis: These are the generations of heaven, and of earth, and not those, which the folly of men hath invented. Herein we will follow the text of Moses, considering it particularly, and diligently, according to the gift of grace which I have received from the Lord In the beginning (saith he) that is, when as yet there was nothing created, and that the divine Majesty, by the counsel, and determinate laws proposed to begin the Creation. In the first point (I say) and moment of their existence of things, which yet were as nothing, but a beginning only of things, without any form, or condition of things, or of existence, even (I say) in the moment of time, he begun to created: and after God created without any prepared matter, by his immense, and incomprehensible power this huge mass, which was without form, rude, and confused, out of which he afterwards drew all the parts and members of the world. In this creation of matter, as also in that which ensueth, three things were necessary. The fruitfulness of the Paternal power, the effectual and pregnant power of the Word, and the force fructifying, conceiving and quickening of the holy Spirit, for the matter extracted had the beginning of its existence from the power of God, as from a Seminary reason, by the fructifying virtue of the holy Spirit, both form it, and brought it into being, even as the fruit in the belly, and being at last hatched by the power of God, quickening, and nourishing, the same, is made manifest. So the only God Almighty, conceived, form, and brought forth into the light, out of nothing in the vigour of his triplicity, and without the assumption of any subject, the matter of all things, which were to be created, not by the operation first of the Father, afterwards of the Word, and finally of the holy Ghost; but all working, and conspiring jointly together inseparably, and uncessantly, among themselves in the unity of the divine essence. Now this which is said, In the beginning, aught to be so understood, as Esdras doth, lib. 4. Cap. 6. saying: OH Lord thou hast spoken from the beginning of thy creature, saying, Let it be made, &c. Now in that he saith from the beginning of the Creature, he showeth sufficiently, that this beginning or original, aught not to be understood of the Son of God, but of the first moment of the Creation, which is also manifest, as well by the preposition, as by the construction of the words, In the beginning, and Creature, for to join this verb; Thou hast spoken, with that of creature, the thing itself contradicteth it: seeing the creature was not yet in being, to which God might speak. Moreover for as much as Moses (as I have said) wrote deliberately against the Gentiles, setting down a beginning to the world. This beginning can be no otherwise understood, then as we have interpreted it: for if he had said, to have created in his Son (which is also true) and meaneth thereby no other thing, whence then can we gather an argument against the Eternity of the world, or of its matter, seeing the beginning itself is eternal. Moses speaketh simply of a temporal beginning, and not otherwise. By the heaven and the earth, he understandeth not two distinct and different bodies, signified at this day by the names of heaven and earth, for then neither heaven nor earth had their beings, according to their proper form, but that heaven was made the second day, and the earth last appeared, the third day; the waters being separated, afterward the other parts of the world, created of this Primative mass were reduced into order. By the heaven and the earth then, he understandeth figuratively, this first mass without form, whereof the heaven and earth were form. Moses then had to do with the Gentiles, to whom he testifieth, that the heaven and the earth which we behold had heretofore been created of God, as he will show afterward, and useth names and things known, the better to lead men to the consideration of their beginning. For Moses meaning was, to pull out of all humane understandings, all Rhapsodies of Philosophers, and their false doctrine, touching the eternity of the world, and its matter, and by this way to submit it to the glory of God, as he silently showeth in his second and fourth Chapter. But, he taketh the heaven and the earth figuratively for the matter of them. These Epithets following demand it, Thohu and Bohu, which he attributeth to the same mass, created first of all: because it was without form, vast, voided, solitary and vacant, & doth not adjoin those Epithets to the heaven and earth, but to the earth only, carrying the Reader by this means, from the contemplation of perfect bodies, to their primary matter, and hereby understandeth, not the earth only in her form; but this indigested and deformed Chaos, using nevertheless the word earth, because it better resembleth the condition of the earth, when he continueth the description of this mass, and calls it The Home, that is to say an Abyss. And so by degrees constraineth the understanding of a contemplating man; yet being voided of all determinate kind of things, for the contemplation of the first matter of heaven and earth: nevertheless in this word Abyss, he painteth out some certain kind of form, of this primary matter, to wit, that it was a liquid and fluid matter, and that bottomless, as that which in all things, was like and equal unto itself, as water to water, and clay to clay. Also in the 38. Chapter of job, verse 38. The first matter is called Aphar, that is clay, which God in the beginning reduced to a solid earth. It is also called by the most ancient Grecian 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is clay, the first matter of all things. And again, Chaos, from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, because it is fusible, by which its first form was undoubtedly made known unto them, and to all the world, from the first Hebrew Fathers, and Moses. That mass than first of all created of God, was clay, and a fusible matter, not of diverse natures, but of one simple and undividuall substance and form, having in itself the seminary virtue of a terrestrial, waterish and a celestial form, and of all things which God was to form out of this mass. CHAP. III Of the Fabric of the World. To what end this Chaos was created, and of the foundation, and form thereof. NOw after that all things were made, all men may easily understand the end, which God proposed touching the Chaos, to wit, that he might divide it, and form out of it, as many species of things, as he from all eternity had pecreed to be necessary for the Oeconomy and government of the world, and gave & establish to all things at once, their force and law, that it might abide immovable to the end for which he ordained all things. But, for as much as he created all other things for man's use, and subjected them to him, till the time shall come when as he will transport mankind into his heavenly mansion●; as Paul teacheth us in the 8. of the Romans. This most wise Architect, created and constituted them to such an order, that by a submissive service and a sweet harmony, they should all be serviceable to man: which harmony chiefly consisteth herein, that the superior causes rule over the inferior, and that all effects pass the chief causes by the meanest and lowest. Afterwards also in this, that there is a mutual inclination in all things, according to the consequence of causes and effects and as it were a certain love, whereby inferior things respect their superiors, as their Benefactors: and likewise the Superior the Inferiors, as receiving also some benefit from them. And albeit it cometh to pass in these two conditions of nature, that there is some contrariety and strife found in the meaner species of things: Nevertheless, every one of them agreed well together in their order, and have their recourse to the primary cause, as to their centre, and yield their service, both to God their Ceatour, and to man: So that all things according to their proper office, agreed together among themselves; but of these things we will speak more at large hereafter. For the present, I will advertise the Reader to observe well and diligently in the creation of things, to wit, that thou mayest know by what order, of what things, and how, and by what means God worketh; and so thou shalt learn that which aught to be first in all the government of nature; and that which aught to be last, what the causes of works are, what the generations of all things are, and also the definition of things and their natures, their sympathies, and antipathies, their differences in strength, and debility, their nobility, and ignobility, what is of durance, and what in corruptible, with many others. For whatsoever may be disputed of the nature of things dependeth on their generations and primary creation. He that can comprehend let him comprehend. There are many things that are very difficult, in the searching of them out: nevertheless, man by a deep speculation can reach high, principally, when after having invocated the holy Ghost, his main end and search be, to glorify God in his works. Thou mayst here also well observe, the meaning of things natural, and another order in the work of nature, than that which the Philosophers have caught, which was impossible for them to conceive by their natural reason, the beginning of the world, in such sort, as Moses hath described them unto us: but let us put our Chariot again into the right way. The Chaos being created, first it is to be thought upon, how God first of all did dispose thereof. Above all things it is necessary, first of all to assign it a fixed place, for we see that the heaviest of all bodies is the earth, to which this mass hath a better resemblance than to the heaven. Now had it not been in a fixed place, it might easily have fallen into an infinite of pieces, the weight always urging the motion. But to the end he may here mark well the beginning of things, let him well observe, that God of the most basest and grossest Element, of the most illfavouredst, and without any form beginneth his creation by little and little, mounting up to the highest, to the noblest, and to the divinest things. Observe likewise, he beginneth with the most solid, and most firm bodies, that the things which aught to be prepared appertaining to the life and perfection of creatures, which are all frail, and changeable, to the end (I say) that all these things might have a firm subject to which they might be fastened and made firm: he assigned them a place for the earth and the Chaos, to wit, a point in the midst of the voided, upon which it rested, and beyond which it is not permitted to move. This is the greatest miracle of all nature, surpassing the capacity of man, and humane credence: were it not that the wheeling course of the stars, and the navigations round about the world, did not manifestly witness the same for who could believe, that so ponderous a weight could subsist hanging in the midst of the Heaven? and yet the truth thereof makes us believe it, who is he that could understand, that so huge and so heavy a mass can subsist, and without any supporter settle itself? What man is he that can imagine that it hath a foundation there where it hath no underpropping? Rightly did God then disputing with job, in the midst of his anguish demand of him, if he understood where he laid the foundations of the earth, he should declare it, job 38.4. Here is the inscrutable wisdom of God, and his incomparable power, therefore it is not possible for a man to give a sound reason touching this goundwork, but only the will of God, who followeth the causes & reasons which are hidden in himself, and whom all things must obey. As he willed, so it was done, his will ministers him matter for the framing and forming of all things, his will from one sole body, from one only form, fashioneth many of diverse forms; from that which is without life, and without any activity, he produceth it immediately into force and vegetative vigour, into life, motion, sense and intelligence, and which is more, all things which he created, are so tied, and agreed together, by a mutual love, whereunto all things tend, that he causeth them by the sole impression of his will, to have a natural affection, and a certain inclination to that duty which is imprinted in them, according to their Creator's will, by the harmonious consent of the Ideas in the divine thought: So this Chaos, and above all that which is the heaviest in it, to wit, the earth desireth uncessantly the point which is assigned to it in this vacuity, by an impression from the will of God, and is moved towards him, by a certain desire in its ponderosity, till that it hath obtained a like resting place on all parts, supporting and sustaining upon it, the other parts of the world, as upon its shoulders. This then is the nature of the earth and so likewise of the Chaos, and the sympathy which it hath with all other creatures, which he subjecteth to all in the seat, which he hath appointed to it, which is the Centre of the world, and being settled firm round about the Centre, resteth and beareth up all other things; and seeing it beareth up all other things, and seeing it is most imperfect, it seeks help and blessing from on high, to produce that which it is enjoined to do. In this point then the Chaos resteth necessarily, because the Lord hath appointed this for its place of repose, & as a bound for the motion of its weight, which bound and limit it cannot nor will not pass; because the Lord hath spoken, it must be so: and this nature, this Sympathy is given to it from the Lord, as a necessary sustentation of all the Species, and individuals, for which reason, David saith Psal. 104.5. He hath laid the foundation of the Earth upon Bases, that it should not be moved for ever. And Psal. 136.6. OH give thanks to him that stretcheth a out the Earth above the Waters. Now because this Chaos is the mother of all Creatures, not only of the inferior bodies, but also of the celestial, and of all things Created, as we shall hear anon, we aught not to doubt but all the Elements, yea, all the Heavens, up to the very highest, bear the nature of their mother, some more, some less, and have some weight for to incline downwards, towards the midst, and exercise their Sympathy, as well towards the Earth, as among themselves, by a certain cherishing, a gentle touching, and as it were by a feeling. Now experience also teacheth us that the weightiest things, by nature draw more easily, and nearest to the Centre of the World, and the seat (I say) of ponderous things: Whence proceedeth a most certain reason of order in the universe, that the things which are lightest, and subtlest have the superior place, and not only that, but also the Shpaericall figure of the Chaos, and of the whole world, take from hence their Source, for seeing the nature of the Chaos was floating, and so altogether, and that all sides of equal virtue and facility, was borne by its weight to this resting place, so that all the extremities were equally distant from the Centre, and subsisted from every part of the Centre with a like weight: for if the distance hereof had been unequal from the Centre, more weight had lain upon the one side of the Centre, than upon the other. Suppose that in this Cube the Centre be a, the extremities, b c d e and that thou beholdest b out of d, to the Angle d cube a b c d in the middle side, the line d a is much longer, than the line c a or e a. The matter then which should rest upon the Centre, according to a b or d a would have much more weight upon it, then that which is according to c a, or e a the weight then of d a wou●d bear it down, and it shoving it forward, it would fall topsie-turvie, upon c a and e a till it came together into a like weight, that is to say, of alike distance from the Centre, the matter being liquid and sleeting. The Chaos then must necessarily consist of an equal weight under the Spherical figure, and no figure else could be so convenient for the world, since that the supreme and most perfect bodies, aught to march about the circumference of the Earth, for the help of generation by a perpetual circumvolution. john de Sacrobosco & some other Mathematicians, approve best of the Spherical figure of the Earth, by some apparent accidents: but it is much more excellent, to demonstrate every thing from the fountain itself, and out of the causes (I say) because the solid science proceedeth by this way. It is clear then, that the point found out of these things all ready proved, aught to be called the Centre of the world; because of the weight thereof, and the settling place of all ponderous things. Now Physicians call it the lowest of all, and the other the highest, in affirming that the motion towards the middle, is made downward, but from the middle upward, and that rightly, because that aught to be called Supreme, which is most perfect, and which may confer upon others some more excellent nature, but the lowest is the farthest from off them, as well in place, as in condition, The first world yet was a most formelesse form, A confused heap, a Chaos most deform, A Gulf of Gulfs, a body ill compact, An ugly medley, where all difference lacked, Where th' Elements lay jumbled altogether. Where hot and cold, were jarring each with other; The Earth in Heaven, the Heaven in Earth was placed. Earth, Aire, and Fire, were with the waters mixed, Water, Earth, Aire, within the Fire were fixed, Fire, Water, Earth, did in the Air abide, Air, Fire, and Water, in the Earth did hide. For yet the immortal mighty Thunder-darter The Lord-High Marshal unto each his quarter Had not assigned, the celestial Arkes Were not yet spangled with their fiery sparks. All, all was voided of beauty, rule, and life, All without fashion, soul and motion quite. But this dull heap of indigested stuff Had doubtless never come to shape or proof, Had not th' Almighty with his quickening breath Blown life and Spirit into this lump of death. CHAP. IU. Of the Fabric of the World. Of the nature and form of the Chaos, or primary matter. MOses showeth most clearly; that the light which was Created out of the Chaos in the beginning, was the principle of all things made by God, producing out of the same all the works of the six days: now his first proposition argueth evidently, that there was nothing Created by God before this matter, otherwise he would not have constituted therein the beginning of the Creation. Seeing then, that all things are made after this manner, and out of it, to search as is requisite the original of nature, and to constitute the beginnings, according to the truth of natural philosophy. It is necessary above all things to consider most diligently, what this primary matter was. The heathen Philosophers troubled themselves much in the consideration of this matter, they durst not deny, but that it was, and yet would in no wise grant it to be essence, they said it was neither quantity, nor quality, and that it had neither of them in it, and so made it naked of all quality and form, when they testified it to be as a mere Privation. And some of them proceeded so fare in their impudence and temerity, as to say, that God laboured to subdue this matter, and to make it subject to forms. What can be said more foolishly, or spoken more villainously against the omnipotency of God? to wit, as if he, who was able to make and to induce forms elsewhere (much more noble than the matter itself, as they would have it) could not also Created a a matter, which he himself might subject to all the work? But such is the obscurity and blindness of humane understanding, that without the guidance of the word of God, it cannot, as it aught, comprehend and know any thing certainly, of that which is so fare from sense; and which hath its original Divine: Likewise this is a very great folly, to go about to measure and search out of their shallow brains, the most deep mysteries of nature, her primary original (I say) and the extreme Abyss of the counsels and works of God. Nature herself can teach us, that all things were created of a matter, but who dare be so bold, as to obtrude for Oracles, the manner and conditions of that matter, which are no where shown, either by God's word, or any footestep of nature, yea which are contrary to the manifest Word of God? they spoil the first matter of all form, and of all condition, and kind of being, in such sort, that it cannot be said, what way it can subsist in itself. But Moses calleth it in Express words, Earth, Water, and the Deep, before that the concreate form, or any new Species was wrought upon it. And in Ecclesiastes 3.20, It is called Aphar, that is, clay, whence it appeareth, that the same had from the beginning some kind or form of Earth and Water, and consequently greatness and weight. But some one may object, that Philosophers to distinguish between things considered the matter by itself, and likewise the form by itself, to teach more evidently the causes of things depending on qualities and forms, not on the matter, as also the generation or production of the kinds, which is wrought by the access of the form to the matter, which is well said; and we also ourselves affirm the qualities, and forms to be active, and begetters of Species, but not the matter void of them. But herein they err grievously in two things, first of all in this, that ascending from the last and most perfect form to the first of all, which can be imagined, they separate them all equally from the matter, and hold them as accessors, and induced from elsewhere, so that at length they leave the matter naked, whereas according to the true production of Species, described by Moses, it is not lawful, to ascend above the definition of the Chaos, signified by Moses, for this having been the first beginning of things, in this all things are finally resolved, according to Ecclesiastes. Chap. 3. Whether could they amount higher paring that, seeing they cannot prove it to be compounded? Secondly, they fail yet more grievously in this, when as they make all forms so estranged from the matter, that they deny it to have in it any seminary virtue, or small note, but will have it to take its primary beginning elsewhere from without the matter, which we impugn, seeing it is manifest out of the generation of the world, and divine testimonies, that the primary matter hath had its own form, quality and quantity, and that out of the form thereof, the forms of other things did proceed. Moreover, it is most absurd, yea, contrary to the nature of God, to Created something without form, and without all virtue and quality, as well by reason of his purpose, as by reason of his Majesty; and Omnipotency; of his purpose, because seeing he hath appointed all things for the service of man, to what purpose should an idle mother serve, which neither can do any thing of herself, nor is able to bend the qualities and virtues received, but rather slackens them, for if thou will say, she conferreth something to the qualities received, thou affirmest at once things contradictory. The matter not to be neither quantity nor quality, nor yet to comprehend either as her own in her bowels, and yet nevertheless to be endowed with some virtue, as she worketh something. Now in respect of his omnipotency, and Majesty it doth in no wise beseem God, to created a matter wholly void of form, for seeing that he is a form forming all forms, a pure light, a pure virtue and efficacy, a pure life, and a breathing goodness; how can he produce any thing void, and dead, who hath directed his main scope unto life? He who conceived to Created man after his own Image, how should he begin a sluggish and dead foundation, and form man of that then of which nothing can be more unlike, yea, more contrary to, and estranged from God? He who maketh the beginning of such an excellent, and incomparable work to be so vild, injureth the Almighty, and doth detract from his Majesty and Omnipotency. Empedocles, and Anaxagoras seem to have had a better and a righter opinion of the primary matter, whom Plotinus reproveth in his Book de Materia, Chap. 7. For Empedocles did not so endlessly pair from the matter, nor denude it of all quality, but when he had learned by experience, that all bodies are resolved into the Elements, whereof they were composed, and did not found any further resolution, he ceaseth to search out any higher the beginning of the matter, as being ignorant of the first matter, whereof the Elements were produced. Now whereas Plotin objecteth against him the corruption of the Elements, it hath no place, because the Elements are not corrupted, but only the mixtures, by whose putrefaction and resolution the Elements are repurged and restored to their integrity. But Anaxagoras coming nearest to the nature of the Chaos affirmed a certain waterish mixture to be the primary matter, erring indeed in the mixture, but perhaps because the right name did not occur he would describe it by a similitude the nearest to the thing, being taught by a most ancient tradition, that the first matter of all was APHAR and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, he added that this same matter, had not only a passive fitness to all things, as others would have it, that it might receive forms induced from elsewhere, but that it actually (supply not expressly nor potentially) contained in itself, or in its own essence all forms, and all Species, wherein surely he erreth not fare from the truth, as it shall appear in the progress, but if we would have the Species to be form from the matter, as Plotin seemed to say, certainly therein he erred: for the most imperfect cannot produce the most perfect, but itself hath need of one to perfect it. Now for to attain to the true doctrine of the primary matter, omitting the dreams of the Pagans' (I say) briefly, what I think aught first to be thought of it, and in the pursuit thereof will prove it out of the Word of God, and the consent of perceptible nature with it: such than is the state of this matter. The Omnipotent God, Lord of nature, is able only to Created whatsoever he willeth, whereof john the Baptist gives testimony in the third Chapter of Saint Matthewes Gospel, and in the third likewise of Saint Luke. That God is able of those stones, to raise up Children unto Abraham, verse 9 And who without any subjected matter to work upon, was able out of nothing to Created this visible world, much more could he then also in a moment, make out of all, all whatsoever he would. Nevertheless he himself, hath followed in Creating a manner, and rule, which he gave to nature as we shall see anon. Now nature being once ordained, and constituted by God, doth not all what she willeth, out of all that she willeth, but she engendereth it out of the matter, which is the nearest to that, which nature proposeth, for such is infinite providence. So she engendereth not out of a stone Corn, but of an earthly and waterish moisture, neither doth she produce fire out of water, but out of oil, and yet more out of brimstone, A quality then accommodated to things, which are engendered, is required in the matter, and we see by this universal law of nature once constituted by God; that nothing is begot is out of nothing, nor out of a matter affected to the contrary, or improper to generation. All operation then of nature, in the matter affected to the contrary and improper, is violent, less nevertheless in the improper, than in the affected to the contrary. Now that, which suffereth force, the operator being taken away, it returneth to its natural course, unless it be vanquished by an act of longer durance, and by little and little is drawn into the nature of the operator. All generation then in the matter is violent, if we say, that it was without all quality, and natural affection, whereby it may be inclined to engender. Now the generation, and continuation of the species, their multiplication and their agreement, and sympathy of things among themselves, is necessary as it is said, in the fift Chapter, and as a may see manifestly, throughout in the Oeconomie of the world: It was requisite then that the matter out of which something was to be engendered, should first have some nature, and condition proper to itself, which might be meet to the Species intended,; which aught to be engendered out of it. This same nature if in some sort, it had not had a root in the primary matter, out of the Creation, how could it be inclined to that duty, whereunto God had appointed all things, to wit, to serve for the use of man? What sympathy could there ever be of things among themselves? which is so necessary to be known and observed by us, that the Holy Ghost, which sustaineth, and directeth all things created to this use (the Apostle Paul speaking in the eight Chapter to the Romans describeth it amply) when he showeth us, the incomparable greatness of the glory, which shall be manifested to us by the service of these Creatures, saying. The earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the Sons of God in glory, that is, it doth the duty, which God hath imposed upon it cheerfully, sustaining carefully mankind in this life, with a desire that they might be saved, and be led to God their Creator▪ And so this service of the Creature saith he is done to many vain and unprofitable, and nevertheless it is not subject to this vanity of its own accord, that is, it is not all one, whether it is serviceable to the good, or to the bad, but as much as it is able doth the office which is enjoined to it, to the glory of God, and the Salvation of man. Nevertheless, God hath subjected it to this vanity, that it might serve also to the wicked, though in vain, yet not simply, but by reason of him, who hath subjected the same in hope, if peradventure they might in groping, taste the benignity and benevolence of God, and be converted. And to show, that it serveth to the wicked unwillingly; adding that it shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption, into the glorious liberty of the children of God, after which the whole Creation groaneth, to wit, till Christ our Lord, and nature having finished the last propagation of mankind, shall bring his faithful ones into the glory of God his Father: thou seest here most manifestly, how great the Sympathy of all things is between them and man which were impossible to be done out of a matter without all form, or voided of any quality or affection. But thou wilt say out of the Philosophy of the Pagans', that God hath since given a form unto the matter created, out of which thereafter generation and propagation is made. And to what purpose I pray you, hath he made in the second place, and by a second operation, that which he might have done at the first, and by the first Creation? might he not aswel from the beginning, have given the matter properly qualified, in its own nature, as afterward to have given the quality, and that by force? Again, can he which is all form, virtue, a most perfect, a most mighty, and a most good Act, the beginning itself, and the fountain of good, procreate something altogether without form, and most alienate from all manner of affection and action? Now the Lord would created man his chief work, after his own Image, for otherwise how could he enjoy the glory of God in dissimilitude? Things that are unlike, delight not in things unlike, but abhor them, it is then requisite for man to have a great similitude with God, as he which aught to participate greatly of his glory. But the holy Scripture witnesseth, that the universal glory of God shall be manifested to his Saints, and that we shall be like unto him, because we shall see him as he is, the greatest similitude then, between man and God, shall be in the life to come, the beginnings of which excellency he hath received in the Creation, as Moses testifieth in Genesis, as he who from the beginning of his Creation, should converse with God, and serve him in this world in all obedience, until he were accrued into the similitude, which God concreated with him, and should receive his highest perfection in the Heavens. Seeing therefore that man is Created after the Image of God, and that also the other Creatures, for having a true sympathy with Man, to whom they aught to be serviceable; have likewise obtained some similitude with God in the Creation itself, especially, the primary matter, to wit, the Chaos out of which all things were created; yea man himself aught to have some similitude with his Creator, for it had been absurd (as I have said before) that God the fountain of all goodness should have created some ill thing, and that he, who is all life, and quickening virtue; should created a stupid body, void of all quality or affection, which should be immediately reform, to the end it might agreed, aswell with the Species, which were to be created, as with man. For seeing the work of every Artisan, showeth the industry, wisdom, and the study of his Spirit, how much more than the works of God, represent as well his intention, as in some sort his Image. He then, who from the beginning hath thus form and ordained nature, that she might bring forth a generation, no otherwise then from a matter properly qualified, hath also created and produced the first Species of things, out of a Chaos convenient thereunto. We conclude then, that the Chaos was the first of all things, having in its essence, the seed of all qualities and forms, a nature (I say) simple, and not compounded, deducible and distributive into so many qualities and species, as there is now in universal nature. Also that it was like to its Creator in this, that as God the Father is the beginning of all Deity, having all things covertly in himself, which are expressed actually in the * The Father worketh of himself by the Son and the holy Ghost, the Word his Son from the Father by the holy Ghost, and the holy Ghost from the Father and the Son. Word, his Son, and shed abroad by the Holy Ghost, and communicated with the Creatures, that so also the Chaos comprehended all the forms of things, substances and qualities, secretly within her bowels, and intrinsicke essence, according to the Seminary and Radical power, which being by the Creator extracted out of it, perfected and distributed into several Species, served man by an act of egredient. And as in God the Father, the multitude of Ideas, not as many, but comprised under one simple unity, is brought forth from God by the Creation into every Species, so the Chaos being a nature simple, and not composed, is produced, and made perfect by the Creation in so many substances and kinds, as is requisite for the body, and Oeconomie of the world. And like as the substance of God is not compounded, neither consisting of matter or form, but an indivisible essence, yea in thought, so also the substance of the primary matter, or Chaos, is not compounded, nor consisting of matter and form, introduced from elsewhere, or a new Created in it, but in a simple essence, Created from one act by a simple being God and a vital substance and life, or a substantial form, or essential substance, or in any such sort, that the unity of the matter and form may be expressed existing: in this nevertheless, before other differences the most distant from God, that it is corporeal, and gross, actually finite in virtue and power, being only a small beginning of these things, and divisible into different substances, yea even to contraries, not immediately, but by the degrees of generation, which are betwixt both. The ancient Philosophers have not given a sound division of the Primary matter, in having made two beginnings of things divers, and not communicating, to wit, the matter, and form. In things which are engendered, such a distinction brings with it some light to the understanding, when as we contemplate the matter out of which something is made, and the form which it aught to be, introduced: and which as yet doth not exist in the several parts, according as the cause of the thing requireth, but when as we make this in the first matter, and out of the cause of generation, we conceive a matter wholly without form and void, and we wander astray from the true natural beginnings. The Chaos is then in things which are created out of God, essence of essences, form of forms, substance of substances, not by act, but by power, and that not foreign, but interior, making the matter and the beginning of the form, as a mother to all things. But first of all, God is the Worker, than the virtue specifical: ordained by God, in forming them, perfecting and preparing for the birth. We shall see then this opinion of the primary matter, and of the Chaos to be confirmed by the Creation of the World, and the certain experience of things. CHAP. V Of the Fabric of the World. Touching the false and true understanding of the Ideas. BUT forasmuch as through the sinister understanding and considerations of Ideas and forms, many absurd things are taught by the Philosophers, questions, and intricate disputes are moved, and the true order of the operations in nature is obscured, it behooveth us to search out more deeply the condition and nature of the Ideas and fermes, that not relying upon a false foundation, we do not deceive ourselves, and instead of true science, constitute so many vain opinions as foolish dotages. When the Philosophers would that the forms should be brought elsewhere into the matter, they assign unto them another beginning, and separated from the matter, to wit, a certain eternal Idea, out of which they flow, and are joined to the matter, so that every essence is not simple, but one compounded of diverse things, and separated, and incommunicable of matter and form, and therefore the matter and form had not any similitude in the essence, nor any Sympathy between them, before the composition. It is well known and usual, that every good workman, before he begin his work, conceiveth a certain Idea thereof, by the contemplation of which, he beginneth and accomplisheth it, but are many things oftentimes, which present themselves ever and beside the model conceived, he addeth or taketh from it, and if divers men shall undertake the same work in Species, there will be as many differences, as workemasters. There is not then any Idea out of man, which conceiveth and frameth such a model in his understanding, but he himself by the clearness of his understanding, and according to the knowledge which he hath of things, which are required, be it true, be it false, and according to the judgement of his reason, he imagineth and frameth the accident by experience, or elsewhere he amendeth it, after upon better knowledge. So God as by himself, being the most wise, most mighty, and the most skilful Architect of the world, hath created all things no otherwise, than by a most good and exquisite reason. It is necessary therefore, that he of himself from all eternity had conceived an Idea most requisite for his work; for it is not the property of a wise man, to make any thing without good order, manner and reason, for the things which are so made, are either made casually or rashly, and cannot promise' a certain good issue. But he took not this Idea, for the framing of his work, out of a fore knowledge of things with a foreknown rationation, and meditation as from a certain model after the manner of men, seeing he of himself, and without any motion of understanding, alteration, inspection, and auscultation, is all wise, Almighty, having in the virtue of his essence represented before his view, and pondered all the beginnings of things, the means, ends, manners, conditions, number, proportions, habitudes, and all whatsoever should appear visible, a workemaster (I say) so perfect from the most internal Centre, and fountain of his essence, hath this increated Idea, shining forth in all things, and possessed it eternally; and this Idea is one, and simple, as the essence of God is one and simple, but proceeding by fruitfulness, as from the generation and propagation into branches and all forms and Species, according to the intention and scope of the Creation in the alone species of man. Therefore whensoever thou art desirous, to contemplate inwardly, the creation of things, and art willing to search out well their affinity and Sympathy, it is requisite for thee to contemplate the same, with all the subtlety, and force of thy understanding, by what order every thing is created, and whereof, and in what manner the one species exceedeth the other, for from thence the Creatures are known, and the order of subjection of every one of them, as fare, as may concern man. It is now in no wise lawful to place this Idea out of the substance and essence of God, for it is most properly proper to God himself, and communicable to no other but to God only, as his essence agreeth to no other, then to God: nevertheless we desire with some, to make fools of ourselves, who have dreamt that all things have been engendered out of the essence of God, and are as parcels of him, and for this cause that the Souls of all return again unto him. Seeing therefore that this Idea, is inseparable from the essence of God, it is not lawful for any man to think of any primary beginning of forms and species but in God. Now if any one should place the Ideas out of God, they should not be the primary, but secundary Ideas, created of the primary which is in God, the which when they are placed by the Philosophers out of things, and are said to enter into the matter, and to constitute things themselves, and the species compounded, what is that else, but to add a help to the Creator, which formeth all things, sufficient for all things? as if he himself had not been able to do that immediately, or at lest, that he vouchsafed not, who is inflamed with such a great love to his work, and that he delighteth to be with the Sons of men. And if we grant him, who is all virtue, and a pregnant efficacy, and Almighty for most noble effects, to have created a matter without form, idle and wholly imperfect, and of no quality of itself, why should we say it is created of forms, more worthy and noble than the matter, by strange and ministered Ideas? were not that to diminish the glory of the Creator? or wilt thou that the matter be created by secondary Ideas? What Idea I pray can be feigned from that which is nothing, and bereft of all essence? For (they forsooth) would have the Ideas to be effectives of forms. Now if any man should affirm these Ideas to be made, not only in respect of the first Creator of things, but for the perpetual propagation of the Species, what difference then would there be, between the propagation, and the primary constitution of the thing? The Species, should it not be wholly compounded, the form being induced into the matter? So then, God hath created the first man, and the same work of the Creation is consequently renewed in every man; how is it said, that the Lord rested the seaventh day, and afterwards to created? Gen. 2. verse 2. As those who have been cast out of the assembly of the faithful, for Heretics, who did affirm that the Angels were worldly Creatures, no less should such be, who affirm the Ideas are placed out of God, to constitute the Species of things. For such Ideas are also Creatures, no less than the Angels: to this may be added that which I have said before, that if thou dost constitute the Species, and the matter separated, and incommunicating (as it is necessary when thou makest the matter to be wholly without form, and that the same joined with the form, yields a compound not simple) it cannot be, that there is any inclination of the matter to the form or appetite, or any Sympathy whatsoever, rising out of the different similitude. Many frivolous questions, and altogether, unprofitable, are sprunge out of these Ideas separated from God, and from things, the which in what manner soever thou resolvest them, yet shalt thou never attain unto the truth of the Creation, and Generation, and therefore canst not affirm any thing certain, neither of the beginning of nature, nor of the end and Sympathy. We say then, that there is an universal Idea, residing essentially in God, which is the total reason of all the things, which God was willing to Created, disposed and destinated, according to his infinite wisdom and will, and that this Idea is expressed by an eternal act, especially in the framing of the world, and that the species are multiplied and increased, into many individuals, without any Idea, cooperating out of God; in this act of every species, there is imprinted the character of the Idea of this species, existing in God, out of which impression, it is afterward inclined to the propagation of its species. We call also this Idea, or reason of all things, to wit, an internal act from the essence of God, to have proportion to the same essence: therefore the Creatures which are Images of the same Idea, are said to have some Analogy to the Substance and essence of God. From whence the most high mysteries of the Trinity, shine a lose off as through a grate, and the Catholic Doctrines may be illustrated excellently, against all the heresies of Trinity, and may in some manner be made more clear, these obscurities being dissipated: and if any one having invocated the Holy Ghost, search with all his might and a pious zeal, the Analogy of the Creature to the Creator. But seeing the particular reasons are excited in this universal Idea, by the ligament of a mutual dependency, and perpetual harmony, in a most consonant melody: it is necessary also that the reasons creatural assemble together after some manner in a Symphony by a similitude, but not proportion, because there is no proportion between that which is finite, and that which is infinite. Out of this Symphony also of the Creatures, or the consent and concordance of nature and office, followeth a Sympathy, the which is necessary, because of the end of the Creation. The things which hitherto have been spoken of, partly in general, and also partly demonstrated touching the matter and form of the species, ministry, and Sympathy, shine forth more clearly, and shall be proved in the history of the Creation. Let us now then come to speak of them. CHAP. VI Of the Fabric of the World. Of the time of the beginning of the Creation. The first Day. WHen as the Lord began to Created the Stars, and their motion was not yet in being, and consequently, as yet there was no time, according to the Philosopher's definition; nevertheless in this darksome space, which proceeded or went before the light, is accounted for a part of this day, and is called night and evening: Gen. 1.5. and constituted with the light following, unto its setting, a natural day, equal to them that followed. This eternal space than is measured by God, by the first, and last, according to the greatness of the parts, and there is no difference, with the time of the Physicians, saving that it cannot be measured, but by the comparison of measure, borrowed out of the Creation; for this eternity going before the world, had neither as yet years, months, or days, or any such like accident whereby it might be measured. And if the time of the Physicians cannot be measured, shall it therefore cease to be time? for the measuring of a time is an accident belonging to time, it cannot be defined. Whatsoever is known to be, hath its definition in the nature of it, though it cannot be expressed by words. So eternity is truly known to be, because common understanding showeth it: considering, there is not any man confesseth that to be, which never was, and that which is, sometimes not to be, and therefore that which is, there is no doubt, but that sometime, or in some time it was, and this is a common opinion, that that which was in no time, and which is no part, that that is not at al. For it is impossible to conceive the essence of any thing, without the circumstance of time and place. Therefore for the shunning of ambitious and captious terms, and many vain imaginations, drawn from the definition of time and place, although at this day in use, and whereby deceivable Sophisters obscure the understanding, as it were with a thick mist, it is better to apply the spirit to the substances themselves of time and place, or if thou wilt may rather be called essence, and if ye cannot express their reasons, because express words are wanting, nevertheless to contemplate them, after some conceived simile. So thou mayst imagine time to be a certain extension of durance, between the first, and the last, which after the Creation of the World, is exquisitely measured, by the constant and immovable motions of the stars, and though there were no such measurings before the Creation of the World, yet it ceased not to have time in it, and if any speculation requireth the measuring, we will apply by this our thought the measures of this our time, touching the extension to the eternal parts thereof. As we would in some sort declare the eternity of God, we may say it was a thousand Ages (I speak of so great an extension) before the Creation of the World, and besides them, a thousand more also, and a thousand besides, and so forward withous end. And so a common understanding may in some sort measure the parts of eternity, and what need have we here of any subtle Tergiversations, and Labyrinths? Things which are eternal and uncreated, are easily conceived by some such like conception, when they are not defined or well described. And the Word of God ascribeth often to him, eternal and infinite ages, from the first, to the last, accommodating it to the common capacity, which he likewise hath form. We may also suppose the place to be a certain space, wherein the thing is, which we will divide into three species, into that which exceedeth the comprehension, into the equal, and into the lesser, not determining of any thing touching the greatness of the comprehension. According to the first, man is in a house; for the second, every body is in the water, or air, comprehending on all sides the extremities: according to the third, every thing, and God principally is also in the very lest place: the Creature according to the figure Synecdoche, but God according to his whole essence. If any one, these things being thus determined, should doubt that something was ordained eternally besides God, he must consider, that time and place are brought in God, yea from his essence, considering that essence cannot be without time and place. For God (as john Damascene speaketh excellently. lib. 1. cap. 10.) is place of himself. In the like manner, and by the same reason may one imagine, that he is also time himself. And Tertullian against P●axea writeth thus: God, before all things were Created, was alone himself to himself, and the World, and place and all, Page 675, if he searcheth any other substance of time and place, he will be swallowed up into a bottomless pit inscrutable, and go astray into obscure speeches, because the depth of God surmounteth exceedingly all understanding. Before all time, matter, form and place God all in all, and all in God it was. Let us say then with Moses verse the fifth, that the beginning of the Creation, and first natural day, was made by night, and that the night is the first part of the day, and that we aught to begin the time of the world, from the first motion of the Creation, and that God therefore hath not only ordained a week of days, as a memorial of the Creation, but he would also have us, that we should take likewise the beginning of every day, from the setting of the Sun, and from the evening, and that those judge amiss, who would have that the ancient Hebrews did begin the day, from the rising of the Sun, persuading them thereunto by some passages of the holy Scripture, misunderstood and perverted in Exodus, chap. 12.18. The solemnity of the passover is commanded to be celebrated for seven days, the beginning, and the end whereof is appointed in the evening. And the Lord ordained the first and the last day solemn ver. 16. So that the first of john, the 19 ver. 31, it is called the High Sabbath, and the Hebrews call Parasceve, that is, the preparation, the fourteenth day of the month, in which the Lamb was sacrificed, between two Evenings, and distinguished from the Passeover immediately following, as appeareth. Matthew 27.62. Mark 15.42. Luke 23.54. john 19.31. These are then, two days, and two evenings following one another. The first is the end of the fourth day, the other after Sun setting, of the night following, which appertaineth to the day following. Between these two evenings, he commandeth in the sixth verse, that the Lamb should be prepared and slain, but that could not be done in a moment, dividing the one, and the other day; therefore the evening is taken more largely, for the vespertine time, and inclining to the end of the day, or next ending the day, and following incontinently. So ver. the eighteenth, when he commandeth them to eat the unleavened bread, upon the fourteenth day from the evening, he meaneth from the evening ending immediately, the day being shut up. For seeing that the setting of the Sun, distinguisheth the days, as the night in which the paschal Lamb was eaten, and the part of the day before the Sunne-setting, in which they slew the Lamb, may be referred to a day? In Mark the sixteenth it appeareth more clearly, that the night was the beginning of the natural day. When the Sabbath day was passed (saith he) the women brought sweet ointments, which was not lawful for them to do upon the Sabbath, they did this then on the evening, the Sabbath being ended, because he addeth, that very early in the morning, the first day of the week, they came unto the Sepulchre. The Hebrews then began their natural day, from the evening and the setting of the Sun, because the first day of the creation began from the night. CHAP. VII. Of the Fabric of the World. The Works of the First Day. THe first thing which God created, was this Chaos, whereof hitherto we have discoursed, to wit, this huge undigested mass, the matter and mother of all things that were to be created, which he calleth Earth, because it approacheth nearest to the nature and condition terrestrial, for the earth was first finished, and brought forth her first-fruits, and incontinently after, the Chaos being not yet divided, he calleth it waters, not because that then the waters were separated from the earth, but he showeth, that as soon as the water was created, the distinction of the Elements was begun, and therefore before he nameth it Water, he nameth it Abyss, as some mean thing between a mass without form, and the first distinction beginning to appear, or rather he gives us to understand, the nature of this mass, that it was Aphar, a fleeting matter, inclining to the generation of Waters, which he purposed first to separate from the Earth. Now all this mass, how great soever it was, was an Abyss, because that yet it was uniform, not form into any species. The living creatures were not yet, the plants, the bright heaven, yea the Elements themselves, the Earth, the Fire, Water, and Air (but there was saith Moses) solitude, vacuity, or solitary unprofitable, and voided, according as we do call the Earth uninhabited, barren, and producing nothing for the use of man, Desert. So, this mass was a pure solitude, having nevertheless in it the speices, from whence all things which are now might be deduced and form, which speices is specially understood, under the farm of Aphar, of clay, and Abyss. He addeth that this Chaos had not yet, that which was necessary for the constitution of nature, generative and procreative of all things, to wit, the life. Two things aught principally to be observed in the creation: First of it all, that it proceed, by the order of things most imperfect, and most ignoble, to the most perfect and most noble, as first of all from the Chaos, to the Earth, then to the water, from thence to the heavens, and so consequently. Secondly, that it institute the nature of all things, their power, actions, order, the manner of doing, the beginnings and the end, and the periods of either of them, and the universal law of nature, such in the creation, which he would have to be perpetually. Willing then, that the inferior world, to wit, the Earth, the Water, and the Air, was the mother of all things, which aught to be engendered, and that the superior, was the father endowed with masculine virtue, that is willing to ordain a seminary reason in the Elements, but the prepatartixe, and excitratix to engender power in the heavens, presently after that he be began to extract the Elements, he extracted withal the matter of the heavens, to the end, that the father, and the mother might grow up together, that the power, and all the virtue of the one and the other, might receive engendering, his laws and rules in the same creation. And therefore from the beginning of the distribution of the Chaos, he ordained two orders of creatures, and proceedeth by little and little in the one and in the other, to the most perfect, and most noble, and then when he began to distinguish the mass into Elements, he produceth with the Air, a Celestial and lucent matter, of which afterward the Firmament and the Stars were to be form and collected, and as in perfecting his work, he divided to every one his speices apart: so also he gave to all of them the proper laws of nature, to the Elements Elementary, and to the Celestial, matter Celestial. It is to be understood nevertheless, that as well the Elements, of the Air, as the heaven itself, wherein the Stars are, have been noted afterward in the sacred Scriptures, under one and the same name, as for that than which concerneth the name, which was ordained to them by God, these two were in the beginning of the one, and the same condition, and were created together, without distinction, but presently began to be separated, to wit, when it was requisite to form the Firmament, and the Stars of the noblest part of it. Observe now, what the matter of the Celestial substance was. The Element of Water, began now to appear, and be gathered together in the arch of the Chaos, ere there was there light, which was necessary to the operations of nature. And behold (saith he) the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the Waters, he stirred up a vehement wind out of the Chaos, to move the Waters, not yet separated from the Earth, and to make them mount up into higher waves, that by this agitation, the Water might begin by little and little to separate itself from the most gross substance of the Earth, and the most subtlest being stirred out of this waterish part of the Chaos, was made Air, and the more part of the Aeth eriall Air, or Celestial substances. This blast made of these three things, the first day, which without all doubt, made the agitation to endure longer, and it become more forcible, and vehement, a greater abondance of this windy spirit being stirred up, till such time, that at last, the Earth began to sustain itself, and to gather itself more together, it allayed by little and little this agitation, and this windy agitation being somewhat exhausted and consumed, it began, by degrees to rest. When then thou beholdest the heaven to be extracted, and form of Water, not yet separated, thou mayst easily from thence understand, that it hath some affinity with the Earth, much more with the Water, from whence the Hebrews call it Shamaim, from the word ESH, which signifieth Waters, because it is made of waters, and carrieth the Stars about it, as inflamed waters, according to that which Egibine writeth, touching the Etymology of the noun. But seeing that the Chaos had heaviness, as well as greatness, and whatsoever hath been made thereof, resembleth in somewise the nature of a mother, the heavier, and the more ignoble, settled together in one, but the lighter and more noble substance, which as it were the fatness of all the Chaos, being carried upward, was a long time coupled with the superior, whence it came to pass that the heaven was created of the more noble part of the one, and of the other Elements, before they were separated every one into his place, hence it is the heavens excel in beauty, nobleness, and virtue; all the other Elements, as having been created of the more noble substance of the Chaos, yea likewise in the heaven, the higher things are more excellent than the inferior: Moreover, the Coelestials have a perpetual sympathy, affinity, with the Elements, by which they are mutually inclined, the one to the other, likewise also the higher things of the Heaven to the lower of them, in such sort, that there is nothing in the world, which by the sympathy given to it, serveth not in some stead, and order for the use of man; so the Heavens and the Stars, by reason of the inclination, which they have to inferior things, their form being round, and resting upon the centre of the universe, make their motion circular and diverse, that they might communicate their virtues to inferior things, as much as is necessary for generation. Now this Heaven was yet in the first day, of one and the same nature and condition with the other things, and without any difference, and therefore had only one sole motion, which distinguished the day and the night. But as the workmanship of the creation continued, the most lucent matter of the heaven began to be gathered apart, into diverse Spheres, and Globes of Stars, and Planets, and as every thing began to grow to perfection, and to have its own proper nature and motion, so also every one of them, obtained their own sympathy, and operation. So the light, or most resplendent matter, ordained for the Sun, began immediately to gather itself, into the demi part of heaven, and to enter within the Globe of the Sun; so that about ten hours after the creation (for it began to come into the sign Leo, as hath been demonstrated probably in the Chronologie) it gave light to the world, and fourteen hours after, by the daily motion of the heavens it set. This light in the beginning, was also more feeble, and weak, because the matter of the Sun was as yet dispersed, until that in the fourth day it was shut up and gathered togethered into its greatness. This speculation of the gathering together of the Stars into the Globes, and increasing of the light cannot be in vain, considering it was needful, that there should be light the first day, which made the day, seeing the Sun was not perfected, till the fourth day: considering also that God had not ordained any other light to make the day, but the Sunnë; likewise we must not think, that the Firmament of heaven, the collection of the Waters, into the matter, the dryness of the Earth, the production of herbs, fruits, and trees, and all things which God commanded to sole nature, having been made in a moment, as the commandment seemeth to impart, but by degrees and in the same order and manner which he afterward willed that nature should use, and therefore, that all, and every work began then to be, when the matter proper to its nature, was prepared, but principally, on that day in which the commandment was given. So then, the separation of the waters, began the first day, and was finished on the third. For if all things had been created in a moment, God should have seemed rather to have intended to produce things, then to ordain the laws and natures of them. The contrary whereof we shall see in the third day. It being so then, that every thing aught to be made, with its proper nature, and natural law, immediately when every thing began to be created, the efficatious virtue thereof began withal, the mean and rule of working, whereby it aught to serve God in his creation; so that all things in their beginning have had in their creation, as their fore-exercises, and by nature once ordained, have served their Creator in the disposition of others. So having made the weight in the Chaos, and the Centre and seat of all things being settled, the disposition and order of things have followed naturally: So the mass being moved by the wind, made naturally the separation of the Earth, and of the Water, and the exhalations ascended upward. The things which were form of a Celestial condition by their Creator, have also exercised a Celestial operation in the generation of herbs, trees, and living creatures: so the creation went forward, the natural operation followed it, and these two afterwards concurred in the other works of God. Seeing then that this is the order of things, wisely ordained, and brought to the scope of the whole intention of the Creator; the lover of true Philosophy, may diligently observe the order, whereby all things have been created, what nature of matter, the Creator gave first of all to them, and what he added to their nature, how fare the speices is extended in forming the things: Moreover to know if the things environing this creation, did give any help thereunto, this is not to be despised, for by how much the more we consider things that are more high, so much the more we shall attain unto the knowledge of the things created, the efficacy and the communion thereof with other creatures, and consequently its sympathy, and all its operation. Now to the end that the matter of every thing, may be known, we must begin with the first matter which is the Chaos, for as much thereof as may be known, according to the form and quality thereof, so much the better also may be known the things which are first created of it, and as of them so of all others. As for the rest, what matters are added by the Creator for the establishing of the speices, and the nature of the thing, this primary nature created cannot teach it, but it must be sought out by the latter, as by the apparent greatness of the thing, the weight, lightness, firmness, rarity, fleeting figure quality, colours, office, and such like accidents, and proprieties. The causes efficient whereof nevertheless, are known by long study and experience. I give chiefly of these things, because they are the first foundations (whereunto a Philosopher aught above all to bend his studies,) to find out the causes and Oeconomy of things. Let every man do as he pleaseth, but for our part, we will follow the parts of the world, its seat, its proportion, and local motion, and other things appertaining to Geography, the rest we will leave to the contemplation of spirits more divine: When Moses saith, God said, he doth not show a sentence given for some peculiar time, but the perpetual will of him which speaketh and effecteth the things without words or express speech, and produceth them in time definite. So also in the actions of God, when he saith, God divided the light from the darkness, he intendeth not an external action, but the perpetual will of God, whereby alone he beginneth and perfecteth all things preordained in time. Now I will not say that in this day; this division was complete, after which the fourth day, the Sun and all the Stars were finally perfected, but he giveth the wise not obscurely to understand this collection of light, whereof I have spoken, and that the same proceeded thus fare this day, that the light gathered together in one part of the heaven, might have power to set, leaving behind it the night, and darkness. After the works of this day ended, he addeth this light to have been approved, and testified by God for good, which he did not of all Creatures, but of these only, which above all others bringeth to man an excellent benefit, and illustrateth, and recommendeth excellently, the work, and the intention of God. So in things following he extolleth with the same praise the dryness of the Earth, the generations of Herbs, Trees, and Fruits, the offices of the Sun, Moon, and the Stars, the waterish living Creatures, after also the terrestrials. All which things, man being finally created, he approved them to be very good, as those which were most convenient for his service, for whose sake they were created. The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. Psal. 111. verse 2. Light being then brought into the world, the first day was accomplished, which he saith consisteth of the evening, and of the morning, or of the night and of the day, he calleth it natural from the Latins. He placeth the night before, because that from it the Creation began, for the light could not be created the first of all things, according to the Idea of all things conceived in the understanding of the Workemaster, but the matter was requisite before, out of which it aught to be form. The end of the first day. CHAP. VIII. Of the Fabric of the World. Of the Heaven. The second Day beginneth. AFter the couching of the light, followed the second day, wherein the firmament was Created. But he addeth not out of what matter, God would it should be made: but this is manifest by the Creation of the light. For seeing the light was produced out of the waters, such as we have said, and all light cometh from the firmament, it is certain that that lucent substance which brought forth the day, and obtained the circular motion, was made this day into the firmament. Whence the firmament in the holy tongue is called Shamaim, because it is of the same substance with the light; to wit, waterish, though a little more ignoble. For the light, as being the more noble, required also the more noble part of the same substance, wherefore the species, and nature thereof, was also later perfected; to wit, the fourth day. This firmament Moses calleth RAKIA, by which word diffusion, extension, expansion, and distension, are signified. The reason therefore of this name is taken out of the work of the Creation, which was made in this order, and success. By and by so soon as the wind fell to blow upon the deep, it exhaled upward, and the airy and celestial substance was diffused, wherein whatsoever was proper to light (digested into a luminous essence) strait begun to be gathered together, to make up the day: as also the substance of the future firmament, wherein the light was gathered together, and permanent, elevated on high from the element of the air; diffused, extended, and displayed, as a sail or tent about the whole inferior world, and having diurnal motion, even from the first day, and carrying about with it the light. This firmament therefore by reason of this diffusion, extension, and expansion, is properly called Rakia, not for the solidity, or compact force of the substance, which Rakia doth not signify. Neither doth the matter, whereof this firmament is made, nor that expansion which here Moses attributeth to it; and also Isay. 42.5. and 40.22. Also Psalm 104.22. carry with it necessarily such a solidity, and such a force of substance; nor is to be supposed to carry with it; unless some argument thereof in the word of God did clearly appear. The comparison taken from a sail spread and extended with the winds, and a tent firmly set up and displayed; doth rather declare the stability, immobility, and incorruptibility of it: such a firmament would God signify, and have to be, that it might be a perpetual aid, and upholder, of frail and corruptible things. And what profit, I pray you, should be there of the rigidity and force of iron, or hardness of the Adamant, where there is no wearing nothing that can corrupt. God also called this firmament, Heaven, or Shamaim, that we might understand it to be of the same substance with the light, and together with it to have been Created. Hear is to be observed that Esdras lib. 4. cap. 6. repeating the Creation of the world, saith of this firmament; And on the seaventh day (saith he) thou createdst the spirit of the firmament, and commandedst it &c. The order of the Creation teacheth, the proportion of ponderous and heavy things teacheth, the rarity of substance and experience teacheth that by how much higher from the Centre of the world bodies are distant, they are more rarified, lighter and more spiritual: and therefore it necessarily followeth that those things that reside highest of all, are most spiritual. Now this firmament is much higher than the elements, wherefore it is also much more spiritual than the air, and most of all in the extreme sublimity of it, where so many stars have a perpetual, most constant, and less variable motion. Now it was necessary such a Heaven to be made, after that the masculine force, which subsisteth in the spiritual substance, was to be inserted into it: to help the imperfect power of engendering of these inferior things. Neither did it suffice, the substance thereof to be such equally throughout the whole, that is to say, homogeneal, but according to the variety and nature of things, a variable and turgent fecundity was also required, which should extend itself abroad by a natural inclination to ripen the fruits, of the inferior world; and as it were to do the office of a midwife in helping them to bring forth. But that fecundity lieth in the exundant spiritual essence, and fortitude thereof, wherefore there need to be made a collection of this spiritual substance, which is in every heaven or part thereof, into one body spherical, as a member genital. So in the Heaven of the Sun, the chief force of the Spiritual substance is collected into the Globe of the Sun: Mercury, and Venus adjoined to it for the help of generation. So the Moon and the Stars, from the first beginning of the created light, according to the exigence of their office, were collected, every one into their several Globes: and the fourth day finally perfected. Also the heat and splendour of the light, or rather irradiation was necessary to the act of the generation of the spiritual virtue, production and intention: wherefore when God created the light, he made light also the spiritual substance of heaven. Now if it were possible for any one to know the natural cause, and original of light in substance, he should attain unto a great mystery to inquire after, and in some sort to find out, the nature of the Stars, which without doubt follow their efficient and material cause, for if thou dost apply all the subtlety of thy mind, thou shalt see the creation of things almost follow the natural order of causes, and from causes to deduce causes, until it come to the effect proposed. And this is the incomprehensible wisdom of God, that of one first created, he did so form and institute nature, according to the universal Idea, that he may be thought no less to have imitated, than Created or ordained it. For creating by his will and power the universal Idea of nature, most exactly conceived, he doth also most exactly imitate and express, that both in the Idea and Fabric, the same natural success of things, and of causes should appear. O the most wise, and most powerful wisdom of God, above all admirable! How great aught the affinity of nature be unto its Creator! He spoke the word, and it was made, his will is the essence of it, wherefore as he willeth, so is it, and he willeth it for the same. God willed, and willed with delectation and study, that the Heaven, and every Star in it, by a variable motion, should serve man, and for man every Creature. This will, this study, even with a certain delectation, remaineth imprinted in the Heaven: the Heaven willeth the same, is inclined to the same, and executeth it diligently, with a certain delectation: the affection of God therefore toward his Creature, is made the affection of one creature towards another. This is the first and chief cause, and the original of all Sympathy, whereby every thing is excited to the execution of their duty. It is not needful that we should attribute to the Heaven any other cause, or the Angels to be moovers, as though it were of itself immovable, and dispersed his beams idly and without any affection and Sympathy to inferior things, wheresoever it happeneth, and much less that we should say, that it is perpetually moved of a divine Spirit, but by a perpetual nature, according to his will once imprinted in it, yet in the mean time if thou wilt perfect this Philosophy concerning Sympathy, thou must inquire what similitude, what Analogy with the Creatures, and with which of them, he hath given to the Heaven, whereby it is inclined unto them: as also from whence, by what order, and after what manner that similitude and Analogy was inducted into it. But when thou hast ascended upon this theatre, thou wilt cry out, O the profundities of the riches, wisdom, and Knowledge of God; how incomprehensible are his judgements, and his ways past finding out! which if thou findest nothing, yet it shall be a great gain unto thee, to have learned this imperscrutability; to the end thou mayst learn more highly to admire the infinite wisdom of God, and with a more ready mind to reverence his Majesty. This also shalt thou easily gain, that thou shalt found, there is nothing created of God without cause, and just reason, tending to one scope or end. And now I hope thou understandest what Esdras meaneth, when he saith, Thou hast created the Spirit of the Firmament, and commanded it: to wit, that the celestial matter, which is most spiritual, perceiving the Word of God, or the impression of his will, doth with him put on the same affection towards man: to wit, that for his cause waxing hot, is extenuated, is made spiritual, doth elevate itself on high, above the Element of the air, extend itself, and there remain fixed; dividing the waters from the waters. Therefore, the celestial matter, having from the will of God and his impression, obtained this Sympathy, as yet mixed with the Air, and turned into a more spiritual essence, by its own inclination mounted upward; and this is that which he saith. The second day was created the Spirit of the firmament, though as yet there was no contraction of the Stars, and Planets, into Globes. It executed also the rest of the Commandment, to wit, the division out of the same Sympathy, and inclination the same day; and remaineth in the same office, until the will of God (from the which the Sympathy thereof hath dependence) be accomplished, as witnesseth that of David Psal. 148. He hath established them (the celestial things) to endure perpetually and for ever, he hath given them a statute, and they shall not pass it. This Firmament was not any particular heaven divided from others, but one machine of the heavens, as is manifest: for that the fourth day he set the Sun, Moon, and Stars in this Firmament, comprehending all the Heavens which appear unto us. But because these bodies which God hath set in the Firmament (and according to the testimony of David, established with certain laws) are found to have diverse motions. It appeareth that this heaven is divided into more heavens, but how many they are we shall probably discourse in the Astronomicks. But the manner of the division appeareth in the precedent, when as perpetually the superour things (as more extenuated, dilated and lighter) have ascended from the inferior, as the Water from the Earth, the Air from the Water, the Firmament from the Air. So without doubt in the common substance of the Firmament, by little and little such an extenuation being made, discretion and subduction on high: first, in the lowest place was the sphere of the Moon left, and rested. Secondly, the sphere of the Sun, with Mercury, and Venus. Thirdly, Mars, than jupiter; and there after the rest: in manner that the last separation of the supercelestial waters, the same remaineth and is the highest part of the machine of the world. The universal and perpetual nature of things, as is the law of things, heavy and light ordained of God, requireth the Oeconomy of the distribution of the heavens. For seeing that all things are created and form of the first, and one self matter, and therefore do resemble the natural disposition thereof, the superiors would be no otherwise affected among themselves, than the inferiors among themselves: except we will say, that when he came to form the Heavens, he did make again the first matter, and gave it another much differing essence, nature, and law, but this what were it, but to extenuate the wisdom and power of God, as though he had not made the first matter fit for the Creation of all things. This being granted, what communion of natures could there be, between the celestial and elementary things? What sympathy? Were not this to disturb all order of things, and to overthrew God's scope and intent in his creation? When therefore the universal law of nature doth so comport itself through all things, communicating among themselves, it can be no doubt to any, but that those things which proceed from one, conformable in itself, and not discordant obtain the same reason unto that one, as the Son to his Parent, and every thing engendered, to his progenitor express in some sort the nature thereof, and be inclined unto him, as to his beginning bound with the bond of love: Therefore there will be the same reason of celestial things among themselves, as of Elementaries, seeing that all things were created successively of the same mass, conformable and concordant in itself, and the superiors out of their nobleness and perfection, will embrace these inferiors, as their beginnings so much the more strongly, by how much they do more communicate in nature and serve man to their utmost power. The superiors also being more purified, more distilled, and excoct, having a more noble form superadded, will be also the more noble instruments of God, unto his scope, and end, and will more strongly perform their office thereunto. Wherhfore in my opinion, that which the Astrologians persuade themselves of the malice of Saturn, and of Mars, is most absurd, as we shall discourse more at large in the Astrologicks. The Firmament being created and set in his place, was made (saith Moses) from the evening and the morning, the second day, to wit, beginning from the evening as the first, and ending again at the setting, and couching of the light: The reason of the day is the same as before, the which serving all the time of the Creation, it signifieth, that we aught perpetually to retain the remembrance of the creation. But he called this Firmament, Heaven; in Hebrew, SHAMAIM: if he called it by a vocal distinction, he so called it for Adam: otherwise that which I have said, for God to say, to be: this is the very same as to call; to wit his eternal Will whereby he willed the Firmament to be out of the Waters and made it. CHAP. IX. Of the Fabric of the World. Of the supercelestial waters, and the Creation of Angels. OF the Supercelestial waters, there is no where any open mention made, but Gen. 1.7. Psal. ●48, and 4. Esdras 6.41. Of them the opinions of writers are diverse. jacobus Zeiglerus imagineth very foolishly, that the first matter of God was created infinite, lest there should be thought any thing to be left without the world voided: and that in Creating the world out of that matter, he did not exhausted the infinity thereof, but only assumed so much as sufficed for the Creation, and left the rest as it was, which he calleth the celestial waters, voided, and darkness, which he affirmeth to be excluded from the World, by the Firmament: which opinion is too absurd. For how can it be admitted that the infinite wisdom of God should created any thing in vain? For that is done altogether in vain which is left void without the world, and of no form or use. Which if thou wilt say was done to fill up that vacuum; I will demand, whether there was any vacuum there from Eternity, and whether also this was not created? It would bring an inextricable Labyrinth of questions, nor any measure, order, and law, in the deduction of the parts of the World, out of the Chaos should appear, but all things should be done without reason, and without natural consequence: for there should be no place of extenuating the matter, dilating, and ennobling it. Others, and truly not a few, think the Supercelestial waters, to be the Clouds, which are carried in the middle region of the Air, and that they are separated by the inferior air, which is also comprised under the name of Heaven from the Sea and from the Rivers. But hereunto is contrary the holy Testimony of Moses, which giveth the division to that Firmament, wherein the Sun, Moon, and Stars are placed. For the Air which is under the Clouds, and subject to great mutabilities, cannot be called the Firmament: which if they will call the Firmament, because of the perpetual and immutable situation of it in its place, than should the water also be the Firmament, but another firmness is required. Such a Firmament was requisite (as I have said) which should subsist immutable in substance and virtue for ever, to sustain the generation and multiplication of things, according to their Species: but this was made after the light, and therefore after the Air, for the light could not be without the Air, which aught to environ the Mass, and to carry the light, and to make the Day and the Night. Wherhfore seeing that this Firmament, and perfected one day after it, without doubt it is another different from this inferior, and more perfect than it, above the which also David placeth these waters. Observe (Psal. 148. his order in praising of God. First, in general he citeth celestial things to praise him: then summoneth all in a just order, and distinctly. First, those that inhabit the Heavens, to wit, the Angels and the Spirits of the blessed, than the parts of the Heavens: the Sun, Moon, and Stars, that is to say, the Firmament. Thirdly the Heavens, of heavens, to wit, the Heavens which are the Firmament, and comprehend it within themselves: or the Heaven of Heavens, as it is Psal. 113. Last of all he moveth the waters which be above the Heavens. Thou seest how he proceedeth in order from the basest, and lowest, to the supremest and highest: adding also a singular and special cause wherefore they aught chiefly to praise God: to wit, because God hath established them to endure for ever, and hath given them a law and office which they cannot pass unaccomplished. After the celestial things, he passeth to the terrestrial, wherein he comprehendeth the winds, lightnings, hail, clouds, fowls of the Heaven: to wit, all elementary things, thou seest then two orders of praisers: the celestrial and the elementary. Seeing then he placeth the Supercelestial waters, among things celestial, and immutable, we may in no wise believe them to be the Clouds. And Psal. 104.3. God is said to make continguate, to touch one another, to lay the beams of his high chambers (that is to say, of the world) among the waters: which can be no other but these waters which are above the heavens. Now whereof these waters are created, and to what end, it doth not appear out of Moses. For seeing they are not visible, cannot be perceived with the eye, and do not reprelent any thing which might be taken of Gentiles, as matter of Idolatry, and further seieng they are the most hidden things, and the highest of the universe Creature, which cannot be searched out by any man, it imported not much to explicate their original and end, or scope, wherefore also Moses concealeth them, and the holy Spirit doth not openly reveal them. Yet doth he not make mention of them in vain, but offereth to godly minds, matter of conceiving something higher, and intimateth the wisdom of God highly to be admired, and his inexplicable power, where the most sharp of the understanding is dulled, and is not able to prosecute any further, the ways and profound depth of them. But the original and matter of them, from hence may be comprehended, in that he nameth them waters, for he showeth that they are conformable and conaturall, of the same nature with the Firmament. As also David when (Psal. 148.) he attributeth, together with Moses, the highest place in all the universe unto them. For seeing all things which hitherto, (after the waters moved, and light created) were made, by order of extenuation, and of perfection, were carired up on high, and fixed in their place, it may not be doubted, but by the same continued order, it was come to the extreme (as I may so say) distillation, and sublimation, in those supercelestial waters. Than these waters are the most clear, and pure heaven of all; which the divines rightly call empyreum, for seeing there is so great light in the Firmament, and collected out of the same substance of the Firmament, which representeth to the eyes and sense, pure fire, the substance also of this last, and most purified heaven, must be a fire much more noble and resplendent, of an equal clearness throughout: as in the which there is made no contraction of the light into Globes, which appeareth to be so made, for that God would terminate the Oeconomie of whole nature, with the connexity of the Firmament, and therefore writeth that division of waters to be committed to the Firmament; to the end that we should understand, that the works of nature are there terminated, and do not extend higher than the supreme extremity thereof: to wit, the convexity of the first movable; but that they are wholly contained within it, and that without that convexity, all things are quiet and immovable. Now for what end this Supercelestial water, and this most clear Heaven was created. I will say which to me seemeth probable. That the Angels were created there is no man that doubteth, seeing there is nothing eternal except God only, all the rest are Creatures, and have a beginning. But when these Angels were created, it is not easy to say. That they were not created before the world, it may be convinced and proved, for that it is said, in the beginning God Created the Heaven and the Earth, that is to say, that Mass without form, the mother of heaven and Earth. Now if the Creation did begin from that Mass, then could not the Angels be first created. Yet when the lucent, and bright Stars were placed in the Firmament, from that time they took their being: for so doth the Lord speak to job chap. 38. v. 6. Who laid the corner stone thereof (to wit, of the Earth) when the morning Stars sang together; and all the Sons of God shouted for joy. The Sons of God could be no other than the Angels, for man as then was not Created: Now if the Angels sang praises to God the Creator, then when he established the Earth upon the corner stone, and together with them, the bright shining Stars gave praise: therefore the third day the Angels were, and also the Stars were, although as yet imperfect. For the first day in the morning they began to be created, and the fourth day were perfected, therefore they were much more than half perfected, and begun to shine, the light being extended, and to praise and glorify God in his service and obedience. But that place in job 38.6. hath relation to the third day of the Creation, thou mayest easily understand, if thou comparest the two precedent verses. For in the first, he speaketh of the first Foundation of the Earth, that is, when God gave it a place of rest, the Centre of the universe: which is the very basis of the Earth. Of this foundation speaketh David, Ps. 104.5. Saying, thou hast established the Earth upon her Bases, that it should not be moved for ever. In the other he speaketh of the figure which the Earth hath obtained by its weight, on every side equally affecting the Centre; to wit, Spherical. But in the sixth verse, first, he maketh a most profound question, to wit, how that Centre which is the basis of heavy things, should be fixed: seeing it hangeth of the fluent, and movable Air? Immediately after he speaketh of the superstruction which is accustomed to be elevated on high, and presseth chiefly unto the Angleses, or corners of the edifices. Who (saith he) hath laid the corner stone, which sustaineth the Mass, ascending up on high? Thou seest three parts of the earth brought in question, to be settled and established, in that order wherein they mutually succeeded one another in the Creation, For first the Chaos being created, the Earth began to settle into the Centre. Secondly, in the settling received a Spherical figure. Thirdly, the Earth at length becometh dry, shown itself above the waters, and was there established, yea, the most high Mountains thereafter hanging above the waters. Of which establishment David speaketh thus (Psal, 24.2.) For he hath founded it upon the Seas, and established it upon the Floods. The sixth verse demandeth in the second part, who hath raised these most high hilly tops, so great a distance above the waters, and so established them, that they fall not, and return not to their own natural place? Seeing therefore the firmness and stability of these was made the third day, when the Earth was made dry, solid, and firm, it is altogether manifest, that the Angels were created before this scicity, and firmitude was accomplished: to wit, the second day. And with this agreeth most elegantly, the Creation of the Supercelestial waters, made the second day: out of which it is very likely the Angels were created. For there was no substance in the whole Creature more fit hereunto, than that clear and ardent Air, in the which the Creator pleased that they should have their seat, and habitation. Neither was there any other element more convenient for their bodies, than from whence they should take their spirit. And Paul Heb. 1 testifieth that the Angels are Spirits, and a flame of fire, that is to say clear spirits, like the most clear flame, as is almost the substance in the Empyreal Heaven: So that the Angels seem to be created of the supercelestial waters; as the Stars: but animated rational, and moving themselves up on high, and down below for the service of God: whereupon they are called Angels of light, that is to say, light shining Angels, created out of the light, and dwelling in heavenly light, and do appear unto men with great clearness of light: as to the Shepherds. Luke 2.9; And to the women Matthew 28.3. And to Peter, Acts 12.7. The end of the second day. CHAP. X. Of the Fabric of the World. Of the Congregating of the elementary waters: and preparation of the Earth for generation. The third Day beginneth. THE third Day God said, Let the waters which are under the Heaven be gathered together into one place, and that which is dry appear. Moses minded not to say, that finally the third day he said this, and began to separate: but that his eternal will was that this third day, the division of the earth and water should be perfected, and the earth be dried up, and should appear more high above the waters, having received the waters within her bosoms, to be the seat and habitation to all future living creatures, and a storehouse to afford all sustenance: What things soever are in God are eternal: his will of dividing, as well as of creating was from eternity; and also of accomplishing the division, this day was eternal: and it was finished he willed it to be made from eternity, and approved of it eternally. His sentence standeth fast, whereof he cannot repent, it cannot be redargued, reproved, amended, nor better conceived, because his wisdom and prudence is infinite, and doth admit no change of counsel and william. Therefore seeing this day the division was complete: God said, (saith Moses) that is to say, from all eternity, that the division should be made, and that which is dry appear, that is to say, that the division should be made until that which is made should appear. And when did the dry appear? even now the third day of the Creation: for he addeth and it was so, to wit, even now incontinent after the second day, which a little before he said was complete, and before the end of the third day, which he will conclude after in the third verse. Now if any one would comprehend together, the division begun, and perfected in one day, what constitution there was of the order, and law of nature, in the creation, when as now we see it to work successively, and by causes, and consequent means? It will then necessarily follow, that God hath created all things without any order, and law of nature, and that after he ordained and gave these things to nature: which were very absurd, and impious to think: for things aught to bring with them their nature, and law of working from the Creation, unless we should think that God in creating wanted either counsel, or was not of power sufficient. When therefore in the second verse he moved the waters with a strong blast; we understand that he instituted the natural cause, in the works following, and that from the time the Earth was begun to be separated from the water: but that the third day this separation was perfected, and complete. This natural cause of separation being observed, the cause also of the inequality of the Earth, and of the Gulfs of the Sea may be known. For this by this violence of the wind, this Aphar created in the beginning, it so came from divers parts, that it elevated very high, and from hence cellected the low settled earth up aloft, but thereupon made deep, and great valleys. Thou wilt think then that in that part in the which is now the Atlantic Sea, a most vehement wind to have fallen upon Aphar, and in like manner in that part where now Asia, and new India are divided: & that the same winds have made in the same place vast concavities of the low settled Earth, and have heaped and raised it up on high into the firm lands: also that from hence are raised diverse boisterous winds, which have caused the lesser concavities, & the waters being on both sides carried on high, have congested the earth into mountains, so by the callission, repercussion or beating of the waters one against another, thou mayst understand, that the earth was separated from the Waters, and collected through the middle region into most high mountains. So through Africa the hill Atlas, and the hills of the Moon. By Asia, the Mountain Imaus, and the Caspian Mountains, and other Mountains every where produced. Now the waters after a long agitation being purified from all earth, and collected into those places, resided where the Lord set unto them abound: as David saith, Psal. 103. ver. 9 to wit when as all heavy things approach as near as ever they can to the centre of the world, and the water which is fluent, and gliding not able to consist accumulated as the Earth can; it doth always glide downward to the neither place, until it come to the very bottom, the plummet, or lead, from whence it cannot ascend again, unless a more heavy thing possess the bottom. Thereof it cometh, that all waters not being opposed, or stopped by higher bars, do run into the sea. Now here it is to be thought, the Sun, the Moon, and the other Stars, to be so fare forth collected and compacted together, that in the nature which is given them, they begin to have more vehement forces. For now they increased unto the third day, in clearness of light, and natural virtue, wherefore it is certain that it helped much in drying up of the earth. The Wind also in some sort as yet blowing through the air, drew out of mire and dirt, humours perfectly excocted, and extenuated by the Sun: that for two causes the earth might be dried up, and grow into a greater solidity without the which it had remained fluxative, and (relapsed to the deep places) had, according to its nature, settled under the Waters: to wit, as being more heavy; and therefore forcing them upwards. But we must understand this siccity of the earth, not to be absolute, but in mediocrity: so great as sufficed for the establishment of the earth, and creation of Plants. For the herbs were created before it ever reigned, which have need of moisture, and man was form of clay the sixth day. But withal consider this, if the earth had been altogether dry, it could not have been raised into high mountains, and remain firm. For there is a certain moisture which bindeth the earth, whereof coming to be deprived, yet glideth away as the sand; neither had it been fit for the engendering of those things, which God would produce in the bowels thereof. Here is also to be observed, how great the wisdom of the Creator was in making hollow these bays, and channels, as receptacles of the Waters; for so hath he distributed the sea throughout the whole world, that all the kingdoms of the world may have commerce one with another, and what things soever either nature or art affordeth, may transport whether they william. And (which is most of all) that the Earth, with the Waters collected together, making one sphere, might remain in one equal balance: for otherwise the Earth should not be established upon the Waters, but the more heavy weight being collected into one part, should press down all the mass of the Earth, towards the centre of gravity, and of the world, and that depression of the Earth, having elevated more high, and aloft, the Waters lying on the other part, would have caused them to overflow, and possess the next adjoining Lands. For after that the Earth in the same quantity is heavier than the Waters, it is necessary that the body of the Earth consist by itself in an equal balance: And also that the Seas environing the orb of the Earth, and communicating together, should be so distributed, that on every side lying in an equal balance, they should not bring more weight into one half of the sphere, in what circle soever you compass it, than in another thereunto opposite. If the Seas did not communicate together, but some remained shut up within their own bays and channels, the Earth could in some sort (although not throughout, and in itself) consist equally balanced. For what weight wanted in one half thereof the Waters would supply shut up in it. But seeing the use and office of the Seas, required a communion of them among themselves, for the necessary circuit of Navigation: the same also the exoncration and disburthening of Rivers requireth, which by the only communication of the Seas equally, and according to an equal balance, may be distributed into all the parts of the Sphere; it was first and chiefly necessary (as I have said) that the Earth should remain in an equal balance, neither could that be supplied by the Waters: for they should be raised, and heaped up higher, in the lighter, then in the heavier part: and therefore should flow down, till they had obtained an equal height on every side from the Centre. Now if we grant, that these waters supplying that equal balance, are shut in, that they cannot flow out: yet two inconveniences would follow; the one, that being subject to corruption, they would infect those things next unto them, and should not be so useful for humane things as they aught: the other, that the earth having drawn their substance into her bowels, or being by little and little extracted by exhalation, they should abandon their place, and take away that equality that retaineth the whole, that it cannot budge one way nor other. Which if any one will maintain that the Waters may be there conserved, we will answer that in vain are employed a great number of means (wherein there is more operative labour, and to the rest unprofitable) to do that which may be done without the same: and indeed both more compendiously, and more profitably. Whereby then the sentence standeth fast, that the machine of the earth is in itself equally balanced without budging one way or other, and consequently also the Sea, which is contained within the bosom of it. And also that the Sea is in continual motion, jest it should be corrupted and infect the air, and kill the fishes. Moreover, it washeth the Earth both within and without, that all things should be clean and wholesome: all corruption being consumed and dissipated by motion and attrition. The constitution of the weight of the Centre, and of the world importeth all these things: which if they had been known, and examined by the ancients, they had judged almost true, that which is of the situation, and greatness of the continent of the new land found out in our age: and the Meridional continent, not yet discovered situate under the Pole Antarctic. For seeing that the lands known to the continent, and comprehended in a hundred eighty degrees of longitude, that is to say, do only possess the one half of the Sphere, it was necessary there should be also as much land in the other half. And seeing that Asia, Europe, and Africa, for the greater part, are situated beyond the Equinoctial towards the North, it was necessary as great a continent to remain under the Pole Antarctic, which should be equivalent in the other lands, with the meridional parts of Asia, or new India or America. God (as saith Moses) called the dry land EREZ, separated from the Waters, and prepared for the life of living creatures, that is to say, the Earth and the Waters gathered together, MAIM, that is the Seas. But it is not to be thought, that so soon as this separation was made, he gave these names no more than before, the names of the day, of the night, and of the heaven. For to whom should he have told them, when as man (whom it chiefly concerned to know these works) was not yet created? Unless any will maintain, that they were told to the Angels. But I hold for an assured truth that here is insinuated another, and a very great mystery, to wit, a testimony of the immense love, and most loving and bountiful conversation of God with man, whom with a singular purpose, and affectionate study he created. For I think that this manifestation of names, signified not that present day it was, but after in a familiar conference with Adam. For when God brought the creatures to Adam that he should give them names, there is no doubt but he had longer speech with him, and treated with him amply of the Creation: naming the light, the day, the night, the heaven, the earth, the sea, the Moon, and principal parts of the world: by means whereof he might leave to his posterity the true History of all this great work; as also to be conserved in some measure after Adam, even to Moses. This word EREZ (that I may use the words of Augustine Eugebine) properly signifieth that which is trampled and trodden upon, derived of the word RAZAZ: the letter Aleph added according to the propriety of the Hebrew tongue, which demonstateth the counsel and intention of creating the earth. For it was created, to the end that the most excellent creatures, for the which all things were created might tread, and walk upon it. MAIM, which is as much to say, as reasounding, braying, tumultuating; cometh of the verb Hamah, which signifieth, to bray, cry, and make a noise. From this deduction therefore of the said Augustine, it appeareth, that EREZ and MAIM, signify such an earth, and such waters, which is now the earth that serveth as a payment to terrestrial creatures, and a stay to them which walk and rest upon it; and the vast sea, which being gathered together by the exaggeration of the Rivers, hath a perpetual flux and reflux roaring and making a great noise. And truly, seeing the Latin word Terra, is derived of tero, it answereth very properly to the word EREZ. Note this also, which the same Augustine admonisheth, that the word TEHEMON, is derived from the same verb HAMAH, and signifieth, the resounding, or tumultuating Abyss, or deep: therefore by the signification of the name, thou understandest that separative wind, which in the seventh Chapter I have declared to have been incontinent from the beginning in the Chaos: nor any other spirit but this blast, to be understood to have agitated the whole mass; and therefore the distinction of the water from the earth, to have been made partly in a natural manner. CHAP. XI. Of the Fabric of the World. Of the fourfold degree and order of things created. HItherto hath been no other creation but of those things, which pertained to the generation of things necessary to the life of man; and might serve them for their habitations, to wit, the Elements, of which, or by the which these things aught to be engendered and sustained. Common sense divideth all things created into three classes, or rather degrees; into those things which have a being; those things which have life or faculty vegetive; and those things which have sense. Which division well understood and considered, agreeth very elegantly to our subject, and aideth greatly our speculations, and giveth understanding. In the first degree, it behoveth not to understand one naked essence, without all form, quality, and efficacy, such as the Philophers dreamt the first matter to be: for I have showed that God never created any such thing, but it behoveth to understand the things, the which whatsoever they are invertue and power, yet are they without all motion: that in whatsoever place they are, there they rest, there hung, there by themselves they remain immovable, neither do assume to themselves any augmentation, or, to speak more plainly, which have not in themselves force of increasing: but as nature first form them, so they are, and remain, not having in them any life. In the second degree are all things which have in them the first degree of life, to wit, faculty vegetative, and virtue of increasing, and aspire no higher unto life. In the third degree are those things which (besides virtue vegetative) have also sensitive, and move themselves by their own proper virtue, according to the condition of their sense. Hitherto the degrees of the Creation proceed from the first matter: and because the vulgar opinion is, that the spirit of man (by which only he differeth from bruit beasts) is not created of the first matter, but particularly and singularly of God: they do put man himself in the number of other living creatures, and comprehend him in the third degree of creatures. But when I shall have showed in his place, that even the spirit of man is extracted out of the first matter, by intermediate degrees of perfection, it will appear that we must constitute in him a fourth degree of creatures. Therefore the first degree is of those things which are. The second of those things which are, and have a vegetative virtue, which is the first degree of life. The third, of those things which are, which live, and have sense: and by sense move voluntarily. The fourth of those things which are, which live, have sense, understand, and discourse: for the superior degrees comprehend the inferior. To these four degrees it behoveth a Philosopher diligently to apply his mind, and ascending, and proceeding by these degrees, to observe the order of the Creation. Neither yet is it to be imagined, that all those things which are of the first degree were procreated before things which are of the second: for it was not necessary that precious stones, and metals should be before herbs. For we must set down this in the first place: that those things were first to be created, which were first most requisite for the use of man. Pearls and metals, though they had been created long after man, could bring nor cause no discommodity at all unto him. But thou wilt say unto me, it was necessary those things to have been created before the seaventh day; thou sayest well, but understand, it is to be judged, those things then to have been created, when God commanded the earth to engender them: for the earth is ordained to be the mother of these things, and remaineth mother, and in herself, and of herself conceiveth seed, whereof she produceth perpetually these things, and according to her fecundity perfecteth them in their time. But the tardity and slowness of the perfection of a new species, doth not hinder generation; because it is the last and doth not engender consequently. For if one pearl should procreate another pearl, and one mettle another like unto itself, than was it necessary a specifical and seminary virtue to have been given to mettle, and pearl: which was the proper work of the Creator, and not of the earth. So had it been also necessary, that pearls, and metals should have been perfected, and received from God into them, a specifical virtue before the seaventh day. So that we observe the order expressed in the generation of the world, it seemeth that it behoved to have been made, the third day; for there should have been a like manner of engendering, both in the one, and the other: and both the one, and the other, should have been numbered in the same degree: to wit, of things vegitative, and alike increased in growth, the one, as the other. Therefore seeing that the Seminary faculty of these things consisteth in the earth; although some asistant, and (perhaps) formative virtue come from the celestials; it is to be thought that the Creation of these things was then perfected, when the seminary property, and generative virtue was given of the Lord to the earth which nevertheless according to the natural progress of things it is credible was done the third day, when as the earth was sufficiently made solid, and the stars now next had received their complete form. No inconvenience therefore doth from thence arise if metals, and pearls, and all things which in like manner are engendered of the earth, have not a proper virtue of propagating their species: they are said to have been procreated certain years after, when as the seminary property, and specifical virtue, which maketh the generation complete, was in the beginning given to the earth. Hear now is presented a double consideration of generation, which must be prudently distinguished, to the end that the just order of the Creation, manifestly represented in Genesis, be not disturbed: and that the reason of the order may be throughly known. There is one property of the generation of the same species, which always produceth his like, as a horse produceth a horse, a sheep a sheep &c. to the very end of the world, because it is done of its proper substance, and by its proper virtue of engendering, Of the admirable mystery whereof we will speak in the Chapter following. Another generation there is which engendereth not his like, but differing in species, according to the quality of the Spirits of a diverse kind which concur together. So the Earth engendereth gold, sulphur, lead, and such like things, unlike unto itself and of another Species: the virtue whereof it hath in itself from the Creation, and not after, not doth acquire it any where else; but from the workemaster the Creator. You see then a double generation of Species, of the which that which is made of the same Species, requireth also the perfection of the species within six days of the Creation: whereby it may receive from the Creator this specifical faculty of engendering, which neither the Earth, nor the heaven, nor any species before created can give: it only belongeth to the Creator, to communicate this virtue to the species that are created. And therefore although that the waters had produced the first species of fishes, and flying fowls, yet he did not make the same specifical virtue perpetual, & proper to them all, but perfected the same virtue begun with the living Creatures, in the proper matter of the same species, taken from the waters, & imprinted in it, and gave it unto them, saying, Increase, and multiply, and fill the waters of the Sea, and let foul multiply in the Earth. But whatsoever species received not this benediction, they could not be multiplied of themselves, but have a certain accidentary generation other where: to wit, of a certain element, or elements, whereunto God hath imparted that virtue of generation, than no doubt when every of them, having obtained a perfect species, received also his proper nature, and his proper spirit, as also he communicated this same virtue to perfect living Creatures. And therefore seeing that the specifical virtue of these species was imprinted in the elements already perfect, it was not necessary to produce stones, pearls, metals, and such like to be conspicuous before the seaventh day; for their Creation was already effected in the elements. Neither had they need of any further creation; their generation depending now naturally from the elements. Now these degrees of things being constituted, let those who are studious of the farther secrets of Philosophy, take diligent heed, which of these are most noble, and by what order, by what also, and how many means they are brought to the perfection of their Species. But because the understanding, and reason, add something above sense, and motive virtue, and this hath more than the vegetative: and again, that this is the first access of those things which are unto life, it is easy to be understood, that by the same order that these degrees are numbered, they are also form and enabled by nature. We have an example of all in the generation of man, in whom the specifical virtue imprinted by the Parents in the seed, and therein produced, first, formeth the body, and the entrailss, which all the while till the heart be form, consist in the first degree; but so soon as the heart is form receive a vegetative nature, and begin to attract to themselves nourishment, and to grow, but in the end almost of six weeks, having obtained the third degree, they move: and then truly, can a man discover no appearance at all of understanding, or of a reasonable soul in the fruit, even from the first conception: if we grant that the soul was engendered of the Parents, but then as yet it is form, and finished last, as being the most noble. All generation than proceedeth from the ignoble to the more noble, and is perfected by the sovereign degree of every Species, nor doth ascend further. For nothing is able to overpasse the bound of his species, because further forces of extending itself, are not given to it, but the benediction of generation is terminated in the same species. So those things which only are, although in nobility they excel others in their kind, yet they cannot attain to the power of growing. Of those things which have the faculty vegetative, some are more noble than others: but they cannot attain unto sense: and living creatures, whose mark in their species is sense and motion, do not attain unto understanding: for this surpasseth all things, and representeth the Image of God. The same order (now Reader) thou wilt observe to have been kept in the creation of things: for hitherto God hath created the things which are: hereafter, (the more noble substance being taken from these) he will created those things, which are of the second degree, to wit, herbs, and plants; that done, living creatures, which are of the third degree, and among them; first, those things, which come from the waters, and more ignoble, after the terrestrials, which being endowed with a more subtle, dry, and warmer spirit, are also more subtle in sense, and approach something to the understanding: Finally man himself, who should have the dominion over the other in reason and wisdom: So the more noble are last after all created, because they have need of a more noble matter, and more purified and digested, and therefore they are later perfected: nature, which was first created, always working according to the spirit, and manner given him from God's Idea. But the Idea of God, is the work of his wisdom, the will of order, virtue, and proportion of things to be created, and sustained. In sum, if any man will search more diligently the order of things, and consider the communion and difference of Species, he will perceive that the Creation of things (beginning from the more base and ignoble Species) so almost ascended upward, as a tree hath at first but only a trunk, wherein all things which are from the root to the very top, are but one and the same thing by the communion of Species, every of the parts in the mean time having their veins therein: but when they begin to have any difference among themselves, the first division of the trunk is made into branches, after (every branch remaining a certain time until their veins divide themselves one from another) is made the second division, and so consequently until we come to the last branches and first-fruits. So the Chaos is the only trunk of all the Species to be created, having his root and beginning in the universal Idea Creatrix, which is in the mind, and divine william. In this trunk all things as yet are one, lying hid and communicating in the seminary propriety of the Chaos. Furthermore, as this universal Idea, creatrix of things, by the division of the species into their determinate number and form, ascending by little and little, doth divide itself, so of one simple species of Chaos without form, the difference of species by little and little do arise, for so long the substances of all the destinated species remain one, until they tend perfectly to the difference in that wherein they communicate. Whence those things which as yet communicate, being contained in one branch, do cohere and stick together, until they come into the way of their proper species, every one following their own high, and extreme, and perfect species. So there being of all the parts, as through all the branches of the Creature, made all excoction, distillation, purification, extenuation; sublimation, or after what else soever this last act, tending to the extreme end of operation, is to be named, at length we come to all species conceived. But that is to be remembered, that those things which are of a most high degree are more slowly perfected. Seeing they ascend by intermediate degrees. So a living creature seeing he ascendeth by three degrees, to wit, by being, and by a vegetative species, even unto sense and motion, it is necessary that that which is vegetative be perfected in one degree first. For so it is to be thought of that universal Idea, which is in God, that it doth so make its impressions in the Creation, that beginning from the trunk by inconfused order, and right way, it doth by little and little go by the less noble, and more noble species, to the production of the highest, and perfecteth together those that are of the same degree: after those which are of a sequent, and more noble rank, as we see in the creation of plants, living Creatures, and of man. Now the species, which consist in one degree, or are of one kind, as in the kind of plants, the willow, and the Oak; are distinguished by certain degrees, or by a kind of excellence, and nobleness one from another, wherefore there is some thing more perfect, and more noble, and later effected in the one than in the other, thence it cometh that the Oak groweth and increaseth more slowly than the willow, yet nevertheless the Creation of the Oak was finished the third day, as well as that of the willow. For (as we shall anon see) the specifical virtue is brought forth together with the bud of the herb, and imprinted in the plant by the Idea formatrix. For the creation of things which are like to engender like to themselves, is finished by these two, to wit, by the same species, and by the specifical virtue, that is to say of propagating the species: the encreasements which follow after, and the generation of first-fruits are natural works of the same species, which follow that virtue and the Creation. But here it behooveth to remember what we have said in the seaventh Chapter, which is, that so soon as the matter of any thing was prepared, there withal together the species of things to be created was brought forth; although the thing itself was of later growth, as the Sun begun to be Created the first day, when God Created the light, and yet was not perfected till the fourth day. So the waters being prepared, the species of fishes begun to be created the third day, and the earth being dried up, the species of terrestrial living creatures: and yet these things were not perfected till the fifth day. So the third day the species also of herbs, and plants began to be created, and yet were not finished till the fourth day. For Moses only noteth the time when the works were finished. The species therefore of plants, and of terrestrial living creatures, were brought forth when the earth, the mother of them, was perfectly finished: but the things of a more solid substance were finished, as the Oak the fourth day did grow later than the herbs. These things concerning the degrees and order of things to be created and considered, come we now to the creation of plants, which is the other part of the work of this third Day. CHAP. XII. Of the Fabric of the World. Of the Creation of Herbs, Trees, and of the spiritual substance. AFter the separation of the waters (which are under the heaven) from the Earth, during the blast, as yet followed the other work of this day, the Creation of herbs, whereof now we will treat. Forasmuch as man, and the other living Creatures, were to live of herbs and fruits, the creation passeth to the second degree of things, which is the first of life, and because they were to serve for their nourishment, God found out a means whereby they should be multiplied by seed, and specifical virtue, or propagative, which God blessed that they might suffice unto all living Creatures. For although the benediction of multiplication be not added, a man may well understand that it was done, because he hath annexed it to other Creatures and vers. 29.30. of the second of Genesis. he giveth these things there for food to all living Creatures. But the benediction which is expressed, of fishes and of fowls, is ver. 22. Increase, and multiply, and replenish the waters, and the Earth, and to men he saith, ver. 28. Increase, and multiply, and replenish the Earth, and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the Sea, and over the foul of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the Earth. The Earth then being prepared for generation, God said, Let the Earth put forth her bud, every herb producing seed, according to its kind, that is to say, from whence may grow the herb of the same species, and every Tree bearing fruit, yielding fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself upon the Earth: that is, let it bring forth fruit wherein the seed of the same species may spring in the mean time, while the tree groweth upon the Earth out of which another tree of the same species may spring. When he saith, Let the Earth put forth her bud, it is certain that the herb and the tree had not their perfection in the same instant that he said it, but both the one and the other, by the specifical Idea, and benediction of God, from one point, and at once (as it were) of the Earth; not otherwise then from a seed (which being but small, hath yet all its virtue in the lest part, and bud thereof, which is contained and lieth hid in one of the ends) cometh to burgeon, bud, and by little and little to grow into a great plant, or tree. Now that we are come to the first degree of life, it is necessary first to search diligently, and prosecute the nature and condition of the Spiritual substance, from whence life taketh its beginning. As I have said from the sixth Chapter, that all things are come by evaporation, and exhalation from the Chaos: afterwards the elements being so prepared for generation, and the celestial things for influence, the omnipotent Creator took the Atoms of virtues, or the lest particles of the water and the earth, whereinto he put a specifical virtue according to the Ideas, and according to the number of the Ideas comprehended in his wisdom, and withal added the benediction of engendering their like, to the end they might multiply the same species, being perpetually conserved. But the spiritual substance is the more noble part of element or generative body, which attracting nourishment, converting it into its nature, and protruding they forward to the increase and growth of the body, hath virtue from the benediction, and from nature. So the Earth, the water, the air, and other bodies, exhale from themselves a spiritual substance, by means of the heat, which by the specifical substance of the seed is converted into the same nature and species, and affordeth increase, and growth, or motion, and sense, according to the condition of the species. The like substance when it is engendered in the bowels of the earth, and produceth its species within the earth, doth not bring any increase at all to the species, but is coagulated, curdled, and bound together into it indissoluble, not possible to be disjoined from it: neither doth exhale otherwhere, diffusing its odour, or virtue, but only by contraction and operation of the permanent quality. So Gold is coagulated and joined together in the quality of the Spiritual substance, and receiveth not increase, but rather is contracted by the sulphureous heat, that it may be made more ponderous, and weighty. Stones are in like manner engendered. Herbs and trees, seeing they are to grow and increase, have a more soft nourishment, apt to extend: therefore also they exhale and yield odours and virtues, and at length by little and little are consumed, being come by growth to maturity. This spiritual substance is that alone which preserveth its species (I mean that which is in the plant, not that which is without) for this being first attracted, and drawn from that, is changed into the species and afterward doth nourish it, and conserve it: and doth nourish it so long time, as there is nothing which corrupteth the same species, conserving always the same characterismes, and marks of leaves, of flowers, branches, and fruits; the odour, savour, colour, and other accidents, so firmly, that if but a little slip, or bud, be graffed into another plant, there also will it follow its own natural property, changing all its nourishment into its own species. But all the nourishment so attracted; is changed into the form of that part whereunto it last cometh. So the juice of a tree being come to the fruit, is changed into the species of fruit; being come to the leaf, is changed into the species of the leaf. And the nourishment of the living Creature, when at last it is attracted to the liver, is converted into the liver, when to the roots of any musile, it passeth into its substance, and so of all others: and every member draweth unto itself, that which is most fit for itself. But some things which are unfit to nourish the body, nature expelleth, some into hair, some into nails, some into scabs, others otherwise: or quite out of the body. Some things which by a hidden virtue are appropriated to some part of the entrails, do strive thitherward by a natural property. Therefore this seminary and spiritual substance, is a thing very divine, wherein there is from the Creation all specifical faculty and virtue formative, wherein is stirred up by means of the heart all motion of the body necessary to the living Creature, that the virtue thereof might be still ready to assist all the extreme parts of it: and doth afford like seed for generation, that the continuation of the same species may remain to the end of all things. But we must know and consider this, that the same species doth not come by influence from the stars, but from that into the which God first put it, and whereunto he gave the benediction of generation: the Stars surely are a help, but the original and root of all species, is in these inferior things. But seeing that this world is (as it were) one body, having harmonious parts among themselves, and conspiring together in one, as also all living creatures, to the image whereof, and of God, man (as a little world) was created, bearing the Image of God, and having like Oeconomy of parts; it is credible that the world hath also the Sun for its heart, as the beginning of all life, and that it had its being from the beginning, when the light was created, and that it performeth the same office in the world, within the Concavity of the Firmament; that the heart doth in man, cherishing all things above, and below, by its heat and light, and that therefore it hath been placed in the middle of the world, or a little higher, even as the heart in man. CHAP. XIII. Of the Fabric of the World. Of the Tree of Life. GOD hath given such a seminary species throughout the whole world, where the temperature of the element was proper thereunto, that the virtue of that species was never anywhere wanting; for the Plants do not change their place, nor walk upon the earth like living creatures, but abiding in their place, do there cast mature seed: neither was care of transplanting them imposed to man, as to whom all things necessary presented themselves voluntary and of their own accord. And seeing that the wisdom of God hath created nothing in vain, and without cause, which is not profitable to some necessity of life, it was most certain that there is not any disease, nor defect of nature, for the which he hath not provided a most propitious remedy. Wherhfore he hath caused to bud and spring so many species of Plants, as was needful for the conservation and sustentation of the life of man, and of all living creatures, and placed the tree of life in the midst of Paradise, to the end that man by the use thereof, might preserve his life in health, until, being made more divine by the exercise and obedience of the commandment, he might be translated into heaven. So also the bruit living creatures seek succour for their nature: the Swallow, the Chelidony, the Catineppe, named the herb, from the Cat, the Toad, the Plantine, and Sage, the Dogge-grasse, called Dogges-tooth, the Torteise marjoram, the Weasel rue, the Stork origan, the Partridge parierary, called also perdicium, the Hawk hierac, the Dove vermin, the Pie also being sick, is said to carry bay leaves into her nest, that she may chase away her sickness by them. So believe that the Hearts have showed, that the herb dictamnum healeth them being wounded with arrows, the weapon ejected by eating thereof, we suppose that the Hinds have demonstrated the herb called Saselis, and that the Serpents have made Fennell in high estimation: for we know that by the tasting and eating thereof, they have stripped themselves of old age, and by the juice thereof, regained the sharpness of their sight. Which also a man might show more at large, seeing that beasts themselves instructed by nature, have showed to mortal men the virtues of many herbs known unto them. But he hath created in every region such species of Plants, as are most agreeable in temperature to men, and living creatures there borne, which by experiments is often proved; so that by the only abundance of Plants which one seethe spring, a man may almost perceive to what popular (that is to say, ordinarily diseases) every region is subject. So among the Danes, Frises, Hollanders, who are much subject to that disease, commonly called Scorbut, there is in abundance the herb called Cochlearia, as a proper medicine to that disease; so in marish places. So the Tamariske acknowledgeth the native soil: the inhabitants are exposed and subject to the indispositions of the spleen, as their pale colour showeth, which is discovered in their swelling skin, and puffed up Hypochondries. In like manner is observed that in those quarters where Wormwood groweth about hedges, in courtyards, the inhabitants are ordinarily affected with the obstructions of their entrails, weakness of the stomach, and suffusion of the gall, that if the passages of the entrails be not opened by the use of the said herb, and strengthened, and made firm by the evacuation of the gall, they come first to have the jaundice, and after, by little and little, endender water between the skin and the flesh. And although that some things are contrary and venomous to some, yet being used in their kind, they are healthful; so of the very worst poison, is made the noble treacle, and there is nothing created so averse from the nature of man, the use whereof is not some way or other profitable. Now let us treat of the seed. God created the herbs and the plants of the Atoms of the earth, by the work of the wisdom, Idea, and benediction of God; but so he created them as they now spring of seed, for there is the same operation of the first generation, as of the second seeing the same species is, and remaineth. As then out of the seed groweth the plant, so it is produced of the Atom of the earth, form by the Idea into a certain species: and on the contrary. And from the seed a little young bud, contained in one of the ends thereof: in what part it maketh the point of the seed, it attracteth the humour of the Earth, or of the water, and formeth one little root or more, according to the property of the species, and the nourishment being attracted by them into the other end of the seed produceth the trunk, and thereafter the branches and leaves, that adhere unto it. But the specifical virtue is in this little young bud, which changeth into its nature and species, all the nourishment which it attracteth. The same reason is in the terrestrial Atom, form by the Idea, for it produceth its buds no otherwise then doth the seed. Furthermore, as this nourishment attracted, is carried higher, so is it more and more changed into the form of that which springeth from it, into branches divided from the trunk, into leaves, into flowers, and into fruits. The most perfect of all is the fruit, wherein is perfectly accomplished the seed which is given for the multiplication of the species. And the higher things excied to increase by the heat; do attract juice from the inferiors, but the root not able to administer sufficient nourishment to the higher, taketh new attractive roots: whereby it gathereth nourishment more copiously. Hence it followeth that those plants which have more roots▪ their higher parts have need of more nourishment, and their fruits are more moist, except the roots be of greater use than their fruits: wherein the divine wisdom hath provided for the use of the living Creatures, So the herbs, the roots whereof are ordained to be eaten, attract more juice, and their roots are more succulent, and more gross: nature procuring increase principally to roots, and not to herbs: those that are more long, are ordinarily of a more dry and a more fat substance: as those which seek a more dry nourishment at the bottom. From the accident, and properties of roots, many things may be observed, which appertain to the search of nature, and of those herbs. But in herbs, the juice attracted is carried upward by the parts not yet changed: but in trees, by the bark, as being more spongious, till that (having stayed there a certain space of time) it be changed from the nearer part, and that which is most noble, and more purified, is then carried upward into flowers, into fruits, and for seed. Many speculations will present themselves here to one that will search after them. Now that the juice attracted is so carried upward, as I have said, the graffings of young scienes in trees, teacheth us sufficiently; for in them the humour attracted is first communicated to the bark of the young scienes, there staying some space of time, doth unite the barks of the young scienes to the barks of the stems, and after conjoineth wood to wood: but the species which is in the stem, is changed into species of the young sciene, which is engrafted. So according to the commandment of God, the same species produceth always the same things, whether from the seed, or from the young sienna engrafted, and consequently bringeth forth branches, leaves, fruits, and seed, according to the nature of the species. It is not unprofitable also to consider, in how long time, and how long space from the earth, the fruit and the seed come to their growth, and with what humours the plants are delighted above the roots, and what they avoid: and (if it be possible) after what manner the juice is changed through every degree, in the root, in the trunk, in the leaves, in the flowers, in the fruit, and in the seed: for so the nature of the species may be more exactly known. This at leastwise is acknowledged, that the nourishment of the plant, is much more noble in the fruit, than in the plant: but most noble in the seed, as that which is the end and scope of the Creation of all this species. Now by those things we have already said, a man may gather, that diverse herbs and trees have been created in diverse regions, and experience teacheth, that there be some in America, or new India, which are found no where in this our continent, Asia, Africa, and Europe; which have not been in the use of men until some traveled thither, which I suppose was after the time of Christ and his Apostles. In like manner there be there living Creatures, which are not at all found in our continent, which without doubt have been there from the Creation of the world. Whereupon I presume that these lands were not overwhelmed with the Flood, when God would destroy mankind, Gen. 6. unto vers. 7. For no men at all were there, and therefore the living Creatures there Created, and there inhabiting, aught not to be destroyed, as man was to perish, whom it repent that he had Created, seeing that in living creatures he found no cause wherefore they aught to be destroyed, But in this our continent the living creatures aught to perish; except some had been preserved in the Ark, for they were not able to live in the waters. When therefore God Created here and there throughout the world the virtue of the tree of life, by one and the same means he provided, both for the one, and the other estate of man; for that of innocency, and the other of sin; and the virtue of the tree of life in paradise, or dispersed throughout the world was not for naught. For the world coming to be replenished with men, all should have had access to the tree of life: but the herbs and the plants growing here and there; had been equivalent and man had a certain choice, and the benediction had diverted all sickness. Seeing then that they were most wisely created for the use and service of man, aswell in the superior, as in the inferior world, what a fair harmony was there then? when the lower things did accord with the highest, and expected help from them; and the highest communicated their gifts to the lowest, and all things served man, until he should be translated of God into his heavenly habitation. This correspondency, this beauty of state had continued immutable if Adam had not sinned, yet this same harmony, if one consider it more diligently, is as yet discovered in the traces of their first nature, for there is nothing so little which doth not serve to something, and which doth not depend of one more perfect: all things are for man. Seeing therefore all things tend to their end and scope, and that scope (that is to say man) consisteth of diverse parts, which yet keep among themselves a most agreeable harmony, as that wherein life consisteth: of those some serve to the stomach, some to the liver, some to the heart, some to the blood, some to the reinss, &c. wherefore there are so many simples, or plants, as there be entrails in man, and affections of them. And seeing that every thing changeth into its species the nourishment that it attracteth, and that there are diverse stations in man's body, and diverse ways to every extreme station, by the which the nourishment passeth, as in the ventricle, the liver, the blood, the spleen &c. those simples are stronger, or pass sooner as friends by the middle stations, which carry their virtue, entire even to the extremes, and there work: and as for those which cannot be there changed by nature, either they are venomous, or noisome to nature. Those things which are changed in the first stations are friends to nature, or of small virtue. Those which of an entire virtue penetrate, unto the extreme stations, being friends to nature, are they which are more appropriate to that member, or to that part of the entrails, and have certain characters, whereby they may be known, if a man take diligent heed. For we see that those which resemble nature, greatly communicate also in figure, as Onions, Garlic, and such like, have a form of a small scallion for their root, and produce almost alike herb upward, if their flowers differ in colour this cometh to pass by a certain difference and peculiar property that is in them. So there are many herbs and trees which have dented leaves about like a Saw, which for the same cause so bud, and therefore they have something alike in nature, wherein they do agreed. Many herbs also and plants have their leaves not dented about, but terminated equally; many that are dented, grow pointed, many round, as rue, many sharp edged, hard, and pricking, as the yew tree. All aught diligently to be observed, for they are not such by casualty, but by nature so producing them perpetually: wherefore seeing nature produceth nothing temerary, rashly, and the cause of the same figure is created to be perpetually the same, it is necessary that many things, by a certain law of species, are alike, and have a certain communion of nature. Moreover seeing there is a conspiration, and society both of celestial and terrestrial things, tending to the same scope and end, which is man: and the celestial are eternal, and the species also in this inferior world are eternal, having always the same generations in form, and in figure, and depending every one of their proper celestial causes; it is necessary that taking heed to the characters of the plants, a man do gather, and observe many things which have respect to one and the same Star, and many things also participating of the same nature (among the Physicians) in which things they have a mutual correspondence, as in figure, colour, taste, and other qualities: for so, by the resemblance, a man may learn to judge of the nature of things. For every nature hath its proper character, which it ever keepeth alike, nature in the Heavens communicating its virtue thereunto. These things according to my speculation (such as it is) I was desirous to admonish the Reader, that he might advance by his studies, a thing above all other most profitable, wherein Solomon obtained much praise, 3 King. 4.33. For why may not a man search by study and industry the things which are before his eyes, and follow perpetually in figure, and in form, the same law of nature? It is a laborious work indeed: but labour overcommeth all things. I have heard the most learned Reinerus Solinander, Physician to the illustrious Prince juliers, discoursing most accurately and pertinently touching the characters of herbs: who I would God he would proceed to take some pains in so necessary a part of Philosophy (if there be any able to do it, it is he, being of that great dexterity of judgement, in the searching out of the nature, and causes of things) we should have in brief the demonstrations of the characters, and hidden apparitions of them to every part of the entrails. Therefore while God doth constitute every where the virtues of the tree of life, the Psalmist saith well, Psal. 111.2. The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein: he doth always direct to his scope or end, the work which he had preordained: be it that Adam obeyed the first commandment, or not obeyed, and that in sovereign wisdom, mercy, goodness, and justice. After that, according to my small understanding, I have treated of the nature and variety of Plants, there is one sovereign miracle of nature very remarkable; which is that so many things which are in every species, as for example, the greatness, the form, the figure, the odour, the taste, the colour, the leaves, the sinews, the roots, the bark, the virtue; and infinite things which are in one only plant, are hidden in one so small grain of seed as I have said. For all the virtue of the species is hid in one so small a grain, when as that little grain hath nothing in it like unto all that, not not any appearance at all, but is wholly homogeneal, of the same kind, and appeareth altogether of the same nature. Wherhfore me thinks I judge aright that the most simple Idea which in the beginning form the seed accompanieth as yet the species, and continueth the same work until generation cease. And this is that which Christ saith, joh. 5.17. My father worketh hitherto, and I also work. Whence it appeareth that there be a Sabbath, or rest from the creation, yet is it not from the sustentation of the Creatures, but that this work endureth even to the end of all things: I do not see what other thing can be here said. He that is curious of this speculation, let him consider chiefly what accidents are proper to every species, and search out the causes of them if he can: in the first place that he give good heed to the figure, and that he observe by what order the growth thereof is made from the root unto the top: in what manner also it doth proceed, and is distributed by the bark, by the veins, and by the sinews, even to the compass thereof, and so at length without doubt, he shall find out the proper character of all nature: The end of the third Day. CHAP. XIIII. Of the Fabric of the World. Of the Creation of the Lights. The fourth Day beginneth. ALthough the creation of Lights was not perfectly finished till the fourth Day, yet they begun to be created the first Day, that is, evident, because there is no other light that distinguisheth the day from the night, than that of the Sun: as verse 14. that property is ascribed unto it: and now three days are already passed, wherefore that light which distinguished the first day from the night, without doubt was that light of the Sun to come, dispersed as yet, but contracted into the Hemisphere of heaven, environing the whole Chaos, and which from the beginning turned upon the Poles of the world. So that the first day, the heaven and the motion thereof, together with the light begun to be created. For in the fourth verse it is said, that God separated the light from the darkness; which could not make the day and the night, but by the collection of the light into one part of heaven, and extending it to Paradise. Therefore, seeing the day followeth the night, the creation of the light fell to be in that moiety, which was under the Horizon of Paradise, where becoming more strong and more collected, by its motion towards the West, ascended from the oriental part of Paradise above the Horizon thereof, and made the Day. But the collection of the substance of the Sun, of the Moon, and of the Stars, was not perfectly finished, till the fourth day; for Moses describeth the time when the works were fully finished, which dependeth, and is defined from the perpetual Will of God. Yet the Sun (which I have said before, Chapter the twelfth, to be the heart of the world, even as the heart is in living creatures) aught to have been created before all things: therefore he begun with the first Creation of the light. But the Sun having received a most clear, and lucide substance, obtained the dominion and rule of the day; the Moon of the night, as not illuminating the night by its own light, but very little, yea in the whole Eclipse thereof when the air is clear, yet appeareth the circle of it, but the light very small. But the Stars and constellations, seem to have a stronger light, but fare inferior to that of the Sun. That is to be observed which he saith, that the lights were placed in the firmament of heaven: and verse 8. He calleth the firmament heaven, whence a man may gather, that the Chaos was created much less than the world now is, and from Aphar, and (as it were) a slimy Abyss of the Chaos, the matter being educted and extenuated, was elevated upward, and by little and little, as it departed farther from the Centre, being made more and more subtle and noble, as it extended itself, begirded and composed the more gross Elements. And so the empyrial heaven was made the most subtle and noble, as being the throne of God, and the habitation of the blessed. Under that the Primum mobile, the first movable, a heaven a little more gross, and less noble. Under that the other Heavens and Planets, which by how much nearer they are to the earth, by so much they are of a more gross and less noble substance, less extended. So that the heaven of the Moon is the most gross, and next in condition to the elements. This expansion or intending, maketh the superior things lighter, and the separation of them from those that are more gross; maketh them more noble. Moreover, the luminous matter which was prepared for the substance of the Stars and lights, was not extended, but contracted, that they might shine more strongly, and become more conspicuous. So it cometh that the Stars are of a thicker substance than the rest of the heaven, yet equally light, because it is fiery, and also thicker, that the light might be the more strong and powerful, and the reflection of the beams; cast from the other Stars, which doth illuminate the night: especially that which is reflected from the Moon; but that light which is directed from the Sun, doth divide the day from the night. Besides these offices of the two lights, it is added, that they may be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and for years. Here the Astronomers by signs understand certain aspects of the Stars, whereby things to come are betokened: but they err greatly, for that wherefore the lights were created, is of fare greater moment than the diverse divinations of the Astrologers, to wit, that men, whom God had lodged in this edifice, might learn to know the omnipotency and goodness of their Creator, which David showeth very clearly, Psal. 19.1. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handy work. And Saint Paul, Rom. 1.19. That which may be known of God is manifest in them, for God hath showed it unto them: for the invisible things of him, from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead. These two lights therefore are for this cause chiefly set in heaven, that by these works of God, the omnipotency, majesty and divinity of the Creator might be made known unto men, and not to the intent they should serve for the vanity of Astrologers. Moreover, they are given for the designation of times, when they are to be changed. So they will demonstrate the end of times, and judgement of the world, when they shall be obscured, and desolved. So at the time of the passion of Christ, when the time of the Law was to be changed, Dionysius the Areopagite saw the admirable eclipse of the Sun. And joshua perceived the admirable hand of God by the Sun, Josh. 10.13. They are also set to define the days and the years. The Stars also, which by night adorn the heaven above, do also illuminate the earth below, and by their position show the annual circuit of the Sun. The end of the fourth Day. CHAP. XU. Of the Fabric of the World. Of the Creation of Fish and Foule. The fifth Day beginneth. THE second degree of things having been treated of, now is handled the third, concerning things which are, which have vegetation and motion: and first of those which come from the waters, which are of a less solid substance, do more easily increase, and are not so long lived, which are divided into many species, and every one of them engender among themselves the seed of their species from the which species coming to maturity, and dispersed, the same species groweth: but the individuals of every Species, have always the same characters or marks. So that there is always the same number and figure of the bones, the same colour, the same form of body and of other members, the same force, nature and savour, as also in herbs and in plants, but diverse species have also diverse impressions of characters; differing in figure, or some accident: of which difference, if thou canst gather the cause, thou mayst contemplate more nearly the proper nature of every species. For the proper nature of every species maketh different impressions of the Characters, and this doth follow the other as from the effect a man may gather the cause, and from the cause, the nature. In the contemplation of fowls, the same things offer themselves to be considered. But because that the substance of fowls is more solid, and consequently longer lived, therefore also the workmanship of them was later finished this day: although they begun to be form together, when the waters were gathered into the Seas. For the matter of every thing being prepared, incontinent the Creation proceeded, and ceased not till all things were fully finished, and the Sabbath, or rest from all the work of the Creation was come. For there is no cause wherefore the matter being once prepared, the Creation of things should be suspended. God Created many things as well as one, and the natural order of creating things, is elegantly observed. The Stars also, which served more nearly unto life, were now also the precedent fourth day perfectly finished, that they might the more powerfully confer their aid, than when the herbs were created. So the nature of things Created, so soon as it was prepared, began to exercise its office, and all things cooperating together, the Fabric of the world went forward. O admirable wisdom! which sufficed for the creating of the order, the nature, the ornament, the perfection, and the virtues of so many different things, and all without study or reasoning! for he speaketh the word, and they were made. It shall be good here to make an anatomy of every one of the species, that it may be known in what things the impressions of the characters of every one are different, and in what manner, and by how many stations the nourishment is changed into the species, in what station the blood is created in fishes. Thou shalt found also in fishes, by the admirable providence, a little bladder full of air enclosed in it, which taketh increase together with the fish, whose office is to sustain it pendant, in what part of the water soever it be, lest by the weight of the body it sink to the bottom. Thou shalt found also in females many eggs, which being broken against the rocks, or otherwise by the virtue of nature forced out, come to multiply their species, and even as the seed of the plant, being cast beyond its mother (seeing it hath a specifical virtue in itself) produceth the same species in its element: be it in the Earth or in the water. So also these eggs of fishes being cast into the water, there receive life, and show the same species, and the same character of their mother. Neither shall it be unprofitable also to rip up the several species of birds, and to consider their inferior parts, and the functions of every one of them, that the causes of the impressions of the characters, and the original of their proper nature may more rightly be known. In the which are procreated eggs one at a time, and are excluded, having for there coverture a shell somewhat hard, lest the specifical virtue should more easily come to exhale: the which also being separated from their mother, keep their specifical virtue, and being hatched by the heat of the mother, or also by stoves, as is used in Egypt for the space of six months, or a month produce birds of the same species. Moreover, they are conceived by the copulation of the Male and Female, as other living Creatures. But here heed is to be taken principally to the difference of fish, and of fowls, that though they were perfectly finished in one and the same day, yet do they not consist of the same matter: but fowls because they resemble more terrestrial living Creatures, as is manifested by the blood, and by the whole constitution of their body, they have more terrestrial substance than fishes, that they seem to come of muddy water, and fishes of more pure water. Foules therefore are of a middle rank between terrestrial living Creatures, and fishes; nearer to the nature of terrestrial living Creatures, than of fishes: and therefore later this day finished. But there is one thing most worthy to be observed in all living Creatures, that is, that they do imitate in some sort the shape of man; whole nature (as it were) tending to the forming of man, and not having its entire perfection but in man, for although they have a longer head, they are furnished with all instruments in some sort alike, for sense, and motion; the bones of the head are alike, their back bone answereth in some sort to the back bone of man, and their ribs to his ribs, and all the members are form according to the nature, and operation of every one. The end of the fifth Day. CHAP. XVI. Of the Fabric of the World. Of the Creation of terrestrial living Creatures. The sixth Day beginneth. WE have seen two sorts of the third degreë of things created, Fish and Fowls; now followeth the third kind, terrestrial living Creatures, which how much the later they were created, so much the liker are they unto man, both in sense and motion; but in reason man surpasseth them all, they being destitute hereof. But of terrestrial living Creatures some are more like man than others, as they writ of the Elephant, that it is a docible beast, and cometh near to man in understanding; What shall we say of the Ape, which sporting imitateth man's actions? is angry, laugheth, applaudeth, seriously smelleth, warily beholdeth a thing, as deliberating whether it be good to eat; cracks nuts with her teeth like a man, and while she is busy about her own work, looks upon the bystanders what they do: she hath head, feet, and hands very like those of man, and in all things, is that amongst living Creatures, which cometh nearest the characters, and nature of man. For this cause it were not amiss diligently to consider the anatomy of this Creature, and to examine how much and in what, the interior disposition thereof differeth from that of man; that the animal virtues may be known by the inward impressions. For I think that those depend upon these, or being after a special manner engrafted by nature, are by impression of the character, as by a fit instrument stirred up unto action, which yet seemeth ambiguous and doubtful. For it appeareth that every thing hath in itself a certain principle of its own nature, which dyeth with it, so that the cause of the nature of every thing is created together with it, and is not from elsewhere. But we must anatomize every species, that the inward difference of all living Creatures amongst themselves, may be perceived, and the difference of the animal virtues may appear, from the diversity of the impressions of their characters, so shall you find out, for what reasons, the virtue's animal are more excellent in fowls, than in fishes, in beasts than in fowls, in men than in beasts, and understand a most excellent order, from things less solid; from the less perfect, to the more perfect, from the less lively, to the more lively; from things temporal to those eternal. All living creatures are nourished of such things as the earth bringeth forth, every one choosing naturally what best agreeth with his own nature, and this is profitable to be known. For although the nature of every one changeth his nourishment into his species, yet is there some virtue in herbs, and fruits, which turneth and altereth the said aliment into their own nature, especially where there is affinity of natures, and easy digestion, yea they can also change venom, and corrupt it: but by the force of a contrary nature. Birds also feed on fishes, as being in kind nearer them, and every thing delighteth in that which comes nearer the nature thereof, except that which is of the same species, which every living Creature loveth, man only excepted, who hath forgot his original. Venomous beasts, besides their nature good for something, have this commodity, that they every where suck up the vemine, and are nourished with it, but other beasts devour them without harm, so well hath nature provided for the safety of living Creatures. But here remaineth one question to be answered: whether that the same condition of living creatures which now is, had been the same, in case man had not sinned? without doubt they should have died, their life being worn out, and should have been food one for another, otherwise the world could not have contained their multiplication. And to what end should they have been immortal, when they were only ordained for the service of man? seeing such infinite increase should have been for no use: They had reverenced man undoubtedly, and been obedient to him, for God, Gen. 1.28, 29, 30. made Adam Lord of all things under Heaven. And Gen. 3.21. God made Adam and his Wife coats of skins, which doubtless were taken from bruit beasts, for God had before made an end of Creating. CHAP. XVII. Of the Fabric of the World. Of the Creation of Man, and the first and principal end of the Creation. THE fourth degree of things created, and the most perfect is man, for use and service all things were hitherto created, and as all those things among themselves have a kind of order, and harmony, for their mutual assistance; so all these together have a certain conformity, and harmony unto man, in nature, quality, and operations, and therefore man is of the Greeks' called the little world. But this conformity, and harmony, is so fare as concerneth the animal part of man. Furthermore, there is a thing fare more noble in man, that he exceëdeth the dignity of all creatures, to wit, the reasonable soul, according to which he was created after the Image and the similitude of God. And because man, according to his substance is a reasonable creature, and received a blessing that he should increase and multiply by the generation of his species: there is no doubt but from that blessing, he hath also received power to beget a reasonable soul, which is the chief part of the species. Which that it should be new created in every man, is not agreeable, seeing God the seventh day ceased from all the works of his Creation, and then kept the Sabbath. And there are yet in this inferior world, the relics of that matter, of which the celestial and supercelestial things were created, so that there is a natural inclination, and sympathy, of the superior world, unto the inferior, and a respect and desire of the inferior unto the superior. For from hence also dependeth the proclivity and cooperation of things superior, unto the inferior. The thing most noble, that is in the higher world, is the empyrial heaven, or those supercelestial waters, out of which I have showed the Angels to be created. So that the reasonable soul may be begot of the relics thereof, in this inferior world: and why may it not, seeing gold which is corruptible, is begot of the fare more gross and ignoble matter of the earth? Therefore the eternal and immortal soul, may much rather be begot of the relics of the supercelestial waters, that it may be like unto Angels, and the blessing and commandment of God gave power to beget the soul of such relics, to propagate and multiply the species. Now see what gifts of the holy Ghost or God are in his soul. Here are understanding, reason, judgement, memory, love of what is truly good, justice, joy in the holy Ghost, free election of will, and what else. For in these things he beareth the resemblance of God and his Image, in the immortal substance of the reasonable soul. For man was created in this order and manner, first he form the humane shape of Aphar, or clay, in which undoubtedly those bowels which are first made in generation begun to be form, as the heart, than the liver and those things which depend immediately upon the heart: Which being form he breathed into his face the breath of life. All living things draw breath through the mouth and nostrils, whereby the heart is kindled with life and motion; so through the mouth and nostrils he breathed spirit, which was without question of the relics of the supercelestial waters; or some part of them was first conceived in the mass or lump of the body, of which the reasonable soul by the holy Ghost accompanying it, was at length form: but first the animal life was produced by the common air. For the reasonable soul; seeing they have different offices the one from the other: and the animal soul going before, the rational remaineth, and the animal soul is a certain harmony, and common operation of the interior entrails, conspiring to the life of the animal; as for the rational, it is the Image of the divine essence. But that the animals have obtained life, it cometh to pass undoubtedly by the Spirit of God working with the like blast of air; although it be not said so, for it is easily understood, that in like things God hath wrought after a like manner. The gifts which the reasonable soul, brought with it, were necessary in man, if he aught to be the Image of God; that he might contemplate the works of God, and might acknowledge, adore and worship his Creator. For the knowledge of God was required unto the scope of the creation of man; for what blessedness had he had with God, without the knowledge of him? Seeing therefore he knew the chief power and goodness of God, and that the contemplation and familiarity of God was pleasant to him, God would try him, whether he that was enriched by him with greatest gifts, whereby he could obey God, would acknowledge and reverence God his Creator: for so bountiful a father required voluntary and willing obedience and love, whereby to be worshipped, and condign service received from him. He gave him an easy command, that he should not eat of one tree, where there were so many full of the best first-fruits, for sight and taste, that he should only abstain from that, and it is credible, that he obeyed God awhile, for as many think, he remained not in Paradise one hour, or some days or weeks. It is likely rather that he remained some years in the obedience of God, as George Cedrenus thinketh, that being solidly taught the works of God, by the help of the holy Ghost, and longer contemplation, he might declare them to his posterity: And seeing men than lived long, the true doctrine of God, by the tradition of a few, to wit, three (Adam, Methusalem, and Noah) came to Abraham, by whose holy covenant with God, it was easily preserved in the posterity of jacob, even unto Moses. But idolatry too much prevailing about the time of his birth, God would by the description of the chief of his works by Moses, reduce men to the acknowledgement and worship of one only God. Here then is propounded to our contemplation, the generation of the world, which he described partly by tradition, and partly by the revelation of the holy Ghost; whereby we may attain the true and perfect description of the whole world which we seek for. He had without doubt frequent talk with God, wherein he was taught concerning the creation, the nature of things, God's counsel, and other things, which were necessary for man to know. God brought to him the living creatures, that he might behold them every one, and give them names according to their nature; which could not be done in a small space of time. George Cedrenus in the abridgement of Histories, saith, some ancients were of opinion, that Adam sinned not, nor was cast out of Paradise, until the seventh year, and makes it probable by good reasons. CHAP. XVIII. Of the Fabric of the World. Of the fall of Adam. IN the mean time whilst Adam dwelled in Paradise, being made more familiar with God, perhaps not seriously considering God's command, he lent his ears unto Satan, & heard him long with patience, who being become God's enemy, because by his just judgement, he was cast out of heaven, laid wait for man, persuaded him that God's commandment was given him for some other end, than he had heard from God, when nevertheless he knew that God his Creator was true and just, and had not given his commandment in vain, but that the Serpent was a liar, and justly thrown down from heaven. For it is not to be doubted, but that he had much conversation with God in Paradise, and diverse discourses whereby he was instrctued concerning the Creation, and nature, and the end of all things. Yea acknowledged the power of God from so wise a Creation, and the right judgement given against the Serpent, that of right he should not have given ear to the Serpent, and that it was folly for him so to do: nevertheless in this he did not sin against God, because God had not forbidden it. For it made for the greater glory of God, if Adam had not sinned: for than had man given a certain testimony of himself, that he was well created, as all things were very good, Gen. 1.31. He could have interrupted the serpent's speech, and rejected him, and he had not sinned. It was the beginning of sin, but it was not sin that he gave ear to Satan, for God had not forbidden this, and as yet he had power to contradict him: but his longer patience and familiarity caused consent, and he forthwith sinned by transgressing the commandment, wherewith the holy Ghost offended, left him, and spoiled him of his gifts, which he had received in the Creation, and were preserved in him by the holy Ghost, so long as he did not sin, God considering the event, but not approving it, because he had forbidden it, and Adam so making experiment of his constancy. Of this lapse Ecclesiasticus writeth most plainly, and most truly, Chap. 15. verse 14. God created man from the beginning, and left him in the hand of his counsel, giving him these ordinances and commandments, if thou wilt thou shalt keep the commandments, and testify thy good william. He hath set before thee fire and water, put forth thy hand to which thou wilt. Life and death are offered unto man, good and evil, which he pleases shall be given unto him. But now, since God knew before that he would sin, why did he not created him such a one, as could not fall? God did all things well and like a father. It was his favour that man was adorned with such excellent gifts of mind, that he might easily obey so small a commandment, and man of right aught to have been thankful for so great gifts by obeying his Creator. He could therefore as Ecclesiasticus saith, have stood if he would, but that he fell it was not of God predestinating or willing, for God had created all things very good, and Fatherly ordered them. So when he sinned, he was deprived of the holy Ghost, which dwelled before familiarly with him, from whom he had life not mortal, if he had not sinned, who had sustained him in holy life by the grace and favour of God: being destitute therefore of the familiar presence of the Spirit of God, he perceived nothing in himself but carnal affections, whereby his mind being drawn away, (as is evident by Paul, Rom. 7.15. and the verse following, and 24.) he also was made carnal, that is, addicted to the concupiscence of the flesh, as being constituted in the same subsistence, for he saith, there is another law and necessity in the flesh, than in the spirit or understanding; and that it draweth the spirit captive into servitude. And that which is captive, is not in its own power, but is subjected to the power of another. He showeth then that the spirit in the beginning was not carnal but become such when it was made captive to the flesh. It is altogether necessary to know, and observe this original of original sin, that the spirit from the beginning was not created carnal, or frail, or unable to resist evils, for this would argue the impotency of the Creator, that he could not created man fit for that end which he had conceived, and would violate his authority. Now what calamities are accrued unto mankind from this sin, learn from that place of Saint Paul, Chap. 7. for if the flesh could do so much against the Spirit, adorned with so many abilities, and preserved by the holy Ghost, what shall it not do against the same spirit made captive thereunto, and forsaken of the familiarity of the holy Ghost. Hear what the Apostle saith, Rom. 3.12. of all, both jews and Gentiles, They have all go out of the way, they are all become unprofitable, there is none that doth good, not not one. He speaks of man's natures alone, but when it is Christ, and man is helped of the holy Ghost, he is not such, the natural gifts of the mind, understanding, reason, judgement, memory, and other gifts suffice not, if the spirit be not present, the supporter and governor of these. But the concupiscence of the flesh is not only a privation of righteousness, but a true inclination to those things which please the flesh, from whence all sins arise, and therefore that inclination is called original sin. Now if it were only a privation of righteousness, Paul had no occasion to exclaim: Wretched man that I am who shall deliver me from the body of this death? Rom. 7. For a regenerate man is freed from his mind. But in the regenerate sin original yet abideth, which is an argument, that original sin is more than a privation, and an evil which cleaveth to nature, and is propagated by generation. In sin (saith the Psalmist) my mother conceived me. But God foreseeing that this sin would come upon man, said, In that day in which thou shalt eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt die the death; for this sin was to be expiated with the death of the body. Therefore it is a law unto all once to die, to the end, that that which is come upon them besides the creation, may be abolished in those that are to be saved. As for Paradise, where it was, and what the Rivers thereof, I will show in the ancient reformed Geography. Man having been created out of Paradise, was transported into it. CHAP. XIX. Of the Fabric of the World. Of the second and subordinate purpose of the Creator in Creating Man. BEcause God foresaw that Man would sin, jest so wise a Creation of all things, and the end whereunto it was ordained should be in vain, which Adam violated by sinning, it pleased him therefore to repair the fall of man, by a new benefit, ordaining a means whereby being delivered, he might be restored to his former condition, and that the intent of his first Creation might take effect, he promised his Son should take flesh upon him, who should satisfy for the sin of Adam, with which all men were tainted from their birth, that he should appease God the Father, and obtain the help of the Holy Ghost again, which being promised, and believed, they might by the same intention, as before attain to eternal life. From this foreknowledge, God using his wonderful providence, so finished the Creation of all thing, that in both estates, of obedience, and the fall, he preserved for man the means to obtain eternal life, so that nothing was made of God in vain, only the death of the flesh remained, which was due to original sin, until that was taken away from man altogether, and he being wholly pure, as he was Created, might come to God, according to the end wherefore he was Created. Moreover, because all men were guilty of original sin, as I shown in the former Chapter, so that they could not by the gifts of nature, come unto Christ, God therefore ordained Repentance, Baptism, and Communion, the chief Sacraments, whereby man before all the world, might yield himself unto Christ, and by faith might approve and accept his sacrifice for the sins of man, whereby he might be armed against the force of sin, be delivered by this only means, from the power of original sin, and obtain the help of the Holy Ghost against the force thereof, yet the fight with sin remaineth so long as we live, till it be abolished by the death of the flesh, on which the original thereof dependeth, and therefore the death of the flesh was enjoined of God, because of the fall of Adam, that that sin which is beside the Creation, might be rooted out: by means whereof, man is saved, yet is there no access unto God the Father, but by Christ. It is written, john 3.13. No man ascendeth up to Heaven, but the Son of Man, who descended from Heaven. The way was to be opened by Christ: And it behoved Christ to suffer, and to enter into his glory, Luke 24, 26. That therefore I may add that which of many is not rightly disputed, before the incarnation of Christ, none of the holy Fathers ascended into Heaven, but were reserved in a certain place of joy and happy expectation, until the coming of Christ. This place, the Fathers called Limbus, not that of Hell, but as I suppose, that of the Heavenly Paradise, in which Abraham, as Father of the faithful, was most eminent, into whose bosom or Congregation Lazarus after his death was carried by the Angels. But after the death of Christ they were brought into Heaven, according to his testimony. Father I will that where I am my Servants may be also. So that Christ jesus in his time, ascended with his spoil, and captivity into Heaven. Therefore this original sin and fight therewith, continueth unto the death of the flesh; but by faith in Christ we are armed and preserved against it, by the help of the Holy Ghost, as Adam had been preserved if he had not sinned. Because of the sight thereof with the Spirit, Paul cryeth out Wretched man that I am who shall deliver me from the body of this death? (to wit, that is assayed thereby) I thank my God (saith he) by jesus Christ, whom the Father hath given me for a Saviour, and an Helper by his Spirit, till this sin be utterly abolished in the death of the flesh. An Introduction To Universal Geography, as well modern, as ancient. CHAP. I What Geography, the Globe, or the round earth is. GEography is a description of the whole Earth, as much as is discovered to us. This Greek word Geography, is compounded of the Noun 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, instead whereof this word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is used in composition, that is to say, Earth, and of the verb 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, I writ, whence is made this compound word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is to say, a description of the Earth. Geography is differing from Cosmography, as the part from the whole, and is also distinguished from chorography, as the whole from the part: for cosmography is the description of all the World, which is derived from the Greek Noun 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is to say World, and from the verb 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is to say, I writ, when one speaks of the whole world, we understand the world, as well elementary, as Celestial. Corography is the particular description of some Region, or Country, and cometh also from this Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is to say, Region, and from the verb 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which is to say, I writ, as the description of Spain, Italy, Germany, France; &c. topography is the particular description of a certain place, as of a Country, of a Territory, or of a Town, or of a village, under which are comprised Manured Land, Meadows, Trees, Places and buildings, represented by writing. This is also a Greek word, and compounded of the Noun 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is to say, a place, and of the verb 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is to say, I writ. But Geographie is properly the description of the situation of the Earth alone, where in first is to be marked, that in the term of Geography, this word is not only taken for one of the four elements, as in a Physical term, but thereby we understand conjointly, the earth moistened with the waters, which are showered upon it, making both together the Centre of the whole world, which because of the round figure is called Orbis, or the Globe of the Earth. For the Globe is a solid body round on all sides, contained in a Superficies, having in the middle thereof a Centre or point, whereof all lines which are drawn from thence, unto the superficies, are equal: this than is a sole Globe, compounded of the one and the other Element, from whence rebounds one only convex or Superficies, that is to say, which appeareth without concavity. The Geographers distinguish diversely the Globe of the Earth, into certain Circles and parts whereof we are to treat in order. CHAP. II Of the parts of the Globe or of the Sphere, and of its Circles. IN the first place the Axletree is set in the Globe which the Latins call Axis, or a right line, which passeth through the Centre of the Earth, and is the Diameter of the whole world, called by the Greek Diameter, compounded of the preposition 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is to say per, or through, and of the verb 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is to say, I measure: as a measuring through the middle, about which the whole world wheeleth, and turneth about. The extremities of the Axletree are called the Poles of the world, so called Poli from the Greek verb 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is to say, I turn, whence they are called by the Latins, vertices, as turnings and hinges, because all the round frame of the world wheeleth about them, whereof the one of them is called Arcticus ursalis, or the Beare-pole, from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; that is to say, a Bear, which is a constellation in Heaven, near unto this Circle, the other is named Antarcticus, because it is right against, and Diametrically opposite to the Pole Arctic. The Pole Arctic, is that which appeareth always in the places, where we inhabit, and hath diverse names, as Borealis, or Boreas, and also Aquilonaris or Aquilonius, from the wind Boreas, or Aquilo which bloweth from this corner, and is called also Septentrionalis, from the seven Stars, which the Latins call Triones, and which are commonly called Charles Wain. The Pole Antarcticke, is termed also by the Latins, Australis, and Austrinus, and Notius, from the wind called Austere, and Notus, and Meridionalis, which is the Southern winds, taking the name from that Region of the world, and is never seen in this our Hemisphere, but lies hid under the Horizon. Moreover, the Globe of the earth is accompanied with eight principal Circles, doubly divided. First, into an equal number, the greater and lesser: the greater are these which have the same Centre as the world hath, and which cut and divide the Globe, or the Sphere into two equal parts. They are called in this manner Equinoctial or Aequator, Zodiaque, Horizon, Meridian. The lesser circles are those, which have a different Centre, and other than that of the Globe, or of the Sphere, and part the Sphere or Globe into two equal parts. These are the two Tropickes, and the two Polars, or the Poles of the world. Again among all these aforesaid Circles, some of them are termed, Rights, or Parallels, that is to say distances, which have an equal space the one from the other, because they have the same Poles, as the world hath, and in regard that they are of an equal distance among themselves in Latitude. These are called the Aequator, the two Tropickes, and the two Polars, the other three called Obliqne, or byassing, because they have their Poles differing from the Poles of the world. CHAP. III Of the four great Circles. THese great Circles are distinguished into fixed, and mooveable. The fixed. immovable are those, which always hold one and the same place in the Globe, or in the Sphere, and hence it comes, that they are pointed out upon the superficies or upper face of the Globe. These are the Aequator, and the Zodiaque. The movable are those, which are not always settled in one place, but change their place diversely, and according to the variety, and change of places and Countries, and for this cause are placed, without the Superficies of the Sphere, these are they which are named Horizon, and Meridian, but it behoveth us to speak of each of them in particular. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Horizon, by the Latins is called Terminator, Finitor, and Finiens, a Bounder. a Finiter, or Finishing, which is a great Circle, movable, which separateth the visible part of the world from the invisible, that is to say, the inferior Hemisphere from the Superior. It is very well represented upon the covercle or upon the upper face of the Globe, for the superficies thereof, which is the upper part, maketh the true office of the Horizon, when it divideth the whole Globe into two equal parts. Now the said Horizon is of two sorts; the one which is conceived by reason, and understanding, the other, which is known by the sense. That which is comprehended by the Intellect hath it extension unto the Sphere of the fixed Stars, and divideth into two equal parts, the whole Globe of the world, so that one of these Hemispheres appeareth above the Earth, and the other is hidden under the earth, and is divided again into two sorts, the one right, the other obliqne; the right is that which passeth a thwart from the two Poles of the world, hath its Pole, or point vertical under the Aequator, which cutteth between them in form of right angles. The obliqne is called that, whose pole, or point vertical meeteth either on this side, or that side of the Aequator, and cutteth the Aequator by obliqne angles. The one being elevated on high from the Poles of the world, the other altogether declining downward. Those which have this Horizon, perceive the rising, and the setting of the Sun, and of the other Stars by obliqne motion. But the Horizon we know by sense, is that which being bounded and terminated by our sight, extendeth as fare as our sight can pierce, separating the visible part of the Globe, from that which is invisible, the Diameter whereof, is a hundred and fourscore furlongs in length, that is to say, two and twenty thousand paces, and a half, or five thousand of German, with the five eight parts. And is thought that it passeth no further; because that our sight cannot extend any further. The Horizon is called movable or diverse, because one cannot change the place, to any place whithersoever he goeth, beside, if one move out of his place never so little, which ways he will, even in that instant he changeth also the Horizon, the Heaven, and the Region, and by this means one may imagine an infinity of Orisons. It is likewise to be known, that the Horizon hath two Poles, whereof one of them in the Arabic tongue, is called seemeth, and by the vulgar corrupted, Zenith, and is no other thing, than a point which is right over the crown of our heads, the other is commonly called Nadir, but to speak more properly Nathir, Diametrically opposite to the other, and is right over the head of the Antipodes. Equinoctial is a word borrowed from the Latin Aequinoctialis, which is also called Aequidialis, and in Greek, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, from the word, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is to say, alike, and from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is to say, day, and beside is termed by the Latins Aequator. This is a Circle of the Sphere, the greatest of the five Parallels, and which divideth the Globe into two equal parts, the Septentrional, and the Meridional, distant by an equal space from the two Poles, whereunto, when the Sun is once come, it maketh through the whole world, the night and the day of an equal length and durance, whence likewise it taketh the name of Aequidiall, and Equinoctial. The Aequinoxe, or Aequidiall, as the ancients call them, happen twice a year, the one in the beginning of the sign Aries, or the Ram, which is called vernal, and the other in the beginning of Libra, or the Balance, called Autumn. But Navigators commonly call the Equator, the middle line, or simply the Line, by a certain Emphasis, or by prerogative and excellency. The Zodiaque is one of the greatest Circles of the Sphere, placed crosse-wise between the two Poles of the world, which toucheth with the one side the estivall Tropic, in the beginning of Cancer, or of the Crab, and with the other the Hyemall Tropic, in the beginning of Capricorn, cutting the Aequator in the middle, and is likewise by the same Aequator, cut in the beginning of Aries, and Libra, so that the one half thereof boweth towards the Pole Arctique, and the other on that part of the Pole Antarctique: it is divided into twelve parts, which are commonly called the twelve signs, from whence cometh the Latin word Signifer, that is to say, Signe-bearer, and the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is to say, Animal, or Beast; because there are represented in it the twelve signs of living Creatures, the names whereof, the Poet Ausoinus hath comprised in this Distique. Sunt Aries ♈ Taurus ♉ Gemini, ♊ Cancer, ♋ Leo, ♌ Virgo, ♍ Libraque, ♎ Scorpius ♏ Arcitenen, ♐ Caper, ♍ Amphora, ♒ Pisces. ♓ The first of these verses contain the six Septentrional signs, and the second the six other Meridional. To every sign there is attributed thirty degrees, which make together 360. degrees, and make also the division of the whole Globe of the earth. The Meridian circled called by the Greeks' 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, from the Greek work 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is to say, Demi, or half; and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is to say, Day, as the Meridional circle (to wit, that which passing through the Poles of the world, and the point vertical of every place) cutteth athwart the Aquinoctiall circle, and divideth the whole earth into two equal parts, leaving one of its parts to the Eastward, and the other to the Westward, and is so called, that when the Sun is ascended up to the highest point of our Hemisphere, it maketh always with us midday, or the half of the day, and all those which are under one and the same Meridian, situated towards the North, or towards the South. And on the other part, maketh always midnight, or the half of the night, when it cometh to the same point in the inferior Hemisphere. This is because the principal office of the Meridian is, to show the midday, and the midnight. Now the vertical point is nothing else, but the top, or the highest part of heaven being right perpendicular over the head of every one. The Meridian is called movable, because that if you, or any other, stir never so little towards the East, or towards the West, you presently have another Meridian; in such sort, that it alters with us continually, according to the change of places, or of country wherein we are, and by this means, a man may see there is an infinite number of Meridian's, for look how many right points may be given over our heads, so many Meridian's there may likewise be given. CHAP. IU. Of the four little Circles. THE Tropics are two circles, distant one from another; of an equal distance from the Equator, whereof the one of them nearest to us, is called the tropic of Cancer, the other lying Southward, is called the tropic of Capricorn. The Latins call them Solstitiales, that is, Solstices, because the Solstices are in them: for the Sun never passeth beyond them, but when it cometh to one of them, it returneth backwards: from whence they have taken their name from the Greek verb 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, to turn, or from the reversion. The tropic of Cancer, or the Crab, which is also called Estivall, is nearest to the North among all the circles, through the which the Sun maketh his course; to which when it cometh, it goeth no further towards the North, but returns again to the other part of the world, towards the South, taking again his Estivall course, in which time, the days are at the longest of all the year in our Hemisphere, and the nights the shortest: and this name, the tropic of Cancer was given to it, from the sign Cancer, or the Crab, which is in the Zodiaque, instantly, whereupon, the Sun beginneth to return. The tropic of Capricorn, which is called also Hybernall, is the circle nearest to the South of all other, thorough the middle whereof the Sun passeth, whereunto the Sun being once come, goeth no further toward the Meridional part, but makes his return in the Winter towards the Septentrional part, which makes us to have the longest nights of all the year, and shortest days. It is called the tropic of Capricorn from this sign, when the Sun comes to pass it. There are two polare circles farthest of all, and next neighbours to the Poles, being equally distant from their Poles, whereof the one of them, is that which we always see, and is called Arctique, as the Pole itself is, from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is to say, Bear; because it is marked near the feet. with the little Bear: it is called also Septentrional, boreal, and Aquilonian, from that part of the world, under which it is situated. The other polare circle, equal and parallel to the Pole Arctique, is called Antarctique; because it is diametrically opposite to the Arctique, it is wholly hidden under the earth, by the opposition whereof we cannot perceive it. It is also called Austrine, or austral, and Meridional. CHAP. V Of the Zones. THE four lesser circles, divide all the superficies of the earth into five distances, spaces, or regions, which the Geographers call Zones, the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, signifies a girdle, and is taken for a space and internal, which is in the globe of the earth, between two small circles, or else closed between a little circle, and the Pole. The Zones receive sundry denominations, according to the quality and the nature of their situations; the one is called the Torride, or burning Zone, the two others are called cold, and somewhat temperate: that which lies in the midst between the four others is called the Torride, because of the heat of the Sun, which is perpetually hot and burning in this place, over which he passeth, and the way through which it goeth, for which reason the ancients thought it unhabitable. This then is the Torride zone, which is a space of place situated, between the two Tropickes, which containeth 47. degrees in latitude, and over which the Equinoctial circle that cutteth it, and divideth it in the middle is situated. The two others, which are situated in the extremities of the Globe, next to the Poles of the world whereof the one of them lieth next the Pole Arctique, and the Northern part, and the other towards the Pole Antarctique, on the other side of the South, are called friged or cold, because they are extremely distant from the course and way which the Sun holdeth, and for this cause, by reason of the extremity of the cold, the ancients held them not habitable. Their bounds are limited one from another by their proper Pole, and are also called Polars from the said Poles, touching their extension in latitude, it is three and twenty degrees and a half. The other two Zones remaining are called temperate, and accounted habitable, because they are placed between the cold and the hot, and participate of the temperature of them both; the one whereof is called Septentrional, shut in between the circle Arctic, and the tropic of Cancer, or the Crab: the other is called austral or Meridional, bounded with the circle Antarctique, and the Tropic of Capricorn, both which contain 43. degrees. CHAP. VI Of the Parallels, and Climates. THere is another way also to divide the superficies of the earth, to wit, by the change and the diversity of the length of days, for those who inhabit right under the Equator, have perpetually the day and night of an equal length, just twelve hours long, but as much as is gained on this side, or on the other side of the Equator, lying towards the one, or the other Pole: So much in Summer the days increase in length, and on the other side the nights are made the longer in Winter; for this cause the Geographers, according to the increasing of the days, have diversely distinguished the regions, or parts of the earth, which they call Parallels, or Climates. Parallels are circles equally distant one from another drawn from the West to the East, any man may see them at his pleasure, delineated upon the Globe of the earth. But Ptolemy, who was followed by a great number of other Geographers, hath made twenty one Parallels, in that part which extends itself twards the North, keeping this proportion, and internal; so that one of the longest days of a parallel surpasseth the longest day of the parallel precedent. The climate is a space of the earth, between two parallels, in which on the longest day it maketh the change, or increase of half an hour. But the word climate and and parallel signify sometimes a space, comprehended between two circles. Moreover the climates are distinguished into those, which are Septentrionals, and the Meridionalls, either of them taking their beginning from the Equator, extending towards their proper Pole. Hence it comes to pass, that where the climate lieth furthest from the Equator, so many half hours, the longest day exceedeth the day equal to the night, to wit, which is twelve hours, and going backward giveth you to understand, under what parallel, or climate every place is situated, you are to mark well the number of hours, of which the longest day in the same place, exceedeth the day of the right sphere (which as is said) is always twelve hours; for this number being doubled, showeth the number of the Climates, and being quadruple, giveth you to understand the number of the parallel. Moreover, antiquity knew only but seven Climates, being of opinion, that that which was beyond the seventh climate, could hardly be accounted habitable, being not as yet discovered. These climates took their denominations from the most renowned places, over which the middle place of the climates extended, namely, the first was called per Meroen or dia Meroes', which was an Isle lying upon the river of Nilus, and a city in Africa● The second, per Sienem, a town of Egypt. The fourth, per Rhodum, or dia Rhodes, an Island well known. The fifth, per Romam, or dia Rome's. The sixth, per Pontum Ex●inum, or dia Ponton. The seventh, per Boryst henem or dia Borysthenes: some others add unto them two more, that is, per Ripheos, the eight, and per Damam the ninth. But our modern Authors, who have found out by experience, that the earth was inhabited beyond these above said climates, have supposed five and twenty climates, reaching over the 67. degree of the elevation of the Pole; the first was over Meroes', the second over Syena under the Estivall tropic, the third over Alexandrino, the fourth over Rhodes, the fifth over Rome and Hellespont, the sixth over Milan and Venice, the seventh over Podolia and Tartary the lesser, the eighth over Wittenberg, the ninth over Rostocke, the tenth over Ireland, the eleventh over Bohoja a fortress in Norway, the twelfth over Gutie, the thirteenth over Bergin a town in Norway, the foureteenth over Viburgh a town in Finland, the fifteenth over Arotia a town of Sweatbland, the sixteenth over the mouth of the river of Dalenkaul, and the other which remain over the other places of Norway, Sweathland, Russia, and the places bordering upon the next Isles by the like internal. Now it is certain that from the Equinoctial circle, to the place where the longest day is limited to twenty four hours, it hath the extension of twenty four climates, but from this place to the Pole, the climates cannot be certainly distinguished; because that from thence afterward the days increase in such a sort, first not by half hours, but from the beginning by whole days: after by weeks, and in time by months, so that under the Poles, one of the Hemispheres is enlightened and dried by the light of the days, which last six months: the other by the like space of time, is overcast with a thick darkness and a continual night. For the rest the same consideration, which hath been made of the climates from the Equinoctial towards the Pole Arctique, the like also must be observed from the same Equinoctial on that side, which lieth towards the Pole Antarctique, in making alike number of them, nevertheless, the Authors have given no other proper appellations to such climes, but named them by those which were opposite to them, adding this Greek preposition 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, to them, as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is to say, opposite to that which is over against Meroe, and so of the others, as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which is opposite to that which passeth over Syena, notwithstanding, a man may call them by the same proper name, as the others: as the first Climate, by the mountains of the Moon, and the sources of Nilus; the second, by the Promontory commonly called Cabo de Corientes, under the Hybernall tropic, and so of others: but for the more easy conceiving of the latitude of the Climates and Parallels from the Equinoctial, the distances of the one from the other, and the length of the longest days, we have prefixed this following Table. A Table of the Climates, Parallels, and Longitude of the days. Climates. Parallels. Days longer. Order of hours. Latitude. Order of degrees. Internals of Climates. 0 0 1 12 12 0 15 0 4 0 18 4 18 1 2 3 12 12 30 45 8 12 34 43 8 25 2 4 5 13 13 0 15 16 20 33 73 7 50 3 6 7 13 13 30 45 23 27 10 36 7 3 4 8 9 14 14 0 15 30 33 43 45 6 9 5 10 11 14 14 30 45 36 29 30 2 5 17 6 12 13 15 15 0 15 41 43 22 32 4 30 7 14 15 15 15 30 45 45 47 29 20 3 48 8 16 17 16 16 0 15 49 50 1 33 3 13 9 18 19 16 16 30 45 52 53 58 17 2 44 10 20 21 17 17 0 15 54 55 29 34 2 17 11 22 23 17 17 30 45 56 57 37 34 2 0 12 24 25 18 18 0 15 58 59 26 14 1 40 13 26 27 18 18 30 45 59 60 59 40 1 26 14 28 29 19 19 0 15 61 61 18 53 1 13 15 30 31 19 19 30 45 62 62 25 54 1 1 16 32 33 20 20 0 15 63 63 22 46 0 52 17 34 35 20 20 30 45 64 64 6 36 0 44 18 36 37 21 21 30 ●5 65 65 49 36 0 36 19 38 39 21 21 30 45 65 65 21 35 0 29 20 40 41 22 22 0 15 65 65 47 57 0 22 21 42 43 22 22 30 45 66 66 6 14 0 17 22 44 45 23 23 0 15 66 66 20 28 0 11 23 46 47 23 23 36 45 66 66 28 30 0 5 24 48 24 0 66 31 0 0 Months. 1 67 15 2 69 30 3 73 20 4 78 20 5 84 0 6 90 0 CHAP. VII. Of the division of the earth into three hundred and sixty degrees, with the Longitude and Latitude thereof. THE circumference and roundness of the whole circle, according to the Geometritians, is divided into 360. parts, and this same division is received into the section of the Sphere and of the Globe. The earth then, as the sphere is divided into 360. parts which they call degrees. Every degree is divided into 60. scruples, which make a thousand Roman spaces, or an Italian mile, or an ordinary Almain mile: so that every degree containeth 15. German miles, and the whole counted together, make five thousand and four hundred: which is the whole circumference of all the Globe of the earth: and its Diameter, or the half part thereof equally in two, is a thousand seven hundred and eighteen German miles, with two elevenths: the semi-diameter, from the superficies of the centre, eight hundred fifty nine, with one eleventh. Moreover, the degrees by which the earth is measured, are of two sorts, the one of Longitude, the other of Latitude. The longitudes are distinguished by the Meridian circles, and the Latitudes by the Parallels. There are thirty six Meridian's, which are fastened upon the Globe, every Meridian having ten degrees, which number being multiplied, maketh three hundred & sixty Ptolemy hath placed the first Meridian in the fortunate Isles, which at this day are called the Canaries, since the Spanish Pilots have placed it in the I'll of Gos-hawkes, which their language is called Assores, and some of them placed it in the midst of Spain. From the Equator to the one or the other Pole, are marked out nine Parallels, each of them containing ten degrees: then multiplying this number by four, ye shall find in all thirty six parallels, as in the Longitude: Now we must hold that the Longitude is a certain space or internal of the Equator, closed between Meridian's, the one from the Isles called Assores, from whence it taketh the beginning, the other from that place or Region, whereof we would know the distance. As touching the breadth or elevation, that is, a going backward, or the length of a place or of a Country distant from the Equator, either towards the one or the other Pole. Also the elevation of the Pole is the same as is the Latitude from a place. But this Latitude is of two sorts, the one is Septentrional from the Equator, to the Pole Arctque in our Hemisphere; the other is Meridional or Austral, from the Equator in the inferior Hemisphere to the Pole Antarctique. CHAP. VIII. Of the four quarters of the World, and of the Winds. THis whole, which beareth the name of the world, and of the heaven, is no other than a body, which in its own circuit, boundeth and enfoldeth all things, it receiveth difference in the parts thereof, which are called the Regions of the world, or the points and places from whence the Sun ariseth, and that part is called Orient or Levant: where the Sun goeth down, that is called Occident or Couchant. The space through which the Sun maketh his course of the one side, is called South, and the part opposite to it, is called the North▪ to these four there are added four other Regions and parts of the world, interposed and interlaced between the four first. Betwixt the Septentrional or North, and the Orient and the Levant Equinoctial, the Oreant of the Summer is called the Orient of the Sun in Summer: between the Levant Equinoctial and the South, the Levant or Orient Hybernall or Winter. Between the North or Septentrional and the Occident Equinoctial, the Occident or the Couchant Summer. Between the Occident Equinoctial and the South, the Couchant or the Occident Winter. Moreover, in the four principal parts or hinges of the world, there are attributed four principal Winds, which from thence are called Cardinals. Their names and their Regions are represented in this sort by Ovid. lib. 1. of his Elegies De tristibus. Elegy 2. l. 1. Nam modo purpureo vires capit Eurus ab ortu Nunc Zephyrus sero vespere missus adest. Nunc gelidus sicca Boreas bacchatur ab arcto. Nunc Notus adversa praelia fronte gerit. Now strait takes Eurus strength from purple East. Now Zephyrus at night is ready pressed. Now boisterous Boreas from North doth blow. Now Notus in his forehead wars doth show. SEPTENTRIO ortus Aestinus Oriens Solstitialis ORTUS ORlens Ortus hipe●●us Oriens brumalis MERIDIES Occasus Hibemus Occidens brumalis OCCASUS Occidens Ocasus Aeshuus Occidens Solstitialis BOREAS Coecias EURUS Vrlturnus NOTUS Africus ZEPHYRUS Caurus siue Corus But the names of these aforesaid Winds, being described unto us by the Poet in Greek terms, the Latins have given them proper names in their language, and have called that which bloweth from the North Aquilo; that which cometh from the East Subsolanus; from the South, Auster; and from the West, Favonius, which may easily be known by the figure here represented, B. But of all these winds distinguished by their names, as well ancient as modern Authors have ordered the situations so diverse and variable, that a man can scarcely compose thereof a certain figure, to gather all their sundry opinions. It is true that the Italians, who ordinarily sail upon the Mediterranean sea, which is called the interior sea, & hath its extension between Europe, Asia, and Africa, have made 16. sorts of winds, which are divided according to this manner following, C. But the Europeans, English, and all the Germans, who sail upon the enteriour sea, or the great Ocean, have given proper names to the winds, as seemed best unto them, and have made of them two and thirty; which they call by names, as is demonstrated in this Table. CHAP. IX. Of Dimensions, or measuring of places. THE Romans measured the distance of places by the number of a thousand paces, which they called milliare, and because they marched every space of a thousand paces with a stone: thence they called their miles, or milliaries, lapides. As for example, when they said, ad decimum lapidem, that was, ad decimum milliare, ten thousand paces, or the tenth milliar. Four thousand paces make a common German mile, hence it is that one degree of the Globe of the earth, containeth sixty thousand paces, miles, or Italian milliers, but are fifteen thousand ordinary Germane miles. The Grecians measured the distances of places by furlongs, the furlong is an hundred twenty five paces, whereof eight furlongs make an Italian mile, that is a thousand paces; and two and thirty furlongs make an ordinary German mile. The Persians' measured the length of their lands by that which they called Parasanga, every one of them containing 30. furlongs. The Egyptians had also that called Schoeni, that is Cortles, which French word is yet in use in many places of France: but the Schoeni of Egypt were not always of an equal distance and length; for some allowed sixty furlongs to the Schoenus, others TRAMONTANA Greco Tramontana GRECO Greco Levante LEVANT Sirocco Levant SIROCCO Ostro Sirocco OSTRO Ostro Garbino GARBINO Ponente Garbino PONENTE Pononto Maestro MAESTRO Maestro Tramontana NORTH North & by Est North North Est North Est & by North. NORTHEST North Est & by Est Est North Est Est & by North EST Est & by north Est sorth Est. Forth Est & by Est. SOUTHEST Sorth Est & by forth Forth Forth Est Sorth & by Est SOUTH Sorth & by West Forth Forth West Forth West & by forth SOUTH-WEST Forth West & by West West Forth West West & by Forth WEST West & by North West North West North West & by West NORTHWEST North West & by North North North West North & by West forty, some gave them only thirty. At this day the thousand or milliers are very commonly used among the Germans. The Danes, the people of Norway, Swedes, English and Scottish use the word mile or meile, the same also do the Poles, Bohemians, and other Nations, as Slavonia, which have their mila, or mile. Also the Italians use this word, and call it in their language, niglio. The French and Spaniards measure the distance of country's per leguas, or leucas; the one call them lieves, the other, leguas. The Italians also and the English, speaking of the length and distances of the Countries of Germany, Slavonia, France and Spain, distinguish them by miles. The Italians call them leghe, and the other leagues. The Russians and Muscovites measure their land by certain spates, which they call in their language, vorest. But all these sorts of measures and dimensions may easily be known by the figure, which is hereunto applied, E. Nevertheless, we must here observe there is not a Nation, but hath and keepeth always their own measures and dimensions, and of places equal: for the Germans according to the diversity of their countries, have great miles and little; and others common, whereof fifteen make a degree in the Globe of the earth. There are also in France and Spain miles unequal, as are the miles among other Nations, and some English Mathematicians, as the Italians make sixty miles for a degree. FJNJS. The Preface upon ATLAS. ATLAS' King of Mauritania, was borne of a Royal race, and had for his father Serrenus, or Indigena (as Eusebius witnesseth out of the most ancient Historians) whose surname was Coelus, and whose mother was Titea, surnamed Terra; his great Grandfather on the fathers and mother's side was Elius or Sol, King of Phoenicia, who with his wife Beruth, dwelled in Biblius, both of them excellently versed in Astronomy, and in natural disciplines, so that for their learning sake, they were accounted worthy of the names of Sol and of Coelum; undoubtedly this Atlas, as the Ancients report (namely Diodorus in his fourth Book and fifth Chapter) was a most skilful ginger, and the first among men that disputed of the Sphere. He had many brethren to the number of forty five, whom Coelus begat of diverse women, whereof 17. of them he had by Titea, a most prudent Matron, that did many good offices to men, whom he after their mother's name called Titanes. He had also sisters, among whom the principal were Basilea, who in favour of her mother, brought up all her brethren, and therefore they called her Grandmother, and Rea Pandora. Now after the decease of Coelus, Basilea being the eldest, and excelling the others in prudence and virtue, by the common consent of her brethren and the people being a Virgin and unmarried, she obtained the kingdom. Afterwards being desirous to leave an heir behind her, she was married to her brother Hyperion, and she bore him two children, to wit, Sol and Luna, whose prudence Hyperions brethren admiring to the intent the kingdom might not be settled upon his issue, they massacred him, and drowned Sol his Son, being yet an infant in the River of Eridanus. Than the Sons of Coelus whereof the noblest of them were Atlas, and Saturnus, shared their Father's kingdom, between them. Atlas had for his part, those Countries, which lay next unto the Ocean, and Lybia, and the straits of Gibraltar; whence Mount-Atlas, and the Atlantic people in Mauritania took first their name, and Saturnus obtained Sicilia, and Lybia, who being afterward hated of his people, for the cruelty he used against his father Coelus, fled into Italy, where by janus he was made partaker of the kingdom. Now for as much as Diodorus allegeth, that Coelus was the first King that reigned amongst the Atlantickes, the people being before dispersed up and down in fields in Colonies, he admonished them, to gather themselves together, and to build Towns. Without all question these Kings were very ancient, because Atlas, son of Atlas, having chased away his brother, Hesperus was King of Iberia, which afterwards in the year 738, after the universal flood was called Spain. Hesperus flying into Etruria, where he was made tutor to janus. The Grandfather of Atlas (Elias) reigned in Phoenicia, anno 662. after the deluge. And Diodorus witnesseth, that those Kings out of the nature of things, and the contemplation of them, attained to excellent knowledge, and withal become pious, and more humane, that as Diodorus truly saith, the Atlantiks bore away the Bell for their piety, and humanity to strangers, from all other Nations whatsoever, when there were scarcely not above 22. or 23. generations complete, and many parts of the earth not yet inhabited. Atlas had many sons, but among the rest, one famous for his piety, justice, and courtesy to his subjects. His name was Hesperus, who ascending up to the top of mount Atlas, to search out diligently the courses of the stars, was on a sudden violently carried away with wind, and appeared no more. So much Diodorus speaketh of him: but in my opinion (as I have said) I found he was King in Iberia, into which at last, he came with a prosperous wind, where he lived so prudently, and religiously, that when he fled into Etruria, being driven from thence by his brother, for his excellent wisdom and prudence, he was made Tutor to janus, and administrator of the Kingdom, which offices Atlas his brother undertook. My purpose then is to follow this Atlas, a man so excelling in erudition, humanity, and wisdom (as from a lofty watch tower) to contemplate Cosmography, as much as my strength and ability will permit me, to see if peradventure by my diligence, I may find out some truths in things yet unknown, which may serve to the study of wisdom. And as the world containeth the number of all things, the species, order, harmony, proportion, virtues and effects; so beginning from the Creation, I will number all the parts thereof, so far as methodical reason requireth, according to the order of the creation, and will contemplate physically, that the causes of things may be known, whereof consisteth that science of sciences wisdom, which directeth every good thing to a good end, by a provident wisdom, which doth facilitate the way to the ends. This is the main scope I aim at. Afterwards I will handle celestial things in their rank: then the Astronomicks; which appertain to conjecture by the Stars. Fourthly, treat of things Elementary, and lastly, the Geographicks, and so as (in a mirror) will set before your eyes, the whole world, that in making use of some rudiments, ye may found out the causes of things, and so by attaining unto wisdom and prudence, by this means lead the Reader to high speculations. The Race of ATLAS. Drawn out of the Evangelicall preparations of Eusebius, Lib. 1. Cap. 7. which he noted out of Sachoniaton a Phoenician Historian, translated word by word, by Philo Biblius, and partly out of Diodorus Siculus. Elius or Sol King of Phoenicia Terrenus, or Indigena, surnamed Coelus, to whom by his sister Titea were borne. ilus, which also is called Saturnus, his wife, his sister Rhea. jupiter Olympius japetus, to whom by Climenea, daughter of the Ocean were borne. Prometheus Deucalion Epimetheus. Basilia. Boetilus. Hyperion, his wife was his sister Basilia. Sol being an infant was drowned in Eridanus. Luna. Dagon the god of the Philistines, called jupiter Aratrius, whom the people of Azotus adored. Atlas, to whom by Pleion daughter of the Ocean were borne. Hesperus. Atlas. Alcyone. Merope. Electre. Celeno. Tayete. Sterope. Maia of whom by jupiter was borne. Mercurius. Titea his daughter otherwise called Terra. THE TYPE OF THE GLOBE OF THE EARTH. WHereas by the Necessity of Nature, Order doth always require, that Universals should be set before Parriculars, and the Whole before the Part, for the better understanding of the present Matter: I also, being bound by this Law, aught to set before this first Volume of our Geography, an universal Type of the Globe of the Earth; and of the four Parts thereof, Europe, Africa, Asia, and America, that so I may more happily follow my intended matter: and also, that in the several following Tomes hereafter, he that shall desire to have the Delineation of his own Country, may have a perfect Work before him, being not deprived of this so profitable a speculation. For the contemplation of Generals is pleasant, and very necessary to him, who desireth to have the lest knowledge of the World and natural things. For if you please to consider the manner of the rising and setting of the Sun, what is the cause of Summer or Winter, whence is the inequality of the Days and Nights, or lastly, what hath been the originals, or propagations of things, what hath been the actions, the achievements, the mutations, and conversions happening in any place, even from the first Creation, you shall learn all this no where better, than out of these five adjoining Tables, without all danger, and with honest recreation of mind. And even as it is not sufficient for any one, though he have a large dwelling-place, to know the several parts of his house, as the Porch, the Wine-cellar, and Buttery, the Kitchen, the Parlour, the Supping-roome, the Bed chamber, the Closet, the Study, &c. whereby he may use them conveniently; but also it is fit and necessary, that he should know, in what part and street of the City his house standeth, and thence he may straightway discern, if any fire or tumult happen in the City, how near or how fare he is from danger: So it is no less necessary to know in what part of the world thou dwellest, what people are near thee, and which are farther off, that when war approacheth, thou mayst know when to fear, and when to be quiet in mind. Lastly, though cosmography be the light of all Ecclesiastical and Political History, and that the beholder may learn more from thence, than the Traveller by his long, tedious and chargeable labour, who often changeth his * Caelum non animum mutant qui trans mare currunt. Horat. Climate, only, but not his condition; yet you shall receive little benefit thereby, if you do not join the General Tables to the Particular. Now these General Tables are gathered out of the great description of the Globe of the Earth (whose beginning of Longitude, or position of the first Meridian we have followed in every one of them) and out of my great Europa, which I published at Duysburg. In the mean time, Reader farewell, and enjoy this work, and diligently consider with the Poet Buchanan, the glory of this thy habitation granted unto thee only for a time, who doth so compare it with the heavens, that he may thereby lift up those minds which are drowned in these earthly and transitory things, and show them the way to more high and Eternal matters. How small a part that is, thou mayst perceive Which we into proud Kingdoms here do cleave With stately words; we part it with our sword, And buy it with our blood that forth is poured; We make great Triumphs when that we have got Some part of this same little earthen clot: For this same heap itself being viewed alone Is large, and of a great extension: But it will seem a Point, if that it be Compared with Heavens starry Canopy. Or like unto a seed, upon which ground Ancient Gargetius many worlds did found: This is man's seat, and this a house affords Unto wild Beasts, and to all sorts of Birds. And how much from this prison house of clay Doth the Seas flowing water take away. And that which breaks through the Herculean bounds, And parteth Europe from the Lybian grounds, With Seas, which limits to Arabia yields, And those which straighten the Hyrcanian fields. Than add to these the Lakes that are beside, With Moors and Marshes being large and wide; And Rivers which the Mountains down do throw From their high tops, or those which stand below In Lakes unmoved; and while with hasty course These take part of the earth away by force; And these with deep gulfs drown the world again, The greatest part of land that doth remain Is covered o'er with water, and doth seem Like a small Island in the Sea to swim. In this again what barren sands there be, And great vast Mountains without fruit or tree? How much of it is scorched with too much flame? Or how much is benumbed with cold again? Or how much lies unfit for to be tilled? Or how much is with mortal poisons filled? OH shame, OH madness, of a fond desire! How little cause hath glory to aspire! Anger doth rage; fear troubles, grief doth fret; And want even by the sword doth riches get; By treachery, fire, nor poison doth it spare: Thus humane matters full of troubles are. OF THE WORLD. THis Universe, which rather presents itself to the contemplation of the mind of man, then to the sight of the Eyes, for the perfect elegancy, and absolute purity thereof, is called in Latin Mundus. This Pliny, in the 11. The name by whom, & why given. Lib. Cap. 1. of his Natural History, calleth, That which covereth all things with his Circumference. And Apuleius painting forth an admirable picture of it calleth it, That which consists in the society of heaven and earth, and of those things which belong unto their natures. The same Apuleius more elaborately describes the world thus; or to this purpose. The world (saith he) is a garnished ordinance of things, the just charge and custody of the Gods, whose pole, (for so I call the Centre) being strong and immovable, passeth through the earth, the Mother and nourisher of all living creatures. All the higher parts, as may be seen, being enclosed and hidden with the moistness of the air in manner of a covering: Beyond is the house of the Gods, called Heaven, which we see is full of divine bodies, as the fair and shining lights of the Sun, Moon, and the other Stars, with which it is carried about by the diurnal and nocturnal motion in such a perpetual course, as shall never have an end. Now that the form thereof is gathered round together like a Globe, the name thereof doth declare, and the consent of men calling and painting it in manner of a Globe; besides divers arguments that prove the same: As because such a figure is most capable, most simple, and doth bend in all parts towards itself, sustains itself, includes and contains itself, wanting no joining together, nor having any end or beginning in any of its parts: as also because wheresoever you behold it, it hath a circular form in all its parts, which cannot happen in another figure. Therefore it was a ridiculous imagination of them who supposed that it had not a a Lactantius lib. 5. Institut. cap. 24. divideth those that say the Heaven is Spherical. Spherical round figure, but either an angular, or oval, or some other form. There be two parts of the World, the Etherial or heavenly, and the Elementary or sublunary. The Etherial is that clear part which containeth all the celestial Spheres, and is free from * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Aristot. de Caelo lib. ●. cap. 3. alteration. The Elementary is that which is placed beneath those Orbs, and it admitteth generation and corruption, and containeth not only simple Bodies, as Fire, Aire, Water, Earth: but also those which are compounded of them, whereof wise men have delivered five kinds. For some are imperfectly mixed, which we call Meteors, as Hail, Raine, Snow, Thunder, Lightning, Wind; others perfectly mixed, but without life, as Stones, Metals, &c. There are others which have a vegetable soul, as Plants; and those which have a sensible soul, as Brutus Creatures: Lastly, there are some in the highest and last degree of compound things, which beside all these have a reasonable soul, as Men. We, leaving those things which belong to Astronomers and Philosophers, will chief consider the Globe of the Earth. The whole Earth being diversely divided by Seas, Rivers, and Marshes, doth make altogether an absolute Globe. Homer for no other cause calleth it Orbicular. And Numa Pompilius for the same consideration, did consecrated a round Temple to Vesta, the mother of Saturn, whom Poets take for the earth. And that the figure thereof can be no other, both Aristotle hath demonstrated by the reason of heavy things making towards one certain point, and also Mathematicians prove by the Eclipses, and shadows of Dial's. Besides it is found out by the long and certain observations of Travellers, that the longitudes and latitudes of places do vary according to their several distances, so that it is most certain without any farther demonstration, that there are b So called from the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. i. habito c●rcum. Perioeci, that is to say, those that devil under the same Parallel, and c So named from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. i. ex adverso habitaere. Antoeci, that is, those that devil alike distance from the Aequator, but the one Northward, and the other Southward, and d So styled from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 q. d. adversa vestigia figentes. The compass of the Earth. Antipodes, that is, people dwelling on the other side of the earth, with their feet directly against ours. Antiquity showeth that the compass of this Globe, where it is largest, is 360 degrees; and this latter age doth affirm the same, wherefore if to every degree you allow 15 German miles, or 60 Italian miles, it will be easy to find out the e The circumference according to this account is 5400. German miles or 21600. Italian miles. The quality of the Earth. circuit of the whole earth. All the parts whereof (as Pliny saith in his 2d book of Natural History, Cap. 68 and as others also have delivered) are but a point in respect of the World, for the whole Earth is no better. This is the matter and seat of our glory, here we bear honours, here we exercise government, here we covet riches, here men do make tumults, and wage civil wars, thereby to make themselves room upon the earth by slaughtering one another. And (that I may pass over the public fury of nations) this is it in which we drive forth our bordering neighbours, and by stealth encroach upon their Country, so that he that hath most enlarged his territories, and driven the adjoining inhabitants from their bounds, in how small a part of earth doth he rejoice? or when he hath enlarged it to the measure of his own covetousness, what portion doth he obtain for all his labour? Thus fare Pliny. And let this suffice concerning the earth as it does make one Globe with the Sea. Now as it is distinguished from the waters, and called in the Scriptures dry land, it is the proper habitation of men. And for the great desert thereof, we give it the name of Mother. This receiveth us at our birth, nourishes us being borne, and being once brought to light, it doth always sustain us: Lastly, when we are cast off and forsaken by nature, then chief like a mother she hides us in her bosom. This also is to be added, that a f The outmost end whereof is called a Cape. Promontory is called a part of land lying out farther than the rest, and map of the world OF THE WORLD. TYPUS ORBIS TERRARUM Domini est terra & plenitudo ejus, orbis terrarum, & universi qui habitant in eo. Psalmo 24 is contrary to a Bay. Such are the Lacinian and Sephyrian in the farthest part of Italy, the Lilybaean in Sicily, and the Sigaean in Asia. That is called an Island which is washed on every side with the Sea: such are Crete, Cyprus, Sicily, &c. A g So called, quasi Panè Insula. Paninsula is that which is joined to the Continent by a narrow ridge of Land, which the Greeks' call Isthmos, and the Paeninsula itself, h Chersonesus is a compound word of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 q. ●. Insula deser●a aut inculta. Chersonesus: such are the golden Chersonesus; the Cimbricke, the Dacike, the Tauricke, and others. In this place something also is to be added concerning the Sea: one Sea is called the i This Sea some Writers call Mare magnum, others Mare internum● Eustathius calls it Mare Hesper●um; and because of France Spain, Germany, Britain, &c. it is toward the East, the Spaniards call it Mar de Levant. 1. The East Sea, although in holy Scripture it be called Mare Occidentale, as being West from Jerusalem. Mediterranean, the other the k The Ocean is so called from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 1. velox as Solinus affirmeth, and hath been called Mare Atlanticum, or the Atlantic Sea: as it is evident in Tully's Somnium Scip. where it is said, that every Country that is inhabited, is compassed about with the Atlantic Sea, which we call the Ocean. Ocean. The Ocean, which the holy Scripture doth call the gathering together of the waters, doth exceed all the other Seas in bigness and largeness, and is spread abroad through the whole earth, and wand'ring with a winding course by divers coasts of the world, and by the Shores, Isles and Promontories of several Nations, it changeth its name with those places As in one place it is called the Western Ocean, in other places the Eastern, Aethiopian, Spanish, Atlantic, Scythian, French, British, German, Northern, and Frozen, and elsewhere by modern observation it is called Mare del Sur, or the peaceable Sea, the Archipelagus of Lazarus, the Indian Sea, Lantchidol. There are many Bays belonging to it, as the Arabian, the Persian, the Gangeticke, the Great, the Sarmatic, the Mexican, and the Vermillion. There are two famous Straitss of the Ocean, the one of l This Straight is by divers diversely called, sometime Fretum Herculeum: Pliny lib. 3. cap. 5. calleth it Fretum Gaditanum: Avienus, Herculis viam; and Herma, Strabo, Fretum columnarum; Livy, Fretum Oceans: Florus, Ostium Oceani; Ausonius, Fretum Iberum, &c. Gibraltar, the other of m This Straight deriveth its name from one Magellanus a Spaniard, who first discovered it about the year of our Lord 1520. Magellan, to which may be added Ania, which lieth between the farthest Western parts of America, and the Eastern parts of Tartary. The Mediterranean Sea divideth Africa from Europe, and hath divers names according to the situation of divers Countries. As the Iberian, the Balearick, the French, the Tuscan, the Sicilian, the Adriatic, the Ionian, Cretian, Egyptian, Pamphilian, Syrian, Aegean, Myrtian, Icarian, and the Sea of Propontis. Concerning the motion of the Sea, which they call the Tide, seeing it is a matter most worthy of admiration, we are to speak something of it in this place. The Tide is said to be a motion of the Sea, whereby it floweth upward, & having finished his course, ebbeth back again. As there is one cause thereof so there are many events and effects concerning it. For in some places there is little or no Tide at all. On the Northern Coast of the Pacificke Sea, there is none. In the Tuscan, Tyrrhene, and Narbonian Sea, in the Celtiberian Sea at Barchino, and in the Mexican at Cuba, with the neighbouring Islands there is none at all. But elsewhere it is great; as at Bengala in the Indieses near to Ganges, in the Gothicke, German, British, and Portugal Ocean, and so great in the Erythraean, that the despisers of holy Scriptures have feigned, that Moses used to pass over on dry-land by the opportunity of the Ebb, which could not be, because even to Sues, which lieth backward, the Sea covereth that Shore; neither going backward doth it leave it so naked as that by its ebbing it should discover the lower parts, over which the Hebrews passed. The Tides in the Ocean are always greater than those in Bays, yet are they more discerned about the shores, then in the deep. But concerning them we will speak more in another place. The commodities of the Sea. The Sea is not altogether barren, but bringeth forth Fish, Plants, and precious stones, and it is to be noted how Nature, with Dedalus cunning, hath represented in the Sea all the chiefest things which are seen either on the Earth, or in the Air. I let pass the Sea-Elephants, the Sea-Hogges, the Torteises, Dog-fish, Sea-calves, Sea-horses: I omit the Falcons and Sea-swallowes, seeing Nature hath expressed even man himself, in the Mairman, in the Siren, and Nereids: and also in the Monkefish: as for the Coral, the Pearls, the Amber, Gum, Sponges, and infinite other things. Whom do they not worthily draw into the admiration and adoration of God's power? But of this we have spoken sufficiently. Let us come now to the distribution of the Globe of the Earth. The Ancients have divided the Globe of the Earth sometimes into two parts, sometimes into three: the division into three parts, Europe, Asia, Africa, or Libya, is most famous among the Ancients, to whom the new World was not yet known. But America being found, our age hath added that for the fourth part. Our Mercator doth distinguish this Globe of the Earth into three Continents: he calleth that the first, which the Ancients divided into three parts, the second that which we now call America: the third, the Southern, or Magellanicke land. But we will divide the whole Globe into five parts, Europe, Africa, Asia, America, and the Southern Land. EUROPE. EUROPE, though it be lest of all, yet with the chief Delineators of the terrestrial Globe, we will describe it in the first place, either for the excellency of the soil, or the company of the inhabitants, or in regard of their famous acts, who have hitherto possessed it. Pliny calleth it the Nurse of a People conquering all Nations, and the most beautiful part of the Earth: beside, though other parts be greater, and larger, yet they are less inhabited; and therefore for these and other causes we may justly begin first with Europe, which was the most noble inheritance of n And therefore by some called japetia. Europe, whence so called. japhet (who being Noah's eldest son enlarged his Territories even to the Land of his brethren, Sem and Cham) so much concerning the order: in the next place we must show the Etymology of the name. Herodotus noteth, that the original of this name was not known: some say it was called so from one Europa a o Whence also called Tyria. vid. Herod. l. 4. Tyrian, the daughter of Agenor King of the Phoenicians, of whom it is an ancient p Vid. Ovid. l. 3. Metamorph. fable, the Jupiter having transformed himself into a Bull, and having set her on his back, carried her from Sydon into Crete, or Cyprus. Others rejecting fables, do think she was carried away in a ship built in the form of a Bull: Others say it was a ship which had the protection of jupiter, and the image of a Bull upon it. Palephatus of Crete writeth, that it was a ship called the Bull, which brought away from the Tyrian Country, Europa the King's daughter as captive, with other maids: Some do suppose that it was a military Legion, which among other Ensigns had one Standard with the figure of a Bull in it. Some say it was so called in regard of the beauty of this Region which may be compared to a Virgin, carried away for the love of her beauty. And some (not unlikely) have said, that it was called so from Europus, who, as it is left to memory, had heretofore a Kingdom in this part of the World. Becanus, being unwilling to be persuaded that Europe hath a Greek name, seeing the Cimmerians did inhabit it before the Greeks', & the former had a different Language from the latter, thinketh that it was so called from the excellency of the people. For the monasyllable q Heylin in his Geography. pag. 29. derides this derivation with O the wit of man! VER, being pronounced by the diphthong, signifies some great and excellent thing; and HOP, doth denote a multitude of men. The Asiaticans do generally at this day call the Europeans Frankimen: the Turks call those of the Romish Religion Franki, and those Romei who are addicted to the Greek Religion. The Abyssines in Africa, which diverse Records do testify, do call us Alfrangues, and the Christians Country Frankia. So much for the Name: the Situation and Quantity follows: concerning which it is to be held, that Ptolemy, and other Ancient Writers did place Europe between the 4. & 9 Climes, between the 11. and 21. Parallels: between the Degrees of r Latitude is the distance of a place, North or South from the Aequator or middle of the World. Latitude 36. and 54. and of s Longitude is the distance of any place, East and West, from the chief Meridian, and is measured by the Degrees of the Aequator. Modern Geographers place the first Meridian, not as the Ancients in the Canaries, or Fortunate Lands, but in the Island of S. Michael, one of the 9 Azores in the Atlantic Sea. Longitude 17. and 61. but in our age, seeing the Declination of the Sun, as it is observed, is changed, and many places are added to this our Europe, for they have now discovered to the 72. Degrees of Latitude map of Europe EUROPE. toward the North; a further description of Climes and Parallels hath been devised, so that Europe is situated between the 4th and 18th t A Clime is a space of the Earth comprehended between three Parallels, lesser innominate Circles which compass the Earth from East to West. Climes serve to distinguish the length of days in all places; in the first 24. from the Aequator, both North and South, every one lengthens the day half an hour, afterward they increase by Weeks and Months, till it comes to the length of half a year. Climates; and between the Parallels 11. and 36. Lastly, between the degrees of Latitude 36. and 72. but almost between the degrees of Longitude 17. & 71. If it be considered from the Promontory of Spain, which is called at this day Cabo S. Vincentij, even to a right line drawn from the head of the River Tanais to the Northern Ocean: but the shortest Longitude is between the 17th and 58. degrees, counting it from the same Promontory of Spain, even to Malea a Promontory of Peloponesus, and excluding the Islands of the Aegean Sea, which may be reckoned as part of Europe: so that the most Southern parts of Europe are in the 36. degree of Latitude, as the Mountain Calpe in Spain, one of Hercules Pillars, the Southern Promontory of Sicily, heretofore called Odyssia, and the head of Peloponnesus, or Morea, anciently Taenaria, and now Cabo Maini: in which places the longest day is 14. hours, and 30. minutes. But the most Northern limits of it are in the 71 degree and a half, as the Promontory of Scandia, the farthest Land Northward, now called Wardhuys, where the longest day is 2. months, 22. days, and 7. hours. Moreover, we make accounted that a line drawn strait forward from the head of Tanais to the Northern Ocean is the Eastern limit of Europe, following the common account. For ancient Writers do not agreed concerning the Eastern bounds of Europe. Aristotle, Plato, Herodotus, and others who are of their opinion, do divide Europe from Asia by the River or Isthmus of Phasis, which is between the Euxine and Caspian Sea. Dionysius, Arrianus, Diodorus, Polybius, jornandes, do divide it by the River Tanais. Abraham u See Ortelius in his Theatrum orbis terraram. Ortelius makes the bounds of Europe toward the East to be the Aegean Sea, the Euxine Sea, the Maeoticke Lake, the River Tanais, and the Isthmus which lieth strait forward from the head Spring's thereof towards the North; and others make other bounds. Ptolomaeus doth part Europe from Asia, by the same River of Tanais, and a line drawn from the head thereof toward the Northern Sea. Now (we subscribing unto him with other most skilful Geographers, and descending from the Line and River of Tanais towards the South) let us with other's place the Eastern bounds thereof in the Maeoticke Lake, the Cimmerian Bosphorus, the Euxine Sea, the Thracian Bosphorus, the Propontis, and the Aegean Sea even to the Mediterranean Sea, which parts it from Afrique Southward: on the West, the great and wide Ocean beats upon it. Lastly, on the North it is encompassed with the Northern Sea. Strabo doth attribute to it the form of a Dragon, of which Spain doth represent the head, France the neck, Germany the body, Italy and the Cimbrian Chersonesus the right and left wings. The temperateness of the Air. For the most part it enjoys a temperate Air, and mild Wether. Whence Europe is every where inhabited, although very incommodiously and hardly in those places which are beyond the 60th degree of Latitude, in regard of cold. And it doth not only fare excel the other parts of the World in the wonderful temperateness of the Climate, temper, pleasantness, and great company of the inhabitants; The fertility of the Soil. but also in the abundance of Fruits, Trees, Plants, all kind of living Creatures, Metals; and in the plenty of all other things which are necessary to sustain man's life. Yet it hath not vines everywhere, but where wine is wanting it supplies the defect thereof with drink made of first-fruits. The government of the Ancients, and their successors. This (for here I cannot refrain from praising it) is the mother of the Conquerors of the World. Here Macedon did heretofore bring forth Alexander, Italy the Romans: who in a certain succession (God in his Eternal Providence so decreeing) did conquer the whole World, so fare as it was known: and Germany doth at this day bring forth Princes of great Prowess. Have not here been borne many noble Heroes, which have added to their Empire America unknown (as the most do suppose) to the Ancients, and the better and stronger parts of Asia, and Africa? Is it not the only mother of many Kings and Princes fight in Christ's cause? This our w See Ortelius in his book before cited. Europe, besides the Roman Empire, hath above eight and twenty Kingdoms instructed in Christian Religion, if we add the fourteen, which Damianus à Goes reckons to be in Spain, whence we may estimate the dignity of this Country: what shall I speak of the populousness, and renown of the cities thereof. Heretofore Africa hath been proud of her Carthage, Asia hath been puffed up with her three Cities, Babylon, Niniveh and Jerusalem. America doth glory at this day in Cusco, and new Spain in Mexico: but who seethe not in these times the like and greater, almost in every Country of Europe? Let any one in his mind only walk over Italy (for this doth afford an example of all the rest) the sumptuous magnificence of Rome, the Royal wealth of Venice, the honourable Nobility of Naples, the continual commerce and traffic of Genoa, the happy and fertile pleasantness of Milan, and the famous wonders, and commodities of other places. So that the other parts of the World may be silent, for none are equal to Europe. The Countries in it (as they are now called) are Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Hungary, Transilvania, Dalmatia, Greece, Poland, Lithuania, Moscovie, Russia, Denmark, Swethland, Norway: besides the Isles in the Northern Ocean, which are, England, Scotland, Ireland, Island, Friesland, and others in other places; and those in the Mediterranean Sea, as the Baleares, which are two Isles in the Spanish Sea called Majorica and Minorica, also Corsica, Sardinia, Sicilia, The Lakes and Rivers. with the Isles of Malta, Corfu, Crete, and many others. And as for the Lakes, standing Pools, Rivers, and Waters having divers virtues in them, which (beside their fish, whereof they yield an incredible company) are as it were a wall unto Countries, who can number them? What should I mention the Seas? The Seas. it would be tedious in this place to reckon up their commodities, profits, and delights, these things shall therefore be unfolded in their proper places. Europe doth not want Mountains, among which the Pirenean hills, and the Alps, are always white with continual snow, The public & private works: The Laws & Institutions. and it hath many woods and forests, which afford pasturage for cattles, and have few harmful beasts in them. What should I speak of the private or public works, both sacred and profane that are in this part of the World? Here are innumerable magnificent Temples, innumerable Abbeys, many famous Palaces of Kings, innumerable fair and magnificent houses belonging to Noblemen and Princes: and many rare buildings, both public and private. We have here Justice and Laws: we have the dignity of x It is observable that there is no part of Europe, whether Continent or Island, that hath not long since been Christened. Christian Religion, we have all the delights of mankind, The company of Senators. we have the strength of Arms, innumerable Senators, Men venerable both for Wisdom and Learning: and if you please to compare famous men together, there was never so great a company of Heroes, and Noble men in other parts of the World, as in any one part of Europe. Besides, this part of the World is so studious of Arts and Sciences, that for the invention and preservation of many things, it may worthily be called, The Universities the Mother and Nurse of Wisdom. In this are many excellent and flourishing y Who number it no less than 78. Universities, but in other Countries there is nothing but mere Barbarism. It would be too much to reckon up the virtues of the Inhabitants; but as for the vices (as who is without some?) they are noted in some short sayings, which I will here add: The people of Franconia are foolish, rude, and vehement. The Bavarians are prodigal, gluttons, and railers. The Grisons are light, talkative, and bragger's. The manners of the people. The Turingi are distrustful and contentious. The Saxons dissemblers, crafty, self-willed. The Low-country-men are horsemen, delicate, and tender. The Italians proud, desirous of revenge, and witty. The Spaniards haughty, wise, covetous. The French eloquent, intemperate, and rash. The People of Denmark and Holsteine, are great of stature, seditious, and dreadful. The Sarmatians great eaters, proud, and stealers. The Bohemians inhuman, new-fangled and robbers. The Illyrians unconstant, envious, seditious. The Pannonians cruel, and superstitious. The Greeks' miserable. And there is another saying no less pleasant. A Bridge in Poland, a Monk of Bohemia, a Knight of the South, a Nun of Suevia, the Devotion of Italy, the Religion of Prutenicks, the Fasts of Germane, and the Constancy of Frenchmen are nothing worth. AFRICA. AFRICA follows: which was so called, if we believe Nisias, from Afer a companion of Hercules, who accompanied him even as fare as Calis. But if we trust josephus, and Isidorus, The name by whom & why given. from one of the posterity of Abraham, whose name was Afer: or (as Festus doth suppose) from the Greek word z And a pr●vativum. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which signifies cold, for it is free from cold, because the most part of it is situated between the a The Tropics are two, nominate Circles that be Parallel to the Aequator, from which the Northern Tropic, called the Tropic of Cancer, is distant 23. degrees ⅔ and the Southern, called the Tropic of Capricorn, as much. Tropics. The Arabians do call it Fricchia, from the word Farruca, which with them signifies to divide: for Africa is almost divided from the other parts of the Earth. Or else it was so called from Ifricus a King of Arabia Foelix, who (they report) did first inhabit this Country. The Greeks' call it Libya either from Libya the daughter of Epathus, or from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which signifies stony, or because Libs or the Southwest-wind bloweth from thence. In the Scriptures it is called Chamesia; the Arabians, and Aethiopians do call it Alkebula, and the Indian's Besechath. The c So styled because when the Sun is under that Equinoctial Circle in the Heaven, which answers to this on the Earth, the days and nights be of one length. Equinoctial Circle doth almost cut the middle part of Africa. The b So called, from Cham the son of Noah, who inhabited this Country, See Psal 105.23. map of Africa AFRICA. Tropics pass not beyond it, The Situation. either Northward or Southward, but it is stretched out beyond either of them ten degrees and more. It is bounded towards the North, with the Mediterranean Sea, and the Straitss of Hercules; towards the East with the Arabian Bay, or the Erythraean Sea, and with the Isthmus which is between the Mediterranean Sea and the Arabian Bay; to the South it is washed with the Aethiopian Ocean: and on the West with the Atlantic. It hath the form of a Peninsula, which is joined to Asia by the Isthmus above mentioned. And though the length thereof which lieth from West to East, is shorter than the length of Europe; yet the length thereof from the North, toward the d (i) Habassia, or the higher Aethiopia. South is such, as Europe can hardly be compared with it: for it taketh up almost 70 degrees, but Europe scarce 35. Beside, Europe is full of windings, but Africa is uniform and continued. Europe (as I said before in the description thereof) is every where inhabited; but this is full of Deserts and inhabitable places. That was formerly known, but not this: where it is inhabited, The fertility. Africa doth excel in fruitfulness. But for the most part, it is not inhabited, but full of barren Sands, and Deserts, and troubled with many kinds of living Creatures. It is reported that the fruitfulness of the fields is very wonderful, and doth give the tilers such a harvest, as doth requited the labour with a hundred-fold increase for that which is sown. That is wonderful which is spoken of the fertility of Mauritania: viz. that there are Vines which two men cannot fathom about, and bunches of Grapes a cubit long. There are very high trees near to the Mountain Atlas, plain and smooth without knots, and leaved like the Cypress tree. Africa doth bring forth Elephants and Dragons, which lie in wait for beasts, and kill them with winding about them: beside, it hath a great number of Lions, Buffs, or wild Oxen, Leopard's, wild Goats, and Apes. Herodotus reporteth, that Asses with horns bred here, besides Dragons, Hyenaes', rough Wolves, begotten of the Wolf and Hyena, Panthers and Ostriches, and besides many kinds of Serpents, as Asps, & Crocodiles, to which nature hath made the e Or Rat of India, who stealeth into the Crocodiles mouth when he gapeth and eating his bowels killeth him. Ichneumon an enemy, &c. But, as the same Author witnesseth, there is neither Stag nor Boar in it. Africa bringeth forth the Basilisk: and although many things are thought to be fabulous which are reported of him; Yet it is certain that Leo being Pope, there was a Basilisk which infected Rome with a great plague by his noisome breath. There are also diverse kinds of f Hence came the old proverb, Africa semper aliquid apportat monstri. Monsters, whose diversity and multitude they ascribe to the want of water, whereby the wild beasts are enforced to come together at a few Rivers and Springs. The Romans divided Africa into six Provinces. The Proconsularie Province, wherein was Carthage; Numidia, under the jurisdictin of a Consul; Bizacchius, Tripolitana, Mauritania Caesariensis, and Mauritania Sitiphensis. The Division. Ptolemy in the beginning of his fourth Book doth reckon twelve Provinces or Countries, Mauritania Tingitana, Mauritania Caesariensis, Numidia, Africa properly so called, Cyrenaica or Pentapolis, (for so Ptolemy calls it) Marmarica, Lybia properly so called, the Higher and Lower Egypt, the Innermost Lybia, Aethiopia under Egypt, & the Innermost Aethiopia. Leo Africanus doth divide all Afrique into four parts, Barbary, Numidia, Lybia, and the Country of Blackamoors. But in this Leo is deceived, because he hath not made the Read Sea the bound of Africa, but Nilus; whereby it comes to pass that he joins Egypt and the Eastern part to Asia. Let us therefore, besides those four parts reckoned up of Leo, place in Africa, Egypt, the Higher Aethiopia, the Lower and outermost Aethiopia, and the Islands. Egypt is stretched forth in a long tract of Land, from the South unto the North. The bounds thereof, on the West side are the Deserts of Barca, Lybia and Numidia beyond Nilus, together with the Kingdom of Nubia. On the South it is bounded with the Country of Bugia and Nilus, where it runneth a little from the West Eastward. On the Eastside there are the Deserts of Arabia, which lie between Egypt and the Read Sea; and on the North side it is enclosed with the Mediterranean Sea; Other things concerning Egypt we will unfold in the particular Description thereof. At this day they call all that part of Africa, which reacheth from Egypt to the Straitss of Gibraltar, and is included with the Mediterranean Sea and the Mountain Atlas, Barbaria: and it contains the Kingdoms of Morocco, Fez, Tremisen, Tunis, and Barca, of which we will speak more largely in the Description of Barbary. At this time it shall be sufficient to show the Reader the division and bounds thereof. The Kingdom therefore of Morocco is divided into these Provinces, Hea, Susa, Guzala, the Land of Morocco, Ducala, Hoscora, and Tedletes: it is bounded with the Atlantic Ocean, with the Mountain Atlas itself, and the Kingdom of Fez. The Kingdom of Fez hath on the West the Atlantic Sea, on the North the Straitss of Hercules, on the East the River Mulvia, on the South the Kingdom of Morocco. The Countries therein are Temesna, the Territory of Fez, Asgara, Elhabata, Errifa, Garetum and Elchausum. The Kingdom of Tremison, is bounded on the South with the Desert of Numidia, on the East with the great River, on the North with the Mediterranean Sea. The Kingdom of Tunis doth contain the whole tract of Land from the great River, to the River of the Country of Mestata. The Countries thereof are five, Bugia, Constantina, the Territory of Tunis, Tripoli, and Ezzaba, g Barcha now called, but that it was anciently called Barca is evident out of Virgil, when he saith, Laté●ne furentes Bar●ai. Barca, or Barcha is stretched forth from the borders of Mestata to the confines of Egypt. Numidia is called at this day Biledulgerid; the bounds thereof are the Atlantic Sea on the West side, the Mountain Atlas on the North, the confines of Egypt on the East, the Deserts of Libya on the South. The Regions thereof are Tesset, Tegelmessa, Sebastian, Biledulgerid, Dara and Fezzen. Lybia was called by the Ancients Sarra, because it is a Desert. It beginneth from the Kingdom of Gagoa near Nilus, and is extended toward the West, even to the Kingdom of Gualata, which lieth near to the Atlantic Sea, on the North the Kingdom of Numidia doth border on it, on the South the Kingdom of the Nigritans or Blackmoores. The Nigritans are so called either from the black colour of the inhabitants, or from the black river which glideth through their Country. They have on the East the Confines, or the Borders of Nilus, on the West the Western Ocean, on the South partly the Aethiopian Sea, and partly the Kingdom of Manicongus; but on the North the deserts of Libya. The Kingdoms thereof are five and twenty, namely, Galata, Gumea, Melli, Tombutum, Gago, Guber, Agadez, Canon, Caseva, Zegzeg, Zanfara, Gunangara, Bornum, Goago, Nubia, Biro, Temiamo, Dauma, Medra, Gora, the Territory of Anterot, the Territory of Giolosa, the Coast of Guinea, the Territory of Meligens, and the Kingdom of Benin. The Abyssines do inhabit the higher or innermost Aethiopia, whose Prince is called h Abusively so called, but rightly Pressed johan or Gyam, which in the Aethiopian tongue signifies Great or Mighty Prince. Prester john. His Country is large, & doth almost touch either Tropic, and it is extended between the Aethiopian and the i So called from the redness of the sands. Read Season the North it hath the people of Nubia and Bugia that borders on Egypt; on the East the Read Sea; on the South the Mountains of the Moon, on the West the Kingdom of Manicongus, the River Niger, the Kingdom of Nubia, & the River Nilus. These Kingdoms are subject to him, Barnagnes, Tigremaum, Tigraim, in which is the City Caxumo, Angote, Amara, Xoa, Goyami, Bagamedrum, Gueguere, Fatiagar, Damar, Dancali, and Dobas. The lower or outermost Aethiopia is the Southern part of Africa, unknown unto Ptolemy. The beginning thereof on the East side is above the River Zaire not fare from the Equinoctial, and it doth contain all the littorall part of Africa, and beyond the Equinoctial, even to the Straitss of Arabia. The Regions thereof are five, first the Country of Ajana, in which are the Kingdoms Deal, and Adea Magaduzzum. Secondly, the Country of Zanguibara, the Kingdoms whereof are, Melinda, Mombazza, Quiloa, Mozambique, Manoemuci, Cephala, Manomotapa, Torra, and Butua; the Kingdom of Cafria, and Manicong, in which there are six Provinces, Sunde, Pango, Songo, Bamba, Barra & Pemba, to which are added the Kingdoms of Angola, Loangi, & Anzichi. There are some very great Lakes in Africa, which seem rather to be Seas, than Lakes, of which the chiefest is Zembre, which is fifty miles in compass, & out of it there flow the Rivers, Nilus, Zaire, and Cuama. Besides, this part of the World hath great Rivers, as Nilus, Niger, Senaga, Cambra, Zaire, Cuama, & the River called the River of the Holy Ghost, all which by their overflowing do wonderfully water it, & make it fruitful. It hath many great mountains, The Lakes. Rivers. Mountains. amongst which the chief is k So called from Atlas, in times past a K. of the Moors, whom the Poets fain to have been Metamorphosed into this Mountain: this hill is now called Anchisa: the inhabitants that devil about it name it Adiris; Solinus, Darius; others call it Astrixis, or Astre●xis. but Dioscorides calleth it Tmolus. Atlas, who rising out of the vast sands lifteth up his high head above the clouds, so that the top thereof cannot be seen. The inhabitants call it the Pillar of Heaven. It beginneth from the West, where it gives the name to the Atlantic Sea, and from thence by a continued winding ridge it extendeth itself towards the East: towards the borders of Egypt it is round, rugged, steep, and unpassable by reason of steep rocks; also woody, and watered with the breaking forth of springs. The top of this Mountain is covered even in the Summer with deep snow: yea sometime the back thereof (if the North wind be sharp) is covered with a snow deeper than the highest tree, whereby both men and cattles do perish. There is another very high mountain called l This Mountain is called by Ptolemy, Pliny, and others, Deorum cursus. Sierra Liona, whose top is always hid with clouds, from whence a terrible noise is heard at Sea, so that it is called the Mountain of Lions. The Mountains also of the Moon, much renowned by the Ancients, are here placed under the Tropic of Capricorn: they are very rugged, of an incredible height, and inhabited by wild people; and near them there are such low and deep valleys, that it may seem that the Centre of the Earth is there. Lastly, there are the Mountain's Gantaberes in the Kingdom of Angola, very rich in silver mines, and other which we will mention in our particular Descriptions. The chief Islands about Africa are these. In the Atlantic Ocean, there is the Isle called, Portus Sancti, or the Isle of the Holy Port: Madera, the Canary Islands, and Caput Viride, or the Green Cape. The Isle of the Holy Port was so called from the discoverers, who having sailed thither with much danger and difficulty, would have this place so called in memory thereof. The compass of it is about fifteen miles. Madera took his name from the great plenty of trees that grew here. The circuit of it is about an hundred and forty miles. The Canaries were so called from the multitude of dogs that were found there: they were called by the Ancients, the m So named either from their fruitfulness or goodness of A●e as Stephanus thinketh: Fortunate Islands. Pliny doth mention six: Ombrio, Innonia the greater, and lesser, Capraria, Navaria, and Canaria. Ptolemy calls them Aprosuum, Hera, or Autolala, Pluitalia, Casperias', Canaria and Centuria, and doth place them all almost in a right Line towards the North. Cadamustus maketh ten, seven tilled, three desert: the names of those that are manured are the Islands of Fracta Lancea, Magna Sors, Grand-Canarea, Teneriffa, Gomera, Palma, and Ferro. Cape Verde, or the green Cape is planted with green Trees, and from hence it hath that name. The Isles thereof toward the West, do lie in the midst of the Ocean: as the Islands of S. Anthony, S. Vincent, S. Lucia, S. Nicholas, the Island of Salt, Bonavista, Maggio or May, Saint james, and the Island called Insula del fuego. In the Aethiopian Ocean are the Islands, called Insula Principis and Saint Thomas his Island. Behind the Promontory called Caput Bonae spei, or the Cape of good Hope, there are other Islands, but none inhabited except the Island of Saint Laurence. ASIA. The name by whom & why given. ASIA succeeds Africa in my division. This name was allotted it from the Nymph n Daughter to Oceanus and Tethis. Asia (as Varro witnesseth) of whom and japetus Prometheus was borne: Others say it was so called either of Asius the son of Atys, or from Asius the Philosopher, who gave the Palladium of Troy to the custody of the City, for which, that they might gratify him, his whole dominions (which before was called Epirus) they called Asia. And from hence afterward, as from the more noble part, all the whole tract of Land began to be called o Ovid. lib. 9 Metamorph. calleth it Asis. Asia. Moreover, as Lybia doth both signify a third part of the World, and a part of this part: So it is observed, that Asia doth signify both the whole Continent, and that part which is hemmed in with the Mountain Taurus, wherein do devil the Lydians, the Carians, the Lycaonians, Paphlagonians, jonians, Aeolians, and others; which part, for distinction sake, is commonly called Asia the Less: the Turks call it p From the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which signifieth the East, because it lieth Eastward of Asia the Great. Anatolia. There is saith Varro, Lib. 4. an Asia which is distinguished from Europe, in which is Syria: and there is an Asia which is called the former part of Asia, in which is jonia, and our Province. But all Asia is called in the Holy Scriptures q From Sem the son of Noah. Semia. It is almost wholly situated in the Northern part of the World from the Equinoctial Circle, to the 80th degree of Northern Latitude, except some Lands pertaining to Asia, some whereof are stretched out beyond the Aequator Southward. The Situation. Hence arises a great difference through all Asia, in the length of the artificial days. For in the last Parallel, which is drawn not fare from the Equinoctial, the longest day is almost twelve hours. About the middle of Asia, the longest day is fifteen hours, and in the most Northern Parallel their light continually endureth almost for four whole Months in Summer. According to the Longitude, Asia is stretched forth from the Meridian of 52. degrees, even to the Meridian of 196. according to some: but if we follow the description of Mercator, the most Western Meridian thereof passeth through the 57th degree near to the furthest Western part of Asia the Less; and the most Eastern Meridian through the 178th degree. On the North it hath the Scythian Sea, on the South the Indian, on the East the Eastern Sea, on the West the Bay of Arabia, or the read Sea; the Mediterranean and Euxine Seas. And as in the higher part it cleaveth to Europe, so in the Southern part it is joined to Africa by an Isthmus: yet Pliny and Strabo with some others do stretch out Asia even to Nilus, The temperateness of the Air. and do reckon all Egypt to Asia. In Asia the face of the sky is both pleasant and wholesome, the Air mild and temperate. Yet all Asia doth not feel this temperateness: for the right hand and left hand parts thereof are exceeding hot and cold. The pleasantness of this Country is so great, that it become a Proverb: All the Land is so renowned both for the fertility of the fields, The fertility of the Soil. the variety of first-fruits, and large pasturing of cattles, and for the abundant plenty of those things map of Asia ASIA. which are exported, that it doth easily excel all other Countries. Here is wonderful plenty of Fruits, Spices, and Metals. Hence we receive Balsam, sweet Canes, Frankincense, Myrrh, Cassia, Cinnamon, Gariophylus, Pepper, Saffron, sweet Woods, Rozine, Musk, and all kind of precious stones. Here we may behold many different sorts of living Creatures. The various kinds of living Creatures. For it bringeth forth a number of Elephants, Camels, and many other living Creatures both tame and wild: we may here also admire the wits, riches, and power of the Inhabitants. Here Man was first created by God; here was the first Seat of the Church of God; here Arts were first invented; here were Laws first made; here the Doctrine of the Gospel first granted to miserable mortal men, with the hope of Salvation through Jesus Christ the Son of God. Here the confusion of Languages was sent down amongst men, in the destruction of the Tower of Babel. The government of the Ancients. Here first Dominion over inferiors began. Here Nimrod began to reign, of whom we read in r Gap. 10. vers. 8.9.10. Genesis. But the first Monarches of the whole Country of Asia were the Assyrians, the last whereof was Sardanapalus, a man given to wantonness, and effeminate softness, who being found by s See justin. lib. 1. and Diodorus Siculus. lib. 2. cap. 7. Arbactus amongst a crew of whores, and not long after being overcome by him in battle, he made a great fire, and cast himself and his riches thereinto. Afterwards the Empire came to the Persians': Among whom t Whom junius saith, the Scripture calls Abasuerus. Esther 1.4. Xerxes the son of u This is meant of Darius the son of Histaspis. Darius did maintain a war, begun by his father, five years against Greece, and he brought out of Asia into Europe an army of ten hundred thousand men, and passed them over a bridge which he built over Hellespont: he came also accompanied with w Herodotus reckons all his forces by Sea and Land to be 2641610 men, besides Concubines, Eunuches, women bakers, & other officers an infinite company. ten hundred thousand ships, but with a vain endeavour; for he that durst threaten God, insult over the Sea, put fetters upon Neptune, darken the Heavens, level Mountains, and shake the whole World, was fain, his army being put to flight, to pass over the narrow Sea in a fisher-boate, the Bridge being broken by the tempests of Winter. Darius was the last Persian Emperor, whose being conquered & overcome by Alexander, made way to the Monarchy of the Macedonians, for Alexander did first translate it out of Asia into Europe. All Asia, according to the several government thereof, may thus be divided. The first part is under the Turks command, the original whereof is from Mahomet, and is a large Territory. The Duke of Moscovia doth possess a second part, enclosed with the frozen Sea, the River Oby, the Lake Kitaia, and a Line drawn thence to the Caspian Sea, and to the Isthmus which is between this Sea and Pontus. The Great Cham Emperor of Tartary doth possess the third part, whose borders on the South are, the Caspian Sea, the River jaxartes, and the Mountain Imaus; on the East and North the Ocean: on the West the Kingdom of Moscovia. The King of Persia, called the Sophy, hath the fourth. This hath on the West side the Turk; on the North the Tartarian; on the South it is washed with the Read Sea, but on the East with the River Indus. The fift part doth contain India, both on this side and beyond Ganges; which is not governed by one alone, but by many Rulers, for every Country thereof hath almost a several Prince, some whereof be tributary to the great Cham. The sixth part containeth the large Kingdom of China. The seaventh containeth all the Islands scattered up and down in the Indian and Eastern Sea. Among which are Tabrobana and Zetlan, the two javae found out not long since by the portugals, Borneo, Celebes, Palohan, Mindanao, Gilolo, with the spice bearing Moluccoes, also japan, with Nova Guinea lastly found out; concerning which it is not yet known whether it be an Island, or joined to the Southern Continent. But the Ancients, as Strabo and Arrianus, have made many divisions of it. Ptolemy doth divide it into 47. Countries and Provinces, the description whereof he delivers in his fift, sixth, and seaventh Books of Geographic, and doth set them forth in twelve Tables. It hath three Cities famous through the whole World, Babylon, Niniveh, The Cities. and jerusalem. It hath great Lakes full of fish, Lakes. and the Caspian Sea in manner of a Lake, which never cometh to the Ocean. Also many Rivers, Rivers. among which the chiefest are Tigris, Euphrates, which Moses mentioneth in Genesis, jordane, Indus, Ganges, &c. Mountains. Here are also great and wonderful Mountains, among which is the Mountain x Eustathi●● affirmeth that this Mountain was so called by the reason of its magnitude, for, saith he, among the Ancients all great & strong things were called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and as it is called Taurus, & many other names by humane Writers: so the Scripture calleth it Ararath, if we shall believe Arias Montanus and Becanus. Taurus, which coming from the Eastern shore, divides all Asia; on the right hand where it first riseth from the Indian Sea, it beareth Northwards: on the left hand, it is Southern and bending toward the West, until the Seas meet with it: as here the Phaenician, & the Pontic. There the Caspian and Hyrcanian Seas, together with the Meoticke Lake; as if Nature on purpose had opposed it: But though this Mountain be shut as it were between these bounds, yet with many windings it runneth forth even as far as the neighbouring Cliffs of the Rhiphaean Mountains, being famous wheresoever it goeth; and known by many new names. At first it is called Imaus, and by Emodus, Paropanisius, Circius, Chambades, Pharphariades, Croates, Oreges, Oroandes, Niphates, and Taurus: where it doth as it were exceed itself Caucasus, where it spreadeth its arms as if it would embrace the Sea, Sarpedon, Coracesius, and Cragus, and again Taurus. But where it openeth itself, it taketh its name from the Havens, which are sometimes called the Armenian, elsewhere the Caspian, and Cilician. The breadth of it in most places is three thousand furlongs, which is 5625. Italian y Heylin saith, that reckoning its several bend in & out, it is 6250. miles long, & 375. miles broad p. 519. The public works. miles: that is, from the Coast of Rhodes, even to the farthest bounds of China and Tartary. But of these things enough. I pass now to the public works, which have been heretofore very stately and magnificent, and worthy to be numbered among the seven Miracles of the World. Among them the first were the walls of Babylon, which z See justin. Hist. lib. 1. Semiramis built, or at lest did repair being ruinated, with bricks joined and laid in a pitchy kind of mortar, they were two hundred foot high and fifty broad, so that Chariots might meet thereon; they had three hundred Towers, and should have had more, but that in some parts the Marshes were instead of walls. It is reported that for this so great a work three hundred thousand workmen were employed. Herodotus reporteth, that the walls of Babylon were fifty royal cubits thick, and two hundred high, and round about there were placed in them a hundred brazen Gates. The second was the Temple of Diana of Ephesus, which was built by all Asia in two hundred and twenty years, as Histories do testify: And it was seated in a Moorish place, lest it should be endangered by Earthquakes; And lest they should place the foundation of so great a building upon unfirme ground, they strewed it over with coals trodden down, and on it they laid fleeces of wool. The length of the Temple was 425. feet, the breadth 220. The Pillars in it were an hundred and seven and twenty, all made by several Kings, of which 36. were carved: Ctesiphon was the overseer of the work. There was also a Monument which Artemesia Queen of Caria did erect in memory of her deceased husband, which is to be counted among the wonders of the World; it being 25. Cubits high, and compassed about with thirty Pillars: it was six and thirty foot wide Northward and Southward. Lastly, there was that magnificent Temple, which Solomon began to build in the fourth year of his reign, not unfit to be reckoned with the seven wonders of the World. First of all, a Read 1. King. chap. 5. and 6. thirty thousand men were set to cut trees, as Cedars and Cypress in Lebanon: and there were fourscore thousand stone-cutters. The breadth of the Temple was twenty Cubits, the length sixty, and the height an hundred and twenty. The matter of the nethermost building was of white stone: the largeness of the Porch was ten Cubits, there were twenty secret chambers, passing one into another, and others placed under these. The beams were of Cedar, the roofs of Cedar guilded over, and the walls in like manner: The Sanctuary of the Holy place was distinguished from the body of the Temple with a wall, in which were carved gates, with drawing Curtains enterwoven with many flowers and winding borders: besides two Cherubins of pure gold, the pavement under foot was beset with studs of gold: the gates were twenty Cubits in height, and twelve in compass. There was a brazen vessel of so great a bigness, that it was fitly called the Sea; round about which stood twelve Calves, three together, and looking severally toward the four corners of the World. This vessel did hold three thousand measures containing 72. Sextaries. There were also other figures, which it would be too long to rehearse. There was a brazen Altar of ten foot height, & double as much in length. Also one golden Table, and ten thousand golden Pots and Dishes, &c. But let these things suffice which have been spoken of this part of the Word: I come now to America the fourth part of the World. AMERICA. America, whence so called. WHen Christophorus Columbus had b In the year 1492. found out this fourth part of the World unknown to the Ancients; some call it c But improperly, for the true India is a part of Asia, & deriveth its name from the River Indus, which this Country cannot. India, others for the largeness of it Novus Orbis, or the new World: for it is as great and big as all our World, that is, Europe, Africa, and Asia, being joined together: as it may appear by viewing our general Table. It is called also America from Americus Vesputius a Florentine, who next after Columbus discovered the Eastern part of the Southern America: in which are the Countries of Paria and Brasilia; but it is uncertain when America began first to be inhabited: certain it is, that for many ages it lay unknown; map of America AMERICA. for that which some suppose concerning the Romans, is more easily said then proved, and that fiction is accurately refuted by Gasparus Varrerius. Some suppose that * Venient annis secula seris, quibus oceanus vincula rerum laxet, & ingens pateat tellus, nec sit terris ultima Thule. Seneca by Poetical inspiration did sing some raptures concerning it in his Medea: but it is madness to suppose that these parts in that age were known either to him or any other. Christophorus Columbus of d Born at Nerus in the Country of Genoa. Genoa, after it had been many ages unknown unto us, did first find it out being employed by the King of Castille, after he had learned it out, (as some believe that would detract from the glory of so famous an enterprise) from a certain Spanish Mariner, who had long endured foul weather on the Atlantic Sea; it was performed in the year 1492. After him Americus Vesputius did attempt the same for the King of Portugal, and brought back the reward of his enterprise, because (as we said) the whole Continent is called from his name America. The Situation. The whole Country from the North to the South, is stretched out in the form of two great Peninsulaes', which are joined together by a slender Isthmus: the one of them is called Northern America, the other, Southern America. The Longitude thereof is extended between the Meridional degree 190, and the Meridional degree 67. The term of its Latitude towards the South, is the Straitss of Magellane, that is, under the degree 52. and towards the North, it is not known higher than 67. It hath therefore on the East the Atlantic Sea, which they commonly call Del Nor, on the South, the Southern Land of Magellane, disjoined from it by a narrow Sea flowing between: on the West, Mare Pacificum, or the Peaceable Sea, called Mare Del Zur; and on the North it is doubtful whether there be Land or Sea. The whole compass in sailing round about it, is about 32000 miles, as the most approved think. For it hath been sailed round about, except that Country which lieth Northward, whose coasts are not yet discovered. The whole Country is changeable and full of variety; at first it wanted both Corn and Wine: but instead thereof it bringeth forth e Read Heylin. pag. 770. MatZ, a kind of pulse, for so they call it; as they call Wine Chichia, boats Canoas', their Princes Cacicos. They do not plough the ground to reap, but having digged ●renches of a small depth, they put three or four grains in one of them, and so cover them with earth. The several stalks do bear three or four ears, and every one of the ears do bear three or four hundred grains and more. The stalk of Mayz doth exceed the height of a man, and in some Countries it is gathered twice in a year. They have also another kind of bread, beside that which they make of Maiz, which they call f Or Cassader. Cazabi. This is made of jucca, which is a root of the bigness of a Turnip, which sendeth forth no seed, but certain knotty, hard stalks, clothed with green leaves like Hemp. Those stalks when they are ripe, they cut into pieces of two hands length, which they bury in heaps under the earth; and as often as they would make that kind of bread, they dig up of them as much as they think good, because they will soon be corrupted and grow naught. Moreover, there are two other kinds of roots, the one they call the g Or Potatoes. Battata, the other the Haia, almost alike in shape, but that the Haiae are less and more savoury: they eat the fruit of them within six Months after they are planted, which though they have a kind of sweet taste, yet such as will soon cloy one; beside, they have but little juice, and do procure wind in the stomach. Those Countries have also a great number of trees, which do bring forth wild Grapes. Their Grapes are like Sloes which grow upon thorns and bushes, and are covered with black leaves: but because they are more woody than juicy, therefore the inhabitants do not make wine of them. There are in this Country Trees bearing Olives, but such as are of an unpleasant smell, and of a worse taste: and divers other kinds of first-fruits in great abundance, as those which they call Hovi, Platani, Pineae, Guiavae, Mamei, and Guanavanae; it bringeth forth Sugar, cotton-wool, Hemp, and other things as with us, beside diverse sorts of strange Trees and Herbs. It hath sweet Spices, Pearls and precious stones; it aboundeth with incredible plenty of Gold and Silver, and with other Metals, and Minerals. But it had not when it was discovered, either Oxen, Horses, Mules, Asses, Sheep, Goats, or Dogs. Wherhfore it is no wonder if the inhabitants were strucken with amazement at the first sight of a Horse. Mice were first brought thither by a Ship of Antwerp, which sailed very fare through the Strait of Magellane. Since which time either by the fruitfulness of the Country, or of the Creatures themselves; they are multiplied and increased in so exceeding a manner, that they spoil the first-fruits of their harvest by knawing the herbs and trees. It doth bring to us diverse living Creatures, partly known to us, and partly unknown. Among other things there is found a prodigious Beast, which hath on her belly another belly placed in the likeness of a purse: and as often as she changeth her den, she hides and carries her young ones in that bag. This Creature hath the body and snout of a Fox, the feet and hands of a Monkey, and the ears of a Bat. There is also another kind of Creature (which the inhabitants do call Cascuij) like a black Hog, hairy, hard skinned, having little eyes, broad ears, cloven hooves, armed with a short trunk or snout like an Elephant; and having so terrible a cry or braying, that he makes men deaf: but his flesh is sweet to eat. Here is found a great company of wild Boars, and fierce Tigers; and Lions also, but those very fearful, and such as will run away at the fight of a man. Here are also Peacocks, Pheasants, Partridges, and diverse other kinds of Birds, but fare differing from ours: But of these we will speak more largely in our particular descriptions. All America is divided (as we said before) into two great Peninsulaes', whereof the one, which lieth on this side of the Equinoctial, is called the Northern America; the other the Southern, because the greatest part of it is stretched out beyond the Equinoctial: although some Countries of it are near unto the Aequinoctill. The Northern America is divided into many Regions, as namely, Quivira, Nova Hispania, Nicaragua, jucatan, Florida, Apalchen, Norumbega, Nova Francia, Terra Laboratoris, and Estotilandia. There are many parts of the Southern America, but these are the chiefest which have already been gotten and taken from the Savages: as Castilia aurea, Plopaiana, Peruvia, Chile, and Brasilia: It doth glory especially in two Cities, Cusco and Mexico. Cusco is the Metropolis or chief City of Southern America, which, both for bigness, strength and magnificence, for the invincible fortification of the Castle, and the great company of nobility; for the order and placing of the houses, and for pleasantness of situation, may worthily compare with the fairest Cities of France or Spain. Not common people are admitted into it, but it is the seat of Noble men and great Princes, who in that Country do live in great numbers, partly within the w●●● of the City, and partly in Villages near the City. Here are four especial Palaces of Noble men, who do govern the Commonwealth, which are stately and with great cost built with square carved Marble stone. And all the streets being strait, in many places make the form of a Cross, and through every one a pleasant River runneth in a channel walled on each side with stone. The form of the City is four square, lying sweetly on the side of a hill: on the steep ascent of a Mountain, a wonderful fair Tower doth adorn the City, whose beauty or largeness if you consider, those which have viewed many Countries, have seen few in all Europe like unto it. Mexico or Temistitan is a rich and famous City in Nova Hispania, whereof we will treat hereafter in the description of Nova Hispania: now we proceed to other things. This part of the World is watered with many famous Rivers, The Lakes & Rivers. the most whereof do bring down gold; and it is full of Lakes and Springs. In the Lakes and Rivers there are great plenty of fish: among which there is one kind of them of chief note, which by the inhabitants of Hispaniola are called Manati. This Fish is somewhat like a Trout; he is five and twenty foot long, and twelve foot thick, in his head and tail he resembles an Ox; he hath small eyes, a hard and hairy skin, of a light blue colour, and two feet like an Elephant. The females of this kind of fish do bring forth their young ones, as Cows do, and do let them suck at their two dugs. The Mountains. Here are also very many Mountains, among which, as Benso witnesseth, is a fire-vomiting Mountain, which out of its hollow mouth doth sand forth such great flakes of fire, that the blazing of it in the night doth cast forth a light which may be seen above an hundred miles. Some have supposed that the gold melting within, doth afford continual matter to the fire. For a certain Dominican Friar, when he would make trial thereof, caused a vessel of gold to be made with an iron chain: and afterward going to the Mountain with four other Spaniards, he let down the vessel with the chain into the hole of the hill; and there by the heat of the fire the vessel with part of the chain was melted: and having tried it again with a bigger chain, it happened to melt again in the same manner. Here the Cities generally are stately built, the ways paved, and the houses very fair and beautiful. It is reported that here was a King's garden, wherein herbs and trees, with their body, boughs, and first-fruits did stand of solid gold, and as big as those which grow in Orchards. And it is reported that here was a King's Conclave, in which there were all kinds of living Creatures, made of precious stones, partly painted, and partly inlaid, and engraven. That which is reported concerning the two ways in this Country is worthy of memory, the one whereof lieth through the rough Mountains, the other stretcheth through the plain fields, from Quito a City of Peru, to the City Cusco, for the space of five hundred miles. The beauty of this work is increased, by many wonderful heaps of stones, which were not brought thither by the strength of Horses, or Oxen, (both which the inhabitants wanted) but by the hands of men. The field way is defended on both sides with walls, and it is five and twenty foot broad, within which little streams do run, having their banks planted with shrubby trees, which they call Molli. The other being hewed out of stones and rocks, passeth through the middle of the Mountains, having the same breadth: Moreover the way in the uneven and lower part of the Valleys, is fortified with fences, as the nature of the Country requires. These ways King Gninacava (who lived not long since) caused to to be cleansed, and the ruinous walls to be repaired and adorned, otherwise the work is more ancient, and there were placed all along by the way side Inns both fair, and pleasant, (they call them Tambi) in which all the King's train were received. And let this suffice concerning the four parts of the World in general: now our method doth require that we should describe particularly the parts of Europe, which was set before in the first place. THE NORHTH-POLE: AND A DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNTRY'S SITVATE ROUND ABOUT IT. HAving made (courteous Reader) a General Description of the whole Globe, and the four parts thereof methodically, and according to the order of nature; I purpose, in Imitation of Ptolemy the Prince of Cosmographers, to begin the Geography of particular Countries from the Pole itself and the Countries lying round about it, that so descending from the higher to the lower parts, and proceeding from the left hand to the right hand, I may by degrees join the North with the South, and the West with the East, which I pray God may be profitable to the Commonwealth. The Pole is the extremity, or end of the Axis, which is a Line drawn through the Centre of the Globe, the Latins call it vertex. There are two Poles, the Northern, and the Southern. The Northern is that which is always beheld towards the North, and therefore also it is called the Northern and h So called for its nearness to a constellation in the North Hemisphere called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifieth a Bear. Arctic Pole. The Southern, is that which appeareth to those only which devil toward the South, and therefore it is called the Meridional, Southern, and i So called because it is opposite to the Arctic Pole. Greenland, whence so called. Antarctic Pole. And thus much in this place shall suffice concerning the Poles. I come to the Countries situate round about the Arctic Pole: which are Groenlandia or Greeneland, Frizlandia, or Freesland, Nova Zembla with some others, of which we will entreat briefly as fare as they are known. k The London Merchants call this Island K. james his new Land. The quality of the Air and Soil. Groenlandia, or Greeneland is so called from the greenness thereof, & is an Island for the most part yet unknown, it is situate between the Northern Circle & the Pole, the farthest parallels thereof towards the South are the Degrees of 65, and towards the North the Degrees of 78. In this Island, if we believe Nicolas Zenetus (who in the year 1480. endured much hard weather in the bordering Sea) there is continual winter for nine Months, all which time it doth never rain there, neither doth the snow, which falleth at the beginning thereof, melt until the end, yet is not this harmful to the grass, for here is a great increase both of grass and fodder. Therefore here is great store of milke-beasts in regard of the great plenty thereof, so that they make store of Butter and Cheese, which they cell to those they traffic withal. There are only two inhabited places known unto us in Groenland, Alba and the Monastery of Saint Thomas, of which we will speak by and by. The Slow Sea, which is also called the frozen Icy Sea, doth touch upon Greeneland. There is in Greeneland a Monastery of the Preaching Order: and not fare from it a fire-vomiting Mountain like Aetna, at the foot whereof there is a fountain of running waters, by whose great heat map of the North Pole THE NORTH-POLE. they do not only make hot all the rooms of the Monastery like a hothouse, but also they bake their bread and dress their meat, without the help of fire. The whole fabric of the Monastery doth consist of brittle sandy stones, which the Mountain doth cast forth in the midst of the flames. This fountain doth warm the neighbour gardens so that they continually flourish with diverse kinds of flowers and herbs. And the Sea near unto it, by the virtue of these waters, is never frozen, but lies continually open both for the fish and the use of man: which makes so great a concourse of fish to resort hither from colder places, that not only these Monks, Freezland. but also the Inhabitants round about do live plentifully. Frislandia or Freezland was an Island altogether unknown to the Ancients: being greater than n Heyling says almost as big as Ireland. Ireland. The Climate is very intemperate. The Inhabitants have no first-fruits, but live for the most part upon fish. The chief Town thereof hath the same name with the Island, and it belongeth to the King of p And therefore now subject to the King of Denmark. Norway. The Inhabitants for the most part live by fishing. For in the Haven thereof so great a plenty of all kind of fish is taken that many ships are loaded with them, and so carried to the Islands lying near it, as Zieglerus writeth. The same man writeth that the Sea next to the Island on the West being full of rocks and sands, is called the Icarean Sea, and the Island in it is called by the Inhabitants Icaria. Nova Zembla. This Island in our time beginneth to be known again, & that by the Discovery of the English. Nova Zembla is an Island situated under the 76 Degree. Here the air is very sharp, and the cold most vehement and intolerable. It is a wild, woody, and rugged Country, where neither leaves nor grass grow, nor any living creatures, but those which live by flesh as Foxes, and Bears, whereof there is great store not only in this Island, but in most of the Northern Countries. There are Sea-monsters here whose bodies does exceed the bigness of an Ox, and are commonly called Walruschen: they are headed like a Lion, their skin hairy, they having four feet, and two teeth sticking forth of the upper part of their mouth being smooth, hard, and white, and are worth as much as Elephant's teeth. The Bays here are called Weggates Bay, Furbishers' Bay, and Davises Bay; Weigates Bay is streitched out towards the East even to the place called Crucis Angulus, toward the Aerctapelietes to the place called Dissidii Angulus, a a little inclining to the East. On the Southern side of the Continent of Weggats Bay, William Barendson found some wild men called Samiutae. The shape of their clothes which they use, is like that which our Painters do bestow on woodmen, or Satyrs, but yet they are not wild men, but endued with a good understanding. They are clothed from head to foot with the skins of beasts called Rangiferi: for the most part are of q Pigmies are here supposed to inhabit. low stature, broad faced, small eyed, short and splay-footed, and very nimble both to run and leap. They have coaches unto which they put one or two of these Rangiferi, which will draw it with one or two men in it with more speed than any of our Horses can do. Furbishers' Bay was so called from Martin Forbisher an English man, who in the year 1577. seeking a passage to Cathaia by the North, arrived at this Bay, in which he found both Islands and many men, concerning which we will add some things. The men thereof being strangers to all civility, do eat and feed upon the raw flesh of beasts and fishes. They are clothed with the skins of wild beasts taken in hunting, and they eat raw herbs like beasts. Their Tents are covered with Whales skins; the cold being continually very sharp in these parts. They use Dogs which are like unto our Wolves, and having yoked them together, they do make them draw things over the ice. Their weapons are Bows and Arrows, and slings. There is no wood there, but much Deer. The men do not plough the ground, as being content with that it bringeth forth of its own accord: they live by hunting: their drink is the warm blood of wild beasts, or else ice water: there are no Rivers nor Springs, because the violence of the cold doth so shut up the Earth, that springs of water cannot break forth. The men are very laborious, strong, hunters, and cunning fowlers: they use a certain kind of boat made of leather, wherein one man can but sit, who maketh use but of one Oar, his right hand holding his bow wherewith he shoots at the birds. The like hath been seen in England. Davises Bay also was so called from john Davis an Englishman, who in the year 1585. and the two following years did search along the Coasts of America, or rather the Southern Coasts of Greenland from the 53. Degree to the 75. to find out a passage that way unto China. Concerning the four Euripideas in the table those things which you see are taken out of the Register book of james Cnoxen Buscoducensis, who doth report that a certain English Minorite Friar of Oxford, being a Mathematician, did describe the Countries lying near unto the Pole, and measured them with his Astrolabe in this following shape, as Mercator hath gathered them out of james Cnoxens Book. He saith that these four Seas are carried with such violence to the Innermost Gulf, that ships being once entered can never be driven back again with any wind, and that there is never so great a wind, as that it can drive about a windmill. But these things are as true as Lucian's fables, seeing they who have viewed these places in which those seas are said to be, do find no such Euripi, or swift flowing Seas at all, namely the Hollanders who have discovered the Sea even to the 81. Degree of Latitude. But concerning the habitation of the Northern people, let us hear julius Scaliger in his 37. Exercitation, where he thus speaking concerning a voyage from the Northern Sea towards China. There are (saith he) diverse arguments brought by diverse men on both sides, and it is diversely judged of, whether it be possible to sail by that Sea. But these are ours. They would have us to sail from the mouth of the River Duvina, all along that Country which encompasses all Scythia even to the East corner: in which winding course we are to change the Northern wind for the Western. But those which speak thus, it is certain they do not know the nature of this Sea, nor of the Winds and Coast: For the West and East winds are so rare in this Sea that they are almost scarce known. But so many North winds are there here that it seems Nature hath committed the government of these parts unto them alone. There are many foards blind and muddy. In winter, which continueth ten months, the superficies or upper part of the Sea, is as hard as any pavement. In Summer there are continual mists, which in the afternoon as fast as one is expelled another riseth. Besides, the Ice is very dangerous, the great pieces whereof floating up and down, are like moving Islands running one amongst another. It is certain that by the late Navigations of the Hollanders in the year 1594. and in the two following years, it was hoped, that we might sail out of the Northern Sea to the Eastern parts of the World. But very difficultly, in regard of the Ice, and long winter nights. William Barentson did deny that it was possible to sail by the Bay of Nassovia to China, not only for the Ice, but also because he found by diverse observations, that it was not a Sea but a Bay, and especially because he found there was no Tide nor Ebb: and yet he was in great hope that a way might be found out by the most Northern part of Nova Zembla. But seeing there are every day new voyages made to discover the passage that way to China, experience will teach them at last whether it can be done or not. It is manifest that our ships have sailed even to the 81. Degree of Northern Latitude, and yet found the Sea open: but yet afterward at the 76. Degree they have been hindered with great pieces of ice, and the night coming on, so that they could proceed no further. The Sun left them the 4. of November in the year 1596, and was seen again the 24. of january in the following year, all which time these valiant Argonauts, for so I may call them, hide themselves in a little shed which they built up in Nova Zembla, until the 14. of june. For though the voyage of the r jason and his Companions, who sailed to Celchos to fetch the golden fleece, of whom read Valerius Flaccus Lib. 1. Argonauts is made so famous by posterity, yet if it be compared with this it will seem but a toy; for who hath been, for the space of 13. Months separated from the society of men, before the Hollanders, who wanting all necessaries, and enduring extremity of cold, did even under the 76. Degree of Latitude, build themselves houses to receive them, and defend them from the violence of the weather, in which they lay buried and covered over with deep snow almost ten whole months? I conceal that which they suffered in returning, being compelled to leave their ships and betake themselves to their boat. I omit to speak of the cruel, fierce, and great Bears, and Sea-Monsters, with which they oftentimes were enforced to fight. All which troubles, labours, and difficulties they most valiantly by the protection and favour of the Divine power did overcome. ISELAND. ISELAND is the greatest of all those Lands in the Western Ocean, which are subject to the Kings of Norwey; it takes this name from the cold, The name by whom, and why given. wherewith it is partly frozen. It is also called Suelandia, from the Snow: Also Gardartsholme, that is, the Island of Gardart. The most do suppose this to be that Thule mentioned by the Ancients, which also Ptolemie doth call Thule; the middle whereof he placeth in the 30. Degree of Latitude, and 63. of Longitude. Solinus placeth it five days and nights sail from the Orcadeses. An Island the most famous of all other with Poets, when by this, as being the farthest part of the World, they would intimate any thing fare distant. Whence Virgil saith, Tibi serviat ultima Thule, may the farthest Thule serve thee. But Sinesius doubteth whether there were ever any Thule: and Giraldus writeth, that it was never seen, and the more Learned are doubtful in their opinions. See Heylin. p. 8. The most do affirm (as we said) that Iseland was heretofore called Thule: yet Saxo the Grammarian, Crantzius, Milius, jonius, and Peucerus are of a contrary opinion unto them. But of this enough: I return again to Iseland. It is situated not under the s Which is a great circle rounding the Earth from Pole to Pole, and passeth through the Islands called Azores: See mark pag. 10. first Meridian, The Situation. as one hath noted, but in the vl Degree from thence. The length of it is an hundred Germane miles, as the common Writers have it, and jonas addeth to these four and forty. The Latitude or breadth is six and fifty Germane miles. It hath an ungentle air, and for the most part it is habited, especially towards the North, by reason of the vehement Western winds, which will not suffer the shrubs (as Olaus writeth) to rise up. The Land is unfit for tillage, neither doth it bear any grain; but all that have written of this Isle do report, that it hath such abundance of grass, that unless the Cattles were sometime driven from the pasture, The quality of the Soil and Air. they would be in danger to die, and be choked with their own fatness. jonas himself confesseth, that they have no labouring beasts, but Horses and Oxen: and here all the Oxen and Cows have no horns, nor their Sheep likewise. They have little white Dogs, The variety of living Creatures. which they very much esteem. They have abundance of white Faulcones, and white Crows, which prey upon the young Lambs and Hogs. Also there are white Bears and Hares. Also (as Islandus witnesseth) there are Eagles with white trains: which Pliny (as he saith) called Pygargos. Velleius reporteth, that this Island beareth no tree but the Birch and juniper trees: so that there is great scarcity of wood through the whole Island, unless by chance (which sometimes happens) some great trees being rooted up by the violence of the wind, are brought out of the Northern parts, and like wracks cast upon these moors, which the Inhabitants use in building houses and ships. It hath been subject to the King of Norwey, (as jonas reporteth) from the year 1260. in which they first did homage to him: In regard whereof, the King of Denmark and Norwey doth yearly sand thither a Governor, who keeps his residence in the Castle called Bestede, whom they now obey, as heretofore they did their Bishops, by whom they were converted to the Christian Faith, under the reign of Edelbert. In the time of Harald the Faire-haired, the first Monarch of Norwey, some think it began to be inhabited: for when he had expelled a great company of Noble men out of Norwey, they (forsaking their own Country) came with their whole Families and dwelled here. It is likely, that these things happened a thousand years after Christ; but as Islandus jonas writeth about the year 874, who declareth the succession and names of these Bishops. Crantzius nameth Islephus to be the first Bishop. But it seemeth, as we may collect out of the Eclogues of Nicolas Zenius, that it was under the command of the Norwegians two hundred years before, where we read, that Zichmus King of Friesland did attempt to get this Island by force of Arms, but was repulsed by the King of Norwey's Garrison Soldiers, placed in this Island. The whole Island is divided into four parts. The Eastern part they call Austlendingafiordung, the Western Westlendingafiordung, the Northern Nortendingafiordung, the Southern Suydlendingafiordung. They have no Cities, The Fountains. but Mountains in stead thereof. Here is a Fountain, the exhalations whereof will change any thing into stone, and yet the shape thereof shall still remain. And there is a Fountain of pestilent water, which will poison any one that tastes of it. There is water that tastes like beer. The Northern Ocean, in which this Island is situate, doth afford such great plenty of fish, The Sea. and is so commodious to the Commonwealth of Iseland, that all the Inhabitants do live and maintain their Families by it. I should want time to reckon up the several kinds of Fish that are in the Sea, yet it will not be amiss, to remember some of the rarest. Among which there is a kind of Fish called Nahual, whereof if any one eat, he dieth presently; and he hath a tooth in the innermost part of his head, which standeth forth 7 cubits in length, which some have sold for an Unicorn's horn, and it is believed to have a great virtue against poison. This Monster is forty yards long. The Royder is an hundred and thirty Else long, and hath no teeth; his flesh is most sweet and pleasant in eating, and his fat doth heal many diseases. There is the British Whale, which is thirty Else long, having no teeth, but a tongue seven Else in length. And there is a kind of a great Whale, which is seldom seen, being rather like an Island itself than a Fish. In regard of the hugeness of his body, he cannot follow the lesser fishes, yet he takes them by cunning and craftiness. There is also an other Fish called Stantus Valour, all grisly, and something like a Thornback, but much greater; when he appeareth he seems like an Island, and overturneth Ships with his Fins. There are also Sea-oxens, called Seenaut, of a grisly colour, and diverse other fishes. I come now to the Mountains. The Mountains. In Iseland (saith Georgius Agricola) there are three very high Mountains, whose tops are always white with continual Snow, the bottoms do burn with continual Fire. The first is called Hecla, or Hecklfort; the second, the Mountain of the Cross; and the third Helga, that is, the holy Mountain. Not fare from Hecla there are Ours of Brimstone, which is the only commodity of traffic, that belongs to the Inhabitants of Iseland. For Merchants do fraught and load their ships with it. The Mountain when it rageth, doth sand forth a map of Iceland ISELAND. noise like thunder, casteth forth great stones, vomiteth out Brimstone, and fills all the ground with ashes round about it, so that the Country cannot be inhabited for two entire miles round about it. They which draw near to this Mountain to consider and view more curiously the causes why it burns, are sometime swallowed up alive by some hidden breach in the Mountain, for there are many, and those covered so with ashes, that no man can beware of them: therefore they call this place t The Papists think, that here is their feigned Purgatory. Carcer sordidarum animarum, the prisonhouse of unclean souls. Besides it happeneth, that the ye being loosed, doth in great pieces for 8 months together beaten against the shore, and maketh such an horrible sound, that the Inhabitants say, it is the crying and howling of those souls. There is an other Mountain of the same nature called Helga: this Mountain in the year 1581., (as jonas witnesseth) did cast forth fire and stones with such a thundering noise, that four score miles from thence, they thought some great pieces of Ordnance had been shot off. In one part hereof, strange Spirits are seen in the likeness of men, so that those who do not know them to be dead before, would think they were alive: nor do they find their error before the ghosts do vanish away. But these things jonas thinks are fabulous, or else the delusions of the Devil. Crantzius and Olaus do writ, that the Islanders, for the most part, do devil in Caves, which they dig in the sides of the Mountains, especially in the Winter time. But jonas, on the contrary, saith, that there are many Temples and houses built of wood very fair and costly. The Island hath two Cathedral Bishoprics, as Holar, or Hallen, under which are the Monasteries Pingora, Remested, Modur, Munkeniere; and Scalholt, under which are those Monasteries Videy, Pyrnebar, Kirckebar, and Shieda. Yet we understand by the writings of Velleius the Author of this Table, that there are nine Monasteries in it, and three hundred and nine and twenty Churches. The Bishops are sent thither out of the University of Haffnia, the only University in Denmark; one of them governeth the Northern part of the Island, the other the Southern. And each of them hath a free School joined to his house, in which he is bound to be at the cost of the bringing up and teaching of four and twenty Children. The manners of the Inhabitants. The Inhabitants live, eat, and lodge in the same houses with their Cattles. They live in a holy simplicity, seeking nothing more than what Nature grants them; for the Mountains are their Towns, and the Fountains their delight. A happy Nation, not envied by reason of their poverty, and so much the happier because it hath received the Christian Religion. Yet the English and Danish Merchants do ●ouble their quiet, not suffering them to be content with their own; for they frequenting this Island, to bring away fish from thence, have brought among them their vices together with their wares. The memorable acts of their Ancestors, they do celebrated in Verse, and do keep them from oblivion by engraving them on Rocks. Their food. They live, for the most part, by Fish, which being dried and beaten, and so made into a kind of meat, they use at their Table instead of bread. But the wealthier do eat bread twice baked. Heretofore they drank water, and the richer milk, but now they have learned to mingle corn with it, which is brought hither from other places, and they scorn to drink water, since strangers have begun to traffic with them. For those of Lubeck, Hamburrough, and Rostoch coming every year with their ships to this Island, do bring thither corn, bread, Their Traffic or trade. beer, wine, honey, English clothes, linen cloth, iron, steel, gold, silver, womens' coyfs, and wood for building houses and ships: and they do expect for these, Iselandish cloth (commonly called Watman) great store of Brimstone, dried fish, butter, tallow, hides, skins of wild beasts, foxes, white falcons, horses, and the like. Here is so great plenty of fish, that they lay them in great heaps out of doors, and so cell them, the heaps being higher than the tops of their houses. There is also so great store of salt butter, that they put it up in sweet chests of forty foot long, and five foot deep, besides that which they barrel up. And here we will add Erasmus Michael's Verses concerning Iseland, as he hath them in his third Book Of Sea matters. Vltima Parrhasias Islandia spectat in Arctos, &c. The farthest part of Iseland looketh North, And Westward some Degrees it is straight forth, Which hath not only a rich pleasant soil While as it doth the yellow Brimstone boil Within its caverns blind, which at the last All mingled with sand, it forth doth cast: Or when the Meadows bring forth fodder store, And all the vales with grass are clothed o'er; But when upon the shore it fish doth heap, Whose number can't be told, it is so great: Or be distinguished every several sort, Which it by shipping doth abroad transport. For though here plenty of all things is found, Yet most of all in fish it doth abound. 'Tis rich, the Inhabitants are stout of mind, And where it lies against the Southern wind Hecla still burneth with continual flame, Which it at open holes sends forth again. It casts forth ashes with a fearful sound, While pitchy flames do to the Stars rebound. THE ISLES OF BRITAIN. ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND IRELAND: WITH THE LANDS LYING ROUND ABOUT THEM. BRITAIN containeth all those Islands which lying between Spain and Germany, are stretched forth in a great quantity of Land toward France. Lhuyddus saith that not long ago it was called Prydanium; The name by whom, & why given. Sr Thomas Eliott would have it called Prytania, being incited thereunto through the love of contention rather than truth, against the authority of Aristotle, Lucretius, julius Caesar, and other ancient Writers. But because heretofore all the Britons did paint themselves with woad, which gave them a bluish colour, that so their faces might be more terrible against their enemies in war; and in regard that in their ancient Language they did call any thing that was painted and coloured, Brit: some do rightly suppose that the Grecians, understanding that the inhabitants were called Birth and Briton, did add to Birth Tania, which signifies a Country, and therefore x If this be true, then did it not receive its denomination from Brutus. See Heylin pag. 455. The temper of the Air. The fertility of the Soil. The variety of living Creatures. Britain was called the Country of Britons, that is, the Country of painted and coloured men; like as Mauritania is called so of the Moors, Lusitania from Lusus, and Aquitania the Region of Waters. Britain is endowed by Nature with all gifts both of Air and Soil, in which neither the cold of winter is too violent, (as the Orator hath it, speaking to Constantine) nor the heat of Summer, and it is so fruitful in bearing corn, that it is sufficiently stored with Bread and Drink: Here the woods are without wild beasts, and the earth without harmful Serpents. On the contrary, innumerable flocks and herds of tame cattles, full of milk, and loaden with their fleece; yea, whatsoever is necessary to life is here: the days are very long, so that the nights are not without some light, and the Sun which seemeth in other Countries to go down and set, doth seem here only to pass by. The I'll of Albion. Among all the Isles of Britain, two do exceed the rest in greatness: Albion, (under which are contained England, and Scotland,) and Ireland. The greatest of these is Albion, now alone called Britain, which was a name formerly common to them all: and this name is rather deduced out of Books, than used in common speech, only the Scots do yet call themselves Albinich, and their Country Albin. Concerning the name of Albion, the Grecians first gave it to this I'll for distinction sake; seeing all the neighbour Lands were called the Isles of Britain: so that it did first arise from the vain and fabulous lightness of the Grecians in feigning names. For seeing they called Italy, from Hesperus the son of Atlas, Hesperia; France, from the son of Poliphemus, Gallatia, &c. It is not unlikely that they fabulously named this Island Albion, from Albion the son of Neptune, which Perottus and Lilius Giraldus map of the isles of Britain THE ISLES OF BRITAIN. do confirm. Others would derive it from y Verstegan affirmeth it was so called ab albis rupibus: the white rocks towards France. The figure. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which, as Festus witnesseth, in Greek signifies white; whence also the Alps are so called. The figure of it is Triangular, or three cornered, and it runneth forth into three several Angles. The first Promontory, towards the West, the Englishmen do call the Cape of Cornwall. The second in Kent, which looketh towards the East, the English call it Northforland. The third is Orcas, or Tarvisium, which lieth fare North, the Scots call it Dungisbehead: Livius, and Fabius Rusticus, have likened it to a Cheesell. On the West side, whereon Ireland lieth, the z Which the English and French call the channel of S. George. Vergivian Sea breaketh in, on the North it is beaten with the wide and great Northern Ocean; on the East, where it lieth against Germany, with the German● Sea; on the South, where it butteth upon France, it is beaten with the British Sea. Diodorus in his sixth book, writeth that the compass of it is two and forty thousand furlongs. Martian saith, that Britain is eight hundred miles long, and three hundred broad, and in compass 6000. miles. The learned and accurate Writer Camden, doth thus accounted it from the Promontory Tarvisium to Belerium, following the winding of the shore, is eight hundred and twelve miles: from thence to Kent, 320. miles. Lastly, from Kent to Tarvisium seven hundred and four miles: the whole sum is 1836. miles. This Island formerly was divided into two parts, as Ptolemy witnesseth in his second Book: where he parts the whole Island into Great Britain and Little Britain. The Great he calls the a This division was made by Severus the Emperor, saith Camden. p. 98. Hither part towards the South; the Lesser the Father toward the North. But the Romans neglecting the farther part, because, as Appian saith, it could not be commodious to them, the hither part being reduced into a Province, they at first divided into the b The Romans, saith Camden, called those Provinces of any Country they conquered which were next them, Primas & s●periore, & the more remote, secundas & inferiores. p 99 Lower and Higher, as it is gathered out of Dion. For the hither part of England with Wales, he calleth the Higher, the farther and Northern he calleth the Lower. Afterwards they divided it into three parts, as appears by Sextus Rufus, into Maxima Casariensis, Brittania Prima, and Brittania Secunda. Afterwards, when the form of the Commonwealth was daily changed, they divided Britain in c What Countries these five parts contained, and why they were so denominated. See in Camden pag. 98. & 99 five parts, the First, Second, Maxima Caesariensis, Valentia, and Flavia Casariensis: And these were divisions of Britain when it was under the Romans. Some have written that the whole Island was heretofore divided into three parts, Leogria, Cambria, and Albania, but Camden believeth that this was a later division, which seemeth to arise from those three People, the Englishmen, Welch, and Scots, who last of all divided this Island among themselves. Afterwards, the Island was divided into two Kingdoms, namely England, and Scotland: but at last, under the happy reign of james the sixth King of Scotland, these two Kingdoms were d They were first united in the year of grace 1603. The Sea. united, and the whole Island called Great Britain. Britain, as we said before, is every where environed with the great and wide Ocean, which S. Basil. saith is a great Sea, and very terrible for those that sail on it. Now it floweth fare into the Land, and then it returneth back again and leaveth the Sands naked: it feeleth the efficacy of the increasing Moon very powerfully, and doth flow in with so great a force, that it doth not only drive back Rivers, but it sometimes sweeps off cattles from the Land, casts forth the fishes on the shore, and at the ebb leaveth them there. In a word, so great a matter it was held to sail upon this Sea, that julius Firmicus in his Book concerning the errors of profane Religions, cryeth out thus to Constantine the Emperor. In Winter (which was never heretofore done, nor shall be done) you have passed over the swelling raging waters of the British Ocean, the waves of a Sea almost unknown to us have trembled under our Oars: and the Britons have been afraid at the unlookt-for presence of the Emperor. What would you more? The Elements themselves were conquered by your valour. It doth not belong unto us to speak here of the commodities which this Sea yields, of the time when it cherishes the Earth, of the vapours with which it nourishes the Air, and bedews the fields, of the diverse kinds of Fish, as Salmon, Playces, Crabfish, The commodities. Codfish, Herrings, &c. of which it bringeth forth infinite numbers. Yet the e See Camden pag. 640. and 595. Pearls are not to be passed over in silence, which in a round shape do swim in great shoals as it were following one Leader like Bees; so that jubas calleth it the Sea of Bees: and also Marcellus makes mention of it. Suetonius doth report that Caesar did first attempt Britain in hope of getting these Pearls: and so much concerning Albion or England, now let us pass over to the rest. Among all of them, Ireland doth fare excel, of which we will speak nothing here, intending to speak of it in particular Tables. The Orcadeses do follow, The Orcadeses. now called the Isles of Orkney, which are about f Heylin saith they are 32. pag. 511. thirty in number, and do lie a little way distant one from another, which a certain ancient record doth so call, as if it were Argath; which is there expounded as much as supra Getas, above the Geteses: Camden would rather have it above Cath, for it lieth over against Cath a Country of Scotland, which in regard of the Promontory, they now call Cathnesse: whose Inhabitants Ptolemy, though wrongfully, doth call Carini instead of Cathini. In the time of Solinus they were not inhabited, The fertility of the Soil. being overgrown with Reeds and Bulrushes, but now they are tilled and bring forth Barley enough, though they want both wheat and trees: there is no Serpent or poisonous Creature in them. They have great numbers of living Creatures in them; as Hares, Coneys, Cranes, and many Swans. There is good fishing in them, of which the inhabitants make great profit. julius Agricola first sailing in a Ship round about Britain, did find out and conquer the Orcadeses at that time unknown; and therefore it is unlikely that Claudius did first overcome them, as Hierom affirmeth in his Chronicle. Afterwards, when the Romans were Commanders over Britain, they were the seats of the Picts; and after that they came under the power of the Norwegians and Danes: whence the Inhabitants do speak the Gothicke tongue. Last of all, Christiernus King of Denmark in consideration of a sum of money, in the year 1474. did pass over all his right unto the King of Scotland. The chief of these is Pomonia, famous in regard it is the seat of a Bishop, which was called by Solinus for the continual length of the day Pomona diutina: now it is called by the Inhabitants Mainland, as if it were a Continent. It hath abundance of Tin and Lead, and is adorned with a Bishops See in the Town Kirkwale, and with two Castles. Among these Ptolemy also reckoneth Ocetis, which Camden supposes should now be called Hethy. And saith the same Camden, I am not yet resolved whether I should call hay, which is among these Pliny's Dumna. If it be not so, I had rather think Fair I'll, which hath only one Town called Dume, to be that Dumna, than with Becanus to think that it is Wardhuys in Lappland. john Major doth also call one of these Zealand, being fifty miles in length. Moreover, the Inhabitants of these Isles do make a very strong drink by putting store of Barley in it, and are the greatest drinkers of all others; yet Boetius witnesseth that he never saw any of them drunk, or deprived of sense. The next to these are the Lands called the Hebrides, The names of the Hebrides. in number four and forty, which Beda calleth Maevaniae; Ethicus, Betoricae Insulae, Giraldus calls them the Incades and Leucades, the Scots the Western Isles: Ptolemy with Pliny and Solinus calleth them g Stephanus calleth them the Hebudes, others Ebonia Insula. Ebudae. Pliny writeth that there are thirty of them, but Ptolemy reckons only five. The first is Ricina, which Pliny calls Rinea, and Antoninus Ridunas, but now it is called Racline, which is a little Island just against Ireland. The next is Epedium, now called Ila, an I'll, (as Camden witnesseth) very h This Island is 24. miles long, and 16. miles broad. large, and having very fruitful plains: between this and Scotland lieth jona, which Beda calleth Hylas and Hu, being plain ground, in which there is an Episcopal See in the Town Sodore, whence all the Lands were called Sodorenses: it is famous, because here lie buried many Kings of Scotland. Than there is another which Ptolemy calleth Maleos, now Mula, which Pliny mentioneth when he saith that Mella of all the rest is more than 25 miles over. The Eastern Hebuda, now called Sky, is stretched along by the Scotch shore, and the Western Hebuda lying more towards the West, is now called Lewes, of which Maccloyd is Governor, and in the ancient book of Mannia, it is called Lodhuys, being mountainous, stony, little manured, but yet the greatest; from which Eust is parted by a little Euripus or flowing Sea between them. The rest, except Hyrrha, are of no note, as being rocky, unpassable, and having no green things growing in them. The Lands of Man and Wight do follow, of which see those things that are spoken in the seaventh Table of England. THE KINGDOM OF IRELAND. THE Island of Ireland followeth, which Orpheus, Aristotle, The new and ancient names, by whom, and why given. and Claudian do call i Isacius calleth this Kingdom Britannia O●cidentalis, or Western Britain; and Isidorus and others call it Scotta, because the Scots coming from Spain dwelled here; the Irish Bards call it Bamno, whence Festus Avienus calleth it Insula sacra: See Camden pag. 643. jerna, juvenal and Mela juvernia, Diodorus Siculus Iris, Eustatius Vernia and Bernia, the Inhabitants Erin, the Britain's Yverdhon, and the English call it Ireland. Diverse opinions (as in obscure matters) do arise concerning the original of these names. Some would have it called Hibernia from Hiberus, a Spanish Captain, who first possessed it, and peopled it: some say from the River Iberus, because the Inhabitants thereof did first inhabit this Island: some ab hiberno tempore, from the winter season, because it inclines towards the West: the Author of the Eulogue, from Irnalphus, a Captain. It was called without doubt Hibernia and juverna, from jerna, which Orpheus and Aristotle mention; but that jerna, together with Iris, Yverdhon, and Ireland, did proceed from the word Erin, used by the Inhabitants; therefore the Etymology is to be drawn from the word Erin. Here k pag. 642. Camden affirms, that he knows not what to conjecture, unless, saith he, it be derived from Heir an Irish word, which with them signifies the West, whence Erin seems to be drawn, being as much to say as the Western Country. This Island is stretched forth from the South Northward in an oval form, not twenty days sail, as Philemon in Ptolemie delivers, but only 400. The Situation. miles; and is scarce 200. miles broad. On the East it hath Britain, from which it is parted by the Irish Sea, which is one days sail: On the North, where the Deucaledon Ocean, which Ptolemie calls the Northern, breaks in, it hath Iseland: On the South it looketh towards Spain. The temper of the Air. The Air of this Island is very wholesome, the Climate very gentle, warm and temperate; for the Inhabitants neither by the heat of Summer are enforced to seek steadie places, nor yet by cold to sit by the fire: yet the seeds in regard of the moistness of Autumn do seldom come to maturity and ripeness. Hence Mela writeth, that it hath no good Air for ripening of seeds: yet in the wholesomeness and clearness of the Air it doth fare exceed Britain. Here are never any Earthquakes, and you shall scarce hear thunder once in a year. The Country is a fat soil, and hath great plenty of first-fruits, yet it hath greater plenty of pasturage than first-fruits, and of grass than grain. For here their wheat is very small, so that it can hardly be winnowed or cleansed with a fan. What the Spring produceth, the Summer cherisheth, but it can hardly be gathered, in regard they have too much rain in Harvest time; for this Island hath winds and rain very often. But (as Mela saith) it is so full of pleasant sweet grass, that when the Cattles have fed some part of the day, if they be not restrained and kept from grazing, they will endanger the bursting of themselves. Which also Solinus witnesseth concerning this Island. Hence it proceeds, that there are infinite numbers of Cattles, which are the Inhabitants chief riches, and many flocks of Sheep, which they shear twice a year. They have excellent Horses (called Hobbies) which are not paced like others, but do amble very gently. Not creeping thing nor Serpent liveth here, nor also in Crete: and Serpents being often brought hither out of Britain, as soon as they came near the Land, and smelled the Air, they died. Beda witnesseth, that he hath seen some, who have been stung with Serpents, that have drunk the leaves of Books (brought out of Ireland) in a Potion, and straightway the force of the poison was allayed, and the swelling of the body went down again. Ireland hath greater store of Falcons and Hawks, than other Countries. And here Eagles are as common as Kites in some places. Besides, here is so great a number of Cranes, that you shall often see a hundred in a company together. In the North part also there are abundance of Swans, but there are few Storks through the whole Island, and those black. There are few Partridges and Pheasants, but no Pies, nor Nightingales. Here is such great store of Bees, that they do not only breed in hives, but also in hollow trees, and in the caverns of the earth. Giraldus also writeth a strange thing concerning a kind of Bird, commonly called a Barnacle, that out of certain pieces of wood, floating up and down in the Sea, there comes out first a kind of Gum, which afterward grows into a hard substance, within which little Creatures are generated, which first have life, and afterward have bills, feathers and wings, with which they do fly in the Air, or swim in the water, and in this manner and no other this Creature is generated. This Giraldus doth testify, that he hath seen some of them half form, which as soon as they came to perfection did fly as well as the rest. There are also many birds of a twofold shape, (as he witnesseth) which they call Aurifrisij, lesser than an Eagle, and bigger than a Hawk; whom Nature, to delight herself, hath framed with one foot armed with talents sharp and open, the other smooth with a plain web. There are other Birds which they call Marineta, less than a Blackbird, being short like a Starling, yet differing from him by the whiteness of the belly, and the blackness of the back. It is a wonderful thing which was reported concerning these Birds, for if when they are dead they be kept in a dry place, they will not putrify or corrupt: and being placed among garments and other things, it will preserve them from moths. That which is more worthy of admiration is that, if being dead, they be hanged up in some dry place, they will every year renew and change their feathers, as if they were alive Ireland containeth all kinds of wild beasts. It hath Hearts that are so fat, that they can hardly run; and by how much they are lesser in body, by so much the larger are their horns. There are great store of Boars, many Hares, &c. but the bodies of all the wild beasts and birds are lesser here than in other places. It hath many Badgers, and Weesils. It hath few or no Goats, fallow Deer, Hedgehogs, Moles; but infinite store of Mice. It hath also Wolves and Foxes. But enough of these things, I return to other matters. Heretofore Ireland was ruled by many Earls, The Government. now it is subject to England, and is governed by the King's Substitute, who is called the Lord deputy. It came to be under the dominion map of Ireland IRELAND. of the Kings of England about the year l Camden saith it was in the year 1172. p. 649. 1175, at which time Roderick King of Connaught styled himself King of all Ireland; and striving to subject the whole Kingdom to himself, waged continual war with the other Earls; by whose sedition it came to pass, that the other Earls of their own accord, and without any effusion of blood, did put themselves under the obedience of Henry the second, King of England, from whom all the Kings of England were called Lords of Ireland, until the time of Henry the vl, who by the Nobles of Ireland was declared King of Ireland, The Cities. because the name of Lord grew hateful to some seditious people. There are four special Cities in this Island: First m This Town was built by Harald Hayfager, the first King of Norwey. Dublin, the Metropolis or mother-city of Ireland, being the royal archiepiscopal Seat, giving name to a County. The next in dignity is Waterford, the third Limbrick, the fourth Cork. There are many other very great Towns, of which we will speak more largely in the particular Descriptions of Ireland. This Country hath many Lakes and standing waters, Lakes. among which there is a Lake in Ulster, twenty miles distant from the Lake Erne, of which we will speak more largely hereafter. There is a little Lake beyond the City Armack, in which if you stick a Spear up some months, that part which stuck in the mud will be iron, that which is in the water stony, and that which is out of the water will remain wood. There is also the Lake Erne, which is thirty miles long, and fifteen miles broad, being compassed about with thick woods, and so full of Fish, that the Fishermen often break their nets, by taking too many at one time. The Rivers. This Island is divided and watered with many fair Rivers, whose names are these: n or the River Liffie. Avenliffe, running through Dublin; Boandus through Methe, Banna through Vltonia, Linut through Connack, and Moadus through Kenel-cunillia, Slicheia, and Samaira: Besides Modarnus and Furnus through Keneleonia, and many other. But of all the Rivers of Ireland, the River o or Shennin, as some interpret it, the ancient River. Synnenus is the chief both for the breadth and p It runneth (saith Heylin) a course of 200 miles, to the Vergivian Sea, and is navigable 60 miles. length of its course, and for the plenty of Fish which is in it. But in general, the Rivers and Lakes are full of fish bred in them. This Country is unequal and mountainous, soft and waterish: you shall find Lakes and standing waters on the top of the Mountains. The Mountains abound with Cattles, & the woods with wild beasts. Solinus writeth thus concerning the Sea, which floweth between Ireland and England: The Sea between Ireland and England is rough and unquiet all the year, and is scarce navigable but in some part of the Summer. But he errs; for it is quiet enough, unless it be stirred up with winds. And not only in Summer, but also in Winter passengers do sail to and fro. All the Sea shores do abound sufficiently with Fish. Ireland hath in all three and thirty Counties, and four Archbishops. The Bishop of Armach, Primate of all Ireland: the Bishop of Dublin: the Bishops of Cassil and Toam: and these four have nine and twenty Suffragans or Vicegerents. Ireland (from the manners of the Inhabitants) is divided into two parts. For those who refuse to obey the Laws, and live more uncivilly, are called Irishrie, and commonly Wild Irish. But those who are willing to obey the Laws, and appear before the Judges, are called the English-Irish, and their Country the English Pale: they speak English naturally and uncorruptly, yet they understand Irish, in regard of their daily commerce with the Irishmen. The Irishmen have some certain Lords, under whose command the most of them are: but they live under the jurisdiction of the English, but counterfeitly, and as long as the English Soldiers do waste their Territories: yet they appoint Sessions to be kept at certain times and places, to restrain and punish robberies and theft, committed by night. There those that are accused, if they be convicted, have certain Arbitratours to judge of the cause, whom they call Brehoni: these are all of one family, and although they have no knowledge in the Law, yet for their wisdom & honesty of life they are accounted divine. Their war is partly on horseback, and partly on foot. The Gentry have horses well managed, so that without any advantage they will mount them in their armour, and taking a Javelin or dart of great weight by the middle, they will throw or brandish it against their enemy with much ease. Among the footmen, some are Soldiers in Cassocks very strong, whom they call Galeglacii, having Cuttle-axes as sharp as razors, and they are the chief strength of the Irish wars. The next are Footmen wearing a light armour, with swords in their hands, and these are called Karnes, and they think a man is not dead, until they have cut off his head. In the third place are footmen, whom they call Daltines, who going unarmed, attend upon the horsemen. The footmen as well as horsemen, as often as they come to fight with their enemies, do cry with a great voice q The reason of this, See in Camden, p. 678. Pharro, Pharro: and they use a Bagpipe in stead of a Trumpet. The Irish do far sumptuously and magnificently: for though they have no delicate dishes, Their Diet. nor great service in their banquets, yet their Tables according to the season of the year are well furnished with Beef and Pork, and other meat. In their Feasts they lie upon Beds: the first place at the Table belongs to the Mother of the Family, who wears a long Gown or mantel reaching to her ankles, often died, and also sleeved. THE SECOND TABLE OF IRELAND. IN WHICH ARE VLTONIA, CONNACIA, MEDIA, AND PART OF LAGENIA. VLTONIA. IRELAND being described in general, I think it worth my labour, before I come to a particular description of the several parts: first to make a division thereof, Ireland is divided into five Parts or Provinces. Into Lagenia, which being Eastward is next to England: Connacia, or Connachtia, which lieth toward the West: Vltonia on the North side: & Momonia which is situate in the Southern part. The fift part is called Media, which being placed in the midst, is enclosed with the rest. In these five Provinces there are many notable Territories. As Lagenia doth include Fingal, Offal, Leis, Ossir, and Ormund. Media containeth Slani, Four, and Delvin. In Connacia is contained Clar: in Vltonia is contained Vril, Antrimen, Lecal, and Treconch. In Momonia are included Trippitate, Kerie, Cosmay, Desmond, Tomond, and some others. There is another division of Ireland, which we have touched in our general Table, which is diligently to be considered if any one desire to know the state of this Country, wherefore he must observe that Ireland is divided into two parts: the English part, and the Irish part. The latter the native Irish do inhabit, the former the Englishmen, and that part in common speech is called the English Province, because it is as it were impaled and environed with the Territories of the English. For after that the English having suppressed the Irish Rebels, had restored Dermicius to his Country and Kingdom, they seated themselves and built themselves seats in the chiefest places of Ireland. Afterwards seeing that as it were certain Islands did part them fromt he subdued Irish, they called that part in which they placed a Colony, the English Province. In this is contained the greater part of Lagenia, and Media, and that part of Vltonia which is called Vril: but the chiefest part of Lagenia, which is called Fingal, near to Dublin on the North, hath the chief place, and Media is next to that. But Mercator useth the same division which we made of it in the former Tables, describing it in four Tables, beginning with Vltonia, Connacia, Media, and part of Lagenia. I will make a brief description of all these parts, in the same order as our Author placeth them. Vltonia offers itself in the first place. This part of Ireland was first called by the Welsh Vltun, The names of Vltonia. by the Irish Cui-Guilli, by the Latins Vltonia, and by the English Ulster: toward the North it is parted with the Narrow Sea: The bounds. toward the South it stretcheth itself to Connaught and Lagenia; the map of Ireland THE SECOND TABLE OF IRELAND. East part is bounded with the Irish Sea, and the West part is beaten with the great Western Ocean. This Country being near to Scotland, is reckoned one of the Scotch Islands, which are called the Hebrides, and lie scattered in the Sea between both Kingdoms: which Islands the Irish-Scots, the successors of the Ancient Scythians, do inhabit. It is round in form, and in length from the Haven Coldagh in the North, to Kilmore in the South, it is about an hundred miles; and it is in breadth from Black-Abbey in the East to Calebegh, a Western Promontory, an hundred and thirty miles and more. The whole circumference or compass of it is about four hundred and twenty miles. The Form. This Country hath seldom any intemperate weather, for the sudden and fresh gales of wind do refrigerate and cool the heat of Summer, and soft and gentle reinss do mitigate the cold of Winter. Briefly, it is neither in the Cold nor Torrid Zone. The clouds are fair and clear, and when they are most impure, yet the wind continually driving them about doth make the air wholesome, The Air. and at length quite dispelleth them. The equal temper of the Clime is the cause that the soil doth plentifully bring forth diverse kinds of trees, some bearing fruit, and others for building. The Country is full of grass and fit for pasturing: very rich in horse, and sheep, The Rivers. and Oxen. The Rivers are, as I may say, doubly commodious, being navigable to bring up Vessels, and Barks, and also being full of fish and very convenient for the inhabitants in other uses. Among these the first is Vinderius, which is now called the Bay of Knocfergus, from the Town seated on it, & from the safety of the Haven, which the English call Knocfergus, the Irish Caregfergus, that is Fergus his rock, which name it received from s A famous Scot, as Camden affirmeth. pag. 669. Fergusius who was drowned there: There is also Banna which (as Giraldus saith) is a very fair River as the t Banna in Irish signifies fair. Camden. p. 669 The plenty of Salmon. name witnesseth, it runneth out of the Lake Eaugh, and dischargeth itself into the Ocean with a double Channel; it is fuller of Salmon than any River in Europe, because (as some think) the water is so clear, in which Salmon do chief delight. And there is the River Logia, which Ptolemie mentioneth, and now is called Lough Foil, which falleth into the Sea with a great stream. There are many great Lakes in it, in which is the Lake Eaugh which spreadeth itself abroad from Armaugh: The Lakes. and on the East side are the woods Kilulto, Kilwarney, and Dyffrim, into which the Lake doth so insinuate and wind in itself, that it maketh two Peninsula's, Lecale toward the South, & Ard toward the North: Lecale runneth out farthest toward the East of any part of Ireland, & the farthest Promontory thereof Mariners do now call Saint john's Foreland, Ptolemy calls it Isanius, perhaps from the British word Isa, which signifies Lowermost. In the Isthmus thereof stands Dunam, Here was buried S. Patrick, who as they say, being sent by Celestinus the Bishop of Rome, An. 433. converted this Island to the Christian faith. which Ptolemie mentions, now called Down, being an ancient Town, and the Seat of a Bishop. Ard lieth over against it being divided from it by a little slip of land. There are also Lakes, of which we have made mention in our general Table. The Country is shadowed with great woods. To speak in a word, although it be barren in some places by reason of Lakes, Bogs, & thick Woods, yet it is every where full of Cattles, & Grass, & at all times it abundantly requiteth the labour of the husbandman. Nature is so little beholding here to Art or Industry, that the flourishing banks of Rivers embroidered with flowers, the shady Woods, green Meadows, bending Hills, and Fields fit to bear corn if they were tilled, do seem to be angry with the Inhabitants, The Ancient Inhabitants. because by their carelessness and negligence they suffer them to be rude and wild. The Voluntii, Darni, Robogdii, and Erdini in Ptolemies time held all this Country, who also dispersed themselves into other parts of Ireland. The special place in this Country is Armach, near the River Kalis, which although it be not very fair, yet it is the seat of an Archbishop, & the Metropolis of the whole Island. The Irishmen do fabulously report that it was called so from Queen Armacha, but x See Camden. pag. 668. Camden thinks it to be the same which Beda calleth Dearmach, which signifies in the Scotch and Irish language, the field of Redmen. There is one Archbishop in Vltonia, who hath his Seat at Armach, & hath these Suffragans and substitutes under him, with the Bishop of Maeth and Deren, Ardach or Apde, Kilmore, Clogher, Down, Coner, Klancknos, Raboo, or Ropo, and Dromoore. For the keeping of the Inhabitants of this Country and Province in order, it was fortified with six and fifty Castles, there are also nine Market Towns in it. The names of Connagh. And it is divided into the Hithermost and Furthermost. The Hithermost hath three Counties, Louth, Downe, and Antrimme. The Farthermost hath seven, Monahon, Tiroen, Armack, Colrane, Donergall, Fermanagh, and Cavon. Connacia is the second part of Ireland, some call it Connachtia, the English call it Connagh, The bounds. and the Irish Connaghti: it is bounded on the East with part of Lagenia, on the North with part of Vltonia, on the West it is beaten with the Western Ocean, and on the South it is environed with part of Momonia or Munster, which is enclosed with the River Sineo or Shennin, and lieth over against the Kingdom of Spain. The Figure of it is long, The Form. and at either end both Northward and Southward it is very narrow, but towards the middle it grows longer on either side. It is an hundred and six and twenty miles long, from the River Shennin in the South, to Engi Kelling in the North, the greatest breadth is about fourscore miles, from Tromer the Eastern bound, to Barrag-Bay the Western limit. The whole circuit and compass of it is about four hundred miles. The Air. The Air in this Region is not so pure and clear as in the other Provinces of Ireland, by reason of some wet places bearing grass, which are called in regard of their softness Bogges, being dangerous, and sending out many thick vapours. The chief City of this Province, being the third City of note in Ireland, is Galway, in Irish Gallive. Built in the form of a Tower, The City. having a Bishops See in it, and being famous for the frequent resort of merchants thither, and also profitable to the Inhabitants by the conveniency of the Haven which is beneath it, and by the easy exportation of Merchandise: not far from hence on the Western sidely the Islands which are called Arran, of which many things are fabled, as if they were the Isles of the living, in which no man could either die or be subject to death. The Province of Connaught at this time is fortified with fourteen Castles, it hath nine Market Towns, & it is divided into six Counties or Shires in this manner: the County of Clare, of Galway, of Mago, of Slego, of Letrimme, and of Roscomen. Media is the third part of Ireland, The names whence derived. which in their Country speech they call Mijh, the English Methe, Giraldus Midia and Media, perhaps because it is in the very middle of the Island. For the Castle Killaire in these parts, which Ptolemie seems to call Laberus, The Situation. is in the middle of Ireland, as the name Killair doth denote. The Country reacheth from the Irish Sea, even to the River Shennin, which river parts it from Connacia. It hath a wholesome and delightful air. It is fruitful in corn, pasturage, and flocks, abounding with Fleshmeate, The fertility of the Soil. Butter, Cheese, Milk, and the like: and in regard of the multitude of people, the strength of fair Castles and Towns, and the peace arising from thence, it is commonly called the Chamber of Ireland. Here is the Town Pontana, which is commonly called Drogheda, a fair Town, and having a convenient Haven for Ships to ride in. But there are some who think that the middle part of this Town, on the other side the River, The Towns names. is in Vltonia. There are also these Towns in Media, Molingar, Four, Delvyn, Trim, Kelles, Navan, Aboy, Dulck, and Scrin. THE THIRD TABLE OF IRELAND. IN WHICH ARE MOMONJA, AND THE REMAINDER OF LAGENIA AND CONNACH. CONNACIA is the second part of Ireland, some call it Connachtia, the English Connach, and the Irish Connachty. The names. It lieth toward the West, and is bounded with the River Sen, the River Banna, and the Ocean. This, the Auteri and Nagnatae in the time of Ptolemy did inhabit. But there is so near an affinity between these two words, Nagnatae and Connaghty, that they seem one to be derived from the other: unless we suppose that the word Connaghty did arise from the Haven Nagnatae, which Ptolemy mentions, and from thence the Country got this name. For a Haven is called in their native speech Cuon, to which if you add Nagnata, it will not be much different in sound from Connaghty. The fertility of the Soil. The Country as it is in some places fruitful and pleasant, so in some wet places covered o'er with grass, and by reason of their softness, called Bogs, it is very dangerous, as other parts of the Island are, and full of dark and thick woods. But the Coasts having many Bays, and navigable in-lets, doth as it were invite and stir up the inhabitants to employ themselves in navigation, yet sloth is so sweet unto them, that they had rather beg from door to door, then seek to keep themselves from Poverty by honest labour. The ancient government. It is reported in the Irish Histories that Turlogus Omor O-conor, was sole Governor of this Country, and that he divided it between his two sons, Cahelus and Brienus. But when the English came into Ireland, Roderick did govern it, and called himself King of Ireland, but he being afraid of the English wars, not trying the chance or fortune of the field, put himself under obedience to Henry the Second King of England. Who after revolting from his faith given, Miles Cogane was the first Englishman who did attempt, but in vain, to get Connachtia. Afterwards, William the son of Adelme, whose posterity were called in Irish Bourki, Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester, and William de Bermingham chief men in England, did subject this Country, and brought it to civility. But Bourke, or de Burgo, and his Posterity were a long time styled and called Lords of Connach, governing this Province together with Vltonia in great peace and tranquillity, and did receive great revenues out of it, until the only daughter of Richard de Burgo being sole inheretrix of Connachtia and Vltonia, was married to Lionel Duke of Clarence, the son of King Edward the third. But he living for the most part in England, and his successors the Mortimers did neglect their Patrimony, the Bourks' being their kinsmen, to whom they had committed the overseeing of those Lands, making use of the absence of the Lords, and the troublesome times in England, contemned the authority of the Laws, entering into league with the Irish, and making marriages with them, and got all Connachtia to themselves, and by degrees degenerating, having left off the English habit, they followed the Irish manners. It is at this day divided into six Counties: Clare, Letrimme, Galwey, Resecomin, Maio, and Sligo. There are in it the Baron of Atterith, the Baron of Clare, and others. Here is also Galloway, a Town much frequented by foreign Merchants. It is reported that an Outlandish Merchant who did traffic with the Townsmen, did once ask an Irishman, in what part of Galloway Ireland stood? valuing this Town as the whole Country, and the whole Country as this Town. There are reckoned to Galloway, Inner, Clare, Sligo, Arctlo, and Alon, Towns of note. The Auteri, whom I mentioned before, did heretofore possess the more Southern part of this Connacia, where is now Twomondia, or Claria, the Country of Clan-Richard, and the Barony of Atterith, which plainly intimateth whence came the name of the Auteri. Tmomond, called by Giraldus Theutmonia (which though it lie beyond the River Senus or Shinnin, may be added to Momonia) is stretched forth into the Sea with a great Promontory, famous for the Seat of an Archbishop which they call Toam, and for the Earls thereof, namely the O-Brennis, who descending from the ancient Earls of Connack, were honoured by Henry the Seaventh, with the Title of Earls of Twomond. This Country of the most part of it the English call Clare-shire, from Thomas Clare the youngest son of Gilbert, the first Earl of Gloucester, to whom King Edward the first gave this Country. Clan-Richard, that is, the Land of the sons of Richard, is next unto this; it took its name, according to the Irish custom, from one Richard an Englishman, called the Burgo, or Burgensis, who afterward in this Country become a man of great note and power; and out of this Family Henry the eighth created Richard de Burgo Earl of Clan-Richard. Atterith, commonly Athenri, doth glory in that warlike Baron, john de Bermingham an Englishman, out of which Family the Earls of Louth are descended: but these Berminghams' of Atterith, degenerating into the Irish wildness and incivility, will scarce acknowledge that they were once English. In this Atterith Geographers do place the mouth of the River Ausoba, which is now called the Bay of Galway: for Galway, in Irish called Gallive, is seated on it, being a fair Town, which through the benefit of the River, is filled with many commodities brought thither, both by Sea and Land. Geographers do also place the River anciently called Ravius, but now Trowis, in Connack; it is also known by the name of Bannus, for the inhabitants do call it Banny: This River coming out of the Lake Ernus is the bounds of Connack, and Ulster. map of Ireland THE THIRD TABLE OF IRELAND. MEDIA. MEDIA is the third part of Ireland, which in the Country speech is called Mijh, Whence the names are derived. the English call it Methe, Giraldus Midia, and Media, because perhaps it lieth in the very middle of the Island. For the Castle of Killaire in those parts, which Ptolemy calls Laberus, is held to be in the middle of Ireland, and so much the d See Camden pag. 663. name itself doth express: for Lair in the Irish speech signifies the middle. Richard Stanihurst writeth thus concerning the Etymon or signification of the word Media. In the year of the World 2535. five brethren possessing the Islands, they resolved to divide it equally into four Provinces, that so they might govern in them severally. But lest their younger brother whose name was Slanius, might be without some honour, they consented together to bestow on him a share taken out of all four parts: Which was received by him cheerfully, and hence some suppose that it was called Media. It stretcheth and extendeth itself from the Irish Sea, The Situation. even to the River Shennin, which River doth part it from Connack. It hath a wholesome pleasant Air and deligthfull Prospect. The fertility and fruitfulness. It aboundeth with corn, pasturage and cattles, having store of Flesh, Butter, Cheese, Milk, and the like, and in regard of the strength of the Towns and Castles, and the peace arising thence it is called the Chamber of Ireland. The Irishmen do writ that this Country heretofore had Kings, and that Slanius afterward become sole Monarch of all Ireland. The ancient government. But when the English had set foot in Ireland, Hugh Lacey did conquer the most part of it, and King Henry the Second King of England granted it unto him to hold in fee, and styled him Lord of Media. He having his head on a sudden cut off by an Irishman while he was building the Castle of Derworth, left behind him Hugh Earl of Vltonia, and Walter Lord of Trim, the Father of Gilbert, who died before him. But by the daughters of Gilbert, Margaret, and Matilda, the one part fell by the jenvills of the House of Lorraine, and the Mortimers, unto the King: for Peter of jenvill being borne of that Matilda had issue joane, who was married to Roger Mortimer, Earl of March: the other came by the Verdons to many Families in England. In our forefather's time by an Act of Parliament it was divided into two parts, namely, into East and West Media. The River Boand or Boyne, which Ptolemy calleth Buvinda, runneth through the East side, and afterward when it hath washed Droghda, a fair and populous Town, called so from the bridge, it divideth that part from Vltonia. The Western Media hath nothing worthy of memory or note beside Laberus (which Camden seems to call Kaillair) and the Town of Delvin which heretofore did honour Peter Meset, and now the renowned English Family of the Nogents, with the title of Barons. For Gilbert Nogent (as Richard Stanihurst hath it, who writ eloquently of Irish matters) having a gentleman's estate, was rewarded by Hugh Lacie, for his service performed in the Irish wars, with the Colonies of Delvin and Four; from him are the Barons of Delvin descended. Those Irish Countries of O-Malaghlem, Mac-Coglan, O-Madden, and Mogoghian, whose names have a barbarous sound, we leave unto others. Among the Towns of Media, Pontana is reckoned which is commonly called Droghda, being a fair Town and having an Haven fit for the receipt of Ships. But there are some who place the middle part of this Town in Vltonia, beyond the River. There are also in Media these Towns, Molingar, Four, Delvin, Trim, Kelles, Navain, Aboy, Dulek, and Scrin. There are also in this Province near Fonera three Lakes, not fare one from another, whereof every one containeth his several sorts of fish, which never come one to another, although the way be passable by the River flowing between them: and beside if the fish be carried from one Lake to another, they either die, or return to it again. Here is the River Boand aforesaid, called so from the swiftness of it: for k See Camden's Brit. pag. 663. Boan both in Irish and Welsh, doth signify swift, and Nechamus hath sung of it. THE FOURTH TABLE OF IRELAND. WHICH CONTAINETH THE EASTERN PART, AND DOTH present these following Territories to view. Glandeboy, Tirone, Arde, Lecale, Enaugh, Arthule, Newry, Morne, Fuse, Vriel, and many others, also the Cities Armack and Downe. LAGENIA. map of Ireland THE FOURTH TABLE OF IRELAND. Et quantum longis carpunt armenta ditbus, Exiguâ tantum gelidus ros nocte reponit. How much the flocks do eat in the long day, The cold dew in the short night doth repay. But for the company of Giants which Giraldus placeth in this Country, I leave it to those who admire fabulous antiquities, for I would not willingly dote too much on fables. Beyond the Cauci lived the Eblani, where is now the Country of Dublin and Meth, being one of the five parts of Ireland. The County of Dublin towards the Sea is of a fertile soil, having pleasant Meadows, but so bore of Wood, that for the most part they use Turf and Coal digged in England. It is full of Towns and People; where the River Life hideth itself in the Sea, Houth is almost environed therewith, from whence the Family of the Laurences are called Barons of Houth. On the North side of Dublin lies Fingall, a fair Country well tilled, and is as it were the store-house or Barn of the Kingdom, in regard it yields yearly so great a quantity of corn, that in a manner the earth doth strive with the labour of the husbandmen, which lying in other parts of the Island, neglected and untilled, doth seem to complain of their ignorant sloth. These things being unfolded, let us now pass to the Cities and Towns. Here Kilkenny meets us in the first place, being near to the River Neorus, The names of the Towns. Kilkenny signifies the Cell, or Chapel of Canicus, who formerly in this Country was famous for his Religious solitary life. It is a neat fine Town, abounding with all things, and the chief of the innermost Towns of this Island. The Town is divided into the English and Irish part, the Irish part is as it were the Suburbs, wherein is the Temple of Canicus, who gave the name to it, and it is the Seat of a Bishop. The English Town is newer, being built by Ralph the third Earl of Chester, it was fortified as some do suppose, with walls on the West side by Robert Talbot a Noble man, and strengthened with a Castle by the Butlers. Below this, upon the same River of Neorus, a walled Town is seated, called in English Thomas Town, in Irish Bala mac-Andan, that is, the Town of Antonius his son, both names were given unto it by the builder Thomas FitZ-Antonius an Englishman, whose heirs are still acknowledged the Lords thereof. There stood in this Country that ancient City Rheba, mentioned by Ptolemy, which was also called Rheban, but instead of a City it is even 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a City and no City, as he himself saith, being a few Cottages with a Fort. It honoureth the Saint-michaells with the title of Baronet. There is Lechlinia, in Irish Leiglyn, a royal Town, fortified with a Castle by that Noble Deputy Bellingham. The great City of Rosse, hath likewise here flourished in times past, as having been full of Inhabitants, and Merchandise, and fortified with a wall of great circuit, by Isabella the daughter of Richard Strongbow Earl, which walls do now only remain. For discord arising among the Citizens concerning Religion, the Town is ruinated and fallen to nothing: but enough of these things, The Mountains and Rivers. I pass to the Mountains and Rivers. Beneath Ormund the hills Bliew Blemi (which Giraldus calleth the Mountains of Bladina) do lift up their heads with their convex tops, out of whose bowels as it were, the Rivers Suirus, Neorus and Birgus, do arise, and running in several channels before they come to the Ocean they join all in one stream, whence the Ancients did call them Tres Sorores the three Sisters. Neorus hemmeth in many Castles and Towns; Birgus, now called Barrow, flowing out of the Mountain Bladina, and running along by itself with many windings, at last passeth Rheba and other Towns. Afterwards Neorus and Birgus do mingle their Waters, and having for some miles run in one channel, they resign their name and waters to their elder sister Suirus, which by a rocky mouth dischargeth herself into the Ocean, where on the left hand there runneth forth a little Promontory with a strait neck, which bears a little Tower as a defence or mark for Ships, built by the Rosses when they flourished that they might safely enter into the Haven. In this part Ptolemie placed the River q Or Modana, which Camden thinks to be Slain. See him pag. 569. Modanus aforesaid, and Ovoca near the Sea, on the back whereof the Castle Arckle is seated, which River as Giraldus saith, both in the flowing and ebbing of the Sea water, doth still retain its native sweetness, and doth preserve its waters unstained or unmingled with saltness a great way in the Sea. s Called Lifnius, or Libnius Fluvius. Here is the River Liffie, which slideth by Dublin, it is not carried with any violence except after a great storm of rain, but floweth very gently. This River without doubt is mentioned by Ptolemie: but by the carelessness of Bookmen, it is banished out of its place. For the River Liffie, is placed in Ptolemies Tables in the same Latitude toward the other part of the Island, where there is no such River. But let us call it back again to t Or Dublin, which is called by the West Britain's Dinas Dublin, and by the Irish Balacleigh. 1. the Town upon Hurdles, for it is reported that the foundation thereof was laid upon Hurdles. Eblana its proper place, and give these verses of Necham concerning it. Visere Castle-cnock non dedignatur Aven-liff, Istum Dublini suscipit unda Maris. Aven-liff to see Castle-cnock doth not disdain, Which the Sea near Dublin doth receive again. I will also add that which Giraldus hath concerning Wiclo a Porte of Haven near to Ovoca: which he calleth Winchiligello. There is a Haven at Winchiligello, on that side of Ireland which looketh toward Wales, whose waters do flow in when the Sea doth ebb, and when the Sea floweth, it ebbeth. There is also another very notable one, which when the Sea ebbeth, yet still continues salt and brackish in every part and creek thereof. There is one Archbishop in Lagenia, which hath his seat at Dublin, and Clandelachy, he is called, Glandeloyloug, and Primate of Ireland, having these following Suffragan Bishops under him, the Bishop of Elphine, or Bishop Helphen; of Kildare, of Fernes Ossorie, and of Leighlyn called by some Laghlyn. THE FIFT TABLE. OF IRELAND. CONTAINING THE BARONY OF Vdrone, part of the Queen's Country, and the Lord Fortonesy, in the middle of Vdrone lieth the City Laglyn, otherwise Leighlin, adorned with a Bishops Seat. MOMONIA. MOMONIA follows in our propounded method, in Irish called Mown, in English Munster: the fift and last part of Ireland, it lieth on the South upon the Vergivian Sea, being divided in some places from Connacia by the River Shennin, and from Lagenia by the River Neorus; it was formerly divided into two parts, the Western, and the Southern. The Western part the Gangani, Luceni, Velabri, and Vterini did anciently inhabit, the Vdiae or Vodiae the Southern part. Now it is divided into seven Counties namely Kerry, Limrick, Corck, Tripperary the County of the Holy Cross, the County of Waterford, and Desmond. We purpose to run briefly over these Counties with Cambden, according to the several people which the Cosmographer attributeth to them. The Gangani whom we formerly mentioned in the first place, do seem by the affinity of their name to be the same with the Concani of Spain, whose original was from the Scythians, and Silius witnesseth that they drank horses-blood, which heretofore the Wild Irish did often use to do; Kerri (as it is now called) at the mouth of the River Shennin, was Anciently their Seat. A country full of inaccessible and woody mountains between which there are many hollow valleys, having thick woods in them. The Earls of Desmond were heretofore honoured with the dignity of Counts Palatine hereof, but by the wickedness of men, which would have liberty and yet knew not how to use it, it was long since converted into a sink of impiety, and a refuge for seditious persons. A ridiculous opinion hath invaded and persuaded the minds of the Wild Irish, that he that doth not answer the great shouting or warlike u Which is Pharick cry which the rest make, when they join battle, should be suddenly taken up from the earth, and as it were flying be carried into these desert valleys, from any part of Ireland, and there feed on grass, drink water, and yet know not what he is, having reason, but not speech, and at last should be taken by hunters, and brought home again. The middle of this Country is cut into two parts by a River which hath now no name, but floweth by a small Town called Trails, now almost ruinated, where the Earls of Desmond had their mansion houses. This River, by the situation of it in Ptolemies tables, doth seem to be Dur, and saith Camden, I would avouch no less, if Duris, which at this day is reckoned among the Havens of this Western Coast, be at the mouth of it, as I have understood by some. Not fare from hence is the Haven Smerwick (the word being contracted in stead of S. Mary-Wick,) of which, not many years ago, when Girald Earl of Desmond, a man profound in treachery towards his Prince and Country, did daily by several inroads waste the Country of Momonia, a mixed band or company of Italians and Spaniards arrived, being sent unto his aid from Pope Gregory, and the Spaniards, who having engarrisoned themselves in a place, called Fort deal Over, seemed not to fear Heaven itself. But when that famous and warlike Deputy the Lord Arthur Grace came with his forces, he did soon decide the matter. For forthwith they yielded themselves, and most part of them were put to death, because it seemed most safe and fit so to do, the affairs of the Kingdom requiring it, and the rebels being on every hand. The Earl of Desmond himself fled to the woods, and having hid himself in a Cottage was wounded by a Soldier or two who rushed in upon him, and afterward being known, he was beheaded for his treachery and wasting of his Country. All Desmonia toward the South is subject to the Gangans, which the Irish call Dassown, the English, Desmond, heretofore three sorts of people dwelled in it, namely the Luceni, the Velabri, the Iberni, which are conceived in some Maps to be the Vterini. The Luceni seem to have drawn both their name and original from the Lucensii of Spain, which held the opposite Coast. The Velabri were so called from Aber, which is as much to say as Aestuarii, because they were seated near the arms of the Sea: hence also the Artabri and Cantabri were so called. Orosius places these at the Promontory Notium, which Mariners at this day do call x Some call it Cabo del Mar others Cara and Cabo de Cler. Biar-head: under this Promontory the River jernus is received into the Ocean, near to which stands Dunck-eran a Bishop's Seat, this Dunck-eran, which in the Scottish-Irish, is as much as to say, the Town Eran, doth not only expressly show itself to be that City Ivernis which Ptolemie mentions, but the river to be that jernus whereof he speaketh, which hath its appellation together with the whole Island from Higher an Irish word signifying the West. For it is the farthest River of this Country toward the West, as Ireland is the farthest Island Westward of all Europe. The Iberni, who are also called Vterni, (that is according to Camden's interpretation, the High Irish) did inhabit by this River on one side of the Promontory, where are the Havens Berehavim and Baltimore, well known for the plenty of Herring taken therein: near to which dwelled Mac-Carti Moore, an Irish Nobleman who in the year 1566. did deliver & tender his Lands and possessions into the hands of Elizabeth Queen of England, and received them again from Her, to hold them by fealty after the manner of England. And at the same time he was created Earl of Glencar, and baron of Valentia. A man in this Country of great name and power, and an enemy heretofore to the Giralds, who deprived his Ancestors, being heretofore, as he contended, the lawful Kings of Desmond, of their ancient right. For these Giralds, or Fitzgiralds, being descended from the house of Kildare: and having conquered the Irish, did here get themselves large possessions, and of these Giralds Maurice FitZ-Thomas was created by Edward the third map of Ireland THE FIFT TABLE OF IRELAND. the first Earl of Desmond in the year of Grace 1355, & left so firm & so established an inheritance, that the aforesaid honour in a continued succession did descend to this wretched rebel, of which I have spoken before, who was the tenth Earl after him. Next to the Iberni dwelled the Vdia who are also called Vodiae, of which names there remaineth some tokens in the Country of Kilkenni; for the greatest part is called Idou & Idouth. These did inhabit the Counties of Cork, Triperarie, Linrick Kilkenni, and Waterford. In the County of Triperarie, there is nothing worthy of memory, but that there is a Palatinate in it, and the little Town called Holy Cross, that hath great immunities and freedoms granted (as the Monks have persuaded them) in honour of a piece of our Saviour's Cross which was kept there. The Rivers, Cities and Towns. The famous River Suirus, which the inhabitants call Shower, is carried out of this Country of Triperarie into Kilkenni. This River running out of the Mountain Blada through Ossiria the Lower of which the Butlers are styled Earls, and afterward Thurles, of which they are styled Viscount's, first passeth by the City Cassilia or Cassel, adorned by Pope Eugenius with an Archbishop, under whom are nine Suffragan Bishops. And from thence growing bigger by the receipt of two other Rivers into it, near Waterford it dischargeth itself into the Ocean. Hitherto I have run over this part of Ireland with Camden, now it remains to unfold some things concerning the Cities and Towns in the same. Among them the first that offers itself is a) This City the Irish and Britons' call Porthlargy. Waterford, which is the second City in Ireland, and always faithful and obedient to the English government. For after Richard Earl of Pembroke conquered and took it, it always continued in peaceable quietness and obedience to the English, endeavouring to bring Ireland into subjection; whence the Kings of England did grant them many and diverse immunities and freedoms, which Henry the seventh did increase and confirm, because the Citizens did behave themselves valiantly and wisely against Perkin Warbeck, who with the wings of impudence thought to aspire to the royal Throne. This City was built by Pirates of Norway, which although it have a thick air, a soil not very pleasant, and very narrow streets, yet such is the conveniency of the Haven, that it is the second Ctity in Ireland for wealth & populousness, & is filled with many wise & well behaved Citizens. It hath a safe & quiet Haven, & which is often full of outlandish & foreign ships. For there are many Merchants in Waterford, who in trading do so wisely use their stock, & so warily cast up their accounts, that in a short time they get great store of wealth; they are not for the most part indebted, but have ready money. There are very few usurers, which by fraudulent & intolerable interest live upon the goods & spoil of the Citizens by taking them to pawn. The Citizens are courteous, bountiful, thrifty, hospitable to strangers, and serviceable both in private and public affairs. This City was anciently called Menapia, as Dublin Eblana: or rather Amellana from Amellanus, who built it, as it is reported that Sitaracus built Waterford, and Ivorus Limrick; They being Cousin-germans, and heretofore of great authority in Ireland. There is also in this Country Limrick, which is the third City, that excels the rest, for commodious situation, and for the fairness of the River, being watered with Shennin the chief of all the Irish Rivers; though this City be distant from the Sea sixty miles, yet the ship-masters do bring ships of great burden even to the walls of the City, neither need they fear any rocks all the way they come up. It is wonderful to see what store and plenty of fish you shall find there. john King of England being enamoured with the pleasantness of this City, built there a fair Castle, and a Bridge. There is also Corcagia in the County of Cork, which the English call Cork, and the natives Korkcach, environed with a wall, not very wide in compass. It is stretched out so as to make but one street, yet there is a pretty and very fair market place; it hath an excellent safe harbour, but hath heretofore been so encompassed with seditious neighbours, that they keep continual watch and ward, as if they were always besieged, and they scarce marry their daughters into the country, by reason whereof, marrying among themselves, all the Citizens are somewhat allied one to another. The Citizens are strong in Soldiers, they addict themselves to merchandise, and govern their affairs both at home and abroad very frugally. Coenalis writeth, that the holy man Briacus came from hence, from whom the Diocese of Sanbrioch in Britain, commonly called S. Brieu, took its name. But in this he wandereth from the truth, because he placeth the Coriondi of Ireland in this City. For Ptolemie doth not mention it at all. Yet the River which floweth by it seemeth to be the same, which Ptolemie calls Daurona, and Giraldus calls Sauranus, and Saverenus by changing one letter. Learned d pag. 655. Camden saith, that the affinity which is between these names did intimate so much unto him, and that with greater probality, then if he should call the next River Daurona, which running through the County Cork and Triperarie falls into the Ocean by Lysmor, and is called by Historians Avenmor, that is, the Great River, of which Nechamus thus writeth: Vrbem Lissimor pertransit flumen Avenmor, Ardmor cernit ubi concitus aequor adit. Avenmor runneth by Lissimors' wall And at Ardmor into the Sea doth fall. THE KINGDOM OF SCOTLAND. The names. THE Northern part of the Island of Britain is called Scotland, heretofore Albania. The Inhabitants who keep their ancient speech, do call it Albain, and the Irish Albany, as if it were an other Ireland, which the Bards call Banno. For Historians do call Ireland Greater Scotland; & the Kingdom of Scots in Britain the Lesser Scotland: Ptolemie doth call it Little Britain, Rufus the Second Britain; Tacitus calleth it Caledonia, from a certain Forest so called. But the Scots were so called from their Neighbours the e or Scitti, a people of Germany that seized on a part of Spain. Scythes: For as the Dutchmen call the Scythes and Scots by one name Scutten, that is, Archers: so also the Britain's did call both of them Yscot, as appeareth by the British Writers. And 'tis manifest, that they descending from the Scythes, came out of Spain into f Anno 424. Ireland, and from thence into that part of Albain which they now possess, and grew with the Picts into one Nation. Thus much of the Name, the Situation follows. The Southern bounds towards England are the Rivers Tweed and Solwey, on the North is the Deucaledon Ocean, The Situation. on the West the Irish, on the East the German, other parts the Ocean and the Germane Sea do compass. It is 480 miles long, but no where above 112 miles broad. The temperature of the Air. The Country is more temperate than France, the heat and cold being more remiss, in like manner as it is in England, but yet it cannot be compared unto it in fruitfulness. The Earth, for the most part, The fertility of the Soil. is full of Sulphur or moorish, which affordeth them coal and turf for firing, especially in those places where there is want of wood. Yet here groweth as much corn as the Inhabitants can spend. The Earth also bringeth forth diverse metals, as Gold, Silver, Quicksilver, Iron, Led, and Copper. It hath in Drisdale a Gold Mine, in which the Azure stone is found. It hath also precious stones, especially the Gagate, which burneth in the water, and is quenched with oil. Also excellent pastures, which do feed and bring up all kinds of Herds: whence they abound with plenty of flesh, milk, butter, cheese, and wool. When the Scots came to the Picts into Britain, although they still provoked the English by wars & robberies, yet the Scottish affairs grew not upon a sudden, but a long time they lay hid in that corner in which they first arrived; neither (as Beda noteth) for more than an hundred and seven and twenty years, durst they bear Arms against the Earls of Northumberland, until at one and the same g in the year of grace 740. time they had almost slain all the Picts, and the Kingdom of Northumberland by domestic troubles, and by the incursions of the Dane, was almost ruined. For then all the North part of Britain came to be called Scotland, together with the Country beyond Cluide, and Edenburgh-Frith. The Scots are valiant in war, and stout soldiers to endure hunger, watching, or cold. The chief City of Scotland is h This City the Scotch-Irish call Dun Eaden, i the Town Eaden. Edinburgh, commonly called Edenburrow, map of Scotland THE KINGDOM OF SCOTLAND. this royal Seat Ptolemie calls the i Which the word Edenburrow much resembles, for (saith Cama●n) Adain in the British tongue signifieth a wing. See pag. 627. Winged Castle, and not only the Metropolis of Lauden, but also of all Scotland; it hath its situation on the Mountains, much like to Prague in Bohemia; the length stretched from East to West is a thousand paces, or a mile, the breadth is half as much. The whole City hangeth, as it were, on the side of a Mountain, and is highest toward the West; toward the North it fortifies the City with its steepness, the other parts toward the East and South are environed with a wall. On the East side of the City is the King's palace, which they call King Arthur's Chair: on the West there is a steep Rock, and on the Rock a great Tower, which the Scots do commonly call the maiden Tower, which is the same which Ptolemie calls the Winged Castle. There are also other Cities and famous Towns in this Kingdom, which we will describe particularly in their places. In the Valleys there are many Lakes, Marshes, Fountains and Rivers full of Fish, the greatest part whereof arise out of the Mountain Grampius, The Sea. of which we will make mention in our next Description. The Scottish Sea is full of Oysters, The Ports. Herrings, Coral, and shellfish of diverse kinds. Scotland hath many Havens & Bayes, amongst which Letha is a most convenient Haven. Mountains. The Country itself is very rugged and mountainous, and on the very Mountains hath plain level ground, which doth afford pasturage for Cattles. Grampius is the greatest Mountain, and doth run through the middle of Scotland: Woods. it is commonly called Grasebaim, or Grantzbaine, that is to say, the crooked mountain, for it bending itself from the shore of the Germane Sea to the mouth of the River Dee, and passing through the middle of this Country toward the Irish Sea, endeth at the Lake Lomund: it was heretofore the bounds of the Kingdom of the Picts and Scots. At Aberdon there are woody mountains. It is thought, that here was the Forest of Caledonia, which Lucius Florus calls saltus Caledonius, very spacious, and by reason of great trees impassable; and it is divided by the Mountain Grampius. Moreover not only ancient writings and manuscripts, Public works. but also Temples, Friaries, Monasteries, Hospitals, and other places devoted to Religion do testify, that the Scots were not the last k The Gospel was first preached here by Palladius anno 431. among the Europaeans, who embraced the Christian Religion, and did observe and reverence it above others. The royal Palace of Edinburgh, of which I spoke before, is very stately and magnificent, and in the midst of the City is their Capitol or Parliamenthouse. The Dukes, Earls, Barons, and Nobles of the Kingdom have their Palaces in the City, when they are summoned to Parliament. The City itself is not built of brick, but of free squared stone, so that the several houses may be compared to great Palaces. But enough of this, let us pass to other things. The people of Scotland are divided into three Ranks or Orders, the Nobility, the Clergy, and the Laiety. The manner of Government. The Ecclesiastical Order hath two Archbishops, one of S. Andrew's, Primate of all Scotland, the other of Glasco. There are eight Bishoprics under the Archbishop of Saint Andrew's, of Dunkeld, of Aberdon, of Murray, of Dunblan, of Brecchin, of Rosse, of Cathanes, and of Orkney: Under the Bishop of l which is also called the Bishop of Galloway. Glasgo there are three, to wit, the Bishop of Candida casa, the Bishop of m or Argile. Argadia, and the Bishop of the Isles, namely Sura, Mura, Yla, &c. This is the manner and order of the Nobility, the Kings and the King's Sons lawfully begotten have the first place, of which if there be many, the eldest Son is called Prince of Scotland, the rest are only called Princes, but when the King is publicly crowned, he promiseth to all the people, that he will keep and observe the Laws, Rites, and Customs of his Ancestors, and use them in the same manner as they did. The Dukes have the second place, the Earls the third, and those Nobles the fourth place, who are not known by that Title in foreign Countries, but the Scots do call them My Lords. This name is so much esteemed amongst them, that for honour's sake they attribute it to their Bishops, Earls, and chiefest Magistrates. In the fifth place are the Knights and Barons, who are usually called Lords. They are in the sixth and last place, who having attained to no title of honour, but yet descended from a noble Family, are therefore commonly called Gentlemen; as the Brothers, and Sons of Earls and Lords, the youngest Sons of Knights, who have no part in the Inheritance, because (by the Laws of Scotland) that cometh unto the eldest Son, for the preservation of the Family, but the common people call all those Gentlemen, who are either rich or well spoken of for their hospitality. The whole weight of war doth depend on the Nobility of the lowest degree. The Plebeians or Citizens are partly chief men, who bear office in their Cities, partly Merchants, and partly Tradesmen, or Handy-craftes-men, all which because they are free from Tribute and other burdens, do easily grow rich. And lest any thing should be too heavily enacted against any City, the King permits that in public assemblies or Parliaments three or four Citizens, being called out of every City, should freely interpose their opinion concerning matters propounded. Heretofore the Clergy was governed by the authority of Decrees & Counsels, but now (as the rest) they are ruled by the Laws, which the Kings have devised, or confirmed by their royal assent. The Book which containeth the municipal Laws, written in Latin, is entitled Regia Majestas, the King's Majesty, because the Book gins with those words: In the other Books of the Laws, the Acts of their Counsels (which are called Parliaments) are written in Scotch. There are many and diverse Magistrates in Scotland, as in other Nations. Among these, the chief and next to the King is the Protector of the Kingdom (whom they call the Governor.) He hath the charge of governing the Kingdom, if the Commonwealth at any time be deprived of her King; or the King by reason of his tender age cannot manage the affairs of the Kingdom. There is also a continual Senate at Edenburrough, so framed of the Clergy and Nobility, that the Clergy doth in number equal the Laiety. The Clergy have a Precedent over them, who hath the first place in delivering his opinion, unless the Chancellor of the Kingdom be present, for he hath the chief place in all affairs of the Kingdom. He that sits on matters of life and death, they call The great Justice; he that looks to Sea-matters, the Admiral: he that looks to the Camp, the Marshal: and he that punishes offences, committed in the Court, is called the Constable. There are also in several Provinces, which they call Viecounties, those which are Governors of them, whom by an ancient name they call Viscount's. Their authority in deciding those matters which belong to civil causes, doth depend on a certain hereditary right, by which they claim also unto themselves those Vicountships. So that these Viscount's may be said not to be created by the King, but borne unto it by right from their Parents. The Cities also and Towns have their Governors, their Bailiffs, and other Magistrates of that kind, who keep the Citizens in obedience, and do maintain and defend the Privileges of the Cities, whereby it comes to pass that the Commonwealth of Scotland, by the apt disposition and ranking of Degrees, by the holy Majesty of Laws and the authority of Magistrates, doth flourish, and deserveth great praise. These are the names of the Dukedoms, Earldoms, and Vicountships of Scotland: the Dukedom of Rotsay and Albania, and the Dukedom of Lennox, the County of Carnes, Sutherlant, Rosse, Murray, Buchquhan, Garniach, Garmoran, Marinell, Mernis, Angus, Gowry, Friffe, March, Athole, Stratherne, Menteith, Wagion, Douglasse, Carrike, Crawford, Annandale, Ourmonth, and Huntley. The Vicountships are, Berwick, alias North-Berwyk, Roxburgh, Selkirk, Twedale, Dunfrise, Niddisdale, Wigton, Are, Lanarke, Dunbretton, Sterueling, Louthean, Lauden, Clacmanan, Kiuros, Fife, Perth, Angus, Mernis, Aberdone, Bamph, Foreste, and Inuernes. There are the Universities of Saint Andrew and Aberdone, the later was adorned with many privileges by King Alexander, and his Sister Isabel, about the year 1240. The former was begun to be established under King james, in the year 1411. To which is added the University of Glasgo, founded by Bishop Turnbul, anno 1554, and Edinburgh. The disposition of the Scots is lively, stirring, fiery, hot, and very capable of wisdom. THE SECOND TABLE OF SCOTLAND. I Have ended that which I purposed to speak of Scotland in general, our method requireth that we should run through the parts of it in special. Scotland is divided (by the Mountain Grampius, cutting it in the midst) into the Southern or Higher part, and into the Northern or Lower part. It is divided from England by the River Tweed, by the high Mountain Cheviota, and, where the Mountain faileth, by a trench made not long ago, and lastly by the Rivers Eske and Solway. Beyond these bounds the Countries even from the Scottish Sea to the Irish, do lie in this manner. The first is Marcia, Merchia or March so called, because it is the limits, and lies on the Marches of Scotland; this reacheth to the left side of Tweed: on the East it is bounded with the Forth n Which is an arm of the Sea, where the water ebbs & flows. The names of Cities Aestuarium, and on the South with England. In March is the Town of Berwyke, Borwick, or Borcovicum; which the English hold. Here is also the Castle of Hume, the ancient possession of the Lords of Hume, who being descended from the Earls of March, become at last a great and renowned Family. Near to this Castle lieth Kelso, famous by a certain Monastery, and the ancient habitation of the Hepburni, who a long time by Hereditary right, were Earls of Bothwell, and Admirals of Scotland, which honours by the Sister of james Earl of Bothwell, married to john the lawful Son of King james the fift, did descend to Francis his Son. From thence we may see Coldingham, or Childingham, which Beda calls the City Coldana, and Vrbs Coludi, and Ptolemie perchance calls Colania. On the West side of March on either side of Tweed is Tifedale, being so called from the River Tyfic. It is divided from England by the Mountain Cheviota. After this are three small Countries, Lidesdale, Eusedale, and Eskedale, so named from three Rivers of like name, Lide, Eve, and Eske. The last is Annandale, which is so called from the River of Annan, dividing it in the midst, which runs along by Solway into the Irish Sea. Now that we may return again to the o Called by Ptolemie Boderia by Tacitus Bodorria and by Boethius Fluvius Levinus. Lothiana. Forth or Scottish Fyrth it doth bound Lothiana or Lauden on the East side: the Cochurmian Woods, and the Lamirian Mountains do separate it from Marcia. And then a little toward the West it toucheth upon Lauderia & Twedia: the one so called from the Town Laudera, the other from the River Tweed, cutting through the middle of that Country. On the South and West Lidesdale Nithesdale and Clidesdall do touch upon Tweed, the name of Nithesdale was given unto it from the River Nyth, called by Ptolemie Nobios, which glideth through it into the Irish Sea. p The Country is now called Lauden, and anciently pictland. The fertility of the Soil. The Rivers. Lothiaria was so called from Lothius King of the Scots. On the East side it is bounded with the Forth or Scottish Sea, and on the West it looketh toward the Vale of Clide. This Country both for courtesy and plenty of all things necessary for man's life, doth fare excel the rest. It is watered with five Rivers, Tin●, The names of Cities. both the Eskes (who before they fall into the Sea do join together in one channel) Letha, and Almone. These rising partly out of the Lamirian Mountains, partly out of the Pictland Mountains do run into the Forth. It hath these Towns, Dunbar, Hadinia, commonly called Hadington, Dalneth, Edenburrough, Leth and Lemnuch. Somewhat more towards the West lieth u Or Cluiddesdale. The Rivers. Clydesdale, on either side of the River Clide or Glotta, which in regard of the length is divided into two Provinces. In the former Province is a hill not very high, from whence three Rivers do discharge themselves into three diverse Seas. x Called Vedra by Ptolemie. Tweed into the Scotch Sea, Annand into the Irish, and Clide into the Deucalidon Sea. The chiefest Cities in it are Lanarick and Glasco. The names of Cities. The latter the River Coila or Coyil runneth by on the West: beyond Coila is Gallovidia or Galloway. It is separated from Nithesdale with the River Claudanus, almost inclining toward the South, whose banks do hem in the other side of Scotland. The whole Country is more fruitful in Cattles then in Corne. Galloway. It hath many Rivers which run into the Irish Sea, as Vrus, Dee, Kennus, Cray and Lowies. It is no where raised into Mountains, but yet it swells with little Hills. Among which the water settling doth make innumerable Lakes, The Situation. which by the first rain which falls before the Autumnal Aequinox do make the Rivers rise, whence there cometh down an incredible multitude of Eels, which the Inhabitants having taken up with wickar-weeles, do salt up, and make a great commodity of. In this Country is the Lake of Myrton, part of whose Waters do congeal in Winter, the other is never frozen. The farthest part on this side is the Promontory Novantum, under which in the mouth of the River Lowies is the Bay which Ptolemy calls b And Camden Gerigonius, because there is a Town situate called G●rgeny. Regrionius. On the other side there flows into it the Bay of Glotta, commonly called the Lake Rian, which Ptolemy calls Vidogara. That Land which runneth between these two Bays the Inhabitants call Rind, that is the Eye of Galloway: they call it also the Mule of Galloway, or the Mules neck. The whole Country is called Galloway, or Gallovid, which in the language of the Ancient Scots signifies a Frenchman. Beneath Vidogara on the backside of Galloway, Caricta gently bendeth toward the estuarie of Glotta. Rivers. Two Rivers do cut through it: one called Stinsianus, and the other Grevanus, on both of which many pleasant Towns are seated. Lakes. Between the Rivers, in those places where it swells into little hills, it is fruitful in pasturage, and hath some Corne. The whole Country hath not only a sufficiency of all things, for the maintenance of men both by Sea and Land, but also doth furnish the neighbour Countries with many commodities. The River Dun doth separate it from Coila, arising out of a Lake of the same name, which hath an Island in it with a small Castle. There are in the Country of Caricta, very exceeding great Oxen, whose flesh is tender and sweet in taste, and whose fat being once melted never hardeneth again, but always runneth abroad like oil. Coila followeth, which Galloway doth bound on the South, on the East it toucheth Clidesdale, on the West it is divided from Cunningam by the River Vrwyn, the River Aire map of Scotland THE SECOND TABLE OF SCOTLAND. runs through the middle hereof, on which is seated Air a fair Market Town. For the general, this Country hath greater plenty of valiant men, then of fruit or cattles, for it is altogether of a light sandy soil: which doth sharpen the industry of the Inhabitants, and their sparing life doth confirm the strength of their minds and bodies. In this Country about ten miles from the Town Air, there is a stone almost twelve foot high, and thirty Cubits thick, which is called the deaf stone, for if you hollow or shoot off a Musket on the one side, he that standeth on the other side next to the stone cannot hear it, he that stands farther off shall hear it better, and he that stands farthest of shall hear it best. After this Cunningam runneth to the North, and straightneth Glotta, until it become a small River. It is manifest that the name of this Country came from the Danes, and in their language signifies a King's house, which is a sign that the Danes sometimes possessed it. Next on the East side is situated Renfroan, so called from a Town, in which the Inhabitants kept their public meetings, it is commonly called Baronia. Two Rivers do cut through the middle of it, which are both called Carth. After this Country is Clidesdale aforenamed, stretched forth to either bank of Glotta, and poureth forth many Noble Rivers: on the left hand Aven, and Duglasse, which do run into Glotta: on the right hand another Aven, which separates Sterling on the South from Lothiana, and on the East from the Fyrth, until at last growing lesser, it hath a Bridge over it near Sterling. There is one River that cutteth through this Country, which is worthy of memory, called Carron, near to which are some ancient Monuments. On the left side of Carron there are two little hills built by the industry of men, which are commonly called Duni pacis. On the right side of Carron, there is a plain field that at last riseth into a little hill, being in the middle between Duni pacis, and a little Chapel. On the side of this hill there appeareth yet the ruins or remainder of a small City. But the foundation of the Walls, and the description of the streets, partly by tillage, and partly by digging forth squared stones for the building of rich men's houses, cannot be distinctly known. This place Beda doth call Guidi, and doth place it in a corner of the trench made by Severus the Emperor. Many famous Roman Writers have made mention of this Trench and Bulwark. Here many tokens do remain, and many stones are digged up with inscriptions, which are either testimonies of aid formerly received by the Tribunes and Centurions, or of their Sepulchers in those places. Beyond Sterling is Levinis or Lennox, divided from Renfroan by Glotta, from Glasco by the River Keluin: it is parted from Sterling or Striveling with the Mountains, from Taichia, by the Forth: at length it endeth at the Mountain Grampius, at the foot thereof the Lake Lomund through a hollow Vale extendeth itself 24. miles in length, and 8. in breadth, which containeth above 24. Islands. Besides a multitude of other fishes, it hath some particular unto itself, which are pleasant in taste, called Pollacks. There are three things reported of this Lake very memorable: First the Fish have no Fins, but otherwise are of an excellent taste. Secondly, the water when there is no wind is sometime so rough, that it would affright the boldest Mariner, from weighing Anchor. Lastly, there is a certain Island fit to feed flocks of cattles, which moveth up and down, and is driven to and fro with every tempest. But I return to the Lake, which at last breaking forth toward the South, doth sand forth the River Levin, which giveth its own name to the Country. This River near to the Castle Brittanodun, or Don briton, and a Town of the same name, entereth into Glotta. The farthest Hills of the Mountain Grampius do somewhat raise the farthest part of Levinia, being cut through with a little Bay of the Sea, which for the shortness of it they call Gerloch. Beyond this is a fare larger Bay, which they call Longus, from the River Long that falleth into it. This is the bound between Levinia and Covalia. Covalia itself, f Called also Argile, and Argadia. Argathel or rather Ergathel and Cnapdale, are divided into many parts by many strait Bays made by the estuarie of Glotta, or Dun-Brittan Fryth. There is one famous Lake amongst the rest; they call it Finis from the River Fin, which it receiveth, it is 60 miles long. There is in Knapdale the Lake Auus, in which there is a small Island with a fortified Castle. From hence the River Auus runneth forth, which alone in these Countries emptieth itself into the Deucalidon Sea. Beyond Knapdale towards the West Cantiera or Cantyre runneth out, that is, the head of the Country, over against Ireland, from which it is parted by a small narrow Sea, being longer than broad, and joined so straightly, and in such a narrow manner to Cnapdale, that it is scarce a mile over, and even that is nothing else but sand. On Cantyre Lauria toucheth, lying near to Argathel, and reaching near to Abry: it is a plain Country, and not unfruitful. In that place where the Mountain Grampius is somewhat lower, and more passable, the Country is called Braid Albin, that is to say, the highest part of Scotland, and where it is highest it is called Drum Albin, that is the back of Scotland; and not without reason. For out of the back Rivers do run into either Sea, some into the North, some into the South: out of the Lake jernus, it sendeth forth the River jerna into the East, which having run three miles falls into Taus beneath Perth. From this River Strathierna or Stathierna, extended to either bank thereof, took its name. For the Scots are wont to call a Country which lieth on a River, Stat. THE THIRD TABLE OF SCOTLAND. THe Mountains of Ocellum do border upon Tachia, which for the most part, together with the Country at the foot thereof, are thought to be in the Country of jernia: but the rest of the Country even to the Forth ambition hath divided into many parts, as Clacman, Colrosse, and Kinrosse. From these and the Mountains of Ocellum, all the Country which is bounded by the Forth and Tay, groweth strait in the form of a wedge Eastward, toward the Sea. And by one name is called Fife, having sufficiency of all things necessary to life: it is broadest where the Lake Levinus cutteth it, and thence gathereth itself into a narrow form, even to the Town Caralia. It sendeth forth one notable River, to wit Levinus, whose banks are beautified with many Towns, of which the most renowned for the study of good Arts, Rivers. is Fanum Andraeae, or Andrews Chapel, which the ancient Scots did call Fanum Reguli, and the Picts Rigmud. In the middle of the Country is Cuprum or Cuper, whither those of Fife do come to have their causes tried: on that side where it toucheth jernia, there stands Abreneth the ancient Palace of the Picts. Here jerna runneth into Taus. But Taus runneth four and twenty miles, having broken out of the Lake Taus which is in Braid Albin, and is the greatest River in Scotland. This River bending toward the mountain Grampius, doth touch Atholia a fertile Region placed in the woody Country of Grampius. Beneath Atholia Caledon is seated on the right-hand bank of the River Taus an old Town which only retaineth a name, common-called Duncaldene, that is, Hasell-trees. For the Hasell trees spreading themselves all over, and covering the fields thereabout with their shady boughs, gave occasion of that name both to the Town and people. These Caledones or people of Caledon, being once reckoned among the chief Britons, did make up one part of the Kingdom of the Picts. For Ammianus Marcellinus divideth them into the Caledones and Vecturiones, but of their names there is scarce any memory left at this day. Twelve miles beneath Caledon lies the Country of Perth on the same right-hand bank. On the lefthand bank beneath Atholia is Goursey, looking toward the East, renowned for corne-fields: and beneath this again is Angusia stretched out between Taus and Eske: this the ancient Scots did call Aeneia. Some suppose it to be called Horestia, or according to the English speech Forrest. In it is the City Cuprum which Boethius, to gratify his Country, ambitiously calleth i This is also called Allectum. Dei Donum, the gift of God: but I suppose the ancient name was Taodunum, from Dunus, that is, an Hill situate by Taus, at the foot whereof there is a Town. Beyond Taus the next fourteen miles off, on the same bank is Abreneth, otherwise called Obrinca. After this Country is the Read Promontory, very conspicuous. The River Eske called the Southern, cutting through the midst thereof, the other Northern Eske divideth it from Mernia. It is for the most part a map of Scotland THE THIRD TABLE. OF SCOTLAND. plain field country, until Grampius meeting with it beneath Fordur●● and Dunotrum the Earl Marshals castle, it somewhat remitteth in height, and so bendeth down into the Sea. Beyond it towards the North is the mouth of the River Deva commonly called Dea or Dee, and about a mile distant from it the River Don; by the one is Aberdon, famous for the Salmon-fishing, by the other another k The mouth of the River Don: this Town is called by Ptolemie Devana, for Denana, because it is situate on the River Den or Don. Aberdon, which hath▪ Bishops Seat, and Public Schools flourishing by the studies of all Liberal Arts. I find in ancient monuments that the Hithermost was called Aberdea, but now these Towns are called the old and new Aberdon▪ From this straight Foreland between these two Rivers beginneth Marri●, which by little and little enlarging itself runneth 60. miles in length even to Badenacke or Badgenoth. This Country extends itself in one continued ridge, and doth sand forth diverse great Rivers into either Se● Abria doth border on Badenacke, being somewhat inclined toward the Deucalidon Sea, and is as plentiful as any Country in Scotland with a●● Sea and Land-commoditie. For it hath good corn and pasturage, and is pleasant as well in regard of the shady woods as cool streams, and fountains. It hath so great plenty of fish, that it is not inferior to any part of the whole Kingdom. For beside the plenty of river fish, the Se● storeth it; for breaking in upon the plain ground, and there being kept in with high banks it spreads itself abroad, Abria. in manner of a great Lake: whence it is called in their country speech Abria, that is a standing water. They give also the same name to the neighbour Country. Northward next to Marria is Buchania or Buguhan divided from it by the river Don. This of all the Countries of Scotland doth stretch itself farthest into the German Sea. It is happy in pasturage and the increase of sheep, and is sufficiently furnished with all things necessary for man's life. The fertility of the soil. The rivers thereof do abound with Salmon. Yet that kind of fish is not found in the river Raira. There is on the banks of this river a Cave, the nature whereof is not to be omitted, which is, that water distilling drop by drop out of the hollow arch thereof these drops are straightway turned into little Pyramids of stone, and if it should not be cleansed by the industry of men, it would quickly fill up the cave even to the top. Beyond Buchania towarps the North, are two small Countries, Boina and Ainia, which lie by the river Spaea or Spey that separateth them from Moravia. Spaea riseth on the backside of Badenach aforesaid, and a good way distant from its fountain is that Lake whence Iut●● breaketh forth, and rolleth itself into the Western Sea▪ They report that at the mouth thereof there was a famous Town, named from the river Emmorluteum: the truth is, whether you consider the nature of the Country round about it, or the conveniency of Navigation and transportation, it is a place very fit to be a Town of traffic. And the ancient Kings induced thereunto by the opportunity of the seat, for many ages dwelled in the Castle Now called Dounstphage. Evon, which now many are falsely persuaded was Stephanodunum. For the ruins of that Castle are yet seen in Lorna. Moravia follows from beyond Spaea even to Nessus, heretofore it is thought it was called Varar. Between those two rivers the Germane Ocean, as it were driving back the Land into the West, floweth in by a great Bay, and straightneth the largeness of it. The whole Country round about doth abound with Corn and Hay, and is one of the chief of the whole Kingdom both for pleasantness and increase of first-fruits. It hath two memorable Towns, Elgina near the River Lox, which yet retaineth its ancient name, and Nessus near the River Nessus. This River floweth four and twenty miles in length from the Lake Nessus. The water is almost always warm, it is never so cold that it freezeth. And in the extremity of winter, pieces of ice carried into it are quickly dissolved by the warmth of the water. Beyond the Lake Nessus toward the West, the Continent is stretched forth but eight miles in length; so that the Seas are ready to meet, and to make an Island of the remainder of Scotland. That part of Scotland which lieth beyond Nessus, and this straight of Land North and West is wont to be divided into four Provinces. First beyond the mouth of Nessus, where it drowneth itself in the Germane Ocean, is the Country Rossia, Rossia. running out with high Promontories into the Sea: which the name itself showeth. For Rosalura signifies in the Scottish speech a Promontory. It is longer than broad. For it is extended from the Germane Sea to the Deucalidon, where it becometh mountainous and rugged, but the fields of it, are not inferior to any part of Scotland in fertility and fruitfulness. It hath pleasant valleys watered with Rivers full of fish, and many Lakes that have fish in abundance, but the greatest of them all is Labrus. From the Deucalidon Sea, the Shore by degrees bendeth in, and inclineth toward the East. From the other Shore the Germane Sea, making a way for itself between the rocks, and flowing into a great Bay, maketh a safe & sure Haven against all tempest. Secondly, next to the farthest part of Rosse toward the North, Navernia. is Navernia, so called from the River Navernus: and this Country commonly (following their Country speech) they call Strathnaverne. Rosse bounds it on the South, on the West and North the Deucaledon Sea washeth it, on the East it toucheth Cathanesia. Sutherland. In the third place Sutherland is near unto all these, and toucheth them on one side or another: for on the West it hath Strathnavernie, on the South and East Rosse, and on the North Cathanesia. The Inhabitants of this Country by reason of the condition of the soil are rather given to pasturage than tillage. There is nothing that I know singular in it, Mountains. but that it hath Mountains of white marble, (a rare miracle in cold Countries) which is not gotten for any use, because wantonness hath not yet invaded those parts. Lastly, Cathanesia or Cathanes is the farthest Country of Scotland toward the North, where Navernia meets it, and these two Countries of Scotland do contract the breadth of it into a straight and narrow front. In this front of Land three Promontories do raise themselves. The highest was Navernia, which Ptolemie calleth Orcas, Tavedrum and Tarvisium: the two other being nothing so high are in Cathanesia, namely Vervedrum, now Hoya, and Betubium, called (though not rightly) by Hector Boethius Dame: Cathanesia. now it is commonly called Dunis Bey, others call it Duncans Bey. Out of this name by taking away some letters the word Dunis Bey seemeth to be derived. In this Country Ptolemie placeth the Cornavii, of whose name there do still remain some tokens. As they commonly call the Castles of the Earls of Cathanesia, Gernico or Kernico: and those who seem to Ptolemie and others to be the Cornavii, the Britons think to be the Kerns. For sith not only in this Country, but in a diverse part of the Island they place the Cornavii, namely in Cornwall, they call those wh● do still retain the ancient British speech, Kerns. Now it remains th●● we should speak somewhat of the Islands. The later Writers ha●● made three sorts of all the Islands, which do as it were crown Scotland the Western, the Orcadeses, and the Zealand Islands. Those are called 〈◊〉 Western Islands which are stretched from Ireland almost to the Orc●● in the Deucalidon Sea on the Western side. These some call the Heerdes, others the n So called from Eb. rid. which signifies in the British tongue sine frugibus, without fruit, as Camden thinketh. pag. 698. Aebudae, others the Mevaniae, others the Beteoricae. T● Orcades, now called Orkney, are partly in the Deucalidon Sea, and partly the Germane, and are scattered toward the Northern part of Scotland▪ Concerning their names Ancient and Modern Writers do agreed, b● it doth not appear who first possessed them. Some say they had th● original from the Germane: But out of what Country these Germ● came it is not delivered. If we may conjecture by their speech, th● used formerly, as at this day, the ancient Gothicke tongue. Some supp●● them to have been the Picts, enduced thereunto chief, because 〈◊〉 narrow Sea dividing them from Cathanesia, is called from the Picts ●●tum Picticum. And they think that the Picts themselves were of the Saxon race, which they conjecture by a verse of Claudians: — Maduerunt Saxone fuso Orcades, incaluit Pictorum sanguine Thule: Scotorum tumulos flevit glacialis jerne. The Orcadeses with blood of men grew wet, When as the Saxon did the worse get: Thule even with the blood of Picts grew hot, jerne wailed the death of many a Scot But seeing we have entreated of these things formerly in the Description of the British Isles, thus much shall suffice concerning Scotland. ENGLANG. THE Southern and greatest part of the Isle of Albion, is called in Latin Anglia: from Angria, a Country of Westphalia, commonly called Engern, The name by whom it was given. as some would have it. Some suppose it was so called from angulus a corner, because it is a corner of the World. Others from Angloen a Town of Pomerania. Goropius deriveth the word Angli, or Englishmen, from the word Angle, that is from a fishing-hooke, because, as he saith, they hooked all things to themselves, and were, as we say in England, good Anglers: but this conjecture rather deserveth laughter than belief. Some suppose, it was so called from Anglia, a little Country of the Cimbrick Chersonesus, which was named Engelond, that is, the Land of Englishmen, by Egbert King of the West Saxons: or else as it were Engistland, that is, the Land of Engist, who was Captain over the Saxons. But he that shall note the Etymology of the words, Engelbert, Engelhard, and the like Germane names, may easily see, that thereby is denoted the Englishmen. These are people of Germany that possessed Britain; and, as Camden showeth, were one Nation, which now by a common name are called English Saxons. This part of the Isle of Albion is diversely called by the Inhabitants; for they divide it into two Countries. That part which looketh to the East, and the Germane Sea, the natives of England, being people of Saxony, call in their Language o Because it is of an angular form, for Eng in the Saxon tongue, signifieth a corner, or nook. England. And the Western part, which is divided from the other by the Rivers Sabrine or Severne, and Dee, Wales. The Northern bounds of it toward Scotland, are the Rivers Tweed and Solway: on the South lies France, and the British Ocean; on the West Ireland, and the Irish Ocean; on the East the Germane Ocean. It is 302 English miles long, and 300 broad, that is, from the Cape of Cornwall to the Promontory of Kent. The Air here at any time of the year is temperate and mild, for the sky is thick, in which clouds, showers, and winds are easily generated, by reason whereof it hath less cold and heat. It hath a fertile and fruitful Soil, and so furnished with all kind of first-fruits, that Orpheus saith, it was the seat of Ceres. With whom agreeth Mamertinus, who speaking a Panegyric Oration to Constantine, said, that in this Country was such great plenty, as that it was sufficiently furnished with the gifts both of Ceres and Bacchus. It hath fields not only abounding with rank and flourishing Corn, but it produceth all kind of commodities. Hear groweth the Maple and the Beech-tree in abundance: and as for Laurels or Bay trees it surpasseth Thessaly itself. Here is such plenty of Rosemary, that in some places they make hedges with it. Here is Gold, Silver, Copresse, though but little store of it, yet here is great store of Iron. Hear is digged abundance of the best black Lead, and white Lead or Tin, and so transported to other Nations. Hear are many Hills, on which flocks of sheep do graze, which are esteemed, not only for their flesh, which is very sweet and pleasant, but also for the fineness of their wool; and these flocks of sheep do prospero and increase through the wholesomeness of the Air, and goodness of the Soil, as also by reason of the scarcity of trees on the Hills, and the freeness of the whole Country from Wolv●●. This Country aboundeth with all kind of Cattles & living Creatures, except Asses, Mules, Camels, Elephants, and a few other. There are no where better or fiercer Mastiffs, no where greater store of Crows, or greater plenty of Kites, that prey upon young Chickens than here. The Romans did command the better part of Britain, almost five hundred years, namely from the time of p Fifty years before the birth of Christ. Caius julius Caesar to the time of q Which was An. Dom. 446. according to Bede. Theodosius the younger: when the Legions and Garrisons of Rome, being called to defend France, they left the Isle of Britain, whereby it came to pass, that the Southern parts thereof were invaded by the Picts and Scots, whose violence, when the Britons could no longer sustain, they called the saxons out of Germany, men accustomed to war, for their Aid. These Saxons assisted them in the beginning, but afterward being alured with the temperature of the Air, or persuaded by the friendship and familiarity of the Picts, or stirred up by their own treacherous minds, they made a league with the Picts against the Britons, and having driven out their Hosts, they themselves possessed their places. England containeth many Cities, The Cities. and fair Towns, among which the chief are London, York, Canterbury, Bristol, Gloucester, Shrewsbury, Winchester, Bath, Cambridge, Oxford, Norwich, Sandwich, with many other which we will delineate in our particular Descriptions. The Rivers. The chief Rivers are Thames, Humber, Trent, Ouse, and Severne, of which in their places. The Ocean which washeth this Isle, The Sea. doth abound with plenty of all kinds of Fish, among which is the Pike, which with the Inhabitants is in great esteem, so that some times they take him out of moorish Lakes, into fishponds, where after he hath scoured himself, being fed with Eels and little fishes, he grows wonderful fat. Moreover there are no where more delicate Oysters, or greater plenty of them than here. The especial Havens of England are these: Ports. first Davernas commonly called Dover, which is the farthest part of the County of Kent, it is fortified with a Castle seated on a Hill, and well furnished with all kind of Armour: secondly Muntsbay of a great breadth in Cornwall, where there is a safe harbour for ships. There is also Volemouth, or Falemouth, Torbay, Southampton, and many others. The King of England hath supreme power, and acknowledgeth no superior but God: The manner of Government. his Subjects are either the Laiety or the Clergy: the Laiety are either Nobles or Commons. The Nobles are either of the greater rank, as Dukes, Marquesses, Earls, Viscount's, Barons, and Bannerets, who have these Titles by inheritance, or else are conferred upon them by the King for their virtues. The lesser Nobleses are Baronet's, Knights, Esquires, and those which commonly are called Gentlemen: the Gentlemen are those who are honoured by their birth, or those whose virtue or fortune do lift them up, and distinguish them from the meaner sort of men. The Citizens or Burgesses are those, who in their several Cities do bear public Offices, and have their places in the Parliaments of England. The Yeomen are those, whom the Law calleth legal men, and do receive out of the Lands which they hold, at the lest forty shillings yearly. The Tradesmen map of England ENGLAND. are those, who work for wages or hire. All England is divided into nine and thirty r Shires were first made by King Alfred, for the better administration of Justice. Shires; and these Shires are divided into Hundred and Tithings: In each of these Counties is one man placed, called the King's Praefect or Lieutenant, whose office is to take care for the security of the Commonwealth in times of danger: and every year there is one chosen, whom they call the Sheriff, that is, the Provost of the Shire, who may be rightly called the Quaestor of the County or Province. For it is his office to collect public money, to distrain for trespasses, and to bring the money into the Exchequer, to assist the Judges▪ & to execute their commands: to empanel the Jury, who are to inquire concerning matters of fact, & bring in their verdict to the Judges (for the Judges in England are Judges of the Right, not of the Fact) to bring the condemned to execution, & to decide of themselves small controversies. But in great matters those Judges do administer right, who● they call itinerary Judges, & Judges of Assize, who twice every yard visit most of these Shires, to determine and end matters of difference, and also to give judgement upon Prisoners. For as much as concer● Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, England hath now two Provinces, and all two Archbishops: the Archb. of Canterbury Primate of all England, 〈◊〉 the Archb. of York: Under these are seven and twenty Bishops, two & twenty under Canterbury, and the other five under York. The Tribun● or Courts of Justice in England are of three sorts, for some are Spirit● some Temporal, and one mixed, which they call the Parliament, consisting of the three Orders of England, and it representeth the body of the whole Kingdom. This Parliament the King calls and appoints according to his pleasure: He hath the chief authority in making, confirming, abrogating, and interpreting of Laws, and in all things that belong to the good of the Commonwealth. The temporal Courts are twofold, namely of Law, and of equity. The Courts of Law are the King's Bench, the Star-chamber, the Common Pleas, the Exchequer, the Court of Wards and Liveries, the Court of the Admiralty and Assizes; we omit others which are obscure. The King's Bench is so called, because the King is wont to sit in it, and it handleth Pleas of the Crown. The Star-chamber, or rather the Court of the King's Counsel is that, in which criminal matters are handled, as perjuries, impostures, deceits, and the like. The Common Pleas is so called, because common pleas are tried there between the Subjects, by the Law of England, which they call the Common Law. The Exchequer deriveth its name from a four square Table, covered with a Chequer-Cloth, at which the Barons sit; in it all causes are heard, which belong to the Exchequer. The Court of Wards hath his name from Wards, whose causes it handleth. The Admiral's Court handleth Sea-matters Those which we call the Assizes, are held twice in a year in most Shires; in which two Judges of Assize appointed for it, with the Justices of peace do inquire and determine of civil and criminal matters. The Courts of Equity are the Chancery, the Court of Requests, and the Council in the Marshes of Wales. The Chancery draweth its name from the Chancellor, who sitteth there. This Court gives judgement according to equity, and the extreme rigour of the Law is thereby tempered. The Court of Requests heareth the causes of the poor, and of the King's Servants. The chief spiritual Courts are the Corporatition of the Clergy, the Courts which belong to the Archbishop himself, and the Chancellors Courts, kept in every Diocese. There are two famous Universities in this Kingdom Oxford and Cambridge. England doth produce happy and good wits, and hath many learned men, skilful in all Faculties and Sciences. The people are of a large stature, fair complexioned, and for the most part, gray-eyed, and as their Language soundeth like the Italians, so they differ not from them in the habit and disposition of their body. Their food consisteth, for the most part, of Flesh. They make Drink of Barley, being a very savoury and pleasant drink. It is transported often into foreign countries. They use a habit not much different from the French. And thus much shall suffice concerning England in general, we will declare the rest in the particular Tables following. THE SECOND TABLE OF ENGLAND. CONTAINING, The Counties of Northumberland, Cumberland, and the Bishopric of Durham. WE have finished that which we intended to speak concerning England in general: Our Method doth require that we should go through the parts thereof in particular. The Romans diversely divided the hither part of Britain, being reduced into a Province. But the Saxons instead of the Pentarchy of the Romans, made an Heptarchy of it, in which are Kent, Sussex, Eastanglia, Westsex, Northumberland, Essex, and Mercia. At this day it is divided into Counties, which the English by a proper word call Shires. And first, in the year of Christ 1016, in the Reign of Ethelred there were only two and thirty. Afterwards under William the Conqueror there were 36. And lastly, these being augmented by three more, came to be 39 Counties. To which are added 13 Shires i● Wales; six whereof were in the time of Edward the first, the other Henry the vl ordained by Parliamentary Authority. These Counties or parts of England, with some Islands, our Mercator doth lively express in six Tables. Of all which Tables, we will make a brief Description or Delineation, Northumberland. in that order as our Author propoundeth them. In the first place Northumberland offereth itself, commonly called Northumberland, The Situation. lying, in a manner, in the form of a triangle, but not equilateral. The Southern side thereof Derwent flowing into Tine, and Tine itself do enclose where it looketh toward the Bishopric of Durham. The East side is beaten with the Germane Sea. But the Western side is drawn out in length from the North to the South, first by a continued ridge of Mountains, and afterward by the River Tweed; and being opposite to Scotland, The quality of the Soil. it is the bound of that Country. The Soil itself, for the most part, is barren and unfit for tillage. Toward the Sea and the Ti●●, if tillage be used, the Husbandman receiveth sufficient increase, but in other places it is more unfruitful, and rugged. In many places great store of Sea-coal (as the English call them) are digged forth. The Cities. There is in Northumberland the City of New Castle, famous for the Haven, which the River Tine maketh, having so deep a channel, that it receiveth ships of great burden, and defends them both from tempests and sands. The last Town in England, and the strongest in all Britain is Berwick, which some do derive from a certain Captain, called Berengarius, Leland from Aber, which in the British Language signifies the mouth of a River, as if it were, Aberwick, a Town at the mouth of a River. But whence soever it hath its name, it stands fare in the Sea, so that it is map of England THE SECOND TABLE OF ENGLAND. compassed round about therewith and the River Tweed. The Rivers. The Rivers here are the Southern and Northern Tines (which are so called, because they are bound in with strait and narrow banks, for so much Tine doth signify in the British speech, as some do affirm:) the Southern riseth out of Cumberland, near Alstenmore, where there is an ancient Mine of Br●sse; & having run a good while toward the North, it turneth toward the East, and runneth strait forward with the Picts Wall. The Northern Tine arising out of the bordering Mountains, doth join itself with the River Read, which being poured out at the Mountain Redsquier, watereth Readsdale, that is, the Vale of Reade, which nourisheth the best Fowl. Both the Tines do flow beneath Collerford, and growing bigger and bigger, do hasten their journey to the Ocean in one channel. Tweed for a great way parteth England from Scotland, and is called the Eastern bound. This River breaking forth of the Mountains of Scotland, runneth a great while in a winding course: but where it comes near unto the Town Carram, growing strong in waters, it beginneth to distinguish the Limits of the two Kingdoms, and at last having received the River Till, it disburthens itself into the Germane Sea. There are also other Rivers, as Coquet, Alaunus, or Alne, Blithe, Wanspethel, which I omit, and so pass to the second part: and that is, Cumberland. Cumbria, commonly called Cumberland: this lieth before Westmoreland on the West side; The Situation. It is the farthest Shire in this part of England, insomuch, that it toucheth Scotland itself on the North side, being beaten on the South and North with the Irish Ocean, but on the East side above Westmoreland it joineth to Northumberland. It takes its name from the Inhabitants, The quality of the Soil. who were the true and native Britain's, calling themselves in their Language Kumbri, & Kambri. Although the Country seemeth, in regard of the Northern situation, to be cold and very mountainous, yet it delights the beholder with much variety. For behind the Cliffs and cluster of Mountains, between which the Lakes do lie, there are grassy Hills full of Flocks, under which again there lie plain and fruitful Valleys. The Cities. There is in this Country an ancient wel-seated City, called Carlisle, being defended on the North with the deep Channel of Ituna, or Eeden; on the East with Peterill, on the West with Cauda; and besides these fortifications of Nature, it is strengthened with strong Walls of square stone, with a Castle, and a Citadel. There are other Towns, as Keswick, Wirkinton, Bulnesse, called anciently Blatum Bulgium, Penrith or Perith: that I may pass over Villages and Castles: This Shire hath 58 Parish-Churches. It hath also Lakes abounding with all kind of flying Fowls: Lakes. and many Rivers, among which is the little River Irton, Rivers. in which while the gaping shellfish receive the dew, they become presently, as it were, great with child, and bring forth pearls, which the Inhabitants when the water settleth do seek for. There are also the Derwent, Cokar, Olen or Elen, Eden and others, all abounding with Fish. Besides, this Ocean which beateth on the shore, doth bring forth great shoals of excellent fish, and doth seem to reproach the Inhabitants with negligence, because they use fishing so lazily. Hear are many Mountains close together, being full of mettle, among which there are the Mountains called Derwentfels, in which near to Newland are found rich veins of Brass not without Gold and Silver. Hear also is found that mineral earth, The Mountains. or hard and shining stone, called by the English Black-lead, which the Painters use to draw their lines and proportions withal. That famous Wall, which was the limit or bound of the Roman Empire, The Wall of the Picts. being 122 miles in length, doth divide and cut through the higher part of this Country, it was built by Severus, who (as Orosius saith) took care that this part of the Island should be separated by a trench from the other wild and untamed people. Beda writeth, that it was eight foot broad and twelve foot high, standing in a right line from East to West, some ruins and pieces whereof standing for a good way together, but without Battlements, may be seen at this day, as Camden witnesseth. The Bishopric of Durham The Bishopric of y The City of Durham was called by the Saxons Dunholme; Dun signifieth a hill, and Holme a piece of land compassed with a River like an Island in the Saxon tongue, and this name agreeth with the situation of the place. Durham, or Duresme bordereth upon Yorkshire Northward, and lieth in a triangular or three cornered form, the top whereof is made by the meeting of the Northern bound, and the Fountains of Teisis. On the Southern part, almost where the River retreateth back again, the Cathedral Church is seen, being beautified with an high Steeple and many Pinnacles: on the top of a great Hill the Castle is seated, in the middle of two Bridges, made of stone, by which the two streams of the River Vedra, the one on the East side, the other on the West side are joined together. On the North side from the Castle lies the Market place, and S. Nicholas Church. Here are also these Market Townes Standrove or Stanthorpe, Derlington, Hartlepole or Heorteu, Binchester or Binovium, and Chester upon the street, which the Saxons called Concester, with many Villages and Castles. In this Shire and Northumberland there are an hundred and eighteen Parishes, besides many Chapels. The Cities or Towns. Hear are many Rivers, of which the chief is Tees, called in Latin Tesis and Teisa; Polidorus calls it Athesis, & Camden thinks it was called by Ptolemie Tucsis, though this name be not found in him, by reason of the carelessness of the Transcribers of his Book. This River breaking out of the Quarri-pit of Stanemore, and having gathered into itself many torrents, running by the Marble Rocks near Egleston, and afterward washing many places, at last by a great inlet, it casts itself into the Ocean, whence the basis of the Triangle beginneth. There is also the Rivers Vedra or Weare, Gaunlesse, Derwent, &c. THE THIRD TABLE OF ENGLAND. CONTAING THESE FOLLOWING Shires, Westmoreland, Lancashire, Cheshire, Caernarvanshire, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Merionedh-shire, Montgomerieshire, and Shropshire, with the Islands of Mann, and Anglesey. Westmoreland The situation. I Come unto the third Table, wherein Westmoreland first offers itself, being bounded on the West, and North wi●● Cumberland, The quality of the Soil. and on the East with Yorkshire and Durham It is so called, because for the most part it is unfit forthlage: for such places as cannot be tilled, the English e●● Moors, so that Westmoreland signifies in English nothing but a Mori●● and, for the most part, untillable Country towards the West. The Southern part being narrowly enclosed between the River Lone and ●●nander Mere, is fruitful enough in the Valleys, (although it hath ●●ny ruff and bore cliffs) and is called the Barony of d So called, because the River Can runneth through it. Kendale or Kandale. Afterwards, above the spring heads of Lone, the Country groweth larger, and the Mountains run out with many crooked wi●dings: In some places there are deep Vales between them, which by reason of the steepness of the Hills on both sides seem like Caves. Th● chief Town here is Aballaba, The Towns. now called Apelby. The antiquity and situation whereof is only worth regard: for it is so fare from elegant and neat building or structure, that if the antiquity thereof did not give it the priority to be the chief Town of the Country, and the Assists held in the Castle, it would not differ much from a Village. There is also a Town of great resort called Kendale, famous for Cloath-making and in this Shire there are six and twenty Parishes. The Rivers. The Rivers are Lone, Ituna or Eden, and Eimot. Lancastria is commonly called Lancashire, Lancashire. and the County Palatine of Lancaster, because it is a County adorned with the title of a Palatine. The Situation. It lieth Westward, under the Mountains which do run through the middle of England, and is so enclosed between Yorkshire on the East, and the Irish Sea on the West, that on the Southern side where it looketh toward Cheshire (from which it is divided by the River Mersey) it is broader, and so by degrees as it goeth Northward, there where it boundeth on Westmoreland it groweth straighter and narrower; and there it is broken off with a Bay of the Sea, yet so, as a great part of it is beyond the Bay, and joineth to Cumberland. Where it hath a level of field ground, it hath sufficient store of Barley and Wheat, The fertility of the Soil. but at the foot of the Mountains it beareth most Oats: The Soil is tolerable, unless it be in some moorish and unwholesome map of England THE THIRD TABLE OF ENGLAND. places, which yet do requited these inconveniences with greater commodities. For the upper grass being pared off, they afford Turfs for fuel, in digging of which trees are often found, which have laid a long time buried in the earth: & digging a little lower, they furnish themselves with Marle, or Marmure to dung their fields. In this Country the Oxen excel all other, The ancient government. both for the largeness of their horns, and fairness of their bodies. I pass now to the Cities, among which we meet first with the ancient Town of Manchester, which Antoninus calleth Mancunium, & Mannucia, this doth exceed the neighbour Towns for beauty, populousness, the trade of Clothing, and for the Marketplace, Church, and College. There is also Ormeskirke, a Town of traffic, famous by being the burying place of the Stanleyes Earls of Derby. There is also Lancaster the chief Town of the Country, which the Inhabitants do more truly call Loncaster, & the Scots Loncastle, because it took that name from the River Lone, vulgarly called Lune. Camden supposeth this City to be that which the Romans did call Alona instead of Arlone, which signifies in the British language, at or upon Lone. In this Shire are but 36. Parishes, The Lakes. but those very populous. Here are many Lakes and Moors, among which is the Moor Merton, and the greatest Lake of all England called Winander Mere, which hath abundance of one sort of Fish peculiar unto itself & Huls, Rivers. which the Inhabitants call Charre. The Rivers are Mersey, Idwell, Duglesse, Ribell, Wyre, Lackwit, and Lone, which flowing out of the Mountains of Westmoreland, toward the South with narrow banks, and an unequal channel enricheth the Inhabitants in the Summer season with Salmon-fish. The Mountains. Here are many Mountains, and those very high, among which is that which is called Ingleborrow Hill, which (as Camden saith) we have admired rising by degrees with a great ridge toward the West, and the farthest part of it being heightened with another Hill, as it were set upon it. The next is Penigent, so called perhaps from the white and snowy head, which is raised to a great height. Lastly Pendle Hill, which is raised with a high top, in manner of a race mark, famous for the damage which it doth to the neighbour grounds under it by sending down great streams of water, and by the certain foreshowing of rain, as often as the top of it is hidden with clouds. Cestria follows commonly called Cheshire, Cheshire. and the County Palatine of Chester, because the Earls of it have the rights and privileges of a Palatine. The Situation. It is bounded on the South with Shropshire, on the East with Staffordshire, & Derbyshire, on the North with Lancashire, and on the West with Denbighshire, and Flintshire; near Chester it runneth fare out into the Sea with a Chersonesus, which being included between two Bays, doth admit the Ocean to break in on either side, and into these Bays all the Rivers of this Country do run. The quality of the Soil. The Country is barren of Corn, and especially Wheat, but abounding with cattles, and fish. Here is a fair City which Ptolemie calleth Deunana, The Cities. Antoninus calleth it Deva, from the River Dee, on which it standeth, the English call it Chester, and Westchester. This City standeth four square, having walls two miles in compass; toward the Northwest is seated a Castle built near the River by the Earls of Cheshire, where the Courts for the Palatinate are held twice every year. The houses are very fair, and there are as it were cloisters to go in on both sides of the chief streets. There are also the Towns of Finborrow, and Condate, now the Congleton: The Rivers. and this Shire hath about 68 Parishes. The Rivers which water this City, are Deuca, in English Dee; having great store of Salmon, and riseth out of two Fountains in Wales: Whence it is denominated in the British tongue, Dyffyr Dwy, i the Water of Dwy, which word Dwy signifies two; Besides, there are the Rivers Wever, Mersey, and Dane. Caernarvanshire. The Site. The fertility of the Soil. Caernarvanshire called, before Wales was divided into Shires, Snodon Forrest, in Latin Histories, Snaudonia and Arvoma, hath the Sea on the North and West side; Merioneth-shire boundeth the South side, and Denbighshire the East side, the River Conovius gliding between. The Town●●. Toward the Sea the Soil is fertile enough, and full of little Towns: among which is the Town of Bangor, the Seat of a Bishop, which hath 90. Parishes under it, and is situated near the jaws of the narrow Sea. There is also the River Conovius, commonly called Conway, which bounds this Country on the East, and bringeth forth shell-fish, which filling themselves with the dew of Heaven, do bring forth Pearls. The Inland Parts of this Country are Mountainous, rugged, and cliffy. The Mountains. Camden saith that you may worthily call these Mountains the British Alps. Denbighshire is more inward from the Sea, Denbighshire. The Situation. The quality of the Soil. and runneth out toward the East, even to the River Deva. On the North side, the Sea for a while doth encompass it, and afterward Flintshire: on the West Merioneth and Montgomery-shire, on the East Cheshire and Shropshire, are the bounds of it. The Western part is barren, the middle part, where it lieth in a Vale, is the most fruitful, a little beyond the Vale Eastward Nature is more sparing in her benefits, but near Deva much more liberal. In this Country is the Vale of Cluide, very happy in pleasantness, fertility of Soil, and wholesomeness of Air, The Towns. of which Ruthun or Ruthin, is the greatest Market Town. After this is the Territory, called in Welsh Mailor Gimraig, in English Bromfield, very fruitful and full of Lead. The chief Town in this Country is Denbigia, commonly called Denbigh, and anciently by the Britons, Clad Frynyn. Beyond Denbighshire more Northward is Flintshire: Flintshire. The Situation. The quality of the Soil. It is beaten with the Irish Sea, and the Bay of Deva, on the North; on the East it is bounded with Cheshire, and in other parts with Denbighshire. This shire is not Mountainous, but somewhat rising with swelling Hills, which are gently levelled into pleasant fields, especially those toward the Sea, which every first year in some places do bear Barley, in other places Wheat, which being reaped, doth yield a twenty fold increase: and afterward they bear Oats four or five years together. There is a Town here which the English call S. Asaph, and the Britain's Llanelwy, (because it stands upon the River Elwy,) where there is a Bishop's Seat, under which are many Parishes: and Ruthlan, a Town beautified with an excellent Castle. Here is also the River allen, near which in a hill at a place called Kilken is a Fountain, which in emulation of the Sea at set times doth ebb and flow. Merioneth-shire, in Latin called Mervinia, Merionethshire. and in the British language Sir Verioneth, The Situation. doth reach from the Town Montgomery, even to the Irish Ocean, with which it is so beaten on the West, that some part thereof is supposed to have been washed away with the violence of the waves. Toward the South it is bounded with the River Dee, toward the North it joineth to Caernarvan and Denbighshire. By reason of the frequency of the Mountains, it is the ruggedst and hardest Country of all the Shires in Wales. The Towns. Towns of any note here are very scarce, yet here is the Town of Harlech well fortified with a Castle, being the chief in the whole Country. And here are two famous Bays, Traith-Maur, and Traith-Bochum: that is, the greater and the lesser Bay. It hath very high Mountains, The Mountains. narrow and sharp pointed like Towers, and so many of them joined together by equality of distance, that (as Giraldus reporteth) shepherds either conferring or brawling one with another on the tops thereof, if they both intended to fight, yet could they hardly meet together, though they should endeavour so to do b● going from morning till evening. Great flocks of sheep do wander o● these Mountains, which feed not in danger of Wolves. Montgomeryshire is circumscribed on the South with Cardiganshire and Rad●●shire, Mongomeryshire. The Site. The fruitfulness of the Soil. on the East with Shropshire, on the North with Denbighshire, an● on the West with Merioneth-shire: and although it be raised with many Mountains, yet it is happy in the fruitfulness of the Valleys, Fields, and Pastures, and in times past famous for breeding of an excellent sort of Horses, which (as Giraldus saith) were as it were Pictures of Nature's workmanship, and were commended both for their excellent shape, and incomparable speed. The chief Town in this Country i● Mongomery, situate upon an easy ascent of a Hill, and built by one Baldwine Precedent of the Marshes of Wales, The Towns. in the time of William the Conqueror, whence the Britons call it Trefaldwin at this day: & secondly Lanuethlin, a market Town. Salopia, commonly called Shropshire, as 〈◊〉 is a County, no less pleasant & fruitful than the rest, so it is much bigger. It is enclosed on the East with Stafford-shire, on the West wi● Montgomery-shire, on the South with Yorkshire, and on the North wit● Cheshire. It is a Country fortified with many Castles and Towns, a●● bordering upon the Welsh, who a long time rebelled against the English, and therefore the Saxons called it the Marches. It is divided into two parts by the River Severne: The chief Towns thereof are Shrewsb●●● (anciently called Sloppesbury, and by the Britons Pengwerne) Ludlo● (called by the British Dinan) Bridgmorse, or Bridgnorth, Vriconium, o● Viriconium, called by Nennius Caer Vrvach, but commonly by the English Wreckceter or Wroxceter, Draiton, and Bewdley. The chief Rivers that water this shire, are Sabrine or Severne, Temdus, called by the Welsh Tefidianc, Colunwy or Clun, Corve, and turn: and there are in it 170 Parish Churches for God's sacred and divine service. The Isle of Man. The Isle of Man Caesar calleth Mona, Ptolemie Monaeda, as it were Moneitha i the farther Mona to difference it from another Mona, The names. Pliny calls it Monabia, Orosius and Beda Menavia, Gilda calls it Eubonia, the Britons Menaw, the Inhabitants Maning, and the English the Isle of Man. It lieth in the middle between the Northern parts of Ireland and Britain, and is from the North toward the South about thirty Italian miles long, The Situation. but the breadth thereof where it is broadest is scarce 15. miles, and where it is narrowest it is but 8. This Island bringeth forth Flax and Hemp in great abundance, it hath very fair meadows and ploughed map of Wales A PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION OF WALES. fields, it is fruitful in bringing forth Barley and Wheat, but especially Oats, whence the Inhabitants do for the most part live upon Oate● Bread. Here are great store of cattles, and great flocks of sheep, but both sheep and cattles are of a lesser stature than those that are in England. The Inhabitants here wanting wood, use a pitchy kind of Turf for firing; which, while they dig up, they do sometimes find trees hid in the earth, and these they convert to the same use. It is evident that the Britons did possess this Island as they did Britain, but when the Northern People like a furious storm fell upon the Southern parts, it came into the hands of the Scots. The Towns. The chief Town of this Island is thought to be Russin, situated on the Southern side thereof, which from the Castle and Garrison kept therein, is commonly called Castletowne: but the most populous is Duglasse, because it hath an excellent Haven, and easy to come into, by reason of which the Frenchmen and other Foreigners come with Salt and other commodities to traffic with the Islanders for hides, raw wool, barrelled beef, &c. On the West side of the Island stands Balacuri, where the Bishop liveth, who is subject to the Archbishop of York; and the Pyle, being a fort placed on a small Island, in which there are many Garrison Soldiers. Over against the Southern Promontory of the Isle, there lieth a small Island called the Calf of Man, which is full of those Seafoule which they call Puffins, & of those Geese that are generated of putrified wood, which the English call Barnacles, and the Scots do call Clakes and Soland Geese. Toward the middle Mannia swells into Mountains, The Mountains. the highest whereof is Sceafell, from whence on a clear day both Scotland, England, and Ireland, may be discerned. The manner of government. The Judges, being called Deemsters, which the Inhabitants of this Isle have amongst them, do decide all controversies without writings or other charges. For any complaint being made, the Magistrate taketh a stone, and having marked it, delivers it to the plaintiff, by which he summons his adversary, and witnesses: And if the matter in controversy be doubtful, and of great consequence; it is referred to twelve men whom they call the Keys of the Island. Here also Coroners supply the office of Undersheriffes. The Ecclesiastical Judge, when he cities a man to make appearance at a definite time, if he obey not the summons within eight days, The manners of the people. he is cast into prison; but neither Plaintiff nor Defendant pay a penny either to him or his officers. The Inhabitants do hate both lying and stealing, they are wondrous Religious, and all conformable to the English Church. They hate the Civil and Ecclesiastical disorder of their neighbours, and whereas the Island is divided into the Southern and Northern part: the former speaketh like the Scots, the latter like the Irish. Now remains the Isle of Anglesey, of which we will entreat in the fourth Table of England. THE FOURTH TABLE OF ENGLAND. IN WHICH ARE THESE SHIRES, CORNEwall, Devon-shire, Sommersetshire, Dorcetshire, Wilt-shire Gloucestershire, Monmouth-shire, Glamorgan-shire, Caermardenshire, Penbrockshire, Brecnock-shire, and Hereford-shire. CORNWALL, Cornwall. which is also called Cornubia and in the British language Kernaw, is enclosed on the South with the British Ocean, on the North with the Irish, The Situation. on the West with Penwith, called by Ptolemie Bolerium, and the French Ocean, and on the East it is parted from Devonshire with the River Tamar. It is a Country having a fruitful soil, The quality of the Soil. and abounding with mettall-Mines. It hath also store of first-fruits, which yet will not grow without the industry of the husbandman. This Country is full of Towns, & especially the Sea Coasts, as namely Heuston, The Towns. called by the natives helas, a town famous for the privilege of sealing of Tin, as also Peryn a fair market Town, together with Arwenak, Truro, which the Cornish call Truscu, Granpound, Fowy by the, Britain's called Foath, Lestuthiell, called by Ptolemie Vzella, Leskerd, Bodman, S. jies, S. Colombs, Padstow, anciently called Loderick and Laffenac, Stow, Stratton, Tamerton, or Tamerworth, Lanstuphadon, vulgarly called Leuston and anciently Dunevet, and Saltash anciently called Esse. And there are in this Country 161 Parishes. The Rivers are Vale, Fawey, Loo, Liver, Hail, Alan, or Camel, and Tamar. Havens. One of the famousest Havens in the Country is Volemouth or Falemouth, which Ptolemie calls the Bay of Cenio, being equal to Brundisium in Italy, as being capable of as many ships, and as safe an harbour. Devonia, commonly called Denshire, and by the natives Deunan, De vonshire. followeth. The bounds hereof are on the West the River Tamar, on the South the Ocean, on the East Dorcetshire, and Somersetshire, The Situation. and on the North the Bay of Severne. This Country as it is stretched out broader on both sides than Cornwall, so it is encompassed with more commodious Havens, and is no less rich in Ours of Tin, besides it is diapered with more pleasant meadows, and clothed with more frequent woods: yet the soil in some places is very barren. The chief City here the English at this day do call Excester, The Latins Exonia, Ptolemie calls it Isca, Antoninus Isa of the Damnonians, and the Britons call it Caeruth and Pencaer, that is, the chief city. There are also many other Towns as Plymouth, anciently called Sutton, The Cities and Towns. which of late days from a little fisher-towne is become a fair Town, and for populousness it may compare with some Cities. Here was borne Sr Francis Drake Knight, who for matters of Navigation was the most excellent of late times. The Rivers. Here are also the Towns of Lidston or Lidford, Plimpton, Modbery or Champernouns, Dartmoth, Exminster and many other. This County containeth 394. Parishes. The Rivers here are Lid, Teave, Somersetshire. Plim, Dert, Totnes, Teigne, Isca, Creden, Columb, Otterey, Axe, Towridge, The Situation. The temper of the Air. The fertility of the Soil. Taw, Ock, and North Ewe. Somersetshire follows, the bounds whereof on the East are Wiltshire, on the South Dorcetshire, on the West Devonshire, on the North the Bay of Severne, and Gloucestershire. This is a very rich soil, being in every place exceedingly fertile in first-fruits and Pasturage & in some places affording many Diamonds, which do exceed those of India for beauty though they are not so hard. The Cities and Towns. The chief City of this shire is Bristol, (called anciently by the Britons Caer Brito, and by the Saxons Britstow) a pleasant place, which is beautified with many fair houses, a double River and wall, a fair Haven, much traffic, and the populousness of Citizens. It hath also the town of Theodorudunum now called Welles, from the many wells or springs that there break forth; and Bathonia, styled anciently by the Britons Caer Badon, by Stephanus Badiza, but commonly called Bath. And in this country are 385. The Rivers. Parishes. The Rivers are Ivell, Erome, Pedred, Thon, Avon, Summer, Brui and Welwe. In the next place Dorcetshire, which is bounded on the East with Hampshire, on the West with Devonshire, on the South with the British Ocean, and on the North with Wiltshire and Somersetshire. Dercetshire. It is of a fertile soil, and the North part full of many woods and forests, from whence even to the Sea coast it descendeth with many grassy hills, on which feed innumerable flocks of sheep. Durnovaria, which Ptolemie according to diverse copies calls Durnium and Duneum, & now is called Dorchester, is the chief town of this Shire, yet it is neither very great nor fair, her walls being ruined long since by the fury of the Danes. There are also other towns, as Birtport, or Burt-port. Lime, Weymouth, The Towns. Poole, Warham, so called because it stands by the River Vari●, Shirburne, Sturminster, & Winburne, called by Antoninus Vindogladia from the British word Windugledy because it stands between two Rivers. Here are in this Shire 248. The Rivers. Parishes. The Rivers are Limb, Trent, now called Piddle, Carr, Ivell, Wey, Sturn, allen, Varia, so called by the Latins, but Fraw or from in the Saxon tongue. Wiltonia so called by the Latins from Wilton once its chief Town, Wiltshire. but commonly called Wiltshire, is an inland Country, The Situation. having Oxfordshire, and Southhamptonshire to bond it on the East, on the West Somersetshire, on the North Glocestershire, and on the South Dorcetshire, The quality of the Soil. and Southhamptonshire. The Country is every where full of pasturage and first-fruits. Towns. The Towns are first Wilton, anciently called Ellandunum, which was heretofore the head Town of the Shire. Secondly, Sarisbury or new Sarum, now the chief city, and famous for its Cathedral Church, and for that a stream of water runneth through every street thereof. Here are also the Towns of Malmesburie, Chippenham, Trubridge, Calne, Marleburrow, &c. And this Shire containeth 304. Parishes. The rivers are Isis, Avon, Willeybourne, Adderburne, Ellan and Kennet. Gloucester. Glocestria commonly called Glocestershire, hath on the West Wales, on the North Worcestershire, on the East Oxfordshire, on map of England THE FOURTH TABLE OF ENGLAND. the South Wiltshire, it is a pleasant and fertile Country, lying East and West; The Towns. and hath in it many other mines. The chief City of this County is Gloucester, which Antoninus calleth Cleve, and Gleve, the Latins Glovernia, and some Claudiocestria: it is an ancient City built by the Romans, and is seated by the River Severne, having a strong wall in those places where the River doth not wash it. Rivers. There are also other Towns, as Teukesburie, anciently called Theoesburie, Deohirst, Campden or Camden, Wincelscombe, Cirencester or Circester, Tetburie, Barkley, &c. and 280. Parishes contained in this County. The Rivers which water it are Severne, Avon and Isis, commonly called Ouse, which afterward by the marriage of Thame unto it is called by a compounded name Thamisis or Thames. Monmouthshire. The County of Monmouth, called anciently Wentset and Wentsland, The Situation. and by the Britons Guent, is enclosed on the North with the River Munow, which doth part it from Herefordshire, on the East with the river Vaga or Wye, which divides it from Glocestershire, on the West with Remney which disjoins it from Glamorganshire, and on the South it is bounded with the Severne Bay, into which those former Rivers together with the River Isc, which runneth through the middle of the Country, do roll themselves. It hath not only sufficient provision of things necessary for life for it, The quality of the Soil. but also furnishes other Countries. The chief Town thereof is Monmouth, called by the Inhabitants Mongwy: towards the North where the River doth not fence it, it was encompassed with a wall and a ditch; In the middle near the Marketplace is a Castle. The Towns. There are also the Towns of Chepstow, called Castlewent, Abergevenny, or contractly Abergenny, which Antoninus calls Gobanneum, Newport or Brunepegie, and the City which Antoninus called Ifa, where the second Legion named Augusta lay, now styled by the Britons Gaerleon, and Caer Leonar Vsk. Here the Saxon Heptarchy, obeyed the Welsh Mountainers, who notwithstanding, as we may discern by the ancient Laws, The Government. were under the government of the West Saxons. But at the coming in of the Normans, the Captains of the Marches did grievously afflict them, especially Hamelin Balun, Hugh Lacie, Gualther and Gilbert de Clare called Earls of Strigulia, and Brian of Wallingford, to whom when the King had granted whatsoever they could get in that Country by conquering the Welshmen, some of them reduced the Higher part of the Country into their power: and others the Lower part which they called Netherwent. Glamorganshire lieth wholly by the Sea side, Glamorganshire. it is longer than broad, and is beaten on the South side with the Bay of Severne. But on the East side it hath Monmouthshire, on the Norrh Brecnock-shire, The Situation. and on the West Caermardenshire. The Northern part swelleth with mountains which descending toward the South, The quality of the Soil. remit somewhat of their height, and at the foot of them the Country lieth plain toward the South. The Cities and Towns. In this country is the little City of Landaffe, that is the Chapel at Taff; under which there are 156. Parishes. Also Caerdiffe, or as the Britons call it Caerdid, Cowbridge, called by the Britons Poratuan from the stonebridge which is there, Neath, Sweinsey, The Rivers. and Loghor, which Antoninus calleth Leucarum. The Rivers that wash it are Ramney, Taff, Nide, and Loghor. The Earls of this Province from the first vanquishing were the Earls of Gloucester descending in a right line from the Fitz-hamons, the Clares, the Spencers, and after them the Beauchamps, and the two Nevils, and by a daughter of a Nevil, Richard the third King of England, who being killed, Henry the seventh enlarged the inheritance of this Country, and gave it to Gaspar his Uncle and Earl of Bedford, but he dying without issue, the King took it again into his own hands. Caermardenshire. Caermardenshire is bounded on the East with Glamorganshire, and Brecknockshire, on the West with Penbrockshire, on the North with the River Tay separating it from Cardiganshire, on the South with the Ocean. It is sufficiently fruitful, The Towns abounding with flocks of cattles and in some places with pit-coales. The chief town of the Shire is Caermarden, which Ptolemie calls Maridunum, Antoninus Muridunum, having pleasant Meadows and woods about it, it is very ancient, and as Giraldus saith, it was encompassed with a stone wall, part whereof yet standeth. There is also the ancient town of Kidwilly, which now is almost ruinated, for the Inhabitants passing over the River Vendraeth Vehan did build a new Kidwilly, being drawn thither with the conveniency of the Haven, which yet is of no note. The Rivers are Vendraeth Vehan, Towy or Tobius, Pembrokeshire. and Taff. Penbrokshire is on every side encompassed with the Sea, The Situation. except on the East, where part of Caermardenshire, and on the North where part of Flintshire lieth against it. The temperature of the Air. The country being near Ireland hath a temperate, and wholesome air, and is plentiful in all kind of grain. The chief town hereof is Penbro now called Penbroke, The Towns. and feated on a craggy long rock. The other Towns of note in this Country are Tenby, Hulphord now called HarfordWest, and Menevia or Tuy Dewi, which the English at this day do call S. Davids. I find but two Rivers in this Shire: but here is a Port called Milford-Haven, The Government. which is the fairest and safest in all Europe. Gilbert Strongbow was the first Earl of this County, on whom King Stephen did first confer the title of Earl of Penbroke, and he left it to his son Richard Strongbow, who subdued Ireland, from whom with his daughter Isabel, William Lord of Hempsted and Martial of England, a man flourishing both in times of peace and war, received it as her dowry. Concerning the other Earls read Camden. Brecnockshire is called so from the Prince Brechanius, Brecnock-shire. The Situation. as the Welshmen suppose. This is bounded on the East with Hereford, on the South with Monmouthshire and Glamorganshire, on the West with Caermardenshire, on the North with Radnorshire. The country is very full of Mountains, yet it hath every where fruitful valleys. The fruitfulness of the Soil. The Towns. The Rivers. The chief town in it is Brecnock, styled in the British tongue Aber-hodney, and placed in the midst thereof. There are also the towns of Blueth or Bealt, & Hay or Treketble. The River Vaga called by the Britons Gowy, and by the English Wye, watereth the Northern part of the country: and Vsk runneth through the middle thereof. Herefordshire, Hereford-shire. called in the British tongue Ereinuc, is as it were of a circular form, The Situation. it is environed on the East with Gloucestershire, on the South with Monmouthshire, on the West with Radnor and Brecnock shire, and on the North with Shropshire. It is a pleasant country, full of fruit and cattles. Hereford or Hareford is the chief city of this country, having round about it fair meadows, and fruitful fields; it is encompassed with Rivers almost round about, on the North & West with a nameless river: on the South with Vaga, which hasteneth its course hither out of Wales. There are also the towns of Lemster (called anciently Leonis monasterium, and by the Britons Lhanlieni) Webley, The Rivers. Ledburie, and Rosse: and there are in it 157 Parishes. The chief Rivers here are Vaga, Lugier, Munow, and Dor. THE FIFTH TABLE OF ENGLAND. Containing these Shires, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Darbyshire, Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Rutlandshire, and Norfolk. THE fifth Table of England comes to be unfolded, in the which, the first that we meet withal is Yorkshire, Yorkshire. the greatest Shire in all England, and called by the Saxons Ebona-ycyne. The Situation On the East it is bounded with the Germane Ocean, on the West with Lancashire, and Westmoreland, on the North with the Bishopric of Durham, and on the South with Cheshire, Darbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Lincolnshire. The quality of the Soil. It is held to be temperate and fruitful. If in one place it be sandy, stony, and barren, in an other place it hath fruitful fields, if here it be void of woods, there it is shadowed with thick trees, Nature being so provident, that the Country is more pleasant by this variety. The Towns. Here is Eboracum called by Nennius Caer Ebrauc, and by the Britons Caers Effroc, but commonly styled York. It is the second City of all England, and the fairest in all this Country, which is a great strength and ornament to all the North parts. It is pleasant, large, strong, beautified both with private and public Buildings, and full of wealth Citizens. The River Ouse doth, as it were, part it and divide it into two Cities, which are joined together by a great stone Bridge. There are also the Towns of Kingston upon Hull, Dancaster, called by the Scots Dancastle, and by Antoninus Danum, Halifax, anciently Horton, Pontfreit, Shirborne, Wetherby, Kingston, Patrington, called anciently Praetorium, and many others, for there are in this Shire 39 great Towns, and 459 Parishes, besides many private Chapels of ease, which great Parishes are fain to provide in regard of the multitude of the Inhabitants. The chiefest Rivers are Don or Dune, The Rivers. Calder, Are, Wherfe, Nid, and Ouse, which arising out of the Mountains, do run through the fruitfullest parts of the Country. There are also other Rivers, as Cokar, Fosse, Derwent, Foulness, Hull, Teyse, Dow, Rhte, Recall, and Wisck. Lincolnshire is a great Country, Lincolnshire. being almost three score miles long, and in some places more than thirty miles broad. On the East it is beaten with the Germane Ocean, on the North it toucheth the aestuary of Abus or Humber, in the West it looketh toward Nottinghamshire, and on the South it is parted from Northamptonshire with the River Welland. It is a Country that produceth much fruit, The quality of the Soil. and breadeth up abundance of cattles. The chief City of this Shire is Lincoln, which Ptolemie and Antoninus call Lindum. The Towns. The City itself is large and fair, being seated on the side of a Hill, where the River Witham bendeth toward the East. There are also the Towns of Stanford, Grantham, Ancaster, anciently called Crococalana, Crowland, Spalding, Boston, rightly called Botolps town, and others. And there are in this Shire about 630 Parishes. The Rivers. This Country is watered with many Rivers, as Witham, which is full of Pikes, Lud, Trent, Welland, Idle, Dan, &c. The next Country that followeth is Darbyshire, Darbyshire. which on the South is enclosed with Leicestershire, on the West with Staffordshire, on the North with Yorkshire, on the East with Nottinghamshire. It is of a triangular form, but not equilateral, The Situation. or having equal sides. It is divided into two parts by the River Derwent. The Eastern and Southern parts are tillable, and fruitful, the Western part is all rocky, and full of craggy barren Mountains, The Towns. though they be rich in Ours of Lead, and are commodious for to feed sheep. The head Town of the Shire is Derby, famous for the best Ale in England which is brewed there. There are also the Towns of Saint Diacre, Workesworth, so called from the Lea● works there, and Bakewel. And this Shire doth contain an hundred and six Parishes. The Rivers. The Rivers that water it are Trent, Dove, and Derwent. The Western part of this Shire, which is mountainous, is called the Peake, and is very full of Lead: for in these Mountain's Lead-stones (as the Mettallists call them) are daily digged forth, which when the wind is Westward, they dissolve with a wood fire, and (having made trenches for the mettle to run in) melt into pieces, which they ca● Sows. Moreover, not only Led, but also veins of Antimony, which the Graecian women were wont to use in dying, are found in these Hills▪ Hear also Millstones are cut forth, as also whetstones, and sometimes a white substance is found in the Ours, like to Crystal. But of this enough: Stafford-shire. I pass to Stafford-shire, which is encompassed on the East side with Warwickeshire and Derbyshire, The Site. on the South with Gloucestershire, o● the West with Shropshire, and on the North with Cheshire. It beareth the shape of a Rhombus, running from South to North, and being broadest in the middle, and narrowest toward the two ends. The Northern part is mountainous and less pleasant, The quality of the Soil. the middle part is more delightful, as being watered with the River Trent, clothed with green woods, and diversified with variety of fields and meadows. The Southern part is rich in Pit-coales, and veins of Iron. The head Town hereof is Stafford or Stratford, The Towns. anciently called Betheney, and is much graced by the Castle called Stafford adjoining to it, which the Barons of Stafford built for their own dwelling. Hear are also the Towns of Lichfield or Licidfield, Burton, Vtcester, anciently called Etocetum, Stone, Drayton Basset, Tameworth, Wolverhampton, or Vulfrunshampton, Theotenhall or Totn●ll, and Weadesbrig or Wedsborow. And in this Shire are reckoned 130 Parishes. The Rivers. The chief Rivers which glide through this Country are Dove, Hanse, Churnet, Tayn, Blithe, and Trent, which arising from two spring-heads, is the third chief River of Britain. There are also Sous, Ta●, and Penke. The Northern part is somewhat mountainous, and full of hills, The Mountains. which beginning here, do run, like the Apennine Hills of Italy, with a continued ridge through the middle of England, even to Scotland, yet often changing their name. In the midst of this Shire is Needwood a spacious wood, The Woods. in which the Nobility and Gentry of the Country do map of England THE FIFTH TABLE OF ENGLAND. daily recreate themselves with hunting. Nottinghamshire. Nottinghamshire is bounded on the East with Lincolnshire, on the North with Yorkshire, on the West with Darbyshire, The Situation. and on the South with Leicestershire. The Southern & Eastern part of the County is fructified by the famous River of Trent, The quality of the Soil. and other Rivulets that flow into it. The Forest of Shirwood taketh up the whole Western side: this (because it is sandy) the Inhabitants call the Sand: the other (by reason the soil consisteth of Clay) they call the Clay; and they divide their Country into these two parts. The chief Town which gives a denomination to the Shire, The Towns. is Nottingham, being pleasantly seated; for on one side fair Meadows lie along the River side, and on an other little Hills do raise themselves, to add a grace thereunto: It is a Town abounding with all things necessary to life. For besides other conveniences, it hath Shirewood, which doth furni●● it with store of fuel, and the River Trent doth yield it plenty of Fi●●● The Streets are large, having fair buildings, and two great Churches▪ with a spacious Marketplace, and a strong Castle. Besides, here are other great Towns, The Rivers. namely Suthwel, Newarke, Mansfield, Blithe, Scr●●y and Workensop. Leicester-shire. And in this Shire there are 168 Parishes. The River are Trent, Lin, Snite, and Idle. Leicester-shire, anciently called Ledecest●-shire, The Situation. bordereth upon the South with Northamptonshire, on the East wi●● Rutland-shire and Lincolnshire, on the North with Nottingham shire▪ Derbyshire, The fruitfulness of the Soil. and on the West with Warwickeshire. It is all field-ground and very fruitful, but for the most part it wanteth wood. The chief● City is Leicester, The Towns. called heretofore Legecestria, Leogara, and Legeocest● more ancient than beautiful. There are also the Towns of Longburres, Lutterworth, Hinckly and Bosworth, near which Richard the third was slain; and in this Shire there are 200 Parish Churches. The River S●● running toward Trent, waters the middle of it, and the little River Wit● which at last mingleth his waters with Soar, Rutland-shire. doth gently wind ab●● through the Eastern part. Rutland-shire, which was anciently call●● Rudland and Roteland, The Situation. that is, read land, is, as it were, emcompassed w●●● Leicestershire, except on the South side, where it lieth by the River 〈◊〉 land, and on the East where it joineth to Lincolnshire: It is the le●● Shire in England; for it lieth in a round circular form, so that a m●● may ride quite round about it in one day. The fruitfulness of the Soil. This Country is no les● pleasant and fruitful than others, although it be not so spacious. Th● chief Town in it is Vppingham, The Towns. so called, because it stands on the● scent of an hill; it hath a fair free School in it, which was built for the nurture and bringing up of children to learning, by R. johnson, Minister of God's word, who also built an other at the town of Okeham, so called, because it is situated in a vale, which once was very woody and f●●● of Oakes. This Shire can reckon 47 Parish Churches. The little River Wash or Gwash, gliding through the middle of it from East to West doth divide it into two parts. Norfolk. Norfolk remains yet to be described that is to say, the Northern people. The bounds thereof on the South are Suffolk, The Situation. on the East and North the Germane Ocean, and on the We●● the River Ouse. The quality of the Soil. The Country is large, & for the most part field-ground unless it be where there are some smaller hills; it is very rich, full of flocks of sheep, and especially of Coneys: it is watered with pleasant Rivers, and is sufficiently stored with wood. The soil differs according to the diversity of places, for in some parts it is fat and rich, in other parts light and sandy, and in other clayie and chalky. The Towns. Among the chief towns in this Shire, old Thetford is the first, which Antoninus calleth Sitomagus, that is, a town situate by the river Sit. It hath now but few dwelling-houses, though heretofore it were fair and very populous: There is also in this Shire the famous City of Norwich, called by the Saxons North, that is, the North Castle, and h This Town the Saxons called Garmouth, because it is situated ad Gartenis ostium, ●. the mouth of Girn. Yarmouth or Garmouth, a fair Haven Town, fortified by its situation, and man's industry; for it is almost entrenched with water; on the West with the River, over which there is a draw Bridge; on other sides with the Ocean, except it be on the North side, toward the Land, and there it is encompassed with strong walls, which with the River do lie in a long square-sided-figure. There are also these Towns, Ashelwel-thorp, Dis or Disce, Shelton, Skulton or Burdos', Attleburgh, Wauburne, Lynne, Swaff ham, North Elmeham, Dereham, Windham, Icborow, and others. For this Country hath 27 Market Towns, and 525 Villages, and about 660 Parish Churches. The rivers that do water it are Ouse, Thet, The Rivers. anciently called Sat, Waveney, Girn or Year, and Wents anciently Wentfare. There is not in the world any town which getteth so much by taking and catching of Herrings, as the town of Yarmouth in this Shire. The commodities of the Sea. For it is incredible to think, what great Fairs and Markets they have here at Michael-tide, and what a number of Herrings and other fish are carried from hence into other parts. Besides, from hence (as Varro adviseth) thou mayst collect the goodness of the shire, The manners of the Inhabitants. the Inhabitants being well coloured, crafty witted, and sharply insighted into the Laws of England. But of these Counties we have entreated largely enough, I pass now to the sixth Table. THE sixth TABLE OF ENGLAND. IN WHICH ARE THESE Shires, Warwickeshire, Northamptonshire, Huntingdon, Cambridge, Suffolk, Oxford-shire, Buckingam, Bedford, Hartford, Essex, Bark-shire, Middlesex, Hampshire, Surrey, Kent and Sussex. Warwickeshire. IN the sixth Table of England is first Warwickeshire, being bounded on the East with Leicester-shire, and Watling-street way, on the South with Oxford-shire and Gloucestershire, The Situation. on the West with Wiltshire, and on the North with Stafford-shire. This Country is divided into two parts▪ Feldon and Woodland, The quality of the Soil. The Towns. heretofore called Arden, that is, into the Field and Wood-Country. The chief Town hereof is Warwick, called by the Britons Caer-Leon; besides the Towns of Leamington, called so from the River Leame by which it standeth, Vchindon, now called Long Ichingdon, Harbury, Mancester, called anciently Manduessedum; Coventry, called heretofore Conventria, Stratford upon Avon, and others; and there are in this County 158 Parish Churches. The Rivers are Avon, Leam, Arrow and Allen, commonly called Alne. The next that follows is Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire. which from the East, where it is broadest, lesseneth by degrees, and is extended Eastward. The County is bounded on the East with Bedford-shire and Huntingdon-shire, The Situation. The quality and fruitfulness of the Soil. on the South with Buckingham-shire, and Oxford-shire, on the West with Warwickeshire, and on the North with Leicester-shire, Rutland-shire, and Lincolnshire, which are parted from it by the River Welland. It is a field-Country, of a very rich soil, The Cities and Towns. both in upland grounds and meadows. The shire Town hereof is Northampton, the other Towns are Brakley, Torcester, anciently called Tripontium, Grafton, Daventry, Weden, Higham, Oundale, rightly Avondale, Peterborow, called anciently Petriburgus, Welledone, &c. And to this Shire there appertains 326 Parishes: The Rivers. Huntingdon-shire. the Rivers are Ouse, Avon, and Welland. In the third place is Huntingdon-shire, being so situated, that on the South it looketh toward Bedford-shire, on the West toward Northamptonshire, on the North where it is parted with the River Avon, The Situation. The fertility of the Soil. and on the East, toward Cambridge-shire. It is a Country fit for tillage, and feeding of cattles, and toward the East where it is low ground it is very fruitful, having every where pleasant hills and shady woods. The chief Town of this Country is Huntingdon, called heretofore Huntesdune, to which it gives the name of Huntingdon-shire. Here are map of England THE sixth TABLE OF ENGLAND. also the Towns of S. Ives, which the Saxons anciently called Slepe, Saint Needs, or Saint Neotifanum, and Cunnington; here are 78. Parishes. The two Rivers Ouse, The Rivers. and Avon do water the Country. In the fourth place is Cambridge-shire, Cambridg-shire. The Situation. The quality of the Soil. which lying toward the East, doth butt upo● Norfolk and Suffolk, on the South on Essex and Harfordshire, on the West on Huntingdon-shire, and on the North on Lincolnshire, and the River Ouse, which running through it from East to West, doth divide it into two parts. The Towns. The Lower and Southern part is more tilled and planted then the rest, and therefore more pleasant; it lieth in the manner of a bending plain, being a Champion Country, and yielding excellent Barley, except where it beareth Saffron: the farther and Northern part flourishes more with green Meadows. The chief Town in this Shire is Cambridge, anciently called Camboritum, and by the Saxon Grantcester, The University. this is one of the Universities of England, yea the Sun and Eye thereof, and a famous Nursery of good learning and piety, it is seated upon the River Cam. Besides, here are these Towns, Roiston, reach, Burwell, Ely, and here are 163 Parishes in this County, and the Rivers are Cam and Stour. Suffolk. Suffolk follows in the next place, having on the West Cambridge-shire, and on the South the River Stour, which divides it from Essex, The Situation. on the East the German Ocean, and on the North the two little Rivulets, The fertility of the Soil. Ouse the less, and Wavency, which arising as it were from one spring head, and running a divers course, do part it from Norfolk. The Country is large, and of a fat soil, except it be toward the East, for it is compounded of clay and marvel, so that the fields do flourish every where; here is fruitful pasturage for fatting of cattles, The Towns. and great store of cheese made. The Towns in this County are Sudbury, that is the Southtowne. Ixning, Saint Edmunds-bury, called anciently Villa Faustini, Bretenham, Hadley, Ipswich, called anciently Gippwic, Rivers. Oxford-shire. Debenham, Oreford, and many others. The Rivers are Stour, Brete●, Gipping, Deben, Ore, Ouse, Wavency, and Girn or Year. Oxford-shire, which cometh next to be spoken of, on the West is joined to Gloucestershire, and on the South it is parted from Berkshire by the River Isa or Ouse, on the East it is bounded with Buckingham-shire, and on the North with Northamptonshire and Warwickeshire. The Situation. The fertility of the Soil. It is a fertile and rich Country, the plains thereof being adorned with fair fields and meadows, and the hills crowned with many woods, filled with first-fruits, and all sorts of cattles which graze thereon. In this Shire the City of Oxford, anciently called Ousford from the River Ouse, lifteth up her head, being the other University of England, The University. the other Sun, Eye, and Soul thereof, and a most famous. Nursery of Learning and Wisdom, from whence Religion, Humanity, and Learning are plentifully diffused and dispersed into other parts of the Kingdom. The Towns. Here are also the Towns of Bablac, Burford, which the Saxons called Beorford, Minster Lovel, Whitney, Woodstock, Banbury, Burcester, or Burencester, Tame, Dorchester, called by Bede Civitas Dorcinia, and by Lelandus Hydropolis, Watlington, and 280. Parishes in it: the rivers here are Isis, Cherwell, Windrush, and Evenlode. Buckingham-shire. Buckingham-shire so called, because it is full of Beech-trees, cometh to be viewed in the seaventh place, which being but narrow, doth run length-wayes from Thamisis Northward. On the South it looketh towards Berk-shire, being parted from it by Thamisis, The Situation on the West toward Oxford-shire, on the North toward Northamptonshire, The fertility of the Soil. and on the East it looketh first toward Bedford-shire, afterward toward Hartford-shire; and last of all toward Middlesex. It hath a plentiful soil, and the fruitful meadows thereof do feed innumerable flocks of sheep. The head Town is Buckingham, The Towns. besides which it hath also the Towns of Marlowe, Colbroke, Amersham, Crendon or Credendon, so called from the Chalk or Marl, by which the Inhabitants thereof manure their Land, High-Wickam, Stony-Stratford, Oulney, Newport-Pannell, &c. and in this Shire are reckoned 185 Parishes: the Rivers are Thame, Colne and Ouse. Bedford-shire follows, Bedford-shire. The Situation. The quality of the Soil. being joined on the East to Cambridg-shire, on the South to Hartford-shire, on the West to Buckingham-shire, and on the North to Northamptonshire, and Huntingdon-shire; it is divided into two parts by the River Ouse. That part which is Northward is more fruitful and woody, the other part toward the South which is larger, is of a meaner soil, but yet not barren: for it hath great store of very excellent Barley. In the middle of it there are thick Woods, but Eastward it is more bore and naked of trees. The chief Town is Lactodorum, now called Bedford, which communicates its name to the Shire. It hath also other Towns, as Odill, Bletnesho or Bletso, Eton, Dunstable, The Towns built by Henry the first for suppressing of the robberies of the rebel Dun and his companions: it containeth 116 Parishes, and is watered with the River Ouse. Hertford-shire. Next to Bedford-shire on the South side lieth Hartford-shire, the West side thereof is enclosed with Buckingham-shire, the Northern side with Middlesex, and the East side with Essex, The Situation. and partly with Cambridge-shire. It is very rich in corne-fields, pastures, meadows, and woods. The chief Town in the Country is Herudford, The fertility of the Soil. now called Hertford, which doth impart its name to the whole Shire. There are also the Towns of Watling-street, Fane, S. Alban, or Verulamium, Roiston, called anciently Crux Roisiae, Ashwell, Bishops-Stortford, and many others: and this Shire hath an 120. Parishes. The Rivers are Lea or Ley, Stort, Mimer and Benefice. Now come we to Essex, The Towns Essex. which the River Stour on the North divideth from Southfolke, on the East the Ocean beateth it, The Situation on the South the River Thames now grown very wide, doth part it from Kent, on the West the River Lea divideth it from Middlesex, and the little River Stour or Stort, from Hertford-shire. The fertility of the Soil. It is a large Country, fruitful, abounding with Saffron, being full of woods, and very rich: here is Camalodunum, now called Maldon. The Towns. Also Colchester, which the Britons call Caer Colin, Leyton, Bemslot, Leegh. Rochfort, Anger, Ralegh, anciently called Raganeia, Dunmow, Plaissy or Plessy, called anciently Estre, Chelmesford, now called Chensford, Ithancester, Earles Colne, Barlow, Walden, called likewise Saffron Walden, &c. the Parishes are 415. the Rivers are Ley, Thames, Chelmer, Froshwell, anciently called Pante and Colne. In the next place follows Berrocshire, Berk-shire. now called Berk-shire, the Northern part whereof Isis, The Situation. which is afterward called Tamisis, doth compass with a winding pleasant stream, and doth divide it from Oxford-shire and Buckingham-shire: the Southern part the River Kennet doth separate from Hampshire, the Western part is held in by Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, and the Eastern part is confined with Survey. This County on the West side where it is broadest, and in the middle thereof is very rich, and full of corn, especially in the Vale of White Horse, and on the Eastern side which is less fruitful, The Towns. there are many long and spacious woods. The Towns are Fare●don, Abington, called anciently Abandune, and by the Saxons Sheoverham, Wantage, Wallingford, Hungerford, Widehay, anciently called Gallena, Ne●bery, Reading, Bistleham, or Bisham, Southealington, now called Maidenhead▪ and Windsor, called by the Saxons Windlesora. This Country hath 140 Parishes: the Rivers which water it are Isis, Thames, Ocke, Cunetio or Kenet, Middlesex. and Lambor. Middlesex is divided on the West side from Buckingham-shire with the River Colne, on the North side from Hertford-shire, with the known bounds, The Situation. on the East side from Essex with the River Le●, and on the South side from Surrey and Kent with the River Thames. The temperature of the Air. The Towns. It is every where very pleasant by reason of the temperateness of the Air, and goodness of the Soil, besides the fair Towns and buildings. The Towns here are Uxbridge, Draiton, Stanes, Radcliffe, and others: but above all London, called also Londinium, Longidinium, Augusta, and by Stephanus Lindonion, which is an Epitome of all Britain. It is seated by the River of Thames, having a fertile Soil and temperate Air it is distant from the Sea threescore miles, it hath a stone Bridge over the River, being three hundred and thirty paces long, adorned on both sides with magnificent and fair buildings. It hath also a strong Tower, which is the chief Armoury of England, and in this the Mint is kept. Near to London is Westminster, anciently called Thorney, famous for the Abbey, the Courts of Justice, and the King's Palace. The Abbey is most renowned by reason of the Coronation, and burial of the Kings of England, The Rivers. and in this County are 73 Parishes, besides those in the City. The Rivers that water it are Lea, Hampshire. The Situation. Colne, and Thames. Hampshire or Ha●-shire toucheth on the West Dorsetshire and Wiltshire, on the South the Ocean, on the East Sussex and Surrey, and on the North Berk-shire. It is fruitful, having pleasant thick woods and flourishing pastures: it hath two Cities, the one Southampton, so called, because it stands on the River Test, The Towns. anciently called Ant or Haunt: the other Winchester, called heretofore Venta Belgarum. There are also these Towns, Regnwood or Ringwood, Christchurch, Whorwell, Andover, Rumsey, Portsmouth, Kings-clea●e, Odiam, Silcester, called anciently by the Britons Caer Segente, and others, Surrey. and it hath 253 Parishes: the Rivers are Avon, Stour, Test and Hamble. Surrey, called by Bede Suthriona, joineth on the West partly to Berk-shire, The quality of the Soil. and partly to Southamptonshire, on the South to Sussex, on the East to Kent, and on the North it is watered by the River Thames, and divided by it from Middlesex. The Towns. It is a Country not very large, yet very rich: The Towns are Godelminge, Aclea, or Ockley, Effingham, Kingston, Merton, Cradiden, or Croyden, Beddington, Wimbandune, or Wimbledon, Wandlesworth, The Rivers. and the Borough of Southworke, called by the Saxons Southwerke, and this Country hath 140 Parishes: The rivers are Weigh, M●le, (so called, because for a certain space it runneth under ground like a Mole) Wandale, Kent. and Thames aforesaid. Now followeth Cantium or Kent, a Country so called from the situation, The Situation. for it looketh toward France with a great corner, which the word Canton in the French signifies, environed round about with the mouth of Thames and the Sea, The quality of the Soil. unless on the West side where it joineth to Surrey, and on the South side to part of Sussex. It is unlevell, yet plainest toward the West, and shaded with woods, on the East it is raised with high hills. The chief City is Durovernum, which Ptolemie calls Darvernum, and in English is called Canterbury. There are also the Towns of Dover, The Towns. anciently called Durbis, and by the Saxons Dufra, Hith or Hid, Rumney, anciently called Rumenal, Sandwich or Sondwic, Gravesend, &c. The Rivers are Thames, Rivers. Darent, Medway, anciently called Medwege, Stour, called by Bede Wantsome, Sussex. &c. Sussex toward the South bordereth upon the British Ocean, and that part of the Country which is toward the Sea is full of high white hills, The Situation. which because they consist of a fat kind of Chalk are very fruitful: the middle of it hath goodly meadows, pastures, fields, and many pleasant groves. The hither part hath many woods, and it hath many veins of Iron. The Towns here are Chichester, or rightly Cissanceaster, The Towns. so called from one Cissa a Saxon that built it: Arundal, so called, because it stands upon the River Arun, and other. It hath many Rivers, and 312 Parishes. THE SEVENTH TABLE OF ENGLAND. CONTAINETH THESE FOUR LANDS which belong to England, Anglesey, Wight, Gersey, and Garnsey. THe seventh and last Table of England containeth the●● four Islands which belong to England: The Isle of Anglesey. the former two whereof namely Anglesey and Wight, do lie near the English shore, the latter Garsey near the French shore. The first is Anglesey, The names. which the Britons call Montanus, Tirm●●, and Ynis Dowyl, (that is) the dark Island, the Saxons call it Moneza, being divided by a slender Bay from the British Continent. It is a brave Island, The Situation. and the ancient seat of the Druids, the length whereof 22 English miles, the breadth 17, and the whole compass of it 60 miles. This Island, although Giraldus saith, it was in his time, dry, stony, unpleasant, and deformed, yet now it is delectable, and being tilled yields so much wheat, The fruitfulness of the Soil. that it is commonly called the Mother of Wales. It hath millstones, and in some places aluminous earth, out of which they have lately begun to make Alum. It is also rich in cattles. It was first subjected to the Roman Empire by Paulinus Suetonius, and julius Agricola as Camden out of Tacitus a learned Writer. Many years after being conquered by the English, it came to be called Anglesey, as it were, the English Island, Camden addeth, that when the Roman Empire in Britain began to decrease, the Scots crept out of Ireland into this Island. For besides the hills which are entrenched round, and called the Irish cottages: The Government. there is a place which the Irish call Yn Hericy Guidil, where being lead by their Captain Sirigi, they gave the Britons a great overthrow, as it is mentioned in the book of Triads. Neither hath this Island been invaded by the English, but likewise by the Norwegians. For in the year 1000 The navy of Aethelred sailing about it did waste it in hostile manner. Afterwards two Norman Hughs, one Earl of Cheshire, the other of Shropshire did most grievously afflict it and built the Castle Aber-Lienioc to restrain the Inhabitants, but Magnus a Norwegian arriving at this Island killed Hugh Earl of Cheshire with an arrow, and having taken booty on the Island departed. Afterwards also the English often attempted it, until Edward the first reduced it into his power. Heretofore it had 363 Villages, and at this day it is full of Inhabitants, but the chief Town is belus Mariscus, The Towns. commonly called Beaumarish, which Edward the first built in the East part of that Island in a moorish place; and in regard of the Situation, he gave it this name, and fortified it with a Castle. The second Town to this is Newburge, in Welsh Ressur, because it was map of England THE SEVENTH TABLE OF ENGLAND. much troubled with the sands which were continually cast upon it. Here is also Aberfraw heretofore the chief City of Wales. Also the holy Promontory which the English call Holyhead: the Inhabitants call it Ca● Guby from Kibius a holy man who was Scholar to Hilarius Pictave●sis. The Inhabitants are very rich and strong, and they use the British language having no skill in English, albeit they, together with the rest of Wales, The Isle of Wight. have been subject to the Kings of England these three hundred years. Now followeth Vecta or Vectis, the Isle of Wight, which the Britain's call Guith. The names. It is broken off from the Continent of Britain by so small an Euripus running between, called heretofore Solent, that it seemeth to cleave unto it, and hence that British name Guith, which signifies a separation, seems to be derived: even as Sicily being divided from Ital●● took his name, (as learned julius Scaliger pleaseth to derive it,) a secand●, that is, from cutting. From this vicinity of situation, and affinity of the name, we may conjecture that this Vecta was that Icta, which when the Sea Flowed did seem an Island, but when it Ebbed again, the shore being almost dry, the ancient Britons' were wont to carry Tin thither in Carts to be transported thence into France. I suppose it cannot be that Mictis of Pliny, which joineth close to Vecta, because out of that there came white lead, and in this (saith Camden) there is no mettle vein so fare as I know. The Situation. This Island between East and West lieth twenty miles in length in an oval figure, the breadth thereof in the middle where it is broadest is twelve miles over, the one side lieth toward the North, the other toward the South. It hath a fruitful soil, and very profitable to the husbandman, The fruitfulness of the Soil. so that it exporteth and sendeth forth diverse commodities, it is every where full of Coneys, Hares, Partridges and Pheasants, The variety of the living Creatures. it hath also a Forest and two Parks full of Deer for hunting. Through the middle of this Island there runneth a long ridge of hills, on which flocks of sheep securely graze, whose fleeces are held to be the best wool, except that of Lemster and Cotteswold, and therefore being chief bought up by Clothiers, the Inhabitants do make a great gain and commodity thereby. The Northern part hath green meadows, The Sea fields, and woods: the Southern part is all corne-fields, enclosed every where with ditches and hedges. At either end the Sea on the North side doth so penetrate and wind into it, that it maketh almost two Islands, and the Inhabitants do call them Islands, namely that which looketh toward the West the Freshwater Isle, that which lieth toward the East Binbrydge Isle. Vespasian serving under the Emperor Claudius did first reduce this Island to the obedience of the Romans, as p In Vespasiano cap. 4. Suetonius writeth in the life of Vespasian. The first Saxon that made it his own was Cerdicius which gave it to Stuffa, and Whitgarus, who carried away the British Inhabitants to Caresbrok, and put them to death; afterward Wolpherus being of the Mercians, brought Vecta or Wight under his power, The ancient government. and gave it to Edelwalch King of the South Saxons. After that Caedwalla King of the West- Saxons, (the aforesaid Edwalch being slain, and Arnaldus Governor of the Island being made away) adjoined it to his territories. The nature of the Inhabitants. But see more concerning these things in Camden. The Inhabitants by nature are warlike, bold, and forward, and the Soldiers very stout. In Bedes time there were thought to be in this Island a thousand and two hundred families, but now it hath six and thirty Towns besides Villages and Castles. The chiefest Towns are Newport, the chief Market-town of the Island, heretofore called Medena, and Novus Burgus de Meden, from whence the whole Country is divided into East-Meden, and West-Meden, The Towns. according as it lieth East o● West. Also Brading, Newton, & Yarmouth which have their Majors, and do sand up their Burgesses to the Parliaments of England. This Yarmouth and another also called Sharpnore have Castles, which together with the Fort Worsteys do defend the coast on the West side. Over against which scarce two miles off standeth the Fort Hurst on a little tongue of ground in Hampshire. Here is also the Town Quarre where a little Monastery was built in the year 1132 for veiled Virgins or close Nuns, and God's Hill where I Worseley founded a School for the nurture of children. Here is situate Westcow and Eastcow, now ruinated, which Henry the eight built in the very jaws and entrance of Newport. And on the East is Sandham a Castle fortified with great Ordinance, as the rest are, beside the fortifications of nature, for it is encompassed about with ragged cliffs, underneath which are hidden rocks. As these two Islands lie near to the English shore, somewhat more toward the West, some Islands do appear in the Sea near to France, and yet belong to England, among which are Gerzey and Garnzey; and first Gerzey, called Caesarea by Antoninus, lieth near to Normandy, or the shore of Lexobii, whom our Britons do call Lettaw, that is, dwellers on the shore, or coasters: Gersey. this word Caesarea the Frenchmen have contracted into Gersey, even as Caesaris Burgus, a town in Normandy is by them contractly called Cherburgh and Caesar Augusta a Town in Spain is by the Spaniards called Saraggosa. The names. Into this Island condemned men were heretofore banished, The Situation. for the Bishop of Lions was banished hither. Papirius Massonius calleth it the Isle of Constantine shore, because it lieth over against the ancient city of Constantia, which Ammianus thinketh was heretofore called Castra Constantia, and in former times Muritonium. This Island is about 20 miles in compass, being defended by rocks and such sands as are dangerous to seamen. The earth is sufficiently fertile, abounding with diverse first-fruits and with flocks of cattles; it hath many sheep, and most of them such as have four horns, is beautified with so many green Orchards and Gardens, and those so fruitful that the Inhabitants make a kind of drink of apples, which they call Sisera and the English Cider, therewith; but in regard they have little fuel, instead of wood they use Sea weeds (by them called Vraic) which seems to be that sea grass which Pliny mentions, and they grow so plentifully on these rocks, The fertility of the Soil. that they seem a fare of to be thick woods. These being dried in the Sun and after burnt for fuel, they make use of the ashes for manuring their fields, and making them fruitful. This Island is likewise full of Villages, having twelve Parishes. It is fortified with a strong Castle seated on the hill Montorguel, and he that governs it for the English is also governor of the whole Island. Twenty miles hence towards the West is another Island, which Antoninus named Sarnia, Gernsey. the English at this day call it Garnsey, lying from East to West in the form of a harp, it is not to be compared either for largeness or populusnesse with the aforesaid Gersey, for it hath only ten Parishes. Yet in this it is to be preferred before it, because it hath no venomous thing in it: beside it is more fortified by nature, as being encompassed on every side with broken cliffs among which the Smyris an hard and rough stone is found, which the English call an Emrall, with which Jewellers do cut their stones, The quality of the Soil. and Glaziers do cut their glass. This Island also, as the former, hath green Gardens and Orchards planted with diverse trees, whence for the most part, the Inhabitants use the drink made of apples called Cider, The Haven. as the Gersey people do, in regard of the conveniency of an Haven, and the traffic of Merchants it is more famous than Gersey. For on the farthest part toward the East, on the Southern side, it hath a Haven like an half Moon, near which is seated the Town of Saint Peter, being one long narrow street, S. Peter's Town. full of warlike provision, and frequented much with Merchants when wars begin in other places. The entrance into the Haven is fortified on either side with Castles, on the left hand is an ancient Castle, & on the right hand another which they call Cornet, seated on a high rock, & environed with the Sea. The Inhabitants of either Isle are originally either Normans or Britons, and do speak French. In both Islands they use that which they call Vraic instead of fuel, or pit-coales digged in England, & both of them have great store of fish. These Islands with other adjacent and lying near unto them did heretofore belong to Normandy, but when Henry the first had overthrown his brother Robert in the year of Christ 1108, The ancient Government. he adjoined Normandy & these Islands to the Kingdom of England, since which time they have continued in faithful obedience to England, although the French (banishing King john) possessed Normandy and Henry the third sold his right in Normandy, and yielded up the possession of Aquitaine in consideration of a certain sum of money. 'Tis true that the French in the reign of He●ry the fourth, did hold Garnsey, but by the industry of Richard Harlest●●, Valectus de Carona (as they then called him) they were driven out, in reward whereof the King did confer and bestow upon him the government of the Island and Castle. And let so much suffice to have been spoken concerning these four Islands, and also concerning England, both in general and particular. NORWEY, AND SWETHLAND. The first and second Kingdom of the North part of the World. BRITAIN being described as faithfully as we could, that Northern part of the world now followeth in our method, which the Ancients did call Scandia and Scandinavia, Pliny calleth it the Nurser of Nations, and the receptacle of people of a great stature. That part which is nearest to the farthest Northern shore of Germany, is distinguished at this time into the three Kingdoms of Norwey, Swethland, and Denmark. Norway. Norway or Norwegia cometh in the first place to be viewed. Whence so called. The Etymology whereof is easy to be known; for it is so called from Nord which signifieth the North, and Weg which signifies a way, as if we should say, the Northway, or Northern Country. It hath on the South Denmark, on the West the Sea, on the East Swethland, and it is bounded on the North with Lapland, from which it is parted with high and rugged Mountains, covered over with continual snow. All the Country toward the West is unpassable by reason of rocks and sharp cliffs, and it is also stony toward the South, especially in that part which lieth against the Cimbrick Chersonesus, from whence it is 250 miles distant. But all the Country both toward the West and South hath a gentle Air, for the Sea is not frozen, neither do the Snows lie long. The quality of the Soil. And though the Country itself be not so fertile, that it is able to furnish the Inhabitants with food: yet it aboundeth with cattles and wild beasts, The variety of Creatures. as white Bears of an unusual bigness, Beavers and innumerable other. Norwey was sometime a very flourishing Kingdom, under the jurisdiction whereof were Denmark and the Isles of the Sea, until it came to be governed by hereditary succession. Afterwards in the Interregnum it was agreed upon by the consent of the Nobles, that the Kings should be chosen by election. From Suibdager the second to Christian the last, there were 45 Kings. Now it is under the command of Denmark. There are at this time in it five royal Castles, and so many special Provinces, whereof the first and farthest toward the South is Bahusia, The Cities and Towns. or Bay. The Town's subject unto it are Marstand, feated on a rocky Peninsula, and famous for herring-fishing; and the Towns of lesser note, are Koengeef or Congel, near Bahus and Oddewold, otherwise called Odwad. The second Castle is Aggerhusia, out of the Province whereof high Masts of ships, oaken and maple planks and wood fit for building houses, is yearly carried into Spain and other Countries. The Town's subject unto it are Astoia, the Seat of a Bishop, to which strangers do chief resort, because there is held the Court whither causes are brought for trial out of all parts of Norwey. Also Tonsberg or Konningsberg, Fridrichstad, Salizburgh, and Schin or Schon, where there are Ours of Coppresse and Iron, also Hammaria the Greater and the Lesser, heretofore being Bishoprics, but now committed to the care of the Asloi●● Bishop, and divided by the Bay of Mosian, gliding between them. The third is the Castle Bergerhusia, under which are the Cities of Bergen, or Berga, and Staffanger. But Berga is the most famous City of all Norwey for traffic, and as it were the Barn thereof: here resideth the King Lieutenant, and a Bishop; and here that delicate fish is sold, which being taken near the shore of Norwey, is called the fish of Bergen, being transported from hence by Merchants into diverse Countries. Hear lie the Factors of the Vandals & the Sea Towns, who continuing he●● all the year, for traffic sake, do take up one part of the City, which the Inhabitants call the Bridge. Hear is also an excellent and safe Heaven. The City Staffanger, although it have the same Governor wi●● Bergen, yet it hath a Bishop peculiar to itself, and living therein. Th● fourth Castle is Nidrosia, called so from the River Nideros & Rosa, whi●● is the name of a Temple, commonly called Trundtheim, and heretofore Trondon; it is the Metropolis of all Norwey, and now reduced into the form of a Town. It was the chief seat heretofore of the Archbishop and of the whole Kingdom. It hath a large Jurisdiction, in which 〈◊〉 fish and precious skins are gotten, and afterward carried to Bergen to sold. And here is at this day a Cathedral Church, and such a 〈◊〉 as there is scarce an other like it in the Christian world, both for 〈◊〉 largeness of the stones, and for the carved work. The Border 〈◊〉 groundwork about the Altar in this Church was burnt with fire, 〈◊〉 the year 1530, and the loss redounding thereby was valued at se●● thousand Crowns. The fifth and last Tower toward the North 〈◊〉 Norwey is Wardhuise, standing on the little Island Ward; it is now ve● small, and almost decayed, having neither castle nor munition, yet 〈◊〉 it a little Town adjoining unto it, which consists all of fishermen houses. In this Tower or rather Cottage, the King's Praefect liveth Summer, and governeth this cold Northern part of Norwey, eve● the borders of Russia. Moreover the Western shore of Norwey (became it is of an unsearchable depth) in the Spring time is much troubled 〈◊〉 Whales, The Sea. to prevent whose violence, the ship-men use a kind of Oy● made of Beavers stone, which is a present remedy, for as soon as 〈◊〉 cast into the Sea, and mingled with the water, straightway that gre● Sea-monster maketh away and hideth himself in the deep. The Commodities. Hear 〈◊〉 good fishing in the neighbouring seas, & especially of Stockfish, which being dried and hardened in the cold and hung up upon poles, they se● into other Kingdoms of Europe. The Merchandise. The best taking of them is in th● Month of january: for as then in regard of the cold, they are more ●sily dried, so the sea doth yield more plenty of them and fatter. Th● commodities of this country in general, are precious Skins, Tallo● Butter, Hides, the fat of Whales, Tar, Oak timber, Masts, and Plan● and Board's of all sort, The manners of the people. to the great commodity of those who cell the● The Inhabitants are honest, loving and hospitable to strangers, neither map of Norway and Sweden NORWEY AND SWETHLAND. have they robbers, thiefs or Pirates among them. Swethland. The Kingdom of Swethland is an ancient Kingdom, as Pliny witnesseth. The Countries. It hath on the West Norwey, on the North Lapland and Botnia, on the East Finland, separated from it by the Botnian Bay, or Finish Sea, & Livonia or Liefland, Situation. disjoined from it by the Baltic Sea, called by Tacitus Mare pigrum, Fertility of the Soil. by the Suevians Mare Suevicum, and on the South Gothia. It is a country the most fruitful of all the North parts: it hath a plentiful soil, and seas, lakes, and rivers abounding with fish of diverse kinds: it hath also Metals, as Led, Iron, Brass, and Silver, which is digged up in very pure oar near Slaburg: and likewise woods full of wild beasts and honey. It is thought that it doth doubly exceed Norwey, both in largeness, fruitfulness, and goodness of soil, yet in some places it is rugged and moorish. This Country being for some ages valiantly and happily defended & enlarged by the native Kings thereof, afterward came to the Kings of Denmark: and having been subject to them more than an hundred years, at last did shake them off, under colour, that the Laws which they were sworn unto at their Coronation, were not observed; and hence it stood a while in a very uncertain condition. But now it is returned again to the natives, out of which it chooseth itself a King. There are diverse Provinces of this Kingdom, some belonging to the Goths, as Ostgothia, whereof Lynx's is the Metropolis: The Government. Westgothia separated with an ancient Lake from Ostgothia, whereof Scara is the Bishop's seat: Also Southern Gothia or Smalandia, Tuiscia, Verendia, in which Vexio or Wexo is the chief Town. Also Meringia, and the Isle of Ocland, fortified with the Castle Borgholm. Other Provinces there are that belong to Swethland, specially so called, as Oplandia, in which is Vpsal in the very centre of Swethland; here are an Archbishop's seat, public Schools, and many sepulchers of the Kings of Swethland, magnificently and fairly built. Also Stocholm, a fair Mart Town, and one of the King's places of residence, being fortified both by Nature and Art It is seated in a marshy fenny place like Venice, and is named, as aforesaid, because it is built upon stakes. There is a passage to it out of the Eastern Sea, by a deep channel through the jaws of Melerus; and it doth let the sea flow so fare into it, that ships of great burden may easily come with full sails into the Haven. But the tower Waxholme on the one side, and Digna on the other side do so straighten the entrance, that no ships can come in or go forth against the Governors will, who keep watch there. On the Southern bank of Melerus lieth Sudermannia, whose towns are Tolgo, Strengenes the seat of a Bishop, and the Castle Gripsholme. In the third place is Niricia in which is the castle Orebo, & toward the West the country of Westmannia, and the city's Arosia, (near to which there is such excellent silver, that Artificers can extract out of fifteen pounds of silverone pound of gold) and Arboga do lie near unto a Lake. From thence toward the West do lie Western Dalia, the Eastern and Solies Dalia, so called from the Lake Solion; which three Provinces together with the greater part of the mountainous Provinces, are under the Bishop of Sarosse. Hear are mineral veins, which stretch themselves Eastward to the Baltic Sea, and to the Bay of Helsingia, and toward the West they run almost without interruption through Wermeland to the Western Ocean, so that in every part there is digged up some kind of mettle, as Silver, Coppresse, Led, Iron, Steele, or Sulphur. Toward the North near unto Opland are these Countries, first Gestricia, than Helsing, after that Midelpadia, and beyond that the Northern and Southern Angermannia. Than is there North-Botnia, divided into West-Botnia and East-Botnia, both of them being large Provinces: and after these towards the North lie z So called from the sliding & leaping gate of the Finn● which are the Inhabitants thereof. Scricfinnia, a So called from the blockishness of the Inhabitants, for Lappon signifieth Foolish. Lapland, and Biarmia. These or most of these ancient Provinces of the Kingdom of Swethland, the Botnick Bay stretched forth from the Balthick strait Northward to Toronia, & beyond the Arctic Circle, doth divide from Finland a large Peninsula: at the Southward point whereof are the Islands of Alandia or Alant, and Abo a Bishop's Seat, and on the North point Withurgeum. Finland is divided into the Northern & Southern Finland, to which the higher and lower Natagundia, Savolosia, Tavastia, all very large countries are adjoined. From thence beyond the Finnick Bay is b Which with Biarmia aforesaid, belongeth to the Duke of Russia. Corelia, the Metropolis whereof is Hexholme or Kexholme: and toward the West Wotichonia, in which is the mouth of the River Lovat, that glideth by Novogardia, which the Inhabitants call Nigh: above Copora is Ingria, in which standeth the Forts jamagrod and Solonscia, wherein standeth Ivanogrod, over against Nerva or Narva; confining upon these toward the South are the provinces of Lieflandia or Civonia, extended even from Nerva to Revalia or Revel, and Prenovia or Parniew; as first Allantacia wherein Nerva is a Bishops See; then Wiria, whereof Wesemberg is a Bishops See: besides Wichia, wherein Habsay is a Bishop's seat, and the Isle Dagen or Dachlen, most of which Countries beyond the Finnick Bay were added to the Kingdom of Swethland, in the year 1581.; by the valour and good success of King john the third, after that Revalia had willingly yielded itself to Ericus the fourteenth King of Swedes, Anno 1561. The Rivers. Swethland hath many fishing-waters, Mountains. and many rivers gliding through it. The Country itself is rugged, being full of mountains and woods. Woods. The subjects are partly Churchmen, partly Laymen; the Laymen are either Nobles or Commons. The Senators. The chief title of Nobility is Knighthood, which is solemnly conferred by the King as a reward of virtue. The Manners. The provinces are governed by the natives. If the Inhabitants be compared with the Germane, they have less civility, but are more industrious and witty, so that every country-fellow with them hath skill almost in all trades, and all mechanic Arts. THE STATE POLITIC OF THE KINGDOM OF DENMARK. DENMARK is a large and populous Kingdom, commonly called Danemarch, as it were the Country of the Danes. But whence the original of the Danes came, they themselves do not know: Some do fetch it from Danus, their first King, and some from the Dahi, a people of Asia, Dudo de S. Quintino, an ancient Writer (as Camden reporteth) doth affirm, that they came out of Scandia into the ancient seats of the Cimbri●ans. But they seem to be so called from the waters, because AHA with them signifies a River, and they do call themselves Daneman (that is) ●s it were, River-men, or Watermens. All Denmark is a Peninsula, as the Description showeth, and is divided into 184 Prefectships or Provinces, which they call Harret, and they are governed by so many Prefects skilful in the Danish Laws. It hath a King rather by election of the Nobles, than by succession of birth: the ancient manner of choosing him was, that when they gave their voice, they stood in the open field upon stones, devoting by the firm stability of the stones under them, the constancy of their election. The Kings are crowned at Hafnia in the Church of the blessed Virgin Mary before the Altar, and are led into the aforesaid Church by the Senators of the Kingdom, the ensigns of regality being carried before them, as the Sword, Globe, and Crown. Neither are these things attributed to special Families, as it is in most Countries, but as every one excelleth in virtue and dignity, so is he chosen to that place. First the King is compelled to swear that he will observe certain written Articles, and that he will strictly defend the Christian Religion, and the Laws and Customs of the Kingdom. Afterwards he is anointed by the Bishop of Roeschild, and first the Crown is set upon his head by all the Senators, who then take their oath to his Majesty, if they have not done it before the Coronation, and then the King maketh out of the Gentry some Knights by the light stroke of a sword, for some service done either in peace or war. Thus the ancient Danes did establish an excellent Political State and Monarchy, neither hath any Nation ever brought them into subjection, or took away their Country Rites and Privileges. But on the contrary the Northern people, as the Danes, sweden, Norwegians, have wasted almost Europe, and in some places have established Kingdoms. For the expedition of the Cimbrians against Italy is known unto all Historiographers, as also the Goths subjecting of Spain, the Longobards establishing of a Kingdom in Italy, the Normans seating themselves in France, the erecting of the Kingdom of Naples and Sicily, and the attempt of Godfride upon Freseland against Charles the Great. g To these may be added the late King of sweden prosperous victories in Germany. Canutus the Great, his holding five Kingdoms a long time. For he was King of Denmark, Swethland, Norwey, England, and Normandy, and son in law to Henry the third Emperor, of whom these verses are yet extant. Desine mirari quos garrula laudibus effert Graecia, quos jactat Roma superba duces. &c. Cease thou to wonder at those Captain's bold, Of which both Greece and Rome did boast of old. For now the Danish Land hath brought forth one, That is in virtue second unto none. By my achievements I much fame attained, Five Kingdoms subject were to my command. And me he chose his son in Law to be, Who was third Emperor of Germany. My justice famous was, I showed the way, How powerful Kings should their own Laws obey. By which it appears, as also by the followig wars, which diverse Kings of the Family of the Oldenburgs happily waged, that it is a warlike Nation, and fortunate in vanquishing their enemies both by Land and Sea. The Noble men and Senators of the Kingdom have a free power to elect the Kings, but for the most part they choose the King's eldest son, unless there be some sufficient cause for the contrary. However, they always choose one of the Royal blood, and they do not suffer the Kingdom to be divided, unless they be compelled thereunto by civil wars. They sand the younger sons or brothers into other Countries, seeing they cannot participate in the government of the Kingdom: and hence it is that so many expeditions are undertaken by them. Moreover, seeing all the Nobles and Common-people cannot live conveniently in their own Country, therefore they seek out to get themselves a more fit seat. For the Northern people have abundance of children, in regard of their abundance of blood and heat; they are quarrellers and fighters, they drink and eat much, (for the cold Air excites their appetite) and yet digest it well, whence it is that they live long; they are fair complexioned, of great stature, crafty and faithful. And an argument, that they are long lived, is that their Kings have reigned very long, many of them thirty years, some forty, and some longer. The Political government. THere are five States or Orders in the Commonwealth of Denmark: The first is of the King's Family, the second of the Nobles, The Situation. among which there are neither Earls nor Barons, yet all of them can show how their Nobility descended to them by a long pedigree of Ancestors. They carry Bucklers, which they will not change nor altar, because they anciently used them. There are some Families yet living, whose Ancestors were present at the Parley between Charles the Great, & Hemmingus King of Denmark, upon the River Egidora or Eider, as the Family of Vrens and others. These hold their goods and lands in Capite, and they have free liberty to hawk and hunt in their own lands, as the Counts have in Germany. Their goods are not feudatory, but hereditary. All the Castles, lands, and goods, as well movable as immovable, left them by their parents, are equally divided among the brethren: and the sisters by a special privilege have a share also, yet so, that the brother hath two parts with the Castles and places of strength, and the sister but one. By this means the eldest sons have not much lands, yet some of them coming of a good Family, and being endued with virtue, through the King's favour, do advance themselves to great possessions by marriage. Out of this order the Senators of the Kingdom are chosen, who are seldom more than 28. These Senators have a certain allowance from the King and Kingdom, for they have Castles so long as they be Senators, for which they pay no rent to the King, but are charged to keep certain horses both in peace and war, and whensoever the King calls them, they are to be ready at the proper charge of the Kingdom. If they be sent on any Embassage out of the Kingdom, they have allowance out of the Exchequer, that they may perform their journey in a Princely manner, as becometh a King's Ambassadors. The other Nobles also have sufficient maintenance from the King, whether they live at Court or not. For the King hath lands which in the Danish speech are called Verleghninge or Benefices, and out of these he giveth maintenance, either for term of life, or for years, to those who have done him or the Kingdom any service. And those who hold these Benefices of the King, are charged to keep certain horses, and to pay yearly a certain sum of money into the Exchequer, yet so as they may gain something in reward of their labour and service. There is also a good Law & Institution in the Kingdom of Denmark, whereby the King is prohibited and restrained from buying any immovable goods of the Nobles, lest any dissension should arise between the King and them. For otherwise the King might by violence take into his hands those lands which the Nobles would not cell: yet the King may change any immovable goods with the Nobles, though on the contrary the Nobles cannot buy any of them of the King's Farmers, many of which have hereditary, and (as it were) free lands. Here follows the names of the special Families of the Nobility, in the Kingdom of DENMARK. THe Lords of Kaas, the L. Guldensteen, the Lords of Munc, of Rosencrantz, of Grub, of Walkendorp, of Brahe, of Schram, of Pasberg, of Hardenberg, of Vlstant, of Bing, of Below, of Wepfert, of Goce, of Schefeldt, of Ranzow, of Schelen, of Frese, of jul, of Belde, of Dresselberg, of Green, of Brockenhusen, of Holke, of Trolle, of Knutzen, of Biorn, Schested, of jensen, of Steuge, of Mattiesse, of Lung, of Banner, of Luc, of Rastorp, of Krusen, of Fassi, of Lindeman, of Suvon, of Stantbeke, of Quitrowe, of Lange, of Gelschut, of Glambeke, of Krabbe, of Marizer, of Kragge, of Achsel, of Bec, of Ruthede, of Negel, of Wirfelt, of Split, of Ofren, of Appelgard, of juenam, of Poldessen, of Reuter, of Podebussen, who were all in times past Barons in the Dukedom of Pomerania, and some of whose Family are still remaining there. Also the Lords of Vrens, who lived in the time of Charles the great: Also the Lords of Blic, of Gall, of Wogersen, of Bassi, of Solle, of Daac, of Bax, of Baselich, of Wensterman, of Hoken, of Lindow, of Bille, of Reutem, of Hundertmarc, of Heiderstorper, of Would, of Papenhaimb, of Spar, of Falster, of Narbu, of Worm, of Belde, of Bocholt, of Bud, of Swaben, of Santbarch, of Gram, of Lutken, of Vhrup, of Spegel, of Bammelberg, of Rosenspart, of Duve, of Hube, of Schaungard, of Must, of Grinds, of Falcke, of Brune, of Laxman, of Duram, of Baggen, of Norman, of Goss, of Matre, of Rosengard, of toll, of Ronnoun, of Krimpen. Out of this Nobility is chosen the Praefect or Master of the Court, which is such an office, as the Governor of the King's House in France: He dwelleth, for the most part, at Haffnia, being, as it were, the King Substitute, and doth dispatch matters as he is directed by the Kings. Next to him is the Marshal, which in the time of war and peace doth provide those things which appertain to expedition. In the third place is the Admiral, which doth build new ships, repair the old, and every year order the sea-matters, for the securing of the coasts. He hath under him an other Admiral appointed, and in every ship a Captain, who must be borne a Gentleman. There is also the Chancellor of the Kingdom, to whom out of all the Provinces and Isles they appeal and make suit unto, and from whom appeal is also made to the King and the Senate of the Kingdom. All the Provinces are divided into Haeret, as they call them, or into Dioceses, under which are many Parishes, here, if there be any controversies, matters are first tried. And from hence they appeal to the Judge of the Haeret. Afterwards to the Chancellor, and last of all to the King and Senators, where it hath a determinate and final Judgement. They have a written Law, composed by Woldemare the first, together with the Bishops and Senators, which is very agreeable to the law of Nature, and not much differing from the Roman Laws, and that causes and suits may sooner have an end, and judgement be given and put in execution, It is provided that Judges, if they do any wrong or give false judgement, are condemned to loose half their goods; whereof the King hath the one part, and the injured party the other. Woldemare the first (except I be deceived) added the Bishops to the Senators, whom Christianus the third, for rebellion and certain other causes did put out again. The King's Chancellor, who for the most part followeth the King in the Court, hath seven or eight Noble men adjoined unto him as Assistants, besides Secretaries and Clerks; and all businesses are dispatched by the King himself. But if it be some matter of consequence, as concerning peace or war, entering into league with foreign Nations, or into consultation concerning the defending of their own Territories, than the King calleth a Council of Senators. Neither can the King impose any tax upon the Kingdom or Country, without their consent, and the consent of the Nobles. There is also in this Kingdom a Master of the Exchequer, who collecteth and gathereth all the Revenues of the whole Kingdom, both of Castles, Farms, and Customs, as well by Sea as by Land. He taketh account of them, enquireth into them, and giveth acquittances for the receipt of them. He hath two Assistants of the Nobility, and many Clerks under him; and for his office hath a yearly stipend or pension. The third State is of the Clergy, in which there are seven Bishops, as the Bishop of Lunden, the Bishop of Roeschild, the Bishop of Otthon, of Rip, of Wiburg, of Arhuse, and the Bishop of Sleswich, to whom the other Canonical persons have relation. These have the Tenths of the Kingdom; which in diverse Countries are divided in a diverse manner for the Bishops have an half part of the Tenths, and the King an half part, the Canonists and Preachers have a part, and a part is contributed toward the building and repairing of Churches. And as concerning the Pope's authority in this Kingdom, as also in France, the ordination of Prelates and Bishops have been always in the King's power, as may appear by the answer of Woldemare the first, King of Denmark, which here I have annexed. When the Pope required these and the like privileges from the King, it is reported, that the King writ back unto him, We have our Kingdom from our Subjects, our life from our Parents, our Reliligion from the Romish Church, which if you will take from us, I sand it you by these presents. And as the wise Decree of Charles the fifth is praised, prohibiting Ecclesiastical persons from buying any immovable thing without the consent of the King, so Christian the third as wisely did ordain, that the Clergy should not cell any thing without the King's express commandment. In other matters the Clergymen through the whole kingdom are well provided for by Christian the third, of famous memory, and many Schools erected in many places, as also two in Iseland, where they have likewise a Printing-House. There is but one University in the whole kingdom, called the University of h This City is called by the Germane Copenhagen, that is, the Merchant's Haven. Haft●● or Hafnia, founded by Christerne the first, by permission of Pope Sixt●, in the year of Christ 1470: which Frederick the second, although he were seven years encumbered with the Swethish wars, did so enrich that the yearly revenues thereof are very much. The fourth State is of the Citizens and Merchants, dwelling in Cities and Towns. These have proper and peculiar privileges which they enjoy, besides certain fields and woods that belong to them; and these do traffic both by Sea and Land in all parts of Europe. Out of these, as also out of the Countrypeople, the Bishops, the Canonists, the Preachers, and Senators of Cities, the Clerks of Bands, the Lieutenants of Towers, and the Masters of Ships are chosen, and some of them are Masters of the Customs or Tributes; lastly, of these all lesser Counsels of Justice do consist, one of the Nobility, for the most part, sitting as Precedent. The fifth State is of the Rustic, or Countrypeople, and there are two sorts of them, the first they call Freibunden, that is, Freeholders'. These do hold Lands of Inheritance, yet paying for the same some little free-rent every year. These do also use merchandise and fishing. They are not oppressed with doing services, neither do they pay any taxes, unless the Senators of the kingdom do grant it as a subsidy. The other sort is of those, who do not possess goods of inheritance, but do farm them of the King, the Nobles or Ecclesiastical persons, and are constrained to do many services for their Lords, in such manner, as they shall covenant with their Landlord. These are the chief things which I thought good to declare concerning the State politic of Denmark; whereby it appeareth, that the Danish Monarchy was, for the most part, well framed: for the free election of the Kings being in the hands of the Nobility, and yet notwithstanding out of the royal Progeny, as we said before: it followeth, that the Danes have no civil wars or dissensions, unless those which are between such as be of the Blood Royal, which are quickly composed by the mediation and help of the Nobles; but especially seeing the King's younger Sons can have no part of the kingdom. Moreover, as they are all styled but Nobles, and know not the titles and names of Barons, Earls, and Dukes, so there are none that have so much wealth and power, as that reposing trust therein, they dare oppose themselves against the Royal Family; because the Father's Inheritance is always divided between the Sons and Daughters. Thus the Kings of Denmark have a flourishing Commonwealth, which may easily be defended from foreign enemies, whom their Subjects, living in unanimity and concord with them as their natural Lords, are able to resist both by sea and land. THE KINGDOM OF DENMARK. BEING THE THIRD KINGDOM OF THE NORTH. DENMARK is joined only in two places to the Continent, The Situation. on the West the Ocean beateth on it, on the Ea●● the Baltic Sea, on the North lieth Norwey and Sw●●land, and on the South Holsatia, Megalopolis, and Pomera●● It hath many several Islands lying by it. The temperature of the Air. The temper 〈◊〉 the Climate, together with the wholesomeness of the Air (that I ma● use joh. Coldingensis his words) doth make the Danes fresh complexioned. The fruitfulness of the Earth doth nourish them, the sweet h●●mony of Birds doth recreate them; their Woods and Groves, in which great numbers of Hogs do feed, The fruitfulness of the Soil. and fat themselves with Acorns 〈◊〉 Beech-maste, do refresh them; and the diverse sorts of Cattles and flourishing Meadows do yield them much delight. The Sea doth affo●● them such plenty of provision, The variety of living creatures. that the Danes thereby not only furnish themselves, but also many other parts of Europe. In a word, they wa● nothing that is necessary to life, so loving hath Nature showed herself to this Country. Concerning the ancient Government thereof M●●ster writeth, that one Danus many ages before Christ, was the first King of Denmark, The Ancient Government. from whom the other Kings of Denmark did descend in a fair and orderly succession; therefore concerning the names of his successors, and the other Kings of Denmark, read Munster, largely discoursing. All the Country of Denmark having many arms of the Se● reaching fare into the Land, doth consist of many parts, the chief whereof are these jutia, Fionia, Zelandia and Scania, besides the Islands lying near to several parts thereof. jutia, which some would have called Gotia, being heretofore the Sea of the Cimbri, is called by Historians and Geographers the Cimbrian Chersonesus, and is divided into the Southern and Northern jutia. The Description of this Northern jutia you may behold in the second Table of Denmark. Southern jutia, heretofore called Nordalbingia, doth contain the famous Dukedom of Sleswick to which the Dukedom of Holsatia may now be added, whereof you shall find a more ample declaration in the third Table of Denmark. Also there followeth a more particular Description of Fionia, in the fourth Table of Denmark. map of Denmark THE KINGDOM OF DENMARK. THE SECOND TABLE OF DENMARK. WHICH CONTAINETH PART OF THE NORTHERN JUTIA. THE Western and special part of Denmark is jutia, commonly called jutland, The names. which Ptolemy calleth the Cimbrian Chersonesus, and Pliny Cartrin. This runneth forth Northward in manner of a Peninsula, between the British and German Seas, as Italy doth toward the South. The Southern bound thereof is the River Eydera, The Situation. and it lieth many miles in length from the River Albis or Elve, toward the North: The greatest breadth of it is not much. This Country is divided into the Northern and Southern part, as we have already spoken. The Northern jutia, jutia. called the Northern Cimbrica, which is described in this Table, extending itself toward Norwey, doth over against Saga, a Town famous in regard of the quicksands and shallow Sea near it, The Situation. end in a strait and narrow form like a wedge. This Country is broadest about the Market Town of Aleburg, where Lymford winding itself into it, and passing almost through all jutia Westward, parteth the Country Wensussel from the rest, except it be for a very little space, and so maketh it as it were an Island. This River being carried in a great channel, maketh many famous Islands by encompassing them about; and having many Bays as it were, and several branches, it doth divide and give limits to diverse Provinces. Northern jutia is fertile in producing and bearing Fruits, Corn, Barley, and the like: It hath also in some places very fruitful pastures. It aboundeth with so many herds of Oxen, and bringeth up so many Cows, that it sendeth an incredible number of cattles into foreign Countries, and especially into Germany, whither there are yearly brought almost 150 thousand Oxen, besides Cheese, Butter, Tallow, and Hides. It doth bring forth an excellent breed of Horses, of which a great number are transported to other places. jutia heretofore was subject to the Saxons, but not the other Northern Countries. Out of this Country the Cimbri 150 years before Christ's birth, came and fell upon Italy like an impetuous storm, to the great terror thereof. For they having joined to themselves the Teutons, the Tigurines, and Ambrones, conspired utterly to extinguish the Roman Empire. Syllanus could not resist the violence of their first approach, nor Manilius their second onset, nor Caepio the third. All of them were put to flight and beaten out of their Tents, insomuch as Florus thinketh they had been quite undone and overthrown if Marius had not lived in that age. This Cimbrian war continued eight years after the Consulship of Syllanus, even to the fift Consulship of Marius, who at the River Athesis, called by the Germans Etsch, and by the Italians L'adica, did quite cut off their Army consisting of Cimbrians, Teutons, and and Ambrones. But because in this place we have by chance made mention of the Cimbrians, whose name is famous in Histories, we will speak somewhat more of them: and because junius a learned man doth discourse most learnedly of them, I will not think it much to set down his own or other words to the same effect. It appears in Moses Books, saith he, that japhes had a son called Gomer, or by changing of a letter Comer, which word signifies with the Hebrews one perfecting a circle. But the genuine sense of the word, (hitherto unknown to Writers unskilful in the Cimmerian language, because none hath declared the obscurity) will be as manifest and clear as the Meridian Sun, i● you gently break the word in pieces. For what other thing does ●●om her, being disjoined, signify in that language, or if you pronounce it Gomer, than I go about in a circle, or I finish a perfect course? Hence also is that orbicular order of Arts, which the Graecian Writers cal● Encyclopedia, and Fabius the circle of learning, (because it is endless as a ring) called Gomera. Rightly therefore that auspicious name happened unto the offspring of japhet, which spread themselves over the World, and as the name doth signify, did finish that course th●● was given and prescribed to them by lot, having travelled over al● Countries from the rising of the Sun to the setting thereof. For 〈◊〉 man is so rude and ignorant in the knowledge of History, that knoweth not that the Goths and Vandals (who were the offspring of the Cimmerians or Cimbri) did possess both the Hesperiaes'. Wherhfore, since by the consent of all men the Cimmerians did descend from Gomer, who at first did possess the inward part of Asia, and being expelled by the Scythians, repairing Westward did pass into Scandia, and from thence unto the Cimbrian Chersonesus, I see no reason how a more convenient name can be given to Gomer the Author of the Cimbrian Nation, and to the people retaining their father's na●● than from the desire of circuiting and wand'ring about. For I think no man hath read of any Nation that hath traveled a greater circuit of earth, as josephus, an accurate Writer of the jewish antiquities, doth perspicuously and diligently explain when he writeth that the posterity of Gomer coming out of Armenia, did run out into the Riv●● Tanais, and from thence with their multitudes, did overspread al● Countries of Europe, as fare as the utmost coasts of the Gades. Plutar● in the life of Marius hath clearly explained the desire that was in the Nation to propagate and finish this their course when he reported thus of them. The Cimbrians, as often as they change their seats, do● attempt the neighbour Countries by wars, yet not with a daily or continual violence, but every year when the season serveth they make some inroade, and seeing there are diverse and several names of people amongst them, they call their troops by a common appellation Celtoscythians. Some do report that there was no great company of Cimbrians, who were anciently known to the Grecians, but that some banished men or seditious persons, cashiered by the Scythians, map of Denmark THE SECOND TABLE OF DENMARK. passed from s Now called Marinell delle Sabacche. Maeotis into other parts of Asia under the conduct of Lygdamis: and that the greatest and most warlike part of the Nation did seat themselves on the outmost coasts of the t Or Northern Sea, called now Mare Cronium, or Mare Scythecum. Ocean, and did inhabit a dark Country, which in regard of the high and thick woods, reaching even to the Forest of Hircynus, was to the Sunbeams inaccessible. Hitherto I have for the most part rendered his own words: but I understand not whence Plutarch from the German Etymology, or Festus Pompeius from the French, can prove that the Cimbrians were called thiefs & robbers, unless we take hired Soldiers for thiefs and robbers, or unless it seem that Plutarch did refer it to the manner of warring peculiar to that Nation, who did set upon their neighbours with secret ambushment and assaults like thiefs, for he relates that Italy was strooken with fear by their fierce inroads, when they understood that a Nation of no name or settled habitation, was like a sudden cloud of rain ready to fall upon their heads. Hitherto junius. This jutia is divided into four large Episcopal Seats, The Towns. into the Ripensius, which is kept at Ripen, the Arhusian which is at Arhusium, the Vandalica● which is at Alburg, and the Wiburgian which is at Wiburg. The Ripensi●● Diocese hath 30 Prefectures, seven Cities, & ten royal Castles. Queen Dorothy the widow of Christian the third erected and built a School at Kolding, at her own proper charge and cost. The Arhusian Diocese hath one and thirty Prefectures, seven Cities, and five Castles, Ar●●sium or Arhusen is a famous Mart-Towne, in regard of its Haven made by the great Promontory of Helen, which extendeth itself through the Country of Molls, from the royal Castle Kalloe, even to the high Mountain Ellemansbergh, and by its own situation, and some Islands lying near unto it, maketh the Sea very placable and calm for Mariners. Under this Diocese there are the Islands Samsoe, Hielm, Tuen, Hiar●●, sometimes called Gerno, Hilgenes, and many other. The Vandalican Diocese, called also the Diocese of Burglaw, hath thirteen Prefectures, and six Cities. The most special parts thereof are Wendsyssel, Handhaeret, Thyland, and Morsoe. Wendsyssil or Vensilia, that is the Land o● Seat of the Vandals hath six Prefectures, three Towns, and one Castle. Here is the Mountain Alberg, in which are certain Monuments of Giants, the adjacent Isles are Grysholm, Hertsholm, Tydsholm and others. In Handhaeret is a Rock of great height, called Skarringelint, and on the coast thereof those two quicksands, which they call Sandores and Braccae. The Isle's subject unto it are Oland and Oxeholm. Thyland hath four Prefectures, one Town called Thystad or Tystet, where Christian the third built a School for the nurture of Youth, and one Castle called Orumna. Under it are the Islands Hansholm, Ostholm, jegen, Cifland, Egholm, Bodum. Morsia hath three Prefectures, the City Nicoping, the Castle Lundslod or Lundgard, and an Island adjacent near unto it, called Ageroa. The Diocese of Wiburg doth contain sixteen Prefectures, three Cities, and as many Castles. At Wiburg the general Council of the most Noble and wise Trium-viri, concerning enquiring into, and judging of civil matters, is continued almost all the year, unless sometimes when they are wearied with that troublesome office, they refresh themselves, and recollect their strength in their own Country houses. Hither are brought the causes of all the Cimbrian Chersonesus, as complaints of bounds, controversies concerning inheritance, and all capital causes, as slaughters, adulteries, thefts, poison, &c. Near to the Peninsula Wenslia, where ending in a Cone, it bendeth by degrees toward the East, is that corner of jutia, so perilous and fearful to Mariners: for a great ridge of rocks run so fare into the Sea, that those who would be free from danger, come not near to the shore by 8. miles. Such also is all the Western shore of jutia, so that those who purpose to sail into Norwey, or out of the Ocean Eastward, are enforced to take a large compass to avoid it: and to this purpose there are four Mountains on this shore, which the Mariners observe as Sea-marks. The Inhabitants of this Country seeing they have no fit Haven for ships to ride in, draw them out of the deep upon the shore so fare, that the waves of the Sea by beating upon them cannot bruise them. The Sea. In this Sea there is plenty of fish, and especially of Herrings; The commodities. The manners of the people. and therefore the Inhabitants use fishing much. These things being declared, I will add something not impertinent to conclude this place withal, which is, that the people in these Northern Countries have been, and yet are cold and dry, of a large stature, fair complexioned, well coloured, merry, jocund, suspicious, crafty, and provident in business, healthful, proud, loving to their friends; they eat and drink much, they digest well, and therefore live long, they abound with blood, they are blunt in behaviour, and in regard of much heat about their heart, they are quarrelous and contentious, they love dangers, hunting and travelling, they are obstinate in defending their own opinions, and yet mindful of Justice, they are very docible and apt to attain Languages, they are lovers of the Muses, and do strictly perform their covenants and bargains, they have many children, which the women with great difficulty bring forth; their women are also beautiful, and both wise and sparing in the government of their Family: but they die for the most part of Catharres, the King's evil, the Pleuricy, the Fistula, the Dropsy, or Phthisic. Achilles Gassarus affirmeth that Guns were here first invented by a Monk. THE THIRD TABLE OF DENMARK. In which are part of the Dukedom of SLESWICH and HOLSATIA. The Dukedom of Sleswick. SO much concerning Northern jutia, the Southern ●●●loweth, which the Ancients did call Nordalbingia, because it is separated and parted toward the North from the 〈◊〉 of Germany, by the river d Called by the Germane Elve, which signifieth in their tongue eleven, because it hath so many fountains, whence so called. Albis. It containeth the 〈◊〉 Dukedoms of Sleswick and Holsatia, of which we will speak in order. The Dukedom of Sleswick taketh his name from the Metropolis and ancient Mart Town of Sleswick. Heretofore this Country was called the Dukedom of jutia, which Woldemare Nephew 〈◊〉 Abel King of Denmark received to hold in fee of King Ericus, about 〈◊〉 year 1280. But the Royal Line of the Kings and Dukes being extinct and the Dukedom of Sleswick being thereby fallen to the Crown● Margaret Queen of three Kingdoms gave it to Gerard Earl of Hols● on this condition, The ancient Government. that he should acknowledge to hold it of the 〈◊〉 of Denmark. The Towns. The Cities which are subject to this Dukedom, bec●● they have the same privilege with other parts of Denmark, therefore they have the same Laws with them. The Subjects may appeal from the Sentence of the Magistrates of any place to the Princes and th●● Senators, and not farther, as it is provided by their privileges. But 〈◊〉 general government of both these Dukedoms belongeth to the King of Denmark, and the Duke of Holsatia by turns. When it is devolute and doth fall to the King, it is governed by his Substitute in his name The chief Town of this Dukedom is Slesvicum, commonly called Schleswick. It hath its name from a Germane word, in regard it is situa●●● near Slia, in the Bay of the Baltic Sea: for Wick signifies in the Sax●● language both a Town, and a crooked winding or Bay of the Sea, 〈◊〉 Becanus hath observed in his Books of Gothish & Danish matters. Cr●●Zius and those who have writ the Saxon Histories, do give it an other appellation besides Sleswick, which is still in use with the Danes & Fr●●landers: for they call this Town in their language Heidebui or Heid●●●, because, they say, it was first built by a certain Queen of Denmark, whose name was Heth. It hath a convenient situation for traffic, and a convenient Haven for commerce and trading. Not fare from this Town is seated the Castle Gotorpi. Hear is a famous Custom or Toll, for it hath been observed, that in plentiful years, fifty thousand Oxen being driven out of Denmark into Germany, have here been paid toll for. There is also in this Dukedom, Flensburg, a famous Town, lying among the high Mountains, near the shore of the Eastern Sea. It map of Norway THE THIRD TABLE OF NORWEY. hath a Haven so convenient, deep, and safe, that many of the Citizens may load and unloade ships even at their own doors. And here are the Towns Husenum or Hussum, and Haderslebia. This Dukedom hath only one Bishopric, two Chapters, three Monasteries, and diverse Castles belonging to the Prince and his Nobles. The Senators. The order of Senators, whereof I have heretofore made mention, doth consist of the number of 24 persons of the Gentry, to whom is joined a general Chancellor, and two Doctors of the Law. The Dukedom of HOLSATIA. Holsatia whence so called. SOme do suppose, that Holsatia was so called from the many Woods and Forests which are in it, for the Cimbrians and Low Germane do call a wood holt: and some do derive the Etymology of the word from a hollow stone, because the Dukes of Holsatia were formerly called Dukes of the hollow Stone. The Situation It is bounded on the East with the River Bilena, on the West with Stora or Steur, on the South with Albis, and on the North with Eider. The quality of the Soil. The Country itself is woody and full of Forests, whence they have such store of fuel, that they are able to supply Freesland with wood, when they themselves also do keep great fires. But although their woods are very spacious, so that they seem to have no end, yet they seldom have any great Oaks in them, but are full of Beech-trees, with whose waste an innumerable sort of Hogs are fatted. The Land, for the most part, doth afford them every three years great store of fishing, and a very rich and plentiful harvest. For three years together it is tilled, sowed, and mowed, and three years afterward the Lakes are let in, to feed the fish and grass, thereby a certain fat and slimy matter is brought in, The variety of living Creatures. which doth fertilise the fields. This place bears neither Vines nor Olives; but there is much hunting of wild beasts. And this Country doth breed a great number of horses. Holsatia is divided into four parts, Dithmarsh, Holsatia, Stormaria, and Wagria. These were heretofore Counties, and afterward changed into a Dukedom, by Frederick the third Emperor, at the suit and request of Christian the first, who now is charged to maintain 40 horsemen, and fourscore foot, for the use of the Roman Empire. Dithmarsh at the first enjoyed freedom and liberty for some hundred years; The ancient government. and albeit it were granted by the Emperor Frederick to Christian the first in fee, yet it was not at that time subjected. Afterwards his Sons, King john, and Duke Frederick did undertake to make an expedition against it, in the year of our Lord 1500, but the Dithmarsians having overthrown their Army, defended their own liberty, until they were conquered & overcome by the Nephews of Christian the first, namely Duke john, Adolphus, and Frederick the second King of Denmark, in the year of our Lord 1559. In Holsatia are these Cities, first Segeberg, in Wagria, a Country of Holsatia, 16 miles from Lubeck. 2, Itzohoa, a fair Town in regard of the nature and situation of the place, and the resort of ships unto it. 3, Stormaria is encompassed, and, as it were, embraced in the arms of a fishie and navigable River, which arising in the inner parts of Holsatia, doth wash the walls of certain Towns, and the noble Ranzovian House of Bredenberg, and afterward doth discharge itself into the River Albis. Hear is in this Country Chilonium, commonly called Kile, which is an ancient Town, and hath a large Haven, in which (to the great commodity of the Holsatians) diverse sorts of merchandise are brought out of Germany, Livonia, Denmark, and Swethland. Also Krempe, and Reinholdsburg or Rensburg, the former taketh his name from the River gliding by it, the later from the first builder. Here are moreover Meldorp, Heiningsted or Henste, and Tellingsted in Dithmars, This Town was anciently but a little Castle, and called Hochburg. and Hamburg the Metropolis of Stormaria, a renowned Mart-Towne near the River Albis, which after many devastations and calamities suffered in the wars, was at last re-edified, and in the time of Henry the fourth Emperor, it began to be encompassed with walls, and to be beautified with three Gates and twelve watch-towres. In this City Albertus Crantzius, an eloquent and true Historian lived and was buried. This Country is full of Lakes, and especially Dithmars, whose Inhabitants (trusting to the benefit of their Lakes) did refuse to acknowledge obedience to the Kings of Denmark, though of late they have been compelled thereunto. The chiefest River of note which watereth this Country is Egidora or the Eidera, there are also some others, the most whereof may rather be called Brooks or Rivulets than Rivers: but the Baltic Sea, in that part where it washeth the Dukedoms of Holsatia and Sleswick, hath safe and pleasant Bays, which are safe harbours for Merchants, and weatherbeaten ships. In some places also it affordeth great store of fish, and especially of Salmon. It is a plain Country, seldom raised with any mountains, yet one it hath between Lubeck and Hamburg, of a pleasant situation, and famous for the ornaments of peace and war, with which Henry Rantzovius did adorn it. It hath an ancient Castle seated on it, famous for the antiquity and first builder thereof, and at the foot of the hill a Town adjoining to it. Hear are many woods, with which the Country of Holsatia is beset & replenished, The Woods. but especially Dithmars, as the woods of Borcholt, Burgholt, Alverdorpenholt, Resenwalde, and many others. The Senators. The Holsatians had heretofore 48 men, who were Precedents and Governors of the whole Country; to these they made their appeal out of the several Parishes, and they did judge all matters. But they being subdued, and the Country now divided into two parts, in each of them there are twelve special and principal men, together with a Perfect, who, for the most part, is a Doctor or Licentiate at Law. These have all yearly pensions from the Princes, and they have a Clerk joined to them, as also an Overseer or Precedent out of the Holsatian Nobility. The one of these Prefects, which is for the King, is called the Perfect of Steinburg, and the other being for the Duke, the Perfect of Gottorpe. Yet the Subjects have leave to appeal or make suit to the Princes and Senators of either Dukedom, as well of Sleswick as Holsatia, but not further. They had heretofore a written Law, which now by degrees is changed, and reform according to the Common Law, compiled by Henry Rantzovius the King's Substitute, The Laws & Institutions. by Sigefrid Rantzovius, heretofore Lord of Nienhs, the Lord Adam Trazigerus, and the Lord Erasmus Kirslemius, according to which Law all causes are decided, and punishments pronounced against delinquents & offenders. Holsatia hath four Orders or degrees of people: The Nobles, the Clergy, the Citizens, and the Countrymen, whereof there are two kinds, for some possess goods of their own being hereditary and free; others hired goods or lands, for which they pay rend and do certain services. The Nobles have Castles and Lands, together with the royalty of hunting, fishing, and hawking, which, for the most part, are hereditary unto them. The Noble Families. The whole Country hath not above 24 Families, whose names are mentioned in the Holsatian chorography, but diverse Families there are that are descended from the same stock, as the Rantzovians do at this time possess an hundred and fifty Castles, and diverse other possessions. The Aleseldians and Powischians have almost as many. Holsatia hath one Bishopric, namely Lubeck, for the Bishopric of Hamburg is subject to the Bishopric of Breme. The contentions which happen among the Nobles are judged by a Senate of Dukes, the Princes, for the most part, sitting Precedents in judgement as it is provided by their privileges and Laws. From the order of Senators any one putting in a sufficient caution may appeal to the Imperial Chamber. The Citizens enjoy privileges peculiar to themselves, and use the Roman Law, or else the Lubeck. The Subjects may appeal from the judgement of the Senate of their own City, to the judgement of four Cities, appointed to judge and determine of all special matters. From them again they are permitted to appeal to the Princes and Senators of Holsatia, and also further even to the Imperial Chamber, so that fit security be put in. Countrimens' cases or suits are pleaded by their Lawyers, even in the open fields, where are present the Noblemen thereabout, the Prefects, and two Assistants. There they come forth & do make their appearance, who have any suit one against an other; the Defendant and Plaintiff being both heard, the whole company or assembly of Countrymen are bidden to go forth; and then their causes being diligently weighed on both sides, they return again, and the suitors being called in, they give sentence in their case according to Law and right. THE FOURTH TABLE OF DENMARK. CONTAINING FIONIA WITH THE ISLANDS LYING ROUND ABOUT IT. SO much according to our Method concerning the Dukedom of Sleswicke and Holsatia: Fionia follows with the Isles lying round about it. Fionia, Fionia whence so called. commonly called Fuynen is the chief of all other Isles lying in the Bay of Codonus from Zealand. The Situation. It taketh its name from the beauty thereof, both in regard of the form and situation. It is separated from the Continent of Denmark, by so small and narrow a Sea flowing between them, called Middlefar, that it seemeth almost to cleave unto the Continent. This Island as it looketh on the West toward jutia, so on the East toward Zealand. It is 48 miles in length, and 16 in breadth. The Land (that I may omit the Sea which is full of fish) is a fruitful soil, The fruitfulness of the Soil. and very profitable to the husbandman. For it aboundeth with such plenty of corn, that it sends store thereof yearly to other fare Countries, especially Wheat and Barley. And the ground, albeit it be very fruitful and endowed with the gifts of Ceres, yet it is never dunged. Whence the Cities and Towns thereof are annoyed with filthy smells of the dung of cattles, which is cast out, being thereof no use, as Munster writeth. This Country aboundeth with so many Droves of Oxen, The variety of living creatures. and breedeth such a number of Cows and Horses, that it sends yearly into Germany great Herds and Droves of them. And in regard of the many woods which are in the Island, there is great store of game for hunting, as Hearts, Hares, and Foxes. The Cities. In the middle of it is the Metropolis or mother City called Ottania, or Ottonium commonly called Ottensel being a Bishop's Seat, built as it appears by many testimonies by Otto the first, about the time when he compelled King Herald to receive the Christian faith. This City is a famous Mart for the whole Island, in which about Epiphanie or Twelfetide there is a great meeting of the Islanders and especially the Nobles, as there is at Kile in Holsatia. Fionia is divided into five and twenty Prefectures, sixteen Cities, and six royal Castles. The other cities are in a manner equally distant from Ottonia, which is as it were the Centre, and are so built of the Sea shore, that in regard of the conveniency of the Havens, they traffic not only in the Baltic Sea, but also exercise their negotiations throughout all Swethland, and Norwey, Russia, the Low-countrieses, and Germany: the chief amongst them are Niburch, Swynburch, Foborch, Assens, Bowens, Middlefart, or Milvart, and Kettemind, or Cortemund. The chief royal castles are Newburg, Hagenschow, Hinsgagel, Eschburg, and the Court of Rugard. Here are many Villages, and not a few Nobleman's houses. For this Island in regard of the pleasantness of the Climate, and fertility of the soil is much esteemed by the Nobles. The sea doth yield great plenty of fish, and every Bay is so full thereof, that ships or boats being over set with them can hardly sail or row against them, which yet they do not take with any fishing engines, but with their hands. Those who devil by the Sea side, besides tillage and husbandry, do use fishing, both which do furnish them with all things necessary for housekeeping. There are some places in this Island famous for warlike achievements done not many years past. The commodities of the Sea. For there is a certain mountain called Ochenberg, not fare from the Castle Hagenschow, in which john Rantzovius Knight and General of the field, for King Christian the third, in a great battle did overthrow Christopher Count of Oldenburg, in the year of Christ 1530, on the eleventh day of June, in which conflict were slain two Counts, the one being the Count of Hage, the other of Tecklenburg, whose bodies being afterward taken up out of the field were brought to Ottonia, and buried in Canutus his Church about the same time also on the Mountain Fa●c●burg, which is 4 mile distant from the Town Ascens, some thousands of the Rebels were slain and put to flight. This Country is adorned with many woods in which are great store of wild beasts. In the city of Ot●●nium there are two famous Temples or Churches, one consecrated to Canutus, The public buildings. the other to Saint Francis. In this latter john King of Denmark, and his son Christian, when they had spent 37 years in banishment and captivity, were buried in the year 1559: about the other is a large and spacious court-yard, in which the King of Denmark did renew his ancient league of friendship, with the Dukes of Holsatia and Sleswick●, An. 1580, they report also that the mother of King Christian the second did place up a certain Altar here belonging to the Minorite Friars, a wonderful curious piece of work carved in wood, the like whereof is not to be found in Europe. The Islands. Out of this Island from the Town Asc●● it is eight miles into juitland or jutia, and from Nyburge into Zealand is a passage of sixteen miles long through the Baltieke Sea, which is very dangerous, especially if the Sea be rough, for when the East Sea being increased by the receipt of many rivers is thrust forward with a violent course, it often happens that contrary winds do raise such mighty waves, & make the sea so unquiet, that Mariners are many times to great danger drawn in with these gulphlike windings of the waters & sometimes swallowed up by them. And so much concerning Fionia: now let us pass to the other Islands. Under Fionia are contained ninety Islands situated toward the South, and the most of them habitable: the chief whereof are these: Langeland. Langeland, Lawland. Falstre, Aria or Arr, Alsen, Tosing, and Aroe. Langeland is 28 miles in length. In it there is a Town called Rudkeping, and Traneker a royal Castle, beside many villages, Parishes, and Nobleman's houses. Lawland. The fertility of the Soil. Lawland is separated by the straight of Gronesand from Zealand, and by a small arm of the Sea from Falstre. It is so fruitful in corn and filbert Nuts, that shiploads are brought from thence into other Countries. The Towns. It hath five towns which are these, Nistadt, Nasco, Togrop, Roth, and Marib: besides royal Castles, Nobleman's houses, many Parishes and Villages. Falstre Falstre is 16 miles long, and hath these two Cities map of Denmark THE FOURTH TABLE OF DENMARK. Stubecopen, and Nicopen, which in regard of the pleasantlesse and beauty thereof is called the Naples of Denmark. Out of this Island near a royal Palace, there is a frequent passage into Germany, namely to Warnemund, which is 28 miles long. It furnishes neighbour countries every year with much corn. Aria being distant 6 miles from Elysia, is clothed with woods, and therefore affordeth much recreation for hunters, it hath three Parishes, and some Nobleman's houses, with the Town & Castle of Coping. It belongs together with Elysia to the Dukedom of Sleswicke, and is under the government of the Duke thereof. Elisia or Alfa, commonly called Alfen, is an Island of a reasonable bigness, for it is 16 miles in length, and 8 in breadth, being not fare distant from the Dukedom of Sleswicke, and looking toward the Bay die Flensburger Wick, it is parted by it from the first seat of the English. The Rantzovian Musaum tells us that the Romans did call these Islanders Elisians. As also those who inhabit the next Island, Arians: which appellation or name they still retain to this day. Ptolemy relateth, that the English were the ancient inhabitants of the Northern Countries, by the Sea side: to which Tacitus addeth the Elisii, Arii, and the Monimy, whose names also are still used in the Island Alsen, Arr, and Moen. There is a Town in Alsen or Elisia called Sunderburg and a Castle of the same name, with other Towns, as Norborch, Osternholm, Die Holle, and Gammelgard. It hath thirteen populous Parishes, whence it can set forth many thousands of Soldiers. It is very woody, by reason whereof it affordeth Hearts, and many kinds of wild beasts for hunting. It hath great store of Sea-fish and fresh-fish, and much wheat, and it is every where fit for feeding and pasturing of cattles. Tussing or Tosinga being the chief Isle among all the other Islands, lieth near unto a town of Fionia called Swineburg, and is four miles in length. In this Island besides Parishes, there is the Palace of Kettrop, belonging to the Rosenkransians, and Rantzovians. Aroe is situated near the Dukedom of Sleswicke where they pass to the Town Alcens in Fionia by the Arsensian Bay, and hath four Villages. There are also these Islands, Ramso, Endelo, Ebilo, Fenno, Boko, Brando, Toroe, Aggerius, Hellenis, jordo, Birkholm, &c. Let so much suffice to have been spoken concerning Fionia, and the Islands lying round about it. And now to conclude, I will here, rather than no where, add unto the rest a Description of Huena or Ween seated in the Sound, in which is the Castle of Vraniburg, filled with many accurate and elaborate Astronomical instruments, The middlle of this Island, where this Castle standeth, hath the Pole elevated about it 56 Degrees and 55, and is situate from the West 55 Degrees. It is in compass 8160 paces, every pace being 5 foot, so that the whole circuit of it is equal unto two common Germane, 18 English miles. This Island being placed in the most famous straight of the whole Kingdom through which many ships sail out of the Eastern into the Western Sea: and on the contrary with a goodly prospect hath in view many chief Towns of this Kingdom, which stands as it were round about it; in Zealand Hafnia, 12 miles distant from it South, Southwest also Helsinger, (where those ships that sail or pass by, do pay custom or tribute) and the Castle Cronaburg both distant from it on the Northwest 8 miles, Helsingburg which lies on the shore of Scania, is as fare distant from it toward the North, and on the same shore is Landskrone being four miles from it: toward the East lieth Lunda or Londen, which although it be not a Sea-towne, The fruitfulness of the Soil. yet is but 16 miles distant from hence. And although the Island be not very great, yet no part of it is barren or unfruitful, but produceth great store of frui, t and aboundeth with cattles, it bringeth forth Does, Hares, Coneys, The variety of living Creatures. and Partridges in great plenty, and is very convenient for fishing. It hath a wood of Hasell trees, which are never worm-eaten, but hath no Dormice. Heretofore it was remarkable for four Castles, whose names do yet remain, Synderburg, which was seated on the Southern shore, Norburg on the opposite Northern shore. Karheside which stood toward the East side of the Island, and Hamer toward the West, the foundation of these four Castles may be yet seen, but there are no ruins thereof remaining. This Island lies very deep in the Salt-sea, and yet it hath many fresh Rivers and Springs, among which there is one Spring that never freezeth with the violence of the Winter's cold, a strange thing in these Countries. BORUSSIA, OR PRUSSIA. The name, and whence so called. BORUSSIA being the farthest coast of Germany, take●● its name from the people called Borussians, as Erasmus S●la witnesseth. These, as Ptolemy affirmeth, placed themselves by the Riphaean n Rather by the Riphaean woods which are a part of Hy●cinia, for there are no Hills as Ortelius observeth. The Situation. Hills, where they run out Northward, not far from the head of Tanais arising out of the● and weary of their own habitations, with a strong head and viole●● force, they seated themselves in these places, and called the wh●●● Country from their own name Borussia, which now by wiping out 〈◊〉 letter, and pronouncing another more softly, is called Prussia. Bor●●● beginning from the River Vistula, which boundeth it on the West, 〈◊〉 running to the Baltic Sea, The quality of the Soil, and fertility thereof. which compasseth the Northern side the●● of, hath the Alani or Lituanians, on the East, and on the South the ●●maxobij, i. the Scythians inhabiting the European Sarmatia. It hath a pleasant air, but somewhat cold: All the Country is more fruitful that the neighbour Provinces. The ground is very fertile in bearing of co●● and such as fare excels the corn of Poland and Lithuania. It hath a great store of Bees and Honey, The variety of living creatures as any of the other Northern Countries. There is also in it much cattles, and great store of game for ●●●ting. The great and vast woods bring forth many kinds of wild be●●● as Bears & Boars, with which they abound, yielding a sort of Be●●● very strong and swift, called Bubali. They bring forth Buffoons being wild kind of Oxen, and wild Horses, whose flesh the Inhabitants 〈◊〉 eat. They bring forth Alces, which they commonly call Elandes: 〈◊〉 white Weasels or Ferrets. The Borussians for the most part were Idolaters until the time of the Emperor Frederick the second, in what reign, and in the year 1215. some o These Marian or Dutch Knights had the first institution of their order under the walls of Achon. Anno 1190. Knights of the Dutch order, or the order of the Cross did overcome them, and taught them the Christian Religion. After the Provinces and Cities of Borussia, An. 1419. being moved thereunto by the covetousness and cruelty of those of the order of the Cross, did revolt to Casimirus King of Polonia. And 30 years after the first defection revolting again, they sold Mariburg with other Castles and Cities to the King for 476000 p A Floren is according to the English valuation, three shillings. Florins. But the Mari●● refusing to yield obedience to the King, they a long while contended by a doubtful and uncertain war, until at last the whole Country came into the hands of Albert marquis of Brandenburg, the last Governor of that Order, who afterward at Cacrovia was made a Duke, and a secular Prince by Sigismond King of Polonia. They report that Prince Venedusus did divide Borussia into twelve Dukedoms, whereof these a●● the names: The names of Cities. Sudavia, Sambia, Natangia, Nadravia, Slavonia, Bart●●●●, Galinda, Warmia, Hockerlandia, Culmigerin, Pomesania, and Michlo●●●▪ map of Prussia BORUSSIA, OR PRUSSIA. Sudavia was so wasted by those of the order of the Cross, that now of a Noble Dukedom at this day there are scarce seven Towns remaining, and those very mean. In Sambia are many Cities, as Lebenicht built in the year 1256: Kneyback built in the year 1380. Regimount, called by the Germane Keningsberg, and built in the year 1260 by Duke Albert. Fischusen built in the year 1269: & lastly Lechstet, built in the year 1289. In Natangia there are these Cities, Valdonia, Girania, Zinten, Crentzburg, Heiligenbeil, Fridland, Shippenbeil, & Brandenburg. In Nadravia there are a few Cottages only remaining, but all the Towns of note wasted. In Slavonia are these Cities, Ragnet, Tilse, Renum, Liccow, Salaw, Labis, Tapia, Vintburg, Christaderder, Baytia, Cestia, Norbeitia, Vensdorfe, Angerbury, and Dringford. In Bartonia are these Towns, Nordenburg, labansburg, jurgburg, Insterburg, Richtenerder, Barton, and Rhenum. In Galinda are these Towns, Ortleburg, Rastenburg, Neyburg, Passenhume, Dreschdo●, and Luzenburg. In Warmia are Ressen, Seburg, Bitstein, Wartenburg, Allensteyn, Melsak, Heilsberg, Werinedit, and Gustat. In Hockerlandia are Brunsburg, Tolkemit, Munhuse, Scorpow, and Elbing the greatest of them all, being built on the Sea shore, and famous for the wealth of the Citizens, and frequency of Merchants. In Culmigeria are Turunia, or Thorn, a famous Mart Town, built near the River Vistula, or Weisel, in the year 1235. Also Culmina or Culme, Wentslaw, Althasis, Graudentz, Gilgehburg, Schonsee, Strasburg, Bretchen, Neumarckt, Pappaw, Fridech, Leippe, Lesen, Golb, Reden, Berglaw, and Lantenburg. In Pomerania is Marienburg, a large City, built in the year 1402. Also Newtich, Stum, Christburg, Preusmarck, Salfeld, Merinec, Holland, Lichstad, Osterod, Rosenburg, Marienweder, Garnesie, Lebmul, Hohenstein, Schonenberg, Culenburg, Neunburg, The Rivers. and Salaw. In Michlovia all is wasted and destroyed, except Straburg, only. Prussia is a Country, in regard of the navigable Rivers, Bays, and Havens, fit for the importation or exportation of diverse commodities and merchandises. The chief Rivers are a Called at this day Dravaniza and anciently Visula, Bisula, and Eridanus. The commodities of the Sea. Vistula, Nemeni, Cronon, Nogent, Elbing, Vusera, Passerg, Alla, Pregel, Ossa, Vreibnitz, Lua, and Lavia. In which, as in the Lakes there are great store of fish, Moreover, on the shores of Borussia near the Baltic Sea, a certain kind of Amber is gathered, which the Inhabitants call Barstein from burning, and Augstein, because it is very good for the Eyes. The Greeks call it Electrum, because the Sun is called Elector, having recourse as it were to the fable of Phaëthon. Servius upon the eighth Aeneid saith, that there are three kinds of Amber, one of which cometh out of trees, another which is found in the earth: a third which is made of three parts gold, and one part silver. Pliny writeth that the Germans called it Glessum or Glesse, because it is not unlike unto it, seeing both of them are perspicuous and transparent; and from thence the Romans did call this Country Glessaria. There are many kinds of it, the white hath the best smell, which was cheap at the first, the next are the yellow and waxe-colour: the yellow is the best of all, having a translucent shining colour like flames of fire. There is some which is as soft as boiled or decocted Honey, and therefore is called Honey-Amber: there is much used of this Amber in many things; being heated with rubbing, it draweth unto it chaff and dry leaves, as the Loadstone doth Iron. Borussia hath also woods which were never cut, The Woods. whence great store of wood is carried away for the building of ships and houses: they have straight trees to make Masts for Ships, which are carried from thence into fare Countries, and lastly they have other riches of their own, from which the Inhabitants receive great profit; as Bees and wild Beasts of which we spoke before. The Country is divided at this day into Russia Regis, and Russia Ducalis. The King of Poland doth immediately possess either bank of the River Vistula, even to the mouth thereof. Also the Island which is enclosed with Vistula and Nogo, the Towns and Castles to the new Bay, as Elbing, Tolkenit, Frawenberg, and Brunsberg, even to the mouth of Passaria, and the whole Diocese of Warmia, being large toward the South, and adorned with Towns and fields, hanging like a Bladder, in the middle part of Borussia. The manner of government. But although Borussia be immediately subject to the King, and is but one Kingdom with Poland, yet it hath a public Council, Laws and Judgements, an Exchequer, and the management of wars peculiar to itself. There are two Bishops in it, one of Warmia, who hath his residence at Brunsburg, and the other at Culmes. There are three Palatines, as the Palatine of Culmes, of Marienburg, and of Pomeran. Three Castles, as the Castle of Culmes, Elbing, and Gedane, commonly called Dantzick, and so many Under-chamberlaines. There are three chief and prime Cities, Turunia, Elbing, Dantzick. These assemble themselves together to deliberate and give Judgement in matters of controversy twice every year, in the month of May at Margenburg, and at Michaelmas at Graudents. There are eighteen Captains or Prefects of the King's Castles and revenues. The Senators. As in the Palatinate of Marienburg, the Captain of Stuma, Gneva, Meva, Stargardia. In Pomeran the Captain of Slochovia above Tuchol, near the River Bro, the Captain of Sueza, Tuchol, Dernias, and Puske. In the Palatinate of Culmes the Captains of Brodnicke, Graudents, Radine or Reden, Colba, Rogosna, Rogenhausen, and three others. The Dukedom of Borussia belonged heretofore to the German Order, or the order of the Cross, being converted into an hereditary Dukedom by Albert of Brandenburg Master of the Order, and being rend away from the German Empire, it came into the protection and obedience of the King of Poland, in the year 1525. The Prince thereof taking his place in all Counsels, meetings, and assemblies next to the King. If any contention arise between the King and the Duke, it is decided at Marienburg or Elbing by the King's Counsel, who are sworn by a new oath to Judge rightly. But the Nobles or others having an action against the Duke do commence it before the Duke's Vassals, The Laws & Institutions. being deputed and appointed by the Duke to give judgement, and from them an appeal is permitted to the Kings and the Duke's Counsel residing at Marienburg. Every one aught there to be called into judgement where his goods are, or where he dwelleth, neither can he be compelled to stand to foreign trials, and so be kept from his right. The Judges are so placed in the Provinces, that out of three named by every Province, the Duke chooseth one, to judge according to the Law of Culmes, and the Institutions of the Province: But if the Duke do any thing against their Privileges, Laws, or customs, and upon suit made do not hear their grievances, it is in the choice of the chief men in the Province, without being thought to be rebellious and seditious, to fly unto the protection of the King's Majesty of Poland, and by the virtue of some covenants and agreements between the King and the Duke, may request him to defend their Privileges. The Mountains. There are in the Dukedom of Borussia two Bishops, one of Sambia, who hath his residence at King's Mount, commonly called Ko●ningsperg: the other of Pomesania, whose seat is at Marienwender, and these have all Ecclesiastical jurisdiction in their own power. Concerning the Religion and Rites of the ancient Borussians, Meletius telleth wonderful things in his tenth Epistle to Georgius Sabinus. They worshipped Devils (saith he) instead of Gods, and now also in many places do secretly worship them. They Religiously worshipped several unclean creatures, namely, Serpents and Snakes, as if they had been the servants and messengers of the Gods; for these they kept within their houses, and sacrificed unto them as unto their household Gods. They held that the Gods did devil in Woods and Groves, and that they were to please them by sacrificing unto them in those places: and to pray unto them to sand them rain or fair weather. They held that all wild Beasts, especially the Alces living in these Woods, were to be reverenced as the servants of the Gods, and therefore they were to abstain from injuring of them. They believed that the Sun and Moon were the chiefest of all the Gods. They did worship Thunder and Lightnings according to the opinion of the Heathens, and were of opinion that they might by prayers raise or calm storms and tempests. They used a Goat for their sacrifice, in regard of the generative and fruitful nature of that creature. They said that the Gods did inhabit in excellent fair trees, as Oaks, and the like: wherefore they would not cut down such trees, but did religiously worship them as the houses and seats of the Gods. In such account also was the Elder tree, and many others. They were heretofore barbarous & ignorant of Learning, so that they would have thought it an incredible thing, if any one should have told them that men could make known their minds one to another by the sending of letters. But of these things enough, he that desireth to know more, let him have recourse to Erasmus Stella his antiquities of Borussi●, in his second book thereof. LIVONIA OR LIEFLAND. IN my method Livonia or Levonia, commonly called Liefland, doth follow, The Country whence so called. concerning the original of whose name I dare affirm no certainty. But Althamerus writeth thus of it. It may be, saith he, that the Livonians, the farthest people of Germany toward the c So called, because the Veneds anciently lived there. Venedick shore, dwelling under the Parallel of the Island Scandinavia, which is called Gothland, were derived from the Lemovians, but I had rather derive them from the Efflui, for that they are commonly called Eyflenders. Ptolemie also mentioneth the Levonians in his second Book, cap. 11. And a little after speaking of the Aestii, he saith, that Beatus Rhenanus did correct the corrupt reading of Tacitus, and did again rightly set down the Nation of the Aestii. In as much as Rhenanus saith, it did appear, that it was in the first copy Aestui in stead of Aestii, the ancient Writers of Books putting U for I And Althamerus saith, if it were in the ancient copy the Efflui, he durst affirm, that the Eyflanders were so called from them, by a little alteration of the word. These people also are called Sudini, and their Country Sudina, joining to Prussia. Some do place the Lectunni hereabouts, from whom it may be that their name was derived. Livonia is stretched toward the Balthick Sea, or the Venedick Bay, being 500 miles in length, and 160 in breadth. Borussia, Lithuania, and Russia do encompass most part of it, the rest the Livonian Bay doth hem in. The Situation and fruitfulness of the Country. The Country is plain and very fertile, it bringeth forth corn in such abundance, that in dear times and years of scarcity it supplieth the wants of other Countries. It aboundeth also with the best flax, and breedeth store of cattles. Besides, there are in the woods of this Country many Bears, Alces, Foxes, Leopards, Cats of the mountains, and here are many Hares, The variety of living Creatures. which according to the season of the year do change their colour, in like manner as they do in Helvetia upon the Alps: in the Winter they are white, in Summer of an Ash colour. And here is such plentiful hunting of wild beasts, that the Countrie-people, though they be cruelly used by the Nobles, are not prohibited from it. In brief, Livonia wanteth none of those things which are necessary for the preservation and sustentation of man's life, except wine, oil, and some other things, granted by the divine bounty to other Countries, as being under a more warm and gentle Climate, which yet are brought hither in great abundance. Livonia (being Anno 1200 by the industry and labour of the Merchants of Bremes, and especially by the Knights of the Dutch order, brought and converted to the Christian Faith) when it had a long time suffered the miseries of foreign and civil wars, The Government. and had been made, as it were, a prey to the neighbour Kings and Princes, at length in the year 1559, being under Gothardus Ketlerus the last Governor of the Duchess Oder, it was received into the protection and government of Sigismundus the King of Poland, as a member of his Kingdom, and of the great Dukedom of Lithuania. But Gothardus resigning his Order on the fifth day of March Anno 1562, in the Castle of Rig● before Nicholas Radziwilus the King of Poland's Commissary, and Palatine of Vilna; as first the Cross, afterward the Seal, than his Lette●● Patents, and all Charters which the Order had received from the Emperors and Popes, besides the keys of the Castle of Riga, and of th● gates of the City, the office of Commendator, the privilege and powe● of coining money, the custom of fish, and all other rights belonging to him: he was presently proclaimed by the aforesaid Palatine in th●● King's Majesties name Duke of Curland and Semigallia, and straightway the Nobility of Curland and Semigallia did take their oath of allegiance before him, as to their lawful and hereditary Lord The next day t●● Duke of Curland, sitting in estate, was proclaimed in the Court of Rig● Governor of Livonia, and received the keys of the castle and the g●●● of the City; after which the Nobility and the Citizens had all their rights and privileges restored and confirmed unto them. Livonis' 〈◊〉 divided into three parts, The Cities. distinguished both by situation and language namely into Estia, Lettea, and Curlandia. The Provinces of Estia of E●●land are Harria or Harland: the chief City whereof is Revalia or Rev● being situated toward the North, near unto the Balthick Sea, and nothing inferior unto Riga; it was built by Voldemata, and hath a famous Haven. The Citizens use the Lubeck Law, and do coin foure-square money. Also the Province of Viria, Virland, or Wirland, in which a● Weisenburg, Tolsberg, and Borcholm, the Seat of the Bishop of Rev●b● In the third place is Allantika, where is the Town Nerva or Nerve, by a River of the same name; over against which is the Castle called Enough Gorod, belonging to the Moscovites, for the river that runs between these towns doth part Livonia from Moscovia: also Nyschlot or Ne●●chlos. In the fourth place is Odenpoa, in which is Derpt or Topatum, a Episcopal City, Wernebe●, Helmet, and Ringen. In the fifth place is ●●via or jerven, in which are Weissenstein, Lais, Overpolen or Ober Paln, and Vellin or Fellin. In the sixth place is Wichia or Wicke, wherein is Abs●● or Hapsel, Leal, Lode, and Pernaw. Near to the Estians lie the Island Osilia or Osel, Dageden or Dachden, Mona, Wormse or Worist, Wrange● Kien, and many others, in which they use partly the Estian language, and partly the Swedish. The Cities of Lettea or Let are Riga, Kokenh●ses, Wenden, and Wolmar. Riga is the chief city of Livonia, near the River Duina, which doth discharge itself into the Venedick Bay. This city is fortified with a strong Wall, with strong Towers, and pieces of Ordnance against any assault, and is strengthened or fenced with double ditches and sharp stakes round about it. It hath a Castle well provided, in which heretofore the Governor of Livonia (being of the Teutoni●● or Dutch Order) kept his residence; and this Castle, though Gothard● Ketlerus, aforesaid, did govern in the King of Poland's right, yet he did usurp no authority over the City: for the Citizens being strong, and defenders of their liberty, cannot endure to have any Governor or Captain over them. They do only pay tribute and yield obedience map of Livonia LIVONIA. OR LIEFLAND. to the King of Poland, in other things they have Laws peculiar to themselves. Besides, here is a Market of all Northern commodities, as of Pitch, Hemp, Wax, Timber, and such other things. The Towns and Castles of Curland are Goldingen, Candaw & Windaw, which the Polanders call Kies, and the Germane Wenden: this Town was famous heretofore, for that the Master of the Teutonick Order did keep his Court here, & Parliaments were here wont to be held; now it is defended by a Garrison of Polanders. There are also the Cities Durbin, Srunden, Grubin, Pilten, Amboten, and Hasenpot. The Cities of Semigallia are Mitovia, commonly called Mitaw, where the Duke of Curland kept his Court; also Seleburg, The Lakes. Bassenburg, Doblin and Dalem. The River Duina doth divide Semigallia and Curland from Lettea, and the rest of Livonia. In Livonia there are many Lakes, the chiefest is Beibus which is 45 miles long, and doth abound with diverse kinds of fish. Rivers. The Rivers are Duina, Winds, Became, and some others. Duina or Duna (which Ptolemie calls Turuntus, and Peucerus Rubo) running out of Russia, a great way through Lithuania and Livonia, at length eight miles below Regia poureth itself into the Livonick Bay and the Balthick Sea. Winda in like manner dischargeth itself into the Balthick Sea, which near unto the mouth thereof is very deep, and dangerous. The River Became, which the Inhabitants call Einbeck, is carried in one channel to the Ocean, and there rushing down headlong from the steep Rocks, as Leunclavius saith, doth make those deaf which devil near unto it, as they report the Waterfalls of Nilus doth those who inhabit near unto them. The Country hath no mountains, The Woods. but is full of thick woods: for here are the great arms of Hercynia, and other such. At the mouth of Duina near to the Sea is Dunamunta or Dunemund (an impregnable Castle, not fare from Riga) kept by a Polish Garrison, The public works. to which all ships do pay a certain tribute as they pass by. There is also in the midway Blokaus, a royal fortress, which commandeth ships as they sail by it. There is moreover the castle and city Felinum or Fellin, in the Dukedom of Estland, which the Germane hired Soldiers, together with the last Governor of Livonia, William Furstenberg, by most detestable treachery did betray to the Duke of Moscovia. Ternestum (which others call Taurum) in this Country was heretofore a strong castle, but after it had been taken by the Moscovites, the Lithuanians marching under the conduct of their Captain Nicholas Radziwilus Palatine of Vilna, by undermining, and by planting powder under it, did quite demolish it in the year 1561. In Livonia many yet do live in a heathenish manner, and wanting the true knowledge of God, Their Rites and Customs. some adore the Sun, some a Stone, and there are those who do worship Serpents, and Bushes. When they are to inter and bury a dead body, they banquet freely round about the dead carcase, and do drink to the dead man, pouring also upon him a great pot of drink. Afterwards they put him in a Sepulchre, and lay by him an hatchet, meat, drink, and some money for his journey, and then they cry out, Get thee go into an other world, to rule over the Germane, as they have here ruled over thee and thine. They first received the Christian faith under the Emperor Frederick. They accounted it a fault to be laborious and painful. The women borne in the country carry a great state with them, & do despise those women which come from other parts. They will not be called women, but Mistresses, and they never busy themselves with any woman's work, but do vagary and wander abroad in the Winter time in Chariots, and in the Summer by Boate. The drink of the country is Mede, Beer, and Wine (which the richer sort only use, being brought from foreign countries) especially Rhenish Wine. Their habit The women do disgrace the beauty and comeliness of their bodies, by the disguisednesse of their garments. The commodities which are transported out of Livonia into Germany & other Countries, are Wax, Honey, Ashes, Pitch and Tar, Hemp, Skins of diverse wild beasts, and Hides. Their commodities. Also that kind of corn which the Latins call Secale, and we Rye, is yearly transported in great plenty from hence into Germany and other bordering countries. Having explained and declared thus much concerning Livonia, I hope it will be a matter acceptable to the Reader, if here for conclusion I shall add some thing concerning those Lycaon's, or men transformed 〈◊〉 wolves, who are reported to be very frequent and common in this place. There are Writers, who think themselves worthy to be believed (among which is Olaus Magnus) that do affirm, that in this Country every year some men are turned into wolves. I will here set down his own words, thereby to recreate the mind of the Reader with the relation of an unheard of novelty: and thus he writes in his 18 Book cap. 45. Although in Prussia, Livonia, and Lithuania, all the Inhabitants all the year are much endamaged by ravening Wolves, because every where in the woods they tear in pieces, and devour a great number of their cattles, if they stray never so little from the flock or heard; yet they esteem not this loss so great, as that which they sustain, by men changed and transformed into wolves. For in Christmas, in the night time, such a company of men-wolves do gather themselves together, and show such fiery cruelty both towards men and other creatures, which are not wild by nature, that the Inhabitants of this Country do receive more detriment and loss from these than from true and natural wolves. For as it is found out by experience, they do besiege men's houses standing in the woods with much fierceness, and do strive to break open the doors, that so they may destroy and pray upon the men and other creatures that are within. But of these things we have spoken enough, let us go forward to Russia. RUSSIA, OR MOSCOVIA. The names. RUSSIA which is called also Roxolonia, is twofold, t●● Black and the White: The former bordereth on Polo●● the latter is a part of Moscovia. Moscovie was with●●● doubt so called from the River Moschus or Mor●●● which giveth its name also to the chief City Mo●● through which it floweth. The Etymology. The Territories thereof are extende● fare and wide, and it is bounded on the North with the Icy Sea, on th● East it hath the Tartarians, on the south the Turks and Polonians, and 〈◊〉 the West the Livonians and the Kingdom of Swethland. In all which spaces of ground many large countries are contained, Moscovie. and therefore th● Duke of Moscovie doth thus enstile himself. The Great Lord, and by the grace of God Emperor and Governor of all Russia, also Great Duke of Vol●miria. The Situation. Moscovia, great Novogrodia, Pskovia, Smolonskia, Thweria, jugata Permia, Viathkia, Bulgaria, &c. Governor and Great Prince of Novog●●● the Less, of Czernigovia, Rezania, Wolochdia, Resovia, Bielloia, Rostovia, ●rostania, Poloskia, Biellozeria, Vdoria, Obdoria, and Condimia, &c. The temperature of the Air in Muscovia is immoderately cold and sharp, The temperature of the Air. yet 〈◊〉 so wholesome, that beyond the head of Tanais toward the North 〈◊〉 East, there is never any plague known, although they have a disease 〈◊〉 much unlike unto it, which doth so lie in the head and inward parts, 〈◊〉 they die in few days of it. The Country in general neither bring●●● forth Vine nor Olive, nor any fruitbearing tree except it be Mell●● and Cherries, in regard that the more tender first-fruits are blasted with 〈◊〉 cold North winds. Fertility of the Soil. The corn fields do bear Wheat, Millet, a gr●●● which the Latins call Panicum, and all kind of Pulse. But their 〈◊〉 certain harvest consists in wax and honey. Here is the wood Hearse being full of wild beasts. In that part which lieth toward Prussia gre●● and fierce Bugles or Buffs are found, which they call Bison. And also th● beast called by the Latins Alces like an Hart save that he hath a flesh snout like an Elephant, long legs, and no bending of the hough, and this creature the Moscovites call jozzi, The variety of living creatures. and the Germane Helen. Besides there are Bears of an incredible bigness, and great and terrible Wolves of a black colour. No Country hath better hunting and hawking that this. For they take all kind of wild beasts with Dogs and Nets, and with Hankes which the Country of Pecerra doth plentifully yield, they kill not only Pheasants, and Ducks with them but also Swans and Cranes. The Countries of Russia or Moscovia are very large. All the Cities, The Government. Towns, Castles, Villages, Woods, fields, Lakes, and Rivers are under the thereof command and government of one Prince, whom map of Russia RUSSIA, OR MUSCOVIA. the Inhabitants do call the great Czar, that is King or Emperor, and 〈◊〉 the revenues that arise from them, are brought into the Prince's exchequer. There are no Dukes or Counts, which can possess any thing by 〈◊〉 Tenure of Freehold, or can pass the same unto their heirs. He d●● bestow some villages and Towns upon some, but yet he useth the ●●bour of the husbandman, and when he list taketh them away again. S● that he hath absolute command over his Subjects, and again his Subjects' honour and reverence him as a God, and do show obedience to 〈◊〉 in all things, without any refusal. The chief Metropolis or mother sty of the whole Kingdom is Moscovia commonly called Moschwa, ●ing conveniently situated, as it is thought, in the middle of the Coun● It is a famous City as for the many Rivers which meet there, The Cities. so 〈◊〉 the largeness, and number of the houses, and for the strength of 〈◊〉 Castle. For it lieth near the River Moschus with a long row of hou● The houses are all of wood, and divided into Parlours, Kitchings, 〈◊〉 Bedchambers: all of them have private gardens both for profit, 〈◊〉 for pleasure. The several parts of the City have several Church's 〈◊〉 hath two Castles one called Kataigorod, the other Bolsigorod, both wh●● are washed with the Rivers Mos●hus, and Neglinna. Moreover in 〈◊〉 there are many Countries, as first, the Dukedom of Volodimirta, wh●● title the Great Duke doth assume to himself, it is named from the ch●● city Volodomire being seated on the banks of the River Desma, w●● runneth into Volga. This Province is of so fruitful a soil, that the ●●crease of one bushel of wheat being sown is oftentimes twenty 〈◊〉 shells. Secondly, Novogrodia which though it be inferior unto th● forenamed Country in pasturage, yet not in the fruitfulness of the s● It hath a wooden city, called by the same name with the whole D●dome Novogrod, being seated where the Rivers Volga and Occa do 〈◊〉 one into another. This city had always the chief pre-eminence in●gard of the incredible number of houses, for the commodity of a br●● and fishie Lake, and in regard of an ancient Temple much reveren●● by that Nation, which about five hundred years ago was dedicated S. Sophia. p Near to this Town was sought the battle between the Sarmatians & their slaves, of which read justin. Here is a memorable Castle built of stone upon a rock at 〈◊〉 great Charge of the Duke Basilius. This City is distant from the C●●● Moscovia an hundred Polish miles, and from Riga, the next haven town is little less than five hundred. Thirdly Rhezan which is a Province ●tweene the River Occa and Tanais, having store of Corn, Honey, F●●● and Fowle: it hath these Cities built of wood, Rhezan seated on 〈◊〉 bank of Occa, Corsira, Golluga, and Tulla, near to which are the Spri● heads of the River Tanais. Fourthly the Dukedom of Worotinia, whi●● hath a City and a Castle of the same name. Fifthly, Severia which is great Dukedom abounding with all things, it hath great desert field and many Towns among which the chief are these, Starodub, Sicwi●sey, and CZernigow. The bees in the woods do yield them great store 〈◊〉 honey. The Nation in regard of their continual wars with the Tar●rians is accustowed to arms, and ready of hands. Sixthly, the Dukedom of Smolensko, which being seated near the River Borysthenes hath a City of the same name, watered on the one side with Borysthenes, an● on the other side environed with deep ditches, and rampiers arme● map of Moscow MORE PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION OF SOME PROVINCES OF MOSCOVIA. with sharp stakes. There are also these Dukedoms and Provinces, Mosaiskia, Bielskia, Rescovia, Tweria, Pleskovia, Vodzka, Correllia, Bicleizioro, Wolchda, Vstiuga, jaroslavia, Rostow, Dwina, Susdali, Wiathka, Permia, Sibier, jugra, Petzora, and Novogrodia the Greater, which they call Novogr●● Wielki in which is a very great City of the same name, bigger than Rome itself. Petzora taketh its name from the River which the mountains and rocks do hemure in on both sides. There are spacious countries which pay Tribute to the great Duke lying northward in a great space of Land; as Obdora, in which is the Idol called Zolota Babs, that is, the Golden old woman, also Condora, Lucomoria, and Lappia. There are many great Lakes in Moscovia, The Lakes. as Ilmen or Ilmer, also Ladoga, and the White Lake which the Inhabitants call Bielejezioro. There are also many fair Rivers, The Rivers. as first Boristhenes or Pripetus, commonly called Nioper and Nester, or by the addition of a letter Dnieper & q This River is also called by others Brisna and Berisna. Dnester. Secondly, Taruntus which is that same with Ptolemie, which Herberstemius calleth B●bo, but the Inhabitants Duina and Oby. Thirdly, the River Rha, which Ptolemie mentions, and is now called Volga and Edel. There is in this country the River r This River was anciently by the Scythians called Sylus and Amazonius. Tanais, which the Italians call Tana, the Inhabitants De●. Beside, the river Occa and the lesser Duina, called likewise Omega, &c. Here are the Montes Hyperborei or Riphaean mountains, mentioned by Pliny in his 4 Book Chap. 12. and by Mela in his 3 Book, which are impassable, Mountains. Woods. because they are covered over with continual snow and ice. The wood Hercynia which Isidorus calleth the Riphaean wood, taketh up a great part of Moscovia, it is inhabited, having some few scattering ho●ses in it, & now by long labour is made so thin that it cannot, as most suppose, show such thick woods, & impenetrable forests as heretofore. Moscovia hath innumerable costly Temples or Churches, and very many Monasteries. The Duke looks to matters of government, and administration of Justice by the help and assistance of twelve Counsellors who are daily present in the Court. The Senators. Among them, the Prefectureships of all the Castles and Cities are distributed: and they receive the letters and Petitions which are directed to the Prince, and do answer them in his name. For the Prince himself receiveth no letters, neither doth he set his hand to any that are written to his Subjects, or any foreign Prince. The Bishops are chosen out of the Friars as men of a sanctimonious and holy life: There are many Monasteries of these Fruits in the Kingdom of Moscovia, and yet all of the same habit and Order, of which they say that S. Basil was the first founder. There are in the whole Kingdom of Moscovia eleven Bishops which they call Wladdicks, that is, in their language Stewards or Dispenser's. The Rites and Customs. They call their Priests Poppes or Archipoppes. The Metropolitan Bishop liveth in Moscovia, who was heretofore confirmed by the Patriarch of Constantinople, but now being chosen by the great Duke only, he is consecrated by two or three Bishops, and is displaced at the King's pleasure. Under this Metropolitan are two Archbishops, the one at Novogardia the Greater near the River Low●●, the other at Rostovia. There are no Universities or Colleges in all the Empire of Moscovia. The Moscovites are of the Greek religion, which they received in the year of our Lord 987. They suppose that the Holy Spirit, being the third person in the Trinity, doth proceed from the Father alone. They took the Sacrament of the Eucharist with leavened bread, and permit the people to use the Cup. They believe not that Priests Dirges, or the piety or godliness of kindred or friends can be avaleable to the dead, and they believe that there is no Purgatory. They read the Scripture in their own language, and do not deny the people the use thereof. They have Saint Ambrose, Augustine, Hierome, and Gregory translated into the Illyrian tongue, and out of these, as also out of chrysostom, Basil and Nazianzenus, the Priests do publicly read Homilies instead of Sermons; for they hold it not convenient (as jovius saith) to admit of those hooded Orators, who are wont to Preach too curiously & subtly to the people concerning divine matters, because they think that the rude minds of the ignorant may sooner attain to holiness and sanctity of life by plain Doctrine, than by deep interpretations and disputations of things secret. They make matrimonial contracts, and do permit Bigamy, but they scarcely suppose it to be lawful marriage. They do not call it adultery, unless one take and keep another man's wife. They are a crafty and deceitful Nation, Their Diet. and delighting more in servitude than liberty. For all do profess themselves to be the Duke's servants. The Moscovite line rather prodigally than bountifully, for their tables are furnished with all kind of luxurious meats that can be desired, and yet not costly. For they cell a Cock and a Duck oftentimes for one little single piece of silver. Their more delicate provision is gotten by hunting and hawking as with us. They have no wine made in the Country, Their Traffic. and therefore they drink that which is brought thither, and that only at Feasts and Banquets. They have also a kind of Beer, which they cool in Summer by casting in pieces of ice. And some delight in the juice pressed out of sour cherries, which hath as clear and pure a colour, and as pleasant a taste as any wine. The Moscovites do sand into all parts of Europe excellent Hemp and Flax for rope-making, many Oxe-hides, and great store of Wax. THE DUKEDOM OF LITHVANIA, Samogitia, Blacke-Russia, and Volhinia. SOME would have Lithuania so called from the Latin word Lituus, (that is) a Hunter's horn, because the Country doth use much hunting. The Country whence so called. Which opinion Mathias a Michou rejecteth, and delivers another concerning the Etymology thereof: for he saith that certain Italians, forsaking Italy in regard of the Roman dissensions, entered into Lithuania, calling the Country Italy, and the Nation Italians; and that the shepherds began first to call it Litalias, and the Nation Litalians, by preff●ing one letter. But the Ruthenians or Russians, and the Polonians their neighbours changing the word more, at this day do call the Country Lithuania, The Situation. and the people Lithuanians. It is a very large Country, and next to Moschovia: It hath on the East that part of Russia, which is subject to the great Duke of Moscovy: on the West it hath Podlassia, Masovia, Poland, and somewhat towards the North it bounds on Borussia; but full North it looketh toward Livonia and Samogitia: and on the South toward Podolia and Vothinia. The quality of the Climate. The fertility of the Soil. The air here is cold, and the winter sharp. Here is much wax and honey which the wild Bees do make in the Woods, and also much Pitch. This Country also affordeth abundance of corn, but the harvest seldom comes to maturity and ripeness. It hath no wine but that which is brought hither from foreign Countries, nor salt, but such as they buy and fetch out of Britain. It bringeth forth living creatures of all kinds, but small of growth. In the Woods of this Country there are Beasts called by the Latins Vri, and others called Alces, The variety of living creatures besides Buffs, wild Horses, wild Asses, Hearts, Does, Goats, Boars, Bears, and a great number of such other. Here is great plenty of Birds, and especially of Linnets. Besides in this Country and Moscovia there is a ravenous devouring beast called Rossomak●, of the bigness of a Dog, in face like a Cat, in the body and tail resembling a Fox, and being of a black colour. The Nation of the Lithuanians in former years was so unknown and despised by the Russians, The Ancient Government. that the Princes of Kiovia did require nothing from them but Corke-trees, and certain garments as a sign of their subjection in regard of their poverty, and the barrenness of their soil, until Vithenes Captain of the Lithuanians growing strong, did not only deny tribute, but having brought the Princes of Russia into subjection, compelled them to pay tribute. His successors did invade the neighbour Nations, and by hostile and sudden incursions did spoil them, until the Teutonick order of the Cross began to war against them, and to oppress them, which map of Lithuania THE DUKEDOM OF LITHVANIA. they did even to the days of Olgerdus and Keystutus Captains of the Lithuanians. But at last jagello, who afterward was called Vladislaus, was made great Duke of Lithuania. This man being oftentimes oppressed by those of the order of the Cross, and by Christian Armies, did at last incline to the Polanders, and having s Which was in the year 1386. embraced the Christian Religion, and married Hedingis the Queen of Polonia, he was made King of Polinia, committing the government of the Country of Lithuania to his Cousin Germane Skirgellon, as to the supreme Duke of Lithuania. The great Dukedom of Lithuania is now divided into ten special Palatinates or Provinces, The Cities. the first whereof is the Palatinate of the Metropolis or chief City Vilna, which the Inhabitants call Vilenski, but the Germane commonly Die Wild: it was built at the confluence or meeting of Vilia and Vilna by Duke Gediminus, in the year 1305: and is the Se● of a Bishop, subject to the Archbishop of Leopolis, and also of the Metropolitan of Russia, who hath seven Bishops under him, that be of the Greek Religion, as the Bishop of Polocia, Volodomiria, Luca in Volhi●●, Luckzo, Pinsca, near to the River Pripetus, Kiovia, Praemislia, and Lepol●, Vilna or Wilna is a populous large and famous City, being encompassed with a wall and gates which are never shut. The Churches thereof f●r the most part are built of stone, and some of wood: there is in it a c●●ous Monastery of the Bernardines, being a famous structure of squared stone: as also the Hall of the Ruthenians, in which they cell their commodities which are brought out of Moscovia. The second Palatinates the Trocensian, the Towns whereof are Grodna by the River Cro● where Stephen King of Poland died. And Lawna at the confluence 〈◊〉 Cronus, and Villia or Willia, also Kowno, Lida, and Vpita. The third Palatinate is the Minscenfian, wherein is the City Minsko, and the Castle Keidanow, also Radoscowice, Borissow, Lawisko or Liwsko, Swistocz, ●●broisko, and Odruck. The fourth Palatinate is the Novogrodian, in whi●● is Novogrodeck, a large City, and built of wood: also Slonim, Wolkowi● and many other Towns. The fift Palatinate is the Briestian, so call●● from the City Briesti, being large, and built of wood, and here is the C●tie of Pinsko. The sixth is the Palatinate of Volhinia, in which is Lucz● the Seat of a Bishop: also Voladamire, and Kerzemenesia. The seven●● Palatinate is Kiovia, in which there was heretofore a large and ancient City of the same name, seated by the River Boristhenes, as the ruin● which lie six miles in length do easily demonstrate. There are als● the Towns Circasia or Kerkew, Kaniova and Moser. The eighth is the Palatinate of Miceslow, near to the Rivers Sosa and Borysthenes in the borders of Moscovie, wherein are the Towns of Miceslaw, Dubrow● Copyz, and Sklow; beside Mohilow, Bychow, Reczycza, and Strissin with their Castles. The ninth Palatinate is the Witebscian, in which is the City Witebsk situated by the River Duna, and Orsa, near Borysthe● The tenth Palatinate is the Polocensian, which is so called from Polotesk● a City lying near to the confluence of the River Polota and Duna, between Witsbek and Livonia: There are also the Towns, Disna, Dri●●, and Druha, with their Castles. These things being explained, let 〈◊〉 speak something of the Rivers of Lithuania. On the East side Lith●ania is bounded with the Rivers Oscol, The Rivers. Ingra, and the lesser Tanais, 〈◊〉 which with many others do run into great Tanais. There is also in Lithuania the River Borysthenes, which arising out of a plain marish ground, and running through Russia, doth vent itself at last into the Euxine Sea: and the Rivers Wilia and Niemen, the latter whereof runneth a great way with a very crooked winding stream, and at last disburthens itself into the Prutenick or Finish Sea: also Duina and other Rivers, beside Lakes, and standing waters, of which the Country is full, and all these do afford great plenty of fish, which are very delectable & pleasant in taste. Moreover the Country is covered with very great and spacious woods. Sigismond that happy and auspicious King of Poland, The Woods. did unite the Palatines and Castellans of the Provinces of Lithuania into one body of a Commonwealth with the Polanders, and did design a certain place and order in the Senate of the Kingdom, The Senators. to all the Noblemen, Bishops, and Palatines of this Country, so that out of the Kingdom of Poland, and the Provinces united unto it, there are in the Senate fifteen Bishops, one and thirty Palatines, thirty of the greater Castellans or governor's of Castles, and fifty of the less, beside those who are called the Officialls of the Kingdom; as the Marshals, the Chancellors, the Vicechancellors, and the Treasurers, of which we will speak more largely in the description of Poland. Their manners Marriages amongst the Lithuanians are easily dissolved by mutual consent, and they marry again and again. The wives have openly men-concubines by their husband's permission, whom they call connubij adjutores, i helpers in marriage; but on the contrary, for men to follow whores is counted a reproach. When any one is condemned to die, he is commanded to punish himself, and to hung himself with his own hands, which if he refuse to do, he is threatened and beaten with stripes until he kill himself. Their flocks do afford them great store of milk for their food. The common bread which they use is very black, Their food. being made of Rye or Barley together with the bran: but the rich men's bread is very white, being baked and made of pure Wheat. They seldom use any wine, for the common people drink water, and such as are of ability drink Ale, which they brew of diverse sorts of corn, as Wheat, Rye, Barley, Oates, and Millet, but such as is unsavoury. They have abundance of thick and thin Mede boiled in diverse manners, and with it they make themselves merry, and oftentimes drunk. Lithuania seemeth almost to be inaccessible, as being almost all overflown with waters: but in Winter there is more convenient trafficking with the Inhabitants, and the ways are made passable for Merchants, the Lakes and standing waters being frozen over with ice, and spread over with snow. Their chief wealth is the skins of beasts, as of Weesills, Foxes, and those which are more precious, as Martens, and Scythian Weesills. Their commodities. Of these they make a great profit, as also of their Wax, Honey, Ashes, and Pitch. The best Wainscot is cut here and brought into Germany through the Balthick and German Sea, and out of this Country all wooden Architecture both public and private through all Germany, and the Low countries is made, as also for the most part such wooden householdstuff as belongeth to houses: but enough of Luthuania, we will now add something concerning the rest. There follows in our Title Samogitia (which in their language signifies the Lower land) the Russians call it Samotzekasemla, Samogitia. The names. it is a Northern Country, and very large, being next to Lithuania, and environed with Woods and Rivers. On the North it hath Livonia, on the West it is washed with the Balthick or German Sea, which is properly called the Balthick Bay, and towards the Northwest Borussia joineth unto it. The fertility of the Soil. It aboundeth with the best, whitest, and purest Honey, which is found in every hollow tree. It hath no Town nor Castle; Their manners the Nobles live in Lodges, the Country people in Cottages. Their food. The people of this Country are of a great and large stature, rude in behaviour, living sparingly, drinking water, and seldom any drink or Mede; they knew not until of late the use of Gold, Braffe, Iron, or Wine. It was lawful with them for one man to have many wives, and their father being dead to marry their stepmother, or the brother being dead to marry his wife. The Nation is much inclined to Fortune telling and soothsaying. The God which they chief adored in Samogitia was the fire, which they thought to be holy and everlasting, and therefore on the top of some high mountain the Priest did continually cherish and keep it in by putting wood unto it. In the third place is Russia, Russia. by which name in this place we understand the Southern or Blacke-Russia, whose chief Country is Leopolis or Lemb●●g built by Leo a Moscovite: it is famous by reason of the Mart kept there, and the Bishops Seat. The City Leopolis. Beside the Country of Leopolis there are three other in this Russia, to wit, the Country of Halycz, Belz, and Praemislia. In the fourth place is Volhinia, Volhinia. which is situate between Lithuania, Podolis, and Russia, The Situation. The fertility of the Soil. it aboundeth with first-fruits in regard of the fertility of the soil. The Inhabitants are strong and warlike, and do use the Ruthenian language. This Country did pertain once to the great Duke of Lithuania, but now it is joined to the Kingdom of Polonia. It hath three divisions, the Lucensian, Wolodomiriensian, and Cremenecensian, and there are three Provincial Cities, The Cities. Lucko, Wolodomiria, and Kerzemenec, which have many Towns and places of Defence under them. Lakes. Here are many Lakes and standing waters full of fish, Woods. and woods full of wild beasts. There is also in this Table Podolia, Podolia. situated by the River Tyras. It is a most fertile Country, The fertility of the Soil. being sowed once, and reaped thrice: the meadows are so proud and rank, that the Oxens' horns as they graze can scarce be seen above the grass. The Cities. The chief Cities are Camienies, Bar, Medzibo●, Brezania, and Braslaw. But let these things which have been spoken hitherto, suffice concerning this table, we pass now to Transylvania. TRANSYLVANIA, OR SIEBENBURGEN. TRANSYLVANIA is the mediterranean part of ancient d So called from the Daci, the first Inhabitants, who afterward passing into the Cimbrick Chersonesus were called Dani. Dacia, which the Romans called Dacia Ripensis, The names. and it taketh its name from the woods and mountains wherewith it is encompassed, as the Hercynian woods, and the Carpathian hills. It is called commonly e Because it hath on the Frontiers thereof 7 Castles for its defence. The Situation. Septem castra, by a ●he borrowed from the Germane word Siebenburgen, and the Hungarians 〈◊〉 it Herdel. On the West it is bounded with Pannonia, on the North ●●th Polonia, on the South with Walachia, and on the East with Molda●●a. Transylvania is very fruitful, & hath great plenty of corn through 〈◊〉 whole Country, which (besides daily experience) that coin of trajans doth witness, in which Ceres stood, holding in her right hand ●he horn of the goat Amalthaea, which signifieth plenty; and in her ●eft hand a Table, with this inscription or motto Abundantia Daciae. i. ●he abundance of Dacia. The fruitfulness of the Soil. It bringeth forth excellent wine about Alba ●●lla, D●va, Egmedine, Birthilbine, and Fenuscine, It hath also great store ●f fruit, among which (to omit the rest) it hath most excellent Damask Prunes, Quinces, sweet Cherries, which may be compared with those that grow in Italy, and Melons. Hear are also excellent choice herbs, which grow in every place, as Rhubarbe, the greater Centory, Gentiana with a yellow and purple flower, Sea-wormewood, the herb called Libanotis, saffron, and many others. There are many famous Ours of Mettle in this Country, as Ours of Gold at Sculattin, which the Hangarians call Zalakna, and at Rimili DominurdZ, which signifies the River or Rivulet of Lords. In these places great wedges or pieces of gold are cut forth, which as soon as they are digged out they can presently make use of without any accurate refining. The Roman pieces of golden coin which are often digged up in these places, do witness this plenty, for they have on the one side the image of a man with a broad hat, and with this inscription on it C. Cato, and on the other side, Dacia in the form of a Goddess, holding a Book in her right hand with this inscription AURELIA: PUR. Moreover, there are silver Mynes at Offera and Radna. Copper is digged out of the same Mountains, out of which the gold and silver cometh. Steel is digged and found at Cyk, Iron at Thorosco, and Vaidahuntada: and lastly Sulphur and Antimony are found in the Copper Mynes. There is such great store of salt. spits in Transylvania, that it sendeth abundance of salt to other Countries. And there is such a great company of Oxen in it, The variety o● living Creatures. that the largest and fairest ones are often sold for a Floren. What shall I speak of the excellent metalled horses which it breedeth, which amble and pace naturally? What should I mention the diverse kinds of Birds? as Eagles, Faulcones, Pheasants, Partridges, Peacocks, Woodcocks, Snipes. And what should I reckon the waterfowl? as Swans, Bustards and Bitterness, &c. I pass from these to the wild beasts: for this Countri●● hath great Forests, and spacious woods, in which are Bears, Buffs 〈◊〉 wild Oxen, Elkes, Hearts of a large stature, Leopards, Martins, Do●● and white Hares. Diverse Nations heretofore inhabited this Countries of whom there is yet a remnant in Hungaria, as the jazyges, called by Pliny Metanastae, beside the Geteses, Bastarnians, Sarmatians, Grecians, Romans, Scythians, Saxons, and Hungarians. The Romans did conquer 〈◊〉 when the Emperor Trajan overcame Decebalus King of Dacia, and ●●duced it into the form of a Province, The ancient Government. calling the City Zarmizegeth after his own name Vlpia Trajana; but Galienus lost it two hund●●● years after, and from that time the Inhabitants having laid aside 〈◊〉 Roman humanity, speech, and eloquence, began to resume their for●● wildness and barbarism, calling themselves Walachians. After 〈◊〉 Romans, the Scythians under the conduct of their Captain Artitlas s●●ted themselves in this place, and built seven free Towns. The Sax●● succeeded the Scythians in the time of Charles the great, who forsaking their Country, seated themselves likewise in these parts, & built themselves seven free Cities, following the example of the Scythians. Th● Hungarians came last, who partly alured with the vicinity and nearness of the place, mingled themselves with the Dacians: and afterward be●● provoked by injuries, they conquered the whole country, in the rei●● of Stephen King of Pannonia, whom they styled the holy. By them so●● Townes were also built. The mountainous part of Transylvania 〈◊〉 lately subdued by Mathias Huniades, whose surname was Corvinus, and afterward by Stephen King of Hungary. This Mathias took alive 〈◊〉 Dracula, a Vaivode or Prince of the mountainous Transylvania, a 〈◊〉 of unheard of cruelty, and after ten year's imprisonment, restored hi● to his former place. Transylvania is now divided into three Natio●● differing both in manners and laws, and inhabiting several parts of the Country: namely into the Saxons, the Ciculi, and Hungarians: T●● Saxon Transylvanians, as all other Germane Nations, have a pecul●●● dialect or language unto themselves: they inhabit the strongest 〈◊〉 and castles, and do excel the other Nations. They have seven Sea● namely Zarwaria, Zabesia, Millenbach, Reusmarke, Segesburg or Sches●●● Ollezna, Schenkerstall, and Reps: all which have some villages 〈◊〉 them. The Ciculi near to Moldavia, being descended from the Scy●●ans, do live after their own laws and customs, and do distribue their offices by lot. They are divided into seven Regions, which they call Seats, the names whereof are, Sepsi, Orbai, Kysdi, Czyk, Gyrgio, M●●cus Zeek, and Aranyas Zeek. The Hungarians and Transylvanian Nobl● being mingled with the Saxons, and the Ciculi do, for the most part, ●gree with them both in speech, habit, and armour. All Transylvania 〈◊〉 able to set forth ninety thousand armed men and more. There are seven chief Cities in Transylvania, The Cities. having a reasonable distance one fr●● an other, among which Cibinium is the Metropolis or mother-city, & is now called Hermanstat: It is seated on a plain, not shut up with mountains, but spread into a great breadth. It is not much less tha● Vienna in Austria, but it is fare stronger both by Art and Nature: f●● in regard of the many Fishponds and Lakes round about it, no Arm● map of Transylvania TRANSYLVANIA OR SIEBENBURGEN. can come unto it. 2, g This Town is also called Stephanopolis. Brasso or Corona, which the Germane call Cronstat, and is sometimes called Stephanopolis, being seated amongst pleasant mountains, and fortified with Walls, Ditches, and Rampires. Hear is a famous University and Library. 3, Bistricia or Noesenstat, which is seated on the plain of a large valley, and hath on either side hills full of Vines. 4, Segoswar or Schespurg, which is partly situated on a hill, and partly at the foot thereof. 5, h This Town is called by Ptolemie Pirum. Megies or Midwisch, which is situated in the midst of Transylvania, being fruitful in wine, and stored with all commodities that are either gainful or necessary for food. 6, i This Town is also called Millenbach. Zabesium or Zaaz, which lieth in a plain and deep valley, encompassed with waters full of fish. They say that this was the first seat of the Saxons 7, k This Town is likewise named Claudiopolis. Coloswar or Clausenburg, which is likewise sweetly seated in a plain, and is beautified not only with fair walls without, but with stately buildings within. Hear is also Alba julia or Weisenberg, an ancient city, & a Bishop's Seat, it is situated on a steep hill, which hath a large plain spreading itself round about it. It hath on the East the River Mor●, and on the other side the River called in the Hungarian language O●pay, which descendeth from the Alps. Heretofore it was called Tumis, and in Trajan's time it was the Palace of King Decebalus. As touching the payments of taxes and tributes, there are in Transylvania eight principal circles or divisions of ground called Chapters, all which together they call the University, as first the Bistricensian Chapter, which hath in it Bistricia with 23 royal Towns. 2, The Regnensian Chapter, which hath more than 30 Towns. 3, The Barcensian Chapter, which hath the city Corona, with thirteen royal Towns. 4, The Kisdens●● Chapter, which hath Segesburg, and eight and forty towns. 5, The Chapter called the chapter of two Seats, which doth contain the city of Megies with six and thirty towns. There are two Chapters of the Cibinians, one of which containeth Cibinium, and three and twenty towns, and the other which they call Surrogative, contain about 〈◊〉 Villages. Last of all, the Zabesensian Chapter, which hath Zabesium with seventeen Villages. The Lakes. This Country hath many Lakes and standing waters, which are full of excellent fish. There are in it three navigable Rivers, The Rivers. l Which the Hungarians call Olt, and the Germane, Alth. Aluta, Morus, (called also Marus and Marisus) and Sam●●● the two former arising out of the Scythian Mountains, the last of the● falleth into Tibiscus, the other runneth strait forward into Danubius, Samus (which the Germane and Hungarians call Thimes) ariseth out of the Alps called Colota, and likewise slideth into Tibiscus. There are also other Rivers, as Kockel the Greater and the Less, Sabesus, Chrysus, Chrysoloros, and Strygius, &c. the three last whereof have little grains o● sand of gold in them, and do sometimes bring down pieces of gold of half a pound weight. Diverse kinds of excellent fish are found in them, and the aforesaid Rivers, as namely the greater and lesser Sturgeon, three kinds of Carp, the Salmon, the River and Lake-Lamprey, the fish called Silurus, the Mullet, an other rare kind of Lamprey, the white and black Trout, the scaly Gudgeons, and those that have no scales, unknown to other places: besides Pikes, Perches, Tenches, and the common Lamprey, all which are found there and of a great size. There are Mountains near unto Walachia, Cisalpina and Moldavia, which do produce Agarick and Turpentine Trees. The Woods. There are many woods in Transylvania, and amongst the rest Hercynia, in which besides the wild beasts abovementioned, there are wild Oxen and Horses, whose manes do reach even to the ground. The public works. There are also in this Country many Castles well fortified: among which the chief is called the Read Castle, being a strong defence, and seated on the Alps, near to a running stream, where there is a strait passage between the Mountains into the Country, and it is, as it were, the fortress thereof, so that no one can enter into it on that side, if the Governor of the castle bar up the way. There is also an other fortified castle beneath the Town Millenbach near unto the Town Bros, where also near unto the River, there is a way leading into Transylvania between the vales and snowy Alps. Now it followeth that we should add something concerning their manners which are diverse and various, because (as we said before) it was formerly possessed by diverse Nations, and is still at this day. The people of Walachia are rude, Their manners and ignorant of good Arts and Disciplines, they are of the Greek Religion, but their manners and customs savour of Paganism, in regard that they much esteem of Oracles, swear by jupiter and Venus whom they call Holy, and in many other things come near unto the customs of the Gentiles. They have no Towns, or brick-houses, but do live in the woods and forests, having no defence against the violence of the weather but a few reeds, or cottages of reeds. The other part of Transylvania in most places is of a more fruitful soil, and the people are more civilised, and of a better behaviour. The Scythians speech in Transylvania differs little from the Hungarian speech at this day, though heretofore they differred much both in speech and writing, for they (like the Hebrews) did begin to writ from the right hand to the left. The Ciculi are a fiery and warlike kind of people, among whom there are no Nobles or Rustics, but all of them are of one rank. The Hungarians have great power and authority above all the rest. And let so much suffice to have been spoken briefly concerning Transylvania. TAURICA CHERSONESUS. THis CHERSONESUS was so called by Ptolemie from the Tauri a certain people of Scythia in Europe. Strabo calle●● the Scythian Chersonesus. Pliny in his 2 Book and 96 chapter calleth it, The names. after the Latins, the Peninsula of the ●a●●ans. Appianus calleth it the Pontic Chersonesus, and P●●lus Diaconus calleth it p Stephanus saith it hath been called by others Taunais, Alopecia, and Ma●tis. Chersenesa. At this day it is called Precopska, and Gesara by Antonius Pinetus. It is a large Peninsula, stretched out toward the East, between the Euxine Sea, and the Maeotick Lake, even to the Cimmerian Bosporus which divides Europe from Asia. It hath a gentle winter, and most temperate Air. For at the end of December wi●●●● beginneth, and is at the sharpest or coldest in the middle of February, as having then most snow, The Situation. The temper of the Air. which yet lieth not above three d●●●● when the cold and frost is most constant. The Winter never last●● longer than the beginning of March. All the whole Country is very fruitful, The fertility of the Soil. and very fit for feeding flocks of cattles. Yet albeit the Inhabitants have a fertile soil: many of them do not till their fields nor So● them. The variety of living Creatures. They have abundance of Horses, Camels, Oxen, Cows, and Shee● on which they live. There are also great store of dainty fowl, which oftentimes the Christians, and Turks, and sometimes the Polanders, th●● come thither as strangers, are wont to take. There is much hunting of Hearts, Goats, Boars and Hares, both in the Tartarian and Turkish Dominions near the Sea. This Chersonesus hath hard and rugged mountains, that running through the middle of it do divide it into the Northern and Southern part; as the Apennine Mountain doth divide Ita●● Mahomet in the year 1475 did possess the Southern part, and made● tributary to himself. But in the Northern part the Tartars wandering in the broad fields between Borysthenes and Tanais, The ancient Government. and continually changing their places of feeding their cattles, possessed the Town called Crim as a royal Seat, and from thence they were called Crim Tartars. Afterwards having cut through the Isthmus of the Taurick Chersomsus, when, near unto the Ditch which they call Praecop, they built a City a royal Seat of the same name, they were from thence called Praecope●ses. The King of these Tartars, when being joined in league and society with the Turks, he had at their request banished his own brother, who made war against him, and had besieged Capha, at last both himself and his two young sons were cut in pieces by his Counsellors, whom he had with large gifts corrupted for the aforesaid purpose, and so gave an unhappy example of the Ottoman friendship. For he being slain, the Tartarians, who were hitherto free, untamed, and companions and brethren to Ottoman were now made servants, and after the manner of the other Turkish Provinces were compelled to receive and acknowledge not a King but a Beglerbeg, that is a Viceroy to govern map of Chersonesus Taurica TAURICA CHERSONESUS. them. But the Turkish Empire may be easily known by the Descriptions of Wallachia, Greece and the Turkish Empire, and therefore for brevity's sake we refer the Reader thither. Besides Cazan and Astrachan which are Kingdoms belonging to the Tartarians, who do till fields, devil in houses, The Cities and Towns. and at this day are subject to the Moscovite, and besides the aforesaid Praecopenses, there are other Field- Tartars, who live in the fields in great companies, observing no limits, and of these we will speak in their proper place, to wit, in the Tables of Asia. In the Southern part of this Chersonesus is the Metropolis, Capha, heretofore called Theodosia, a famous Mart-towne, being the ancient Colony of the Genois. It is situate near the Sea. And hath a fair Haven. It seems that in the time of the Gene● it was very populous. But when the Turks almost two hundred years since, in the time of Mahomet the Great took it from them, the Italians were reduced to such a straight, that there are few tokens remaining of their being there: for the City hath for the most part lost her former beauty. The Italian Churches are thrown down, the houses decayed, and the walls and Towers on which the Genois colours and ensigns were placed, with Latin Inscriptions, are fallen to ruin. It is now inhabited by Turks, Armenians, jews, Italians, and a few Graecian Christians; It is famous for traffic as being the chief Haven of the Chersonesus, and hath an infinite company of Vine-yards, Orchards, and Gardens, Besides this town there is Perecopia called by the ancient Greeks' E●●toria, Pompeiopolis, Sacer Lucus, Dromon Achilles, Graecida, Heracli●●● Heraclia. Also Costovia a famous Mart-towne, and Ingermenum, having a stone Castle, beneath which is a Church, and many Caves, that w●●● great labour and pains are cut and hewed out of a rock, for this tow●e is seated on a great high Mountain, and taketh its name from those Turkish Caves. It was heretofore a fair Town and full of wealth and riches. Here is Chersonesus Corsunum or Cherso, which is the ancientest 〈◊〉 of Taurica. This the Turks called Saci Germenum, as it were, the Yell●● Castle, for this Country hath a kind of yellow soil. The admirable and wondrous mines of this place do testify that it was heretofore▪ proud, rich, delicate, and famous Colony of the Grecians, and the ma●● ancient city of the whole Peninsula, being much frequented, magnificent, and having a fair Haven. Here is the Castle and Town of Ia●●li or Balachium, Ptolemie calls this City Taphros and Pliny Taphra. Mancopia or Mangutum (as the Turks call it) and the Town of Cercum with a Castle. Here is the city and castle of Crem●●, which the Tartars call Crim, having an ancient wall very strong & high, and in regard of its largeness it is fare unlike the other cities of the Taurick Chersonesus. And in the utmost part of this Country is the city Tanas near the mouth of the River Tanais, the Russians call it Azac. It is a famous Mart-towne, unto which Merchants do come out of diverse parts of the world, for that every one hath here free access, and free power to buy or cell. There are many great River's i● this Country, running down out of the Mountains. The chiefest whereof is Borysthenes, commonly called Nieper a deep and swift River which runneth from the North into the river Carcinites or Hypaciris, now called Desna, The Rivers. and so into the Euxine Sea near the Town Oczacow. Also Don or Tanais, Ariel, Samar that runneth into Don, with many others. The y This Straight is called by Martianus, Os Maotidis; by Marcellinus, Patares Angustiae; by the Italians, Boccadi S. jovanni, by Castaldus, Stretto de Caffa; and by the Tartars Vospero. Cimmerian Bosphorus, to which this Chersonesus (as we said before) is extended. It is a narrow Sea two miles broad, which divideth Europe from Asia, and by which the Maeoticke Lake doth flow into the Euxine Sea. It is called from the Cimmerians who dwell upon the coldest part thereof, or from the town Cimmerium as Volaeterranus would have it. The z This Lake is called commonly Marinell delle Sabacche by the Italians Marinell della Tana, and by the Arabians Marel Azach. The Sea. Maeotick Lake is near the mouth of Phasis (commonly called Fasso, and by the Scythians Phazzeth) receiving Tanais into it. The Scythians call it Temerenda, that is, the mother of the Sea, as Dionysius witnesseth, because much water floweth from thence through the Cimmerian Bosphorus into it, as also much from other places, which doth so replenish and fill the Lake, that the banks thereof can hardly contain it. This Lake in regard it receiveth many rivers, aboundeth with fish. There is also the a This sea is called by some, mare Boreale, by Claudianus, Pontus Amaz●nus; by Fla●cus, Pontus' S●ythicu by Festus Avienus, Pontus Tauricus: by Herodotus, and Orosius, Mare Cimmerium: by Stralo, Mare C●l●hirum: by Ap●lonius, lib. 4 Mare Cauchasium: by Tacitus, Mare Pont●cum: by A●●st●des, M●●e Phasian●●● by Ovid, M●re Sarmaricum: by the G●●●●s, Tanais: by the Italians, Marinell Majo●e: by the Greeks', Maurothalassa: by Lucian, Pontus Niger: and by the Turks, Caradenis. Euxine Sea, the upper part of whose water is sweet, and the neither part salt. This being heretofore called the Axine, and according to Sophocles the Apoxine Sea, because no Ships could arrive here, or in regard of the barbarous Scythian borderers who killed strangers, they afterward called the Euxine, by the figure which they call Euphemismus. But they called it Pontus as if it were another Ocean, for they supposed that those who sailed on it did perform some great and memorable act. And therefore saith Strabo, they called it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Pontus, as they called Homer the Poet. There are many rugged and steep mountains in this Chersonesus, especially those which run through the middle thereof. The greatest and highest of them hath a great Lake on the top of it. But so much hitherto concerning these things. Now let us proceed to other matters. Justice is administered among the Tartarians by the Law of Mahomet in the Cities and Towns of the Chan, and the other Sultanes. They have their Priests, their Judges in their Towns, and their Begi or Praefects, who do hear and decide private injuries. But the Chan himself with his Counsellors doth judge of capital matters, as murder, and theft. In declaring whereof they need no Lawyer, neither do they use the subtlety thereof, nor excuses, or prolonging matters by delay. For the meanest of the Tartarians or strangers do freely declare their own wrongs and grievances before the Judges, and the Chan himself, by whom they are quickly heard and dispatched. They instruct their sons when they are children in the Arabic language, they do not keep their daughters at home, but deliver them to some of their kindred to be brought up. When their sons come to ripeness of years they serve the Chan or the Sultan's, & when their daughters are marriageable, they marry them to some of the chief Tartars or Turks. The best of the Tartars in the Prince's Court go civilly and decently in their apparel, not for ostentation or pride, but according as necessity and decency requireth. When the Chan goeth abroad in public, The mountains. The manner of government. The Senators. the poorest men may have access unto him, who when he sees them doth examine them what their wants & necessities are, & whence they did arise. The Tartarians are very obedient to the Laws: and they adore & reverence their Princes like Gods. Their Judges according to Mahomet's Law are accounted spiritual men, and of undoubted equity, integrity, and faithfulness. Their manners. They are not given to Controversies, Lawsuits, private discord, envy, hatred, or to any wanton excess either in diet or apparel. In the Prince's Court, none wear Swords, Bowes, or other weapons, except it be Travellers, or strangers that are going on some journey, to whom they are very kind and hospitable. The chief men eat bread and flesh, drinking also bu●● Wine and Metheglin, Their food. but the Country people want bread, using instead thereof ground Millet tempered with milk and water, which they commonly call Cassa. They use cheese instead of meat, and their drink● is mare's milk. They kill also for their food Camels, Horses and Ox●● when they are ready to die or are grown unserviceable, and they often feed on the flesh of sheep. Few of them do use Mechanic Arts 〈◊〉 the Cities and Towns, few do use Merchandizing, and those Artificers or Merchants that are found there, Their trading and traffic. are either slaves to the Christians, 〈◊〉 else they are Turks, Armenians, jews, Cercesians, Petigorians who are Christians, Philistines, or Cynganians, all men of the lowest rank. But l●● this which hath been spoken suffice concerning the Taurick Chersones●, and the Northern Countries. Let us pass to the Description of Spa●●● which we have placed next, and take a view thereof. THE DESCRIPTION OF SPAIN. map of Spain THE DESCRIPTION OF SPAIN. Haec sanè docet versiculus Catulli, Cuniculosae Celtiberiae fili. These things Catullus verse Doth unto thee declare OH son of Celtiberia where So many Coneys are. There are in Spain (besides other birds which invite them to fowling) Eagles, Hernes, Hawks, and the bird called Atta, first brought out of Sicily, also Cranes, Geese, Partridges, ringdoves, wild and tame Ducks, &c. But of these things enough: I come now to the Government, which is the next point to be spoken of, according to the order of our method. I do not purpose here to weary the Reader by reckoning up out of justine, Diodorus, josephus, Eusebius, Hierome, Berosus, and his Translator Annius Viterbiensis, the ancient Kings of Spain, & their achievements both at home and abroad. The Government. Tubal never was in Spain, not in Europe, but lived in Asia. Neither are Iberus, jubalda, Brygus, Tagus, Batus, and others to be accounted as Kings thereof, unless we will grant that Kings in ancient time, were borne of Rivers and other inanimate things. Again, the Catalogue of the Kings succeeding them, is no better than fabulous, as also those things be which the Lydians, the Thracians, Rhodians, Phrygians, Cyprians, Phoenicians, Egyptians, Milesians, Carians, Lesbians, and Chaldaeans are reported to have performed successively in this country. But those things are more certain, which Writers have recorded were heretofore achieved by the Carthaginians, Romans, Goths, Vandals, Alani, Swethlanders, Huns, and their Kings, for that the Writers of them were either present at those actions, or else came to the knowledge of them by the faithful relation of others. Of these things therefore I will speak briefly, and thus it was. When the Carthaginians did rule all Spain, and had all things under their own command, the Senate and people of Rome did sand first of all the two Scipios against them with an army of Soldiers, in the beginning of the second Punic war: who were slain in the seventh year of that war, Q. Fulvius Flaccus and Ap. Claudius Pulcher being Consuls. The next year P. Cornelius Scipio Africanus being sent next to his Father & Uncle, did perform many things very prosperously, and first of all made a Province of it, Q. Caecilius Metellus, and L. Veturius Philo being Consuls. First, Asdrubal and Mago Carthaginian Captains, being overthrown and put to flight in the battle, near to the City Baetula (which is supposed to have been in that place where now Baëca and Vbeda are seated) and the Spanish Armies beaten out of Spain, he established a league of friendship with Syphax King of the Massilianss, who is now called Biledulgerid; a little after he compelled the rebellious people of Spain to yield themselves unto him, and having made a league with Massanissa King of the Masaesulians, and the Gaditanes, he committed the government of the Province to L. Lentulus and L. Manlius Acidinus, and returned to Rome. After Scipio, L. Cornelius Lentulus the Proconsul did govern Spain, and after many prosperous acts and achievements, entered the City in triumph. Three years after, C. Cornelius, Cethegus, and Minucius Rufus being Consuls, the two Spain's were first bounded, and two new Praetors sent into them, C. Sempronius Tuditanus into the hither Spain, and M. Helvetius Blasio into the farther. Two years being scarcely passed, so great a war began in Spain, that it was necessary, that a Consul should be sent out with an Army: Marcus Portius Cato Consul being allotted to go into the hither part, did so appease and quiet rebellion, that the Proconsul in regard thereof triumphed. This is that Cato, who, as Livy writeth and others, by a wonderful stratagem, did throw down the walls of many Spanish Cities in one day. After Cato's victory, Spain was diversely possessed, and many times lost and regained again, so that there were above 30 triumphs for victories obtained here. They did not begin to pay any tax, before the time of Augustus Caesar, who having by long continuance of wars tamed all Spain, and overthrown the Cantabrians and Asturians that had longest of all made resistance, divided the whole Country into three Provinces, Baetica, so called from the River Baetis, Lusitania, and Tarraconensis, so called from its city Tarracon; and every one of these have their Dioceses or Circles of jurisdiction. In Baetica there are four Dioceses Gaditana, Cordubensis, Astigitana, and Hispalensis. Lusitania hath three Dioceses, Emeritensit, Pacensis, and Scalibitana. Lastly, Tarraconensis hath seven, Carthaginensis, Tarraconensis, Caesar Augustana, Cluniensis, Astura, Lucensis, and Bracarensis (See Pliny lib. 3. Strab. lib. 3. and others.) Thus things by degrees being changed, the chiefest Provinces were under the Romans command, even until the Consulship of Honorius the third, and Theedosius the third. At which time the Vandals, Suevi, and Alani being called into France by Stilico, when once (having passed the Rhine) they had set foot in France, being in a barbarous manner spoilt by the Goths, and the Kings Adolphus and Vallia, whom the Emperor Hon●rius had sent to aid and set France at liberty, they passed at last over the Pyrenaean Hills. Afterwards the Goths inhabiting France, for many years possessed Spain, having taken it from the Romans; for being assailed by the Frankes, they again made war upon the Vandals. The Frankes drove the Goths out of France, and the Goths drove the Vanda●● and Alani out of Spain. At which time the Vandals and Alani being called by Boniface into Africa, which he governed for the Emperor, left Spain to the possession of the Goths. When the Goths, having driven out the Roman Garrisons, had made Spain their own, and had a long time Kings of their own who ruled in it, at length they were overthrown in a great battle by the g Whose chief Captain was one Tarif, who overthrew Roderick and his Army, consisting of 130000 foot, & 35000 horse. Arabian Saracens, and King h Who having sent julian on an embassage to the Moors in Africa, in the mean time deflowered his Daughter Cana; to revenge which injury, her Father procuted the Moors to come into Spain. Roderick being killed, they lost almost all Spain. Those that survived after the battle, when they had fortified themselves in the Mountains of the Astures, Cantabrians, and Galicians, by little and little they begin to recover the Countries, Cities, and Castles which they had lost. At last the Saracens party growing weak in Baetica Hispania, and the Goths having recovered all Spain, they again were overcome by Ferdi●●● Catholic King of Arragon, and thrust out of Spain, so that the whole Country returned and came again into the hands of the ancient Lords thereof. But whereas in the times of the Moors, five Kings, namely of Castille, of Arragon, of Portugal, of Granada, & Navarre did possess Sp●●●●, at this day Philip the fourth, son unto Philip the third, who was Nephew unto the Emperor Charles the fifth is sole King thereof. It was heretofore diversely divided. The Romans first divided it into the Hither and Farther Spain. They called that the Hither part which was neering unto the chief City and the principal Countries of the Empire, being situated between the River Iberus and the Pyrenaean Mountains: they called that the Farther part which lay more remote, being stretched out beyond Iberus even to the Ocean. In following times we read● that Spain was divided into six parts, Tarraconensis, Carthaginensis, L●sitania, Galicia, Baetica, and Tingitana beyond the narrow Sea in Afric●. In the time of the Moors there were many Kingdoms in Spain, which were afterward divided into five, as the Kingdom of Castille, of Arragon, of Portugal, of Granada, and Navarre. But now by a new distribution the whole Empire is divided into three Kingdoms, namely of Arragon, Castille, and Portugal. Under the Kingdom of Arragon is contained, besides Arragon, Catalonia, Valentia, Majorica. Under the Kingdom of Castille are comprehended Biscay, Leon, Asturia, Galicia, Estremadura, A●dalusia, Granada, Murcia, and both the Castile's, with the Canarie-Ila●●▪ Under the Kingdom of Portugal is comprehended, besides Portugal, Algarbia. The Cities which are in the whole Kingdom are almost innumerable. The chief of them are Hispalis, Madrid, Tarraco, Lisbon, The names of the Cities. Granada, Pampilona, Valentia, Barcino, commonly called Barzelona. The seventh Germane Legion now called Leon, S. Lucar, Corduba, Nebrissa, Compostella, Toledo, Salamanca, Complutum, Pintia, Caesar-Augusta, now Saragossa, Asturica Augusta, and many others. Hear are admirable Lakes: near the town Beiara is a commodious and wonderful Lake, which breedeth Turtles, being a black kind of Fish, but excellent in taste; and, as Marineus Siculus witnesseth, prognosticating and foretelling of rain and storms to come, by the great noise which they make, so that the sound thereof is heard like the roaring of a Bull, eighteen miles thence. The Lakes. There is a certain Lake on the very top of the Mountain Stella, as Vasaeus writeth, in which fragments and pieces of Ships are found, when notwithstanding it is more than 12 leagues distant from the Sea: and the same Author noteth, that the Inhabitants do affirm, that it boileth, and is tempestuous, as often as the Sea is rough or unquiet. The most diligent Writer Suetonius saith, in his Description of the life of Galba, that thunder fell down into the Lake of Cantabria, and that afterward twelve axes were found therein: There is also the pleasant Lake which Pliny mentioneth lib. 3 Natur. histor. cap. 3. not fare from Valentia, at this day it is called Albufera. The Rivers follow. Spain is watered every where with many Rivers, there are some who reckon an hundred and fifty, and over them 700 Bridges, the chief whereof is the Bridge of Segovia and Alcantara. There is in this Kingdom the River which Ptolemie calls Iberus, and now is called Ebro, it breaketh forth in Cantabria out of the Mountain Idubeda, with two fountains or spring-heads, that on the right hand in the Aucens●an wood called Monte d'Oca, the other on the left hand near a Town which the Inhabitants call Fuentibre: and so increasing with the receipt of great Rivers, being first entertained in the fields of Galaguris, it runneth unto and visiteth Iuli●briga and Tudella, two Towns of Navarre, and then it watereth julia, Bolsa, and Caesar-Augusta. Departing thence, it glideth Southward, and by and by Northeastward, by the people of Laletania, now called Galetani, and the rich City Tortosa. At last being enlarged with many Rivers flowing into it, and having run almost four hundred miles forward in length, it entereth so violently with two mouths into the Mediterranean Sea, that having thrust itself 50 paces thereinto, yet the water is sweet and fresh. i This River is called also Doria, Durias, Dorius, and commonly Duero. Durius is the greatest River in Spain, because so many Rivers do run into it that it would be too tedious to reckon them up, it floweth out of the Mountain Idubeda, where it is called Sierra de Cocolo, it divideth the Vectones from the Asturians, and the portugals from the ancient Gallicians: And having viewed the Tower Sullana, called Tordesillas, Salabris, Miranda, and other Towns forty English miles beneath Lamego, near to a Town of Portugal which is called Porto, with a violent course, it doth mingle itself with the Western Ocean. The River which Ptolemie and others call Tagus, ariseth in the high cliffs of the Mountain Orospeda, some fifty furlongs from a little town which is called Tragacet, not fare from the City Coneia, now called Guensa. And gliding by the k Which is a people which inhabit the Country of Toledo. Carpetani, it visiteth Toledo, the royal city, and having a bridge there over it, it watereth the noted fair Cities of Talavera, Augustobroga, Alcantara, and others, and so cutting almost through the middle of Portugal, it dischargeth itself into the West Ocean beyond Lisbon, by a mouth or outlet (as some observe) which is seven miles and an half broad. The Inhabitants at this day call this River Taio. The portugals Tejo. The River Tagus having sands mingled with gold, as Solinus in his Polyhistor, & Isiodorus Lib. 13. Etymolog. cap. 21. do witness, hath been preferred before all the other Rivers of Spain. Emanuel Henricus, a man worthy of belief, doth affirm in Ortelius, that it hath at this day golden sands, as also many other Rivers of Portugal. And Pomponius doth testify, that it hath great store of Fish, Oysters, and Pearls in it. The river Anas well known to the Latin and Greek Writers taketh its original out of the great Lakes, in Laminitania, as Pliny writeth Lib. 3 Naturalis Histor. cap. 1. now called Campo de Montiel, and gliding by the l A people of Tarraconensis Hispania. Oretani, near to a Town, which the Spaniards call Cagnamanus, & so to Metallina where Vitellius pitched his Tent, as the ancient inscriptions of the place do show, it hideth itself at last in the bowels of the Earth, though Georgius of Austria Provost of Harlebeck doth witness in Ortelius, that this is rather a common opinion, than true, and by and by after it hath run some 15 miles, as if it rejoiced to have many new births, as Pliny saith, breaking forth near Villaria, and having run and glided by Merida (where it hath a long stone-bridge over it) and other Cities toward the South, it rolleth itself into the Sea near the Castle of Marin. The Spaniards call it at this day Rio Guadiana, by borrowing a word from the Arabian, for with them Guad signifies a river. The river which Ptolemie calls Be●●s doth arise near Castaon out of the mountain Orospeda, as Strabo and Stephanus do writ, and out of that part thereof which is called Sierra d' Alcarat. This river running Westward from its fountain, and gliding by Cuduba and other towns, at last declineth Southward toward S●●● and with a large mouth (being one league over but full of flatts and sands) discargeth and emptieth itself into the Atlantic Sea not fare from Calais. Here is a fair river which the ancients called Auro, and Obvetis, Strabo and Pausanias call it Tartessus. Livy noteth that the Inhabitants did call it Circe's, which name it retained for a long time, as M●rius Niger witnesseth, notwithstanding the Africans had gotten Spain, and yet at length it was by them called Guadalquivir, or as others w●i●e Guadalchebir, as it were to say, the great river. Here is also the river Mi●● in Hispania Tarraconensis, the head whereof beginneth eighteen miles above the Sextian Altars, which are now called Lugo, near to a town commonly called Castle Verde. This river passing by the town called Porto-marin, and sliding by the bridge Belsarius, and the City Orense, at last joineth itself with the river Avia at Valentia; and having run eighteen miles further it doth cast itself into the Ocean. There are other rivers as Lethe, Turius, Limaea, Sicores, Chalibs, Austra and others of lesser note, which I leave to be unfolded or described by others, jest I should be too tedious. The commodities of the Sea. The Sea calleth on us nex to be entreated of, together with the Bays and Havens, which belong unto it Spain is enclosed on every side with the Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, except that part which is joined to the Pyrenaean mountains and to Aquitanis. In regard whereof it is very fit to traffic and merchandise with all parts of the old and new world. The Sea round about it doth afford abundance of all kinds of fish, as Whales, Congers, Tunies, Soles, Lampreys, and the like: beside Oysters and other Shellfish. There are three famous Bays of Spain, which lie all towards the Mediterranean Sea, the Sucronensian, Illicitane, and the Virgitane. The greatest of them all is the Sucronensian, receiving the Sea, as Mela saith, with a large mouth or inlet, which within groweth narrower and narrower. The Illicitane is the middlemost in bigness, now called Puerto d' Alicante. The lest is the Virgitane Bay, and is so called, as Mela writeth, from the town Virgi, now styled Vera or Bera: Ptolemie corruptly calls this town Vrce or Verge, Antoninus as erroneously calleth it Vrci, and Pliny with no less error Vrgi. The Gaditan Bay was so called in Mela (lib. 3.) from Gades: now it is called Baia de Cadiz. The chief Havens in Spain are first that which the ancients called Magnus, between the Nerian and Scythian Provinces, which now is called Corunna. Secondly, Amibalus Portus, now called Alber, in the Kingdom of Algarbia. Thirdly, that which Pliny calls Amanum, now Fuentarabie, as Villonovanus, or Barnino as Moralis thinketh. Fourthly, Portus Tarraconensis of which the Italian Poet Silius writeth thus, Lib. 15. The stranger in the Haven than doth land Of Tarraconia, while the ships do stand In the safe harbour, labour is laid by, And fear of the deep Sea, while here they lie. And lastly, the Haven of Venus, so called by Mela, Mountains. which lieth at the foot of the Pyrenaean hills. Now follow the mountains; the chief whereof are the Pyrenaean mountains dividing Spain from France. Ptolemie and others call them Pyrenea, and Stephanus calleth them Pyrena, Tibullus Pyrene, Livy and others call them Saltus Pyrenaeus, the Spaniards generally call them Los Pirencos, for they have diverse names in diverse parts thereof. Some would have them so called from fire, or because they are often struck with thunder, or because all the woods thereof (as Diodorus writeth in his sixth Book) were heretofore set on fire by shepherds, and so burnt down. Silius the Italian Poet doth give them this denomination from a maid called Pyrena, the daughter of Bebryx, whom Hercules lay withal upon this mountain, and being afterward torn to pieces by wild beasts, she was buried here. The Pyrenaan mountains (as they do) stretching and extending themselves from the East unto the West even to the Celtic Promontory, divide Spain into that part which lieth on the hither side of the mountains, and that which is on the further side thrusteth forth a mountain near the fountain of Iberus towards the South through the breadth of Spain. Strabo and Ptolemie do name it Idubeda. But it is commonly called Saltus Aucencis, and Monte d' Oca, from the ancient City Auca, some ruins whereof may be discerned at Villa Franca beyond Burgos. Also there is the mountain which ariseth out of Idubeda, called by Strabo Orospeda, & by Ptolemie Otrospeda. Yet hath it not one certain name for all the whole mountain: for whereas Alvarius Gomecius calleth it Sierra Vermigia, Florianus Sierra Mollina, and Clusius Sierra Morena: these names are but names to part of it. Calpe is reckoned with Orospeda. For so this mountain is called by Ptolemie and others. It is near to the Bay of Hercules, which is commonly called the Bay of Gibraltar. Part of Orospeda is high and rocky, and reaching from the City of Hispalis to Granada, it doth lift up itself near Archidona. It hath its name, and deserveth still to be famous, by reason of a memorable example of love, which was showed thereon, for the Spaniards call it, La Penna de les Enamorades, or the Lover's Mountain. Paulinus calleth it Bimaris because it looketh on two Seas, the Inward and the Outward Strabo saith that the mountain Calpe is not very large in compass, but that it is so high, that to those who are fare of 〈◊〉 may seem an Island, some do fabulously suspose it to be one of Hercul●● Pillars, and Abela over against it in Africa to be the other, both being the bounds of Hercules labours: they say that it was heretofore o●● mountain, and that Hercules digged it through, and so altered the shape of it. Out of Alcarassum do arise the mountains called by Pliny Mo●● Mariani, by Ptolemie in the singular number Marianus, and by A●●ninus mons Mariorum. They are now called Sicera Morena. The noble river Baetis doth water the bottoms of their mountains on the left side Near to Barcinon or Barcilona there is a mountain which the Inhabitants call Mon-Iui: some do translate it jupiters' mountain, and some 〈◊〉 better tender it the jews mountain, for that they were heretofore buried in this place, where many of their Graves and Sepulchers do yet remain. On the top thereof there is a Town, from whence a watchman, by setting up a linen flag in the day time, and a fire i● the night doth give notice to the City Barcinon of the approaching of any ships. Spain is every where full of woods, and trees bearing singular and excellent kinds of fruit, which it would be too long to recite is particular. There is a wood near unto the Town called Monte Maj●●e, in which Nature alone hath planted Oakes, Chestnut-trees, Nuts, Eberds, Cherries, Prunes, Pears, Figs, wild Vines, and all kind of fruit-trees, very high and fairly spread. Not fare from the Town Be●● or Bigerra, is a most pleasant wood, where Lucius Marinaeus Siculus woteth, The public and private works. that he hath measured Chestnut-trees, which have been fo●●e foot about. It hath many woods also to fell and cut, which do afford the Spaniard wood enough for the building of ships. What shall I speak of the public or private works in this kingdom? here are many magnificent Temples, many Abbeys, Friaries, Monasteries, Hospitals for strangers, and for the sick. Here are many famous King's Palaces, many magnificent and fair houses belonging to Noblemen and Knights, and innumerable other public and private edifices. The King of Spain is borne not chosen or elected to the Crown, yet is he inaugurated, and sworn to defend this people and their privileges when he taketh the oath of allegiance of them. The King's children are called Infantaes. Among whom the eldest son, who in his father's life is declared King by the consent and oath of the Nobles the Citizens, and people, is called Prince of Spain. Although the King have supreme power over all persons and over all causes, yet he seldom decreeth any thing, but with the consent, The manner of Government. and by the counsel of twelve men, who being the chief of the whole Kingdom do make a royal Senate. By them matters of moment are discussed and determined, but matters of more secrecy are consulted of by a Privy Counsel, which consisteth of the King, The Senators and their numbers. the Dictator of Leon, the Precedent, and the third part of the King's Counsel. Those things which concern the Indieses and their government, are handled in the Senate, which they call the Indian Senate, by one Precedent, and twelve Counsellors. Matters of war are handled in the military and warlike Senate, which the 12 Royal Senators, the Dictator's of Leon and Castille, with others do make up. Besides these l There are beside these Counsels the Counsel of the Low Countries, the Counsel of the order of S. john, and the Counsel of the Inquisition. there are also in Spain three Prefectureships of Right and Justice, which they call Places of hearing, or Chanceries, one being in Castille, the other in Granad●, and the third in Gallicia: Every one hath a Precedent and 12 Senators, and if that Suitors receive no satisfaction or redress of their greevances from them, their causes are brought before the Royal Senate. Lastly there is the Treasurer of Castille, having four Questors under him, whose office is to receive the King's Treasure, and to take and give account thereof. There is a great company of Dukes, Marquesses, and Earls in Spain. Besides the Prince of Assuria and others, I find that there are about 23 Dukes, as the Friensian Duke, the Duke of Medina-Rivi-Sicci, of Alva, of Alcala, of Albuquerqua, of Scalona, of Osuna, of Averi, of Bejar, of Gandia, of Sessa, of Infantasg, of Medina Caeli, of Medina Sidonia, of Maqueda, of Najar, of Feria, of Segorbia, of Sonna, of Villa-Formosa, of Verragua, Pastrana, and Francavilla. And these have for their yearly revenues some forty, some an hundred thousand Ducats. m A Ducat is according to our English valuation 6 s. 8 d. The Dukes of Infantasg, and Medina-Sidonia have a fare greater revenue: for the latter hath 130000, and the former 120000 Ducats per annum. These are the Marquesses, the marquis of Villa Nova, of Astorga, of Aquilar, of Denia, of Mondejar, of Navares, of Savia, of Velleza, of Coma●es, of Aiomonte, of Altamir, of Veladra, of Vearina, of Carpio, of Camarassa, of Cortes, of Monte-Majore, of Guardia, of Monte-Clare, of Las Navas, of Poza, of Steppa, of Tanara, of Villa-Franca, of Drada, of Cavietis, of Falcis, of Fomesta, of Molina, of Ciralva, of Valesis, of Vallis, of Zaara, of Ardalis, of Tarifa, of Alcanisa, and n For there are in all 45 Marquesates. others, p A Town in New-Castile, where this order was instituted by Ferdinand of Leon, and confirmed by Pope Lucius Anno 1183. the greater part having annual revenues from ten thousand to 40000 Ducats. There are also about ●n hundred Earls, whose yearly revenues are from ten thousand to 25 thousand Ducats, the chief of them are the Earls of Benaventum, of Albua, Miranda, and Oropoza. It would be too tedious to the Reader to ●eckon up, the Viscount's, which are ten in number, the Barons, the long ●oll and Catalogue of Vice Roys, Governors, Prefects of Provinces, ●nd of the Sea: and lastly the long Catalogue of Gentlemen, and diverse order of Knights; as in Castle, Knights of the order of Saint o Founded by King R●ynar of Leon, Anno. 984. james, of 〈◊〉 Alcantara, of q A Town which R●ymund Abbot of Pisoria, defended against the Saracens, and therefore instituted this order. Calatrava, and of the order of Saint john: in Arragon and Catalonia, Knights of the order of Montesa: in Portugal Knights of ●he order of r This order was instituted by Denis King of Portugal, and confirmed by Pope john the 22th Anno. 1321. jesus Christ, (whereof the King is the Master) being very ●reat, and having all the Provinces which are found out in Africa, A●●ia, or America, annexed unto it. But it will not be amiss if we observe ●y the way that of all the Families in Spain, the ancientest is the Pacie●ian Family, for Hirtius in his Commentaries maketh mention of L. Iu●ius Paciecus, in that place where he entreateth of Corduba: as also Cicero ●n the 6th Book of his familiar Epistles to wit, in his Epistle to Lepta. These following Families are also very noble and Illustrious, to wit, th● Meridonian, Toletane, Cerdean, Cardonean, Larensian, Velascean, Gusma●an, Pimentellane, Stunican, Henritican, Oriosian, Cordubentian, Limensi●● and the Mondragonian Families, to which we desire others to add● others, and crave pardon if we mistake their places in ranking of then We have spoken of the Politic State and government: the Ecclesias●● call follows. The Church of Hispalis was in ancient time the Prim●● and chief of Spain, and afterward the Church of Toledo, until th● great overthrow and devastation of the Kingdom. For Toledo co●ming into the Barbarians hands, the Bishopric of Bacara had that dignity: but when being recovered by the Christians, the Toledan Bishopric sought its former dignity, and the Baracensian to retain wh●● had gotten, there arose a contention, as we may read Lib. 1. Decre●● so that the matter is yet undetermined. Moreover Vasaeus to Chronics cap. 20º. showeth who were Precedents in Spain from the time of 〈◊〉 Romans and Goths. But after Spain was recovered again out of 〈◊〉 hands of the Barbarians, the Bishoprickes with their ancient City's we● restored, and some newly instituted. We read that Spain hath at●● day seven Archbishops, and 41 Suffragan Bishops subordinate 〈◊〉 them. The first is the Archbishop of Toledo, Chancellor of Ca●●● who next unto the King and his Progeny is the greatest man in dignity and wealth. The Bishops that do obey him, are the Bishop of B●rg● whose Seat was heretofore at Aura, (whence it was called Au●t●● Episcopatus, and corruptly in some Counsels and other public Ac●● Auxitanus) but was after translated from thence to Burgos, the Metropolis of Old Castille, by Alphonsus the sixth, who restored Toledo to the Christians by the authority of Pope Vrban the second, in the year 1097. Also the Bishop of Cuena, the Bishop of Osma, called commo● Episcopus Oxmensis, and corruptly in Counsels Oxoniensis: the Bishop at Corduba, (whose Bishopric is most ancient and famous by means of Osius once Bishop thereof) the Bishop of jaenensia, Palentia, and Segna The second is the bishopric of Hispalis, under which there were heretofore eleven Bishoprics, though there are now but three; namely of Malaga, Gades, and the Canary Isles. The third is the Archbishoprics of Compostella. The Seat of this Bishop was heretofore Iria Fla●●s, 〈◊〉 Sea-Towne of Gallicia, and commonly called Padron: but being afterward translated to Compostella, it began to be called the Bishopric of Compostella, or of Saint james; under which are the Bishops of Cori●, ●centia, Asturia, Gamora, Salmantica, Orense or Auria, Tude or Ty●●, 〈◊〉 Town of Gallicia, seated by the River Minius, and commonly called Tuy. The Bishop of Badaios, (which is now called Episcopus Pace●● and the Bishop of Mindonia, whose Seat was heretofore Ribad●● commonly called Mandonnedo. The fourth Archbishop is the Archbishop of Granada; under whom is the Bishop of Almeria, and the b●shop of Guadix, heretofore called Episcopus Accitanus, for that wh●● heretofore was called Acce, is now called Guadix. The fift is the Archbishop of Valentia, under which are the Bishops of Carthage, Original Segobrica, (whin is now called Segorbia) and Majorca. The sixth is the Archbishop of Tarraconia, under whom are the Bishops of Herda, (commonly called Lerida) Tortosa, Herlua, Barcinon, Genida, Vrgella, and Vich. Lastly, the seventh is the Archbishop of Caesar-Augusta, who hath under him the Bishops of Pampilona, Calagurris, Osca, and Balbastro: the Bishops of Leo and Oviedo are subject to none. Portugal hath three Archbishops, namely of Bracara, Olisipona or Lisbon and Funchala; under whom are the Bishops of Ebora, Visca, Guarda, Conimbrica, Porta, Lamego, Silva, Cepta, and Leria. Concerning the other Bishops, you may consult with Vasaeus, L. Marinaeus Siculus, Damianus à Goes, and others, who do curiously observe and note what are the revenues which belong to every Bishopric, as also to Abbeys and Monasteries. Those who belong to the Inquisition are of the Ecclesiastical State: they were first instituted and ordained to examine the Moors, Saracens, & jews; but afterward in process of time they began to extend their power and authority over all that were not of the Roman Church and Religion. In the next place we will note the Academies or Universities in Spain, which are about two & twenty; the chief whereof are Salamanca, Compludo, Conimbrica, or Conimbra, Pincia, Saganta, Osca, and Lerida. The Spaniards have happy wits, yet do they learn or study little, because they think themselves learned when they are not: they love the craft and subtleness of Sophisters. In the Universities they speak Spanish more than Latin, mingling their speech with many words belonging to the Moors. They seldom leave any offspring or monument of their wit to their own posterity, much less to strangers, in regard their language is defective. Yet there have been, and are some learned men, who by their excellent learned works and writings, have graced their Country, and made it famous unto other Nations. If we seek for Divines, there will come forth Vigilantius Priest of Barcinon, Aquilius Severus, Prudentius Bishop of Armentia, Osius of Corduba, Avitus a Priest, Marcianus Bishop of Barcelona, Paulus, Orosius, Pacianus, and his son Dexter, Audentius, Isidorus, the interpreter of the Apocalypse, justinianius, the Precedent of the Church of Valentia, Leander Bishop of Hispalis, Martinius the Precedent of Mandova, Fulgentius the Bishop of Carthage Eladius the Archbishop of Toledo, Isidorus Bishop of Hispalis, john Bishop of Gerunda; Eutropius, Valentinus, and Franciscus Ximenes Cardinal and Archbishop of Toledo, and father of the University of Compludo, who caused the Holy Bible to be printed in diverse languages, which is commonly called the Complutensian Bible. If we seek for those which have been skilful in the Canon Law, we shall find Bernardus of Compostella, Raymundus de Pennya Forti, and Hugo Barcinonensis. If for other Lawyers, we shall find Pope Calixtus the third, Gomezius, Didacus Covarruvias, and Antonius Augustinus Archbishop of Tarraconia, a man very learned and skilful in the Roman antiquities. If we inquire for Physicians, we shall meet with Avicen, Averro, Rasis, Almanca, and Messahallah. If for Historians, we shall find Trogus Pompeius, justine, and others. If for Philosophers, we shall meet with L. Anneius Seneca and his sons Seneca, Nonatus and Mela, Lucius junius, Moderatus Columella, C. julius Hyginus, Sotion, and johannes Vives Valentinus. If we search for Mathematicians, behold Pomponius Mela, Abrahamus Cacutius, Alphonsus' King of Castille, Henricus the Infanta of Portugal, Henricus marquis of Villena, Arnoldus Villanovanus, and his Scholar Raimundus Lullius. If we inquire for Orators, we shall find beside Seneca, Portius Latro, and M. Fabius Quintilianus. Lastly if we would reckon up some Poets borne here, we may make account of Sextilius Hena: L. Annaeus Seneca, and Lucan who were Cousins. M. Valerius Martialis, Rufus Festus Avienus, Aurelius Prudentius, Pope Damasus, Caelius Sedulius, and many others: I omit for brevity's sake the later modern Poets. The Spaniards are by nature hot and dry, swarthe-coloured, to help which the women use a kind of painting: they are well limbed and strong set. They are the most superstitious of all people, so that other people do learn from them both ceremonies, compliments, and large titles. They have a great dexterity in concealing their thoughts both by silence and dissimulation. They have a kind of an affected gravity, which maketh them incur the hatred of all other Nations, which, as Marianus showeth, is an individual concomitant or companion to great Kingdoms. The women are not very fruitful in bearing children: they abstain much from wine, and are seldom seen abroad, as imitating therein the Roman Matrons. They use strangers discurteo●sly, and in foreign Countries they will reverence, praise, and extol one another. They are great observers of Justice, so that Justice is administered to all, even from the highest to the lowest: and so great is the painful industry of Magistrates, that there are few or no robberies committed. Beside, they keep their hands free from blood, and other wicked acts, and who soever offendeth the Laws, or doth trespass against any one, though never so mean, is punished for it. They are still attempting some great matter, for having suppressed their enemies at home, and overthrown the Saracens, they seek for to discover and get for their King the most pote●● parts of the world. When two or three meet together, of what place or condition soever, they always discourse of the Commonwealth and serious affairs, they seek ways how to weaken their enemy's force, they device stratagems, and invent a thousand engines, which they open and make known to the Captains. In the field they can endure both hunger thirst and labour. In battle and matters of war they are more politic than stout: they are of a light body, and being lightly armed, they not only easily pursue their enemies, but when they are put to it, they can easily save themselves by flight, (always meditating on some military or warlike design). In their feasts and banquets at home they are frugal, sober, and content with a little, but abroad they have more delicate fare. They use handsome convenient garments, well made & fashioned. Spai●● doth afford to the neighbour Countries, and also to remote Nations, Silke-wooll, Cloth of all kinds, Salt, Sugar, Honey, Oranges, Pomegranates, Lemmons, pickled Olives, Capers, Grapes, Figs, Prunes, Almonds, Chestnuts, Anny-seed, Cumming-seed, Coriander-seed, Rice, Saffron, Oil, Wax, Alum, Vermilion, Purple, Saltfish, Bay-berries, preserved Fruits of all sorts, Alabaster, Coral, Gold, Silver, Iron, Steele, Tin, Copper, Lead, Dying Oade, Quicksilver, Got, precious stones, Aromatickes and sweet Spices, which are brought from the Indieses and other places. And in exchange for these, the Europaeans, the Africans, the Asiatians, and the Americans, do give the Spaniards such commodities, as their own Country doth not afford. PORTUGAL AND ALGARBIA. HItherto we have described Spain in general, now our Method requireth that we should decipher it in particular and by parts. We said in our general Description, The names and whence so called. that it was diversely divided. But we will make a faithful Description of the parts of Spain, in such order as it is delineated by Hondius. He describeth it in six Tables in this order. In the first Portugal is described: in the second Biscay, Guipuscoa, and Legio: in the third the New and Old Castile's: in the fourth Andalusia, in which is the Country of Hispalis and Gades: in the fifth is Valentia: and in the sixth is Arragon, and Catalonia. Portugal which offers itself in the first place, was anciently called Lusitania, and M. Varro and Pliny do affirm, that it received this name from Lusus the Son of Liber, and Lysa who was drunk with him: for it was called Lusitania, as it were, the Country of Lusus. Marcianus thinketh, it was called Lusitania from a River which is now called Tagus. Some suppose it was called Portugal à Portu Gallorum, which is as much to say, as the Frenchman's Haven. But Andraeas Resendius, The Situation. whose opinion other learned men do follow, doth observe, that the name of Portugal is derived â Portu Cale. This Country, if we consider the breadth thereof from the South Northward, is greater than Old Lusitania, but if we consider the length from the West Eastward, it is lesser. Portugal at this day runneth forth Northward, beyond the meeting of the two Rivers Minius and Avia even to the Town Ribadania, seated on that bank of Avia which looketh toward Gallicia, and a strait line being drawn from thence Eastward, it reacheth even to Miranda, seated upon the River Durius, and from thence toward the South to the Mouth of the River Ana, on that side where it bordereth on Castille, Estremadura, and Andaluzia; on the Northwest it looketh toward the Atlantic Ocean, so that the whole compass thereof is thought to be 879 miles. The temper of the Air. This country hath an excellent sweet and temperate Air, and a clear and fruitful Climate. It aboundeth with Wine, Oil, Oranges, Pome-citernes, The fertility of the Soil. Almonds, Honey and Wax. The fruit of this Country doth excel that which grows in others near unto it. And though the Inhabitants have not out of their fields sufficient store of corn, to sustain them with food, yet there is much transported thither out of France and Germany. This Country doth breed many living creatures, especially great store of Horses, and those so swift of foot, that they imagined them to be begotten by the wind. The ancient Government. The Kingdom of Portugal began about the year 1100, for at that time it become a part of Spain. Chronicles do mention, that the first of the Line of the Kings of Portugal was Henry Duke of Lotharingia, Earl of Limburg, (a man of a great courage and ready of hand) who removing into Spain, married Tyresia the Daughter of Alphonsus the sixth King of Castille and Legio, and took for a Dowry that part of Gallicia and Lusitania which is now called Portugal, and which not long before, by his own valour, he recovered and got from the Saracens and Moors. He dying about the year 1112, there succeeded him his Son Alphonsus, who calling himself Duke of Portugal, was enstiled King thereof by his whole Army, in the year 1139, having obtained a victory against Ismarius, and four other Kings of the Saracens and Moors, leaving to posterity five Sc●cheons for their Arms, in remembrance of that achievement. The● succeeded him almost in a right line, Sanctius, Alphonsus the 2, Sanct●● the 3, Alphonsus the 3, Dionysius who first began to usurp the title of the King of the s A people of Lusitania called also Turdetant. Algarbians, also Alphonsus the fourth, Peter, Ferdina●● john, Edward, Alphonsus the fifth surnamed Africanus, john the 2, E●●nuel, john the 3, Sebastian slain in Africa, Henry the Cardinal, and A●tonius who because he was a Bastard was expelled, Philip the second King of Spain, Nephew to Emanuel by Isabel his eldest Daughter, and Father to Philip the 3, whose Son Philip the 4 doth now reign. The Metropolis of Portugal is Olisippo, as it is called in the ancient faithful copies of M. Varro, Pliny, Antoninus, and Mela. For in vulgar writings it is written sometimes Olysippo, and sometimes t So called, because, as some say, Ulysses in his ten year's travels coming hither built it. Vlysippo, and divert other ways: now it is called Lisbon, or, as the Inhabitants do pronounce it, Lisboa. It is a great Town of traffic, abounding with riches, and it is a famous store-house of foreign commodities, which are brought thither out of Asia, Africa, and America. It hath a pleasant and commodious situation almost at the mouth of the River Tagus: it is now very large, being built on five Hills, and as many Vales or descents, but heretofore it was less, being seated only on one hill as some do report. On that side which is toward the Sea it hath two and twe●●● Gates, and on that side which is toward the Continent it hath sixteen. It hath threescore and seventeen watch-Towres upon the walls. The Parish-churches are twenty five, besides many Chapels and Churches belonging to the Monks, the Anachorets, and the Nuns. The Cities beyond Tagus do acknowledge Lisbon to be the mother-city, as E●●ra (called by Ptolemie Ebura, and now commonly Evora) Begia, commonly called Bega or Beia, and heretofore Pax julia, by Antoninus and Ptolemie Setubal, heretofore named (as Clusius supposeth) Salacia: Also Alcazar de sal in the Country of Algarbia, and Almada, which Ptolemie calls Caetobrix, and Antoninus Caetobriga. Beyond Tagus' not fare from Lisbon Northward the Town of Cascala is seated: and as you come a little nearer to the City you meet with a little Town called Bethl●●m. There are also Leria, Tomar, and Guarda, all Towns of note. Not fare from Tomar lieth Ceice, which Antoninus calleth Celium: Also Alanga●ra by the River Tagus, which Damianus à Goes being his own native Town thinketh to be so called, quasi Alankerke, (that is) the Temple of the Alanes: It was heretofore called jerabrica, but now Coimbra, and it was heretofore the head City of the Kingdom of Portugal. There is also the Town Viseum, commonly called Viseo, Pliny calleth it Vacca, but now it is called Ponte Fouga. The third Council of Toledo doth map of Portugal and Algarbia PORTUGAL AND ALGARBIA. mention Lameca commonly called Lamego. Lastly Braga which lieth between the Rivers Durius and Minius, it is now so called, though Ptolemie calleth it Bracar Augusta, Antoninus Braccara Augusta, and Pliny Augusta Bracarum. It is reported, that it was built by the Gauls, surnamed Braccati, in the year before Christ's birth 290, and the Romans having conquered it, gave it the surname of Augusta. It was heretofore so famous, that here were the seven great Assemblies or Parliaments, which were kept and held in the hithermost Spain, so that four and twenty Cities, as Pliny reporteth, did bring their suits and causes hither to have them tried. The Rivers. The Rivers of this Country are Anas and Guadiana, Tagus or Taio, Mondego or Monda, Durius or Duero, and Minius or Mino: two of these being famous, to wit, Tagus and Durius.) Portugal on the West and South looketh toward the Atlantic Ocean, which, The commodities of the Sea. besides fish which it yields in great abundance, doth afford many other commodities. This Country is indebted unto, and receiveth all her plenty from the Sea, which she acknowledgeth, in so much, that it may more worthily be called the golden Sea, than golden flowing Nilus, because by the help hereof they have commodities imported and brought in from all parts of the earth, so that it standeth in need of nothing; and again those commodities wherewith it aboundeth, it exporteth by shipping to traffic with foreign Countries. There is also (besides the Havens which we mentioned before) the Haven of Setubal, The Havens. Dubal, or Tubal, which lieth Southward from Olisippo or Lisbon. Hear are few Mountains, and those not very great, as namely those which the Inhabitants call Sierra de Monchiquo: The Mountains. de Chaldecatao, de Sordedas, called heretofore the Mountains of the Moon, &c. And these, for the most part, are full of woods and thickets. There are also very great and thick woods, in which the Princes of Spain are wont to hunt. The public & sacred works. In the little Town of Bethleëm, there is a Temple dedicated to the holy Virgin Mary, and built very costly: also the Monument of Emanuel King of Portugal, which he appointed to be built in his own life-time, yet was it afterward enriched and beautified by john the third the Son of Emanuel. There are moreover in that part of Portugal which lieth between Tagus & Durius (as Vasaeus writeth) besides the Metropolitan Church of Bracara, the Cathedral Church in Portug●●, and five other Collegiate Churches, more than an hundred and thirty Monasteries, the most of which have most large revenues, and about 1460 Parish-Churches. In that part which belongeth to the Church of Bracara there are reckoned eight hundred Parish-Curches, whereby you may easily collect and know the fertility of this Country. I do not mention the Hospitals for strangers, The Universities. for the diseased, and for Orphans, the Towers, the fair houses, the pleasant gardens, and Universities which are in this Kingdom, as namely Ebora and u The Masters of this University made the Commentary upon most part of Aristotle, called Schola Conimbricensis. Coimbra or Conimbrica; the first was lately instituted by Henry Cardinal of Portugal, and Precedent of the same City; the other also was lately instituted by john the second King of Portugal. The Portugals are the strongest of all the Spaniards, the quickest, the most nimble, and light of body, so that they can easily pursue or retire from the enemy. Their disposition is to be proud and self-conceited of themselves, Their manners and their own affairs; and they say themselves, that they live by opinion and conceit, that is, they sustain themselves more with that which they think themselves to be, than with that which they truly are. Their traffic. They are skilful in sea-matters, and are famous for their Navigations to unkowne parts of the world, where they grow rich by trading and merchandizing. Under Portugal at this time is the Kingdom of Algarbia. Algarbia whence so called. It taketh its name from the Arabic tongue, and doth signify a happy and plentiful Field or Meadow, in which are all things necessary for traffic. A strait line drawn from the River Anas between the Rivers which are commonly called Vataon, and Carei-vas to the little Town Odeseiza, The Situation. that is, from the East Westward, doth separate from Portugal this Kingdom of Algarbia, which is the lest and unnoted'st Kingdom of all Spain. There are carried hither out of diverse parts of Spain, down the River Anas all sorts of Wines, Sacks, Bastards, Roman Wine, and others of the like sorts, which being shipped, are transported into France, the Low-countrieses, and other parts. The Towns. It hath in it the Towns of Balsa, (so called by Ptolemie, Pliny, Antoninus, and Pomponius Mela, but now Tavila, as Coquus supposeth) and Ossonoba, so called by Pliny & Antoninus; it is called also by Pliny Lusturia, by Ptolemy Ossonaba, by Pinetus Gibraleon, by Clusius Exuba, by Varrerius Estombar, as also by Moralis, and it is thought to be the same which is now called Silvis or Selves. There was also in the same place near the Holy Promontory the City which Pomponius calleth Lacobriga, the ruins whereof are yet to be seen near the Sea-Towne Lagos, at a Village which is called in the Portugal language Lagoa, as Vasaeus writeth. Algarbia at the first was given in dowry by Alphonsus the 10 King of Legio or Leon, (as ancient Annals do report) unto Alphonsus the third King of Portugal, The ancient Government. when he married his daughter Beatrice, which he begat on a whore. Dionysius was derived from this marriage, who first of all began to usurp the title of King of Algarbia. But thus much shall suffice concerning Portugal & Algarbia, I pass to the other parts of Spain. GALLICIA, LEON, AND ASTURIA DE OVIEDO. GALLICIA (which is also written Galecia or Gallaecia, and taketh its name from an ancient people called Callai●● hath on the North and West the Ocean, on the South Portugal with the River Durius flowing between the● and on the East Asturia. The Situation. This Country in regard it hath many rugged mountains, and wanteth water, is but thinly inhabited. It aboundeth so with Horses, that they are supposed to be begotten by the wind. Pliny noteth, that here are rich mines of Gold. Niger writeth that the rivers hereof do bring down earth mingled with gold, silver, and tin, and that the soil itself is full of gold, brass and lead, so th●● golden clods are oftentimes ploughed up. The mountains afford great store of wood for building of ships. The fertility of the Soil. Gallicia doth exceedingly abound with fish: especially with Salmon, Congers, a kind of fish which they call Pescades, and many other dainty fishes, which being salted are carried into diverse parts of Spain. In the month of November and December, a great number of those fish are taken, which they commonly call Vesugos, being two or three pound weight; they are carried f●●● and sweet into Castille and are sold there, for the cold doth easily preserve them: they have an excellent taste, yet those are best tasted which are taken in the Ocean, and not in the Mediterranean Sea. For the cold●● of the Ocean doth fatten the fish, and therefore those which are tak●● most Northward are the best. The most part of the Inhabitants do live in mountains, on which they build convenient houses. Concerning th● name and original of the Callaicians, let the Reader have recourse 〈◊〉 johannes Bishop of Gerunda, Lib. 2 Paralipomenorum Hispaniae, Rodericus T●letanus (Lib. 10. de rebus Hispanicis cap. 4.) and others. The Metropolis of Gallicia is Compostella, where is worshipped S. james the Apostle, who together with the University making the City famous giveth unto it the name of S. jago, The Cities. it was heretofore called Briantia, as Franciscus Tarap●● Ambrose Moralis, and Villanovanus do think; Orosius calleth it Brig●●tia, who saith, that there is in it a very high watch-towre: Ptolemie call it it Flavium Brigantum, Beuterus, Coquus, and joannes Mariana do call it Betancos, Florianus and Gomecius call it Coruna, and johannes Bishop of Gerunda (Lib. 1.) calleth it Compostella, saying it was so called quasi Co●●● Stella, for so the evening star was called which maketh these country's wholesome. There is extant at Salamantica in the Library of the College of our Saviour the History of Compostella, the growth and increase of the Church of Compostella described in two volumes, written by the command of Didacus the first Archbishop thereof: concerning which you may also read Lucius Marineus Siculus, in his fift Book, and i● map of Gallicia Legio GALLICIA, LEGIO, Chapter concerning religious houses in Spain, and the wonderful miracles done therein. The Lesser Towns are Orensium, a City near the River Minius, and called by Ptolemie Thermae Calidae, as Gomecius thinketh in the life of Franciscus Zimenius, where he addeth, that the Swedish people of Germany, who heretofore did subdue these parts, in their native language did call it Warense; though Ortelius saith it should rather be written Warmsee, which signifies the Warm Lake. Also a Town called in Latin Lucus, and by the Inhabitants Lugo, Pomponius calleth it Turris Augusti, Pliny, Aresti, and Arae Sextianae, and Ptolemie Promont●num Arae Sestii, near to the Cantabricke Ocean in Artabria. Also, P●●vetus, Ponte Vedra, and Ribalaeum, commonly called Ribadeo. Other towns Marinaeus Siculus mentions in the beginning of his third Book. Gallicis got the title of a Kingdom a thousand and sixty years after Christ: For that year Ferdinand (the son of Sanctius Major King of Navarre) being King of Castille, when he had married Sanctia the daughter of Alphonsus the fift, and so united the Kingdom of Castille and Legio: having three sons, he made by his will Sanctius King of Castille; Alphonsus King of Legion and Asturia; and Garcia King of Gallicia (which he enjoying in the right of his wife, was till then but an Earldom) and Portugal. Sanctius being not content with this division which his father made, thrust his brother Alphonsus out of his Kingdom, and slew G●●● his other brother. Now when Sanctius had ruled about six years, and was at last beheaded by Vellidus through treachery, Alphonsus who lived as a banished man with the King of the Moors at Toledo, did not only recover the Kingdom of Legio, which his father gave him by Will, but also got the Kingdom of Castille, Gallicia, and Portugal. Alphonsus had three children lawfully begot on three wives, by Isabella Queen of France he had Sanctia, who was married to the Earl Roderick, who brought new Colonies into the City which is commonly called Ciudad-R●●●go; by Zaida a Moor, daughter to the King of Sevill, he had Sanctius, who was slain in a battle against the Saracens; and lastly, by Constantia he had Vrraca, who out living Sanctius and Sanctia (who died without issue) after she had been wife to Raimundus Berengarius Earl of Tolosa, married Alphonsus' King of Arragon, and had an heir by him who was afterward. Alphonsus the seventh, the most powerful King of all his predecessors, and one that deserved to be called Emperor of Spain. From th● time Gallicia, Castille, and Legio have had always but one King. Near to Legio, Leon. & bounding thereon on the North is Asturia, on the West Gallicis, and on the South and East old Castille. The Situation. It taketh its name from the seventh Germane Legion, which was seated and placed here under the command of the Emperor Nerva, as some suppose. The Metropolis hereof is that famous City which taketh its name from the Country, and is called by Ptolemie Legio septima Germanica; Antoninus calleth it Legio Gemina; but it is now commonly called Leon, which name I cannot see why Franciscus Tarapha should rather derive from Leonigildus King of the Goths, than from the Legion itself. Moralis doth deliver also that it was heretofore called Sublantia, and writeth that some evidences of that name are extant in a place but a little distant from Legio, called Sollanco. L. Marina●s Siculus writeth thus concerning the Church of Legio, in his third Book of Spain. Although the Church which the City of Hispalis hath built in our age, doth exceed all the rest for greatness, although the Church of Toledo surpass the rest for treasure, ornaments, and glass windows, and the Church of Compostella for strong building, for the miracles of Saint james, & other things: yet the Church of Legio (in my judgement) is to be preferred before them all for admirable structure and building, which hath a Chapel joining to it, in which lie buried seven and thirty Kings, and one Emperor of Spain. It is worthy of memory that this City was the first from which about the year 716. the recovery of Spain, (which formerly the Moores and Saracens almost wholly possessed) was begun. For (as also Rodericus Toletanus in his sixth Book of Spanish matters for many Chapters together, and Roderick Sanctius in the first part of his Spanish History cap. 11. do relate) Pelagius the son of Fafila Duke of Cantabria, and descended of the royal blood of the Goths, being made King by the remainder of the Christians who fled into the mountains, made a great slaughter on the Moors; and being scarcely entered into his Kingdom took Legio from the enemies. This man afterwards making it the Seat of his Principality, built a new Castle there as a Fort and defence against the violence of their incursions. Asturia. And laying aside the arms of the Kings of the Goths, gave the Lion Rampant Gules, in a field, Argent; which the Kings of Legio do use at this day. Fafila the son of Pelagius succeeded him in the Kingdom, and (he dying issueless) there succeeded him Alphonsus Catholicus, the son of Peter Duke of Cantabria, being descended from the stock of Ricaredus Catholic King of the Goths, who married Ormisenda the only sister and heir of Fafila. The government of Legion remained in the hands of Alphonsus his family, even to Veremundus the 24 King of Legio, who dying in the year 1020. without a Successor, his sister Sanctia married Ferdinando of Navarre, King of Castille, and brought the Kingdom of Legio to be joined and united to his kingdom. Asturia hath on the North the Ocean, on the East Biscay, on the South old Castille, and on the West Gallicia. It produceth and bringeth forth gold, & diverse sorts of colours, otherwise it is but little tilled, and thinly inhabited, except it be in those places which are next to the Sea. Here was the Seat of the ancient Astures, who were so called (as Isidore writeth lib. 9 Etymolog. cap. 2.) from the River Asturia, (whereof Florus maketh mention in the fourth Book of his Roman Histories, and others) From whom Ptolemie calls the Country itself 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and the Latins Asturia, as also Astyria, as is evident by what I have read in ancient marbles. At Rome in the pavement of the Chapel which is in the Temple of Saint Gregory in the mountain Calius, there is a broken marble-table engraved with these words, Acontii L. Ranio. Optato. V C. Cos Curatori. Reip. Mediolanensium Curate. Reip. Nolanorum. Procos. Provincia Narbonensium. Legato. Aug. Et juridico Astyriae. Et. Galaecia. Curatori. Viae Salariae, &c. Moreover I see it called Asturica in a marble-Table, which is at Rome beyond Tiber in a private Roman-citizens house. (I will set down the words in the Description of Italy, where I shall speak of the Alps joining to the Sea) And it is called at this day Asturias. Pliny (lib. 3. cap. 3.) doth divide the Astures into the Augustini and Transmontani. The one being on the hither side of the mountains toward the South, and the other beyond the mountains Northward near the Ocean. Concerning the Astures, Silius the Italian Poet writeth thus (lib. 1.) — Astur avarus Visceribus lacerae Telluris mergitur imis, Et redit infelix effosso concolor Auro. The covetous Asturian will go Into the bowels of the earth below, Whence he returns in colour like gold Oare Which he unhappily digged up before. The Metropolis of the Province is a This City is called by Moletius, Asturum Lucus, and by Tarapha, Brigentium. Oviedo, of which Rodericus Toletan● writeth much (lib. 4. de rebus Hisp. cap. 14.) where among other things he giveth the reason, wherefore it was called the Bishop's City. Here is also Astorga, called anciently Asturica Augusta, and some other small Towns. BISCAY, GVIPUSCOA, NAVARRE, and Asturia de Santillana. BISCAY (as johannes Bishop of Gerunda affirmeth) taketh its name from the Bastuli the ancient Inhabitants of Baetica, The Country whence so called. for they coming from Lybia into that part of Spain which is called Baetica, and being beaten and expulsed thence by the Moors, they fled into the Mountains of Galaecia, and so building themselves houses, the whole Country was called from that time Bastulia, which is now called Biscay. Some do call Biscay Viscaia, which word hath some affinity with the name of the Vascones. The Situation. Biscay is a Country of Spain lying near the Ocean, and very full of hills, out of which arise 150 Rivers. It hath a more temperate Climate than other parts of Spain. For being environed with great Mountains, it is not troubled with too much cold, nor burnt with too much heat. The temper of the Air. The Country is full of trees fit for the building of Ships: which not only Spain doth acknowledge, but other Countries, whither whole ship-loades are often transported. The fruitfulness of the Soil. Hear are abundance of Chesse-Nuts, Hasel-Nuts, Oranges, Raizins, and all kind of Metals, (especially Iron and Black-lead) besides other commodities. Where they want wine, they have a kind of drink made of pressed Apples, which hath an excellent taste. Hear are also store of beasts, The variety of living creatures. fish, fowl, and all things which are convenient and necessary for the sustaining of man's life. The r Whence the Country was called Cantabria. Cantabrians did heretofore inhabit that Country which we now call Biscay, but it was larger than Biscay is now, and contained Guipuscoa and Navarre. These Cantabrians were a famous people, and much celebrated by many Writers. They thought that was no life which was without wars: and when all the people of Spain were subjected, and reduced to the obedience of Rome, The ancient Government. they alone with the Asturians, and some others who joined with them, could not be overcome, until at last C. Caesar Octavianus Augustus did subdue this stout Nation, being broken & wearied by a war of almost five year's continuance, (he himself going against them, and the rest that were not obedient to the Romans) by the industry and valour of Vispanius Agrippa, and of the other Generals which he brought with him. The Towns. There is in Biscay, besides other Towns, one special Town of note called Bilbao, which is, as some do suppose, by changing of the letters (which is frequent with the Spaniards) as much to say as Beluao, that is, Bellum vadum, Didacus Lopeus de Hazo, Prince of the Cantabrians built it, in the year of Christ 1300, or thereabouts. This Town is especially commended for three things, the convenient Situation, the plenty of Co● and the wonderful great traffic and merchandizing which is he● for whatsoever comes or is brought from England, France, or the L● Countries, is transported and carried through this Town into oth● parts of Spain, and whatsoever Spain doth communicate by way 〈◊〉 traffic unto other Countries, it is exported and carried through Hear are Citizens, who at their own proper charge do yearly b● three or four ships. On the side of the City there is a little town the Sea-coast, commonly called Portugallete, from whence a certs River, or rather a great arm of the Sea doth flow into it, even unto 〈◊〉 houses of the Inhabitants. By reason of which, diverse kinds of w● are daily for a small matter imported and exported. There are also f● Havens in Biscay. There is no kind of fish but you may have it he● and that good and new. The Sea-shell-fish here have pearls in th● but of a mean sort. The people of the Country are courteous, me●● and eloquent. It is a custom and fashion that the Virgins in Biscay long as they are unmarried, do never let their hair grow, neither 〈◊〉 they cover themselves with any veil; but presently when they 〈◊〉 married, they cover their heads with a Coif, made like a Helmet, linen cloth of a golden colour, which they wrap up in such a man that it standeth forth a pretty way like an horn upon their forehea● The Spaniards here have great store of trading with the French, The traffic. 〈◊〉 Germane, the English, and other people. It especially affordeth wo● so that all Market-places are full of buyers and sellers. GVIPUSCOA was heretofore the Country of the Cantabrian some do call it Lipuscoa and Lipuisca, The Country. The names. yet corruptly, as Stephanus G●bayus an inhabitant thereof noteth. But whence it hath this appellate I cannot easily determine, The Situation. unless perhaps it taketh it from the ancic City Opuscua. It is enclosed and bounded on the East with the Ri● Vidosone, (which is also called Vidorso, Alduida, Huria, and B●●y● being in the middle between France and Spain) and the Pyrenaan H●● on the South with the Kingdom of Navarre; on the West with Bis● (of which I spoke before) and on the North with the Cantabrick S● This Country is very temperate, The temper of the Air. neither feeling too much cold, 〈◊〉 too much heat of the Sun. It hath a moist and variable Climate. 〈◊〉 is very rugged and mountainous, and therefore it is not every wh● tilled, but yet those places which are tilled are very fruitful. It ha● but few Vineyards, The fertility of the Soil. except it be on that side which is next to the Sc● But it hath every where great store of Iron and Steel, so that no Cou●trey hath better or greater abundance; for so much of it is digged he● as is sufficient for many Countries. Moreover, not only Vulcan's sho● but Mars his Armoury seem to be placed here by Nature: for there here so great plenty and store not only of Iron and Steel, but also 〈◊〉 wrought Armour, that in some writings belonging to the Country it i● deservedly called the Wall or defence of the Kingdoms of Castille and Legio. Navigierus writeth, that in this Country so much Iron & Steel● is digged, that every year they make 80000 ducats gain thereof Therefore not without cause doth Pliny writ, lib. 34. cap. 45. th● there is a whole mountain there of Iron: There is, saith he, a very high map of Biscaia and Guipuscoa BISCAIA AND GVIPUSCOA. mountain of Cantabria on the Sea side (a thing incredible to be spoken) whi●● is all of Iron. Ptolemie, Pomponius, and Pliny do place here the Oroge●●●nes, the Autrigones, and the Varduli. The Metropolis is y This is also called Testosages by Ptolemy, and by Martialis Palladia. Tolosa, seated at the confluence and meeting of Araxis and Orta: There are also oth●● Towns, as Placentia, where there is an incredible company of Iron-smiths; Motrico, or as others think it should be written, Monte is Trico, from the Rock which hangeth over the Town; Fuentara●●● which Ptolemie calls Phlasiobriga; the Fane or Temple of Saint Sebasti●● heretofore called Hisuru, afterward Don Bastia, and now corruptly ●●nastien, signifying the same with Saint Sebastian; for Don signifieth th● among the Cantabrians, which Sanctus doth with the Latins, and Sa●●● with the Castellanes; and many places in Cantabria have, for the mo●● part, diverse names, in regard of the difference of speech: the Cant●●ans call them by one name, the other Spaniards by an other, and the Frenchmen by an other name, and yet they commonly signify one thing. This Town is situated at the mouth of the River which is called by Pomponius Mela Menascus, by Ptolemie Menosca, but now is called in Gurumea, The River Chalybs. or Vramea. The River Chalybs doth rise up hereabout, the water whereof is very good to temper Iron withal, so that the Spani●● do approve of no other Armour, but that which hath been tempered therewith. justine lib. 44. saith, that the bordering people were called Chalybes from this River. The Havens. The Fane of Saint Sebastian hath a very large Haven (not made by humane Art, but by Nature's providence) whe●● ships do ride securely and safely, being defended from the violence 〈◊〉 wind or Seas. The entrance into it is between two Castles, the o●e whereof standing towards the East is built on a high Mountain, The Mountains. high●● than that which is on the West side, which is only placed on a rock The Inhabitants are like in manners to the Inhabitants of Bis●ay, and speak the same language. They are by nature ingenious, politic, 〈◊〉 accomplished, neat, easy to be alured, but hard to be compelled, desirous of honour, stout defenders of their own privileges, nim●● courageous, ready and quick in handling their Arms, and apt forw●● The women also are very strong and of a warlike spirit, well bod●●● well favoured, although they accustom and use themselves to lab●● which is a cause why they are less proud. Those that devil by the Se● side do get much by fishing, and especially by taking those kind 〈◊〉 fish called Baccali. The Kingdom of Navarre, which was also anciently called in Kingdom of Sobabre, in all parts is as fertile, and abounding with 〈◊〉 things necessary for man's life, as any other Kingdom of Spain. Although commonly it be thought to be very small, yet it hath six and fifty walled Cities. The Inhabitants of this Country were heretofore very stout and warlike, and such as oftentimes shaken off the yoke 〈◊〉 the Roman subjection, yet at the last they were wholly subdued, 〈◊〉 brought into obedience to the Romans. When Caius julius the Dicta●●● being killed at Rome, Octavianus Augustus succeeded him. For Augus●● sent four Legions against them, who entering the Province did waste i● with fire and sword. When therefore they saw that they were unable to resist the Roman forces, the most of them fled to the mountains which were very steep and inaccessible, and are now called Navaia; lying length-wayes between Mescua, and Eulates. Hear when they had dwelled a long time, they were called from those Mountains Navinii, and afterwards the Moors possessing Spain did corruptly call them Navarri. But being oppressed by the Tyranny of the Moors, and compelled to forsake their own habitations, they betook themselves to the z Some suppose, that Navarre had its name from a Town among the Mountains called Navarrin. Pyrenaean Mountains, where they chose themselves a King, and for many successions of Kings lived according to their own Laws, even till the year a thousand five hundred and thirteen, when Pope julius the second did by the sentence of Excommunication deprive johannes Albretus King of Navarre of his Kingdom as a Schismatic adhering to Lewis the 12 King of France, and gave a fair pretext & occasion to Ferdinand the Catholic K. to invade Navarre, which he long gaped for; he therefore sending Duke Alban, did drive King john out of his Kingdom, and left it to his Successors. The chief City of Navarre is now commonly called Pampelona, some call it Pompeiopolis, as if it were built by Pompeius Magnus. It is situated under the sixteenth Degree and eleven Minutes of Longitude, and the 44 Degree, and 43 Minutes of Latitude. There are beside these chief Cities, Sanctus johannes, Pedis Portus, Mons Regalis, Amaya, Estella, Olyta, Taffala, and Tudela. THE OLD AND NEW CASTILLE. The Country, whence so called. CASTILIA or Castilia, which taketh its name from the Castle, that King Pelagius (having recovered Legion from 〈◊〉 Moores) did build, was heretofore called Bardulia. T●● describers of Spain do make it twofold, the Old and 〈◊〉 New. Asturia and Biscay do compass the Old Castille 〈◊〉 the North: The Situation of Old Castille. on the West, Portugal; on the South, New Castille; (〈◊〉 Mountains which run through the length of Spain, lying between them) and on the East Arragon and Navarre. The Country is ve●● fertile, full of wine, and all kind of Fruits, Saffron, and all kind of ●●ving Creatures: and this was the beginning of the Kingdom. Pel●●● having taken again Legio from the Moors, built a Castle as a defe●●● against the violence of the Barbarians, The fertility of the Soil. the Governors whereof were ●●●led Earls of Castille, and did acknowledge the King of Legio a long time as their Prince, even to Ordonius the second, the fourteenth King of Asturia and Legio; who having called the Earls and Nobles of Castille 〈◊〉 to him under the colour of parley, beheaded them. This wicked 〈◊〉 the Castilians stomacking, The ancient Government. and having cast off their obedience to 〈◊〉 Kings of Legio, they choose two Judges out of themselves, Nunius ●●ra, and Lainus Calvus, (one to give Judgement, and the other to ove●● matters of war) whose children and posterity were afterward called Earls of Castille, even to Sanctius Mayor King of Navarre, who (whi●● by his warlike valour he had taken Corduba and Toledo from the S●cens, and had thrust out all the Moors out of Navarre, Arragon, Castille Legio, Portugal, and other parts of Spain) restored all Spain to the Christians; and having married Eluira the daughter of Sanctius, Earl of C●stile, and sister to the last Earl of Garsia, writ himself in the right of 〈◊〉 dowry, not Earl, but King of Castille, and left the Kingdom to his S● Ferdinand, who was enriched with the Kingdom of Legio by his w●● Sanctia. Sanctius the son did succeed Ferdinand, and after him his brother Alphonsus; whose daughter Vrraca (for the heir male died) wh●●● after the decease of Raimundus Berengarius Earl of Tolosa (her for● husband) she had married Alphonsus' King of Arragon; the Kingdom of Arragon, The Cities. Castille, and Legio, came to be united. The Metropolis 〈◊〉 Old Castille is the City of a This City was built, or rather repaired by Nugno Belides a German, and contendeth with Toledo for the Primateship of Spain. Burges, commonly called Burgos: Ptole● thinketh it should be called Bravum. It is an ancient City, famous 〈◊〉 many things, and deserveth to be accounted one of the chief City's 〈◊〉 Spain; for it hath an hundred and fifty lesser Towns under it, ever● where beautified with great, fair, and convenient houses, ado●● with market places, streets, bridges, Temples, Friaries, and Rivers and is very notable for the incredible diligence of the Inhabitants o● whatsoever age, sex, or condition. Round about the Metropolis diverse Towns are pleasantly and commodiously seated, as Palentia situate map of Castile THE OLD AND NEW CASTILLE. on the bank of Carrion, Pliny calls it Palantia, as also Mela, Ptolemy, and Appianus: Strabo calls it Pallantia, and Antoninus corruptly Peralantia. Also the Town Valdoletum, heretofore a Royal Seat, and one of the seven Ancient Universities of Spain. It is the fairest and most delightful place, not only in Spain, but also in all Europe, as being seated on the most pleasant bank of Pesuerga: neither is there any City which can be preferred before it, for the fertileness of the soil round about it. It hath a fair and large marketplace, the circuit whereof is seven hundred paces; and whereas this Town is very famous for many respects, yet it is especially honoured by the birth of Philip the second King of Spain. It is commonly called Valladolid, which some do interpret the Vale of Oletus: Ptolemie calls it Pintia, and Antoninus Pincia, as Cusius thinketh. Also Simanca, called by Antoninus Septimanca; and Camora which Ptolemy calls Sarabris, as Clusius thinketh, but Antoninus corruptly Sabaria. Yet Florianus deal Campo, and Gomerius do think that Sarabris was that Town, which is commonly called Tora, and in Latin Taurus, near to the River Durius. b This is a famous University, and instituted by Ferdinand the second of Castille. Anno 1140. Salmantica is not the last in account which Pylaenus calls Salmatis, but is commonly called Salamanca. Not fare from hence, near the River which is commonly called Gad●, is the City of Count Roderick, called anciently Ciudad Rodrigo, which (as Vasaeus and Clusius think) Ptolemy would have to be Myrobrigs. From hence Southward is Coria, heretofore called Caurita, as Clusius writeth: Andraeas Schottus doth affirm that by the Modern Lau●● Writers it was called Cauria. About nine leagues on the East from Ca●ria is Placentia, a fair City; whose Citrons and other Fruits, as also their white bread, are chief commended and desired: it is commonly called Plazentia. Placentia hath many pleasant Towns under her jurisdiction, among which is Xavahicium proud of her woods, and lying in a Valley like an Altar, (as Marinaeus noteth) in the innermost part of a Church. The Mountains adjacent and lying near to Placentia, are named from the City Verade Placentiae. Also c Here Tostatus was Bishop. Avila, called by Ptolemie Olbula, as Clusius would have it. Not fare from the Fountains of A●eva lieth Segobia, which Pliny and Antoninus call Segovia, and Ptolemie Segubia: it is a City famous for Cloath-making, and wherein, as Vassal writeth, this is memorable, that no man is seen idle, neither are there any beggars, unless it be those who are impotent through age or sickness: seeing none do want means how to get a living or how to employ themselves. That City which is now called Aranda near the River Durius, Ptolemie would have to be Rhanda of the Vaccaeans in Tarraconia: Antoninus calleth it Rhanda by the correction of Hyeronimus S●rita; for heretofore it was called Randachunia. That Town which a● uncertain Writer calleth Exoma, Pliny calls Vxoma, who often addeth that this name is often used in other places; it is read Vxsama, with an S. in an ancient Marble: and now it is called Osma. But let so much suffice concerning the Cities and Towns: we pass to New Castille. New Castille on the North cleaveth to the Old Castille, New Castille. on the other sides it is enclosed with Portugal, Extremadura, Andaluzia, Granada, and Valentia: The Situation. It aboundeth with corn and other grain, being situated on either side of the River Tagus. The Metropolis of this Country is Toletum, as the Latins call it; Ptolemy calls it Toleton, now it is called Toledo: and Villanovanus in Ptolemy saith that it was once called Serezola: The fertility of the Soil. it is the Centre and Navel as it were of Spain; it hath a very cliffy, rugged, and unlevell situation, and the ascents are so steep, that it is very difficult travelling through it. The Cities. The River Tagus doth wash the greater part of it, and doth fence it against enemies: it is fortified with 150 watchtowers. There are a great number of Noblemen in this City: The Citizens are very industrious. It is beautified with many fair Edifices and buildings, as also with a rich and stately Church. There have been 18 national Counsels held here, when as so many have not been held in any other place. Madritum, commonly called Madrid, doth reverence Toletum as her mother and Queen: it hath an wholesome air and situation. It aboundeth with all things, and the Kings of Spain have an house of residence in it. Not fare from hence is Villamanta, which (as Montanus and Villonovanus, and Tarapha would have it,) is that Town which Ptolemy calls Mantua in Tarraconia. That Town which by an Arabic word the Spaniards do now call Alcala de Henares, Ptolemy believeth so certainly to be Complutum, that it is called so in Latin in all public acts. It is seated on a plain, near the River which they call Henares, and aboundeth so with all things necessary for man's use, that it needs no supply from other places. Antoninus placeth Segontia between Complutum and Casar-augusta: it is at this day called Siguensa. Now I return to Hispalis, and from thence passing by the Palace, the bridge of Alcantarilla, and the Towns Cabeca and Nebrissa, I come now to the Town Fanum Luciferi, for so the Latins do name it, and Strabo in his fourth Book, where he addeth that it was heretofore called Lux Dubia, now they call it Saint Lucar de Barrameda. Not fare from hence almost four leagues toward the North-east, there is a Town which hath a famous ancient Bridge, now called Talavera, and as Beuterus and Moralis do suppose, named by Livy Aebura. Here are also the Towns Cuenca, which Pliny calls Cacenses: Lebazuza, which Antoninus calls Libisosa; and Caslola veja, which the same Antoninus calleth Castulo. The River Tagus doth water New Castille, together with other Rivers and Rivulets which run into it, and the Springhead of the River Anas or Guadiana is in this Country. But enough of these things, I come now to the public works. Five leagues from Madrid toward the West, you may behold the magnificent and sumptuous Monastery of Saint Laurence, who was of the order of Saint Jerome. The public seats. It was the work of Philip the second King of Spain, and may compare with the Egyptian Pyramids, the Grecian and Roman Temples, theatres, Amphitheatres, or other famous places for the structure: for there is scarce any thing equal or second to it. d Quade reporteth that it hath eleven several Quadrangles, and every one incloistered. The Frontispiece of it looking toward the West, hath three stately gates; the middlemost and chief whereof leadeth you into a Church, a Friary, and a College: that on your right hand bringeth you into the Offices belonging to the Monastery, & that on the left hand bringeth you into the Schools. The four corners are adorned with four curious Towers, which are exceeded by two other Towers placed one by another at the foot of the Church. Above the gates of the Church do stand the Statues of the six Kings of Israel cut out in Marble, and being 17 foot high: on the North side there is a Palace adjoined to the Church, which is able to receive the King and all his train. On the South side there are diverse sumptuous Galleries, and on the East side a garden set with all kind of herbs and flowers, and enriched with many other ornaments. Also an Hospital for the Sick, a Room for an Apothecary, and other places. Lastly, every thing doth so amaze the beholder, that it is better for me to be silent with modesty, than to make a mea●e description of those things which remain. There is also in this Country the famous Palace of Toledo, (re-edified by Charles the fifth) adorned with new buildings and Royal furniture: in which, besides many other singular things, there is a waterwork made by the wonderful invention of an Italian, which by the help of a great wheel, draweth up water out of the River Tagus; and so imposing an artificial violence upon nature, doth force it to ascend through Pipes into the highest pa●● of the Castle, where it being received into one large Cistern, is dispersed again by Pipes, and serveth for the use of the Castle and the whole City: for it doth water gardens, and serveth for Noble men's houses, Stews, Fuller's of cloth, and other necessary uses of the City. Here are two Universities, Complutum a famous Academy for all Arts, which was instituted by Francis Ximenius Cardinal, and Archbishop of Toledo. The Universities. The other is the Academy or University of Toledo, being a famous nursery of Learning and Wisdom. All disciplines and Mechanic Arts are greatly esteemed in the City Toledo; The Trades & Mechanic Arts. and ten thousand men do live thereby, dressing Wool and Silk. ANDALUZIA. In which are the Countries of HISPALIS and GRANADA. ANDALUZIA is a part of Hispania Baetica, it is supposed that it was heretofore called Vandalia from the Vandals, The name and whence derived. a people of Germany, who formerly came into these parts. Therefore some having searched more nearly into the name do think it was called Andaluzia, quasi Wendenhays, that is, the house of the Vandals, yet Marius Aretius doth think it was called Andaluzia quasi ante Lusitania, the letters being somewhat changed. On the East it hath Granada, on the North New Castille, on the West it is bounded with the Dioceses of Badaios and Silvis, & the River Anas; and on the South it looketh toward the Atlantic Sea. The chief part of it is the jurisdiction of Hispalis. This hath on the East Corduba, on the West Algarbia, on the North it cleaveth to that part of Portugal which is called Magistratus S. jacobi. And the other part toward the South is enclosed with Gades, and the Mediterranean Sea. It is in a temperate and flourishing Climate, and is miraculously fertile in bringing forth Corn, The Situation. Wine, Oil, and all kinds of first-fruits, with which it replenishes foreign Countries. Spain in these parts that are encompassed with the Sea (as Pliny saith) may be compared with Italy: which commendations we suppose may be chief understood of that part which looketh toward Hispalis, as being exposed to the Sea, The temper of the air, and fertility of the Soil. and the gentle Western gales of wind. And indeed this Country so aboundeth with all kind of things, & therein so fare excels all the Provinces of the World, that Pliny had worthily preferred it before Italy, but that he being an Italian would not disgrace his own Country. Here is great store of all kinds of Cattles, and especially of Coneys. We said before, that Andaluzia took that name from the Vandals, because they being driven out by the Goths seated themselves in this place: though afterward being thrust out from hence, they went into Africa. Thus it was: Roderick the 25 King of the Goths, The Ancient Government. in whom the line of the Kings of the Goths was extinguished, did sand one julianus an Earl to Mauritania Tingitana as Governor thereof: and in his absence did violate his daughter's chastity, making a whore of her; which when her father heard, he called the Saracens out of Africa, thinking thereby to ease his just sorrow, by revenging it on the King who was the cause thereof. These Saracens coming in by the Straitss of Hercules in the year of Christ 714. under the conduct of their Captain Muzamissus, in two year's space got possession of all Spain, except Asturia which was fortified by the natural situation of the place. In this little time there were slain on both sides 700000 men. The Saracens having gotten the Empire, and having rooted out the Christian Religion as much as they could, they divided the Kingdoms among themselves. The first Kingdom that they instituted was at C●duba, which they called Abenalibeticum. The other was at Hispalis, 〈◊〉 the third at New Carthage. But at last being driven out of these part 〈◊〉 Ferdinand the third, they went unto Granada in the year 1216. and afterwards by Ferdinand the sixth were quite thrust out of Spain in the yea● 1494. The Metropolis of this Country is that which Pliny calls Hisp●lis, Ptolemie Ispalis, Silius Hispal, Gratianus Spalis, and which now is called Sevill. Arius Montanus thinketh that Hispalis is a Carthaginian name, dived from Spila or Spala, which signifies a plain or green country. So● (among whom is F. Tarapha) do refer the name thereof to Hispalis 〈◊〉 son of Lybian Hercules, but Isidorus, as in many other things, is ridicule in this matter, for when he had noted that this City was built by I● Caesar, and so called from his name and the City of Rome julia Romul● saith that it was so named Hispalis from Piles or Stakes upon which 〈◊〉 supposed either all or part of the City to be built, as being situate 〈◊〉 moorish place. It is a City near Baetis pleasantly seated, e It is 6 miles in compass. great in co●passe, round in form, beautiful, and adorned with Temples, and ma● houses. So many things may be declared concerning it, that there is 〈◊〉 ancient Proverb of it, Quien no ha' Visto Sevilla, no ha' visto Maravilla, hath been the mother and fosterer of many happy wits, among whi● was f Here likewise studied Avicen, Pope Silvester the second, and Leander. Benedictus Arias Montanus, a great Divine, and very skilful in ●vers languages, as his works set forth by him do witness. Having s●ken something of the Metropolis, I will describe some of the other City's, not keeping any certain order, yet so, as that which is neare● the Metropolis shall be placed first. Five leagves from Hispalis is P●um, or Palantia, which is commonly called Palacios, from an ancic Castle that standeth on one side of it. It is seated in the way which ●deth to S. Lucar, and the Gaditan Straitss. Next unto this is Cabaca, a 〈◊〉 Town seated in the entrance of the mountains, which do extend themselves Southward toward Malaga, and Cabecis, (three leagves off tow● the North East) commonly called Lebrixa, by Ptolemie Nebrissa, and 〈◊〉 Pliny Veneria. The builder thereof is supposed to be Liber Pater. It is pleasant and a pretty little Town with an ancient Castle, encompass round about with pleasant fields, and is famous by reason of Aelius A●tonius once a citizen thereof and an ornament and honour to all Sp●i● Moreover the Town which is commonly called Carmona, by Sir● Carmon, by Antoninus Carme, and by Ptolemie, Chermenia and Marches heretofore (as saith Onuphrius) called Martia; this Town is seated 〈◊〉 little hill which hath a plain on every side for its prospect. There are 〈◊〉 so these towns, Loja, on the right hand bank of Baetis: Axalita built old stone (as Clusius witnesseth) and called Flavium Axalitanum, as appears by an ancient inscription: Moron, heretofore called by Cluse Arucci; Ossuna called by Appianus, Orsona; by Strabo, Orson; by Pliny, V● and Genua or Gemina Vrbanorum; by ancient Inscriptions, Vrsaon; and 〈◊〉 Hirtius, Vrsao. The town Eceja, by the river Singulis, Xenil or Chenil, called by Ptolemie, Astygis; and by Pliny, Augusta Firma, is a little Tow● 13 leagues from Hispalis. Penastor (in the mid way between Hispalis 〈◊〉 Corduba on the right hand bank of Baetis) which Ptolemie, thinketh to 〈◊〉 Illipula magna, but Pliny, Ilpa Italica in the jurisdiction of Hispalis; and 〈◊〉 map of Andalucia ANDALUZIA. many miles hence on the bank of the same River, Corduba, commonly called g From hence comes our Cordovan leather. Cordova. Pliny saith, it was named Colonia Patricia, and Mor●●● doth also prove the same by inscription on an ancient marble; Iohann●● Gerundensis saith that it was called Corduba, quasi Cor Baetis, that is, the heart of Baetis. It hath bred famous Soldiers, and great h Here was borne Lucan the Poet, & the two Seneca's. Scholars. And it is happy in her fruitful fields, pleasant gardens, and beside many other gifts, in her wholesome waters, Silius the Italian Poet lib. 3. calleth the soil of Corduba a golden soil when he saith, Nec decus auriferae cessavit Corduba terrae. Corduba's soil is of so rich a mould It will not yield to that which beareth gold. Five leagues from Corduba, Southward, is Mons Mayor commonly called Monte Mayor, Ptolemie thinketh it to be Vlia a City in Hispania Baetica, and so doth Antoninus. Some few leagues from Corduba is Montoro, Ant●●nus supposeth it to be Epora. Ptolemie erroneously calleth it Ebura instead of Epora, (when notwithstanding the former is not a Town of Ba●●● but of Lusitania) but worst of all Pliny who nameth it Ripepora Faeder●rum. Not fare from Lucar is the Town which the Spaniards call Xe● de la Frontera, as though it were the beginning and bound of Spain 〈◊〉 that side where it standeth. This town Navagierus thinketh to be the same with that which Livy and others call Asta: Antoninus with 〈◊〉 asperation calleth it Hasta, Moralis writeth that it doth still retain the name of Asta, and thinketh it to be that place near the river Gu●d●●, which is commonly called Masa de Asta. But Ortelius supposeth that 〈◊〉 was drowned with the Island Tartessus in the mouth of Baetis. An hundred furlongs from the mouth of Baetis standeth the Town Chi●●●● which Strabo (lib. 3.) calleth Capionis Turris. At the mouth of the Ri●●● Lethes, (which is now called Guadelet, or in the Arabian language B●●●● there is a Town which is called Portus S. Mariae, and commonly ●●●erto de S. Maria. Having passed over Lethe's the next town you shall 〈◊〉 withal is i Whose Duke was Captain General of the Invincible Armada, A. 1588. Medina Sidonia, and somewhat more Southward toward the Sea-shoare is Conilium a famous town of Spain, six leagues d●s●●● from the City GadiZ, and subject to the Duke of S. Lucar, and Medi●●●donia. There is also Carteja, called commonly k So called because Tariff, the Leader of the Moors into Spain, here landed. Tariffa; and not far 〈◊〉 thence is the Town Vegelium, commonly called Vegel It is indeed a 〈◊〉 Town, but yet famous for the situation and beauty of it, for it is 〈◊〉 on a hill which is environed round about with a large plain, so that 〈◊〉 hath a fair prospect, as fare as the eye can reach, not only upon the plains and green meadows, toward the East, as also the Mountain's 〈◊〉 Africa, and the Southern coast, but likewise upon the great & trouble some Ocean toward the North and West. Lastly, from hence toward the Northwest lieth the town l Hard by this Town was fought the notable battle between Caesar and the sons of Pompey. Munda, for so Pliny nameth this tow●● which now is called Monda, though some do think that to be old M●●da which now is called Ronda veja. There are in the Diocese of Hisp●●●, an innumerable company of Monasteries and Nunneries. It would be a tedious thing to reckon up the Hospitals for strangers that are in this country, seeing there are in Hispalis itself an hundred and twenty, which are richly endowed some of them having eight thousand Crowns, and some fifteen thousand Crowns yearly revenue. Hispalis is the most beautiful of all the Cities of Spain, in regard of the Religious houses and Churches which are therein: among many Churches, the chiefest is the Church dedicated to Saint Mary, than which the Christian world cannot show a better, if you consider either the greatness and majesty of the work, which carrieth with it an excellent beauty; or if you behold the height of the Tower, wrought with admirable workmanship, from whence there is a pleasant prospect over all the City, and the fields that lie round about it. What shall I describe the royal furniture of the King's Castle in this City, than which the Kings of Spain have none more fairly or curiously built? What should I mention the Palaces here belonging to Dukes, Earls, and other Nobles? Or why should I speak of the Citizen's houses, adorned with pleasant Fountains and Gardens? I pass by the ancient Aqueducts, by which water is conveyed into several parts of the City, and those later which were brought with great cost and labour to the Pillars, commonly called Hercules Pillars, and dedicated to public delight, besides many other ornaments of this City since, I fear jest I be tedious. VALENTIA AND MURCIA. The Country whence so called. VALENTIA taketh its name from the Metropolis the● of, being a fair Mart-Towne, and of great antiquity On the South it looketh toward Murcia: on the Westward both the Castile's: The Situation. on the North toward Ar● and on the East the Sea beateth on it. It hath a more ●perate Air, The temper of the Air. and a more pleasant Climate than any other part of Sp● yea the Kingdom of Valentia hath such a gentle Climate, (the wa● Western winds breathing upon it) that at any time, even at Chri● and in the Month of januarie the Inhabitants may carry Posies 〈◊〉 flowers in their hands, as they do in other places in April and May, It 〈◊〉 an excellent Country, having plenty of all things, as Sugar, Wine, Oil 〈◊〉 Corn, and diverse other fruits. It hath Ours of Silver in a p● which they call Buriel, The fertility of the Soil. between Valentia and Dertosa. And there 〈◊〉 stones found which have, as it were, golden veins and lines runn● through them, in a place which is called Aioder. At the Promont's Finistratum there are Iron Mynes, and near to Segorbia there are so● signs remaining of a Quarry, out of which Marble was heretofore digged and carried to Rome. In some places Alabaster is digged up, b● Alum, Tin, Marking-stone, and Chalk is found every where. Th● Moores by a long succession of Dukes held the City of Valentia for 〈◊〉 long time, though it had been often besieged by the Kings of Ara● until james the first, King of Aragon by a long siege obtained it, 〈◊〉 enforced their Captain Zaen Maure together with fifty thousa●● Moors to departed the City, The ancient Government. and to fly unto Denia, carrying with the● their Gold, Silver, Armour, and Householdstuff. Valentia being th● forsaken, King james sent a Colony to replenish it again. The Colo● consisted of Catalonians and Arragonians, their Captain being Bereng●us Palatiol Bishop of Barcelona: Vidalus Cavelia Bishop of Ossa: Peter Fe●dinandes d' Acagra, and Simon de Vrrea Knights; they distributed t● whole City among the new Inhabitants, which were 384 families, according to their several dignities, and adorned the Common-wea● with new Laws. This Country obtained the title of a Kingdom 〈◊〉 the year of Christ 788, as Ortelius writeth out of Petrus Metinensis, 〈◊〉 Petrus Antoninus Beuterus. The History hath it thus: Hisen King of C●duba being dead, there succeeded him in the year of Christ 788 〈◊〉 son Alca, whose uncle Aodala Lord of Valentia called to him 〈◊〉 Brother (whose name was Culema, and had been disinherited) out 〈◊〉 Taviar; these two Brethrens uniting their forces, came to Corduba, a● endeavouring to expel their Nephew out of his Kingdom, were ove● come in battle, so that Aodala fled for his safety, and returned to Val●tia: map of Valentia and Murcia VALENTIA, AND MURCIA. But the chief of the Moors interposing themselves between the Uncles and the Nephew, they brought them to that agreement, that Aodala should writ himself King of Valentia, and that Culema should receive every month out of the revenues of Valentia a thousand of Moradines' (which was a kind of money) for the maintenance of his table, and five thousand Moradines more for the provision of other necessaries. To which agreement when Aodala had consented, he first styled himself the King of Valentia. The ancient Inhabitants of Valentia were the Hedetani, which (as Ptolemie thinketh) were the same with the Sedent●ni. Secondly the Biscargitanis, whose Metropolis was Biscargis, whereof there is some mention made in the Inscription of Caesar's coin, as Ha●, Goltzius witnesseth: and these seem to have been of the Heditanians, seeing Ptolemie names Biscargis to be amongst them. Thirdly the Leo●acenses, whose Metropolis Ptolemie calls Leonica, and placeth it also among the Heditanians. Fourthly the Contestani, from whom Pliny nameth the Country of Contestania in Tarraconia. Their memory is preserved by the Town Contayna, or, as some pronounce it, Contentaina, at the head of that River, at the mouth whereof the Town Oliva is seated over against the Pityusian Lands. Fiftly, the Lusones, whom Appianus placeth by the River Iberus in Iberia, near to the Numantines, but Strabo at the Fountains of Tagus. Sixthly, the Lobitanis, whose Metropolis Ptolemie 〈◊〉 Lobetum, and which Beuterus writeth was first called Turia, afterward Avarazin, and last of all as at this day Albarazin. Seven, The Tuboletae in Iberia, near to the Saguntines, from whom Ptolemie calleth the City Turbula, now perhaps called Torres. Lastly the Celtiberi, so called by Pliny lib. 3. cap. 3. Pomponius Mela lib. 3. cap. 13. and other Latins, but by Ptolemie Celtiberes; for though some do place them in Old Castille, yet the most in Valentia. Among the Cities of this Kingdom Valentia (commonly called Valencia) is the Metropolis, and a Bishop's Seat: It was built by King Romus, as Vasaeus and others writ, and from him called Rome: And the Romans having afterward amplified and enlarged it, did call it Valentia, a name signifying the same which 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek doth. But this seems a fable to Resendius, who reporteth, that it was built and so named by the Portugals and other Soldiers. It is seated in the innermost part of the Bay of Sucronia, on the right-hand Bank of the River Turia. It is famous for its manners, institutions, and m Hear S. Dominick Father of the Dominican Friars studied. profession of all Arts both Liberal and Mechanic. It is happy in great wits, and desirous to preserve peace and concord within itself. It hath many Gentlemen in it, and is very rich in Merchandise. We will not pass by that which L. Marinaeus Siculus noteth concerning the Valentians: They have (saith he) a custom every year on the Feast of Saint Matthew, that having made many supplications and prayers, they repair to the place of execution, and there they take up the bodies of those who have suffered death, whether they be hanged up, or lie on the ground, gathering also together their scattered bones, if any be; and by and by having laid all things on a Beer, they carry them to the common buryingplace of the City, and there with sacrifices and prayers do bury them. Petrus Medinensis relates, that there are in this City ten thousand springs of water. Heretofore on the lefthand bank of Turia not fare from Valentia stood Saguntum, which Ptolemie affirmeth to be a City of the Heditani, Strabo and Pliny do place it a mile off from the Sea; Strabo calleth it Saguntus, Stephanus Zacynthus, and Antoninus corruptly Secundum and Secunthum. The most do think it now to be the same with Morvedere, being so called, as some suppose, from the ancient walls thereof. Appianus maketh it the Colony of the Zacynthi; some do suppose, that Saguntis the Son of Hercules was the builder of it, and some would have it named from the Iberian Sagi. Silius the Italian Poet describeth the situation of it in his first Book: Livy in his 30 Book saith, that the walls of Saguntum were cemented with Lime and dirt mingled together, which was an ancient kind of building. It seemeth by Pliny, that the Saguntini did heretofore reverence Diana; being brought thither by the Zacynthians their Progenitors, two hundred years before the destruction of Troy. Pomponius Mela saith, that the Saguntians are faithful in the midst of troubles and adversity. Concerning the overthrow and devastation of this noble City, which through their admirable constancy and great fidelity towards the Romans happened in the year from the building of the City 535, (M. Lucius Salinator, and L. Aemilius Paulus being Consuls) you may read and have recourse to Livy, lib. 21. Polybius, lib. 3. Orosius, lib. 4. cap. 14. Eutropius, lib. 3. Florus, lib. 2. cap. 6. Silius the Italian, lib. 1. Valerius Maximus, lib. 6. cap. 6. Augustine, lib. 3. de Civit. Dei, cap. 20. Aemilius Probus in Hannibal, Cicero in his Philippics, and many others. There are also at this day these famous places in Valentia: First Segorbia, which Ptolemie and Strabo, as also Vasaeus, Clusius, Tarapha, Emanuel Henricus, and Augustus his coin do call Segobriga. Pliny also calleth the Inhabitants Segobricenses, placing them in the chief part of Celtiberia. But Moralis thinketh, that Segobriga should be called Injesta, or Cabeca el Griego: and joannes Mariana is of the same opinion. Hieronimus Surita professeth that he knew not where this Segorbia was. Secondly, there is Denia, called by Cicero and Pliny (as Florianus, Morialis, and Clusius will have it) Dianium, and Dianium Stipendarium. Thirdly, Incibilis, so called by Livy, and by Frontinus Indibilis, where Scipio put Hanno Captain of the Carthaginians to flight: It is thought by Florianus to be Chelva. Fourthly, that Town which Pliny calls Illici, Ptolemie Ilicias, Pomponius Illice, and in the Inscription of coin Ilce Colonia; Ptolemie also calls it Illicitani (whence cometh the appellation of the Illicitane Bay) and now some call it Alicanta, and others Elche, which cometh somewhat nearer to truth. Fifthly Belgida, a City of Celtiberia which still keepeth its old name. Sixthly Leria, which Ptolemie calls Hedeta, (whence the Heditani have their name) Clusius and Moralis Oliete, and later Writers Liria. Seven the Town which Florianus calls Orcelis, and Gomecius and Clusius Horivela and Oriola, but Nebrissensis Zamora. Eightly, the Town which Livy and Ptolemie call Bigerra, Beuterus and Vasaeus Bejar, and Clusius Villena. Ninthly the Town which Strabo calls Setabis, Ancient Stones Saetabis, (as Clusius witnesseth) and is now called according to Florianus his opinion Xativa. This Country hath many Rivers, The Rivers. and especially Turia, which Pomponius calleth Duria, and Ptolemie Dorium. The Inhabitants do keep the Arabic word, calling it Guetalabiar, which signifies pure Water. This River bringeth great commodities to those places by which it floweth. There is also the River Xucar (called of old Sucron and Surus) which riseth out of the Mountains of Orespeda. The Mountains. Valentia hath two Mountains, which are called Mariola and Pe●nagolosa, which being full of diverse sorts of rare herbs and plants, do cause a great number of Physicians and Herbalists to resort unto them out of diverse parts of Spain, in regard of the rarities which are found there. The City of Valentia being venerable for antiquity, hath many ancient Marbles which remain to posterity, engraven with Roman inscriptions, some of which may be seen in Beuterus, Ambrose Morals, Hottomannus and others. The public works. In the City of Saguntum, now called Morve● there was a Theatre, a Scene, and many other Relics of antiquity, as the Sepulchers of the Sergii, of L. Galba, and Sergius Galba, and other Romans, with the stones whereof a Monastery was built for the Fri●s of the Order of the Trinity. Valentia hath a famous University in the City so called, and also an other University at Gandia, which was 〈◊〉 long since erected and founded by the Duke of Gandia, that the Fathers of the Society of jesus (of which Society he become one himself) might study there. The City of Valentia, in regard of its government of the Commonwealth, doth excel all the Cities in Spain. The Country wherein this City is seated is inhabited, for the most part, by a Nation which are descended from the Moors, and therefore they do yet retain their Ancestors speech and manner of life. That is not to be omitted which M. Tully doth speak in his last Oration against Ve●●, in the praise of Valentia: Valentinorum (saith he) hominum honestis●morum testimonio, that is, by the testimony of the Valentians who are most honest men. The Trades. Much silk is made in this Kingdom. Valentia (as Olivarius Valentinus writeth) hath great store of traffic and trading: for diverse sorts of wares are exported from thence, as silke-thread of all colours, and raw silk as it comes from the Silkworm, the best clock also is carried from thence into the Isles called Baleares, The traffic. and into Sicil● and Sardinia: Besides, there is exported from thence Rice, Wheat, Sugar, Raizins, Figs, and preserved fruits into many Countries in Europe. ARRAGON AND CATALONIA. ARRAGON took its name either from the Autrigonians, a people of Spain, as Laurentius Valla witnesseth; The Country whence so called. or from Tarracone an ancient City, as it pleaseth Antonius Nebrissensis and Vasaeus. Some suppose it was so called from the River Arragon, which rising there, doth flow into Iberus. Some do derive it from the the Altar of Hercules, called in Latin Ara, and his sports called Agonalia: which if it be true, it is a wonder that Ancient Writers are so silent concerning Arragon. The Situation. Navarre cleaveth to this Kingdom on the Northwest, Calatrava toward the Southeast: On the South-west it looketh towards Castille, and on the North it hath the Pyrenaean Mountains. The quality of the Soil. The Country is for the most part rugged & dry towards the Pyraenean hills, so that you shall not meet with a house for many day's journeys: yet here are some fruitful Valleys abounding with the best corn, and other first-fruits, and it is refreshed with sweet Rivers. All Writers do report that Ranimirus was the first King of this Kingdom. The Cities. He was made King of Arragon, in the year 1016. But concerning the Kingdom and the Kings of Arragon, as also Valentia and Catalonia how and from whom they had their beginnings, and of their union, The ancient Government. you may read Rodericus Sanctius in the first part of his Spanish History. cap. 13. Also Lucius Marinaeus Siculus de Regibus Hispaniae, lib. 8. and others. The Metropolis and head City of the Kingdom, Pliny and others do call Caesar-Augusta, Ptolemy Caesarea-Augusta. It is now called Sarragosa, and is a famous University. They report that the builder thereof was juba, King of Mauritania, who called it Saldyba, that is, the house of juba: but afterward, the former name being left off, it was called Caesar-Augusta. It is seated on the bank of Iberus, in a plain place, and hath a long stone bridge which serveth the Inhabitants to pass over the River, (as Strabo speaks in his third book). The City lieth in the form and shape of a shoe-sole: It hath four gates looking to the four quarters of the world. It is encompassed with strong walls, and well fortified with many Towers. In this City the Kings of Arragon were wont to be crowned by the Archbishop & Primate of the whole Kingdom. The other Cities are these; first that which Ptolemy and Plutarch do call in Latin Osca, and is now called Huesca; but Velleius Paterculus fabulously calleth it Eteosca, where he writeth that Sertorius was slain. Secondly the City Tyriassona near the Mountain Cacus, which some do suppose was built by the Tyrians and Ausonians. Thirdly jacca, lying in a valley, heretofore the Seat of the jaccetani. Fourthly Calatajut, standing in a Plain, and built 〈◊〉 of the ruins of Bilbilis, which together with many other Monuments Antiquity, are to be seen a mile and an half from the Town, o● Hill which is commonly called Bambola or Baubola. This Mountain enriched almost on every side with the River Salon or Xalon, where ●lerius Martialis lib. 10. Epigram. 103. doth place Bilbilis, being bor● Citizen of it; Paulinus calleth it Bilbilis hanging on the rock: Ptole● corruptly calleth it Bilbis, and Marshal calleth it Augusta Bilbilis, as 〈◊〉 do the Inscriptions of ancient coin. Fifthly Barbastrum (famous 〈◊〉 Iron Crossbows) which Ptolemie calls Burtina, and Antoninus B●rt● as some think. Sixthly Monsonium, seated in the middle or nave●● the Kingdom, not fare from the Bank of the River Cinga, 〈◊〉 which there is a hill, from whence the Town taketh its name. 〈◊〉 Town that is famous by reason of the meeting and convention of Kingdoms of Arragon and Valentia, and the Principality of Cata● where it standeth. It is commonly called Moncon, and hath not one● fruitful Soil, but a sweet and open Air. Seven Fraga, bet● Ilerda and Caesar-Augusta: Ptolemie calls it Gallica Flavia, and Anto● Gallicum, as Varronius thinketh, though some do place Gallicum 〈◊〉 where now stands Zuera. Eigthly Gurrea, heretofore called 〈◊〉 Gallorum, which Antoninus placeth between Caesar-Augusta and the ●renaean Hills. Ninthly, Ajerbium, where it is thought that E● sometime stood, which Antoninus and others do mention. 10 lie V●● which Aimonius calleth Orgellum, and Ptolemie Orgia. It is a Town fare from the Fountains of Sicoris or Segre. There were also o● Towns which are now so ruinated, that there remains nothing 〈◊〉 them; among which was the Town Calagurris Nassica, being an● besides that in Navarre. The Citizens thereof are called Calagu● by Caesar in his first Book of Commentaries: and Suetonius noteth 〈◊〉 Augustus had a Guard of them, (in the life of Augustus cap. 49.) 〈◊〉 nameth them Nassici. The Rivers here are Iberus or Ebro, and Gall● Gallicum with others. map of Aragon and Catalonia ARRAGON. AND CATALONIA. Aut fugies Vticam, aut unctus mitteris Ilerdam: From Utica thou either now shalt flee, Or else sent to Ilerda thou shalt be. Hear Pope Calixtus the third taught publicly the knowledge of the Law, as Platina witnesseth. These things may suffice which have been spoken hitherto concerning Spain. But yet I think it fit to add, by way of conclusion, the excellent testimony of a Frenchman concerning this Kingdom, wherein whatsoever we have hitherto said in praise and commendation thereof, is briefly and pithily repeated by way of recapitulation. This Frenchman whom I mentioned, was called in Latin Pacatus, who writ a most learned Panegyric to Theodosius the Emperor being a Spaniard, in which he speaketh to this purpose. Now it will appear, that he is declared Prince, who aught to be chosen of all men, and out of all men. For first, Spain is thy Mother, a Land more happy than all other Countries, (the great Fabricator and Maker of all things hath been more favourable, in enriching and adorning this Country, than the Countries of others Nations) for it is neither obnoxious to the Summer's heat, nor subject to the Northern cold, but is seated in the temperate Climate, and by the witty diligence of Nature, it is, as it were, an other world, as being enclosed on one side with the Pyrenaean Mountains, here with the Ocean, and there with the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Besides, add to this the many famous Cities which are therein, the whole Countries being either tilled, or full of fruits and flocks, the gold-bearing Rivers that water it, and the sparkling precious stones that every it; I know that Poets in their Fables which they have invented to please the ear, have attributed miraculous things to some Nations, which whether they are true or not, yet are very strange: neither do I now seek out the truth: Let Gargara (as it is written) yield a great increase of corn: let Menavia be praised for her flocks, Campania for the Mountain Gaurano, Lydia for the River Pactolus, Spain hath every thing that is praiseworthy. It bringeth forth hardy Soldiers, expert Captains, eloquent Orators, and famous Poets. This Country is the Mother of Judges and Princes: this Country yielded the Emperor's Trajan and Adrian, and the Empire is beholding to this Country for thee. Let Crete, which boasteth of jupiters' being nursed in it when he was a child, give place to this Country: let Delos, honoured by the birth of two Gods, and noble Thebes of Hercules who was brought up there, yield unto it. We know not whether you believe what you have heard, but Spain had lent us this Godlike Emperor who is now present, & whom we see▪ He that desires to know more concerning Spain, let him consult a● have recourse to johannes Vasaeus, Marinaeus Siculus, Marius Aretius, D●mianus à Goes, Franciscus Tarapha, the Bishop of Gerunda, Annius Vi●●biensis, Florianus à Campo in Spanish, Ambrose Moralis and others. Among the Ancients also we may consult and have recourse to Caso Strabo, and others, whom Damianus à Goes showeth in his Book entitled Hispania. CATALONIA MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED. CATALONIA was heretofore called Marcha Hispanica; Comitatus Barcinonae, and Hispaniarum Marchionatus. The names. This Country of Spain lieth farthest Eastward of all the rest. It hath on the West the Valentinians & Arragonians near unto it; from the former it is separated by the River Alcanar or Cenia, from the later in some places by the River Arnesius, in other parts by the Rivers Iberus, Sicoris, and Nogvera. On the South it stretcheth itself lengthward toward the Mediterranean Sea: The Situation. On the East, near to the Lake Salsulae or Salsas, and a Castle of the same name built there by the Emperor Charles the fifth, over against the impregnable Castle of Leocata, which is upon the Frontiers or entrance into France, it toucheth Aquitania: Lastly on the North it is bounded with the Pyrenaean Hills. It is more than eight hundred Italian miles in compass. It is in length from the Lake Salsulae to Valentia two hundred and fifty miles, and in breadth from the Vale of Caralis or Calaris to the shore of Barcinon ninety four miles. In Summer it hath every where a good wholesome Air, and is temperate in Winter, especially toward the Seashore, which lieth Southward. The temper of the Air. For that part which is Northward is cold, and hath many snows. The whole Country, unless it be in some par● 〈◊〉 is very mountainous, and yet it hath many green Meadows, flourishing Pastures and very fruitful Valleys. The Country in general hath such store of Corn and Pulse, The fertility of the Soil. but especially Apples, Wine, and Oil, that it is inferior unto none. Neither doth it want Ours of Gold, Silver, and other metals, which the River Sicoris declareth by those fragments or sands of gold and silver which it casteth up when it overfloweth; as also some other Rivers of Catalonia. The best Iron is digged forth here in great plenty, besides Brass, Steel, and Led. Of late there was found near Signimont a fruitful vein of shining precious Stones, which are of a blue or Violet-colour, called Amethysts. There is also found near unto the Town of Tivica the Onyx, which resembleth a man's nail in whiteness, having some veins which run through it, which are in colour like the Sardonix or jasper: Blood stones also which have a great virtue to stay blood are found on the East side of Rubricatum or Lobregat. The Dertosians have many Quarries of jasper, which shineth & is of many colours, as purple green, pale, Rose-colour, white, and duskish. At Tarraconia and Benda diverse kinds of Marble are digged up out of the bowels of the Earth: and in some places shining and translucent Alabaster is digged forth, of which they make windows to let in the light, and to keep out the wind; these are the stones with which Pliny confesseth that the higher Spain doth abound. Many places in Catalonia do yield Alum, and Cobbler's Ink or Blacking: also Hemp for Rope-making, which (as Pliny witnesseth) is as white and fine as any flax, by reason of the nature of the water wherein it is steeped. And seeing I am fallen into this matter, I cannot but in praise of the plenty of all things which Catalonis hath, make mention how that this Country doth build Ships of great burden, even from the Keel to the highest Sails, but especially Galleys; The variety of living Creatures. and having furnished them with all warlike provision, they launch them forth into the Sea near to Barcinona: Besides, innumerable wild Beasts do wander through the Forests of this Country, & great store of Cattles every where. The ancient Inhabitants. The Ancients did place diverse sorts of people in this part of Spain, as first the Castellani, whom Ptolemie calls 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and Villanovanus and Verrerius do call them Ducatus Cardone. 2 Those whom Avienus calls Indigeti: Ptolom. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and Stephanus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 3 Those whom Livy and Ptolemie call Ilergetes, and Polybius lib. 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Fourthly those whom Marshal calls Laletani, Ptolemie 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Strabo 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Fifthly those which Aimonius calls Cempsi, and Dionysius and Eusthathius 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Sixthly, those whom Pliny calleth Coretani, juliani, and Augustini, Ptolemie 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Strabo 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Silius Ceretani, Avienus Ceretes, and Stephanus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, of whom there appears and are yet remaining some tokens in Cerveira, Puigcerda, and Condado de C●dania. Seven those whom Xilander calleth Vetteres an ancient people in Tarraconia, dwelling between the River Iberus and the Pyreneus Hills, near to the Sea, and called by Strabo 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, though Causa●●● would have them called Secerrae, whom Antoninus maketh mention of Eigthly the Ligyes, whom Thucydides lib. 6. and Halicarnassus lib. 1. do call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, who dwelled near to the River Sicanis, and are those perhaps whom Avienus calls Ligures. Ninthly those whom Livy and Pliny call Ansetani, and Ptolemie 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 10, Those whom Pliny calls Lar●●s●●, near to the River Larnus, at the roots of the Pyrenaean Mountains And lastly, those whom Ptolemy calls 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, near to the City Dunsa, Livy Ilercaonenses, and Caesar Ilurgavonenses. Catalonia is famous both for strong and wise men, for wonderful achievements, and for many victories gotten by diverse Nations. For in Catalonia the Carthaginians heretofore contended against the Inhabitants, Their ancient valour and virtue. the Romans against the Carthaginians, the Goths against the ●●mans, the Saracens against the Goths, and the French against the Sarace●● besides the contentions which afterward happened between the surviving remainder of the Goths, and the Earls of Barcinon: Who can relate the wars which the Sons of the Earls of Barcinon, being Kings of Arragon, did wage with other Nations? and the great victories which were gotten to the admiration of all men? The Baleares (commonly called Majorica and Minorica) Ebusa, Murcia, Valentia, Sardinia, Sicily, Naples, Athens, and Neopatria can only declare them. Concerning the Metropolis or chief City of Catalonia, and the other Cities & Towns, look into the former description. On the very top of the high Mountain Canus in the County of Roscellion, there is a certain great I●le which hath abundance of those great fishes in it which we call Turt●●● into which if any one cast a stone, the water is presently troubled, and sendeth forth vapours, which being condensed and converted into map of Catalonia CATALONIA Moore particularly described. clouds do cause a tempest immediately to follow with thunder, lightning, and hail. The Country of Balneole or Aquae Voconis hath a Fountain of a golden colour, so that you may see any thing that is cast into it. And there is a wholesome Fountain in Catalonia, the water whereof being drunk often and in great abundance, doth not only not oppress the stomach, but also miraculously cures men of many diseases: they fabulously report, that S. Maginus after some prayers to God to give it that virtue, did dig and open it with his staff, being in a dry mountainous and stony place. Over against the Town Aulotum there are about 12 Fountains arising or springing from brass mines, which both day and night all Winter and Summer do, as it were, breathe o● a thin vapour, warm in Winter, but so cold in Summer, that no man can endure it for any while; and the water, if the Inhabitants do set any bottles into it (as they often do) maketh them as cold as Ice, so that the water which is in these bottles affordeth a delicate drink to coo●● the heat of the stomach. There are also many Fountains always h●●, which shows, that there is some fire there which lies hidden in the bowels of the Earth. There are more than four such hot Fountain's 〈◊〉 Catalonia, and all of them very excellent to help diverse kinds of diseases, wherefore many that have griefs and infirmities do resort u●● them from all parts. The Rivers. Catalonia doth abound with Rivers, for it hath almost fifty which run through it, and all of them very full of Fi●●: some are small, but yet very pleasant streams, some are of a middle 〈◊〉, and lastly there are some very fair ones, as namely Tettus, (which is also called Ruscison) Techum (which is also called Tetrum) Fluvianus (otherwise called Clovianus and Plumialbus) Tardera (otherwise called T●num) Besotium (which is also called Bisocto and Betulo) Rubricatus, Cin●●, Sicoris, and Iberus. All of them do flow and run into the Sea except Cinga and Cicorus, the former whereof runneth into Sicoris, the later into Iberus, which being much enriched with the watery tribute of these and other Rivers becometh one of the greatest Rivers in all Spain. The best Coral groweth in the Catalonian Sea on the East thereof. There are Mountains and very high hills every where in Catalonia, The Mountains. and those so clothed with the constant livery of green bushes, shrubs, and many kinds of trees, that the most of them are full of woods and thicke●. There are many Beech-trees on them, many Pinetrees, abundance of Oaks, many Holme-trees, innumerable Maple, abundance of Hasel, Nut, and Chesse-nut-trees, and infinite store of Corke-trees, whose bark is very thick, and being barked and taken off, groweth again. Crystal is found in the Mountains of Nuria, on the Cardonensian rocks. And that which any one will wonder at, as being worthy of admiration, there is found at the Town of Cardona a Mountain having very wholesome salt growing in it, and shining against the Sun with a great deal of variety and delight to the eye, out of which (as Pliny reports of the Mountain Oromenus in India) salt is daily cut and digged, and yet groweth again; yea the Mountain still groweth so much the higher, by how much the more salt is cut out of the pits that are in it. There is also an other thing very wonderful, and that is, whereas places where salt is found are barren, and produce or bear nothing, yet this Mountain hath many Pinetrees and Vines upon it. In the Bishopric of Gerunda on the South side thereof, there is a Hill of white small sand, which (as in Lybia) the wind carries here and there, and makes great drifts of it, which are very perilous and dangerous for those that travel that way. Hear I cannot but mention the Mountain called Mount Serrato, being distant toward the East seven leagues from Barcinona, it is very rocky and cliffy, in manner of a rugged Saw, and so high, that from thence the Pyrenaean Mountains, and the farthest Mountains of the Island Majorica may be seen. This Mountain is full of great shining Stones like jaspers'. There are some Fountains which spring and flow out of it: it produceth many herbs which have special and sovereign virtues: and it is watered toward the North with the River Lubricatus, and at length like Soractus in Italy, and Tabor in Galilee, it here raiseth up itself, wherefore it is very delightful to behold. The public & private works. Now let us come to the public and private Works. There are every where many Churches in this Country, and many famous Monasteries, especially that memorable Church of S. Michael à Fago, (built between a Cave and an ancient Friary of the Benedictines) over the top whereof there runneth a little Rivulet, which the Inhabitants call TaneZ, & from thence it presently rusheth down, so that the sound arising from the fall of the water doth much delight those which stand by it. There are beside so many fair built-houses disjoined from the City & Towns, and so scattered through all the plains, fields, valleys, hills, mountains, woods, & groves that are in the Country that all Catalonia may seem to be one City. It hath every where strong Castles and Towers, which are fortified not only by Nature and the situation of the place, but by Art Catalonia is a Principality, The manner of government. and containeth in it the Archbishopric of Tarraconia, eight Bishoprics, to wit, the Bishopric of Barcinona, Gerunda, vrgel, Vicke, Ilerda, Dertosa, Herlua, and Celsona; two Dukedoms, the one of Mont Albo, and the other of Cardona: five Marquesates, namely of Ilerda, Dertosa, Pellearia, Camaras, and Itoha: eighteen Counties, the County of Bareinon (which doth fare exceed all other honours belonging to Catalonia) the County of Gerunda, of Vrgella, of Ceretania, of Bisuldinum, of Rossellion, of Emporia, of Ausonia, of Minorisa, of Prata, of Palmosium, of Petraelata, of S. Columba à Queralto, of S. Columba à Scintilliis, of Savallanium, of Vallisfogona, of Guimeranum, and and Mont acuto. It would be too tedious to the Reader to reckon here the number of the Vicounties and Baronies. The Schools. It hath six Universities famous for all Arts and Sciences. It subsisteth, for the most part, by wool-dressing, and handy-craft-trades, The Trades. by which the Inhabitants do live, pay their debts, sustain their Families, get that estate which they have, and keep that which they have gotten. But let so much suffice concerning Catalonia, let us pass to other Countries. THE DESCRIPTION OF FRANCE. To the studious and courteous READER. SEeing we are not borne for ourselves alone, but as much as every one can do for the common good, so much the benifice●● Framer and Maker of mankind doth require of him, I thought it meet to accommodate and fit this Geographical Work, put whereof we here present, as much as I could to the utility & benefit of the Commonwealth. The use and utility of Geography in reading Histories and retaining them, is greater than that I need to make any adm●●●tion or description of; but there is an other greater dignity belonging unto it, if it be directed to its proper end, and rightly used, and that is, it doth much 〈◊〉 to the knowledge of Politic Government, when the situation of a place is in only described, but also the nature and condition thereof, which is sometimes the office of a Geographer to do. And as that Painter doth not satisfy himself in his profession, which delineates a man according to the proportion of 〈◊〉 limbs, but doth not with colours and physiognomical shadows express his nature and affections; so he shall but figure out an unpleasing and, as it were, a dead Geographical body or carcase, who having set down places according is their symmetry and proportion, shall not show their Political respect which they bear one to an other. Wherhfore I esteemed it as a thing chief to be respected, that in every several Country the nature and order of Government append●● thereunto, should be prefixed before the Tables themselves, whereby I might somewhat benefit those who are studious of political and public affairs. 〈◊〉 our writing be in many places imperfect, defective, or erroneous, the Read●● needs not wonder, for the forms of things throughout all Nations are no●●●●tant, neither have I found all that are, purposely described by any Author; 〈◊〉 even as I could gather them out of Histories, I have collected them, which thou mayst partly understand the order and manner of every government, and so mayst supply and correct that which is wanting in thy own Country, which if every one would do, how profitable would Geographie be to Students? That are three heads especially to be considered in the administration of Kingdoms, Principalities, and Provinces, namely the Ecclesiastical State, the Political State, and the Administration of justice: first therefore according to the 〈◊〉 of the Country described in the Table, I will reckon up how many members 〈◊〉 parts there are of the Political State thereof, according to the order of dignity as they are observed there. Secondly in distinguishing Nobleman's places (sit● the whole government is in the hands of the Nobility) I will in the first place reckon those who are Feudals to the Prince, and afterward those that are free, descending still in order from the highest degree of Nobility, as Dukes, Earls, Barons, and Lords. Thirdly, I will show into what Prefectures the Country is divided: and I suppose that by these three things the Political State will be sufficiently declared. In the administration of justice, the juridical Dioceses shall be noted, and the higher Senates to which appeal may be made. Lastly, in the Ecclesiastical State, the Archbishops, if there be any, shall be placed first, and then the suffragan Bishops which are under them, as also those which are suffragans to others. To reckon up all these things requires much study, but seeing for want of matter it may be briefly delivered, I will perform what I may, that so I may stir up lovers of their country to emulate a greater perfection in their writings. The several places shall be noted with numbers, that they may be straightway found out in the following Table; the first number shall contain the degrees and minutes of Longitude, which shall be sought out in the Northern or Southern side of the Table, the later shall have the numbers of Latitude, which are to be sought on the Western or Eastern side. From these bounds, here by the direction of the Meridian, and there of the Parallel of Latitude, you shall come at last to their intersection, and so find out the place propounded. The situation of those places which are in the description of the general Tables aught to be sought from thence. But if so be that some names are not found in the table following, it was the fault of the Chorographer who delineated it, for the right designing and placing of principalities and dominions is not to be omitted. The rule and government of Countries is in the power of the Nobility, and therefore it is both profitable and delightful to know and distinguish their several degrees, and the proper conditions of them. The highest degree is that of Emperor or King, whom in order do follow the degrees of Duke, Earl, Baron, the military Tribune, whom the Low-country-men call Banderheer, quasi Bendae, that is, Lord of the Troops, which he leadeth under his Banner. After him is the Knight, or he that hath attained to be of the Horsemans' Order, whom the Frenchmen do call Chevalier, and the Low-country-men Ridder. In the last place is un Escuyer, who beareth Arms, but hath attained to no public dignity. There are three degrees of Earls, the first whereof the Frenchmen call Viconte, who excelleth the rest in dignity & privileges, Ludovic. Guic. would have him now called a Burgrave. And though this Order of Earls in time hath remitted something of its honour, yet in the beginning it was of more excellent dignity, as the description thereof shall by and by declare. In the second degree is the Earl Provincial, who is called in Dutch, Landgrave. In the third degree is the marquis, or Marckgrave. These are the special degrees and orders of Nobility, among which the government of every Country is divided. There are also some differences in these degrees which might occasion a subdivision, but such as are distinguished rather by privileges than by form of government. Yet moreover I will deliver the lawful differences and conditions of every order which I have mentioned, as I have found them in a certain French Book, entitled Lafoy division du monde: deducing their creation from the lowest degree of Nobility, whence their proprieties and order of government do most clearly appear. A Knight, saith this author, or a Chevalier shall be thus created of one that was a Squire before, and bore arms in his Escutcheon. If he, having long followed the wars, exercised arms, been present at many conflicts, hath sufficient means to maintain the state of his degree, and cometh of a great, noble, and rich Family; then in any skirmish he shall make known his request to the General of the Army, or to some valiant generous Knight, and when the battle is ended, he shall come unto the said General or Knight, and entreat him in the name of God and S. George, to give him the Order of Knighth●●●. Whereupon he shall draw out his Sword and strike him thrice with it, saying: I make thee a Knight (or Chevalier) in the name of God and S. George, faithfully to defend the Faith, justice, the Church, Widows, and Orphans. But 〈◊〉 the supplicant, although he be valiant, yet be poor, he shall not be admitted unless so much yearly revenues be assigned and given unto him, as is necess●●● to preserve and maintain the honour and dignity of his Order. And this 〈◊〉 the first degree of Nobility arising from the lowest. A military Tribune called e'en Banderheer shall be made of a Knight, if having long followed the wars he hath lands and revenues enough to keep and maintain fifty Gentlemen in pay, that is, one Band of horsemen which shall follow his colours in the 〈◊〉. For no man can set up a Colours or standard of his own, unless he can bring into the field at his own charge a Troop or Band at the lest of fifty Gentlemen, who receive pay from him. A Baron may be created of a Knight, or 〈◊〉 of a Noble Squire, which hath four Castles in his dominion, and all 〈◊〉 within himself, for then the King may confer a Baronrie upon him: yet 〈◊〉 cannot give him this honour, unless he hath behaved himself valiantly in the wars. Therefore after the first conflict or battle he is made a Knight, 〈◊〉 the second a military Tribune, and after the third a Baron. The degree of 〈◊〉 Earl is the next, and first an Earl of the Marches, whom we call a Marq●●●, that is, Marcgrave. And he may be created one, who hath two or three B●●●nies included in one Dukedom, and that by the Duke in whose precincts they lie. He may be made a Provincial Earl, that is, a Landgrave, who 〈◊〉 four Baronies in one Dukedom, by the Duke or the King, by the instances permission of the Duke, He may be made a Viscount, who hath five Count●● or more within one Dukedom, or which are joined together by vicinity of situation. And (by the King's permission) he may be created by the Duke and great solemnity. But if the King himself be present the Pnincipality is more honourable. The Duke who is to be made of an Earl, must first possess in the Kingdom wherein he is to be crowned, four principal Counties, and 〈◊〉 have in every one of them four other Counties or Baronies, which must 〈◊〉 bound to do fealty and service to them. But he must be crowned by the King or Emperor whose subject he is, his Hat being adorned with pearls and precious Stones, in the most flourishing City of his territories, and that in a gi● assembly of Princes, Dukes, Earls, and Barons, a solemn festival being 〈◊〉 held, as it is the custom at the Coronation of Kings. He that is to be King, must have four Dukedoms lying near together subject unto him, and in 〈◊〉 Dukedom four Cities, which he alone governeth, in every one of these f●● Cities one Archbishop, and under every one of these again ten Provincial Bishops. He being endowed and adorned with these dominions and dignity shall come unto the Emperor's Majesty as to his superior, or shall invite l●●●ly an honourable Embassage to come unto him, and so desire to be crowned by hi●. But this seems to be a later manner of electing the Kings and other Princes, for as long as those wand'ring Nations of the Goths, Vandals, langobards, and many others did bring in their Kings with them, they did not measure the royal dignity by large possession of lands, but by the multitude and strength●● the people which they brought in. Neither was there any other choice of Dukes, who first began to be instituted by Longinus Governor of Ravenna in the year 569, and afterward by the Longobards, than for their valour and wi●● achievements. Add to this that which Paulus Aemilius witnesseth, namely, that Dukes and Earls were in the beginning made Prefects by the King over Nations and Cities on this condition, only that as often as there was occasion they should be dismissed or changed. Now how could the afore said Laws of creating Princes (which are measured by, and do claim the hereditary possession of Lands) be in force at that time, seeing Dukedoms and Counties were conferred by Kings and Emperors as a temporary bounty? Therefore though the precise time of the Institution of them cannot be showed (for that French Book doth mention nothing of it) yet it is very likely, that under Otto the second Emperor, or about the year one thousand, or a little after, that manner of constituting and confirming dignities was ordained by the Monarches. For even until Otto the second, every Prince according to his power and ambition, did aspire to greater dignity and royal Majesty. So out of one Kingdom of Lotharingia or Lorreine, which being extended from the Rhine even to the River Scaldis, was bounded with the Friesland Sea, and belonged to Lotharius the Son of Lodovicus Pius, more Kingdoms did afterward arise, namely the transjurane Burgundy, which being extended from the Mountain Jura even to the Alps, did contain all Helvetia, the Rauraci, the Allobroges, and the transjurane Burgundians: and the Kingdom of Provence which did contain some part of Burgundy and Sabaudia, and was afterward called the Kingdom of Arelatum, of which at this day the Elector of Trevers is called the Archchancellour. It did also contain the Kingdom of Lotharingia, now also called Lotharingia, and other Kingdoms between the Rhine and Scaldis, even to the Friesland Sea; and heretofore it was called the Kingdom of a It was called Austrasia, either from one Austrasius a Precedent, whom justinian the Emperor set over this country, or from the word Auster, because it is more Eastward than any other part of France. Austrasia. Again, this Kingdom of Lotharingia, Charles the bald, and his Brother Lodovick did part between them, both of them preserving the title of a King in all places. I omit the other Kingdoms which sprung up in that age by the desire and affectation of Sovereignty. But the Emperor Otto the second did divide Lotharingia, having taken away the name of a Kingdom, into nine Dukedoms and Earldoms, as it were, into members pulled and separated from the body, as Cuspinian hath it, and having made a division thereof Anno 981, he first made Charles the Brother of Lotharius King of France, Duke of that Country which is now called Lotharingia, as Richardus Wissenburgius doth speak more at large. It seemeth that after that time the arbitrary erection and raising of Kingdoms and Principalities did fail, the Monarches now contriving how to establish a settled Empire, which consisteth in the just proportion and harmony of its parts, as in man the parts of the body to the head. Therefore that some order might be perpetually kept in Principality and in government; I suppose that at length about the same time which I mentioned before, these aforesaid Laws were devised. And so, Reader, thou hast the distinct Degrees of all the Nobility, and the differences of their dignities. Now if thou observe how Provinces in every Kingdom are divided in respect of them, how the government and administration of the whole, and in what proportion it is distributed among these degrees, what is every one's peculiar office, what is the habitude or relation which they have one to an other, and especially to their head, you shall behold either an excellent harmony tending to the preservation of peace and tranquillity, strength and power, riches and state, virtue and wisdom to the Majesty of a Kingdom, and the enlarging of territories; or a confused disorder tending to instability, declination, destruction or inundation, according as there are diverse kinds of government. If those matters which thou shalt see or judgest did succeed ill, thou m●●● consider whence that ill success proceeded; but if thou find any prosperous and successful event, search the cause thereof, so thou shalt behold which is the best policy in governing of Commonweals, and shalt study Geography with more profit. An Admonition concerning the use of the Tables following. WHen it was my purpose to reduce all Geography to the consideration of the Heavens, that the just symmetry of places, as they lie in the Spherical figure of the Ea●●, might as near as could be observed in plano or on a plain superficies, 〈◊〉 due proportion of degrees of Longitude was to be set down, according to the degrees of Latitude. Seeing therefore the Table could co●●●●● but a few degrees of Latitude, I have reduced the proportion th●● 〈◊〉 almost to the middle Parallel of the Table, so that what the propo●●● is of that Parallel to the Meridian, the same should be the proportion of the degrees of Longitude in the same Parallel to the degrees of La●●tude, and so all the Meridian's are Parallels one to an other. But 〈◊〉; there were more degrees of Latitude, because there is a great distere●● of proportion in the Parallels both in the top and the bottom unto the Meridian, jest the symmetry of places should not be true, I have chosen two Parallels almost equally distant from the middle and the extremes, to the proportion whereof, I have drawn the Meridian's to design and note out the degrees of Longitude, which are not then Parallels, b● according to the greater or lesser distance of the assumed Parallels, th●● do incline more or less one to an other and to the middle Meridian 〈◊〉 the Table. Moreover thou shalt find the degrees of Latitude and Longitude designed and set forth on the sides of the Tables, and for the most 〈◊〉 the degrees of Latitude on either side of the Table, and of Longitude on the top and bottom, seeing according to the usual manner of Geographers we place the North on the higher part. But if the Country to be described be more extended toward the South and North, th●● toward the East and West, then commonly we place the West upward. Howsoever it be made the East and West sides shall always represent unto thee the degrees of Latitude, the other two sides the degrees of Longitude. And all the degrees are divided into 60 parts which they call minutes, sometimes into single parts, when the magnitude will permit, sometimes into two, five, or ten. This foundation being laid, we have followed the best descriptions in delineating of Countries, in which I had much help from a famous Measurer of Countries, and a most diligent Geographer to the King of Spain called Christi●● Grothenius, who had viewed many Countries, and described them more largely and exactly than any other, and also from a most diligent Geographer to the King of Spain Abraham Ortelius, who was candour and courtesy itself, and who, in evidence thereof, liberally communicated unto me what Tables soever he had gotten, though he had the same purpose that I intended. Those who beside did help me any thing at all, I will mention in due place, so that Students may give them their deserved praise, and I may not be found ungrateful. And whatsoever hath been offerred me by others, and I found out by my own diligent search, I have compared together, that as near as may be I might set forth accurate descriptions: yet in one thing which I chief desired I am defective, namely in an exact numbering and reckoning up of Principalities & Nobleman's places, which are much sought for in Tables that are set forth: therefore (READER) thou must pardon that defect, and vouchsafe to help me in describing the Political Order of the Nobility, and in showing their places, names, and qualities, which will be an honour and grace unto thy name. Little round circles do show the true situation of every place, from whence their distance is to be taken, and these have some marks whereby places are distinguished one from an other. The Villages are marked only by round circles: where we meet with a Castle, we mark it in this manner , and where with Friaries with a Cross thus ♁: Townes have two Towers at lest, and Villages of note where Noblemen reside one. These things we observed as notes. And we have taken easy marks for distinction, that so any may supply those things which are omitted. If any one would find out the Longitude and Latitude of any place, How by the Map to find out the Longitude and Latitude. he shall do it where the Meridian's are Parallels, by taking with a pair of Compasses the distance thereof from the one side of the Table, and by applying the Compass so opened to the other side. If you have taken the distance from the East side, the Compass from the same side in the North side will show the degree and minute of Longitude. But if you have the distance from the North side, it will show you the Latitude in the East side. When the Meridian's are not Parallels, the Latitude of a place shall be found out in the same manner, as in universal Tables, where the Parallels are circular, for the distance of the place taken from the next Parallel will show the same in the East side. But the Longitude is to be sought out with a thread or ruler laid upon the place, and turned about, until on the North and South side the same minute of the same degree be on either side designed, and whatsoever that is, is the Longitude of the place assumed. The miles in diverse Countries do differ much, therefore if you please to compare them one to an other, bring them with your Compasses to the degrees of the Meridian, and then find out how many miles are comprehended in one degree, and you shall see how many miles of one country, and how many miles of an other country do make up one degree; so you shall find the common Germane miles (fifteen whereof are in one degree) four times larger than the Italian miles, and double as much to the Swethish and Westphalian miles. Sometimes you shall found a line joined to a little Circle, thus which showeth the name pertaining to the place, being therefore added that you may know what name belongs to every place. An Index of the Tables in FRANCE. 1 Gallia universalis, or France in general. 2 Brittany, Normandy, &c. 3 Lemovicium. 4 Santonia. 5 Aquitania. 6 Provincia. 7 France, Picardy, and Campagnia. 8 Francia. 9 Picardia. 10 Campania. 11 The Country of the Bellovacians. 12 Bolonia. 13 Anjou. 14 The Dukedom of Berry. 15 The Dukedom of Bourbon. 16 Bourdelois. 17 The Country of Perch. 18 Touraine. 19 Poictou. 20 Cardurcium. 21 Bresse. 22 Lionnois Forest. 23 Northern Langue dock. 24 Dauphine. 25 Lotharingia the Northern. 26— and Southern part. 27 The Dukedom of Burgundy. 28 The County of Burgundy. 29 Sabaudia. 30 The general Table of Helvetia. 31 Zurich. 32 Wiflispurgergou. 33 The Lake of G● 34 Argou. 35 Rhaetia. 36 A Table of all the Low-countrieses. 37 Flanders. 38 The Eastern part of Flanders. 39 Brabant. 40 Holland. 41 Zealand. 42 Gelderland. 43 Zutphania. 44 Vltrajectum. 45 Mechlinia. 46 Groeninga. 47 Transisulania. 48 Artesia. 49 Hanonia. 50 Namurcum. 51 Lutzenburg. 52 Limburg. FRANCE. map of France FRANCE. Both t A River breaking out of the Alps, and now called Dronia. Druna and Druentia which doth flow Between crooked banks, and so doth winding go, Shall reverence and adore thee, and so shall The Rivers that down from the Alps do fall. And Rodanus, who as she along doth glide, Doth name that Bank which lies on the right side: Thee with blue Lakes, with streams that greatest are, And with Sea like Garumna I'll compare. But the chief Rivers are Sequana, Ligeris, Garumna, and Rodanus. That which is called in Latin Sequana, Ptolemie calls Zekovana, Strabo Zekovanos', Stephanus Zekoanos, and Benjamin Sihan; but it is commonly called Seyne. It riseth in the Dukedom of Burgundy, and having visited Paris, where it maketh a little Isle, and Rotomagum or Rouen, at last with a great mouth it breaketh into the British or Norman Sea. It hath a very dangerous harbour for ships to ride in, and it requires much care to pass out of it, or come into it. The Normans do commonly call it lafoy Bore: for Scyne having entered into the Sea strait way, contrary to the nature of other Rivers, doth flow back again, rising up with a horrible noise as high as any spear. Hear those that are careless and negligent do run themselves upon unexpected dangers. The Seyne as it runneth along, doth receive u Nine navigable streams, saith Heylin. p. 84. diverse Rivers, of which the chiefest and most noted by the Ancients, are Matrona, commonly called Marne, Esia, w Which now they also call Isara. Ice, commonly Ayse, Axona commonly called Ayne, Aisne or Esne. Liger, which I named in the second place, is a River famoused by Caesar and others. It is called Ligeroes (or as it is better in some copies Ligeris) by Strabo in his fifth Book, and by Ptolemie, but now it is called Loire and x On this River stand the City Orleans, Nantes, and many others. Leire. The head thereof is at the Town Velaunum, which is called commonly lafoy Font de Leiro. It is larger than the rest, so that it is worthily called the Father of the Rivers of France. And having run with a clear stream through diverse Countries, (for it did anciently divide the y That is, the Inhabitants of Gallia Narbonensis, which comprehends the Provinces of Languedock, Provence, and Dauphin, and this Country was so called from Narbone a City in Languedock. C●ltae from the Aquitanis, as Strabo noteth) it doth exonerate and disburden itself into the Western Ocean, by a mouth almost four leagues wide, but somewhat troubled with sands. Two leagues and a half within, there are rocks, which are called the Hogs. It receiveth into it many great navigable Rivers, as Elaver commonly called Allier, Carus now called Cherseoli, Vigenna now Vienne, Viane, and Vignane, Meduana now called Main, and others. Garumna followeth, by which Caesar divided Gallia from Aquitania: Strabo lib. 4. calleth it Gorounas, Ptolemie G●●na, and Frontinus Garonna, which name it still retaineth from its head, even to the Castle Blavia, but afterward it is called Geronde and Gi●●●. Gulielmus Brito calleth it Gerunna. It riseth out of the Pyrenaean Mountains, not fare from a Town which is commonly called Gua●●●●. And so having visited toulouse, Bordeaux, and other places, mingles itself with the Aquitanian Sea, by a mouth of two leagues breadth at the entrance whereof there are some rocks, which are called the Asses. The Dutch Mariners do call the Northern side Noorder-Esel, the Southern side Suyder-Esel, having a high watchtower on it, which is commonly called lafoy Tour Cordan. It receiveth these navigable Rivers; Tarnis commonly called Lo Tarn, in French le Tar: Egercius, which the Vascones do call Gers; Oldus commonly called Ooldt, or with an Article le Old; D●ranius now sometimes called lafoy Dordogne, sometimes Dordonne, and others. I have given the last place to Rodanus: This River was known by all Writers both the Greek, who called it Podanos, and the Latin. The Frenchmen call it le Rosne, but the Inhabitants le Ros: Oppianu● 〈◊〉 Halieuticis lib. 4. and Philostratus in the lives of the Sophisters, do call it Eridanus. Pliny writeth, that it was named from Roda a Colony of the Rhodians in that Country. It riseth not fare from the Fountains of D●nubius, Rhine, Arola, Ticinus and others, near a Mountain which is commonly called Briga; and having entered into the Lake Lema●●, near to the Town Novavilla, or Neuf-ville, it runneth through it, so as it preserveth its colour, and so proceeding to the Town of Gene●●, it runneth afterward with a violent course into the Mediterranean Se● with seven mouths or inlets, as Apollonius writeth in his Argonanticks, with five, as Diodorus thinketh and others; with three, as Artimedorus i● Strabo, Pliny, and Ammianus suppose; with two, as Polybius and Ptolemy think; with many, as Livy wisely doth report, jest he might be convinced of falsehood in a particular enumeration: at this day the Inhabitants do name five and more, as Grass Neuf, Grass de Orgon, Grass Paul's, Grass Grant, Grass d' Enfer, and Grass de Passon, which being toward Massilia, Pliny calleth Mossaleoticum, and Polybius Massalioticum: Rodanus doth receive Arva; and z This River is called by Marcellinus Sangona or Saugonna; by Polybius Scoras; and anciently Brigulus, as some have written. Araxis, now called Saone or Sun; also Isaris now called Isere: also Druna, which is now called Dronia or Drosne; and Druentia now called Durance. But so much shall suffice concerning the Rivers for the present. The British Ocean, where it lieth against England beateth on France on the North, and also on the West, as we said before; but on the South the Mediterranean Sea: toward both these Seas there are many famous Bays; on the Ocean side is that which Aethicus, and others call Sinus Aquitanicus, and Lucan most elegantly calls Tarbellicus Ancon. There are also many other famous Bays in the same Sea, in whose inward parts are seated the Towns of deep, Constantia, and others. Toward the Mediterranean Sea there are two Bays called the Greater and the Less. That part of the Mediterranean is called the Greater, where Rodanus doth pour itself into it. Marcus Portius Cato calleth it Angulus Gallicus, or the French Corner, but a Lib. 26. & 30 Livy, b Lib. 43. justine and others call it, for the excellence of it, the French Bay. Strabo writeth that the Lesser was near the Pyrenaean Promontory, which is called Promontorium Aphrodisium; and this Bay Mela calleth Salsus. Antoninus placeth also the Gamblacian Bay in Gallia Narbonensis. France had heretofore, as also it hath now, many famous Havens, of which Lucas Aurigarius hath written fully in his fifth Chart, and the four following, the chief whereof are Staliocanus, Vindana, Brivates and others, named by the Ancients. That which Ptolemie calls Staliocanus, some suppose to be that of S. Paul de Lion in Britain, but others Roscon, to whom I am induced to subscribe, because the later is more safe and convenient than the former, for though it hath the Island commonly called De Bas lying over against it, yet it affordeth a safe coming in for ships of seven els deep. Over against the formerlyeth threatening Taurus (an Island commonly called Le Taurean) which hath innumerable rocks lying round about it, some being hidden and some standing forth, that are very dangerous to Mariners, except they take heed. Not fare from thence in the same Britanny towards the South, behind the bending of the Promontory called Gobaeum, is the Bay of Vindana, which is now called Fenstiers, or Conquest; jovius (though erroneously) calleth it Breast; for that Haven which Ptolemy calleth Briovates, is now called Breast. Pliny maketh mention also of the Haven Zetoor, which is now called Lusson or Luxo. And of the Haven which Ptolemie calls Santonum, but now is called la Rochel, as Villanovanus supposeth. The Mountains and Woods now follow. Concerning the Mountains, France is more mountainous in some places than in others. The highest parts are Dauphin, Provincia, Subaudia, and Burgundia. The Andegavensian Country hath also some Mountains, which do run out into the borders of Brittany and Poictou. Ancient Writers do chief celebrated these Mountains of France, namely Cebenna, Vogesus, and jura. Cebenna is a Mountain, which, as Caesar writeth, divideth those of Avergne from those of Vivaretz; Pliny calls it Gebenna, Lucan and Ausonius do name it Gebennas, and Mela Gebennicos. The true and genuine writing of it, as Scaliger noteth in his letters to Merula, is Cebenna with a C: for they are called at this day Montaignes de Cebenes & Cevenes: Ptolemie and Strabo call them Cemmeni, some Latins do call them Cebenna, Venetus calls them Cevennae, and Villanovanus calleth them Montaignes d' Anvergne: part of these Mountains is now called Tarara (as Guileelmus Bude●● witnesseth in his fourth Book de Ass) which lies in the way to Lions; on the top whereof there is a seat cut in a rock, into which they set those Merchants, who have not formerly used to trade at Lions. It is commonly called lafoy Cheer de la verité, for they are enforced to swear the truth, whether they have ever been at Lions or not, and to promise' afterward to make them a feast in honour of the City. There is also a Mountain which Caesar lib. 4. the bell. Gall. Lucan. lib. 1. Pliny, and others do call Vogesus. Tacitus in the first Book of his History doth corruptly call it Vocetus or Vocetius, as it is noted by learned men. S●phanus in his fourth Book calleth it by the name of the Alps, now it is called Mont de Faucilles, and it hath also other names. It doth separate Burgundy and Alsatia from Lotharingia; it doth sand forth the Riv●● Mosella, as Caesar witnesseth, and infinite other Rivers, the most where●● do run into the Rhine. That part from whence Mosella floweth is called Kratzer: which Ortelius writeth, he understood out of a Bo●● written by Magnus Gruberus, in which he describeth Rhine: add●●● withal, that in the chorographical Table of Lotharingia, accurately delineated by johannes Scyllius, by the Duke's command and change, th●● Country is called in French Estaye, and Auff der Stay: and the f●●● Scyllius doth witness, that there groweth nothing there but the he●●● Asarum. Vogesus in the Valley Leberia doth yield pure silver, but 〈◊〉 Munster noteth) not very much. I know not whether I shall call I●●●● Mountain of France or of Germany: heretofore it was all of it, together with Helvetia, esteemed to be in France, but now a great parts thought to be in Germany. The beginning thereof is placed on the confines of Basil, near the Rhine, over against Waldzhut. It is high, and raised up with many great stones. Caesar, Pliny, and others do mention it, Ptolemie calls it jurassus, Strabo jurasius and joras. In our times the Inhabitants in diverse places do call it by diverse names. Not fare from the Castle of Hasburg, near Burg, (which is a little Town, so called i● the Germane Language from the Bridge which is there built on one arch over the River Arola) it is called Botzberg, from the Village B●●●, which, together with many orhers, is seated at the foot of the Mountain. Munster, Scudus, Lazius, and others do think, that this port●●● jura was that which Cornelius Tacitus called Vocetus or Vocetius. But O●telius thinketh, that it should be read in Tacitus Vogesus. There is also by this part of this Mountain a great Valley called Frickthal, from a certain Village therein of the same name. And here and there are other Valleys, as Lauffen-thal, S. Imers-thal, and the like, but none of the● do cross the Mountain, so that wheresoever you would pass ove●● you must climb very high. Moreover between Araxis and Farspurg this Mountain is called Schaffmat, which in Latin is as much to say as O●num Pratum, or the Sheep pasture. Between the Town Olten and the Prefectureship of Humburg it is called Nider-Hawenstein, or the Lower-Cut-Stone, for that there is a way made through the rocks. Between Walnburg and Balstalium it is called Ober-Hawenstein, or the Higher-Cut-stone, where loaden Carts are let down with ropes from the steep parts of the Mountain. Toward the West it is called Wasser-val, that is, the Ruin of Water. And as you go farther it is called by the Sabaudians jurten. That arm thereof which extendeth itself toward Basil, and near to the River Byrsa, is called Blown; and it grows higher and ruggeder until you come to Delsperg, where again it openeth into a Plain. A little farther, as you go to the French Monastery of Bellele, it riseth again in height, and afterward not fare from thence it lesseneth and grows very low: from thence again the Mountain extendeth itself from the East Westward with a stone ridge: which (as it is reported) julius Caesar did first make passable, by digging, as it were, a Gate through the stones: Some do name this Gate Pierreport, others the Rock-Gate, and some do call it Pierre-pertus, and Petra pertusa: Merula who once passed by it witnesseth, that it is truly and accurately described by Sebastian Munster. And the same Merula mentioneth a fair Inscription over the Gate, but that the letters of the first word are more worn out than the rest. This is it, N:::.. Augusti via ducta per ardua montis Fecit iter Petram scindens in margin fontis. This is the way which once Augustus made Through this Mountain which his power obeyed. He cut a way quite through this rocky mountain, Even near unto the brim of a fair Fountain. By this Fountain the Poet understandeth the River Byrsa, which breaketh there out of a rock with a violent stream of water. From thence jura runneth Northwestward, between the Helvetians and the Sabaudians, and then by Burgundia, which it leaveth upon the South-South-west (whence Caesar saith in his first Book, that jura in two places divideth the Sequani from the Helvetians) and by diverse Lakes, the chief whereof is Lemanus, where the Mountain of S. Claudius running fare and wide, at last endeth near to the River Rhodanus. Concerning other Mountains which do also belong to France, and namely the Pyrenaean Mountains, I have spoken in the Description of Spain: and I will discourse of the Alps when I come to entreat of Italy. I will therefore now speak something of the Woods in France, which are many, yet not so great or thick of trees, bushes, and briers as in other Countries: there are many among the c A people of Gallia Lugdunensis. Cenomanni, as Les Forests de Versay, Longoulney, Persi, Sille, Charnay, Audain, Maine, Concise: In Lower Britain there are le Forest de Bostblanc, de Toriant, & de Guierche: Among the Picts in Poictou, there are le Forest de Mouliore, dine, Bresse, Ligne, and others. Among Bituriges in Berry, the wood Roberto may be seen with others. And amongst the d A people of Gallia Lugdanensis. Andegavi, there are the Forests of Loursaie and Marson. The whole Country of Bononia is, as it were, one entire wood, the parts whereof are Le Bois de Surene, Cells, Hardelot, Dalles, and Boursin. Among the Verumandui, not fare from Perona, there are the woods Recoigne and Bouhan. In Picardia there are Bois de Baine, de Beaulieu, de la Fere, and de Coussi. Neither doth Lotharingia want woods, as Warned-wald, le Banbois, Bois de Mondon, de Heyde, de S. Benoyt, de la Voyge, Mortaigne, and Doseync. In Burgundy there are many woods, whose names I cannot now rehearse. I pass by also the other woods which are dispersed all over France. Also for the Forest of Arduenna, the chiefest part of it is in Low-Germany, and therefore it is to be described there, though Claudian call it the French Wood; and Caesar lib. 6. the be● Gall. call it the great wood of France. Not only ancient Monuments & Records, but also Churches, and other places dedicated to Religion, of which there is a great number in the Cities and Towns of France, do witness, that the Frenchmen were very much addicted to Religion, and were the chief of those that embraced the Christian Faith. The public works. In the City of Paris alone there are 69 Churches, but the fairest of them is the Cathedral Church, dedicated to the blessed Virgin Mary, the foundation whereof being long before laid, it began to be built in the reign of Ludovicus, in the year 1257, and is the chief wonder of France. It is borne up by an hundred and twenty Pillars: the length is 174 paces, the breadth threescore, and the height an hundred. The Choir is built of fair Stone, on which are engraven diverse Histories out of the Old and New Testament. It hath in the whole compass of it 45 Chapels, strengthened with Iron Grates: the Gates are eleven in all. On the front of the Church there are three double Gates, beautified and adorned with the Statues of 28 Kings. On the sides there are Towers, or rather Steeples, which are 34 Cubits high. The greatest Bell, which taketh its name from the Virgin Mary, requireth twenty men to ring i● and the second thereof, when the air is clear, may be easily heard seven leagues. It were an infinite thing to describe the other Churches which are here and in other places, or to reckon up the Abbeys, the Friaries, the Monasteries, the Hospitals for strangers, the Hospitals for the sick, the Hospitals for the poor, and the Hospitals for Orphans. What should I speak of the Castles, or of the King's fair Palaces? What of the fair houses belonging to Noblemen and Knights? What of the other public and private buildings? Concerning these matters I had rather be silent than speak too little. The manner of Government. The State of France is not Monarchical: which kind of government Aristotle thought was most ancient and divine. The King thereof is borne, not chosen by suffrages; and none can govern but one of the Masculine Sex, as the e So called from the words Si Aliqua so often mentioned therein. Salic Law doth require. The Subjects do so love, adore, and reverence their King, as nothing more. The arbitrating and judging of all matters is in his power. There is in France a College of twelve Peers, instituted by f Some also say, that these Pairries were erected by Hugh Capet, but others more truly think than to be instituted by Lewis le jeune Anno 1171, to aid and assist the King in his Council. Charles the great, in his war against the Saracens, and they are commonly called less Pairs de France, because they were next &, as it were, equal in dignity to the King. They have power to consecrated the King, and put him into possession of the Kingdom. Six of these are commonly called Laics, the rest are called Ecclesiastics, or Clergymen: The Laics are Dukes or Earls, as the Dukes of Burg●●die, Normandy, and Guienne: the Earls of Campania, Flanders, and Th●louse. The Ecclesiastics also are Dukes and Earls; the Dukes are the Archbishop of Rheims, the Archbishop of Laon, and the Archbishop of Langers: the Earls are the Bishop of Chaulons, of Noyon, and Beav●●. There are also eight chief Senates in France, which they commonly call Parliaments; from which it is unlawful to make any appeal, as the Parliament of Paris, of Tholouse, of Rotamagum or Roven, of Grenoble, of Bourdeaux, of Dijon, of Aix, and of Bretaigne. As concerning the Ecclesiastic State, there are twelve Archbishoprics in France, to wit, the Archbishop of Lions (which is the Primate) of Aix, of Vienna, of Rheims, of Narbone, of Tholouse, of Bordeaux, of Aux, of Bourges, of Tours, of Roen, The Universities. and of Sene. There are these Universities in the Kingdom, to wit, Paris, Poitiers, Bourges, Tholouse, Bordeaux, Nantes, Lions, Orleans, Mompellier, Cahors, Grenoble, Valens, Rheims, Angiers, Caen, Avenion, Dol, and Massils', which is the ancientest of them all, and founded by the Grecians. Out of these, as it were, out of so many Trojan Horses, an innumerable sort of learned men both Divines, Lawyers, Physicians, and others have come forth, whom if I should endeavour to number, I should take upon myself a great task, and should be tedious to the Reader. The Nobility of France do in general follow the studies of good learning, with earnest diligence and continual pains, so that they excel in all kinds of Disciplines and Arts. You may see there those that are of great birth, and descended of noble Families, plying their Books night and day, and busying themselves with the sacred Mysteries of the Muses. There are those, who, to the great admiration of those that hear them, without any premeditation, can in an admirable method, very readily discourse or speak of any matter that shall be propounded. There are many Libraries in this Kingdom, especially the King's Library at Paris, and the Library of S. Victor. The Libraries. That I may omit other public and private Libraries, furnished with the best and rarest printed Books, and with the choicest manuscripts. Now I come to speak of their manners: Diodorus and Strabo do witness, that the Frenchmen are very sharp-witted, and reasonable good Scholars. Symmachus in many places doth commend their studies in good letters and learning. Marcus Portius Cato, Originum lib. 2. saith, that the most part do follow two things very industriously, to wit, Warfare and Eloquence, that we may know that the ancient French did carry away the glory of eloquence from other Nations. Strabo doth attribute to them a courteous Nature, void of malice. julianus an eye witness doth report of them, that they know not how to flatter, but that they live freely and justly with all men. Their manners. They have no more knowledge of Venus and Bacchus than serveth them for marriages for procreation, and for the moderate drinking of their own wines. Those things which some speak on the contrary, are to be esteemed as railing speeches, proceeding from an envious mind. For who seethe not, that hath read ancient Writers concerning the disposition of the Frenchmen, and compared it with what it is at this present, that that is falls which Servius reporteth? namely, that the Frenchmen are dull-witted; and that which julius Firmicus annexeth, to wit, that they are blockish; and that of julianus, who forgetting himself, saith, that they are stupid and rustic; that of Polybius, who saith, that they do not give their minds to Learning and good Arts. That which Diodorus, Athenaeus, and Clement Alexandrinus do avouch, namely, that they are unfaithful, given to gluttony and drunkenness; that which Livy and Polybius report, to wit, that they are soft and effeminate; that of Mela, who affirmeth, that they are desirous of gold, ambitious, proud, and superstitious; that of Solinus, who saith, that they are vain babblers: and lastly that which Plutarch speaketh is the life of Pyrrhus, namely that they are insatiably covetous of money. Nevertheless it is confessed, that the Frenchmen may be corrupted with many vices, by having commerce and traffic with other Nations. Florus saith lib. 3. cap. 10. that no man can say, that the French are only fierce, seeing they deal fradulently, and by wiles. Ammianus lib. 15. showeth, that they are quarrelous: Diodorus doth reprehend the Frenchmen for their intemperancy in speech, and also noteth, that they use a short and obscure kind of Language, that they speak many things ambiguously of purpose, that they talk much in praise of themselves, 〈◊〉 in disgrace of others, and that they are detractors and self-conceited or opinionated. Strabo also noteth their boasting, which is that French ostentation which Caesar speaketh of lib. 7. and is exemplified in many of his other Books: such is the boasting of Helvetius Divicon lib. 1. while he extols and magnifies the virtue of the Helvetians, and d●●● upbraid the Romans with the remembrance of their overthrow. So Vecingetorix braggeth, in his Oration, that he alone would 'cause a Council to be called out of all France, which the whole world could not resist. Concerning the Religion of the ancient Frenchmen, and the●● manner of worship which they used, Marcus Tullius is not to be regarded, who writeth thus in his Oration for M. Fonteius, The Frenchmen are not moved with any Religion: Let us rather hear Livy, who though in other matters he doth unjustly tax this Nation, yet he affirms, that they are not negligent in matters of Religion: and C●●● lib. 7. de Bell. Gall. who knew this Nation well enough, when he saith, that it was very much given to Religion. Caesar saith, that they especially worshipped Mercury: Max. Tyrius doth witness, that the Cel●● 〈◊〉 Frenchmen did worship jupiter, and for his sake they honoured the highest Oak. Strabo testifieth, that Diana had a Temple at Mass●●●●● Polybius lib. 8 as also Plutarch do mention, that Diana was worshipped and adored by the Gallo-Grecians. Lactantius, Lucan, and Minuti●● Felix do report, that the Frenchmen had Esus or Hesus, Te●tates and T●●nes for their Gods: which most of the Learned do interpret to be Mars, Mercury, and jupiter. Ausonius maketh Balenus to be the Frenchman's God, whom Herodian calleth Belis, the same perhaps with th●● which Tertullian calls Tibilene, whom the Greeks' and others think to be Apollo. Also the Frenchmen did worship Abellio, of which, as joseph Scaliger, writing to Ausonius, lib. 1 cap. 9 noteth, there do still rem●●●● some monuments. And Lucian reporteth, that they did worship Heddles by the name of Ogmius. Athenaeus writeth, that when the anci●●● Gauls worshipped their Gods, they did turn themselves to the right hand. They did offer humane sacrifices to their Gods, especially to Mo●, as Caesar witnesseth. But they never offered any sacrifice without their Druids, as Diodorus witnesseth. These Druids were Priests, heretofore much esteemed by the Frenchmen, as also their Bards were, of wh●● Lucan thus writeth: Vos quoque qui fortes animas, belloque peremptas, &c. Than you that valiant souls and slain in war Do celebrated with praises that still are Immortal, so that virtue never dies, You Bards securely sung your Elegies. You Druids, now freed from war, maintain Your barbarous Rites, and sacrifice again. You what heaven is, and Gods alone can tell, Or else alone are ignorant; you devil In vast and desert woods: you teach no spirit Pluto's pale Kingdom can by death inherit. They in an other world inform again, Death long life's middle is (if you maintain The truth) the Northern people happy are In this their error, whom fear greatest fare Of all fears incures not, the fear of death; Thence are they prove to war, nor loss of breath Esteem, and they do think it is a shame To spare a life that will return again. And so much concerning the Frenchman's Religion, now let us add something concerning their customs and fashions: Livy testifies, that the Frenchmen do come to Council in Armour; Strabo writeth, that it was the manner of the French Counsels, that if any one did interrupt a Suitor, a public Officer went to him, and drawing out his sword, did threaten him, and command him to keep silence: and if he did not then hold his peace, the Officer did in the same manner as formerly, the second and third time; and lastly he cut off so much of the Interrupters cloak, so that the rest was good for nothing: Caesar saith, that the Frenchman's Counsels are rash and sudden, and that they are unconstant in Council, and desirous of innovation. The same Caesar noteth, that the Frenchmen, when any matter of note happeneth, are wont by a speedy way, to notify it unto the Countries round about, and that is by acclamations and shouting with the voice, for from them the others receive it, and they again by the same means make it known to their neighbours. They do not suffer their Children (saith Caesar) when they are grown to ripeness of years, to come unto them openly, because they should not neglect the service of the wars: and they think it an unseemly thing for the Son in his Childhood to sit in public in the sight of his Father. The men do make their wives a dowry according to the portion which they receive with them, both which are put into one stock, so as that which ariseth from it is kept to their use: and which soever of the parties doth outlive the other, he or she hath both parts with the use and profit which hath arisen from thence. The French women are beautiful, and like men for strength and stature, as Diodorus saith; they are fruitful, and when they bring forth children, they give them good education. Servitude was usual in France according to the manner of other Nations. And Caesar saith, lib. 6. that the most of them when they are oppressed either with debt or by great taxes, or by the power of great men, they betake themselves to the service of Noblemen, who have as much power over them, as Masters have over their Servants: yet they use them with more humanity and courtesy than the Romans did. For the French Lords had these Servants, or (as Caesar calleth them by a French word) Ambacti, who attended or them to increase their train, and they used them in service of war. Moreover they commonly used (as Diodorus witnesseth) thick earthen Cups, and wrought with flowers on them. They did all sup sitting not on seats but on the ground, upon the skins of wolves and dogs spread thereon, the younger youths serving them at meat. And near unto them there was a fire made, and pots of flesh set thereon, especially with Swine's flesh both fresh and salt. But for the most part, as Stra●● writeth, their meat was Milk. Athenaeus thus delivereth his mind out of Posidonius concerning this Nation: The French use to drink upon a little hay spread under them, having little wooden Tables before them. Bre●● (which, as Pliny noteth, they make light with leaven) is there a comm●● food. They use much roasted and broiled flesh: and they take up whole joints 〈◊〉 both hands like Lions, tearing them in pieces with their teeth, and that wha● they cannot pull in pieces, they cut it with a little knife. Those that live 〈◊〉 Rivers or the Seacoasts have fish as a common service at their Table, wh●●● they broil on fire with salt, vinegar, and cummin, which they put also in 〈◊〉 drink. And a little afterward he saith, The rich and wealth men do dri●●● wine which is brought out of Italy or out of Massilia, and that either pure by itself, or sometimes mingled with a little water. But Pliny reporteth lib. 22. cap. ult. that they make a kind of drunken drink of fruit. Diodo●●● saith, that they made a drink of Barley, which they called Zythum, and an other of water and honey. Their Habit. Concerning their habit, they wore a kind of Cassock, as Strabo noteth, woven of thick wool, this Garment they called Laena, by which is meant, as joseph Scaliger doth note, those garments which the Frenchmen do now call Lansanguys, quasi Laurangis, from the figure of a Laurel or Bay-leaf, which is like unto a Rhom●●●, The French did use lose or straight Breeches, which Tacitus calls a barbarous covering. Strabo saith, that the French in stead of Cloaks used to wear short Coats that reached down but to the buttocks: the shape of which Garment may be seen in that which Germane commonly call Pallatrock, or by contraction Palt rock. Diodorus saith, that they use to wear Rings on all their fingers, and without distinction: Pliny in his natural History lib. 33. cap. 1. saith, that they wore them only on their middle finger. But of these things enough, I come to the particular parts of France. BRITAIN, NORMANDY, and BELSIA. BRITANNIA, commonly called Bretaigne, did receive both name, Laws, and Inhabitants from the Britons, who being driven out of their Country by the Saxons, seated themselves there, in the reign of Vortigerne, The Country whence so called. by whom they were called from thence to aid him against the Scots. It may be, that before this time there were some Colonies of Britons in this part of France, which being then increased by the exiles & banished men of Britain, they used the same violence to the Aremoricans which they had suffered at home, and expulsed them, as Scaliger saith in his Description of Cities, Vicit Aremoricas animosa Britannia Gentes, Et dedit imposito nomina prisca jugo. The Britons the Aremoricans o'ercame, And gave unto the Country their own name. From these Armoricans, the Country was heretofore called Armorica, especially that part of it which lieth toward the Sea, and is now called Lower-Brittany: For, as Camden witnesseth, Armour doth signify, in the ancient British Speech, that which lieth near or upon the Sea. On the East it hath Normandy, and the Cenomani Inhabitants of Lemot Maine, & the Andegavenses Inhabitants of Anjou: The Situation. and on the South it hath Poictou: the other sides are enclosed with the British Sea. It runneth forth into the Sea fare beyond all the other Provinces, like a Peninsula, whence it is not unfitly called the Horn of France, and doth resemble the shape of a shoe-sole, the exterior part whereof being round looketh toward the Sea, the inward part toward the Mediterranean. The length thereof is six days journey, and the breadth thereof three. It is a pleasant and fruitful Country. The fruitfulness of the Soil. It hath many fair meadows and Pastures for Cattles to graze in: and also veins of Silver, Iron, and Led. The Britons grew on a sudden so powerful, that they opposed the Goths, and hindered them from taking possession of all France; for their King Riothimus brought 12 thousand Britons to aid the Romans against the Goths, as jornandes reporteth. Callimachus also witnesseth, that they were at the Battle against Attila. And a weighty argument to prove the power of the Britons is, that the Kings of France granted this Country (of the conquest whereof they despaired) to the Normans, as being more accustomed to war, to subdue and conquer it. The ancient Government. Neither did this counsel want good success: for the fierceness of the Britons was taken off by the Normans sword, and so it become to be obedient to them, whereas it was subject before to the Kings of France. Afterwards it had Dukes of its own; the last of them was Duke Francis, who dying in the year 1490, left one only Daughter to be t●● inheritrix thereof. She being betrothed to Maximilian Archduke 〈◊〉 Austria and King of the Romans, passing through France, was taken a way by Charles the vl, who afterward married her: by which marriage Britain was annexed to the Crown. It is now twofold, the Higher and the Lower, that being near to Liger, this to England; and it is otherwise called Ripiensis. The Cities. The Metropolis of the Higher Britain is the City commonly called g This City is by some called also Corbilum. Nantes, Ptolemie calls it Kondiovi●●● Nannetum, as joseph Scaliger and others do think. It was heretofore the Seat of the Dukes of Britain having the title of a County, and 〈◊〉 belongeth to the Duke's eldest Son. It is situated near Liger, and 〈◊〉 other little Rivulets in a convenient place, not fare from the Sea, being a Bishop's Seat, as also the four other Towns following, Vrbs Red●ca or Rhein's, Condate Redonum, as Ptolemie calls it, and as Antoninus' C●●date: Dolum, now a Town, but heretofore a Castle commonly called Dol or Doul, and Fanum Briocense commonly called S. Brien, a fa●● Town where there is a high rock which affordeth an harbour for ships, and a Castle built thereon for the defence of the City. There is moreover the Town of Sanctus Machlovius, called in their own language S. Malo: And Dina a very fair Town, which the Dukes of Britt●●● sometime much delighted in. There are also other Towns of Highe● Britain as Rieulx, Chasteaubriant, Lambellum, Vitray, jugon, S. A●ll●● du Cormier, Montcontour, Plerel, jocelin, Malestroit, Pontigni, S. julian, & Encenis: Lastly toward Poictou, Clisson, RaiZ, and others. In the Lower Britain there are these famous Towns and Cities: Venetia now called Vannes, Fane de S. Paul, S. Paul de Leon, Triguier, Blavet, Morl●●●, Quimpelray, Conquerneaux, Quimpercorentin, S. Renant des bois, and others. The Dominions are the County of Montford, the Vicountship of R●b●●, and Grello, The Rivers. the principal place thereof is Chasteau Andron. Also the Country of Gueel, Baignon, Montfort, and Vannetais. The Rivers of Britain are Liger, The Sea. Rausa, Ella, and others. The British Sea is fit for traffic, and out of it the Inhabitants do extract salt, which being hardened in the Sun, The Havens. they cell to the neighbour-countries. As for the Havens, besides the abovenamed Cities and Towns, these Towns do afford the most convenient, to wit, Breast, Ancrayum, Hancbont, and Pontsecrot, where great plenty of Oysters are gotten. The Archbishop of Dol hath these Bishoprics under him, the Bishopric of Nantes, of Vannes, of S Brien, in which three they speak both the French and the British Speech: also the Bishopric of Cornovaille, S. Paul de Leon, and Triguier; in which the British Speech, which they call Briton Britona●● is in use, which they suppose was the Language of the ancient Trojanes. Also the Bishoprics of Saint Malo, Rhein's. All the Inhabitants have not the same cheerfulness of mind, Their manners. nor the same courtesy: the most of them are wary and desirous of gain, and they are wont to debate of weighty matters amongst their cups. map of Britain, Normandy, and Belsia BRITAIN, NORMANDY, and BELSIA. BELSIA, commonly called La Beausse, is a very dry Country, and wanteth water very much; yet it is fruitful, and hath abundance of Corn: The fertility of the Soil. It is threefold, the Higher, the Middlemost, and the Lower; the Higher being called Le haut Beausse, beginneth at a Village which is commonly called Ablys, reaching to the Country of the Carnutes or Carnoti, and farther. There are in it the Country of the Carnutes, The Situation the Dukedom of Andegavium or Anjou, and the County of Perche. The Territory of the Carnutes, commonly called the Country of Chartrain, cleaveth on one side to the County of Perch, and on the other sides to the Dukedom of Orleans. It is inferior to no other part of France, both for fruitfulness and pleasantness, for it aboundeth with all kind of Corn, Fruit, and Cattles, and is not wanting in Wine. The chief Town is called Carnutum, Ptolemie calls it Antricum, The Cities. but now it is called Ch●tres. To this Territory are wont to be reckoned the Counties of Dr●ux and Montfort, wherein are two Towns of the same names. The Dukedom of Andegavium hath an especial and peculiar Table to itself. The County of Perch is divided into two parts, the one whereof is called the Lower, commonly le Perche Govet, the chief Town whereof is Nogent Retrou: the second is called the Higher, in which is the Town Mortaigne. The third is the Middle, which lieth on either side of the Banks of Liger, from Roven to Vendomium or Vendosme; and from hence on the right-hand Bank of the same River Liger it extendeth itself from Castellodunum even to the Country of Touraine. It excelleth the other parts of Belsia in fertility. Lower Belsia remains. It is all Field-ground and plain, abounding with Corn, so that it is accounted the Barn or Storehouse of France. It was anciently called Genabum, but in these times Aurelia, for that in the year 276. The Emperor Aurelius built it out of the ruins of old Genabum. It lieth between the Bishoprics of Orleans & Chartres, and runneth out from the Town Estampes toward the East to Sens, and on the South to the Bridge of Orleans. In this Country is Aurelia commonly called Orleans, being situated near the River Liger. It is honoured with the title of a Dukedom, and adorned with an University. Hear are also the Territories of Lorriacum and Solonium, and the Archbishopric of Tours, which hath under it the Bishop of Le Man's and Angiers: As for the Bishops of Chartres and Orleans, they are under the Bishop of Sens in Campania. LEMOVICIUM LEMOVICIUM was so called from the chief City 〈◊〉 movicum; The names, & whence so called. The Situation. but it is not known from whence the 〈◊〉 thereof is derived. Some do refer it to Lemovices, 〈◊〉 first establisher of this Country. It is commonly ca● Pais ou compté de k It is called Limosin, quasi in limo sita. Limosin. On the North and North 〈◊〉 side of it lieth Berry; on the East Bourbon, on the South and South 〈◊〉 Arvernia, on the West and West-South-West Pericors: and lastly o● North-West Poictou. There is a great ancient Elm standing N●ward between the Village called La Maison Nefue (from the new 〈◊〉 that is in it) and Argentonium (a Town of Berry) toward the No● which doth bound and limit four Countries, Berry, Bourbon, Arv● and Lemovicium, so that it is reported, that the four Princes of 〈◊〉 Countries did here talk and confer together, and every one of the stood in his own Territory. The Soil is not every where eq● fruitful, The quality of the Soil. being, for the most part, somewhat barren, yet it produceth 〈◊〉 kind of fruits, especially Wheat, Barley, a kind of Grain 〈◊〉 Panicum, Chesse-nuts, and Wine, but of an inferior small kind, ye● the lower parts of Lemovicium they have a richer sort. Some 〈◊〉 have the Lemovicians (for so Pliny calleth the ancient Inhabitants, wh● Strabo calleth Lemobikes, and Ptolemie Lemovikoi, from the City L●vick) to be the native and ancient Inhabitants of this Country, and 〈◊〉 make Lemovices to be their Founder, being descended from the G●ritae or Galatae, The ancient Government. as some do think. Some do suppose, that he was 〈◊〉 the blood of the great Lybian Hercules, who when he had come thre● Spain, & passed over the Pyrenaean Mountains, lived a while in Fr●● This is peculiar to this Province only of all France, that whereas W●ters do only name other Provinces of France, and do not ment● from whence the people of the Cities were so called, here the conu● happeneth: for Caesar maketh mention of the Lemovitians and their sty, and writeth, that they were the first that yielded unto him, for the 〈◊〉 were lovers of peace, and haters of discord. But after that the Le●●●cians had made a league with Caesar, they obeyed a Prince who was joined in confederacy with the Romans, to whom they were subject u● the Goths did repel them, and possessed all Aquitania. They writ th● the Frenchmen afterward, having driven out the Goths, did govern 〈◊〉 Lemovicians, and did set Earls and Dukes to rule over them, the one 〈◊〉 manage their Battles, the other to administer Justice. The most 〈◊〉 divide Lemovicium into two parts, the Higher and the Lower. Le fl● & bas Limosin. The Higher (which is properly called Limosin) is plai● than the lower part, The Cities. and the Metropolis thereof is Lemovicum. So ma● do think that A. Hirtius did call it lib. 8. de Bello Gallico, but now it 〈◊〉 called Lymoges: Fulvius Vrsinus calleth it Limonum, by the authority 〈◊〉 ancient Books; Ptolemie calls it Ratiaston in Aquitania, as joseph Sca● writing to Merula supposeth, Villonovanus also assenting to him. 〈◊〉 Bertrandus thinketh that it is called Rahastum in stead of Raiz, by the 〈◊〉 map of Lemousin ●EMOVICIVM. finitie and likeness of names. This City is seated partly in a Vale, and partly on the top of a little Hill, being well fortified with a Castle, and strong Walls: it hath abundance of water, which springeth from a clear Fountain in the higher part of the City. This City is the Nursery of diligence and industry, and the prisonhouse of sloth and idleness. The women do honour and much esteem of chastity and mercifulness. It is the Seat of a Bishop. Hear are also other Towns, which in the Language of the Inhabitants are called La Soubsterraine, L● Boisson, Barat, Dorat, Consolat, and others, which for brevity's sake I omit. Among them Chassusio is not to be forgotten, as being famous for the yearly Fairs of Cattles and horses, which are kept there on Saint George's day. There are also Abbeys in this hither part of the Country, amongst the which are the Abbeys of Grandimont, and S. Leonard. The lower part of Lemosin, being more mountainous than the higher, is properly called La Marche de Limosin, limited with Avernia and Perigort. The chief City thereof is Tutela or Tulla, commonly called Tulle, being situated in a rugged mountainous place; and being the Seat not only of a Bailiff, but of a new Bishop, built out of the ruins of an old Monastery. In Latin he is called Tutelensis Episcopus. There is also Vsarche or Vsarche, a pleasant Town, having a sweet Air, and seated near the River Vezer. Fame boasteth, that this Town is impregnable, and that it cannot be taken; whence there is a Proverb, Cui Vsarchae est d●mus, arcem eum possidere in Lemovicum ditione: i He that hath an house in Vsarcha, hath, as it were, a Castle in the Country of Lemosin. Histories do speak much of the virtue of the Citizens, and do report, that they resisted the English, even when they conquered all Aquitania, and that they remained constant and faithful to their Prince the King of France. There is the Town Briva, seated on the pleasant and fertile Plain, environed with woods, and having many Vineyards: It is the Seat of a Chancellor. Heretofore, it is thought, it belonged to the Country of Perigort, and that Charles the sixth King of France did joice it to Limosin. There are also other Towns, as Treignac, Donzenac, Alessac, The Families. Bellus-locus, Meissac, Vsset, and Bello-mon. There are many illustrious Families in this Country; The Nobles. in the Higher there are the Families of Pi●●re-Bussire, Chasteauneuf, and Carsic, which are honoured with Vicountships, also Roche. Covart which is one of the ancientest Families in Aquitania, Maygnac, and others. In the lower part is Pampadoura, Aument, Roffignac, San-Iala, Gemma, and infinite others. The Inhabitants of L●movicium are very sparing in their meat & drink, Their manners. being content with a little; they hate dainty meats, but are great eaters of bread, so that the Proverb saith, A Lemovician is a Bread-devourer. In the Villages they do not use to drink Wine. They are industrious, ingenious, and wary, as being very provident in all things. The Common-people are covetous, and sluttish in their houses; the Nobility are magnificent, of a high spirit, and liberal. The most of them do live until they be very old, for there are those which do see their Grandchildrens' Children. They say, that here near Cousins, without any dispensation from the Pope, do marry amongst themselves, and do not part their goods Belleforestius writeth, that he saw Families, in which a hundred linked together by the affinity of marriage did live together, so that they seemed to be like Colleges. I will here add for conclusion that which johannes Puncteius writeth concerning the original of the Lemovicians. Ecce Lemoviculae sedes gratissima genti, &c. Behold the Lemovicians pleasant Seat In forty five degrees and half complete Of Latitude, which doth itself stretch forth To take a view of the cold frozen North. The Longitude even from the setting Sun, Stretching itself toward the East, doth run As fare as the Avernian Mountains, and Toucheth beside the Biturigian Land. But where that Phoebus dips his horses in The Sea, till they to plunge therein begin, Angolmum it doth view, and doth behold Part of Pictavia: as towards the cold North, on the Biturigians it confines; And Southward to the Petragorians joins, With whom in manners they do more agreed Than with the others that their neighbours be. Fair Aquitania doth contain this Land, Which for good manners comes behind none; and Vienna, that doth from the Mountains flow, Watereth the upper grounds as it doth go With winding streams, which run out many ways, While thousands of fair kine do by them graze: This the Inhabitants in their speech do call Vigana, which from thence doth headlong fall By Lemovicium's City, which doth lie Part in a Vale, part on a Hill so high, Where Saints do glory in its Church's state, Which unto holy Stephen's consecrated. Fame doth report, that Frenchmen of the line Of Gomer held this Country at that time, Nohemus off spring troops of men did lead, Which into diverse Countries they did spread: From thence the true original than came Of Lemovicians, who ne'er changed their name, Unless you'll have the Phrygians for to change Their Seats, while they did with Alvernus range, And Limovices for to find new land, And ease their grief which they at home sustained. The Soil is barren whence no fruit doth grow, And no fair swelling Rivers in it flow. It flourisheth with men that in it are, And is enriched with many kinds of ware. The Land is strong in Arms, and heretofore The valiant English could not pass it o'er, But were enforced on the mountains high The Frenchman's quick resisting force to try: Yea this same City valiantly sustained The Visigothian siege, and honour gained: Nor could the English furious attempt Oppress it, when to take it they were bend: And after threescore years were passed, the Town And walls thereof decayed, there were shown Many strange Relics which most ancient were, For some the face of Senators did bear. And quicksilver even by the Pencils Art, Or by Perillus' skill, did there impart Much grace unto the halfe-consumed eyes Of the dead statue which unmoved lies. Moreover, for the walls on Southern side A Lioness in shape may be espied. Who folding two whelps with her crooked feet Hath these three Verses underneath her writ. The Lioness doth cruel Dukes bring forth, and also crown, The mad and wily offspring doth this nurse oppressing frown, But suffers underneath the weight wherewith he's pressed down. SANTONIA: OR LE PAIS DE XAINGTONGE. THE ECCLESIASTICAL STATE. Santonia hath a Bishopric, namely of XAINTOGNE. SANTONIA, called commonly Lemot Pays de Xaintogne, or Xaintongeois, and by the ancient Inhabitants the Santones, the Marshalship of Guienna, hath on the North Poictou, The Country whence so called. on the East Limosin and Perigort, on the South the River Garumna, and on the West the Ocean, The Situation. where are the Islands commonly called Les Isles d' Oleron, in which there are great store of Coneys and Hares. Heretofore the bounds of Santonia were larger, which we may collect out of the Author of the Ephemerideses concerning the French war, who writeth, that it reached almost to the borders of toulouse; and that in the geeat war against Caesar, the Council of the Princes of France did command, that twelve thousand men should be levied out of it, when eight thousand only were levied out of Poictou, and ten thousand out of Lemosin. The Country of Santonia doth abound with Corn and Wine, The fruitfulness of the Soil. and it is counted one of the best Countries in France, as sending forth many commodities into Spain, England, and other Countries. The Santones were formerly seated here, for Caesar with others mentioneth them lib. 1. de Bello Gallic. In some of his Books they are called Xantones: In his second Book he calls them Santoni; and lib. 3. de Bell. Civili, Santonae: Strabo calleth them Santonoi, and Ptolemie Santoones, as Stephanus writeth. The chief City of this Country is Santonum, which in the native Language is called Saints, by a plural termination, as all the other French Towns which end in SAINT, namely Paris, Rheims, and others. It was built by the ancient Frenchmen; and no doubt but that Town which was anciently called Mediclanum is this Xantonum or Santonum: for Antoninus calls it Mediolanum Santonum: the itinerary Table corruptly calls it Mediolanum Saneon, and Strabo and Ptolemie call it Mediolanon. Besides, there are diverse things which show the antiquity thereof, as first many pieces of ancient walls standing here and there; also famous Amphitheatres without the walls toward the West; thirdly in the Bridge over the River l This River is called by Ptolemie Canentelum. Caroutonum or Charente, which floweth by the City, there is an old arch with a double inscription, on one side whereof there are these words, Caesari Nep. Di● julii Pontifici Auguri; on the other are some letters which are almost worn out, so that nothing can be gathered from them. Lastly there 〈◊〉 many ruins of an Aquaduct in the high way from Mediolanum to A●geriacum. This City is called Santonus by Ausonius in his 23 Epistle, 〈◊〉 also by Lucan (if I be not mistaken) lib. 1. And the same Auso●● calleth the people Santones, Epist. 14. and 18: as also Tacitus lib. 5. 〈◊〉 August. and Sidonius Apollinaris lib. 7. Epist. 6. It was called Me●num, for that the Frenchmen (as T. Livius doth witness) did build in the Country of the Insubres or Mediolanenses, which is very likely, t●● I may not say certain with Causabone. If Strabo had more diligent considered and beheld the Country lying round about this City, he would not have said, that it is sandy and barren, but that it is rich 〈◊〉 fruitful. The City is situated by the fertile River Carantonum, which riseth in a place commonly called Charemac, between the Towns ●moges and Angoulesme. It is an Episcopal City, whereof Belleforre● numbereth 63 Prelates: S. Eutropius was the first, being sent thither 〈◊〉 S. Clement. And he, after he had converted this people to the Ecclesiastical Faith, suffered Martyrdom under the Emperor Domi● The last is called by Belleforestius Tristamus Bisetus, or Tristand the 〈◊〉 There is in this City the Monastery of the Friars of the blessed Vl● founded by Godfrey Earl of Santonia, and his wife Agnes Anno 10● The thirtieth Bishop of Santonum, being called Petrus Confoulanti, 〈◊〉 build and re-edify the Bishop's house in the year 1102, and caused ●●wals of the Cathedral Church to be repaired. After Mediolanum 〈◊〉 as some Latin Writers do call it Santonia) follows Rupella, called 〈◊〉 their Language la Rochel. This seemeth by the description of Ptole● to be called Zantonoon akron, or Promontorium Santonum; but it is call● by Villanovanus m This City is called by some Maluason. Blaye, which is interpreted Santonum Portus. The City is seated in the most fertile part of all France, near the Bay of the Sea, which hath twice a day the Sea ebbing and flowing in it. It is 〈◊〉 ancient, but lately built by the Kings of France, in regard of the commodity of the Haven, and to repress the invasions of Pirates, who 〈◊〉 waste the whole coast of Armorica. The conveniency of the Haven 〈◊〉 is so great, that the Citizens may have commerce with all Nation's 〈◊〉 Europe, and wage war both by Sea and Land against their enemies for it is capable of many ships, it hath a great conveniency for their ●ing in and coming out, and is a safe and excellent harbour for ther● This City is thought to be impregnable by the strength of man, for great Bay of the Ocean doth fortify the South side thereof, the No● side the marshes and boggy places (commonly called Salantes) 〈◊〉 strengthen: and the other parts are fortified with walls, ditches, tow● and strong Forts, which have several names, so that no Ordnance, 〈◊〉 Cannon can make a breach into it. It is a free City, which former Pr●ces and others have adorned with many and great immunities and privileges, and especially those which belong to Sea affairs, for the Citizens' choose a Mayor and Aldermen out of their own Corporation which govern the City, and they are not compelled to admit of 〈◊〉 n Their freedom is now lost for they were lately compelled by the now King of France to receive a Garrison of Soldiers in the City, and to undergo the yoke of subjection. foreign government, neither are they kept in awe by any Garrisons map of Santonia ●ANTONIA. Soldiers. Rochel did sustain a grievous siege, in the 1573, by Henry of Valois Duke of Anjou, and afterward King of Poland and France, of whom all Historiographers do make mention. In this siege, he did use the thunder and lightning of Ordnance both by Sea and Land, as also furious assaults, storms of shot, scaling Ladders, undermine, and all manner of engines which could be invented or used. And on the besieged side, you might have seen men, women, and children with great courage of mind the sustain the furious assaults of their enemies, and with constancy and cheerfulness repair the ruins of the walls, keep down those that would have ascended up, drive back their enemies to their trenches, pursue them, and at last fight it out, for the most part, with good success. Moreover you might have beheld them wearying the besiegers with daily sallying out upon them; and lastly subsisting after nine assaults, in which though their enemies did fight valiantly, yet they were enforced to retire with great loss. At length the Ambassadors of Polonia coming the 15 of june, that they might bring with them Henry Duke of Anjou, whom the States of the Kingdom had chosen for King, God used this as a means to free Rochel, being now exhausted and drawn dry of Corn, and being weakened in warlike fortifications, besides the loss of many thousand men, for now the King by Articles of peace confirmed by his royal solemn edicts did grant, the Rochel, Montalban, Nemansum, and other Cities which did defend themselves, should be free to use their own o Now the Rochellers are compelled by the now King of France, to exercise their Religion without the City. Religion, such an eve●● had this grievous siege, which endured almost for seven months. In which time more than twenty thousand men perished in conflicts, sallies, besieges, by wounds, hunger, and sickness. Rochel is a consta●● Seat for presidial Senators, and other Lawyers. The other Cities & Towns of note in Santonia, are commonly called S. jean d' Angely, 〈◊〉 or Pont l' Oubleze, Blaye, Taillebourg, Borbesieux, Brovage, and josac, S. I●●● d' Angely, otherwise called Angeliacum and S. joannes de Angeria, is a new City, although it be one of the speciallest and greatest of all S●●nia. It renewed its name from an Abbey, which was built in that place, to the honour of S. john the Baptist; the foundation whereof happened to be in the reign of King Pipin, who kept his Court in the Palace of Angeria, near the River commonly called Boutonne, in the Country of Alnia; for hither (as they say) came certain Monks out of the Holy Land, who brought with them the head of S. john Baptist, by whose coming, the King obtained a famous victory over his enemies, and therefore in remembrance thereof he built in that place where was the Palace of Angeria, the Abbey of Saint john, there placing religious men, and endowing them with great revenues, that they might there devote themselves to the service of God: now by this means people flocking thither, and building round about the Abbey, by degrees it began to be a City, as it is now at this day, and was called by the name of S. john. All these things happened about the year of our Lord seven hundred sixty eight, while Pipin waged war against Gaifer King of Aquitania, whom he overcame, as it may be read in the History of the Foundation of this Abbey. This City the Duke of Andegavium or Anjou did besiege in the year 1569, and it was yielded to him after 50 days siege, the King granting the Citizens these conditions: That they should march forth of the City with their Armour, Horses, and Colours displayed. Santonia raiseth great store of money by its Corn, which the Spaniards every year do transport from thence, or Merchants which cell it unto them. And the City of Rochel is very rich, in regard of its nearness to the Sea, and especially because of the traffic of the English and Dutch, whose shipping do often arrive there. AQVITANIA. AQVITANIA, (whose Southern part is delineated 〈◊〉 this Table) some would have so called from the wa●●●● wherewith it doth abound; The Country whence so called. and some derive it from 〈◊〉 Town Aquis, or Aqs. It was extended (according 〈◊〉 Ptolemie) from the Pyrenaean Mountains even to Lige●●●▪ But now (as Ortelius witnesseth) from the River Garumna to the Ocean▪ and the Pyrenaean Hills. Towards the North-West it hath the Ocean which is called the Aquitanick Bay; on the West Spain, on the No●●● Gallia Lugdunensis, and on the South Gallia Narbonensis. In it (according to Mercators' account) there are five Dukedoms, Vasconia. twenty Counties, 〈◊〉 six Signories. The Dukedoms are Vasconia or Guienna, Avernia, the Country of Engoulesme, The Situation. Berrie, and Turonia. Vasconia or Guienna being situated near the Sea, The fruitfulness of the Soil. The Cities. between Bayon and Bordeaux, yields g●●●● store of wine, which is transported from thence into other parts of ●●rope. The chief City in it is Burdigala or Bordeaux; the other City's 〈◊〉 Nerac, Condom, Mirande, Nogerat, Orthes, Bases, and Dax are of no g●●●● note: yet Dax is famous for her hot Fountains, Salt-pits, and Ir●● mettle. Burdigala, so called by Ptolemie, is situated in a marsh, which the overflowing of Garumna maketh, and is adorned both with a Parliament and an University, Avernia. in which the Professors of all Arts and Sciences do instruct Youth. Avernia, or the Duchy of Avergne is partly 〈◊〉 plain, The Situation. and partly a mountainous Country. It hath on the East F●●●● on the South Languedock; on the West Quercy, Perigort, and Lem●●●, and on the North Berry and Bourbon. Avernia is twofold, the Higher and the Lower. The Higher, which is called Lemot haut pays d' Averg●● and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Avernia, The Cities and Towns. hath one prime City in it called p This City is called by Ptolemie Rovesium and Ru●sium, and by Mercator Rieux. S. Flour, being seated on a high Rock: the other Towns are commonly called Ori●●●, Carlatum, Muratum, Buillons, le Puy, &c. There is also in it the Territor●●● and Bayliwick of Beaucaire. The Lower is rich and very fertile, being full of excellent Wine, Fruit, Honey, Saffron, Cattles, Wool, Me●dowes, and Woods. The Metropolis of it is q This City was anciently called Arverna and Gergobia. Clarimontium, commonly called Clermont: It is proud of her Castle, and is a Bishop's Seat. The other Cities or Towns are 13 in number, of which r Called by Antoninus Sirion, and by other's Serion. Engoulesme. The Situation. The fruitfulness of the Soil. The Cities & Towns. Turonia. Rion, Monfe●●●● and Isoire do excel the rest. Engoulesme on the North joineth to P●●ctou, on the West to Santonia, on the South to Perigort, and on the Ea●● to Lemosin. It hath abundance of very good Wine, fruit and Hemp●●▪ The Metropolis of it is Inculisma now called Engoulesme, being an ancient City. It is seated on a hill which hangeth over the River Char●●● in a remote place from the King's high way. The lesser Towns are those which are commonly called Marton, Chasteau, Neuff, Blaisac, Chabasite, Confollant, Cuffec, Aigres, Gourville, la Roche-Foucault, Marveil, La●z●●, Villebois, Momberon, and Bouteville. Concerning the Country of Bo●●● we will speak in a Table by itself. Turonia commonly called T●●raine, beginneth somewhat beyond the City Amboise, towards Bel●●●●▪ and endeth at the town which is commonly called lafoy Chapelle Blanc●●▪ The Situation. map of Aquitania ●QVITANIA. being subject in spiritual matters to the Bishops of Anjou and Choosed. For they appoint and set down limits between the Turonians and A●digavians. The sweetness of the Air doth make this pleasant country more delightful, so that it is called the Garden and Orchard of France. It is fruitful in Wine and Corn, and hath woods convenient to hu●● in. The Cities. The Metropolis or mother-city of this Dukedom is Caesarodunum Turonum, called in French Tours. This City excelleth for wealth, and fair edifices or buildings. On the East side the River Ligeris or Liger, on the South and West sides the River Idra do flow near unto it. The lesser Towns in it are Amboise, Langes, Chinon, and others. The Counties of Aquitaine are Tholouse, Narbonne, Albret, Armignac, Bigorre, B●●, Estrac, Commingeois, and Foix. Also Ventadour, Pompadour, Montign●● i● Poictou, The State Ecclesiastic. Perigort, Fronssac, Esparre, Lymosin, Touraine, March, the Vicou●tie of Aulnay, and Basque. The Signories or Lordships are Planes, Gra●●, Chaloces, Saintonge, and Aulnis. There are moreover five Archbishops, first the Archbishop of Narbon, under whom are these suffragans, to w●●, the Bishops of Carcassone, aged, of S. Pont de Tomieres, Alet, Memph●●, Elne, Besiers, Lodeut, Nismes, and Vsetz. Secondly the Bishop of Bourges, under whom are ten Bishops, namely the Bishop of Clermont, of R●●des, of Lymoges, of Manned, of Alby, of Cahors, of Castres', of Tulies', of S. Fl●●●, and of le Puy. Thirdly the Bishop of Bordeaux, under whom there are eight Bishops, namely of Poitiers, of Lucon, of Mailezais, of Saints, of Engoulesme, of Again, of Codon, and of Sarlac. Fourthly the Bishop of Tholouse, which hath these Bishops under him, the Bishop of Pami●s, of Mirepoys, of Montauban, of La Vour, of Rieux, of Lombes, and of capon's. Fifthly, the Bishop of Aux, under whom are the Bishops of A●●, of Coming, of Tarbe, of Basas, of Lescure, of Lictoure, of Conserves, of Oleron, of Bajone, and of Adure, which some call Air. The Kingdom of Arelatum. THe Kingdom of Arelatum is so called from the City Arelatum. It containeth those Countries which lie between the Rivers R●●danus and the Alps. Sabaudia whence so called. And there are in this tract Sabaudia, Delphin●t●● or Dauphin, and Provinciae. There are diverse conjectures concerning the name of Sabaudia or Savoy; some derive it à Sabatiis vadis, from the S●batican Ford's; others give it that name quasi Sabbatorum Pratum, which Volaterranus calleth Sabaudiensis Auwe, that is, the Sabaudian Land: some would have it called Savoy, quasi Saul voje, a way through Ofiers and Willows, or quasi Sauve Voye, that is, the safe way; which I know not who is feigned to have made by fabulous Writers, as being before dangerous in regard it was full of thiefs and robbers. Near to Sabaudia on the North lieth the Country of Burgundy, The Situation. and Helvetia, having the Lake Lemanus lying between them: On the East it hath Valesia and Pedemontium, which have no certain bounds, but that high Mountains do run between them; and on the South and the West is Dauphin, with some part of Rhodanus, separating Sabaudia from the Dukedom of Burgundy. The Air of Sabaudia is pure, The fertility of the Soil. and the country is very mountainous. In the Valleys and Plains the Soil is very pleasant and fruitful, especially toward the North, near the Lake Lemanus, where it yields most excellent rich Wine, which is called Ri●●lium, from the bank of the Lake. The pastures do bring up and feed all sorts of Cattles, and especially there where the lesser Mountain of S. Bernard doth rise in height. The Metropolis or mother-city of Sa●●●dia is Chamberiacum commonly called Chamberri, in which there is a Parliament. The City is seated in a Vale, and encompassed round about with Mountains. The Counties of Geneva, Morienne, and Taren●●is, the Marquisate of Susa, and some other Signiories are described with Sabaudia as parts thereof: and lastly the Country of Bressa. The Country of Geneva Antoninus calleth Cenava. It is a very ancient s This City is in compass about two English miles, and is supposed to contain about 17000 Souls. City, ●eated by the Lake Lemanus, and divided in two parts, which stand upon the two banks of the River Rhodanus, but joined together by a wooden bridge, on both sides whereof there are houses, though the greater part of houses be toward the South, and the lesser toward the North. The Country of Morienne doth extend itself to the River Archus, where there is a fair Town called S. jean de Morienne. The County of Taren●●se, is almost enclosed with the Alps, and the Rivers Archus and Ara: ●t is so named from the City Tarantais, which the Inhabitants do now ●all Moustier, the Germane Munster in Tartaansen, and the Latin Writers Munsterium. The Marqueship of Susa is so called from the Town Susa, ●ot fare from the head of the River Doria or Duria, Dauphin whence so called. which doth discharge and exonerate itself into the River Padus, called by the Italians ●o. There are also other Towns of Sabaudia, as Aiguebelle, Mont Belial, Belie, Ni●y, Montmelian, In●illes, &c. Delphinatus followeth. Some would derive the name thereof à Castello Delphini, which is called in French Chastean t Some say it had its name from Dolphin, wife to Guigne the second Prince of this Province. Dolphin. Provincia cleaveth unto it on the South, and ●resse on the North, the River Rhodanus running between them: on the West side is the County of Viennois, and on the East lieth Pedemontium, The Situation. ●nd Sabaudia. The archiepiscopal Cities here, are Vienna and Ebro●num. Strabo calleth Vienna the Metropolis of the Allobrogians, Ptolemie ●ls it the Mediterranean City of the Allobrogians: The Cities. Stephanus calleth it ●●ennus, and it is commonly called Vienne. Ebrodunum Ptolemie calls ●●orodunum, and Strabo Epebrodunum. It is a famous Town of the Ca●●igians of the maritime Alps, which lie near the Sea. Antoninus calvish it Eburodunum, but in French it is called Ambrum. There are five ●●ties which have Bishops, Valentia, Dia, Gratianopolis, Augusta, and ●pingum. Valentia (according to Antoninus and Ptolemie) is common●● called Valence, and is the title of a Duke. Dia is called by Antoninus' 〈◊〉 Vocontiorum, but commonly Dio, and is the Metropolis or chief ●●tie of the Country, which in French is called Pays de Diois. Gratia●●lis was heretofore called Cularo, Isidorus calleth it the City of Gra●●opolis, but it is commonly called Grenoble. Augusta, near to the ●●●er Isere, Pliny calls Augusta Tricastinorum, where the great Senate of ●●lphine is kept, Sidonius Tricastina Vrbs, but now, as joseph Scaliger ●●leth, it is called S. Antony de Tricastin. That which Antoninus calls ●●ingum, or as some read it, Vapincum, and the itinerary Table Gap, is now called Caput agri, and in French Gapencois. It is environed ro●●● with Mountains. It was formerly, and is also at this day a famo●● Town; the Inhabitants do call it Le col S. Digo. I pass by the lesse● Townes. Provence is to be described next, but before I come unto it, 〈◊〉 will add something out of Mercator concerning the State Ecclesiastic●● Hear are five Archbishops: as first the Archbishop of Tarentais in ●●baudia, under whom are the Bishops of Satin and Augusta. 2 lie the Archbishop of Ambrum; under whom are the Bishops of Ligne, of Grass, 〈◊〉 Lena, of Niza, of S. Glande, of Valne, of Vap, which some call Gap: 〈◊〉 Briancon, and of S. Pol. Thirdly the Archbishop of Vienne, to whom the●● are six suffragans, the Bishop of Valence and die, the Bishop of Viv●● of S. jean de Morienne, of Geneve, of Grenoble, and of Romans. Fourthly the Archbishop of Aix, under whom there are five Bishops, the Bis●●● of Aps, of Frejul, of Sesteron, of Eres, and of Vapinte. Fifthly the Archbishop of Arelatum or Arles, under whom are the Bishops of M●s●●● of Vasison, of Tricaste, of Cavallion, of Avignon, of Orange, of Carpe●●● and of Tollon. The Archbishop of Lions and Primate of all France, h●●● his residence in the City of Lions, and hath four suffragan Bishop● under him, as the Bishop of Autun, of Mascon, of Chalon by the Ri●●● Saone, and of Langres. PROVINCIA, OR PROVENCE. HItherto we have described Aquitania and the Kingdom of Arelatum: Provincia followeth. The Country whence so called. This most excellent part of France from beyond Rhodanus even to the River Garumna was called Provincia, because the Romans many years before the Nativity of Christ did reduce it into the form of a Province, which name it still retaineth in a small portion thereof (wherein is Massilia and Aquae Sextiae) by way of excellency, to declare that it had pre-eminence both in order and dignity above all the Provinces of the Roman Empire. Dauphin lieth near to Provincia on the North side, The Situation. being parted from it with the Mountains commonly called the Mountains of Velay, and by a great part of the River Druentius or Durance, running between. It is enclosed on the East side by the Alps and the River Varus, on the left hand bank whereof stands the Town Nicaea, where Italy beginneth, on the South the French Sea beateth on it, and the Western bounds of it are partly the Principality of Arausio or Orange, and the County of Avenio or Avignon, which did formerly belong unto it, though now they appertain to other Princes: and partly the whole River Rhodanus, as fare as Lions and Arelatum, belonging to the Jurisdiction of the Parliament of Languedock. The temper of the Air. The Air here is gentle, mild, and very pure. The Country doth produce not only excellent Corn, but also Fruits, with little labour or tillage: The fruitfulness of the Soil. and here is as great plenty of Rasons and Figs, as may furnish the greatest part of Europe. Hear is such great store of Rosemary, Juniper-berries, Chesse-nuts, Pome-Citternes, Lemons, Oranges, Saffron, Rice, and the like, as if the horn of plenty were poured forth upon this Country. The Vines yield excellent rich Wines here, and the Soil is every where very good and fruitful. Concerning the ancient Earls of Provincia some things are to be noted: We read in ancient Annals, that in the time of Ludovicus the vl King of France, The ancient Government. Raymundus Berengarius was Earle of Provence, and that Charles Earl of Anjou, and Son to the afterward King Ludovicus did marry Beatrice his only Daughter and Heir, & by that means got this Country. After him succeeded Charles surnamed the Lame, being Prince of Salernum, and King of Naples. After him his Son Robert succeeded, being Duke of Calabria, and King of Naples; and after him his Grandchild joane (whose Father Charles Duke of Calabria was dead before) for by the last Will of this Robert she was made Queen of Naples, and Countess of Provence. This woman, that she might be revenged on her Adversaries, did adopt Ludovicus of Anjou, Son to john King of France, and left him her successor both in other Principalities, and also in this County. After this Ludovicus, his Son Ludovicus the second was made Earl; and next after him his Son Ludovicus the third, who was also adopted by joane the second Que●●● of Naples, to be King of Sicily, and Duke of Calabria; This Ludovicus ●●ving no issue, by the consent of the aforesaid joane, instituted his b●●ther Renatus to be successor in those Principalities. And he being 〈◊〉 willing to resign his right in the Kingdom of Naples, and the Coun●●●● of Provence, to Renatus Duke of Lotharingia, his Nephew did pass 〈◊〉 over unto his brother Charles, Earl of Maine, who made (his so●● Charles dying) Ludovicus the eleventh King of France his heir. So●● would have it that Renatus made him heir after Charles, by his last w●●● although Renatus Duke of Lotharingia did justly expostulate with 〈◊〉 concerning the same. Hear dwelled heretofore the Salyi, the Aq●●ses, the Arelatenses, the Sextani, the Sentij, the Ebroduntij, the Di●●●●● the Vesdiantij, the Sanicienses, the Nerucijs, the Vencienses, the Vulgi●●●● the Aptenses, the Reienses, the Ostaviani, the Commoni, the Foro-Iuli●●●● the Segestorij, the Albici, the Oxubij, the Deciates, and others. There 〈◊〉 in Provence under the Aquensian Parliament, besides many Town● 〈◊〉 no small note, two Cities which have Archbishops, and eleven 〈◊〉 have Bishops in them. The archiepiscopal Cities are Aquae Sextiae 〈◊〉 Arelatum. The Latins, Paterculus, Solinus, and others, do call the 〈◊〉 Aquae Sextiae Colonia. Plutarch, (in the life of C. Marius) Sextilia, the ●●●●nerarie tables, Aquae Sestiae. The inscription of a stone at Lions, 〈◊〉 to S. benedict's Church, Colonia julia Aquae. Lastly a certain ancient ●●scription, and Vespasians coin, Colonia julia, Aquae Sexiae, Legio 25. was called Aquae, because there are baths of hot water, whence als● is now called Aix; and it was called Sextiae, from C. Sextius, who 〈◊〉 Consul in the year from the building of the City of Rome, 630. 〈◊〉 he having subdued the Nation of the Salyi, built this City, to the 〈◊〉 that he might place a Roman garrison therein, and that he might d●●●● the Barbarians from those coasts, which open a way from Massilia 〈◊〉 Italy: seeing the Massilianss were not able to suppress them, (you 〈◊〉 read Livy lib. 61. from the 10. cap.) But concerning the same, it 〈◊〉 called julia Augusta, from C. julius Caesar Augustus, who did enl●●●● it with colonies, bringing thither the old Soldiers of the 25 Legi●●● The Parliament of Provence is held here, which therefore is called P●●liamentum Aquense. Partly at this City, and partly in Italy did HUNDRED ●●rius overcome the Cimbrians a people of Germany, and the Tigurine, 〈◊〉 Abrones, French Nations that banded themselves with them: of whi●● history elsewhere. The second City Orosius and Ausonius (Lib. ●●urbibus in Epigraphe & ipso carmine 7o) do call u In this town was called a Council by Constantine. An. 313. for the quiet establishing of the Church. Arelas, the same ●●●nius, elsewhere doth call it Arelatus: Caesar calls it Arelate; as also S●●●nius (in the life of Tiberius) Mela, and others. Strabo calls it Areleta, P●●lemie Arelaton, Salyorum Colonia, and Pliny, Arelate Sextanorum; but 〈◊〉 by a word of the plural number it is called Arles. Festus Avienus 〈◊〉 report that the Grecians heretofore inhabiting it, did call it Thelinis. ●●lius Scaliger witnesseth that in a fair inscription on a pillar which 〈◊〉 had seen, it is called Mamiliaria, but the reason why is unknown. 〈◊〉 Constantinus the Emperor, did enact and ordain that it should be c●●led Constantia, and that the assemblies and conventions of seven Provinces, namely of Vienne, of both the Narbons, of both the Aquitan●●, 〈◊〉 map of Provence PROVENCE. Novempopulana, and the Maritime Alps, should be held and kept there; and Ausonius calleth it Gallula Roma, in those verses which I mentioned before. It is a City seated near Rhodanus, on the left hand ban●e thereof. The itinerary table placeth it on the right hand, where now stands Languedocke. Ausonius affirmeth that Arelatum is divided with the River Rhodanus flowing between. Whence he maketh it twofold in his book of Cities; because Rhodanus divideth and cutteth it into two parts. But now, the form and face thereof being changed, it standeth wholly upon that bank of Rhodanus which lieth towards Italy, and is environed on all sides with Marshes, in which fierce Oxen are bred. Hence it is thought that it was once fare greater, & some believe th● the other part of the City, which flourished heretofore was wasted by the Goths. It appears in Ausonius that it was a Town of traffic. And we read that the Kings of Burgundy did formerly keep their residence therein, and afterward the Earls of Provence. D. Trophi●● was the first Bishop thereof, who was the Apostle Paul's Disciple; and in the second year of Nero's reign came into France. From this man as from a Fountain, as Sosimus writeth, the Christian faith was diffused and dispersed through all France. It hath now a strong Castle, and is famous for its two Prelates heretofore, Honoratus and Hilarius. So much concerning the archiepiscopal Cities of Provence; the Episcopal are eleven, amongst the which the chief is Massiliae: the Latins, and also some of the Grecians do call it Masilia, Strabo, Stephanus, and ancient coins do call it Massalia, Ptol. Masalia: but now it is commonly called Marseille. It was once a Colony of the Grecian Phocoeans, and was built in the 45 Olympiad, as Solinus witnesseth in the days of King Turquine, as justine noteth (Lib. 43.) Plutarch in the life of Solon writeth that it was built by Protus, otherwise Protis. Strabo showeth that it is seated on a rocky place, near the mouth of the River Rhodanus, and it a remote part of the Bay, as it were in the corner of the Sea, as Iust●●● saith out of Trogus. Moreover M. Tullius doth so praise the Commonwealth of the Massilianss, that speaking in defence of Fontejus before the people of Rome, he durst say, that their City did exceed not only Greece, but almost all other Nations for discipline and gravity. They reckon and begin the number of their Bishops from Lazarus, whom Christ raised from death. So much concerning Massilia, the other Episcopal Cities are Dine, which Ptolemy calls Dinia: Grass, Gland●●●, or Glan●te, which learned Latin Writers do call the City of Glana●●ca, and some Authors Glamnatena: They are deceived who make Plyn●●●, Mela's, and Antoninus his Glanum, to be the same with Glannate. For Antoninus placeth Glanum between Cabellio and Arles, from which Glanata is fare distant: so that this Glanum is not now known. Also Sanas or Sanitium, a Town in the Maritime Alps. w This Town is now called Venza. Vintium a Town not fare from Senas, called by Dion, Ventiar, Apta julia, which Ant●nnus calleth corruptly Avia julia, and Abte-julia for in the itinerary table it is called Apta julia, and is now called Apt: Rises, or Reius, which in the itinerary table is written Reis Apolinaris: Feriuls, which Plar●●● writing to Cicero, calleth Forum julij; Ptolemy, Forum julium; Augustus coin, Col. jul. Octau. It is now a Sea or Haven Town, Cistern which Antoninus and the itinerary table calleth Segustero. josephus Scaliger (in his Letters to Merula) Gestro; and Pliny, Cessero: But Merula thinketh that Plinyes Cessero is the same with Ptolemies Cessero, now called Castres'. Lastly Tolon, which the learned Latin Writers do call Telonium, and Antoninus, Telo Martius, being a Town seated within a Bay of the Sea; nine leagues from Massilia: so much concerning the Episcopal Towns. There are also other Towns no less famous and ancient, as Antibe, which Ptolemy calls Antipolis, a Town of Deciati; Pliny calls it Oppidum Latinum, and it is called a Colony in the coin of the Emperor Titus. Olbia, which is now thought to be that which is called Years, or Hieres, near the Sea, almost three leagues from Telon. Over against the Town lie those famous Lands, which Ptolemy calleth Staechedes; and Stephanus Ligustidae. They are now called the Isles of Years, or Hieres, and the best sort of Coral is gathered there; even as good as that in the Ligustick Sea. Also S. Maximin, which Antoninus in his itinerary thinketh to be Tecolata, being six leagues from Massilia toward the North. Tarascon, which Ptolemy calls Taruscon, being seated on the left bank of Rhodanus; and over against it on the right hand bank Belloquadra, commonly called Beaucarie. The Towns which have the dignity of a County, are Sault, S. giles, and others. PICARDY AND CAMPANIA. ALthough the name of Picardy is not very ancient, yet no certain reason can be rendered for it: The Country whence so called. some conjecturing one thing, some another. Cenalis professes that he knows not whether the Picardians borrowed this name from the Bigardian Heretics: however, it is manifest saith he, that they were of greater antiquity than the Inhabitants of this Country. Some suppose that they were called Picardians, because they were the first that used those Lances, which are commonly called Pikes. The Situation. On the West that I may make a plain description of the bounds thereof) is the British Ocean, with some part of Normandy: on the North lie those Countries of ancient Belgia, which are now called Artesia, or Artois, and Hannonia, or Henegou: on the East lieth Luxenburg or Lorraine: and lastly, on the South Campania, and that Country which by a more special name is called France. The fertility of the Soil. It is a most fruitful Country, and the Storehouse or Granary of Paris, and most parts of France. It hath but little wine, which proceedeth rather from the slothful idleness of the Inhabitants, than from any defect of the Soil or Climate. True Picardy. Picardy is divided into three parts: the true Picardy, the Lower, and the Higher. I will only speak here of the True Picardy, (called it French, La uraye Picardy). It doth contain in it the jurisdictions of Anbiana, Corbia, and Pequignya, the Counties of Veramandois, and Reteli●, and the Dukedom of Tirascha. Ambiana (or Visdamie d' Amiens) was so named from the City Ambianum, commonly called Amiens. Heretofore, as the Learned do think, it was named Samarobrina; and by Ptolemie, Samarobriga. Antoninus in some of his books calls it Samar●●riva, and in others Samarabriga. Briga in the ancient Spanish language, and Bria in the Thracian speech, The Cities. do signify a City; yet some do writ that it was called Somonobriga from its bridge, (in Dutch called Brag) which standeth on the River Somona. Ambianum is situated at Sem●●●s, which divideth it into several parts: (whence some suppose that the Emperor Gratian did name it Ambianum, quòd aquis ambiatur, because it is encompassed with water). It is thought to be one of the stronged Towns in all France, both for the natural situation, and artificial fortification thereof: it is entrenched with deep broad ditches, and is the key of that part of the Kingdom. There is a fair In this Church Edward the 3. King of England, did homage to Philip de Valleys, for the Duchy of Guienna. Church in it. The Inhabitants are reputed to be very honest and faithful. The Country of Corduba is so called from Corduba, which is a Town near Som●●●, and is seated by a River which runneth there into it. Peguignya is so called from a Town commonly called Peguigny: which received its name map of Picardie and Campania PICARDY AND CAMPANIA. (if we shall believe the common report) from one Pignon, a Soldier of Alexander the great. It is famous in Histories, because William Duke of Normandy, surnamed Longsword, was slain by an ambushment laid by Baldwin Earl of Cambray, who drew him thither under a colour of making a peace, as the Norman Annals do testify. The County of Veromandois (as Geographers that describe France do note) contains under it the Counties of the Suessons, and Laudunenses, the Territory of the Tartenians, and the Cities of Noviomagus, and Fane de S. Quint●●. The Suessones are commonly called Suessons, or Soissonois, whose City is now called Soisson, having in it a strong Castle. Antoninus calls it Suessones by the name of the Inhabitants; and Ptolemie, Augusta Su●●●num. The Country of the Laudunenses, now called Laonno●s, hath it● name from Laudunum, (mentioned in the life of Charles the great) which is now called Laon, being seated on a hill. The Country of the Tart●ans is called in French Tartenois, the Metropolis whereof is Fera, commonly called Lady Fere. It is a City strongly fortified, and commodiously seated, near the confluence and meeting of the Rivers, Oysa, and Serua, having also a strong Castle. The City Noviomagus, which A●toninus placeth between Soisson and Amiens, and maketh the seat of the eighteenth Roman Legion, is now called Noion: Ptolemy calls it ●viomagos Vadicassimum, and others y Ortelius thinks it probable that this is that City which Caesar in his Commentaries calls Noviodunum. Noviomus. It is a City which seemeth to be very ancient, and is a Bishop's Seat, the Prelates whereof style themselves Earls of Noion, and Peers of France. Fane de S. Q●●●tin, which was sometime the head Town of the Country, and feat of the Earls of Vermandois was so called from Quintin, who suffered Martyrdom there: whereas before it was called Augusta Veromanduc●●● so much concerning Veromandois. The Territory of the Retelians (commonly called Retelois, is situate between Hannonia, Lotharingia, and ●●rois: The Metropolis thereof is Retelium. The chief City of Tiras●●, (called Lady Tirasche) is Guisa, having a stately Castle to defend it against the Luxenburgians. Campania. CAMPANIA, called in French Comté de Champagne, was so called, f●●● the broad and long fields thereof, The Country whence so called. as Gregory Turonensis noteth. F●r it is a very plain and champion Country, and fit for tillage. The Territories of Brye, The Situation. Burgundy, Carolois, and Lotharingia, do encompass i● on every side. The temper of the air. The fertility of the Soil. The sky thereof is very clear, and the air temperate. The fields do yield abundance of Corn, Wine, and all sorts of Cattles and there are woods which do yield great store of game both for ha●●ing and hunting. Campania is described both by itself, and also with the Principalities adjacent, and lying near unto it. If it be considered properly by itself, it is twofold; the Lower, and the Higher. In the Lower is Tricassium, and the Territories which are commonly called Ivigny, Bassigny, and Vallage. Modern Writers do call that Tricass●●, which is now called Troy's: The Cities. It is a City near the River Seyn. Ante●●nus calls it z This City is also called by Gregorius Turonensis, Trecas. Tracasis, and placeth the two and twentieth Legion there: Ammianus names it Tricassa; Bede, Trecassa; Nithardus, Tricassinum: and anciently it was called Augustobana Trecasium, as joseph Scaliger noteth. It is now a Bishop's Seat, and hath a strong Castle for its defence. The County of Ivigny doth separate Campania from Burgundy. The chief Town thereof is Ivigny, which is under the jurisdiction of the Baylywicke of Troy's. Bassigny is so called, because it is the better part of the Lower Campania, for Bas signifies in French beneath. It is encompassed with the Rivers Matrona, or Marne, Mosa, and a little part of Mosella, and it is watered with more Rivers than the other parts of this Country. The Metropolis thereof is commonly called Chaumont en Bassigny, which hath the title of a Baylywicke, and a stately ancient Castle feated on a Rock which is well fortified. These Towns are reckoned in it, besides Langres, of which I shall speak hereafter: namely Montigny, Goeffy, Nogent le Roy, Monteclar, Andelot, Bisnay, Choiseul, Visnory, and Clesmont; being all strong Towns, and the most of them fortified with Castles. The Territory of Vallage is thought to be so called from the fair and fruitful Valleys which are in it. The Towns of chief note are Vassy, near Bloisa, in the Country of Guise; Fanum S. Desiderij, or S. Desire: and janivilla, or janville, the inheritance of the Family of the Guises; some writ it jont-ville. There are also in the Territory of Vallage Montirandel, Dontlerant, Le Chasteau aux forges, Esclaren, and others. The Higher Campania is called Lemot Pays de Partoys, having its appellation from a Town commonly called Perte. It is a most fruitful Country, abounding with Fruits, Wood, and Hemp. The Metropolis thereof is Vitriacum or Vitry, seated near the confluence and meeting of the Rivers Saltus and Matrona: And there are also contained in it Argilliers, Lasaincourt, Louvemen, and other Towns. Thus we have taken a view of Campania by itself, now we are to describe the adjacent places, as the Dukedom of Rheims, and Langres, and the Counties of Catalaune, Ligny, and Motte, which are free within themselves, and not subject to Campania. The Dukedom of Rheims (or the Duché Parrie, & Archivesché de Reims) is so named from a City which was anciently called Durocortorum, but now a This City was called Rheims from the Rhemi, once a potent Nation of these parts. Rhemis. Ptolemy calls it Durocottorum: Strabo, Duricortora: Stephanus, Dorocotteros: and Caesar Durocortum Remorum. It is a free City of Campania: the Archbishop thereof is a Duke, and the first Peer of France; under whom are these Bishops in this Country: the Bishop of Soisson, of Chaalon, of Amiens, of Noyon, of Senlis, of Beaurois, and of Laon: In this City the Kings of France are inaugurated and See Heylin. pag. 120. anointed with oil. The Dukedom of Langres (or the Duché, Pairie & Evesché de Langres) hath a City which was heretofore called Andomatunum Lingonum, but is now commonly called Langres: Ptolemie calls it Andumatonon, and Antoninus viciously Antematunum; Pentingerus his itinerary table, Andematunum; Tacitus Lingonum urbs: and Gregory of Tours, urbs Lingonica. It is a Bishops See, the Prelates whereof are Dukes and Peers of France. The County of Catalaune (or Euesché, Conté & Pairie de Chaalon) was so named from the City Catalaune: the later Writers do call it Cathelaunum, but now it is called Chaalon en Champagne: It is a Bishops See, situated on a plain near to the River Matrona, and adorned with high Towers, which stand up like aspiring Pyramids. In the County of Lignie is the Town Lignium, venerable for antiquity, near the River Saltus. Concerning the County of Motte, (or Conté de la Motte) we find nothing but the name thereof. The Country of the Briensians (whom Nithardus calleth Brionenses) is usually described with Campania, being an ancient Country, and now called lafoy Brye. It beginneth at a Village called Cretelium, not fare from the bridge of Charanton, where Matrona mingleth with the River Sey●, the former whereof doth almost part Campania, and the latter Gastinois from the Briensians: for all that lieth between these two Rivers, even to the Dukedom of Burgundy, is esteemed to be in the County of Brye. It was so called from a Town, commonly called Brye or Bray, Conte Robert, which appellation it received from Robert, Earl of Brye, who had a mansion house there. The Cities of Brye are Castellum Theodorici, or Chasteau Thierry. jatinum Medorum, or Meldarum urbs, which Ptolemy placeth by the River Matrona, and is now called Meaulx, and Prov●●sium or Provence, a Town famous for sweet smelling Roses: the bishopric of Sens, with the Town of Pontium are reckoned and accounted a part of this Country. Under this Archbishop are these Bishops, the Bishop of Paris, of Meaulx, of Troy's, of Chartres, of Ne●●, of Orleans, and of Ausoire or Auxerce. Senonum urbs, formerly called Agendicum, but now commonly Sens, is seated near the the River Icauna, which in French is called Yonne. Besides these aforesaid Countries, which we have mentioned, Mercator reckoneth these following, namely, Barsur Seine, Auxerre, Viconte de Tonnerre, Poursuivent, Brain, Grandpré, Mailly, Vertus, Roussy, Retel, Ivigny, and the Barony of ●●●ville. FRANCE. THis Country, of which we do entreat doth comprehend under it the Prefectureship and Country (or as some would have it the Viecountship) of Paris, the Dukedom of Valois, and the Territories of Heurepois, and Gastinois. The Praefectureship of Paris, or la Provesté & Conte de Paris, is divided into Territories, Paris, Goella, the I'll of France, and Vexinum Francicum. We call that Parisium which is commonly called le Parisis. It contained heretofore whatsoever is beyond the Gate of Paris, even to the Bridge called Pontoyse, and from thence even to Claya, toward Prye. The name thereof is almost worn out, but that some Villages, as Lovures, Cormeille, Escova, and others, which the Parisians call en Parisis, & some taxations of the Parisian Parliament, as also a certain Coin commonly called Sols & Deniers Parísis, do keep it in memory. Some think that the Parisian Gate was so called, because it was in the way to Parisium. The chief City of this Parisium, and the Metropolis of all France is Lutetia, so called by Caesar. The Cities. Ptolemy calleth it Leucotetia: julianus Lutetia: Marcellinus, Castellum Parisiorum: Zosimus Parisium, and latter Writers Lutetia Parisius. But it is now commonly called Paris. Some derive the name of Lutetia a Luto, from Mud in regard of the Marshes near unto it, and some from the Plaister-pits near adjoining, quasi Leukoteichia, for it is built for the most part with Plaister-worke. Paris was heretofore fare less than it is now, standing only on the Island which the River Seyne encompasseth, so that this great City was very small at the beginning. But so small an Island could not at last receive such a multitude of men as daily repaired thither. So that Colonies as it were being drawn thither, and placed on either side of the Continent, Suburbs were added thereunto, whence it was so enlarged by degrees, that now it is the greatest City of all France. It is divided into three parts, the greatest whereof lying North-East on the right hand Bank of the River, is the lowest, and is commonly called la Ville: the lesser part on the left hand towards the South-west is raised somewhat higher by little Hills whereon it is seated, and it is called l'Vniversite; the middle is in the Island, which they call la Cité: It is encompassed round with the River, being joined with two Bridges to the lesser part, and with three to the greater part. Architremus an English Poet hath formerly celebrated the praise thereof in these Verses: At length a place doth come within your sight, The University here is accounted the chiefest in Europe, as containing 55. Colleges. Which is another Court of Phoebus' bright, For men it hath Cyrrhaea may compare, Chrysaea 'tis for Metals that there are. 'tis Greece for Books, for Students Inda, by Athens itself judge its Philosophy. 'tis Rome for Poets which have there been found, It is the sweet Balm of the world so round, And its sweet fragrant Rose you would it think, A Sidonis for Clotheses, for meat and drink. The Soil is rich and yields much Wine, yea more, 'tis fit for Tillage, and hath Corn great store. 'tis very strong, and good Laws it can show, The air is sweet, their site is pleasant too. It hath all goods, and is in all things neat, If fortune only made these goods complete. Not fare from Paris is a pretty Town commonly called le Po●● Charenton where the River Matrona mingleth itself with the Sc●●●. Here is an Echo that will answer thirteen times one after another, (and which is more wonderful) it will retort a word of four syllables plainly and perfectly, four or five times. So much concerning Paris: Goella follows, or la Goelle. The ancient bounds thereof are worn out of knowledge, and only some places named from Goella do keep it yet in memory. There is in it la Conté de dam-Mar●i●, so named from a famous Town heretofore called Dam-Marti●, though now it is become a small Village, seated on a little Hill. L●●●e de France as the Frenchmen do limit it, doth comprehend all the Country from S. Denis to Passiacum and Mommorantium, which lieth between the corners and windings of Seyne, on the one side toward Pica die, and on the other side toward N●●mandy. Others do give it other bounds. S. Denis in France is a pleasant pretty Town, which the ignorant of Antiquity and those that are credulous to believe Monks dreams, do suppose was so called from Dionysius Areopagit●, Possia●um or boissy is a fair Town; Aimonius called this Town Pistas. where there is a Castle which the Kings of France heretofore much delighted in. In this Castle before the Castle of S. German was built, the Queens of France were brought to Bed and delivered, and the King's Children educated and brought up. Between Possiacum and Paris there is a Town consecrated to D. German, commonly called S. German en Say. The ancient Town Mommorantium is called in French Mommoran●y. Next to the Island is Vexinum Francicum, Vexin, or (as others call it) Vulxin le Francois. It containeth all the Country from the River Aesia or Oyse, even to Claromont, towards Picardy. The memory thereof had been quite extinguished, but that it is preserved in certain ancient Charters and Records. So much concerning the Praefectureship of Paris, and the four Territories thereof. The other part commonly called le Pais de Valois was so called from the pleasant Valleys, which are the pride of this Country. Others derive the name otherwise. It was heretofore a County, but is now a Dukedom. The first Earl of Valois was Charles the Son of Philip the third, King of France, and brother to Philip the Fair: and afterward Philip the sixth being the King's Son did by propagation add many branches to the Stock of the Valesian Earls. The Dukedom of Valois doth extend itself even to Picardy. The chief Town (besides Crespy) is Sentis, called by the map of France FRANCE. Latins as some suppose Silvanectum, because it is joined to a Wood It is an ancient Town having besides a Bishop, a Provost, and a Bailie in it. The Praefectureship of Silvanectum hath enriched the Dukedom of Valois, with the Lordships which are commonly called Pierrefons, Bethisi and Verberie, and the Towns Angy, le Pont. S. Maxence, (which is encompassed with Marshes, and is the bounds between France and picardy) Pongoing, Brenonville, &c. The same Praefectureship doth also contain Compeigne, once a Prince's Seat; some call it Carolopolis, from Carolus Calvus, who enlarged the Praecincts thereof and fortified it. Under Compiegne are the Town's Magry, Thorette, and Creil. Silv●ce●t●● doth also contain the bailiwick, Praefectureship, and Viscount's of Pons Aesiae (commonly called Pontois, and by some Pontesiumy under which are Ville-Neuve le Roy, and l'Isle Adam. Beside, lafoy Conte de B●●●mont sur Oyse, is under Silvanectum, being an ancient Provostship u●der which are Persang and Metu. Lastly under Silvan●ctum and the Dukedom of Valois, there is the County of Bellova●●● which the French call La Corte de Beauvais, or Beauv●●sin. The Metropolis thereof of is Bellovacum, commonly called Beauvais. Caesar (as joseph ●ca●● writeth to Merula) calleth it Bratuspantium, and the same Scourge saith that the Caesars did nominate and call it Caesaromag●um. But 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 tium to speak the truth, Carolus Bovillus thinketh to be ●●e so●●e which is now called Graviller, or G●attepance: some call it Cle●m●●● Beauvoisin, and Vigenereus, Beaumond en Oyse. The City of Bella●●m hath a pleasant situation, and fruitful Mountains adjoining to it, which are not very high, but fit for Tillage. It hath also good store of Wines. Ludovicus the 11. King of France in the year 1472. granted great privileges to the Inhabitants thereof, especially to the Women, because they enforced Charles Duke of Burgundy to raise his Siege, and go away without doing any thing. Not fare from B●llovacum is the Town Clermont, fortified with a Castle. So much concerning Valo●; the third part of France follows called Heurepois. It beginneth at Seyne, and so from the little Bridge of Paris runnethly the same River to Corbeil, Melodunum, and Morer, where the River Verina doth separate it from Gastinois. It cleaveth to Bry● toward ●●lumier, and containeth the Melodunensian Viccounty, and Bayli●●●. The Metropolis thereof is Melodunum, called by all the anci●● Books of the Commentaries of the French war Metios●d●m, but now Melun. This Town is seated on an Island in Seyn, like ●aris, and hath a strong Castle. The Town now commonly called Corb●●●● 〈◊〉 in the life of S. Petrus Tarantasius, Corbelium a place famous for Fish, but especially for sweet Crabs, and hath a strong Castle. There is in He●repois a Town called Fons Bellae-Aquae, in French Fountain Belle●●● where the King hath a pleasant Palace. Heretofore it was the Mansion Seat of S. Ludovicus, afterward of Philip, and lastly of Francis of Valois, and there are many rarities in it. I have given the fourth place in France to the Country of the Gastinensians, commonly called ●●stencis, which is separated from Heurepois by the River Verine. It containeth under it the Dukedoms of Estampes and Nemours, the County of Rupes-Fortis, and others. The Town of Stampae commonly called Estampes, is in the midway between Paris and Aurelianensium, or Orleans, near the River junna or juine, which as Corbolium dischargeth itself into Seyne. It was heretofore a County, but now a Dukedom: The Town Nemours is seated near the River Lonius which runneth into Seyne little below Moretum. It is one of the chief Dukedoms of France. Rupes-Fortis, called by the French Roche-fort, hath the Title of a County. In the Territory of Gastinois, besides Milly and Morer (which is the bounds between Gastinois and Heurepois) there is Montargium, so called, quasi Mons agri, that is, the Mountain of the Field, as some do argue, because it hath a fair prospect round about it. It was wasted by fire 1518. and afterward was re-edified. There are Castles in the two former Towns, and there is also in this, in which there is painted a Story concerning a Hound that revenged his Master's death, by kill him that had slain him. PICARDY. THE ECCLESIASTICAL STATE. That part of Picardy which is subject to the King 〈◊〉 France hath 7. Bishoprics under the Archbish●●prick of Rheims: the Bishops of Suesson, Silv●nectum, Beavais, (which is in France) Noy●●● Laon, Amiens, and the Bishopric of Bouloyg●● This Bishopric was formerly at Ternaen, but being suppressed it was agreed that the Bishop's S●● should be translated to Bouloygne, Anno 1559. PICARDY. The Country whence so called. PICARDY (as I said before) some think to be so ca●led, because the Inhabitants thereof were the first th●● used Lances, which is not probable. Some say Picar● was so called from the Town Pequigny, or from a fam● Soldier called Pignon, the first Founder of the Peq●●nians and Ambianians, who after the death of Alexander being 〈◊〉 Captain of the War, after he had conquered many Nations, arrival with a Fleet of Ships at Neustria, now called Normandies; and ha●●sing those places he gave them afterward his own name. On th●● West lieth the British Ocean with some part of Normandy, The Situation. on th● North lie the Countries of ancient Belgia, Artesia, and Hannonis, o● the East Luxenburg and Lotharingia, and on the South Campania, and that Country which is called by a more special name France. Picar● as I have said also before is divided into three parts. The true Picard● the lower, and the higher. The true Picardy doth contain Vidama●● of Ambianum, Corbie, and Pequigny, the County of Veromandois, and t● Dukedoms of Tirasche, and Retelois. Ambianum hath its name fro● a Town so called, situate at the River Samona. This Town hath 〈◊〉 very fair Church, built with great Art, graced and adorned with Images fare exceeding all the curious pieces of Europe, and in it 〈◊〉 they fabulously report S. john Baptist's head is kept whole. It hath 〈◊〉 map of Picardie PICARDY. title of a Bayliwick, but yet the Civil government, as the ordering of the municipal Court, and the power to appoint watches which are to be chosen out of the Citizens. belongeth to a Consul appointed for that purpose, The first Bishop thereof was Firminus the Martyr, after whom 69. Bishops succeeded orderly, the last of which was john Crequius, of the Canaplensian Family. The Inhabitants are reputed to be very honest and faithful, and therefore ha●e many pri●●ledges and immunities, as being exempted from serving ●n Forr●●●g●● wars, and from paying of Subsidies. Here the most learned ●●●cians Silvius and Fernelius were borne, and also the excellent Orates Silvius, who with great commendations imitated many Books of Cicero's. This City (as we have said before) was built by Pignon a Soldier of Alexander's the great, if we will believe many Writers. 〈◊〉 the year r597. the Spaniards treacherously invading it, made it their own, but Henry the 4. King of France by siege and force of Ar●●● compelled them to tender it up again. The Vidamante of Cor●●● so called from Corbia, which is a Town situated at the River 〈◊〉 or Some. Theophilus Vidamate of Pequigny is so called from Piquigny built as I have before expressed by one Pignon a Soldier of Alexander the great French Writers do testify that those of the English which furti●'d after a certain victory obtained against them were all slain 〈◊〉 Town, who could not pronounce the name thereof, for they pronounced it Pequeny in stead of Pequigny. The Geographers that describe France do note that Veromandois doth contain under it 〈◊〉 Territories of Soissonois, Laonnois, and Tartenois: and the Cities N●●, and S. Quintin's. The City of Soisson is subject ●o ●hemes the chief City of Gallia Belgica, and was honoured by Caesar with the title of a Royal City. It was in the power of the Romans, but was take● from them by Clodoveus, after whose decease, his Sons restored it to that former honour which it enjoyed in Caesar's time. The Inhabitants are a warlike people. In this City, in the reign of Philip A●●●stus, there was a Cousell held by the Clergy of England and France 〈◊〉 that the King of England having thrust the Bishops out of their Seats, had kept the Church's goods in his own hands for 6. years, and afterward had banished the Bishops into France. In this Counsel he had excommunication, and wars denounced against him as an enemy to the Church, upon which he was overcome in Battle, and all his auxiliary Forces which he had out of Flanders were overthrown the Suessones among the rest behaving themselves very valiantly aga●●●● him. The Temple and Monastery of the blessed Virgin in the Ci●● Soisson was built by Ebroynus the Tyrant who was Master of the Palace of France. The Bishops of Soisson from Sixtus to Math●● 〈◊〉 were 79.. The Country of Laonois so called from the City Law which is situated between the River's Ayne, and Oysa on a Hill, and rigidulous saith that Clodoveus in the year 500 did honour this City with a Dukedom and a Bishopric. He constituted Genchaldus to be the first Bishop thereof, and after him unto johannes Burserius, there are reckoned 72. Bishops. It is also a Bayliwick, under which are th●● Cities, Soisson. Noviomagus, or Noyon, S. Quintin's, Ribueria, or Ribe●●●, Cu●y, Chau●y, Guise, Perona, Mondidier, and Rola. Next adjacent unto L●on is Compendium, called by the French, Compiegne, and by other's Pa●opo●is, from Carolus Calvus, who in the year 896. did enlarge and fortify it like Constantinople, erecting there also a Monastery to Saint Cornelius. The Church of Compiegne, and the Monastery of the Dominicans and Franciscans were built by S. Ludovicus King of France. The Metropolis of Tartenois is Fera, commonly called Lafoy Fere, being 〈◊〉 City well fortified and commodiously seated, at the confluence ●nd meeting of the Rivers Oysa, and Serua, and having a strong Castle. Concerning the Cities Noyon and S. Quintin's there is enough spoken ●n the Description of a former Table. So much therefore concerning ●rue Picardy. There are diverse parts of the lower Picardy called (Lemot B●sse.) As Sancterra, Pontium, Bolonesium, Guinaeum, and Oyum. Sancterra, or Santerre lieth between Mons S. Desiderij, Perona, Roye, and Nesla. Mons S. Desiderij, or Mondidier is a strong Place or Hold. Perona is situated at the River Somona: here Herebert Earl of Veromandois kept Charles the Simple King of France Captive, where he died and left the Kingdom much troubled. Roye is a fair Town, fortified with a Castle. Antoninus calleth it Caesaromagnus, as also the Itinerary Tables. Nessa is a strong Fortress as many other places are in this part of the Kingdom. In Sancterra have many famous men been borne, and the ancient Lords thereof being Marquesses, formerly joined in affinity and allied to the Family of the Courtneys, which descended from the Kings of France. Pontium or in French Le Conté Ponthieu is so named, from the great company of Bridges and Marshes which discharge and empty themselves into the Sea, near to S. Valeri. The chief Town of the County is Abatisvilla, commonly called Abbeville near the River Oyse, being a Bailiwick, and the Seat of a Precedent, from whence Causes and Suits in Law are brought to Paris. The other Towns are Cretoy, Rua, Treport, and S. Richeri, besides Cressiacum, or the little Town of Cressi famous for the slaughter of 36000. Frenchmen, under the conduct of Philip of Valois, in the year 1346. This Country also doth contain two other under it, to wit, the Counties of Monstreul, and S. Paul, some think the former was so called quasi Mons Regius, that is, the Royal Mountain, but others imagine it to be so named from a Monster which had his dwelling house here. Lower Picardy containeth the County of Bononia, The lower Picardy. commanly called Corté de Boleigne, and the County of Guisne, of which we will speak in the Description of Bononia. The chief Rivers of Picardy are Somona, near to which lie the Town Ambianum, or Amiens and Abbe-Villa, The River is called by Ptolemy Phrudis, and by Caenalis, Sambre. This River Caesar calls Axona, and Caenalis' Disne. Oyse, or Esia, Scaldis, Escault, or Sceldt, and those which are commonly called Ayne and Scarpe. I come to their manners. The Picardians are of a good disposition, well set, courteous, Officious, valiant, and prove to anger, whence they are called hot heads: they are so soon assuredly given and addicted to wine, so that a man can hardly obtain any thing of them, unless he will bear them company in drinking. Yet they agreed so well among themselves, that if you offend one of them, all the rest will be your enemies. The Nobles are war like, and do most of all delight in military affairs. So much concerning Picardy. CAMPANIA, THE STATE ECCLESIASTIC▪ Here is the Archbishop of Rheims, under whom are eight s● fragan Bishops: as the Bishop of Laon, a Duke and Peer France: the Bishop of Chalon an Earl and Peer of France the Bishop of Suesson, the Bishop of Terwaen, whose Seat 〈◊〉 translated to Boulogne, the Bishop of Amiens, the Bishop Noviomagum, or Noion, an Earl and Peer of Fran●● the Bishop of Senlis, and the Bishop of Beauvais; an Earl 〈◊〉 Peer of France. Here is also the Archbishop of Sens, under whom are seven ●●shops, to wit, the Bishop of Paris, of Chartres, of Orleans Nivers, of Auxerre, of Trois en Champagne, and of Me●●● CAMPANIA. The Country whence so called. CAMPANIA called in French Comté de Champaign derived as I have said before, if we shall believe ●●rius Turonensis, from the great and spacious Field 〈◊〉 of it consisteth. For it is a very plain and Champaign Country. The Situation. The Territories of Brie, Burgundy, Co●● and Lotharingia do encompass it on every side. The Tricasses, Li●●● the Remi, the Catalaunians, the Meldae, the Senones, and others, wh● now worn out of memory, were heretofore seated in this Co● The Tricasses nominated in Pliny's chiefest Books, Ptolemy calls ●kassioi, and Ammianus Tricassini, as also in certain Panegyrics 〈◊〉 in the Inscription of an ancient Stone. Hericus calleth the Trees 〈◊〉 the life of S. German, and others call them by contraction Tres●●● Their City is called Tricassium, and commonly Trois en Champaign Those which Caesar, Pliny, and others do call Lingones, Ptolemy c● Dongones, and the same Pliny, Faederati. That Province which contain their City which is Langres, is now called La Duché, Pair and Eu● de Langres. Those which Caesar calleth Remi, Ptolemy calleth Rhe● Pliny Faederati, and the Country in which is their City of Rheims is called Duché Pairie, and Archenesché de Reims, as we have before mentioned. The Learned do think that the Cathelauni mentioned in A●●anus Marcellinus should be written Catalauni. And so they are nominated map of Campania CAMPANIA. in Eutropius his Books. Their City is now called la Eavesdrop chalon. In the Catalaunian Fields. Attila King of the ●unnes the year from the building of the City of Rome 1203. and after 〈◊〉 birth of Christ 450.) was overcome by the Romans, Goths 〈◊〉 Frenchmen, under the conduct of their Captains Actius Pat●● Theodoricus and Merovaeus, there being slain on both sides 1620●●●cept 90000. Gepidaans' and Frenchmen, who were slain b●● jornandes cap. 36. doth delmeate and set forth these Fields, and 〈◊〉 place of the Battle. The Melde Pliny calleth Lib●●●-Strabo Me●●● Ptolemie Meldai: and an Inscription engraven on an ancient Sto●●● Meldi. Strabo precisely maketh them and the Leuxovians to bee● Parokeanitae, which are in the middle of the Country where there now the Town Meaulx near the River Matrona. The Seno●es 〈◊〉 are celebrated by Caesar, Pliny, and others. Ptolemy calleth by the 〈◊〉 name, and placeth them in Gallia Lugdunensis. St●●ah● thinketh th●● there are other Senones near to the Nerviais, towards the West. The former of them did make those horrible incursions into Italy so 〈◊〉 spoke of, and they did moreover wage a most fierce war against the Romans in the year from the building of the City 〈◊〉 which they called The Senonick French war. Their Captain was Bra● 〈◊〉 Nobleman of France. After the Fight or Battle, they entered the City of Allta, and there having slain all they met, and wasted all with fire, they besieged for many months the Capital, unto which the Roman youth had fled for their safeguard: but at last having made a peace with them for a certain sum of money, contrary to faith and promise they were partly slain, and partly put to slight by M●●rius Camillus the Dictator, who entered the City with an Army. All these things Livy Lib. 5. Florus Lib. 1. cap. 13. and many other Writer do delineate in their proper colours. Campania is honoured with the title of a County, and was once the Inheritance of Eudo Nephew to Gerlo the Norman by his Son Theobaldus: The ancient government. This Gerlo was he that accompanied into France Rudulphus or Rollo the Norman, to whom Charles the Simple granted Neustria which was afterward called N●●mandie. After Eudo there succeeded in a right Line, Stephen, T●●●●dus the 2. whose son Theobaldus the third dying without issue, there succeeded him his Cousin german Henry surnamed the large, the son of Stephen King of England, who was Brother to Theobaldus the second Henry had a son who was Earl of Campania, and the other Territories, but he dying without issue, his Brother Theobaldus invaded the County, and writ himself Count Palatine of Campania. This Theobaldus being afterward made King of Navarre upon the death of Grandfather by the Mother's side, brought the County to belong to the Crown, and left Henry his Successor both in Campania, and in the Kingdom. Lastly, joane Daughter and Heir to this Henry being married to Philip the Fair King of France, Campania and the other Provinces were united to the Crown of France, from which they were never after separated. Campania as I have already spoken, is usually not described both by itself, and with the Principalities adjacent and lying round about it. As it is considered properly and by itself it is twofold, the Lower, and the Higher. In the Lower is Tricassium, and the Territories which are commonly called Ivigny, Bass●g●y, and Val●ge. Modern Writers do call that Tricassium, which is now called trots. Those who were heretofore Earls of Campania, from this City were called Earls of Tricassium. It is one of the greatest and fairest Cities in this Kingdom. The Latitude thereof is 47. degrees, and some few minutes, towards the North. It is a Bishop's Seat, and Bel●esorrestius reckons 83. Bishop's thereof. Among these was that famous Lupus, whom Sidonius Apollinaris praiseth for his virtues, (Lib. 6. Ep. 1.4. and 9) as also Paulus Diaconus (in Marciano) Bede (Lib. 1. Histor. cap. 17.) and others. This City hath a large Jurisdiction, and it is the seat of a Precedent, of Counsellors, of Judges, and others of the King's Officers. The Towns have reference to it, namely, Bar Sur Seine, The Cities. Mussil Evesque, La ferté Sur Auge, Nogent, Pont Sur Seine, Fruille, Chastel, and S. Florentin, being all Towns of Campania. The Territory of Ivigny separateth Campania from Burgundy. The chief Town thereof is Ivigny, which is under the Jurisdiction of the Bayliwick of Tricassium. Bassigny is so named because it is the better part of Lower Campania, as we have before declared. The Metropolis thereof is named from the bald Mountain, which Ivonus mentioneth (Ep. 105) commonly called Chaumonten Bassigny. It hath an ancient Castle seated on a Rock and well fortified, the Tower on the West side whereof is called in French Dony●n and La haulte fueille. This Castle the Earls of Campania did heretofore make their Palace. No River runneth by it, nor affordeth water unto it, but that which Cisterns do yield, and a Fountain at the foot of the Tower. There are also in Bassigny the Towns of Montigny, Goeffy, Nogent le Roy, Monteclar, Andelot, Bisnay, Choiseul, Visnorty, and Clesmont, being all strong Towns, and the most of them well fortified with Castles, besides Andomatunum Lingonum, commonly called Langres, of which we shall speak in an other place. The Territory of Vallage, is supposed to be so called from the Valleys in it which are both fair and fruitful. The Towns of chiefest note in Vallage are first Vasseium, or Vassy, near Blois, in the Country of Guise. Francis Duke of Guise coming hither in the year 1562. was the Author of that Vasseian Massacre, mentioned by the French Historiagraphers, wherein many that professed the reformed Religion were slain on the Kalends of March. Not fare from thence there is a kind of earth found, of which Bowl Armenack is made. The second Town of not is S. Desire or Dedier, which was taken by the Emperor Charles the fifth, and afterward a peace being concluded was restored again to the French. It hath a strong Castle. The third is the Town of jan-ville, (or as some write is joint ville) which some do fabulously report was so called from janus. It belongeth to the Families of the Guises. Brye, so called from a Town commonly named Brye, or Bray Comté Robert, is reckoned by some with Campania. The Country of Brye although it were heretofore and also now is very woody, yet in fertility and fruitfulness it is not inferior to any part of Campania. For it hath a clear sky, and a sweet and temperate air. It is watered with great, wholesome, and fruitful Rivers. The Cities of Brye are Castellum Theodorici, jatinum, Medorum or Meldarum, now ca●led Meaulx, Provinse, and others. Castellum Theoderick, commonly ca●led Chasteau Thierry is the Metropolis of the Country of Brye, having Baily and Precedent in it. It hath also a Bishop's Seat, of which B●●forrestius reckoneth 101. Bishops, the last of which number was lodovicus Bresius. Provinsij a Town famous for the sweet read Ro●● that are in it, and for the Rose-cakes, and Rose-water which 〈◊〉 made of them in the Summer time. Here are some ruinous Monuments of Antiquity. And so much shall suffice concerning Camp●●●● THE COUNTRY OF BELLOV ACUM. COMMONLY CALLED BEAWAIS, OR BEAWOISIN. The State Ecclesiastic. THE BISHOP OF BELLOVACUM IS A SPIRITVAL and temporal Lord, an Earl, and Peer of FRANCE. The Country of BELLOVACUM. THE Country or County of Bellovacum, The Country whence so called. called in French Comté de Beauvais, or Beauvoisin, did receive that appellation by name from the Metropolis or chief City Bellovacum. It is a pleasant Country, having Hills and Mountains round about it not very high, The fertility. planted with Vines: here also Meadows, and there Pastures and Fields fit for tillage. Beauvois hath a thin subtle kind of earth found in it, of which diverse kinds of vessels are made, and transported into many Countries, and it is famous for the Flax which groweth at a little Town commonly called Bale. For those of Flanders and Hannonia, or Henegon, do buy it, and do make fine webs of cloth of it, which they cell at home and transport abroad both by Sea and Land. The ancient Inhabitants of this part of France were the Bellovaci (whom Caesar and Pliny do often mention) called by Strabo Bellolakoi, and by Ptolemy Belluakoi. Caesar witnesseth that these Bellovacians where the chiefest of the Belgians, both for prowess, authority, and number of men, as being able to bring 100000. men into the Field. The Author of the 8. Book de Bello Gallico writeth, that the Bellovacians did exceed all Frenchmen and Belgians for matters of war. And Strabo in his 4. Book saith, that the Bellovacians are the best of the Belgians, and after them the Suessones. Caesar doth in some manner paint out the Commonwealth of the Bellovacians, when he showeth, that they were wont to elect their Princes out of themselves as amongst the rest they did that Corbeus, who albeit his Army of Citizens was overcome, yet no calamity could make him leave the Field, retire to the Woods, or yield himself upon any conditions offered to him by the Romans, but fight valiantly and wounding many, he did enforce the enraged conquerors to cast their Darts at him. Caesar also dot● mention the Senate of the Bellovacians and the authority of 〈◊〉 common people: whence that excuse of the Bellovacian Senate 〈◊〉 Caesar: That while Corbaeus lived, the Senate could not do so much 〈◊〉 the City, as the unskilful multitude. But although the Bellovacia● in Caesar's time had a great opinion for their courage and fortitude yet at length being overcome they yielded to the Romans, a●● were subject to them until the Frenchmen passing over the B●● possessed France. The Husbandmen of this Country in King 〈◊〉 time did stir up a sedition, which was commonly called laqu●●● And they especially aimed at the Nobles, of whom they slew ma●● and pulled down their Houses. At length Charles the Dolphin 〈◊〉 France (who was afterward King, and surnamed the Wise.) The Ki●● of Navarre, the Duke of Bourbon, and other Princes and Nobles of t●● blood Royal did quiet this sedition, as knowing what would be 〈◊〉 event of it, and what troubles would spring there from, if it we●● not extinguished in time. The Metropolis or Mother City of th●● Country is Bellovacum, The Cities. commonly called Beauvois. Guicciardine endeavoreth to prove by many reasons that this Bellovacum is that Belg●●● which Caesar mentioneth in his Commentaries, wben he saith that h● wintered part of his Army in Belgium, and addeth withal that it is the Seat of the most valiant Bellovacians: for he saith that C●●● meant by this name Belgium, not a whole Province, but a City, or 〈◊〉 other particular place. They faboulously report that Belgius a 〈◊〉 of France the Son of Lugdus did lay the foundation of this City, 〈◊〉 of the City Lugdunum, a long time before the building of Troy, and called it Belgians whence Gallia Belgica hath its denomination. It is 〈◊〉 ancient famous City, as having besides a Bishopric, an Earl, who 〈◊〉 one of the twelve Peers of France, and there are also diverse Monuments found in it, which do witness that it was once a great, 〈◊〉 and populous City. It hath an excellent situation, and is fortif●●● with Walls and Towers entrenched with broad deep Ditches, 〈◊〉 furnished with Ordnance, as also adorned with fair Churches. 〈◊〉 chief Church whereof is the Cathedral Church, consecrated 〈◊〉 S. Peter, which is one of the fairest Churches in France, and in whic● they report that the bones of justin Martyr, Eurotus, and Germerus 〈◊〉 kept. The Bishops of Bellovacum do writ themselves Earls and Peers of France. The first of them was S. Lucian, after whom succeeded 84. Bishops, whom Belleforrestius doth reckon up, and maketh Charles of Bourbon the last of them. Bellovacum is governed by a Malo●● (in like manner as the Merchants of Paris by a Proefect) and also b● twelve Peers, who are as so many Consuls being annual Magistrates, and elected by the people, as the Magistrates of Rome we●● usually chosen. This City is rich by clothing, and gains this honour to itself, that the fairest and best Carpets in all France are ma●● therein. A Nation Counsel was here held and kept in the yee●● 1114. Here was borne the great Historian Vincentius a Doctor and Governor of the Monastery of the Dominicans, who lived in the year 840. In this City was also borne Guilielmus Durandus, who wa● map of Bellovacum THE COUNTRY OF BELLOVACUM first here a Canon, afterward Deane of Chartes, and last of all Bishop of Manned. He lived in the year 1286. There was the place of johannes Choletus his nativity, who founded a College at Paris commonly called le College des Cholets, and was a Cardinal though of mean birth: and lastly, here was borne Iohann●s Michael Bishop of Angiers, whom i● Anjou they esteem as a Saint. This is an argument of the riches of this Territory of Beavais, that 11. or 12 miles round about this City, there are so many Towns and Villages, and those so near one to another, that none of them are above a mile distant. This City was exchanged for the County of Sancerrane, which Roger Bishop of ●●●vacum surrendered up to Eudon Earl of Campania, for the Country of Bellovacum, the Goods, Lands, and Dominion whereof he joined to his Bishopric. The Country of Bellovacum containeth Clerm●nt, not fare from Bellovacum, which is a County, and appertaineth to the Royal house of Bourbon. Charles Duke of Bourbon had by his wife 〈◊〉 Daughter to john Duke of Burgundy, two Sons john and Peter. 〈◊〉 the second of this name married jone the Daughter of Charles the● and dying without issue left his Dukedom to his younger Brother Peter. Peter the second Duke of Bourbon of this name had by Anne the Daughter of Ludovick the eleventh Susan, the Inheritrix of Bu●●en, who was wife to the aforesaid Charles the younger Son of G●●●●, who also was the younger Son of the abovenamed Ludovick Earl of Montpenser, and Brother to Charles Duke of Bourbon. But he having no issue, the Line of the eldest Son of Ludovick, who was the first Duke of Bourbon, was extinguished. james of Ponthium the younger Son of Ludovick the first Duke of Borton aforesaid, had john Earl of Me●●h by joane the Daughter of the Earl S. Paul After him succeeded Ludovick, john Vendomensis the second of this name, Francis, Charles created Duke of Vendomium by King Francis the first: and also Antonius who was afterward King of Navarre. He had by joane Albretane Queen of Navarre (the Daughter of Henry the second King of Navane and Margaret Valesia Cosin-germane to Francis the first King of Fran●● Henry the first of this name, King of France by his Father's right, and the third King of Navarre of that name by the right of his Mother, the Father of Ludovick the 13. Let us return to Claramont which is a Town fortified with a Castle, and here the Lord de la Rocque a famous French Poet was borne. There is also the Town Belmontium, or belus Mons, that is, the fair Mount, commonly called Beaumond which lieth near the River Aesia, commonly called Oyse. The County is commonly called la C●mté de Beaumont sur Oyse, being an ancient Praefectureship, under which are Persang and Metu. The County of Belmontius hath Princes of the Royal Stock of Vendomium which are Lords thereof. Near to this Town beyond the River Aesia or Oyse, the Country of Bellovacum beginneth. P. Merula supposeth that Beaumond was the same with that which Antonius calleth Augustomagum, and Ptolemy corruptly moveth Ratomagus. Some think it to be that Town which Caesar describeth, Lib. 2. Belli. Gal. being well fortified by nature, as having high Rocks round about it, and on one side away into it, somewhat steep. And so much concerning the Country of Bellovacum, I pass to Bolonia. THE COUNTY OF BOULONGNE. Wherein are these Countries: Guines, Ardres, and the Baronry of Fiennes. Also the Bishopric of Tarvania, and Morinea, by which the other Countries in spiritual matters are subject. The Meridian's thereof are placed at the Parallels 50. and 45. THE Country of Bolonia, or as some call it, of Bononia, in French Conté de Boulogne, is very large. The Country whence so called. All this Country is Sandy, having a kind of Sand which they call burning Sand: whence some do judicially think that it was called Bolonia from Boullir, whereas indeed it was so named from the Town of Boulogne, which is now divided into the Higher and the Lower. The County of Bononia beginneth at the Mountains of S. Ingelbert: The Situation. and runneth forth to the River Cancha, which is the length thereof, and to the Wood Tournoth, which is the breadth thereof. Bolonia was made a County in the time of Carolus Calvus King of France, at what time S. Paul, Oye, Guines, and Artesia were honoured with the same Title. It hath many Towns and Villages, and amongst the rest there is Boulogne, which is twofold, The Cities. the Higher and the Lower. The former is seated on a high ground, on which was only a Burrow Town, before the English besieged it. The latter being seated in a plainer soil is washed with the Sea, and they are distant from each other an hundred paces, or thereabouts. And a certain Panegyric written by an unknown Author, and spoken before the Emperor Constantine calleth it Bononiense opidum, or the Town of Bononia. Now it is commonly called Boulogne: and the Low-Countrymen coming nearer to the ancient appellation do call it Beunen. joseph Scaliger in his Letters to Merula, Papirius, Masserius, Leland, Ortelius, and others do think that it was anciently called Gessoriacum. Also Peutingers Table doth confirm the same in which Gessoriacum is put for Bononia. Antoninus calleth it Gessoriacum, and doth place there the 15. Legion, and otherwheres he calleth it Gessoriacensis Portus, or the Haven of Gessoriacum, or Gessoriagum: Ptolemy calls it Gessoriacum a Haven of the Moriakans: john Talbot thinketh it should be named Galesium, and others that it should be called Saint Aud●mar: Turnebus calleth it the Town of Soacum: and Boetius Slusa: Hermolaus Barbarus calleth it Brugas, and Bilibaldus Gandavum. Robert Caenalis distinguisheth Gessoriacum Portum, and Gessoriacum Navale, and thinketh the one to be Benonia, and the other cassel. Hence came that Godfrey of Boulogne, the Son of Eusta●●● Earl of Boulogne, who was Duke of Lotharingia, and the first King of the Christian Solonians. Near to Boulogne was the Haven Itius, which some thought to be the Town of Calis, whom Ptolemy easily confuteth, who first placeth the Promontory of Itius behind the mouth 〈◊〉 the River Seyn, and afterward Gesoriacum a Haven of the Morinnian● from which the Town of Calis is above twenty Miles distant. 〈◊〉 Velserus is persuaded that Gessoriacum is the same with Itium. So● think the Haven Itius to be S. Andomar, enduced thereunto bo● because this City was in ancient times called Sitieu, as it were the B● of Itium, and also by the situation thereof, which being very low, y●● by the high shores which lie round about the City, it seems it was 〈◊〉 great Bay of the Sea. Camden in his Brittannia showeth that the Have● Itius was long accounted to be in that place which they now ca● Withsan: near Blanestum. But we leave these things to be decided by others. Next to the County of Bononia is Guisnes which is parted from the County of Oye, by a great Channel; which making the Territo●●● impregnable, The County of Guisnes. The Towns. and glideth by the chief Town called Guisnes, bei●● divided into two parts, one whereof is seated in the Marish gro● the other on the Continent, and is naturally strong and well fortified. King Henry the second took it, Francis Lotharingeus Duke 〈◊〉 Guise being sent thither in the year 1558. Concerning the Da●● right heretofore, to the Country of Guise, Meyerus writeth much 〈◊〉 the Annals of Flanders, and concerning this Country other Historiographers do writ other things which are not now to be mentioned There are also other Towns, as Hartincourt, Peuplinge, Conquelle, the Nievelletian Haven. This Country hath under it the Baronies of Ardres and Courtembrone, which are so called from these two Towns Ardres and Courtembrone, and also the Barony of Fiennes. Two miles from Ardres towards the Ocean is Calis, a Town well fortified both by nature and Art, esteemed always to be the Key and Gate of France, which Philip of Boulogne Uncle to S. Ludovick as the report, first walled about, it having a Castle with a strong Tow●● which commands the entrance into the Haven. Edward the fifth, King of England took it the day before the Nones of August, 11. months after that cruel Battle fought against Philip the sixth, King of France, near to Cressy in the year 1347. which Paulus Aemilius, 〈◊〉 9 lively delineateth. The English did possess it 211. years, (for Philippus Bonus a Burgundian did in vain besiege it in the year 1431, his Flandrians forsaking him) and did keep it (as the English were wont to say) as the Key of France, the Duke of Guise's afterward took it, and the Frenchmen regained it in the year 1558. in the month of February. In the midway between Calis and Bononia towards the Mediterranean Sea is Teroane: which still retaineth that name, although Charles the fifth passed it, and call it Terrennerberch, Antonius nameth it Tervanna or Tarvenna, the Itinerary Tables Tervanna, and Ptolemy Tarvanna. Bovillus affirmeth that some do call it Tarubanum, Trithemius in his History of France mentioneth the Terrubanians. map of Bologna BOULONGNE. Some call it Tervana as it were Terravana, in regard of the meanenes● of the Territory. In the Register of the Provinces; where the Cities of Belgia are reckoned up, it is called the City of the Morinneans, that is, l'Evesché de Teroane. In the Inscription of an ancient Store, which in former time was found in Gilderland it is called the Mori●●ans Colony. The Territory of Oyana or Terre de Oye, doth reach ever to Dunkirk, a Town of Flanders. There are also beside Oya, some other small Towns. The Rivers. I return now to Boulogne which is watered with stre●es and Rivulets, which running by the Town Arque, and S. Audoma●● do come to Gravelling. Not fare from thence is the Bay of Scale●, flowing even to the Castle of Ardera. There are also two other Rivulets, namely, one in Marquisia, the other in Bolonia. There is also the River Hantia or Hesdin, which doth impart his name to the Town Hesdin. There is also in this Country the Moorish streams of the Pontinians, and the River Cauchia. Some of these Rivers do make Lakes and Fish-pits, which are full of Fish, and are denominated from the neighbouring Towns: as those which they call in French le Vivier, d'Hames, d'Andre, d'Arbres. All this Country toward the Sea is environed with sundry Hills, and in the inner part thereof there are those Hills which they call in French les Mons de S. Ingelvert, and les Mons de neuf castle, and Dannes. All the Country is interlaced with many Woods, as the Woods les Bois de Surene, Cells, &c. The Inhabitants are accounted to be froward, and too much conceited of themselves. ANIOV THE DUKEDOM OF ANDEGAVIA. The Dukedom of Anjou containeth Counties, Baronnies, and Signories, as Craon 1856. 4743, &c. which I have not yet found out, nor can distinguish; these four Counties, Maine, Vendosme, Beaufort, and La Val do hold of it by Homage and Fealty. THE JURISDICTION. The praesidial Seat of the whole Kingdom is Angiers, under which are these particular Juridical Seats, Angiers, Samur; Bauge, 1945. 4725. and Beaufort en Valleé, 1940. 4716. The State Ecclesiastic. Angiers hath one Bishop of Andegauja, who is subject to the Archbishop of Turone. The Meridian's are placed according to the Proportion of the 47. and 15. Parallels to the greatest Circle. The Dukedom of ANJOU. THE Dukedom of Anjou follows in our Method, or la Duché d'Anjou. C. Caesar calleth the people of this Province Andes, and Pliny nameth them Andegavi. It beginneth at the Village Town Chousay; and endeth between Moncontour and Herrant, The Situation. where the Territory of the Picts beginneth, lying South of it on the East; the Turonians and Vindocinians do border on it: on the North the County commonly called Maine, and la Val: and lastly, on the West it joineth to Britain. The Country is more fruitful and pleasant than large, having every where Hills planted with Vines, and Valleys crowned with green Woods, flourishing Meadows, & excellent Pastures for Cattles. Here are good white Wines, commonly called Vins d' Anjou. In brief, this Country doth afford all things necessary for life. In some parts also of this Province they dig forth those blue kind of Stones, with which being cleft in pieces they do slate their Churches and Houses to keep off the weather; and in French they call them Ardoises. King of ●●●ticus, after the Earl Paul was slain, got the City of 〈◊〉 and left it to his Posterity, who were Kings of France: among whom 〈◊〉 Calvus gave the higher part of the Province to Torquatus, 〈◊〉 still the Royalty thereof to himself: and the lower part to 〈◊〉 Earl of Paris, whose Nephew Hugo magnus by his Brother Rupert Earl of Andegavia, and Duke of Celtica, gave it to Fulco, the Nephew of Terquatus. After Fulco there succeeded in order Fulco the 2. and Gotefridus commonly called Grisgonella, Fulco the 3. Gotefridus the 2. Fulco the 4. Fulco the 5. who was King of Jerusalem, after Baldwin, whose Daughter, he being a Widower had married: and lastly Godfridus Barvatus the 6. who was married to Machtildis, the Daughter of Henry the first, King of England. His Sons were Henry, who was the second King of England of that name, and Gotefridus the sixth and William were Earls of Anjou: whom when their Brother the King had overcome by war, and droven them out of their Country, his eldest Sons did succeed him in the Kingdom of England, and Gotefridus the 8. in the County of Anjou. The Uncle john King of England did wage war against the Earl Arthur the Son of Gotefrid, and Duke of Britain by the Mother's side. Arthur had now done Homage and Fealty to Philip Ang●● King of France, for his Principality which he had of him: by what instigation leaving to take away Picardy from his Uncle the King and having passed his Army over the River and Ligeris, the King coming upon him on a sudden took him prisoner, and brought him to Rotomagum, where not long after he was put to death. The Mother of Arthur Constantia by name, the Daughter and Heir of ●●nan Prince of Britain, did accuse King john of Parricide, before the King of France aforesaid: who being summoned and not appearing the Pears of France did condemn him of parricide, and those Provinces which he had in France they confiscated to the King: which sentence the King executing, he took Anjon into his own hands, and left it to his Son Ludovick the 8, King of France. After whom succeeded his Son Ludovick the 9 surnamed the Holy, who granted this Province to his Brother Charles by right. After him followed Charles the 2. who marrying his Daughter Clementia to Charles Valesius, he gave this Province with her for her Dowry. After whom succeeded Philip Valesius the Son, and after him his Nephew john, who gave the greatest part of this Country, which was honoured with the Title of a Dukedom in the year 1350. to his Son Ludovick. After him there followed in a direct Line Ludovick the 2. and Ludovick the 3. who dying without a● Heir the Principality came to his Brother Renatus. He having to issue living, made Charles his Brother's Son his Heir, and he made King Ludovick the 11. his Heir. And thus it was annexed to the Crown of France, and continued so united, until Francis the first gave the revenue thereof to his Mother Aloisia Sabandae. King Charles' the 9 gave it to his Brother Henry, who was afterward King of Pele●●● and France. The Metropolis or Mother City of the Dukedom is Andegavum, Paulus Diaconus calleth it the City of Audegavia; it is commonly called Angiers. Ptolemy calls it jultomagus Andicavarum. It is seated map of Anjou THE DUKEDOM OF JANIOV. on both the banks of the River Maine, which hath a Stone bridge over it. It is well governed, having a Bishop, a Marshal, and a Bailie, and a Precedent. It hath a famous University, instituted by Ludovi●● the second Duke of Anjou in the year 1389. Francis Baldwine being called thither, who professed the Law there. This Dukedom hath many fair Towns, some whereof are bigger than others. I will reckon some Towns according as they are called in French, as namely Samur near Liguris with a Castle; also Montreneau, Bauge, Beaufort, B●ssac, Monstreul-Belay, Malevurior, Ghantoceau, Viliers, Duretail, lafoy Pleasure, Chasteaugontier, Segre. In this Province there are many Lakes at a Rivulets, and above 40. Rivers. There are also great Fish-pits, and an infinite number of Fountains. The chief Rivers are Ligures, Lo●●● Vigenna, called lafoy Vienne, Viane and Vignane: Meduana now called May● Sarta commonly called Sartra and Lorius. Beyond the City of Andegavum there are some ancient ruins, which are commonly called Gr●han. Here they say that the Romans did heretofore build a The●●●●, and some of the Walls do yet remain. And great store of old coin is digged forth. Besides other Counties, Baronnies, and Signiori●s, these four Counties do Homage and Fealty to this Dukedom, The Country of More. Maine, Vendosme, Beaufort, and la Val, of which we will entreat in order. The County of Maine, commonly called Conté de Maine is the first. In Ptolemies time the Cenomanians did inhabit this Country. And the Province of the Cenomanians was inhabited as soon as any other part of France. The bounds thereof were heretofore longer than they are now, which may be gathered by that which Livy, Polybius, and justine have delivered concerning the irruption of the Cemonians into Italy. The nature of the Soil. One part of the Country is fruitful, the other barren, and the Inhabitants live more by hunted flesh than by bread or wine, which yet they do not altogether want, for some parts of this Province are so fruitful, that neither Andegavia, nor Tutonia can excel it for good wine, or first-fruits. The Soil is full of Herbage, and it for Pasturing of Cattles. The ancient government. But we read that this Province being unprehended under Aquitania, was sometime subject to the Duke of Aquitania, until the King of France Ludovick the 9 and Henry the 3. King of England, did agreed that, that which belonged to the King of England in Aquitania, which was bounded on the North with the River Caranton, and on the South with the Pyrenaean Mountains, should for ever belong to Normandy, and to the Countries of the Cenomanians and Andegavians, in consideration whereof 1500. Crowns were to be paid unto him. john King of France gave Andium and the County of the Cenomanians to his second Son Ludovick. The Letters Patents of this Donation or Gift dated 1360. may be seen in the King's Rolls. After Ludovick there succeeded Ludovick the second, his Son, and Ludovick the third his Nephew. These three were Kings of Naples. Ludovick the third dying without issue, his Brother Renatus succeeded after him, whom joane Queen of Naples, the second of that name, did make her Heir both of the Kingdom of Naples, and of the County of Province. Renatus had by Isabella the daughter of Charles the Bold his Son. john Duke of Calabria, who died before his Father Renatus. This john had by Mary the Daughter of Charles Duke of Bourbon, Nicolas Duke of Calabria, and marquis of Pontum, who died without issue, his Grandfather Renatus yet living. Renatus would not resign his right to the Kingdom of Naples, and the County of Province to his Nephew Renatus, but left it to his Brother Charles Earl of the Cenomanians: who dying a little after, did institute and make Ludovick the 11. his Heir. In former times the whole Country was divided into two parts. The City of the Cenomanians belongeth to the King of France, but the City Maena or Maine with the Marquiship, being now made a Dukedom acknowledgeth the Guises to be Lords thereof. The chief Town is by the River Sartra, commonly called le M●ns. At the first it was a Bayliwick, and after Henry the seconds time it had a Precedent, and diverse Towns did bring their appeals and suits hither. The Dukedom of Vendosme or the Dutché de Vendosme beginneth at Baugencia●um, which is the bounds between the two Belsia, which are called Solonia and Vindocina, which stretcheth out fare and wide even to the Sautones. It is so called from the Town Vindocinum, commonly called Vendosme. That which Ptolemy calls Ovindikon (for so it is read) is a City of the Aulercian Cenomanians in Gallia Lugdunensis We do affirm nothing. For that Ovinaiken, is perhaps the Town which is now called le Ma●s, which is Scaligers opinion also. The Earls of Vendosme are descended from from the Stock of the Bourbon's. We read that the first Earl hereof was Ludovick Barbonius, the Son of john Earl of Marc and Clermont, after whom there succeeded Lineally john his Son, and Francis and Charles his Nephews, whom Francis the first, King of France did created the first Duke of Vendosme. Charles was succeeded by his Son Antony, who was Duke of Vendosme a Peer of France, and in the right of his wife joane Albreta, King of Navarre, of whom came Henry Bourbon, the fourth King of France of that name, and the most potent King of Navarre, Prince of Bearne, Duke of Vendosme, &c. There are also Beaufort and la Val. THE DUKEDOM OF BITURICUM. THE Dukedom of Bituricum, or le Duché de Berry, which followeth in our Method, on the North looketh toward Solonia the lower part of Belsia, from which it is parted by the flowing streams of Caris, The Situation. on the East is looketh toward the Hurepensians, Nivernensians, and Bubonians, being bounderd here with a little Rivalet called la Fay: on the South is Lemovicum, where the River Croure floweth; on the West are the Picts and Turonians, from whom it is parted by a little River, commonly called Clery. The 〈◊〉 It is fruitful in Corn, Wine, and other things necessary for man's life. It chiefly aboundeth with Cattles, which the Inhabitants do disperse through all France. Here the Biturigians were seated formerly, who as Strabo, Ptolemie, and others do writ were called Cubi. For the Biturigians a people of France we● heretofore twofold, distinguished by their surnames, as the Bit●●ig●● Cubi, whose Metropolis was Avaricum in the first Aquitania, and the Vibiscian or Viviscian Bituriges, whose chief City was Burdigala, in the second Aquitania. Both of them were free Cities under the Romans, as Pliny witnesseth. The Register of the Provinces calleth it the City of the Bituricians or Berotigians in the first Aquitania or Sen● Viennensis. john Calamaeus writeth much concerning the appellation and name of this Country, who containeth the lustorie of the Bi●rigians in six Books. map of Bituricum ●HE DUKEDOM OF BITURICUM. Here are seventeen Collegiate Churches as they call them, and seventeen Parish Churches; This City hath an Archbishopric, and a flourishing University, to which there is none equal in France, being Mother and Nurse of most learned men. The study of the Law is in greatest estimation there, of which there are excellent Professors. As Avaricum is the chief Tribunal of the whole Dukedom, where the Monarch of the Biturigians sitteth as Precedent, and is commonly called le Bailly de Berry. Hither are all appeals brought both from the City Praetor, and from all Magistrates of other places in the Territory of Bituricum. But the Perfect of Bituricum hath under him the Metropolis itself Avaricum. and 5. Dioeceses Yssoudum, Dum le Roy, Vierson, Mehun, Concressault. There are reckoned with the Metropolis, the County of Sancerre, and S. Aignan, the Barony of Mountfaulcon, and almost. Some suppose that Sancerra was so called from Ceres, who was there reverenced and worshipped: as it were the Chapel of Ceres. The more learned Latin Writers leaving this Etymology do call it Xantodorum. It hath the Title of a County, which in the year 1015. they exchanged with Bellovacum, and in the year 1573. it endured a hard Siege, that they were enforced to eat Dogs, Cats, Horses, Dormice, Mice, Moles, and after they had eaten Horns, skins, and the like, they were compelled to eat their own excrements, and man's flesh These Castellania are subject to it Sanceges, Beaufeu, Chapelle d'Anguillon, le Chastel de Boncard, lalonges, Tarenay, Verdigny, Menesme, Charentomry, Brie and others. S. Aignan is so called from the Bishop S. Anianus. The Barony of Mountfaulcon, which signifies in Latin Montem Faulconis, or the Mountain of the Falcon, doth contain the Signiories of Baugy and Gion, also lafoy Fane, Lyuran, ●ony, Villabon, Seury, Marcilly, Marnay, Farges, Avor, Saligny, Percigny, Cru, Lassax, Boisboson, Nuissement, Villiers, Compoy. Lastly, the Castellania are Ays d'Anguillon, Sury en Vaux S. Soulange, S. Palais, la Salle du Roy, Bueil, Quantilly, Pomorigny, Francheville, la Chapelle, Nancay, Drye, Leureux, Beaulieu, Brecy, Beugy. S. Fleurant, Neufvisur, Baranion, Morthonnier. Maymaignes, Maubranches, S. Vrsin, Tillay, Brilliers, Vatan, S. Satur, Jury, Estrechies, Maulpas, Villeneusve, S. Crapaix. Ascilly, lussy le Chauldrier, la Corn, les Chaizes, Vaulurilles, les Cloyes, Budge. So much concerning the Metropolis and the large Jurisdiction thereof, the other Dioceses are Yssouldun a Royal City and a Bayliwick, which hath under it the Baronies of Chasteauroux, Gracay, Ceracoy, S. Severe, Lynieres, to which is joined the Castelania of Rizay: also Argenton, in which are the Marshalship of Ravennes, and the Praefectureship of Servignet. The Castelania are Bourssac, Chasteau Meillant, Marcul, Neffi S. Sepulchre, Rully, Puuldy: Massy, Cahors, Peronse, Chastellet, Messevure, Augurandae, S. Chartier, le Palleteau, Bommieres, Moche, Fully, Voullon, la Ferte, Nohant, Ville Dieu, Chastre, & Charroux. There is also Dunum Regium, or Dun le Roy, under which are these Castelaniaes, besides others, Pradict Callaut a barony: Chasteauneuf, near the River Caris, S. julian. Vierzon, a royal City and a Dioecese having these Signiories under it, Champre, Motte d'Aisy, Saragosse, Brivay, Mery. Mehun hath under it the Castellania Love and Foici. Concourfault or Concressault hath under it Vailly, Argeny, Clemon, Beaujeu. This Country is watered with the Rivers Ligert, Souldra, Aurrena, Cherre, Theone, judro, Creusa, The Rivers. and some other smaller Rivulets. Here are no Mountains of any note. The Country is interlaced here and there with Woods, The Woods, the chief whereof are Silua Roberti, & Lacenna Sylva, or Robert's Wood, and the Wood Lacenna. I come to the public and private works. At Avaricum besides the 34. Church's aforesaid. The public works. There are four Monasteries of Menditant Friars: two Abbeys for men, the one dedicated to S. Sulpitius, being strong, rich, and standing without the Walls, the other within the City, dedicated to D. Ambrose, and well endowed: and three Nunneries. Not long since a godly Magistrate thereof did build in Hospital for the relief of poor and decrepit people. Of all the fair Aedifices here, which are many, the chief is the stately and sumptuous House of james Cordus, who lived in Charles the 7. time. There are also the Almains Houses, who were formerly the King's Treasurers, before the Fairs, to which a great concourse of Strangers were wont to resort. were kept at Lions. Here are infinite ruins both within and without the Walls of old Aedifices which were built with curious workmanship: and many are daily digged forth especially out of the Sand-pits, as they call them, where sometime stood the Amphitheatre. The Archbishop of Bourges, hath these Suffragan Bishops under him: the Bishop of Clermont: of Rhodes: of Lymege●● of Mende: of Alby: of Cahors: of Castres': of Tulles: and of S. Flour: but the Bishop of Puy is exempted. THE DUKEDOM OF BOURBON. THE Country and Dukedom of Bourbon, or le Pays and Duché de Burbonneis, was so called from the Dukes of Bourbon, The Situation who were Governors thereof. On the West it is neighboured with the Biturigians, and Lemonicians, on the North with the Nivernianis: On the East lieth Burgundy, on the South are the Lugdunians. The fertility. The Soil for the most part is all pasture ground, and hath no Corn but in some few places. But there are very good Wines, and great plenty of Corne. Those people whom Caesar Lib. 1. de Bello Gallico calleth Boij, were supposed to have dwelled here formerly, and he calleth their Town Lib. 7. Gergovia, where he also mentioneth Boia, which doubtless was the Boians Town. Their strength was so great that joining themselves with the Cenomanians and Insubrians, they plucked down the pride and arrogancy of the Thuscians, possessed their dominions, and seated themselves in that part of Italy which is now called Romania. The Romans did call it Gallia Togata, because the Frenchmen who were subject to the Romans, dwelled there. The Sugusians also did inhabit all that part which is called le Bays de Fores. All this Territory, as many other bordering Countries, was heretofore subject to the Kings of Aquitaine. Afterwards it had Dukes; The ancient government. who from a Town of no mean note were called Dukes of Bourbon. The last of them was Arcibaldus, who had one only daughter and heir, called Agnes. She marrying john Duke of Bugundie, gave her daughter Beatrix, which she had by him, the Dukedom of Bourbon for her dowry, having married her to Robert the Son of Ludovick the ninth, yet with this caution, that it should be called after his wife's name, and the house of the Bourbon's, that so the title thereof might remain to posterity. Which being done. Robert the son of Ludorick the ninth, who was canonised for a Saint, did propagate and enlarge the name of the Borbons. For his sons were Ludorick surnamed the great, who succeeded his Father, john Claromont Lord of the Town of the Fane of justine in Campania: Peter Archdeacon of Paris, and two daughters. This Ludorick Philip Valesius the sixth created the first Duke of Bourbon, in the year 1339. or thereabout, who had by his wife Mary the daughter of john Earl of Hannonia, Peter the first who succeeded him, and james the Father of the Earls of March and Vendosme●, Philip Lord of Belloium, Ma●y, and Beatrix. This Peter was created the second Duke of Bourbon, and Lord of Molin. He was slain in a Battle fought between the Picts, and the English. He had by Isabella, the daughter of Charles, Earl of Valence. Ludorick the 2. who succeeded his Father: james the Lord of March, and seven daughters. Ludorick surnamed the good married Anna, the daughter of Beraldus the Dolphin of Avernia, who was called Duke Simus, and of jone Forrestaria, who brought him 〈◊〉 who succeeded his Father, Ludovick, and james Lord of Prausium. Io● the first of that name marrying Mary the daughter of john, Duke of the Biturigians, was Duke of Bourbon and Avernia, Earl of Clarom●● Mompensper, Forrest, and Lord of Bellijocum and the Castle of China● From him issued Charles, who succeeded his Father, Ludorick Earl of Montpenser (from whom the Dukes came of Montpenser) and Ia●● Charles took the part of King Charles the 7. and Philip the good, Duke of Burgundy, with whom at last by the meditation and persuasion his wife Agnes a Burgundian, sister to Philip, he made a peace with hi● Agnes brought him john who succeeded after him, Ludovick, Peter, 〈◊〉 was afterward a Duke, Charles' a Cardinal, and Archbishop of Li●● Ludorick Bishop of Leodium, james and five daughters. john the second was Duke of Borbon and Avernia, Earl of Clarom●nt, of Forest, the Island and March, Lord of Belliocum and of the Castle of Chin●●, 〈◊〉 Peer and Constable of the Kingdom of France. He married thrice, but died without issue. Peter the 2. succeeded his brother John, 〈◊〉 was high Chamberlain of the Kingdom of France, and he had 〈◊〉 Anne daughter of King Ludorick the 11. one only daughter called Susan, who succeeded her Father. She marrying Charles B●● Earl of Montpenser (the son of Gilbert Bourbon, Nephew to john ●dorick the first aforesaid, Duke of Bourbon, Earl of Montpenser, 〈◊〉 Dolphin of Avernia) by her marriage made her Husband Duke of Bourbon. This was that Charles who being Constable of France, 〈◊〉 volting from his Prince Francis King of France, took part and side with the Emperor Charles the fifth, and besieged Rome where bei● shot with a bullet in the year 1527. the day before the Nones 〈◊〉 May, he died, having obtained no victory nor left no children. As● the death of his wife Susan, the King getting Bourbon to himself, 〈◊〉 Dukes of Vendosme kept only their arms, and their bore title by the right of affinity. The Earls of Flanders did first lineally desc●●● from the family of the Bourbon's: and many great Kings and Prince have sought to be linked in affinity with this royal and Prince's house. Moreover the French Geogrophars do make two parts 〈◊〉 the Dukedom of Bourbon, the lower and the higher. The lower containeth diverse Cities, and two Countries. Concerning the Citie● The Metropolis of the whole Dukedom is Molinum (or Melius) Town by the River which Caesar calls Elaver, now Allier: it was 〈◊〉 ancient Seat of Dukes: afterward it was a house of pleasure, and pleasant retiring place for the Kings of France. Some think th●● that which Caesar calls Gergobina was a Town among the Celta, wh●● Caesar in the Helvetian War placed there. The Marshal of Bur●●● hath his presidial Seat here, which was erected by King Francis the first of that name. Molins' hath a very fair Castle, and a curious G●●den adjoining to it, in which there are great store of Oranges and Citernes. In the Castle Xystum you may see the lively Pictures of the Dukes of Bourbon, and their Genealogies. Here is also a fair Fountain. map of Bourbon THE DUKEDOM OF BOURBON. The other Cities and Towns are Bourbon, famous for antiquity, and which heretofore did name the whole Province. Caesar in his ●. Book calleth it Boia. This City is situated between the Rivers Elaveres and Caris, commonly called Cherseoli, well known and famous in the time of Charles the great. It hath a strong Castle and Baths: also L'Archimont, Montmerant. And Cosne surnamed en Burbonnois near the River Loire, having a Castle, and in regard that the Territory is f●●● for Pasturage it exceedeth other parts: also Montlusson, and S. Por●is, whose Fields do bring forth excellent Wines, (yet some do ascribe it to Avernia) also Cusset; Chancelle; Charroux; Vernueil, famous foe Wines: also Varennes a famous Town by the River Elaveres; Ga●● confining upon Avernia; also Le Mont aux Moines; Souvigni le Comte, 〈◊〉 aux Moines; lafoy Palisse, having a stately Castle: also Erisson, Sancoing●, the Fane of S. Peter, commonly called S. Pierre le Monstier, which is not very ancient. It hath a Precedent, under whom are the Baylies of the same Town; and the Towns which are commonly called Deuzi●●, Xaincois, Cusset, and others, one part whereof are seated in Averni●, and another in Nervernesium: there is also Ainay la Chasteau so named from the Castle S. Amand, and others. So much concerning the Cities and Towns. The Counties are two, which are commonly called Beaujolois and Forest. The former Bello jolesius containeth all that lieth between the River Ligeris and Araxis, being situated towards the East between the Forestians and Burgundians: being the Patrimony of the ancient Bourbon's. The chief City is called in French Be●jea. The other is named not from the Woods and Forests as the word doth seem to intimate, but from the Forensians, for so I name those people: on the North lieth Bourbon, on the West Avernia, on the South the Lugdunians confine upon it: on the East the Bello-Jolesians. Heretofore it had Earls, from whose Stock did arise the noble of Bello-Iolesius. A certain Earl of Forrest and Bello-Iolesius is celebrated by French Historians, who had three Sons, Arthauldus Earl of Lugdunum, Stephen Earl of Forrest, and Emfrid Earl of Bello-I●●s●●. When thus the Counties of Forrest and Bello-Iolesius had been in a long time distracted, they were united again by the death of G●●●d, Earl of Bello-Iolesius, who was Master of the horse in the time of Philip the 2. King of France, for his Sister Isabel, Countess of Bello-Iolesius was married to Reginaldus, Earl of Fortest, who was descended of the stock of Arthauld aforesaid, as she from the offspring of Stepha●, who was brother to Arthauld as is mentioned before. From this marriage there proceeded Guido, who was heir to the County of Forrest, and Lugovick, who was Lord of Bello-Iolesius. After whom there is 〈◊〉 certainty delivered. Henry the third King of France, before he came to the Monarchy of France, possessed the Dukedoms of B●●bon and Avernia, the County of Forrest together with the Dukedom of Andigavia. It containeth forty walled Towns, and about as many fair Villages. The chief Town of the Forrensians Roana, or Roanne, near the River Ligeris, which hath a Bridge over it, which standeth in the way to Lions, and also a Castle. The second Town of note is 〈◊〉 Segusian●rum, for so it was heretofore called which is now commonly called Feurs: Ptolemy calls it Phoros of the Segusians: and the Itinerary Tables corruptly call it Forum Segustivarum. And from this Fotum, the Country corruptly is commonly called Lemot Layis de Forest, when it should be rather called, de Fores. This is now a Town of commerce and traffic for the whole Province. The other Towns are Mombrisonium, or Montbrison, being a bailiwick and subject to the Lugdunians, also the Fane of S. Stephan, and S. Estierne de Furan, where armour and Iron bars are made, which are transported from thence into all parts of France. The artificers Art is much furthered by nature of the water, which doth give an excellent temper to Iron, and also the coals which are digged there: there is also the Fane of S. Galmarus, or S. Galmier, or Guermier, in the Suburbs whereof, there is an Alum Fountain, which is commonly called Font-Foule: also the Fane of S. German, or S. German Laval, which hath abundance of wine growing about it: also the Fane of D. Bovet, or S. Bovetle Castell, in which the best tongs are made: also the Fane of D. Rembertus, or S. Rembert, having the first Bridge that is over Ligeris. The Country of Bourbon is watered with two great Rivers, namely Ligeris and Elavera, being a River of Arvernia. Ligeris commonly called Loire riseth up in Avernia, in a place which in French is called La Font de Loire. Elever, commonly called Allier, riseth four Miles above the Town Clarumont, beneath Brionda near Gergovia, and floweth not fare from a place which in French is called Vsco, where there is a famous mine of gold, and of the stone Lazulus. It is as big as the River Ligeris, and by so much more full of fish. Concerning the Manners of the Bourbon's, those which border on Avernia are of the same disposition with them, namely witty and crafty, very laborious, careful to get, and for the most part they are litigious, and violent men, and ill to be dealt withal. Those that devil farther off are courteous and affable, subtle and well experienced, frugal and careful housekeepers, greedy of gain, and yet very bountiful and kind toward strangers. The Forensians also are subtle, acute, and witty, wisely provident and careful in their own affairs, loving gain, and to that end they travel into remote and fare distant Countries to Merchandise and traffic with them. But they are merciful and kind to their own Countrymen if they come to necessity and want in foreign Countries. Much wariness and wisdom is to be used, in despatching any business with a Forensian. Forrest doth sand her works in Iron and Brass thorough the whole world, especially the Fane of S. Stephen, where there are very many Artificers, and as good as any in France. And there are many Merchants of this Country very rich, having great estates in other parts out of France. THE DESCRIPTION OF THE ARCHBISHOPRIC AND COUNTY OF BURDEGALIA. BURDIGALIA having an Archbishopric and Coun● belonging to it, and the head and Metropolis of Guien● is an ancient and famous City, which Strabo and Pliny ha● mentioned, and Strabo Lib. 4. Geogr. writeth thus: Gar● being enlarged with the receipt of three Rivers doth 〈◊〉 by the Biturigians, whom they call the Viviscians' and Santones, being both Countries of France. It hath Burdigalia a Town of Traffic seated by a certain great Lake, which is made by the eruptions 〈◊〉 breaking out of the River. Concerning the name there are 〈◊〉 opinions. For some say it was called Aquita from the abundance 〈◊〉 waters, whence also others do derive the name of the Province 〈◊〉 Aquitane, from Bourda and jala, two Rivulets, the one whereof is ne● to Burdigala, the other 4000 miles off, others bring other dertvati● But I believe that the name was derived from Burgo, and Isiderus ●ginum lib. 15. cap. 1. seemeth to be of the same opinion: when he 〈◊〉 That Burdigala was so called, because it contained a Colony of 〈◊〉 French Burgians, others read it the French Biturigians. And S● is of the same mind in his Burdigala. And these people, as it is aforesaid, were called Viviscians', to distinguish them from the Cubian 〈◊〉 turigians near the River Ligeris, which Ausonius a Poet of Bu● testifies in his Verses, wherein he sings thus: Haec ego Vivisca ducens ab origine gentem. These things I, who by my Country am Descended from the old Viviscian. And this ancient Inscription doth confirm it. AUGUSTO SACRUM ET GENIO CIVITATIS BIT. VIV. map of Burdigala THE ARCHBISHOPRIC AND COUNTY OF BURDIGALA. The Walls are square having Towers thereon so high, That the tops thereof do reach unto the sky. After those times it suffered many calamities, being first washed 〈◊〉 the Goths, and then burnt by the Saracens and Normans. But afterward it was re-edified and enlarged, so that now it containeth 45. Acres of ground, so that it is as big as a third part of 〈◊〉. For the Roman Empire declining, the Goths obtained it in the 400. year from the building of the City, who being expelled, and Mari●us being slain in Picaady, and those which remained, cut off in the Ar●● Fields which were so named from that slaughter near to Burdgi. it returned again to the Frenchmen. But when the Frenchmen g●●● slothful and careless, the Aquitanians about the year 727. shaking off their subjection to the French did created Eudo Duke thereof. T●● Son of this Eudo was Caifrus, who being forsaken by his own m●●, was slain in the year 767. and was buried without the City in a Moorish place, near the Castle Farus, where now the Capuchins have built themselves a Religious house. Afterwards Hunold whom the Aquitanians had made Duke, being vanquished and droven out by Charles the Great, this Province was restored to the French, and to keep it the better in obedience, there were Earls placed in diverse parts of Aquitaine, and especially at Bourdoaus there was left Sigumus the Father of Huon of Bourdeaus, and after these other Earls and Dukes did govern the people under the King of France. D. Marttalis was the first that converted those of Bourdeaus to the Christian faith, who as it is reported built a Temple there, and dedicated it to S. Andrew the Apostle, afterward it become the Seat of an Archbishop, on which these Bishoprics do depend, Santonensis, Pictaviensis, Lussonensis, Mallacensis, Petragoricensis, Serlacensit, Condomiensis, Agimensis. And as this City is large, so it is beautified with diverse Churches, for there are two Collegiate Churches, one of which is Metropolitan, 12. Parish Churches, 8. Friaries, one Nunnery, and a College of Jesuits. There is a fair Churchyard of S. Severine without jupiters' Gate near the Amphitheatre which is worthy to be seen, both because it is more ancient than the rest, in which S. Amandus, and S. Severinus were buried, and diverse other Monuments are showed, and also because there hollow stones laid on Sepulchers, which are full of water or empty, according to the increase or decrease of the Moon. Many Knights are here interred who were slain in the time of Charles the great by the treachery of Ganelen. The University is an Ornament unto it, the Professors whereof do instruct Youth in all Arts and Sciences. In which both heretofore and of late Tiberius' Victor and Minervius a Rhetorician whom D. jeromimus mentioneth in his Chronicle, and maketh another Quintilian. And Attius Celphidius, whom Ammianus Marcellinus calleth a vehement Orator, were Latin and Greek Professors. And also Pomponius Maximus Hirculanus, and many others, of whom Ausonius maketh a Catalogue with several Eulogies. The most noted in our age were, Andr. Goveanus, joannes Gelida, M. Ant. Muretus, joannes, Costanus, Georg. Buchanan, Nicolaus Grachius, Withelmus Guerentaeus, and of late Elias Vinetus, a learned man, and a light to his Country. This University had many privileges, honours, and liberties granted unto it by the Princes of Aquitaine, the Kings of France, and the Popes of Rome: and at last was beautified by the Aquitaine College, from whence many learned men as Lights of France have successively come forth. But let us speak somewhat of the Parliament, which is the ancientest seat of Justice in France, whither the Burdigalians, the Valatensians, the Aginnensians, the Condomiensians, the Armeniacensians, the Cardurcians, the Leniovicensians, the Petrocorensians, the Augelismensians, the Santons, and Ruxellensians, have recourse by way of suit. But afterward the Provinces of Armenium, of Santome, of Ruxelles, and the greatest part of Cadurcium did withdraw themselves and came to the Parliament of Paris and Tolouse. But when King Ludovick had granted Aquitania (which was now circumscribed with new bounds) to his Brother Charles to hold of him by Fealty, the Parliament was translated to the Picts, but after Charles his decease in the year 1472. and all Aquitaine returning to Ludovick, it was brought back again, and not long after Charles the 8. by his Edict dated in the year 1483. made it to consist of three Precedents, and 18. Counsellors. Francis the first is the year 1519. in the month of of May added to them a Decurie of new Counsellors, to judge of criminal matters, which they call Tonell. But when by sedition the Parliament in the year 1540 wa● changed again. King Henry the 2. restored the former ample dignity of the Senate to Burdigala, and received the Citizens into favour. Here the Perfect of the Province of Aquitaine hath his Seat, who is called the Marshal and also the Admiral. There is also in the same City a College of Questors or Auditors of accounts. The government of the Commonwealth of Bordeaux as it is at this day began is the reign of Henry King of England who in the year 1173. granted that the Citizens should freely decree a Prince of the Senate whom they call the Mayor of the City, but at first the Majors held their office continually, and did yearly choose a Substitute out of the sworn men, whom in his absence was to be Governor of the College of sworn men. Henry the 2. did change this custom, so that the Mayor's office should not be perpetual, but for two years. After him the sworn men as they call them should succeed: Who being fifty at the beginning were reduced to 24. and in the year 1378. they were contracted to 12. according to the number of the parts of the City. But at last they came to be six, and those to rule two years: so the three were changed every year, and they continued in their Mairoalty for two whole years. To this College of the Mayor and the sworn men, there were added 30. chosened Citizens to assist them in counsel & above three hundred more were added, if a matter of consequence were handled. It hath a fruitful Soil for Wines, which is transported from thence into other parrs of Europe, the praise whereof is celebrated by the ancients, as also Pliny and Columella, and it hath abundane of all other necessaries. Besides it hath convenient Rivers, the greatest whereof are Garumna, and Dordona. There are many Town's subject to Burdeaus, as these near to the Sea Esparus or Caput S. Mariae, in which place Ptolemy seateth Novioparrum, which is now not to be known: also the Fane of Macarium, Larmont, Connaria, also Liburnium, which is a pretty small Town, seated at the mouth of Dardona, and others. But it is most famous, because Ausonius was borne here, who celebrateth the praise of his Country in these verses. My too long silence I do now condemn, That thee OH Country famed for witty men, And for thy pleasant Rivers, and thy Wine, And Senate, art not here amongst the prime Mentioned by me, as if thou wert a small City, and didst deserve no praise at all. Burdigala is my native Country where The mild air makes the earth much fruit to bear, The Spring is long, the Winter short below, The levy Mountains shadowed Rivers flow, Whose hasty course do imitate the Seas. Than the ways within and houses you may please To admire, and that the streets do still retain, Though they are large, and broad their former name. And yet through the City a fresh stream doth glide, Which when the Ocean filleth with his tide, You shall behold when as the Sea doth come, How by the Ships which ride there it doth run. THE COUNTY OF PERTICA. THE Country of Pertica confineth on the Carnuten 〈◊〉 and dependeth also on their diocese, and hath bee● long time a famous County. First it came by ma● age to the family of the Druids, and afterward to Alenconians. For Robert a French man Earl of the D●ides, married the widow of Rotrocus Earl of Pertica, who was sla● at the siege of the Castle of Rotomagum. After him Robert le●●● the son of Charles, and brother to Philip Valesius, who died with issue, being slain in the Battle of Cressy in the year 1346. was 〈◊〉 of Pertica. It is divided into two parts, the lower which is ca●● Pertica Goveti, is as it were inserted into Carnutum, the head T●● whereof is Nogentum of Rotrocus, which in the year 1428. was 〈◊〉 by the Earl if Salisbury an Englsh man, and all that were found were hanged. But afterward in the year 1449. Charles the 7. i●verd it again. This Town is called Nogentum of Rotroc from Earl thereof above mentioned, who marched in the year 〈◊〉 with his English troops into Syria, against Fulco Earl of the A●ans, and King of Jerusalem, and Yvo Carnutensis doth name it 〈◊〉 Epistle to Pope Pascall, thereby to difference it from the oth●● ●entum. Sigebert about the year 1170. doth mention Godefrid● of Pertica, who by rebellion lost his Earldom. There are also 〈◊〉 Towns besides Nogentum: as Basochium, Govetum, Alugium, mons ●lij, ●rovium, Anthovium, Maulbesium, the Town of read Maill●●●, Condatum seated by the River Huisne. The higher part of P● called the County, and it hath the Town Mortenium, with a 〈◊〉 seated on a Hill, in which the Praefect whom they call the Bailie his residence, also the Towns Pentletum, and Belesmia, a Town 〈◊〉 a Castle. Whence the ancient and famous families of the B● is descended, out of which came Robert ●elemy, who sided with B●tus, intending to make war against his brother, King of England ●●●cerning whom see Thomas Walsingam in his description or patterned Neustriae: on the frontiers thereof toward Normandy are Vernolium, 〈◊〉 Memertium towards Cenomania. Some would seat the Vnelly here people once of France, whom Caesar mentioneth Lib. 3 de bello Galli●● these words. While these things were done at Venice, Q. T●● Sapinus came with his army which Caesar had given him, into the Country of thf Vnelly, Viridovix was Captain thereof, and did govern those Cities which had revolted, out of which he levied a great ●my. And a little before at the end of the second Book: at the 〈◊〉 time came P. Crassus, whom he had sent with one Legion to the venetians, the Vnelli, the Osismi, the Curiosilitae, the Sesuriij, the 〈◊〉 map of Pertica ●HE COUNTY OF PERTICA Rhedones, which are maritine Cities near to the Ocean &c. Bla●● Vignerius in his French translation for Vnelli doth put, du parche & 〈◊〉 parch, and Renat Chopinus. Concerning the municipial Laws of the Audians doth in like manner calling them ceux de perch, which he ranslateth the Vncli. But when Caesar maketh them to be near unto the Armorican Cities (which is a Maritaine Nation) some think that this name belongeth to the Lavallij, but I leave these things to more curious inquisiters. In this Country the learned and Noble Poet Anocre●● was borne, who was worthily called the Remigium Bellaq●●● of his age, who in his Pastorals did lively express and paint forth that elegant fiction of the Arcadia of Zamazius, which exceedeth all the rest. His Poem concerning Gems and precious stones, d●● deserve the lawreth wreath, to which Ronsard the Prince of French Poets hath alluded, in an Epitaph which he made on him, which is to be read at Paris, which I have rudely here translated into Latin. BELLAQUIO artifices quid splendida saxa paratis? En gemmis tutulum condidit ipse sibi. Artificers why do you now provide? Fair shining stones that may Anacreon hide, For he a Tomb of precious stones composed. Wherein his precious body is enclosed. THE DUKEDOM OF TURONE. THE Province of Turone in regard of the incomparable pleasantness of the place, and the abundance of all kind of fruits, is worthily called the Garden of France. Which the Princes thereof have always much delighted in and honoured it, both as I said for the conveniency of the amation, and for the overflowing plenty of all things necessary. The Country is large, and hath round about it the Bellovacians, the An●egavians, the Pictavians, and the Biturigians: it hath many fair Cities and Towns, it maketh also a part of the Parliament of Parises ●s they call it, and it is honoured with a Seat of Judgement. The Metropolis and Mother City thereof is Turon, commonly called To●s, being seated at the confluence and meeting of the Rivers Ligeris and Carus. Ptolemy calls it Caesarodunum, concerning the name and antiquity whereof there are many reports, but not credible, and therefore we omit them. Let it suffice that the great Roman Emperor julius Caesar doth reckon the Turones among the chief people of France, who joined themselves to the Romans, and in his 2. Book de bello Gallico, about the end thereof are these words; He having brought his Legions to Winter at Carnutes, Andes, and Turones, which were Cities near unto these places, where he waged war, went into Italy, as also Lib. 7. He speedily joineth to himself the Senons, the Parisians, the Pictones, the Cadurcians, the Turones, the Aulercians, and others which devil near the Sea. Also Lucan mentioneth them in this Verse. Instabiles Turones circumsita castra coercent. Round pitched Tents do keep in there, The Turones who unconstant were. It is a neat City, having long clean streets, and very fair houses. It had heretofore diverse Bishops famous for Sanctity and Learning, as Martinus, Bricius, Perpetuus, Volusianas', and others, and almost all the Bishops of Britain, of the Andians, and Cemonians noted by others, are Suffragans unto him. The chief Seat of Justice when the Parisians rebelled, was translated hither by King Henry the third. Traffic in Silks, and also Cloth is much used in Toures, both which do enrich the Merchants. And the Inhabitants have revenues out of their Lands, on which they live gallantly. The City is adorned w● fair magnificent Temples, among which is that which was dedica● to D. Gratian, built by the English with a Clock-dyall on it. And 〈◊〉 other consecrated to D. Martinus, in which his bones and ashes 〈◊〉 rest, which the By-dwellers do honour with religious worship. 〈◊〉 Gregory who from his Country was called Turonensis was borne 〈◊〉 flourished about the year of Christ 600. whose Write for the 〈◊〉 story of those times are much esteemed by posterity. It containe● the ashes of that great Poet P. Ronsard, who they call the French ●mer, and Pindar. It was sometimes governed by Earls, afterward 〈◊〉 the Dukes of Britain, but when john his Nephew Arthur being sla● possessed the County, the Province was confiscate to the King by 〈◊〉 sentence of the highest Senate of France. After which the King 〈◊〉 France did make it a Dukedom, and gave it for a time to the Marite Friars. Here four chief French Counsels were kept. H●● also a Money Mint famous for the antiquity thereof. It is gover● by an ordinary Magistrate, and hath two Prefects, besides a M●● and Auditors, to maintain the rights, privildges, and liberties of 〈◊〉 Inhabitants. There is also a Court of the Quaestors, Auditon, 〈◊〉 Receivers of the public customs and impositions. But to conc●●● we will set down an elegant description of this place, being 〈◊〉 out of Britons Philipeides. Thence to the City of Turone they go, Round about which two shining streams do flow, Here the River Ligaris, there Caurus, and It in the middle between both doth stand: Well seated, and fair streams do it adorn Being full of Trees, and having store of Corn, Proud of her Citizens, and Clergy, who Are very powerful, beside she can show Great store of people, and much wealth beside, And is with Groves and Vines much beautified. map of Turone THE DUKEDOM OF TURONE. THE COUNTY OF PICTAVIA. map of Pictavia ●HE COUNTY OF PICTAVIA. The theatres, Galienes' Palace, and the Aquae ducts of Cond●● which are now called less ducts, do show the antiquity thereof being certain tokens of the Roman Empire in these parts. Some think it was built by the Agathirsians and Gelonians, the Successors of the Sons of Hercules (whom the Poets do call Picti) for they being expelled their Country for stirring up Domestic sedition, came it to England, and from thence being increased in number and multitude they passed over again into France, where they were called Picts and built this City. Others writ differently, when it is evident both in Pomponius, Mela, and Pliny, that there were Pictones long before the● came out of England. This City is famoused by a Bishop's Seat, which D. Hilarius was sometime Bishop of a Prelate of singular learning and piety, and one that was an invincible Antagonist against the Arrian faction, and did writ those 12. famous Books of the Holy Trinity, wherein he shown much wit and eloquence. The Court of Pictavia is governed by a Precedent and two Substitutes, the one whereof doth judge of civil matters, the other of criminal. Many Towns of this Province have recourse to this Court: The Towns. as besides Pictavia itself aforesaid, there are also Niort which hath a Castle: here the Pictones do keep great Fairs thrice in a year: also Fontenay le Conte, it hath also a Castle: the Rivulet Vendaeus (or Veudie) doth flow by the walls of this Town, which groweth afterward so big, that it doth overflowe the whole Territory of Fontenaus, and the neighbouring parts thereunto: also the Town Lusig●an, where there is an ancient Castle which is commonly called Mulustre &c. Also Montmorillon, Chastelleraud, lafoy Base Marché, Dorat, S. Maxent, and others: to which is added Sirray a Marshalship, and having a strong Castle. There is also in the Principality of Pictonia, that I may come now to that part (besides Talmont, so called as it were Talon du Monde, Calcanus Mundi, or the heel of the world as some would have it) Rupes super joanna, or Roche sur-Iohn, who was of the Royal family of Bourbon. Our Grandfathers did know Ludovick Bourbon, the Son of john Earl of Vendosme, when he was Prince of Roche sur●●h, Earl of Montpenser, and also his son Charles Castellum Heraldi, or Castelherault near Vigenna; is dignified with a Dukedom. The Viecountships are Tovers. By the River Tovius, also Brosse, Bridieres, Ro●be-Cho●art. There are many Towns which are Baronies and Signiorles, which I will deliver as they come in view: first Manlers, where there is good fishing for Salmones, and a little King of fish, which is an enemy to the Tuny, but especially there is good fishing for Whales and Codfish, which being dried and hardened in the wind, and cold are usually transported into other Countries: also the Towns Partenay, S. Maxent, Melle, Chizay, Chauvigny, Lussac, Bressuyre, Charrou, Chasteneraye, S. Mesnin, S. Gillis, Chasteaumur, les Sables d' Anlonne, S. Hermine, Montaigu, a Town with a Castle famous for Salt-pits: Also Mireban, l'a Motte, S. Bewray, Vouvant, S. Hilaire, Mortemer, Luzaz, S. Savin, l' Istle jourdain, S. Benoist du Sault, Bourg-neuff, Moloil, Merxant, Brige, Vouver, Villefaignax, and others. And it is gathered out of Antonius his Itinerary that Limonum was in Pictavia, because B●rdigala is called Augustodunum. Some think it to be the same with Augustorito, or Poicters. We dare affirm nothing. In the third commentary of A. Hirtius there is mention of Limonum. The Rivers that water this Country are Clanius, Vigenna, now Vienne, The Rivers. or Venda●● and others, which are very full of fish. Hear we needs must speak of the Amphitheatre, in Pictavia, The public works. standing near to the Town Doneum, in the workmanship whereof Art doth strive to imitate nature: for it is made hollow and cut out in the Mountain, having no external matter, as lime, stone, or wood in it. In justus Lipsius in his Book of the Amphitheatres which out of Rome cap. 6. there is a large description of this Mountain and Amphitheatre, according to the relation of Levinus Kesmakerus, sometime Consul of Zirickza●●, and governor of Zealand at the first beginning of this war, who addeth that the Village Town Lonaeus was heretofore fare larger, as may be seen by the workmanship thereof, not like to Village Towns, and by the ruins of the public ways and streets, which lay toward the Bridge, commonly called Pon●du Say, part of which way may be seen yet in diverse places. But the greatest part is ruinated, and the stones of the aedifices are consumed and carried away. About half a Mile from the City Pictavia, in the high way to B●●rigum, there is a great foursquare stone, underproped with five other stones, and from thence called lafoy Pierre Leurce. Of which there is this Distich. Hic lapis ingentum superat gravitate Colossum Ponderis, & grandi Sydera mole petit. This stone exceeds a great Colossus weight, And even to the stars doth penetrate. The State Ecclesiastic hath three Bishoprickes, which are under the Archbishop of Tolouse: as the Bishopric of Poi●tie●s, in which there are 27, Abbeys: the Bishopric of Lucon or Lusson, in which are 10. Abbeys: and the Bishop of Maillezay, in which 〈◊〉 4. Abbeys I come now to their manners. The Husband men have a peculiar speech of their own: and he is held wise that does not trust the●. A kind of men who because they are prohibited to hunt wild be●●s, do pursue contentions: Their manners. They are litigious and cunning in stir●●● debate and strife. The Citizens are unlike them in nature and disposition, being courteous, bountiful, liberal, candid, and ha●ing impostures and deceits, lovers of learning, and learned men, of which there are many here. The Nobility are provident, and more bold and c●ring then strong. CADURCIUM, LE PAYS DE QVERCI. The Ecclesiastic State. Cadurcium doth contain two Bishoprics, namely, of Cahors, and Montalban, which are subject to the Archbishop of Tolouse. CADURICUM, commonly called le Pays de Querci, or as others pronounce it Crecy, The Situation. is encompassed with the Petrocorians, the Nitiobrigians, the Rutenians, the Avernians and Lemovicians. The fertility. The Country of Cadurcium though it be indented with Mountains, yet it excelleth both for beauty, richness, and fertility, and it wanteth nothing necessary for the sustenance of life. The Cardurcians did formerly inhabit it: whom, besides Pliny Lib. 4. Cap. 19 Caesar doth mention with many other people of France, who calleth them the Elcutheri, or Eluteori, that is Freemen. For so the word is to be taken, and we are not to assent to them, who would from thence deduce a new kind of people. Cadurcium hath two Diocaesses, Doveona Cadurccerum, and Mortalbanum Doveoona, well known to Ptolemie, The Cities. which some badly interpret Ducona. It is commonly called Cahors, near the River Lothus. Some learned men do call it Divona. Truly howsoever it is written joseph Scaliger in his letters to Merula thinketh it to be the Metropolis of the Cadurcians, and also Vinetus writing to Ausionius and others. justus Lipsius in his golden Book concerning Amphitheatres, supposeth that Doveona is a Town, commonly called Dowe, about half a day's journey distant from Ligeris, on that side where the way lieth from Andegavia to Pictavia. And so the name doth intimate, but then Doveona according to the opinion of Ptolemy, cannot be the Metropolis or mother City of the Cadurcians, which is 60. leagues from that place. Besides that which Antonius calleth Annedonacum, and Peutingers Tables Avedonacum, in the way between Burdigala and Augustodunum, cannot be the same with Ptolemy's Doveona, which is commonly called Cahors. For Aunedonacum and Mediolanium of the Santonians, are 16. Miles asunder: but between Doveona and Mediolanium, called in the Country speech Cahors and Sanites, there are about 40. leagues, which make almost an hundred Miles. Besides the Metropolis of the Cadurcians standeth so fare Eastward, that it cannot be in the way to Burdigala. Let us therefore conjecture with Merula, that Aunedonacum is that Town commonly called Aulnay, being distant Northward from the Mediolanum of the Santones, somewhat more than six leagues. Ausonius doth design and show the Metropolis of the Cadurcians, Lib. Professorum, at the 18. verse, concerning Exsuperius a Rhetorician of Tolouse. Decedens placidos mores tranquillaque vitae Tempora praedives fimsti sede Cadurca. Thou dying rich, at Cadurcum didst end Thy life, which thou so quietly didst spend. map of Cadurcium CADURCIUM. BRESSIA, OF TH● SEGUSIANS. BRESSIA is a Country lying under the Alps in S●●dia, where Caesar heretofore placed the Segusians according to Villonovanus; although Ptolemy doth make 〈◊〉 a City of the Segusians. At the lest these people 〈◊〉 next to the Aedus, which he affirmeth lib. 7. de bello G●● in these words. His constitutis rebus, or Aeduis, Segusian●● qui sunt finitimi ei Provincioe x. millia perditum imperat. These things ●●ing thus settled he levieth 10000 Foot out of the Aeduans and ●gusians, which are Provinces near unto him. Also Pentingers C● doth hereabouts place Segusione in the Alps. Ammianus, who li●● in the time of julian the Apostate, in the 15. Chapter of his His●●●● maketh mention of the Town Segovium, situated at the foot of 〈◊〉 Alps. Bressia therefore is situate between the River's Rhodanic 〈◊〉 Araxis, now called Saona, and Marcellinus Sacona, at the beginning 〈◊〉 the Alps in a fruitful place, so that it may compare with any Co●●try of France, for plenty of Wine, Corn, and all kinds of first-fruits, 〈◊〉 for Rivers, Cattles, and Woods. It is neighboured with the Bu●●●dians, and was sometime subject to the Princes thereof, afterward 〈◊〉 was a part of the Kingdom of Arelatum, which being divided 〈◊〉 diverse parts, was afterward governed by Earls, one of which 〈◊〉 Earl of Bresse and Baugenciak lived about the year 1300. who 〈◊〉 enlarged his Territories, and left one only Daughter and Heir ●byll of Bressia who was married to Amades the fourth, the 8. Earl Sabaudia, who brought her Husband beside a large Inheritance, 〈◊〉 County of Bressia, which being afterward united to Subaudia, re●●●ned in that Family 300. years even until our age, when Henry t●● fourth, King of France for his virtue surnamed the Great, under●●●●ding that the Saluffians a people of France were possessed and overcome by Sabaudus by treachery and deceit, and that Henry the third was almost oppressed by his rebelling Subjects, and was engaged in 〈◊〉 dangerous War, he thought it fit to recover that part of France a●● seeing the Duke of Sabaudia did delay the restitution thereof by m●king many exceptions and deceiving promises, which by reason he could not do, he thought it meet by force of Arms to regain th●● which was lost, and having levied an Army he took Bressia, by th● help and assistance of the Marshal Byroone, and brought the Duke 〈◊〉 that straight, and was content to end the matter by exchange, and th●● the King for the Salussians taken from him, should have the Breff●●● the Brengeans, the Virroneans, and generally all that belonged 〈◊〉 France on the other side of Rhodanus, so that all that Country whic● looked toward France from the issuing of that River out of the Le●nick Lake, should be afterward united to the Kingdom of France▪ And so the Duke should wholly deliver into the King's hands t●● map of Brescia BRESSIA. strong Castle of the Town, with all the Warlike furniture thereof, by which Bressia and all that Province were as it were fettered and manacled, so that France was secured from any future attempt from those parts. And so Sabaudus learned with his own loss how dangerous a thing it is, to use violence with those that are stronger than ourselves, since such rashness redounds to his harm that attempts it, and most commonly he is compelled to restore again unto them with interest that which he had so gotten. THE PROVINCE AND CITY OF LIONS. THE Court of Lions is the last and remotest of all the presidial Courts which depend on the chief Senate of Paris. But Lions is the chief and principal City of Gallia Celtica, which from thence is called Lions, being a strong Fortress of France, being the Primate Seat of all France in spiritual matters, and being the Shop for Trading and commerce for the whole World. The Bressians confine on it on the North, on the East the Sabaudians, on the South the Allobrogians and the Narbonians along the River Rhodanus; and on the West the Avernians. It is situate in the most beautiful and convenientest soil of all Europe, for there is no place which hath two riches fruitfuller Nurses, than the Rivers Rhodanus and Arar are unto this Country, in whose bosom the horn of plenty, filled with the Goda bounty doth rest, and is largely poured forth upon it, so that it always enjoyeth a continual plenty. The ancients called it Lugdunum, as if you should say the happy or blessed Mountain. Titus Livius calleth it an Island, Lib. Hist. 21. In these words the next day Amiball marching on the contrary bank of Rodanus, went up into the Mediterranean parts of France: not because it was a straighter way to the Alps, but the more he went from the Sea, the more he should be sure not to meet with the Romans: with whom he did not purpose to fight before he came into Italy. He came with the fourth part of his Camp to the Island, where the Rivers Arar and Rhodanus running out of diverse parts of the Alps, and having encompassed some part of the Country, do meet together, from whence the Country in the middle is called the Island; which words may seem to be translated out of a credible Writer who lived about the same time, and was familiarly acquainted with Scipio, but that he addeth that this Island being populous, and abounding with all things necessary, was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, abounding with people, and well stored with food. Plutarch in the life of Ainnbal doth deliver the like, but more plainly, and calleth it Lions, whose words according to the Translation of Acciarolus. He removed his Tents, and marching by the bank of Rhodanus up against the stream, in few days he came to that place which the French men call the Island, which the Rivers Rhodanus and Arar flowing out of diver Mountains do encircle, where there is the City of Lions the most famous City of all France, which long time afterward was built by Plancus Muratius. Some call it the City of Sequanians, and Maxima Sequanorum, which appeareth by an ancient. In section on S. Peter's Church, which is this. JOVI OPT. MAX. Q. ADGINNIUS UR BICI FIL. MARTINUS SEQ. SACERDOS ROMAE ET AUG. AD ARAM AD CONFLUENTES ARAXIS ET RHODANI FLAMEN. II VIR IN CIVITATE SEQUANORUM. And Seneca doth celebrated the praise of this place in his 〈◊〉 concerning the death of Claudian. I saw a Hill that hangeth o'er two streams, Which Phoebus rising glideth with his beams. Where the great River Rhodanus doth flow, And Arar doubtful whether he should go. Thorough quiet Fords his course along doth guide, Washing the Banks as he along doth glide. map of Lyon ●HE PROVINCE AND CITY OF LIONS. LANGVEDOC A PART OF AQVITAINE. THE Occitane Country of France, commonly called L●guedoc, is a part of Aquitane, and is so named as some conceive from the Goths the Possessions thereof, as if yo● should say Land-Got. That is, the Goths Province: Som● derive it from the word Lingua a tongue and the word 〈◊〉 I suppose that these conjectures are more vain than Sicilian toye● and are but mere vulgar trifles. The ancients took it for the Province of Narbon, near the Pyrenaean Mountains. Strabo calleth 〈◊〉 Tectosages, the Metropolis whereof Tolouse is accounted one of th● chief Cities of France, having an Archprelate, a Senate, and a University. Some derive the name thereof from those which fled from Troy. Caesa mentioneth it in his first Book of Commentaries, where he speaketh thus: It was told Caesar, that the Helvetians purposed 〈◊〉 travel thorough the Sequans and Aeduans Country, unto the bor●●● of the Santones, which are not fare from Tolouse, which is a City 〈◊〉 Province: and also Lib. 3. concerning P. Crassus: Moreover valiant 〈◊〉 being levied out of Tolouse, Carcasson, and Narbon, which are City's 〈◊〉 France near to Province, &c. Ammianus Marcellinus giveth it the ●●rogative above all the neighbour Cities. Neither can we omit th● worthy El●g●e of the ancient magnificence and power thereof, written by Aus●mus a most famous Poet, and a Consul of Rom. in praise of his Nurse and Foster-mother in these Verses: Non unquam altricem nostri reticebo TOLOSAM, Coctilibus muris quam circuit ambitus ingens. Perque latus pulero perlabitur amne Garumna In●umeris cultam populis, confinia propter Nirgida Pyrenes, & Pinea Gabennarum, Inter AQUITANAS gentes, & nomen Iberum Quae modo quadruplices ex se cum effuderit urbes, Non ulla exhaustae sentit dispendia plebis: Qu●s genuit cunctos gremio complexa colonas. My Nurse Tolosaes' praises I will found, Which with a Brick wall is encompassed round, And fair Garumna runneth by her side, And many people do in her reside. 'Cause the Pyrenean Ningidae confines Upon it, and the Pinean Gabinines, Between the Country of fair AQUITAINE, And Iberus which now is called SPAIN: map of Aquitaine LANGVEDOC A PART OF AQVITAINE. And having yielded people unto four Large Cities out of her abundant store. Yet in her no want of people doth appear, Which done within her bosom nourished were. Whence the Visi-Gothi, having droven out the Romans from thence, did make this City the royal Seat of the Kingdom, until they were quite expulsed by the French, in the reign of Clodoveus the first Christian King, at what time all that Province was subjected to France. Concerning the State Ecclesiastic, the Tolousians were instructed in the Christian faith by Marshal, who was their first Prelate, after whom succeeded Saturninus, Honoratus, Silvius, Hilarius, Exuperius, and many others, even to Ludovick Siculus the Son of Charles the 11. King of Sicily, in whose time this Bishopric was translated into an Archbishopric: under whom are these Suffragan Bishops; the Bishop of Montalban, Mirapicensis, Lan●rius, Lombesius, of S. Papoulus, newly created by Pope john the 22. And as this City is large and populous, so it hath many fair built Churches, and also Colleges and Monasteries. The chief Church belonging to the Bishop is consecrated to S. Stephen: It hath also an University famous for Learning and for the great number of Students which study there. Here formerly Plays in honour of Flora the Goddess of Flowers were celebrated, of which there do yet remain some tokens. But the Family of the Earls mingling with the Royal Stock, this Country was united to the Kingdom of France. It will be here convenient to nominate some of them: as namely Corsonius, William ●eringerus, Berna●d and others, Capetus reckoneth the Earls of Tolosa among the Peers of France, who enjoyed that dignity unto King Ludovicks time, surnamed The Holy; who after the decease of his Brother Alphonsus, did unite the County unto his Kingdom. There are also among others these Towns in Languedoc, Narbon, Mons Pessulanus, Carcassona, Nemausus, V●●s. THE DELPHINATE OF FRANCE. ON the South Province is near to the Delphinate, and on the North it hath the Bressians, who are parted from it by the River Rhodanus flowing between them, on the West is the County of Venusinum: and lastly on the East the Pedemontian and Sabaudians do encompass it. Caesar by one common name calleth those of the Delphinate, and the Sabaudians, Allobrogians, who were then confederate with the Romans: The Country is now divided into the higher part, the chief City whereof is Ebrodunum; and the lower part in which the prime Cities are Gratianopolis and Vienna. Those of the Delphinate who dwelled beyond Rhodanus, were heretofore a part of the Kingdom of Burgundy, and then of Orleans, and afterward of Burgundy, the head City whereof was than Arelate, which afterward from that City was called the Kingdom of Arelatum, but when that Kingdom came to the Emperor Conradus the 2. after the decease of Rodolfus the first, the last King thereof, there arose one Guigno, a man of base birth, who was called afterward the fat Earl Grinmand, he through his own industry and the confusion of the times obtained most of the chiefest Cities of this Country, so that at last he possessed Gratianopolis and made himself Lord of the whole Province, which to honour his Son who had married Delphina the Daughter of the Earl of Albon and Vienna, he called it the Delphinate. After this the Province of the Delphinate become subject to Provinces who ruled it, until the time of Philip Valerius King of France, who annexed it to his Crown about the year of Christ 1348. which was the cause that Humbert Delphine of Vienna having lost his eldest Son in the Battle of Cressey, and his younger Son dying by sickness, when he was provoked to war and set upon by Amades the 6. of that name, he determined to put himself into the King's protection, and to leave him Heir to his Dominions, on this condition, that from thenceforth the eldest Sons of the Kings of France, during their Father's life time, should bear the Arms and Title of the Delphinate. And so this Country came into the King's hands, who thought fit to annex so noble a Prince neighbouring on Italy for ever to his Kingdom. The Delphinate therefore being one of the chief Countries of France, is divided as I said before into the higher and lower part and hath many fair Cities and Towns in it. In the higher there are Ebrodunum, which hath a Prelate, also Valence, Dium, and S. Paul's Church: In the lower is Vienna, which was formerly the Metropolis and Mother City of the who●● Delphinate, which is now Gratianopolis, there are also Romanium, Bri●●conium, Mons-Limartium upon Rhodanus, a Town much frequented 〈◊〉 Merchants, where there are also many Monuments of Antiquity, 〈◊〉 so S. Antony's Church, Valerians Church, and the Monastery. Gr●nopolis was so called from the Emperor Gratian, who re-edified it, a● beautified it with many Buildings, now it hath a Parliament, and Precedent, with Senators, and other Officers belonging thereunto and it hath a Prelate, who is one of the chief men of the Province under the Metropolitan of Vienna. But Vienna venerable for Antiquity hath a long time had a Metropolitan Bishop. Valence is converted and raised to a Dukedom, and hath a Bishop and a University, in which the Roman Laws are read and declared, in 〈◊〉 james Cujacius taught, who was the Prince of all those Lawyer's w● flourished in former times, whose name shall live as long as La● continued in the world. Here are found Roman Inscriptions, an●ther ancient Roman Monuments. King Francis intended to 〈◊〉 newly fortified Gratianopolis against the invasion of enemies, but h● left it undone. map of the Delphinate of France ●HE DELPHINATE OF FRANCE. THE DUKEDOM OF LOTHARINGIA. THE SOUTHERN PART whereof is painted forth in this Table. The Country whence so called. AFter Pictavia according to my method the Dukedom of Lothari●gia, followeth, Lothoringia according to the Latins was so called from Lotarius the Son o● Nephew of the Emperor Ludovick King of France. Truly ●●●●vick Pius had four Son who warring like Parricides against their Father, & having shut him up into a Monastery amongst Suessons they divided his Principalities amongst themselves 〈◊〉 it a tetrarchy. Afterwards by the meditation of the Nobles of the Empire, the matter came to that pass, that Lotar●us the eldest Son should enjoy the Title of the Empire, with Italy, Gallia Nar●●●us, and those Territories, which were called by the name of 〈◊〉 and that Ludovick should possess Germany; Charles should 〈…〉 from the River Mosa to the Ocean: and lastly Pip●●, or his So●● should have Aquitaine. Lotarius had besides Lud●vick who succeeded him in the Empire, a Son named L●tarius, King of Lo●●●ing●a. And as the Germans as first called it Lotar●ri●●k, or Lot-rey●●, that is the Kingdom of Lotarius, so the Latins afterward called it L●th●●●g. The Inhabitants, and the other French do call it L●ra●ne as it 〈◊〉 Lotregne. The Germane call it Lottring. The French Writers do report, that the bound of ●●ringta were heretofore larger, and that it was heretofore called ●strasia, or Austria, or O●st-ey●h (having Westrasia or Westria 〈◊〉 West-reych, and corruptly Neustria, a Western Kingdom) lying 〈◊〉 against it, and that being divided into the higher and the lower and contained between the Rivers Rhine, Scaldis, and Mos●; the lowe● part hath diverse names, and is subject to diverse Princes: and that 〈◊〉 higher part which is called M●ssellanica and ●ulling●● is all except some parts thereof under ones command: so that o● the East of ●taringia there lieth Alsatia, The Situation and West●asia: on the South Burgund●● the West Campania, on the North it is bounded with the Wood ●●enna (the Leuceburgians, Treverians, and other people bordering thereon) which were heretofore the chiefest parts of ●●tha i●gis, i●taringia, although it be full of high Mountains and thick Woods●●● it needeth not the supplies of foreign Countries, The fruitfulness. for it hath good store of Corn and Wine. It hath diverse kind of Metals as Silver, Brass, Iron, Tin, and Led: It hath also Pearls for which th●● map of Lotharingia THE DUKEDOM OF LOTHORINGIA. is excellent fishing at the foot of Vogesus. There are also certain Stones found, which the Inhabitants in regard of their blue col●●● do call Lazuli, and do make great benefit of them. There is also certain substance, of which they make Looking-glasses, the like whe● of is not found in other provinces of Europe. Here are also Calcidones great bigness, so that great cups are made of small pieces thereof. ● produceth diverse kinds of living Creatures: The variety of living creatures. The ancient government. especially excellent Horses, like to Neapolitan and Turkish Horses. Lotaringia was heretofore a Kingdom, as appeareth in the French Writers. But th●● are not mentioned above two or three Kings thereof. For Charles 〈◊〉 Bald presently after the decease of his Uncle Lotarius, invaded ●● Territories, and joined them to his Principalities. And not long ●●ter it was made a Dukedom. The first Dukes are scattringly mentioned by Historians and diverse Writers. In the reign of Henry the Gotefridus held Lotaringia, he, who afterward having sold his Dukedom Boulogne, together with his Brothers Baldwin and Eustathius 〈◊〉 a memorable expedition to the Holy Land, and carried his con●●ring Army thorough Asia and Syria even to the City of Jerusalem, 〈◊〉 was created King of Jerusalem. After him succeeded Baldwin, and after Baldwin Eustathius. Afterwards King Henry the fifth gave 〈◊〉 Dukedom to William Earl of Lovania, after whom Theodore, The●● Frederick, & others were created Princes of Lotaringia, whom from Earldom was passed to Frederick Earl of Vadimontium, fro● whom the Dukes of Lotaringia are descended. Mercator doth plaine● describe it in two Tables, in one whereof he painteth out the ●●therne part, in the other the Southern part. Heretofore the ●●●diomatrices and Leuci did inhabit Lotaringia. Lib. 4. Tacitus, 〈◊〉 Strabo, and Ptolemy do call them Mediomatrices: and Caesar also L●● calleth them Mediomatrici, whose Metropolis is called Divoduran, now Metz. In the Register Book of the Provinces of Belgia it is called Civitas Mediomatricum, or le Evesché de Metz, le Pays Messin. C●● lib. 1. Lucan lib. 1. and Pliny do call the Leuci Liberi: Ptolemy also ●● them Leuci, and maketh their Metropolis to be Tullum. And so●● called in the Register Book of the Provinces of Belgia, Civitas L●●rum, that is Tullum, or l'Evesché de Toul: also Antoninus his Itineral doth acknowledge Tullum or Leucor. Some also do refer th● which Caesar calleth Tulinges to Lotaringia. The Metropolis of La●●gia is Nancejum, commonly called Nancy: it is no great Town, but y●● it hath a fair and commodious Seat, in a plain place, the form it being foursquare, in the which there is the magnificent Palace● the Dukes of Lotharingia. The River Murtu floweth by the walls ● Nancy, which three miles of, a little beyond the Castle of Candens entereth into Mosella. Peter Divaeus and others do think that that which is now called Nanceum, was that which was called Nation, & which Ptolemy calls Nasium. Antoninus in his itinerary placeth it between D●vodurum which is in the way from Durocortorum. But he that consider that journey more nearly, he shall easily find that Antoninus 〈◊〉 Naesium cannot be seated in that place, where Nanceum is now: so that that Nasium is not that which we call now Nanceium, but a Town i● ●●●stant from it not fare from the River Mosa in the Barrodu●●●ince, which is commonly called Nas, as appeareth by the ●●ion of stone digged up there. It is manifest by the rubbish ●●es thereof that this Nasium was sometime a very large City: also Elemens' Trelaeus Mosellanus witnesseth in Ortelius. The next of note to Nanceium is Fanum St. Nicholai, commonly called ●●, being two miles distant from thence near the River M●rta, ●● plain and fertile place. This Town by the recourse of 〈◊〉 unto it, is so much enlarged, and is grown so big, that ● were Walled, it would not seem a Village Town, but ra●●● of the fairest Cities of all Lotharingia▪ for it hath such neat 〈◊〉 well contrived Streets, and such a multitude of Inhabi●●●● it is complete in all things: but it is especially commenced trade of Merchandise, and manufactures of all kinds. It ●● wealth Merchants who are richer than their neigh●●●●mit other Towns of lesser note, jest I should be tedious to ●●r. A mile distant from Nancium is Fruat: three miles off is 〈◊〉 a little more than three miles off is Bayon and Luneville: 〈◊〉 off is le Pont a Monson, & Gerbevillar: five miles off is Char●●● ●iles off is Castenoy, Morhanges and Vaucoleur; a little more ●●iles is Maxen soubs Bresse: seven miles off is Dompaire, De●don Chasteau. eight miles off is Ramberville, Raon, Bellemont, ●ean, Mugstat, Marchainville: nine miles off is Espinal, Bruyeres, a miles off is Ormont, Walderfing, Beaurams: thirteen mile's 〈◊〉 fourteen miles off is l'Estray. The Town called in ●●●dement, is five miles from Nancy. Chaligny on the right side 〈◊〉 half a league from Nancy. Also Amance seven mile's ●●ty Mediomatricum towards the South: which the Latin 〈◊〉 Almentia: It was the ancient Chancery of Lotharingia, as ●olls do witness, which Rosierus produceth. Also Riche●● ●●re from the Lake, which is commonly called lafoy Garde lac, ●●●n a River floweth, which between S. Nicolas Church and 〈◊〉 Rosieres doth mingle itself with the River Murta. Also 〈◊〉 the left side of Mosella, making an Island there, is seated on Southern part of Lotahringia: Aimoinus the Monk placeth ●astle Rumaricum: in Regino it is corruptly read Adromarici, ●●trici, the word being divided. Spigelius calleth it in the speech Rimelsberg. Not far from thence are Valleys which commonly called l'Estraye, and Vagny. La Mothe is seated by the ●hich by and by doth discharge itself into Mosa. There is ●●itory called le Sanctay. There over also the Towns Kirchingan ●●kenburg. Blankenburg, which the French call B●anc-mont, is a ●aire, and pleasant Town. There is an ancient, spacious, and ●ent Castle, unto which the Duke's new Palace, being a curi●cture is joined. The Inhabitants give themselves to Hus●●● The Barony of Nomenium is on the right side of the River ●ee miles from the City Mediomatricum, Southward. The ●●●s or Signiories in it are Marsal on the left side of the River fare from the Lake Linderus, in which there is an Island having a Town in it called Techemful. Remereville is three miles from Nancy. S. Bellemont is as fare from Mota. Rambert-Ville is on the right side of the River Morton, not fare from the Springhead, where there is the wood Morton. Rosieres is by the River Murta, near St. Ni●●● Church, two miles from Nancy. Homburg is more than a league dista●e from the Town Sarbruch, by the River, which presently afterward runneth into Saravus. Mariem●nt so called from the Mount on which the Town is seated, is a mile off from the Lake Lindo, Southward, Sandacourt being in the midway between Vandimont and Motta, in a Country commonly called Sanctoy, being a City of the Medioma●●cans, and heretofore together with Tullus and others an Imperial City, Henry the second, King of France did reduce it into his power. It is now commonly called Metz, and modern Writers do call it Me and Gregorius ●ur●●ensis and others do call it Vrbs Me●ensis. The Ancients did call it Divodurum Mediomatricum. And in the itinerary Table Divo Durimedio Matricorum: Ptolemy calls it Divodu●●●n: and Tacitus lib. 4. and Antoninus do call it Dividorum. I purpose not to insert diverse trifling conjectures concerning the new name. It was heretofore the Seat of the Kingdom of Lotharingia. Concerning which Peter Divaeus hath written elegantly in his itinerary. The City 〈◊〉 is situated on a large Plain, which the River Mosella deviding itself into diverse Channels doth water, and part of it floweth gently by the walls on the left hand, and part of it goeth under the walls serve the City's use, and so it runneth generally, even to the neither side of the walls, where having received the River Sel●a, which ●●eth the right side of the City, it runneth again in one Channel 〈◊〉 the City is very pleasantly and delightfully situated, for having plain level lying round about it, yet the plot of ground where it standeth riseth up a little, whereby we may observe in what manner the ancients did build their Cities. For they go up many f●e● before they can come into the Cathedral Church, near which there is a Market place on the highest part of the ground, which by degrees bendeth down toward the Walls, yet one part of the descent thereof is taken away, by two streets paved with stones, which do cross by one another. The Citizens are called Mediomatretes i● at inscription which is at Moguntio near S. Alban. That Town which is called in French Toul, was heretofore called Tullum: Ptoleme calls it Tullon a Town of the Lucian's: Antonius, Tullus: The itinerary Tables do now call it Tullium. That which is called Verdan, the Latins do now call Virdunum and Verdunum: Antonius calleth it Verodunum And in the Register Book of the Provinces, it is called Civitas Verdunensium, or l'Euesché de Verdun. And the three Cities foresaid have Counties belonging to them. THE DUKEDOM OF LOTARINGIA. The Southern part. OUR order and Method doth now require, that we should reckon up the chief Rivers of Lotaringia, but first we will speak concerning the Lakes. It hath many Pools and Lakes which are full of fish: Among which there is one that is 14. Miles in compass, in which there are great Carp of three foot long, which are so pleasant in taste, that they fare exceed the Carp in other Countries for sweetness. The Duke of Lotaringia receaveth 16000 Franks every third year, for fish taken in this Lake. It is watered with these famous Rivers, Mosa, Mosella, Saravo, Voloia, Mortana, Murta, Sella, Hidia, and others. Concerning Mosa it appertaineth to lower Germany. The other Rivers do properly belong to this Dukedom: the better part of Mosella and Saravus, the rest wholly. Mosella riseth in the Mountain Vog●sus, not fare from the Springhead of Araxis, a little above the Town which is commonly called Bussan, and so gliding down from Vulturnum to the West, having viewed those Towns which are called in French l' Estrate, Remiremont, Espinal, Charms, Baton, it bendeth his course from the East west ward, and runneth straight forward to Tullum, an Episcopal City, whence running again Eastward, it bendeth Northward even to Fruardum, and having visited the Mediomatricians, the Treverians, and other people it runneth into the River of Rhine. That which the Germans call Mosel: the French call Moselle. It is thought that Rhenanus, ptolemy Lib. 11. Cap. 9 and others did call it Ob●i●gos. But john Herold noteth that Chringen so called by Ptolemie is not a River, but a part of Land near the River ●heme which is now called Ober Rhingham: also Clemens Tr●len Mosellanus witnesseth as Abraham Ortelius writeth, that a certain Country of Land near Mosella is yet called Obrincum. Ausoniu● Eidyll 3. doth celebrated the praise of Mosella in learned verses, both for the clearness of the water, and easy sailing thereon: and for the Towns and Palaces which beautified the banks thereof: and also for the fish therein, as the Mullet, the Trout, the Barbell, the Salmon, the Lamprey, the Perch, the Tench, the Bleak, and the Gudgeon, of which i● hath great store; and lastly for the Rivers which run into it, as Pronea, N●mesa, Sura, Gelbi, Erubra, Desura, Drahona, Salmon●, Saranus, and Misontia. D. Vetus in the Reign of Domitius Nero the Emperor, attempted to join Mosella and Araxis, by making a channel between them, that the armies being conveyed out of Italy by Sea, and afterward on the Rivers Rhodanus and Arar by that channel, and so passing by the River Mosella into the Rhine, might at last be brought again to the Ocean: that so the jouney might be more easy, and the western and northern shores between them might be made navigable, as Cornelius Tacitus writeth Lib. 18. Of which A●sonius: To foutes vivique lacus, te caerula noscent Flumina: te veteres pagorum gloria, luci: Te Druna, te spar sis incerta Druentia ripis, Alpinique colent Fluvij, dupitemque per Vrbem Qui meat, & dextrae Rhodanus dat nomina ripa, Te stagnis ego caeruleis, magnumque sonoris Amnibus, aequorea te commendabo Garumnae. The Fountains, Lakes, and blue streams shall know thee, And woods which of Villages the glory be. Thee, Druna, thee Druentia that doth glide With winding course between his banks so wide And all the Rivers on the Alpine hill Shall thee adore and reverence thee still. And Rhodanus that doth through the City flow, Naming the right hand bank as it doth go, With the blue Lakes, and streams that greatest are, And Sealike Garumne I will thee compare. Saravus rising not fare from the Salmensians, is the greatest of all those Rivers which run into Mosella, it is navigable, and famous for the receipt of other Rivers, and after it hath viewed the Cities and Towns, which are commonly called Sar-Burg, Fenestrange, Sar-Vieden, Sar-Abben, Guemund, Sarpruck, Waldersing, Sar-Brug, and others, at length it meeteth with Mosella near the walls of Augusta of the Treverians, not fare from Kontherbruck, Ausonius mentioneth it is praising Mosella. It retaineth that name still. For the Inhabitants call it Sar. And the ancients did call it Sarta, as appeareth by and inscription which was brought to Trevers from a Town seated by the River, which is now called Sarpruck, that is Sarrae Pous, or Sarra Brigd● CAES RO. EXER. IMP. P.P. S. C.A u. TREVE. INGR. ES SUM. H. CASTRA. SARRA FLU. PRO. MIL. CUSTODIA BIENN. POTITUS. EST. map of Lotharingia THE DUKEDOM OF LOTHORINGIA. THE DUKEDOM OF BURGUNDY. The Country whence so called. LET so much according to our Method suffice co●ning Lotharingia. The Dukedom of Burgundy foll●● or lower Burgundy. The name of Burgundy com● from the Burgundians, who being a people of Ger●● descended of the Vandals, and so called from the 〈◊〉 Burgis, that is from the Towns of Garrison, being disturbed by Almains (who violently seated themselves in their Country w●● is now called the Palatinate) under the conduct of Theodesius the 〈◊〉 of Arcadius the younger, they drove out the Sequeans and Aedius, a possessed themselves of this part of ancient France, The Dukedom of Burgundy. with the N●●● whom Tacitus mentioneth. Peter Sancto-Iulianus deriveth the Ex●●logie of Burgundy from a certain place commonly called Burg●● in the Country of Langrenid. It was heretofore a Kingdom a●● the year 1034. and afterward it was divided into a Dukedom County: the former toward the East called the lower and 〈◊〉 Burgundy, the latter toward the East called the higher and Imper●● Burgundy. We will entreat of the Dukedom in this Descripti●● and of the County in the next. The Situation The Dukedom is encompass do●● East side, with the Counties of Saba●dia and Burgundy, having the ●ver Rhodanus flowing between them: on the South is the Territo● of Lions; on the West the fair fields of the Nevernians and Borb●ans, on the North lies Campania. It is a Champion Country, and ●feriour unto none for fertility and fruitfulness, The Fertility. for here is pl●●●ous store of Wine and Corn, so that Bacchus and Ceres seem to contend, who should exceed the other in bestowing their gifts liberally upon this Country. The ancient government. Richard Earl of Augustodunum a 〈◊〉 man, and well experienced in warlike matters, was created Duke all Burgundy beyond Araxis, by Odon King of France, who was afterward Duke of Burgundy 32. years. He left Burgundy to his So●● Rudolphus, who was afterward chosen King of France, and Hugo N●● his Brother succeeded him in his Dukedom. After him succeeds Odo his Brother, or his Son, (for I find Authors of both opinion After whom followed Henry his Brother, who dying without I●● Robert King of France, got the Dukedom of Burgundy, Henry having ● it him (as they say) by his last Will and Testament. After him succeeded his Son Robert, and after Robert, Hugo his Nephew. After h●● followed Otho; and after Otho, Hugo the third. And after Hugo the Odo the Son. After whom there followed in order Odo the thi●● Hugo the fourth, Robert the third, Hugo the fifth, Endo, and Philip, w● map of Burgundy THE DUKEDOM OF BURGUNDY. dying without Issue john King of France followed after him, after whom succeeded Philip his Son surnamed the Bold to whom his Father gave the Dukedom of Burgundy. john surnamed the Stout succeeded his Father Philip, and after him Philip the Good or Gentle, his Son. And after succeeded Charles who in regard of his service in diverse Wars, was surnamed The Warrior. After whose decease Ludovick the 11. possessed all this Country. The Metropolis or chief City of the Dukedom is Divionum which Gregory Turonensis calleth Divionum, The Cities. and the French Dijon. Divionis is thought to be the Builder there, but we rather suppose that Aurelianus the Emperor was the reedifier thereof, and the enlarger of the Precincts. Some think it was so called ab Divis, or from the Gods who were much reverenced there. It is the fairest City in Burgundy. It is situate on a most pleasant Plain, and the two Rivers Suzione and Oscara (called in French Suson and l'Ouche) do wash the walls on either side: the former doth usually overflow the City making dangerous exundations; the latter is very full of fish, and floweth in a quieter Channel, and yields many commodities. The walls are built as high as is convenient for defence: being lately fortified with Towers and Bulwarks. There is a Seat of Justice there, and a Parliament: out of whose bosom, the Laws of the Country are as it were fetched. He that is chose● to be Mayor of this Town, is compelled though against his will to take a burden on him rather than an honour, and to take his oath it the Temple of the blessed Virgin, which the King's Proctor repeateth ●nto him, namely that he will be faithful unto the King, and that ●ee will defend the Laws, Liberties, and Privileges of the City, against the King himself, and all others, as often as occasion shall require. On the Mountains near the City there do grow excellent Vines. Moreover the Episcopal Cities are Augustodunum and Cabill●us, both venerable for antiquity. The former was called Augustod●●●, from Augustus, (whether Octavianus or some other it is not greatly to be stood upon: for those that derive it from Auge the wife of Aph do but relate Fables) who re-edified it when it was ruinated by the wars which Caesar maintained against France. It is now called A●s●●. It was heretofore a very fair City, but now it is not so beautiful Here are many ruins of theatres, Aqueducts, Pillars, and Pyramids to be seen: and there are daily old Coins, and other ancient Monuments digged up, it hath also now many fair Churches and public Structures in it. It is seated at the foot of those Mountains, which are commonly called les Monts de Civis, near the River Arrasius. So much concerning Augustodunum,: there followeth Cabinum, or Caballionum, Aeduorum: commonly called Challon sur Saone. It is not known who built it. This City is situate on the right had bank of Araxis: the Fields are fruitful, and the air wholesome. It is very commodious for transporting Merchandise down the River Araxis, whence Caesar chose this place to make provisionin, and to convey it from hence to his Army which lay in diverse parts. This sometime was the royal Seat of Guntchrannus. Afterwards Lotarius the Son of Ludovicus Pius did burn it all down, so that there remained no appearance of a City. But in regard of the conveniency of the place it was afterward re-edified, and at this time it is a rich Town of trading. So much concerning the Metropolis, and the Episcopal Cities: there follows now some Towns of lesser note which are in this Dukedom. In the mid way between Caballinum and Matiscon, there is a Town commonly called Tornus; Spartianus and Antoninus call it Tinurtium. It is situate in a fertile soil, being every where encompassed with the River Araxis. The Hills in the Country of Suburbicaria do bring forth excellent Wine. And in the midway between the City Matiscon, and Carballon, is the Town Cuysellum, which belongeth to the King as Parad●ne thinketh, which Ammianus calleth Secusium. Being situate at the foot of the Mountain jura, and though it be now very ruinous, yet it is venerable for antiquity. On the East it hath high Mountains, and clear Rivers, whose waters are very sweet to drink, from whence a wholesome Fountain, springing out of the high sandy Rock is conveyed into the Town by wooden Pipes. On the West a Plain spreadeth forth itself. Three leagues from the City Cabellon Northward is Belna, commonly called Beaulne, near the River which the Inhabitants call Beur-soize. Some would have it to be that which Caesar and Strabo call Bibracten. Others are of another opinion. This Town is situated in a Fennish place, which as Paradine writeth can easily make a Lake about the City, for a mile round about, to keep of● the enemies. All the City is encompassed with strong walls, and hath Bulwarks, which can resist the force of Ordnance. The Country of Belnia is rich, and of a good soil. It hath the best Vines in all the world, which make the best Wine. In the same Country is Cistertium called so from the Cisterns, built at Duke Odoes' charge in a great Wood, under the Priory whereof there are above a thousand and eighty Friaries, and as many Nunneries, of the same Order, which from hence is called the Cistertian Order. Semurium, commonly called in French Semur, is situate in the middle of the Territory, which is commonly called Auxois, a fair Town. In the midway between Divion and Belni is Nuithonium, commonly called Nuys. This Town was always famous for making of good Swords. That Town which is now called Avalon, Antoninus calls Aballon, where he calleth it also the 16. Legion. That which in French is called Sanlieu, Antoninus calleth Sidolucum, who placeth there the 18. Legion. That which is called Flavigus, half a league Eastward from Semurio, it is thought was formerly called Flavia Eduorum. There are also other Towns of Burgundy, which for brevity sake I omit to describe: as are Ausone, having a Castle, which is the Eastern Key of the Dukedom, the River A●●●is gliding by the walls thereof, also the Town's Noiers, Ravieres, seigne, Mombard, Chastillon, S. Seigne, Seloigne, Crevant, Viteau, Verdun, Ar●n, Seure, Tonnerre, which Antoninus calls Tronoderun. There are three ●ther Episcopal Cities accounted to be in the Dukedom of Burgun●●e, Nevers, Ausserre, and Mascon. The first whereof is a Dukedom, ●he Territory thereof (called Duché de Navernois) is very large, and is ●atered with three Navigable Rivers, I●auna, Elavere, L●geris. There are 12. walled Towns therein, the Metropolis whereof is Nivers●●●, having Jurisdiction over thirty Castelships as they call them. That which Caesar calls Noviodunum, is a Town strongly walled, and well fortified with Towers and deep Ditches. Among the chief Towns of the Dukedom of Nevers are Dezisa, which Antoninus calls Decise and Decetia: also Clamecyum, Dousyum, Milinium, Angilbertsum, Corbigri●m, St. Leonards Church, Luyzium, Premecyum, and others. Anserre follows: which Antoninus calls Antissiodorum, and placeth here the 22. Legion Ammianus calls it Antosiodorum, or l'Evesche d'Auxerre. The Territory of this City, commonly called le Pays d'Auxerrois, is famous for wire, called after the name thereof. The City which is now called M●s●●, Caesar calleth Matiscona: and the itinerary Tables Matis●●, and the Register Books of the Province of France, and Anton●●us do call it Matisconense Castrum, who placeth there the 10. Legions, and it ●● ancient Roll it is called Mastico, as Philip Bugnonius noteth, who writs History of this City. Paul Diaconus calleth it Machaon 〈…〉 Turonensis, and others do call it Matissana, being like or Calali●●, both for situation, manners, and Arts. It lieth by the River 〈◊〉, which hath a fair Bridge over it, lying straight forward 〈…〉 the other side are like unto a Bow. In Burgundy and the 〈◊〉 thereof are these Counties, Dijon, Austun, Tonnerre, Cha●on 〈◊〉 Mascon, S. Martin, Nevers, Langres, Ausserre, S. jangou, Charo●●, 〈◊〉 or Chagni; Monliet or Montit, Auxone, Rogemont, Mussy, strestem●e●, Mombys, Senegnon, Gilly, Valenion, Tirecourt, Chevigni, Ain●-v●●le, Esp●●i Epiryen, Tarvant, Brasey or Brass, Rochefort, Aincourt, or Agin●●our●, V●● To which also are added Arley, Ragny, haligny, Mommariu●, Laugey, ●●●champ, Couches. There are the Bishoprics of Augustodunum, or ●●●ensis, of Austum, of Mascon, of Chalon, and of Langres, which are sub●e● to the Archbishop of Lions. This Dukedom hath these River's S●●on, Oscarus, Araxis, Icauna, Ligeris, Elaveres, and others. THE COUNTY OF BURGUNDY. THE County of Burgundy follows, or Burgundy the higher, in French it is called Franché Conté, that is the free County, for the Province is governed by the Earl thereof, and is free as they say from all tributes and exactions. It belongeth to the Emperor, The 〈◊〉 and is under the protection of the Burnensian Heluetians. On the North Lotaringia and high Germany do confine upon it, on the West the Dukedom of L●●gundie, on the East the Helvetians, on the South the Allobrogians and Segusians. The length is 90. Miles, the breadth 60. The 〈◊〉 It is a very fruitful Country, replenished with all things necessary for man's life, and the soil is fit for tillage, for planting of Trees, and Vineyards, and for feeding of Cattles. There is every where great store of Wheat, Rye, Barley, Oates, Beanes, and other Pulse. And no less abundance of Trees. The country especially the middle part hath hills which do bring forth and yield most excellent Wines. The Arbosians, & the Vadamians have Winevessells so great that they seem to be as big as a house. Near the Palace of the ancient Kings of Burgundy, which the Inhabitants call now Chambrette au Roy, they dig out of the earth a kind of plaster, like Lime. There is also in the Country of Dolania Marble digged forth, The variety of livi●● Creatures which the Greeks' did call Alabaster, of which they made Tombs and Monuments for great men: and another black kind of Marble enamelled with purple spots. There are also diverse kinds of living creatures, and great store of Oxen and Cattles. All do approve of the travelling Horses of Graunell, and the fierce Dogs that are in this Country. Many things are delivered concerning the ancient Earls of Burgundy. Eudo was the first Earl and Palatine of Burgundy, The 〈◊〉 Government after whom succeeded his Nephew Philip; who dying without issue, john King of France gave the Dukedom of Burgundy to his son Philip, who was surnamed the bold, but Margaret his Nephew succeeding after Philip, got the Dukedom of Burgundy, after whom succeeded Ludovick Malanus her Son, and after him Margaret Malana her Daughter, whom Philip Duke of Burgundy surnamed the bold married. After him there succeeded in order john his son surnamed the stout, Philip Bonus, or the good, Charles the Warrior, and Mary married to Maximilian of Austria, Philip of Austria, the Emperor Charles the 5. &c. Philip King of Spain. This Coun●tie is divided into 3. Diaeceses or Praefectureships, which are commonly called Bayliwicks: the higher and the lower, and Dolins. The first is Vesulium, the second Polichum, the third Dola. But D●●a hath a strong Castle, and is the Metropolis or chief City of the whole County, and the fairest of all the other Cities, it is situated by the River Dubis, which devideth itself here into two arme● Some suppose it to be that which Ptolemie calls Didattion Lib. 11. Chap 9 a City of the Sequanes, very fair and beautiful. Here is a ne●● spacious Market place, almost four square, but that it is a little longer than broad. On the West side is the Court, and the Prison. Th● chief Church which is very fair and admirably carved, is consecrated to the Virgin Mary. There are also many other Cities as Ves●●● commonly called Besancon, an Imperial City, called heretofore Chrysopolis: it is seated in a commodious and fertile Territory. T●● River Alduasdabis doth run through most part of it, and do●●● circled most of it, but the River doth not wash the other part, 〈◊〉 the Gate in the way to Dola. There is also Nozerethum, or N●●● which was formerly called Nuccillum from the Nut trees grow●●● there, but Ludovick Cabillonensis returning from the wars of jerusalem did wall it about and called it Nazarethum. This Earl hath a C●● which is called the leaden Castle, because it is covered with 〈◊〉 There is also Selina, a fair City, and famous through the which world, denominated and so called from the salt Fountains, and 〈◊〉 salt which is usually made there, which being very white is tran●●ted t into other Countries, and the County hath a great revelation out of it. We omit for brevity sake the description of other Country's: The Lakes. Burgundy hath great and wonderful Lakes: One of the chief whereof is that which is called the Wherlepoole: which is a ●●●derfull work of nature. For there is mud above the water which so hardened, that it seemeth firm land: yet Horses and Cart●u●● not pass over it, but only footmen. In rainy cloudy wea●●● doth not rise, except it be against fair Wether, and then is ●●●leth up presently, and watereth the Columban Plain. Moreover ●●tween Nozerethum and Riparia there is another Lake in Bonualli, 〈◊〉 is full of Pikes, Perches, and other fish, which every 7. year some weeks hideth itself, and after riseth up again, which i●●●●ry miraculous, and most incredible. The Southern part of 〈◊〉 County hath many Lakes. There is the Lake called in Freach●● leteux, both the greater and the lesser, also Narlay of an inc●●● depth: The Rivers. also Vernoy, the two Chamblici, Frogeay, Ronchault, and 〈◊〉 Many Rivers do divide it, as Dubis, Longnonius, Danus, Lpuus: all ●●●bis doth appertain to this County, Ptolemy calls it Doubis, and 〈◊〉 Alduabis, if Fulvius Vrsinus conjecture rightly: in other Books ●● corruptly read Alduasalubis and Alduasdolis, commonly Doux. It is 〈◊〉 out of the Mountain jura, a little above the pleasant Village 〈◊〉 Moreover Dubis taking his course from the South Northward, gli●●● by the Lake Pontium, and so with many windings runneth by Palum, Mortua, and Vasrum, and so to the Church of S. Hippolytus, 〈◊〉 from thence bending Westward, it goeth to the Town Chas●da, so flowing by Vesuncio, and making an Island near Dola, after 〈◊〉 winding turnings and having received many Rivers, it mingleth waters with Araxis near Virdunum. Longnonius also wholly beleveeth to the higher Burgundy, commonly called Lougnon. Davum sp●●●eth out of the high Mountain, which hangeth over a great and map of Burgundy ●HE COUNTY OF BURGUNDY. Town called Syrodus: there are also Lupus or Lupa, commonly called Love, The ancient government. Ararus, and others. Concerning the Politic state of this free Country, when the Provincial assemblies are held, the three states do mere, being summoned in the Earl's name by the Prince of the Arausians, and the Lords of Nozereth and Arbe. The three States do consist of the Nobles, the Clergy, and the Citizens. The Earls of the higher Diaecese are the Earl of Montbelliart, the Earl of Roche and Varax, of Montrivel, or Thalamey and Vaulgrenans, of Vergey, of Rey, Listoneis. The Abbates are of Croissant, of Charité, of Bitaine, of Corneul, of Tully, of Clarfont, of Luxeul, of Bellevoulx, of Grace-Dieu, of Charleu, of three Kings, or Trium Regum. The Priors are of Vaveluse, of Lantenans, of Cusance, of Marteret, of jussey, of Portsus Saosne, of Montreul near Sagona, of S. Marcelli. The Canonici are of Calem●stier, and others of other places. The Cities are Grey, Vesoul, Month●●son, jussey, Palma, Portsus, Saone, Cromary, Mont-Iustin, Faulcogney. The Lords are: of Montmorot, and S. Loup. of S. Martin, of Taulens, of Villeneufve, of Rupt, of Montgevelle Chastillon and Belvoye, of Constandey, of Monb●illon, of Velleson, of Dicey, of Vgny and Chemylly, of O●zelet▪ of Cicon, of Trasves, of Raincounieres, of Costebrune, of Sombern●m, of Villefault, of Bermont, of Avilley, of Mugnay, of Vereur, of Tourai●●, of Ci●●●, of Provanchieres, of Grand-mont, of Velle Cheurelous, of Voser, of Damparre, of Frotey, of Breutal, of Matey, of Noironde, of Tromarey, of Milles● of Mailler●ncourt, of Myon, of Benaenge, of Vellerot le boz, of Clear, of Betoncourt, of Mortaillotte, of Amondans, of Fraisne, of Chav●rey, of Mon●● of Mons S. Legier, of Cuury, of Montereul, of Sorans and Lambry: and many others. The Earls of lower Burgundy, are of Rougher, of S. ●●bin: and the Baron of Cheureaulx: The Abbots are of S. Engends, of Beaume, of Balerne, of Mont S. Marry, of Mont-Benoist, of Baylien, of Ra●●●res: the Priors are, of Mainnaul, of Vaucluse, of Bonlieu, of Mente, of L●●slesaulnier, of Arbois, of Mote, of Syredus, of Vallis supra Polichinum, of Mortau. The Canons are, of S. Mauritius, of S. Anatolius, of S. Mi●●ael all in Selina: also of Arbosium, of Polichnium, of Nozere● and of other Cities. The Cities are Selina, Arbois, Poligny, Pontarlien, Nezre, Castrum Caroli, Monmoroti, Orgelot. The Lords are of Co●longuired Andelest, of Courla●u and le Pin, of S. Amour, of Argento, of 〈◊〉 of Poupet, of S. Sorlin, of Darna and Tramelay, of Borsia, of Cressia, of F●tigny, of Chambery, of Montena, of Vecles, of Rosait, of Marigna, of Be●fort, of Nasey, of Aigle, of Courboson, of Vertamboz, of Largi●●a, of Main●, of Estoille, of Chasnet, of Aresche, of Coges, of Bar and jousseaul, of A●ges, of Muy●e, of Charrin, of Charlin, of Chaumes, of Bretterieres, of 〈◊〉 of Cogna, of Chaulx, of Montnet, of Vadans Villette, of Arb●is, of Aig●●erre, of Chastelvillaine, of S. julian, of Descrilles, of Verges, of Cham●●ag●, of Beaulchemin, of Villeneufve les Orgellet, of Chastres, of joulx, of V●n●e●, of Vismeaulx, and many others. In the Diecesse of Dola there are the Lords of Giurey, of Longepierre and Rahon, and of Clervaulx. The Abbots of Billon, of S. Vincius, of S. Paulus Bisantius, of Acey. The Priors, are of Loye, of Leval, of Damparis, of jouhe, of Monterot, of M●te, of Say, of Mostier in Se●usia. The Cannons are, of Dola, of Bisantinum, and others in other places. The Cities are Dola, Quingejum, Orn●●●, Lya, Rocheford, Vercelle. The Lords are of Vauldrey: of Rainnes, of Rye of Mentfort, of Mont-Richard, of Fertans, of Maillot, of Bermont, of Clerens, of Verchamps, of Dossans, of Port, of Chasteau, of Roillault, of Abbaus, and Marchault, of Reculet, of Chantrans, of Mont-gros-pain, of Mutigney, of Chassey, of Paressey, of Choisey, of S. Iley, of Say, of Apparel, of Chemin, of ●abus, of Champdivers and Rastonnieres, of Rainche-court, of Paintre, of Mentrambart, of Salans, of Goussans, of Chavirey, of Ancier, and others. There is great store of Nobility (as we see) in this Country. And there are four families which are either descended from the Kings and Princes of Burgundy, or are allied to them by affinity, namely the Noble Lord of Vienna: of Vergy, who is called the stout; of Chalon who is called the rich, and Prince of the Arausians, and of Neuf Chased, who hath a great estate of Lands. But all appeals are brought out of the three Dieceses, or Bayliwicks, to Dola, to the high Parliament of this County. Concerning the state Ecclesiastic, the Archbishop of Bisuntine, under whom are three Bishops, the Bishop of Bas● in Germany, of Lausanum in Helvetia, and of Bellicensis in Sabaudia, is the chief for Ecclesiastical government, and the Prince of the Empire. The Archbishop of Bisuntium, and the City Besoncon, which is a free imperial City, and heretofore the greatest Town of the Province of the Sequans, and the Precedents seat, are parts of the Empire of the fifth circle. The thenth Circle of the Empire is the Burgandian, because it consisteth of the house of Burgundy, and doth contain the chief Princes of the Low Countries, which are the Duke of Burgundy, H. Bergen and Waelhem, Count Egmond and Iselstien, Count Nassau in Breda, and Count Bergen. THE DUKEDOM OF SABAUDIA. map of Sabaudia THE DUKEDOM OF SABAUDIA. The Metropolis of Sabaudia is Chamberiacum, commonly called Chamberi, which the Ancients did call Camerinum, as Paradine noteth in his Sabaudia. Pinetus thinketh that the Ancients did call it ●●● Voconij, which Pliny mentioneth, lib. 3. cap. 4. and Antoninus in his itinerary. So that it cannot be that they should count Forum Vo●●●vs among those Towns, which are in the Province near unto the Mediterranean Sea. Also Peutingers itinerary Table doth place there Forum Voconij, not fare from the French shore, between Forum his, now called Frieul, and Mataron. Varerius vainly trifleth in his chorography of Portugal, who maketh Forum Voconij, to be Forum Voceris, as if it were the Metropolis of the Vocontians, when the chief City of that Country is Augusta Dia Vocentiorum, now called Die. Canalis also and Castilion do think that Chamberry is Cinarum, which Cicero mentioneth in his Epistles. Moreover Chamberry hath a Castle, and the Dukes of Sabaudia have a House there, who have established here a Seat of Justice for the whole Country, and a Parliament. The parts of Sabaudia are the Counties following. I will add something concerning the Lordships. Fossigni is near the Lake Leman. In it they say is Ripalia, allusively Ripam Alos, or the Sea-bank, (for some of the Inhabitants do call the Leman Lake the Sea, and truly it rages oftentimes like the Sea) it is commonly called Ripaille. It is a pleasant place, and famous because Amedes the 8. the first Duke of Sabaudis, did there live a Monk, having formerly resigned up his Principalities, and was chosen and consecrated Pope by the Fathers of the Counsel of Basill after Eugenius the fourth, the 9 before the Kalends of September, in the year 1440. and was called Faelix the 5. he lived a while, and built some small Aedifices, which I saw in the year 1585. He died there in the year 1452. in the month of January, having three years before for quiet sake passed over the Papal dignity to Nicolas, he being content to be a Cardinal only. Elinor Daughter to the Lord of Fossignij married Peter the sixth Earl of Sabaudia. And also Mary the Daughter of Amedes the fourth, the 8. Earl of Sabaudia, of the Brabantine family, was married to the Duke of this Country. Amedes the third got the Principality of Chablasius, which is near to Fossigni Eastward, commonly called Chablois, and joined them to his Dominions, seeing there were no lawful Heirs Male to inherit it. Some do reckon the Towns of Tononium, Evianum, Guingaunum, and others, which I am afraid to writ, as having no warrant for it. Concerning the Lordship commonly called Val d'Osta, we will speak in a more convenient place in the Description of Italy, where we will entreat of Piedmont. The chief Mountains are the Alps, which now as it were a wall do separate Italy from France, and Germany. Festus thinketh that the Alps were so called from their whiteness, and the most do affirm that the Alps are the highest Mountains in Europe. And many names of the Alps are found in ancient Monuments, which do show that there were many parts of the Alps, but we will by the way touch only those parts, which for the most part do lie in and about Sabaudia, as the Sabbatian Alps, from whence it is thought that Sabaudia is denominated, which begin near to Samona, near a place called V●y, which the ancients call Vada Sablatia, from whence they bend like a Bow towards Monegne, which was heretofore called Portus Herculis Monaeci, and from thence they do stretch out toward the River Var or Varo, which parteth France from Italy. There are also the Sea Alps, but these we pass over as we go towards Province, as also the Sea Penine Alps. The Cottian Alps follow, which begin at a place called Saulteron, where there are two ways, both which do incline towards the Marquiship of Salutium. In these Alps there is the Mountain Agno, and the Mountain Viso, which the ancients did call the Mountain Vesulus, through which there is a hollow passage from France into Italy, after this passage there are two ways, the one whereof leadeth toward Verguel, the other toward Ravel, which are Fortresses to the Marquiship of Salutium. And between this Mountain and the hollow-way three Fountains do spring up, and flowinto one Channel do make the famous River of Po. In this Country is the Hill of the Cross, and the Mountain Genebre or Geneure, their Mountain's end near Luze, where the River Doria separateth them from the Grecian Alps. The Grecian Alps do follow, the name whereof is derived from Hercules the Son of Amphytrio a Grecian, who travailed over these Mountains out of Italy into France. In that part of these Mountains which is toward France the Ceentronians were seated, who are now called Tarantasy, by whom the way to Chamberry lieth. There are also between these Mountains the Veragri, who contain the lower Valesians, and the Countries Gavot and Focigny: and the way of these Mountains is called, the Mountain of S. Bernard. There are many others besides, which for brevity sake we omit. The nature and quality of these Mountains is miraculous; for he that passeth over them meeteth still with new variety of ways, because now the way is wide, and by and by it grows strai● now the Mountains seem to touch the air, and by and by do descend again, there is a Plain, and here a Vale enclosed with high Hills: nevertheless the Valleys in many places do bring forth good Corn, on the Mountains also there is much Grass for Pastoring of Cattles: and in some places there is Wine. There are also diverse Ours, and some kinds of living Creatures, which are not found any where else, and many other rarities, which for brevity sake we omit. Besides Rhodanus these Rivers do water Sabaudis, Aravis, Isura, Doria, Arva, Danius, and others. There are also the Lake Leman, de Nicy, de Bourget, &c. HELVETIA WITH THE NEIGHBOURING CONFEDERATE COUNTRIES. NEXT to Lion's Mereator placeth that Country, which the Romans called Helvetia. Now it is called, The N●mes. Whence derived. or the greatest part of it, Sutcia or Suitia, from the Vitians a people of Saxony, who being thrown out of their habitations for their often violating of the faith, Charles the great seated them on the Alpss, as in like manner he conveyed some thousands of the Nordalbingians into Flanders and Brabont. Or else it was so called from the Suecians, who in the reign of King Sigebert did re●ove out of Suecia into Helvetia, being compelled to leave their former Habitations, either by the inundations of waters, or by populousness of the Inhabitants, o● lastly it is so called from the Town Su●tium: it is commonly Switscherland. It is called the Land of Confederates, and in their own speech Eydignoschaft, from the League and confederacy, which is between the Helvetians. These Eu●●opius did sometime call Quadians. Moreover Helvetia is situate between the Mountain jura, the Lake Leman, Italy, and the Rhine, and it hath on the East the County of Tirolum: on the South the Cottian Alps, Lombardie, the Dukedom of Mediolanum, and Piedmont: on the lowest Sabaudia and Bu●g●gie: on the North the River Rhine. Helvetia is 240. Miles long, as Caesar saith Lib. 1 de bello Gallico: and 80. Miles broad, which Caesar maketh somewhat larger. The Country hath a whole ●●me air, The fertility. and though it have many high rugged Mountains, yet it is so well husbanded by the Inhabitants, that it is no where barren: but that it produceth not only things necessary to sustain life, but also many delicacies. It bringeth forth abundance of Corn, although in many places, unless the glebe land be burnt, it is in vain to sow it, but the labour and industry of the Husbandman doth help this inconvenience. It produceth in many places excellent wine, which doth fare exceed Rhenish wine, both in state and quantity. Besides there are fat Meadows, in which many flocks and herds do graze, to the great commodity of the Inhabitants. This Country also doth breed great store of wild Beasts, as Bears, Hearts, Does, Goats, The variety of living creatures. Leopards, Boars, and others, so that the Inhabitants have great store of game to Hunt, there are also Fowl which they take in great abundance. Helvetia is a free Anarchy, and subject to no Prince, since that time that the Helvetians being encited and stirred up by the unmerciful and unjust government of the Rulers there, did enter into confederacy with the Vlrian Nobility, and so shaked off the yoke of ●bjection, and got their own liberty. The first that began this confederacy were the Urians, the Silvanians, and the Suitensians, 〈◊〉 their own Towns. By whose example nor long after, the other Cities being still provoked by the great men, their neighbour's 〈◊〉 the like, and entering into League with them, they grew as strong 〈◊〉 their neighbour, and being strengthened with auxilian forces th●● become a terror to their enemies. The Country of Helvetia is divided into four parts, which by a German word they call Gow, whi●● signifieth a Country or Village, and they are these Zurichgow, Wif●purgerg●w, Argow and Turgow, but the Commonwealth of Helvetia do● consist of thee parts. In the first part there are 13. Villages, whi●● the Italians call Cantones, and the Germans Ort. These Ca● have this privilege above the other confederates, that they in 〈◊〉 like meetings do deliberate and consult of all matters appertained to the Commonwealth of Helvetia, and do give their voices, and 〈◊〉 sharers in all commodities or losses belonging to the City, and 〈◊〉 equally govern the Prefectureships which they have gotten, a●● have an equal part in any public booty: namely Tigurum joined ●●●selfe with the 3. confederate Towns, Anno 1351. And Bernei●● year 1355. Lucerna was joined to the 3. first Towns by a perpetual league in the year 1322. Vria, Vren: Sultia, Swit● Vnder-W●● did first enter into confederacy among themselves Anno 1308. T●● and Zug were added to the 6. Towns, in the year 1363. Glarius so and Tugturo entered into the same league. Basilea, Anno 1301. ●●ter'd into confederacy with the 10 Towns. Also Fritburgum and ●●●loau●um, by common consent were received into the number of Cantones, in the year 1481. and so the City of Helvetia did consist 10. Villages or Contones. Schaffhusen in the year 1600. was received into the number of the Cantones or Villages. And Abbatificall the year 150●. The Country belonging to this Town is divi●e unto 12. par●s which they call there Roden, 6. whereof are joined the Canton, which are called the innermost parts, and 6. are called the outward parts. And there are 12 Senators chosen out of e●● one of these several parts, who are to consult of all affairs of ●●● Country, and they are in all 144. Senators. The second part of the confederates, are Abbas and the Town S. Galli, which was joined league with the 4. Towns of the Helvetians in the year 1455. A●● afterward Anno 1455. they were joined in perpetual league with the 6. Towns, Tigurum, Berna, Lucerna, Suitia, Tugio, and Glorona. Th● People Granb●ndier of the Rhetorians made a perpetual league with the 7. old Towns, in the year 1497. And the Curiensians, whose society was called the house of God, did join in confederacy with them Anno 1418. The 3. Society, which was called the Society of the 10. judgements, did not join themselves with the Helvetians but because it is confederate with the 11. former Cantons, therefore it continues in amity and faithful society wi●h the Helvetians. Sodunum and Valetes did enter into perpetual league with the Bernadans, 〈◊〉 1475. And afterward when there arose a controversy concerning Religion, Hadrian Bishop of Sedunum and 70. Towns of the 〈…〉 into confederacy Anno 15●3. at Friburg, with map of Helvetia HELVETIA. these 7. Towns of Friburg, Vria, Lucerna, Suitia, Vnderwaldia, Tugium Filburgum, Saladorum, all adhering to the Church of Rome Rotweil first entered into confederacy with the Helvetians Anno 1463. for 15. years, which being many times renewed, at last in the year 1519. it was perpetually established between them. Mulhusen was joined in confederacy with the Helvetians Anno 1468. Bienna Biel joined itself in confederacy with the Bernatians, in the years, 1303. 1306. 1352. and 1367. Geneva did bargain for the right of a City, with the Bernatians Anno 1536. but yet it was joined to the Common City of the Cantons. The 3. are the Prefectureships gotten by force of arms or voluntary yielding. Turgea or Turgow was subjected to the Helvetians in the year 1460. which is governed by 7. ancient Towns. Aquensis Baden was subdued in the year 1415. and is governed by 8. of the chief Towns. Rhegusti which was gotten Anno 1491. was governed by 20. of the chief Towns. Sa●unetum or Sarung●ns Anno 1483. was sold by George Earl of Werenberg to the 7. chief Towns, by which it is also governed. The free Provinces taken Anno 1415. are governed by these 5. ancient Cantons or Towns, Luganum, Lucarnum, Mendrestum, and Vallis Madia, these 4. Prefectureships were given by Maxamilian Sforza, Duke of Mediolanum to the Helvetians Anno 1513. and are governed by all the Cantones except Abbatisella, Biltionum and Bellizona: the government hereof was afterward granted unto 3. chief Cantons, Anno 1513. Valesia which is contained also in this Chart, doth contain 3. people, and 3. confederacies. The two former are the Viberians and Sedunians, who are called by one general name, the free higher Valesians, and they are divided into 10. tithings which they call Decimas or Desena● the Veragrians who are called the lower Valesians are governed by the higher, yet the chief of them all is the Bishop of Sedunum, who hath the chief authority both in Ecclesiastical and civil matters, and is called the Earl or Perfect of Valesia. Here is the County of Werdube●g and the Barony of Saxony. This Province hath many great Lakes: the chief whereof are the Lakes of Lucernerze: of Zuriche●●e of Walenzee: of Nuwenburgerzee: and the greatest of all is the Lake of ●●denzee, which Solinus and Pliny call Brigantium, Ammianus Marcell●●● calleth it Brigantium, from Brigeontium a little ancient Town. The length thereof is 24. Miles, and the breadth at lest 12. Miles. We have here set down Ammianus his words, because they contain a lively description of this Lake, and of the Cataracts of Rhine. The River Rhine runneth with a violent course through the windings of the high Mountains, which ne'er the ●lep●ntius doth fall down like the Cataracts of Nilus, the torrent at his first arising doth rush down, and keep his course with the supply only of his own proper waters, but now being strengthened with the melted snow, it weareth his banks wider, it runneth into the round great Lake, which the Inhabitants of Rhine do call Brigantium, it is inaccessible by reason of the thick Woods, except where the Almain hath made it Habitable, contrary to the nature of the place, and the intemperateness of the Climate. So that the River breaking into this Lake with a foaming entrance, and passing through the still waters thereof, doth run through the middle of it, as it were a contrary element unto it, without augmenting or diminishing his own waters, it cometh forth again retaining the same name and strength which it had before. And which is a wonder, the Lake is not moved with the violent course of the water, nor the hasty River is not stayed with the muddy filth of the Lake, as if they could not be mingled together: and if it were not seen to run through the Lake, it could not be discerned by the forcible course thereof. The Rivers. Moreover the Rivers which water Helvetia, are Rhine, Rhodanus, Adua, Ticinus, Limagus, Byrsa, Langarus, Sara, Taurus commonly called Dur, Aenus, Arola, and many others. It were needless to reckon the Mountains, seeing the names of the Thetian Mountains are known to all men. But lest I should seem too defective herein, I will mention some of them. The Mountain of Gothardus is now called the high Alps, after which the Penine Alps do follow: near to the Salassians there are the Cottian Alps and the Mountain Silvius. Also the greater and lessers Mountains of S. Bernard. The Graectan Alps belong to the Lepontians: the Mountain Adulas which the Germans call the Mountain der Vogel, toucheth the Misacians. The julian Alps, and the Mountain Permurna are in the Engadinians Country. From hence are the Mountains Valerius and Brantius, near the Vendanians: Rhetico is a Mountain among the Rhucantians. The Mountain jurassus hangeth over the Lake Leman. The Mountains called Abnobae are in the confines of the Tulingians. And these are the most famous Mountains of this Country. But we will speak more largely concerning the Alps in the description of Italy. There are innumerable Woods, which are but parts of the Wood Hiercynta, which beginneth here, although they are called by several names, as the Brigantine Wood, the Wood Ryhnwalds, Bonwaldt, and others. The Helvetian Commonwealth is a mixed government of the Nobles and the people. For some of these People, of whom the whole City doth consist, do use a democratical government, where all things are managed by the council of the Commons, as in those Cantons which have no Towns, as the Uranians, the Suitians, the ●uderwaldians, the Glarovensians, and the Abbatiscellanians: and in the same manner are the Tuginians, although they have a Town; the other Cantons are governed by the Nobles, as all the other Cities of Helvetia, as Tigurum, Berna, Lucerna, &c. But seeing the people have the chief power, and do choose the Magistrates, these Common wealths are mixed, and some parts are more Aristocratical, and some parts more popular. ZURICHGOW, AND THE PROVINCE OF BASIL. I Have spoken in general concerning Helvetia; the pa●● do follow. Which Mercator in the three following Chartes doth lively describe. In the first are those t● Provinces which are called in their speech Zurichgow 〈◊〉 Basil; in the second Wiflispurgergow; and in the third Argow is delineated, of all which I will make a chorographical Description, together with the Lake Leman. As concerning the former Provin●● which is painted forth in the first Charte, it is called in their ow● speech Zurichgow, The fertility. and Caesar calleth it Tigurinus Pagus. The soil of th● Country, and especially by the chief City Tigurum is very fruitful, and bringeth forth great store of Wine and Corn; yet the Wi● the most part is tart and sharp, neither can it come to perfest ●●●nesse and maturity, because the Alps are so nigh unto it. But t●● Wine ripeneth and groweth more pleasant after it hath been k●● some years in the Vessel. The chief City of this Province is call in Latin Tigrum, and of late Thurogum, and in their own speech ●●rich. The City Zurich. It is an ancient City and pleasantly seated, at the end of the great Lake, which sendeth forth the River Lindmagum, commonly c●●led Limmat, which not fare from Glarona it receiveth again, a●● devideth the City into two Cities, the greater and the lesser, which are joined together with three fair Bridges, on which the Citizens' do often walk. It hach a very great Corne-market, in which great store of Corn is sold weekly. The Lake Tigurine doth furnish the City with great store of Fish. There is also a Market for all kinde● Provision and the Lake is convenienter for carrying it to diverse p●●ces. But albeit Tigurum was the fift that joined itself to the Helvetian confederacy, yet nevertheless it is held to be the chief City both for beauty and strength, and still it hath the pre-eminence given it in public Assemblies, in Embassages, and other public actions: it hath had many brave famous men: as Conradus Pelican, who was very skilful in the Hebrew, Chaldean, and Arabic tongues: also Theodore Bibliandrus: Conradus G●sner, that most excellent Historian, an● many other excellent men. The Canton Tigurum hath without the City greater and lesser Prefectureships. The greater are nine, Ky●●● a County: the Prefectureship of Groeningia: also Regensperg, Vadis●●●na, Wadischwyl: Lauffa near the Catracts of Rheneor, Laussen: Andelsig●●● Grifensee, and Eglisow a free Province, the lesser are 22. the Towns Vitodurum, Winterhur, and Steina, do belong to the Tigurinians, yet they have Magistrates of their own, but they are governed by the Tigurinian Edicts, and do serve them in their wars, but they bear their own Colours in the Field. The Canton ●ugium, commonly map of Zurichgow ZURICHGOW. called Zugis reckoned to be in this Province, The Town Turgium. The Situation. a Town with a Country of the same name, lying Northward near Suitia, it is situate between a Middow, and a Hill planted with Vines, near the fishfull Lake, which is called from the City, the Tugine Lake, which streatcheth Southward toward the Town Artense. It hath a soil fit for Basturage, and it yields great store of Wine and Corne. The first Inhabitants thereof are said to be the Tuginians, but Strabo Lib 7. calleth them the Toygenians, who entering into a league with the Tigurians and Cimbrians, did oppose themselves against the Romans. See Plutarch in the life of Marius and Eutropius, Lib. 5. Tugium was sometime governed by the Nobles, but afterward it came to be under the power of the Austrians: Those, in the Helvetian war did keep a continual Garrison there, unto the great molestation of the Suitians and Tig●rians. So that in the year 1352. the Tigurinians with four other Cantons, made an expedition against Tugium. But the Garrison, not trusting to the Fortification of the Town, forsook it before the Helyetians coming, but yet the Citizens to show their fidelity to the Austrians, did hold out the Siege for 15. days. At last they yielded it to the Helvetians, and took an oath of them on this condition, that if the Duke of Austria within such a limited time brought to Army to free them from this Siege, they should be free from the oath which they had taken to the Helvetians, and might yield themselves up unto him. But when they saw there was no hope of the Duke of Austria's coming, they joined themselves in confederacy with the Helvetians. The Canton of Tugium hath two parts, and four hundreds in them, out of every hundred, eleven Senators are chose● to govern the Country. The Town itself standeth for two hundreds, the Country next unto it hath three, as Montanus, Vallis Eg●●, or Aquae Regiae, and the Parish of Bara. But the Towns of Tugi●● by Prefects resident in the City doth govern these places: the Town Cham, Andrew's Village, Hunelbergo, Waccheville, Steinhuse, S. Wolfa●g●. So much concerning the first Province of this Card, the other follows, namely Basil, so called from the famous City Basilea. It is called also Sungonia, which name we may easily conjecture was derived from the Seqnanes, which Rhenanus also approveth in his third Book of Germany. The Country is fruitful, and bringeth forth good Wine and Corn, so that it supplieth the Neighbour Countries that want Corne. There are also fair Pastures for Cattles. Those whom Ptolemy calls Rauricians and Caesar Rauracians (as Scudus witnesseth) did heretofore inhabit this Country, who as he reporteth taking example by the Helvetians, did burn up all their Towns, Villages, and Houses. Basil is now the chief City of the Country. Some would have it so called from a Basilisk found here, but their opinion is absurd. Others from Basi●eona the Mother of julian the Emperor. ●heranus would have it called Basilea because it was a royal passage. And he addeth, it is likely that there was a passage in this place, while Augusta was yet standing, because here in regard of the Valley through which the Torrent floweth out of the Lake Byrsa, the bank is lower, and thereby more easily to pass, but near Augusta it is more steep. But Munsterus doth reject this conjecture, by the authority of Marcellinus, who calleth that City by a Greek word Basileian, that is a Kingdom, as it were Regnopolis, or the Royal City. This City is watered with the River Rhine, which divides it about the middle of it, where it is united and joined together again with a Bridge. The River Rhine is very commodious to the City, because it is Navigable, and bringeth up many great Vessels to it. Two hundred years since it was much shaken with Earthquakes, but it was afterward re-edified, and Pope Pius in the year 1460. did adorn it with an University, which he endowed with all the Privileges, Statutes, and Immunities which the Universities of Bononia, Coline, Heidelberg, Erdford, Lipsick, and Vienna do enjoy. Basil hath these Prefectureships, Faren-Sperg Castles; ●infeld seated on a high Mountain: the Town Wallenburg: Homburg, Munchenstein, Ramstein, the County of Toggius, where I suppose is Togryl, which is subject to the Abbot of S. Gallus, when the Citizens of Teggius belong to Suitia and Glaronia: also the County of Rapperswijl, which I suppose should be the County of Straesberg: and the Barony of Rilehberg. The other Towns of Tuginum and Tigurinum are in the Table of Argow. The Towns in the Country of Abbatium, which are neither mentioned in Suevia, nor in all Germany, are these, Reicheno●w, Schaffusen, Kreutslinge, Pfeffers, or as I suppose Pfefficon. This Country is watered with many Rivers and little streams, all which the River Rhine at last receiveth. Among which are the Rivers Rhine, Byrsa, and Wiesa. Byrsa floweth out of the Mountain jura thorough many Valleys even to Basilea, carrying down with it many Boat-loads of Wood On the other side the River Wiesa doth part it from the Black wood, and much Timber for Building is brought down this River, and afterward it filleth many Cisterns, and serveth many Houses in the lesser Basil with water. For it driveth a Mill which saweth Trees into Bards and square Studs, it grindeth Corn, and Grindstones to sharpen Carpenters tools, it serveth to draw Iron into thin Plates, and for many other uses, besides it hath excellent fish, especially Trout. And though it be less than the River Byrsa over against it, yet it is fuller of Fish than it, & serveth for more uses, although Byrsa doth drive many Mills and is very commodious for Papermen, who have Houses by this River, or rather near the little Rivulet which parteth from it, and runneth even to the walls of the greater Basil. There are also here Tolderus, Largus, and other Rivers. But of this enough. It remaineth that we should add something concerning the government of the Commonwealth in these Provinces. All that are admitted to public Counsel, are chosen equally out of the several Cantons, as well out of the Tugurians, as Basilians. But there are two public Counsels which have chiefest authority in these Cities. The greater when many meet together in behalf of the Commons, and this for the most part is called when there are some serious weighty affairs, which appertain to the Commonwealth. The less is that which looketh daily to the government of the Commonwealth, and determines matters of controversy between the Citizens. The greater Counsel of Tigurum doth consist of 200. men, that of Basil of 244. The less Counsel of Tigurum hath 50. men chosen out of every Tribe, and Basil it hath 60. For 12. are elected out of every Tribe to make up the greater Counsel, beside at Tigurum there are 18. chosen out of the Nobles. To the lesser Counsel of Tiguri the several Tribes do sand three men, at Basil four men, and to these are added two Counsels in every City, who are the chief Heads of the City; and moreover at Basil there are so many Tribunes, whom they call the Heads of the Counsel in like manner as they do the Consuls: beside at Tigurum there are 6. chosen out of the Nobility to make up the lesser Counsel, when there are but 3. chosen out of the other Tribes, and moreover 6. others are chosen by free Suffrages, out of any Tribe which the Magistrate shall think fit. The lesser Counsel is divided into the old and the new: they call those the old Senate who have borne office half a year: the other although they are called when the Senate is held, yet they are not always called, and there are some matters which the new Senate doth only dispatch. The greater Counsel also at Basil is divided in the same manner, and of 12. men chosen out of the Tribes, 6. are joined or added to the new Senate, and so many to the old. The lesser Counsel doth meet for the most part thrice, and sometimes 4. times every week. There is one Consul belonging to the Senates, whom in their speech they call Burgermeister, that is, the Master of the Citizens, and the greater Counsel doth choose him. The Tribunes are next to the Consuls in power, whom the Tigurinians call Oberistemeister, and those of Basil call Zunffrmeister, there are 3. of them at Tigurum, and two only at Basil, who together with the two Consuls are called the four Heads of the City. But thus much shall suffice. He that desireth to know more let him have recourse to josias Sim●er, who discourseth copiously and learnedly concerning these matters, out of whom we have taken that which we have written here. WIFLISPURGERGOW. THERE follows in our Author the Aventian Cantons commonly called Wiflispurgergow. It is so named from the Town Wiflispurg, which heretofore in julius Caesar's time was the head City of Helvetia, and was called Aventicum. The Country is contained within the bounds of ●abaudia, although it be subject to the Bernatians and Friburgensians, as also the Country seated over against it, and beyond the Lake of Biel or Neoburg. It is sufficiently stored with Wine and Corne. But in this Table the whole Cantons of Berne and Friburg are contained. In the former the chief City is Berna. It is not very ancient, but if you consider the excellent Situation, the manners and civility, the Laws and Statutes, and the power and virtue thereof, it is not inferior unto any City. Concerning the building whereof we read thus. Berchtaldus' Duke of Zeringia the 4. of that name, built in his time 2. Friburgis, that is free Castells, namely one in Brisgoia, and the other in Vehtlandia. And to the end that his subjects might devil more safely in Vchtland, he purposed to build another City near his Castle, which was called Nideck, in a Peninsula which was called Saccus, which was at that time a Wood of Oakes. And upon a certain time when the same Berchtoldus was Hunting, he said to his fellows; we will call this City, which we purpose to build in this convenient place, after the name of that beast which we shall first meet and after take. And so it happened that they took a Bear, which the Germans call Bern. And where (as we said) there grew many Oaks in that place, in which the City was to be builded, yet all the trees were cut down to build houses: whence the workmen would commonly say when they cut down the trees: Holtz lassdich hauwen gone: die stat muss heissen Bern: i e Arbores sinite ut secemini libenter: Quoni●m Civitas ista vocabitur Bern: that is, ye Trees suffer yourselves to be cut down willingly; Because this City shall be called Bern. This City is situated as it were in a Peninsula, which the navigable River Arola maketh. For on the South side of the City, this River floweth in a low place, from the West Eastward, and then winding back again it runneth Westward, as far a as Cannon can shoot, which is the whole length of the City, so that the River is to the City as it were a ditch flowing with fresh water, but that on the West for the length of a Cross-bow shot, the foundation of the City joineth to the Continent, which Isthmus if it were digged through, the City Bern would be an Island. On the South and North it hath the water running beneath it for a prospect; on the East there is a gentle ascene unto the highest part of the City. The adjacent soil lying round about it is very fruitful, but hath no Wine, yet not fare of the Bernatians do make very good Wine out of their own Vineyards. Th● do grow also Vines on one side of the City, but they are of no accounted, and do yield but little Wine. But Berchtoldus the 4. the b●●der of this City y, before he had finished it, leaving the perfecti●● of this work to his son Berchtoldus the 5. and the last Duke of ●●ringia. He had by his wife the daughter of the Earl of Kiburg 〈◊〉 sons, whom the Nobles of the Country made away by poison, this cause chiefly, because they supposed that Berchteldus out of tread and emulation towards them, had finished the building of the ●●ty, that so he might keep them under the yoke of servitude. Ber●● 〈◊〉 under it both German and French Prefectureships, among which Lausanna an Episcopal City. It hath a strange situation, being 〈◊〉 on two opposite Hills, and a Vale lying between them. The Cathedral Church, and the Canon's houses do stand on the North Hill 〈◊〉 from the Southern Hil over against it, there is a great descent 〈◊〉 to the Lake. The Court of Judgement is in the Vale. After the 〈◊〉 of Charles Duke of Burgundy, Lansanna being redeemed by the Pri●●● of Sabaudia, the Citizens of Lausanna in the mean time did enter i● great familiarity with the Bernatians, even to the year one thousa●● five hundred 36. at what time Lausanna came to be under the Dominion of the Bernatians. But yet the Citizens do enjoy all their 〈◊〉 Rights and Privileges. There are 31. German Towns, 4. wh●●● belong to the City, which as many Standard-bearers of the City 〈◊〉 govern, and under their Colours all the Prefectureships do 〈◊〉 to Battle in the wars. Namely Haselis Vallis, Hasti: the Town dersen or Vindersenwen: Simmia Vallis superior: Simia vallis inferio●●●tingen, Sana, Aelen, Thun, Louppen, Signow, Drachselwald, the Vale of 〈◊〉 River Emm, Siconiswald, Burgdorff, Biereneck, Landshuot, Arberg, Nid●●, ●lach, Bippiurn, Wangen, Arwangen, Arburg, Baberstein, Schenckenbergh, Li●●burg. Also three free Towns in the Verbigenian Canton are fully to the Bermans: Zoffingen, Araw, and Bruck: Also there are 9 Monasteries endowed with Lands, 6. whereof are under a civil Jurisdiction. There are also 8. French Cantons and Towns, as Ave●●● Wiflispurg: Minnidunum, Movilden: Yuerden, Morges, Novidanum, 〈◊〉 Oron, Zilia with Vibiscum or Vivey: also Mercator reckoneth up the Monasteries belonging to the Bernatians: which are M●●● Schwartzenburg, Granson, Chalan or Cherlin, over which the Bernati●●● and Friburgians in their several courses do appoint and constitute Governors for 5. year, so that if the Governor be chosen out 〈◊〉 one City, they may appeal to the other, which may examine 〈◊〉 take account of their government. Friburg is a Town of the N●●tonians situate in Vchtland by the River Sana, it was built by Ber●●●dus the fourth, Duke of Zeringia some years before Berne. For in th● reign of Lotharius, in the year 1527. William Earl of Vchtland dy● as Nauclerus writeth, at what time the Emperor gave Vchtland to 〈◊〉 Prince of Zeringia: who dying in the year 1552. his Son Ber●●●dus Duke of Zeringia, the fifth of that name succeeded after him. 〈◊〉 founded and built both the Friburgs, Brisgoia, and Vchtland, (as we 〈◊〉 before) in the year after Christ's birth 1252. and endowed the● map of Wiflispurgergow WIFLISPURGERGOW. with large Privileges. As also the succeeding Emperors did show no less favour to both those Towns, than if they had been Parts and Members of their Empire. Afterwards in the year of our Lord 1218. Berchtoldus' Duke of Zeringia dying, Fribu●g in V●htland with all the privileges thereof, came into the hands of the Earls of Kibu●g, in the year of Christ 1260. Eburhardus Earl of Hasburg, governed this City. He in the year 1270. sold his right to this City for a great sum of money to King Rudolphus. Hence Aeneas Silvius calleth Friburg the noble House of Austria. At last the Inhabitants being wearied with these frequent changes, for a great sum of money bought their liberty of the House of Austria. So that it is now under the Jurisdiction of Helvetia. And on the wall of Friburg there is such an Epitaph found: Dum, bis sexcentis ter senis jungitur annus, In Friburg moritur, Berchtoldus Dux Alemanus. Unto six hundred and eighteen If thou do add a year, Than Berchtold Duke of Almain In Friburg died here. The Town itself is wonderfully well seated, for part of it s●●●deth on a Mountain, and part of it in a Vale, and the River 〈◊〉 doth flow about the Mountain at the bottom of the City. The judgement Hall is situated on a high Rock, where there was formerly a Castle, from which in process of time the City grew large, ●oth above and beneath. Two opposite Mountains do bear the Walls, although on the Eastern Mountain there are almost no houses, but Munition and fortifications. Wheresoever you go in the City, you must either ascend or descend. The Country round about it bringeth forth all things necessary, except Wine, of which they have none b●● that which is imported and brought in. And so much concerning the Cities of this tract, now we will add something concerning the Civil government of these Cities. The manner of the Common wealth in these Cities, is the same with that which is in the Cities of Helve●ta which are not divided into certain Tribes, out of which the Magistrates are equally chosen. But in these Cities they call the chief Magistrate and Head of the public Counsel, Ein Schuld●hessen. This German word is used in the Laws of the Longobardians, and it is written Schuldahis, but the Etymology of the word seemeth to be derived from Debito a debt, for so Schuld signifies, and from commanding, because the Schuldahis doth command the Debtors to satisfy his Creditors. This Schuldahis hath great authority and power in these Cities. Here are also two public Counsels, the greater and the less. The greater Counsel of Berne and Tigurum, is called the Counsel of two hundred men, although there are more than two hundred in it. But the lesser Counsel of Berne consisteth of six and twenty men. The manner of choosing the Senate at Berne is thus: The four Standard-bearer of the City do choose out of the Citizens sixteen honest sufficient men to join with themselves: and those twenty men, together with the Consul do choose the greater Senate: and afterward also the less: But the Consuls who have the chief dignity, are chosen out of either Counsel by common Suffrages and voices. In like manner the greater Counsel at Friburg consisteth of two hundred men, and the less of four and twenty. The lesser Senate doth look to the affairs of the City, and doth hear the Subject's appeals, except it be those Sabaudian Countries which were last taken in war, but those matters which appertain to the whole Commonwealth, and are of greatest moment, are referred to the two hundred men, or the greater Counsel. The Consul who is Precedent in both Counsels, is chosen by the people. The Earls in this part are Nuenberg, Nicdow, Arberg, and the Barony of Balm. THE chorographical DEscription of the Lake Lemann, and the adjacent places. By James Goulart. IN this Table you may at the first view behold the Lake Lemann, in the confines of the Dukedom of Sabaudia, the County of Burgundy, the barony or Lordship of Helvetia, and the Bishopric of Valesia. About the Lake there are many Regions, Praefectureships, Baronnies, jurisdictions, Highways, Rivers, Mountains, Cities, Towns, Castells, and Fortresses. The People on this side the Alps, which inhabit Sabaudia, do speak French, who heretofore, as julius Caesar witnesseth, in the beginning of his Commentaries, were called Allobrogians, from Allobroges, a King of France, who flourished about the year, 2433. And afterward, as the most famous Prelate Fauchetis witnesseth, they were called Baganda, and at length Sabaudians, in French Savoysiens, & in the Sabaudian speech Savoyarde. Earls have hitherto governed this Country, from the year of our Lord 1126. and from the year 1420, to this time it hath been under the government of Dukes. It is reported that this Country was at first a long time inhabited by a company of thiefs. But now in times of peace, the ways there are safe and secure. The inhabitants do complain of the temper of the air, sometimes for cold, and sometimes for heat. And yet the Lake, and the River Rhodanus, are almost never frozen over. Moreover the heat is not so violent, as in the Delphinate, nor the cold so sharp as in the low Countries, where Rivers are usually frozen over. The soil is fit for tillage and fruitful; for it hath abundance of Grapes, Wheat, Pease, Rapes, Cauly-flowres, French-beanes, Melons, Leeks, Onions, Lentils: Also Barley, Hay, Oates, and other grains. These fruits are common here, Nuts, Apples, Pears, of diverse sorts, sweet and sour cherries, black and white Mulberries, Chestnuts, Almonds, but Figs are more rare. There is also great variety of Fowl, Fish, & Beasts: The Wandalian Helvetians, who inhabit Lausanna and other places ne'er unto, are under the government of the most illustrious Lords of Berne: Under whom certain praefects for five year's space, do hold the Helm of the Commonwealth. According to ancient Chronicles, Arpentinus, Hercules Centenarius, laid the foundation of Lausanna in the year of the world 2790, from whom Carprentres the ancient name thereof was derived, which was changed when the City was translated unto the Mountain, in the time of Martin Bishop of Lausanna, in the year of our Lord 593. The City of Nevidunum, heretofore commonly called Ben●vis, being desolate and ruinated before the coming of julius Caesar, was restored and re-edified in the time of the Emperor Flavius Vespasian, by a Centurion of his, dwelling in it, called Nyon. Cassonex was built in the year of our Lord 442. And Abona was built in the year 456, and some years afterward. Geneva a free Imperial City, in which white and black money is coined; was at first called Gen●●●a, as some suppose, because it is seated on a hill, amongst juniper trees, which seat Lemannus gave it (the Father of the Almania or Germans) the Nephew of Priam, the son of Paris, in the year of the world 2994. Afterwards it was called Aurelia, by Aurelianus the Emperor, because he was the repairer of this City, which in the time of Heliogabalus, was burnt down to the ground. julius Caesar and the Latins call it Geneva, and the Poets for their verse sake call it Geneva, and also by the Registers. The Germans call it 〈◊〉 the Frenchmen Geneve, to which Vengee is a fit Anagram, for it hath been oftentimes miraculously preserved from enemies and Traitors, and especially on the 12, or 22 of December in the year 1602. ●he Castell Morgtarum was built, by the Emperor Clottartu● ●n the year of our Lord 1135. Aquianum, commonly called 〈…〉 by Peter brother and Deputy, to Amades Earl of 〈…〉 year 1237. But this Lake of Geneva on that side which lieth to 〈◊〉 Helvetia, is sixteen miles long, and on that side which lieth toward Sabaudia, it is 12 miles long, and it is four miles broad. It 〈◊〉 at lest sixteen Ports or Havens. The Ports. Out of the Port Morgtens●s and ●●slensis, commonly called roll, the best wine is brought to Gen●●● and out of the Port of the Promontory, commonly called Par●●●, and the Port of Nero, commonly called Nerny, great store of ward and coal is brought to Geneva. Rivers. The River Rhodanus, ●lowing into Lemann, from the first rising thereof, even to his entrance into the Lake, is not navigable for ships, neither from the Helvetian bridge in the Suburbs of Geneva, even to the next town called Se●sel, which is seven miles distant from the City. The same River in a certain place, five miles distant from the City, falleth into a deep pit under ground. jurassus is such a long Mountain, that the Geneva, did heretofore call the inhabitants thereof Long●mans. The Mountains. For from the top of them you may behold the Churches of Geneva and Basil, being four or five days journey distant one from another: Also there is a wonderful rock full of holes, which Sebastian Munster describeth in his cosmography. Also the virgin's Castles built by julius Caesar. Also the Town of Saint Claudus, because lame people came thither from remote parts for religion sake. Also a snowy fountain in Summer time: also a natural Pit, that is as broad as any Theatre, and as deep as a Church, and as dark as a Cave, being continually full of snow, Ice and Crystal. Not fare from the Lake Lemann, on the part which lieth toward Sabaudia, there are Mountains which in the midst of Summer, are covered with snow. There is a certain Mountain a mile distant, from the City Geneva, upon which some, map of Lake Lemann THE LAKE LEMANN. not without horror ascend by steps cut out of the rock, which are very narrow, and almost innumerable: And some setting their foot upon the last step, when they beheld the deep precipice beneath them, have go back again. There is also another Mountain not fare from Aquila, a town towards Valesia, of whose wonderful effects, we may read the whole story in the memorable Histories of our time, in the Chapter of Earthquakes, lately set forth in French at Paris. The Mountain of S. Sergius, is the most fruitful of all the Chablacian Mountains, among which there is one other very fruitful. The other do bear nothing but wood and shrubs, and pasturage for Cows, which in the Summertime do fat themselves on the plains of the Mountains, and do give good store of milk. But who can reckon the memorable chances or events happening there in the time of Wars? Or how great and fearful is the Precipice of the Mountain Mustracensis, from which every year many horses loaden, and Merchants do fall headlong. Concerning the rocks, which are sharp like teeth or swords, we must writ in a more accurate style, or else be silent: Concerning the foot of the Mountains of Aquiane, it is known that they are unknown by reason of the depth of the Lake, from the bottom whereof they do arise. The Woods. The most of the woods they do yield Chestnuts, both to the poor and rich, and Acorns for Hogs and Swine, also firewood, and cart-timber, and plough-timber, for husbandmen. I● these places there are few or no Churches, The public works. which have relics of Saints in them, because Idolatry is banished from hence. But there are many sumptuous and magnificent Temples, especially that at Lausanna, being built within of black Marble; and the ancient Temple at Geneva being full of Iron work, being twice or thrice endangered by thunder, so that the leaden cross of it was burnt, and the high Tower fell down; which was built before the coming of Charles the great. Add to these the Temple of Viviacum, seated among the Vineyards, out of the walls of the City, and the Temple of Magium, lately beautified. But all the Images are defaced. Geneva hath an hospital for Orphans, and for the sick, but both of them are included in the Hospital for strangers, in which there dwelleth a Catechiser and a Schoolmaster, who do take pains in comforting the sick, and reading prayers to them; it hath also a Physician and an Apothecary belonging thereto. The Municipal Court in Geneva in which every day five and twenty wife and pious Senators do meet together to consult of affairs, The Court. The Senators belonging to the Common wealth, and in which also the written records and books are kept, is watched every night by the Citizens. On one side of the Gate there is placed a magnificent seat of judgement, commonly called the Tribunal. On the other side of the Gate there is a notable monument of time, occasion, & the means of the renovation of this state. And near the Court there is an Armoury well furnished. There are also in and about this City many high bulwarks fortified with shot. There have been and are many Castles in this Country, one of which is called S. Catherines' Castle, in which those warlike engines or instruments were laid up, which were provided for the siege of Geneva, and brought thither in the year 1590. It was taken by King Henry the fourth, who commanded it to be razed Anno. Dom. 1601. The other Castle, which the Genevians built over against it, for peace sake and for sparing of charges, they suffered to fall to ruin. The third Castle commonly called Ripaille, by the aid of the French Cohorts came to be under the power of the Genevians, Anno 1589, and is now desolate, as also the fourth, which belonged to Versovius, when the Genevians took it. There are some Towers cunningly and ingeniously raised, one of which is called Turris Magistra, or the Mistress Tower, which defends Geneva, on that side which is next the Lake and Sabaudia; the other is called the Tower of the Island, or Caesar's Tower, which is seated on a high Island for the defence of the Bridge, which heretofore appertained to the Heluetians, & as it is reported it was built by the same Emperor. The Laws and Statutes. The Statutes and Laws of the Common wealth, and College of Geneva, may be read in a printed book. Here is a great number of noble families. The noble families. As concerning men famous for wit, and the profession of Arts, and sciences; there have been many who have gotten much fame by their divine, and Philosophical works. As Peter Viretus Verbigenensis, Gulielmus Farellus, The learned men. joannes Calvinus, Antonius Sadeel, Petrus Cevalerius, Nicolas Colladonus, Cornelius Bertramus, Alberius, Alizetus, Sequierius, Bucanus, all of which in the former age were a long time diligent Preachers and professors, at Geneva, Lausanna, Morgium, and Albona: after whom there succeeded these famous writers, Theodorus Beza Veselius, Simon Goulartius Silvanectinus, Antonius Faius, joannes Lacomotus, james Lectius a Senator; joannes Deodatis of Geneva, professor of Divinity, and the Hebrew tongue, Isaac Casaabon, the King's Professor for the Greek tongue, and Gasparus Laurentius, professor of the same Language. Moreover the public Library at Geneva is adorned with many excellent manuscripts. The Libraries. And that at Lausanna, is furnished with many excellent works of the Fathers, and other Divines. Concerning the common people, they are full of Civility, and they receive and entertain strangers, very lovingly and honourably: Their manners. and it transporteth and sends into other Countries, great Trout, fat Capons, good Cheese, gold, wire, and fishing lines, Their trading. besides other commodities. ARGOW. Argovia, commonly called Argow, was a part of the Kingdom of Transiura, which comprehended all the Countries lying from the Mountain jura, even to the Alps; of which heretofore the Heluetians, the Rauracians, and part of the Allobrogians, and now the Dukedom of Sabaudia, Vehtlandia, Brisgovia, Suntgovia, Cremerlandia, and the Praefectureship of Tigurinum, or the Cantons of Helvetia, do now hold. But in this Table, the Towns Lucerna, Vrens, Switz, Vnderwald, and Glarona, are contained: Lucerna is a City of Helvetia which Meyerus calleth Lacocerna, it is situated upon the River Rusa, where it breaketh out of a great Lake, by which there is a passage by boat to three Towns, unto the foot of the high Mountain which they commonly call Fractum & Pilati Montem, that is, the broken Mountain or Pilat's Mountain. The Lake is very convenient for the City, because there is a way by it into Italy, by the Leponius Alps; which they call now the Mountain of Saint Gothards from hence commodities are carried to the Alps, and from thence by Packe-horses into Italy; and again, Italian commodities are brought down the Lake, and the River Rusa to the Rhine, and so unto the Ocean. Besides, the Lucernatians do make more profit by the Lake, than of the adjacent soil lying about it, although they have excellent Meadows for the pasturing and feeding of Cattles. It is a very pleasant City, and rich, being the common Mart Town of the Suitensians, the Vranians, and the Transylvanians. The original of this City is uncertain: it is reported that there were Castles on both sides of the River, which were built by the Almains, but there are Citizen's houses in their places. It was so called from a Lamp or light which was hung out there, as a Sea mark for the direction of Mariners, and it is credible and likely that the ancient Tower served for this purpose, which at the higher bridge is now named from the waters; The like is at Tigurum, which is called from the Sea waves Wellenberga: the ancients did call these kind of Towers Watchtowers. Their own Annals do report, that the Lucernatians did go to war with Charles the Great, against the Saracens, and that he gave them some privileges, and taught them the use of Horns, with which in these times, they do sound a retreat in the wars. The College of the Canonists, had heretofore the greatest power, which afterward came to be under the authority of the Abbot of Murbaoum by the donation and grant of King Pipin. Afterwards Abertus, Emperor of Austria, bought Lucerna of the Abbot of Murbaoum. But not long after the Lucernatians oppressed by the heavy burdens laid upon them by the Austrian governor's, being desirous of peace and liberty, made a league with them Anno 1323. There were two Praefectureships of Lucerna, which Mercator reckoneth, in map of Argow ARGOW. which the Praefects devil in one place, which are as I suppose Wiken, Sempach. But the latter Praefect hath no power over the town, but is only overseeer of the Lake and the fishing therein: the Senators in the City do govern the other Towns, which are: Willisew, Entlibuchia Vallis, Rotenburg or Rot, or some place near unto it: also Habspurg, Berona, with the neighbour Country called Chelamt, that is, the Praefectureship of Michael; also Merischwanden, Waggis, Ebicena, Krientz: also the two Cities, Surseium and Sempachium, which are under the Lucernatians protection, yet they have a Counsel of their own, which doth judge both civil, and criminal causes: but the chief man of the Surseian Counsel is called Sculthes, who giveth an oath to the Lucernatians: but the chief of the Sempachian Counsel is chosen out of the Senate of Lucerna, but yet out of the number of the Citizens of Semphachium. The next is the Town of the Vrians or Urania. In julius Caesar's time, the Romans did call the inhabitants thereof Taurisci, and the name of Vrians, by which they are now called, is thought to be derived from the Vranians, whom the ancients did call Tauriscians', as also they now call the Stebentalensi●●s, Taurians, after the German manner. Moreover, the arms of this Country is a black Bulls heads in a yellow field. The Vrians Car●e is divided into ten parts, which they call Gnossaminem, that is, to sha●●, or participations, because those Senators only, which are elected out of them, are capable of public offices, & are called to the 〈◊〉 all meetings. The Town Suitia. The next is the Canton of the Suitians: Suitia or Suttia, is a Town which communicateth his name to all Helvetia, for they first built it, who fled hither out of the Kingdom of Suecia to seek themselves new habitations. There is one of the three Cantons, who joined themselves in confederacy against the insolency of the nobility, and it brought forth many stout and able men for service, who were often a terror to their enemies. All the Country doth live upon the fruits which the earth bringeth forth. From this Town or Canton, strangers and foreigners do call the Helvetians Suitzers, because they fought first for liberty in their Country, or because they contended long with the Eremitans, and were the first of the 3 Towns of the Austrians, that was enforced to break into the Country, and was the chiefest in power of all the three Cantons; & the other Cartres were comprehended under their name, as being of most note, and from the name was afterward communicated, to all the confederates: or lastly because the Vrians, Silvanians, and Suitensians, begin the confederacy in their Town. The Country of the Suetzers is divided into five parts, which they call Quartas, retaining still the name of the new division, The town Vnderwaldia. in this new and sixtfold division. There is also the Canton of lower Silvania, which is commonly called Vnderw●ldia. This is a free Canton, being mutually joined in confederacy with Suitia and Urania, in the year of our Lord 1315. It is environed round about with the Alps; it hath pleasant pastures, for breeding and feeding of Cattles, by which the inhabitants of Syluania do reap much profit. But the Vrians, the Suitensians, the Silvanians or Vnderwaldians, although by some covenants they were subject to the Abbeys of certain Monasteries, yet they had liberties of their own, and received Praefects from the Empire, which they call Vortos, by a Greek word, as heretofore the Praefects of the Romans. For their office was the same with the Burgraves in these Countries. For they had power to give judgement of life and death. I conjecture that the other form of government remained from the ancient Monarchy of the Romans, in which the Paefects did not live as they listed, neither did created magistrates out of their own number, but they received them from the Senare or the Emperor. But the Canton of Vnderwaldra, is divided by the wood Kernwald into two parts, namely the higher and the lower, yet all the Country nevertheless is comprehended, under the name of Vnderwaldia. Glarona. There remains Glarona, commonly called Glaris, a Country of the Helvetian confederacy, near the River Limagus, not very large, being three German miles long, and taketh its name from the special Town in this Country, being three parts of it encompassed with the high Alps; on the South and North it joineth to the Rhetians, on the West to the Vrians, and Suitians, on the North to a Country called Castra Rhetica or the Rhetian Tents, where the River Limagus entereth into the Vale. The ancient government. The jurisdiction of this Country, and the revennewes thereof, was given in the time of S. Fridoline by a certain Earl to the Monastery of Seekingense, namely in the time of Clodovius the first Christian King of France, in the year of our Lord 500, who was the first King of France, that reigned and governed Rhetia, Almania, and Helvetia. This Land afterward obtained her liberty, and her own jurisdiction, and did join itself in confederacy with the Helvetians, in the year of our Lord 1252. The Inhabitants do now live upon milk, Cheese, butter, and flesh. Among the straitss of the Mountains there is little ground sowed, and few Vines are planted. They have Orchards full of fruit, and flourishing Meadows. Wine and corn are brought in from other parts. The Lakes afford fish; The Lakes. and the woody Mountains do furnish them with fowl and flesh, of wild beasts. Henry Glareanus, and Aegidius Yscudus, two learned men were borne in this Country. To these is joined the County of Hamburg, and the Barony of Humbert and Ringenbereg. But Glarona is distributed into 15. parts, which they call Tagwan. Werdenbergen doth command the Country, which they bought, Anno 1517. They and the Suitians do by turns sand praefects to Vzenacum, or V●snac, and into the Rhetian Tents at Wesome. But so much hitherto, let us now add something in general concerning this part of Helvetia, and here the Lakes are first to be considered, among which is the miraculous Lake, called pilate's Lake, which is situated on the broken Mountain as they call it, not fare from Lucerna, almost on the top of the Mountain it standeth solitarily, being encompassed on every side with Woods, so that none can stir or provoke it. For they report, that if any thing be purposely cast into it, it will stir up a great tempest, and make it overflow, as many have found by experience: but those things that fall in by accident, do occasion no danger at all. It is a place fearful to behold, and the water standeth still in the channel of it, neither hath it any vent, neither doth it receive any River into it, neither is it increased by snow or rain water. It is scarcely moved with the wind, but the waters thereof are always black, and strangers are not permitted to come unto it, lest they should rashly cast any thing thereinto, whereby the neighbouring Country may be endangered. Among the other Rivers which do water this Country, The Rivers. there is one called Limagus, which riseth in Glarina, and in the middle of the Country, it receiveth Serniphius another River which runneth out of another Valley. Afterwards beneath Vrna (which is the name of two Towns) above the Laterician bridge (for so they call it) having borrowed some water out of the Lake Vesenius, it parteth and divideth Marcha (which was heretofore the bounds between the Helvetians, and the Rhetians, for so the Helvetians call a bound) and the Tents of the Rhetians. Afterwards entering into the Lake Tigurinum, at the mouth thereof it divides Tigurum a large City of the Helvetians: and from thence it slideth to those waters which the Grecians, call Baths, which are so famous for their hot waters. And not fare from thence it mingleth itself with the two Rivers, Vrsa and Arola. The River Vrsa, which by transposition of the two former letters, they commonly call ●ass, ariseth on the top of the Alps, which are now called Saint Gorberis Alps, and so runneth straight Northward, when on the other side Ticinus, arising out of the same Mountain runneth by the Lepo●●s Southward, first through Ursula or Vrsella a Rhetian Valley, and afterward it cometh to Vria of the Tauriscians', the remainder of the French Nation, where it mingleth itself with the Lake, where it watereth the Vrians, the Suizians, the Silvanians, and Lucernal, four Cities of the Wood, for so they call them now. Afterwards having received the Rivers of Tuginum, it glideth by Bremgarte, and Mellige, (which are Towns of Helvetia) and so beneath Bruges m●●gleth itself with Arola. And at their confluence, or meeting together, three Rivers of Helvetia, Limagus, Vrsa, and Arola, do discharge themselves into the Rhine. But let so much suffice concerning Helvetia, and the parts thereof, we pass to the Low Countries, or lower Germany. THE RHETIANS now called the GRISONES. THe Rhetians are accounted an ancient people by the consent of all men. For some ages before Christ's birth the Tuscians being beaten by the French out of their own habitations, under the conduct of their Captain Rhetus, seated themselves in an Alpine Country, which was called from their Captain, Rhetia, and they themselves Rhetians. But whereas this Country was heretofore very large, and that the name of the Rhetians, for warlike matters grew famous amongst their neighbours, so that they were a terror unto many which Ovid declareth in this verse: Rhaetica nunc praebent Thraciaque arma metum. The Thracian arms, now every where, And the Rhaetian do put us in fear. At length being conquered by the Romans, they made two Provinces of it, namely the first, and the second Rhetia: which did not only contain the Alpine Countries, but a great part of Suevia and Bavaria. Now by this name we understand those people, whom they call Grisones, for their grisly habit which was made of their own Country cloth; but the Germans at this day do call them Grauwbuntner, who do inhabit the ancient Alpine Rhaetia, near to the Spring-heads of the River Rhine and Oenus, who are perpetually joined together by a threefold tie of amity, and confederacy. The first confederacy, which is called the higher, hath eighteen assemblies in it, among which the chief heretofore were, Disentinus the Abbot, the Barons of Rhetia, and the Earls of Misaucium; but those families are long since worn out and extinguished. Although they that now possess the Castle of Rhaetia, do challenge that title, from the Plantinian family. The several conventions or assemblies, have one chief annual Magistrate, whom they call Ammanus; hetogether with the judges chosen by the same assembly, judgeth of controversies, doth lay mulcts and fines upon offenders. The second confaederacy is called the house of God, or der Gotthuss bunt, in regard of the Bishopric and College of Curiense; it hath 21. conventions or partnerships in it, which are sometimes contracted into eleven greater. The City Curia is the head of this confederacy, and hath a special Commonwealth; not unlike unto Tigurinum. After them the chief partnerships, are Ingadinus, and Bregalianus, in whose Territories are the heads of the Rivers Athesis and Oenus. The third confederacy hath 10 jurisdictions, the first whereof is Dav●sian, so called from the Town Davosium, in which is the Court for this confederacy, and the Assizes for all the jurisdictions are held. The second is the Belfortian jurisdiction, the third the Barponensian, the fourth the Praelonganian, the fifth of S. Peter, the sixth the Caenobiensian in the Rhetian Valley, the seaventh the Castellanean, the eighth the Aceriensian, the ninth the Malantiensian, the 10 the Maievillensian. But these 3 confaederacies have 50 jurisdictions, of which one Commonwealth is framed: For albeit the most of them have meetings of their own, and also Magistrates, Laws or rather customs, and power to judge of civil and criminal matters, yet the Senate of 〈◊〉 three confaederacies hath the greatest power and authority. A●● sometimes they have entered into other confaederacies, notwithstanding this perpetual confederacy. In the year 1419. the Bishop and the Curiensian College made a league with the Tigurinians 〈◊〉 51. years, having formerly entered into society with the Glar●ui●●. The Rhaetians also of the higher confederacy, did a long time joy● themselves with the Vrians; and the confederates of the house of God, did join themselves in perpetual league, with the 7 Can●● (as they call them) of the Helvetians. He that desireth to know more concerning these matters, let him have recourse to Sprecheras his Rhaetia, and Egidius Scudius his Rhaetia, and Simlers Helvetia. I will only add, that the length of Rhaetia at this day, if it be taken from the South, unto the North, is about 15 Rhaetian or German miles, accounting 8000 paces to every mile; the breadth of it from the 〈◊〉 to the West, is thirteen miles, or there about's. map of Grisons THE ●HETIANS Now called the GRISONES. A DESCRIPTION of the Low COUNTRIES. BEing now to describe that part of France which belongeth to the King of Spain, I will follow that order which I have observed in the description of France. The Index of the Tables of the Low Countries. 1. The Low Countries in general. 2. Flanders. 3.— The Eastern part. 4. Brabant. 5. Holland. 6. Zealand. 7. Gelderland. 8. Zutphania. 9 Vltrajectum. 10. Mechlinia. 11. Groeninga. 12. Transisulania. 13. Artesia. 14. Hannonia. 15. Namurcium. 16. Lutzenburg 17. Limburgh. map of low countries THE DESCRIPTION OF THE LOW COUNTERIES. It hath also great plenty of Ewe trees which is a poisonous tree, but excellent Bows are made of them. Of the juice thereof a poison is made, with which Caesar reporteth that Cattivalcus' king of the Ebure●ians did make away himself. There is also another kind of tree which is not found any where else, which is like a white Poplar, the inhabitants do call it in the plural number Abeelen. There is great store of them in Brabant, which serve for diverse uses, especially at Brussels. The Low Countrymen may praise the goodness of their soil for bringing up of Cattles. For Oxen, horses, sheep, and great herds of cattles are bred there. And especially great, strong horses fit for service in the wars. There are also the best Oxen, especially in Holland and Friesland, where an Ox often weigheth a thousand and two hundred pound weight. Ludovicke Guicciardine an Italian, unto whom our Country is much beholding for making an accurate and true description thereof, saith that the Earl of Mechlin had an Ox given him which weighed two thousand, five hundred, and eight and twenty pound, which he caused afterward to be painted in his Palace. The Cows have lose great Udders, and full of milk. For in some parts of Holland in Summer time, they will give four and forty Pints of milk. I pass by many other things, lest should be tedious. For hunting they have abundance of Does, Hearts, Goats, Boars, Badgers, Hares, and Coneys, and other games beside. And for Hawking they have Hernes, Kites, Vultures, Partridges, Pheasants, Turtle Doves, Starlings, Thrushes, Storks, Ducks, Geese, Woodcocks, or Snipes, which Nemesianus describeth thus. Praeda est facilis & amaena Scolopax Corpore non Paphijs avibus majore videbis, Illa sub aggeribus primis, qua proluit humour Pascitur, exiguos sectans obsonia vermiss: At non illa oculis, quibus est obtusior, et si Sint nimium grandes, sed acutus naribus instat Impresso in terram rostri mucrone, sequaces Vermiculos trahit, atque gulae dat praemia vili. The Woodcock is easy to ensnare, Their bodies no bigger than Doves are; And by some watery ditches side Feeding on worms he doth abide: Not by his eyes though they be great, But by his bill he finds his meat, Thrusting his bill into the ground, Where when he a worm hath found, He draws him forth, and so doth live By that food which the earth doth give. They have also Afric Hens, and great plenty of other He●●. But enough of these things, let us now proceed to other matters; It is worth your knowledge to know how the Provinces of the low Countries were united, and grew to be one body, and how it fell to Charles the fifth and his son Philip. Ludovicke Malanas' Earl and Lord of Flanders, Nivernia, Rastella, Selina, Antuerp, and Mechlin, and after his Mother's death, Earl of Burgundy and Artesia, married Margaret, daughter to john Duke of Brabant, by which marriage he came to be Duke of Brabant, Limburg, and Letaringit. By his wife he had one only daughter, who was the inheriting to her father's Lands, who in the year 1369. at Gandave married Philip Valesius Duke of Burgundy, who for his singular Valour, was s●mamed the Bold. He lived 70 years, and died at Holla near to Braxells, in the year of Christ, 1404. He left these children behind him, john, Antony, and Philip Valesius: Catharine, Mary, and Margaret. All of them did increase their Patrimony by marriage. Catharin● married Lupoldus Duke of Austria: Mary married Amedees' Duke of Sabaudia: Margaret married the Earl of Holland, and Han●●t, Antonius Vaselius was made by his father Duke of Brabant, L●taringia, and Limburg, he married Elizabeth Duchess of Lutze●berg, by whom he had these sons, john who married jacoba Countess of Holland, and Philip, both Dukes of Brabant. Antonius, and his younger brother Philip Valesius, were slain in the French wars near Teroana in the year 1415. Antonius' his sons, dying afterward without issue, left their Uncle john Valesius, their heir, and john Valesius, who was called the Undaunted, being the elder brother, succeeded his father in the year 1404, and obtaining by his brothers and Nephew's death many large possessions, was miserably and unjustly put to death, in the year 1419, by Charles the Dolphin, for the Duke of Orleans, with whom he always lived in continual enmity and hostility. He left these children, Philip, Margaret, Isabella, and Catharine. Philip surnamed the good or godly succeeded his Father, in the three and twentyeth year of his age, in the Dukedom of Burgundy, the County of Flanders, Burgundy, Artesia, in the Marquiship of the Empire, of Selina, and Mechlin. He at Atrebatum made a league with Charles the 7 and with the Duke of Orleans, and freed him out of prison, having been five and twenty year's prisoner in England, and paid his ransom, and gave him his sister Mary to wife. He after the death of Theodericke, Earl of Murcium was made heir of this County: and after the death of Philip, he had the Dukedom of Brabant, Lotaringia, and Limburg: and after the death of jacoba, he had the Counties of Hannonia, Holland, Zealand, and Friesland: And also the Dukedom of Lutzenburg, came to him by his wife Elizabeth, the widow of his Uncle Antonius: so that it came to pass, that the large and rich Provinces of both Burgundy's, of Brabant, of Limburg, of Lutzenburg, of Flanders, of Artesia, of Hannonia, of Holland, of Zealand, of Namurcium, of Friesland, of Mechlin, and the Marquiship of the Empire were all subject to Philip the good. He had to wife Isabella, daughter to the King of Portugal: he lived seaventy two years, and died in the year 1457, leaving one son called Charles the Bold, to be heir unto so many Provinces, who did not only keep his father's Empire, but also enlarged it, by joining unto it Gelderland, Zutphania, and the juliacensian Dukedom. And this is that Charles who was the Grandfather of Charles the fifth, who was borne in the year 1500 of joane the daughter of Ferdinand King of Arragon, the wife of Philip of Austria: which Philip was the son of Maximilian of Austria, by his mother Mary the daughter of Charles the bold; under whom, these Provinces which before had many Lords, being united, grew to be one body, and now they are commonly called the Low Countries. Long since the Low Countrymen were accounted brave soldiers. And Caesar Lib. 1. Commentaries, concerning the French war, doth call them the valiantest of all the gauls. For he writeth thus. The valiantest of all the Gauls are the Low Countrymen, because they care not for trimness of attire, and merchants have not frequent recourse unto them, and therefore those commodities are not brought to them which do effeminate the mind; and they are near to the Germans, who live beyond the Rhine, with whom they wage continual war; by which reason also the Helvetians do exceed the other Frenchmen for valour, because they have daily skirmishes and fights with the Germans, when either they drive them forth out of their borders, or they do make inroads into their Territories. And hence we may collect their strength and courage in defending their liberties, that in the time of C. Caesar, they endeavoured to shake off the Roman yoke of subjection. And so they mustered & joined armies to contend with them. The Bellovacians set forth 6000 soldiers, the Suessones 5000, & the Nervians (who were then so wild and uncivil, that they would not suffer Merchants at that time to bring them wine or other commodities) did set forth 5000. The Atrebatians and Ambianians did set forth 10000, the Morineans five and twenty thousand. The Menapians 60, thousand. The Caletians 10 thousand; the Velocassians and Veromanduans, did set forth 10 thousand a piece: the Ad●aticians 18, thousand: the Condrusians, Eburonians, and Caemanians, 40 thousand. So that the whole sum of choice Soldiers was 273 thousand, as Orosius witnesseth: or as Caesar himself delivers, their number was 368 thousand, whereby it appeareth that the Low Country men were always noble Soldiers. And Caesar in the second of his Commentaries saith, that it was they alone who in our father's time did vex all France, and did keep out the Tentomanes and Cimbrians, out of their Territories; whereby it came to pass, that the memory of their atchivements, did make them valiant and full of courage in Military affairs. And foreign armies have found it in our age, who being fresh soldiers and joining battle with the old soldiers, they found that the Citizens, Countrymen, and Seamen, were all stout of courage. There are 17 Provinces in the low Countries, all of which the Emperor Charles the fifth did possess: in which there are 4 Dukedoms, the Dukedom of Brabant and Limburg, which together with the County of Dale and the Lordships of Valckenburg, and Road le Due, is joined to Brabant, and it dependeth on the Chancery of Brabant: also the Dukedoms of Lutzenburg and Gelderland. There are 7 Counties, Flanders, Artesia, Hannonia, Holland, Zealand, Namurcium and Zutphania: also the Marquiship of the holy empire, which hath four principal Cities, Nivella, Lovanium, Braxells, and the Metropolis Antwerp; it is now a part of Brabant. There are five Lordships, or Signiories, of West-Friesland, of Mechlin, of Vltrajectum, of Trans-Isaliana, and Groneland. There are many Cities, in the Low Countries, which are well fortified, the number whereof as also of the Towns and villages you may find in Mercator. But the chief Cities are Louvain, Brussels, Antwerp, Silva Ducis, Gandavum, Bruges, Hipra, Mechlinia, Cameracum, Atrebatum, Tornacum, Valencena, Insulae, Dort, Harlem, Amsterdam, Lugdunum Battavorum, Namurcum, Neomagum, Trajectum and others. There is a great company of Lakes, Pools, and Marshies, in the Low Countries, which do not only hold great store of fish, but do also fortify those Countries, against the invasion of enemies. Few Rivers do rise in this Country, but many Rivers, which have their spring head farther off, do glide through it, and do much enrich it. The chiefest are Rhine, Mosa, Scaldis, Am●sis: the lesser are Mosella, Lisander, Aa, Sambra, Dela, and many others. We will speak of Rhine and Amasis in Germany, and we have spoken of Mosella in Germany, now we will describe the rest. Mos● doth flow out of the Mountain Vogesus, which is situate on the borders of the Lingonians, not fare from the Fountains of Araxis and Matrona, and so running Northward it glideth by the Church of Saint Theobald, or Saint Tibaut, where it begins to be navigable: from thence it slideth to Virdunum, and from thence bending towards Caecia, it runs straight forward to Mosa and Maser●acum. From thence turning Northward, it visiteth Carolomont, Boviniacum, Dinantum, and Namurcum; and there growing wider by the receipt of the River Sabis, it turneth itself Westward, and so having viewed Hoium, and Leodium, and glided by Trajectum, and Stochemum, it passeth by Ruremunda and Venloium: where turning Westward it watreth Cuicka, Ravestienum and Megena: afterward being received into the Rhine, near the Town of Herwerd, and so afterward mingleth itself with Vahalus, and straight way they part again, yet still keeping their own names: and so they fall in two divided streams, into the River Lovesteinum: where they do encircle the Bomelian Island, and so join together again, and losing their ancient name they are called by the name of Merova: and so gliding by Worcomium and Gorcomium, they come at last unto Dort, and there making the Island of Iselmond, it is called Mosa, and so retaining still the same name, having glided by Roterdame and Vlaerdinga, it entereth into the Sea, about the Brill with such a violent current, that for a long way together it preserveth his water fresh and sweet. And Sturgeons delighting in this sweet fresh water are alured to come up the River, and so are easily taken; which doth not happen to other Rivers, because they entering the Sea with a quiet gentle stream, these water presently becomes salt, as Seyne, Iberus Thames, and many other great Rivers. On the contrary, Eridanus, Tiber, Rhodanus, Garumna, and other Rivers which run into the Sea with greater violence, do in like manner as Mosa allure and entice the Sturgeons to come up into them, but not in so great Plenty. Besides, the Sturgeons which are taken in the Rivers Mosa and Rhine, are greater and more pleasant in taste than those in the Mediterranean Sea. They are of a silver shining colour, of a great bigness. There are some taken which do weigh above 400 pound. Guicciardine doth report, that be saw in the Market at Antwerp a Sturgeon of 420 pound weight, & that it was above 12 feet of Antwerp long: and on another day in the morning he saw 70. Sturgeons' together, the lest of which was above five foot long. This fish is first seen in Holland, Zealand, and Friesland, in the Month of April, and it is found three months together or longer, during which time great store of them are taken. And from hence transported into other Countries, especially into England, being salted up, and so kept from putrifying; & also at other times, all the year through, they take lesser sturgeon, which are delicate in taste. Out of this, being enticed by the freshwater, they come up into the mouth of the River Mosa, in which there are very fat Salmones, Trout, which are taken here all the year long, also Lampreys, Mulletts, Congers, and other kinds of excellent fish, which here for brevity sake I omit. But this is wonderful, that those fish are bad if they betaken in the Sea, but very good and fat, when they enter into fresh water. Besides, this River doth naturally breed besides other fish, Trout, Lampreys, some greater & some les, but more delicate in taste. Schaldis which Ptolemie calls Thahuda, the Low countrymen Schelt, the French Escault, doth rise in Veromanduum; near Saint Martin's Abbey, as they call it, where it gently slideth between castelet, and Beau-revior, two French Fortifications, & so runneth to Cameracum: thence going toward the Country of Hannonia, it watreth the noble City of Valence: and afterward growing navigable, having received the River Hania, it glideth by the Condatum; and afterward being enlarged by the receipt of the River Scarpa, it vieweth S. Amandum, and so bending Northward toward Tornacum, it glideth by Aldenarda, and the famous City Gandawm, where it receiveth the Rivers Lisander, and Livia, and other streams. From thence with many windings and Maeander-like turnings it runneth forward to Teneremunds': and there having received the River Tenera, flowing on the right hand, it goeth toward Rupelmunda: and there it receiveth Rupels, and a little after Dela: and being now grown bigger, it by and by washeth the walls of Antwerp, and maketh a fair Haven or Harbour for ships before the Town: afterward having run a little further, it parteth itself into two channels, and so divideth Brabant and Flanders from Zealand: for on the left hand, it windeth and bendeth Southward, and so runneth by the shores and borders of Flanders, and is called by another name de Hont, from the barking noise thereof; from whence it passeth by Zuytbeveland and Walachria into the Western Ocean: on the right hand leaving Brabant, it keepeth one continual course in his old channel, by the Island of Scaldis, and so with a violent current runs into the Sea. Moreover the tide followeth up into this River, even to Gandawm, which is thirty miles from the mouth of it, if you count them by the winding course of the banks. There do come up into this River Sturgeons, Salmones, Trout, great Lampreys, Turbotts, Congers, Cuckoo fishes Mullets, Crabs, Lobsters, Sardins, and many most delicate fish, which come up out of the Sea into Scaldis, and do there feed, and cast their spawn; so that for two or three months, between the Spring and the Summer, besides the greater fish, there is taken so great a number of small Fry, that many men do live by them. Also many Sea Dogfish, and Porpoises do come up this River, which two kind of fishes do not cast forth any spawn, but do bring forth their young ones perfectly form. The Dogfish do bring forth their young on the Land, and do suckle them with their dugs, until they are grown to a good bigness. Moreover, this River without the help of the Sea, doth yield diverse kinds of fish all the year long, of which these are the chief: Pikes, Barbells, Tenches, Carp and Breames of an unusual bigness, so that they do sometimes, weigh 20 pound; also Gudgeons, and many other kinds of fish both great and small. Also diverse kinds of Eels, and Crabs, and in the mouth of the River, there are some Oysters, which come thither out of the Sea. And therefore this River for multitude of fish and variety, is not inferior not only to any River of France, but also of all Europe. Aa riseth near Teroana, and so bending towards Caesia, it slideth by the Church of Saint Audomare, and so coming to Griveling (near which in the year 1558 that famous battle was fought between the Burgundians and the French) it doth discharge itself into the British Sea. Lisander commonly called the Leye, riseth in Artesia, in the Town Lisburg, which taketh his name from this River, near Teroana: and having viewed Aria, Armenteris, Wervicum, and Meenen, and from thence cutting through the middle of Cortracum and Gandawm, it mingleth itself with Scaldis: it hath abundance of very good fish. Sambra commonly called Sambre, which Caesar calleth Sabris, doth rise in Hannonia, near the Town Novion; and so having viewed the Towns, which are commonly called Landrecy, Sassene, Barlaymont, Mabeuge, Merne, and Cassele: at last it glideth by Namarcum, and so discharges itself into Mosa, and is full of delicate fish. Dela riseth in Brabant, near the Village Town Tila, and so bending Northward it runneth to Waveta; and afterward it floweth by Lovanium which is three miles distant from thence, and so keeping on his course for three miles, and afterward bending Westward, it embraceth Mechlinia with many spreading arms, and afterward four miles from Rupelimunda, being now grown very big it falleth into Scaldis. The River La Seine, as it seemeth, was so named from the Senones a people of Britain, when they came into these Countries to vex and disturb the French. It riseth near the Town Soigni's in Hannonia, and so runneth to Holla, and having glided by Brussels, it floweth by Viluorda: and afterward bending toward Caecia, it leaveth Mechlin on the right hand, and having go a little further it poureth itself into the River Dela, Diza riseth near the little Town called Per: and so turning Northward it watereth Eindovia, and so keeping his former course it cometh to Silva Ducis, beneath which it poureth itself into Mosa. Demera doth flow forth near the Tungrians, in the Dioecese of the Leodiensians, and so running Westward it watereth Bilsenum, Hasselt, and Diest, and from thence gliding by Sichenum and Arschot●m, it poureth itself into Dela. Netha riseth near the Town Rhetum, and floweth by the Town herentals, and from thence keeping a direct course, it runneth to the Signiory of Grobendoncke, and having received the little River Aade, it passeth by Lira, and so watreth Dusten and Walem, and a little further it mingleth itself with Dela. Rucur, or Rhoer, which Tacitus calleth Adrana, as Ritheimerus writeth, doth rise near the Town Bullinge, and cutting through Caesia it glideth by Dura and juliacum, and at length near Ruremunda which it nameth, it falleth into Mosa. There are also other lesser Rivers, which for brevity sake I forbear to describe. And I pass over also the Torrents, and greater Rivers, lest I should be tedious to the Reader; which do not only yield great store of fish, but are also an ornament and fortification to the Country, and are very convenient for the passing of commodities to and fro. And the Country people by the help of these Rivers making Sluices and Dams to stay the water, do afterward dig channels for some miles together, and after letting the water into them do make them navigable: so that there is no City which hath not great Barks, which come up unto it. But this Country hath but few fountains, or Springs of water, except in the Mountainous places. And thus having showed the Rivers that are in the Low Countries, it remaineth that we should speak somewhat concerning the Ocean: seeing in regard it is so near unto it, it may be counted not only a member of this Province, but the chief head thereof. I say therefore that the Ocean is wide and large, and in rough weather, it is fearful and terribly furious: for sometimes when tempests happen, the waves go so high, that it doth overflow and drown whole Countries: and especially it breaketh oftentimes in about the coast of Zealand: but the inhabitants do cast up trenches and banks, which do prevent the danger which might ensue thereby: unless when a western wind doth contend and blow against the spring tide. The winds which do most trouble the sea, and thereby do endanger the Country, are the Northwest, the West and the South winds. Also it is much troubled at the New-moon or Full-moon, and the two Aequinoctialls, at which time (as Cornelius Tacitus witnesseth) the Sea doth swell very much. For every new Moon, and full Moon, we see that there are still the greatest tides and greatest tempests. These tides do produce some good, and some evil effects. As for the former, it purgeth the water (as common experience doth teach us) and will not suffer it to corrupt: and also it maketh ships say le more speedily. For as Vegesius saith, Lib. 4. concerning Military matters, Cap. 42. Haereciprocantis meatus ambiguitas cursum Navium secunda adjuvat, retardat adversa: that is, Those tides if they be with a ship, do hasten her course; but being against her do foreslow and stay her course. The other evil effects, are the inundations, and violent eruptions of the Sea: For the Ocean doth sometimes come up into the land with such violence, that it driveth back great Rivers, and doth overflow spacious fields, as we said before. Pomponius Mela doth writ as much, and the miserable experience of many ages doth consume it. But so much concerning these things. And now having spoken of the Detriment and loss, which some Countries of this Province do receive by the Ocean, when it is rough and troubled, we must speak somewhat of the commodities, which the whole Province doth reap by it, when it is quiet and peaceable, which commodities are so many and so great, that if they should want them, the Country could not sustain the half part of the inhabitants. And hence it comes to pass, that this Province is as it were the Haven and Mart of all Europe, so that there is an infinite multitude of Merchants and Factors, and as it were a confused Chaos of inhabitants and foreigners. Besides, the Ocean bringeth many commodities to this Country, as Herring fishing, and other fishings, which serve not only to satisfy the voluptuous desires of the rich, but also to sustain the poor: and the inhabitants do not only get their food, but all their wealth by it. For the overplus of that which they take, doth furnish a great part of France, Spain, Germany, England, and other Countries: yea great store of barrelled saltfish is sent even into Italy, especially Salmones and Herrings. Now there are three kinds of fish which they salt, namely Herrings, Codfish, and Salmones. But first we will speak of their Herring fishing of which they make a great commodity. Herrings are found in no River, nor in the Mediterranean Sea, nor the Spanish nor any other Sea, but only in this Northern Ocean: their bigness, form, and goodness is sufficiently known. And when they go out of the Northern Sea, which is always in the Spring time, as if they fleeted from their own native quarters, and went to seek shady places, they come in such great shoals, that no Nets can hold them, but that they break through them, and do even darken the face of the Sea. And many broad bottomed vessels, which they call Busses, are set out from Holland, Friesland, France, Britain, and Scotland; and do all to avoid contention, fish in several parts, and quarters, either about England, or the Coasts of Scotland, and the Orcadeses. These fishes are unboweled alive if it may be (for as soon as they are out of the Sea waters they are dead) by one who hath good wages for doing it; and then another salts them, and so they are presently barrelled up, and afterward sold; afterward the Herring men and Coupers do salt them anew, and take out the Pilchers which have no Milts nor Rows, they are barrelled up again with new pickle: afterward they are surveyed by men sworn for that purpose, and so sealed up, in like manner as Diana's Priest did seal up read Vermilion, as Galen witnesseth. And these are the first kind of Herrings which with Plautus we may call salt or pickled Herrings: the other sort are those which are lightly salted; and so dried in the smoke, being as yellow as gold, whence they call them Soretum, because they call a read colour in their language Sorus. This Herrng fishing is very commodious and advantageous to the Commonwealth of Holland and Zealand, seeing not only one City, but many Cities do wholly depend and live on it, and the City and Country get their food by it, pay their debts, maintain families, and do get wealth by it. There is another special kind of fish which they use to salt, called in Latin Ascllus Major, or Codfish, thereby to difference it from that which is commonly ealed Caballian. It is a great fish, so that some of them are threescore pound weight. It is taken at many times of the year, but especially in Lent time, and chiefly in the Friesland Sea, and great store of it is usually salted up, whereby the whole country reapeth yearly great profit. The third kind of salt fish is Salmon: being very good when it is fresh as well as salted. Holland and Zealand have store of this kind of fish, in all months, but most plenty in April, May, and june: of which there is such great store salted up, that the gain which is made of them amounteth to 200000 crowns. But of these things enough, let us proceed to the rest. The Low Countries are plain and level: there are few Hills in it, and fewer Mountains, unless it be in Lutzenburg, Namurcum, and some parts of Hannonia, where they are very thick, and there are many also in Leodium. It is every where beautified with Forests and Woods, which both grace the Country, and afford much pleasure in hunting. The Forest of Arden, in julius Caesar's time, as he himself writeth, was the greatest of all France, running between the Treverians, from the River Rhine to the Nervians, and the Rhenicans, being above fifty miles long. And now at this time no wood in all France can be compared with it: but now there is a great part of it converted into arable ground, so that it is fare lesser than it was: and that part which remaineth hath many glades made in it, which the husband men do till, and call it by another name, but the greatest part of it is from Theonis Villa even to Leodium, which is thirty miles in length. In the middle of it is the City of S. Hubert, which as Gemma Frisius witnesseth, lieth under 26 degrees of Longitude and forty minutes: and 50 degrees of Latitude, and 4. minutes. This Wood hath all kinds of pleasant trees, which are very high, and broad-spreading, which afford both pleasure and profit. Strabo calleth it Arduenna, the Inhabitants Arddenna; Rhenanus, Luitticherwald, which signifies the Leodiensian Wood Mormavia, or Mormau, is a fair wood in Hannonia, which beginneth near to Quesnoy, and so runneth out Southward toward the Veromanduans: and hath many Towns in it, and Villages, and many clear springs and pleasant Fountains. Here is great store of Charecoale made: whence some supposed that it is a Part of the wood Carbonaria, but some affirm that the wood Carbo●na did lie more Eastward between the Rivers Mosa, and Sabis; and that the pleasant wood Archta is a part of it, in which there is a Town of the same name, fortified with a strong Castle, and there the Lords of Berlaymont, were wont to reside: There is also in Hannont● the pleasant wood of Saint Amand, which is also called the Ramensian wood, because it is near unto it. It beginneth on the edge of Flanders near the town of Saint Amand, whence it receiveth his name, and so runneth forth Eastward toward the Valesians, with a great breadth. The Ramensian wood belongeth to the Lord of En●●●e, who is the chief ranger of Hannonia, which title belongeth unto him only. Silva Faignensis, or le bois de Feign, beginneth in 〈◊〉 near Avenna, and reacheth even to Masieris, which is sixteen miles, though heretofore it were fare larger. It seemeth that it was so called from the Fawns and Satyrs, whom perhaps the Poets did therefore fain to have horns, and Goat's feet, because the first inhabitants of this Wood were so rude and savage, that they were like beasts. The Soniensian wood is three or four flight shots off from Brussels, and it runneth Southward toward Brenna, even to Alle●da, and the Castle of Brenna, for three miles in length. It is a great spacious Wood, so that it is seven mile's compass round about● and there are very may Cities, Towes, Abbeys, and Monasteries in it, so that in Summer time many of the Nobles, and wealthier Citizens do go thither with their whole families for recreation sake, and carry three or four weeks. Saventerloo is enclosed with Lovanium, Brussels, and Vilvordia. It is a pleasant wood, and receiveth his name from Saventria, a Town lying near unto it. Also Grootenheat is a Wood in Brabant, which standeth not fare from Turneholt, in which the River Ada riseth, which doth afterward discharge itself into the River Natha. It is a great Wood, in which Queen Mary, to whom Turnholt did belong, was wont to hunt much. There is also Marlaigne, a Wood in Namurcum, which beginneth near the City Namurcum. and runneth Southward toward Phillipolis: and so reacheth even to Mosa. Niepa is a chief Wood in Flanders, not fare from the confines of Artesia, it is two miles distant from the River Lisander, from the Castle of the Morineans and Baliolum: it is a pleasant, spacious and ancient Wood, having a strong Castle in it. Also Nonnen is situate in Flanders, and extending itself Northward in a great breadth, it doth contain many Villages & some Abbeys. Poodsbergia is a great wood, between Flanders & Hannonia, not far from Gerardimontium and Lessina, and is pleasant in regard of the roundness of it. Gulielmi Silua, or William's Wood is situate in Artesia, near Rentiacum where the Emperor joined battle with the King of France, in the year 1554. Engelerwallia, is a pleasant wood in Gelderland near Arnhemum. The 7 woods, are 7 great woods, which are ne'er unto the Transilanians, from whence one part of Fiesland is denominated, which is now called Sevenwolden, that is to say, 7 Woods: every one of them is very spacious & hath many fair towns in them. But so much concerning the woods. I come now to the public works. There are in these Country's innumerable magnificent Temples, and Churches, many Abbeys, infinite numbers of Monasteries, & Friaries, many Hospitals for strangers, for the sick, for the poor & for Orphans. Truly in Antwerp only there are 42 such like buildings: the chief of which is the Cathedral Church of S. Mary, which is very spacious, having a Tower Steeple, which is 400 & 20 foot high, being built of white Marble, from the top whereof you may view the City, the River covered with ships, and the Country round about which is full of Towns and Cities. What should I describe the other Temples, Monasteries, and such like places, of which there are great store both here and in other Cities and Towns? What should I reckon up the sumptuous Palaces belonging to Dukes, Earls, and Noblemen? Or what should I mention the other public or private buildings? for if I should endeavour to reckon them up, I should sooner want time than matter; wherefore it is better to be silent, than to speak too sparingly. The politic state of these Countries both in general and special is threefold: the first is the Ecclesiastic state, in which the Abbots are the chief, the second is of the Nobility, as the Duke's, Earls, Marcgraves, Princes, Barons, and great Lords. The third is of the Cities, which the chief Cities of every Country do represent. These states the Prince calleth together, when they are to consult concerning matters appertaining to the Prince, or to the Principality, or to the preservation or utility of the Country. The Ecclesiastic state is thus; there are four Bishops in the Low Countries, the Camaracensian, the Tornaycensian, and the Atrebate●sian: these three are under the Archbishop of Rheims, and the Vltrajectine who is under the Archbishop of Colen. I proceed to the Universities, which are 4, the University of Louvain, and Douai, of Leyden, and Flankford. Louvain is famous for the many Colleges, Students, and learned men; the chief Colleges are Lilium, Castrense, the College of Porus and Falcon, in which Philosophy is read. The Buslidian College hath three languages taught in it, namely, Greek, Latin, and Hebrew. This University, at the request of the Nobles of Brabant, was first instituted and adorned with Privileges by john the 4, Duke of Brabant, in the year 1426. Martinus the fifth being Pope. The other were erected in our memory. Out of which as it were out of the Trojan horse innumerable learned men have proceeded, and do daily come from thence. For in the Low Countries there are learned men, skilful in all faculties and sciences: and as heretofore, so now it produceth famous Scholars; whom it would be too tedious to reckon up. Here are diverse Libraries in sundry places, which are replenished with excellent rare Books. Among which that at Leyden is the chief. The inhabitants are fair, quiet, not choleric, nor ambitious, nor proud: not much given to venery; civil, plain, courteous, affable, ingenious and ready, witty, and sometimes talkative: laborious, industrious, faithful, grateful towards those that have done them a courtesy, capable of all Arts and Sciences, stout in defending their liberties, and Privileges even to death. And this may truly be spoken in the general praise of them, that the Low Country men are frugal house keepers and thrifty husbands: who following the example of the Ant, do lay up before winter, that which cannot then be gotten; and do buy fish and flesh, which they either pickle up, or do dry it in the smoke. For every house, according to the number of their family, doth kill in Autumn an whole Ox, or provideth half an one, beside a Hog, which they salted up, and then it will serve them to spend a good part of the year, until the Spring return again. Yet many of them are very covetous, and desirous of wealth. The Women are beautiful, well behaved and courteous. For according to their Country fashion, they are used from their childhood to converse familiarly with every one: and therefore they are very ready both in action or speech or any matter: neither doth this freedom or liberty make them less honest. Neither do they only walk alone through the City, but they will go for fellowship to the next Towns, without any the lest suspicion of dishonesty. They are very continent, and apt and ready in their affairs And they are not only careful of household matters, of which their husbands take no care, but they also use Merchandise, and dispatch and confer of businesses belonging unto men: and that with so great dexterity and diligence, that in many of the Provinces, as in Holland and Zealand, the men do commit all their affairs unto them. And by this manner of living, joined with the innate desire which women have to rule, they become for the most part too Imperious and proud. It is the fashion both among Princes, and men of inferior rank, as also among other Nations, on this side the Alps, to give the first born their Parents names, although they be yet living. And the Noble of what quality and condition soever they are, do more esteem of their eldest daughter, than the rest of the younger, although they have all an equal dowry: so that they marry the rest to those unto whom they denied her in marriage, reserving her for a better husband. And they are to be praised, because they easily contract marriages with foreigners, if occasion so require, and are not bound to match them in their own Country, which is a matter very profitable and commodious: for these alliances by marriage are very advantageous to themselves and the Commonwealth. Moreover it is accounted undecent and absurd, for young men to marry old women, or on the contrary for old men to marry young maids: as also for a noble personage to marry an ignoble person, or a master to marry his Maid, and a Mistress her servant. But the Low Country men are chiefly given to Mechanic Arts, but not of the base and servile sort, but the more nobler, as weaving, clothing, and making of hangings, & tapestry, which serve not only for the use of their own country: but are also transported into France, Spain, Germany, and other parts of Europe, and also into Asia and Africa. For Pictures, there is no Nation that doth excel it, nor none doth excel in Music, or for variety of Languages. john Eickius a Low countryman, did first show the way how to mingle colours with oil. And every one in Flanders, Brabant, or Zealand, can speak not only their own Country speech which is Low-Dutch, but also French. The Sea men, Merchants, and Scholars, can speak also Italian, Spanish, and Greek for the most part: and some can understand Hebrew, the Chaldean, and Arabic language. The Lowcountrie men are also skilful Seamen. I come to their food, the Lowcountries men do use Wheat, Rye, Oates, and Barley: they esteem of no pulse but Beanes, and Pease: they have few Vetches and no Millet at all. For the great strong winds do lay it, and spoil it. The Common people maintain their families soberly and frugally. Their drink is for the most part Beer, which is made of Malt, into which they afterward put some ground Barley, and Hops. And this is a very good and wholesome drink for those that are used to it; they do also drink much milk. The rich have wine. They eat commonly Rye bread. They are wont also upon Festival days, especially those which bear their own name, to make great feasts, and to invite their Parents, Kinsmen, and friends unto them, and to banquet sumptuously with them, and to show themselves generous and magnificent. They keep their houses very neat and clean, being furnished with all kinds of necessary household stuff. And truly it is a fair sight to see what store of householdstuff they have, and how well ordered it is, and how clean it is kept; in which, without doubt it doth excel all the Nations of the World. But the Low Countrymen are too much given to the Vice of drinking, in which they take great delight, so that oftentimes they never give over drinking day nor night; and thereby besides other inconveniences, they do much wrong their bodies and wits: and without doubt it is oftentimes the cause of their untimely death, according to that of Propertius: Vino forma perit, vino corrumpitur aetas. Wine maketh beauty fade, And strength by Wine is decayed. And they themselves do know it, and confess it, and condemn themselves for it: but in vain; for the evil custom doth prevail over them. Albeit they may be partly excused. For seeing the air is always moist and melancholy: they have no other means whereby to cure their hateful, and unwholesome Melancholy: which Horace seemeth to intimate, saying: Vino pellite curas, that is; With wine drive cares away, Which haunt us every day. But it were to be wished that they would observe that noble saying of Terence: Ne quid nimis: Do nothing too much, which now the civiller sort do begin to observe. The inhabitants do go in good apparel, and are well complexioned. Lastly, they use much trading and traffic, in which they are very skilful. And all the Low Countries for the most part doth subsist by Merchandising and Maechanicke Arts. THE COUNTY OF FLANDERS. FLanders although it be not of any great antiquity, yet no reason can be given for the name of it. The Country whence so called. Some derive it from a City of that name situated there where Ardenburg is now; Others derive it from Flandbertus, the son of Blesinda, who was sister to Clodion King of France: Flandbertus lived in the year of Christ 445. Some suppose that this Country was so named from Flandrina the wife of Lydericke the first Earl thereof. Some derive it a flatu and fluctibus, that is, from the wind and waves, which in regard of the near Vicinity of the Ocean do beat upon this Country. So that even to the year 1340. it was a caution used in selling or conveying of land, that if the Sea broke into it within ten years afterward, the contract and bargain should be then void and of none effect: The bounds of it now are on the South Artesia, with Hannonia, & part of Picardy: on the East Hannonia & Brabant: on the North the Ocean, The Situation: with Honta or the mouth of Scaldis, which parteth Flanders from Zealand: on the West the British Ocean or German Sea. It is three days journey in length, namely from Scaldis on the other side of Antwerp, even to the new ditch, which is 30 miles. The breadth of it is twenty miles. The air of the Country is temperate: the soil fertile, The temper of the air. especially that part which is near the Ocean, and France. There are fair Meadows, which may appear from hence, in regard that Horseriders do yearly bring Colts out of other neighbour Countries into Franders: which through the goodness of the pasture, The fruitfulness of the soil. and sweetness of the air, being lean before, do quickly grow fat and plump. It breedeth also divers sorts of tame Cattles; very pleasant and delicate in taste, The variety of living creatures. and also an incredible sort of wild beasts. There are also diverse kinds of fowls, as Pheasants, Partridges, Peacocks, Hernes, and Storks. The inhabitants of this Country were heretofore so addicted to war, that they never scarcely lived quietly or peaceably: so that their armies have invaded Syria, and the holy Land, and Jerusalem. There are 30 walled Cities in Flanders. Gandawm, Bruges, Ypra, Insula, Duacum, Tornacum, The names of the Cities. Cortracum, Aldenarda, Alostum, Hulsta, Teneramunda, Birsletam, Newporte, Sluse, Dunkerck, Gravelling, Burburg, Dammum, Dixmuda, Furna, Ardenburgum, Ninova, Berga, Gerardmontium, Castellum, Donza, Orchianum, Lanoyum, Axella, and Ostend. Besides these, there are also free Towns, which are not inferior unto Cities neither for nobility, or Privileges, nor magnificent structures, or populousness: as Bella, Poperinga, Hondtscota, Eecloa, Gistella, Middleburrough, and twenty others. There are in all 1556 villages so that it is a usual Proverb, that Flanders doth exceed all the Countries in the world, and when the Spaniards came into this province with King Philip, they thought that all Flanders was but one City. It is now divided into three parts, the Dutch, the French, and the Imperial part. The chief is Gandavum which was built by C. julius Caesar, when he stayed in Morinium: it is called in Dutch Gendt, the Italians call it Guanto, the French Gand. It is situate four miles from the Sea, and is watered with four pleasant Rivers. For Scaldis cometh to it out of Hannonia, Lisander out of Artesia, Livia out of the Haven or Sluice, and Moero from the Ambactae. It is ten miles distant from Antwerp, and as many from Brussels, Mechlin, and Middleburrough. The compass of it within the walls is, 45640 Roman feet, that is seven Italian miles. It hath 26. Islands, and two hundred and eight Bridges, and four water mills. And an infinite number of hand-mills. And an hundred wind mills. It hath five and fifty Churches, and five Abbeys. The Citizens of this City are famous for Nobility, wealth, and courage. Here the Emperor Charles the fifth was borne. It also brought forth these learned men, judocus Bad●●●, johannes Cornarius, Laevinus Brechtus, and the other, Laevinus T●rrentius, Baldvinus Ronsaeus, Vtenhovious, and many others. There are two and fifty kinds of trades in this City. And seven and twenty sorts of Weavers, which were first instituted by the Earl Baldwin, the son of Arnold the Great, in the year 865. Brugae, or Brugges, taketh its name either from the many bridges belonging to it, or from the bridge Brug-stocke, near Oldenburg, and Arde●burg; out of the ruins of which City eight hundred years before, the Castle of Brugges was first built; it is situated three miles from the Sea, in a plain place. The compass of it within the wall 26620 Romane-feetes, that is, four Italian Miles and an half. It is the pleasantest City not only in all Flanders, but also in all the Low Countries: it hath threescore Churches, the chief and fairest whereof, is Saint Domatians Church, which was heretofore consecrated to the blessed Virgin; it was built by Lidericke the first, Earl of Flanders, in the year 621. There are threescore and eight kinds of trades in it. Ypra is so called from the little River Ypra that floweth by it, commonly called Yperens; it was built in the year 1060. The foundation of this City is said to be of Lead, and that in regard of the many leaden pipes, which do convey water through the whole City. And these are the chief Cities. The Havens follow: Sluice is named from the Cataracts or falling of waters, which the Flandrians do call Sluys, it is a Sea Town: it hath a great Haven, wherein fifty ships may conveniently ride. Over against it is the Isle Cadsant, where George Gassander was borne. Ostend is situated near the Ocean, being famous for that grievous siege, which the Arch Duke Albert laid against it, which it valiantly sustained and held out three years, and some months, with great loss of men on both sides. Nieuport is three miles from Ostend, being a Sea City, where jodocus Clichtoveus map of Flanders THE COUNTRY OF FLANDERS. was borne, near unto which is the Abbey of S. Bernard, in which heretofore there was the most famous, and best furnished Library in all the Low Countries. Dunkirk was built it the year 1166. by Baldwin the son of Arnold, and Earl of Flanders. It hath a very short Haven, which troubleth all the neighbouring Seas. This City belongeth to the King of Navarre. I pass over the other Cities of Dutch Flanders. In French Flanders there is the Isle so called from the ancient seat thereof; it was once environed with Lakes and Marshes: it is a famous City, both for populousness, wealth, and good laws, and strongest except Antwerp, and Amsterdam. Do●ay is situated by the River Scarpia, here Robert Gaguinus was borne: It hath an University, which was built not many years ago by Philip the second King of Spain. Also Orchies is in this tract of ground, and Lannoyum famous for the Lords thereof, and by ●rancis Raph●lengius Citizen thereof; there is also Espinoyum, Armentiers and Tornacum, or Tournay. In the Imperial part of Flanders there is Alostum, which is a fair City and well fortified by the River Te●●ra, and adorned with the title of a County. It hath 170 Villages under it: 2 Principalities, the Steenhusensian and the Gava●ensian, and many Baronies: there is also the Territory of Wassia, in which there are four Towns: Hulsta, Axela, Bochout● and Assenede, Rupelm●●d● is a Castle by the River Rupella, which we cannot omit in this place, in memory of our Gerard Mercator, a most famous Mathematician, and Cosmographer, The Rivers. and the Ptolemie of our age. The Rivers are Scaldis, Lisander, Tenera, Livia, Ypra, Aa, Scarpa, Rupela, and others▪ there are few Mountains, Mountains. Woods. but there are many Woods and those every profitable, the chief whereof are Niepensian, and the Nonnensian. The Politic state of Flanders consisteth of three members. The Government. The first are the Ecclesiastical Prelates, as namely seven Abbots of the order of Saint Benedict: as the Abbots of Saint Peter, and Saint Ba●s●, S. Winnocke in Bergen, Saint Andries, Saint Peter, of Ename, of M●rchiemie. Five Abbots of the order of Saint Bernard: of Dun●s, of Boudeloo, of Dost, of Ciammerez, of Marchiemie: and the Prior of Waerchot. Three Abbots of the order of the Praemonstratensian●: S. Nicolas in Vuerne, of Drogon, of S. Cornelis in Nienove. Seven Abbots of regular Cannons: the Abbots of Eechoute, of Soetendale, Warneston, Sunnebecke, Cisoing, Falempium. Seven Provosts of the same order of S. Marten in Ipera, Wormesele, of Watene, of Loo, of Eversa, and Petendale. The second member is of the Nobility, in which are five Viccounts. The Viecount Gendt, of Yperens, of Vuer●a, of Bergen, of Haerlebecke. Three Principalities: of Steenhuse, of Gavere, of Eshinoy. Four Barons, 2 in the Counties of Cysoing and Heyne: 2 in the Lordship of Pamaele and Boelare. The Military Tribunes are of Banderheereen, in the Teutonicke County, also the Lord of Nevele, of Dixmunde, of Benerens, of Praet near Brugges: of Haerskerke, of Watene, of Hevergem, of Wasteine, of Caecten, of Ingelmunster, of Pouke, of Gruithuse, of Male, of Maldegem, of Ostcamp, of Winendale, of Colscamp, of Ghistele, of Sevecote, of Rousselare, of Waestene, of Hondscote, and also of Cassel, of Norturie, of Haveskerck, of Halewyn. In the French County are the Lords of Lille, of Waurin, and of Comene. In the Lordship of Flanders there are the Lords of Rhode, of Gavere, of Sotteghem, of Gontero, of Scorisse, of Poitz, of Liekerck, of Lumbeke, of Rotselar in Meerbeke: Also of Wedergraet in Neyghem, and of Steenehuse. The third member doth consist of the special Cities. In the Dutch Flanders, four special Cities do make up this member, Gandavum, after which Burgraviatus Gandensis, Oudenarde and Bieruliet. In the Signiory there are some certain Fee Farms of the Empire, as Ambachten, that Landt van Waes', it Graefschap van Aelst, and other free Lordships, as Bornhem, Dendermonde, Geerdsberge. Bruges by whom are censt both for arms and Subsidies, namely the whole Franconate (it Vrie) and the walled and not walled Towns, therein contained. Ypra, under which both for matters of arm and subsidies, are Yperen-Ambacht, Bellen-Ambacht, and Cassel-Ambacht: the Champion Franconate (Haet plat Vrie) under which Vuern-Ambacht, Bergen-Ambacht and Brouchorg-Ambacht. In the French part are three principal Cities, Lille, (Ryssel) Dovay, Orchies. The Lordship of Tournay and the state adjoined to Flanders, doth consist of three members: the Clergy, the Nobility, and six supreme justices. Flanders hath one Bishop of Tournay, who is subject to the Archbishop of Rheims, which is nevertheless divided into 4 Episcopal Dioecesses. Under the Bishop of Trajectum, there are five towns that do homage thereunto, Hulst, The Ecclesiastic state. Axele, Assenede, Bochoute. Under the Bishop of Tournay, are Gandavan, Cortracum, Aldenarda, with their Castells: the territories of Waes', Bruges, the Franconate and the Island, with their Castells. The Atrebatensian Bishopric doth comprehend Ducacum, and Orchianum. Under the Bishop of Cameracum, is the Lordship of Flanders beyond Scaldis Southward. The Tarvanensian Bishopric hath these Castelships under it; Ypra, Cassel, Werne, Bergen, Brouchorg, Belle. In Dutch Flanders there are 14 principal Courts, Viesburg, Gandavi, Burgus Brugis, Sala Yprae, Castellum Cortraci, Curia in Harlebeck, in Tielt, Domus in Diense, Curia in Bergen, in Bruchorg, in Cassel and in Celle. In French Flanders there are three Court Leetes, Sala in Lille, Castellum in Dovay, Curia in Orchies. In the Lordship of Flanders there are five Court Leetes, Tribunal in Aelst, Dominus in Vendermonde, Praetorium Wasiae, and Castrum Beneren. All these Courts and jurisdictions aforesaid to appeal do the Prince's Provincial Council, which is at Gandavum, and from thence to the Parliament at Mechlin. But of this enough, I pass to Brabant. THE EASTERN part of FLANDERS. BEfore I come to Brabant, I will briefly describe that which this table doth exhibit, which the Printer pleased to insert, for the benefit of the Reader. In it that part of Flanders is described, in which in our memory many worthy acts have been achieved, as it shall appear by that which follows, But that we may orderly describe this Tract, Wassia, with the 4 official Towns. in the first place we meet with Wassia, commonly called it Landt van Waes', which is a rich fertile territory, having four Towns which do homage unto it, two whereof are walled, as Hulsta, and Axella: too unwalled, as Bouchouten and Assenetum. Hulsta, or Hulustum, is the chiefest of them, being a neat City, and well fortified. It endured a grievous siege for some months in the year 1596. But at length after many assaults, and undermine, and the loss of many thousand men, it was yielded up to the Archduke Albertus. Axela is a pretty town, being four miles and half from Hulsta, and four from Ga●davum. In the third place is Bouchouten, which is two miles distant from Axela. The fourth is Assenede which is two miles distant from the aforesaid Axela. And these four Cities have many towns under them, as Wateruliet and Bouchoute, in which two armies were sometime Billeted; the state's army under the conduct of Grave Morris in the former: in the other the King of Spain's General, M. Ambrose Spinola. Moreover there are in this tract many Castells and Fortresses, which may be seen in this table, among which are those which are commonly called Philippinen, patienty, Ysendisc●e S. Philip, S. Catiline, Coxie, and others, the chiefest whereof and the best fortified is Ysendijcke. This with the three other following Castells Duke Mauritius in the year 1604 enforced to surrender themselves. In the Country of Ysendijcka, is Birsletum or Bieruliet situate● in an Island of the same name. Birslet. There lived in this City William Beuckelens, who they report did first pickle and barrel up salt Herrings, and did transport them to foreign parts, which was a happy invention, whereby the Low Countrymen got much wealth, in regard that foreign Nations did greatly esteem of salt Herrings both fo● use, and delicacy. It was hereto a Town of Note, having a convenient Haven. But as all mortal things are frail and transitory, an● map of Eastern Flanders THE EASTERN PART OF FLANDERS. subject to corruption; so we see that flourishing Towns do decay, so that nothing remains as it were but their bore Carcases: and now it is only a Fortress. There followeth Sluice with the Island of Cadsanto. Sluice is a neat Town in Dutch Flanders, which was heretofore called Lammerzuliet, as it appeareth by public letters: which was heretofore very rich, it is five miles from Middleburrough, and three from Bruges; where by an artificial Aquaduct, or great channel, all the water in the Country, is collected and gathered into one place, and so brought to the City by navigable channels: and so gathering it together again into one pond as it were, at the Town called Dam, they bring it from thence to the cataracts or fall thereof which they call the Sluyse: at the mouth or issue whereof, there is a famous Haven which sometime did enrich Sluice, when the Hanse-merchants dwelled there as well as at Bruges. It is able to receive an hundred ships, as also the Annals of Flanders do testify, that in the year 1468. a little before Christmas, there arrived in this Harbour at one time an hundred and fifty ships of great burden, which was a joyful sight to the Townsmen. On the side of the Town there is an ancient Castle. In which the Duke of Bovillon, and the Admiral of the Seas, (the first being taken at Hisdinum, the latter at Saint Quintin's City,) were both kept prisoners. This Castle although it be now disjoined from the Town, yet it was formerly joined thereunto, by many edifices, which the Brugians did purposely pull down. For the Town of Sluice wearied with their own dissensions and their wars against the Brugians, and lastly the Prince having sold it unto them, they came to be under their jurisdiction. Sluice is now a strong fortified City, being entrenched with walls, and a double ditch. Grave Maurice, in the year 1604. did beseige it the Month of May, and 3 months after his coming thither he compelled them to yield for want of food. Near the Haven of Sluice on the six and twentieth of May in the year 1603 there was a Sea fight of 8 Galleys of Frederick Spinolaes', with three ships and eleven Galleys belonging to the States of the confaederate Provinces, which lay at the mouth of the Haven of Sluice. In which fight the Admiral Spinola was slain, and a thousand and 400 men were killed and drowned. The Zelanders lost james the master of a ship, the son of Michael, and his Mate. There were in the Haven of Sluice 2 Blockhouses, the one in the very mouth of the Haven commonly called 〈◊〉 Hase schantse, the other is seated not fare from the Town commonly called Beck-of: the former whereof was yielded to Grave Maurice, and the latter taken by force. Over against this City is a small Island which the inhabitants call Cadsant, in which there is a Town of the same name. It was heretofore much larger, having a City in it, and many pleasant and rich towns. Near unto which at several times there have been many sea fights: when either the Britons, the Batavians, or any other enemies to Flanders did arrive here. But this Island is more than half worn away by the tempestuous Seas, & by the tides and ebbs thereof. In this Island there are two Fortresses the one whereof Grave Maurice took being unprovided, the other commonly called ter Hofstede yielded unto him. A mile hence from Sluice is Ardenburg, which was heretofore called Rodenburg, Ardenbug. and was heretofore the Metropolis of Flanders, containing Tourout and Ostburg, and Bruges, (which were not then walled,) and all the Sea coast even to Bononia. But now it is all wasted. It hath a Church consecrated to the Virgin Mary, which is the fairest and most sumptuous in all Flanders. There is also Middleburrough, Middleburrough. being two miles and an half distant from Bruges, being now walled and ditched about. Mauritius in the same year took these Towns. There is also Damn two miles from Sluice, which is a very rich Town, being very populous, and full of Merchants, and a great Haven for wines, Dam. being a key of the Sea, in regard that it did shut and open the Ocean, both to those of Bruges, and to all Merchants. But now by the incursions of the French, and the civil dissensions of the Gandavians and Brugians, and having lost the recourse of Merchants, it is now but like a Town or Village, and the Haven is a digged Channel, being only navigable at a full tide, three Flanders miles, even to Sluice. Bruges followeth, which we described before, with the Territory of the Francones or Freemen, because they did shake off the Brugians Yoke, and freed themselves from it: and containeth all that ground which lieth eight miles round about Bruges, and is commonly called it Landt Vanden Vryen; it hath jurisdiction over many free Towns. And these do make the fourth member of Flanders. Lastly this Table containeth Ostend, which was formerly a poor fisher Town, wanting munition, but in the year 1572 it was walled about. Ostend. It hath a convenient Haven. There came hither eight great Whales in the year 1404, every one of them being 74 foot long. Also in the year 1426, there was a great Sea Hogge taken, being like unto a Land-Hogge but that it was greater. But in the year 1099. and in the year 1200, in the Archduke Albert's time, the Flandrians to restrain the incursions of the enemy, did ditch it round about, and yet they could not hinder their inroads, although it were entrenched with 17 Baracadoes and Bulwarks, as the Bulwark or Fort of S. Catherine, of Isabella, of Albert, of Clara; wherefore the Flandrians were very desirous to beseige this City, which they attempted on the 5 of july the year 1601. The beginning of the siege was very terrible, and continued so to the end thereof, as it is well known; yea it was such a long and grievous siege as there was never the like in the memory of man, so that during the time of this siege, there were slain on both sides about 110000 men. There was a Table book found about a certain commissary of Spain being dead, in which the number of men that were slain, were set down, and the number of women and children by themselves: of which this was the total sum: Tribunes or Praefects of the Soldiers, commonly called Marshals of the field 9 of Colonels 15. of Sergeants 29. Captains 165. Ancients 322. Lieutenants 200 and 1●, masters of the Horse 101. Common-souldier 54663. Mariners 611, children and Women 119. The total sum of all was 72126. It would be tedious to mention all their trenches and Fortresses, all their engines and warlike Instruments, and other matters. Moreover, there was a battle fought between Ostend and Newport, on the second of july in the year 1600, between the Archduke Albert, and Grave Maurice, in which there were slain on both sides seven thousand foot and horsemen. The battle continued doubtful for three hours together. But at length Grave Maurice got the victory, and overthrew the Spaniard. The Archduke Albert lost in that fight 6000 men; there were taken besides a great number of common Soldiers, the Admiral of Arragon, and with him many of the Nobles, and there were 105 Banners taken from the enemy's foot troops, and four from his horse troops. Yet it was a bloody victory to Grave Maurice, for there were a thousand slain on his side. A mile distant from Ostend is Aldenburg. It hath only one gate, Aldenburg. being an ancient City, and heretofore a famous Mart town. The other matters which are contained in this table are unfolded in the next description. And therefore I pass to Brabant. THE DUKEDOM OF BRABANT. BRabant for the most part doth contain the Country of the Advatians, Ambivaritians, and Tungrians: The Country whence so called. but it is uncertain at what time this Country was called Brabant, some deriving it from Brennus a Frenchman; some from a City of that name, of which there is no mention neither in the Country nor in histories: some derive it from Bratuspandium a town of the Bellovacians, which Caesar mentioneth Lib. 2. Some do mention a Captain called Salvius Brabon, an Arcadian, who came with Caesar into the Low Countries, whose wife Suana was Caesar's Nephew. Some also think that it was called Barbantia, from G●tefridus Barbatus Earl of Louvain, and afterward Brabant. I had this name of late, which is manifest, but the original thereof is unknown. The length of Brabant from Gemblours, The Situation. even to the holy Mountain of S. Gertrud, is about 22 miles. The breadth from Helm●ntium to Bergae, is 20 Miles. And the compass of it is 80 miles. It hath on the North the River Mosa, which parteth Gelderland, from Holland. On the South Hannonia, the County of Namurcum, and the Leodiensian Bishopric, which confineth on it on the East. On the West is the River Scaldis, with the country Alost. The temper of the air. The fruitfulness of the soil. It hath a wholesome air, and a fertile soil, abounding with all sorts of fruits, but yet the country of Kempen, is barren by reason of the sands; which part yet is not altogether unfruitful. There are 26 Cities in this Dukedom. As Lovanium, or Loven, which is an ancient City, and the first seat of the Grudians, in which the Duke doth bind himself by taking the Sacrament. It is a pleasant City, and now somewhat enlarged, the compass of it within the walls is four miles. It is watered with the River Dela● brussels is a fair great City, fortified with a double wall, and situate in a fertile soil, abounding with all things. It is a wonderful thing that this City could yield plenty of provision to serve the Duke's Court, the strangers, and foreign Princes which lay there with their whole train. There is also Antwerp which they commonly call Antwerpen, the French call it Anvers, the Italians Anversa, the Germans Antorff. Peter Appian thinketh that it is the same with that which Ptolemie and Caesar, do call Atuacutum. It is supposed that this City was so called from the casting forth of hands. For a certain Giant called Druo who dwelled in these parts before C. Caesar's coming, when any travellers came by, if they did not pay him the half of their commodities, he caused their right hands to be cut off, and to be cast into the River: which appeareth by the arms of this Ci●● and certain great bones of this Giant Druo, which are kept until day; some say he was called Antigonus. But these things are fabul● But it is more likely that the inhabitants called it so from the heap● rising of Earth near Scaldis, which the Low countrymen do 〈◊〉 Antwerpen; for by making banks on both sides they straitened 〈◊〉 River, and made the channel deeper. It is situate by the deep part of the River, under the 26 degrees of Longitude, and 42 minu●● And 51 of Latitude and fifty eight minutes. It is 4 miles distant fro● the Sea, and as many from Mechlin, 7 miles from Louvain: to 〈◊〉 from Gandavum, 15 miles from Bruges, 8 miles from Brussell● 〈◊〉 score miles from London: 29 from the Agrippine Colome, 〈◊〉 from Frankford. It was thrice walled. First with a narrower 〈◊〉 Anno 1221: afterward with a larger wall Anno 1314, which 〈◊〉 there was a great famine, and the next a great pestilence. Lastly, 〈◊〉 suburbs were enlarged toward the North, Anno 1543. The 〈◊〉 pass of it without the walls is 4 miles, and eight hundred and twe●● paces. There are eight ditches which are brought into the City 〈◊〉 of the River, and are able to receive many great ships. It is a great City for traffic. Guicciardine giveth an estimate, that the 〈◊〉 trading, in this City doth amount to above twelve thousand Crowns, which was less than it came to when the City of Antwerp flourished. And therefore julius Scaliger doth worthily 〈◊〉 it thus: Oppida quot spectant oculo me torva sinistro, Tota nos invidiae pallida tela petunt. Lagdunum omnigenum est, operosa Lutetia, Roma Ingens, res Venetum vasta, Tolosa potens. Omnimodae merces, arts priscaeque novaeque, Quorum insunt alijs singula, cuncta mihi. Look how many Towns do lie on our left side, Even by so many Towns we are envied. Leyden and Paris painful are, Rome great, Venice is rich, Tolouse in power complete. All wares, and strange inventions that there be, In several Cities, are all found in me. There are two and forty religious houses in Antwerp, also Churches, Monasteries, and Hospitals. The chief Cathedral Church is dedicated to the blessed Virgin Marie. It is a fair and sumptuous work, and hath a famous Tower steeple, which is all built of free stone curiously carved, and is four hundred and twenty Antwerp feet, that is, two hundred Florentine els in height, so that it is very beautiful to behold, and yields a fair prospect: for from it you may behold not only all the City, and the pleasant fields and gardens lying round about it, but also you may clearly discern some Cities that are afar off, as Mechlin, Brussels, Louvain, Gandavum, and moreover map of Brabant ●HE DUKDOME OF BRABANT. over you may see to the end of the River, and discover the Sea, and the Zealand Islands. In this Tower there are threescore and eight Bells, some greater some lesser, some of which like musical Instruments will yield an harmonious sound of four or five parts. The greatest of them, which is of a wonderful great weight, was named by the Emperor Charles the fifth, which is not rung but upon some extraordinary occasion. There are four and twenty Cannons be-belonging to that Church, over whom there is a Dean, and a Bishop, who was first instituted in the year 1567. This Church is keptvery bravely, & the revenues belonging to it are great, and the Privileges & immunities belonging to the Priests. Buscoducum or Silva Ducis, which is called in Dutch's Hertogenbosch, and in French Boldue, is so called from the Woods: it is a fair pleasant City, strongly fortified, being seated by the River Disa, being a mile from Mosa, and twelve from Antwerp. And these are the four chief Cities, the first three whereof together with Nivella, do make the Marquiship of the sacred Empire. Some reckon Mechlin to be in Brabant, yet indeed it is parted from it, being a fair, and near City: having an bishopric, and a fair Council, unto which the last appeal in Belgia, may be made. Moreover there are these Cities in Brabant, Trajectum near Mosa, commonly called Maestricht, Lira, Vilvorde, Gemblacum, or Gemblours, joudoigne, Hannut, Landen, Halen, Lee●wen, Schienen, Herentals, Eindoven, Helmont, Grave. There are also many free Towns unwalled, as Oostenrijc, Oorschot, Turnhont, Duffel, Waelem, Merchtem, Asche, Weren, Duisburch, Hulpen, Wa●re, Brain, Genape, Gheele, Arendonc, Dormal and Isca. There are also 700 Villages. There are refered to Brabant the Lordship of Revestein, the Dukedom of Limburg, with the Lordship of Dale and Vacklenburg. The Lakes and Rivers are very commodious and profitable to Brabant. The chief Rivers are Mosa and Scaldis, and there are also other lesser Rivers. This Country hath many Woods, the chief whereofare five, Somensis, Saventerleo, Gro●te●hout, Grootenheist and Meerdal. Hear are many public works both sacred and profane. The chief whereof is the Church at Louvain, consecrated to Saint Peter, being very fair and sumptuous. The Churches at Brussels are very sumptuous, being beautified with fair and rich ornaments. Also Antwerp, hath many Churches, of which S. Mary's Church is the fairest and largest. I pass by other Churches, which are innumerable in other places. There are also many profane works: as Palaces, nobleman's houses, Castells, Towers, and the like. Moreover the Politic state of Brabant hath three members: the Clergy, which are the Abbots, Affighemensis, Grimbergensis, Tongerloo, Grunendalensis, of S. Gertrud at Levaine, of Saint Bernard, of Vileer, of Dielegem, Parckensis near Levanium, Vlierbikensis near Lovanium. The great Prior of the order of S. Augustine in Leeuwee, the Prior of Gemblours. The Nobles, which are, the Abbot of Gemblacum an Earl, the Duke Arsc●tensis, the marquis of Bergen near the little River Some: The Barons, Diestensis, of Brada, Boxtelensis, Gaesbeeckensis, of Wesemael,, Petersem, Perweys, Hoochstratensis now an Earl, of Renes: the Lords Aschensis, Merchtensis, Vuerne, Gheel, Lummen, Thurnout, Oosterwijc, S. Oedenroy, Walem, Duffel. The four principal Cities are Louvain, Brussels, Antwerp, Buscoducum. Concerning the state Ecclesiastic it is partly under the Leodiensian Bishop, and partly under the Camaracensian Bishop: the Leodiensian keepeth his Ecclesiastical Court at Louvain. The Camaracensian at Brussels: Louvain hath a famous Academy or University: of which we will speak more largely in the general description of the Low Countries. The Babanters, are merry, jesting, and full of comical conceits, as Lemnius witnesseth. Besides Brabant, there are contained in this Table, the Dukedom of juliacum and Cliveland. The Politic state whereof we will describe out of Mercator. The politic state of juliacum doth consist likewise of three members, which are the Clergy, as namely the Abbots, the Colleges and Monasteries: the Nobility, the Citizens. There are 24 Lordships in this Country Caster, Brugge, Born, Boisseler, Euskirchen, Munstereyfell, Moniou, Eschwiler, Grevenbroich, Wassinberg, Geilenkirchen, Hensbergh, Durem, Thonberg, Berchem, Heimbach, Wilhemstein, Gladbach, Millen, Rangenrayd, Nervenich, the Counties of Nuenar, juliacum, and Nideken. In like manner Cliveland doth contain three orders, the Clergy, the Nobility, and the Cities. But the governor of the Province of Cleveland hath these eight Cittties under him. Cliva the Metropolis, Calcaris, Sonsbeke, where he hath his residence, also Santen, Buric, Vdem, Griet, Griethusen. Here are 14 Lordships, Cranenburg, Duffel, Gennep, Goch, Orsoy, Huessen, near Arnhem, Lymers, Emmeric, Hetter, Aspel, Ringenburg, Bisselic, Dinslaken, in which are five Cities, Dinstaken, Wesel, Duysburg, Schermbeke, Holte. The Lordship of Ravesteyn is joined and annexed to the Court of Cliveland. THE COUNTY OF HOLLAND. The Country whence so called. SOme derive the name of Holland from the many Wood and Forests therein, for we call a Wood Holt or H●nt, and Hollant signifies a woody Country, for they report tha● heretofore all Holland was full of woods and bus●● Some suppose it was so called from the hollowness thereof, as if ●● were Hollandt. For the whole Country is Moorish, and lose ●●der foot. Some suppose it was called from the Hay made the● in Hollandia, as it were Hoylandia. But learned junius is of another opinion, that Holland and Zealand, are Colonies of the Gothish, and Danish Nations; and that the Danes and normans forsaking the Island of Oland and Zealand, did transmigrate into these places, and 〈◊〉 them after their own Country Holland and Zealand, as Virgil repo●teth of Hellenus, the son of Priam, who built a little Town 〈◊〉 Epire called Troy, with a Castle, and made the resemblance of the gate, Scaea, and called the River Xanthus by a Trojan name: as th● Europaeans did erect and make a new Spain and new France in the Indieses. The Situation. The British Sea doth encompass it on the West, on the North the Cimbrian Sea beateth on the shores thereof, on the East side i● openeth a large Bay toward Friesland, on the North-East lieth Trans-Isalana and Velavia, on the South is Trajectum. The compass of it is nine miles, it is very narrow, so that a man may travel over i● from one side to another in four hours' space, and in some places i● is not above a mile over. This Country hath fruitful fields, which do yield excellent good Corn, The fruitfulness of the soil. but in regard the Country is very small and populous, therefore it cannot maintain so great a multitude of inhabitants. But there are very fertile meadows, in which infinite herds of Oxen do graze: and very fair milch Cows. It is certain that in some parts of Holland the Cows in Summer time, do yield unto the Pail four and forty quartes of milk. The variety of living creatures. Also john B●ningus a counsellor of the Court of Holland, as Guicciardine reported doth find by certain observation and computation, that Assendelp only and four neighbouring Towns have as much milk from the Cows, as there is Rhenish wine sent out of high Germany to Dordre●● Out of this great plenty of milk they make butter, which is an excellent dainty dish, not only for barbarous Nations, as Pliny wou●● have it, but also for Kings and Princes. They make Cheeses al●● which are not inferior unto those of Parma and Placentia. The chie● are the Tessalican, and Gravesandican Cheeses, the next to them a● the Edammensian, which are best when they are old: It breede● map of Holland ●HE COUNTY OF HOLLAND. also excellent horses. On the sandy hills there are an infinite number of Coneys. Also great store of Hearts, Does, Hares; and in the Hagiensian wood there are herds of Goats, and great store of fowl especially Ducks. Also Geese, and in harvest time Woodcocks which we call Snipes. There are excellent turfs, which being digged out of the earth, and drawn out of the water, and so dried in the wind and sun, do make very good fuel. There were heretofore Kings of Holland, The ancient Government. of which Suetonius maketh mention in Caligula, cap. 44. But in the year of Christ 868 Charles the bald, King of France, reduced it into a County, and Theodore being descended of the royal stock, was governor thereof. After Theodore the father there succeeded Theodore, the son, and after him Arnold, and after Arnold Theodoricke, and others after him, of whom you may have a Catalogue, in Munster and others. Their ancient valour. They were heretofore very famous for matters of war, so that the Batavians were joined in fraternity and amity with the Roman Empire. And hereby they got the goodwill of other Princes. Now we are to describe the Cities: which are Dordretch, Harlem, Delpth, Leyden, Amsterdam, G●●ds, Naerdenum, The names of the Cities. Muda, Wesopum, Edamam, Monachodamum, Purna●●●da, Almeria, Euchuysa, Horna, &c. Dordretch is the chief City of Holland. The figure of it is long like a Galley, it is very rich and plentiful, and a Granary or Storehouse for corn and all other provision. It hath outlandish commodities brought up the River unto it, and there laid in aware houses until they be sold: and are carried from thence again in Hoys. This Privilege of storing of goods they call a staple. Harlem is a noble Town, both for the largeness of the City, the fairness of the houses, and the pleasantness of the situation. It hath the fairest Church in all Holland, being built on strong Pillars by the market place. The River Sparnus glideth by the City. It is thought it was built by the Frisians, about the year 506. In this City the Art of Printing was invented. Another honour of this City was the taking of Pelusium by a new device, which they call Damiata, and in remembrance thereof, they have two sacring bells of brass, which they call aerae Damiatae. Next follows Delpth which is famous not for Apollo's Tripos or Trevet, but for plenty of wine and corn. For the best beer is brewed in this City except it be English beer. It is so called from a Ditch, which the Batallions call Delft, which is brought from Mosa even to the City. In the year a thousand five hundred 36, on the Nones of May, the beauty of it was much blemished by fire, and the better part of the City was burnt down; but afterward it was built up again more fair than before. Leyden which Ptolemy calls Lugdunum Batavorum, is a City situate at the middle of the mouth of the River Rhine. It sustained and held out in the year 1574 a grievous siege, but at last it was freed, and the enemies were enforced by the overflowing of the waters to raise their siege. Amsterdam is the noblest Mart Town in all the world, it is so named from the River Amstela, as the learned Poet Nicolas Cannius hath noted, being a Citizen of Amsterdam, in these verses. Haec illa est Batavae non ultima gloria gentis, Amnis cui nomen, cui cataracta dedit. Dicta prius Damum, rarisque habitata colonis, Cum contenta casis rustica vita fuit. Hinc Amsterdamum jam facta celebrior, atque Fortunae crevit tempore nomen item. Vrbs benè nota propè, atque procul distantibus oris, Dotibus innumeris suspicienda bonis. Dives agri, dives pretiosae vestis & auri, ut pleno cornu copia larga beët. Quod Tagus atque Hermus vehit & Pactolus, in unum Verè huc congestum dixeris esse locum. This City Holland's glory, whose name From the River, and the falling waters came. It was called Damum first, and inhabited With Rural Cottages, which here were spread. But growing famous, 'twas called Amsterdam, And so increased in fortune and in name. It is a City known both fare and near And is admired for many gifts are here. 'tis rich in soil, in garments, and in gold, Plenty doth bless her with gifts manifold. What Pagus, Hermus, Pactolus doth bear, You may truly say, that it is stored up here. It consisted at the first of a few fishermens' houses, and was under the jurisdiction of the Lords of Amstelium. After Gilbert Amstelius, about two hundred fourscore years since, fortified this City with Bulwarks, gates and Towers; which being burnt by the envious neighbours, it was walled about in the year 2482. And afterward, it was still enlarged, and belonged unto Holland. But now it is a place of refuge not only for Holland but all the neighbour countries, even to the Sarmatians, and Goths, and Cimbrians. For there are in this City not only Italians, Spaniards, portugals, Britons, Scots, French, Sarmatians, Cimbrians, Suevians, Norwegians, Livonians, and Germans, but also East-Indians, Americans, Moors, and others out of all parts of the world. Gouda is so named from the Cimbricke word G●w, which signifies a Ditch, and a Trench against it: it is situate near Isela, being a plentiful City, and abounding with all things. There are also some free Towns, the chief whereof is the Hage, in which the Council of the States, and Princes do sit, and there is Court for deciding of suits, and controversies. Concerning the Politic state of this Country, it doth consist of three orders, the first are the Knights called Ridderherens, the chief whereof are the Earls Egmond and Ligne, under whom are these Dominions, Wassenar, Val●enborch, and the Viecountship of the City of Leyden. I find also these Counties in Holland, Maestant, Texel, Goylandt, Kennemerlant, Steenberge. The Lords and Barons, are Brederode, under whom is the Lordship of Vianen, and the Barony of Lijfelt. I find also in the Chronicle of Holland, that these Lordships are reckoned among the Baronies, Lecke, Sevenbergen, Voorn, Isselstein, Stryen, Teylingen, Puttem, Harlem, Leerdam, Asperen, Arckel, Altena, Bottersloet. The second order is the Lords, the chief whereof that are wont to appear at Hage, are these, the Lords of Poelgeest, of Polanen, of Lochorst, of Assendelft, Warmont, Sparwoude, Matnes, Schooten, Noortwisc. Verdoes, or Does, Mine van Amstel, Spangen, Alkemade, Benthuysen, Keneborch, Raaphorst, Sweten, Heemskericke, Ruven, Duyn, and Sprangen. Moreover there are these Lordships in Holland, Htesden, Outhoesden, Papendrecht, Wijngarden, Ghissenborch, Ameyde, Woerden, Waterlant, Schagen, Purmerende, Goude, Naeldwijc, Risswijc, Schoonhoven, Wateringen, Soetermeer, Heemstede, Heuhtwoude, Merwen, Haestrecht, Dalen, Spijc, Hardischsvelt, Bardtwisck, Wijck. The third order are the six great Cities, which are called and summoned to appear at the Hage, for all the rest: as Dordretch; this City hath a Praetor and a Magistrate, whom the Citizens obey, and a Bailie that governeth the whole Country round about, both in civil and criminal matters. Harlem hath a Praetor and a Magistrate within itself: and a Bailie for the Country, who hath jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters. Amsterdam hath also with itself a Prator and a magistrate, and a Bailie for the Country to judge of civil and criminal causes. Gouda hath a Praetor and Major for the Citizens, and a Baytiffe and a Governor of the Castle. THE COUNTY OF ZEALAND. ZEland signifies nothing else but a Sea-land, the name thereof being compounded from Sea and Landlord The Country whence so called. For it is encompassed on every side with the Sea. Lemnius doth collect out of Tacitus, that it was not unknown unto the ancients, but not by that name by which it is now called, but the people and inhabitants thereof, did vulgarly call it Maet. For he nameth them Mattiacans when he saith: Est in eodem obsequio Mattiacorum gens Battavis similis, nisi quod ipso terrae suae solo ac coelo acrius a●imantur: that is; The Nation of the Mattiacans, is also subject unto them, and are like the Battavians, but that their soil and climate doth make them more courageous and lively. It was called Zealand from the Danes and normans, who coming out of the Cimbrian Island in Denmark, which is called Zealand, to seek new Countries; being pestered with multitudes of inhabitants, they invaded the Coasts of Britain and France, and they called Walachria, and the neighbour Islands Zealand, after the name of their own Island. These Islands are situate between the mouths or outlets of the Rivers Mosa and Scaldis; on the North they have Holland, The Situation. on the East Brabant, on the South Flanders, on the West the German Ocean. Zealand hath somewhat an intemperate air, The temper of the air. for in some parts it is very cold and sharp, and not so wholesome as the neighbour Countries, especially in Summer, in regard of the Vapours arising from the ditches and standing Pools, and also because the Country is not planted with trees. But yet it hath this blessing, that it is not often troubled with plagues or pestilent diseases, but when it hath a plague it is most violent, and it is long before the cessation of it. But it hath a very fat, and fruitful soil, The fruitfulness of the soil. and fields which yield abundance of wheat, so that no Country hath the like for whiteness, and weightiness, and many other fruits: also Coriander feed, and Madder, which is good to die cloth in grain, and make it hold colour: and also great store of fair Baytrees loaden with Berries: and also many wholesome herbs both to eat, and to cure disseases withal. Hear are also excellent Meadow Pastures for fatting of Cattles, not only enclosed within hedges and ditches, but also upon the very shore by the Sea side, in which many thousand head of Cattles do graze, The variety of living creatures. to the great gain and commodity of the owners, being not only of an unusual bigness, but of a delicate and excellent taste, by reason of the sweetness and goodness of the soil & grass, so that they are much esteemed by foreigners. In the year 863, The ancient Government. in the year of Charles the Bald; a principality was first erected among the Battavians and Zelanders, and then they were called Counties, and the first Earl thereof was Theodoricke the son of Sigisbert, Prince of Aquitania, who having been Earl thereof eight and thirty years, left his second son Theodoricke, successor thereof; after whom these Countries by a long succession of Earls, came and was devolved over to Philip King of Spain. The Islands of Zealand are seven, three beyond the mouth of Scaldis, toward Battavia and the East, which are therefore called the East Islands, as Scaldia, Duvelandia and Tolen. And 4 on this side toward the West, Walachria, Zuythevelandia, Northevelandia, and Wolferdije. The greatest and chiefest Isle of them all beyond Scaldis is Scaldia, the inhabitants do call it Landt van Schouwen: the compass whereof is 7 miles, yet heretofore it was greater, and was divided only by a little strait of the Sea from Northevelandia. The chief Cities in it are Zirizaea, and Brouwershavia. Zirizaea is supposed to be the ancientest City in Zealand, being built by one Syrinxes, about the year 869. It was a long time a famous town of traffic, in regard of the commodiousness of the Haven, and the resort of strangers unto it; but when the Haven was filled up with sand, it grew out of esteem: yet there is hope that if a new Haven were digged, it would be as famous as ever it was. In this City Levinus Lemnius, a learned and famous Physician was borne and lived. fishermans do inhabit Brouwershavia, who live by the Sea. The second Island to Scaldia is Dwelandia, so called from the great store of Doves, that are therein; and it is four miles in compass. There are in it some Towns only and Villages, but no City. In the year 1130 it was overflowed with the Sea, to the loss of many people, but afterward the banks being repaired, and the Sea kept out, that loss was soon recompensed. The third Island is toll, which is near unto Brabant, being only parted and divided from it by a straight narrow sea, in which is Toletum; which the Low countrymen in regard of the custom and tribute which is paid there, do call Tolle●, being an ancient little Town: and not fare from thence is the Martinian bank, commonly called S. Martin's Dijck, being a pleasant place, and planted round about with trees, in which great store of fowl, especially Hernes do breed. The chief Island on this side Scaldis toward the West is Walachria, which the inhabitants call Bewester Schelt, being so called from the first inhabior, or from the Welsh or Frenchmen. This Island lieth on the East over against Brabant, on the South against Flanders, on the North against Batavia, on the West against Britain, This is the chief Island of all Zealand, being famous both for the situation thereof, the wealth, populousness, and for the beauty of the towns and traffic, being 10. miles in compass. The Cities in it are Middlebrough, Veria, Flushing, Arnemuda. There are also many towns in it. Middlebrough is so called from the situation thereof, for it is a town in the middle of the Island. It is a fair City having many private and public edifices, being excellently adorned with Bridges, Towers, and Fortresses, both for use and beauty: and it is the chief City in all Zealand, being also a famous Town of traffic. Hear Paul of Middleburrough, map of Zeland THE COUNTY OF ZEALAND. was borne, who was the chief Mathematician of his time: And also Nicolas Everhard, who was first President of the Court of Holland, and afterward of Mechlin, in which office he died, in the year 1532. He had sons that were singular learned men, Peter Everhard Doctor of Divinity, Nicolas Everhard President of the Court of Friesland, and afterward of Mechlin, Adrian, Marius, and john a Poet. Veria or Campoveria, is so called from the passage over which the Zelanders call Veer; It was first walled about in the year 1357. Afterwards it began to be a Mart town, for Scotch merchandise. Flushing hath his name and arms, from a Flagon, which the Countrymen call e'en Flessche. It is a new City, but powerful and commandeth the Sea, and it is full of excellent shipmasters, and Pilots. Arnemuda is a free Town belonging to Middleburrough, and a safe road for ships. The second Isle to Wallachria is Zuidbevelandia, which some suppose was so called from the trembling and shaking of it; we suppose that it was so called from the Bavarians, whose arms may be yet seen in the Scutcheons of the Island. It extendeth itself in a large and pleasant tract towards the coast of Flanders & Brabant, albeit some few yers ago, a great part of it being lost, it is now lesser by half than it was. There is a pretty City that stands off the Land, called Romerswalia, that hath no tilled fields round about it, not no garden places, but the sea doth wash it on every side, so it subsisteth only by trading in salt. In this City the Earls of Zealand take a solemn oath: which when Philip King of Spain, was to do according to the usual custom, in the year 1549. Nicolas de Const●lte, in whose house the Prince was entertained, caused these verses to be written over his gate: Vidimus adsueto privatum lumine Solemn: Pallida turbato vidimus astra die. Vidimus undantis horrendos aequoris aestus, Nos miseros Belgas quum obruit Oceanus. Vidimus ast post quam te Gloria nostra Philippe, Caesarea proles, Semideûmque decus: Cuncta refutamus transacti tristia saecli, Quod praesens nostrum testificatur opus. Sit licet exiguum, sit pro ratione voluntas, Nil facit ad nostrum parva carina fretum. We have seen when as the suns clear light did fail, And in the day time seen the stars look pale. We have seen the fearful sea tides rising so, Till the Oceans did us Belgians overflow. But Philip when thee, our glory, we espied, Of Caesar's stock, and half a god beside, We made up all our former rents again, And this present work doth testify the same: Though it be small, yet to accept it please, For no small ship can sail upon our Seas. Moreover in the Western part of this Island the City Goesa is situated at one of the mouths of Scaldis which they call Schenge. It is a City not very large, but pleasant, and rich, being the only City in the Island: It hath very civil and courteous Citizens, and a prudent Senate. The third Island of Zealand on this side Scaldis toward the West is, Northevelandia, in which is the City Cortgreene, and very many Towns; but this City was all drowned with water in the year 1532, but now it is a little re-edified. The fourth Island is Wolferdijc, as if you should say Wolfords' ditch, it is very small having only two Towns in it. There are ten Cities in Zealand, and more towns, they being about an hundred and more. The inhabitants are witty, crafty, and provident, and of a middle stature. But the Annals do report that Withelme Bonus, Earl of Holland, at the solemnity of the marriage of Charles the fair King of France, did bring a woman of an unusual great stature, borne in Zealand, in comparison of whom the greatest men did seem but boys: for she was so strong that she would carry two hoggsheads full of wine in both hands, and drink of them, which hogsheads did weigh four hundred Italian pounds; and she would carry a beam or piece of timber up and down, which eight men could not lift. They are very skifull in the Art of Navigation: Their Arts. They boil black course salt which is brought out of the Western Countries, in great large cauldrons, until they have made it as white as snow. They pour salt water on the rude Spanish and Armorican salt, and so boil it, and do make of a hundred weight of Spanish salt, an hundred and five and forty weight of pure salt. And they cell this salt, in France, England, Denmark, and other parts of Eurpe. Their Traffic. Besides they reap much profit by their corn and choice wheat, also by their Madder, Saltfish, and great plenty of cattles, and especially sheep. They keep their houses very neat and well furnished: they are provident and very painful in merchandising, and also bountiful, and liberal to the poor. The politic state of Zealand was wont to consist of three members, the one whereof was the Prelate, who stood for the whole Clergy, which was the Abbot of S. Nicolas, in Middleburrough: and one noble man, who was the marquis Veria: and also of the generality of the Cities, the chief whereof were those above mentioned, namely Middleburrough, Zirizea, Veria, Flushing, Tela, Martinsdijk, Romerswalia and Goesa. But let so much suffice concerning Zealand. THE DUKEDOM OF GELDERLAND, Containing the County of ZUTPHANIA, and the Lordship of TRANSISILANIA. The Country whence so called. GElderland was so called from the Castle of Gelrt, which Wichard of Ponthe together with his brother are reported to have built: though many do suppose that it was so called from the Town Gelduba, which Tacitus mentioneth. Others do bring other reasons for this name. The Situation: It hath on the North Friesland, and a Bay of the German Sea commonly called Z●yderzee; on the East the Dukedom of Cleveland, on the South juliacans: and on the West Brabant and Holland. The air of this Country, is pure and wholesome: the soil fruitful and fit for tillage, and especially it hath abundance of Corn; it hath fruitful meadows which do breed up all sorts of Cattles; and great droves of Cattles are brought out of the farthest part of Denmark to be fatted here; for there are many fair and flourishing meadows, especially about the banks of Rhine, Vahalis, and Mosa. At the first Gelderland was ruled and governed by Praefects: and afterward by Princes. For Leopold, Nephew to Martin governor of Austria, or Guidus as some report, was governor of these parts. After the time of Charles the Great, the Lords of Ponthe governed it. Afterwards Otto Nassovius was Prince thereof in the year 1079. if we may credit Labius. After whom followed Gerard, Henry, Otto, Reinald, who was in such great favour with the Emperor, that at Frankfort, in the year 1339 on the foureteenth day of April Ludovicke Caesar Augustus, did make him Duke of Gelderland. Edvard after many battles took his brother Reinald, and kept him ten years in prison: William succeeded after him, and after him his brother Reinald, and after Reinald William Arculanus, he died without issue at Gorichem. His Sister married john Egmundan, & after many changes the matter came to that pass, that in the year 1412. Charles the son of Adolphus, being called by the States of Gelderland out of Holland, did make William the son of john Duke of Cleveland his heir, who against the will of the Emperor Charles the fifth, was for a time governor of Gelderland, until map of Gelderland GELDERLAND. in the year 1543. being put out of a great part of juliacum, he came as a suppliant, and yielded himself to the Emperor, being then in his tent at Venloe; on this condition, that he should resign up the possession of all Gelderland, and release his subjects of their oath: yet notwithstanding Caesar did give him back all the Territory of juliacum, excepting only two Towns, Hensberg and Sittartum. And thus the Gelderlanders who were free at the first, lived afterward under Princes, yet keeping their own laws and ordinances. But now they are governed by the States, and do valiantly for their liberty against the Spaniards. This Dukedom doth contain two and twenty Cities, The names of the Cities. the chief whereof are Noviomagum, Ruremunda, Zutphania, and Arenacum, which they call now Arnheimum. Noviomagum, or Nymegen, is an ancient City, situated on the left hand bank of the River Vahalis, which is very deep in that place: it seemeth that it was heretofore the Country of Batto, having the Castle of Battenburg near it, and within the City the Mountain Hessus, which some suppose was so called from Hessus the son of Batto. The City is fortified by Art and Nature, b'ing very rich, and abounding with all things: on that side which looketh toward Cleveland, it is seated on a hills side, with an old Castle, which some suppose was built by julian; on which side the Country openeth and layeth forth her beauty being full of woods, and springing Fountains: the lower part of the City lieth toward the Marshes, and the other part of the soil is on continued hill. Ruremunda is seated by the mouth of the River Rura, where it dischargeth itself into Mosa; it is a pleasant, rich, and potent City, in the old Country of the Menapians. Zutphania on the right hand bank of Isala, hath a County belonging to it, of which we will speak hereafter. That which Tacitus calls Arenacum, Posterity did call Arnhe●mum, of the Eagles' house: it is the chief City of Gelderland, where the Counsel is kept, being neat, plentiful, and well fortified▪ and situated near the right hand mouth or outlet of the River Rhine. There are also these lesser Cities Hattem, Elburg, Harderuic, Wagen●ga, which Tacitus calleth Vada; Tiela, Bomelium, Bronchorstum, Doesburg, Doetecomium, and many others. Gelderland is watered with three famous Rivers, The Rivers. namely Rhine, Mosa, and Vahalis. And besides the●e, there are some lesser Rivers that glide through it, as Worm, Roer, Sualm, old Isala, Berckel, Niers, Regge, Aa, and Vidrus. On the North it looketh toward a Bay of the Sea, which they call now Z●●derzee: As we call that the Southern Bay which looketh Southward, where Holland layeth forth herself, as having sufficient store to trade with all the world. The ground is plain and low, and there are few Mountains, and those are full of Woods and Forests. Concerning the politic state of this Dukedom, it hath 3 members, the Baronies of Veluwe, of Beture, of Bomielweert, and Trielweert. Also the County of Zutphania, under which are the Counties of Bronshorst, and Herebergensis. Also the higher Gelderland in which are Ruremunda and Gelder. The Nobles are the Earls of Bronchorst and Herenburg. The Lords are of Batenborch, of Groesbeeck, Mountfort, Well, Watchtendonck, Grol, Anholt, Keppel, Bredefort. Buren is a County by itself within Gelderland. There are also four chief Cities, as Neomagum, which is a free City and the Metropolis of the whole Dukedom of Gelderland, which hath under it Batavians, or the Beteuwe, the Lower, and the higher; also Bomnerweert, Tielweert, and Maeswael, being a Territory between Vahalis, and Mosa. Also Ruremunda, which is the chief City of higher Gelderland, which hath under it Venlo, Gelder, Vagedie, Strale, Wachtendo●ck, Erckelens, Moutfort, Echt, Nieustat, Kessel, Midler, Grieckenbecke. Also Zutphania, under which are Donsburg, &c. Arnheime, under which are, Wagheninge, Hattem, Harderwijck, Elborch, and all Velavia. At Arnheime there is a Council kept, and the President of all Gelderland resideth there, before whom all trials are brought, of the four aforesaid Cities, without any further appeal to be made; and to them the trials are brought from other towns, and places which are subject unto them. The Ecclesiastic state in this manner: Geldria was subject to four Bishops, Neomagum, with the Territory belonging thereunto, was subject to the Bishop of Colen; Ruremunda to the Bishop of Leodium, Zutphania and the Territories thereof to the Bishop of Munster, and Arnheimum to the Bishop of Trajectum. The inhabitants were warlike, and wonderfully given to martial affairs: but now they are more addicted to studies. Their manners The most part do busy themselves in Merchandising and trading, the rest do partly give themselves to Maechanick Arts and trades, Their Trasique. and partly to husbandry, and in regard of the fruitfulness of the soil, they do reap much profit thereby. This Dukedom doth contain besides many other Counties and Baronies, the County of Zutphania. Zutphania. The Etymology of the name. It was so named, if we many credit Goropius Becanus, from the condition of the soil, namely from the Marshes which they commonly call Venen. The inhabitants of these Countries as likewise their neighbours do still retain their ancestors manners and disposition, for they are valiant and very ready in war. Moreover many are of opinion, that the Sicambrians did heretofore possess Gelderland, and the chiefest part of the County of Zutphania, Their ancient valour. who were more fierce and desirous of war, than any other of the Germans, Their ancient valour. whence it came to pass that they vexed France, with continual incursions. For which cause when there was peace throughout all the world, yet Octavian Augustus, could not for a long time shut up the gates of janus his Temple, which they used to do in times of peace, because he understood that the Sicambrians did still molest the Frenchmen. But Otho Nassovius, Duke of Gelderland, beside his son Gerard, The ancient Government. who succeeded him in the Dukedom of Gelderland, had by Sophia Daughter to the Earl of Zutphania, a son called Gerlacum, who succeeded him in the County of Zutphania. Who dying without issue, the County of Zutphania, was annexed to Gelderland, and never afterward disjoined from it. It hath a City of the same name, which junius supposeth to be the City Visepetum, being populous, plentiful, well fortified with water, and seated on the right hand bank of the River Isala. Also the River Berckel floweth by it, and there mingles itself with Isala. Moreover these Cities and Praefectureships following are in the County of Zutphania: the Cities are, Dousburg, Docte●mium, Lochemum, Grolla, Bredevorda, Broinkhorst, and the Praefectureships are those which are named from the Cities. And ove● these there is one chief praefect, whom in their own language they call the Drossart of the County of Zutphania. Here is also the City Herebergensis, having a County belonging to it. Transisalania whence so called. It remaineth now that we should add somewhat concerning Transisalania, being so called in regard it is situate on the other side of Isala. It looketh on the North toward West Friesland, on the South toward Gelderland: The Situation. on the East is Westphalia: on the West it hath a large bay (which is now called Zuyderzee) and the River Isala. It is a plain low Country, the soil being very fruitful, especially for corn, The fruitfulness of the soil. and also it hath pleasant meadows. The Province of Transisalania for many ages was subject to the bishop of Vltrajectum, until in the year 1528, by the advice of Henry Palatine Bishop of Vltrajectum, it did submit herself to Charles the 5. and his successors. In this Province there are 8 walled City, namely Daventria, Campen, Swolla, Steenwijckum, Vollenhova, Hassela, Oetmarsia, Oldese●la, Daventria, or Deventer aboundeth with all things, which is a rich and well fortified City: being seated on the right hand bank of Isala. I pass by the rest. The Rivers. It hath also beside the River Isala, the Rivelet Vidrum and other lesser Rivers also: And many pleasant woods, although they be small and of no note. The politic State of Transisalania doth consist of two orders, the Prince's offices, and the Nobility, as Alhemo, Ghoer, &c. and that in three parts of the Country, Iselland, Twent, and Drowned. The chief Parliament is in Vollenhove, from whence there is no appeal. THE COUNTY OF ZUTPHANIA. SOme suppose that the Zutphanians were herefore called by the Romans Vsipetes, which junius conjectureth in his Batavia. But Bertius thinketh that the posterity of the Tencterians did possess that Countery: but Cluverius doth al●ayes join these two people, the Tencterians and Vsipetians, as Cae●●r witnesseth: who being driven out of their Country by the Cattis, ●fter they had wandered three years together through many parts 〈◊〉 Sermanie, afterward passing over the Rhine, received a great overthrough by the Romans: the remainder of them being by Sigamber, admitted within the confines of the Country, they afterward lived there continually, as he delivers, Lib. 3. cap. 10. of his learned commentaries of ancient Germany. And also Becanus Francicor doth affirm, that the Tencterians did obtain the seat of the ancient Syg●●●rians. But it is likely that the limits thereof were heretofore fare larger, seeing they writ that it reached unto Friesland, and to the sea. But now they do possess more Towns and Villages, from the Drusian ditch, that is, Yssela, even to the Westphalians. The chief City thereof is Zutphanium, whence the Province is named, which seemeth to be so called from the Marshes, as if it were Zuitveen, that is the Southern Marsh; being situate at the mouth of the River Bere●el, and on the right hand bank of Yssela. It hath been a County from the year of Christ, 1107, at what time the Counties of Gelderland, and Zutphania were united, by the marriage of Otto Nassovius, with S●phia of Zutphania, the daughter of Wichmann. But now Zutphania with the Territory thereof, is one of the 17 Provinces of the Low Countries; and albeit, as Sandenus saith, they were united together 500 years before, yet they used their own laws, and rights different and distinct from Gelderland. This City is populous, & plentiful, being seated on a Low ground, and fortified with waters. It was always governed by a learned Senate, skilful both in the Common law, and their Country Law, to which the judges of the neighbour Towns, when they doubted of any matter which was brought before them, were wont to refer the hearing, and to desire their opinion of it: which when they had received, they esteemed as 〈◊〉 Oracle, so that the ordinary could not reverse or change any thing. There are four lesser walled towns in this Country, which have voices in the public assemblies, Doesburg, Doeticum, Loche●um, Grolla. But the free Territory is distinguished into four Praefectureships, and as many Baronies. The Praefectureships are: Her Drosten Ampt Van Zutphen, het Schotten Ampt Van Z●●p Richter Ample Van Doesborch, Drosten Ampt van Bredefort, Baronies are Bergha (which is also a County) Bronckhorst, Bea● And there is at this day a controversy between those of M●● as Sandenus witnesseth, and the Lords of Anholt, whether Anho● belong to this Province. But that I may come to a conclusion, City endured much misery in the last wars; for it was taken sacked by the Spaniards, in the year of Christ 1572; and afterwards was taken by john Bapt. Taxius, in the year 1583. At ●●ng● the year of Christ 1591. Grave Maurice besieged it forth 〈◊〉 of the Low Countries, and freed it from Spanish servitude, and ●● it to the united Provinces. map of Zutphania ●HE COUNTY OF ZUTPHANIA. THE BISHOPRIC O● VLTRAIECTUM map of Ultrajectum ●HE BISHOPRIC 〈◊〉 VLTRAIECTUM. This Bishop Balderick, who (as these verss do mention) walled this City, was surnamed Clivensis, and Charles the Bald, King of France, and Emperor of Germany, gave him the Cities of Daventria, and Tiela, with all the Territories thereunto adjoining, both for repairing the Cathedral Church, and for his government in his Bishopric. It appeareth that this City was heretofore called Ant●nia, not only by the aforesaid verses, but also by the testimony of diverse writings, and by inscriptions upon coin and ancient stones, and monuments found heretofore. Yet it is doubtful whether this name were derived from Antoninus, the Roman Senator: for some do report that it was so called from Marcus Antonius, who was at that time Caesar's ambassador in France, who afterward together with Octavianus Augustus, and Marcus Lepidus, did assume unto themselves the whole government of the Roman Commonwealth. Lastly, others do allege, that it was so called from the Emperor Marcus Antoninus Pius, who did reëdifie it when it was decayed. Vltrajectum is situate by the old channel of Rhine, which River before that it broke into Lecca, did run that way, and from thence did hasten onward to the Ocean. And now the inhabitants by trenches and ditches have brought the two Rivers, Wo●rda, and Leyda, unto the City, that way which the River Rhine came heretofore. Moreover it is observable, that this City is so seated, that in one day you may go on foot to which you please of fifty Towns which stand round about it, being no farther distant from it than we said before (as appeareth also by the Geographical Table,) all of which before these troublesome times of war, did belong to the King of Spain. Moreover any one that setteth forth in the morning, from Vltrajectum, may walk softly to any of those six and twenty Cities aforesaid, and there refresh themselves and make merry, and at evening come home. This is a great City, pleasant, and powerful, having many stately public and private aedifices; it hath a fair strong Castle, built by the Emperor Charles the fifth, and called in their speech Vredenburch. The Churches thereof are very magnificent, and especially these five which belonged heretofore to so many ancient Colleges of Cannons: Namely our Saviour's Church, S. Martin's Church, S. Peter, S. john's, and S. Mary's. But the sumptuous and fair Church of Saint Martin, doth exceed all the rest, which is a Bishop's seat. The Bishop Adelboldus, caused this Church to be pulled down, and afterward to be built up again more fairly; it was reëdified in the year 1023, and twelve Bishops did consecrated it in the presence of the Emperor Henry the first, as these verses do declare: Tempore Francorum Dagoberti Regis in isto Praesenti fundo conditur ecce decens. Primitus Ecclesia Sancti Thomae, prope Castrum Trajectum, quam gens Frisica fregit atrox. Sed prior Antistes Dominus Clemens, ob honorem Sancti Martini, post renovavit came Desidis Henrici sub tempore Regis: at illam Praesul Adelboldus fregit, ab inde novam Ecclesiam fundans, Henrici tempore primi Caesaris electi, quem duodena cohors Pontificum pariter benedixit: denique Praesul Henricus coepit hanc renovare suam Ecclesiam, Regis Gulielmi tempore, qvi tum Hollandensis erat inlytus ecce Comes. When Dagobert was King of France, they did found Saint Thomas Church upon this present ground: Even by the Castle of Trajectum placed, But by the Friesland Nation it was razed. Than the reverend Praelate Clemens called by name, In honour of S. Martin built it up again, Even in the time of Henry's slothful reign. But Adelbolde pulled it down unto the ground And afterward a new Church he did found In the first Henry's time; which with great state, Twelve Bishops solemnly did consecrated. Lastly the Bishop Henery began For to reëdifie this Church again, Even when King William this same land did guide, Who was then Earl of Holland too beside. This Saint Mary's Church is very fair and beautiful, and was built by the Emperor Frederick, as a mulct and charge imposed on him by the Pope of Rome, for wasting the famous City of Mediolanum, and destroying the Churches therein. It was strange that at the laying of the foundation of this Church, there was a quicksand found, on which they could not build, but that it would still sink; at length they cast Ox hides into it, which made the ground solid and firm, so that they built this Church on it, in remembrance whereof these verses are extant in Vltrajectum: Accipe Posteritas quod post tua secula narres; Taurinis Cutibus fundo solidata columna est. THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF MACHLIN. MAchlin is situated almost in the middle of Brabant, and is as it were enclosed within it, near the River Dilia, which cutteth through the middle of it, being equally distant from Antwerp, Brussels, and Lovanium, in a Champion Country and fertile soil, having a light and sandy ground; the City is very fair & conspicuous, both in regard of the pleasantness of the situation, the cleanness and breadth of the streets, the largeness and curiousness of the houses: some reckon it as a part of Brabant, but yet truly it is a distinct country from it. There are diverse uncertain conjectures concerning the original thereof; but this is manifest, that in one of the letters Patents of Pepin King of France, dated in the year 753, there is mention made of it, and that it is there called Mastinas, as it were the line of the Sea, because the Sea doth flow and ebb before it; which Etymology pleaseth some better, than to call it Machel from one Michael who possessed these parts, as Ortelius doth deliver in his itinerary of the Low Countries. Others do deduce the name from other derivations. But as we said, Machlin, after the year 753, had Adonis to be Earl thereof, which he held by fealty and service. But who were his Praedecessors, or successors is not yet known. Long time afterward there followed the Sertoldi, who denied fealty and homage to Godfrey Barbatus, Duke of Brabant, which occasioned wars between them. After the Berltoldi, Machlin had various fortunes, and diverse Lords; at length it recovered liberty, and was not subject unto any in the year 1336. And afterward it came to the Burgundian family in the year 1383. And lastly, unto the Austrian family, in the year 1477. And it is now one of the 17 Provinces of the Low countries, where the chief Counsel doth sit, whither the last appeal in the Low Countries is made; & instituted by Charles of Burgundy, Prince of the Low Countries, and at length in our time it was made an bishopric, the chief Metropolitan seat, whereof is Saint Rumolds Church. Besides, there is an Armoury in it, which in the year of Christ, 1546. in the month of August, the Gunpowder being set on fire by lightning, was burnt down, and the City much defaced thereby. Here Nicasius of Woerden, a most learned Lawyer, although he map of Machlin THE CITY AND Province of MACHLIN. were blind, was borne; also Christopher Longolius, Rombert Dodonaeus, the Emperor's Physician, and professor of Physic at Leyden: and also Philibert of Brussels an excellent Lawyer. It doth also produce many excellent artificers and workmen; especial stone-cutters, and carvers of Images. He that desireth to know more concerning this City, and the antiquity of this Province, let him have recourse to john Bapt. Gremajus his large description of Machlin, and he shall find very good satisfaction therein. THE LORDSHIP OF GRONINGA. GRoninga is the head City of the Province of Groninga, and the fairest City in Friesland. Some think it to be that which Ptolemie calls Phileum. They derive the name from Grano a certain Trojan or Friesland Prince, but Vbbo Emmius, rejecting other opinions which are grounded on fabulous reports, supposeth that it was so called from the green Meadows, and tufts of trees therein. It is distinguished from the other parts of Friesland, in the middle whereof this Province is seated, by the River Amasus, and the Lavician Bay; and now since the year 1536, it is counted one of the seventeen Provinces, at what time the Groningians did put themselves into the protection of Charles the fifth. Heretofore this Lordship did do homage and fealty to the Bishop of Vltrajectum, being given him by the Emperor Henry the third, and afterward by the Emperor Maximilian the first, in the year 1494. And also he gave the Government of Groninga, and all Friesland, to Albert Duke of Saxo●ie: the Groningians refusing the government of the Saxons, who having made many treaties of peace but in vain; they committed themselves in the year 1506, into the Protection of Edzard Earl of East Friesland, and afterward dismissing Edzard, because he was not able to resist the Saxon, and the Emperor, they took the oath of allegiance to Charles Duke of Gelderland; so at length George, the son of Albert Saxon, did surrender and yield up all Groninga and West Friesland to the Emperor G●●les the fifth, as to the chief Lord thereof. This occasioned wars between the Austrians and the Gelderlanders, whereby it came to pass, that the Groningians being wearied with continual wars, did yield themselves in the year 1515 unto Caesar, as Prince of Brabant and Holland. It is a pleasant Country and 〈◊〉 of fair pasture grounds, except toward Druenttum, where it is ●●cotish. The City is strongly fortified with ditches and trenches, being very wide and spacious, adorned with many magnificent public and private buildings. The suburbs whereof some ●ew years ago was much enlarged, and the new City was joined to the old, and so the City was more strongly fortified against the ●●●sion of enemies than before. There are twelve Churches in it, ●● which there are three Parish Curches, as they call them, five besieging to Monasteries, and four belonging to Guesthouses. The ●●●est and ancientest of all the Parish Churches is S. Martin's, having a high steeple, although the top thereof be somewhat decayed and heretofore it was devoted to heathen superstition. It was made a Bishop's seat in the year 1569, by Pope Paul the third, which john Carifius of Vltrajectum, was the first and last that possessed it. This City is populous and rich, and it hath a large jurisdiction. Here Rodolphus Agricola the learnedest man in those times was borne, whose books are still approved by the learned. He died at Heidelberg in the year 1485, on whom Hermolaus Barbarus a noble man of Venice bestowed this Epitaph: Invida clauserunt hoc marmore fata Rudolphum, Agricolam Frisij spemque decusque soli; Scilicet, hoc vivo meruit Germania laudis, Quicksands quid habet Latium, Graecia quic quid habet. The envious fates here have shut, Within this Marble Tomb, Rudolphus Agricola, by whose worth Friesland much honour won. For while he lived, Germany did inherit All praise which Greece and Italy could merit Also this City was the birth place of Wesselus' Bassilius, a most excellent Philosopher, who died in the year 1584.; also Reinerus Predinius, Hieron. Verutius, and many others were borne here. There is a great Free Town in this Province called Dam which is but two miles distant from Groninga, and it hath 145 villages; some whereof are fairer and greater than the rest. Concerning other matters you shall find them accurately described by Vbbo Emmius. map of Groninga THE LORDSHIP OF GRONINGA. THE LORDSHIP OF TRANS-ISSELANIA. THe Trans-Issilanians do inhabit that part which was the Seat of the ancient Frenchmen; which the most learned Hardrian junius, doth largely and accurately declare. And the name of Frenchmen signifies as much, for the Low country men being weary of servitude when they increased in wealth, would needs be called Franci, because they had gotten their liberty and enfranchised themselves; who●● Agathias a Greek writer, did place about Rhine, in the words: The Frenchmen do devil about Rhine, and do inhabit●●● the adjacent Countries round about, and they were next unto the Sicambrians; which Claudianus and Sidonius Apollinaris do expressly show, as also Gregory Turonensis, and Venantius Fortunatus. It is now called Transissulana, because it is situate beyond the River Isela●● was also the seat of the ancient Salians, and also of the Tencterian which are now thought to be the Drentinians, and the Tubantum, which, as junius writeth in his Batavia, were the Tuentenians, This Country is now divided into three parts, that which is near to Isala is called Salandia, that which is beyond Vetchta is called Druenta, that which is next to Westphalia, is called Twenta. But Druenta and Twenta were conferred on the Bishop o● old Trajectum, after the year of Christ 1046. Also Amelandia, Gora, Daventria, and also all Transissulana, by the donation and gift of the Emperor, and so it continued for many years under his governmen, even until the year 1528; when being wearied with war they yielded themselves to the Emperor Charles the fifth, on certain conditions, as Duke of Brabant, and Earl of Holland, Trans-Issula, hath on the North West Friesland; on the South the Counties of Zutphania, on the East Westphalia, and on the West the River Isela. The Country is plain and fruitful, and full of Corne. It containeth eight walled Cities, which have their own privileges and immunities, as Meppela, Geelmuda, Coevordia, Hardenberga, Ow●● Almeloa, Gora, Diepenhemium, Delda, and Enscheda. The Sta●● do consist of two members, the first whereof are the officers a●● nobles, the latter are the Magistrates of the three capital Cities Daventria is seated by the River Issela, which is the Metropolis the Country, which is a large City, and beautified with many p●● like and private buildings, and fortified with walls, Towers, and Bulwarks: heretofore it was a famous place of study, from whe●● came Gerardus surnamed the Great, whose works are much esteemed by Divines; also Alexander Heggius, who first revived th● Greek tongue in Belgia, and may worthily boast of his scholar Erasmus. In this City also there were borne james of Daventri● map of Trans-issalania ●HE LORDSHIP OF TRANS-ISSALANIA. an excellent Geographer, Everard Bronckorst a Lawyer and Professor at Leiden; also Ortuinus Gracius, joannes Dorrius, john Sinthemius, and Rodolphus Pythopaeus, and others. It is now the chief City of the Ansuarians, whom they commonly call Anse steden. Campi is on the left hand bank of the River Isela, not fare from the mouth thereof, being four miles distant from Daventria. This City is also very large, lying lengthwayes, and hath fair houses in it here Albertus Pighius was bone, also john Campensis a Divine, Harmanus Cruserus a Physician, and Theodore Peter were borne here. Heretofore it was more famous for merchandising in regard of the depth of the Haven than it is now. Swolla is a pleasant City, and fortified with a double ditch. It hath on one side the River Isela, on the other Vetchta, which are not fare from it. There are also other lesser walled towns: as Volenhovia by the Lake Flevum, Steenvicum by the River Aa, and Hasseletum by the River Vidrum or Vechta. Also Oetmersia and Oldensalia, the last of which is an ancient Town of the Salians, which Baldericke of Vltrajectum walled about, and did found there a College of Cannons. THE COUNTY OF ARTESIA. ARtesia, containeth a great part of those people which Caesar calleth the Atrebatians, from the chief City which he calleth Atrebatum. But Marius Niger doth place here the Ambianians. And Ptolemy also doth place Atrebatium between the river Scene, and Phrudium, which is now called lafoy Somme. But the new name of Artesia, is derived from the Metropolis called Arras, as it were Aratesia by the figure Syncope, and it is commonly called Artois. The bounds thereof are on the North Flanders, from which it is parted by the River Lisander, and the New ditch: on the South and West it is bounded with Picardy, on the East with Flanders and Cameracum. The air is clear and sweet, the Country fruitful, and especially of corn, of which it hath not only sufficient plenty for itself, but also it furnisheth Flanders, Brabant and other Countries. It is the barn and Granary for Antwerp and Mechlin. It hath no wine, rather by slothfulness of the inhabitants than the unfruitfulness of the soil or climate. This Country heretofore belonged to Flanders: for Charles the Bald gave it to Baldwin Arduennatus for a Dowry with his wife judith. Afterwards Philip Alsasius when he married his Nephew Isabel, to Philip son of Ludovicke the seaventh, King of France, he gave her all West Flanders for her dowry, that is, all that tract of ground, which lieth from the new Ditch even to Picardy. Afterwards Philip in the year 1195 made it a County, and gave it to his son Ludovicke, who was first Earl of Artesia, afterward King of France, and the father of Ludovicke the holy. But in the year 1382 Ludovicke Malanus, Earl of Flanders, after the decease of his Mother, was made Earl of Artesia, and so both the Counties were united again. But after the decease of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, Ludovick the eleventh King of France, did regain Artesia, which afterward by an agreement and covenant made between Charles the eighth King, & Maximilian the Emperor, was passed over Anno 1492, to Philip of Austria the son of Maximilian the father of Charles the fifth. The chief Cities are Atrebatum, the Church of S. Audomare, Bethunia, Aria, and Bapalma, the others are less. Atrebatum commonly called Arras, or Atrecht, is situated near the River Scarpa: it is a great Town well fortified with ditches, and Bulwarks; it doth resemble two Cities, one of which they call la Cité, which belongeth to the Bishop, and the other la Ville which belongeth to the Prince. The former part is lesser, but very pleasant, and hath a Cathedral Church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Hear a certain kind of Manna was religiously kept as a relic which Saint Hierome i● his Epistles doth report, did rain down in his time in th● Country. This part is larger and hath fair houses and streets, an● a great Market place: beside, it hath a Library in which are all kin● of written manuscripts, especially of Divine. Hear Francis Baldvin a famous Lawyer was borne, upon whose Monument at Paris there is this inscription: Cujaci, Balduinus hic jacet. Hoc tecum reputa & vale. Mortuis nobis juris prudentiam gravis corripi & sopor. Franc. Bald, jurise. ob. anno aet. 54. November 11. a partu Virgivis 1563. Papirius Massonus Balduini auditor P; that is, Whose monument is this? Baulduine lieth here. Think on that and so farewell: Franc. Bald. a Lawyer, died in the year of his age 54. on the 11. of November, and after the birth of Christ 1563. Papirius Massonus an hearer o● Baldvini did place this monument. In this City the most learne● and eloquent Charles Clusius was borne, who after he had traveled through many Countries, he spent his old years in this Athens and Batavia, and there he finished those his famous works, which deserve immortal fame. The City is populous enough, because there are some merchants, and some trades men. The Church of S. Audomare was heretofore called Sithin, as Meyerus witnesseth, afterward it was called S. Omer, from S. Audomar. This Audomar, was bishop of the Morineans about the year 1570, and built a Monastery there near the River Aa. This City excelleth both for beauty, and populousness of the Citizens. Some think it to be Itius Portus, as we have said in the description of Bononia. Three miles hence near the River Lisander there was also the ancient Metropolis of the Morineans called Teroana, concerning which I have spoken in the same description. Bethunia also is a fair Town in Atri●●tum, being a Granary for wheat. It flourisheth with all kind of commodities, as corn and other things which are necessary to sustain man's life, and fit to be transported. Aria is seated by the River Lisander, which runneth through the middle of it, it is two miles distant from Teroana, being a fair Town and well fortified. It hath an ancient Castle, and neat buildings. There is also Hesdinum, which is a strong fortress against France, which Caesar after he had razed the Town which was of the same name, builded by occasion of the war that was between the most powerful Prince's o● Europe. It is conveniently seated on the bank of the River Canch●● one mile nearer towards France, being four miles distant fro● Monstrolium, and 5 from S. Paul It is watered also with another R●ver, commonly called Blangis, from the place where it springeth So that in regard of the convenient situation thereof, it is accounte● a strong Fortress, and in regard of the laws and Privileges which ancient Hesdinum did enjoy, it was soon replenished with inhabitants. Near to S. Omers there is a Lake, full of fish, in which ther● are floating Islands, which with a rope tied to the trees growing thereon, or with long poles may be should and drawn up and down like those which Pliny mentioneth to be in Lycia, called the Cal●minae. Neither are there small pieces of Land; for Oxen & other Ca●te● map of Artesia THE COUNTY OF ARTESIA. may feed and graze upon them. Under these Islands in the Winter and Summer time great store of fish do hide themselves, to avoid both the cold and heat. The chief Rivers are Lisander, Scarpa, Aa, Canchia, and Authia, besides other navigable Rivers. There is also not fare from Teroana a great Channel, which they call the new ditch: some think it was digged in the time of the Earl Baldwin, either to hinder the enemy's excursions, or to distinguish, and set limits between the confines of Flanders and Artesia: others think it to be a bay of the Sea. Virgil truly doth acknowledge that the Morions were near unto the Sea, when he calleth them the farthest inhabitants. But now Teroana is eight miles from the Sea. Besides, out of the bottom of the new ditch, there are oftentimes pieces of Anchors drawn up, which is a certain argument that the Sea was near unto it. It hath also some woods, especially Westward and Southward. The Politic state of Artesia doth consist of three orders: the Clergy, the Nobles, and the special Cities: the first member is the clergy, in which there are 2 Bishops, the Bishop of Atrebatum and S. Omers; 2 Provosts, Bethunienj●s and Ariensis. 20 Abbots to whom belong these Monasteries: of the order of S. Benedict, 8, namely, Atrebatense, Aquicinctense A●se●n, S. Omers, Blangtacense, Montense, Hamense or Hames, and Ass●acense● Of the order of S. Augustine 7, as Auriacense, S. Eloy, of Ch●pnes, of Hennin, of Lietard, of Raselli villa, of Mareul, Aque●●tense in Eaucourt. Of the Cistertian order there are the Abbots of the Monasteries of Cherchamp, and Clommeres. Of the Pra●●●●● densian order, Damartin, Santandreanum, Auguatianum. There are 10 Colleges of Cannons: Atrebatense, Audomarense, Bethumense, Arience, Hesdinense, Lensiense, Sanpaulitanum, Lilleriense, Fal●e ●rgense, Douriense. The second member is the Nobles, among whom there is one Prince of Espinoy: one marquis of Rentinium, 7 Earls, S. Pol, Falquenberch, Harliensis, Busq●●etensis, Henniensis, Arquensis, and lastly Blangiacensis. But these two last Earldoms did fall of late to the Abbey of Saint Bertin; and four chief Earls are not called or summoned to this meeting, as Atrebaten●is, Audomarensis, Bapalmensis, and Lensiensis. The families of the Gentry counting them by an Alphabetical order are these: Aussi, Averdam, Aubigni, Aix, Annequin, Anvezin, Aneroult, Avion, Allenes, Anvin, Bailleul, Beaufort, Beaumez, Beauraines, Beausart, Bellona, Berles, Billy, Bofles, Boisleux, Bonnieres, Boncourt, Boubert, Bours, Brias, Buissi, Caumont, Conroy, Contes, Coupiguy, Croisilles, Cunchy, Divion, Dovurin, Enne, Erin, Esquerdes, Estree, Fosseux. Frevin, Fleshin, Gomiecount, Govy, Greboval, Geulesin, Habar●que, Hachicourt, Hamelaincourt, Helfault, Houchin, Houdin, la Viesville, la Plancque, Liguereul, Licques, Longastre, Malanoy, Maisuit, Mammez, Marles, Mes en Contire, Mingoval; Moiry, Nedoncelles, Neufville, Nojelle, Noircarmes, Ococh, Olham, Oignies, Ores●naux, Plancques, Plovicke, Pronville, Querecques, Ranchicourt, Ransart, Recovet, Rebecque, Regnauville, Rely, Rolancourt, Rumenghien, Sains, S. Aldegonde, S. Venant, Sombrein, Sovastre, Tieuloie, Tramerie, Vaulx, Villers, Vrolant, Wancourt, Warluzelle, Waurans, Willerval. The third member is the especial Cities: 7 Royal Cities, as Atrebatum, Saint Omers, Bethunia, Aria, Hesdinum, Lens, and Bapalina: private Lordships as S. Pol, Perne, Lillers: and also these Towns which have the prerogative of Cities, and called to the assembly of the States, and there be 28 of them, Arques, Aubigny, Avesnes, Aussi, Benurains, Blangij, en Ternois, Busquoy, Carwin, Caumont, Choques, Dourier, Franquenberghe, Fressin, Fleurbay, Frevene, Frages, Gorgue, Hennin, Lietard, Huchin, Hosdaine, Labroy, Libourg, Oisy, Pas, Richebourg, Tornehem, Ventie, Vitry. The Provincial Counsel is held at Atrebatum, from whence all appeals are brought to the Parliament at Mechlin. But the Bishop of Atrebatum hath all power in spiritual matters, and is subject to the Bishop of Rheims. This Table also contains true Picardy, and the Dukedom of Cambresi, which is a principality of the Empire, and is governed both in temporal and spiritual matters by the Bishop of Cambresi. But yet sometimes in spiritual matters it is subject to the Bishop of Rheims, and in temporal matters it is under the protection of the King of Spain. And so much may suffice concerning Artesia: Let us proceed to Hannonia. THE COUNTY OF HANNONIA, unto which is joined the County of NAMURCIUM. map of Hannonia ●HE COUNTY OF HANNONIA. The Politic state of Hannonia doth consist of five member which are, first the 12 Peers, namely Longueville, Lens, Filly, Chieure, Auesne, Chimay, Leureux, Barbanson, Baudour, Rebaux, Walecourt. 2. Ecclesiastical Praelates, namely the Abbot and Earl of S. Waldrut. 26 Abbots, S. Guislaine, Marchennes, Cambron, Hasnon, Marville, Ancin, Haultmot, Liessy, S. Denys, Vicogne, Feullien, Crespin, Bonne Esperance, S. jean, S. Aldegonde, Geilenghien, Spinleu, ath, Fontenelle, Beaumond, Denain, Quesnoy, Watiebraine, Lolive, Billiay, Leture; besides the Colleges of Cannons. Thirdly Noble men, and one principality of Chimay; 10 Counties, as Lalain, Beaunant, Ostervant, the chief City whereof is Bouchin, also Barbansin, Auesne, Barlaymont, Bossu, Montigni, Reux, Terrache. 22 Baronies, as Enghien, Leuze, Haure, Ligne, Anjoing, Vuerchin, Fontaine, Havaide, Kinrain, Barlaymont, Ville, Gomegnie, S. Aldegonde, Senzelle, Condet, Haurdain, Belleule, Fagneille, Bousie, Roesin, Frusne, Harchies. One Marshal, one Steward, one great Ranger, one Chamberlain. And four ordinary Officers. The County of Namurcum remaineth. It is seated between Brabant, Hannonia, and the Dioecesse of Leodium: it is a small mountainous Territory, but pleasant, having a sweet and temperate air. The soil is fruitful yielding all things, which are necessary for the sustentation of man's life. It hath also Ours of Iron and Lead, The fruitfulness of the soil. and stone Quarries, out of which diverse kinds of stones are cut, and especially black Marble, and stones like jasper. And not long since those stones were digged forth which were good to burn, we may call them Lithantracas, of which we spoke in the aforesaid description. Moreover this Country at first was governed by a marquis: The ancient Government. and afterward it changed often her Lord Philip the brother of Balduin, Earl of Flanders, was marquis hereof in the year 1200. And Theodorus was Earl of it: after whose decease, the whole Country came to Philip Bonus Duke of Burgundy, as we have declared in the description of the Low Countries. There are four walled Cities in this County, Namurcum, Bovina, Carlomontium, and Valencourcium. And 182 Villages. Namurcum or Namur is the chief City; whence the name thereof is derived, is uncertain: some suppose from Nanus a God of the Heathens, who being used formerly to deliver Oracles, yet at Christ's coming grew dumb, and spoke no more. And therefore from this dumb & mute god Nanus, it was called Namurcium: some think it was so called from a new wall which was built there by the Romans. The City is situate between two Mountains, on the left hand bank of the River Mosa, where it receiveth Sambra. It is eight miles distant from Lovanium, ●● from Leodium, and as many from Brussels. It is rich and hath many fair public and private buildings, and it is fortified with a strong Castle. Four miles from Namurcium is Bouvinae, a small town, which was often wasted by the wars, and last of all it was for the most part ruinated by Henry the second, King of France, in the year 1555. Afterwards the Citizens did reëdifie it. Charlemont was built by Charles the fifth in the year 1555, against the Frenchmen who then possessed Marienburg. Valencourtium is a town of good note, being distant from Namurcium 7 miles. This Country hath many Rivers which are full of fish: The Rivers. the chief whereof are Mosa and Sambra: The Woods. it hath also fair fresh springs. It hath also woods for pleasure and hunting, which are full of wild beasts. There are many Churches in this Country, The public works. & famous Monasteries, which were built heretofore at the costs and charges of the Earls of Namurcium, and endowed with great revennewes. Three miles from Namurcium there is the rich Town Audennas', in which there is an ancient Nunnery for noble women, built by Begga daughter of Pepin, from whom they were first called Baggine Vestals. The politic state of the County of Namurcium, doth consist of three members, which are the Clergy, the Nobility, and the chief Cities. The Clergy are the Abbots of Floref, Granpre, Anden, Bonef, Wassore, Hastitis. The Nobility are the Viscount Done, &c. The chief Cities are Nemur, Bovinae, Charlemont, Valencourt, or Walencourt. In the City of Namurcum there is a Royal Counsel, from whence appeals are brought to the Court of Mechlin. There is also a Bishop's seat, whose Cathedral Church is consecrated to S. Albine. The Citizens are used to arms and martial discipline, they speak French, but corruptly. There are few merchants and Tradesmen: but a great company of Nobles, but such as be either the Prince's Bastards, or coming of a base stock. THE COUNTY OF NAMURCIUM. Pontus' Huterus Lib. 2. cap. 3. concerning Belgia, writeth that the County of Namurcium was heretofore inhabited partly by the Advaticans, and partly by the Eburonians. It is situate between Brabant, Hannonia, and the Dioecesse of Leodium: being a small mountainous Territory, but very pleasant. It is populous in inhabitants who are very much addicted to warfare: it hath a sweet and temperate air, and rivers full of fish, the chief whereof are Mosa and Sambra: it hath also clear Springs, and woods for delight of hunting, which are full of wild beasts. It hath also Ours of Iron and Lead, and stone Quarries, in which diverse kinds of Stones are cut forth, and especially black marble, and stones like jasper: and of late they digged forth those stones which are good to burn, which as soon as they have taken fire do kindle by degrees, and are quenched with oil, but water makes them burn more hotter; they are commonly called Leodian coals, the learned do call them Lithanthracus. It is not manifest, when this Country was made a County. We read of Marquesses and Earls, of Namurcium, from the year of Christ 277, but in broken and interrupted succession; but concerning the Princes of this Country, Gramiatus, well best inform us in his history of Namurcium. Namurcium is 10 miles broad, and 12 miles long. There are four walled Cities in this County, and 182 Villages. And many Nobleman's Castells. Also many Abbeys. The government of the Commonwealth belongeth to three orders, namely the Clergy, the Nobility; and the Burgesses of Cities. Namurcum, or Namucum, is the chief City, but it is not known from whence the name thereof is derived; some derive Namurcum from Nanus a Heathen god, famous for delivering of Oracles; others from a new wall which the Nermanes built. Huterus supposeth it to be that which Caesar calleth Nemetoenna. This City is situated between two Mountains, on the left hand bank of Mosa, where it receiveth the River Sambra; being fortified both by Art and Nature. It is rich, and hath many fair, public, and private aedifices and buildings. In this City there is a royal Counsel, from whence appeals are brought to the high Court at Mechlin. It is also a Bishop's seat, whose Cathedral Church is consecrated to S. Albine. The Citizens speak French, but corruptly: there are a few Merchants and Tradesmen in this City, but a great company of Nobles. Three miles from Namurcum there is the rich town Audennas', in which there is an ancient N●●nery of Noble women, built by Begga the daughter of Pippin, from whom they were first called Baggine Vestals. Also between N●murcum and Dinantum on the mountain Palvagius, there are so●● ruins of the ancient City Caprimont, which was wasted in 〈◊〉 Leodiensian wars. Four miles from Namurcum is Bovina, a lit●● Town by the River Mosella, which the Earl Henry walled an● 1176. In the year 1554, in the time of the French war it was raze● down to ground. But afterward the Citizens did reëdifie it. Walcuria, which the Dutchmen call Waelhovan is situated 7 miles from Namurcum, on the bank of the river Aurca, it was first a Castle, and afterward about the year 910 it was walled about. Carlomon 〈◊〉 built by Charles the fifth; Anno 1555 against the Frenchmen, 〈◊〉 then possessed Marieburg, it hath an impregnable Castle, it is s●●ted on the left hand bank of the River Mosa, three mile's fr●● Marieburg. map of Mamurcium ●HE COUNTY OF MAMURCIUM. THE DUKEDOM OF LUTZENBURG. The Country whence so called. THe Dukedom of Lutzenburg is so named from the chief City, which (as some suppose) was so called from th● River Elza, which Antoninus calleth Alesontia. From Elza came Elzenburch, and from thence Lutzenburg Peter Dinaeus doth give another opinion concerning Lutzenburg in these words: It is not to be doubted (saith he) b● that the Leutians did devil next to the Treverians, Mediomatricians, and Lingonians: their Towns Tullus and Nasium celebrated by Ptolemie, do keep the names of Toul and Nancy; in their own language I believe they were called, de Lutzen, and had a large command, so that the name of the famous Town of Lutzenburg was derived from them, The Situation: as if you should say der Lutzenburg. The Leodian and Namurcians do bounder this Duchy on the North, on the East Mosella with the Bishopric of Trevers; on the West Mosa with the wood Arden. The compass or circuit of the whole Country is 70 miles. Although this Country be mountainous and woody, yet it hath a plenteous, and fruitful soil. It is divided into two parts, the one whereof is called Famenna, and the other Arduenna, Fa●menna is more fruitful, and hath greater store of corn & coin. Arduenna is more rugged, The fruitfulness of the soil. but affordeth good hunting, and is full of diver excellent kinds of wild beasts. There is Iron Oare not fare from Manderscheid, in the Lordships of Keyla, Cronenberch, and Sled● near to a vale called Hellenthal. In this place there are made anvils, Fornaces and Vices, which are sold through all parts of Germany. The ancient Government. It was but a County at the first, and so the Emperor Henry the seaventh was Earl of Lutzenburg, but not Duke. Afterwards ●● was made a Dukedom, at it continueth at this day; which some do● attribute to Wenceslaus, a King of the Romans, and others to Charle● the fourth. Conradus Vercetius doth ascribe it to Henry the seaventh, who was the first Roman Emperor of that house▪ Ortelius writeth that he found in ancient Manuscript, that Sigifrid● was the first Earl of this County: and that he was the son of Pacuinus Duke of Mosella. For heretofore Lutzenburg did belong to the Treverians. It hath 20 Cities fortified with walls and Rampires the names whereof are; Lutzenburg, Arlunum, Rodemachera, Theonis villa, The names of the Cities. Gravemacherum, Vianda, Bastonacum, Mommedium, Novum Castrum, Danvillerium, Marvilla, Roccha, Durbis, S. Vit●urbs, Marza and Sala. There are also some Cities whose Wall● map of Lutzenburg ●HE DUKEDOM OF LUTZENBURG. are leveled with the ground: There are also the Castells o● S. john and Manderscheid, which are as big as small Cities, and have Counties belonging to them. The chief City is Lutzenburg, some call it Lucemburg, and Luceburg; Ptolemy calls it Augusta Romandiorum. Guicciardine would have it called Lutzenburg as it were Lucisburg, that is, the Castle of the Sun: as also many other places in this tract may seem to have been named from the gods of the Gentiles: as Arlun from the Altar of the Moon, juois from jupiter, March from Mars; but whether the name be rightly derived from hence, let another judge. The City is situate most pleasantly, part of it on the side of a Mountain, and part of it on plain ground: The River Elza doth water, and divideth the higher and lower mountainous part of the City, from the lower part. There are many fair aedifices and houses in it, which yet the wars have somewhat defaced: and also a Church consecrated to S. Nicolas: and a Monastery to S. Francis, in which john of Lutzenburg, King of Bohemia, the son of the Emperor Henry the seaventh, and father of Charles the fourth, was buried. This City hath been often defaced by the fury of Mars, who hath no agreement with the Muses, who love peace and tranquillity; yet it hath bred many famous learned men. And among many others, Nicolas Navis a man so learned and skilful in the civil law, that he was President of the Court at Lutzenburg until he died: but he left a son of his own name, who being equal to his father in virtue, was in such favour with the Emperor Charles the fifth, that he made him Vicechancellor of the whole Empire, in which office he continued until his death. Arlunum which is called in their language, is situate on the top of a hill, being a very neat town, where the Moon was worshipped after the manner of the heathens, and from thence it is supposed to have been so named. Hear many Monuments of antiquity are found, which the Earl Peter Ernest caused to be brought home to his own house, which is in the suburbs of the City of Lutzenburg. Bartholomew Latomus a very learned man, was borne in this country: Which is watered with many rivers, The Rivers. the chiefest of which is Mosella, of which I have spoke in Lotaringia: the others are Chier, Mosa, Be moy, Howl, Lech, Alsatus, Atardus, Sourus, Prumeus, Mineus, Ghomeus, Ort●, Albis, and besides many little Rivuletts. The Country is raised on every side with Mountains, Mountains. and interlaced with thick woods. But all of them are but boughs in respect of the Forest of Arden in France. The politic state as inthe other Countries, Woods. doth consist of three members; The Government. first, the Clergy; secondly, the Nobles, in which are the Counts of Vianden, of la Roch en Ardenne, Salme, Durby, March, S. Vit. S. jansberg. There are also many Baronies and Lordships. The third member is the principal Cities, as Lutzenburg, Arlunum, Theonis villa, otherwise called Dietenhove, and Rodemachera: The Court for the whole Province is kept in the City of Lutzenburg, and the plead are in French or Dutch, according as the Plaintiffs are of several Countries. For Lutzenburg, Arlunum, Theenis Villa, and Rodemachera, do speak Dutch, but Ivoys, Mammedy, Marville, and Danvilliers do speak French, in regard whereof it is necessary that the judges and Advocates and the officers of the Court, should understand both languages. From this Court appeals may be brought to Mechlin, where those things which are written in Dutch are faithfully translated into French. This Dukedom hath two Marquiships under it, seven Counties, many Baronies, and Lordships, and great store of Noble men, so that to Province doth produce so many. All of them do live magnificently, and are courteous, virtuous, constant, and faithful to their Prince. Their exercise is Arms and hunting. They live civilly and courteously together, visiting one another in mutual kindnesses. They contract marriages with their neighbours, and in their matches they do more respect honour and dignity than portion. If any one do commit an enormity, he loseth his credit, and is not admittted to converse with the Nobles, and is thought to be unworthy of any public office, and his oath is not esteemed in public trials. If any controversy do arise amongst them, they refer it to certain Arbitrators, who are to compound and end the matter, so that they have no great use of Lawyers and Proctors: yet they are too much given to wine. And the Country people do complain very much of their hard usage and servitude, so that if a Countryman intent to put forth his children, he cannot do it without his Lords leave, which is fare different from the liberty of the Low Countries. Arlunum, which we mentioned before, is situate on the top of a Mountain, and is four miles distant from Lutzenburg, and six from Mommedy. It was sometime a fair Town, but somewhat defaced by the violence of wars. Rodemachera is three miles distant from Lutzenburg, which though it be no great town, yet is very beautiful, and fortified with a strong Castle. Theodonis-villa, which in Dutch is called Dietenh●n●, is very conveniently situated on the left hand bank of the River Mosella: it is four miles from Lutzenburg, having a fair bridge; it is a pleasant strong Town and well fortified against the invasions of enemies. Regino affirmeth that Charles the Great was used to hunt very much near unto this City. Gravemakerum and Koninck●akerum are small little Towns near Mosella, being a mile distant one from another, and 5 miles from Lutzenburg. Dieterichum is seated near the little River Sure, and is five miles distant from Lutzenburg. Viretonum and Echternatum are little small towns, and are both five miles distant from Lutzenburg. Vianda standeth by the side of a little Riwlet, seven miles from Lutzenburg; it hath a County belonging to it, and is subject to the Prince of Orange. Bas●nacum is near unto the Forest of Arden, being three miles from the new Castle, and 17 from Lutzenburg. It is a little Town, but so famous heretofore that it was called Paris en Ardenne, in regard of the markets for Cattles and Corn, which were usually kept there, whither the Country round about did bring all sorts of commodities to the great enriching of the Town. Between this City and Arlunum, and S. Hubert's Church, there are some Villages in the middle of the wood, in which the women after the Spanish fashion, when their husbands are carried forth to be buried and interred, do run crying and weeping through the streets, tearing their hair and scratching their faces; with their nails, in a mad and furious manner, which custom doth rather savour of Heatheanisme than Christianity. Mommedium is conveniently situated on a high mountain, at the foot whereof the River Chirsus glideth along; it is nine miles distant from Lutzenburg, and four from Danvillieres, being a fair fortified town. Newcastle is in Ardenne; it is 5 Miles distant from Ivosium, and nine from Lutzenburg; it is now a small Town, and much decayed. Danvillieres is twelve miles distant from Lutzenburg; and four from Verdunum, being in Lothariagia. Marville is divided into two parts, the one whereof is subject to the Duke of Lutzenburg, and the other to the Duke of Lotharingia; and therefore it is called the common Town; it standeth by the River Chirsus, and is 12 miles distant from Lutzenburg. Roch●en Ardenne, or the Rock in Ardenne, and Durbium are twelve miles distant from Lutzenburg, being both pleasantly seated. S. Vitt. is a very pleasant small town, and is 12 miles distant from the Metropolis, and belongeth to the Prince of Orange, Salma is a rich and populous City, having a County appendent unto it. Marcha is a very ancient Town, and is 14 miles from Lutzenburg. We will not mention for brevity sake the Castells and famous Villages, in this Province, but will only name three unwalled Cities. First Ivosium which is 12 miles from Lutzenburg, and four from Mommedy, being heretofore a good strong Town, but at last Henry the second, King of France, begird it round with an Army in the year 1552. and took it; but afterward a peace being made, it was restored back again to Philip the second, King of Spain, but the walls were ruinated as at Teroana, and a law was made that it should not be walled in again. Chinium is 12. miles from Lutzenburg, which is unwalled, but by degrees it is re-edified. It hath a County belonging to it, although it be subject to the Archdukes, and hath a large jurisdiction over some towns and Villages, neither is it subject to the Dukedom of Lutzenburg, but is joined unto it. Twelve miles from Lutzenburg, standeth the Town la Ferte near the River Chirsus, being heretofore a pleasant City, and now also it flourisheth although it be unwalled, and a great part of the Castle be fallen down, but so much concerning these things. Let us pass to Limburg. THE DUKEDOM OF LIMBURG, with the Appendances thereunto. THe Dukedom of Limburg which this Table doth exhibit and present, The Country whence so called. being so called from Limburg the Metropolis thereof, is bounded on the West, with Leodium and Trajectum, The Situation which are two famous Cities by the River Mosa; on the North with the Dukedom of juliacum: on the East with the Imperial City Aquisgranum, and the Monastery of S. Cornelius: on the South with the Countries of Francimont and Aqua Spadana. The temper of the air. All this tract as it is pleasant in Summer, so in winter it is unpleasant, in regard it is covered all that time with snow, which is so deep that it lieth in many places, a great part of Summer. The soil is fruitful, and hath abundant store, The fruitfulness of the soil. of all things, except wine. For it beareth excellent Barley and wheat, of which they make very white bread. There are good pastures for feeding of Cattles, and for making of Cheese. And it yields many wholesome Harbes both for Salads, and Physic. There is also great store of Sulphur, through the hollow crannies whereof it is likely that the hot fountains at Aqua Spadana (so famous for many ages) do run. As of late there is found in those parts a Mine of Lead and Tin; and it is probable that a Vein of gold and silver may be found hereafter in those places. Moreover between Walhormus and Montzius, there is a Mine found of that ash colour stone, of which brass is made, which is also medicinal, which pliny calls Cadmia, and the brazen stone, being not much unlike the stone Pyritos. The words of Pliny, Lib. 34. cap. 1. are these. Fit & 〈◊〉 è Lapide aeroso, quem vocant Cadmiam. That is, And there is brass made of a brazen stone, which they call Cadmia. The Germans call it Covaltum: and the Shops call it Climia and Cathimia. It seemeth that the like stone was found in the I'll of Cyprus: but on this side the Alps there is none found but this in Limburg. The ancient Government. The Country of Limburg was heretofore a County, but it was made a Dukedom in the year 1172, by the Emperor Frederick surnamed Barbarossa: & the Princes of this Country were heretofore also Duke's of Lotaringia. At length Henry the last Duke of Limburg dying without issue, john the first of that name Duke of Brabant, did succeed him in the year 1293. He albeit he had lawfully before bought this Dukedom, yet he got and purchased it by the sword, and overthrew Raymund Earl of Gelderland who then possessed it: in which battle the Earl of Gelderland, and the Bishop of Gelderland were taken: There were slain Henry Prince of Luxenburg, and his three brothers who did join themselves with the Earl of Gelderland. Duke john having gotten this Victory, did race and demolish the Castle commonly called Worone, and levelled it with the ground: and so from that tim● the Dukedom of Limburg came to be governed by the Duke's o● Brabant. Out of this Dukedom and from the Prince thereof whic● came of the Lotharingian family, the first King of Portugal was descended, namely Henry Duke of Lotharingia, and Earl of jamburg a man of a great courage, and ready in matter of arms, as the A●●nall of Spain, do more fully and plainly deliver, and we ourselves have mentioned it before in the description of Portugal. The Mess●●●● or mother City of the whole Dukedom is Limburg, being 〈◊〉 on a high rock, and fortified with a rugged deep valley: it is accessible rather by the natural situation of the place than by hu●●● industry: unless it be on the South, where the ground rising for what higher, descendeth by degrees from the City, until it opened into a fair plain. In the lower part of this City on the North●●● there is a Castle built of pure Marble being a kind of Common ●●●per, of which this Country yields great store; both near th● Town of Hevermont and also in other places. It is no wonder 〈◊〉 the City was seated on so high a rock, especially if you behold th● suburbs thereof, which were heretofore twice as big as the C●●● Whereby it came to pass that the Castle was built in the mi●●● that so it might command the City and the suburbs, But Gasto●● Spinola, Earl of Bruacum, is now governor of this Dukedom 〈◊〉 of all the Country beyond Mosa; and to prevent all violent attempt hath made two new Gates in this City to repress the violent 〈◊〉 treachery of enemies. The City is watered with the 〈…〉 which is full of excellent Trout, that are as big as any 〈…〉 and great store of Crab-fish, which the aforesaid River or 〈◊〉 (for sometimes the Channel is very small) doth feed fat, while 〈◊〉 live between stones and clefts of rocks. john Fleming a Chri●● 〈◊〉 Antwerp, a learned man and a famous Poet, was borne in this 〈◊〉 and Remaclius Fuschius a great Scholar, who published many both 〈◊〉 and diverse works, was borne here also. The Townsemen for the 〈◊〉 part do follow clothing, and do make every year great store 〈◊〉 cloth, and do transport it into diverse parts of the Low C●●●●● Near the City there is much Iron made, in a furnace and 〈◊〉 house ordained for the same purpose, so that 6000 Caroli do ●● defray the yearly charge thereof. But the City hath no be 〈◊〉 buildings in it. For it is but small, and hath only two Gates, and ascent unto it is very steep. It hath one Church consecrated to George, which hath a provost. This City was yielded to john Austria, when he brought his army thither, a certain Capt●● having betrayed the Castle of Hende unto him before. He that governor of the place, desired the States to furnish him with pre●●●sion and munition, as soon as he heard that john of Austria was coming with an army to beseige the City: and promised the Sta●● that if he were furnished with the aforesaid munition, he would silly suppress the enemy's violence. All things were sent which desired, but he did not perform that which he boasted he wo●●● map of Limburg ●HE DUKEDOM OF LIMBURG. do: for at the enemies first approach he came to a parley, and yielded it up unto him without any resistance. Not fare from Limburg, yet out of the Territory thereof, Northward the Spa Fountains do break forth, which are so famous and well known. Moreover between Walhormus, and Montzius there are certain hills commonly called Kelmbergen, in regard of the great store of that mettle and stone above mentioned; which is digged out of them in defence whereof, the aforesaid Earl hath built a Castle. But some few years since the Batavians burned it, through the Soldier's negligence. The great wood commonly called Fangne, lieth near unto the City of Limburg, in which there is excellent hunting. And so much concerning the City itself, and the Dukedom of Limburg: There are three other Cities which have counties belonging to them, which are reckoned as appendances to the Dukedom of Limburg: which are these, Valkenburg, Dalthemium, and Rolducum, of which we will now speak in order. Valkenburg, in French Fauquemont, is a neat Town, having jurisdiction over a large Territory, and some Towns, being three long miles from Aquisgrave, and two little miles from Vltrajectum. It is a fruitful Country, both for corn, and pasturage: not far from which is the Monastery of S. Ge●●ae being a fair ancient building. Moreover the County of Valden. was in the possession of john the third of that name Duke of ●●bant; who took it by force of arms from Raynout, Lord of ●●●burg: who being a troublesome man, and having injured the Trajectenses at the River Mosa, was overcome and taken prisoner by the aforesaid Duke. Dalthemium is a little Town, with a small Castle belonging to it. It is three long miles from Aquisgranum, and two from Leodium. It is honoured with the title of a County, and hath some Villages and lands beyond Mosa, which are within the jurisdiction thereof. Henry the second, Duke of Brabant, did possess it, and did join it to his own Territories. The famous Abbey of the Valley of God belongs to Dalthemium, the Abbot whereof is the chief man of that Country, and besides this, there is the Abbey of the holy Cross. Rolducum is an old Town with an ancient Castle. It is a mile distant from Valkenburg, and it is the fourth Lordship beyond Mosa, and it hath a Tribunal or Court of justice, but the Senate of Brabant have the oversight of it. Here I cannot pass by the village commonly called Carpen, between juliacum and the Colony, being two long miles from the Rhine. It is as big as a little Town, and hath a Collegiate Church as they call it, and hath Fairs and Markets, whither all sorts of commodities are brought, and a great confluence of people do resort unto it: it hath also a Castle well fortified. William Nassavius Prince of Orange, passing over the Rhine took it in the year 1568, and fortified it with a Garrison. All these parts being gathered together do make a great Lordship, which was used to be governed by a peculiar Lord, but the Dukes of Limburg have now subjected it to themselves, although it have a Perfect beside, who lieth there with a strong Garrison. This Country hath three other Rivulets besides Mosa, which at length become Rivers; namely Beruinum which watereth Dalthemium, Geuda which runneth by Valckenburg, and Worma which glideth by Rodulcum. Moreover as well the Dukedom of Limburg, as the other States and Lordships aforesaid, do consist of three members, namely the Clergy, the Nobles, and the judges. The Dukedom of Limburg doth contain five members or divisions, which they call Bancas, Hervium, Spremontium, Balenium, Walhornum, and Montzium: the two former whereof are governed by Majors, and the three latter by magistrates called Drossards. And so much concerning the Dukedom of Limburg, and the appendances thereunto, I pass to the rest. A PROFITABLE instruction concerning the Tables of GERMANY. FOrasmuch as the Roman Empire is in the power of the Germans, and very politickely divided into parts, I think it a matter worth my labour to set before your eyes the order and disposition of those parts, as they are described in a writing called Matricula Imperij: and afterward to show you in Tables the several members of this Empire, that the studious Reader may find in what Country they are situated. But I have gotten two Copies of this Matricula, the one written; the other printed at Venice in Italian, being both much corrupted. And I know that the Empire is now divided in another manner. Therefore let no man blame me, or be offended, if he find some parts that are reckoned as belonging to the Empire, do not belong thereunto, for it is not my intention to speak expressly of all the several parts of this Empire, neither was it possible for me to do, out of such corrupt Copies; especially seeing that I know that a great part of the Empire, came into the hands of private Princes, either by Exchange, or Mortgage, or gifts, for their good service in defence of the Empire, or for some other causes. Neither is it my part to prosecute those things which belong to Politicians, and not Geographers, but only I sought that out of this Copy of Matricula, I might show the elegant disposition and division of the Empire of Germany, and might declare how the studies of Geography, and Policy do mutually illustrate one another. This is therefore the order of the Empire. The Emperor is the head of the Empire. And he hath three States under him, who meet together to consult and conclude of all the affairs of the Empire, namely the seven Electors, who were first instituted about the year of our Lord 1273 by Pope Gregory the tenth, and were confirmed by the Emperor Charles the fifth, as Onuphrius showeth in Comitijs Imperatorijs, and john Aventine Lib. 5. of his history of Bavaria. These have power to elect and choose the Emperor. The second State is the Ecclesiastical and saecular Princes. The third is the free Cities. map of Germany GERMANY. The first member therefore of the Empire is the seven Electors. THe Archbishop of Moguntinum, Arch-chancellor of the Roman Empire through Germany. The Archbishop of Trevers, Arch-chancellor of the Roman Empire through France, and the Kingdom of Arelatum. The Archbishop of Collen, Archchancellor of the Roman Empire through Italy. The King of Bohemia chief● pantler of the Roman Empire. The Count Palatine of Rhine, the chief cupbearer of the Roman Empire. The Duke of Saxony, chief Marshal of the Roman Empire. The marquis of Brandenburg, chief Chamberlain of the Roman Empire. The second member is the Princes and Nobles. I will set down the common names of places as they are in the Tables, and the number of the Circles in which they are afterward mentioned, that so they may be more easily found in the Tables. The Biships of Magdeburg 9 Saltzburg 2 Besancon 5 Bremon 9 Halberstat in the ninth Circle. Ferden 7 Munster 7 Osenbrug 7 Passaw 2 Frisingen 2 Kempse Gurck or Goritz 3 Seckaw 3 Havandt 5 Basel 5 Satin or Wallis 5 Regensburg 2 Maissen 8 Naumburg 8 Minden 7 Lubeck 8.9 Vtricht 7 Camin 8 Swerin 9 Gen●●● 5 Canuck 7 Verdun 5 Losan 5 Metz 5 Toul 5 Luyck 5 Trent 7 Brixen 3 Merspurg 3 Labach 8 Vienna 3 Brandenburg 8 Ratzenburg 9 Schleswick 9 Havelburg 8 The secular Princes and Nobles are The Duke of Bavaria 2 The Arch Duke of Austria 3 The Duke of Saxony 8 The Duke of Burgundy 10 The Palatine of Bavaria 2 The Duke of Cleveland 7 The marquis of Brandenburg 8.1 The Duke of Lunenburg 9 The Duke of Pomeren 9 〈◊〉 Duke of Mekelenburg 9 〈◊〉 Lawenburg 9 〈◊〉 Holsten 9 〈◊〉 Lotringen. 5 〈◊〉 Landgrave of Hessen 5 〈◊〉 Wirtenberg 5 〈◊〉 Zweibrug 4 ●. Sp●nheym 5 The marquis of Baden 4. 5. 7 The Landgrave of Lutchtenburg. 2 The Prince of Anhalt 8 The Earl of Hennenberg 1 The Burgrave of Meisen. The French Princes are. Duke Meiss or Massa D. Savoy D. Chalon The Clergy are The Prior and Abbot of Fuld. 5 It. Ab. Hiersfeldt 5 It. Ab. Kemten 4 Ab. ●eichenaw 4 Pr. Prapos. Wissenburg 5 Pr. Ab. S. Galli 4 Pr. Ab. Salfeldt 8 Pr. Prapos. Elwangen Teutschordens Master 3 Iohans ordens Master 5 Ab. Waingarten 4 Ab. Salmanswercher 4 Ab. Krutzlingen. 4 P. Ab. Murpach. 5 Ab. Walkenriedt 8 Ab. Schuttem. 4 Abbess Weissenow or Minderaw. 4 Ab. S. Blasi. 4 Ab. Maulprun. 4 It. Ab. Corbey 7 Ab Schussenriedt 4 Ab. Rittershausen 8 Ab. Stein am Rein 4 Pr. Ab. Scarfhauson. 4 Ab. Kempeseck 2 Ab. Waldsachsen 2 Ab. Finsidoln 4 Ab, Rokenburg▪ 4 Ab. Ochsenhausen 4 Praepos, Seltz. 6 Ab. S. Gilgen 1 Ab. Nuenburch Ab. S. Maximinus near Triers 6 Ab. Heneldshansen Ab. S. johans zu Curtel Ab. Gengenbach 4 Ab. Koningsbrun 4 Ab. Rodt, otherwise Roden 2 Ab. Markthal 4 Ab. Rockerhausen Ab. S. Peter in Schworztwald. 4 Praepos. Odenheim 5 Pr. Ab. Stablo. 7 Ab. Disidiense 4 Ab. Berkenhausen Ab. Elchingen 4 Ab. Hentzlingen Ab. Vrssevis Ab. Planckenburg Ab. Yssin Ab. Pfessers 4 Ab. S. john in Thurtal. 4 Ab. Peterhausen 4 Ab. Pruim. 5 Praepos. Camberg. 1 Ab. Reishaim 2 Ab. S. Heimeram at Ratisbon 2 Praepos. Berchtolsgadon 2 Ab. S. Gegory at Munster 5 A. Muncherode 4 Ab. S. Cornelis at Munster 7 Ab. Werden. 7 Ab. Aursperg. 4 Ab. Yrse. 4 Ab. Brun. 4 Ab. Echtermaken 7 Ab. Hervorden 7 The Abbatesses. Of Quedelnburch 8 Essen. 7 Alt Munster to Regensburg 2 Pr. Ober Munster to Regensb● Kauffingen ● Lindaw. 4 Pr. Gernrode. 8 Buchaw. 4 Rotenmunster 4 Hippach. 4 Gutenzel 4 Beundt. 4 Baley Coblentz. 6 Elsas 4 Osterich 3 In der Etsch. 3 The Earls Barons and Lords. The Earl of Helfenstein 4 Earl Kirchberg 4 H. Tussen 4 Ea: Wisenstaig 4 E. Lauffen. 4 E. Montfort. 4 E. Furstenberg 4 E. Zimmeren 4 B. Gundelfingen 4 H. Stutgart 4 H. justiugen 4 H. Schenstingen Marckg. Eberstein 4 B. Gerolt Zeck 4 B. Ober Hewn 4 E. Otingen 4 B. Rapoltstain 5 H. Rapoltzkircken 5 B. Stauffen 2.4 H. Hohen Rechperg 5 H. Berletzicke H. Hohen Konigsperg H. Hohenfeldt and Tipoltzkirch E. Sultz. 4 E. Hogen Zollem 4 H. Braides. B. Sonnenberg. 4 E. castle 1 E. Vertheim 1 E. Rheineck. 1 E. Hohenloe. 1 H. Reichelsperg 1 H. Limburg. 1 E. Erpach 1 E. Leiningen 5 E. Falckstein 5 E. Hanaw ● E. Luchtenberg ● E. Nassaw, Breda, and Dillen 1 E. Wisbaden and Iltzstain ● E. Sarbrucken. ● E. Waldipurg. ● E. Nassaw in W●●tpurg ● E. Belstein ● E. Koningstein and Epstein ● E. Eisenberg the highers ● E. Eisenberg the lower. ● E. Mersen ● E. Budinghen ● E. Wirnenburg ● E. Solms ● B. Vinnenburg or Vanenberg ● E. Arnsberg. ● E. Of Rhene ● H. Falckenstein ● H. Kunseck. ● H. Kunseckerberg ● Count Horne ● Count Seyn ● Co. Vintzlingen ● Co. Reyen. ● Co. Bitsch. ● Co. Salm ● Co. Veldentz. ● Co. Dengen ● Co. Rapping ● Co. Hardech. 3 Co. Hohenstein ● Co. Wolkenstein 3 Co. Schaumburg and ●lergen. 7. 3 Co. Dierenberg, and Semeraw. 7 Co. Mansfeilt 8 Co. Stolberg 8 Co. Buchlingen 8 Co. Barbey and Mus●ingen 8 Co. Gleichen. 1.8 Co. Schwart●●enburg ● Co. Suenberg, or schonberg. ● Co. jude H. ●●m Ritech. ● H. Geraw. ● Co. Bless. 5 Co. Plawen 8 Co. Weda and Ringelberg 7 H. Reichenstein. ● ●. Olnbrug. ●. Lebenstain 4 ●. Regenstain ●. Westfrieslandt. ●. Ostfrieslandt 7 ●●, Ʋander Lip 7 ●, Oldenburg 7 ●●. Delmenhorst 9 ●●. Hoya. 7 ●●. Westenburg 5 ●. Muntzenburg 5 ●●. Lemgow ●o. Waldeck 5 ●. Lostenstein. Co. D●epholt. 7 Co. Steinfort 7 Co. Benthem. 7 Co. Brunchorst 7 Co. Witgenstein Co. Spagelberg Co. B●versdorff H. ●●dberg. 7 Co. Teckelnborg 7 H. L●nge. Co. Dortmund 7 Co. Winsdorff Co. Ortenberg. 2 Co. Rippershoden Co. Hagen 2 Co. Heonfels 2 Co. Lecseneck 8 ●●. Bergen. 10 C. Degenburg 2 ●. Obersultzberg E. Somiriss Co. Manderscheid 7 Co. Reiferscheidt 6 Co. Egmont and Isselstein 10 H. Bergen and Waelhelm 10 E. Haber, alias Havere. 5 E. Wildenfelves, or Widerfels. 8 E. Tautenberg. 8 Co. Tubingen. 4 Co. Blanckenberg or Blammont 5 Co. Kirchingen, Krehanges 5 H. Senster 3 H. Roggendorff 3 H. Alendorff. H. Kunigfuckerbeg H. Morspurg and befor'rt 5 H. Brandenstein and Rans● ● H. Wolfsteine H. Permont H. Fronsbek H. Flackenstein H. Witten Ritt. Fridberg Ritt. Gleichausen. In this second member, some do want numbers, because they are not mentioned afterward in the Circles. Pr. signifies Princes, Ghe. Fursten, a Praelate, D. Dukes, Co. Countess. H. Heerschafften, Lords, B. Barons. The third member of the Empire is of the free Cities. Rheinische Bank, Coln 6. 8 Aken 7 Worms 5 Spier 5 Turckheim 5 Hagenaw 5 Weissenberg 5 Straesburg 5 Ober Ebenhaim 5 Roshaim 5 Schletstat 5 Colmar 5 Altach 5 Basel 5 Kaisersberg 5 Mulhausen in Suntgow 5 S. Gregoris Munster 5 Metz 5 Toul 5 Verdun 5 Landaw 5 Kaufmans' Sarbruck 5 Besancon 5 Camerick 7 Franckfort 5 Fridberg in Wederaw 5 Gelnhausen 6 Wetzlar. 5 Aleu. 4 Lubeck 9 Hamborg 9 Dortmund 7 Mulhusen in Duringon 9 Northansen. 9 Goster 9 Gottingen 9 Brakel 7 Wartburg 7 Lemgow 7 Duysburg 7 Dantzick 8 Elbinghen Schwabishche Bank. Regensburg 2 Nurenberg 1 Rottenburg ander Tauber 1 Weissenburg an Nortgaw 2 Donawerd 4 Washaim 1 Schweinfurt 1 Wimpfen 4 Hailbrun 4 Hal in Schwaben 4 Norlingen 4 Dinkelspuel 4 Vim Ausptrg Gengen Bopfingen Gemunt in Schwaben Eslingen Reutlingen Weyl Pfullendorff Kauffbeurum Northausen Vberlingen Wagen Ysni Lewkirch Memmingen Kempten Buchorn Ravenrsburg Bibrach Lindaw Costintz 4 Rotweil 4 Offenburgk 4 Gengenbach 4 Zel in Hamesbach 4 Schaffhausen 4 S. Galliard 4 Buchaw am Federsee 4 Besides these several members, for the avoiding of schisms i● the Empire, and for the mutual defence, and common preservation of peace among the Princes of Germany, the Province or the Empire are divided into certain Countries, which they all circuit and in them there are particular Counsels appointed, which belong to several Circuits. First, 6 were instituted in the year 1500 〈◊〉 Augusta, and afterward 10 in the year 1522 at Norimberg. But 〈◊〉 very Circuit chooseth out of themselves a secular P●eafect, who either a Prince, a Count, a Baron, or one of the chief of the Noble to whom four Counsellors chosen out of the same body, being honest, and wise men, are joined as assistants. I will here only reckon up the Circuits, but in the Tables I will describe their Prince and their parts. The first Circle is of Franconia, and it shall be described in the Table of Franconia. The second is of Bavaria, and it shall be unfolded in the Table thereof. The third is of Austria, and it shall be declared in the Table o● Austria. The fourth is of Suevia, in the table of Wirtenberg. The fifth is in the Circuit of Rhine, and it shall be unfolded in the Table of the lower Alsatia. The sixth is of the four Electors of Rhine, in the Table of the Paletinate. The seaventh is of Lower Germany, in the first Table of Westphalia. The eight is of lower Saxony, in the same table. The ninth of lower Saxony in the same table. The tenth of Burgundy, in the table of higher Burgundy. The Imperial Chamber. Besides these Counsels in the Circuits, for the deciding of more weighty business which happen in the Empire, there is an Imperial chamber instituted at Spires, in which there is a Prince for the President, or at lest an Earl, or some secular man that is thought ●● for this office. He hath also two Barones' or Earles to be his assistants, two Lawyers, and two Noble men, which have haereditary Lands, & Manors in the Empire; so that in all he hath six assistants. Moreover he hath one of the Electors, and two out of every Circ●●e, the one half whereof is chosen out of the Lawyers, and the other half out of the Gentry. A Catalogue of the Tables in Germany. 1. Germany in general. 2. West Friesland. 3. The County of Embden. 4. The first Table of Westphaelia. 5. The second Table. 6. The Bishopric of Munster. 7. The third Table of Westphalia. 8. The bishopric of Colen 9 the fourth Table of Westphalia. 10. The Diocaese of Leodium. 11. The County of Muers and Cleveland. 12. Waldecke. 13. The Palatinate of Rhine. 14. Wirtenberg. 15. Alsatia the Lower. 16. Alsatia the higher. 17. Saxony the Lower. 18. Brunswijck. 19 Hassia. 20. Nassovia. 21. Thieringia. 22. Franconia. 23. The Dukedom of Bavaria. 24. The Palatinate of Bavaria, the bounds whereof Northward, See in the Table of Franconia. 25. Saxony the higher. 26. Brandenburg. 27. Pomerania. 28. The Islands of Rugia. 29. Bohemia. 30. Moravia. 31. Austria. 32. Saltzburg. 33. Polonia and Silesia. 34. Polonia. 35. Hungary. GERMANY. THus you have seen the description of the Low coutrie both in general and special: now passing over the Rhine high Germany, which Ptolemie calls great Germany, offers itself, which is the largest Country of Europe, and the glory of the Roman Empire. This Country I will ●●nne over in the same method as I did the other, describing it first in general, and then in particular. But that I may begin with the name thereof, diverse do diversely derive the name of Germany or the Germans. One saith, that the Germans were so called as it were Germanie●, that is, stout men, in regard of their Martial manly strength another supposeth that they were so named, from their mutual fidelity, and faithfulness; neither did he guess much amiss, who deriveth the Etymology of their name from their honourable warfare, as if the people were called Geertmen, and so by contraction of the word Germans. Another thinketh that they were so determinated from the Latin word genuini, that is, genuine or native because no nation doth retain more of their ancient integrity, and justic●e simplicity: but it seems that the author of this dream did speak this to gain the favour of the people: albeit the Geographer 〈◊〉 and Livy do both erroneously suppose that the Roma●●● people did give this name to this country, because they were Cousin Germans to the Celtaes, both in regard of their manners, and fashions, and also in respect of their great stature, and read have john G●ropius Becanus doth probably derive the name thereof from their gathering and mustering of soldiers, from Geren, which signifies to gather or muster. Which opinion Tacitus seems to fortitie and confirm, who professeth in his commentary of the Germanies manners, that Germany is a new fresh name, because they who first passed over Rhine (that I may use his own words) having droven on the Frenchmen, were sometime called Tungrians, and sometimes Germanies, which name afterward grew so frequent, that first the Conqueror, and afterward they themselves, did call themselves Germanies. Some do interpret the word German to signify a scattered people, collected out of other nations, from the word Geren which signifies to collect or gather together. Some do suppose their denomination doth intimate that they were a warlike people desirous of war, from Gerra, or Guerra, which signifies war. A learned Saxon doth derive the name thereof from the Carmanians a people of Asia, whom Lucan mentioneth, as the Saxons were so called from the Sacians: and in other places he deduces the Etymology of their namely from an Hebrew word, as it were Ger●mani, which in that language signifies strangers or poor and needy people. But Pencerus delighting in the studious searching out the original of his Country's name, thinketh that they were called Germans, as it were Hermenner; that is, military men. The most learned junius doth derive the na●e of it from the great Deluge, which drowned all the world: when Noah parted the world among his three children: at what time (that I may speak nothing of Sem and Cham) Europe fell to japhets' share. He, as it appears in Moses, had a son, called Gomer, who had three sons, Aschenaz, Rephat, and Thogarma. And they affirm that the Germans descended from Thogarma: although the Rabines do hold that the Germans came from Aschenazin. For the original of the Germans name doth clearly shine forth in the word Thogarma, or Thegerma, by taking the second vowel for the first, as if we should pronounce it in our language by the article the, The Germane: also there is a fit Etymology answerable to the word and nation, which is from Gara or Gera, which signifies a bone, and metaphorically strength, because it is a stout and strongboned Nation. Some also do call this part of Europe Alemaine, and the inhabitants thereof Alemen, by which name they were first called, when the Empire began to decline. Berosus doth fabulously report, it was so called from Hercules an Alemaine, who was governor over these people. Some suppose that it was called Alemaine, from Mannus who was esteemed as a god in their Country, the son of Tuiscon. Asinius Quadrus a faithful historian, doth affirm that the Almains, were so called as it were a people collected and gathered from all Nations, which spread themselves all over this Country; who did not, as it seems, look exactly into the signification of the word, for he should have called them Almains because they were all men, and warriors. They that derive Alemanie from the Lake Lemann, would have Germany so called from a Lake without the limits thereof in Saban●●● unless some do take the Aeronian Lake for the Lake Leman, on either bank whereof the Almains did inhabit, as Ammianus reporteth Lib. 15. And though some do promiscuously make Germany & Almany all one, yet it is observed that they were two distinct Countries. Spartianus in the life of Marius saith: Omnis Alemannia, omnisque Germania, cum caeteris quae adjacent gentibus; that is, All Almany, and Germany with the other adjacent countries. Flavius Vopiscus saith in the life of Probus: Testes sunt Franci, invijs strati paludibus, testes Germani & Alemanni, long a Rheni semoti littoribus, that is, The Frenchmen are witnesses, who devil in the Low grounds, the Germans are witnesses, and the Almains who are fare off from the shores of Rhine. I omit other testimonies, lest I should be tedious. Some also do call it Teutonia, from Teuto a certain Captain thereof some think that the Teutons, who are called in their own Country speech Teutche, and by the Italians Tedaschi, and by others Teute●s, were so called from Thuista, otherwise Thursco, whom they believe was the Son of Noah. Tacitus maketh mention hereof: Celebrant carminibus antiquis (quod unum apud illos memoriae & Annalium genus est) Thuistonem deum terra editum & filium Mannum, originem gentis, conditoresque; that is, they celebrated in ancient verses (which kind of Annals they do only use) That Thuisto an earthy God and his son Mannus, were the first founders of this Nation. ●●rabo placeth them in Noricum: some suppose that they were the Agrippine Colony, and that the place was therefore called Teutsch. The inhabitants do now call it Teutschlandt, and strangers Almany. The Sclavonians do call it Nimiecha: and the Grecians do now call it Elamags, and the Turks Alaman. But enough concerning the Etymology and various appellations of Germany, now I come to the situation or quantity thereof. Besides, authors do not agreed in designing and setting down the limits of Germany. The ancients do bounder Germany with the Rhine, Danubius, the Ocean, the River Tanais and the Euxine Sea. The latter writers, as Strab●, Ptolemie, Mela, Plinnie, and many other Greek and Latin writers, do bounder it with the River Rhine and Vestula. Tacitus writeth that the mountains, or a mutual distrust one of another, doth rather separate the Germans from the Sarmatians and Dacians, than Vistula. All those Countries which use the German speech or dialect are reckoned now as parts of Germany. And therefore it stretcheth beyond those bounds which Ptolemie gives it, and beyond Danubius, containing Rhetia, Vindelicia, the higher Pannonia, and beyond Illyra, even to the Tridentine bounds. Also beyond the Rhine, Germatie did contain these Roman Colonies, and garrisons, Constantia, Augusta Rauracorum, Argentina, Nemetes, Vangiones, Mag●●ciacum, Confluentia, Bonna, the Agrippine Colony, and other places even unto the Sea. For as Ambrose witnesseth, 11 Hexamer, Rhine was heretofore the limit of the Roman Empire: and that o●the● French bank thereof the Roman Precedents did always lie in garrison against the Germans, partly that they might restrain their excursions, and partly that they might make inroads upon them, and partly that they might receive those Germans that revolted to them. And this is the Reason, that on one of the banks of Rhine, there are many old Cities, but none on the other: which may also be observed on the bank of Danubius. Helvetia, also is reckoned now as a part of Germany: & the Prutenians beyond Vistula: so that the bounds thereof are now much larger than those which Ptolemie attributes to it: for on the West it stretcheth beyond the Rhine, even to Pice●rate and Burgundy, which are parts of France: on the South toward Danubius even to the Alps: On the East beyond even to Sprasland: the Northern limit is the Ocean. There are many chief parts of Germany, which shall be here described, with the lesser subject o● adjacent countries. The Kingdoms are, Bohemia, the Palatinate, and the Kingdom of Poland, though it hath a different language, and is not contained in the Register of the Empire, yet because it is situate within the bounds of ancient Germany, which is the River Vistula, therefore we place it among the tables of Germany. Also we join the Kingdom of Hungary to Germany, which is situate without the limits of ancient Germany, and in regard it hath yielded many famous Emperors, and hath dominion over many Countries situate within the Empire. There are also the Dukedom of Saxony, the Arch dukedom of Austria. Also the Dukedoms of Holst, of Mechlenburg, Pomeren, Lunenburg, Lawenburg, Brunswijck, Metssen, Schlesen, Moravia, Cleve, Berge, Franconia, or Eastern France, Bavar●a, Wirtenberg, and the County of Suevia: the Palatinate of Bavaria, the Landgraviats of Hessen, Duringen, and of the higher and lower Alsatia. The Marckgraniate Electorship of Brandenburg, and of Baden, the Counties of Embdem, Oldenburg, Benthem, Lip, Diepholt, Hue, Mansfelt, Anholt, Stolberg, Tirol, and Livonia which is reckoned among the Provinces of Germany, but because it lieth within Sarmatia, it is there described. The situation being declared, the quality of the soil followeth, which ariseth chiefly from the climate and position thereof in respect of the heavens. Germany is under the sixth, seaventh, and eighth climates, between the forty seaventh and fifty five degrees of Latitude, and the twenty fourth and forty sixth degrees of Longitude. The longest day in summer in the Southern parallel is fifteen hours long and an half: in the Northern Parallel, it is seventeen hours long and a quarter; and albeit Cornelius Tacitus saith, that Germany is in a cold sharp climate, and Seneca reporteth that it is always winter in Germany: yet it hath a temperate air, which though it be somewhat cold, yet it is healthful and wholesome. The soil yields Barley, Wheat, Rye, Mill, Oates, and other kinds of corn and pulse. The fields and Meadows are fruitful, and the soil is every where very fertile, and yields great four of Corne. Germany also hath rich Ours of Silver, Brass, Iron, Led, and other metals, and in some places of gold: so that for metals it is inferior to no Country. There are also many excellent Salt pits. Plinnie also saith, the Cadmian stones, the Callais, the Crystal, the Onyx, the Topaz, and the Adamant; are found in Germany. Also the herbs. Hear are a thousand delightful gardens, and Villages, and Orchards full of Apples. What, should I mention the wines? which are of an excellent taste and colour? Truly there are excellent wines every where, but yet in some places better than in others. Hear is also great variety of living creatures, and great store of Cattles and wild beasts, which I will not spend time to reckon up. C. julius Caesar writeth, that many kinds of wild beasts are bred in the Wood Hercynia, which are not seen in any other place; of which (saith he) those that differ most from the rest, and are most worthy of remembrance are these: there is a kind of Ox which is like a Hart, which hath in the middle of his forehead one high horn, and more straight than usual, from the top whereof large Antletts or Tines do spread forth; the male and female are of one shape, and have one as big horns as the other. There is also a beast called Alcis, which is like unto a Goat, but it is somewhat bigger, and having no horns at all, and their legs are without joints, so that they cannot by any means lie down to their rest, or if they fall down by chance, they cannot rise up again; therefore they lean against trees, and so they take their rest: and when the hunters have found by their footing where they usually haunt, they either stub up all the trees, or else they cut them half down, and so leave them standing: So that when the beasts rest against them according to their usual manner, they overthrew the trees with their weight, and so fall down with them. The third kind of beasts are those which are called Vri, which are almost as big as Elephants, and like Bulls in shape and colour▪ they are very strong, and swift, and will pray on men and beasts: these they usually take in traps, and so kill them. But now I come to the ancient government. The sacred Roman Empire, which being divided into the West and Eastern part, was much weakened by the excursions of diverse Nations, and rend by civil dissensions, was ready to be ruined by its own weight; having forsook Italy did seek defence and strength in no other Country but Germany, and chose Charles the Great King of France to be Emperor, who as they report, was borne at Ingelheimij, which is a village Tower two miles from Moguntiacum, and built there a famous Palace, whose ruins may be yet seen. The Empire remained in Charles his line an hundred years, and above: which afterward failing, it was translated to Conrade Duke of Franconia: after whom followed Henry Fowler: after him the three Ottoes: the last whereof when he understood that the Romans', Crescentius being consul, did affect and desire the title of the Empire, he raised an army and took Rome, and obtained of Pope Gregory, that the Germans should have ●ight and power to elect the Roman Emperors. But they obtained it on this condition, that he which was elected should be called Caesar and King of the Romans': and afterward having received ● Crown from the Pope, he hath the title of Emperor Augustus. There are 7 Electors ordained: of which three are Archbishops, and soul are saecular Princes as they call them: where after the decease of Otto, the first, that was chosen Emperor was Henry surnamed the holy. Afterwards in process of time, there were diverse officers constituted and ordained in Germany, for the honour of the Empire concerning which see Mercator. Tacitus who was governor of the Belgians under Vespasian, doth commend the Germans in this short Elegy thus: Nemo bellum Germanis (inquit) intulit impune. None made war upon the Germans but they came by the loss. Which, three of Augustus' Legions found, being overcome and beaten by them: Also Carbo, Cassius, Scaurus, Aurelius, Servilius, Coepie, Manlius, all great Commanders, who were slain and put to flight. And there are these ancient verses: Welcher in Krieg will ungluck han, Der fang es mit den Deutschen an. josephus calleth them valiant, Dionysius Marshal, Arrianus warlike. The German is courageous, fierce at an onser, and desirous of wars, as Seneca witnesseth in his book de Ira. Moreover the Country of Germany is now so pleasant, and so adorned with fair Cities, Castells, and Villages, that it is not inferior to Italy France and Spain. There are 84 free Cities in it, as Colonia Agrippina, Wirtemberg, Lubek, Luneburg, Franckfort, Breme, Lipsick, Spires, Argentine, Friburg, Augusta Vindelicorum, Tubinga, Heidelburg, Ratisbone, Vienna, Prague, Buda, &c. of which hereafter. Germany also is watered with so many great Rivers, beside Lakes and Marshes of which it hath great store, that in this respect, also it may compare with the chiefest Countries. Seneca in his third book of natural questions showeth the cause why it hath so many Rivers: At contra, ait, constat Germaniam Galliamque, & proxime ab his Italiam abundare Rivis, & fluminibus; quia coelo humido utuntur, & ne aestate quidem, imbribus carent: That is, But on the contrary (saith he) it is manifest that Germany and France, and Italy which is next unto them, have great store of Rivers, because they have a moystaye, and have often rain in Summer. But these Rivers of Germany are more famous, as Danubius, Rhine, Amasis, Moenus, Necarus, Albis, Suevus, Visurgis, and Vistula. That which Ptolemy and others do call Danubius, Plinny and Strabo do call Ister; the one saith that it changeth his name near the Cataracts thereof; the other, where it washeth Illyrium. Ptolemie saith, that it changeth his name ●eere the City Axipolis: Appian near the confluence and meeting of the River Savus: so that the higher part is called Danubius, and the lower part Ister. Stephanus heretofore called it Matoas: also Danu●is and Danusis: Festus calleth it Addubanus. Ancient coins do ●●me it Daunvius: it is now called Done and Donaw, from the noise and sound of the waters, as Althamerus saith. Sallust writeth that this is the greatest River next to Nile which floweth into the Mediterranean Sea; and Arrianus, lib. 1. of the acts of Alexander, calleth it the greatest River. It riseth in the wood Hercynia, in the village Den Eschingen, where it springeth out of the bowels of the Earth. The ancients do call the Mountain out of which it riseth Abnoba, although as Munster an eyewitness writeth, there is no mountain near it: but it falleth with a continual running stream, from a little hill which is scarce 15 or 16 foot high. He addeth that Tiberius had a desire to see the spring head thereof. Herodotus believed that it rose out of the Pyrenaean Mountains, whose opinion Aristotle also followed, 2. Meteorologicor. Maginus placeth those Pyrenaean hills in Germany, thereby to excuse the error of grave writers. As soon as it glideth from the fountain, it runneth abroad through Moarish places, and afterward it gathers itself into a Channel, and so being increased by receiving other Rivers, it runneth through many countries, as Sucuia, Pannonia, Dacia, Bulgaria, until at last having received 6 navigable Rivers, it rolleth into the Sea with five streams or mouths, as Dionysius, Strabo, and Herodotus do mention: Plinny saith with six, and Amianus, and Solinus with seven: and with such violence, so that it runneth with fresh water 40 miles into the sea. And as Amian saith: Et constat ab ultimis nostri finibus maris, agmina ●m pariendi gratia petere Pisces, ut aquarum suavitate salubrius faetum educant, nec intercipiantur, That is, it is manifest that the fish from the farthest part of our seas do come hither in shoals, that they may spawn here in safety. Tajanus Nerva built a curious bridge over this River in Moesia, which afterward Adrian did demolish, as Dio Cassius relateth. Concerning Danubius, George Fabritius in a certain itinerary of his writeth thus: — Ister, Qui centum populos & magnas alluit urbes, Euxinum irrumpit bis terno flumine Pontum. Ister that doth through an hundred Countries glide, And watereth them, with Cities too beside, Both fair and great, with six streams last of all, Into the Euxine Sea at length doth fall. For at length all the most famous Rivers in the world do● run into the Sea, as Ovid also Lib. 8. Metamorph. does mention in this verse: In quo desinimus, sacri, in quo currimus amnes. We sacred Rivers to the Sea do come, And into it we all of us do run. The next is the Rhine, which Caesar and other do commend ●●is now called Rhijn. Caesar would have it rise out of Leopa●●●, and Strabo and Ptolemy, affirm that it ariseth out of the Mountain Ad●la, which is commonly called Etzel, which is an arm of the Alps, and Claudian saith, that it riseth out of Rhetia. But Strabo and 〈◊〉 do think that Rhine beginneth on the Eastside of the Alps where they are joined to the Mountain Adula, and where the Lepo●tans do inhabit, and so springeth out of two fountains, which are at lest a day's journey distant one from another. The one being more to the Northwest which is commonly called the foremost Rhine the other lying more Southeast, which the inhabitants call the latter Rhine. These two at length meet together, and so do make the River Rhine, which near unto the head do make two Lakes, the A●●●nian and Constantian, from the City Constantia which is situated by it; concerning which we will entreat in the description of Helvena: the other is called Venetum, and now the Cellensian Lake, from the little Town Cella, which Lake hath abundance of all sorts of fish. From hence turning Westward it watereth Rhinfelden, & follows the same tract even to Basilea. And there it runneth Northward, until it come to Argentoratum: and so watereth many Countries, and having viewed many Cities, and having received many great and small Rivers, it groweth very deep, and cometh swelling even to Sp●res, Worms, and Moguntiam. Hence turning Westward it watereth Bragium. And from thence winding toward Caecia, having left behind it Bonna and Colonia, at last near the edge of Batavia (which is now under the jurisdiction of Cleveland, and is graced with the ancient Castle Lobecum) it doth divide itself, and with a double stream runneth diverse ways. Which division Mamertinus elegantly calleth the Divorce, and Frontinus the turning of the River. Near therefore to Lobecum it doth divide his course, so that the one part thereof called Rhine doth run straight forward to Arenacum a chief City of Gelderland. And from thence with many winding Maeanders, it glideth towards Vada; and so bendeth from thence to Rhena, which Tantus calleth Rinnes: from thence it runneth to Bavodurum, Afterwards the Rhine changeth his name, and gins to be called Lecca, being heretofore a little Rivulet, but now it is become a River. Having glided by Culenburg and Viana, and having viewed Schoonhovia, it poureth itself into the River Merova, before it is called Mosa. The other part of Rhine doth bend toward the left hand, and floweth by the ancient City Neomagum, and runneth by the walls of the City, it is now called Vahalis: not long afterward it goeth toward Tiela: and from thence with a winding course it leaveth Bomelius on the left hand: afterward not fare from Woricomium it receiveth the River Mosa, and by and by near Goricomium, being increased with the slow smooth running River Linga, and it is called Merova, from the Castle of the Merovaeans; by which having passed it glideth by Dordretch a Noble Island out of the City; afterward having received the Rivers Lecca and Isela which are arms of the Eheu, and gliding by Iselmonda, it beginneth to be called Mosa near to Potterdam, where it leaveth on the right side Sciedamum and Vla●●ga, and from thence it glideth by the Town Gerviletum, and the Brill on the left hand, and there it mingleth itself, with the Ocean. That which Ptolemie calls Amasius, Strabo Amasias, Tacitus Amasia, Plinny and Pomponius Amisius, and now Ems. The head of this River is a little beneath Paderbona a City of Westphalia, and so bending towards Caecia it glideth by Varendorp, Greva, Rhena, and Lingha: and from thence it goeth forward unto Meppenum and Nebu●sum: and from thence discharging itself into the Northern Ocean, near to Embda Market Town, whence it borroweth his name and is called Eems. The fourth River is that which Plinny calls Manus, and Pomponius Maenis, and Ammianus Menus: now it is called Meyn. Regino the historian and the writers of that time do call it Mogonum. Velleius Patercules calleth it the River julia. Unless in ●eed of julia, it should be Lupia, as some learned men do suppose. It ariseth out of a Mountain which is called der Fichtelberg, & so gliding by Frankford, which from thence is called upon Maene, and Wet●●mia, Herbipolis, and Papeberg; it mingleth itself with the Rhine near to Moguntiacum, and doth part the Low Countries from Germany. The letters thereof do make by the Greek computation 565, equal to the number of days which are in a year. The fifth River is Necarus, whence come the best Necarian wines, it was anciently called Nicer, as Rhenumus witnesseth, the spring head there-thereof is two hours' journey distant from Danubius, and so having glided through the fields of Wirtemberg, it runneth into the Rhine a s●le above Heidelburg. Albis follows which is a fair River of Germany, and divideth the Swevians from the Cherusians. Velletus witnesseth that it doth flow by the confines of the Semnonians and Hermundurians. Tacitus writeth that the famous River Albis doth arise among the Hermundurians, but Conradus Celtes saith that it doth arise out of Hercinia in Bohemia, And so having glided by many fair Cities, at length it empties itself into the Ocean between the Chaucians', and the Cimbrians. The ancient Latin writers do call it Albia, and the Germans Elbe. And the Bohemians from whence it taketh his original, do call it Labe. Fabritius in his book of the Misnian affairs saith, that it received that name from 11, Fountains, or as the Saxons say, from so many flowing River. For it arises as he delivers, in the Hercynian wood, which from the Giants is commonly called Risenberg, from 11 Fountains, whose streams meeting together do make the River Albis: for Elve and Elbe do signify in the German language, eleven. The seaventh River is Suevus, which some do call Viadrum, and corruptly it is called Oder●, the spring head whereof is in the Mountain Oderberg, and so being increased by the addition of many Rivers, it glideth by Frankford, a famous University, and from thence it runneth by Stetinum the seat of the Sidinonians, which is a Sea town of Traffics, and from thence it windeth to the Episcopal Cities of Carminum, and there making a great Lake it emptieth itself into the German Ocean. For they are in an error who suppose that Sprea (or the Spr●e) is the River Suevus, although the aforesaid Sprea is accounted a famous River, which flowing by Brandenburg doth run into Alb● near to Haneloburg: of which opinion is Bilibaldus, who writeth that the River Sprea, runneth into the Ocean near to the City Sund●. The River Visurgis followeth, commonly called de Weser, D●onysius Lib. 55. calls it Ousiourgos. Ovid calls it Iturgum in that verse, Decolor infesta testis Iturgus aqua. Ptolemie calls it Visurigis, and Strabo Bisurgis, and Ad●●● in his Ecclesiastical history Visuris, and Sidonius Vesatis. It ariseth out of Hassia, and having watered the Cities, Werdensis, M●n●●sis, Gotingensis, and Bremensis, it rolleth itself into the Ocean, and is there called Vesera. The last river is Vistula, or Istula, which Bal●baldus calleth Vandalum. This River bounders Germany, because Ptolemie doth place the European Sarmatia beyond it. jornandes calls it Scyth●s, which running by the Sarmatian rocks, doth water Cracovia which is the Metropolis of the Kingdom of Poland, and being grown greater by the receipt of Rivers, it doth discharge itself into the Sea with three inletts or mouths: from hence it floweth by Dantzu● and afterward by Elbinga, an University of the Borussians: and thirdly by the Town Loctetum, and so doth pour itself into the Venedician Bay. There are also many other famous Rivers, which do either run into the Sea or into some greater River, which I pass● over lest I should be tedious. Now I come to the German Sea For seeing we purpose to describe all Germany, we must add something concerning the Sea, which washeth the shore thereof: But in regard we have entreated otherwhere more largely concerning the Sea, an● especially in the general description of Belgia: we will speak first concerning the tide of the Sea, and afterward we will reckon up the properties of the German Sea. It is manifest that the Moon is the cause of the tides of the Ocean. But as the Moon hath diverse changes in her motion, so the tides do also change. For they following the Moon, do flow twice between the rising thereof, and do ebb twice in four and twenty hours: so that the Seas do flow twice, and ebb twice every day: they flow when the Moon ascendeth above the Eastern Horizon, and do ebb when it declineth from the Meridian westward; and it floweth again when the Moon goeth down under the earth, and cometh to the contrary part of the Meridian, and so likewise it ebbeth until it rise again. But as the Moon does not always rise at one time, and in one place, but every day riseth in another place than it did before: so the tides do not flow at certain hours, but at that time when the Moon passeth through the Poles of the heavens. Moreover it is to be noted, that the full Moon doth move the Sea in another manner than the half Moon. For this Luminary hath greater force when it is at the full, than when it is weak, and in the wain. We use to call those tides which are a● the full of the Moon Sprinckuloedt, that is, a Springtide. Which Agel Lib. 14. concerning the Ocean, doth elegantly call the Moon's companion, seeing it followeth the age and increase thereof; and also he noteth some aspects, and configurations: As for example sake, if the Moon have a fit aspect unto Venus, and do run through moist houses, it doth wonderfully increase the tides of the sea: but if it be aspected with Mars, or dry Planets, it doth lessen the tides. Here also the ascension of the signs is to be noted. But if the Moon be in signs of a right ascension, it maketh the tides longer than if it were in signs of obliqne ascension: for it is observed that the tides are never equal to the ebbs in continuance of time; but when the Moon is in the Equinoctial signs and hath no Latitude. Besides, some parts of the water do find a greater influence proceeding from the beams of the body of the Moon, either in regard of the rectitude and straightness of the beams, or some other hidden quality. But the Moon hath a different influence when it is Northward, and another when it is Southward; for when it is here it increases the tides on the Southern shores, and when it is there, on the Northern shoa●es. Moreover the Tides of the Sea are greater in some places, and in other places very small or none at all. For as concerning this our German Sea, it is certain that there are scarce any tides which can be perceived, but as the Sea is carried with the winds, it soweth now here and now there: for when it is an East wind, the Sea goeth very high, and driveth back Rivers, neither doth it flow only ●● the Sea side, but it overflows the Land. And whereas the Spanish and Atlantic Ocean is of an unsearchable depth, so that a line of three hundred or four hundred fathom cannot sound the bottom of it, yet the German Sea, in the most parts is but 60. Cubits deep and never above an hundred Cubits, except on some shores of Nor●●, which are thought to be of an insearchable depth. Moreover it is worthy to be mentioned, that whereas all other Seas are bitter and salt, our Sea hath sweet waters and not unpleasant to drink, and that in regard that many great fresh Rivers do run into it out of the Sarmatian Mountains, and because the Sun is too weak in those places to exhale and draw up the lighter and thinner parts of the water, which some make to be the chief cause of the saltness of the Sea. Which reason if it were good and probable, than the Amalchian Sea also, and the Chronian Sea should not be salt, which is otherwise. Wherhfore it is rather to be held that the melted snow, and the aforesaid Rivers flowing down out of the Sarmatian Mountains, do make this Sea clear and sweet. Whereby it comes to pass, that other Seas do more easily carry vessels of great burden, than this. And the reason is because the water of the salt Sea is of a thicker substance, while the thinner waters do yield to the lest weight. It is easier also to swim in this Sea than in others. Yet it maketh Sea men more sick, in regard the waves got very high, so that sometimes they seem to touch the Clouds, and then fall again and break into deep valleys. This Sea in diverse places, hath diverse appellations, or names; For sometimes it is called the German Ocean, from Germany which is near unto it, and it reacheth from the French, and British Sea, which lieth Westward, even to Sarmatia in the East. It is also called the Northern Sea, the Cimbrian Sea, the Balthick, the Codanian, the Suevian Sea, &c. And so much concerning the Sea. There are divers Mountains in Germany, the chief whereof are, Rolberg, Mons Isidis, Melibocus, Pinifer, Hessus, Ostbergus, Senus, Suevus, Pavonis, Rheticus, Sprulius, Vicetius, and Vosagus. There are also many other Woods, but the greatest of all is Hercynia. The best Latin and Greek Authors do mention the Wood Hercynia, as Pomponius Mela, Strabo lib. 7. and Plinny in many places: which although it be very large and wide, yet all the West and Southern parts of it lieth within Germany. And therefore Glareanus saith, that he never accounted the Wood Ardenna to be a part thereof, which some in our time have rashly done Caesar Lib. 6. Com. de bell. Gal. writeth that it is 60 days journey long, and nine days journey broad. It hath now gotten diverse names: for in some places it is called the black Wood, from the great store of Pines in it, or Der Schwarts Wald, and otherwhere Ottoes Wood from the Emperor Ottoes frequent hunting in that part of the Wood: Sometimes it borroweth his name from the people unto which it reacheth, whence it is called the Thuringian and Bohemian Wood But among the Cheruscians, it doth still retain the ancient name o● the Hercynian Wood, so famous by ancient Greek and Latin writers; in Dutch Der Hartz Wald. For the French and the German do call Resina Hartz. Also Pandulphus Collenutins Pisaurienstis i● his description of Germany, doth make mention of this wood in these words: the Wood Hyrcinia assuming diverse names, runneth out t● the Dacians and ●etes, until at length it cometh to the Tartarians where it is called the dark Wood, and is impassable, both in regard of the unknown ways and wild beasts, and the monstrous Fawne● But of these things enough, I pass to other matters: The public and private works do follow, among which (to pass by others) is the Church at Argentoratum, famous for the neat structure and building, having a very high Tower. So that it is the eighth miracle of the world. This Church was founded in the year of Christ 1015. But in the year of our Lord 1277, in the time of the Bishop Conrade of Liechtenberg, Erkuinus of Steinbach an Architect began to build the Tower, being a famous work; so that there is not the like, either in Germany, Italy, or France; it was built up to the top in seven and twenty years. It is built even from the foundation to the top, of free square stone; it hath many open places to receive the air and the wind, and the ascent and going up unto it is by four stairs; but when the breadth of it gins to lessen, and grow sharp towards the top, there are eight stairs. The very top of it which below doth scarcely seem as big as a Bushel, is so great, that five or six men might stand upon it. The height of it is 574 Geometrical feet; there is also a curious and artificial Clock. And as concerning the Ecclesiastic state of Germany, there are 7 Archbishops in the Empire of Germany. These are, the Archbishop of Mentz, under whom are 12 Suffragan Bishops, as the Bishop of Chur, the Bishop of Cost●●tz, of Strasburg, of Spires, of Worms, of Wurtzburg, of Ausburg, of Arstett, of Hildeshaim, of Paderborn, of Halberd statt, of Ferden. The Archbishop of ●olen, who hath 5 Suffragan Bishops the Bishop of Munster, the Bishop of utretcht, of Leodium, of Minden, and of Osenburg. Also the Archbishop of Triers, under whom are 3 Suffragan bishops; the Bishop of Metz, of Toul in Lotharingia, and the Bishop of Verdun. Also the Archbishop of Meydmurg Primate of Germany, under whom are four Bishops; the Bishop of Morsburg, the Bishop of Naumburg, of Brandeburg, and Havelburg. The Archbishop of Saltzburg, hath 9 Suffragan Bishops under him; as the Bishop of ●rent, Brixiensis, of Passaw, Frisingensis, of Vienna, of Seckaw; of Cur●x, of Lavenmund, and of Chiemse. The Archbishop of Bremes, under whom there are six Suffragan Bishops, as the Bishop of Lu●●ke, Suerinensis, of Lebus, of Schleswicke, of Ratzenburg, and of Hamburg, heretofore an bishopric. The Archbishop of Riga, hath six Suffragan Bishops under him, as the Bishop of Revel, Curiens●s, the Bishop of Oesel, of Derpt. The free Bishops are, M●snensis, the Bishops of Bamberg, and Ratispon. Mercator reckoneth up these Universities: The University of Basil, of Colen, of Dillingensis, of Mogantinum, of Marpurg, of Lipswicke, of Ingo●stade, of Heidelburg, of Gripswald, of Friburg, of Frankford near Odera, of Erpherd, of Prague, of Rostoch, of Coningsberg, of Trevers, of Tubingium, of Vienna, of Brestavia, of Wirtemberg, and Wurtzburg; ou● of which as out of many Trojan horses, an innumerable sort of learned men have issued. Which many, furnished with all kinds of Arts, do witness▪ here are very skilful in the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew tongues; here are eloquent Orators, subtle disputants, absolute Arithmeticians, and exact Astronomers: and no Country of Europe ●●th better Geometricians. I omit their accurate skill in Physic. Now I come to their manners. All Authors do report that the Germans are strong, and of a great stature. Tacitus saith they are grey eyed, read haired, large bodied, and very strong. Hegesippus and Plinny do call them great men: Sidonius calleth them cruel and fierce, Pausanias and C●ssiodorus calleth them proud: Appianus, ungentle, Caesar calleth them barbarous, treacherous, and dissemblers: Paterculus saith that they are very crafty, and are naturally given to lie. But Tacitus who lived amongst them saith, that the soldiers are very courageous, and that it is a warlike Nation, but are neither cunning nor crafty, but do discover their own minds and secrets, and very faithful in keeping secrets committed to them. Also the Emperor julianus in his Misopogne saith, that he knoweth by experience that this Nation cannot flatter, but that they deal freely and plainly with all men. Ptolemy, 11. Quadrip. saith, that they must needs be of a quiet and peaceable disposition, in regard of the quality of the Country which they inhabit. Concerning their religion, whereby the minds of men are held and bound together by the tie and fear of some Deity, the Germans (as Caesar writeth) do use no sacrifices, they accounted them only to be gods whom they see, and from whom they receive some benefit: as the Sun, and Vulcan, and the Moon. But afterward, as it appeareth in Tacitus, who lived under the reign of the Emperor Nerva; they had many other gods: as Mercury, Hercules, Mars, Isis, and Berecinthia: also a certain god called Alcis. The same Tacitus doth report also that Velleda and Aurinia were accounted as Gods. And the aforesaid Tacitus maketh mention of the Temple of Tanfana, who saith that the Suevians do reverence the mother Earth, which they call (as L●psius saith) Aertha. But Plutarch and Clemens Alexandrinus do affirm that they had no Images in their Temples, but certain holy women, which Tacitus calleth Soothsayerss, and Agathias, and Polyoenus do call them Prophetesses, who did foretell future events, by the sound, and courses of Rivers. Amilianus doth note, that they do foretell things to come, by the flight of birds, by the inspection of entrailss, and all other signs. But they did chiefly reverence Mercury or Teutates, and offered humane sacrifices thereunto, as Tacitus witnesseth. In the time of peace there was no common Magistrate, but in the time of war they did choose Governors. They spent all their life time in military affairs: and to rob was accounted no disgrace, as we may read in Caesar. Seneca saith, that their chief delight was the wars in which they were both borne and bread. If (as Tacitus witnesseth) they have peace any long time together at home in their own Country, than they go to the wars in other Nations. They carry about with them their mothers, wives, and children, who do carry their knapsacks, and provision: neither are they afraid of plagues. They join battle with songs and warlike sounds. They count it a great disgrace to loose their buckler in the field, so that many after the battle for grief thereof have hanged themselves. Dion and Herodotus do report; that they will march over Rivers in regard they are lightly armed, and of an high stature. We read in Appian that ●hey do contemn death, being persuaded that they shall live again hereafter. They observe the rites of matrimony, and are con●ent with their own wives; so that few adulteries are committed; for which they have this present punishment: the woman that is taken in adultery hath her hair cut off, and then her husband thrusts her out of doors before her kindred, and beats her along the Town. Thus Tacitus reporteth. The Mothers do nurse their own childen, and do not put them forth to Nurses. Caesar saith, that they accounted it unlawful to wrong a stranger, which cometh unto them upon any occasion, so that they are ready to protect them from all injuries: their houses stand open, and they eat one with another. And here good manners prevail more, than good laws in other places. The greatest part of their food, as Caesar mentioneth, doth consist in milk, cheese, and flesh. Plinny witnesseth that they live by no other grain but Oats; and Mela addeth that in times of want they will eat raw flesh. At dinners as Athenaeus witnesseth, they have pieces of meat roasted, and they drink milk and wine. Their fare is homely, as the flesh of wild beasts, Crabs, or sour milk: their drink is made of Barley and wheat, neither is there any Nation more magnificent in entertainment or in feasting. But as to man or Nation is without some vice, so they count it no shame to drink night and day. Concerning their habit, Tacitus saith that they all wear a kind of Cloak buttoned before, which loosely hangeth over their shoulders: the same Tacitus saith, that the Germans did not wear a lose garment but a straight bodied garment, such as Sidonius saith the French did use. The women do go in apparel like the men. Heretofore the Germans were strong of body, but rude, and ignorant of Arts. But now they do make all kind of excellent manufactures and works, and most especially they are skilful in casting of brass, and in the knowledge of metals. In this Country brass Ordinance and Printing were first invented, and the making of Clocks was found out: and lastly, Germany is such a Nursery of all Arts, that it doth perfect some, and findeth out other Inventions. Also it transporteth into Countries both near and remote, the best Wines, Gold, Silver, Coppresse, Tin, Led, Quicksilver, Alum, and diverse painting colours, also Corn, and diverse other commodities. WEST-FRIESLAND. SOme do writ that Frisia or Friesland was so called fr●● Phrygia; other do derive the name thereof from the extreme coldness of the Country. Abbas Spanheim●● the authority of Hunibald, a great corrupter of Historical truth, doth fabulously report, that it was so named from 〈◊〉 the son of Clodio the hairy, King of France. Hadrian junius takes that it was so called from the freedom and liberty, which 〈◊〉 people always desired. Moreover Friesland is an ancient Co●● of Germany, well known to the Romans for their warlike 〈◊〉 and Valour, which never changed its name. Tacitus maketh the●● twofold, namely the greater and lesser Frieslanders. The 〈◊〉 (saith he) and lesser Frieslanders are so called in regard o● th● strength. The greater; Tacitus properly calleth Oostfrieslander 〈◊〉 those Embdames who do now usurp that name, for those are ● lesser Chaucians'; but the Staverians, Succians, Franicians, 〈◊〉 Towns of Harling and Leovardia. Also the West-Frieslanders which being in the farthest part of Holland are called Northollanders, 〈◊〉 they do confine on the Caninifatians, as Plinny describeth the●● for these two Countries of Friesland do stretch from the Rhine 〈◊〉 to the Ocean. Now the River Amisis divides it into West and Ea●● Friesland. West-Friesland which is now so called from the fir●● 〈◊〉 whose description we do here exhibit and set forth to view is most properly and anciently called Friesland, and was always accounted the better part. On the West, and the North the Sea doth compass it: on the South it hath a large Bay commonly call Zuyder-Zee, and the Province of Trans-Isalana: on the East it is encompassed with the River Amisis, which divideth it from the Busactorians, and Westphalia. The air is every where wholesome, except where it is infected with the foggy exhalations of the Marshes, which are purified again by the winds. The Country of West-Friesland is no● for the most part Moorish, being low, and overflowed in many places with water, which lie upon it not only in the Spring, but also ●● Summer time: and in regard hereof, it hath little store of corp● For these yearly inundations which come betimes and go away slowly, do either kill the seed, or drive it up and down. Yet here are excellent pastures for fatting of Cattles, of which the Frieslanders may boast, for they reap commodity and profit by them: so that the inhabitants do every year make an incredible gain of Butter, and Cheese, which they transport abroad, besides that which they daily spend at home, for it hath great herds of Oxen, and breedeth also excellent horses. It hath some woods, but those so thin of map of West Friesland WEST-FRIESLAND. trees, that they do not yield wood enough to make a good great fire, such as Martial and Horace do desire. Dissolve frigus, lignum super focum largè reponens. But provident nature hath given the Frieslanders, and Hollanders instead of wood, a certain kind of turf, which being digged out of the earth, and dried in the wind and Sun, doth burn very well, which is a better fuel than that which the Scythians used, who wanting wood did burn bones, and kept fire with them. And there is so great plenty of this turf, as that it doth not only serve the inhabitants, but also other neighbour Countries. There are divers kinds of it, which do differ in colour, lightness, and the whiteness of their ashes. There is one bad, light, and spongy kind of turf, of a Moss colour, which is of no esteem for use: which in burning maketh those that stand by, as pale as Led, and to look like Ghosts, the smell whereof doth cause many to swoon; but a little salt sprinkled on it taketh it away. The other is thicker, and fuller of seggs, and weightier, and serveth for diverse uses. The third kind is as hard as a brick, and whereas the other swim in the water this sinketh; it is hard to take fire, but being once kindled it keepeth fire a long time; it is of an ash colour, and is digged on a Moorish ground. In Zealand also there is a kind of turf made of Moorish earth, which they call Daria. Also the Country people of Friesland, have a certain kind of turf made of mud, tempered and mingled with straw, reeds, and hay, and afterward dried in the Sun; but the smoke thereof is very troublesome for the eyes. This Country of Friesland was heretofore a Kingdom, even to the time of Charles the Great, after whose decease it was troubled, although before it was subject to the government of Denmark and Norway. But at length it enjoyed some Halcyon days of quiet, under the reign of the Emperor Charles the fifth, who was a peaceable prince. There are 12 Cities in Friesland. Leuwarden is the Metropolis of all Friesland, and a rich City, which as it is adorned & beautified with many private houses, so it is strongly fortified with a Castle & rampires against the assaults of enemies. The Court of judgement, and the Chancery for all Friesland is kept here, from whence there is no appeal. Near unto it is Zuichemum, in the Country of Vichlijm● Doccum is 2 mile distant, having a fertile soil & fair Meadows. It is distant from the Bay of the sea, 1 mile, & was heretofore subject to Gelderland, Sneca, in the Country of Westergoyum, is situated three miles from Leovardia in a low waterish soil, so that it bears no corn, but hath fair Meadows. It was a City about 200 years ago, but in process of time it grew so great, so that it is now equal to any City in Friesland. It hath produced many good wits: joachim Hopper was borne and bred in it, who was not only a light and Ornament to this City, but also to all Friesland, and the Low Countries. Also Peter of Fritema a Lawyer, and Albertus Hero, a Philosopher and Divine were borne here, and many other learned men. Staveren is situate on the shore of the South Sea: The Country near unto it is plain; being full of ditches and Marshes. This City hath no magnificent building in it, but a strong Castle which standeth over the haven, which was founded by George Schencke, Governor of Friesland, in Charles the fifth's name, in the year 1522, that so the Burgundians, might conveniently sand thither soldiers, and provision for the war, out of the neighbour Cities of Holland. Plinny Lib. 4. cap. 15. calleth the inhabitants Sturians. Harlinga is situated by the jaws of the South Sea, a mile distant from Franicum, it hath a fertile soil, and a Castle well fortified against the invasions of Enemies, and a convenient Haven: for it affordeth a fit and necessary habitation for those which come out of North Friesland and East Germany: whereupon great store of people did flock thither, being alured with the convenience of the place, so that by this confluence of people the City was much enlarged. Franicum is denominated from the Frenchmen, here john Vlpius was borne, who was most skilful in the three languages. It hath a public University. There are also these Cities, Damna, B●lswardum, Ilsta, Sloten, Worchum, and Hindelopen. There are many Islands in Friesland, the chief whereof is Schellingana, which is famous for the taking of Dogfish with Nets. Groening is usually joined with West-Friesland, which maketh a province together with the Territory belonging to it, called, Ommelanden. Here Rodolphus Agricola, the most learned man of his time was borne. Also Wesselus or Basilius, and Reinerus Perdinius, famous Divines and Philosophers were borne here. Friesland hath abundance of Lakes and Marshes, as we said before, and it is watered with the Rivers Laubacum, (which some call Lavica, and Labola, now Lauwers) and Amisis. It hath on the South a very large Bay, which is now called Zuyderzee, as it were the Southern strait. The Politic state of Friesland doth consist of three principal parts, which are: The County of Oestergow, the Metropolis whereof is Leovardia, and is divided into these Praefectureships, Lewarderadeel, in which is Leovardia; Tietz ericksterdeel in which is Tiettzarcke; Ydardacel, in which is Ydaert; Rauwerdeahem, in which is Rauwart: Ferwerderadeel, in which is Ferwert: Dongerdeel in which is Wetzens; Dantummedeel, in which is Dantumna Wolt: Acht Kerspelen in which is Suyrhusum: Colmerlandt, in which is Collum: Vesterlant, in which is Beetz: Smalingerlandt, in which was Smalingerlee an Abbey of the order of Saint Benedict. The County of Westergow, in which are Grieteneyen; Wonseradeel, in which is Witmarssum; Franickeradeel, in which is Franiker: Banadeel in which is Mimersgae: Meynaldummadeel, in which is Mizaldum: Baerderadeel in which is Baerdt: Hennarderadeel, in which is Hennaert: Weynbritzeradeel, in which is Gawe: Gheesterlandt, in which is Wickel. The County of Sevenwolden, in which are Grieteneyen; Donyewerstal, in which is Donigae: Leemster Vijsgae, in which is Lemmer: Aenghevaert, in which is Cathrybandt: Schottorelandt, in which are Nye and Olde Schotten; Wittingerdeel, in which is Oldehorn: Hasscher Vijfgae, in which is Hasscherhorn. But all Friesland and Groeningland is subject to the Bishop of Trajectum. THE COUNTY OF EMBDANUM AND OLDENBURG. The Country whence so called. HItherto we have described Germany in general, our Method now requireth that we should entreat of the several parts. This Table containeth two Counties, the County of Embden and Oldenburg; the County of Embdane is so called from the chief City thereof; and now it is called East Friesland because it confineth on Friesland. For the Frieslanders did not heretofore possess it, but the Ch●●●s, of which Plinny and Ptolemy make two sorts, the greater and the lesser. The greater are those that do inhabit the Bishopric of Bremes: the lesser are the Embdanians and Oldenburgians. Forasmuch as Ptolemy seateth them between the River Amisis, and Visurgie his words are these: They saw also in the North, the Nation of the Chaucians', who are called the greater, and the lesser, where the Sea floweth up every day and night, so that it is doubtful whether it be Land or Sea. Where the miserable people do get upon high hills, and their cottages do float when the Sea cometh in, and do seem like shipwracks, when it ebbeth back again. They have no Cattles nor milk as their neighbours have, nor can they kill any wildebeasts because there is no shrubs, nor harbour for them. They make thread of Bulrushes and reeds, to wove fishing Nets, and so making a fire with a little dried mud, they boil their meat, and warm themselves. Their drink is rain water which they keep in trenches before their houses. In this manner the Chaucians' lived heretofore. But now they are much changed, for now the Country doth afford food not only for the inhabitants, but also for the neighbour Countries. But heretofore it was a rude habited place, so that Plinnie never mentioneth that Corn or any other fruits did grow here; but now where is there greater plenty? The fruitfulness of the soil. It had heretofore no fruittrees, but now it beareth all kinds of trees. They had heretofore no Cattles nor Milk, but where is greater plenty now? For nature hath given them a champion Country, full of fair Meadows, being of a fat soil, and having many pleasant pastures, which are well replenished and stored with innumerable flocks, and herds of Cattles. Which appeareth by that wonderful great plenty of excellent good Butter and Cheese, which is made here, which to the great gain and benefit of the inhabitants is transported to diverse Countries, and through all Germany. Also the fertility of this Country appeareth by the fat and great Oxen, which many thousands do graze within the Meadows, and do grow so fat, that foreign Nations do much esteem of them. Besides here is excellent hunting. So that this Country is now of so rich a soil, that it needeth no supply from neighbour Countries; for it hath such store of horses, Oxen, Cattles, Hogs, Wool, Better, Cheese, Barley, Oats, Wheat, Beanes, Pease, and Salt, so that it doth yearly transport great plenty thereof to the Countries round about it, and those which are more remote. Moreover the Emperor Frederick the third, Anno 1465, when this province was governed by diverse Praefects, did make it a County, and gave it to one Vdalrich. Afterwards it had Earls continually even until our time. There are two walled Cities in that County, Embda and Arichum. Embda or Embdena, commonly called Embden, is the chief City of this Country, and a famous Mart Town, seated by the mouth of the River Amisis, having a convenient Haven, the Channel whereof is so deep, that great ships may come in under sail: so that for wealth, for the public and private building, and for the multitude of Citizens, it is known not only in Germany but also in all parts of Europe One of the chiefest Ornaments is the Earls sumptuous palace, the great Church, and the Praetor's house. Hear is wonderful plenty of all things, both for necessity and pleasure, which the Haven, and the conveniency of importation of goods, and also the natural fertility of Friesland doth yield. The City is so called from the River Ems, which Tacitus calleth Amisia. The other City is Aurichum, which is a pleasant retiring place for the Nobility, in regard of Woods and Forests, in which they do freely recreate themselves, with Hawking and hunting. The Citizens are rich, and do give themselves either to merchandise or some mechanic trade. There are an infinite many of Castells and Towns in this County. And such a number of Villages, that one doth even join upon another. The most whereof both for fair houses, large streets, and populousness, may compare with some Cities of Germany. Neither do rustic people or husbandmen only live in them, but also Merchants, and diverse kinds of artificers and some of the Nobility: There are also two other Counties which are subject to the Earl of Embda, Esensis, and jeverensis, so called from their chief towns: the Courtrie jeverensis is situated beyond the River jada Westward, and doth contain eighteen Villages. On the North, where the River Visurgis doth discharge itself into the Sea, these two Islands do lie against it, Wangeroga, and Sp●keroga, which are for the most part habited. The County Esensis lieth near the Sea shore, and doth confine on jeveria: on the West it is bounded with Berumna and Auriacum: on the North with the Sea. The Lord thereof Hajo ab Husecke, in the year 1380, when he had vexed his neighbours, and took the ships of the Bremensians in the River Visurgis, and had filled the Sea with Pirates, and the Land with thiefs and robbers, at length after some light skirmishes with the Bremensians, in which he had the worst, he fled to Elsena, and being there taken by the Bremensians he was delivered to Edo Wimmcke Captain of jeveria; who 〈◊〉 racked him, and afterward cut him in pieces, because he had with out any just cause repudiated his Sister, whom he had married before. There is also in this table the County of Delmenhorst, and the Lordship's Ezes, Norden, Auricke, jever, Vredeburg, Ouelgunne and Rheyde. The Rivers here are Amisis, Visurgis, jada, and others. The inhabitants of this Country do speak the German Language: but in secret matters they use a peculiar speech of their own which strangers do not understand. They either give themselves to trades, or husbandry, or merchandise: their apparel is very decent, so that the Countrymen go habited like Citizens. The women have a fare different habit from others. For they put all the hair into a Call or Huicke, which being full of silver buttons an● knots, they let it hung down upon their backs. In Summer time they wear their hair in a read silk Call or Net, which is adorned and wrought with silver. And in winter they put on a hood of green cloth, which covereth all their head, so that you can see nothing but their eyes: and they call this kind of vestment 〈◊〉 Their gown or outward garment, is gathered and quilted in 〈◊〉 folds, even from the head to the Ankles, and is so stiffened ●●siver, and gold plates, that when it is put of it will stand an end. It sometimes made of read Cloth, and sometimes of green. The County of Oldenburg. SO much concerning the County of Embda: the Countle of Oldenburg followeth, which was so called from the chief City Oldenburg. This Tract heretofore the lesser Caucians' did inhabit, as also the County Embda, as we said before. But the county of Oldenburg which this Table here presents unto your view, from the East to the bank of the River Visurgis, contains the Provinces of Stegingia which is subject to the Castle of Delmenhorst, and Stadland, which is divided into five Parishes, and Butidia into seven, and jeveria which is subject to it, being a part of Friesland, which hath four and twenty parishes: on the West it hath Amerlangia, which stretcheth toward the River Amisis, in the middle of the Morineans. On the North it is bounded with Friesland and the Ocean: on the South with the Diocese of Munster. Albertus Crantzius, Lib. 3. cap. 15. writeth, that this is the ancientest Country of them all. For he reokneth Lib. 2. cap. 30. Windekindus Duke of Saxony (who lived in the time of Charles the Great) among the Earls of this Country. jerenicus delivers that the City of Oldenburg, was reëdified by Charles the Great, and that the Bishop Agalgargus, did there dedicated and consecrated a Church to Saint john Baptist. But I think in this matte● Ortelius and he are both in one error, because he reckoneth thi● City to be in Wandalia, and doth place it near the Sea. For this is not the same City, with that which is in the Country of Holsatia. map of Embdanum and Oldenburg THE COUNTY OF EMBDANUM and OLDENBURG. The Wandalians call it Stargard, the Danes Brannesia, as the same Crantzius doth witness. Laurentius Michaelis doth think that the Ambronians had their original from hence, who as Plutarch reporteth, did heretofore go into Italy with the Cymbrians, and were slain by Catus Marius; whose name doth yet continued in that Nation which they call Amerlander. And he is of the same opinion, concerning the Alanian saxons, who (he supposeth) did inhabit near the Lake Alanum in this tract, and on either side of the River Alania even to the Castle Ororia, and that they are now called Lengener, that is, the Alamans, and Avergenlar, that is to say, the Vltralanians. The Castle of Delmenhorst was built by the River Delme in the year 1247, which belonged 65 years to the bishop of Munster; and Antonius Earl of Oldenburg, on Palm Sunday in the year 1547. early in the morning scaled the walls with a band of men, and so took it, and Hermann of O'er the governor of the Castle, was kept in custody. Concerning the Earls of this Country Andreas Hoppenrodius, doth relate something; but David Chitreus, more excellently in his history of Saxony. But now by way of conclusion we will add something concerning the manners of the Chancians. Tacitus a grave writer doth writ thus of them: There is a Noble people among the Germans, who are very just, not covetous but quiet and secret, and not apt to stir uproars, neither do they live by rapine or Robbery. And this is a chief argument of then virtue, that the great men do not injure their inferiors; yet they are expert in arms, so that arms of footmen and horsemen is presently raised, before there be any rumour or report of it. THE FIRST TABLE OF WESTPHALIA. WEstphalia follows in our method, concerning the name whereof there are diverse opinions. Some suppose it was so called from the goddess Vesta, as it were Vestalia, because heretofore she was reverenced here: The Country whence so called. and so they would have the Westphalians to be so called as it were Vestalians, for they say that those which devil Eastward beyond the River Visurgis are called Oostvalian saxons, from host the east-wind, and Vadem which in the Saxon Language signifies a Colt, which they bore in their military ensigns, and Colours. But now that name is worn out, and it is generally called Saxony. So the Westphalians, that devil Eastward on this side Visurgis, are so called from the Western wind. Lastly, others suppose that the Westphalians were so denominated from Veldt that is a field, rather this from Valen. It hath on the East Visurgis, on the South the Mountains of Hassia, which Ptolemie calls the Abnobijs: The Situation on the West the River Rhine: on the North it looketh toward Friesland, Holland, Trajectum, and Trans-Isalana. The air is cold and sharp, The temper of the air. but wholesome. The Country is fruitful, but hath more pasturage than come. It hath diverse kinds of fruits, as Apples, Nuts, and Acorns, The fruitfulness of the soil. with which Hogs are fatted. It is more fruitful about Susatum and Hammonia: and most fertile near Paderborne and Lippia, but it is barren and desert ground in some places about Amisis. The Dioecese of Munster confineth on it, and that tract of land which lieth near the River Visurgis. It is woody through all Surland, and the County Bergensis: it hath store of Mettle in the Country of Colen, and and the County of March: and in some parts there are many Salt ●as. It breedeth an innumerable sort of Cattles, and especially, The variety of living creatures. abundance of Hogs flesh, which is esteemed a great dainty, and is served up to Prince's Tables. There are also many wild beasts in the Wood Charles the Great did first conquer the Westphalians, and converted them to the Christian religion. He instituted these Bishoprickes, the Bishopric of Munster, of Osnaburg, of Paderborne, The ancient Government. and Minden. But it is not found in the Annals, how Westphalia was governed after Charles the great, or whether it was subject to the Pope. Truly in East Saxony there were secular Lords, who did govern the Country: at the first, Kings that were descended from Charles the great, under whom the Dukes of Saxony did grow up by degrees ●●en until Henry the first, King of the Romans, after whom there were three Ottoes, who were afterward Marquesses of Saxony, being sons ●● Henry Duke of Bavaria, brother to the first Otto. But we do not ●●ede what Princes, Westphalia which is West Saxony, had at that time joined in government with the Bishops. But afterward Duke Leo, and his grandfather before him, Luder Duke of Saxony, and afterward Emperor, did govern Westphalia. For after the aforesaid Henry was displaced by the decree of the Emperor Frederick the first, the Dukedom of Westphalia did assume the title of the Archbishopric of Colen; and the Dukes of lower Saxony, being descended from the Earls of Anholt, did hold and possess it. And now the aforesaid Bishop doth hold a great part of this Country, and especially Angria: and the Westphalians are subject unto him, and his Nobles, being as it were slaves unto them. Here formerly the Teutonians, the Busasterians, the Chamavians, the Angrivarians, the Longobardians, the Dulhumnijans, the Angilians, the Chaucians', and Cheruscians were seated. Those whom Mela and other call the Teutonians, Ptolemy calls Teutones: they coming from the Balthicke shore, where Ptolemy placeth their ancient seat, did give that appellation to Teutoburg, which Tacitus placeth in Westphalia. Those whom Ptolemy calls the lesser and the greater Bufacterians; Tacitus calleth them Bructerians, Willichius writeth that they did inhabit Munster. Those whom Tacitus calleth Ch●mavians, Ptolemy doth name Camanians, as Villenovanus thinketh. From whom David Chitreus supposeth that the Town Chamen in the County of March doth derive his name. The Angr●narians were seated Eastward near Visurgis: The Longobarians or rather the Langobardians, Ptolemy placeth on the Frontiers of this Province, on the farthest part whereof was Bardewick: so also those whom Ptolemy calleth the Dulguminians, Tacitus nameth the Dulgibinians, from whom the Town Dulmen in the Dioecese of Munster was denominated; here are also the Angilians, who about the year 444 went over into Britain, and gave their own name to England, as it appeareth by many histories, as also by Saint Bede an● English writer. But the Chaucians', whom Ptolemy calleth the Cauchians, and Suetonius, Lampridius, and Strabo the Cauciam, Deo the Chaucians', and Claudian the Chaycians, as Tacitus writeth, do spread themselves from Friesland, even to the Cattis. The same Tacitus doth place the Cheruscians hard by them: whence the Situation of their Country may be easily gathered: for Dion the historian doth witness that they dwelled beyond Visurgis, which may be also collected out of Tacitus. But this first Table or Chart of Westphalia, doth contain the Counties of Oldenburg, Hoya, Diepholt, and the neighbouring Lordships. The Politic state of Westphalia does consist o● three orders, 1. The Clergy, 2. the Nobles, 3. the free City In the first order are the Bishops of Paderborne, Leodium, Vltrajctum, Munster, Cameracum, Osnaburg, Ferdensis, and Mindensis. Th● Abbots Werdensis, Strablonensis, S. Cornelius, Munster, Echternakensis, Corbei, and Hervordensis; and the Abbatesse Essensis. In the second order are the Princes, Earls, and Barons: as the Duke of Cle●land and the County of March, the Duke of julia and Bergen. Th● marquis of Baden, the Earl of East Friesland or Em●i● the Earl of Sein: the Earl of Dillenburg● the Earl of Ver●●derg map of Westphalia THE FIRST TABLE OF WESTPHALIA. the Earl of Manderscheid: the Earl of Weida and Ringelberg: the Earl Meursensis: the Lord of Brunchorst: the Earls of Steinford, Benthem, Dortmund, Oldenburg, the Lord of Ridburg: the Earls of Hoya and Diepholt, and Scaumburg: the Lords of Spregelberg, and Vanenberg: the Earls of Arenberg, of Lip, and the Lord of Somerauss. In the third order which is of the free Cities, there are Colen, Aquisgranum, under Wesel, Durun, Cameracum, Dortmund, Susatum, Duysburg, Hervord, Brukel, Wartburg, Lemgow, and Werden. But so much of this, now our order requires that we should unfold the Cities and towns of Westphalia. But seeing we are to speak of the Dioecese of Bremes, we will leave off for a while the description of Westphalia, and return to it again in the following Table, and so will pass to the Bishopric of Bremes. THE BISHOPRIC OF BREMES. THe Bishopric of Rheims, commonly called Stift Bremen, so called from the City, The Country whence so called. hath the shape and figure of a triangled Isosceles, whose almost equal sides are the Rivers Visurgis and Albis, which do meet at the hightest corner, ne'er the Peninsula, which is named after a Tower built there for the defence of ships that pass that way. The Base of it is a line drawn from the river Esta, through the boards of the Country of Luneburg, and Verdensis, a little beneath the 〈◊〉 of the River Allera, which doth there discharge itself into V●sargis. For the River Esta is the limit of the Country of Bremes and Hamburg, which the River Sevena, (which is small at first, but afterward emptyeth itself into Albis with three Channels,) doth divide from the Dukedom of Luneburg. This Country is not every where of one soil. For the two farthest parts of the Dioecese of Iremes, near the banks of the River Albis and Visurgis, are very fat and fruitful. But the middle tract between Stada and Bremes, over which the Merchants do usually travel, is full of barren sands, Marthes', and Briars. So that the Dioecese of Bremes is commonly compared to a Cloak or Mantle, the two former parts whereof begin from the confluence and meeting of the River Albis and Visurgis, and so falling down to the banks of both those Rivers, are embroidered ●s it were with fruitful fields and Meadows: but the other part is woven of a courser thread. Hear the ancient Chaucians ●ere formerly seated, who held all that tract of ground from Visurga even to Albis, and Hamburg. The Metropolis is Brema, The Cities. which Ptolemy, Plinnie, Appianus, Peucerus, and Irenicus, do call Phabira●●●, it is commonly called Bremen. It is a Hanse City near the River Visugis, well fortified both by Art and natural situation, having firestreetes, and being full of Citizens, and rich by merchandising and traffic. It hath a fair Market place, where there are markets kept weekly for all kind of provision. On one side of the Market place the Cathedral Church standeth, and on the other side the Senate house, which hath a public Wine Cellar under it, in which the Senate doth keep their wine, and cell it for a reasonable price. Which is a common custom in many Cities of Wandalia, and Westphalia, that the Senate maketh that which is got by wine charges, defray public charges. Brema was at first a poor Town, but as the Christian religion did increase, so it did increase also; for which it is beholding to the Bishops thereof, who made it a Metropolitan City, and graced it with the title of the mother Church of all the North, and walled it about. See the Catalogue of Bishops in M. Adam's his ecclesiastical history. There is the City Stada or Stadum, which is i● the Archbishopric of Bream, being situate near Zu●nga, on the Southern bank of the River Albis, & it is the greatest City is Saxome▪ There is also the Town Buxtchuda. This Country is watered with these Rivers, Visurge, Albi, Esta, which are full of fish, as Ecles, Lampryes, and Salmon, which those of Breames do salt up and dry in the smoke, so that the Citizens do fell them for rarities, and make a great gain of them. The Bremensians are by nature warlike, industrious; and somewhat inclined to sedition. They love learning and liberal Arts, especially when they have gotten them abroad by studying in foreign Countries: but otherwise they are more addicted to merchandising than learning, for they get their wealth by traffic and trading, and by making long voyages. So that almost all the Citizens are either skilful Merchants, or Tradesmen, or Shipwrights. THE SECOND TABLE OF WESTPHALIA. IN our description of Westphalia, the Cities are, among which the first is Munster the Metropolis, The Cities. or Mother City, of all Westphalia. Ptolemie calls it Mediolanum, as Pyrchaimerus thinketh, it is commonly called Munster. It is a very fair strong City, in which both learning and the Roman Language did flourish 60 year since. The City of Munster nameth the whole Bishopric, which was so called of a fat●●s monastery built there. See Munster Lib. 3. of his Cosmographa. Hear began the faction of the Anabaptiss, in the year of our Lord 1533, so that all of that sect did repair hither, where they chose one john Buckholdus a Cobbler to be the head and ringleader of this sedition, a Vulgar fellow, fit, for any attempt, and fare excelling all the rest, both for wit, boldness, eloquence, and cunning. He did not fear to style himself King of Munster. Whereupon the Bishop thought it meet to suppress this sect, and so being aided and helped by the Archbishop of Colen and also the Duke of Cleveland, after fourteen m●●eths siege he obtained his City. And then he commanded that the King should have some of his flesh pulled off with hot Pincers, and then he should be hung out of the Tower in Iron chains. Susatum or Soest is the richest and fairest City next to Munster, having ten great Parishes. They report themselves, that it whas but a Castle at the first, but afterward by degrees it become a very great City. And from thence it was there called Susatum, because in regard of the convenient situation, houses were built by the Castle, so that from the daily increase thereof it was called Sutatum, as it were ein Zusatz. It hath also many neighbouring Villages which are subject to it, which they commonly call Die Burden. This City is now under the Duke of Clevelands protection, but before it was subject to the Bishop of Colen. Wesel is a fair rich City, famous for traffic and Merchandising. It is called the lower weasel to difference and distinguish it from the higher, which is situate also on the left side of the Rhine. The River Lppia bringeth up many Commodities unto it, which running by the left side thereof, doth straightway associate and join itself with the Rhine. There is at wesel a memorable Altar of mercy, which the ancestors of the most illustrious Lord Henry Oliserius, surnamed Baers, Lord Chancellor of Cleveland, &c. did place here and consecrated: being an hospital for aged people; where they have all things necessary provided for them, and the son following his father's example, hath enlarged the yearly revennewes of it. Osnaburg, or Ossenburg is a famous City built by the Earls of Engerne, as Hermanus testifieth. Others do suppose that this City was begun by julius Caesar, as the Saxons Annals do mention. They report that it was so named from the Oxe-hides, with which this City was encompassed. It is situated in a pleasant Valley, and it is watered with the River Hasa; they brew good fat drink in it, which they call Buse. Charles the Great when after 30 year's wars he had conquered the Saxons; and had taken the Castle of Widekind which was near unto this City, and had put a strong garrison in it, he instituted twelve Bishoprickes in Saxony, and made the Bishopric of Osnaburg the chiefest. For he esteemed this City above all the rest, and granted them the privilege of a free School, for the teaching of the Greek and Latin tongues; as Munster, Hamelmann, and the Chronicles of Argentine do also mention. Minda commonly called Minden, is a pleasant strong City, and the River Visurgis yields it great store of fish, and bringeth up many commodities unto it: it breweth good drink, which is much esteemed, and venteth great store of commodities by way of traffic. Concerning the beginning hereof Munster writeth thus: When Wildekindus, the first Duke of Saxony, was converted to the Christian faith; he gave the Emperor Charles his Castle near the River Wesera, on condition that the Bishop should have part of it, for it was able to receive them both, so that the Bishop might say, This Castle shall be mine and thine for both of us have right unto it; and from hence it was so called in the Saxon Language Myndyn. But in the process of time the letty y was changed into an e, and now that same City is called Mynden. map of Westphalia ●HE SECOND TABLE OF WESTPHALIA. THE BISHOPRIC OF MUNSTER. THe Bishopric of Munster is situated in a fertile soil abounding with all kinds of fruits: on the North it hath the County Benthemium: on the East the Bishopric o● Padelbrum; on the South the Counties of Zutphan and Marcan. Charles the Great, Emperor of Rome, and King of France which conquered lower Saxony, which is now called Westphalia, d●● institute this Bishopric, and called it Mimingerodensis, or Mimingardevorensis. Afterwards he called it Munster from a Monaster which he built there, in the honour of the blessed Virgin Mary Hermannus was the first Bishop thereof. The City is strongly fortified both by nature and Art, especially since the faction of the Anabaptiss ceased: it is situated on a plain having five fair Canonical Colleges, and a school famous for learning and Arts. The inhabitants are laborious and industrious, and do transport their commodities into foreign Countries. But after that the Spaniards had wars with the Low Countries, they were prohibited and forbidden to trade and traffic with the united Provinces. And after the reign of Ferdinand the first, all that were not of the Roman religion were enforced to leave the City, to their great loss and damage. It was governed formerly and now also by Bishops, their Catalogue followeth. The first Bishop was Ludgerus Frisius, brother to Hildegrine Bishop of Halberstadt, who died in the year of Christ 809. after whom there followed Godfrey, Alfrid, Lubbertus, and Bertoldus, in the reign of the Emperor Arnulph: and in the year 895, and afterward, William Richard, Reinolds, Hildebald, Dodo, Suederus, Theodore, Sigefride, and Hermann the first, who built a Monastery beyond the water, whence the Town was called Munster, in the year 1025, whose successors were called the Bishops of Munster: namely Robert, Frederick, the brother of the marquis of M●snia, Erpo, Theodoricke of Wintzenhurg, Henry, Egbert, Wernerus, Henry, Ludovicke, Godescal, a Saxon, who died in the year 1200. Hermann the second, Count of Catznelbogen, Otto Count of Benthem, Theodoricke, Ludolphus Count of Holte, Otto the second Count of Lip, William the second Baron of Holte; Gerard Court of Marca; Everhard Count of Dost, Otto the third Count of Retberge; Conradus, Ludovicke Count of Hassia, Adolphus Co●●t of Marca, in the year 1365. john Count of Virnenburch, translated to Vltrajectum; Florentius Count of Vevelichoven, Paro Bohemus, map of Munster THE BISHOPRIC OF MUNSTER. Henry Wulf, Otto the fourth Count of Hoya, Henry Count of Mursium, Walramus brother to Henry, john Bavarus, Henry Bishop of Bremes, Conrade Count of Retberg, Eric elected Duke of Saxony in the year 1508. Frederick Count of Weda; Eric Count of Grubenhager, Franciscus Count of Waldeck, in whose reign, the Anabaptiss, did make a great tumult or faction, having one john of Leiden for their Captain, who would needs be called King of Israel. After Waldeck there were William Ketler, Bernard Raefvelt, and john Comes of Hoya, who died in the year 1574. john William Duke of Cleveland, who resigned to Ernest Duke of Bavaria and Bishop of Colen, after whose decease his Nephew Ferdinand succeeded. THE THIRD TABLE OF WESTPHALIA THe third Table of Westphalia as the Title showeth, doth lively delineate & describe three parts. The Dukdome of Bergen, the County of March, and the Dioecese of Colen. The Dukedom of Bergen whence so called. The Situation Which we will run over in the same order as they are propounded. The first is the Dukedom Berges, which is so called from the Town Bergen, it beginneth at low Wesel, and so runneth up a great way toward Rhine. But concerning the original of this Dukedom, Munster writeth thus. The Government. In the time of Henry Auceps King of the Romans', namely in the year 724, there were two brothers, unto whom for their former service, King Henry gave a certain part of Westphalia, in which the elder, namely Adolphus, built a Castle near the County of Arnsperg, and called it V●lvesheg; and afterward he brought all the Country to Civility, and adorned it with many Towns and Villages. The other brother called Eberhard, did also build a Castle, and called it Aldenburg. But these brother's increasing both in power and wealth, the King made Adolphus a Count, and the Country a County, which was called the County of Altenna. Also he made Eberhards' land the County of Bergen. A little after Eberhard being made a Monk, passed over his territories to his brother, and builded a monastery ●eere the River Dune, and was made Abbot thereof. After Adolphus and his posterity, there succeeded these Counts, Engelbert, Adolphus, Engelprechtus, and Adolphus. But Adolphus dying without issue, the County of Bergen came to his Sister's son, namely Gerard Earl of juliacum. After whom his son Wilhelmus governed both Countries, and after him succeeded his son Wilhelmus, the first Duke of juliacum, and Duke of Bergen and Gelderland. After him, there succeeded in these Dukedoms, his brother Rainold, who died in the year of Christ 1433. some say, that the County Montensis was errected and established at that time, when Henry the proud was deposed by Frederick the first. But yet in the year of Christ 1336. Charles the fourth made this County a Marquiship, and made his son Wentceslaus Duke thereof. Here is the Imperial Town Essendia, in which Alfrid the fourth Bishop Hildesheymen builded a Nunnery, for 52 Virgins, and an Abbatesse, and likewise a College for twenty Canonists and a Dean. The Country yields great store of wheat and corn, so that the white bread Essendia is much esteemed. The Townsmen are Merchants, or Wavers or Smiths, so that there is much armour made here. It hath ma●wels and a black kind of stone coals, which the Country nee● unto it yields, but chiefly by Steltium a Town by the Riv●● Rura. There is also Dusseldorp, the Metropolis of this Dukdome, so ●●●med from the river Dussela, which runneth through the middle of ●● The County of Marck. The County of Marck follows. It seemeth that the Vbians d● heretofore inhabit this Country, and the Dukedom of Bergen. B the Counts of Altena were formerly contented with this title, The ancient Government. until Count frederic son, having gotten Marck, writ himself Earl of Marck and Altena, The Towns. and boar the arms of it, about the year 1004. in the time of Wichman the thirteenth Earl of Cleveland Marck is a large County of Westphalia, having many flourishing Towns on the bank of the River Lippia, as Hammon, Vnna, 〈◊〉 Tremonia, Werdena and others. We have formerly spoke ●●●cerning Susatum and Tremonia. Werdena in the entrance to W●●lia, is a Town near the River Rura, it was built by William ●denburg, the 42 Abbot of the Monastery built by S. Lutgerus, in 〈◊〉 year 1317, and Engelbert Earl of Marck did give it many pri●●ledges, which it still enjoys. The Townsmen live for the most 〈◊〉 by feeding and grazing of cattles. They have pleasant fields and pastures, and very high woody Mountains, in which there are gre●● store of hogs, and little Rivulets with a murmuring sound to ru● down the mountains. Besides, the river Rura, yields them 〈◊〉 commodities, besides great store of fish, and fat Eels: there is a 〈◊〉 bridge over the River Rura, for passengers to go over. There is a so the Town Chamen which David Chytraeus supposeth that it 〈◊〉 so called from the Chamavians, who came hither in Trajan's time. map of Westphalia ●HE THIRD TABLE OF WESTPHALIA. Bonna is seated on a pleasant plain, where the Mountains of Rhine do descend and become level ground. There is also Sontina a fair Town, and the Village Brula. Also on the Coasts of the Vbians there was Tolbiacum, The public works. as Tacitus reporteth, Lib. 5. Histor. I cannot omit the public works. Hear is the great Church of Colonia, built with free stone curiously wrought and carved, which is consecrated to Saint Peter; which if it had been finished, it would have exceeded all the Churches in Germany, for building and largeness; and it might worthily have been counted one of the wonders of Europe. What, should I mention the fair Church of the Maccabees? Or what should I speak of the other Churches and Monasteries? What should I mention the Guesthouses, the Hospitals for the sick, the Hospitals for the poor, The Government. and for Orphans? Besides, the Praetor's house doth much beautify this City. I pass by other things. Moreover the Politic government of this City doth represent the flourishing government of the Roman Commonwealth. For if you consider the dignity of the Consuls, Proconsul's, Censors, Tribunes, Quaestors, and the Praefects of the Corn, or the inflexible staff of justice, which is carried instead of the knitch or bundle of rods: or if you observe the order of the companies, or the civil authority of the Senators, you shall see that this Commonwealth of Agrippina is as 'tis the Effigies, and lively Picture of Rome, so that it deserveth to be called the Roman Colony. But so much hitherto let us pass to other matters. THE ARCHBISHOPRIC OF COLEN by RHINE. THe Vbians in Caesar's time were seated on that bank of t●● river Rhine which is toward Germany, and had a flourishing City; but they being vexed by the Suevians w● were the most potent people of Germany, sent Ambassadors unto Caesar and made a league with him, leav● pledges and desiring aid of him against their enemies; who bei●● then suppressed, yet afterward the Suevians assailed them again Whereupon that they might live in more security hereafter, M Agri●pa son in law to the Emperor Augustus, brought them over the 〈◊〉 to a place which they now call Vpen. And also Agrippina, 〈◊〉 to Agrippa, N. Claudius, afterward Emperor, the son of Ger●●nicus; brought thither in the reign of Tiberius, a Colony became she was borne there, and so as Tacitus saith, it was called after 〈◊〉 name: so that afterward they would not be called Vbians b● Agrippinians. This City grew so big, that Z●st● calleth it the greatest City, and Ammianus calleth it well fortified City: and it is manifest that it was the head City and Metropolis of Germany, and a Duke's seat, so that Vitellius, a● Suetonius witnesseth, sent the Dagger hither, with which Otto stab● himself: and in the same City Trajan received the ensigns o● the Empire, being sent unto him from Nerva. It continued faithful unto the Romans', until in the year 462, their strength bei●● weakened and spent, the Frenchmen under the conduct of Ki●● Childericke, by force got possession of it, and held it until Ottoes time For he having took it from the Frenchmen, restored it to the Roman Empire, and set it at liberty. But before Frederick the seconds time, about the year of Christ 1201, it was associated and joined to Hansa. It is now fortified with 38 Towers, and with ● double ditch and a wall, on both sides whereof there are rows o● trees. It hath in many things some affinity with Rome; in the Magistracy there are Consuls, Proconsul's, Praetors, Censors, Tribune Questors, and Aediles: As for sacred buildings, it hath man fair Churches, and for civil buildings, it hath a Court, a Mark place, a Porch or an Exchange. The Court hath a high Tower o● curious workmanship, of free square stone, which is every were adorned with curious artificial statues. The River Rhine glideth b● the City, on the opposite bank whereof the Divitensian Caste● was built with a bridge by Constantine the son of Constantius, wh● placed a garrison therein for defence of the Frenchmen, which together map of Colen by Rhene ●●E bishopric of COLEN by RHINE. COLONIENSIS Archicpiscopatus Milka●● G●●manica communica with the bridge was destroyed by the Bishop Bruno, who bui●● an Abbey with the stones thereof, which in the year 1124. was governed by Rubert a famous divine. There were 78 Bishops of Cole● from Beatus Maternus Saint Peter's Scholar, as some would have i● even to Ferdinand Bavarus. Their territory is very large, and the● have many Town's subject unto them, the chief whereof are Bo●na, Nussia, and Ardernacum near the Rhine. It is a fruitful Country abounding with corn and wine. Their sacred jurisdiction is extended fare and near; and in saecular matters they are Potent Princes, and they have the second place among the Electors of th● Roman Empire. THE ●OVRTH TABLE OF WESTPHALIA. NOw we do add this fourth Table of Westphalia, that so we may have the better knowledge of this large wide Country: it containeth that part of the Country which is bounded on the North, with the River Rura, and it hath ●he East the Bishopric of Padleborn, and the County of Walde●● on the South Hassia, on the West it is joined with the County 〈◊〉 Marcan. It is full of Mountains and Hills, especially toward the 〈◊〉 where it joineth to Padleborne, and Waldecia, in which tract 〈◊〉 are many Towns, as upon the bank of the River Mommius: 〈◊〉, Osbern, Hullinehoven, Arensberg, Nienhus, Gun, Stoc●●, F●●●in●k, Berchem, Molhem: and many others as Bergen, ●le●ede, Langstraten, Mensel, Hemerde, Heddingchasen, Overs●●n, which are watered with other little Rivulets. But the Ri●●● Mommius ariseth out of the aforesaid Mountains, and hath al● besides the aforenamed, these Towns, Hilbrichusen, Brilon, and ●●en, which are known through the neighbouring Valleys, for the commodities which that River yields. The River Hime is also no ●sse famous, which riseth in the middle of this Province, out of a ●●all Fountain near Frederick Burg, and watereth the little Towns, Meiler, Eiselpe, Helmerinchuse, and Meschede, where it neereth with another little Rivulet. The River Winne beginneth at ●●ede or a little above, and glideth by Berentrup, Passert, Dorler, ●q●●ck, and beyond Grevenstein after many windings & turnings, it comes to Freinhol, and so runneth among the Mountains, and at length mingleth itself with Mommius near to Neijm. The River 〈◊〉, beginneth in the Mountains near Nodarem, and cometh sword Overkirchen on the South, and Smalenborg on the North, and from thence it runneth by Meygen, Grevenburge, Habbeke, and so ●aving received another Rivulet near Plettenberch, it goeth for●ard to Ebrichusen, and Werdecke, and at length about Limburg, it ●●th cast itself into the River Mommius. Moreover the River Ru●, runneth and riseth from hence, which glideth by Oldenda; and so near the River Sunderen receiveth Borchou, and so being much enlarged, it runneth into the Rhine. The Country towards Hassia is Mountainous, and therefore unfruitefull. The inhabitants are of a ●reat stature, and strong, but very rude, and eat course far, as Ba●●n, Beef, Beanes, Pease, and Lettuce. The great labour which is bestowed in tilling the earth, and the small profit which arises from ●●ence, maketh them less diligent. For in winter time they Banquet, and drink great store of a thick kind of drink; and they ta●● care but of their Cattles, which they keep with their own ●●ling houses. The Rivers do afford them fish, but not 〈◊〉 tasted as those which are taken in the Rhine. They are not v●pert or ready in matters of war, and therefore they shun● doubtful chance of war, as much as they can: and albeit th● ●ons were accounted heretofore a warlike Nation, yet now th● despised and contemned of their neighbours, and now for wa● use they are not esteemed for matters of war. map of Westphalia ●●E FOURTH TABLE OF WESTPHALIA. THE DIOECESE OF LEDEN. THe Dioecese of Leden is so called from the chief C●●tie Leden Hubert. Thomas of Leden doth affirm th● was called Leden, The Country whence so called. from a Roman Legion that ● slain in that Valley, and the inhabitants do 〈◊〉 Liege, as it were a Legion. Some think it was fo●med from a little small River called Legia, which rising 〈◊〉 miles from the City, doth within the City mingle itself 〈◊〉 the River Mosa. The Situation It is commonly called l' Eueschè de Liege. O● North West it hath Brabant, on the East partly Mosa, and 〈◊〉 the Dukedom of Limburg. On the South the County of N●●cium. The length of it is 31 Leden Miles, and the breadth 〈◊〉 hath a clear, The temper of the air. The fruitfulness of the soil. temperate, and wholesome air: the soil is plea●●● and fruitful, especially Northward where it confineth on Br●●●● where it yields great store of Corn, and other fruits, a●● some places wine. But towards the South where it joineth to ●zenburg and France, it is somewhat barren, and Mountainous. 〈◊〉 Woody; for here is some part of the Forest of Arden, which the greatest, as Caesar witnesseth, in all France. This is the 〈◊〉 face of the soil: but within it hath Ours of Iron and Lead, a●● also some of Gold. There are also Quarries, out of which to m●● great men's Tombs, white Marble which the Grecians call 〈◊〉 blaster, is digged. There are also a kind of pit-coale digged ou● them, which are gotten with great pains, and with hazard of li● and some times they are digged out under the Channel of Mosa, & 〈◊〉 brought into our Country by ships, and there is yearly raised 〈◊〉 of them, an hundred thousand Duckers. This stone they commonly call Leden coal, or Charbon de Liege: which as soon as it h●● took fire, it kindleth by degrees, it is quenched with oil, and ●●ter makes it burn: The heat of it is very vehement,: whenc● comes to pass that Leden doth boast of three thrings above o● Nations: Bread better than bread: Iron harder than Iron: and 〈◊〉 hotter than fire. They report that a certain stranger in the y●● 1198 did first find out the use of this stone, who shown it t●●● smith. Moreover this Country aboundeth with all kind of Ca●● and it hath Woods which afford great store of Game for hawk● and hunting. They report that Saint Maternus Patavinus, the 〈◊〉 Bishop of the Tungrians, about the year of our Lord 101, did covert this Country to the Christian faith. For the Bishop's 〈◊〉 map of Leden ●HE DIOECESE OF LEDEN. which is now at Leden, was then at Tunguris, and it continued t● the year 488, at what time Trajectum was translated by S. Servatius to Mosa, when the Hunnians under the conduct of Attila, the broke into Germany, and did waste that City together with other towns and it continued there even to Bishop Hubert's time who i● the year 713, did translate it to Leodium, where it now remaineth▪ Moreover from Hubert the first Bishop of Leiden, even until ou● times, Guicciardine reckoneth 62 Bishops. Neither is this Praelat● a Bishop only but also a Prince of the Empire, Duke of Bouillion● marquis of Francimont, Count of Loten and Hasbania. The ancient inhabitants of this Bishopric were the Eburonians, the Tungrians, Centronians, and Ceraesians. Now it taketh up a great part of th● ancient Lotharingta for the Dioecese of Leden containeth the Dukedom of Bovillion: the Marquiship of Francimont, the County o● Hasbania or Haspengaw, and Loten, and many Baronies. And ther● are in this tract besides Trajectura, the middle part whereof is subject to the Duke of Brabant, 24 walled Cities, and a thousand 700 Villages, with spire Steepled Churches, and many Abbeys and Lordships. The names of the Cities are these: Leden, Bolonium, Francimontium, Loots, Borchworm, Tungri, Hojum, Hasselt, Dinantum, Masacum, Stochum, Bilsenum, Saint Trudonis, Vtsetum, Tumum, Varem, Beringum, Herck, Bree, Pera, Harmontium, Sine●um, Fossa, and Covinum, as Guicciardine reckoneth them. The Metropolis of them all is Leden, which some call, Augusta Eburonum, the inhabitants do call it Liege, and the Teutonians, Luyck and Luttich. It is an ancient City, and Hubert Thomas, a Ledener doth refer the original thereof to Ambioriges a courageous King of the Eburonians, unde● whose conduct the inhabitants by an Ambushment, slew Cotta, and Sabinus, having cut off one Roman Legion, with 5 Cohorts, as C● Caesar, Lib. 5. of his Commentaries concerning the French war doth relate. Others suppose that it is a new City, which was buil● by Hubert of Aquitaine, but their opinion is manifestly proved to be erroneous, by some ancient Monuments, and buildings. There do flow into the City some other Rivers besides Mosa and Legia, as Vtes, Veses, and Ambluarus, which arise out of the Wood Arden. There are also very many clear fountains, so that many private houses, have two or three. The City is wide built, and doth contain some Mountains and Valleys, the compass of it is four Italian miles. There are fair Aedifices and buildings, and the Bishop's Palace for stateliness, and magnificence exceedeth all the rest, which was built by cardinal Erard of Leiden. But for fair Churches, whether you consider their number, or their curious building, or their richness; it doth fare exceed all the Cities not only of France, but of both Germanies. There are eight Collegiate Churches in it, in which there are very rich Cannons, but the chief and fairest is Saint Lambert's Church. It is a Cathedral Church: and the Bishop thereof is Prince of the whole Dioecese, and Country; but none are chosen to be Cannons, unless he be descended of a Noble stock, or else a Doctor or Licentiate: and it is lawful ●●● any Cannon (unless he be chosen into the number of the Priests) ●o resign his benefice, to marry a wife, and to take upon him another calling. In this Church there are very many precious vessels, and ●any ornaments of Gold and Silver: among the rest, there is Saint ●●●ges statue of pure Gold, which Charles Duke of Burgundy, con●●●ed. There are also four very rich Abbeys, adorned with well ●●●ed Libraries. There are 32 Parishes within the City, & as many Churches. Whereby it appeareth, that that which Petrarck writ was ●ot undeserved, Vidi Leodium, insignem Clero locum, that is, I saw Leden famous for the Clergy men. The Bishop hath the right and ●●de of a Prince: yet the City hath so many privileges and liberties, that it may be counted a free City. For it hath Consuls: it was heretofore a great place of study, so that it is observed, that at one time ● King's sons, four and twenty Duke's sons, and 29 Earls sons, were students at Leden: Besides many Barones' sons, and great men's children, who were all for the most part Cannons of S. Lambert's Church. Bolonium, or Bovillon, is a Castle four mile from 〈◊〉 and sixteen from Leden, being built with rare workmanship, ●● the top of a Mountain: it is the seat of the Dukes of Bovillon. 〈◊〉 Duke of Lotharingia, was borne here, who in the year 1016, at the general council held at Claremont in Avernia, together with his brothers, Eustatius and Balduine went to war against the Infidels, to recover the holy Land. At what time this Noble Hero, to furnish himself for this war, sold this Dukedom to Spertus Bishop of Leden, which was a greater glory to the seller than the buyer. By his valour the Christians took jerusalem in the year 1020: When the Army offered him for his brave achievements the Kingdom of jerusalem, and a golden Crown, this Noble Christian Prince refused them, saying that he would not be made a King, nor wear a golden Crown, there where his Saviour had worn a Crown of taxes. Francimontium was heretofore a walled Town, but now the walls are fallen down: Cardinal Erard whom I formerly mentioned built a Fort here. It is 4 Miles from Leden, and it is honoured with the title of a Marquiship. At Tuini (which is a Village Town near Francimont) there is the best Lead, and in the Mountains near unto it, there are Marble Quarries. The Tungrians are three miles from Mosa, and as many from Leden: their City is now called Tongerens, being situated near the River jecher; it was so called from the Tungrians a people of Germany, who leaving their Country passed over the Rhine, and seated themselves here. It is the Ancientest City in all Brabant. It is two hundred miles from this City to Paris, and all the way was once paved with stones, as it is yet manifest by some part thereof. Hercules his Church within the City, showeth the antiquity of it, whose statue doth yet stand over the gate. Hojum or Hoy, is so called from a little swift running Rivulet which here casts itself headlong into Mosa, it is five miles distant from Leden. Four miles from Leden near the little Town Dener is Eilsen, and beyond that the Village Munster hilsten; three miles from the Tungrians, is the City of Saint Truden, which as some suppose, was the seat of the Centronians, whom julius Caesar doth ofte● mention. A mile from Leden, is the Village Ebure, which as it is supposed, also was the seat of the Eburonians. Placencius writeth (that I may add this by the way) that a part of Trajectum, joyne● to this Dioecese by the donation or gift of Porus, Count of Lovania. We omit the other Towns for brevity sake. This Country i● every where watered with Rivers, the most of which do run in to Mosa: The Rivers as Legia, or Legio, Vtes, Veses, Ambluarus, jeckel, Hoy, Vesera, Vl, Voer, Vrt; the others run into Demera, and so to Scaldis as Ratheck, Stimmer, Herck, and Hespe, which are all fair clear Rivers, abounding with all kinds of fish. Hear was a Fountain concerning which learned men do not agreed. Some do affirm that it is yet within the City, Guicciardine and others do contend that it was out of the City, half a mile from Limburg, 5 mile from Leden, 8 miles from the Tungrians, near the Town Spa, in a pleasant and delightful Wood, being a part of the Wood Arden This Fountain hath a great virtue in curing desperate diseases, as the Gout, Dropsy, Fevers, and the like. And here the Country beginneth to be full of Mountains, Mountains. Woods. in which there are rich Ours. I● hath also many shady Woods, which are parts of the Forest of Arden, which is so celebrated by julius Caesar. One small part of it which is near unto the County of Namurcium, is called the Forest Marlignia. And so much concerning the Dioecese of Leden: now we proceed to the rest. THE COUNTY OF MVERS, with the adjacent Countries. IN this Table, in which the County of Muers is lively described and delineated, together with the Countries, Cities, and Rivers which do encompass this County: we will only describe those Countries which we have not described otherwheres: namely these. First be County of Muers, afterward the Dukedom of Cleveland, The County of Muers. and ●●ly the Dukedom of juliacum. The County of Muers commonly called Graefschaft Muers, was so called from a Town of the f●re Name. On the East it hath the Dukedom of Bergen, and the County of Marck: on the West Gelderland: The Situation on the South the Dio●cese of Colen and the Dukedom of juliacum: on the North Cleve●●land. The Country yields great store of corn, and hath many pleasant Meadows. The chief Town is Muers, which doth name, the Country, it standeth over against Duisburg, The chief Town. not fare from the left bank of the Rhine. And so much concerning the County of Muers. I come to the Dukedom of Cleveland, The Dukedom whence so called. which was ●●alled from the Cliffs: and there is a small Town of that ●●●e, near the bank of the Rhine, which is built of three Cliffy 〈◊〉. It is boundered on the East with the Dukedom of Bergen, The Situation the County of Marck and Westphalia; on the North with the County of Zutphania, Transisalania, and Batavia; on the West with Gellerland, and Leden; on the East with Colen and Aquisgranum. The temper of the air. The fruitfulness of the soil. The variety of living creatures. The ancient Government. The Country hath a good and wholesome air, it yields great store of Corn, and pleasant Meadows. Here are diverse kinds of living creatures: and in some parts diverse wild beasts, as oars, Foxes, Hares, Coneys, Hearts, wild ●ats, and wild horses: they have ●●at store of Partridges, Thrushes, and Stairs. An innumerable sort of Ducks, and great plenty of all kinds of provision. They report also that Pippin, and Charles Martell, did give Aelius Gracilis when he flourished in wealth and power, that part of Batavia, which is now called Cleveland. There succeeded after him Theodoricke, Rheinhold, Rudolphus, john, Robert, Balduine, and others even to john who was the 27 from Aelius, and here the line was extinct. Yet Adolphus was adopted by the Emperor and the provinces into this family, and in the Council at Constantia, the Emperor Sigismond, created him Duke of Cleveland. This Dukedom hath these Towns on the confines of France: The Towns. Xantum, or Santen, a Town on the left bank of the Rhine, which Pighius heretofore called Trajana Colonia, and Pyranius, and many others Vetera: it seemeth to be very ancient and of great antiquity, by those stones which are called Duynsteen, of which great store are gathered out of the ruins. Burichum, or Burich is a small Town, situate over against Wesel, hahaving pleasant fields and Meadows round about it. Clivia, or Cleve is the head Town of the Province, not fare from the bank of Rhine, not far from that place where it spreadeth forth his arms, and beginneth to Inile Batavia. It was heretofore a very great City, as we may collect by the ruins thereof. It was called Cleve because it is situate on three cliffy rocks, near the Rhine. On the highest part of the three hills, there is seated a high, broad, foure-square Tower, with a fair Castle, which they report was builded by Caius julius Caesar, in his French wars, as a Fort of defence against the Germans: which may be seen in these words written in the great Court of the Palace by the Prince's commandment. Anno ab. urbe. DCXCIIX. C. julius. Dictator. His. Partibus. Subactis Arcem. Clivensem fundavit. That is, in the year from the building of the City DCXCIIX. C. julius, the Dictator, in these parts, having subdued Arcem, founded Cleve. Now it is memorable because it is the seat of the most illustrious Dukes of juliacum, Cleveland, and also for the Collegiate Church, and the courtesy of the inhabitants. It is very conveniently situated, and hath a fair prospect into a fair plain, which is clothed with green grass and herbage: but especially from a high Tower, which from the weather cock is called the Swan Tower. Calcaria is a Town in the Island of Rhine, which was built first by the Earls of Cleveland, as a Fort and Tower of Garrison to prevent the incursions & inroads of these of Colen and Gelria, with whom they had often wars. It was so named from the ancient Castle Calcer, from whence there was passage from this Island to the farther bank of the Rhine; it grew rich and powerful by clothing, and brewing of drink, which was transported from thence to other places. Above Calcaria in that place which is called Aufden Baern, it is thought that Caesar Germanieu did build a bridge over the Rhine, when he marched from his old tents unto the Martians, who are now called Twentanians, but yet the little Town Otmaersen retaineth its ancient name. Griet is situate on the left bank of the River Rhine, and below it on the same side is Griethusium on the confines of Batavia, near the ancient Castle Lobecum, which signifies the corner of the course, for Loop signifies a course, and Eck a corner: for Rhine divideth his course and runneth diverse ways. On the bank towards Germany, there are Vesalia, of which we have spoken in the descripion of Westphalia; also Duisburg, or Teutoburg, a Town of ancient Germany, situated heretofore on the bank of the River Rhine, between the Rivers Rura and Angra. Both histories, and the fair buildings do declare and demonstrate that it was always a famous Town. And the writers concerning the affairs of Flanders do show, that it was frequented map of Muers THE COUNTY OF MVERS. by Merchants for trading and famous Marts which were kept there. Embrica is a very neat Town, well peopled, having fair streets, and a well governed school; the Commentators on Tacitus do call it Asciburg, but it is commonly called Emmericke. And so much concerning Cleveland: the Dukedom of juliacum remaineth, commonly called juliers or Gulick. It was so named from the Town juliacum. It is situated between the River Rhine and Mosa, in the same manner as Cleveland is, but that the latter lieth Northward, and the other Southward. For otherwise they have the same Countries confining on them. The temper of the air. It hath a good wholesome air: and the soil yields abundance of Corn, which is very weighty. It bringeth forth also good Woad, which is very gainful to the inhabitants: and it hath many flourishing Meadows, The variety of living creatures. The ancient Government. but no Wine. Hear are variety of living creatures, and especially excellent horses. The Princes of juliacum are thought to be descend from Eustathius brother to Godfrey Bilioneus. But the Country of juliacum, was heretofore a County, and the Emperor Ludovicke, made it a Marquiship in the year 1329, & 30 years afterward the Emperor Charles the fourth, made it a Dukedom. But William the fourth was the marquis and Duke thereof. His son William succeeded after him in the Dukedom of juliacum and Gelria: he dying without issue, left Raynold his brother to succeed him. And he dying without an heir, his wife married his kinsman Adolphus of Bergen, who was created Duke of juliacum, and Bergen. They dying without issue, William was made Duke of juliacum and Bergen, and had a son named Gerard, who succeeded his father: William was son to Gerald, who married his only daughter to the only son of john Duke of Cleveland: and so the three Dukedoms of Bergen, juliacum, and Cleveland, were made one Country. But this john had a son named William, who joined the fourth Dukedom, namely of Gelria, to the three Dukedoms of Cleveland, juliacum, and Bergen; but in the year 1543, he was conquered and subdued by Charles the fifth, and spoilt of his Country, and afterward upon new conditions he received it again, with all Gelria, by marrying the daughter of Ferdinand King of the Romans'. The chief City which nameth the Dukedom is juliacum commonly called Gulich, The Cities and Towns. which Antoninus mentioneth in his Itinerary; it is situated near the River Rura. The other Towns besides juliacum are Marcodurum, commonly called Duren, a Town famous for holding out against that fiery siege, which Charles the fifth laid against it. The Monastery of Eyphalia is a pleasant town: lying in a vale between two Mountains, not fare from the fountains of the River Ervatis: also Euskirchia, Birchemum, commonly called Caster from the magnificent Castle wherewith it is fortified; also Grevenbroeck, Sladbach, Dalen, and Wassenberch. It hath many Castles belonging to Noble families as Palant, Meroden, Rensschenberg, Nesselroden, and Wachtendoncke. There is also the Barony of Wickraden having a strong Castle, which was sometime the seat of the Quadians. In this tract the City Aquisgranum is situated, which Ptolemy calls Vetera, in which the thirtieth Legion was billeted. Lhuithprandus calleth it the Palatine Granum, and Rheginus T●ermas Grani, and Aquis Palatium. And the writers of those times do often call Aquae Aken, the Germans call it Ache, and the French, Aix. It is a fair City and hath an wholesome air, and a pleasant soil, although the buildings are not so beautiful as they have been formerly. It hath many hot baths both within the walls, and without, which are sovereign to cure many diseases. This City is famous, in regard Charles the great made his residence here, who both died and was buried here. These Countries have beside the Rhine the River Rura, or Rora which near a little Town of the Vbians, called Roeroort, which signifies the end of Rora, is mingled with the Rhine, where we may see a great difference between the two confluent Rivers, the one whereof is green, the other white. Moreover Rora hath many winding turnings, and yet it runneth with so violent a stream, that sometimes it breaketh into the Meadows, so that in a short time it will overflow three or four Acres of ground, and sometimes it filleth the ground full of shells: here are also Nersa, Lupia, Angria, Duselium, Erfatt, Nirsi, Vorni●● and others. It hath also woods, one of which is that which Tacitu● calleth Saltus Teutoburgensis, which is a very large Wood near to D●isburg, in which there are an innumerable sort of wild beasts. It hath many clear Rivulets. The Mountains are steep and clothed every where with high trees. But enough of these things. THE COUNTY OF WALDECK. jodocus Moers of Corbach, who first describe and set forth this Table, doth reckon two degre● of Nobles under the Earl of Waldeck, one fr●● who always resideth in the County, the 〈◊〉 holding of the County; therefore seeing I have nothing else to insert, I will here reckon up 〈◊〉 orders, and what houses are contained in 〈◊〉 Table. The stock of the free Nobility within the County, are Virmundt, Meissenburg, Gogrebe●● Zertzen, Tolmerichausen, Dalwig, Eppe, Rodehausen, Reen, Sconstat, Hertzinghausen, Twist Hanxtelden, Greismar, Roman, Dorfelt. The stock of those that hold of the County, as well without as within the County: are Witstein Reiteel, Spiegal, Calenberg, Westfal, Canstein, Ma●spurg, Lebenstein, Mengersen, Mescheden, Be●nenhurg, Papenheim, Wulfft, Volckenbergb, Vrf. map of Waldeck ●HE COUNTY OF WALDECK. The County whence so called. I Return to Mercator in whom the County of Walde● followeth, commonly called De Graft haste Waldeche. ● is so called from the City Waldeck: and it is a great pa●● of Hassia. It hath on the East Hassia: on the North t●● Bishopric of Paderborne: The Situation on the West the Dioecese ● Colen. The length and breadth of this Country is six miles. It ha●● a fertile soil, The fruitfulness of the soil. fair spreading Hills, and pleasant Rives. It bring forth great store of Corn and Wine: it produceth diverse kinds ● metals, as Gold, Silver, Brass, Iron, Led: Quicksilver, Al●● and Salt, which are all digged forth of the bowels of the Earth, nee● the City Wildunga, and the Castle Eisenburg. There are also Coal● stones digged forth, as in the Bishopric of Leden: which the Germans call Steicolen, which they burn in steed of coals. It prod●ceth diverse kinds of living creatures, and great store of wild beast which the inhabitants do often hunt. The variety of living creatures. The County of Waldeck originally derived from Widichindus Earl of S●alenburg, who Charles the Great made governor of Paderborne, which right o● Widichindus Earl of Waldeck being to go with Frederick Bar●rossa into Asia, did pass over to the College, in consideration three hundred Marks of silver paid unto him. The ancient Government. Neither is there a continued catalogue of the former Earls. Therefore we must recks from Henry Ferreus, who first added Corbachia to the Earldom. He●ry Ferreus, who built the castle of Laudoria, did bring Corbachis und●● his obedience in the year 1366, on the 11 day of March. This Henry the year 1400 slew Frederick Duke of Brunswick, being chosen Emperor, near to Frissaria, his wife was Elizabeth of Bergen. Welr● yields himself into the protection of the Bishop of Meguntu● Philip the second was his son, whose wife was Ann● the daughter of john Duke of Cleveland. Wolradus Pius the second was a learned man: and President of the College of Ratisb●rn, in the year 1556, he died in the year 1478. josias was borne in the year 1578 and died in the year 1558. Christian and Wolrad were the sons of the Earl josias. But as concerning the Imperial offices, th●s County is the chief, among the four, namely Wal●●●ke, Hart● Fulchen, Arnsperg, and Rabnaw. The chief City is Waldecia, commonly called Waldeck, which nameth the Country, having a Cas●● which the River Eidera watereth. There are also the Towns As●●chausa, and Dudinschausa: and the City Landavia with a Castle adjoining threunto: also the City Mengerhusa with a Castle, whe● the Earls keep their residence, being two miles distant from W●decia: Rodenum is an ancient City with a Castle, in the Territory whereof there is good hunting. The Castle of Wetterberg hath pleasant seat and prospect, being situated between the Rivers T●●sta and Ahra: there is also the City Wildunga: near to which the are Mettle Ours, from whence great store of gold, Brass, and Iro● is daily digged forth. Here are also certain fountains, unto whic● the sick persons did heretofore come out of diverse Countries. A●● here the best drink is brewed: There are also the Towns of Friag●● Saxenhusen, Saxenberga, and Furstenberga: also the Castle of Isenburg, near unto which there are Ours of Gold and Iron, as near Wildunga: Eilhusia a well seated Castle, and divided from the City by a River: Corbachia, is a fortified City: Albertus Magnus maketh mention of gold Ours which were found near unto it, and he affirmeth that there is less waste of that gold in refining and purifying of it, than of that in Bohemia or any other. Neither are the veins thereof yet altogether exhausted, for not fare from Cor●●chia, there is gold found among the sands. Newburg is a Town with a Castle. There are also the Castle Ither, and the Monastery Werba. This Country is watered with many Rivers, the chief whereof is Edera, which may compare with Tagus of Spain, Hebrus, of Thrace, and Pactolus of Asia; and it hath golden sands, being very full of fish, and it cutteth through the middle of the Province of Waldecke, and it floweth out of the Mountains of Nassaw, through the County of Witgenstein to Francoburg, and watereth the Castle of Waldecke, which is built on an high rock; standing in a low valley, environed on every side with Mountains, and so gliding by Frislara, a Town of Hassia, and having received the River Sualma, it dischargeth itself into Fulda, a little above Cassella, and afterward into Visurgis. The other River are Dimila, Twista, Vrba, Abra and ●●ber. There are also diverse Mountains, as Grunebeckerbeg, Winterberg, and Den Astenberg, and others which are described in Mercatus Table. There are also many woods in this tract, as Aldewaldt, W●terholt, Geppenhage, Plat. I omit the rest which are every where dispensed through this County. And so much concerning the County of Waldecke, I pass to the Palatinate of Rhine. THE PALATINATE OF RHINE. The County whence so called. AFter Waldecia there followeth in my method the Palatinate of Rhine, commonly called die Pfal●Z. Some suppose that this Noble part of Germany was so called fro● the Palace of Rhine; some would have it so named from Charles the Great, and others from the Palace of Tr●vers. Beatus Rhenanus endeavoureth to prove out of Ammiaum M●●cellinus; that the Palatinate was so denominated from the Country Pa●las. For Ammianus writeth in this manner. A Bridge being built near Moguntiacum, the legions passed over the Rhine, and pitched the● Tents in the Country of Capel●atium, which was so called from Pa●las. And in another place, When they came to the Country whi●● is called Cappellatium or Palas, they pitched their Tents ther● where the bounder stone doth distinguish the confines of the Romans Burgundians. Moreover Rhenanus addeth: Hear we may observe that the Prince Palatine was not so called from the Palace of Caesar, ● from that little edifice or building which is near the Rhine, but tha● he receiveth that appellation from the Country. But seeing there a●● many Count Palatines of other places mentioned in Histories, fo●● do reject this opinion concerning the Etymology of a Palatine. B● most do think that the title of Count Palatine is derived from a Palace; which was and is a title of great dignity in the Roman Empir●▪ So that those who did serve the Prince in the County of the Palla●● were called Palatines. The Situation This Country hath on the West the Dukedom's of Zweibruck, on the East Franconia, and the Dukedom of Wirtemberg on the North it is bounded partly with the River Moenu●, and part●● with the Wood, which they call Ottonia: on the South it hath Alsati●▪ All this tract is not inferior to any part of Germany, both for pleasantness, fruitfulness, and plenty of all things. The Mountains for t●● most part do bear Vines, The fruitfulness of the soil. which do yield most excellent Wi●● which other Country's do fetch from thence: and these Mountain● on the Northside are full of Chestnuts. The fields do yield abundan●● of Corn, as Wheat, Pulse, and Barley. There are also many fai●● Gardens, and Orchards, which are planted with all kind of tree● which bear great store of apples. map of Palatine of Rhine THE PALATINATE OF RHINE. It is called also Ardea, quod ardua suo volatu petat, that is, because it flieth high. She buildeth her nest in the highest trees, and doth naturally hate the Hawk, as likewise the Hawk seeketh continually her destruction. But when they fight in the air, they both strive which should get uppermost; if the Hawk be above her, he comes down upon her with great violence, and kills her. But to the matter. There were always Praefects of the Palace, especially in the Emperor's Court, which the Frenchmen did heretofore call the Majors, of the house or Palace. But at what time the County Palatine of Rhine was instituted, and where the Palatines of Rhine did keep their residence four hundred or five hundred years ago, I cannot determine, seeing there are diverse different conjectures. Some say the first Palatines, were only Noble men until the time of Otto the third, at what time they were made Princes Electors: for they had more dignity. The first Elector Palatine was Henry, who with the other Electors in the year 1003 did choose the Emperor Henry. But Munster saith that he doth not find it mentioned in any writings, either where he kept his Court, or what Country he governed, or what people were subject unto him; but some do suppose, but without any certain ground, that the Prince's Palatine did heretofore keep their residence at Wormacia, and had great power in that City. It is manifest, that Conradus Duke of Franconiae in the year 742 did reside at Worms, but not the Prince Palatine. This was the seat heretofore of the Intuergians, the Nemetians, and the Vangionians, as some do suppose. The Intrergians were a people of Germany, which Peucerus doth place in the Palatinate near to Heydelberg, which Country was also called Capellatium and Pallas as we said before. Those whom Ptolemy and others call the Nemetians, were a people in Germany near the Rhine, confining on the Metensians, Argentimentians, and Wormacensians; Rhenanus calleth it now the Episcopal City of Spires, and Aethicus calleth it Augusta Nemetum. Also those whom Ptolemy calleth Vangiones, are a people of Germany, near the Rhine: Rhenanus and Lichtenavius do call them Wormbser-Bisthumbs. But Pirchaymerus on the contrary affirmeth that the Vangionians are those of Spires, and the Nemetians those of Worms; and Irenicus addeth this reason, namely because Ptolemie, who in description of Rhine, did usually proceed from the South Northward, doth first mention the Vangians, and afterward the Numetians. But Sig. Gemblacensis, who writ about five hundred years ago, calleth Worms the City of the Vangionians. Also john Herald doth gather, out of an inscription, that the City Worms, was heretofore called the Watch Tower of the Vangionians. There are 48 Cities in the Palatinate, the chief whereof is Heidelberg, where the Prince Palatine keepeth his residence. It was so called either from the people, whom the Germans call Heyden; or from the Myrtle-tree, which they call Heydelbeer, and hereupon the most learned Melissus doth call this City Myrtilletum. That which Pyramius calleth Durlacum, others more rightly do call Durlach. john Herald doth call it Capellatium, others do call Capellatium the Palatinate, as we said before. Munster calleth it Bergstras, which standeth in the way from Frankford to Heydelburg. Some do suppose that the City which Ptolemie calls Beudoris, was seated here, but this is but conjectural. For Ptolemie placed Beudoris; in the 51 degrees of Latitude; when as Heidelberg, is in the 49 degree, and 35 minutes of Latitude. Some suppose that it should be read and written Edelberg, which signifies the noble Mountain: and others Eidleberg, which signifies the near Mountain. It is situate by the River Nicrus or Neicarus, in the entrance of the Mountains, it hath been a famous University for learning and Arts from the year 1356, being then instituted by Rupert the elder, Prince Palatine, who sent for one Marsilus from Paris to be governor thereof. And from that time it was well replenished with learned men, and students. The most famous Doctors were Rodolphus Agricola, john Dalburgius, john Virdungus, William Xilander, Thomas Erastus, Zach●ry Vrsin, and many others. Moreover, the whole Palatinate is divided into four Praefectureships, as Heydlebergensian, the Alzaeens●●, the Neostadiensian, and the Mosbachensian, which are so called from the Cities of Hedelberg, Alzea, Neostadium, and Mosbacum. There is also Bretta, which is a small Town near the River Salza, in which Philip Melanchton was borne, who writ much concerning the liberal Arts: also Ladeburg, so called from the Roman Tents, half of which was pawned to Duke Rupert the elder, the other part came to the Bishop of Worms. Sifrid of Stralnberg sold unto the aforesaid Prince in the year 1357, the Town Schriessen, and the Castle of Stralnberg. And in the year 1344, the Town Weinheim, was given to the Prince by awardment of Arbitrators, which heretofore the Bishop of Moguntinum did possess. There are also the Towns Cauba, Gelhusen, Sintzon, Luden by the River Tuberus, Oppenheim, Caesarea Latra, Ingelheim, Lowenstein: and in Brureinia there is Brussels and others, as may be seen in the Table, and also many Castles and Villages. The chief Rivers are Rhine and Neccarus. The latter doth water and cut through the middle of the Palatinate, and doth discharge itself into the Rhine, near Ladeburg; the ancients did call it Nicer, it hath great store of Mullets, which are commonly called Barbells. Also there continually cometh down this River great pieces of timber, from the wood Otto, which the River Necarus bringeth into the Rhine. The lesser Rivers, are Tuberus, Lutherus, jaxtus, and others. The Country is both Mountainous and field ground. It hath high Mountains, which do bear excellent Vines, of which the Rhenish Wine is made. And there are Woods which yield store of game for hunting. The chiefest whereof is the Wood Otto, which is a part of the Hercynian Wood: the breadth thereof is from the River Necarus even to Moenus, and the length from the Mountainous way called Bergstras, even to the River Tuberus. But so much hitherto. There were many Churches, in the Palatinate, and many Monasteries; as the Monastery of Lorsch, which was built by Charles the Great, or as some suppose by Pepin. Concerning the Library, thereof Munster writeth thus: There is not a place in all Germany, where there is a more ancient Library than in this Monastery. I saw there a Manuscript written with Virgil's own hand: and in it Ammianus Marcellinus his last book was found, which is now published, being written before in great capital letters. john Dalberg Bishop of Worms a learned man, did take the best books from thence, and put them in the Library at Ladenburg. There are four Electors in Germany; the Palatine of Rhine, the Archbishops of Mentz, of Triers, and Colen. The free Cities are Mentz, Colen, Trier, and Gelenhausen. The Princes and Lords are the Count Palatine: Count Nassaw: and Beilstaine: H. Reifferscherdt, and Rheineck: Teutsch Ordens Hern in Coblentz: the Abbey of S. Maximinus' near Triers, the Provost Seltz H. Nider Eisenburg. But so much hitherto, I come to the Dukedom of Wirtemberg. THE DUKEDOM OF WIRTEMBERG. THe Dukedom of Wirtemberg, commonly called Wurtembergerlant, The Country whence so called was so called from the ancient Castle Wirtemberg, which standeth in the middle thereof, on a high hill not fare from the Imperial City Essing. This Country of Wirtemberg, doth lie by the River Nicrus. It hath on the East the Swevians, Vindelicians, and Noricians: on the West the Palatinate, and the Marquiship of Baden; The Situation on the South it hath the Mountains of Arbon, and the Swevian Alps, for so the Inhabitants do call the higher Mountains of this Country: on the North ●●●umia, and not fare off the wood Otto. The Climate▪ The air of this Country is very wholesome and temperate both in Winter and Summer. It is as fruitful also as any part of Germany: both for Wheat, Pulse, Wine, and other fruits. But yet all the Country is not of one soil, The fertility. for that part where the River Neccarus ariseth, and confineth on Her●●s, and that which lieth by the Swevian Alps, between Danubius and Ni●rus, is rugged, and unfit for tillage or planting of Vines. On the A●pes it is a stony soil, but very fruitful, and also by the black Wood, it hath a sandy read coloured earth, which yields great store of Corne. But there where the River Neccarus floweth through the C●●●pion ground, it is very fertile and fruitful: for it hath every where hills crowned with Vines, green Meadows, fruitful fields, 〈◊〉 great store of Wine, Corn, and Apples. This Dukedom also hath Ours of Silver, not fare from Wiltberg, and it is said that the Town ●●lachium is built on Ours of Brass: it hath also Iron and Brass. ●●ere are diverse coloured stones found, which for the most part are ●ameld and streaked with blue. So that it seems that Nature did endeavour to enrich this place with precious stones. There are diverse kinds of living Creatures, and in the Woods there are an innumerable sort to be seen. It was made a Dukedom in the year 1495, by the Emperor Maximilian, in a meeting or Parliament held ● Worm's, and he made Eberhard Earl of Wirtemberg a Duke. Duke Eberhard the second continued but two years in his Dukedom, but having melted his gold and silver plate, he fled first to Vlma, and afterward to the Prince Palatine, and died without issue. After that the Emperor Maximilian created Eberhard the Nephew of Eberhard, Duke of Wirtemberg But he was droven out of his Country in the year 1519, by the Swedlanders. Christopher succeeded his father Vl●icke: and Ludovicke his son succeeded after Christopher. And Ludovicke was succeeded by Frederick, the son of George Earl of Mount ●ellicard. The Inteurgians were formerly seated here, but Rhenanus called them the Vuithungians. This Dukedom is as it were circular a round, The Cities. and doth contain many Cities and Towns. The chief Citt●● are Tubinga & Stutgardia. Tubinga is commonly called Tubingen, whi●● is situate near the River Neccarus, being a very neat City, havi●● store of bread and Wine, which is transported to Swethland; and hath a stone Bridge over the River Neccarus. It hath also a Castle, a● a hill planted with Vines, a College of Cannons, and an University In this City, besides john Stoffler, and others, Leonard Fuchsius 〈◊〉 profess Physic. And the most famous and learned Martin Crusi● was the Rhetoric professor, in the same Academy. It was institute by Eberhard Earl of Wirtemberg, whom Maximilian, (as we said b●fore) created a Duke, in the year 1477. john H●rold in his book the German antiquities, showeth by an inscription engraven the that Augustus had a Mansion house at Tubinga. Which Peter Applia● in his book of ancient inscriptions doth set down thus. MAX. IN AUG. EM. GER. MAX. DAC. MAX. ARM. MAX. TRIB. P. COS. ET. But Heroldus setteth down the whole inscription, as the Emperor was usually enstiled at Rome. Imp. Caes. Divi. L. Sept. Sever. Pert. 〈◊〉 Parth. Tarah. Adiab. F. M. Aurel. Antonin. Aug. Sarmat. Max. G● Max. Dac. Max. Armen. Max. Britan. Max. Arab. Max. Alema● Max. Parth. Max. P. E. Pont. Max. Trib. Pote vi. Cos. Procos. Perp● Leg. 8. Ant. Aug. P. E. Ejus. Num. Devot. Prin. Opt. Fortis. map of Wurttemberg THE COUNTY OF WIRTEMBERG. THE LOWER ALSATIA. ALsatia commonly called Elsasz, The Country whence so called. was so called as some suppose, as it were Edelsalz, that is, a Noble and famous seat: others think it was so named from the River Illa by changing a into i, as it were a seat by the River Illa; whence ●ome do affirm that it was called the Country of Illesass', and not 〈◊〉. It is as fruitful a Country as any that lieth by the side of the 〈◊〉; on the East it hath Helvetia, which parteth it from Rhine; on 〈◊〉 West Lotharingia, where the Mountain Vosagus is the bordering his between Lotharingia and Germany: on the South it hath part of 〈◊〉 & Burgundy: on the North it is boundred with the Dukedom ●●umberg. It is nine German miles long, and from Rhine to the neuvaines it is three German miles broad, but towards Haganoa it ●●eth broader, between the Mountains. But this Country is so fruitful and there is such great plenty of all things, especially of Wine 〈◊〉 Corn, in this little tract of Land: that it doth not only serve the ●●●iants, but other people also of Germany, both fare and near. Therefore james Wimphelingus in his Epitome of Germany, doth call 〈◊〉 the Score house and Nurse of Germany. For, excellent Wines are ●●tinually brought out of this Country in Carts, and sometimes are 〈◊〉 aid by shipping into Helvetia, Swethland, Bavaria, Lotharingia, and the Low Countries, and sometimes into England. In Sungoja ●●e is great store of corn, and all over the plain ground of Alsatia 〈◊〉 to Argentina, there is every where great store of corn, so that the ●●tants of the Mountains of Lotharingia, the Burgundians, and a and part of Helvetia, are sustained by it. It hath Mountains which ●●ld excellent good Wines, and in the plain ground, it hath Corn, a●d diverse kinds of fruit trees. It hath also on the Mountain's Woods of Chestnuts; and Ours of Silver, Brass, and Led, especially in the vale Leberthal It hath also fair pastures both upon the Mountains and valleys, as appeareth by those excellent fat cheeses which 〈◊〉 made in Munsterthall, so that there are great store of Cows and ●●e bred in this Country. And it hath in some parts many wild ●●●ses, also Leopards, Bears, Martin's, and Hearts, and innumerate other wild beasts. Alsatia was heretofore under the Dominion the Kings of France, as also a part of the Kingdom of Austria. Al●● was held to be the chiefest Dukedom, which Hildericke King of France, did honour with that title, and gave it to his Cousin Etico in the ●●●re 684. After Etico there succeeded his son Adelprechtus, who being slain with an arrow, left two sons, Linfrid and Eberhard who ●●●e governor's of Alsatia. Afterwards their family was expelled forth of Alsatia by Charles Martell, Palatine and Master of the C●●● in the Kingdom of France. But in the time of Otto the first, the Ea●● of Ryburg, who where allied by consanguinity to the Emperor govern Alsatia. Some say that they were made Landgrave Alsatia, others say that Otto the third did divide it into Landgr●●ships, and that the higher Landgraveship which containeth the To●● Einsheim, and the adjacent Towns did fall to the Earls of Habsb●● The other to the Earls of Ottingen to whom it descended from 〈◊〉 Landgrave of Lower Alsatia, who dying without issue, did cell it to Bishop of Argentine. But this small Country is so fruitful and issant, that it hath 46 Cities and Towns in it, which are walled an● Fifty Castles which are situated on Mountains and Plains, 〈◊〉 innumerable sort of Villages. Alsatia is two fold, the Lower wh●● described in this present Chart, and the higher which is painted 〈◊〉 in the Table following: the Tribocians did possess them both. 〈◊〉 chief City is called by modern writers, Argentina. Sextu● A●● and Ptolemy do call it Argentoratum, Reginus nameth it S●●burg, who writ five hundred years before and more; Rob. Cust●●● supposeth it to be the same with that which Aurelius Victor, and ●●nus, do call Angentaria. It is commonly called Strasburg fro● number and capacity of the streets. This City is situated in a soil, and hath great store of Wine and Corne. And Munster ●●●teth that there are in this City above an hundred Gardiners, make a great gain out of Turnips, Onions, Radishes, Cabigge 〈◊〉 the like. An arm of the River Rhine and three other Rivers d● through this City, and the several Channels do glide through streets as at Venice. It is well governed, and it hath a famous sch●●● and a Church. On the West there are the Tabernae celebrated by ●●toninus: Simler calleth them Zabern: Frodoard nameth it Za●rentelius calleth them tres Tabernae, Concerning which Antoniu● thus: — Riguasque perenni Fonte Tabernas— map of lower Alsatia THE LOWER ALSATIA. The Country is partly Mountainous, and partly plain, a●d is every where adorned with Woods and Forests, some 〈◊〉 which are full of Chestnuts, Almonds, and Nuts. The Country people lives very miserably; for they spend their provisi●● every year, and do keep nothing for the future time, so t●● in times of war, or when unseasonable weather does kill 〈◊〉 fruits of the earth, they live very penuriously. Yet the poor 〈◊〉 relieved out of public granaries. This Country hath not many native inhabitants, for the great part consists of strangers, as Swethlanders, Bavarians, Burgundia● Sabaudians and Lotharingians, who having once entered into a Country, do not soon remove from thence. The Swethlanders 〈◊〉 chiefly reside in it. Moreover the fifth circle of the Empire that of the Rhine. It consists of three orders, first the Clergy, secon●ly the Princes, and thirdly the free Cities. In the first there 〈◊〉 the Bishop of Worms, of Spier, Straesburg, Basel, and Besancon; 〈◊〉 the County of Burgundy, in the Province of Wallis, whose Metropolis is Selton; there are the Bishops of Geneve, Losanna, Metz, T●● and Verdun. The Abbots of Hiersfeid, Morbach, S. Gregoris Munst●●●● In the second order are Princes, Earls, and secular Lords, as 〈◊〉 Dukes of Lotharingia, and Saveye, the Count of Span●ein: the Marquess of Baden, the Duke of Sweibru●ke, the Count of VeldentZ, 〈◊〉 Landgrave of Hessen, the Prince of Calim, the Count of Nass●● in Sarbrucke, the Earls of Rhine; the Lords of Rapoltzkirc●● near Rapoltslain, the Earls of Bitsch, Salm, Hanaw, Lichtenbe●● Lemingen, and Falkenslain, the Lords of Morspurg, and B●se● of Rapolslain, of Hoen, Rechpurg, Blakenberg, and Blammont in Lotringia: the Earls of Wetbaden, and I●stain, and Cuningstaine, t● Lord Van Eppenstam: the Earls of Isenburg in higher Alsatia, of Solms, of Nassaw in Weilburg, of Sienvigen, of Havare, the Lord of Munt●●burg: the Earls of Westenburg, of Witgenstam, of Waldeck, of Pl●sse. The third order is of the free Cities, which are Mulhusen in S●●dtgow of higher Alfatia, also Basel, Colmar, Kaisersperg, Turckke●, Saint Gregoris Munster, Ober Ebenhaim, Straesburg, Rosenhaim, Schletstat, Hagenaw, Weissenburg, Landow, Spier, Worms, Francfort, Fridberg in Wederaw, Wetzlar, Metz, Toul, Verdtn, Kaufmans' Sarbrack, the Castle Besano, Fridberg, and the Castle Gleichhause●. THE LANTGRAVIATE of the higher ALSATIA, with SUNTGOVIA and GRISGOIA. map of higher Alsatia THE HIGHER ALSATIA. I●sgo●a remains, The Country whence so called. which is to be unfolded and described in this able: Brisgouja or Brisgoja, is commonly called Brisgow, which ●a●es in the German Language a fair Town. And truly this Country doth deserve that title in regard of the fertility and fruitful●se thereof, in which it is not inferior to Alsatia, which we have 〈◊〉 now described. But if we have recourse to ancient writers, ye shall find that this Country was so named from the Metropolis ●●●sacum, of which we shall speak by and by. Brisgoja is ten mile's ●●ng, and eleven broad: for it beginneth at Nortnaw, The Situation and runneth out almost to Basil. The fruitfulness of the soil. It is a fruitful Country both for tillage and Vines. And here is great store and plenty of Corn and Wine, and of all things necessary for the sustenance of man's life. The Archdukes of Austria, and the Marquesses of Baden, do jointly go●●●e this Country. The Metropolis of Brisgoja was heretofore ●●suum, whence the Country is denominated, and Antonius mentineth it in his itinerary of the Mountain Brisacum, when as he ma●eh mention of no other Cities beyond the Rhine, but those Pro●●ciall Cities which are seated by the Rhine: Luitprandus Ti●●esis, who lived in the time of Otto the first, doth make the Mountain Brisacum to be in Alsatia, and showeth that it was an ●●●d of Rhine. This City is situated on a round Mountain like a Castle, and it hath the Rhine on the West. It is a neat Town, well fortified and populous, but in process of time it exceeded Friburg ●●elfe, for magnificence and riches. This City increased presently, and grew famous in regard of the Mineral Ours, which are ●●●e unto it. In Brisacum there is an ancient Castle, which hath ●●ng been ruinated, yet now at length it hath been re-edified. It hath ● strong well fortified Tower, which Bertholdus Ziringensis the third built, as appeareth by these following verses, graven on the stone ●alls: Hanc Dux Bertholdus portam struxisse notatur A quo pro fraude Burgundia gens populatur. The Duke Bertholdus builded up this gate, Which the Burgundians did ruinated. This City hath but one fountain, over which there is a Condu●● built, in which there is a wheel, in which they go and draw up water a great depth, and the Citizens do yearly pay for the drawing u● of the water. For it hath on every side a great steep descent to th● Rhine and the plain, from whence it is very hard to drew up wate● into the Mountain. Half a mile beneath Friburg, there is a ruinated Castle situated on a high Mountain, which is called Z●ringhen, from which the Dukes of Zaringa had their title. Fr●burg is a famous Town in Brisgoja, and now the Metropolis thereo● it was built by Duke Berthold the fourth, the son of Conradus th● first, in the reign of the Emperor Henry the fifth, being former●● but a Village. It is a City pleasantly seated among the Mountains; being adorned with many magnificent houses, Churche● and Monasteries. There was an University erected there in th● year 1459, wherein Vdalrick Zasius, a famous Lawyer did tea●● and read publicly. It had heretofore a rich Vein of silver, ami●● distant from the City. There also is in Brisgoja Zer●ng, heretofore a Dukedom) the County of Friburg, the Marquiship of Ho●berg, and the Lordships of Badenwille, Staussen, and Bur●en. THE LOWER SAXONY. SAxonie was so called from the Saxons. The County whence so called. Their original as also of other Nations, not only the Monks ignorant in Antiquities, but modern judicious writers, have wrapped up in fabulous inventions: some suppose that they were so called from Saxon the son of Negno, and the brother of Vandalus; others à Saxea natura from their stony nature, others from the remainder of the Macedonian Army, some from their skeines or short swords, it appeareth by these verses in Engelhusius: Quip brevis gladius apud illos Saxa vocatur, Vnde sibi Saxo nomen traxisse putatur. A cuttell or a short-sword they Saxon call, Whence the name of Saxon takes original. map of lower Saxony THE LOWER SAXONY. The Dukedom of Meckelburg, was heretofore a part of a Province belonging to the King of Vandalia, lying near unto the Baltic Sea, but now it is one of the chief Dukedoms of Germany and a member of the Empire: it hath on the East Pomerania: on the West the River commonly called the Elve: on the South it hath the ancient Marca: on the North, the Baltic Sea. It is a very fruitful Country, abounding with Wheat, Apples, Wood, and Fish. There are also diverse sorts of living creatures, and great store of Oxen and Cattles, and wild beasts. Moreover Aritbert being descended of the royal stock, and having lived some while in Charles the Greats Court, married the Emperor's sister, by whom he had Billingus, a man powerful yet mild and merciful, whom the Sarmatians and Vandals, even from Vistula to Visurgis, and from Odera to Holsatia did obey; he had his Palace at Meckelburg. But his two sons Mizilaus and Mislevus degenerating from their father's piety and goodness, began to persecute the Christians. But concerning these and other Princes of Meckelburg you may read Munster. The first inhabitants of this Country, Authors do call Herulians or Obotritians, and by a general word Vandalians. It is a Country well replenished with cities, towns, castles, and villages. In this Dukedom there is the ancient city Surinum, which was built before Lubeck, Sundius, and Wismaria. The figure thereof is foursquare, and so as if it were four cities, it hath four names. The first is called Senerinus, the second Neapolis, the third is named from the Cataract, the fourth from the Marshes. The Village Fichela which standeth by the Lake Suerinus, is but 5 miles distant from the Baltic Sea: the vicinity whereof made them bestow much labour in vain to make a ditch out of the Lake into the Baltic se●, as in like manner there was an attempt made, to cut through the Pelopennesian Isthmus. Rostochium commonly called Rostocke, and heretofore Lacinium, and corruptly Rhodopholis and Laciburg, is a sea city: it was first a castle, after, Godscall the son of Endo did change it into a city; and afterward it was enlarged by Prim●slaus the second the son of Nicolottus. It hath now a flourishing University, which the Princes of Meckelburg did erect and constitute in the year 1415. The air here is wholesome, and there is great plenty of provision for food, and very cheap. There is also Wismaria, which some imagine was so called from Wismarus King of the Vandals, in the flourishing reign of Constantine the Great: some do affirm, that a Colony of the Goths was brought thither out of Visbina, the Metropolis of Gothland. But Crantzius Antiquities, and Charters of the commonwealth, dated ●●ter the year 1250, do show that it was built before the year ●●40, out of the ruins of the great ancient City Mecklenburg, which gave the name to the whole Country, by Gunzelinus, Earl of Suerinus. But in a short time, this City did wonderfully increase by the traffic and trading of other Nations, having a convenient Haven on the Baltic shore, to receive ships of great bur●●a, where they may lie safely without letting fall any anchors: whence it is likely that the City was named, from the safety and conve●ance of the Haven. It is compassed round about with small ●●nes; who do bring plenty of provision thither, and do furnish themselves again from thence: Moreover this ninth circle of ●●e Empire called Nider Saxon, doth consist of three orders, the 〈◊〉 whereof is the Clergy, the second are the Princes and Secular Lords, the third are the free Cities. In the first there are the Archbishops of Bremes and Magdeburg: the Bishops of Hildesheim, of Lubeck, of Suerinus, of Ratzenburg, and Schleswick: the second containeth the Princes and saecular Lords: as the Dukes of Lauwenburg, of Brunswick, of Luneburg, of Mecklenburg, and of Holstein: the ●●les of Roffain, and Delmenhorst. In the third there are the free Cities: as Lubeck, Hamburg, Mulhausen in Duringen, and North●●sen, Goslaria and Gottinga. THE DUKEDOM OF BRUNSWICK. The Country whence so called. THe Dukedom of Brunswick was so called from the chief● City Brunswick. And the City itself was denominated from Bruno the Son of Ludolphus Duke of Saxony For he left his name to the Town which he had begun and so from him it was called Brunons' Town, which in the Saxon Language they call Wyc; but now it is called Brunsvicum, or Brunsweich. The Country of Brunswick is very large, for it reaches from the boarders of the Dioceses of Magdeburg● and Halberstad, The Situation an● from the wood Hercynia even to the River Albis. The ancient Government. But about th● year of Christ 1230, the Emperor Frederick did change the Earl● doom of Brunswick into a Dukedom, and made Otte Duke o● Brunswick and Luneburg, who succeeded Henry Leon, wh● was Lord of all Saxony. Frederick the second made Otto Nephew to Leon, Duke of Brunswick, and Luneburg, and gave him those Arms which his Uncle had brought out of England, namely two Lions Or for the Country of Brunswick, and another Lion Azure, with Ermines for the County of Luneburg; which arms did heretofore be long to Duke Herman, and his posterity, with the Dukedom o● Saxony. Concerning the other Dukes, see Munster Lib. 3. of his cosmography. Brunswick is now not only the Metropolis and mother City of this Dukedom, but also of all Saxony, which heretofore from the builder thereof was called Brunopolis. Ptolemy calls it Tubisurgium according to the opinion of Francis Irenicus. It is a large City being four square, and adorned with many fair and beautiful buildings; very populous and well fortified with double rampires and ditches, by which there are diverse sorts of trees planted: it hath five Praetorian Halls, and as many Magistrates. It was built by two brothers Bruno and Theodore, otherwise called Theomar, the sons of Ludolphus Duke of Saxony, in the year 961, as Hermann their own Historian doth witness. The River Onacra glideth by this city, which rising in the Hartonican wood, doth divide the City into two parts, and carrieth away all the filth of the City with it, having many bridges built over it, and at last it joineth with Visurgis. This City hath no good water to drink, and therefore they have a kind of made drink, but they have little or no wine. This City rising from small beginnings, yet in process of time increased very much, both in strength and wealth, so that the Princes thereof were styled Dukes of Brunswick. I will here briefly make mention of those words which are prefixed and written upon the Court of this City, in regard of the frequent suits in law which are commenced in this contentious age. In controversijs causarum, capitales inimicitiae oriuntur: fit amissio expensarum: corpus map of Brunswick THE DUKEDOM OF BRUNSWICK. quotidie defatigatur, labour animi exercetur: Multa inhonesta crimina consequuntur: Bona & utilia opera postponuntur: & qui saepè credunt obtinere, frequenter succumbunt. Et si obtinent, computatis laboribus & expensis, nihil acquirunt. That is, suits in Law are the occasion of much enmity, they put men to much charges: they weary the body, and trouble the mind: they learn craft by following them, they neglect their own callings and more profitable employments, and those who are confident that they shall have the better, are oftentimes overthrown by oppression. And if they get the better, yet labour and charges being reckoned, they get nothing. Among other Cities of this Dukedom, Goslaria is not the last, being an Imperial City, which Henry the first, the father of Otto the great, did build and found in the year 1051, and the Emperor Henry the third did wonderfully adorn this City, which the aforesaid Henry did build, and augment, until of a Keepers lodge it become a great City as it is now at this day, in which the Emperor builded a royal and magnificent Palace. The Town Helmstad is in the middle way between Branswicke and Magdeburg: which William Duke of Brunswick, redeemed from the Abbot of Werden, with a certain sum of money, paid unto the said Abbot, and so reduced it into his own power. Halberstad is an Episcopal City, by which glideth the River Oltemia. In the middle of this City there is a hill, which is two furlongs in length, and on the top of it there is a large plain, at the two farthest Corners whereof, there are two Churches. In the middle there is a Market place which is encompassed round with Religious houses: but that part which is situate on the Mountain is called the City, and that part which lieth at the foot of the hill, is called the Suburbs. The soil round about this City is very good, having standing Corn, which is higher than a man on horseback. Quedelimberg is an ancient City and not fare distant from Magdeburg, which was built by the Emperor Henry Auceps. There is also the Town Hannovera by the bank of the River Leine, over against an ancient Castle belonging to the Earls of Lauwenrod, but now in the time of Henry Leon, about the year of Christ 1056, it was subject to this Castle, which because it stood on the other side of the River, the Courtiers called it Hannover. It is now a flourishing City in Saxony. For it is well fortified with ditches, and very populous. Hildesheimum, or Hildesium, which Ptolemy and Irenicus call Ascalingium, is an ancient City, being at first divided into two parts, but afterward it was united. It hath a very fair Church, and the steeple is gilded. It is a pleasant City, and Ludolphus of Colen an excellent Mathematician was borne here, being a Bishop's seat, Irenicus doth reckon up the bishops thereof, which Crantzius also doth in his Metropolis, and Antonius Monchiacinus more accurately, Lib 2. of the first beginning of Christian religion. But the Bishopric of Hildesheim was first founded and instituted in Saxony by Charles the Great, King of France, and Empeperour of Germany. Northausen is an Imperial City. There are also contained in this Table the Dukedom of Grubenhagen, which is a member of the Empire, and also the Principality of Anhalt: also Mansfielde an ancient County of ancient Saxony, by the river Sala; so that Hegenus, who lived in the time of King Arthur of Britain, was Earl of Mansfeld in the year 542; it was so called from Mannus the son of Thuiscon. The chief Cities are Mansfeld, near the River Wiperus, also Eislebia and Wypra. Eislebia is the Metropolis, between the Rivers Sala and Wiperus: which was so called from Isis, who (as Tacitus reporteth) did wander after her husband's death through the coasts of Suevia. Near unto it there are mettle Ours in the Mountains Melliboci. It is supposed that the Tubantians did inhabit these parts. This County hath under it these four Counties, ●ippra, Arnstein, Wetin, and Quernfurt. Also the Counties of Barby, Stelberg, Hohenstein, Regenstein, and Plesse. There are also these Ecclesiastical principalities: Meydburg, the Archbishopric of Germany, and primate of Germany; the Bishopric of Hildesheim, and Halberstat: Also the Bishopric of Quedelborg, and Gernroade, and Stiften, which are in the eight circle of the Empire. There remaineth in this Table the Bishopric of Magdeburg. The Bishopric of Magdeburg commonly called Meydburg, is so called from the chief City. Charles the Great, having reform all Saxony, ●●institute twelve Bishoprickes in it, the chief whereof was the Bishopric of Magdeburg, whose seat was at the first in Styde, afterward it was translated to Valersleve, and thirdly to Vrese. And afterward in the year 1130 Otto did translate it to Magdeburg, who made it the primate of Germany, as it appeareth by a great book of Chronicles which hath no Author's name set to it. Albeit the Archbishop of Saltzburg, and other Archbishops that are Electors, do not yield priority or supremacy to the Bishop of Magdeburg, as Crantzius delivers in his Metropolis. But Otto the first did make the Burggrave of Magdeburg, that he, might sit in public judgement, in the Emperor's steed, both in this Country and Bishopric, and in the adjacent Countries. Ger● marquis of Lusatia was the first that bore this office by the ordination and appointment of Otto; whose memory is preserved by a Monument which is in the Friary of Geroden. After him they reckon some others who followed successively in this order, Hermann Duke of Saxony, Lotharius Earl of Waldeck, Frederick the son of Lothari●●, Conradus his Nephew, Manfred half brother by the mother side to Conradus. He being slain in the wars, Dittericus Earl of Plocensian, had his honours, whose Daughter Vdo marquis of Brandenburg having married, and thereby got the Burgaviate, he left his son Henry his successor. After whose decease Lotharius did leave the same office to Burchard of the house of the Lords of Quetfort, from whom the Earls of Mansfeld are originally descended. After whom there were the Lords of Schrapela, after whom the Emperor did translate it to the Dukes of Saxony Electors for the Empire. The chief City is Magdeburg, heretofore called Parthenopolis, from Venus Parthenia who was worshipped there, situated by the River Albis; john Capnio calleth it Domadum Pyrgum. Aeneas Silvius calleth it Magdeburg, and writeth that Virginopolis, was a famous Metropolitan City in Saxony, memorable both for wealth and strength; Ligurinus calleth it the Virgin City, and the habitation of Virgins: and Ptolemy calls it Mesovion. Otto builded this City as Lupoldus writeth: Otto Frisingensis did enlarge it and was buried there. This is a famous Imperial City, it is divided into three parts, and fortified with walls and Bulwarks, having strong Towers and Rampires, also fair houses, large beautiful streets, and magnificent Churches, especially the great Church of Saint Maurice, being built by the Ottoes of square free stone. The Magistrate doth keep the civil law of the Romans written in the Saxon language, which was confirmed and established by Charles the Great, so that the neighbour Nations do thereby decide controversies, and this law is much reverenced and esteemed. And let so much suffice concerning the Bishopric of Magdeburg. And now to conclude this description, let us set down the Rivers which are in the Countries contained in this Table: which are: Albis, Onacra, Oltemia, Sala, Wiperus, Inderst, Struma, Roide, Ruma, Vker, Fues, and others. It hath also the Mountains, der Ramelberg, Meliborus, and others: and also diverse woods, as Auffdem Hartzwaldt, Solingerwaldt, and others which you may behold in the Table or Chart. HASSIA or the Landgraviate of HESSEN. Hassia hath great store of Nobility and Noble places, which it ●ould be convenient to know; but I could discover nothing hitherto of them, nor of the state of the government. I have only found out that there are two Counties, Solms, 30. 15. 50. 35. and Witg●●stein. 30. 17. 50. 50. The Meridian's are distant according to the proportion of the 510 Parallel to the great circle. map of landgrave of Hesse HASSIA or the Landgraviate of HESSEN. Qualis Hyperboreum prospectans Thrasa Booten, Gradivi domus ad Rhodopen, Hemumque nivalem Circumfusa jacet, gelidis assueta pruinis, Gignit in arma viros duratos frigore, quique Aut Hebrum Neslum que bibunt, aut Strymonis undas: Talis & ipsa situ, talis regione locorum Et fluviis, Silvisque frequens, & montibus altis Hassia: Natura similes create alma locorum Ceu natos in bella viros, quibus omnis in armis Vita placet: non ulla juvat sine Marte, nec ullam Esse putant vitam, quae non assueverit armis. Quod si tranquillae vertantur ad ocia pacis, Ocia nulla terunt sine magno vana labour, Aut duro patrios exercent vomere colles, Aequatosque solo campos rimantur aratris, (Namque & planities segetum foecunda patentes Explicat innumeras, & plena messe colonos Ditat, & ipsa sibi satis est) aut ardua Sylvae Lustra petunt, Canibusque feras sectantur odoris. Venatu genus assuctum, Genus acre virorum: Aut leges aut Iura ferunt, aut opida condunt— Fortia, &c. As warlike Thrace looking upon the North By Rhodope, and Hemus stretcheth forth Itself, and is enured to snow and cold, Breeding such men as hardy are and bold; Who of Hebrus, or of Neslus water drink, Or of the River Strimon, yet ne'er shrink. Such for Situation, and Mountains hie For many woods, and Rivers gliding by Is Hassia: for the men by nature are Like those, and even borne unto the war, Who in the wars alone do take delight And all their life time are enured to fight: And if sometime they live in quiet peace, From toilsome labour they do never cease. For either they the level fields do till, Or with the Plough they tear up the hard Hill (For this same land hath many fruitful Plains Which plenteous harvests do bring in much gains Unto the husbandman) or else repair To the woods to hunt such wild beasts as there are With Hounds, for these same people don't contemn Hunting, but are a violent kind of men. For either they make laws, or Towns do build Which do not only strong defence them yield, In times of War; but in the times of peace They yield delight when as the wars do cease. What should I here the Sacred springs commend? The Green's and valleys which do even contend With the Aemonian vales, which do excel For fruitfulness? or what should I declare Those sweet and shady places which even are Fit to be the Muse's seats, and may right well Become the Goddesses therein to devil? OH ye Fountains of my Country clear, and cold! And OH ye Rivers that were known of old: OH the vales! and pleasant Caves which still did use To be most acceptable to my Muse. THE COUNTY OF NASSAW, or NASSAVIA. NAssavia is called as it were Nass-gavia, which word signifies a moist and slimy Country: for the Town which nameth the Country, is encompassed on every side wit● moist and moorish grounds: and in the German speec● Aw, and Gaw do signify a Country; so Thurgaw signifies a dry Country, Rhyn-gaw a Country by the Rhine, Otten-gaw, a Country abounding with corn, and so also Oster-gaw, Wester-gaw, and Brisgaw. But this County hath others annexed to it, as Weilburg Idesteinen, Wiesbaden, Dietzen, Cattimelibocen, Beilstein. It is boun●dered on the South with the County of Wiesbaden, and Ideste●●● on the East with Isenburg, Solms, and Hassia: on the North it ●● bounded with Westphalia and the County of Witgenstein: on th● West with the Dukedom of Bergen, and the Counties Weidan, an● Seynen. It hath many Praefectureships. As Frudebergen, Sigene●● Nephens, Hegerana, Ebersbacen, Dillenburg, Hilligenbacke, Dring●steinen, Lonbergen, Herbornen, Dridorf, Beilsteinen, Marenberge● Honstetten, Ellerana, Cambergen, Altenberg, Kidorff, Naffavia, and many others. It is one of the freest Counties of the Empire, th● Lords whereof are subject to none but the Emperor, and do enjoy all the royal privileges, and praerogatives of the Empire a●well as other Noble men. They have power also to coin gold or silver or brass money, as appeareth by some pieces of gold which are yet currant. The Landgrave of Hassia and the Earl of Nassavi● are Coe-Lords, and by a joint Title, do receive the revennewe● of the County of Cattimeliboc, by a covenant made in the year 1557 between Philip Prince of Hassia, and the Earl of Nassavia. The Country in some places is plain ground, and in other places it riseth and swelleth into hills; here it hath flourishing Vines, as in the County of Dietzen, and by the bank of the River Lanus; and other where it hath pleasant meadows and pastures, or else fruitful cornefields. It hath also mettle Ours. For in the Territory of Sigen, a certain kind of Iron Mettle, is melted out of stone, out o● which they cast Fornaces, Iron Potts, Kettles, Stithies or anvils Bullets, and do make all kind of Iron work. At Frendeberg ther● is excellent steel made. There are also the like Ours, in the Country of Dillenburg, Hegeran, and Burback, out of which Lead and Copresse are digged as in Ebersback, where there is also a Glass-house. The chief wood is Westerwalt, which is a piece of Hercynia the lesser woods which are also part of Hercinia are Kalt-Eych, Heygerstruth, map of Nassaw THE COUNTY OF NASSAW or NASSAVIA. Schelderwaldt, die Horre, der Calemberg, in which there is great store of wild beasts for hunting. The chief Rivers are Lanus, Siega, and Dille; near Siega is Sigena, near Dilla is Heigera, Dillenburg, and Herborn: near Lana are Dietz, Nassovium, Lhonsteinium, where Lane mingleth the river Rhine. The Baths at Emsana do belong both to the Earls of Nassavia, and the Landgrave of Hassia, unto which they come fare and near in regard of the sovereign virtue of the water, which they find to be very wholesome for many diseases. There are also Fountains at Codinga and Camberga, the water whereof being drunk will expel the wind Colic. Mernla and Bertius among others have drawn the Pedigree of the Earls of Nassavia. THURINGIA, or the Landgraviate of DURINGEN. The Nobility and state of this Country are yet unknown unto 〈◊〉 I have only found out the County of Gleichen, 32, 50, 50, 58, &c. and I think Kranichfelt, 34, 17, 15, 26, Also the Bishopric of Mersburg, 34, 17, 51, 26. The Meridian's are mutually distant one from another according to the Proportion of the Parallel 510 to the Equinoctial. THuringia follows after Hassia, commonly called Duringen, being situated between the two Rivers Sala & Werra, The Situation the latter on the Westside: the first on the East-side: on the North it hath the wood Hercynia which they call Hartz: and on the South the Forest called Duringer waldt. The length is equal to the breadth, being 12 miles over. This Country hath abundance of all kinds of fruits and pulse, and hath more store of Corn than any other part of Germany. The fruitfulness of the soil. So that George Agricola calleth it the fat of Germany. Hear is great store of that herb, which Plinnie calleth Glastum, is now called Guadum and Pastillum, and commonly Weedt Pastell; which maketh a blue colour, which to the great benefit of the inhabitants is transported into other Countries: i● that a famous Poet writeth thus: Herba Thuringorum celeberrima crescit in agris, Hanc Isatim Graecus sermo vocare solet. Ponder is haec magni est, & multo venditur aere: Hac etenim tingi lana parata solet. A famous herb doth in Thuringia grow, In Greek called Isatis, and named so. It is weighty, and much gain is made thereby, For with it they their wool do use to die. map of landgrave of Duringen THURINGIA or the Landgraviate of DURINGEN. Hinc placet Hebraeo nobis hanc nomine dici, ut vetus a jajin nomen Iena tenet. Cur ita crediderim, nisi mentem vocula fallit, Certa hujus ratio nominis esse potest. Quip vocat jajin Solimae pius incolaterrae, Hoc quod nos Latio dicimus ore merum. Quae caput in medijs urbs fertilis erigit vuis Hanc quisquam a vino nomen habere negat? Hence from an Hebrew word at first it came, As we old jena do from jajin name; And unless we be deceived in the word, We may some reason for this name afford. For the holy inhabitant of Palestine Calls that jajin which we do call wine. So this City standing in the midst of Vines, May well be named from the fragrant Wines. Thus much Stigellius. It hath a public School which was erected in the year 1558. G●l● was so called from the Goths. And hence Rithaimerus in his description of the world, writeth, that the Turingians were originally descended from the Goathes, because the Goths builded a City in this Country, which they called Gotha, about the year 723. It had a wonderful strong Castle called Grimmenstein, which is now level with ●●e ground. And this was the cause that it fell to ruin: William Grun●●●, a nobleman rather by descent than virtue, in regard of his many ●●●mous attempts, whereby he endeavoured to depose the Emperor, and to introduce a new form of Empire, was declared and pronounced to be guilty of conspiracy with all his associates, and was condemned and banished, both by the Emperor Ferdinand, and the Emperor Maximilian his son: and the Emperor and the other States of the Empire, with one consent did commit the execution of this sentence, to the most illustrious Prince Elector of Saxony. Which banishment he contemned, trusting to himself, and his Protector john Frederick the second, Duke of Saxony. Who after many admonitions from the Prince, did still persist in defending the rebels, so that the most illustrious Duke of Saxony and Prince Elector, enforced by necessity, besieged the City, and took it by surrender. And then Grunbachius, with four more of the conspirators, for their treason against Caesar were put to death, the Castle was razed to the ground, and Duke john Frederick, was brought prisoner to Vienna. This Country is watered with many Rivers: as Sala or Salza, Werra, Vnstrut, Ilma, Gero, Or, Apfelstet, Helbe, and Cling. And Her testifieth that the Mountains have mines, which have rich Veins of gold and silver, which are found not far from Braitenborn, and Schwartzenburg. This Country also is here and there clothed with woods, which are part of the wood Hercynia: also the Thuringian wood is well known, commonly called Thuringer Waldt, Caesar calleth it Baceins, it is a wood in Germany which divideth the Cheruscians from the Suevians; there are also Hainich, Hainsette, and Finne with diverse others, where there is good hunting of diverse kinds of wild beasts. There are also in this Country many Churches, and Monasteries, among which is the Church of the blessed Virgin Marie at Erford, which was built by Boniface Bishop of Moguntium. This Church hath a great Bell, which is famous through all Germany. The people are fierce, hardy, courageous against their enemies; the men are large of stature, strong, and well-set. THE DUKEDOM OF FRANCONIA. The Country whence so called. THuringia a Country of high Germany being thus described, there followeth next Franconia or East France Which was so called from the Frenchmen. Some say that the original of this name came from Francu●●● whom others call Francio, fabulously supposed to be the son of Hector, and the first founder of this Nation. And Peter Ronsard the Poet writeth, that the ancients did call him Astyanct● Francum, as it were Hastigerum, that is, the speare-bearer. Others, 〈◊〉 Gaguinus and Aeneus Pius, do affirm that the Emperor Valentine gave that name to Franconia, because the Frenchmen in the Northern Language where called fierce; or from the remission of tribute, and their freedom, they were called Franci, that is, Freemen. Albeit do more approve of a latter Etymology, that they were calle● Franci, as it were Frioncy, because they were free from taxes and impositions which cy signifies; or else they were so called, as it were fryansi Fransi; for Ansi being a word proper to the Gothish speech, doth signify those who excel others in fortune and riches. And are next to Heroes or Semigods, that are above the condition of mortals: whence they corruptly call Great Noble men Ansos', and with an aspiration Hansos'. But to the matter; the Frenchmen after they grew wealth, and weary of the Roman yoke of subjection, encouraged by the desire of rule, got their liberty, and thereby gained the name of Franci, instead of the old name of Germans. Fronconia on the South is near to Suevia and Bavaria, on the West to the Rhine, on the East it hath Bohemia; on the North it hath Hassia and Thuringia. The air of this Country is pure and wholesome. The Country itself, except it be that part which is called Norica and is near unto the Rivers, is not very sandy, as Aeneas Silvius writeth, nor yet very stony. But it is generally very fruitful, and doth yield a great increase of Barley, Wheat and all kind of grain and pulse which is sowed there. There are no where greater and better Turnips and Onions than here in this Country. And in many places there are hills planted with Vines, of which excellent wine is made, & transported to other Countries. The Country of Babenberg, doth yield such great store of Liquerize, that whole Cart loads of them are carried through Germany. This Country also hath many fair Orchards and pleasant meadows; it hath great store of tame Cattles and wild beasts. The Princes do cherish the wild beasts, who have many Dens in the Woods, where they live in the winter time, and do house themselves as it were from the stormy map of Franconia THE DUKEDOM OF FRANCONIA. weather. It is not lawful for any private man to take them, or hunt them. It is manifest that the Germans were originally and anciently called Germans as appears by others writings, as also out of Procopius Caesariensis, who was a sharp sighted and judicious writer. The first Prince of Franconia was Genebaldus, who was governor thereof thirty years. After him there succeeded Marcomirus, Dagobert, Ludovicke the first, Marcomirus the second, Waramund alias Pharamund, who being made King of France left his Dukedom to his brother Marcomer: also Prunmesser, Genebald the second, Suno, Luitemarus, Hugbaldus, Helmericus, Gotefrid, Genebald the third, Ludovick the third, after whom there followed Erebart, Ludovicke the fourth, Gospert the second, and Hetacus the last Duke, who dying without an heir, he left the Dukedom to Wituninus King of France, who was also called Pepin, which afterward his son Charles the Great, gave to Burchard the first Bishop of Viceburg, and to his successors after him, and so bestowed it on the Church, in the year 752. It is now a Dukedom which tittle the Bishop of Herbipolis assumeth to himself. Yet all Franconia is not subject unto him. For Kitzinga and Bristadium are subject to the marquis of Brandenburg, and Gralingiacum to the Bishop of Babenberg. Also Chronacum, Forchimium, Staphelsteinium, Hochstadium are under the bishop of Herbipolis. Koningspergum, Oxenfordia, Carolastadium, Hasfordia, and Bischofsheim, Alderburg, Middleburg, and some other towns are subject to the Bishop of Moguntinum. Colburg belongeth to the Duke of Saxony. Wirceburg; which Conradus Corta calleth Erebipolis, Ligurinus Herbipolis, Spanhemius Marcopolis, Ptolemaeus, Artaunum, and the inhabitants Wirtzburg, from a sweet kind of wort or drink, which the Country of Herbipolis doth yield: is the Metropolis and Mother City of East France, in which Boniface Archbishop of Moguntinum in the year of Christ 751 erected a Bishopric. It is situated on a plain, being encompassed on every side with fair hills, pleasant gardens, and fruitful Meadows, and also well fortified with ditches, rampires, walls, Towers, and Bulwarks. It is full of Citizens, and hath many fair buildings. On the West Moenus runneth by it, which is a navigable River, and it hath a stone bridge standing over it, which is built on strong piles. Near the River Moenus there is a Castle seated on the Mountain, which hath held out many sieges, and therefore seems to be impregnable. At the foot of the Mountain there is a Monastery, which was built by Burchard, at the cost and charges of Cumbert King of France, in honour of the great confessor. But it would not be much from our present purpose, to know the form and order of the inauguration and consecration of the Bishops and Dukes of Wirceburg. After the decease of the former Bishop, the Bishop that is designed entereth into the City with a great troop of horse. Being come into the City he alighteth from his horse, and having put off his richest robe, four Earls do bring him into our Saviour's Church, or house, bore headed, and barefooted, in a poor weed or habit, girt about with a little cord. The official Earls are the Lords of Hennenbergh, castle, Werthein, and Reineck. Than the Dean together with the Clergy goeth forth to meet him, and asketh him what he seeks? or what he desireth? And then he answereth very submissively, That though unworthy he is now ready to take upon him that office, unto which he was chosen, and to discharge it faithfully. Than the Dean saith; In the name of the Chapter I do here commit unto thy charge the house of the Saviour of the world, and the Dukedom annexed to it, in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Afterwards he followeth the Clergy into our Saviour's house, and having put on the Pontifical robe, he first hears Mass, and afterward hath a banquet, but first the body of the Bishop deceased is emboweld and set down in the Chapel of the Castle: and his heart being taken out is put in a glass vessel. The next day he is brought out of the Castle into Saint james his Monastery, holding in his right hand a Crozier, and in his left a sword; the third day they go again to our Saviour's house, where after Dirges and prayer, he is at last buried with a Crozier and a sword. The other Cities are that which Ptolemie calls Bamberg; Peter Appianus calleth it Granionatium, and Granionarion in a Greek book: it was at first called Balemberg, that is, the Mountain of Baba, from Baba the daughter of Otto Duke of Saxony, and wife to Albert Earl of Babemberg: others do call this City Pfawenberg; it is a very pleasant City, situated by the River Regnuz. It hath many Mountains, Hills, and Gardens, and a very fruitful soil, where great store of Musmillians and Liquerize do grow. It is an Episcopal Seat; and as it hath bread many happy wits, so it glorieth chiefly in joachim Camerarius a man famous for all kind of learning, as appeareth by his works set out by him, which are read with much admiration. There is also Francefort, or Francoford, by the River Moene, which is commonly called Frank Furtam Main, to distinguish it from the other Franckofort which is situated by Odera. Munster writeth that it was heretofore called Helenopolis, but he doth not show when or from whence it was so called. Henry Stephanus calleth it in his Emconion of this City, the Academy of the Muses, the Athens of Frankford, the Muse's Mercurial Fairs, and the Compendium or Epitome of all the Marts of the world. This City is divided into two parts by the River Moenus, and joined together again with a stone Bridge. It is now an Imperial City, and famous through the whole world for two Marts or Fairs. Hear the Electors do choose the Roman Emperors, and if there be competitors that stand for the Empire, they do here fight for it, and try it by battle. There is also Moguntia commonly called Mentz, some call it Moguntiacum. Ptolemy Lib. 2. cap. 8. tab. 3. calls it Neomagum. Moguntia is so called from the River Moenus, which some do call Moganus and others Mogus. It is an Episcopal and Metropolitan City. It hath a fruitful soil on either side of the River Rhine, which yields great store of wine. It is large and well fortified, and very populous on that side which is toward Rhine: but on the other side it hath few inhabitants; it is very long but narrow There are fair houses built after the Roman fashion, and magnificent Collegiate Churches, with the Bishop's Castle. Here was an University erected by Bishop Theodoricke, and it is thought that the Art of Printing was invented here. It is subject to the Archbishop who is elector, and chancellor of the Empire. There is also Mons Regius commonly called Conigsperg, where john de Monte Regio, a great Mathematician was borne, whose Commentaries upon Ptolemy's Almagest are yet extant. Schweinfordia is situated by the River Moene in the middle almost of Franconia. There are also Kitzinga, and Fridberg an Imperial City, and others. Moreover the first Circle of the Empire is in Franconia, in which these are called to Council, first the Clergy, as the Bishops of Bamberg, of Herbipolis, of Wirtzburg Duke of Franconia; of Eichstett; der Teutsch Ordens Master: the Provost of Camberg, the Abbot of Saint Galgen: Secondly the secular Princes, as the marquis of Brandenburg, Burger vom Nurenberg: the Countess of Hennonberg, of castle, of Wertheim, of Rheinecke, of Hohenloe: the Lords of Reichelsperg, and Limpurg; and the Countess of Horpach and Schwartzenburg: Thirdly the free Cities, as Norunberg, Rottenburg, Winshaim, and Schweinfurt. Many Rivers which be full of fish do water this Country, the chief whereof are Moenus, and Sala accompanied with eight lesser Rivers: also Sinna, Rhadiantia, Aestus, Tubera, and some other. It hath these woods, Speshart's, Ottoes wood, and other parts of Hercinia, which do enclose it as it were round about with a growing wall. It is a warlike Nation, Noble, witty, and laborious. Men and women do both plant Vines, so that none are suffered to be idle. THE DUKEDOM OF BAVARIA. The second Circle of the Empire. WE come now to Bavaria, which were so called by the addition of one letter from the Avarians the remainder of the Huns, The Country whence so called. who having droven out the Noricians seated themselves in that Country; and also Bojaria from the Bojans a people of Gallia Cisalpina, who sometime dwelled here: it is commonly called Beyerens. It hath on the East Austria, on the West Suevia: on the South the Rhetian Alps: The Situation and to the North Franconia. The length is 29 German miles. The breadth five and twenty. The air is very wholesome, The temper of the air. and the Country very pleasant: and generally very fruitful, but yet it hath no great store of Wine nor Corn: but in some places it hath a End of sharp hedge Wine. The fruitfulness of the soil. The richer Wines are brought thither out of Alsatia, Franconia, and Austria. There is great store of Corn about Ratispon and Landshut. Moreover, it hath abundance of Salt, fruit, Iron, Cattle, Fowle, wild beasts, and all things necessary to life. It doth breed great store of Swine, which feed on Acorns and crabs, The variety of living creatures. so that as Hungary furnisheth other Countries with Oxen, so this Country furnisheth most parts of Europe with Swine. And besides Bears, Boars, and other kinds of wild beasts, it hath great herds of Deer, which they cannot hunt without the Prince's leave. In the year 1567., on the 22 day of August, there was a Hart taken in Bavaria, of so large a body, that it weighed 625 pound. The Nariscians', Vindelicians, and Noritians were formerly seated here. The Nariscians', whom Aventinus calleth N●rtgow, and Melanchton Narcaw, are divided from the rest by the River Danubius. The Vindelicians according to the ancients Description, are situated between the Rhaetians and Noricians. Rhaetia is two fold, the one is larger containing the Vindelicians, the Noricians, and the Rhaetians, the other is lesser. The River Lycus doth separate the Vindelicians from the Rhaetians, if we believe Ptolemy; but if we follow Strabo they are separated by the Rhine, and the Brigantine Lake, which we have showed in our description of Helvetia. Danubius doth part them from Germany, and the Alps from Italy. Marcus Velserus hath rightly observed out of Ricardus the name of the Vindelicians. Respicit & latè fluvios Vindamque Lycumque Miscentes undas, & nomina littoris, unde Antiquam gentem, populumque urbemque vocarunt Vindelicam— It sees the Rivers Vinda and Lycus flow Mingling their names and waters as they go; Whence the Country, and the people it contained, And City too were Vindelicians named. It may be gathered out of Plinnie and Ptolemy, that there were centaine Countries, and Cities belonging to the Vindelicians. August●● sent to conquer them Tiberius Claudius Nero, and Nero Claudius Dr●sus, who were both the Emperor's sons in Law, who having quickly dispersed and dissipated the Barbarians forces, did easily overco●● them, and reduced them to subjection. See Paterculus Lib. 2. Di● Lib. 53. and Horace Lib. 5. Other. The Noricians do begin from the Riv●● Oenus; and so bend South East even to Hungary and Italy. They we●● always great soldiers, and being accustomed to war, they did ofte● invade the bordering Romans. As appeareth by the Norician swor● which Horace celebrateth. And also by an inscription which is found t● this side Danubius to this effect, and in these words: DIS MANIBUS ET MEMORIAE LEGIONUM. ET MEMORIAE MISERRIMORUM, VINDELICIS PRAEFECTIS MOCENIANIS ET VICTORI ET AVRELIO FILIIS VINDELICIS SVRINVS INFELIX PATER F. C. map of Bavaria THE DUKEDOM OF BAVARIA. THE PALATINATE of the Lower BAVARIA. In which is the Landgraviate of Lutchtenberg. 33. 27. 49. 3●. It is in the second Circle of the Empire. We do not yet know the other Nobility. The Meridian's are distant according to the proportion of the Parallels 49, and 51, to the greatest Circle. BAvaria besides the aforesaid divisions, is divided into ●●varia on this side Danubius; and Bavaria beyond Da●●● is the Country of Nariscians', of which we have sp●●● before. It is now called Nortgovia, and commonly ●●●gow, and this is the Palatinate of the Lower Bavaria, which, see●●●e have hitherto spoken of Bavaria in general, and of that part which is called the County, we will not describe. But Nortgovia, that we may begin with the Etymology, was so named because it is a Northern Country. For Nor in the Germany language signifies North, and Gow signifies a Land or Country. Moreover this Country is called the higher Palatinate to distinguish it, from the Palatinate of Rhine, which is called the Lower. This Bavaria was heretofore called Noricum, which Ptolemy bounders with the River Aenus, and part of Danubius, which runneth from Aenus to the Mountain Cetius; also with the Mountain Cetius, and with part of Pannonia, and the Mountain Catrancas. But after that the Bojans having driven out the Romans, did transmigrate and remove into that part of Vindelitia, which lieth between Aenus and Lycus, this tract also began to be called Noricum, Bojaria, or Bavaria. For so the third Deacon of Lumberdie, as M. Velserus intimateth in his letters to Ortelius, doth describe it in these words. Noricum which is a Province of the Bojans, hath on the East Pannonia, on the West Swethland, on the South Italy, on the North the River Danubius. Sextus Ruffus doth reckon two Provinces of the Noricians, and the Register books do mention the Mediterranean Noricum and the Ripensian. But this Bavaria hath on the North Voitlandium, on the East Bohemia, on the South the River Danubius, which separateth it from the other part of Bavaria; on the West it map of Palatine of lower Bavaria THE PALATINATE of the Lower BAVARIA. is boundered with Hanecamp, The Fertility. and a part of Suevia, and Franconia. The air of this Country is pleasant, and wholesome: but the soil is hard and rugged, although in some places it bringeth forth good store of Corn; and it hath pleasant pastures fit for feeding of Cattles. Near to Kelheime there are many Vines growing on the bank of Danubius. But they yield a kind of hard sharp Wine, so that it is a common saying that Vinegar grows on those Mountains. In other places also it produces diverse kinds of metals, especially great store of Iron, of which the Nortgovians do yearly make a great gain and commodity. There is also an excellent kind of blue colour, which they call Lazurus. Moreover Noricum, which is now the Palatinate of Bavaria, was heretofore a Kingdom, and had Kings of its own, when the Romans had reduced the other part of Bavaria into a Province even till the year of our Lord 500: whence julius Caesar in his Commentaries, mentioneth that Arivov●stus King of Germany, married the King of Noricums Sister. But what Princes the Noricians had afterward doth not appear, until they become Christians. But in the year 511, by the labour and industry of Theoden the second, Bavaria was reduced into one Kingdom, who made a great slaughter on the Romans and drove them out of Bavaria; afterward it was divided into three Dukedoms by his three sons: Theedon the third who was seated at Ratisbon, Otto et Otingis, and Theobald at Tyrolis. It would be too long to reckon up the other Princes. But at length the Emperor Ludovicke Duke of Bavaria, in the year of Christ 1439, did divide it in this manner, that the whole Norican Bavaria should belong to the Prince Palatines, except some Imperial Cities, and whatsoever formerly appertained to the Empire. The Metropolis of Bavaria is commonly called Nurenberg, which is pleasantly seated by the River Pegnitius, which watereth the City, it is very large and beautiful, and hath many fair Churches, curious buildings, great streets, being fortified with strong walls, Towers, and Bulwarks; and full of Citizens, rich in Merchandise and famous through the whole world for Mechanic Arts: it is situated not only on the Navel as it were or middle of Germany, but also of Europe; it is 500 miles distant from jerusalem. Though the City be of no great antiquity, yet the Castle which is situate on a high hill, which was heretofore called Castrum Nuricum, is very ancient being built by the Emperor Claudius Tiberius, whence it was called Nero's Castle. Heretofore it was subject to Albert Duke of Franconia, after whose decease it came to the Empire in the reign of the Emperor Ludovicke the third, and afterward it increased and began to grow very populous. In the time of Charles the fourth it was walled about: and again in the year 1538. Now it is the fairest and largest City in all Germany, so that it hath 128 streets▪ 11 stone Bridges, which do conjoin and unite the two parts of the City. The River Flavius passing through the C●ttie doth drive 68 water-mills. There are also in this City 116 wells, and 12 Conduits, 6 great gates, and 13 common baths. In the year 1575., the Noribergians did institute an Academy or University at Altorsium, and drew thither with great stipends and pensions, Professors of the tongues, also of the Arts, Philosophy and other faculties: As appears by an inscription at Altorsium: Inventuti, Religionis Christianae Doctrina, Linguis Latina & Graeca, Optimis denique artibus ac disciplinis informandae, Georgio Volkanfro, Philippo Geudero, Hieronymo Baumgartnero Oppido Praefecto, Senatus Nortbergensis Scholam hanc nobilem & Patriciam aperiri & solemniter introduci voluit. 3. Cal. jul. Qui dies Petro & Paulo Apostolis Sacra est. Anno à nato Christo Salvatore 1575. That is, George Volkanfrus, Philip Geuderus, Hierom Baumgartner, being learned Praefects, and Balthazr Baumgartner being Praefect of the Town, the Senate of Norinberg hath solemnly instituted and ordained this Noble free School, for the instructing of youth in the doctrine of Christian religion, as also in the Latin and Greek tongues, and lastly in all good Arts, and Sciences on the third of the Kall. jul. which day is sacred to the Apostles Peter and Paul: and in the year from the birth of our Saviour Christ 1575. This tract of Land hath many other Towns besides this Metropolis, as also diverse monasteries and Villages, one of the chiefest Towns is Amberg, which was walled about in the year of Christ 1030, also Auwerback, Sultback, and the Monastery of castle, where the Princes of Nortgow did formerly keep their Court: also the Towns Eager, Beierut, Eistet, Napurg, Newenstadt, Ruwenkelm, Kemnat, Krusen, Grewenwerdt, and the Castle Gainum which is so called from wailing or Lamenting. For here Danubius passeth by dangerous fearful places, which make the Mariners cry out when they pass by it; in the German Language it is called Die Strudel from the noise and violence of the waters: there are also the Towns, Eschenback, Weiden, Parnaw, Pleistein, Herspruck, Rurbaock, Neumarkt, Tursentur, Elbagen, Cham, Scho●see, Kunsperg, Stauff, and some others, which for the most part belong to the Prince Palatines. This Country also of Nortgow doth include one of the four Landgraviates, which were heretofore instituted by the Emperors, namely Lutchtenberg, in the second Circle of the Empire, which was so denominated from the Castle Luthtenberg, albeit the Princes of that Territory do keep their Court at Pfriembdt and sometime at Grunsfeld. This Landgraviate did not grow so powerful as the other three, which in process of time were much enlarged both in territory and power: but especially the Landgraviate of Hassia, as Munster writeth. This Country is watered and enriched by these Rivers, namely Eager, Nubus, Vilsus, Regus, Pennitius, Schwartzach, Sultza, Altimulus, and Lautra, and some others. Historians do relate concerning the River Regnitius, or Regus, that Charles the Great being at Ratisbon, was persuaded; that a navigable passage might be made out of Rhine into Danubius, if a ditch were made between the Rivers Regnitius and Altimulus, which might be capable to receive and carry boats and vessels: because the one of those Rivers do run into Danubius and the other into Rhine. The King straightway chooseth out a convenient place for this work, and having got great store of Labourers, he spent all the Autumn quarter about it. So that a ditch was made between the aforesoyd Rivers, which was two miles long, and three hundred foot broad. But this work came to nothing, for by reason of the rain, and that the soil was a Moorish kind of earth, the work could not stand, for the earth fell down in the night, and filled up as much as they had digged in the day time. Near the Town Weiseberg, there are some tokens yet remaining of this vain attempt. It is to be noted that all the Rivers of Nortgow have Iron mills and other mettle mills, so that they do blow the bellows, and drive the two hammers with their streams, so that the Smith need but put the Iron under the Hammers on the Anvil, and the water will make the Hammers forge it. There is in this Country the Mount Pinifer, commonly called Fitchtelbergk, being six miles about: out of which there do flow four famous Rivers, Moenus, Nabus, Sala, and Egra, which winding in the figure of a cross; do run toward the four several corners of the world. This Mountain doth produce diverse kind of metals, and the best blue colour, which is called Lazurus. There is Lead also found on the top of the Mountain, and many pits, out of which metals were formerly digged. This Country also is, very where clothed with some pieces of the wood Hercinia, as Weisenburwalt, Behemerwalt, and others, which are represented in this Table. Moreover when Bavaria had received the Christian faith, there were laws made, enacted for the government of the Land, namely concerning the liberty of the Church, concerning Church-burners, and Incendiaries, concerning those that took Sanctuary, concerning strikers of the Clergy, concerning Tithes, seditious persons; also Martial Laws, Laws for the tenure of Lands, for Brokage; for titles of inhaeritances, for buying and selling, &c. These laws the Bavarians obeyed for many years, and some of them they do still obey. And here I cannot choose but add some of the Bavarian Laws. It was enacted that the judge, to the end he might judge rightly, should have the Book of the Statutes, and that thereby he should determine and end all suits and controversies. Neither should the judges respect persons or gifts, but when he had judged rightly he should have the ninth part of the composition money. But if wrongfully, he should pay twice as much, as he had taken away by his unjust judgement: and moreover should be fined forty shillings. He that sold any thing for a certain price, should set down the bargain in writing, and have witnesses thereunto. No bargain or sale unless it were free and voluntary, should be firm and currant. I omit the rest, lest I should seem to over burden this description, with the repetition of those laws, which john Boeme Aubanus doth describe at large. THE DUKEDOM of the higher SAXONY, with MISNA and LUSATIA. The eighth Circle of the Empire. WE come to the higher Saxony, which is the eighth Circle of the Empire. For, Saxony is divided into the higher and the lower: The higher which this Table doth exhibit to your view, we will here describe. Concerning the Lower we have spoken, in the foureteenth Table of Germany; and therefore we will not repeat that which we have delivered before concerning Saxony, lest it might seem tedious to the Reader. The higher Saxony, commonly called Ober Saxen, the Duke whereof is one of the Electors, hath on the East old Marchia, on the West Hassia: on the South Thuringia, and Misnia; The City of Wittenberg. on the North the Dukedom of Brunswick. The chief City is Wittenberg, situated by the River Albis. It was built by Windechind the first, some say by Windechind his son, and that it was called Wittenberg, from Windechind the father or the son. Duke Frederick erected there a University, in the year 1502, which another Frederick did so adorn and beautify, that being at the first of small account, as Erasmus witnesseth, yet at last it grew famous. Peter Mosellanus saith, that Frederick did so adorn and furnish Wittenberg, with Professors of all Arts, and especially of the three tongues, so that it seemed to be the pattern of a well founded University. In which Henningus and Oldendorpius two Lawyers, did flourish and were famous for their works through all Germany. Albertus Crantzius in his Wallia, Lib. 8. cap. 30. hath a memorable story concerning the trial by hot Iron which is used in this City. It chanced that one was wrongfully accused in this City for setting houses on fire by stealth: but he for swearing it, desired that he might be tried by the trial of hot Iron, which the Lay-Iudges, did either not know, or else contemned, as being interdicted by the law. Whereupon he took up an hot Iron, and carried it a great way, and then cast it out of his hands, and was neither burnt, nor had any harm by it. A year afterward, a Pavier paving the same street, thrusting his hand into the gravel found this Iron, which being yet hot burnt his hand. Thos● which stood by wondered at it, and told it to the governor of tha● Ward. Who strait began to suspect that this man was guilty 〈◊〉 that fact, of which the other was wrongfully accused: so he commanded him to be brought before him, whereupon examination, h●● confessed the fact, and was broken on the wheel, and afterward pu● to death for this crime. There is also a story concerning this tria● by hot Iron, which Genildis wife to Henry the third did undergo who being accused of adultery, did clear herself by this trial o● hot Iron. I find also in George Cedrenus, that they did use the like kind of trial, for those who were suspected to be deflourers o● Virgins, and for those who were thought to be no maids. Some als● do place Torga in higher Saxony, which others do place in Misnia Misnia and Lusatia are described with Saxony as parts thereof, o● which seeing they are delineated in this present Table, we wil● speak briefly. Misnia. Misnia or Meyssen, is a Country of higher Saxony, lying between the River Sala and Albis, which was so called either from th● Lake Misia, near which the inhabitants hereof did devil; or from the City Misna, to which opinion Rithamerus in his description o● the world doth agreed. But it seemeth that this Country was lately 〈◊〉 named, seeing we may gather out of Tacitus, that the Hermundu●ia● were formerly seated here, for he mentioneth that the River Alb● did rise among the Hermundurians. It is bounded on the North wit● the Marquiship of Brandenburg and the higher Saxony, on the Ea● with Lusatia and Silesia: on the South it looketh toward the Kingdom of Bohemia and the Sudetian Mountains: on the West it hath Turingia. They say the air was heretofore very bad and insuffer able, in regard of moist exhalations arising from the Mountain's an● the Woods, but now the Woods being cut down the foggy cloud are vanished, so that the air is now more wholesome. This Country aboundeth with all kind of fruits, so that it furnishes other Countries. It hath every where great store of Corn, and also grea● plenty of wine, honey, and cattles: except in the Valley of Ioachim● where the soil is harder, and less fruitful. But the rich Ours o● Silver doth recompense the barrenness of the superficies or surface of the earth. The Mountains also have diverse kinds of metals, a● Silver, Brass, Steel, Iron, Led, and in some places Gold. In th● time of Otto the Great, this Country together with that higher Saxony, was called the Marquiship of Saxony, before the higher Saxony was made a Dukedom. Afterwards in process of time, these Countries were divided into more Lordships, and afterward the● were reduced into one Dominion, and had one denomination o● name; which happened in the year 1241, when the Landgrave o● Turingia, dying without issue, his Territories came to the Lords o● Misnia, who from that time got both titles, and were called Marquesses map of higher Saxony THE DUKEDOM of the higher SAXONY. of Misnia, and Landgraves of Thuringia. And in the year of our Lord 1423, the Prince Elector of Saxony having no issue male, the Emperor Sigismond did give the Dukedom of Saxony, to the Princes of Misnia, which they do still possess; and after that, as Munster writeth, they usurped a triple or threefold title. There are many Cities in Misnia: the chief City is Misena, on the left hand bank of the River Albis, which was built by Otto the first. The next is Dresdena, very pleasantly seated and well fortified. Hear the Duke of Saxony hath an armoury, and a magnificent Palace, and a curious stone bridge. Lipsia is a famous Mart Town, situated by the River Pleissena which excelleth all the other Cities of Misnia for wealth; and beauty: here is a Noble School for learning and wisdom, which i● those troublesome times at Prague, was translated thither in the year 1408. In the same tract there are Itenburg, Antiquae cellae, Lautenberg● and other Towns. This Country is watered with these Rivers, Albis, Sala, Mulda, and others; and it hath many woods, as Gabreta and others, which are parts of Hercynia. The inhabitants are strong, valiant, and well proportioned in body; they are also merry and pleasant, friendly, modest, and peaceable, and are not like the ancient Germans for rudeness of behaviour. Lusatia. LVsatia also as Rithamerus doth witness, is a great part of Saxony which lieth between the Rivers, Albis and Odera, and the Mountains of Bohemia. But the name of Lusatia is derived from the Elysians or Lygians, who, as joachim Carens saith, were seated here. Thi● Country hath good store of Corn, and is very fruitful. It was some time joined with Misnia: at length the Bohemians, who strove to enlarge their Kingdom, took it to themselves. Lusatia is twofold, th● Lower, and the Higher. In the latter there are these Cities, Sprenberg, Prybus, The Cities. and Cotbus: in the former Gorlits, and Zitaw. Gorlitum commonly called Gorlitz, is the chiefest and Noblest City in the higher Lusatia: having many fair houses, and being well fortified with walls and ditches, and by the mountainous situation thereof, and also by the Vicinity of the River, which is very profitable and commodious, to Millers, Brewers, Dyers, and other Citizens. There is a ston● Bridge to pass over it, which is covered over head. But of all the public and private costly aedifices, S. Peter's Church, and the Palace at● the chief. This City was first founded and built in the year 1030 as the Annals thereof do witness. But in the year 1301, it was burn● down to the ground, so that there was not one house left standing But like a Phoenix that riseth out of her own ashes, so eight yeared afterward out of these ruins, it was built fairer and more curiously than before. It is subject to the Kingdom of Bohemia, as also Lusatia▪ And john Dubravius Lib. 21. concerning the affairs of Bohemia, doth show how it came to the Crown of Bohemia. The River Nissa doth water Lusatia and doth much enrich it. But so much concerning Lusatia. Now let us return to Saxony, and speak briefly of it. These Noble Rivers do water Saxony, Albis, Sala, Visurgis, also Lusimicius, Multavia, Misa, Sala, Fulda, Leyna, Allenius, Odera, Ola, Nisa, The Rivers of Saxony. and others. It hath also many woods, as Lunenbergerheid, Spondawerheid, The Woods. Rottenawerheid, Galberheid, Pomerischeid, which are parts of Hercynia. The saxons were heretofore distinguished into four ranks, or orders, the Nobles, Gentry, Freemen, and Servants. And there was a Law made that every one should marry, in their own rank or tribe. So that a Noble man should marry a Noble woman, a Gentleman should marry a Gentlewoman, a Freeman should marry a Freewoman, and a Servant should marry a Servant, and it was death to break or infringe this statute. They had also excellent laws for punishing male factors. Moreover, Their Laws. Ober Saxon which is the eight Circle of the Empire, doth consist of three orders, the first are the bishops of Misnia, of Merspurg, of Naumburg, of Brandenburg, of Havelburg, of Lubuke, of Caminum. The Abbots of Salveldt, of Rottershausen, and Falc●●reiten. Also the Abbetesses of Quedelnburg, and of Genrode: the second are the Princes and saecular Lords, as the Duke Elector of Saxony, the marquis of Brandenburg Elector, the Dukes of Pomerania: the Princes of Anhalt: the Earls of Schwartzenburg: Count Mansfelt: Count Stolberg: Count Hohenstein: Count Buchlingen: Count Rapp●●: Count Mullingen: Count Gleiche: Count Leisneck: Count Widersfelt: the Lords of Bernaw: B. de Tautenberg: Count Regenstein, Rosse de Plaw. D. de GratZ, D, de Schonberg. The third are the free City's, as Dantiscum, and Elbingen. THE MARQVISHIP and Electorship of BRANDENBURG. THe Marquiship of Brandenburg, which is represented in this Table, was heretofore inhabited by the Vandals, who spread themselves from the River Albis Eastward, through the Countries of Mechelburg, Brandenburg, Pomerania, Bohemia, and Polonia. It was so called from the Metropolis, which at first was called Brenneburg: as George Sabine saith: Italiam quando digressus ab urbe petebam, A Deuce quae Brenno condita nomen habet. Going to Italy, that City I did leave Which from Duke Brennus doth her name receive. map of Brandenburg ●HE MARQVISHIP and Electorship of BRANDENBURG Pomerania was called by the first inhabitants in the Vandal speech ●●●tzi, now it is a Dukedom which lieth by the Balthick sea, The Country whence so called. and is stretched in a long tract of ground, from the borders of Holsatia, ●● the confines of Livonia. The Country is every where very fruitful, having pleasant Meadows, and green pastures. The fruitfulness of the soil. It hath such abundance of Corn, Butter, Honey, Wax, Flax, Hemp, and other such 〈◊〉 commodities, that the inhabitants make a great benefit of them by transporting them to other Countries. The inhabitants also do gather up Amber by the Sea side, but in lesser quantity than the Bo●●ssians. There are diverse kinds of tame cattles, The variety of living creaturese and herds of wild beasts, which run up and down in the woods. This Country had always Lords, and inhabitants of its own, which were never con●●ered, nor driven out of their Country. Hear are many fair Cities. The chief is Stetimum, by the river Viadrus, which was heretofore a long fisher Town, seated on the bank of the River, and after it had received the Christian faith, the Mart being translated thither it began to increase, so that it is now the Metropolis of Pomerania. Place this lease after the choir lii of two-sheetes in the choir, and after folio 564. Gripswaldan is a famous town, for learning and good Arts, there w● an University built there in the year 1546. julinum accounted heretofore the greatest town in all Europe, was a Mart town of the V●dalls. Stralsundia is a fair Town on the shore of the Balthick sea, h●ving heretofore a Duke thereof. Wineta is a very rich seafaring Tow● but it was ruinated by Conradus King of Denmark. There are also ●ther Cities, as Neugardia, Lemburga, Stargardia, Bergradum, Ca●nez, Publina, Grifenburga: and by the shore side there are Colberg● Caminum, Collinum, Sunda, Pucka, Revecol, Lovensburg, and Hecb●▪ And so much briefly concerning Pomerania. Also Mecklenburg ● the Dukedom of Magnopolis is contained in this Table. There a● also in the same Table these Ecclesiastickes; the Bishop of Magdeb●● Primate of Germany, under whom are the Bishops of Brandenburg, the Marquiship of Brandenburg, and the Bishop of Havelburg in Me●lenburg; also the Bishop of Swerinium under the Bishop of Bremes; ● Pomerania there is the Bishop of Camin. THE DUKEDOM OF POMERANIA. POMERANIA is now a Dukedom, it lieth by the Balthick Sea, and reacheth from the confines of Holsatia even to Livonia. This Country was called by the first Inhabitants in the Vandals Language, Pamorzi, and it had always a peculiar people, who were never conquered and as Bertius witnesseth, unto whom we are beholden for this description, they were beaten or expulsed out of their own Country. The Country is plain, and hath few Hills, but every where fruitful, and watered with Rivers and Springs, having pleasant Meadows and green Pastures, shady Woods, in which there are ●●ers kind of wild Beasts. It hath abundance of Cattles, as also great store of Corn, Butter, Honey, Wax, Cotten, Hemp, and other Commodities, so that the Inhabitants do gain much by transporting them. There are many fair Cities in Pomerania. The chief City is Stettinum which is situate by the River Viadrus, which is now called Odera: it was heretofore a long Fisher Town by the bank of the River, but now it is the chief Metropolis, and Mother City of Pomerania. Gripswaldum is a Town famous for learning and humane Arts: an University was built here in the year of Christ, 1556. Here is also the Town julinum, which was heretofore the most famous Town of all Europe, and a Mart Town of the Vandals, ●●to which the Russians, the Danes, the Sorabians, the saxons, the Sar●●●ns, and the Suevians did bring their Commodities, and Merchandise. The Inhabitants when they perceived that the Christian Religion began to flourish and increase, would not suffer any stranger ● mention the new Religion, and this was the cause that they received the Christian faith so lately. But at last by compulsion they received this Religion about the year of Christ 1000 but they revolting often from their faith, and having made a great massacre and slaughter of the Christians in the year 1066. did return to Paganism, until Otto Bishop of Bamberg began again to preach the Gospel of Salvation in Pomerania, with such good success, that three Brothers who were Princes, namely Ratisborus, Bugislaus, and Suantepolcus, were baptised, and received the Christian Religion. The first Bishop of Iuli●● was Adelbert, but in regard the City was still infested by the D●●s, he thought good thirty years afterward to translate his seat to Caminum, and so the other City fell to the ground. Stral●●dia is a fair Town on the shore of the Balthick Sea, which had heretofore a Duke of its own, but now it is subject to the Duke of Pomerania, it is supposed to have been built by the Frenchmen, and re-edified by Waldemar King of Denmark about the year of Chr● 1209. but now it is a strong Town, and is a defence to Denma● and Swethland. Wineta is the richest of all the Sea Cities, being ●tuate between the River Suenus, and the Island Rugia, and it w● ruinated by Conrado King of Denmark, in the year 1030. The are also other Cities, as Neugardia, Stargardia, Camenez, Grifenburg and by the shore, Colberga, Caminum, Collinum, Sunda, Lovensburg, a● many other. map of Pomerania THE DUKEDOM OF POMERANIA. RUGIA. The Situation RUGIA is an Island in that part of the Eastern or S●vian Sea, which is properly called the Balthick Sea. ● the North it hath Denmark, and the Chaulkie Ila● Mona. On the West and South it hath the City's ●merania, Bardus, Stralesundius, Gryphiswaldus, and Walga●▪ This Island was heretofore fare larger than it is ●● insomuch that the Island Ruden was so conjoined with it, that it 〈◊〉 nothing but a small Ditch which a man might leap over with a sta● to part it. But in the year 1309. all that part of it which lieth ●●tweene Rugia and Ruden, was swallowed up and washed away, by violent tempest, which did blow down and overthrow Tow● and Houses, so that there is now a Channel of half a mile bread● which will bear Ships of great burden, and it is now called t● new passage. Das Neure Sief oder Shiffart. For heretofore great Shi● were wont to fall down to Sea by another way or passage, not Eastward, but Westward, which they call Dan belen. This Island is encompassed round about with the Sea, and is seven German m●● both in length and breadth. The circumference whereof if it we● round, according to the rules of the Mathematics, should be a miles. But now the circumference of it is not only distinguish with many Lands, and Peninsulaes' some greater and some lesser, b● also he that shall diligently note the windings of the Sea into t● middle parts of the Island, also the Lands, Isthmusses, Peninsula●es, ● Bays, turnings and windings of the shore, shall find that the c●cumference of this Island is not much less than 70. miles. And besides it is observable that there is no place in all this Island, that ● above half a mile or three quarters of a mile distant from the 〈◊〉 The Shore's also are so well fortified, so that the raging waves of t● Sea cannot endamage it. The fertility. Moreover this Island hath great store 〈◊〉 Corn, and is as it were the Granary of the City Stralesand, as Sici● was the Granary of Rome, as Strabo witnesseth. Here are pretty sto● of Horses, Oxen, and Sheep: but great store of great Geese. Th● Island hath no Wolves, The variety of living Creatures. nor Rats, albeit in the Peninsula of Wittov● there were some seen, which came either from some Ships whi● road there at Anchor, or were Shipwrecked against the shore. T● Inhabitants hereof were called heretofore the fierce Ranians or athenians, who could not be tamed or subdued by the power of neighbour Kings and Princes, and they were so strongly addicted to Idolatry, that they were the last of all the Inhabitants near the Sweth● Sea, who did receive the Christian faith. For the Princes of t● Island being heretofore very potent, did not only possess many City's and Country's out of this Island, as Birdus, Grimma, and Tribbe●● but also they had continually wars with the King of Denmark, a● the neighbouring Princes of Pomerania, and wearied the Lubecens● map of Rugia RUGIA. with continual wars, and so begun to be feared of their neighbours for their power and fierceness. They used formerly the Slavonian or Vandalian language, which the Pomeranians used also. There is nothing recorded concerning their achievements, The ancient government. in regard they desired rather to excel in martial matters, then in learning, and there were but few learned men at that time especially in those parts. The first Prince of Rugia was Crito, who lived in the time of Swanlibarus Duke of Pomerania, and married his Daughter Slavina, about the year of Christ 1100. They report also that this Crito was Prince of Holsatia and Dithmarsia, and did found Lubeck, who after he had made himself drunk at a Banquet, as he stooped and put forth his head to go forth at a low Gate, a Dane that stood in a secret place cut of his head. After whose death his Father Retz● surviving after him was Prince of Rugia in the year 1106. whose Posterity did successively possess the Principality of Rugia, even to Wartiflaus, in whom in the year 1352. the Royal Line of the Princes of Rugia was extinct, and the Dukedom of Rugia came to the Princes of Pomerania, and that by a certain mutual covenant and agreement, whereby it was agreed, that if they did not leave Sons to succeed them in their own Dukedoms, the Dukedom for want of a Prince, should descend and come to the other Duke. There were three Churches at Charantina, and many Idols in them: of the chief whereof is Rugae-viti: which had seven faces on one head, and seven swords buckled to it, holding in its right hand a naked sword. It was a long thick, and terrible Idol, which they called Mars, or the God of war. The other had five faces on one head, and without a sword which they called the God of peace. The third had four faces on one head, and one in his breast, holding his forehead with his left hand, and laying his right hand on his knee which they called Porcuitum and the God of their Empire. It would be tedious to speak of their other monstrous gods. Areona was heretofore the strongest City of Rugia, being situate on the highest Promontory of the Peninsula Wittoviae Northward, on the North, and East it is encompassed with the Sea, on the other side with a low Valley, there are some ruins of this City yet remaining. The Valley was so deep, so that an Arrow shot upright out of a strong Bow could not reach to the top. This City was besieged on Ascention day, and it was taken on Saint Vitus day, by God's providence, who punished their Idolatries even on Saint Vitus day, which did first spring and arise from S. Vitus. The Citizens of Arcona trusting at first to their City and Castle, did valiantly resist the Enemy, but at length on Saint Vitus day being wearied and tired, they were enforced to accept of conditions of Peace, and to receive the Christian Religion, and to yield unto the Conquerors the revenues of the Swantovian Church and Idol to maintain Christian Ministers: also to burn the Idol Swanto with the Temple, and to set the Christian Captains at liberty without any ransom, and to pay tribute every year to the King of Denmark. The strong City being taken, the City Charentina did yield itself upon the same conditions. Among all the three Princes of Rugia, Tetzlaus, ●●oustans, and jaromarus, Stouslaus did first leave his Principality to his Brother Geromarus, unto whom being a Christian Prince of Rugia, ●●ldomarus King of Denmark married his Brother Canutus his daughter. And thus Arcona and Charentina being wearied with continual wars, were not yet quite extinguished or razed. But yet not long after the Princes of Pomerania did raze it to the ground, because the King of Denmark had not requited the Pomeranians for that aid which they lent them in subduing of Rugia. But this Island which had heretofore strong populous Cities and Castles, hath now none at all, but only some few Towns, the chief whereof is Berga, in which there are not above 400. Citizens: The other Towns, as Sagart, 〈◊〉, Bingst, and many others, are lesser. But yet this Island is well replenished with Inhabitants, so that it can raise 7000. armed men on a sudden. In the furthest part of the Peninsula jasmunda Eastward, there is a very high Promontory, which being hollow underneath, was formerly a safe harbour for Pirates and Robbers at Sea, which they call De Stubben kamer. Not fare from thence on a woody Mountain, ne'er were some ruins of a strong Castle. Near unto this Castle, is the deep black Lake, which albeit it hath great store of fish, The Lakes yet they superstitiously believe, that it will not bear any Fisher-boats, or suffer any Nets to be drawn through it: for some Fishermen having put a Boat into it, the day before, and the next day afterward going to fish the Lake with Nets, they could not find their Boat, whereupon being much amazed, and looking every where about for it, straightway one of them espied the Boat lying on the top of an high Beech tree: whereupon he cried out in their own language: what Devil hath laid the Boat on the top of the Tree? and by and by he heard these words, though he could see no body: The Devils have not done this, but only I, and my Brother Nicheli. Here is great scarcity of Wood for building of Ships and Houses, The Woods. but many places, and especially the Island jasmund, in which there is a thick Wood called De Stubhenitza, that is, a heap of Stubs of Trees, do yield firewood enough for the whole Island: The Clergy here have both Meadows, and Fields of their own, and have also tithe Cattles, and tithe Corne. The Nobility. There are great store of Nobility in this Country, who are descended from ancient Families, of which some are more hospitalious, and bountiful, and some more sparing, some do addict themselves to the wars, and some to study, and most of them do travel to foreign Princes, and Kings Courts, and do go to Universities, and to the Wars. And so are chosen to be Governors, both in foreign Countries and Provinces, and also in their own Country, in times of war and peace, not only in Politic, but also in Ecclesiastic affairs. The Country people also do live well in this Principality, who do only pay the Magistrates a certain sum of money, and do certain services, and some of them do none at all. And let so much suffice concerning the Island and Principality of Rugia. THE KINGDOM AND ELECTORSHIP OF BOHEMIA. The Country whence so called. BOHEMIA, Boemia, or Bojemia, as some would have it, was so called from the Wood Hercynia. For in the German language Baum, and in Dutch Boom signifies a tree: the Grecians call it Baemia, and Ptolemy calls the Inhabitants Bami: and Strabo Lib. 7. calleth them Kolduli. Some would have it so named from the Bojans, who fled and transmigrated thither, which seem to be so called from Bois, that is, from Wood Ptol. lib. 2. cap. 11. in his description of Germany, doth place the Bamians under the Wood Harcynia, being a great Nation spreading even to Danubius: Strabo calleth it Bubiemium: for so Rhenanus, Aventine, and others do read it: The Situation. but yet in the Grecian printed Copies it is called Boviasmon, but Rhenanus thinketh this to be a corrupt reading of it: and Causabon noteth that in ancient Books it is called Bovialmon. Tacitus calleth it Bojemum. On the East it hath the Marcomannians and Quadians: on the West the Noricians: on the South the higher Pamonia, now called Austria, and on the North it is bounded with Saxony, and Misnia. The Wood Hercynia doth encompass it round about, and encloseth it in manner of a Roman Amphitheatre. So that the length and breadth is all one, being above two hundred mile broad, The temper of the air. and as many long. The air, in regard the Country standeth Northward, is cold and sharp, but yet wholesome. But the soil yields such great store of Barley and Wheat, so that it furnishes, and supplies other Countries. But it hath but little Wine, and that which grows there is very tart, and sharp. It hath excellent Saffron both for colour and sent. The quality of the soil. This Country also yields very rich Drugs: yet it hath no Oil, nor any other parts of Germany. It hath many rich mines, the chief whereof are in the Countries of Cromelaw, Budeveisz, and Kuttenberg. Also near the Town Beraun there are Iron Ours. And in other parts it hath Tin, Lead, and Brass. And moreover it hath Carbuncles, and Amethists which are taken out of the Oar. Moreover there are great store of wild Beasts for hunting, as Foxes, Bears, Hearts, and wild Oxen, which they call in their language Lomi. And they report that this wild Beast Lomi, when he is hunted, filleth a Bladder, which he hath beneath his neck, with hot water, and therewithal he sprinkles the Dogs that follow him, which burneth whatsoever it toucheth like scalding water, so that it will make the hair and skin come of. This Country was governed at first by a Duke. The ancient government. The first Duke was Zechus, who coming out of Crotia, did first establish this Country of Bohemia. After him succeeded Crocus, and his Daughter Labussa with her Husband Primislaus, after him Nimislaus and his Nephew Mnato, and Vrislaus the Son of Mnato, also Necla, Noctericus, and Borsinous. In whose time Bohemia received the Christian faith in the year 900. in the time of map of Bohemia THE KINGDOM AND ELECTORSHIP OF BOHEMIA. the Emperor Arnulph, but in the year of our Lord 1086. Bohemia● was made a Kingdom, and in the Counsel at Moguntine, Vratisslaus the first was created King by the Emperor Henry the fourth, and Gilbert Bishop of Trevers was sent to Prague, to anoint the King in the presence of the people, and to invest him with the Royal ornaments, his wife also Swatana was crowned Queen. But afterward it fell to be a Dukedom again, when it came to Vratislaus the fourth, who for his service in the Mediolanian expedition was created by the Emperor Frederick, King of Bohemia, and an associate in the Empire: and had given him for his arms a read Lion with a forked tail in a white Field, from whom some Emperors descended, after that Bisetislau● had carried away jutha the Daughter of the Emperor Otho the II whence they began to be a kin to the Emperors. The King of Bohemia is one of the seven Electors. Bohemia hath some Cities, which are subject to the King, and some to the Lords and Nobles. The chief City is Prague, which was walled about by Primislaus the third Duke of Bohemia, and his wife Libusla. It hath the Castle Visegradum, or Herschin, which is seated on a Mountain. The whole City is divided into three Cities, the Higher, the New and the Less. The River Muldavia doth separate old Prague from the new, in which there is a Castle, and the Cathedral Church of Saint Vitus: and these two parts of the City are joined together with a stone Bridge of 24. Arches, which was built by King Vladislaus. The Emperor Charles the IU and the King of Bohemia, did much adorn and enlarge this City. The Castle standeth on a very steep Hill. In the Church of the Castle, there is an Alabaster Monument wrought with curious workmanship, in which diverse Princes, and Emperors have been buried. Ptolemy would have it called Casurges: Aventinus, Marobudum: and Strabo, Bubienum. In the year 1370. King Charles erected here an Academy or University, which continued until the year 1308. And afterward by reason of a faction which arose it was translated to Lipsia. The City Egra is situated in the first entrance into Bohemia, which was so named from the River Egra by which it was seated. It was heretofore subject to the Roman Empire, but now to the Kingdom of Bohemia. It is fair and beautiful: within it hath fair houses, and civil, courteous, and magnificent Citizens. And without it hath pleasant Orchards, and fruitful Fields, and a River full of Fish. This City is famous for a kind of drink called Mede, which is made of Honey. The chief Towns of Bohemia, towards Moravia, are Mutha, Chrudima, Hradecium, Pardubitium, Litomossium, and from thence toward Noricia, there are Glatovia, Dornazlicium, Misa, and Tacovia. On the South side the chief Towns are, Budvicium, Crumlovia, Trebonia, Hadrecium Henrici: and on that side which is toward Misnia, it hath these Towns, Pons, Cadana, Chomutavia, and Austio. And these Towns are near the confines of Slacia, Hiaromirium, Glacium, Curia, and some others. The Inland Towns are Cuthna, Colen, Pelsina, Verona, Zatecium, Launa, Slana, Lytomericum, Taborium. The chief Rivers are Albis, which they call Labe, it breaketh forth of the Mountains near the City Aust, and hath great store of Salmon. There is also Multavia, which Ptolemy calleth Càssurgis, and the Germans Molea, ●●●d the Inhabitants Vltauva, there are also the Rivers Egra, Sassava, ●●sera, Misa, and others, some whereof have fine sands of gold, and ●●●e of them have shells, out of which they get Pearls. The Mountains Sudetae do encompass Bohemia on the South, and West. The Mountain Pinifer, which is so called from the abundance of Pines growing there, which riseth in the Mountains of the Marquiship of ●udenburg between Franconia, Voitlandia, and Bohemia, in the compass of two miles, doth sand forth four famous Rivers, towards the ●●●e parts of the World, namely, Moenus in Francia, Sala in Turingia, Iohn● in Bavaria, and Egra in Bohemia. This Mountain also hath Gold, Silver, Quicksilver, Iron, and Brimstone. It hath also Ours 〈◊〉 Precious-stones. The whole Country is as it were walled about with Woods, of which that part which lieth between the West and the North, Strabo calleth the Wood Gabreta, and Ptolemy Galrita. But the part which stretcheth from the South to Danubius, Ptolemy called the Moon's Wood, but now it is called Passavica Silua, or Der Pass●er●aldt: on the West, where it joineth to Moravia it is called Der●●●. The Emperor Charles in the year 1361. did divide the Kingdom of Bohemia into 12. Countries, which are governed by Captains and Barons, who do first decide small controversies; and secondly, if there be any thiefs, they may call the Nobility to aid the● in suppressing of those Robbers: and at last in time of wars, ●very one repaireth to his own Captain. I find that the Bur●●i●e of Carlstein is in this Kingdom, where the Crown of the Kingdom is kept. There are these Country's Lob●●●es, Hassenstain, Litzkaw, Camethaw, Passau, Melnic, Rosenberg, Halretz, Dominia, Hasenburg, Leap, Perstain, Dobitschaw, Walstain, 〈◊〉, Dachaw, Totsnick, Wartenberg, Schellenberg, Kost, Schmirits, Lissaw, 〈◊〉, Dessaw, Schonpeck, Slawa, Grossen Bora, Liebenstain, joppendorff, ●al●e, and Colourat, some of which are Counties: also the Baronies of Tr●chenberg, and Millusch. Prague was made an Archbishop's seat by Charles King of Bohemia, and Emperor of Germany, and the Bishop ●● Litomisliens was made his Suffragan. I come unto their manners: concerning which john Dubravius writeth thus. The Bohemians in their manners and habit, do show a kind of Lion-like courage, under which sign Bohemia lieth, whether you consider the great statute of the Bohemians, or their strong broad breasts, or necks covered with stiff yellow hair: or their great voice, or glistering eyes, 〈◊〉 their courage and strength. Moreover the Lion is wont to swell i● contempt of other beasts, and cannot be disarmed especially if you 〈◊〉 upon him by force. Neither doth the Bohemian degenerate from ●●em in this also, for he contemneth others both in word & deed, and showeth much pride and arrogancy both in his gate and gesture. And ●● is most fierce, when he is roughly entreated: Moreover he is as h●ld as a Lion in any enterprise, and stout and hardy in the Execution: 〈◊〉 yet he is ambitious and vainglorious. And beside he is as hungry and sharp as a Lion, and immoderate in his Diet. THE MARQVISHIP OF MORAVIA. MORAVIA, commonly called Marnhern, doth confine on Polonia Westward. It is so called from the River Moravia which runneth thorough this Country. The Country whence so called. The Ancients did call it Marcomannia, because 〈◊〉 did border Germany on that part, where Danubius glideth towards Pannonia. For in the German language Marck signifies a limit or bound, and thos● which dwelled there were called Marcomanni, the Inhabitants of th● Frontiers or Marches: as Dubravius thinketh. But Arrianus saith thus▪ The last (saith he) of these Nations, are the Quadians & Marcomannia● after them the jazyges, or Sarmatians, than the Geteses, and lastly, a grea● part of the Sarmatians. And it appeareth manifestly that this Moravia was the Seat of the Marcomannians, because near the Rive● Hana, the Husbandmen as they were ploughing did often find centaine coins of the ancient Roman Emperors, as of M. Amonin●● who as Histories do witness did conquer and subdue this Nation▪ There was also money taken from the enemy as a booty, with this In●scription: De Marcomannis. There are some do conjecture by the Etymology of the word, that the Marcomannians did possess that Province of Germany, which is commonly called Die Marck, or the Marquiship of Brandenburg, beyond Albis toward the Ocean, for the Inhabitants thereof are called Die Marcker, that is, Marcomannians, a●● it were Marcmenner: some say the Marcomannians were so name● from Horses, as we call Mareschalcus a Praefect of the Horse, and Mar-staller a Master of the Horse: for Marrha and Merrhen do signify i● the German language a Horse and a Mare: whence they translate Merrhenlandt, the Country of Mares. But the former reason is mor● probable. Moravia as it is now, is bounded on three parts of it wit● Mountains, Woods, Forests, or Rivers; on the East from Hungari●● on the West from Bohemia, on the North from Silesia. For on th● South towards Austria it is plain ground, and in some places it is parted from it by the River Thaysa, and in other places by a small Rive●▪ The air of this Country is gentle and warm, The Climate. and so more subject to corruption. And as this Country is populous, so it yields grea● store of Corn and Wine, The fruitfulness of the soil. and all things necessary for man's use. 〈◊〉 hath also great store of Saffron. The inward part of the Country ● Champion ground, the Fields are of a fat and fruitful soil, an● therefore good for tillage, there are Hills crowned with Vineyards and in regard it hath a better soil for Vines than Bohemia, therefore map of Moravia THE MARQVISHIP OF MORAVIA. it excelleth it for goodness and plenty of Wine. It is all tille● so that there is no part left for feeding of Flocks and Cattles, unle●● it be in the Woods and Deserts. The Mountains Sudetae near t●● City Igla are thought to be full of Ours. Moreover, it is wonderful, that there is Frankincense and Myrrh in Moravia, which do● not distil out of a sweeting Tree, as in other parts, but is digged o● of the ground, especially in one place called Gradisco, in whi●● there is both male and female Frankincense. But of late Veceslaus a Nobleman, as he was laying the foundation of the head 〈◊〉 a Fishpond in his own grounds at Sterenberg, found the whole bod● of a man, which was nothing but Myrrh. This Country was heretofore adorned with the title of a Kingdom, and it had former Kings, who governed all Bohemia, and Poleland, and it was a very larg● and potent Kingdom. About the year of Christ 700. Zuantocop● did possess Moravia, Bohemia, Silesia, and Poleland, and the Duke's the●● of were subject unto him. But he being proud of his large Territories, did deny to pay the Emperor that tribute, which he ha● sometime paid to Lodovick King of Germany. So that the King ma● wars upon him, but he drew up great forces to defend himself. The Hungarians were as it were a bolt or bar, which the Kin● of Moravia had placed, to shut up the passage that way. The Emp●rour who purposed not to departed from Moravia without victory, perceiving where they were aided, opened a passage to Hungaria, an● let in the Turks amongst them, who did grievously afflict this Province. And so the Emperor using the Turks Forces, did suppress the King of Moravia, and having made a great slaughter, and take many prisoners, he put him to flight. Who by this means escaping betook himself to a thick Wood, and having cast away his royal Robes and apparel, he went to a Hermit, with whom he lived ● solitary Hermit's life until his death, and then he discovered wh● he was, and so slept in Christ. After that the Princes of Bohemia Poleland, and Silesia, had every one Dukes of their own, yet they pay● some tribute to the Emperor. At the same time, when Michael wa● Emperor of Greece, there came Cirillus' Doctor and Apostle of al● S●lavonia, together with Merodius, who laid the foundation of the Christian faith in Moravia; and erected an Episcopal Church it the Town Vielagrad. So that being called and summoned by the Pope to answer why they read Mass in the Sclavonian tongue, they answered, because it is written. Omnes Spiritus laudet Dominum. Le● every spirit praise the Lord But afterward Moravia was governed by Dukes, and Marquess', and it is now divided, so that the better part of it, and almost all of it is subject to the Kings of Bohemia: the other part is subject to Barons and Lords. The chief head-Citty o● this Marquiship is Brunna, which the Germans call Brin, and the Bohemians Brino, and some do call it Olmuzium, and Olomontium, it is a Bishop's Seat, and heretofore it was called Volograd. It hath also many other fair walled Cities, as Zwoyma, Radisch, Iglavia, Nova Civitas, Niclosburg, Mons Nicolai, Weiskirchen, Cremser, Boserlitz, heretofore a Marquiship, and many others, which may be found in the Table o● Card. The chief Rivers in Moravia, are Morava, or Maravaha, Ptolemy call it Ciabrus: it is commonly called die March, which floweth by ●●e chief City Olomuzium, and so running into Pannoniae, it falleth at last into Danubius. It is thought that this River named the Country, but it is more likely that the Country named the River. The o●●er chief Rivers are Theya, or Deins, which Dubravius calls Tharsa, and some Thysia. It floweth by Zuoyna, which is memorable in regard that the Emperor Sigismond died here, and it doth border Mo●●●ia and Austria. The River Igla, whence the City Iglavia is so called, doth divide the Maravanians from the Bohemians, and doth ●●●er also into Maravania. But the River Odera, which riseth not ●●re from Olomuzium, doth keep his own name until he falleth ●●to the Ocean: Some suppose that Ptolemy doth call it Viadrum. They called Odera by a word borrowed from Fowlers, who set down ●ering Glasses to catch and allure Birds to their Nets, which they ●ll O●●i, and the Fowlers do now set down such Glasses in Mora●● by the Fountain of Odera. Neither can we pass by Hama, although it be a small stream, yet it watereth those Fields, which ●●e the fruitfullest in all Moravia, so that the Husbandmen in regard of their great plenty of Corn which they yield, do call them the ●●ght or eye of Moravia. And also Gold and Silver coins of M. An●●●, and Commodus, and some other of the Emperors, are very 〈◊〉 found in these parts, which are manifest tokens of the wars which the Romans had against the Marcomannians in Moravia. There is also the River Nigra, commonly called Suarta and Suittaw, which doth glide by the City Brunna, and is next in esteem to Olo●●i●●. These Rivers have great store of diverse kinds of Fish. This Country is not so Mountainous as Bohemia, neither is altogether plain. Ptolemy placeth here the Wood Orcynium, and the Wood Ga●●a. The Inhabitants are very rude, and do use a mixed kind of speech. But they speak just the Bohemian language, for the German speech is only used in Cities, and that among the Nobles and chief men. In other matters Dubravius saith that they are like the Bohemians in their rites and manners. In the Villages of this Country there do devil diverse Anabaptists, who profess that there aught to be a community of all things. Mercator placeth these Counties in Moravia, Huckenwaldt, Schonberg; and these Signiories or Lordships, Lomnicz, Dubrantiz, Gemnicz, Walstain, Picenix, Neuhauss, Telesch, Boekowitz, Trebitsch, Dernowitz, and Ragetz. THE ARCHDUKEDOME OF AUSTRIA. The third Circle of the Empire is AUSTRIA, in which there are two Orders. THe next that followeth in our method is Austria, call heretofore Pannonia the higher. The name of Aus● as Wolfgangus Lazius witnesseth, is but of late time, bein● called so either from the South wind, which is frequent in that Country, or from the German wo●● Oostreich, for so the Frenchmen called the Eastern bounds of their Kingdom, as they called the Western bounds W●reich. But that which the Frenchmen called Oostreich was situated the Rhine, and called afterward Austrasia, which name having ●● they called it Pannonia, as Lazi●s testifieth. Lib. 1. Cap. 11. Common ●● an. Moreover the Austrians are descended from the Frenchm●● and saxons, who by the sword got this Country from the Hung●rians. Austria hath on the East Hungaria: on the South the Mountains of Styria, which do run out with one continued Bri●● from the Alps into Hungary, and other Countries beyond it; it ha● on the East Bavaria, and on the North the Rivers Tejus and Moran● It hath a mild pleasant air, and wholesome in regard that the E●● wind doth purify it. The soil is very fruitful, and not charitable in tilling. For the Husbandman, in that part which is call●● Campus Transdanubianus, or the Fields beyond Danubius, will plough the ground with one poor lean Horse. The Austrians do a● know what Marl is, with which the barren lean Fields in B●●● are manured. All the Country hath excellent Wine, which i● pure than the German wine, and weaker than the Spanish wine, which i● doth transport to Moravia, Bohemia, Silasia, and Bavaria. Besides it hat● excellent good Saffron. It hath also abundance of Silver, but no Gol● it hath Salt also which is partly made at home, & partly imported a●● brought in from other parts. The Earls of R●benberg did sometime govern Austria, the first was Lupold, whom the Emperor Ot● the second created marquis of Austria; whose Line being extinct, Rudolphus of Habspurg, who was elected Emperor in the yeer● 1280. did govern it, and made it a Dukedom. And Frederick th● second made it a Kingdom. The arms of this Country were heretofore five golden Larks painted in a Sky-colour Field: but th● marquis Lupold the V hath new Arms given him by the Empir● which were set forth in white and read colours, because his Buckle● was so bloody in the Battle against Ptolemy's, that it was all bloody even to the bend which went cross the Scutcheon. Moreover map of Austria THE ARCHDUKEDOME OF AUSTRIA. Austria is divided into the higher and the lower, the latter whereo● is situate beyond Danubius, and the former on this side. It hath also the Dukedom of Styria, which lieth between the Rivers Danubius' Muer, and Mietz, the Inhabitants whereof do partly use the German speech, and partly the Sclavonian. It hath also the Dukedom of Carinthia, which is situate between the Rivers Muer an● Draicus: and also Carmina Southward. The chief City of Austria i● Vienna, which the Sarmatians and Windians did inhabit, before th● birth of our Saviour Christ, after whom there succeeded the Boijans Senonians, and others, whom Tiberius Nero did reduce into a Province: Antoninus calleth it in his itinerary Vindebona, and Ptolemy call it juliobona, and both of them do place the tenth German Legion there, for many ancient Monuments, both within and without the City do witness that it was seated in that place. To this Legion from the Colour or Ensign belonging to it, the name of ● Lark was given: whence it seems that the marquis of Austria had their Arms at the first, which are five Larks. And Otto of Frisingen Lib. 1. Histor. Frid. cap. 32. calleth it Faviana. For he saith, Dux tunc demum terga hosti dare compellitur, & periculis belli exemptus in Vicinum opidum Viennis, quod olim à Romanis inhabitatum Fabiana Dicebatur, declinavit. Tha● is, The Duke was put to flight by the enemy, and was fain to retire to the Town Vienna, which when the Romans did heretofore inhabit it was called Fabiana. You may read the like in the History o● Severinus Bishop of Vienna. Lazius saith that Strabo calleth it Vendum jornandes calleth it the City Pannonia: and in the Sclavonian language it is called Wien Wydme. Ortelius writeth that he learned out of D. Carolus Rimius, who was sometime Orator to Zelimus the great Turk, that the Turks do call this City Betz. Leunclavius calleth it Wetsch, and Beetz: It is a fair City situate by the River Danubius, and encompassed with a strong wall, so that Vienna is a well fortified and a strong Bulwark against the Turks. The Suburbs are great, and large. The Citizens have fair magnificent Houses, which are adorned with Pictures, and strongly built. There are many great fair Churches built of Freestone, and arched with diverse Pillars. Their Wine-cellers are so deep and large, that they have as much building under the ground as they have above ground. Their streets are paved with hard stone, so, that Cartwheels cannot wear them. It hath great store of Corn and Wine, so that in the time of Vintage for 40. days together they do use 1200. Horses to carry Corn and Wine in Carts. It received the Christian Religion in the year 466. by the preaching and instruction of Severinus, who built two Churches there. The History of this City may be found in Lazius, and Otto of Friburg. Frederick the second did adorn, and enlarge this City, as also all the other following Dukes of Austria. The Emperor Frederick did erect there an University for all Arts and Sciences, which was afterward renewed by Albert Archduke of Austria, in the year 1356. But afterward through sedition it was ruinated. These were famous men in Vienna, namely Wolfgangus, Lazius, Medius, an Historian to the Emperor Ferdinand: also julius Alexandrinus, Mathias Parinat●r, also john Haselbach was Professor of Divinity in the University of Vienna, who was so large in the explanation of that which he propounded to his audience, that he preached twenty years out of the Prophet Esaiah, and yet he was not come to the end of the first Chapter. This City is famous for the Citizens valiant holding out against the Turks siege, in the year 1529. in which 80000. Turk's were slain. There is also in higher Austria Gmunda, which is no great Town, but yet very neat and pleasant, situated by a Lake which is called from thence the Lake Gmunda, out of which Dravus a River of Austria riseth. At Gmunda there is great store of Salt, which is digged out of the neighbouring Mountains, and so being brought to Gmunda in little Vessels (which in their Country speech they call Kivelin) it is transported by the River Dravus unto Danubius, and so from Vienna it is transported to other Cities of Austria, Hungaria, Stiris, and Carinthia, to the great gain and commodity of the Gmundians. It is watered also with many Rivers; the chief whereof is Daubius, which was heretofore the limmiting bounds of the Country, but now it cutteth thorough the middle of it. The other Rivers are ●●●osinus, Genus, or Onasus, Tranus, Traunus, and Erlaphus, which ariseth out of a pleasant Lake, by the River Cella famous for the Church of the Virgin Mother: there are also the Rivers Traisius, Ypsius, Melicus, Marchia, and Tejus, which devideth Moravia from Austria, also Cambus which is full of diverse kinds of Fish, and Leytha: also Suegadus, in which there are excellent Crabs, and others. It hath many Mountains, the chief whereof are the Mountain Cecius, commonly called Calenberg, which extendeth from Danubius even to the River Dracus, the parts of it are Schneberg, Semering, Kemperg, Hertperg, Deusperg, He●sterg, Plaitz: Also Cognanus now called der Haimburgerperg, which reacheth from Danubius to Arabon. It hath also some woods which are parts and pieces of the wood Hercinia, and the Moon's Wood: And they are now called der Freystetter und Konigwiserwaldt. But let us proceed to other matters. In the City of Vienna, twelve Magistrates do daily sit in judgement. Of which four are of the Clergy, the Official of the Bishop of Patavia, the Official of the Bishop of Vienna, the Dean of the Cathedral Church, and the Rector or governor of the University. There are also four Citizens, and four out of the City. The chief whereof are these whom they call Regimentum, where all lower Austria do bring their suits and causes to trial, and they call the Court the Exchequer, whether all the accounts of the Province are brought. The rest are subject unto them, and causes are removed and brought from them to the higher, the Senate of the Province does appeal to the ordinary of the Province, the Senate of the City with the Consul doth appeal to the City Praetor, the judgement of Custom, and the Merchant's Praetor, which they call the Landgrave, concerning which matter Wolfgangus Lazius, of Vienna doth discourse at large in his Vienna. Austria is the third Circle of the Empire, in which there are two Orders. In the first there are the Clergy, as the Bishops of Trent, of Brixen, of Goricen, of Segovia, of Labachia, of Vienna, Teutsch Ordens Meister, Ordens Master in Eischtall. In the second are the secular Princes, as the Archduke of Austria, Count Schaumberg, the Barren of Wolkenstain, the Lord Senster, the Lord Roggendorff, Count Hardkeck. And besides the Princes of the Empire, there are in Austria, the Counts of Thurn, Crentz, Ortenburg, Perneck, Garb, Freyhern, Landskron, Wanberg, Hohen, Osterwitz, Newberg, Guetenhag, Teuffenbach, Mairhofen, Awersperg, Dorneck, Saraw, Hartenstain, Schwartzenaw, Turnstain, Wachanthall, Hoffkirchen, Eyizing. The Lordships also are Aichelperg, Liechtenstain, Puchaim, Luetkurt, Porges, Schoukirchen, Shifftenberg, Altensperg, Hornstein, and Setbersdorff. THE BISHOPRIC OF SALTZBURG. THe Bishopric of Saltzburg is so called from the Metrapolitan City Saltzburg. The Country whence so called. Francis Irenicus maketh this the chief of the five Bishoprics of Bavaria. The Country whence so called. This Territory is enriched with all kind of Metals, as Gold, Silver, Brass, and Iron. Here is also Roren, Brimstone, Allom, and Antimony. There are also Ours of Marble. The plain ground is ●it for planting of Vines or Tillage. The Mountains do afford great store of game for Hawking and Hunting. Munster doth name 58. Bishops of Saltzburg, the last was Ernest Count Palatine of Rhine, Duke of Bavaria, the Son of Albert and Ku●egundis the Daughter of the Emperor Frederick. Moreover in the time of Arno the tenth Bishop hereof, it was made an Archbishop by Leo the third, and it hath under it these Suffragan Bishops, the Bishop of Trident, of Patavi●, of ●e●●, of Gorcensa, of Brixen, of Frisingen, of Seccovia, of Lavintiniam, and the Chyenensiam. The Metropolis or Mother City is Sal●●burgum, or Salt●burgum, it is commonly called Saltzburg, from the River Saltzach: though some suppose that it is called Saltzburg, from the Salt which is ●●gged near unto it. There is also juvancia, or juvavia, or juvaviam, which was so called à juvando, from helping, and in the German language Helffenberg, because julius Caesar built a Castle there, to be a defence and refuge to his Legions against the Germans whom he intended to conquer, and subdue. For it is reported that the Romans slew 3400000. Germans, and took 1500000. Prisoners. Some think that I●vavia was so called from the River juvavius, which runneth near unto it. It is called also the juvensian Castle, as Pighius showeth. Aventinus affirmeth out of ancient writing, and records that it was that which Ptolemy calls Paedicum, and that there is a Village still re●aining of that name. But Francis Irenicus writeth that it is Ptolemy's ●●●●darum, or Badacum, unto whom Volateranus doth also assent. Au●aicus his Itinerary maketh mention of juvaria. But Gasper Bruschia● doth think that the name Helffenberg is more ancient than juvavia▪ and from thence it was called juvavia, which signifies the same. Pighi●● writeth, that he read these Verses in a Church of this City: Tunc Hadriana vetus, quae post Iuvavia dicta, Prasidialis erat Noraci●, & Episcopo digna Ruberti sedes, qui fidems coni●●it illis Christi, quam retinet, Saltzbargum sero vocata. Than Hadrian, which they did after call juvavia was a seat praesidial Of the Noricians, and a Bishopric it hath Where Robert taught them first the Christian faith, Which since that time the people do retain, And now of late they do it Saltzberg name. map of Saltzburg THE BISHOPRIC OF SALTZBURG. Qui mihi de celsis nuper fuit Alpibus actus Oenus ubi, atque Athesis murmura rauca facit. Argenti aeterno scaturit qua vena Metallo Et ditat totam patriam Alemanicam. Hic halant liquido puro & de fonte Salinae Ditantes Bavaros, Austriacosque Deuces. Hic turba est tetrae nigraeque simillima morti, Qui solvunt vastis ignibus aera suis. Haud credas nostris decocta Metalla per ignem, Sed Phlegetontaeis mundificata vadis. Whom I did drive down from the Alps so high Where Oenus, and Athesis run by With a hollow murmur, where Silver vain Enricheth all the Country of Alemaine●. Here Salt doth boil out of the pure spring, Which to the Austrian Dukes much wealth doth bring. And the Bavarians, while a smooty crew Do melt the Brass, as black as death in show. You cannot think that fire doth make it run, But that it is refined in Phlegeton. The Woods. This Bishopric also hath many woods, as the woods Hardio, Hendard, and Weyhard which lie on the North. But let so much suffice concerning the Bishopric of Saltzburg, it remaineth that we should speak something concerning the Dukedom of Carinthia, which is contained in this Table. The Dukedom of CARINTHIA. The Country whence so call●d. CARINTHIA, or Carnithia, (as Rithaimerus supposeth it should be written) was so called from the Carnians, who are the ancient Inhabitants thereof, whom both Pliny and other Geographers do mention. But it is doubtful, whether they were so called from Carnuntum an ancient Town, often mentioned by Authors, or whether the Town was so denominated from them. There is a place in Pannonia, almost seven miles distant from Vienna, where there are some ruins remaining of a famous City, which is now called D. Petronell. Moreover, the Carniolians are called in the German language, Karnten, Krain, Karst. This Country hath on the East and North Styria, on the West and South, the Alps Carniola is a part of it: there are many Valleys and Hills in this Country which do yield great store of wheat. Solinus cap. 30. saith, The fertility. that the Country Noricia is cold and unfruitful, but that part which is more remote from the Alps is very fertile. The Metropolis of this Country is Santo-Vicus, which is a fair City by the River Lana. It hath a large Marketplace, and a clear fountain of water. There is also the Town Villacum, where the forepart of the houses are curiously painted with Histories set forth in colours, which are very pleasant to behold. It is seated on a plain by the River Dravus, and environed with high Rocks, and it hath a ●one Bridge: Clagenfurtum is a well fortified City, which as Lazius witnesseth was anciently called Claudia. Some do writ that the Citizens of this City are so severe and inexorable towards thiefs, insomuch that upon suspicion of felony, some have been put to death without trial, & three days after his execution they arraign him, and if they find that he was not guilty they bury him honourably, but if they find that he was guilty, they let him hung on the Cross or Gallows. But Rithaymerus thinketh it to be a fabulous report: there is also Wolspergum which lieth by the River Lavandus, also Santo Leonardus, &c. There are many Lakes in this Country, The Lakes. as Mulsettese, Ossiachersee, Werdsee, Lavandtsee, judenburgersee, Weisee. The chief River is Dravus, which runneth thorough Stiria and Pannonia into Danubus. The Rivers. The next unto it are Savo, Glana, Schleiniza, and Lavand, all which Dravus doth receive. Mura also runneth into Dravus. But most of the aforesaid Rivers have their Spring-heads and Fountains in this Country, which is every where full of Mountains. For the high Alps, as Strabo writeth, do run hither in one continued ridge, The Mountains. so that it seemeth one Mountain, which is sometimes lower, and sometimes higher. I do think there are parts of the Mountain Taurus, which the Inhabitants call by diverse name, on the West there is Gastein Taurn, Villacher Taurn, Rastatter Taurn, and Karnen Taurn. But some of the Alps do keep their own names, as Modringalbin, Serbisalbin, Sanalbin, &c. Dietzperg hangeth over the River Dravus, and above it there is the Mountain Argentatus, which the Inhabitants call Silber Berg: in the Mountain Rasperg there are the Fountains and Spring-heads of the Rivers Mura and Isara, the one running Southward, the other Eastward. And between these high Hills of Taurus and the Alps, there are many woods, which are parts of the wood Hercynia, as Hirschpuhl, Priewalt, Adelwaldt, Eremus, commonly called in der Einod. The aforesaid Alps have Gold, Silver, and Iron in them. Concerning the Ecclesiastical government it is divided as Paracelsus saith, between the Bishop of Saltzburg, and the Patriarch of Aquilegium. Munster in his third Book of cosmography, and Pius 2. in his Europe, doth describe a strange custom which they have in inaugurating their Princes. THE KINGDOM OF POLAND. POLAND was so called from the Planesse of the Country, which they themselves call Role. It is a very great Country: on the North side it hath Borussia and Pomerania, on the East Massovia, and Lithuania; on the South it is enclosed with the Mountains of Russia, and Hungaria: on the West it hath Lusatia, Silesia, and Moravia; it is 480. Miles long, and three hundred broad. The air of this Country is pure, but the Winters are cold and sharp. All the Country is plain, and yields good store of Barley, Wheat, and Pulse. It hath abundance of fruits, Wax, Honey, and Butter. It hath also great store of Sale which is digged out of the earth. I and there are in these Mountain's Ours of Brass, which the inhabitants call Tatri, and also Ours of Brimstone. It hath also great store of Cattles, so that Saxony, and many Countries of Germany, do live by Poland Oxen. There is great variety of living creatures, and great store of cattles and wild beasts. It hath wild Oxen, Buffoons, Bulls, and wild Horses, and Ounces, and the like. There are also great store of foul for Hawking. Poland was dignified with the title of a Kingdom, in the year 1001. in the reign of Boleslaus Chabri, who received his royal Diadem from the Emperor Otto the third. But 77. years after, in the reign of Boleslaus Audaci, or the bold, who cruelly murdered Stanislaus Bishop of Cracovia, the Pope devested it of that dignity, and took it away. And it was made a Kingdom again in the year 1295. and Primislaus the second Duke of the greater Poland, and Pomeranía was elected King. This Country is divided into the greater and lesser Poland The greater is more Northward, and the River doth part it in the middle. The lesser is Southward, and the River Vistula runneth through it. In the greater Poland, the principal Cities are these Posnania by the Rivers Varta, and Prosna, it is situate between the Hills, and walled with a double wall, it hath many fair tiled o● slated houses: the Suburbs are large on the farther bank of the River Varta, & encompassed with a great Lake, and Marshes, it hath even year two famous Fairs, and it is a Bishop's seat. It hath the Towns under it Koscien among the Marshes, which is 7. Miles distant▪ Also Meidzyrzexze, in which the houses are built all of wood, and it is near to Silesia and Pomerania. Also Ostresow, which is situate on plain between the Woods, and the Towns Wschow, Sremck, Prene and Rogozno. Calisia is a walled City, among the Marshes, the Riv●● Prosna runneth by it, and there are some ruins of a Castle. Vnd●● this City there are Gnesna, Pizary, Wartha, Noklo, Land, Konin, Slupez and Kolo. Gnesna is walled about, and seated on a Plain, between Lakes and Hills. This City was first built by Lechus, in which Boslaus map of Poland THE KINGDOM OF POLAND Chabri. Prince of Poland, received the Royal Diadem from the Emperor Otto the third, which the Kings of Poland do still enjoy Siradia is a City built of wood, walled about, and seated on a Plain Under it there are the City's Vielun●a, Sadeck, Petricovia, Rosprza, and Spicimiria. Petricovia is seated in a moorish ground. Lancisia is a pleasant City walled about, and seated on a plain. Under it there are Orlovia, Piatec, Bresma, Kornazew, Biechow, and some other Towns. Cuiavia or Vladislavia is a fair City, and it hath under it Bistgostia by the navigable River Buda, by which commodities are transported out of Poland into Vistula. Brestia hath under it Raedzieiow, Crusphicia, and Cowalow. Crusphisia is the chief City of all Poland next to mes●a, it is built of wood, with a brick Castell, and it is seated by the Lake Goplo out of which Lake Mice heretofore came forth, who by the just judgement of God did devour Pompilius Prince of Poland in that Castle. Rava is a wooden City by the River Rava, it hath under it these Town's Sochaczovia, Gostinin, and Gamhin. Ploozko is a pleasant City seated on a Hill by the River Vistula, it is a Bishop's seat: under it there are Bielsko, Raczyayaz, Steperoz, Strensko, Mlawa, Plonsko, and Radzanow. Dobrinia is situated on a rock by the River Vistula, it had a Castle which the Crucigerans did demolish. Under it there are Slonsk, Ripin, and Gorzno. In the lesser Poland there are these Principal Cit●ties, Cracovia, Sandomiria, and Lublinum. Cracovia is built on a Plain by the River Vistula, (Peter Appiarus supposeth it to be the same, which Ptolemy calls Carrodunum) being walled with a double wall. It hath a Castle on a high rock, which they call Vanel. In this City the Kings of Poland keep their residence, and are buried. It hath also a University famous for study and Arts. But the Cracovians, have no chief Advocate, so that the King himself is the Praetor of Cracovia. There are three Cities near unto Cracovia, Clepardia, Stradonia, and Casimiria. It hath two Dukedoms under it, Biecz, Wonincz, Sandecz, Lelow, Kzyaz, and Proszovice. Sandomiria is a principal City, walled about, being situated on a Hill by the River Vistula, 22. Miles distant from Cracovia. It hath an ancient Castle, well fortified. Under which is Charity seated on a Plain, and famous for Ours of Blue, in which there is also some silver found, also Korzin, Wislicia, Pilzno, Opoczno, Radomia, Polonieck, Zannichost, Zarnow, and Mologost. Lublinum is a chief City, well-fortified with a wall and a Castle. In which there are yearly three Fairs, to which both Turks, Armenians, Grecians, Germans, Moschovites, Lithuanians, and others do resort, the River Bysterra doth run by the Castle. Under it there are Vrzendow, Lulow, Parcow, and Casimiria. Moreover the Kingdom of Poland hath many Lakes, in which there are all sorts of Fish. It is watered also with many fair Rivers, the chief whereof is Vandalus or Vistula, which the Germans call De Wixel. The next are Chronus, now called Pregell, Nyennien, Ruhon, Viadrus, Varta, Tyras now called Nyester, Hypanis, now Bugh, Borysthenes, now Nyeper, there are also many other small Rivers. There are almost no Mountains, except Southward, where it is parted from Hungary by the Sarmatian, and Carpathian Mountains which the inhabitants call Taury. The Country is full of woods, which are parts of the wood Hercinia. But so much hitherto. The Politic state of the Kingdom of Poland hath 2. Members. The first are the Clergy, in which are the two Archbishoprics of Gnesna and Leopolis. The Bishops of Cracovia, of Ploczko, of Chelma, Vladislavia, Pomesania, Varmia, 〈◊〉, and Sambiensis, Posnonia. Proemislia, Cavenez, Vilna, Medincque Luceo●● In Livonia the Bishops of Riga, Dirpta, Absel, and Revalia. Secondly ●●e Nobles, in which there are Castellanus Cracowviae: the Palatine of Brevia, Posnania, Sandomiria, Kalischy, Siradia, Lancisa, Brezeste, Inowla●●via, Russia, Podalia, Lublin, Belze, Plocense, Mozavia, Rava. Also in ●●●●nia the Palatines of Vilna, of Trochy Poletsho, Novogrod, and 〈◊〉. Also in Prussia, the Palitnes of Culma, Marienbourg, & Pomerania. The Counts are of Posnania, and miria, Kalische, Voinice, Gnesne, Siradie, Lucise, Brizeste, Inowladislavia, Leopolis, Camenezia, Lublin, Belze, Plocen●●, 〈◊〉, Ravense, Sandecia, Myedzeris, Vislicie, Biece, Rogostia, Radom, Zarichy, Landense, stream, Zarnowe, Molegost, Vielune, Premislia, Haine, Sa●● Dobrine, Polaneice, Premetense, Criswinense, Czecovia, Nacle, ●●rie, Byechovia, Bydgostia, Brezezine, Crininice, Osvecimense, Camenetz, ●●●●rie, Inowlodense, Revalia, Zavoloo, Sachazonia, Vasovia, Gostine, Vis●●, 〈◊〉, Steprecense, Wisogrod, Riprin, Zabrochzinense, Circhanovia, Li●●●, In Lithuania there are old Palatines of Vilna, and Trochi. In Prussia of Calma, Elbingen, and Pomerania. There are many Captains in the Kingdom of Poland. And two Marshals, of the Kingdom and the Court. The Ecclesiastic doth consist of these Archbishops & Bishops aforesaid. The Noble men are very sharp witted, and they do travel into foreign Countries to get knowledge, and languages. They are courageous, and do not fear the stoutest Enemy, and if the Nobles do wrong them, all their kinsfolks and friends do join with them to revenge it, and do never cease until they have revenged it or lost their own lives. Lastly they are not so liberal as Prodigal, both in Banqueting, and imoderate gifts, and also in keeping a great retinue or number of Servants, whom they cloth and feed. SILESIA. ANd so much concerning the Kingdom of Poland, Silesia remaineth which I will briefly unfold. It was so called from a River of the same name, as Conradus Celtes witnesseth. Others have other derivations. It is bounderd on the North and East with Polonia: on the South with Moravia, and the Wood Hercynia, on the West with part of Lusatia and Bohemia. It is 200. Mile long and 80. broad. Though the air be somewhat cold, yet it is mild and gentle. The Country in regard it is watered with many Brooks and Rivers is very fruitful in most places, and it hath in some parts Veins of Gold, Silver, Led, and Iron, it yields also clothing for itself, and many other Countries beside. The Cities are well inhabited and adorned with Laws, and good Arts. The Metropolis thereof is Vratislavia, some would have it to be that which Ptolemy calls Budorchis, it is commonly called Breslaw, Duglossus writeth that it was built by Mieslaus Duke o● Polonia, a little before the year of Christ, 1000 And 40. years afterward it was adorned with a Bishopric by Casimirus King of Poland and it increased so much, that the Bishops of this City were called the golden Bishops, in regard of their wealth and riches. In the year 1341. it was burnt down. But the Emperor Charles the third made it in stead of Brick, of Gold. On the Steeple of St. Elizabeth's Church there is this Inscription. Mirabilis in altis Dominus. The Situation, the beauty of the Houses, Towers, and Churches, the fair Bridges, and large Streets, do much set forth this City. Nissa is an Episcopal City. There are beside in this Country 15. Dukes, Lignicensis, Bregensis, Teschinensis, Monsterhergensis, Olsvicensis, and Beoustadiensis, and three ancient Families, namely, Ligvicensis, Teschinensis, and Monsterhergensis. Tropaviensis, Opoliensis, Nissensis, Vratislavensis, or Breslaum, Swinisensis, Hurensis, Glagoviensis, Ratibonensis, and Sagonensis. But these latter honours the Kings of Bohemia since the decease of their Lords have gotten. There are three Baronyes, namely, of Trachenberg, of Vertenberg, and Plessensis. The King's high Court in Silesia is kept at Vratislavia, where there is a Bishop's seat, as also at Kissa. Viadrus runneth thorough this Country, into which many Rivers and Streams, do flow, as Elsa, Ola, Bobrus, Barusius, and others. POLAND. POLAND which is situate in the Europian Sarmatia is both long and wide, and doth take up a great part of it, it was so called from the Fields and plain ground, for Pole signifies as much as Plain: it is a very great Country, having on the North Borussia and Pomerania: on the East Massovia, and Lithuania; on the South Russia, and the Mountains of Hungaria: on the West Lusatia, Silesia, and Moravia. It is divided into the greater and lesser Poland. The greater is more Northward, and the River Varta runneth thorough the middle of it. The lesser is Southward, and the River Vistula glideth thorough it. The Polanders are descended from the Sclavonians, as Neugebaverus witnesseth. Lib. Rer. Polonicar. and their Kingdom was never so large as it is now, because the great Dukedom of Lituania & Livonia are joined ●nto it, albeit the King of Swethland hath lately gotten a great part of these Provinces. It reacheth from the River Notes & Obra, which do divide it from Marchia, and from the River Odera, which doth part it from Silesia, even to Beresaia, and Borysthones, which separateth it from Moscovia, and so it extendeth West and East 120. German miles, and as much from the farthest part of Livonia, to the confines of Hungary. And so being of a round form, it is very wide and capacious. There are in the greater Poland these principal Cities, Posnavia, built by the Rivers Varta and Prosna between the Hills, with a double wall, it hath fair slated Houses, and great Suburbs by the farther bank of the River Varta, being encompassed with a great Lake and Marshes, and having two famous Fairs every year, it is a Bishop's seat, and hath many Towns under it. Calisiae is a walled City among the Marshes, by which the River Prosna runneth. It had sometime a strong well fortified Castle, as the ruins do testify, there are other Towns also subject unto it. Gnesna is walled about, being situate in a Plain between Lakes and Hills, and it is an Archbishop's seat. This City was first built by Lechus, in which Boleslaus Chabri Prince of Polonia received the royal Diadem from the Emperor Otto the III when before that time Poland was only a Dukedom. Siradia is a wooden City, walled and seated on a Plain, it hath a strong Castle by the River Varta. This City was honoured with the title of a Dukedom, which dignity belonged to the King's second Son. It hath also many Towns under it, among which is Petricovia, which was heretofore of great note, where the Sessions for the whole Kingdom were wont to be held, which are now translated to Warsavia. Lancicia is a pleasant City, seated on a Plain, and walled about, having a walled Castle on a Rock, by which the River Bisura glideth. Cujavia, or Vladislavia, is a fair City, being a Bishop's seat; Bidgostia is subject unto it, which is seated by the navigable River Buda. Brestia hath under it Radzieiow, Crusphicia, and Cowalow. Crusphicia is the chief City of Poland next to Gnesna, it is built of wood with a slated Castle by the Lake Golp●. Rava is a wooden City situate by a River of the same name. Ploczko is a pleasant City seated on a Hill by the River Vistula, in which there was a Castle which the Crucigerians did demolish. In the lesser Polonia, the chief Cities are these, Cracovia, Sandomiria, and Lublinum. Cracovia is built on a Plain near the River Vistula, being fortified with a double wall and a deep ditch. It hath a Castle on a high Rock which they call Vanel, in this City the Kings of Poland keep their residence and are buried. It hath a famous School for the study of Philosophy. The Castellanus of Cracovia taketh place of the Palatine in the Senate, but in other Provinces the Palatine is preferred before the Castellanus. Moreover, there are three Cities near unto Cracovia, Clepardia, Stradomia, and Cassimiria. It hath two Dukedoms under it Zarocensis, and Oswlec●mensis. It hath many Towns under it. Sandomiriae is a principal City, walled about and situate on a Hill by the River Vistula, being 22. miles distant from Cracovia. It hath an ancient Castle well fortified, under it there are Checiny in a Plain, which is famous for Ours of Blue, in which there is Silver also found, also Korczin, Malogost, and other Towns. Lublinum is a City beyond Vistula, being fortified with a Wall, a Ditch, a Lake, and a Castle. In which there are 3. Fairs every year, unto which both Turks, Armenians, Grecians, Germans, Muscovites, and Lithuavians do resort. The jews do ininhabite a great part of the Suburbs, and have a Synagogue there. The River Bystizna doth run by the Castle Poland as we said before is a plain Country, the most part of it is covered with Woods, and it yields good store of Barley, Wheat, and Pulse. It hath abundance of Cattles. It hath Lakes which are full of all kinds of Fish. The chief Rivers are Vistula, Viadrus, commonly called Odera, Tires, now Niester, Hypanis, which is called Bugh. Vistula, now called die Weixel, was heretofore called Vandalus, some call it Issula, and Vissula. This River riseth in the Carpathian Mountains, and before it cometh to Cracovia it is enlarged by the receipt of many Rivers, and afterward being grown very deep and broad before it come to Dantiscum, it dischargeth itself into the Codan Bay. Boristhenes so well known of old, is now called Nieper. It hath a few Mountains, and those Southward where it looketh toward Hungaria. The State of the Kingdom consisteth of the Clergy and Nobles. The Ecclesiastic Order hath two Bishops, the Bishop of Ghesnia who is Primate of the Kingdom, who doth also crown the King, and the Bishop of Leopolis in black Russia. The Bishops are of Cracovia in lesser Poland, the Bishop of Posnia in the greater Poland, and in other Provinces the Bishops Plocensis, Chelmensis Vilnensis, Kioviensis, Lucensis, janoucensis, Samogitiensis, Warmensis, Culmensis, Sambiensis, Pomasaniensis, Rigensis, and others. The Polltick order of the Nobles hath 26. Palatines, 60. Counts, 4. Marshals, a Chancellor, and a Vicechancellor, two Generals or Captains: in the lesser Poland there are forty common Captains, in the greater 30. in Massovia 12. So that the kings when occasion requires, can raise 200000. Nobles. He that desires to know more concerning the state of this Kingdom, let him have recourse to Stanislaus Kizistanowic his map of Poland POLAND. description of the State of the Kingdom of Poland: or to Guagninus or Boterus their description of Germany, and Neugebaverus his Polonian History. There are also in Poland Ours of Salt by Bochnia and Veliscus, which do exceed all others. Veliscum is 8. miles distant from Cracovia. Bochina is a fair Town with a Castle, where the Governor of the Saltpits dwells, who is called Zupparius. The Country round about is barren, but this Country maketh a greater revenue out of these Ours, than some Countries do out of Gold and Silver Ours. The people of Poland, especially the Nobles, do now differ much from the Scythian barbarism of the ancient Sarmatians. They have no Robberies, so that in Summer time they ride in Wagons, and in Winter time in Coaches, safely, and without danger. Most of the Nobility are very sharp witted, and do get experience and languages by travelling into foreign Countries. They are courageous, and will not shun the stoutest enemy: if anyone be wronged by the Nobles, all their kindred and friends do join together in revenging it, and do never cease until they have revenged it, or lost their own lives. Lastly, they are not so liberal a prodigal, both in their frequent Banquets, and in the great retinue and number of Servants which they keep and cloth. THE KINGDOM OF HUNGARY. HUNGARIA, commonly called Hongeren (which name it received from the Huns or Hungarians, who came out of Scythia, and did inhabit it, doth contain Pannonia, and the Countries of jazigus and the Dacians, beyond Danubius. On the South it hath the River Sa●●●, which devideth it from Croatia and Servia, which are a part of Il●●● over against the Adriatic Sea. On the North it hath Poland and Russia, which are disjoined by the Mountain Carpatus. On the West it hath Austria, which was heretofore the head of the higher ●●●●nia, together with Moravia, and Styria; on the East Mysia which 〈◊〉 now call Rhetiana. It is an excellent Country both for the goodness of the soil, and the pleasantness of the Situation. The Country is very fruitful and fertile, and yields Pearls, Gold, Silver, Colours, and Salt, which are to be digged out of the Earth. It hath abundance of Grass, Wheat, Pulse, and Fruit. That Country which 〈◊〉 Danubius doth yield excellent wine, even from the Country of the five Churces to Taurunus, or Belgrade. But there is no Oil, and accepting that, it is adorned with all the gifts of nature. It hath di●ets kinds of living Creatures, having such great plenty both of Oxen, and Sheep, that great Droves are carried into other Countries, especially into Italy and Germany. It hath also abundance of wild beasts, as Hares, Does, Goats, Hearts, Wolves, Bears, and the like. And also great store of Birds, especially Thrushes, Partridges, and Pheasants. The Paeonians or Pannonians did first inhabit this Country: afterward the Goths, who were expulsed by the Huns; and the Huns by the Longobards, who were seated here 13. years. 〈◊〉 the Huns came in again under the conduct of their Captain A●●●la: after whose death, Charles the Great took it into his own possession. But in the year 700. the Huns coming out of Scythia, in the Reign of the Emperor Arnulph, possessed those parts, being Pagans' until King Stephen, whom they called the holy, was inaugurated and made King. And after him, even until our times Hungary did profess the Christian Religion. Hungary doth contain all the whole Country of jazigus Metanastarum, which Ptolemy circumscribeth or foundeth with Danubius Tibiscus, and the Sarmatian Mountains. There are some ruins yet remaining, which by contracting the word are commonly called jaz. But they inhabit those parts which 〈◊〉 describeth, and their speech differs from the Hungarian language. The first King of Hungary, after the Christian Religion was established therein, was Stephen surnamed the Holy, after whom there followed his Cousin Peter, his Kinsman Andreas, also Bela, Solomon, Geysa, Ladislaus, Almus, Stephanus the II Bela Caecus. Geysa the II Stephen the III Bela the III, Emericus, Ladislaus the II and others, even until the time of the Emperor Rudolphus, King of Hungary. The King of Hungary doth govern his Kingdom by two Magistrates: the higher is divided into three Magistrates, the first of which governeth the Kingdom in the King's name, in which are the Palatine of the Kingdom, who is next to the King, and judgeth the King if he be accused, whom the people of the Kingdom do choose, neither is it an hereditary office. Also the Judge of the Court, who is one of the ordinary Judges of the Kingdom. The Chancellor, who is the Metropolitan of Strigonium, who is called the Primate, and Secretary of the Kingdom, and he hath power to anoint the King that is chosen, and he keepeth the Privy Seal. The Master of the Court doth follow the Kings, and is one of his Privy Counsel. The Master of the Regallities doth judge of all matters concerning Ours of Gold and Salepits, and lastly, all matters which appertain to the Exchequer. Secondly, those which sit in Judgement, of which there are certain Officials, three of greater authority, as the Vice-Palatine of the Kingdom, the Judge of Personal Presence, The Vice-Palatines Protonotary, o● chief Clerk, the Vice-Judges Protonotary. They are all called Masters, and have these assistants or associates joined to them: the Archbishop of Strigoniums Secretary, who is called the Secretary of the Exchequer, twelve Assistants, and some sworn Clerks. Thirdly, those that serve the King, as the Treasurer, the Master of the Bedchamber, the Cupbearer, the Master of the Pantry, the Master Porter, and other lesser offices. Moreover, because the Country is large there are several Judges appointed thorough the Provinces, which the Hungarians call Counties. And they are these beyond Danubius on the West of the River Tibiscus. Posoniensis, Nitriensis, Cepusiensis, Gewinariensis, Posthiensis, Semliniensis, Comariensis, Leptoniensis, Novigradiensis, Abavivariensis, Bathiensis, Vngensis, Traachimensis, Barsiensis, Hontensis, Borsodiensis, Bodroghtensis, Peregriensis, Turoezensis, Omuzolis, Tornensis, Heweciensis, Zolnocensis, Moramarusiensis. Above Danubius on the East of Tibiscus there are Vgoghiensis, Bihoriensis, Zatmariensis, Oradiensis, Zabolciensis, Temesiensis. Between the Rivers Danubius, and Dravus, there are Musunensis, Zaladiensis, Tolnensis, Rhab, or jauriensis, Vespriniensis, Strigoniensis, Soponiensis, Albensis, Sinigiensis, Castriferrensis, Pelisiensis, Waraniensis. Between Dravus and the River Savus, there are Valkonensis, Rifiensis, Syrimiensis, Warasdiensis, Prosegiensis, and Zagrabiensis. The Ecclesiastical government belongeth to the two Archbishops, of Gran, or Strigonia, the Pope's Legate and Primate of the Kingdom. It hath under it Agriensis, Vaciensis, Nitriensis, Quinque Ecclesiensis, Vespriniensis, who is the Queen's Chancellor, and crowneth her, and the Bishop jauriensis commonly called Rab: Colosensis, or Colotz, under whom are Sagabriensis, Transilvaniensis, Voceadrensis, Visemburgensis, Suiniensis, Cenadiensis, or Chonad, and Bosnensis. All Hungary is divided into the hither-most, and the farther. The hither-most Hungary doth contain all that Country which is on this side Danubius: the farthermost doth contain that Country which is beyond Danubius, and Tibiscus map of Hungary THE KINGDOM OF HUNGARY. glideth thorough the middle of it. The Metropolis and Mother City of this Kingdom is Buda, which was so denominated, as the most do suppose from Buda the builder of it, who was Brother to King Artila, or as others writ, from the Budines, a People of Scythia, of whom Herodotus maketh mention. If you consider the Situation of this City, it is seated partly on a Mountain, and fortified with strong Bulwarks, so that it is the strongest, and pleasantest City in all Hungaria, it hath many fair buildings both public and private. It standeth in a fruitful soil, Soliman the Turkish Emperor took it from the Christians in the year 1526. on the 20. day of August. The Next is Posonium, commonly called Prezborgh, which is a noble City. Here the River Leyta deviding the higher Pannonia from the lower, doth mingle itself with the River Istrus. It is an ancient fair City, having a pleasant air and situation, and doth therein excel all the Cities of Pannonia. It hath Mountains planted with Vines, which are also full of Wood In the Suburbs it hath a Castle seated on the top of a high Rock. There is also Belgrade at the meeting or confluence of the Rivers Savus, and Danubius, it is commonly called Alba Graeca, the ancients called it Taurunum, and the Germans Grieches Weissenburgh: Soliman the Turk took it in the year 1520. and having been before a Town of defence against the cruel enemy of Christianity, now it is the Turkish Emperor's seat. A little lower down the River Danubius there is Singidunum, which was taken by the Turk in the year 1439. In the midst between these two Cities, there is a Field famous for the victory of Hunniadus against Mahomet the Turkish Emperor: they call this Field Maxons. This Battle was fought in the year 1456. Down the River there are many places where the Christians have received many fatal overthrows. The City Valpo was taken in the year 1543. Quinque Ecclesiae by Dravus in the year 1543. Zigetha was taken in the year 1566. Buda we have mentioned before. Strigonium by Danubius, commonly called Gran, was heretofore an Archbishop's seat, but it is now in the Turks hands. Alba Regalis, or Stulweyssenburg, is famous in regard the Kings are crowned and buried here, it was taken in the year 1543. In the same Country there is Stridon, where Saint Hierom was borne. There is also the City Comara, in an Island of the same name, which the Turks in vain attempted. jaarinum, commonly called Raab is an impregnable City by the River Danubius. I pass by the other Towns. There are also in Hungaria many famous Lakes, the chief whereof is Balaton, which the Germans call Platze, being 40. Italian miles broad, and 8. Hungarian miles. The chiefest Rivers are Danubius, Savus, Dravus, and Tibiscus, the three former are common to other Countries, but Tibiscus runneth only thorough Hungary. It riseth in Maramusia, in the high cliffs of Carpatus, and for plenty of Fish it exceedeth all the Rivers in Hungary, for it hath abundance of all kinds of Fish, as great Pikes, Lampreys, and Sturgeons. There are also other Rivers besides these, which have great store of excellent Fish, as Trout, Salmon, Perches, Lampreys, Barbels, and others, and those Rivers have gold veins in them. The chief Woods and Mountains beyond Danubius, beginning from Austria and Moravia Lazius reckoneth to be ●●chzal, in Greek Carpatus, which was heretofore so called from the Minerals in it, it stretcheth and extendeth itself thorough the Country's Turocensis, Arnensis, Liproviensis, Cappusiensis, Gewineriensis, and Sa●●●sis, which the Inhabitants call by diverse names, as den Vatter, den ●●●ch, den Wurtgarten, den Schnepberg. The second River is Matran, which is planted with Vines near Agria. The third and greatest of all is Erdel. There are many other Rivers, which for brevity sake I ●●it, and so conclude Germany. ITALY. IN WHICH THESE Countries are contained. Lombardie. The Dukedom of Venice. Liguria, the Dukedom of Genua. The Dukedom of Friulum. Istria. The Country of Romandiola. The Dukedom of Thusany. The Dukedom of Spoleto. The Marquiship of Anconitana. Latium, now called Campagna di Roma. Abruzzo, Aprutium, Sa●●nites. Terra di Lavoro, Campag●● felice, a Principality. Apulia, the Kingdom 〈◊〉 Daunia piana. Lucania, Basilicata, Princip●● Terra di Barri, Apulio Peu●●tia. Terra di Otranto Regnum. Calabria superior Regnum. Magna Graecia. Brutij, Calabria inferior. The Kingdom of Naples doth contain a great part of these Countries. Because I know but a few Counties and Sigeionries in Italy and Greece, and seeing their names and places cannot be assigned in Tables, in regard of the imperfection of Table therefore I will describe but a few of them. For every Stude●● may set down those which he shall find. It would afford▪ a fair prospect into matters of Policy, if the Nobility of several Kingdoms, and their Offices, Places, and Lordship's we●● known. Which if every one would perform in his own Country, he should deserve much praise. map of Italy ITALY. ITALY. GERMANY was described before both in general and special: and now having viewed the former I do enter into Italy: which as Pliny saith Lib. Natur. Hist. cap● 20. is a Country sacred to the gods, the most happiest in all Europe, the Mother of Plenty, the Mish●● of Policy, the Princess of Nations, and the Queen of the World. It had heretofore diverse names. Dionysius Halicarnassaeus, Lib. 1. of Roman Antiquities, writeth that the native people did call this noble Country Saturnia: and the Grecians did call it Hesperia, Ausonia, and Oenotria: and that at last in Hercules' time it began to be called Italy. It was called Saturnia from King Saturn. But it seemeth that this appellation did not appertain to all Italy, but to a part of it, which was also called Latium. Hyginus would have it called Hesperia, from Hesperus, who fled from his Brother Atlas: and Macrobius from Hesperus the Evening Star, in Latin called Vesperugo, which is seen always in the West. It was called Ausonia from Auson. They called it Oenotria from the goodness of the Wine, or from Oenotrus King of the Sabius. It was called Italy from Italus, whom Aristotle maketh to be King of Oenotria. But Festus saith, Lib. 9 Italiam dictam, quod magnos 〈◊〉 est Boves habeat, vitulos enim Italos esse dictos. That is, Italy was so called, because it hath great Italy, that is, Oxen for Calves are called Itali, Timaeus fabulously reporteth, that it was so called from the O●●talus, one of Geryons Herd, which being droven away by Hercules did swim over the Sicilian Bay, and in the Tyrrhene language a ●all is called Italus. And the same Dionysius Halic. Lib: Antiq. Rom. saith, that it was heretofore called Vitalia, if we may believe Hellanicus. Other ancient appellations of Italy, which belong rather to the parts thereof than to the whole Country, we omit. Strabo and Ptolemy do make Italy a Peninsula, being encompassed on three sides with the higher Sea, the lower Sea, and the Ionian Sea: on the fourth side it hath the Alps, for towards the West it hath the Italian Alps, which the ancients did distinguish by peculiar names, as the Sea Alps, the Cottians, the Grajans, and the Rhetians, which lie Northward even to the River Arsia, and containeth the Poenine and the Julian Alps: and so it runneth Northward by the Hadriatick Sea, even to the Ionian Bay, which is over against it Eastward: and lastly, Southward and Westward it is beaten with the Mediterranean Sea, as also the Tyrrhene and Ligustian Shores: and the Hadrian Sea washeth the Southern part, where Forum julij and Histria lieth. The length from Augusta Praetoria, to Brutium, even to the Promontory or Le●●ropetra, is 755. miles: the greatest breadth is 475. miles, the middlemost breadth is 130. the lest breadth is 72. The whole compass of Italy according to Castaldus is 2550. miles. Those which have measured it more exactly, do make it to be 2250. and those who have measured it most exactly, do reckon it to be not above 2240. Buslathius do liken Italy to an Ivy leaf: Pliny, Solinus, and others, do resemble it to an Oak leaf, because it is longer than broad, bending his head on the left hand, and so endeth in the figure of an Amazonian Breastplate. The latter Writers do more conveniently compare it to a man's thigh, the skin whereof lieth over against the lower Sea: the Calf over against the higher Sea: and all the foot is washed with the Ionian Sea: The heel doth look toward Epirum: the sole of the foot is the Tarrentine Bay, the more fleshy parts do make the Pronontories Zephyrius, Carcinus, and Bruttium, the toes are turned toward Sicily, the knee is in the Populonian Promontory, the hip and upper part of the thigh do touch the Alps. I have spoken of the name and quantity of Italy: the quality followeth, which always ariseth from the Situation of a Country. If any one will take a diligent account of it, he shall find that according to the Longitude, the most Western Meridian doth fall upon the 29. degree; and the most Eastern Meridian the 43. degree. It is 7. degrees in Latitude: for the most Southern Parallel is 28. degrees distant from the Aequator, and the most Northward 46. and so he shall find that Italy is in the fifth and sixth Climates, and all the Parallels between eleven and sixteen, in which space of Land the day differeth one hour. For the longest day of Summer in the Southern Parallel is 14. hours long, with three fifths, but in the Northern Parallel it is 15. hours long with three fifth's.. Italy having such a Situation, and having the Alps running thorough it, which pass length-wayes thorough the middle of Italy, on both sides, especially on the South side have fair fruitful Fields & Hills lying by them: and therefore it is no marvel, that all the times and seasons of the year are so temperate, and that it is so fruitful, especially in some places. The Country is very temperate, and very plentiful, and hath good store of Corn, being not chargeable in tilling, but very gainful to the Husbandman. The Rosselanian fields in Vmbria are reported to have been so fruitful, that Varro witnesseth, Cesar Vopiscus, when he pleaded his cause before the Censors, said that the Rosean Fields were the Senum Italiae, in which if a Pitchfork be left the day before, the grass will cover it over in one night's growth. Unto speaking of the endowments of Italy, saith, that it produceth all things necessary for food. Campania doth yield Corn, Falernus wine: Cassinas' Oil: Tusculan Figs, Tarrentine Honey: and Tiber Fish. Moreover Pliny witnesseth that Italy is the Mother of all kinds of Trees. I will not mention the Vulgar common sort. For here are great store of Orange Trees, Lemmon Trees, and Quince Trees. All the Coast, as for example, Liguria, and that which belongeth to Genoa, is adorned and beautified with fair Trees, and great high Palm Trees, which are full of sweet smelling fruit, so that it is pleasant ●oth in sight and scent: and it hath every where pleasant Gardens to recreate sad minds, and drive away Melancholy. And the same may be said of a thousand other places. The same Pliny showeth that there are Pepper trees in Italy. The Hydruntine Country hath abundance of Olives, so that he that hath not seen the great Woods of Olive trees which are in these parts, would think it incredible. The Barian Fields in Apulia Peucetia, do bring forth great store of Oil, Wine, Corn, Almonds, and Cotton, and other first-fruits. The Valley of Onelia in Liguria, hath such great store of Oil, that sometimes it yields 32. and 22. thousand Jars, which the Inhabitants call B●rilas. There is also Manna in Italy. For Manna is gathered near Altom●ntium in Brutia, which falleth down like dew by night, especially when the sky is serene and clear after rain. It is gathered from the Leaves of certain Trees. Pliny reporteth that it hath the choicest and best Vines, so that it excelleth the most odoriferous Nations of the world, for there is no scent to be compared with the delicious smell of the sweet budding Vines. As the excellent Wines which are so celebrated and praised by ancient Writers do testify. Pliny doth divide the Wines of Italy into four sorts. He preferreth the Setine Wines before all others, which was so called from Setia a Town of Latium. The next he accounteth to be the Falerne Wine. The third he ●●●kneth to be the Albanian, the Surrentinian, the Massu● 〈…〉 S●●●nian, the Calenian, the Fundanian, the Vilitertian, the Pr●●●●tian, and the Signinian Wines. The fourth sort are the Pretut●●● the Anconian, and the Palmesian Wines. But of these things others do report: I pass to the other gifts of Italy: and will describe th●● briefly. It is very fruitful in producing all kind of herbs. What should I speak of the Metals, Stones, and other gifts. Pliny saith that it is inferior unto no Country for Metals. In Forum ●u●●um there is the River Hydra, and not fare from thence a Mine of Quicksilver Great store of Allom was found heretofore among the Etruscian● in the Territory of Masla. In Campania there are Ours of Brimstone. Three miles from Volaterris toward the River Caecina, there are some Hills, in which there are Salt-pits. At Brutia also there are Salt Ours, which are hollowed into the inner parts of the Mountain with digging forth of Salt. I omit the Stone Quarries, out of which diverse Stones are cut. I do not mention the Marble, the Alabaster, Crystal, and diverse sorts of precious Stones, nor the Saffron, Blue▪ and Rosen. And that I may not be tedious in reckoning up the variety of living creatures, Aulus Gellius. Lib. 11. Noct. Attical. Cap. 1. T●meus in his History, and M. Terentius Varro in Antiquit. do report that there are great store of Oxen in Italy, and that there are many Buffoons bred in this Country. lucilius witnesseth that the great strong Lucanian herbs did graxe here: Quem neque Lucanis oriundi montibus Tauri Ducere pro telo validis cervicibus possent. Italy, besides other Fowl, hath Eagles and Vultures, which are so often mentioned in the ancient Roman Histories. I come now to the ancient Government. There is no indubitable certainty concerning the ancient Government of Italy. Annius of Viterbium doth speak of Comer, who came first into this Country as a stranger, also of Chamus, janus, Sabatius, Sagus, Cranus, Aurunus, Malotte, Tages, Ofrides', Hercules, Tuscus, Alteus, Ritis, Italus, Morgetes, Roma, Romanessus, jasius, and others: but approved Historians do make no mention of them. But if we read Dionysius Halicarnassaeus, Pompeus Trogus, Solinus Polyhistor, and other Greek and Latin Writers, that many years before the building of Rome, we shall find that Italy was governed by diverse people, as Sicilians, the Aboriginians, the Ligurians, the Umbrians, and the Etrurians: which at last were all reduced under the government of the Roman Empire. Rome at the first was governed by Kings for 245. years together, as Dionysius and Livy do witness, whom in the Roman History it is best to follow. In whom we may read the order and progress of their achievements, and it is to be considered, that their power did increase abroad by military Discipline, and at home by moderation and Justice, and by the order of government. Afterwards the Kings for their tyranny and lust were expelled, which many times had caused many changes, and mutations in the Empire. The names of the Kings are these: Romulus, who reigned 38. years, 〈◊〉, who reigned 43. years, Tullus Hostilius, who reigned 32. years, La●●● Martius, who reigned 24. years, Tarqvinius Priscus, who reigned 37. years, Servius Tullius, who reigned 44. years, Tarqvinius Superbus, who reigned 25. years. He was expelled the Kingdom for his Sons wicked act, who ravished Lucretia. But when the Kings were expelled, the government become Annual, and two Consuls were created. The first of which was L. junius Brutus, unto whom was joined Sp. Lu●●ius Tricipitinus. and after him M. Horatius Pulvillus. Thus Italy was governed by Consuls, until the time of the Emperor Caesar Fl. Mo●●lus Augustulus, whom Odoacer Herulus King of the Goths did depose, and subverted the Country to himself, and afterward being shine, he left it to Theoderick his Successors. I need not set down a Catalogue of the Roman Consuls and Emperors, which are well known. And we may read in Histories the form of the first royal government, the changes of Laws and Magistrates, the Romans valour, their wars, and their many civil dissensions, until Rome had got the Monarchy of the World: and how by luxury, civil wars, and the fatal vicissitude and change of things, it lost again both virtue, and Empire. I proceed to other matters. Italy hath many fair flourishing rich Cities, many famous populous Towns: and many Villages, adorned with Nobleman's houses. It will not therefore be impertinent to set down what Thomas Edward's an Englishm●n hath written concerning the most famous Cities of Italy. Rome's holy by the blood of Saints there shed, Rich Venice with the Sea's encompassed. Parthenope doth Captains stout beget. Mediolanum pleasant is, and great. Bononia doth for study much excel Many Citizens in shining Florence devil. Ferraria doth yield much Iron Oar, Verona hath of all things wondrous store. For Law and Physic Milan is extolled Se●as for eloquence may be enrolled. Cremona is a miserable place, And Mantua sweet Virgin's birth doth grace. Vtinus doth transport of Wine great store. Rich Brixia is liberal to the poor. Papia doth for Italian Verses shine And Luca on two Dukedoms doth confine. Risa bewails her honour lost in th'end. Milk, Cheese, and Butter, Parma do commend, And fair Placentia wants not Inns most dear. Virtue and Piety in Taurinum are. Perusia hath for Soldiers got much fame. Vercella delighteth not in unjust gain. Mutina holds that Frogs most wholesome be. Anconas' walls contemn the Enemy. Macerata doth all suits of Law decide. Emporia is with Havens beautifieed. The City Livium is most prove to War. In Bergomum they rude in language are. Aretium doth make the sharpest Sword. Viterbus to the poor doth help afford. In Asta courteous Citizens are found. Ariminium doth with fruit and Geese abound. Fanum hath women fair, and most complete. Novaria hateth all Fare-like deceit. Ravenna hath lost the fame she had before. Anglia hath few Earls, Vincentia store. Pisaurum hath great store of Figs so great. Pistorium of Chestnuts, Oil, and Wheat. Dertona many rustic Clowns doth feed. And Regium great store of Hogs doth breed. Sweet Vineyards do Cesena compass round. Clear Springs and Streams are in Tarvisium found Imola doth itself in two divide, Vrbinum by her Dukes is dignifide. Faventia is well known for Potter's ware, Spoletum harbours those which strangers are. Pompeia doth fair Sheep and Oxen breed. And Narnia on Eggs and Grapes doth feed. Assissum doth rejoice because that here Holy Saint Francis Corpses interred were. Comum with Fish and Flesh is amply stored. Savona leaving studies, wealth doth hoard. Italy hath many Lakes, the chief whereof are in Etruria Transumenus, Aprilis Marinus, Vadimonis, Ciminus, Vulsiniensis, Sabatus, Palus Bientina, and Ciana. In Latium there are Hostiae Lacus, Albanus, Aquae Salviae, Lacus Nemorensis, juturnae Lacus, Regillus, Fucinus, Pontina Palus, the Fundale Lake, the Tiburtine, Caecubus, the Simbruine Lake. In Picenum there is the Nursine Lake. In Vmbria, the Veline Lake, Floridus, and the C●●iliens●●n Lake. In Campania the Lucrine and Avernan Lake, Linterna Palus, Stativa, and ●●mpeia. In Salentinum and Apulia, the Adurianian Lake, and the Lesi●●. In Flaminia there is 7. Seas, and the Moor Padusa. In Langbardia ●●●●s-padana, there are Verbanus, Ortanus, Larius, Luganus, Gaviratius, ●●●●tius, Trinatius, Chivensis, Puscianus, Sebinus, Benacus, Idrinus, & Poeni●●. In Venice Visigiolus. In Istria Costiacus. It is watered also with many Rivers, as Padus, Athesis, Rubico, Tiber, Arnus, Mincius, Tucinus, Ollius ●●d Abdua. The chiefest of these is Padus, which as Strabo affirmeth, is 〈◊〉 greatest River in Europe except Ister. The Latin writers as Livy, ●●gill, and others do call it Padus, but the Italians call that which is ●●lled Pades, as Metrodorus Scepsius noateth in Pliny, because there are many pitch-trees growing about the Fountain, which are called in French Pades, and the Grecians and Poets did heretofore call them Her●●●●s. Servius would have it so called from Phaeton the Son of Apoll●, for before that Phaeton rhrough his own temerity and rashboote was cast down headlong into this River, it was called Eridanus. 〈◊〉 was called Bodincus as Pliny witnesseth, and Liguridus because it hath 〈◊〉 bottom, Polybius Lib. 3. calleth it Bodegkos, and the ancients did 〈◊〉 it Vesulus as Pliny showeth, who noteth also that Springhead ●●ereof is in the borders Liguria, which is called Visendo, because it is ●●●derfull, and worthy of sight. It floweth from the Fountain with ●●●●eare stream, and so runneth, through the strait narrow Rocks, ●●d the Valleys of the Rocky Mountain: and it falleth down with 〈◊〉 violence as is wonderful. And so runneth with a murmuring ●●●se through the stones, and afterward it floweth abroad, and is 〈◊〉 confined with any channel, for the space almost of three Miles, 〈◊〉 to Paysana, where it runneth almost under ground, so that very ●ittle of it can be seen. But a Mile from thence it riseth up again ●●●ete Paracolum, and so running forward it receiveth many Torrents, ●nd Rivers, from the Alps, and the Apennine Mountains, and so being much increased by those tributary streams, it runneth through ●●e middle of Langbardia, and a part of Romonula, and so with 7. mouths ●●●letts, it dischargeth itself into the Hadriatick Sea. Pliny saith 〈◊〉 it maketh 7. Seas, because it runneth with 7. streams a great ●●y into the Sea, in whom Lib. 3. Cap. 16. see more concerning the ●●●rse of this River, as also in Polybius Lib. 2. in Strabo, Lib. 5. in ●●●●itius Mela, Lib. 3. in Solinus in his Polyhist. Cap. 7. also in Leander Albe●●us, and other modern writers. Virgil in the ninth of his Ae●●ds calleth it Rex Fluviorum the King of Rivers. And Lucan Lib. 2. ●●geth thus. Non minor hic Nilo, and a little after, Non minor hic Istro, 〈◊〉 is, this River is as great as Nilus, or as great as Ister. The River 〈◊〉 so called by Virgil and other doth follow next; Strabo calleth 〈◊〉 Athigis, which the Italians do now call l' Adice or l' Adese: and the germans Etcsh. Pliny reporteth that Athesis doth flow out of the ●●lentine Alps, at first with a small stream, but afterward having 〈◊〉 more strength by the acsension of many Rivers, it runneth with ●●olent course Southward, and afterward from Tridentum it runneth ●●ch a more gentle stream through the Plain: and so having glided ●●rough those fields, it runneth through the narrow passages of the Mountains with so great a violence, that it seems to threaten these places by which it floweth, and with the same vehemency it doth run headlong by Verrona, beneath which it is divided into two Rivers, the one whereof goeth toward the Marshes, the other bendeth to the Seaward, and maketh a fair Haven, you may see more in Leander. From the Springhead thereof to Verona, it is not navigable o● passeable for boats, by reason that it hath such a violent Current, but they bring down trees, and pieces of timber out of the Tridentine Mountains, which they tie together and make them swim down the River. But from Verona it is navigable even to the Fossions. Torellus in his History of Verona, would have Athesis to be the same which Ptolemie calleth Atrianum. And some do think that Adrias is the same with Athesis, which Stephanus and others do mention. The third River is Rubicon, which Ptolemie and other Greek writers do cal● Rubikoon: Strabo calleth it Roubikoon: now it is called Pisatellus. It was that River which a ●liuy witnesseth did anciently bounder Italy after the bounds thereof were translated from the River Aesus▪ The fourth River is Tiber, which is the bounds between E●ruria and Latium. There is no River more famous in Roman Histories. It hath had diverse names, some profane and some sacred. The profane heathen names are janus, Albula, Rumen, and Tiberis, the Divine is Serra Athenaeus reporteth that it was anciently called janus, from the God janus. It appears in Varro and others that it was called Albula, which Paulus Diaconus & Servius do derive ab albo colore from the white colour of it, who showeth also that it was called Rumon. But the chiefes● name of this River was and is Tiber, of which there are diverse Etymologies. Some do derive it from Tiber, a King of the Aborigines Festius and Servius say that he was King of the Tussians: Livy, Ovid, Festus Pompeius, and Eusebius do derive it from Tiberinus Silvius, Prince of the Albanians. Varro delivers that this River was called Deh●beri●● from Dehebris an Earl of the Vejentians: Servius saith that it was called in the Scripture by a sacred name Serra a secando from cutting▪ So much concerning the names, in which it is to be noted that there was a difference observed in the pronunciation of these words Tiberis, Tiber, and Tiberini. For in common speech it was called Tiberis in Poesy Tiber; and in holy writers Tiberinus, as Servius noteth, which is not always true. It was called commonly Tevere. The head of Tiber is in the Apennine Mountains, in the middle of it near the confines of the Aretineans, in that part, where the Fountain of Arnus, is above Aretium. It is a small stream at first like ● little Rivilet, but when it hath run forward it increaseth but a little, in regard it receaveth no great streams, but such as proceed● from small Fountains, but afterward by the receipt of some River it groweth larger, and is Navigable for boats and little vessels eve● to Rome, and so running not fare from Tiphernum, Perusia, Otriculus, i● divideth Eturia from the Vmbrian and Sabinians: and afterward 13● Miles from Rome, it divideth the Vesentians from the Crustiminians an● Fidenations: also it separateth Latium from Vaticanum: and is so grea● and broad a River at Rome, so that they cannot pass over it but b● Bridges or Boats, as Halicarnassaeus writeth, and from thence it runneth forward, and rolleth into the Tyrrhene Sea. Pliny in his 3. Book Cap. 4. and Servius Lib. 7. of his Aeneads do describe the course of this River. See also Florus Lib. 1 Histor. Rom. Cap. 4. and Varao Lib. 4. de L. L. Paulus jovius writ a Book concerning the fish in Tiber, Pliny Lib. 3. Cap. 4. affirmeth that 42. Rivers do run into Tiber. The River Arnus followeth which Livy, Pliny, and others have mentioned, Strabo and Ptolemy do call it Arnus: and in Italian it is called Arvo. It riseth, as Strabo reporteth on the right side of the Apennine Mountain. It is a small stream at the beginning, and runneth westward through the steep rocks and valleys: and afterward being increased by the receipt of many Torrents, and Rivers, it entereth into the Florentine fields, and having divided Florentine and Pisa it runneth to the Sea. Virgil, Strabo, Pliny, and others do call that Mincius, which the Italians do now call Mencio of Menzio. This River having entered into the clear Lake Benna●um, and having encompassed Mantua, 13. Miles from thence it runneth into Padus. Livy, Pliny, Silius, Polybius, Strab. Plut. Ptol. Steph. do call it Ticinus. The Itenarie Tables call it silenus': it is now called Tisino. It riseth out of the Mountain Sumano, which is now called the Mountain of S. Gothard; from whence Rhine, Rhodinus, Athesis, and other Rivers do run diverse ways. Out of this Mountain it runneth by the Lepontians Southward among the steep Rocks to Belinzona a strong Town, and afterward growing greater by the aversion of many Rivers and Torrents, it rolleth itself into the Lake Verbanum, through which it runneth, as Pliny affirmeth, and so returning through the Plain, it runneth with a clear stream into Padus. The water of this River is so clear, that you may see any thing in the bottom of it. It hath also some veins of gold and silver, which may be seen in the sands. The River Ollius which in Italian is called Oglio, hath great store of good fish, especially of that sort which they call in Italian Thymallo. In this River near the Palace, a great many wicker wares are set, and at certain seasons of the year the water brings down infinite store of Eels into them, which are taken out and salted. To search out the rising of this River would be troublesome. The common received opinion is that two small Rivers do run out of the Lake Frigidulph, which is between the Alps, the one on the right hand is called Fridigulph, and at length is joined with Ollius: the other on the left hand doth run with another River, and from thence the River Ollius beginneth. Others make other conjectures. It runneth into the Lake Iseum near the Town Pisonium: it watereth the fields of Brixianum and Cremona, and make their barren soil very fruitful: and it separateth the Brixian Country from Cremonia and Bergoma: It receaveth above 37. other Rivers. Pliny and Tacitus do call that River Abdua, or Addua, which Polib. and Strab. do call Adovas, it is commonly called Adda. It divideth the Cenomanians from the Insubrians. It riseth in the Mountain Baulius: and Strab. noteth that it taketh his force from the Mountain Adula. And so returning from the Lake Larius, through which it runneth, it windeth through the Plain toward Padus, and bringeth with it many other Rivers, as Pilclavo, Meyra, Lira, Tartene, Lacieumortum, Brembrum, and Serimortum, and also Serius, which rising in the Mountains above Bergomum, and flowing by Seriana, in the winter time it hides himself in his channel, and runs under ground, and afterward rising up again near Crema, it runneth into Addua: but in Summer by reason that the heat of the Sun melteth the snow upon the Mountains, it doth so increase and swell, that it doth not only fill those subterranean channels, and windings under the earth, but also it continually overfloweth the upper face of the earth. I pass over the other Rivers, which are many for brevity sake. The Seas, Bayss, and Havens do follow. The higher Sea, the lower Sea, and the Ionian Sea do encompass three sides of Italy. Whence Pliny thus concerning Italy. Tot Maria, portus, gremiumque Terra●um c●mercio patens undique, & tanqam ad iuvandos mortales ipsa avide in mare procurrens: that is: there are so many Seas and Havens as if the Country did spread and lay open her bosom for traffic and Commerce, and for the good of men; she shooteth herself fare into the Sea. It hath many Bays, as Rappalinus Froycis, Amuclanum Mare, the Bayan Bay, the Paestanian Bay, Hypponiates, Scyllericus, the Tarentine Bay, Urias, the Tergestine, the Largian, and Flanitian. After the Bays I will name the Havens. Strabo Lib. 6. writ that Italy for the most part hath no Havens, and those which it hath are very great and strong both to prevent the invasion of enemies, and for the more convenient trading and Commerce. These are the Ports or Havens, the Haven of Olivun●na, of Avaon, of Avison, of Hercules Menaecus, of Mauricus, of Alb●●g●unus, of the Sabatrian Vadians, of Savona, of Genua, of Delphin, of Er●cis, of L●na, of Pisanus, of the Vadians, of the Populonium, of the Scabrians, of ●●lamon, of Hercules, of Gravisia, of Augustus, of Antias, of Caieta, the julian Haven, the Bajon, the Vilinian, the Metaurian, Orestes Haven, Hannibal's Castra. The Tarentine, and Brundusian Havens, Garne, Agasus, the Anconitanian Haven, the Arminian, Ravenas, Peretolas, Livenza, P●la, and many others. After the description or Catalogue of the Havens, the Mountains do follow. The chief whereof are the Alps, which whether we make them belong to France, Germany, or Italy it matters not: for these Mountains running along do with a wall as it were separate Italy from France, and Germany. Festus thinketh that the Alps were so called ab Alberdine from their witness, for the Sabines saith he called that Alpum, which the Latins afterward called Album or white. Isidorus would have the Alps to be a French name, and that high Mountains are called in French Alps. The German speech doth acknowledge the name of Alps, for Alphonso or Alpen signifies in their language pasturing Mountains, on which no Hay is cut or got against Winter, but only Oxen and other herds of Cattles are put there to graze. Strabo writeth that these Mountains were heretofore called Albia and Alpioni: Stephanus also calleth them Alpia and Alpij. Phavorinus calleth them Olbia, and Lycophran, Salpij. Ovid. Lib. 3. de Arte amandi, Lucan and others do call them Alpis in the singular number, and Dionysius Afrus calleth them Alpius. The Alps in ancient writings and records have many names, which show that there were many parts of the Alps over which they travelled. And these are the Sea Alps, which are also called the Ligustina Alps: The Cottian, Grecian, Penine, the Sammian Alps, the Lepontian, the Rhetian, julian and Carnician. And so much concerning the Alps, which breadthwayes do separate and part Italy from France and Germany, the Apinine followeth, which running with a continuing ridge between the higher and the lower Sea, it divideth it length ways into two parts or sides. It is thought to have been so called, because the foot of this Hill is by Hannibal's Penine passage. Some think it was called the Apennine, because the Paenians or Carthaginians breaking into Italy under the conduct of Hannibal did make and open a passage this way, some derive it from Apis an ancient Captain who overcame and conquered all Italy. Ptolamie and others call it Appennina, Stephanus Apennium, the Apennine Mountain, saith Pliny, is the greatest in Italy, running with a continued ridge from the Alps to the Sicillian strait. Italy hath many other Mountains, which are either parts or pieces of the Apennine, or such as it thrusteth forth here and there, or such as lie at the foot thereof, so that it overlookes them. But I pass over them, lest I should be tedious. Moreover the Mountains & aforesaid, the Valleys and fields are crowned with woods, groves, and thicketts, many of which are named and celebrated by the ancients. In Etruria there is the wood Viterbium, which in Italian is called Boscodi Monte ●i●●one, which is commonly called Bolsena, the ancients as Leander reporteth did call it the Valsinan Wood On Ciminus a Mountain of Etruria, here was a wood, so thick that few travelled through it, of which Livy thus. Silva erat Cimina, magis tum invia atque horrenda, quam nuper f●ere Germanicjs Saltus, nulli ad eam diem, ne Mercatorj quidem adita, Eam 〈◊〉 e haud fere quisquam praeter Ducem ipsum audebat. That is, the Cimi●le● Wood was more thick and impassable, than the German Forests were of late, so that no man nor Merchant hath passed thorough it, into which none but the Captain durst enter. In Latium among the Capenatians there was the Wood Feronia, of which Silius singeth thus. Dives ubi ante omnes colitur Feronia Lucos; Et Sacer humectat Fluvialia Rura Capenas. Where Feronia is reverenced above the other Woods; And Capenas doth moisten the Country full of Floods. Near the River Numicum there was a Wood sacred to jupiter Indigites, as Pliny witnesseth. Livy placeth Diana's Wood by Agninum Compitum. Festus noteth that the Wood Naeviam was four miles from the City. Livy writeth that the Wood Camenarus, was without the gate Capena. That which he calleth Algidum Nemus, is now called Selvadel Aglio. Servius placeth the Albunean Wood on the high Tiburtine Mountains, and another of the name in the Laurintinian fields. Virgil intimateth that the wood Angitia, was near to Alba of the Marsians. Cicero maketh the wood Lurina to be in the Territory of Romania. D. Victor placeth the wood Furina, in the 13. Region beyond Tiber. Plutarch calleth it the Furies wood. Pliny placeth the wood Vacuna near the Mountain Fiscellus in Vmbria. Campania also hath fair woods, as Luco Sacro, and Gallinaria Silua. Livy calleth Sacer Lucus, or the holy wood, it is now called Hamij. Cicero writing to Poetus, and Strabo. Lib. 5. do call it Gallinaria Silua. The Lucanian woods are Eboli, Perigrinalis, Velia. In Brutium there is the Rhegian Forest. In Apulia there are Batini Saltus, and Lucus Gargani. In Gallia Cis-Padano there is the wood Lucina, and the Bedanian woods. In Transpadana there is that which Strabo calls Castrorum Lucus: Lastly, there are two woods in Venice, the one is called juno's wood, the other Diana●es. I come now to the public works both sacred and profane, which are innumerable, but we will only reckon some few of them. And that we may begin with the sacred works, they are almost infinite, for Rome alone hath at this day above 300. Churches, of which seven are chief resorted unto for Religion sake; the first is Saint Peter's Church in the Vatican: which exceedeth all the Churches in the World for costly Marble work, and magnificent building. There are many singular things in it: as some Pillars which were brought out of Salomons Temple: two Brass Peacocks which were brought from P. Cornelius Scipio Africanus his Pyramisse, which was heretofore in the Vatican Valley. There are also the Tombs and Sepulchers of many Popes, and a Marble Tomb of the Emperor Otho the second: and in the Pope's Chapel there is Doomsday, or the day of Judgement lively drawn by Michael Angelo. And that I may not omit the Monasteries, the Hospitals for Strangers, the Hospitals for the Sick, and for Orphans. What should I speak of the Popes and Cardinals Palaces? The Pope's Palace is in the highest part of the Valitan, being fairly seated: who leaving his Lateran Palace, did remove thither in regard of the pleasantness and wholesomeness of the Seat. It was begun by Pope Nicholas the third, and enlarged by others, but perfected by julian the second, and Leo the tenth, and at last it was adorned with Buildings and Pictures by Xistus the fifth, so that now the proud Pile seemeth to touch the Heavens. The Stairs are broad and easy to ascend, so that one may ride on Horseback to the top of the House. For it is so great that it seemeth rather a Town than a House, there is Xistus chapel which is as big as a great Church, whether when the See is vacant, the Cardinals do meet together to created a Pope, which is commonly called the Conclave. It would be tedious to mention the other Palaces, and therefore we will pass to other matters. The government of Italy followeth, which is twofold; Political and Ecclesiastical. Concerning the Politic and Civil government, this noble Country is divided into many Signiories. Among which, beside the Pope, the King of Naples, and the free Commonwealths, as Venice, Genoa, Lucensis, and others, the chief in the Northern part are, the Princes of Etruria, Ferrara, Mantua, Mediolanum, Montis-Feratensis, of Parma, of Salluzzia, and Verona. In the Southern part there are many Nobles, which when occasion shall be offered, I will reckon up in their proper places. In Ecclesiastic government the Pope is the Hierarch and the head of the Church, and hath a great Train. Quoties pro cedit Gemmis conspicitur ornatus, & Seri●is vestibus, tectus Auro, vectus Equo albo, stipatus Milite, circumstrepenti●●s septus Ministris. That is, as often as the Pope goes forth, he weareth silk Robes, embroidered with Gold and Pearl, he rideth on a white Horse, and is guarded with Soldiers, and hath Officers which play on Music before him. The other Priests are here much honoured, and have great authority. And are more honoured than Noblemen. The Cardinals as Peter Mossias noteth, did succeed in place of the Consuls, who heretofore governed the Roman Empire: the Archbishops are equal to Dukes: the Bishops to Earls, their Vicars or Substitutes are as it were Precedents of the Empire, & the Provosts are as it were Praefects: the Archpriests are in the place of Tribunes of Soldiers, and the Chancellors do represent the Tribunes of the People. Moreover, Italy hath a threefold Law, the Pontifical, the Caesarian, and the Municipal, the first and second are to be known ●●her where's; the third consists of Statutes and Laws, which the Cities themselves do enact and make: but let so much suffice. I will ●●ely here set down that which is read in a certain Manuscript concerning the Counsels of these several Cities. It is written the Mediolanians are excellent in Counsel: the Venetians wise: the Lucanians rash: the Pisanians inconstant: the Placentians provident: the Florentines slow: the Veronians faithful: the Ferrarians wary: the Genoans ignorant: the Lucensians profitable: the Volscians envious: the Brutians blockish: the Mutinensians acute and ingenious: the Perusinians quick and ready: the Senenians slow: and the Patavians irresolute. The Italians do maintain, cherish, and honour Scholars, and are good Maecenasses unto them. And hence there are so many Universities in Italy, as Romana, Mediolanum, Bononia, Patavina, P●●iensis, Naples, Perusina, Salerne, Pisona, Ferrara, Senensis, Florence, Vene●●, B●gomensis, Mutinensis, and Taurinensis; for the Universities of Par●●, Placentia, Anconita, and Macerata, are for the most part decayed. And hence proceedeth that great plenty of Doctors, and famous men learned in diverse Arts and Disciplines. It would be troublesome unto me to reckon up a Catalogue of them, and tedious to the Reader. Moreover, the Italians do exceed other people for courteous conversation, for gentleness, and for witty conference, and discourse. They are very ingenious and witty, quick of invention, and very docible, in matters of study, and also in learning diverse Arts. They have in all ages thirsted after honour and glory, and have been more desirous of praise than any others. They are soft and effeminate, and given to Venery, quenching pleasure with Milk, as fire is with Oil. They are very desirous of revenge: and they think it sweeter than life, and do sometime leave it by Will to their Posterity. Moreoover the aforesaid Manuscript doth paint forth the women of diverse Cities in this manner: the Senensians are fair: the Florentines delicate: the Perusenians neat: the Cajetanians fair: the Consentineans obstinate: the Beneventanians clownish: th● Bononians arrogant and proud: the Mutinensians bountiful: the Cesenatians covetously scraping: the Genoans wanton: the Cremonians deceitful▪ the Placentians hard: the Lucensians chaste: the Pistoriensians loving and tractable. The Romans grave: the Capuanians proud: the Neapolitans careful: the Brundisinians slothful: the Ferrarians greedy: the Ravennatians courteous: the Urbinatians affable: the Vincentinians constant: the Parmensians covetous: the Papiensians desirous of gain: the Mediolanensians witty conceited: the Pedemontanians prating and talkative: the Venetians wanton: the Verronians comely: the Brixians diligent: the Formianians fair and beautiful: the Laudensians superstitious: the Cremonensians costly: the Tarvisians jealous: the Bergomatians crafty: the Aretinians saving: and the Puteolanians fair. The Italians were heretofore sottishly addicted to many superstitions. But now they do all religiously observe the Ceremonies and Rites of the Roman Church: but that some few in the Southern part of Italy do follow the Grecian Rites, who are also descended of the Grecians. But what a warlike people the Italians have been, the conquest of the world doth declare. And the aforesaid Manuscript doth show which Cities do exceed others in matter of War. In warlike affairs the Perusinians are stout: the Calabrians rash: the Spoletanians crafty: the Senensians fortunate: the Bononians fierce: the Neapolitans courageous: the Turentines are mitigators of their enemy: the Pratensians sacrilegious: the Collensians lustful: the Picenians ravenous: the Aemilians inconsiderate: the Placentinians cruel: the Romans valiant: the Mediolanians undaunted: the Vincentinians desirous of revenge: the Pistorians bloody: the Papiensians firm and constant. Their Diet is sober and frugal, and they are not curious in furnishing their Tables, but when necessity requires. They do not all wear one kind of habit, but they vary according to the time or the quality of the Person, and also in the form and shape of it. The Matrons heretofore did go with naked arms, breasts, and shoulders, and now they cover all with thin Veils according to the Spanish fashion. The Venetians go civilly and neatly, the Florentians, the Tuscians, the Mediolanians, the Aemilians, and Ligurians, do go somewhat braver. But the Roman Courtier doth excel all the rest for long various coloured Garments, but the Roman Citizen goeth more frugally, yet handsomely, but especially the women who of late did affect the Tuscan dressing. Naples hath a habit that is more shining and splendide then costly. The Mediolanians in their apparel are gorgeous, the Genoa's neat, the Mantuans childish, the Neapolitans costly, the Venetians magnificent, the Florentines ridiculous. In revenging of injuries the Lucensians are gentle, the Mediolanians are soon reconciled, the Perusinians are dissemblers, the Fulginatians are hot, the Mutinensians are placable, the Senensians courageous. The Neapolitans are bountiful, the Ferrarians stiff conceited, the Venetians crafty, the Cremonians plain and open, the Picenians backbiters, the Romans unjust. Toward Strangers the Calabrians are inhospitable, the Lucen●●●s faithful, the Senensians loving, the Venetians fair-spoken, the Patavinians hard, the Mediolanians unwary, the Ferrarians sharp, the Mantuans flatterers, the Placentians severe, the Picenians troublesome, the Neapolitans bountiful, the Florentines profuse and prodigal, the Astensians benevolent, the Spoletanes rude and rustic, the Verronians studious, the Papiensians wise, the Genoa's inhospitable, the Parmensians inconstant, the Mutinensians tedious in speech, the Novocomians inhuman. Lastly, the Italians are much given to merchandizing. And the same Manuscript showeth their dispositions in trading and commerce: namely, the Florentines are crafty, the Genoa's tolerable, the Mediotanians plain and open, the Lucensians faithful, the Venetians stately and vary. THE FIRST TABLE OF LOMBARDY. IN WHICH THE WESTERN Alpine part thereof is described, and also Valesia, which is commonly called Wallis. Sedunu is a Bishopric of Valesia, 260. 4534▪ it is subject to Tarentasia, also the Archbishopric o● Sabaudia, and Augusta likewise. 96. 454. HItherto we have described Italy in general, now we come to describe the several parts thereof in particular. Some have divided Italy diverse ways. August●● as Pliny witnesseth hath divided it into 11. Country's Strabo doth part it into eight. Others into more, bu● we omitting them will follow the division and method which Merc●tor hath propounded unto us. And the first is the Table of Lombardy in which the Western part thereof, together with Valesia is described. It is now Euphoniae gratia, or for the sound sake called Lombardi● in stead of Langbardia, which was so called from the Langbardian● who came hither out of Germany in the reign of the Emperor Iust●nian: who for many years together were seated on both banks o● the River Po. It was called heretofore Gallia Cisalpina. Gallia wa● inhabited by the Frenchmen, the Boyans, the Senonians, the Insubr●ans, the Cenomanians, and others, who inhabited all that part whic● is between the foot of the Alps, & the River. That Rubicon was calle● Cis-Alpina, because it was on this side the Alps, as the ancient Italians and the Roman Writers do report, and the other was th● which was inhabited beyond the Alps. This Cis Alpina where it● most Northward, and lieth nearest to the Mountains, Pliny calls S● Alpina, and Caesar calleth it the higher France for the causes beforementioned. Ausonius calleth it ancient France: Appian calleth Italia Gallica, or Galatiken: the Register Book of the Provinces c●●leth it the Mediterranean Italy: not because it lieth in the Mediterranean Sea, but because it lieth in the inward part of the Countr● it is encompassed on the North, West, and South with the Alps, a● the Apennine: on the East with the Hadriatick Sea. Polybius and Pl●● map of Lombardy THE ●IRST TABLE OF LOMBARDY. do make this Country to have a Triangular form, the top whereo● is the Alps, and yet Plutarch in Camillus witnesseth that it is watered with many Rivers. Sidonius speaketh elegantly of this Country. Camp● adeo culti & uberes intercedunt (de Pado loquitur) ut satis constet haud temer●● alios repiriri aut natura feraciores, aut rebus necessarijs ad hominum vitam instructiores. that is, The Fields are so rich and fruitful that do lie on either side (for he speaketh of Padus) so that there are none more fertile, or that afford more necessaries for the sustentation of man● life. Sigonius afterward addeth that the Ligurians and Etrurians were the ancient Princes thereof: afterward the Frenchmen: and lastly, the Romans after whom the Goths succeeded: and the Romans again after the Goths: and after the Romans the Langbards', as we may see in Sabellicus. Lib. Hist. Venetae 1. Decade 4. Strabo, Pliny, and others do make Gallia Cis Alpina toward the West twofold, either Cispadana, commonly called Lombardia di qua dal Po, or Transpadana, dell●● dal Po, because the one is on the hither side, the other beyond Po. But here we describe the Western part of the Alpine Lombary, which doth contain a great part of Lombardy Transpadana. This Country although it be Mountainous, and in some places woody, yet it is enriched with diverse natural gifts: for the Valleys and Champion grounds, are of a fruitful soil, having abundance of Corn, Wine, and other first-fruits. And Hills which bear excellent Vines. In the Woods also and the Mountains there is good hunting of wild beasts. Here are many Cities and Towns: as Mediolanum, Crema, Bergomum, Comum, Clavenna, Luganum, &c. which may be seen in the Table. It hath also more great Lakes than any other parts of Italy: among which is that which Pliny and Strabo call Verbanus, which the Italians, in regard it is greater than the rest, do call Lago majore: and the Germans Langsee. Strabo maketh the length of it 300. furlongs, and the breadth of it 30. furlongs. It is so deep in most places, that it seems to have no bottom. It doth breed excellent Fish, especially large Trout and great Pikes, also Perches, and others. The Lake which Virgil and others call Laris Lacus, and Paul Diaconus and Antonius do call Comacenus from the adjacent City, the Italians do now call it Lago di Como, and the Germans Chumer-see, it is greater than Benacus, and almost equal to Verbanus. Strabo writeth that the length of it is 300. furlongs, and the breadth 30. furlongs. But modern Writers do measure it otherwise. It runneth Northward unto the South, but somewhat bending Eastward. But between Verbanum and Larium, there are some lesser Lakes. As the Lakes Luganus, Gaviratius, Monatius, and others. These Rivers also do water this Country, Ticinus, Adava, Serius, Tosa, Bremba, and many others. There are also diverse Mountains, as Lucumonis Mons, commonly called Lucmannier, Gothards' Mountain, and the greater Alps of Lepontium: also the Rhetian Alps, and many others. But so much hitherto: now it remains that we should entreat of Valesia in the other part of this Table. VALESIA. I Have not yet found whence the name of Valesia is derived, which they call Wallis, or Walisser Land●. But it is supposed that it cometh from the Latin word Vallis, which signifies a Vale, or from Valeria a Castle of the City Sedune. Valesia hath on the North the Bernatians, L●cernatians, and Helvetians: on the South the Cottian and Lepon●●●● Alps: on the East the high Rhetian Alps: on the West the Crucian Alps, and the Lake Leman. The length of it from West to East is 5. days journey: but the breadth is very narrow, but that it is somewhat broader near to Octodurum, and Sedunum. This Country although it be encompassed with high Mountains, and sharp Rocks, which for the most part are a German mile high, and many of them are covered with continual Ice and Snow: yet it wanteth ●●thing for the sustentation of man's life: for it hath good store of Corn, Wine, and other kinds of first-fruits: it hath Wheat, Barley, Oats, ●●●nes, Pease, Fetches, and Mill. Wine beginneth to grow among the Brigentian Dioecese among the Mountains, and the Plantation both continued thorough all the descent of Rhodanus, until you come to ●. Mari●ius. At Sedunum the read Wine is better than the white, and it is so black and thick, that you may writ with it. Near Octodurum 〈◊〉 white is better than the read. And there is no better Wine in 〈◊〉 than that which groweth at Sedunum, and so is transported ●nd carried into neighbour Countries. Here as also in Siders and 〈◊〉 Saffron groweth in great abundance. There are Oranges, Al●oods, and Figs. And thorough the whole Country you shall find all kind of Apples, Pears, Nuts, Prunes, Cherries, Chestnuts, Mulberries, Peaches, Apricocks, and the like. Moreover the Mountains of this Country do yield many sorts of Physical Herbs and Roots, which have special sovereign virtues. This Country also ●very fruitful of Ours: and pure Crystal is digged forth in Gums ●●ere the Springhead of Rhodanus. It produceth also diverse kinds of living creatures, as Cows, Oxen, Horses, Asses, Mules, Sheep, ●ogges, Goats, and Coneys: also Geese, Ducks, Hens, Peacocks, ●●d Doves. It hath also abundance of Bees, of which they make great profit. Moreover the Mountains have some beasts unknown ●o us as the Aegocerots, which are horned like Goats, also wild Oxen, Alpine Mice, and Hares unlike to ours, also Pheasants, Wood●●cks, and Birds which they call Parnifas, also Partridges, Vultures, ●●ing-Doves, Hernes, Finches, Magpies, Stairs, and Thrushes. They ●●ve also abundance of Bears, Wolves, Leopards, Foxes, Martin's, ●●d Falcons. But they have no Hearts, Goats, Boars, Scorpions, or ●●●lfrogs. Yet they have such great store of Venison in this Coun●●●, that it is sold in the Market like Oxe-flesh, and sometime chea●●●. Moreover the Bishop of Sedunum is Prince and Lord of all Vale●●●, both in spiritual and temporal matters, and Charles the great a●● the year of Christ 805. gave this Country and Praefectorship to S. Theodolus Bishop of Sedunum, and to his Successors. And many other Emperors did confirm this donation, and strengthen it even until this day. Valesia is divided into the higher and the lower. The higher doth speak the German language, and beginneth at the Mountain Furca, and so runneth forth to Marca which is under Seduum, near the River Morsus, and it containeth seven Tithings, or Dioceses, which they call Zenden, namely, Sedunum, Cider, Leuck, Raren, Visp, B●igg, and G●mbs. In the lower Valesia they use the Sabaudian language: i● beginneth from the River Morsus, and stretcheth even to the Bridge of S. Mauritius, the Inhabitants whereof were formerly called Veragrians. This lower Valesia hath six communities which they cal● Vexica or Bannerat, namely Condes, Ardon, Sallien, Martinacht, Intremen● and S. Mauritium. The Metropolis of Valesia is Sedu●um, in the German language Satin, and in French Siun, it is a neat City and groweth every day more fair and beautiful. It is seated by a Mountain which riseth Eastward in the middle of a Plain between the high Mountains which do enclose the Valley, and it hath two forked high Rocky tops. But Sedunum a Bishopric of Valesia is subject to Torentasia the Archbishopric of Sabaudia, and likewise Augusta. Ther● is no walled City in Valesia besides Sedunum, although S. Mauritius, o● Agaunum may be counted a pretty Town. Moreover here are th● Castles of Martinacht, or Octodurum; of Gradetsch and old Cider, als● the Towns, Cider, Leuc, Raronia, Vespia, Brig, Naters, and Mo●●ll. Th● Mountains which do encompass Valesia, have other names now than they had heretofore. The Mountain out of which Rhodanus riseth, was heretofore called Subecus, Coatius, and Vrsellus, it is now called Furca. Near unto this is the Mountain Gothard, near to Briga i● the Mountain Sempronius, now called Simpelberg. Near unto it ar● the Mountains Saces and Matter. On the other side of Rhodanus are th● Mountains Loetsch, and Gemmi. In the Poenine Valley, is the Icy Mountain Arolla. Over against Cider Northward is the Mountain● Silvius, which is called Austalberg, and on both sides the Mountain o● S. Bernhard. The Wood Hercynia reacheth forth some of his arms hither, which are called by diverse names, for in some places near Arne● it is called the Wood Milebach, and near Perigrad it is called Piercing Waldt, and in other places it hath other names. The people in Valesi● are now very courteous and affable unto Strangers. But they ar● somewhat more harsh and rigid, than it becometh friends an● neighbours to be. THE SECOND TABLE OF LOMBARDY. IN WHICH THESE COVNtries are especially described, the Country of Tirolis, and Marca Tarvisina. THe second Table of Lombardy containeth the County of Tirolis, and Marca Tarvisina. The County of Tirolis is so named from the Town Tirolus, which was heretofore very fair. It lieth between the Rivers Athesis, and Oenus, and between the Alpine Rocks: on the North it is enclosed with Bavaria, on the South with Lombardy: on the East with Marca Tarvisina, and Forum julij: on the West with Helvetia. It was heretofore a part of Rhetium. This Country although it be enclosed with Alps, and extendeth itself thorough the Rhaetian Rocks, 〈◊〉 it is rich in first-fruits, and all things necessary to life, as also it hath great store of Gold, Silver, and all kinds of Metals, which are drawn out of the bowels of the Mountains, the tops whereof are crowned with vast Woods, and full of great store of wild beasts: the Hills and Cliffs, are full of first-fruits and Vines: the Valleys are watered with fountains and Rivers, and full of Herds and Flocks of Cattles. And ●herefore this County may be equalled and compared not only to a Dukedom, but also to a Kingdom. It was joined to the House of ●●stria, in the year 1460. by Rodolph the Son of Albert Duke of Aus●●ia. The Chief City is Oenipons, commonly called Inspruck, on the right hand bank of the River Oenus, being the seat of the Prince, and the Parliament of Austria is kept here. There are also the Town Ma●●●●m, by the Royal Castle; and Bolzanum a Mart Town of Tirolis. Hella is a Town by the River Oenus famous for making of Salt: Brixia ●s an Episcopal City by the River Isacus where the River Rientius doth disburden itself into Isacus. There is also the old City Tridented by the River Athesis, which Pliny and Strabo do place in the tenth Country of Italy, some would have it built by the Frenchmen; and so ●●ogus delivers. It is supposed that it was so named from Neptune's Tri●●nt. For as the Randenensians do worship Saturn, so the Triden●●nes did worship Neptune, whose effigies and statue may be yet seen ●t the Church of B. Viglius, on that side which lieth toward the Mar●●t. Theodorick King of the Ostrogoths did wall this City with fair ●●ee stone. And he fortified the Castle of Tridentum on the other bank of the River in Verruca in like manner. Afterwards when t●● Ostrogothes were expelled out of Italy, the Langbards did possessed as a Dukedom. But Desidorius King of Langbards' being overcome 〈◊〉 Charles the great, it came again to be under the Emperor's Jurisdiction; and the Emperor did enlarge it, by the accession and addition of the Town Ripa near Benacum, with some Valleys and Village After him Charles the Saxone gave to the Church the whole Coun●● of Tridentum, together with a fair Valley, and the Town B●lzam● And the Earl of Tirolis was made Defender and Protector thereo● And from that time the Bishop had Jurisdiction over both. The Citizens' do speak partly the German language, and partly the Italians: and which is seldom seen in Frontiere Cities, they speak pure language, as in the middle of Germany, or in the middle of Ita●● In this City that famous Counsel was celebrated, in the year 15● under Pope Paul the third. This Country is watered with two speci●● Rivers, Oenus and Athesis. The other may rather be called Rivulet than Rivers. Here are no particular Mountains, for they are 〈◊〉 called by one general name the Rhetian Alps, although they a●● afterward distinguished by their proper names. Here are also ma●● woods: as Grinwald, Hofgarten, In der Aich, Milrinald Forrest. ●●ser P●wen Holtz, &c. Marca Tarvisina. I Have spoke of the County of Tirolis: it remaineth now that w● should speak of Marca Tarvisina. It was so named from the Ci●● Tarvisium, where the Marquesses of Lombardy kept their residen●● who were Governors of this Country. Cassiodorus and others d● call it Tarvisinum. It is called also Venetia from the Venetian people But now in the Country speech it is called Marca Trevigiana. Concerning the bounds thereof, Leander writeth, that Mincius, Benacus, a●● the River Sarca do enclose it on the West: on the North the Tar●●sanian Mountains, which divide Italy from Germany: on the East t● mouth of the River Timavus, and part of the Hadriatick Sea: on t● South the mouth of Athesis, and the Melarianian, and Brigantini●● Marshes: and the same Leander affirmeth that these were the boun● of ancient Venetia, and not of Marca Tarvisina, which was far straighter, and lay lengthwaies between the Rivers Mincius and Alsa, a● that beyond Alsa they were joined to Forum julium, and besides t● which is now called Marca Tarvisina, did contain some places of 〈◊〉 Cenomanians, &c. The Country is fruitful, the air wholesome pleasant, and temperate. It hath pleasant Fields, which yield gr●● store of Corn and Wine, and other first-fruits. It hath plenty of Mett●● and good store of Cattles. And it is adorned and enriched with many gifts of nature, that it is worthy to be accounted one of 〈◊〉 principal Countries of Italy. Heretofore the Euganeans dwelled h● the derivation of whose name if we seek it from the Greek, 〈◊〉 map of Lombardy THE SECOND TABLE OF LOMBARDY. be derived from their noble generous birth. The Venetians as Livy noteth, Lib. 1. did drive the Euganeans from home, from whom the whole Country wa● called Venet●a. The Cities of Marca Ta●visina are Verona, Vin●●nti●, Patavi●m, Venetia, Tarvisium. Of the former of which, namely, Verona, Vincentia, and Patavium we will speak in their proper Table. Venice is a City which containeth about 60. small Lands, & it is seated in the innermost part of the Hadriatick Bay, in the midst of the Lakes, which the Tide filleth every 6. hours: the Sea floweth on the East side, which that the violence and rage thereof may do no harm, some other Lands do lie before it to restrain the fury of the Sea. And although it be not fortified with walls, Bulwarks, or Towers, yet it is strong by the natural situation. It is divided with many Channels. There are Rivers in all the streets, which are joined together by 450. stone and wooden Bridges. The chiefest Channel is that which is called Canal grande, three miles long, which devideth the whole City into two parts. So that you may either go on foot, or by Boat, of which there are 8000. thorough the City, they commonly call these Boats Gondelas. The compass of this City is about 8. miles, which is famous for populousness, wealth, and store of Merchandise: it hath produced excellent wits, and most learned men, and it is adorned with good Laws, and laudable Statutes. It doth abound with Corn which is brought thither out of diverse parts of the World, as also with diverse sorts of Wine, among which is that generous sort of Wine, which is commonly called Malmesy, and with other things, necessary to man's life, so that it may be rightly called the Paradise of Delight. There are in it 64. Parishes. There are also magnificent and sumptuous public and private buildings. The chiefest Church is that which is dedicated to Saint Mark the Evangelist, which is gilded in many places. And to omit other matters, there is an Armoury within the City, commonly called the Arsenal, which is about two miles in compass. Here are made of Wood, Iron, Brass, Hemp, and Flax, all kinds of provision for Ships, as Anchors, Guns, Cables, Ropes, Tackles, and Sailes. Here are also some Ensigns kept which were taken from the Turk, or Pirates, or Enemies, and those Trophies which were taken at Naupactum in the year 1581. And also there are the Praetorian Barges, and the Ship Bucentaurus, in which the Prince accompanied with the Senate and chief men of the City, is carried every year to the entrance of the Sea, where the Castle standeth, and there after some Ceremonies performed by the Bishop, he marrieth the Sea, and puts a Ring upon it to show his perpetual dominion over it. There is also a public Library, together with the Library of Bessarion Cardinal of Nicen, which at his death he gave to the Commonwealth of Venice. Venice is very populous, so that there are thought to be in it about 300000. Citizens. They are of three sorts or ranks: the Patricians who govern the Empire and Commonwealth: the Citizens who do bear under Offices: and the Artificers who use Mechanic Arts. And besides these there are great store of Merchants and Strangers, which come thither in diverse habits out of all parts of the World to traffic: as Turks, Aethiopians, Slavonians, Arabians, Syrians, Cretensians, Cyprians, Macedonians, Germans, Hungarians, Spaniards, Frenchmen, and others. The Venetian Commonwealth was governed at the first by Consuls, afterward by Tribunes for 252. years: afterward in the year 707. it began to be a Dukedom. The Duke commonly called Doge, is the head of the Commonwealth, and the Prince of the Senate, and he can do nothing neither in time of peace or war without the consent of the Senate, for he consulteth with them. The Senate make Decrees which yet are published in the Duke's name. The Duke hath certain stipends paid him out of the public stock: and after his decease another is chosen by suffrages and voices, out of the Senate. The Senate which is commonly called Gr●● Co●siglio, is the Basis and Foundation of the whole State: the Members of it are all Nobles, of 25. years of age, or above: who have free liberty to speak: very faithful in Counsel, and very careful to preserve their liberty, and enlarge their Empire, and very constant in adversity. There are many other Magistrates besides the Duke, which here for brevity sake I omit. This City is held to be ●e fairest and most flourishing City of all others, the Theatre of the World, and the common Mart for the whole Universe, the Mistress and Conqueror over so many Enemies: the Queen of the Hadriatick Sea, and the glory and honour of Italy. Although it hath waged many wars, and tried the varieties of fortune for the space of a thousand years, yet it was never subdued by any foreign Enemy. I pass by the other Cities and lesser Towns. The most famous Rivers of this Gountry are Plavis, commonly called Piave, also Brenta, Ba●●●io,, and Athesis, which is the greatest of them all. There are Mountains in this Patavine Country, which neither belong to the Alps, nor to the Apennine, so that in this respect there is no Country like it in Italy. One of these Mountains is Gemula, the other Venda, and the Euganean Hills so famoused by Poets. There are subject to the Patriarch of Aquilegium, the Bishoprics of Mantua, of Cuman, of Tri●●●tum, of Verona, of Maravia, of Milan, of Vicentium, of Trevisium, of Ce●●da, of Feltre, of Bellun. And so much briefly concerning the County of Tirolis, and Marca Tarvisina. THE THIRD TABLE OF LOMBARDY. IN WHICH ARE DESCRIBED Pedemontana, the Marquiship of Montisferrat, and the Dukedom of GENOA. THe third Table of Lombardy followeth, in which Pedemontium, the Marquiship of Montisferrat, and the Dukedom's of Genoa are described and delineated. Pedemontium is th● first, which is so called, quod ad pedem sit montium, because it is at the foot of the Mountains, or the Alps, whic● do divide France and Sabaudia from Italy: it is commonly called P●●●monte. It is bounderd on the East with Padus; on the South with th● Ligurian Alps: on the West with the Alps of France: on the Nort● with Duria and Riparia. This Country is full of fruitful pleasant Hills, which do yield excellent Corn, Wine, and other first-fruits. An● it hath Ours of Iron near Turinum, and of Marble near Paisan● Here the Turinians dwelled heretofore, who were well known t● Polybius, Livy, and Plutarch; and also Strabo, Pliny, and Ptolemy do plac● them in the ninth Country of Italy, and do make them to be of th● stock of the Ligurians. Afterwards this Country began to be calle● the Taurinian Dukedom under the Langbardians, who having reduced it into a Province, made it a Dukedom. After them it cam● to be under the government of the Kings of Italy: and afterward o● diverse other Princes: especially of Sabaudia: and the Country o● France: it was much wasted in the time of the wars between th● Emperor Charles the fifth, and Francis King of France. The chief● City of this Country is the ancient City Taurinum, which Tacitly Pliny, and Ptolemy do call Augusta Taurinorum. Antonius saith in man● places that this City was called Taurinorum from the people, it i● commonly called Turino. Stephanus the Grammarian would have it s● called from a Bull, which was the arms of the Massilianss, whose Colony it was: it lieth at the mouth of Duria on Padus, in a four square figure, and hath four Gates, and many fair Aedifices or buildings and it hath plenty of all things. The chief Church is consecrated t● Saint john Baptist, besides which there are some 20. other Churche● or thereabouts, also there is the Duke's Palace; and a famous University, in which Erasmus Roterodamus was made Doctor of Divinity. Th●● was one of the first Cities in Italy, which had a Printing house: it map of Lombardy THE THIRD TABLE OF ●OMBARDY. also a Bishopric. Near the Hill there is Rivoli, a populous Town: and a little farther near the River Po there is the Town Carignano: A little higher between the Rivulets and Aviliana there is the fair Monastery of Saint Antonius Ravisinus: and a little from thence near the Monastery of Saint Ambrose, there is Susa, which the most do reckon to be in Saubaudia. Near to Po, six miles from the mouth of Sangonus there is a Town, which they call in their Country speech Pinarolon, which is very rich, and hath a sumptuous Monastery: a little above there is Petrosa: and on the left side of the Fountain Sangonus there is Pagellato, and Bricasse, on the right side of the Mountain Bobius. Not fare from the River Pelice, which runneth into Po, there is Villa Franca, where a Bridge doth join both the Banks of the River Po. There are also by the Springhead or Fountain of Padus, Revello, and Paisana, and a little farther Critio: and a little farther Mambrino, where the Valley of Po beginneth. The Inhabitants do call it Valle di Lucerna, from a Castle which is there of the same name. The Marquiship of MONTISFERRAT. NOw the pleasant and fruitful Country Montisferrat is to be unfolded which is so called as Leander thinketh as it were Mons Ferax the fruitful Mountain, in regard of the fertility of the little Hills which are in it: or from Ferro, that is from Iron, by comparison, because as Iron doth excel all other Metals both for strength and hardness: so this Country doth excel all other Countries for plenty of sweet and pleasant fruit, as also for Wine. Merula. Lib. 6. Antiqu. Vicecom. doth describe Montisferrat in this manner, Mons est perpetuis expansus jugis, totus amaenus & fructifer, omniumque rerum ad vitam utilium fertilis, est colonis admodum frequens. Incipit diurno fere itinere ab Alpibus, planitieque seperatur, quae inter hos colles & Alps intercedit. Nihil his incultum quidquam propter summam soli bonitatem oportunitatemque. Laevam Tanarus, dextram Padus alluit, nec ullius alveum Regio egreditur. Quanto magis autem ab amnibus abscedunt Colles, tanto majores amoenioresque Campi inter eos panduntur, quos haud malè Mesopotamiam queas dicere, quip quod amnibus utrinque sint inclusi. That is, it is one continued Mountain, pleasant, and fruitful, and yielding abundance of all things necessary, and it is full of Husbandmen. It beginneth almost a day's journey from the Alps, and it is separated from them with a Plain which lieth between these Hills and the Alps. It is all tilled in regard of the goodness of the soil. This River Tanarus watereth the left side, and Po the right side, neither do their Channels reach further than this Country. But where the Hills lie farthest from the Rivers, there are fairer and pleasanter Fields, which may be well called Mesopotamia 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, because they lie in the middle between Rivers. The Offspring of Palaeologa did first possess the Marquiship of Montisferrat, even to the year 1534. when after the decease of George, the last of the Palaeologians, the Emperor Charles the fifth declared the Duke of Mantua to be lawful Heir of Montisferrat. ●●e Marquiship was made a Dukedom in the year 1575. by the emperor Maximilian, and the first Duke of Montisferrat was Williamite ●●e third, Prince of Mantua. In this Country the Duke of Mantua 〈◊〉 three famous Cities, which are Casalis D. Evasij, which was made 〈◊〉 City by Sixtus the fourth, in the year 1474. it is a Bishops See, and the 〈◊〉 of the marquis of Montisferrat. It hath two Castles: the old ●●ich was heretofore the Marquis' Palace, and the new, which ●●●●tius G●nzaga, Duke of Mantua and Montisferrat, built, which is commonly called La Citadella: Also Alba, which Pliny calleth Pompeja, ●●d so calleth the Albensians Pompejanians. It is fare bigger than 〈◊〉 D. Evasij, but it hath not so good an air, it was heretofore subject to the Marquesses of Montisferrat, but now to the Dukes of 〈◊〉. That part of the Country is very fruitful which is commonly called Lag●villa. The third City is that which is commonly called 〈◊〉 Acquae Sa●yellorum, which Pliny Lib. 3. Cap. 5. placeth in Liguria. ●teninus call it Aquae: from the hot and wholesome Waters and fountains which are here: for there are in this City public Baths with stone Tables, and steps to go down into them. Beside the aforesaid Cities, there are Bassimana, Valentia, S. Salvatore, Moncalvo, Alexandria, Nicaea surnamed Palea, Asta, Pollentia, Ceva, and many others. The Dukedom of GENOA. THe Dukedom of the Genuensians, or the Country of Genoa was heretofore called Liguria, yet not all but that part, which was beyond the Alps. There are diverse opinions concerning the name of Lig●ria. Some, among whom is Paulus Ciaconus, do report that it was so called ab legendis Leguminibus from gathering of Pulse: some from Ligo one of the fabulous Captains of japetus, and Berosus, Caro, ●abius Pictor, and Semprocius suppose that it was so named from Ligures the Son of Egyptian Phaeton: Now it is commonly called Riviera a de Ge●●●, from Genua a famous City. It is bounderd on the West with the Alps which divide Gallia Narbonensis from Italy: on the East with E●●i● and Macra or Marga which floweth between them: on the South it is beaten with the Ligurian Sea: on the North it is enclosed with the Apennine. This Country as Strionnius writeth, was heretofore barren, and had nothing in it worthy of memory, but that it had great vast Trees, fit for building of Ships. But now it yields good fore of Wine, Oil, and other first-fruits. The Country Dianus doth so abound with Oil, that sometimes it maketh 18. sometimes 20000. ●●rres, which they commonly call Barilas. Genoa is now twofold: the Eastern, and the Western, which from the Metropolis, which standeth in the middle of them both, is called Riviera di Genova, di Ponente, & de Levant. Livy and others call the chief City Genua, Stephanus calleth it Genoa, and Luitprandius Ticinensis, and the Writers of his age, janua; it is now called Genoa and Genova, concerning the situation. I fronteth on Meridium, and the Island Cirnus, the bank of it is opposite to the North, and so it hath a gentle descent into a Plain, being seated at the foot of the Mountains, and behind a Trench or Bulwark doth keep off the cold Northward, having neither a Mountainous Situation nor a plain, but of a mixed kind. The Compass of it is 35955 foot, as the Bishop Nebianus reporteth. So that if we allow 7. foot● to a pace, the measure of the whole City will be 5. miles, but if we● allow 6. foot, than neither the Bulwark nor the Haven can com● within this compass or dimension. It hath a fair Haven which lieth to the South and Southwest, which affordeth safe harbourage fo● Shipping. But concerning Genoa there are these smooth Verses o● Scaligers extent, in English thus. The Asian wealth, and Eastern honours great, And all that Land the Euxine Sea doth beat, The Pisanian Armies, and the youth of worth, And the French Colours I alone drew forth. The subdued Alps I held and kept in awe, And Africa trembled when my Ships it saw. And the Venetian hath fled from the shot Which in my Haven he hath found too hot. OH France you are deceived much, and Spain In your attempts, you take up arms in vain, I conquer being conquered, for if I obtain Victory, or loose it, I am still the same. Having viewed the Metropolis, we will show some of the other Towns and Cities. Not fare from Varus is that which Ptolemy calls Nicaea. Antoninus Nicia, and now Nizza. It is a Sea Town, built heretofore by the Massilianss, and seated behind the Alps, partly on the Cliffs, and partly on plain ground. Now it is strong, having a well-fortified Castle, and it is subject to the Prince of Sabaudia. A mile farther above the Port or Haven of Hercules Monae●us, T●bia, or Turbias is seated on the high Mountains. There are also the Towns of D. Remi, or S. Remo, seated in a pleasant fertile soil, and wonderfully terrified and adorned with Citterne-trees, Palmtrees, Lemmon-trees, and others. Castellum Tabia is but a little Town, but famous for good rich Appian Wines. Albigaunum is an ancient City, seated in a Plain, 500 paces from the Sea, which hath an ill air, but very rich, and abounding with all things necessary. Finartum also, or Naulum. Savona is an ancient City, adorned with many magnificent buildings, and the compass of it is 1500. paces. These Cities are on the Western side of Genoa: on the East side there are Claverium, Sestri di Levanto, and others. The Rivers here are Varus which devideth Province from Liguria, the latter being a Country of Italy, the former of France. This River on the Western bank thereof which is toward France, receiveth those Rivers which are commonly called in French Caremp, Lavaire, and Esteron: on the Western bank toward Italy, it receiveth the Rivers La Lince & La Vesubie. There are also by the Coasts of Liguria Paulon, now called P●lion: Rutuba now called 〈◊〉. There are also Merula, Porzevera, Ferisano, Lavagna, Maera, now called Magra. Concerning the Ecclesiastic government you may read in Mercators' Table: the Bishop of Taurinium, under whom are the Bishops Casalensis, Salutiarum, Montis Regalis, Novariensis, Lodensis, ●●●cellensis, Ipporegiensis, Actensis, Aquensis, Albensis, Terdonensis, Saonensis, Albingaunensis, Vintimeliensis, Placentinus, & Papiensis, are subject to the Archbishop of Mediolanum. There are under the Archbishop of Genoa, the Bishop Bobiensis, Aprumacensis, or Brumacensis, Metenensis, or ●●●●nensis, Acotensis, or Ampruniacensis, Nubiensis, in Corsica, or Nebiensis, Naulensis, Albigaunensis, or of Arbenga, which is reckoned among the Suffragans to the Archbishop of Mediolanum. THE DUKEDOM OF GENOA. THe Dukedom of Genoa which stretcheth forth to the Ligustick Sea, belongeth properly to the Transalpine Liguria. The Metropolis of it is the City Genoa, the other part is divided into the Eastern and Western. The bounds of the former is the Lunensian Haven, of the latter the Haven of Monaecus: This Country hath a rude stony soil, so that it bringeth forth nothing but that which is forced out of the Earth with great pains. It was heretofore covered over with woods, having a few Husbandmen, who did live rather by robberies than tillage. Strabo the Geogr. Lib. 4. writeth thus concerning Liguria. Qui Liguriam habitant, ut plurimum ex pecore victum agitant, lacte hordeaceaque potione, maritimis ex locis ac montanis pastum quaeritantes. That is, those which inhabit Liguria live for the most part of Cattles, their drink is Milk, and a kind of drink made of Barley, they get their food on the Seashore and on the Mountains. These Mountains afford good Timber for building of Ships, and great Trees, which are so thick that the Diameter of some of them is 8. foot. The Ligurians were heretofore a very warlike People, who put the Romans to much trouble, and at last could hardly be subdued. Whence Livy calleth them, Durum in armis genus, a People hardy in the Wars, and Virgil saith, Assuetumque malo Ligurem, the Ligurian is enured to trouble. Genua the Mistress of Liguria is supposed to be the ancientest City of Italy, and that it was built by janus, whom some suppose to be Noah, others conjecture that it was so named from Genuus the Son of King Saturn. Paulus Perusinus delivers that Genuinus an Egyptian and one of Phaëthons' Companions who lay sick here, after he had recovered his health called it after his own name Genua. Others device other Fables, but it is the famousest Mart-towne of Liguria, and it hath increased much within these 400. years, and now it is very strong, & much feared. The Territories of this City did reach heretofore even to the River Tanais. It had under it Theodosia a City of Taurica ●hersonesus, which is now called Caffa, as also Cyprus, Lesbus, Chius, which are Lands in the Mediterranean Sea, and Pera a City of Thrace. It contended long time with the Venetians concerning the Dominion and Empire of the Sea. In this City there are 28. Patrician Families, out of which a Counsel of 400. men is chosen, and the Duke is Precedent thereof. It began to be established at Genoa in imitation of the Venetian Commonwealth about the year 1237. but afterward being much troubled with the factions and discords of the Citizens, and being enforced to obey foreign Lords, as the Mediolanians, Frenchmen, and Spaniards, it lost much of her former power and authority, map of Genoa THE DUKEDOM OF GENOA and being now subject, it enjoyeth rather an imaginary than a free Commonwealth. But to conclude, referring the Reader that desireth to know more, to Bracelius, Bizarus, Aug. justinianus, Fr. Leander Albertus, I think it fit to set down Scaligers Verses. The Asian wealth or Eastern honours great, And all that Land the Euxine Sea doth beat. The Pisanian Armies, and the youth of worth, And the French Colours I alone drew forth. The subdued Alps I held, and kept in awe, And Africa trembled when my Ships it saw, And the Venetian hath fled from the shot Which in my Haven he hath found too hot. OH France you are deceived much, and Spain, In your attempts, you take up arms in vain: I conquer if conquered, for if I obtain Victory, or loose it, I am still the same. THE FOURTH TABLE OF LOMBARDY. IN WHICH ARE THESE Country's Romandiola, the Dukedoms of Parma and Feraria, and the Marquiship of Mantua. THE fourth and last Table of Lombardie doth present to your view Romandiola, and the Dukedoms of Parma, and Mantua. The first is Romandiola or Romanula, which was so called by the Pope and the Emperor Charles the great. The bounds of Romanula on the North are the Moors or Marshes of Verona, and Patavina, even to the Mouth of the River Po, together with a part of the Hadriatick Sea: on the East Isaurus together with Picenum, on the South the Apinnine, with Etruria, concerning the Western bounds there are different opinions. Some go no farther than the River Vatrinus on this side of Fo●an C●●nelij: some pass over to Scultenna, now Panarium, and there they stay. We will follow the latter, and make the length thereof to be 11●. Miles or thereabouts between Folia and Panarium: and the breadth almost 96. Miles, between the Apennine and the Marshes before mentioned. Concerning the quality of this Country Leander writeth that it hath a very good soil, yielding all kinds of fruits both for delight & necessary use. Here are large fields planted with all kinds of fruit bearing trees, pleasant Hills full of Vines, Olives, and Figgs, Woods full of fruit, Meadows full of grass, and Bushie thickets fit for hunting, also many wholesome waters, many Salt-pits, both near the Shore side, and within the Country, also Metals Ours, and innumerable other excellent gifts of nature, which would be tedious to rehearse. There are some famous Cities in this Country and many Towns. The chief are, that which Ptolemy and other call Arminum, the Inhalitants do now call it Rimini, and the Germans Rumelen. It was so so called from the River which watereth it. Others have other derivations. It aboundeth with plenty. The Haven was heretofore very fair, large and capable of Shipping, but now it receiveth only small vessels being filled & choked up with sand. There is also Cervia a Sea City, heretofore called Phicoles'. The Cernians for the most part are Salt-makers, of which they make so great gain, that the Pope hath yearly from thence 60. thousand Crowns. There is also Cesena, which Ptolemy calleth Caeseni. Strabo, Caesena, and now the most do call it Caesena and some Cesnadigo, and lastly Cesna. It is now a very populous City, and in former time it was enlarged on the West and Noth sides, by Bernardine Rubrius of Parma. There is a strong Castle seated on a Hill on the South side of the City, which was built by the Emperor Frederick the second: Sarsina is an ancient City at the foot of the Apennine, where Plautus was borne. Ravenna which Strabo calleth Raovenna and Ptolemy Ravennai, is an ancient City. Concerning the situation whereof Strabo writeth much Lib. 5. There are under the Archbishop hereof, the Bishop Adriensis, Comaclensis, Cerviensis, Foroliviensis, Foropompiliensis, Vellimensis, or Filly, Cesenatensis, Sareniensis or Sarsinatensis, Faventinus, Imolensis, Mutinensis, Bonotensis, Reginensis, Parmensis, and Barcinensis. There are very good Meadows and Pastures by this City, which do yield grrat store of Milk, Butter, and Cheese. Forum-Livij is now called Forli. It is a City that cxcelleth both for Situation, and plenty, being seated between the two Rivers Roncus and Montonus, and hath a good air. Forum Cornelij commonly called Imolais seated by the River Santernus, the soil round about it is fruitful, and yields great store of Corn, Wine, Oil, and other fruits. Bononia is an ancient noble City, commonly called Bologna, it is seated at the foot of the Apennine, by the River Rhine, and the Torrent Aposa runneth through the middle of the City: it lieth all against the East, on the South side it hath Vine-bearing hills, on the other sides fair fruitful Meadows. The air is not very wholesome. The compass of it is 7. Miles. It hath 12. Gates, and Magnificent houses, and Nobleman's Palaces. The Emperor Theodosius did institute an University here, in the year 423. Now we come to Ferraria, concerning the name whereof there are diverse opinions. But it is most probable that it was called from the Inhabitants of Ferrarida, which was beyond Po, who were translated hither in the year 423. by the Decree of the Emperor Theodosius: at what time it was a Village without walls, and afterward about the year 658. it was walled about by Smaragdus, Exarchus, and by degrees it was so much enlarged, that at length it become a noble City. The Bishopric was translated hither by Pope Vitellianus about the year 658. and 12. neighbouring Villages made subject unto it by the Emperor Constantine the 2. who gave it also many Privileges. It is now called Ferrara. And it is seated on the Bank of the River Po which watereth it on the East and South sides. The air is thick, in regard that it is situate in the Marshes. It hath straight, long, broad streets, the most whereof the marquis Leonell caused to be paved with brick, and it is wonderfully beautified with public and private buildings. There is a great Church, and two Castles, the one by the River, the other over against S. George's Church, which is the Duke's Seat: and both are well fortified: it is populous, and aboundeth with plenty of all things, and it is one of the pleasantest Cities in Italy, being the head seat of the ancient and noble family of the Atestines. The Emperor Frederick the second did institute here an University in contempt of Bononia. It hath a great Plain round about it but barren. I pass by the other Cities of Romandiola and the lesser Towns. map of Lombardy THE FOURTH TABLE OF LOMBARDY. The Dukedom of PARMA. THE Dukedom of Parma is so called from the City Parma. The Soil is pleasant, and beareth excellent fruit and good Vines, it hath also wholesome waters, Parmizan. and pleasant Meadows, and it is very much commended for cheese and fleeces of wool. This City of Parma from whence the Dukedom is denominated, was built by the Tuscians, and as many other Cities in these parts, afterwards it was possessed by the Borians, and in Process of time the Romans were Lords of it, who as Livy delivers Lib. 29. in the year 570. brought, thither a Colony. Mar. Tul. in the last of his Philippics, bewaileth that calamity which L. Antoninus brought upon it. Afterwards it was freed from the power of the Roman servitude: and now it sometimes belonged to the Emperors, sometimes to the Popes, but it was always joined in friendship with Bononia. It endured two whole years a grievous siege which was laid against it by the Emperor Frederick the second about the year 1248. because it took part with the Pope. But he being driven away, it had afterward many Earls, as the Corregians, Scaligers, Atestians, also the Galeatians, and the Sforza's, who were Viscount's: and lastly, the Frenchmen, with whom the Pope of Rome did often contend for the Dominion and Sovereignty over this City, who at last being aided by the Emperor Charles the fifth, expulsed the Frenchmen out of Italy, and got the City. Now it hath Dukes, the first whereof was instituted by the Pope, namely, Peter Aloysius Farnesius, the Son of Pope Paul the third, who within two year being cruelly murdered; his Son Octavius was put in his place, and after his decease his Son succeeded him. But Strabo and Ptolemy do place Parma in the Aemilian way, five miles from the Apennine. It was so called from the River Parma: or as others suppose, Quod Parmam, hoc est breve scutum, referat, that is, because it resembleth a little round Buckler or Target, which is called Parma. It hath fair houses, straight broad streets, and plenty of all things necessary. It is very populous, and seated on a Plain: the air is very wholesome: so that Pliny maketh mention of 5. men of Parma, three whereof lived 120. years, and two 130. years. The Winters and Summers are temperate. It hath a strong Castle, and many Palaces belonging to Princes and noble Families. In the Marketplace which is very large there is a fair Fountain: and a Church built in imitation of the Roman fashion: and a Bell hung on three Pillars: and a Steeple like that at Bononia. The Suburbs are divided from it by a River of the same name, and it is an Archbishopric. The Inhabitants are comely, noble, Martial, courageous, and witty. Also the ancient and noble City Placentia hath a Duke as well as Parma, which Ptolemy and others call Plakentia, and commonly Piazenza. It is seated near Po, from which it is distant about 1000 foot, it standeth in a pleasant soil, and glorieth in her fruitful fields, and famous Citizens. The walls are new: the Bulwarks and Fortifications very large and strong. It is also a Bishopric. It hath a School for all Arts and Disciplines. The fields round about this City in regard they are well watered do yield Wine, Oil, Corn, and all kind of Fruits: for it hath many Springs, Rivers, and Rivulets, which do water the Pastures, and Meadows. The Dukedom of MANTUA. THe Dukedom of Mantua is so named from the City Mantua. It was first governed by the Thuscians, who built this City, afterward the French Cenomanian did govern it, after whom the Romans obtained it. It endured much misery under the Triumvirate. For when Cremona was left as a prey to the Conquerors, it lost a great part of his Territory by his vicinity and neighbourhood unto it. Whence Virgil saith. Mantua vae miserae nimium vicina Cremonae. Mantua alas doth stand too nigh, Cremona oppressed with misery. There succeeded after the Romans, the Goths, and Langbards: who being expelled; it was reduced to the obedience of the Roman Empire, which afterward decaying, it got liberty with many other Cities, which it enjoyed, until the Emperor Otho the second gave it to Theobald Earl of Canossaw. There succeeded after him his Son Boniface, and he dying without any Issue Male, his Wife Beatrix, and his Daughter Mathilde succeeded, who much enlarged Mantua. That City which Strabo and Ptolemy did call Mantua, is now called Mantoa. Diverse have sundry opinions concerning the original of this City. Howsoever, the original is most ancient. It is seated in the midst of the Marshes, which the River Mincius flowing out of the Lake Be●●●um doth make, neither can you go unto it but by great high Bridges: hence in regard of the natural situation it is accounted one of the strongest Cities of Italy. It is a fair City, adorned with magnificent public and private buildings, and fair streets. THE COUNTY OF BRESSIA, AND THE DUKEDOM OF MEDIOLANUM. map of Bressia and Mediolanum THE COUNTY OF BRESSIA, AND THE DUKEDOM OF MEDIOLANUM. Hic locus odit, amat, punit, conservat, honorat, Nequitiem, pacem, crimina, jura, Probos. This place doth love, 1 hate, 2 punish, 3 keep, 4 and reverence, 5 Wickedness, 1 peace, 2 faults, 3 laws, 4 and good men's 5 innocence. There are many inscriptions upon Marble, and many Eulogies of Statues, and diverse Epitaphs both in the Churches, the Bishop's Palace, and also in all parts of the City and the Territories thereof. The Inhabitants are wealth, neat, Noble, subtle, and witty. It flourisheth now for riches: so that it is usually called Vrbis Veneta Sponsa, the City of Venice his Bride. It received the Christian faith from D. Appollinaris Bishop of Ravenna. And it is a Bishopric. Of which Scaliger thus. Quae pingues scatebras specula despectat ab alta Postulat Imperij Brixia magna vices, Caelum hilarum, Frons laeta urbi, gens nescia fraudis, Atque modum ignorat divitis uber agri. Si regeret patrias animas concordibus oras, Tunc poterat Dominis ipsa jubere suis. Great Brixia that from a Hill doth view Those fruitful springs which do the ground bedew, Complains of change of government, the air Is pleasant, and the City is most fair. The people are ignorant in all deceit, The richness of the soil is very great, And if due concord could be here maintained, Those who are now her Lords, she might command. There is also in this Territory the Town Quintianum, situate 20. miles from Brixia Southward, near the River Ollius. Also Reggiate, Bottesino, Vtele, Novalara, with many others, it hath also the Lake Benacum, so called from a Town, the ruins whereof are still remaining. Catullus calls it Lydius, from the Lydians that is the Tyrrhenians, who as fame reporteth did sometime inhabit the Country near unto it: it is called in Italian Lago di Garda: and in the German speech Gard-se, from the Castle which is seated on the East bank thereof. This Lake, as Alexius Vgonius writeth to Cardinal Pole, doth excel all others for good fish: it is environed with pleasant Hills, and Springs ●e every where break forth: here there are woods, and green Meadows, Vines, Olives, Maple-trees, Bay-trees, and Cedars: and Towns full of all provision do encompass it round about, so that ●t wanteth nothing either for delight and pleasure, or for use and profit. There is also another Lake called Sebinus or Sevinus, now it ●s called Lago d'Iseo, from the Castle Iseus which is on the bank there●. This receaveth the River Ollus on the North, and casteth it forth again on the South. Lastly, there is also between Sebinum and Be●um the Lake Idrinus, commonly called Lago d'Idro, or Idro Lago. It was so named from the Castle Idrus: Some suppose it was so called from the Hydra, which Hercules slew here, it hath abundance of fish. It dischargeth itself into Idrinus by diverse streams: the lesser Lakes are those which are called in their Country speech Lago Cap. Lago ●cone, and others. The River Mella or Mela doth cut thorough the middle of this Territory. It still retaineth the name of Mella even until this day. But yet it doth not run by the City as we may see, b●● by the Precincts thereof. The little Rivulet which glideth by the City is now called Garza. The Dukedom of MEDIOLANUM. THe Dukedom of Mediolanum is 300. miles in compass. The soil is very fertile and fruitful. Livy, Florus, and Polybius, do report that this Country, with the most of the Transpadane Cities did yield themselves to the power of the Romans, and become a Province, Marcellus and Cn. Scipio. being Consuls. And it is manifest that some of the latter Emperors, alured by the conveniency of the place, did make this City their seat of Residence, as Nerva, Trajane, Hab●n, Maximinian, Philip, Constantine, Constantius, jovianus, Valentes, Valentinian, and Theodosius. Trajane built a Palace here, which still retaineth that name. But when the power of the Caesars grew weak, this City was wasted and spoilt by the incursions and in roads of the Barbarians: as the Goths, Huns, and Langbards. Whom when Charles the great had droven out of Italy, this Country did put it safe under the protection of the Kings of France, & afterward of the German Emperors. The most of which were yearly crowned here with an Iron Crown, in the ancient and famous Church of Saint Ambrose, as ●eander proveth by several examples. At length under the reign of the Emperor's Frederick the first, and the second, against whom it continually rebelled, it had new Lords, which were the Viscount's Caloatij, who afterward in the year 1394. were created Dukes by the Emperor Wenceslaus. Afterwards they had the Dukes of Sfortia, by the suffrage and consent of the Citizens, and by the authority of the Roman Empire: which the Galeatians could never obtain. But their Line being extinguished, the Emperor Charles the fifth was their Successor, who passed over this principality to the King's o● Spain his Successors. The chief City is called by all Latin Writers Mediolanum: Polybius, Strabo, Ptolemy, do call it Mediolanium, and Mediolana, the Italians do now call it Milano, the Germans Mey-lands, Mediolanium was built by the French Insubrians, as Livy, Trogus, and others do report; who coming into Italy under the conduct o● their Captain Bellovesus, and having expulsed the Tuscians, they founded a City here: in the year, as some do reckon, before the birth of Christ 339. and as others reckon, 380. Howsoever it is most ancient. Isaac Causabone. Lib. 4. and Strabo do think that it was so named from Mediolanium a City of the Santones in France. Some say that it is derived from a German word, as it were Maylandt, from the green fields, which are as fresh and pleasant as the fields are in the Month of May: or else it is called Midlandt, because it is the middle and Navel, as jovius showeth of Insubria, being enclosed with the River Ticinus: or lastly, it is called Maegde-landt, or Meydel landt, that is the Virgin Country, from Minerva who had a Temple there, which was heretofore consecrated to our Saviour, afterward to the blessed Virgin, and now to Saint Tecla. Mediolanum is situate between Ticinus and Abdua, not fare from the Alps: having a temperate air and climate. It is thought to be one of the greatest Cities of Europe, and it flourisheth for wealth and merchandizing: it hath fair buildings, great Churches, and wide large streets: and it is well fortified with Walls, Bulwarks, and an Armoury, which do take up a great space of ground. It hath large Suburbs, some of which may compare with great Cities, being ditched and walled about as the City is next to the Church which is call Domus, being fairly and magnificently built, there is Saint Laurences great Church, which was built upon the ruins of Hercules Temple. There are also in it seven high channelled Pillars curiously wrought. There is also the strongest Castle which is in this part of the world, and it is called Porta jovia, it is impregnable, and the fairest in all Europe. There is in the Suburbs an Hospital for Strangers, or for the sick, by the way of Bernomatius, the foundation whereof containeth many Acres, it was begun by the Sfortians, but is not yet finished. Also there is the Church of S. Gothard, in which are the Tombs, and Sepulchers of many noble Viscount's. There are many ancient Inscriptions in the Cities, and many other Monuments of Antiquity. It hath an ancient University, where it is thought that Virgil studied. And Leander writeth that it hath a famous Library. There are so many diversities of Tradesmen, that it is a common Proverb. I chivolesse rassettare Italia, si ruma Milano, which is to say, Mediolanum scilicet destruendo, Italiam instrui posse. That is, if Milan were destroyed all Italy might be furnished with all kind of Tradesmen and Artificers. It is said that the King of Spain receiveth yearly from hence 80. thousand crowns. The ridding and determining of civil and criminal causes belongeth to the Senate of Milan, in which there are 16. Doctors, and some Prelates and Patritians of Milan. Milan is an Archbishopric, the Archbishopric whereof hath these Suffragans under him, Bergomensis, Brixi●sis, of Cremona, Landensis, Novaria, Vercellensis, Ipporegtensis, Vigleviensis, Astensis, Aquensis, Albensis, Terdonensis, Saonensis, Albingaunensis, Vin●liensis, Placentinum, Papiensis, and Ferrara are exempted. THE DUKEDOM OF MILAN. THis is the greatest and most potent Dukedom of a Europe, which heretofore the Insubrians inhabite● between the Rivers Abdua and Ticinus. The chief Cities in it are Milan, Lauda, Ticinum, which is now called Papia, and Novarra. The soil is every wher● fruitful, pleasant, and watered with many Streams and Rivers: th● chief City hereof is Milan built by the Frenchmen, for when Tarqvinius Prisius reigned at Rome, King Bellonesus having passed over th● Alps with a great band of Frenchmen, and having expulsed the Hetruscians, he built a City in that place, which Leander saith was called Subria, and he called this City Mediolanum, or as some are persuaded Meydlandum, as it were the Virgin Land, perhaps from Minerva's Temple, who was worshipped in this place, which is now consecrated to S. Tecla, whence Alciat thus. Quam Mediolanum sacram dixere puella Terram: nam vetus hoc gallica lingua sonas. Culta Minerva fuit, nunc est ubi numine Tecla Mutato, Matris Virginis ante domum. Mediolanum the Virgin Land they name, For in the French it signifies the same, 'Twas sacred to Minerva, now they adore Tecla, and the Virgin Mother heretofore. Some think it was so denominated from a Sow that was half covered with wool, which Alciat seems to glance at thus in his Emblems, when he saith. Laniger huic fignum, Sus est, animalque biforme Acribus hinc setis, lavitio inde Levi. Their arms a Sow, a creature most uncouth, Th'one side bristled, tother woolly smooth. So also Claudian in the marriage of Honorius and Maria. — ad maenia Gallis Condita lanigerae suis ostendentia pellem. The wall built by the French, which yet do show The skin and shape of their wooll-bearing Sow. map of Milan THE DUKEDOM OF MILAN. This Country was reduced to the form of a Province, and was subject to the Romans, as Polybius and Livy report. And many Emperors taking delight in the conveniency of the place, did make the City of Milan their seat of residence, and adorned it with many public Aedifices and Buildings; whence Ausonius. Mediolani mira omnia, copia rerum, Innumere cultaeque domus; tum duplice muro Amplificata loci species, populique voluptas Circus, & inclusi moles cuneata Theatri: Templa, Palatinaeque arces. All things at Milan are most wonderful, There's plenty, and the houses beautiful. A double wall the City doth augment, The People in the Cirque take much content, And in the theatres they do delight, There are Temples, and fair Palaces most bright. But when the Emperor decayed, it was oftentimes vexed by the Huns, Goths, and Langbards. It was taken and destroyed by Fred. Barbarossa. It was a long time governed by Viscount's, john Galeatius was first created Duke by the Emperor Wenceslaus, and from thence it descended to the Aurelians and Sfortians, and at length Charles the fifth did bring it into his own Family. In this City there is the royal Castle of Porta jovia, the strongest in all Europe. It is full of Artificers, especially Smiths, who forge out of Iron, Swords, Brest-plates, Bucklers, and other Military instruments. Hence ariseth that saying, Qui Italiam armis instruere totam velit, eum destruere Mediolanum oportere; That is, He that would furnish all Italy with arms, must destroy Milan. But I conclude with this eloquent Elegy of a Divine Writer. This Land a people did first entertain, From whom this Kingdom at the first began. The French, Italians both allied did grow, And gave new laws unto the ancient Po. Than Germany joined in so great affairs, And Fame her golden Trumpet now prepares, Let one poor honour some poor Town advance, While threefold honour doth unto me chance. THE PRINCIPALITIES OF VERONA, VICENTIA, AND PATAVIUM. And the Territories of the chief Cities of MARCA TARVISINA are amply described. IN this Table the Territories of three chief Cities of Marca Tarvisina are delineated and described, Verona, Vicentia, and Patavium. The first is the Territory or Country of Verona. The length of it from the Town Bruchelius unto the River which cometh out of the Lake Bevacum, is 65. Miles: the breadth from the Castle on the Frontiers even to Rivoltella is forty Miles. The soil in some parts is stony, and therefore untilled, and some part of it is very good. It hath abundance of Wheat, Oil, Wine, Cattell, Wool, and other precious commodities. It hath also famous Quarries of Stone. And many wholesome medicinal herbs, especially on the Mountain Baldus, whether Physicians do often resort to gather them. The Tuscans are supposed to have built Verona, others think that the French Cenomanians did build it: who being expulsed, it was a long time subject to the Romans, and Cn. Pompeius Strabo, the father of Magnus brought thither a Colony. Afterwards being wasted by Attila King of the Hunns, it was afterward subject to many Tyrannies, first to the Kings of the Goths: the Langbards did expel them, and the Frechmen under the conduct of Charles the great did expel the Langbards: after whom the Berengarians being droven out of Italy by the Emperor Otto the first, it enjoyed some quiet and rest under the authority and Protection of the Roman Empire. Actiolinus Romaninus having got it by force, did change the Praefectorship into a Lordship, having expulsed Azo Atestinus, whom the Senate and People of Verona had made Praetor. He dying obout the year 1259. the Saligerians by the suffrage and common consent of the Citizens were entitled Princes of Verona almost 128. years; who being droven out, and partly made away by poison, the Galleatians got possession of it, and afterward the Cariensians, whom the Venetians did drive out, under whose jurisdiction it constantly and peceablely continueth. The City which Ptol. calleth Verona and Overona, doth still retain that name. The Germans call it Dietrichs Bern. It hath a thin air. It is like the City Basil in Helvetia, for situation, having many fair buildings: it is seated on a plain level, both Southward, Eastward, and Westward, but on the North side the ground riseth a little, like a Roman Theatre. It is fortified, and encompased round about with the River Athesis. There are diverse Monuments of antiquity, which do testify the ancient magnificence and riches of this City. It hath straight, large streets, paved with stone, and about 35. Churches, the chief whereof is the ancient Cathedral Church, and the Church of S. Anastasius; it hath 10. Monasteries. On the top of a rock there are two famous Castles of S. Peter, and S. Faelix. Also an ancient Castle, which is commonly called Citadella. There is also a great Amphitheatre in the middle of the City. This City is a Bishopric. The Inhabitants are magnificent, beautiful, comely, very witty, and prove to learning. I cannot omit this one thing that when the Venetians did fortify this City, they found certain hollow Caves, and when they digged in the Mountains, they found Urchins or hedghoggs of stone, also Oysters, Birds bills, and star fishes which were as hard as any Stones. The Territory of VICENTIA. THe Country of Vicentia followeth, the soil whereof as it is pleasant, so it is fruitful, yielding great store of Wine, and other fruits, especially Mulberries, on whose leaves Silkworms do feed. Not fare from the City there are two famous stone Quarries in the Mountain, which the Latins call Cornelius, it is commonly called Covelo. There are also Marble Ours in the Valdanian street. This City was built by the Tuscans, or as Trogus writeth, by the Frenchmen, afterward it continued faithful to the Romans, until Attilas' time who wasted it, and afterward it was subject to the Goths, the Langbards, and lastly to the Kings of Italy. They being expulsed, it was subject to the Roman Empire, until the reign of the Emperor Frederick the second, by whom being sacked and burnt, it had afterward diverse Lords, as the Carrasieni, of Patavini, the Scaligers of Verona, and the Galeatians of Milan: and also the Venetians. At length being infested and vexed by the forces of the Emperor Maximilian the 1. it was restored at last to the Venetians. This City Trogus, Pomponius, Tacitus, & others do call Vicentia. Plin. and Antoninus do call it Vicetia: Aelianus Bisetia and Bitetia, Ptol. calls it Ovikenta, and it is commonly called Vicenza. It is seated near the foot of a Hill, being divided into unequal parts by the two navigable Rivers Rerone and Bachilione. It is not very fair or beautiful, but populous, and abounding with plenty. There are four things here worthy of noting, the Praetors magnificent Palace, a Bridge of one Arch, the great Altar stone in S. Laurences Church, which is of a wonderful length, and lastly the Theatre, which is commonly called L. Academia. There is also the Monastery of St. Corona, where there is also a famous Library. The Inhabitants are of a lively disposition, prove, and apt to learning, warfare, or merchandising, and Industrious, they live bravely and go decently in apparel. It is a Bishopric. Moreover in the Territory of Vicentia, there are these Towns, Morostica which is a famous rich Town. Also Brendulum which is rich and populous. Also Leucium both for wealth, populousness, and largeness, may compare with many Cities of Italy. There is also six Miles about Vicentia, toward map of Verona THE PRINCIPALITY OF VERONA. the South, the Town and Castle Custodia, which was so called because delinquents and lose persons, were kept there at work in great Quarries of stone, to dig stones for building of houses. The Territory of PATAVIUM. THe Territory of Patavium followeth, which we are to describe in this Table, which is thus bounderd by Bernardinus Scardeomus: on the South the River Athesis runneth: on the North the little River Muso glideth: on the East the gulf of Venice: on the West the Euganian hills, and the Country of Vicentia. The compass and circumference of this Country is 180. Miles, in which there are six hundred and seven and forty Villages. Caelius Rhodiginus writeth that Constantinus Palaeologus was wont to say, nisi secreta sanctissimus viris affimari in Oriente Paradisum esse, arbitrari se non alibi eum reperiri posse, quam in persuavi Patavina amanitate. That is if holy men had not affirmed that Paradise was in the East, he should think that it could not be found any where else but in sweet and pleasant Patavium. The soil is fruitful, yielding corn, fruit, and rich Wines, whence Marshal, Pictaque Pompineis Euganea arva jugis. The Euganean fields which painted are With hills that purple Vines do bear. It affordeth also great store of Hunting, Fowling, and Fishing. The Inhabitants have a Proverb, concerning the incredible Plenty of this Country, Bologna la grassa, Padova la Passa. This City was always joined in friendship and amity with the Romans, as appeareth in Livy Lib. 41. and in M. Tullius his Phillippicks. The Colony brought hither was better conditioned than other Colonies. For the Patavians had power to give their voice and suffrage, as the Roman Citizens. It was taken and sacked with other Cities by Attila King of the Huns, and an hundred years afterward by the Langbards, who burned it, when in the reign of Charles the great, it began to be partly under the Kings of Italy, and the French King: partly under the Berengarians: but afterward it become free in the reign of the Emperor Otho the first. The form of this Commonwealth lasted, until Frederick the second, by whose command and authority Actiolinus Romaninus possessed this City: after whom it had these Lords, the Carrariensians, the Scaligerians, and the Galeatians, and about the year of Christ 1404. the Venetians, whom it still obeyeth, and like a good Mother, finding herself weak and infirm through age, she yields all her right to her Daughter (for the Venetians were a Colony of the Patavines) not to be governed, but rather sustained and helped by her. Patavium is a most ancient City, the flower and honour of all the Cities in Italy, Ptolemy calls it Patavium, it is now called Milan. Ptolemy also in another place calleth it Baetobium. Some suppose it was so named in regard of the Vicinity and nearness thereof unto the River Po, and the Marshes, and so called as it were Padaveum: some derive it a petendo or from hitting, because An●●r the builder of this City, Avem telo petiverit, did there shoot a Bird with an Arrow. But Antenor is reported to have built it as he came from Troy. Thit City is situate in a fruitful level soil, and it hath a gentle temperate air, it is happy both for the goodness of the soil, the pleasantness of the Euganian Mountains, and the vicinity of the Alps, and the Sea. The River Brenta floweth by it. The compass of it is now twofold, and heretofore threefold: the outward compass or circumference doth contain 6200. paces, with 6. magnificent Gates. The inward circumference 3000. paces, having a long walk round about it. It is also fair and magnificent, abounding with all things necessary, it is also paved, and well fortified with Ditches, Trenches, and Bulwarks: it hath magnificent, and sumptuous Aedifices, both sacred, profane, public, and private. There are 23. Friaries, and 49. Nunneries. There is a Palace which was built by the Emperor Henry, which is now a Court of justice, and the chiefest of note in all Italy, which is not supported with any Pillars, but covered with Lead. Moreover there is the Court of public counsel, with a Porch, it is supported with Marble Pillars, built of stone, and covered with Lead, there are 5. great Market-places, 38. Bridges, arched with stone, over the River Bronta. There are large Porches, spacious Courts, three Hospitals for the sick, and as many for strangers. There is also an Hopitall for Orphans. It doth contain 4000 houses. The Inhabitants are very witty, apt and prove to warfare, virtue, and studies. Titus Livius, Cn. Valerius, Flaccus, L. Ar●●tius Stella, and many others have graced Milan with their birth. It hath the famous University of Milan, which was founded and instituted by the Emperor Charles the great, or as some think by Frederick the second, which was much enlarged by Pope Vrbane the fourth, and perfected and established by the most illustrious Commonwealth of Venice. There are also many Libraries, well furnished with Greek and Latin Books, one at S. john's in the Garden, another at S. justines', the third at S. Antony's. This Country is so watered with Rivers, that to the great commodities and profit of the Inhabitants, there is no Country Town which is above 5. miles distant from a River. FRIULI, and ISTRIA, KARSTIA, CARNIOLA, AND the Marquiship of the Windorians, and the County of CILIA. THere followeth in Mercator, Forum julij, and Istria, with other Countries. This Country was at first so called from Forum julij, the chief City, or as some would have it, from julius Caesar, who brought hither some Legions against the Germans. The Italians call it new Friuli, the Germans Friaul: the Venetians and others do call it Patria. It appeareth also in Histories that it was called Aquilejensis. The bounds of this Country on the East are Istria: on the North the Stony Mountains: on the West the Vindelician and Norician Alps: on the South the Hadriatick Bay. This Country hath a temperate climate, a wholesome air, fair fields, well watered, and yielding abundance of all kinds of first-fruits, the Meadows and Pastures flourishing and full of Cattles, it hath also Vines which yield excellent rich Wines. Woods it hath which afford good Timber, and excellent Hunting, and also Mountains full of Metals, Marble, and other Precious Stones. The Euganians did first inhabit this Country, afterward in process of time the Venetians, afterward the Frenchmen, afterward it was under the Roman Empire, which declining, it was subject to the Langbards. After them succeeded the Emperors, and after them the Berengarians, who being destroyed and extirpated, it returned to the obedience of the Roman Empire. The Emperor Otho gave a good part of it to the Church of Aquilejum, and Conradus gave the other part with Istria. The Venetians at length possessed it, about the year 1420. who still do govern it, although the most part of it be subject to peculiar Earls and Lords. The Metropolis of this Country is Vtinum, commonly called Vdene, the Germans call it Weiden. Leander supposeth that it is an ancient Town, and that Pliny maketh mention of it. Niger believeth that it is that which Ptolemy and others do call Forum julium. Howsoever it is a large City, magnificent, and abounding with plenty of all things. The compass of it is 5. miles. The Venetians do now govern the Commonwealth by Precedents sent thither, which they call Locumtenentes or Substitutes. There are in it 16000 Citizens. There are also other Cities, Aquileia, commonly called Aquilegia, the Germans call it Agler. It is situate by the River Natison. The City was heretofore large and spacious, and fortified with walls, and also beautified with Churches, a magnificent Theatre, and other public and private Buildings. It is now unfrequented, which was heretofore very fair and populous. It remained faithful and constant to the Roman Empire, until the time of Attila King of the Huns, by whom being besieged and much distressed for map of Friuli FRIULI. want of Corn, at length it was taken and sacked, and 30000. men who lived in it were put to the Sword, the rest fled to the Island. Afterwards it was re-edified by Narsetes, and for a time it was under the power of the Langbards, until the coming of harles the great into Italy, after which time it was subject to the Kings of Italy, and afterward to the Roman Emperors. Afterwards it began to be under the government of Patriarches, from them it came to the Venetians, under whom it now continueth in peace and tranquillity. But these Bishops are subject to the Patriarch of Aquilegium, the Bishop of Concordia, Pola, Parentium, Triestinensis, or Tergestinensis, Coma●lensis, or Petenensis, justinopolitanus, Madrientis, of the New City, or Emonians. Seek the rest in the second Table of Lombardy. Under the Bishop of Gradensis, are the Bishops of Castellanium, or Venice, also Tercellanensis, Equilensis, or Eusulanus, Caprulensis, Clodiensis, of the New City, or Goritia according to Leander, which Ptolemy and Antoninus call julium Carnicum. Amasaeus Lib. of the bounds of Venice, placeth Goritia where Noreja was heretofore, Candidus calleth it Noritia. Goritia hath his Princes, which are subject to the Dukes of Austria. It is a Town famous for wealth and nobility. There is also Portus Gruarius, which Pliny calleth Portus Romatinus, or Spilimbergum, which is well fortified both by nature and Art; also Maranum which is very populous and rich. The Mount Falcon is a noble rich Town. There is also the City Palma, and a round Castle built by the Venetians in the year 1593. under the foundation whereof there was money laid with this Inscription on one side, Pasale Ciconia Deuce Venetorum, An. Dom. 1593. On the other side, Fori julij, Italiae, Christianae fidei propugnaculum. That is, the Fortress of Forum julium, of Italy, and the Christian faith. I omit the other lesser Towns. These Rivers do appertain to this Country. Romantinum, Tilaventum, Sontius, Frigidus, Natiso, Alsa ●urus, and others. The Inhabitants are very prove and apt to humane Arts, Merchandise, and other honest studies. ISTRIA. AFter Forum julium followeth Istria, well known to Latin and Greek writers, which still retaineth that name, the Germans call it Hister-reich, as it were the Kingdom of Istria. Plinny showeth that it was heretofore called japydia. It resembleth a Peninsula, and lieth for the most part between the two Bays Tergeslinum and Carnarium, it is encompassed with the Hadriatick Sea, on the North it is bounderd with the Carnician and Norician Alps; on the West before it runneth forth into the Sea, it hath the River Formio, and the River Arsia on the East. The breadth of it is eleven Miles, the compass of it 122. Miles, from Formio aforesaid, even to the Fanatic Promontory, or the innermost corner of the Carnarian Bay. The whole Country is rugged, yet more hilly than Mountains, which hills do yield great store of wine, oil, and other fruits, but little wheat or other grain, except the fields Piscino and Humagio. There is a Mountain commonly called Mayor, which is full of wholesome drugs and herbs, and Physicians do resort hither to gather them. Istria doth yield abundance of Salt. There are also stone Quarries. Marble is cut forth of the Rovinian fields, which is called Istrian Marble, which is of great esteem through all Italy. Moreover part of Istria belongeth to the Venetians, and part to the Austrians. Let us come to particulars. The first City that we meet withal is justinopolis, which is a chief City of Chersonesus. For so the learned call it, which is commonly called Cab● d' Istria. It was so named at first from the Emperor justine. Afterwards it was called by a latter name, because it lieth in the entrance of the Country as you come from Forum julium. It possesseth a small Island, which is a Mile long, and of a little breadth being divided from the Continent unto which it is joined by Bridges, which may be drawn up. It hath a Castle in the midst fortified with four Towers: It belongeth now to the Venetians. Five Miles off, there is another Castle, which is joined to the continent with a stone Bridge. Afterwards there followeth Vranum, which the Italians call Castellatium, and Cistellerium, commonly called Castelier. Fifty paces hence is S. Simon and Piranum is 5. Miles distant from thence: and Salvorum as many: and Vinacum. From Vinacum it is two Miles to S. Peregrine: and a Mile from thence to S. john della Corne; and as many to S. Laurence commonly called di Daila: a Mile off is Daila itself, and three Miles off is the raw City, commonly called Aemonia. From the River Quietius it is three Miles to Port Cerverius. Four Miles from thence is the City ●mium, which is now called Parenzo. The Town Orser followeth, which in Latin is called Vrserium. Lemus being passed by, we come to ●nium and afterward to that Town which is commonly called Le ●ne, also to Portesuol, and Mutazzo: and from thence it is three 〈◊〉 to the Promontory Cisanum, Muratio, and Phasiana, and from thence it is two Miles to the Bandonian Valley, and as many to Marco●um: and it is three Miles from thence to Port Pola. Afterwards there is the Episcopal City Pola seated on a high Mountain, which ●●ll retaineth his ancient name, a hundred Miles from Tergeste: and ●●. Miles from Ancona being divided from it by the Hadriatick Sea. The Rivers of Istria are Risanus, Draconia, Quietus, Lemus, and Arsia. There are also woods which afford very good Ship timber. The Inhabitants are poor in regard the Venetians do engross all traffic to themselves. We will speak hereafter concerning the Marquiship of the Vindorians, and therefore I will here omit it. I have scarce any thing to writ concerning Karstia, and the County of Cilia: but I will add something concerning Carniola. CARNIOLA. CArniola was so named from the Carnian people, as also Carinthia. Concerning whom Valaterranus writeth thus Lib. 2. of his Geography. The Carnians are beyond the Istrians, the Country is broad, beginning from Forum julium, and reaching to the Mountains. The Country of Carniola although it be Mountainous, as the other Countries of this Province; yet it hath plenty of Wine, Oil, Fruit, and Corne. But they make Carniola twofold: the dry which wanteth water: and the moist, in which the River Naws riseth, and also Nauportus which is now called Labatus, and many other Rivers. It is adorned with the title of a Dukedom. The chief City is Labacum, which hath the same name with the River. Some do place Goritia in Carniola, which we mentioned before in Forum julium. On the left hand bank of Sontius upwards, there are two Fortresses, which the Venetians built heretofore to defend the River, and to prevent the incursions and inroads of the Turks. Moreover there is a Lake in this Country, which affordeth every year a harvest, fishing, and hunting. The Inhabitants do call it Zircknitzerzee from the Town Zircknitz, which is situated by it. But I will make a more accurrate description of it out of George Wernherus: it is enclosed every where with Mountains, for half a Mile together it is not very broad. Out of the Mountains there do issue certain small Rivers, which are every one contained in their own Channels: on the East side there are three, on the South five. The farther that they run the more narrower they grow, for their banks are straight, until they are swallowed up in the hoany passages of the Cliffs, which seem as if they were cut out by humane Industry. So that where they found an open place the waters do spread abroad, and make a Lake. These waters do as speedily run back as they flow forward, not only in those narrow channels, but also through the earth, which when the Inhabitants perceive, they stop the greater passages, and Concavities, and so go to fishing, which is both pleasant and profitable. For the fish which they take here being salted is transported to other Countries. Moreover when the Lake is dry they have a kind of harvest, for they sow it and mow it before that it be overflowed again. It beareth such abundance of grass, that in twenty days it will be ready to cut. Who therefore cannot choose but admire at these wonders of nature? But so much cocerning these things, I pass to the rest. THE BISHOPRIC OF TUSCIA TUSCIA followeth, which ancient Writers do celebrated by three special names, Tyrrhenia, Etruria, and Tuscia: the latter of these three names it still retaineth. For it is commonly called Tuscany. The bounds of it are on the South the Nether Sea, or the Tyrrhene Sea: on the North the Apennine Mountain, where there is a part of Vmbria, and Gallia ●ogata: on the West Liguria, from which it is parted by the River Macra: on the East Tiberis. That part which is nearer to the Sea, is plainer and pleasanter, but the inward parts are more Mountanious; but in general it is as fair and delightful as any Country in Italy. It hath spacious flourishing fields, very fruitful, pleasant Vales, Mountains, and Hills, which are adorned with fair houses, and Orchards planted with Orange-trees, and Cittorne-trees. It hath abundance of Vineyards, which yield excellent rich Wine. The ancient Inhabitants were heretofore generally called Tyrrhetians, Etruscians, and Tuscians. Afterwards from Romulus' time the Romans began to war against the Tuscians, which war they maintained a long time, so that matters being brought to a dangerous estate, they were fain to sand out a Dictator against them. But in the year from the building of the City 474. the Vulsinensians and the Vulciensians the most flourishing people of the Etruscians being overcome by the Consul. Ti. Coruncanius, they were added to the Roman Empire, and so the Empire was enlarged on that side even to Arnus. Neither had they afterward any just occasion to war with the Tuscians. So that being thus subjected they continued faithful to the Roman People. But when the Roman Empire began to decline, they were oppressed with many calamities, by the Goths, the Langbards, the Huns, and others. At length it came to pass that the greater part of Etruria is now subject to the great Duke of Etruria, under whose government there are these noble Towns, Florence, Pisa, Sena, Pratum, Pistorium, Volatterra, Mons Politianus, Aretium, Cortona, Pescia, Pientia, Mons Alcinus, Liburnum, Plumbinum, and many other Towns. That which they call S. Peter's Patrimony belongeth to the Pope. It beginneth from the River Pescia, and S. query, and so reacheth to the Castle Caparanum in new Latium not fare from the River Lirus. Pontremulum near the Fountain of the River Marca belongeth to the King of Spain, which heretofore belonged to the Dukes of Milan, also Portus Herculis, Orbetellum Mons Argentarius, and Plumbini Arx, also the Carfenianian or Grasinianian Valley, which lieth beneath the Apennine on both sides of the River Sercia, in which there map of Tuscia THE BISHOPRIC OF TUSCIA. is the new Grasinianian Castle, with many other Castles and Towns, are subject to the Duke of Ferrara. Sarzan by the River Macra looketh toward Genoa. Massa and Carraria do belong to particular Marquesses, who are adorned with their Titles. There are also other Towns which were subject to the Romans, as Bracianum, of which the Ursines are Dukes. Moreover in Tuscia there are these chief Cities: Pisa a very curious City, which Trogus, and others call Pisae. The Inhabitants have a very good memory, because the City is seated in a thick air. It lieth between the Rivers Auseres, and Arnus, as Strabo, and Pliny do note. Now Arnus runneth by it which hath three Harens. Dionysius Halic. Lib. 1. doth celebrated and praise the antiquity and nobility thereof. Others do deliver, that it was usually accounted one of the 12. chief Cities of Etruria, the Duke of Etruria, is often styled Duke of Pisa, and the Knights of S. Stephen, who were instituted by this Duke, have a house in this City. The Pisanians did build the chief Temple which they call Domus, or the House, which is 540. paces in compass, and supported with 70. Pillars, and also they built the Bishop's house with, the spoils which they brought away after the conquest of the Saracens at Panormus. The soil round about this City is fit for tillage; and so fruitful, that it feedeth all Etruria, and sendeth Corn to other Countries. The Wines are not very good: but there are excellent Melons. There is also Leuca, of which julius Scaliger saith, Tuscis delitium, Tusci laus incluta Coeli: Luca is well known both to Latin and Greek Writers: Strabo and Ptolemy call it Leuca. It is a fair City, and populous, seated on a Plain, and environed on every side with Hills strongly walled, and well paved, it is not very great, but full of Citizens, and hath continual traffic and trading. The Inhabitants are neat, wise, witty: who have a long time kept their liberty, albeit their neighbours have often assaulted them. Pistorum, ●ow called Pistoja, is walled about & was much enlarged by Desiderius King of the Langbards. At length the Florentines laid it to their own Territory. Florence is the chief City and Metropolis of Etruria. It is now commonly called Fiorenza, or Firenza. It is thought that Florence was so called ab Flore from a Flower, in regard that the happy & flourishing estate thereof resembleth a Flower, or else in regard of the flourishing excellent wits of the Inhabitants, or lastly, because it was derived from Rome the most flourishing City. It is 6. miles in compass, and containeth above 90000. Inhabitants, it is seated on a level plain by the River Arnus, which cutteth it into two parts which are united again, & joined together with fair Bridges, it is paved, & adorned with fair streets, and on the East & North it is encompassed with pleasant Hills clothed with fruitbearing trees, and on the West side it hath a fair Plain. It lieth in a middle Climate between Aretium & Pisa, the former of these Cities doth produce sharp wits, and the other, men of a strong faithful memory. The arms of the Apennine do fortify it against the invasions or incursions of enemies, it is very fair and beautiful, insomuch that it is a common saying Florenza la bellà, totiusque flos Italiae; that is, Florence the fair, and the flower of all Italy: there are here many sacred, and profane public Buildings, which for brevity sake I omit. The Inhabitants are witty, grave, eloquent, and studious of good Arts. They love to get money, & to that end they trade into foreign Countries. The Women are very beautiful, and chaste, and their habit, as also that which the men wear is very decent and comely Volaterra, which Ptolemy calleth Ovolaterrai, and the Itinerary Tables Aquae Volaterrae, is seated on a steep rugged Rock. The walls are of Free square stone, six foot broad, which are neatly and cunningly built without Morter. This City hath five Gates, and at every one of them a Fountain of pure water. The walls do show the antiquity thereof, as also the Sepulchers, Epitaphs in Etrurian Letters, and ancient Marble Statues, and also carved stones which are digged forth daily, and other things. That which Ptolemy calls Saena, and the itinerary Tables Saena julia, is commonly called Sienna, being distant from Rome 800. Furlongs, and seated on a high ground, on this side Arbia, having as it were three corners, of which that which looketh Southward is broader than those which are Eastward and Westward: it hath a good wholesome air, but that it is troubled sometimes with blasting winds. Many of the Poets do call it delitias Italiae, that is the delight and pleasure of Italy, Saena is paved, having straight long streets, and high Towers, and also many nobleman's houses. The Citizens are very courteous towards Strangers, much addicted to gain and worldly affairs. That which Ptolemy calls Perusia, and Eutropius and the itinerary Tables Perusium, the Italians do now call Perugia. It is seated on a Hill of the Apennine, and fortified by the natural situation. It hath many fair Buildings both public and private, Viterbium standeth in a fair spacious place, and hath Cyminian Mountains behind it, it is built of square stone, and hath many Towers. Among the public works there is a famous Fountain, which springeth continually. It hath a good fruitful soil, which yields abundance of Wine and first-fruits. There are also many Lakes in Etruria. As that which Livy and others call Trasumenus, and Silius Trasimenus, and now it is called from the City near unto it Lago de Perugia, that which Antoninus calleth Lacus Aprilis, is now called Fangosa Palude, the Sea-lake, or the Salt-lake, or Lago d'Orbitello, is called in their language Lacus Vadimonis, there are also the Ciminian Lake, the Volsiniensian, the Sabatian, the Bientinian, and the Cianian. It hath many Rivers, which are full of excellent Fish, as namely, Laventia, Frigidus, Anser, Arnus, Cecinna, Cornia, Alma, Brunus, Vmbro, Osa, Albengia, Floris, Martha, Minio, Eris, Vacina, Sanguinaria, Aron, and some others. It hath also wholesome Baths, and other waters endued with wonderful virtue. Here are diverse Mountains, as also the Mountain Ciminus, well known to Livy, Vibius, and Virgil. That which Pliny calls Soractis is now called Mente de S. Silvestro. Orosius also placeth the Fessulanian Mountains in Etruria. The Corronensians also are there on the North side of the Lake Transumenus. The Woods are the Volsinian wood, the Ciminian wood, and Maesia. It hath also diverse Libraries, as at Pisa by the Dominicans, at Luca by the Franciscans, six in the City of Florence, and one at Saena, and Perusia. Moreover Livy and Diodorus do report that the Etrurians are the strongest, richest and best governed Nation of Italy. It appeareth by ancient Writers that they were always much addicted to ceremonies, insomuch that they were the first that invented Sacrifices, Divinations, South sayings, and Auguries, and so delivered them to the Romans, as Tully in his Book of divination and others do note. Mercator doth reckon these Bishops in Tuscany, Nepesinus, Castellanensis, Montis Falconis, Viterbiensis, Suavensis, Castellanus, Vulteranus, the Archbishop Senensis, Fesulanus, Zarzanensis, Sutri, Ortanensis, Cornetanensis, Tuscanensis, Clusinus, Aretinas, Pientinensis, Pistoriensis, Binensis, Corthonensis, Civitatensis, Bal●●rigensis, Vrbevetanus, Castrensis, Perusinus, Grossetanus, Lucanus, Florentinus, Arch, Lunensis: the Archbishop of Pisa under whom are Messanensis, Civitanensis, and other Bishops in Corsica. THE MARQVISHIP OF ANCONITANA, AND the Dukedom of SPOLETO. THE Marquiship of Ancomitana was so called by the Langbards from Ancone a famous Mart Town, where the Marquesses of this Country had their seat of residence. Livy and others do call it Picenum. There confineth on the Marquiship of Ancomitana, on the South the Sabinians, Vilumbrians, and Vmbrians, with the Apennine Mountain: on the West Gallia Cisalpina, with the River Isaurus; on the North the Adriatic Sea. Concerning the Eastern bounds there are diverse opinions. Pliny maketh them to be the Rivers Aternus and Ancon: and Ptolemy the River Matrinus with Ancon. The modern writers the chief whereof is Leander, doth make the River Truentum to be the bounds and limits between them and the Preturiarians. The Country of Picenum according to Livy, is very fertile, but yet it hath greater store of fruit than corn. The best wine is made at the Town called Sirolum, which Plinny calleth Anconitanian Wine. This Country is for the most part under the Pope's jurisdiction: there are these Towns in it Ancona, Recanatum, Fanum D. Mariae Laureti, Camerinum, Fanum Fortunae, Tolentinum, Firmum, Macerata, and some others Towns: also Eugebium, Coligum, Forum Semrronij, S. Leo, Senogallia, V●binum, and some others. The chief City is Ancona, which Ptolemy calls Ancon. It still retaineth that name, which was first given to this City, because the Country bendeth here like an Elbow. It is opposite to the Promontory Cumeras, and it is enclosed on the North with the Sea and the Haven: moreover it is well fortified with Gates, Bulwarks, and Walls: It hath a Port or Haven which is strong both by Art and nature, and hath a convenient entrance into it, and is able to receive many ships, which was built by the Emperor Traian. The City hath twelve Forts, which are all well furnished with ordinance. It is famous in regard that Grecians, Illyrians, Pannonians, and all Europe do trade and traffic here, it is very populous, and the streets are long and straight. The soil round about is fruitful, yielding Wine, and other commodities. There are also Firmium, now called Firmo, an ancient City. Ricenetum, Reccanoto, or Recunati, which the Italians do now call Ricanati, is a famous Mart-towne, in so much that Merchants out of all Europe and Asia do come thither twice a year to Fairs. Some ruinous pieces of Helvia Ricina may be seen as you travel along, among the rest there is a great brick Amphitheatre on the bank of the River Potentia, and other carcases of great Buildings. Auxinum is an ancient Episcopal City, commonly called Osmo. Livy calls it Oximum. Many Epitaphs and Eulogies which have been found here of late do show the antiquity thereof. Fabrianum in Latin called Faberiana, is a Town map of Anconitana and Spoleto THE MARQVISHIP OF ANCONITANA, AND the Dukedom of SPOLETO. very full of Shops, which are so distributed, that every street hath several shops, so that one street hath all Smiths, and another all Shoemakers, and another Papermen. Sevogallia is an Episcopal City, which as it appeareth by Polybius and others was first called Sena, afterward Senogallia: it is now called Sinigaglia, or Sinegalia: it hath a thick air. Parvum is watered on the West with the River Misa: being fortified with a thick brick wall, with a Ditch and Bulwarks. But yet in regard it is so near unto the Sea it wanteth fresh water, so that they are fain to use that which is brought thither. Fanum is an Episcopal Town not very great, situated on a Mountain, commonly called Fano, Tacitus and Ptolemy do commonly call it Fanum Fortunae, for there are still many ruins remaining of that sumptuous Church which was dedicated to Fortune. Here is a Marble Arch of costly and curious workmanship, which is thirty Cubits high, and thirty broad. On the top whereof which is fallen down, there was an Elegy engraven in praise of the Emperor Constantine. The River Argilla runneth by it Forum Sempronium, now called Fossumbrunum, or Fossumbruno, is an Episcopal Town, in which there are many tokens of antiquity, for besides Aqueducts, paved ways, pillars and other things, there are many marbles thrown down with ancient inscriptions, which have been gathered by others. Pisaurum is an Episcopal City now called Pesaro. A famous Mart-towne of Italy, rich in Merchandise, beautiful, and adorned with fair houses. Vrbinum is situate on a high unlevell Mountain between the same Rivers, it is a neat City fairly built, and hath a fruitful soil round about it, and it is adorned with a fair Library, which is furnished with many excellent Books. In Picenum by the side of the Mountain Victor there is a famous Lake, which they call Nursinum. The common people do affirm that evil spirits do swim in it: because the water do continually leap up and fall down again, to the great admiration of those who are ignorant of the cause thereof. These Rivers do water it, Truentus, commonly called Tronto, Castellanus, Asonus. Letus mortuus, Tenna, Chientus, Flastra, Letus Vivus, Asinus, Potentia, Muson, Esinus, Misa, Sontinus, Cesanus, Metaurus, Cantianus, Boasus, Argila. There are these Mountains, Furcas, Pescas, and Auximus so called from the City Auximum, and Corvus, whence many Rivers together with Albula and Truento do run thorough the Marrucinians, the Praecutianians, and the Marsins. But the Apennine Mount in this place where it hangeth over this Country is highest. Here are these Bishoprics, Asculanensis, Firmianus, Camerinensis, Auximanensis, Humanas, Anconitanus, Esinensis, or Exinas, Senogaliensis, Fanensis, Pisaurensis, Forosemproniensis, Calliensis, Vrbinas, or S. Leonis, Maceratensis, Racanatensis. The Dukedom of SPOLETO. THe Dukedom of Spoleto commonly called Ducato di Spoleto, is so called from the City Spoleto, which was heretofore the Palace of the Dukes of Lombardy. It was heretofore called Vmbria. It may be clearly collected out of Strabo that the bounds of Vmbria were heretofore very large, who make the Apennine Mountain, and the Hadriatick Sea to be the bounds thereof. Some do make the length of it to be from Ravenna to Tiberis, which is a 1650. Furlongs, or 1128. Furlongs and an half. The Country is here full of high rugged Mountains, and there garnished and trimmed with Hills, which do yield great store of Wine, Oil, Figs, and other first-fruits, and then again it openeth into fertile and fruitful Plains. The Cities of the Dukedom of Spoleto are Eugubium, which is seated at the foot of the Apennine, and there lieth a pleasant fair Plain before it. Some would have it to be that which Silius calls Inginium: Cicero Iguvium: P●●l. Isovion. It is an old Town, and of great Antiquity. It is now a populous Town, and the Inhabitants do live by dressing and spinning of Wool. The soil is partly Mountainous, partly Champion. And it hath every where great store of Corne. Neuceria also cleaveth to the side of the Apennine, the itinerary Tables do call it Nuceriu●, commonly Nocera, and in their language Fulignum or Fuligno, it is above an hundred and threescore Furlongs from Perusia. Sillus Italicus calleth it Fulginia. Timia is divided with a little poor stream. In the Market place there are three Palaces: in one of which there do devil the 7. men called Fulginates, before whom all civil controversies are brought, who bear that office for two years: in the other the Praetor who judgeth of more weighty causes, and his office lasteth six months: in the third is the governor, who hath chief power under the Pope. Assisum was so called from the Mountain Asis near unto it, Ptolemy calls it Aesisium, Strabo Aesium, it is commonly called Ascesi, and Sisi, it hath a Bishop. Here S. Francis was borne, who instituted the Order of Minorite Friars, and it hath a sumptuous Church. Here is also a well-furnished Library. Mons Falco is a new Town seated among pleasant Hills, and very populous, B. Clara, who founded the Order of S. Clares Nuns, was borne here. There is also Spoletum, from whence Vmbria was called the Dukedom of Spoleto. It is commonly called Spoleto, Strabo and Ptolemy do call it Spoletium. It hath an unequal situation, partly on a Plain, and partly on a Hill, on which there is a strong Castle built out of the ruins of an Amphitheatre. It is now a fair City, abounding with plenty of all things. There is beside many other ancient Edifices, as the foundation of an Amphitheatre, and the old Church of Concordia without the City, and there are pieces of Aqueducts, which were cut out of the Apennine, and partly conveyed to the City thorough brick Vaults and Channels. Ceretum is a new Town but populous, from whence the Ceretain are now called Errones, or wanderers, who travel thorough all Italy under the pretence and colour of sanctity and religion, and get their living by diverse Arts. The Castellanian Bridge, or Ponte Castello was built by the Ceretanians. Here john Pontanus was borne, a famous, learned man. Conissa is a new Town seated on a Mountain, but very populous. That which Strabo calleth Interamna, and Antoninus Interamnia, and the itinerary Tables Interamnium; is commonly called Terni, or Terani: it aboundeth with all things necessary, and is very populous. The River maketh the soil very fruitful. Vernaccia hath excellent Wine. Tuder is an ancient City situate on a pleasant Hill, adorned and garnished with Figs, Olives, Vines, and other first-fruits. It hath these Lakes Floridum, Velinum, Cutiliensis. And besides Inginium which Strabo mentioneth, it hath these Mountains, Eugubinum, Floridum, and others. There are also the Crustumenian Mountains, out of which the River Asia floweth with a deep Channel. There is all Fiscellus which Pliny calls the top of the Apennine, whence the River Nar issueth from two Fountains; it is now called Monte Fiscello. There is also a part of the Apennine, which is called Mons Victor, where it lifteth up his high top above the Castle Arquatae, and seemeth to exceed itself in height, and thence it is called Mons Victor, because it exceedeth the rest in height. The Inhabitants are more warlike than the other people of Italy. The Bishop Ar●●inensis is subject to the Archbishop of Ravenna. There are these Bishoprics in the Dukedom of Spoleto, Assisinas', Fulginas, Nucerinus, Eugubinus, Spoletinus, Tudertinus, Ameliensis, Narniensis, Interamniensis. CAMPAGNA DI ROMA, HERETOFORE CALLED LATIUM. NExt Latium offers itself to be described, which is a Country of Italy much celebrated and praised by all Authors. It is thought that Latium was so call from Saturnus, who flying from his Country in his locis latebat, hid himself in these parts. Varro thinketh that this Country was so na●ed, because it lay hidden among the high steep Rocks of the Alps, and the Apennine, the Sea, and Tiber. Others say that it was named Latium from King Latinus, some derive it from the Latitude, because there is no Country between the Mountains and the Sea, that hath a greater Latitude than this. It is now called Territorio Ro●um or Campagna di Roma. The most do make the bounds of Latium on the North the Apennine Mountain, & the River Anio: on the East Li●. on the South the Tyrrhene Sea; on the West the River Tiber, which ●●th encompass the Tuscians, Sabinians, Marsians, Samnites, Praeguti●ians, and Campanians. It is a very fertile Country, except in some places near the Borders, where it is stony and mountainous, and hath many Marshes, which do make the air thick and unwholesome. The Sicilians, the Aboriginians, the Pelasgians, the Arcadians, the A●●uncians, the Volscians, the Oscians, the Ausonians, and others did first inhabit it. So much briefly concerning Latium in general: now our method requireth that we should describe it in particular, beginning from that City which was heretofore the Compendium or Epitome of the whole world. This City showeth herself in ancient Latium, as soon as you have passed out of Etruria over Tiberis. It will keepeth her former name. It is situated in a soil not very fertile, right against the South, and hath an untemperate air and climate. It was three miles in compass, which was the compass of ancient Rome, but now it is fare less. It hath 360. Towers on the walls, and heretofore 750. There are the 14. Quarters and Regions of the City, but their names are changed. It is watered with the River Tiber and Almo. There are also in many places the ruins of Fountains, and Aqueducts, or Conduits. There are diverse Market-places, and seven Hills within the walls. Whence some do call Roma Septicollis, because it is seated seven Hills, Varro calls it Septimontium, and Statius Septemgemina. Moreover there are in this City above 300. Churches. There are four Vaults under earth, where when the Emperors did persecute the Christians, they hide themselves. There were, and are 28. Churchyards or burying places. There are five public Hospitals for Strangers of all Nations, and 20. several Hospitals for several Nations, besides an University. And there are Seminaries and Colleges of all Nations instituted by Pope Gregory the third. There are many public Libraries, three in the Vatican, one of choice Books which is shut, and another which is not kept so close, and a thir● which on Holidays is open two hours for all comers. There ar● also other Libraries in S. Mary's Church, and the Church of the Alter of Heaven, S. Martins, S. Augustine's, and otherwheres. There are als● diverse Gardens and Palaces in this City which belong to the Pop● and the Cardinals. There are both public and private Conduit▪ Baths, Triumphant Arches, Amphitheatres, theatres, Cirques, Galleries, Pillars, Spires, Colossuses, or great Images, Pyramisses, Horse● Statues, and many other such like antiquities, which our intende● brevity will not permit us to number or describe. He that beholdeth these things, and compareth them with ancient Rome, may worthily say, Qui miseranda videt veteris vestigia Romae, Ille potest merito dicere, Roma fuit. He that the ruins doth of Rome behold, May justly say that this was Rome of old. And so much concerning Rome from whence as you go Southward, the Town which the Latins and Greeks' call Ostia doth offe● itself, which hath an unwholesome pestilent air, but the soil beareth great store of Melons. So leaving Ostia, I will take a view o● the other chief Towns of Latium, which are seated by the Sea. Neptunium is situate on a more fruitful soil, where the Citizen's hav● leisure to Hawk and Fish. There is also Astura which is a memorable place, both by the unworthy death of M. Tullius Cicero, who wa● slain there as he fled from Antony: and also by the fatal death of Co●radinus the son of the Emperor Frederick the second, whom Charle● Eculismensis put to death. There is also Taracina or Tarracina, which Strabo calls Taracina, Ptolemy Tarraecina, Stephanus Tarracine, and Antoninus Tarracina. In the Volscian language it was called Auxur. It is 〈◊〉 small Town but neat and populous. The walls are made of square stone without Mortar or Cemont, the soil round about is fruitful and pleasant, abounding with Oranges, Citherns, Lemons, and such like fruit. Cajeta, which Strabo calls Cajatta, and now Gajetta, is 〈◊〉 well fortified City having an impregnable Castle on the top of 〈◊〉 Mountain, which in former time, the Frenchmen being expulsed Ferdinand King of Arragon and Naples, did wall it about. Spart●an●● reports that there was a famous Haven here, which was much renewed and re-edified by Anton. Pius. But now there is none. The next 〈◊〉 Velitra, which Strabo calleth Belitra, and Stephanus Belitre, or as some do● writ Belletri, it is an ancient Town of the Volscians, fair and populous, and it is a Bishopric, it hath a delightful Situation, and 〈◊〉 pleasant Prospect, and it is walled about. That which the Latins an● Grecians do call Alba, the ancient Writers do surname it long Alba, or long Alba, in regard of the Situation. It is now called Savell● if we may credit Leander, others do call it Gandolffi, or S. Gandolffe. I● was built by Ascanius the Son of Aeneas, 30. years after Laviniu● map of Latium ●AMPAGNA DI ROMA, OR, LATIUM. was built, but now it is desolate. Now let us describe the more Northern parts of Latium by the way Valeria T●burtina. Here the first is that which Ptolemy calls Tiber, Strabo Tibura, and now Tivola. It is a City by the River Aniene being 150. Furlongs distant from Rome, having a temperate air, and a wholesome situation in regard it hath great store of Waters and Springs, and it is a Bishopric. Maruvium by the Lake Fucinum, was heretofore the chief City of the Marsians, now there are some ruins only remaining, which are commonly called Marvo. The Latins and Strabo do call it Alba. And Strabo reporteth that the Romans were wont to assign Alba, because it was situate in the innermost parts of the Country, and was well fortified, as a Prison for those which were to be kept in custody, but now it is fallen down, and ruinated. Praeneste, which Strabo calls Praenestus, Ptolemy Praenestum, and now Pilastrina, had heretofore a very pleasant and delightful situation on a bending Mountain by the River Venestris, in so much that when the Roman Empire flourished, the Emperors did often make it their place of retirement and recreation. There is a Castle on the top of the Mountain, and it is now a Bishopric. Tusculum was famous heretofore, which they suppose by the ruins yet remaining was not fare from Frascata. There are more Towns in this noble part of Italy, which for brevity sake we omit. There are also Lakes in Latium, as the Lake Hostia, which is commonly called Stagno. Between Marinus and long Alba there is the Alban Lake, which Livy mentions, Lib. 5. it is now called Lago di ●astel Gangolfo: there is also the Nemorensian Lake, which is now called Lago di Nemo: the Lake juturna, or Regillus now called Lago de S. Prassed●: the Lake Fucinus, now called Lago di Marsos, Pliny also describeth the Pontine or Pomptine Lake in Latium, which is now called the Lake Aufente. There is also the Fundane Lake, the Tiburrine, the Coecubian, and the Simbruine Lakes. The Rivers are Tiber, which I have delineated in the general description, and diverse other Rivers, which having lost their names do run into the Sea with it. The other Rivers of Latium as they were anciently called are Numicius, Loracina, Stura, Nymphaeus, and Vfens. Moreover besides the 7. Hills aforesaid whereon Rome is seated. Albanus is most famous in all Greek and Latin Writers. The Mountain Caecubus which reacheth to the Cajetan Bay, is noted for bearing excellent rich Wines. There are also the Mountains Vestinus, Algidus, Aventinus, Lepinus, Catillus. Halecarnassaus' doth mention the Ceraunian Mountains of Latium. The Woods are Feronia, jupiters' Wood, Diana's Wood, the Wood Naevia, the Muse's Wood, the cold Wood, the Wood Albuna, the Wood Angitia, and the Wood Furina. The people of this Country even until these times, except it be in the Cities, are rude, rustic, stout, and strong of body. Mercator doth thus describe the Ecclesiastic government. Rome is the Mother Church, in which the Pope resideth, and hath under him within the City 5. patriarchal Churches, which are these, the Church of S. john of Lateran, S. Peter's Monastery, and S. Paul's Monastery within the walls of the City, S. Mary's Church, and S. Laurences Monastery. There are 8. Bishops assigned to govern these Churches, the first and chiefest is the Pope, the rest are under him, as the Bishop Ostiensis, who is Patriarch of Campania, and doth consecrated the Pope, unto whom is joined Velletrensis, or Valeriensis, Portuensis, Salinensis, Tusculanensis, Praenestiensis, and Albanensis. There are also assigned for the government of the same Churches 28. Cardinals, ●amely, by the title of the holy Cross of jerusalem, by the title of S. john and Paul, by the title of S. Stephen, in Celio-Monte: by the title of S. Susanna: by the title of S. Peter, by the title of S. Prisca: by the title of S. Siriack: by the title of S. Marcellus: by the title of S. Balbina: by the title of S. Grisogoni. S. Marcellinus, and Peter, S. Anastasia: S. Clement, S. Potentiana, S. Martin on the Mountains: S. Praxedis: S. Marcus: S. Laurence: S. Marry: S. 4 or. Coronatorum: S. Sabina: S. Nereus, and Archileus: S. Sixitus, S. Eusebius: S. Vitalis: the 12. Apostles Church: S. Laurentius: and S. Cecilia: unto which are adjoined 18. Cardinals as Deacons. Without the City there are in Campania, the Bishops, Agnaninus, Alatrinensis, Fundanus, Tiburtinus, Sagninus, Terracinensis, Verul●nus, Feretinus, Soranus, Aquinus. Moreover, the Pope hath under him in other parts of the world four patriarchal Churches, unto which all other Churches in the same parts are subject: as the Church of Constantinople, of Alexandria, of Antioch, of Jerusalem. ABRUZZO, AND TERRA DI LAVORO, A PART of the Kingdom of NAPLES. IN this Table two Countries of the Kingdom of Naples are to be described, Aprutium and Terra Laboratoris. The former or Aprutium, the Italians do now call Abruzzo. The bounds thereof on the West are the Sabinians and Picentians, with the River Truentum: on the North the Hadriatick Sea, on the South the Picentinians, Campanians, Martians, Aequicolians, dwelling on every side of the Apennine Mountain. The Country hath a very wholesome air, and is very populous, pleasant, and commodious toward the Sea, but the inward parts are Mountainous. Besides other commodities it hath abundance of Saffron, and it breedeth great store of Cattles. The chief City of this Country is Aquila. They report that the Langbards did build it, and afterward Charles Martell, or as some think, the Emperor Frederick the second did wall it, and fortify it, and did call it Aquila, or Eagle, because the Emperor's Standard had an Eagle in it. And this City in short time was so much enlarged, that it is now the principal City in all this Country. Moreover, there are the Towns Guastum, or Amonium in Italian Guasto di Amone, which Pliny and Mela call Histon●um, and Ptolemy Istodium without an aspiration. Laucianum is a famous Mart-towne, whether every year in the Months of May or August, Italians, I●luricians, Sicilians, Grecians, Asians, and Merchants from other parts of the world do come to traffic. Soulmoon, which Ptolemy calleth Sulmo, and Strabo Soulmon, is now called Sulmona, as Leander witnesseth, and some do call it Sermona. It is a fair City, both for beauty, populousness, and abundance of waters, and famous, because Ovid was borne here. Chieti commonly called Civita Cheto, is an archiepiscopal City. Asculum is an ancient City, which Antoninus calleth Asculum, and Pliny calleth it the noble Colony of Picenum. It standeth in a plain open soil, being well fortified with strong walls On one side there is a high Mountain with a Castle seated on it, on the other side it is fortified with the River Truenius. It is called now by a more fortunate and auspicious name Beneventum, though at first it were called Maleventum, from the ruins which it suffered a malo Vent●, or from evil fierce winds. It is commonly called Beneventi. This City hath a very convenient and pleasant situation, and an excellent fruitful soil round about it. Sora is near unto the River Lirus, being populous, and adorned with the title of a Dukedom. There is also the Town which Ptolemy calls Aquinus, where the great Philosopher Thomas Aquinas was borne. It retaineth still that name, but it is almost fallen down, yet the ruins do show the ancient largeness thereof: and it hath the title of a Country. I omit the description of the other Towns for brevity sake. The Rivers here are Phinternus, map of Abruzzo ABRUZZO. which devideth Samnium from Apulia, commonly called Fortore. The Fountain whereof issueth out of the Mountain Tifernus, not fare from Bovianum. And it dischargeth itself into the Hadriatick Sea near the Lesinensian Lake. There are also Trintus, which Pliny noteth is full of Havens, also Asinella, Sentus, Sangrus. There are also the Rivers Morus, Feltrinus, Pescara, Aternus, Rafentus, Orta, Liberata, Salinus, Plumba, Vomanus, Turdinus, and others. Moreover, there are also among the Samnites Mountains so high, that they do exceed the Apennine Mountains. Among which is the Virgin's Mountain, famous for S. Mary's Church which is built thereon. Majella is a very great Mountain, having a very difficult ascent, and full of rugged cliffs and Rocks. The top of it is continually covered with Snow, yet it hath many green Meadows, and it sendeth forth many Rivers, and hath very spacious woods, which are full of wild beasts, especially Bears, and it hath many rugged cliffs. There are also the tops of the Apennine, which they call Montes Tremuli, or the trembling Mountains. Terra di Lavoro. THis Country is now called Terra Laboris, or Terra di Lavoro, that is the Land of labour. It was heretofore called Campania. The bounds thereof, as we may see in Strabo, Ptolemy, and others, are on the west the River Lirus and Latium: on the North the Samnitian Mountains: on the East the River Silarus, which parteth it from Lucania, and a part of the Samnitians Country: on the South the Tyrrhene Sea. Truly Campania is Campus, or a Field, into which nature hath poured forth of her own bosom, all the delights, pleasures, and delicacies, which any place can afford. So that it may be rightly called the Paradise of Italy, for fertility and fruitfulness. Diverse people did heretofore govern this Country, which Strabo mentioneth Lib. 5. and Pliny Lib. 3. Cap. 5. as namely, the Opicians, Ausonians, Oscians, Cumanians, Tuscians, and Samnites, whom the Romans last of all subdued. So much briefly in general concerning Campania, now I come to a more particular description thereof, and first of the Cities. The Metropolis or mother City of Campania and the Kingdom of Naples is called in Coins Neapolis or Naples. Which name it still retaineth, and is commonly called Neapolis. It taketh up a great space of ground being magnificently built between the Sea and the foot of the pleasant Hills: being fortified with Bulwarks, Towns, and Castles, by Charles the fifth, so that it is now impregnable. It hath Ditches, which are 80. feet deep, 8. Gates, and spacious Market-places. There are great store of common Condiutes, out of which the water is conveied thorough an hundred Pipes. The figure of it is long, and it bendeth like an half Moon. The compass of it heretofore was 3. miles, but now the Territories thereof being enlarged, it is 5. miles about. It hath a gentle pleasant air, and scarce any Winter. This City hath many fair Churches, and private Buildings, and a strong impregnable Castle, with an University which was instituted by the Emperor Frederick the second, unto which Students do come out of all parts of the Kingdom. There are also some Libraries, the chief whereof is S. Dominicks Library. The Country round about it and the neighbouring Hills are pleasant and delightful, and do yield good store of Corn, Wine, diverse Fruits, Herbs, Flowers, and all delicacies, both for necessity and pleasure. I omit many things concerning this City for brevity sake. There are also other Cities, as the old and new Capua, the ancient is known to all Latin Writers, and the beauty, fairness, and magnificence thereof is praised by all men. Great ruins thereof may be yet seen a mile from new Capua, near S. Mary's Church. New Capua was built out of the ruins of the old, which standeth now on the left bank of Vulturnus, 22. miles from the Sea, on a plain well inhabited, but not much frequented: it hath straight streets paved with stone and high buildings, on the East and North the River Vulturnus doth water it, and from thence it runneth Westward. There is a fair stone bridge over the River. There is also Teanum surnamed Sidicinum, it is called in Italian Theano, and it is a Bishopric. There is also the Town Calvus which is a Bishopric: Virgil calleth it Cales. Strabo and Ptolemy, and other Grecians Cuma. But now it is fallen down, and buried in ruins, yet the foundations of some fair buildings may be discerned. There are also Aversa, Cas●●, a Nola, Summa, Puteoli, and other lesser Towns. The chief Lakes of Campania are the Lucrenian, and Avernian. There are also in Campania the Lakes Linterna, Popeja, and Statina. The Rivers are Lirus which receiveth on the right hand Fibernum, Cosa, Alabrum, Trerus, and others. On the left hand Casinus, Melfa, and Omnes. The next to Lirus is Vulturnus, which receiveth many Rivers and Torrents, among the rest, on the right hand it receiveth Cusanum, and Correctam, on the left hand Freddus, Pratellus, Sabbatus, Isclerus, and others. Also Glanis, Sebetus, Linternus, Sarnus, Furor, Ebolis, Silarus. The Mountains that belong to this Country, are Gaurus, Massicus, Falernus, and others, as Vesuvius, Pausilypus, Misenus, Culma, Christ's Mountain, Taburnus, Tifata, Planus, Astrunus, and Trifolinus. Moreover in the Kingdom of Naples there are these Principalities and Dominions. Namely 10. Principalities, as Ascolt, Besignano, Evoli, Melfi, Mefetta, Monchercole, Squilaci, Sligliano, Sulmona, Venosa, And 23. Dukedoms, namely, Andri, Amalphi, Ariani, Asu, Boyano, Castrovillari, Gravina, Martina, Montalto, Monteliano, Nardo, Nocera, Popoli, Rocca di Mondragone, S. Petro in Galatina, Seminara, Sessa, Somma, Sora, Tagliacozzo, Termoli, Terra Nova, Trajetto. There are 30. Marquiships, 54. Counsellors of State, 11. Lords, 403. Titular Barons. The Archbishops and their Suffragans in this Table are taken out of the Roman Province. In Aprucina and Marcicana, there are these Bishops, Aquilensis, Forcanensis, Marsicanus, Valvensis, or Sulmonensis: Theatinus, Adriensis, Pennensis, Aprutinus, or Teranus. The Archbishop of Beneventum under whom are these Suffragans, Telesinensis, Agatha, Alphiensis, or Alepharensis, Mons Marani, Avellinensis, Vicanensis, Arianensis, Rojanensis, or Rojanensis, Asculanensis, Nucerinus, Tertibulensis, Traconensis, Vulturanensis, Alarinensis, Ferentinensis, or Florentinensis, Civitacensis, Termelensis, Lesinensis, Frequentinensis, Triventinensis, Biminensis, Vadiensis, or Gadiensis, Musanensis, SAINT. Mariae. The Archbishop of Naples, under whom are Nolanus, Puteolanus, Cumacensis, Acerranus, Iscalanus. The Archbishop of Capua, under whom are Theanensis, Calvensis, Calmensis, Suessanus, Venefranus, Aquitanensis, or Aquinatensis, Iserniensis, Casertanensis. The Archbishop Amalfitanus, under whom are Capricanensis, Scalensis, or Camensis, Minorensis, Siteranensis. The Archbishop of Salerne, under whom are Aquensis, Palicastrensis, Nusautanensis, or Nuscanensis, Sarnensis, Acervensis, or Acernensis, Maricensis. The Archbishop of Surrentine, under whom are Lobrensis, Serpensis, Aquensis, or Equensis, or Vianus, Castellimaris, or Stabiensis. And let so much suffice concerning this part of the Kingdom of Naples, I pass to the other part. PUGLIA PIANA, TERRA DI BARRI, TERRA DI Otranto, Calabria, and Basilicata. The other part of the Kingdom of NAPLES. NOw we must view the other part of the Kingdom of Naples, in which the first Country is that which the Italians do call Puglia Piana, from the large spacious fields there of. It was heretofore called Apulia Daunia. It is bounded on the East with Apulia Peucetia, and the River Aufidus: on the South with the Apennine, together with the Hirpenians, and Samnites: on the West with the Frentanians, Caracenians, now called Aprutians, and Phiternians: on the North with the Hadriatick, and Jonium Sea. The soil is very fruitful, yielding abundance of Wheat and Corne. Here are both Cities and Towns, as Manfrelonia, a fair and populous City, being situated on the bank of the Bay, which lieth in the hollow winding of the Mountain Garganus, and it hath an invincible Castle by the Shore side. Leuceria is an Episcopal City; which Ptolemy and Suetonius call Neuceria: the ruins yet remaining do show the spaciousness of it. Troy is a rich City, having a fruitful Soil about it. Asculum is a City, which is adorned with the Title of a Dukedom: Appianus Alexandrinus calleth it Asculum, it is commonly called Asculo, and surnamed Sattriano. There are also Salpe, or Arpi, which Pliny mentioneth, which was sometime called Argos Hippium, and afterward Agrippa: and two Cities, which become a Proverb, Apina and Trica, &c. The Rivers are Aufidus, now called l'Ofanto. Also Candilaris, and Cervaria. So much concerning Apulia Daunia: the next Country which is to be described is Peucetia: now it is called in Italian, Terra Bariana, or Terra di Barri, from the chief City Bario. This Country for fertility of soil, and plenty of choice fruit, may compare with other parts of Italy. But yet there are some places which are full of Bogs, and Waters. The chief City is Barium, which Pliny calleth Barion, it is commonly called Barri. It is an ancient City, and so fair and populous, that it is the chief City of the whole Country, which is called from thence Terra Bariana. There are also Monopolis, which is a new City adorned with the title of a Marquiship, which is not very great, but fair and beautiful, and full of magnificent Buildings. The soil round about it yields great store of Oil. Polonianum or Polignano is an Episcopal City, which although it be seated on a high stony Rock, yet it is fair and populous. Mola hath many houses, but inhabited with rustic people. The marquis Polinianus built a Castle there for the defence of the Coast. juvenatum, or Ginvenazzo, is an Episcopal City, seated in a fertile soil. Marfette or as some writ it, Morfitta, or Melfatta, flourisheth with the Title of a Principality. Vigiliae commonly called Bisegli is an Episcopal Town seated by the shore, on high Rocks: Tranum is an archiepiscopal City, commonly called Trani. It had fair Buildings, but now for the most part it is desolate. There are Woods of Olives and Almonds, which do reach from this Town even to Tarentum. Barulum is commonly called Barleta. Ostuna is a populous City, seated on a little Hill. Cilium, or Cilio, which Ptolemy calls Cilia, and Horace Venusia, or Venusium, where he was borne, is now called Venesa. There are also Canusium, Acherontia, Biletum, and other Towns. Next to Apulia we must describe the Country of the Salentinians, which is also called japygia, Massapia, and Calabris. The Italians do now commonly call it Terra d'Otranto. This Country hath on the South Tarentum, and the Sea even to the Salentinian Promontory: on the East the same Promontory, with the Ionian Sea: on the North it is watered with the River Hidruntes, even to Brundisium: on the West it hath Apulia, Peucetia, and a part of great Greece. This Country hath a wholesome air, and a clear fair Climate except on that Coast, which reacheth from the Hydruntine Lake to Brundisium, where there are Marshes in those places which are near the Sea. The Country is fat and fruitful, and the chief City which nameth the Country is Hydruntum, which Strabo, Ptolemy, and others do call garous. Mela calleth it Hydrus: it it now called Otrante. It is an ancient City, having a sweet mild air, a strong Castle, built by Alphonsus the second, and a large spacious Haven. The soil is pleasant and fruitful. The other Cities are Gallipolis, now called Callipolis. Others call it Callipoli, as it were the fair City. It hath a strong situation: for it is seated on a Rock or small Island, which is encompassed every where with the Sea, and it is joined to the Continent with a stone Bridge. Castrum is a City much frequented by Merchants, who come thither to buy Oil. Brundisium, or Brundisiam, which Ptolemy calls Breundesium, Steph. Brentesium, and Benjamin Barnedis, is now called Brindisi. It hath a gentle air. It had heretofore a famous Haven, out of which the Romans did formerly pass safely into Creece, but now it is filled up, so that a Galley can hardly come up into it. The City is fortified with a strong Castle. The City Oria is seated on a Hill looking toward Tarentum, and hath a strong Castle. That Town which Ptolemy calls Aletium, is now called Leze, and Leccie. It is the prime City of the Salentinians, in regard that the Royal Counsel of Apulia is held here, and because all the Nobility of this Country have houses here. Vxentem, now called Vgento, Vsenti, or Ogento, is a very small City, map of Puglia Piana PUGLIA PIANA. There remaineth in this Table Lucania to be described, which is now called Basilicata, but from whence it is uncertain. The bounds thereof on the West are the River Silarus, which bounders Campania: on the South the Tyrrhene See: on the East Laus the Brutians, and great Greece: on the North the Peucetians in Apulia, with a part of Hirpinia. Livy showeth that it is all Mountainous and rugged. But now perhaps it is more inhabited than it was formerly, yet in many places it is very desolate, in regard of the hard uneven ways, and the dreadful hideous woods in which many robberies are committed The Towns here by the Sea are Paestum, which Virgil mentioneth Lib. 4. Georg. Biferique Rosaria Paesti. The Rose-Gardens of Paestum, where Sweet Roses do grow twice a year. Servius maketh Paestum a City of Calabria, where Roses do grow twice a year. Acropolis is a Town 12. Miles from the mouth of the, River Silarius, having an excellent air. The name showeth that it was built by the Grecians, as the most of the other Towns in this Country. There is also Pisciotta, which Pliny, Mela, and Ptolemy do call Buxentum. Palicostrum is a Noble City and adorned with the title of a Dukedom. In the middle of the Country there is the Town Padula, which is honoured with the title of a Marquiship. The City Capacia was heretofore very populous, and rich. I omit the other Towns. Moreover in the other part of the Kingdom of Naples there are these Archbishops, the Archbishop of Regiensis: under whom are Lucrensis, Cotroniensis, Cassanensis, Cathacensis, Neocastrensis, Giracensis, ●●●etensis, Vibonensis, Squilacensis. The Archbishop of Consentinus, under whom is Maturanensis. The Archbishop of Rosania hath no Suffragans. The Archbishop of S. Severine, under whom are Ebriacensis, Strangulen●is, Geneocastrensis, Gerentinensis, S. Leonis. The Archbishop of Larcatinus under whom are Mutulensis, Castellanensis. The Archbishop of Brundi●●us, under whom are Astrinensis. The Archbishop of Hidrontinus, under whom are Castrensis, Gallipolitanus, Liciensis, Vgentinensis, Lucensis, Nolanensis is exempted. The Archbishop of Barensis, under whom are ●entinensis, Calphajanus, juvenacensis, Rubentinensis, Salpensis, Cauriensis, ●●rensis, Conversanus, Minerviensis, Polignercensis, Cathericensis, Lavellinensis. The Archbishop of Tranensis, under whom are Vigiliensis, An●ensis, and Penensis. The Archbishop of Sipontinus, under whom are Tesenensis excepted, Trojanensis excepted, Melphiensis, Monopolitanensis, and R●polensis are excepted, Cannosanus under whom are Auranensis, ●●ranensis, Montisviridis, Laquedonensis, S. Angeli de Lombardis, Bisaciensis. The Archbishop of Acheronti, under whom are Potentiensis, Tricariensis, ●●●●siensis, Graviensis, Angelensis. THE ISLAND CORSICA AND SARDINIA. CORSICA was so called from Corsus, who was Lord o● this Country. The Grecians called it Kurnon from Cyrnus the son of Hercules: Ovid names it Teraphne, as Villanovanus writeth. On the West and North it hath the Ligustick Sea: on the East the Tyrrhene Sea: on the South Sardinia. It is not above 120. Miles long, although Strabo maketh the length thereof to be 160. Miles, and Pliny 150. who also maketh the breadth thereof to be 60. Miles: and Strabo maketh it 70. Miles, which appeareth to be true by measuring it with a pair of Compasses. The compass of it according to Pliny is 3●0. Miles, but according to Maginus 325. which he saith that he found out by measuring it exactly. This Island is hard to come unto, being enclosed on every side with inaccessible dangerous cliffs, and Hills. Within likewise it is for the most part Mountainous, and therefore it yields no great store of Wheat and Pulse; which grow but in some few places, where the Country opens itself, and is watered with Rivers, which make it fruitful. That part which looketh toward Etruria is indifferent plain, having a fruitful Soil, which beareth excellent sweet fruits. This Island hath excellent wines, of chief note, which the Romans much esteemed, they are called from the place Corsican Wines. Here is great store of Honey, Rosen, Oil, and Figs. But Servius noteth in his 4. Book of Geogr. that the Corsian Honey is bitter, which comes to pass by reason that there are great store of Ewe trees, from whence the Bees do gather Honey. And Ovid believed that it was venomous. This Country only doth produce the Precious stone Catochites, which Democritus the Abderite used when he contended against the Magician. Rhenus' concerning Corsica saith thus. Hanc solam perhibent Catochitem gignere terram: Corporibus lapis hic seu glutine tactus adhaeret. Pliny, Lib. 37. Cap. 10. and Solinus Cap. 9 do report the like. But Pliny doubteth of the truth thereof. Here is also Allom: and there are Iron Ours near the River Bivincum, in the County Nebiensis. There are also Saltpits, commonly called della Roya, not far from the Haven of S. Florence: and near Niolum there are deep Valleys, which are always covered with Snow, under which they say there is great store of Crystal. There is also, as Pliny and Diodorus witness, great plenty of Box, and Eewe trees. It breedeth diverse kinds of living map of Corsica and Sardinia THE ISLAND CORSICA, AND SARDINIA. creatures, especially lusty Horses, and great Hounds, and also a kind of beast called Mufmo, which Pliny saith, is a kind of Ram, they call it now Mosoli: which beast is not found in any part of Europe, except in this Island, and Sardinia. It hath a hide and hair like a Hart, and Horns like a Ram, which are not long but do bend backward about his ears, and are so hard, that if he should fall down 50. foot high among the rocks, and alight upon his head, it would not hurt him; it is as big as an Hart, and feeds only on grass, being very swift of foot, and the flesh of it is very pleasant in taste. Moreover this Island is full of sheep and Oxen: It was heretofore inhabited by the Phocensians, then by the Ligurians, and afterward by the Romans, who brought thither two Colonies, the Marian, and the Alerian, which do still continue. The Barbarians possessed the rest: afterward when the Romans invaded them, they brought a great Company of Slaves from thence to Rome, of which they made no great commodity, for they were such brutish people, that albeit they were bought for a small price, yet their Masters repent them of their bargain. After the Romans the Saracens succeeded, and after them the Geonoa's: then the Pisanians, and now it belongeth to Genoa. It is divided now into two parts: they call the Eastern part the innermost side, and the Western side the outermost side. That part which is nearer to Italy is called Cismontana, or on this side the Mountains, & that which runneth out towards Sardina is called Vltramontana or beyond the Mountains. Pliny witnesseth that there are 33. Cities in it, which also Martianus Capella doth note out of him. But it appeareth by Strabo that they were rather Castles than Cities. There is now the Town Bastia, in which the chief Governor liveth, and hath a Garrison to defend him. There is also the City Nebbium which Ptolemy calls Cersunum. It is watered with the River's Gelone, Tavignano, Sago●a, Bavono, Tegiamo, and some others. The Mountains also are clothed with woods which do yield Rosen. The chief Mountains are Illia Orba: also the Mountain Cheparteno, the Mountain Tenda, the Mountain Gualango, and the Mountain Russus. In the Sea between Corsica, Sardinia, there is Coral gathered. This Island hath two great Havens, which are able to receive great Ships, in S. Florence's Bay. There is also S. Bonifaces Haven, which Ptolemy calls the Syracusan Haven. The Inhabitants of Corsica both were, and are accounted very poor men, that live by stealing and robbing: and altogether unlettered. There are these Bishops in Corsica, who are Suffragans to the Archbishop of Pisanum, namely, Aciensis, Alariensis, Sagonensis, and Civitanensis, and the Bishop Nubiensis, or Nebiensis, who is subject to the Archbishop januensis. SARDINIA. SARDINIA was so named from Sardus the Son of Hercules. Timaeus called it Sandaliotin, because it resembleth the shape of a shoe-sole. Mirsilus and Chrysippus called it Ichausa, because it is like the sole of the foot. Which Manilius intimateth when he saith. Sardiniam in Lybico signant vestigia plantae. It is now called Sardegna. On the East the Tyrrhene Sea doth beat upon it, on the South the Afric, on the West the Sardian; on the North the Sea that floweth between it and Corsica. This Island hath an ungentle air: and therefore Q. F. doth admonish M. Cicero to have a care of his health, and to remember that although he were now in health, yet he was in Sardinia: and in his Epistles he saith that one Sigellius a Sardinian was a man more pestilent and contagious than his Country. All the Island aboundeth with fruit, Wheat, Wine, Ours of Silver, Cattell, and all things necessary. There are such store of Horses, that many run wild, and have no owners; they are lesser than ours, but full of mettle, strong and nimble. It affordeth much Hunting, so that the Country people do live only by it. For this Country hath abundance of Boars, Hearts, Does, and another kind of Beast which they call Muflo, which we have described before in the description of Corsica. But Sardinia hath no Wolves, nor any other harmful beast, nor Serpent, and therefore Silius saith. Serpentum tellus pura, ac viduata Veneno, Sed tristis coelo, ac multa vitiata palude. This Country is from poisoned Serpents free, But many noisome Marshes in it be. But the Soligunda in Sardinia is as offensive and hurtful as Serpents are in other Countries. It is a little creature like a Spider. L.S. calleth it Solifuga, because it shuneth the daylight. It liveth much in the Silver Ours, for this soil is very rich in Silver Oare. It creepeth closely along, and if any one sit upon it unawares, it infecteth him. There is also a strange Sardinian Herb, which Pausanias saith, is like unto Parsley: which if it be eaten, it doth contract and draw together the Visage and mouth, so that they die as it were laughing. Strabo writeth that the Spaniards make poison of it, which being drunk, doth dispatch them without any pain, and hence grew the Proverb Sardonius risus, or the Sardinian laughter. The chief City of Sardinia is Calaris, commonly called Cagler. It is situate on a Mountain near the Sea, looking toward Africa, and it hath a fair Haven. This City is adorned with many privileges: it createth Cons●ls, who have power to punish delinquents without authority from the King: and it hath power with the people's consent to make new laws. In this City the reliuqes of S. Augustine were kept, until Heliprandus King of the Langbards did translate them to Papia. In this City the viceroy of Sardinia resideth, together with many Barons, Earls, and diverse rich men. Mela and Pliny do make mention of the City Sulchitana. There are now also the Cities Oristagnum, which is a Metropolitan City, situate on a Plain, not fare from the Sea. It was heretofore called the Country of trees, but now it is called the Marquiship of Oristagnum. There is also the City Sassaris which hath a pleasant soil watered with many Springs, & abounding with diverse sorts of fruits, but it is weakly fortified. Algher is a new small City, but yet populous and strong, and adorned with many fair aedifices and buildings: the inhabitants whereof are almost all Tarraconians. Sardinia hath also other Cities, and Towns, which for brevity sake we omit. It hath many pleasant Rivers which are not deep, so that in summer time you may pass over the bards. There are many Magistrates in Sardinia. The chief is the Viceroy, who hath all the King's authority: and according to their ancient laws none but a Spaniard can bear this office. The King doth assign and appoint him one assistant, who is Doctor of both Laws, whom they call there the Regent. Moreover he hath other Counsellors, who dispose and order all matters, and this Court is called the King's audience. Heretofore it was a privilege of the Kingdom that no man could bear this office longer than three years, and then another succeedeth in his place. But now one continueth in that office as long as the King pleaseth. Concerning the manners and dispositions of the Sadinians: they are strong of body, and enured to Labour, except it be some few who are given to effeminacy and wantonness. Many of them do keep Cattles, and are contented with poor fare and water. Those that devil in the Towns and Villages, do live peaceably and quietly together. They love strangers, and do use them kindly. They live from hand to mouth, and go in a poor habit. And which is strange, there is not one Artificer in all the Island, that can make either Swords, Daggers or other weapons, so that they fetch them out of Spain and Italy. Mercator mentioneth these Bishops. The Archbishop Claritanensis, under whom are these Bishops, Sulcitanus or Sulciensis, Doliensis, Suellensis. The Archbishop Turitanus, under whom are these Bishops, Sorrensis, Plotanensis, Ampuriensis, Gifacensis, or Girardensis, Castrensis, Othanensis, or Othricensis, Bosanensis, or Bossa. The Archbishop Alborensis, under whom are the Bishops of Vssellensis. S. justia, Terra Alba, Civitatensis, and Gastelliensis are excepted. THE KINGDOM OF SICILY. SICILY is next to be described, which excelleth all the Lands of the Mediterranean Sea. Thucydides calleth it Sicania from Sicanus, who, as Solinus and Capella do writ, came with a band of Iberians into that Country before the Trojan wars. Many do call it Trinacria, and especially the Poets, in regard it hath 3. Promontories. Or else because it resembleth a Triangle or three cornered figure, for it runneth forth diverse ways with three Promontories, and so is like the greek letter Delta, which beareth this shape Δ. These three Promontories are Pelorus, Pachynus, and Lilybaeum. The Grecians did call it Sicelia. But some suppose, — Trinacria quondam Mutavere, situm: rupit confinia Nereus: Italiae pars una fuit, sed pontus & aestus Victor, & abscissos interluit aequore monteis. Trimacria hath her situation changed, And now the Sea their borders hath estranged, Heretofore it was a part of Italy, From whence 'tis now divided by the Sea. And hence Rhegium * Rhegium is so called from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which signifies to break, because Sicily is here broken of and divided from Italy. is so called in Italy, because Sicily is there divided from Italy: On the North it hath the Tyrrhene Sea; on the East the Hadriatick and Ionian Sea; on the South the Africa Sea, and on the West the Sardinian Sea. Thycydides writeth Lib. 6. that the compass of Sicily is about 8. days journey, and yet it lieth but 20. furlongs from the main land or continent of Italy. Moreover this Island doth excel for the wholesomeness of the air, the fruitfulness of the soil, and plenty of all fruit, and other things, which are necessary for the use of man: For it lieth in the 4. Climate, which for the gentleness, and temperateness of the air, doth exceed the six others. So that Sicily produceth the best fruits. So that Marcus Cato calleth it the Stoarehouse of the Commonwealth, and the Nurse of the Roman People; and Strabo the Barn of Rome. In the Sunensian fields, where the ancients do fain that Proserpina was taken away violently, which they call the Navel of Italy, the Corn yields so great an increase, insomuch that one bushel of Wheat sowed yields an hundred, which field they call therefore Camp dallo cento Sal●e. The Leontine field is not inferior unto this, concerning which Cicero saith in his third Oration against Verres. Quid Vina commorab● optimi saporis adorisque? What should I mention the fragrant pleasant Wines.? Pliny (who was most diligent and curious in reckoning the best sorts of Wines) doth affirm that there is excellent good Wine made in Sicily. And he saith that there is the Balincian Wine in Sicily, which tasteth like Metheglin, or Wine mingled with honey. So that they suppose the Balincian Wine is that which they call Muskadine, Muskadine whence so called. which is very sweet. For both Alps Muskadine whence so called, that is Bees, and Muscae that is flies do haunt these Grapes, which are therefore called Muskadine Grapes, out of which a sweet pleasant wine is pressed which they call Muskadine: though some suppose that it was so called because it smelleth like Musk. So that the Wine of Sicily may be rightly esteemed the best, for it is as good as the Italian Wine, and as pleasing to the Palate, and will keep as long. Moreover Sicily hath great store of Oil, Sugar, Saffron, Honey, Salt, all sorts of fruits, and excellent Silk. Besides Sicily is rich in Metals: for it hath Gold, Silver, Iron, and Allom. It produceth also Precious stones, as the Emerald, the Achates, the Berill, the read Marble stone, the jasper, and it hath great herds and flocks of Oxen and Cattles. There is excellent hunting of Does and Boars, and Hawking at Partridges and Quails, which they commonly call Francolinas. And Falcons, who are enemies to all flying fowl, are taken here. The fierce Lestrigonians did first possess this Country, afterward the Sieanians, a Colony of Spaniards, and lastly the Trojans and Cretensians came hither. Afterwards the Grecians did invade it, than the Romans, and after the division of the Eastern, and Western Empire it was subject to Constantinople almost 200. years. But in the reign of the Emperor justinian, the Goths invaded this Island, who 17. years afterward were expelled and droven out by Belisarius. Afterwards the Saracens did possess it, under Michael Ba●bus, and held it 400. years. The Normans succeeded them, and afterward the Langbards, Suevians, and Germans: but they being droven out by Clement the 4. the Frenchmen possessed it 16. years. Afterwards it was subject to the Arragonians, until the reign of King Ferdinand, after whose decease the Kings of Spain were also Kings of Arragon, and Sicily. Pliny reckoneth that there are 72. Cities in it. But now there are 173. Cities and Towns, as Maginus witnesseth. The Metropolis or mother City of the Kingdom is Panormus, which Ptolemy and others do call Palernum, it is now called Palermo. It is an ancient City, and a Colony of the Phoenicians, as appeareth by some Epitaphs written in Caldean letters. It is thought that it was built in Abraham's time, being seated in a pleasant fruitful soil. It looketh Northward, and is washed with the Tyrrhene Sea, having high walls, which were built by King Frederick. Near the Sea there is a Castle, which hath been much enlarged, which they call Castrum ad Mare, or the Castle by the Sea. There are also three Gates of the ancient City yet standing, and the old Walls, with many Towers built of four square stone. There is a Church at Panormus consecrated to S. Peter, which was built by Rogerius King of Sicily, which excelleth both for beauty, and costly building, all the ancient and new Churches in map of Sicily THE KINGDOM OF SICILY. Italy, so that learned men and travellers that come to see it do much admire it. The greater Church of this City is of a kind of a network building, carved with diverse figures and Images, and built by Gualther the second Archbishop of that name, which was founded in the year 1185. where the bodies of the Kings, and Queens, and Dukes are buried and interred. There is also a public School, and an Hospital for strangers. It would be tedious to rehearse the other fair buildings, and aedifices which are in this City. The other Cities are Siracusa, which was heretofore a great City, which the Orator thus describeth in his 4. Oration against Verres. You have often heard that Siracusa is the greatest and fairest of all the Grecian Cities. And so it is, OH judges as you have heard. For it is strongly situate, and hath a fair coming to it both by Sea and Land, and it hath Havens which are enclosed on every side with bvildings, which having diverse entrances, do at last meet and flow together. Where a part of the Town, which is called the Isle, being disjoined by their meeting together, with a straight Sea, is joined together again with a Bridge. It is so great a City, that they say it doth consist of 4. great Cities, one of which is the Island aforesaid: which is encompassed with two Havens, at the Mouth of one of which there is King Hierons' Palace, in which the Praetors now devil. There are many Churches in it, but especially two, which do fare exceed the rest, one consecrated to Diana, and the other to Minerva, which was a fair Church before Verres came thither. In the farthest part of the Island, there is a Fountain of sweet water, which is called Arethusa, which is very great, and full of fish, which would be covered with the waves of the Sea, but that it is walled about with stones. But there is another City of Syracuse which is called Acardina, in which there is a great Marketplace, a fair Gallery, and Counsel-house, a great Court, and a Temple of jupiter Olympus, and many private Aedifices. There is a third City which is called Tyche, in which there is a great School, and many Churches, and it is well inhabited and frequented. The fourth City is that which because it was last built, is called Neapolis, or the new City, in which there is a great Theatre, & two great Churches, one consecrated to Ceres, and another to Bacchus, and a fair Statue of Apollo, which is called Tennites. But not all the beauty of this City is decayed, and only some ruinous parts of the Town are remaining. Messana is a City by the Sea side, the Inhabitants whereof were first called Messanians, and afterward Mamertinians, which Herodotus and Thucydides do mention. There is also Catina, which is called Catana, where Charonda the Lawmaker was borne, and it hath now a famous School. Taurominium is a City built by the Zanclaeans, it is now called Taormina. There is also Leontium, where Gorgias Sophista was borne. Agrigentum is an ancient City, which heretofore the Carthaginians razed, and Megalus and Feriscus re-edified it again. There are also Augusta which was heretofore called Megara: also Castrogianum, heretofore Ennea: Drepanum, Monreale, Heraclea, and many other Cities. It is watered with many Rivers, in which, as in the Lakes there are good store of Mullets, Eels, Tenches, and Trout. And in the Sea there is good fishing for Tunyes, not only at Pachynum, but also at Panormum, and Drepanum, and all that Coast which lieth by the Tyrrhene Sea. There are also Sword-fish taken in the Massonian Sea. Lastly, there is excellent good fishing in the Sicilian Sea, for there are great store of Mullets, which the Grecians call Trichias, and Sophrorius and Cicero do call them Barbels, and also great store of Lampreys. But the Cicilian straitss are narrow, dangerous, and rough, and are called by the name of Scylla and Charybdis. The chief Mountains Aetna & Eryx. Aetna by Pindarus is called the Pillar of Heaven. Silius ●adicus calleth it Tiphoeum. It is now called Monte Gibella, or Mongi●ello. Eryx is much memorised for Venus' Chapel, which was built by Encas. In Sicily are the Archbishops Panormitanus, under whom are the Bishop's Agrigentinus, Masarensis, Milevitanus, or Maltensis. The Archbishop of Montis Regalis, under whom are Siracusanus, and Cothanensis. The Archbishop of Messanensis, under whom are Cephaludensis, Pacensis, Liperiensis, Marc●● and Mili●ensis, now Milaza. STIRIA, COMMONLY CALLED STIRMARCK, which was made a Dukedom by FREDERICK BARBAROSSA. In it there are many Countries, among the which is WARASDEN; by the River DRAVUS and LEBNAW, by the River MURA. STIRIA commonly called Stirmarck, was without doubt so called from a Bull or Steere, to which opinion Aegidius Tschudus subscribeth: where he reporteth out of Pliny, that Caro doth affirm that the Lepontians and Salassians were of the Taurick Nation: but these Tauriscians' were Frenchmen, who in the ancient French wars seated themselves beyond the Alps, of which Polybius Lib. 2. of the French war writeth thus. Those that are called the Transalpine French▪ do devil by the Alps on either side of Mountains, on that side which looketh Northward, and towards the River Rhodanus, but on that side which lieth towards the plain ground, there are the Tauriscians', the Agonians, and many other barbarous people, from whom the Transalpines are only distinguished by their different habitation, and therefore called Transalpines, because they live beyond the Mountains. But after these Tauriscians' departed hence, they sought themselves other habitations, and possessed the Country, which is now called the County of Goerts, and so coming into Stiria, they left their name unto that Country. For a Bull in the German language is called a Stier. And so they spread and dispersed themselves into Austria, and Hungary. Some affirm that Stiria was heretofore called Valeria, in honour of Valeria the Daughter of Dioclesian, as Marcellinus doth report. Volateranus thinketh that it was called japidia: for so he writeth in the 8. Book of his Geogr. The next unto this japidia, which they now call Styria, though Pope Pius thinketh it should be called Valeria, by according to Rufus his description, do think that Valeria should be rather called Croatia, between Danubius and Dravus▪ The last marquis was called Ottocarus, whose Daughter Lupold Duke of Austria married, who by the Emperor was made Duke of Stiria▪ Afterwards his Line being extinct, the Governor of Hungary sent hi● Son to govern his Country, but he living loosely, and having laid intolerable taxes and taxations on the Stirians, was droven out and Ottocarus the King of Bohemia's Son was called in, who did usurp the Dukedom of Austria, and got Carinthia in the year of Chris● 1269. but he could not keep it long. For he grew so arrogant, tha● he contemned the Emperor, and would not do homage for the map of Stiria STIRIA OR STIRMARCK Lands which he held in Bohemia unto the Emperor Rudolphus Habsburgius: the Emperor at Augusta called a Counsel of the Princes of Germany, and citeth Ottacarus to appear at his peril and to answer concerning those Provinces of the Empire which he unjustly possessed, as also concerning his contempt against the Emperor's Majesty. Ottacarus laughs at the Citation: and sends no body to the Counsel to answer for him. In the mean time Ambassadors being sent from the States of Austria, came to Augusta to the Emperor, and the Counsel of Princes there assembled, and there having grievously complained before Caesar and the Princes of Ottocarus his injury and cruelty, they shown that he had gotten Austria by an unjust Title: and that he had repudiated and divorced his lawful wife Margarite, the Inheretrix of Austria, and kept a Whore, and at length poisoned his own wife: and that he took away the lawful Inheritance of Austria from Agnes Badensis, and her Daughter Elizabeth, with her Brother Henry: and that he had murdered many of the Noblemen in the City of Vienna, and had butchered many innocent people: and that he had secretly divided Austria, Stiria, Carniola, and the Marquiship of the Vindorians, which were in the Emperor's gift, and that he might hold Austria by the aid of a foreign power, and lay the yoke of servitude on the people, he did therefore revolt from the Empire and Caesar, &c. It was hereupon decreed by the Princes, that Ambassadors should be sent to Bohemia. But they in stead of an answer giving reproachful speeches to Caesar, and the Princes of the Empire, they decreed and agreed that Caesar should make wars against them, and should have their aid therein. He having levied a great Army goeth into Austria. On the other side Ottocarus marcheth forth with no less forces, but he doubting the event of the war, and fearing Caesar's wisdom and force, by the intercession of two Noblemen, made a peace with him, and restored back Austria, and did homage unto Caesar for Bohemia, and the other Provinces which he held of him: and while he did his homage, he kneeled before the Emperor, and the whole Army, which matter being taken in dudgeon by his wife, and some factious spirits, they violated the peace, and entered Austria with a great Army. On the other side the Emperor Rodolphus marcheth forth with his Army of Germans, and his auxiliary Hungarian forces, and so joining battle with Ottocarus not fare from the Town Mar●he●●us, he overcame him, and slew him, afterward he invaded Bohemia, and with fire and sword enforced the young man Wenceslaus the Son of the deceased Ottocarus to seek peace, and prescribed him conditions according to his Imperial pleasure. But he made his eldest Son Albert Duke of Austria: and afterward by the common consent of the Princes of the Empire, he was made Duke of Austria and Stiria. Stiria is distinguished into the higher, by the turning of the River Mura, and the lower near the confluence and meeting of Dravus and Mura, which is next unto the second Pannonia, or Hungary, whence that place is called am Hungerischen. The chief Cities of Stiria are Bruga, by the River Mura, and also Grazium, Viana, commonly called Voylsperg, by the River Kaynacha. Also Wolspergum by the River Lavandus. Marchpurg is a Metropolitan City on the left bank of the River Dravus, and on the same side there is Petovia, or the Petovian Colony, where the Roman Legions were seated. Beyond the River is Warasinum, which they call the Varian Castle, there is also Rachelspurg seated on the left bank of the River Mura, where the Country of Savaria beginneth. In this Country also there is Cilia on the bank of the River Savus, which seemeth to be an ancient City, for there are many Inscriptions of Roman names in it. The Townsmen say that it was built by Silvius, and that it was called Sullaces, but on no ground as Volaterrarus saith. For perhaps it was that City, or built out of the ruins thereof, which Ptolemy placeth not fare from home, and calleth Celia. In the Dukedom of Styria there are more Counties, among which are Warasden, by the River Dravus, and also Lebnau, by the River Mura. Stiria is watered with these Rivers, Dravo, Lavanda, Sackan, Sulmo, Raynatho, Mura, Martza, Arrabone, Veystritza, Lausintio, and infinite many Torrents, and Rivulets, which at length do all run into Danubius. Here are no particular Mountains, for they are all called by one general name the Norician Alps, whence they are called by the name of Alps, as Rauch Alben, Subalben, See Alben, Schwaberger Alben. In the confines of Austria, Carinthia, and Stiria, there is the Mountain Taurus. The Mountain Gesacus doth hung over the River Mura, which is now commonly called Der Schockel, and Sattli, Mansenperg, Wemsperg, and near unto the River Salzis it is called Ina Sawrussel, that is, os porcinum, or Hog's mouth, and Deifelsteig, that is, the Devil's Praecipisse. Below the River Mura it is called in Gaistal, Stainperg, and Kainacher Alben: and somewhat lower are the Mountains Kreiczpergus: and toward the East Radel and Plaitzperg. Beyond Dravus Southward is the Mountain Claudius, which is now called Dracimperg. Vadianus relateth, that it was a current report at Vienna in Austria, that a Mountain began to burn in Stiria, whereupon the Emperor Maximilian sent Messengers who found it to be true. And it is probable that this happened about the year of Christ 1520. at what time Vadianus writ thus much. Moreover the aforesaid Mountains are every where clothed and crowned with woods. The Stirians are a rustic people, and some of them have such swellings about their necks, that it hindereth their speech, and women that give suck do cast it behind their back, that it may not hinder their Children from sucking. Ortelius doth report that he saw at Frisachium, while he travelled from Vienna to Venice, in the year 1558. a man that had a Chin that was as broad as his shoulders, and it hung down upon his breast. The Inhabitants do think that the air and water are the cause of this swelling. The Stirians do use the German speech and habit, except it be those that devil by the River Dravus. SCLAVONIA, CROATIA, BOSNIA, WITH PART of DALMATIA. AMONG the Countries which are presented in this Table Selavonia is the first, which was so called from the Sclavonian Nation, who did heretofore inhabit by the Maeotick Lake. Pliny called it Illyricum, from Illyricus the Son of Cadmus, or as some think of Poliphemus. Ptolemy, calls it Illyris, and Stephen Illyria. Ptolemy doth stretch it forth from Istria even to the confines of Macedon, by the Sea shore, and doth make it extend to Pannonia and Maesia. Pomponius Mela, and Dionysius Alexandrinus do describe it to be larger, for he maketh Illyria to contain all the coast of the Hadriatick Sea, from Tergestus even to the Ceraunian Mountains, and placeth it beyond Danubius. For Mela reckoneth Danubius among the Rivers of this Country. But Pliny maketh the Rivers Arsia, and Tisius to be the bounds thereof. And the most do follow Ptolemy's description, who saith that Illyris where it looketh toward Macedoe, doth contain Dalmatia, and Liburnia, which Lazius doth call Crabates: and others Croatia. Pinetus calleth it Contado di Zara. The length of it from Arsa to Drinus is 380 Italian Miles. In some parts it hath a pure wholesome air, but in other places not so wholesome, by reason of Moorish exhalations and vapours. This Country, as Strabo witnesseth is very pleasant: it hath strong Havens, a fertile Soil, and full of Vines, unless it be upon the stony rocky cliffs, or on that side which lieth toward Pannonia, where it is cold, and covered with snow. Florus in his book of the first P●nicke war, writeth that the Illyrians grew so licentious, that they slew the Roman Ambassadors like sacrifices, and burned the Captains of the Ships, and to disgrace them the more, at the command of a woman who as he writeth was called Teuta. Again the Illyrians being hired by King Perses, began to set upon the Romans behind their back, but Scorda which was the head City of the Nation being razed, they straightway yielded themselves. Pliny writeth that the coast of Illyria was more frequented than the Lands, when on the contrary, the coast of Italy over against it is very impetuous and stormy. The chief Cities and Towns of Illyria are Senia, commonly called Segna, being seated on a Plain by the Sea, which is often troubled with the North wind. jadera is now the chief and strongest Metropolis of the Liburnians. Also Zara commonly called Sebenicum, Ptolemy calls it Sicum. It is situate in the Bay Scardonicor near the Sea, at the foot of a Mountain, where there is a Castle. It hath fruitful fields, but it is thinly inhabited, by reason that the Turks do continually vex it. Spalatum and Salena is celebrated by Ptolemy and Strabo. There is also Salona, which is a Haven of the Dalmatians, which hath few inhabitants, because it is so near unto the Turk. Tragurium now called Tran, is divided from the Continent by map of Sclavonia SCLAVONIA a small arm of the Sea. Epidaurus is an ancient City, by the ruins whereof there is Ragusium commonly called Ragusi, the Turks call it Pobrovicha, it is a small City with a strong Castle: here is a famous Mart for all Turkish commodities, the Commonwealth is governed by good laws, the Citizens are rich. This Country is watered with two chief Rivers Savus and Dravus, which do run into Danubius. Beyond the Mountains many lesser Rivers do break out into the Hadriatick Bay, as Edanius, Ticicus, Naron, Rhizon, and Drinus. The Illyrians or Sclavonians do devil in wooden houses, thatched, unless it be some Towns upon the Coast where they live civiller. And so much concerning Illyricum or Sclavonia in general. But Sclavonia which our table doth exhibit, is only a part of that Illyricum, unless we make it to be Plinyes Sclavonia. It containeth the Marquiship of Windorum, and the County of Zagabria. CROATIA. CRoatia is a part of Illyricum towards Hungary, which we described in the beginng. Rufus and Volaterranus call it Valeria: others Liburnia. It joineth to Istria on the East by the Fanatic Bay and is situate between the Rivers Cuspa and Savus, and the higher Maesia. The Metropolis of this Country is now called Bigihon, and sometime Fumium. It hath many other Cities at Zeng, Wickat, Tu●naw, Modrish. But the Turk by his invasions made this Country known, having broken the league with the Christians, had a great desire to join this Country to his Kingdoms and Provinces, that so he might more conveniently invade Italy and Germany, whereupon at the beginning of Summer in the year 1592. the great Turk sent an Army into Croatia, under the conduct of his Pashas and Captains. The Soldiers being terrified at the approaching of this army, the Bashaw of Bosnia took the strong Fort Hrastovitza by treachery. And afterward the fury of his Soldiers being not appeased therewith, he laid siege to Wyhitz, a strong walled City: the Soldiers having neither munition nor victuals, yielded up the Town by surrender, and the Turk afterward contrary to his promise put them all to the Sword, and many inconveniences followed after this surrender, which I omit. Moreover in the year following, which was 1593. The Turk glorying in his many victories, and Towns which he had taken, had a great desire to get the strong City Sissegkum: and so raising an army he besieged it. But the Germans considering what great detriment and loss, not only Germany but all Europe should sustain, if the Turks should take it, they levied an army, and so passing over the River Savus, they intended to relieve the City. The Turkish horsemen who were 8000. or some say 10000 made haste to possess themselves of the other Bank of the River Savus by the Bridge which was built before, that so they might hinder the Christians approach, where joining battle with the Christians, the Turks were put to flight, and fled to the Bridge, which the Carolostadien Soldiers had first possessed. The Turks were at last all cut off, and a great many drowned in the Rivers Savus and Kulpa. The other part of the Turkish Army fled, the Bridge being cut down, so that they could not retire to the rest of their army. And so on the 22. of june in the year 1593. this City was freed from this straight siege. BOSNIA. THe Eastern part of Liburnia they now call Liburnia, from the Bessi, a people of lower Moesia: who afterward being expulsed by the Bulgarians, did remove into higher Maesia, and by changing the letter e for oh, they were called instead of Bossis Bossi or Bosni: and afterward Bosna, and Besnia. There have been the like changes in other cames, as Melita, now called Malta, Langones and Lingones, Scandia and Schondia, &c. jaitza is a City of Bosnia, seated on a high hill, and encompassed with two Rivers. These Rivers do flow at the foot of the Mountain, and so having encircled the City, do join together, and run both into Savus. It was the Metropolis of Bosnia, and it hath a strong impregnable Castle. This Country also hath other chief Cities, especially Schwonica, and Warbosayne, which is now the Metropolis, but not walled about. The River Milliatzka doth divide it into two parts, &c. DALMATIA. IT remaineth that we should speak somewhat of Dalmatia, a part whereof is described in this Table. It was so called from Deliminium the Metropolis of this Country. Heretofore Dalmatia was a potent Kingdom, and the Dalmatians were heretofore strong and rich, and confident in the situation of their Country. They lived for the most part in Woods, and so were much given to robbing. The Cities are Salanum, and not far from the borders of this Country, the City Apollonia is situated by the Sea side, near unto which there is a Rock which sendeth forth flashes of fire, and beneath it hot water and Brimstone doth boil forth, especially when the Rock blazeth and burneth. The Ecclesiastical government according to Mercator is in this manner. There is the Archbishop jadra, who they now call Zara. Under whom are Anzara, Vegla, Arbe: also the Archbishop of Spalleto, under whom are the Bishops Tragurium, of Teniensis Tina, Sardona, Temnensis, Nenensis, Nonensis, Almisa, Sibinicensis, Farensis. The Archbishop of Ragusine, under whom are Stagnensis, Rossonensis, Tribuniensis, Bacensis, Rosensis, Bidnanensis, Budva. The Archbishop Antiberensis, under whom are the Bishops of Dulcinium, Suacinensis, Drinastensis, Polastrensis, Scodrensis, Sardensis, Surtanensis, or Acutarensis, Arbensis. WALACHIA, SERVIA BULGARIA, ROMANIA. VALACHIA was so called from the Flaccians, a Nation of the Romans. For the Romans having overcome the Geteses, brought thither a Colony under the conduc● of one Flaccus, whence it was first called Flaccia, and afterward Valachia. The Alps and a continued ridge of Mountains do divide it from Hungary and Transilvania. It hath on the East a Lake full of Fish, which the River Pruth maketh: on the South it is bounded with Danubius; and on the West it toucheth upon Transilvania, by the Town Severine, where there is Trajans Bridge, which had 34. Piles. On the North it is bounderd with the small River Ho●na and Ister, and so the Country bendeth over against the Island Pau●● well known to Writers, which they now call Barillana. But Valachia although it be encompassed with high Mountains, yet it yields al● things necessary. Moreover, it is rich in Ours of Gold, Silver, Iron, and Salt. Neither doth it want Vineyards, but it hath diverse kinds of Cattles, especially excellent Horses and Ginnets. Here is the Town Teniovizza where the Vaivode resideth. There are also other Towns, as Braila, and Trescortum, not fare from which there is Brimstone digged, of which they make Candles, as of wax. The other parts of this County do consist of Villages, the Rivers Hierasus, which the Inhabitants call Pruth, Hoyne, Danubius, and others. SERVIA. SERVIA, which Lazius calls the higher Maesia, is a Country between Bosnia and Bulgaria. Some suppose that this was the Triballians Country: and that these people came hither, at the declining of the Grecian and Roman Empire. Cuspianus and Volaterranus do writ that the Trojans did inhabit Servia and Rasica. The chief City of Servia was Sinderovia, which some do call Spenderoben, and other Simandria, or Semendria, the Turks do call it Semender, and the Hungarians Zendrow, which lieth not fare from Belgradus by the banks of Danubius, and it was taken by the Turkish Emperor Amurath, in the year 1428. and reduced into a Sangiacate under the Beglerbeg of Buda. There are also the Towns Vidina, which the Turks call Kiratovum, which is seated by the Mountain Argentarus. Also Novogradum on the borders of Servia, which some do call the new Mountain, it hath an impregnable Castle. There is also the black Mountain, in which there are Silver Ours. There are also Samandria, and Prisdena, where the Emperor justinian was borne. Also Stonibrigadum, and Belgradum, heretofore called Taurunum. map of Walachia WALACHIA. BULGARIA. BULGARIA is so called as it were Volgaria, because certain people coming from Volga about the year of our Lord 566. did possess this Country. Some think that this Country is the lower Maesia. It lieth between Servia, Romania, and Danubius. This Country for the most part is Mountainous, and it runneth out on the back side of the Mountain Haemus toward Danubius, and Romania, whence the middle part of the Country is ragged, & the steep parts of it are full of solitary Woods. The Metropolis of this Country is Sophia, which Niger thinketh to be that Town which Ptolemy calls Tibiscum. Here the Beglerbeg of Greece resideth, whom the Turks call Rumeli Beglerbeg, who hath 21. Sangiacates under him. There is also Serrajum a famous City of Bulgaria. And Nicopolis which is governed by Sangiacks. Near this City there are some ruins of an admirable Bridge, which the Emperor Trajan built over Danubius, when he warred against the Geteses. ROMANIA. ROMANIA is next to Bulgaria, which was so called from the chief City Constantinople, which was called also Roma nova, or new Rome. It was heretofore called Thrace, either from Thrace's the Son of Mars, or from the Nymph Thrara, or rather, a feritate seu temeritate, from their wildness or rashness. It is parted from Macedon by the River Strymon; on the North is the River Haemus, on the other sides the Sea washeth it. This Country hath neither good air, nor soil: and except it be that part which lieth toward the Sea, it is cold and unfruitful. But by the Sea it hath fruit, and Corne. It hath few Apple trees, and but few Vines, which unless they be defended from the cold, the Grapes of them do seldom come to maturity or ripeness. It hath these Cities Abdera where Democritus was borne; also Nicopolis, Philippopolis, Hadrianopolis, Trajanopolis, Selymbria, Perinthus, and many others. The Metropolis or Mother City is Byzantium, which was built by Pausanias, now they call it Constantinople, from Constantine, who made it the seat of his Empire. The Turks call it Stampolda, as it were a large City. It is seated by an arm of the Sea, and it hath Pera over against it, which they call Galata, which was an ancient Colony of the Genuensians. There are diverse Monuments of Antiquity in this City, some of which were brought thither from Rome. The chief are the Church of Sophia, which was built by the Emperor justinian. The Palace of Constantine. St. Luke's Church. A new Castle, a Colossus, a place to ride Horses, and many old Steeples. Two Rivers do water it Cydrus, commonly called Machl●vam, and Barbises, also Chartaricon. The compass of this City is 13. miles. And there are in it 700. thousand Inhabitants. This Country hath but few Rivers but those very famous, as Hebrus, Melanes, Tearus, Arsus, Bythinia, and Nesta. It hath these Mountains, Haemus, Rhodope, Orbelus, Pangaeus, and Messapus, these Countries are now subject to the Turk, who hath a Palace at Constantinople. Of whose power, and government I will speak briefly. There are about 200. whom the Turk every 4. years doth command to gather thorough Greece, Walachia, Bosnia, and Anatolia, and his other Territories all the Christian Male Children, out of every Family, as a tenth due unto him, which they bring to Constantinopolis, Pera, and Adrianopolis, and deliver them to Citizens to bring them up, and the less hopeful they put forth to Country people in Bursia, and Caramania. All these are called Aza●●gla, or jamogla, that is, innocent Infants, that know nothing, and when they are 8. years old, 50. of the handsomest and hopefullest of them are placed in the Emperor's Palace at Constantinople, which is called Saray, and there they are instructed in learning and rudiments of war, until they have attained to 20. years of age. Out of these beside other Officers of the Court the Janitzaries are chosen, of whom there are 12000. who are the Turks Guard. Out of the Janitzaries 3000. Spachoglani are chosen, who go on the Prince's right hand, and do every one keep 4. or 5. Horses for service. Hemus is a very high wood, so that from the top thereof you may behold the Euxine and Adrian Sea. The Inhabitants of this Country are yellow of complexion, long hayrd, courageous, fierce, and cruel: they are great drinkers, and do love Wine. GREECE, WHICH CONTAINETH THESE CHIEF COUNTRIES, ALBANIA, MACEDON, EPIRE, ACHAIA, and MOREA. GREECE follows which is a famous Country of Europe, and the Fountain and mother of learning. The Inhabitants did call it helas. But these that do now inhabit it do call it Romechi, and the Turks Haromels'. Leunclavius calleth it Rumelia: and the 70. Interpreters Phobel, and java. But Greece hath several bounds assigned it. It reacheth properly from Epire by the River Achelous. On the East it hath the Aegean Sea: and thus Greece is properly bounderd. Which Pliny doth intimate, who saith, that Greece beginneth from the Isthmus, and again he saith, that Greece is joined to Peloponesus with a short neck of ground. Sometimes also Peloponesus and Thessalia are comprehended in Greece. So L. Aemilius Paulus, when he travailed thorough Greece, he went to Delphos thorough Thessaly, from thence to Lebadia, then to Chalcides, afterward to Aulides, and from thence to Athens, then to Corinth, Sicyon, Argos, Epidaurus, Lacedaemon, Megalopolis, Olympia: and so having traveled thorough Greece, he returned to Amphipolis. Homer calleth the Phtiotae only Grecians. Herodotus maketh a difference between the Thracians and Pelasgans. But now we call Greece all the Country, which lieth Westward, and is washed with the Ionian Sea, on the South with the Libyan Sea: on the East with the Aegean; on the North it is parted from Thrace, Mysia, and Dalmatia. This Country did heretofore excel other parts of Europe, both for the temper of the climate, and fertility, and Herds of Cattles. This is that Country which flourished along time, and was a famous Empire for Learning, Arts, and warlike Discipline. It was first free, but while it affected Sovereignty over others, it was itself brought into servitude, for now it is under the Turks Dominion. And heretofore Cyrus, afterward Xerxes, and other Kings of Persia did vex it. Afterwards the Macedons governed it, and then the Romans, after the division of their Empire it was subject to Constantinople, until the Goths, the Bulgarians, and Saracens did waste and destroy it, and now last of all the Turk hath brought it all into miserable servitude, except some Lands which are subject to the Venetian, namely, Corcyra, Cephalenia, Zacynthus, Crete, and other little Lands. Greece had heretofore many flourishing Cities, as Athens, Lacedaemon, Delphos, Argis, Mycenis, Corinth, and many others, the most of which are ruinated, and decayed. Here are 32. great Rivers, as Strymon, Chabrius, Echedorus, Axius, Erigon, Lydius, Aliacmon, map of Greece GREECE. Pharybus, Peneus, Sperchius', Panyassus, Apsus, Lous, Celidnus, Thyamus, Acheron, Arachthus, Achelous, Evenus, Ilissus, Asopus, Ismenus, Cephisus, Boagrius, Asopus, Sus, Peneus, Alphejus, Selas, Panysius, Eurotas, and Inachus. The Seas are called the Ionian Sea, from jonia who was a Queen in the farthest parts of Italy, as Solinus affirmeth: or as Archidamus thinketh, from jonius a King of the Illyrians, or from the Jonians who were drowned in passing that Sea. It was called before the Cronian and Rhaean Bay, and the Cretian from the I'll Crete, as ancient Writers do witness, it is now called Marinell di Candia, or the Candian Sea. There is also the Carpathiam Sea, so called from the Island Carpathus, which lieth by the Eastern Promontory of Crete. The Aegaean Sea, as Festus and others do writ, was so called from Aegeus the Father of Theseus, who cast himself into it. I omit other opinions. Valerius Flaccus calleth it Aegon, and Aegeon, Thucydides calleth it the Greek Sea, and the Europeans do call it by a Greek name Archipelagus: The Turks call it the white Sea. The Romans did heretofore call this Sea by two names, as Pliny witnesseth, namely, all that which touched Macedon and Thrace, the Macedonian Sea; and that which touched Greece, the Grecian Sea: Ptolemy calls it Myrtoum, or the Myrtoan Sea, being a part of the Aegean, which beateth on Caria a Country of Asia the less: Castaldus calleth it Marinell di Mandria. Strabo, Pliny, and others do place it between Peloponesus, and Attica. It was so called from Myrthus the Son of Mercury, who as Solinus and Isodorus report was cast into this Sea by Oenomaus, or as Pliny thinketh, from a small Island, situate not fare from the Town Carystum. The most do call it the Icarian Sea, from the fable of Icarus. It is now called Marinell di Nicaria, as Castaldus writeth. It hath also diverse Mountains, as Bertiscus, Athos, Olympus, Ossa, Pelion, Citerius, Othris, Oeta, Pindus, Aroceraunij, Stimphe, Calidromus, Carax, Parnassus, Helicon, Cithaeron, Himettus, Stimphalus, Pholoe, Cronius, Zarex, Mint, Taigetus, and others. Moreover Athens famous for Arts and Disciplines was in Greece. So that Diodorus Siculus calleth it the common School. Cicero Lib. 4. Epist. Famil. calleth it the famousest University of Europe, whether Romans and other Nations did repair to study Philosophy and the Greek tongue. Cicero doth often commend Greece for Arts, Eloquence, good wits, and plentiful speech, so that the Romans got the knowledge of Philosophy, and other Arts and Sciences from them. And Flaccus singeth thus. Graijs ingenium, Graijs dedit ore rotundo Musa loqui.— The Muses gave the Grecians wit, And eloquence of speech to it. GREECE hath yielded these famous Scholars, Nusaevi the Poet, Solon, Socrates the Prince of Philosophers, Xenophon, Plato, Isocrates, Demosthenes, Thucydides, and many others. Concerning the Grecians religion, Idolatry reigned amongst them, so that they had an infinite number of Gods and Goddesses. Augustine Lib. 3. of the City of God, affirmeth according to Varros opinion, that the Romans and Grecians together had above 3000. gods, of which there were 300. jupiters'. Every one had his Lar or Household god. And they had Tutelary gods for every affection of the mind, and for defence and protection from danger, and every god had distinct and peculiar Ceremonies, Prayers, Priests, Sacrifices, and Offerings. The common people do not now keep their ancient fashions. For they let their hair grow long, and do only cut the forepart of their hair, and do wear a double thick Hat. They use but little household ●●●ffe as the Turks: neither do they lie on Featherbeds, but on Flock-beds, or Beds stuffed with Wool or Toe. They never mingle any wine with water, and women are not present at their drinking feasts and meetings, neither do they sit down at Banquets. But the Heathenish Greeks' have an ancient custom in bewailing the dead. The Greek Christians do differ in Religion from the Romans, and do call themselves the Eastern Church. They have four Patriarches, the patriarchs of Constantinople, of Alexandria, of Jerusalem, and Antioch. These are created by the Metropolitan Bishops, as the Popes are by the Cardinals, and they are famous for their sanctimonious, holy, modest, and religious life. Their yearly revenue is 400. crowns, which is begged in the Churches which are under their government. For the Clergy men have no Inheritance. They may marry one wife, but no more, they acknowledge only two Sacraments, Baptism and the Lords Supper. They communicate in both kinds, both in Bread and Wine. They hate Purgatory, and detest graven Images, and do not shave their hair. But the richer Grecians, and men of Authority, do wear Princely apparel. Those that are under the Venetians do go in habit like to Venetians. Those that are under the Turks, do go like Turks. The Governor of Greece is called Vromeli Beglerbey, that is, King of the Roman Princes, for he governeth all those Countries which the Turk hath in Europe, which are subject to Constantinople. He hath 40. Sangiacks, under him, who are Captains of the Horse troops chosen out of the Spachoglans, and they are Governors in the chief Cities of the Provinces, to keep them in peace and obedience, and they have 150. Sobasci Cimmeriotae, or more, who are Vice-governours' under them of lesser Towns. Under these Sangiacks there are 30000. Spachi, every one of which maintaineth 3. or 4. Horses for service. And these Spachi are distributed thorough the Flamboler, that is, the bands, which do contain 200. 300, 400. or 500 Horsemen. The chief of the Sangiacks is the Governor of Modena, who is Precedent also of all Morea, who upon the Beglerbeys command is to bring forth a thousand Horse, who are bound to serve him for wages. Also the Governor of Bosna bringeth 900. Horse, and the Governor of Thessalonia bringeth forth 500 Horse, an hundred whereof he hath always in a readiness, the rest he sends when the Turk demands it. There are also under this Beglerbey, 20000. Horsemen who are subject to the Sangiacks, who are called the Tymariots, because they have stipends out of the Tymar, which is the Emperor's Exchequer. And also 40000. Akengi, or Acconti, that is, Scouts or light Horsemen, who being free from any taxes or contributions, do serve without wages, and are supplied with victuals by the chief Cities thorough which they pass. There are also many Feudataries who are called Mosselin, out of which there are sometime raised 60000 Horsemen, and a great number of Footmen. It would be tedious to rehearse all matters, neither do we intent it, wherefore we returns to the more special parts of Greece. MACEDON, EPIRE, AND ACHAIA, WITH which ALBANIA is described. SOME have divided Greece in another manner. But we will follow Mercator, who doth accurately describe the parts thereof in three Tables. But in this Table he setteth forth 3. Provinces of Greece, Macedon, Epire and Achaja, afterward Morea, and in the third and last place Candia. The first is Macedon, being a large Country, and so called from King Macedon the son of Orsiis, some say that it was so denominated from jupiter and Thia, or as Salinus thinketh, from Ducalions' Nephew. It was heretofore called Emathia, as Pliny and Trogus do witness. Livy writeth that it was first called Paonia, afterward Aemonia, Solinus calls it Edonia, and Pieria. Trogus writeth that it was heretofore called Boeotia. Stephanus and Hesychius do writ that a part of it was called Macetia, and from thence Eustathius reporteth that the whole Country was so called. It is also called in the Book of Maccabees, Cethim, where we read that Alexander went out of the Land of Cethim. It is situate in the middle of two great Seas, the Ionian Sea on the West, and the Aegaean on the East: on the North it hath a part of Dalmatia, and the higher Maesia: on the South it toucheth Epirus and Achaja. The Country is every where fruitful; and encompassed with great Mountains; and the borders thereof toward the Ionian Sea are plain and woody: for that part which is called Albania is well known to be large, fruitful, and pleasant. Moreover, it is very rich in Gold and Silver, and as Aristotle witnesseth, a kind of strange Gold was heretofore found here, there is also Brimstone digged out of the Earth. Moreover Macedon doth produce a Precious stone called Paeantides, which doth help women to conceive, and bring forth children, as Solinus writeth. This is that Macedon (saith Pliny) which heretofore had the Empire of the whole World, that is, that Country which passed over Asia, Armenia, Iberia, Albania, Cappadocia, Syria, Egypt, Taurus, and Causasus: this Country had Dominion over the Bactrians, Medes, and Persians', and possessed all the East, this conquered India, following the steps of Bacchus and Hercules, this is that Macedon, in which our Emperor Paulus Aemilius in one day took 72. Cities and sold them. Such was the change of Fortune. Macedon containeth many Countries, among the which Thessaly is the chief, which Castaldus calleth Comenolitari. There are also many fair Cities in Macedon. The chief now are Thessalonia, which was and is now frequented by diverse Christian Nations, and Jews, who have there 80. Synagogues. The Sangiack of Macedon resideth here. He at the command of the Beglerbeg, as often as the Turk setteth forth any Army hath 500 Horsemen well appointed, an hundred whereof he keepeth near him to defend his own borders. Near unto this City is Siderocapsa famous for Gold Mettle. And Pella where the King's Treasure is kept, and 3000. of the King's Mares are kept to breed, as Pliny and Strabo do witness. Stagira was the Town where Aristotle was borne. Also Apollonia where Augustus Caesar learned the Greek tongue. Dyrrachium which was heretofore called Epidaurus, is in the Country of Brundisium: also Aulon, Croja, and Cavalla. The Rivers of Macedon next to Strimon, in the borders of Thrace, are Axius, Erigonus, Aliacmon, and Peleus. It hath these Mountains, Pelion, Ossa, Pindus, Nimphaeus, and Athon. Athos is a great steep rugged Mountain, which casteth a shadow even to the Island Lemnos: it is planted with Vines, Olives, Bay-trees, Mirtle-trees, and Appletrees. Now it is inhabited by the Colojerians, who are so religious, that even the Turks do abstain from this part alone, and do often give the Monks gifts, and benevolences. EPIRUS. EPIRUS is a Country of Greece, as Ptolemy and others do call it. Martianus Capella writeth that it was heretofore called Chaonia, Grabellius affirmeth out of Dionysius and Thrasibulus that it was called Oricis and Dodona, Leander and Erythraus do writ that it is now called Albania, Richerius, and Aeneas Silvius Larta. Castaldus saith, that it was called janna. This Country is bounded on the East with the River Celydnus, or Pepylychnus: on the North it hath Macedon. This Country in many places is Woody and barren, but by the Sea Coast it fruitful. It produceth great store of living creatures, except Asses, but it is hath fair large Oxen, and great Dogs, and also Sheep. Virgil. 1. Georg. doth commend Epire for Horses. India mittit Ebur, molles sua thura Sabaei, At Chalybes nudi ferrum, virosaque pontus Castorea, Eliadum palmas Epiros equarum. India her whitest Ivory doth sand, The soft Sabaeans Frankincense doth lend, The naked Chalybes dig Iron forth, And Pontus hath that precious stone of worth, Which usually is called the Bezoar's stone, Epire hath the best Mares to breed upon. The Molossians first possessed this Country as Trogus reporteth. But in the Trojans time Ulysses governed it. After whom it came to Achilles, who much enlarged his Empire. Afterwards it came to the Romans, and afterward to the Emperors of Constantinople, and by their grant and donation to the Despotians, which were a family in Epire. But Amurath the Turk at last having droven out the Christians, did subject it to himself. Here are the Citties Dodone, famous for the Oracle of jupiter Dodonaeus. Also Nicopolis built by Augustus in memory of map of Macedonia MACEDON. that victory, when in a Sea-fight he overcame Marcus Antonius and Queen Cleopatra. It was heretofore a great City and populous, now it is called Prevesa. Ambracia is now called Laria from a River of that name. Here was the Palace of Pyrrhus of Epire, and the Country of Cleombrotus Ambraciota, who as Cicero relateth, having read Plato's Book of the immortality of the Soul, being weary of the miseries of this life, did cast himself down from a high place. There is also Actium, which Gerbelius maketh to be a famous City of Acarnania. It was heretofore a Colony of Augustus, now it is called Capo Figulo. Strabo, and Virgil do call Buthrotum. Pliny calls it Colonia. Sophianus calleth it now Butrinto. There is also Leucas, where Apollo hath a Chapel, and a Grove which hath power to mitigate the flames of Love, and Strabo doth report that the Poetess Sapph did first come out of it full of poetical inspirations, as Ovid doth mention in one of his Epistles to Sapph. The Rivers of Epire are Acheron, which Livy calls Acheros. Strabo Achelous, Sophianus Aspri, Niger Catochi, Kyriacus Ancomtanus calleth it Geromlia. The Ceraunian or Acroceraunian Mountains are very high, and fearful to the Mariners. For as soon as clouds do begin to arise from thence, Tempests do immediately follow. There is also the Mountain Stymphe, out of which the River Arachtus followeth, as Strabo witnesseth, the Inhabitants as Bellonius relateth, do go forth of their Country in troops in the Summer time, in regard of the barrenness of the soil, and so do remove to some other place, namely, into Macedon, Romania, and Anatolia, where they work under the Turk for hire and wages, sometimes they reap Corn, and so after Harvest is done, they return again in Autumn with their Wives and Children. But they are Christians, and have a peculiar speech different from the Greeks': yet they are of the Greek Religion, and because they are neighbours to the Grecians, therefore they understand the Greek. ACHAIA. THere remaineth in this Table Achaja, which is a Country of Greece. Ptolemy calleth it Hellades. Pliny in his Epistles calleth it Maera-Graecia, or mere Greece. It is bounderd on the North with Thessalia, near the River Sperchus, the Maliacan Bay, and the Mountain Ceta, on the West with the River Achelous, beyond which the Country of Epire beginneth: on the East it bendeth somewhat Northward, and is washed with the Aegean and Mirtoan Sea, even to the Promontory Sunium, which is now called Cape delle Colonne: On the South it hath Peloponesus, over against it, which is joined unto it by our Isthmus. I find in Writers that here are 9 Countries which are Dorus near Parnassus. Aetolia by the River Evenus. This latter is plain and fruitful toward the North, but rugged and barren towards the South. It hath many ancient Cities, one of the chief whereof was Calydon, which is now ruinated with the rest. Evenus a most clear transparent River doth flow thorough this Country, which afterward runneth into the Sea. The Country of the Locrians and Opuntians was rugged, the chief City whereof is Amphissa, There is also in this Country Naupactus, which some do place in Aetolia. Phocis is by the Mountain Parnassus. The City thereof is Delphos, where there was the sumptuous Church and famous Oracle of Apollo. Boeotia lieth among the Mountains, in a moist moorish place, but fat and very fruitful. There is also the City Ascra at the foot of the Mountain Helicon, where Hesiod was borne. And Orchomenus famous for Tiresias Oracle. Also Thebes which as Pliny witnesseth, was sometimes equal to Athens, where many famous men were borne, but now these Towns lie buried in their own ruins. There is also Cheronaea where Plutarch was borne. Also Plataea memorable for a famous victory which the Grecians obtained under the conduct of Pausanias, against Mardonius. Tanagra was a most superstitious City. And Aulis where the Greeks' assembled themselves before their coming to Troy. Attica is a barren woody Country. The chief City is Athens, which needs no commendation to make it famous. Euripides calls it the Grace of Greece, or the Compendium and Epitome of Greece. Cicero doth much praise this City, in his Oration for Lucius Flaccus, Lib. 2. of Laws, and in his Dialogue the Partitione. There was also Marathon well known by Milti●●●es his famous victory. And Eleusis famous for Ceres' sacrifices, which were therefore called Eleusinian. Stephanus calleth Megaris a rugged Country. The chief City hereof is Megara seated by the Isthmus from whence the Country was so called. The most famous Rivers of Achaja are Ismenus a River of Boeotia, which watereth the City of Thebes. Also Cnopus which Strabo calls Asopus. Homer surnames it flowery Cnopus. Also Evenus which before as Apollodorus and Strabo do witness, was called Lycormas. It is a River of Aetolia. The most famous Mountains are Parnassus, which Lucan Lib. 4. calleth Mons Phoebo Bromioque sacer, A Mountain sacred to Apollo and Bacchus. Which Claudian and Lucretius do situate in the middle of the World. There is also Helion which Pliny calleth Musis natale, the Muse's birth place. The Mountain Hymettus is famous for Honey, Marble, and all things medicinable. There is also Cithaeron, which Lactantius calleth so from Cithara a Harp, because this Instrument was often played on in this place, and Poets Verses were frequently sung here. There are these Bishoprics in this Country. The Archbishopric Philippensis, under whom are Citrensis and Veriensis: Also the Archbishop Laricensis, under whom are Dinutriensis, Almurensis, Cardicensis, Sidoniensis, Dinucensis. The Archbishop Neopatensis, under whom is Lariaetensis. The Archbishop Thebanensis, jorocemensis, Castoriensis, The Archbishop Athenensis, under whom are Thermopylensis, Davaliensis, Salonensis, Nigropontensis, Molgarensis, Roonensis, Eginnensis. The Archbishops Corcyrensis, and Duracensis. MOREA, HERETOFORE CALLED PELOPONNESUS. SO much concerning the chief Countries of Greece, which are in the Continent: Morea and Candia are next to be unfolded. The former Ptolemy, Srabo, and Steph. do call Peloponnesus, it is a Peninsula, but now it is happily called Morea from the incursions of the Moors. Heretofore as Apollodorus and Pliny do witness, it was called Apia and Pelasgia. Strabo delivers that it was Argos, and afterward Argos Achaicum; and Orosius Lib. 1. cap. 11. saith that it was called Achaja. And also Apuleius in his 6. Book of the golden Ass. Eustathius did also call it Pelopia, and Stephanus Inachia. And in Eusebius Chronicle it is called Aegialia. It was called Peloponnesus from Pelops a barbarous man, who coming out of Asia reigned here. For Pelopis signifies an Island, whereas it is not an Island, but a Peninsula. and as Mela writeth it is most like to a Plantine leaf, being as broad as long. The Perimeter or compass of it is 4000 Furlongs, unto which Artemedorus addeth 400. It is joined to the continent by an Isthmus or neck of Land, the breadth whereof is 40. Furlongs. Many have vainly attempted to 〈◊〉 thorough this narrow tongue of ground, as Demetrius, C. Caesar, Caligula, Ne●●, and others: but being frustrated of their purpose, they made a wall there which they called Hexamilium. Amurath the Turk threw it down, and the Venetians re-edified it in the year 1453. in 15. days space, but the Turks afterward did raze it down to the ground. In this Isthmus there was heretofore the Temple of Neptune, where the Isthmian sports and Plays were celebrated. Peloponnesus hath on the East the Cretian Sea: on the West the Ionian or Hadriatick Sea● on the North it hath the Corinthian and Saronick Bay, between which is the Isthmus: on the South it hath the Mediterranean Sea. This Peninsula is the Castle and chief part of all Greece, and Pliny saith that it is not inferior to any Country. For it hath plenty, and abundance of all things which serve rather for pleasure or necessity. It hath fruitful Plains and Hills, and it is full of Bays and Havens which do make many Promontories. The Elians, the Messenians, the Achivi, the Sicyonians, the Corinthians, the Laconians, the Argives, and the Arcadians did heretofore inhabit Peloponnesus. And this part of Greece was famous heretofore thorough the whole world for the Commonwealths of the Myceneans, Argives, Lacedæmonians, Sicyonians, Eliensians, Arcadians, Pylions, and Messenions, out of which there came many famous Princes, as Agamemnon, Menelaus, Ajax, and others. For this Country in regard of the situation, and Majesty thereof did govern all the other parts of Greece. But now all Peloponnesus is under map of Morea MOREA. the Turks Dominion, as also the rest of Greece, although it were valiantly defended by some Earls of Greece, whom they call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or Lords, and also by the Venetians. But now a Sangiack doth govern all Morea under the Turk, who is more potent than all the rest, who resideth at Modonum, and at the Beglerbeys of all Greece's command he is to bring a thousand Horse into the Field at his own cost and charges. This Sangiack is called by the Barbarians Morabegi, whose yearly revenues in this Province 700000. Asper's, that is, 14. thousand Crowns. But it appeareth in Ptolemy and other Authors, that all this Country was divided into 8. Provinces, which are Corinth, Argia, Laconia, Messenia, Elis, Achaja, Sicyonis, and Arcadia. Corinth is seated in the Isthmus, it was so denominate from the chief City which was first called Ephyre. Cicero doth worthily call it the light of Greece. It hath a Haven on either side, the one whereof looketh toward Asia, the other toward Italy, so that the convenient situation made it soon grow famous, and the Isthmian Plays which were celebrated here. acrocorinth was seated on a Mountain 3 Furlongs and a half high, and under it was Corinth 40. Furlongs in compass. On the top of the Mountain there was a temple dedicated to Venus: near which was the Fountain Pyrene, which did first spring up as the Poet's report, from a stroke of Pegasus his hoof, who was the winged Horse of the Muses. This City was razed by L. Mummius, because they had discourteously entertained the Roman Ambassadors, after it had been builded 952. years by Aletes the Son of Hippotes, as you may find it in Paterculus. Argia followeth, which Ortelius calleth Romania. The Cities of this Country are Mycenae, where Agamemnon had his Palace, whence Ovid calleth it Agamemnon's Mycenae, it was famous for the ancient temple of juno, whence juno was called Argiva. They report that the Cyclops did wall it about. Not fare from hence was the Lake Lerna, where Hercules killed the Lernaean Hydra, or rather did scatter and kill the Thiefs that did rob in those parts. The City Argos was built as some report by Argus. Nauplia now called Neapolis is a strong City of Romania, Epidaurus is in the innermost part of the Saronian Bay, a City famous for Esculapius temple. Next to Argia is Laconia. The Metropolis or Mother City whereof is Sparta, which was also called Lacedaemon, and now Misuhra: it was heretofore a great potent City, being not fortified with walls, but by the valour of the Citizens, neither doth Pomponius praise it for magnificent Buildings, but for Lycurgus his Laws and Discipline, in which it contended with Athens, as Thucydides noteth in his 8. Book. Leuctra may be known out of Plutarch by that sad and tragical History of Scedasus Daughters. There is also Epidaurus which is now called Malvasia. Messenia reacheth from the Mountain Taygetus and the River Panijsus even to Alpheus. The chief City of it is Messene situate by the Sea, it is now called Mattegia. Aristomenis was the Country where renowned Messenius was borne, who as Pausanias reporteth, being ripped open after he was dead, had a hairy Heart. There is also Methone, now called Modon, where the Turkish Sangiack did sometimes keep his residence. Corone is now called Coron. Pilus was the Country, where Homer's eloquent Nestor who lived three ages, was borne. And Ciparissi is now called Arcadia. Elis is situate between Messenia, Achaja, and Arcadia. The Cities are Elis thorough the middle whereof Peneus and Alpheus did run, famous for jupiters' temple. Olympia was famous for the solemn Grecian Plays, which were called Olympian games, and for the sumptuous Temple of jupiter Olympius, which by the offerings and gifts of potent Princes and other men grew so great and beautiful, that there was no Church in all Greece that could compare with it for magnificence and riches, for jupiter was religiously reverenced here. Cipselus the Tyrant of Corinth did consecrated and set up a golden jupiter at Olympia of massy gold. Afterwards Phidius the Athenian did set up a great Image of jupiter of Gold and Ivory, being 60. foot high, which work was reprehended by other Artificers, because the Image was not proportionable to the Temple. For whereas this jupiter sat in an Ivory Throne, and yet touched the top of the Church with his head, it must needs come to pass that if this Ivory god being weary of sitting would rise up at any time, that he must throw down the top of the Church. There is also Pisa. Achaja which Ptolemy calleth Propria, reacheth from the Promontory Araxas, even to the Sicyonian, from whom it is divided by the River Sus, on the South it hath the Mountain Stymphalus, on the North the Corinthian Bay. There are also the Cities Dyme, which they now call Charenza, whence they call the Araxean Promontory Capo di Chiarenza there is also the famous City Patrae which is now called Patras. The City Aegium in former time was called Vostiza or Bostizan, and it was razed by the Turks. Aegira was heretofore a chief City, being seated on a rugged steep Hill, which is now ruinated, and called Xilocastro. And in the Crissaean Bay there are Helice, Bura, and Pellene. Sicyonia is situate between Achaja and Asopus: the chief City thereof is Sition, the ancientest of all the Greek Cities, and built in Abraham's time, being full of Churches, Altars, Statues, and Images. There was also Phlius, which happily is that which they now call Vasilicon. There remaineth Arcadia which is a Mediterranean Country in Peloponnesus, being every where encompassed with the Sea. Which was so great that they seemed to shadow and obscure the beams of the Sun. a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. i e. ab obstipando vel obscurando. Pli. In this Country there is the City Megalopolis, where Polybius a grave and wise Writer was borne. It is now called Leontari. There is also Stimphalus, whence the Stymphalian Lake, and the Stymphalian Birds. There are also Lilaa, Mantinaea, and Psophis. But the chief Cities of all Peloponnesus, Ovid Lib. 6. Metamorph. hath thus briefly described and Epitomised. Finitimi Proceres coeunt, urbesque propinque Oravere suos ire ad solatia reges: Argosque & Sparte, Pelopejadesque Mycenae, Et nondum torvae Calidon invisa Dianae, Orchomenosque ferax, & nobilis aere Corinthus, Messeneque ferox, Patraeque humilesque Cleovae, Et Melea Pilos, nec adhuc Pitheia Troezen, Quaeque urbes aliae bimari clauduntur ab Isthmo. The neighbouring Princes met: the Cities near Entreat their Kings the desolate to cheer Renowned Mycenae, Sparta, the Argive State And Calydon, not yet in Diana's hate; Fertile Orchomenos, Corinthus, famed For high-prized Brass, Messene, never tamed; Cleovae, Patrae, Pylos, Nelius crown; And Throezen, not as then Pitheus Town, With all that two-seaed Isthmus' Straitss include: And all without, by two-seaed Isthmus viewed. The most famous Rivers are Asopus, which Theverus calleth now Arbon, also Penejus, which Thevetus and Niger call Igliaco: there is also Alpheus which the Inhabitants call Rophea, and as Niger saith Orphoa: the Italian Mariners call it Carbon: and 140. streams and Rivulets do run into this River. There is also Panisus which Niger calleth Stromio, but Castaldus and Mercators' tables call it Pirnaza, which is the greatest River of all Peloponesus. The water whereof doth heal (as it is reported) all diseases belonging to Children and Infants. 〈◊〉 is now called by Stephanus and others Basilopotamo, but Niger calleth it Iris; whose banks are full of Bay-trees: and Inachus, which Sophianus and others do now call Planizza, but Niger calleth it Iris, whose banks have also great store of Bay-trees. I omit the other Rivers. The Mountains are Stimphalus the highest Mountain of Arcadia, which Dominicus Niger calleth Poglici. Xitias Niger calleth it Phalos. Mela Cillenius, Strabo Cyllene, it is the highest Mountain in all Arcadia. There is also the Mountain which Mela calls Menalius, Ptolemy Cronium. Also Grevenos, which Niger calleth Zarex, and Gemistus Zaraca. That which Ptolemy and Strabo call Mint, Niger calleth Olonus. Pausanias calleth it Evan, from Evoe, a noise which Bacchus his Priests did use; because it is reported that Bacchus and those women that followed him did use this acclamation or cry. That which Pliny, Pausanias, Vibius, and Stephanus do call Taigotus is a Mountain of Peloponesus in Laconia, near unto the River Eurota. From the top whereof there is so fair a prospect, that you may behold all the Peninsula, and every famous City in it. This Mountain doth breed many wild beasts, being consecrated to Bacchus, Apollo, Diana, and Ceres. In Morea there are these Bishoprics: the Archbishop of Corinth, under whom is Argivensis: The Archbishop Patracensis, under whom are the Bishops Coloniensis, M●thonensis, Coronensis, Amiclensis, and Androvillensis. CANDIA WHICH POPE BONIFACE of MONTISFERRAT, sold unto the VENETIANS. WE are come at length to the last Table of Europe, in which Mercator doth delineate and paint forth Candia, with some small Lands near Greece. Ptolemy calls it Crete which is an Island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is now commonly called Candy. On the North the Aegean Sea doth beat upon it: on the South the Lybian and Egyptian Seas: on the West the Hadriatick Sea: on the East the Carpathian Sea. The form of it is long: on the East the Promontory Samonium shooteth forth, on the West there is the Promontory Criu Metopum: on the North there is a third Promontory, which Stra. lib. 10. calleth Cimarus, now it is called Capo Chesis. The length is 270. miles, the breadth 50. The compass of it 588. The Country is every where rugged and Mountainous, but it yields good store of Corn and Grass. The soil is very fruitful, and there are abundance of trees. Pliny also witnesseth that whatsoever groweth in Crete, is better than any of the same kind that groweth otherwheres. It beareth Vines, Olives, Oranges, Figs, Lemons, Citrons. Malmesy is made only in this Country, and so is transported from thence to Venice, and other parts of the world. This Wine as Bellonius witnesseth, the ancients did call Pramium. But Volaterranus thinketh that those wines which they called Arvisia, are now called Malvisia or Malmesy, by the addition of one letter, and he addeth that those kinds of Vines, were brought out of Arvisium, a Promontory of the Island Chios, into Crete, whence they were heretofore called Arvisian Wines. It beareth also and produceth Honey, Wax, Cheese, Saffron, store of Gum and Bitony, peculiar only to Crete. In the whole Island there is neither Wolf, Fox, Serpent, or any harmful creature except Spiders. In regard whereof the Flocks and Herds of Cattles do feed securely and safely in the Meadows, especially Sheep, which they call Striphoceri. But it produceth diverse living creatures. And Authors do report of Crete. That it hath no Owls, and that they die if they be brought into this Island. jupiter did first govern this Island, than Radamanth, afterward Minos and the Grecians. The Romans power over it began from Metellus, who was therefore called Creticus. Afterwards the Constantinopolitans did possess it. Baldwin Earl of Flanders, and Emperor of Constantinople gave it to the marquis of Montisferrat, who sold it to the Venetians in the year 1194. for a great sum of gold: and so it is still under their Empire. Ancient Writers do report that it had heretofore an hundred famous Cities, and Pliny mentioneth about 40. The most noted City is Gnossos, where Minos had his Palace, whence came the Gnossian Bow, and the Gnossian Darts. Cortina followeth, whence came the Cortynian habit, as Claudian saith in his Book of the rape of Proserpina. Crispatur gemino vestis Cortynia cinctu. Her Cortynian Garment then With a double Girdle was girt in. And also Phestos. Proxima Gnossiaco jam quondam Phaestia regno. Also Cidon whence the Cydonian Bow, and Cydonian Horn. Also Dictinna, Mannethusa, Licastos, Lictos, Holopixos, and others. But now as Bellonius witnesseth, it hath only three Cities of any note, which are Candy, heretofore Matium, the chief City of the whole Island, from whence the Island is denominated. The second City next to Candy, is Canca, heretofore Gidon. The third is Rhetimo, which the ancients called Rhetimna. This latter hath an inconvenient Haven, 〈◊〉 Canea and Candy have convenient Havens. There are no Navigable Rivers in the whole Island. Yet there are many great Rivers, in which Bean; do grow of their own accord. On the Northern shore there are Melipotamus, Scasinus, Cladilis, Epicidanus, Giffo, Divotro: on the West there is Naupuliar: on the South Limens. Crete hath great 〈◊〉 of a kind of Fish as big as Mullets on the Coast which are 〈…〉, being very rare in other Countries, which ancient Writers for often mention, and the Romans did accounted them great dainties and a very dainty Dish. The chiefest Mountains are three, Ida, which the Inhabitants call Psilori: Leuci which Pliny calleth Cadissi, now de Madara: and Dicta which is now called Sethia. They are so high, that all the Winter time they are covered with Snow, but yet Cypress trees do grow here and there among the Cliffs. The Mountain Ida is the highest of them all. It beholdeth the Sun before the Sun riseth, for as Lucretius saith. — Idaeis fama est è montibus altis Dispersos igneis orienti limine cerni. They say the Idaean Mountains are so high, That ere Sun rise, the Sun we may espy, Whose scattered beams within the Eastern skies Are seen before the Sun itself do rise. map of Crete CANDIE. Corfu which Ptolemy calls Corcira is a fair Island, being strong both by Land and Sea. It is 2. miles distant from Epirus, where the Sea is straitest, but where it is broadest 20. mile's. It is 97. paces in length, as Pliny witnesseth. The Climate is very temperate and gentle. so that there are whole woods of Cittern Trees, Orange Trees, and those kinds of first-fruits. The soil is fruitful, having abundance of Vines, Olives, Apples, and other sorts of first-fruits, here is also great store of Honey. But it hath no good Corn in regard of the Southern winds, which dries it so much, that it withers before it come to Maturity and ripeness. It is now subject to the Venetians, who defended it valiantly against the fury of the Turks. It hath a City of the same name. The Inhabitants are Grecians. Zacynthus commonly called Zante. Pliny placeth it between Cephaleria and Achaja. It is 36. miles in compass. This Island bringeth forth great store of Corn, but especially Raisins, Wine, and Oil, out of which the Inhabitants do yearly make 150000. Crowns. They are Grecians and subject to the Venetians. It hath a Town of the same name, with a Castle seated on a Mountain, which hangeth over the Sea: it is full of Woods, and it is much commended for the wholesomeness of the air, the fruitfulness and the fertility of the soil. The Mountain itself is called Elatos. Milo is an Island which was anciently called Melos, which is in the Cretian Sea. The compass of it is 80. miles. It hath fruitful Fields, which do yield Corn and Oil, but little Wine. In this Island a Mine of Silver is also found, and the Onyx stone. Naxus is an Island which Sophianus and others call Nissia. It is 80. miles in compass. And it is reckoned among the fruitful Iles. It hath great store of Wine, and there is a kind of Marble found in it, which the Grecians and Pliny do call a Carbell, having spots like a Serpent. The stone also Smirillus wherewith Glasiers cut their Glass, which Pliny calls Smiris is found here. Some think that there are veins of Gold here, which are not found out by reason of the Inhabitants sloth and idleness. Here is also a kind of Wasp, which if it sting any one, he dyeth presently afterward: also here are great store of Bats. It was heretofore subject to john Quirinus a noble Venetian. Afterwards to Duke job Crispus, whom Selinus the Turkish Emperor drove hence. But now it is inhabited by Turks and jews. Santorini, or Santorino, or Therosia, which is an Island in the Aegean Sea, according to Strabo and Ptolemy, hath the figure and form of an horned Moon, although it had another shape before it was burned, and that the Sea divided it into two parts, between which some Rocks do lie. It is fruitful and hath convenient Havens. The Inhabitants live by fishing. And it is subject to the Turk. Scarpanto was heretofore called Carpathus, or according to Homer, Crapathus. Hence the Carpathian Sea. It is situate in the middle between Crete and Rhodes. The compass of it is 60. miles, or as some will have it 70 miles. It is rugged and full of Mountains, in which there are Ours of Marble. It had heretofore four Cities, and therefore it was called Tetrapolis, as Eustathius hath it upon Homer. It hath many Havens which are not very great, nor safe. The Inhabitants speak Greek, and do embrace the Grecian Religion: but they are subject to the Venetians. But let so much suffice concerning Europe. Now we enter upon the other parts of the world, and first of Africa, which in our division is next to Europe. BARBARY, IN WHICH ARE THE KINGDOMS OF TUNIS AND EGYPT. IN Africa, which with Ptolemy we make to be the second part of the World, Barbary doth first present itself to view, The Country whence so called. being a noble Country of Africa. It was so nominated either from the Inhabitants murmuring speech, which the Arabians call Barber, because the Numidian speech seemed such to the Arabians; or from their frequent deserts; for Bar signifies in their language a Desert. It reacheth from Egypt even to the Gaditan strait, The Situation and doth contain both the Mauritania's, namely, Tingitana and Caesariensis, properly called Africa, also Cyrenaica, Marmarica, with the farther Lybia. Late Writers of Africa do make the bounds of it on the East to be the Deserts of Marmarica, (which is now called Barcha) which reacheth to a part of the Mountain Atlas, now called Mejes, which part Strabo describeth under the name of Aspis: on the South it hath the Mountain Atlas, which lieth from the East to the West, even to the Sea, which from thence is called the Atlantic Sea: on the West it hath the Atlantic Sea: on the North the Mediterranean Sea. The quality of the Soil. The Air and Climate of this Country is various and different. In the Spring the air is gentle, mild, and clear; in Summer the heat is most vehement, especially in the Months of June and July, but in Autumn it is somewhat cooler: in the Winter the cold is somewhat sharp, especially about December and January, but it is but in the morning only, so that no man is compelled thorough cold to come to the fire. The end of Autumn, and all the Winter, and a good part of the Spring, hath great store of impetuous and violent winds and storms. And sometimes they are troubled with hail, Lightning, and fearful Thunder: and in some places there is thick Snow. This Country yields great store of Dates and Pomegranates, but it hath but little Wheat, so that the Inhabitants for the most part do make Barley bread. It hath also great store of other fruit, as Cherries, Figs, Apples, Pears, Prunes, Peaches, Apricotts, Quinces, Olives, and the like. It hath abundance of Oil, Honey and Sugar, and great store of Herds of Cattles and wild beasts. For this Country doth breed Dragons, Elephants, Goats, Bulls, or wild Oxen, and the like; The variety of living creatures. also Lions and Leopard's: it hath also Wesils which are as big as Cats, but that they have not such great jaws, and great store of Apes. The Phaenicians and others who came out of Asia or Egypt did first inhabit this Country: afterward it was subject to the Romans, then to the Grecian Emperors, and afterward to the Vandals, Saracens, and Arabians, now it is partly subject to the Turk, and partly to a Seriffe of its own: also the King of Spain hath some Castles map of Barbary BARBARY. in it. There are four Kingdoms in Barbary, the Kingdom of Morocco, of Fez, of Teleusinum, and Tunis, unto which some do add Barca. We will entreat of the two former, namely, Morocco and Fez in the following Tables, but of the other we will entreat here. The Kingdom of Teleusinum which they call Tremisen, is Mauritania Caesariensis. The length of it from the West to the East is 380. miles. The breadth of it is narrower being 25. miles, namely, from the Deserts of Numidia, even to the Mediterranean Sea. The most part of this Country is habited, dry, and rugged, especially Southward. But the Coasts by the Sea side are somewhat more fruitful and fertile. There are few Cities or Castles in it. The Metropolis is Teleusina, which was heretofore a great City, but now it is for the most part ruinated. In the same Country there is also Algiers, a great City and well fortified. This City did first revolt from the King of Telusianum, and paid tribute to the King of Bugia: afterward it revolted from him and received Ferdinand King of Spain to be their King. And at last it was taken by Barbarossa, and added to the Ottoman Empire, it is famous for the Shipwreck of Charles the 5. for the sad captivity and slavery of the Christians, and the excursions of the Turkish Pirates. It is now so fortified, that it is thought to be impregnable. Castaldus supposeth that Ptolemy did call this Salden, but Ortelius and our Mercator do think that that which Ptolemy called Salden, is now called Tadelis: jovius thinketh it to be julia Caesarea, and others Critae. There are also the Cities Mersalcabir, Messagran, Mustaganin, and others. This Kingdom hath two famous Havens, the one the Haven of Horamus, or Orania, with a strong Castle, the other of Marsa Eltabirus, whether great store of Merchant's Ships do resort, especially from Italy, both which the King of Spain got some years ago, to the great detriment and loss of this Kingdom. The Kingdom Tunitanum doth contain Africa the less, and a great part of Numidia. For it reacheth from the River Major, which Maginus supposeth to be that which Ptolemy calls Audum, even to the River of the Country of Mesrata. EGYPT. EGYPT is a noble ancient Country, which was first inhabited by Misraim the Son of Chus, Nephew to Cham, and Nephew once removed to Noah. Wherhfore in Osiris' sacred rights, it was called from Cham Chemia, in stead of Chamia, as from the other Misraim, for the Arabians do still call it Mesre. The Turks call it Elquibet or Elchebit. The bounds of it on the West beyond Nilus are the Deserts of Barch, Libya, and Numidia, with the Kingdom of Nubia. On the South it is enclosed with the Bugiensian Country, and Nilus, where Nilus bendeth his course from the West Eastward. Pliny doth bounder it with the City Syene, which is now called Asna. On the East it hath the Deserts of Arabia, which lie between Egypt and map of Egypt AEGYPTUS the read Sea. On the North it is enclosed with the Mediterranean Sea, which is there called the Egyptian Sea. It seldom raineth in Egypt, ●●d Plato saith that it was never seen to rain in Egypt, so that the ●re is continually serene and clear, whence happily it was former-called Aeria. The Country is wonderful fruitful, being full of ●en, and all kind of creatures. The River Nilus, which runneth ●orow the middle of it, and doth overflow it every year, doth so moisten, and fatten it, so that it is wonderful fertile, and fruitful. The fruitfulness of the Soil. ●riters have left many Eulogies in praise of the fruitfulness of this country, justine affirmeth that there is no Country more fruitful ●●n it. For (saith he) there is in Egypt great store of Wheat, Pulse, ●●ly, Oats, Beanes, and other kind of Grain; and also excellent ●ine. It hath also pleasant Pastures, but hath but little Oil and ●ood. Besides wild beasts, of which this Country hath abundance, ●oth breed great store of tame Cattles, as Buffs, Oxen, Camels, The variety of living creatures. ●orses, Asses, Rams, and Goats, all which are of a great size, as nonius witnesseth, in regard of the temper of the air, the abundance of Father, and the sweet Grass which groweth there, by the overflowing of Nilus: among the rest there are very fat great Rams, which have a great thick tail that hangeth down to the very ●ound, and dew laps hanging down under their neck as Oxen ●●e, and their wool is black. Moreover all Egypt did heretofore ●●ish under diverse Kings of diverse names, even to the Ptolemies: for ●●re were few Phar●es. But the Ptolemies reigned a long time, even the Roman Empire, which declining, Egypt was governed by the ●●●renes of Arab a felix, the Prince whereof was called the Sultan, ● those that followed him were also called Sultanes, being all Mahometans, they reigned many years until they were expulsed by the ●●urkes. But now Soliman the great Turk doth possess all Egypt, and ●●veth there a Precedent, who is called the Baxa of Egypt. Alexander Macedon did divide it into Praefectureships of Towns, whereof He●●tus reckoneth 18. Strabo one more, and Ptolemy 46. Pliny 50. who ●o addeth that some of them had changed their names, so that it is ●ot to be imagined that there were heretofore so many Praefectureships of Egypt as are nominated in Historians, seeing there might be ●any names of one and the same Praefectureship. Leo Africanus saith, that the Mahometans did divide it into three Provinces. Sahid the ●●her or Thehais from the borders of Bugia even to Cairus▪ Errifia 〈…〉 Heliopolis was heretofore the City where the Priests dwelled, and the place where Strabo the great Astronomer and Philosopher lived. Memphis heretofore called Arsinoe, was a royal City, where Nilus first devideth itself into two parts, and maketh the form of the Greek letter Delta. They call it now Cairum, or Alcair. This City is built in a triangular or three-cornerd form, being above 8. miles in compass. The Turks, the Egyptians, the Arabians, the Hebrews and others do inhabit it. Bellonius placeth Babylon a little above Cairus, and the ruin of many famous Buildings are yet remaining. It is now a little Town of the Christians. Alexandria was heretofore a noble fair City built by Alexander the great, upon the Mediterranean Sea-coast, and seated pleasantly. The Turks do call it Scanderia. Pelusium is called now Damiatum, which is a potent rich City, famous for the conveniency of the Haven, wherein many Ships may ride, being at the Pelusiacian mouth of the River Nilus. This Country is divided, watered, and made fruitful by the River Nilus, which is the fairest River in all the world. THE KINGDOMS OF MOROCCO & FEZ. THat part of Barbary which was heretofore called Mauritania Tingitana, doth now contain two Kingdoms, namely, The Country whence so called. of Morocco, and Fez, of which we will now speak in order. The Kingdom of Morocco was so called from the chief City thereof Morocco. It lieth between the Mountain Atlas, and the Atlantic Ocean, in a triangular or three cornered form. The fruitfulness. It is a pleasant Country abounding with all kind of Fruit and Grain, as Oil, Honey, Sugar, and other first-fruits, as also Dares, Grapes, Figs, Apples, and diverse sorts of Pears. It hath also great Flocks and Herds of Cattles: and many Goats, The variety of living creatures. whose hides are called Marocchini, and the hair of them are good to wove a kind of cloth which they call Camelottes. Lastly, this Country produceth all things which are necessary for food, or to delight the smell, or recreate the sight. The Provinces hereof are Hea, which on the East is enclosed with the River Essivalus, on the South with the Mountain Atlas, on the West and North with the Ocean, it is a rugged Country, Mountainous, Wooddy, rich, and populous. It hath not such plenty of Wheat as of Barley and Millet. But there is very little fruit, which ariseth rather from the slothful idleness of the Inhabitants, than the indisposition of the Climate or Soil. But there is great store of Honey, on which they live for the most part, but they cast away their Wax, not knowing how to use it, here are few Cities, The Cities. but many strong Towns, Villages, and Castles. Susa hath on the North the Mountain Atlas, and the Town Hea, on the East the River Sus, it is a fruitful, pleasant, and rich Country. It hath abundance of Wheat, Barley, and Pulse, and in some parts great store of Sugar, although the Inhabitants know not how to boil it, or use it: in other parts it hath diverse first-fruits as Eggs, Grapes, Peaches and Dares▪ it 〈…〉 a triangular or three cornered figure: Tedsi is a great City, founded heretofore by the Africans, and seated in a pleasant soil: and Tagavost the greatest City of all this Country. The Country of Morocco hath a triangular or three cornered form, the bounds thereof on the West are the Mountain Netisa, on the East the Mountain Hadimeus: on the North it is extended even to the confluence and meeting of the River Tensift and a sisinual. This Country as Leo reporteth, is well inhabited, and aboundeth with Herds of Cattles and wild beasts. It is a continued Plain, not much unlike to Lombardy, those Mountains which it hath, are cold and barren, so that they bear nothing but Barley. In this Country there is the City Morocco, which some think to be that which Ptolemy calls Bocanum Hemerum. It is accounted one of the greatest Cities of the world. For it is so great, that in the reign of Prince Halis the Son of josephus, it contained above 100000. houses, and it had 24. Gates. But this great famous City hath been so harassed and wasted by the Arabians frequent inroads and excursions, so that now there is scarce a third part of the City standing. There are also in this Country other lesser Towns, as Elgiumuha, a little Town, seated on a Plain, near the River Sesseva, and built by the Africans. Tenezza is a strong City, built heretofore by the Africans on that side of the Mountain Atlas which is called Ghedmina, Delgumuha is a new City seated on a high Mountain with a strong Castle. Imizmizi is a fair City seated on a Rock: Tesrast is a small Town seated on the bank of the River Asiselmel: also Agmet and Hanimmei. Guzzula is seated on the North side of the Mountain Atlas, and on the East it joineth to Hea. This Country doth yield great store of Barley, and Cattles, and it hath Ours of Brass and Iron. The Towns here and Castles have no Trenches or Ditches: the Villages are fair, populous, and rich: and all the Country is well inhabited. Duccala is a Country which beginneth on the West from the River Tensiftum, it is bounderd on the North with the Ocean, on the South it is enclosed with the River Habiel, and on the West with the River Hammirabith. There are few walled Cities in this Country. Among which is the City Azaefi situate on the Ocean shore. The Africans built it: there is also Conie which was built by the Goths, and 'tis built by the Africans: Elmedina is the head City of all this Country: Centopozzi is a small Town: There 〈…〉 map of Morocco MOROCCO. large, it is bounded on the West with the Rivers Servi and Omirabih, on the South it joineth to the Mountain Atlas, on the North it is bounderd with the confluence and meeting of the Rivers Servi and Omirabih, so that the Country lieth in a triangular or three cornered figure. There are some Towns in it, the chief whereof is Tesza, built by the Africans, and well inhabited. There are also Esza, Githiteb, and others. The chief Rivers of this Kingdom are Tensift, and Omirabih, which issuing out of the Mountain Atlas, do run into the Ocean. But Tensift riseth in the Country of Morocco, and is enlarged by the receipt of many Rivers, the greatest whereof are Sifelmel and Niffis. But Omirabih doth break forth among the Mountains, where the Province of Tedles confineth on the Kingdom of Fez. On the shore side in some places there is found great store of Amber, which is very cheap there, so that the Portugals and other foreign Nations do transport it into other Countries. Here are many Mountains, as Nisiphas, seemed, Sensana, and others. The most whereof are cold and barren, so that they bear nothing but Barley. In this Kingdom there are no great store of Churches, Colleges, nor Hospitals. In the City of Morocco there are many Churches, and one of the most curious and magnificent is that which standeth in the middle of the City, and was built by the aforesaid Halis. There is also another built by his successor Abdul Miomem, and enlarged by his Nephew Monsor, and enriched which many Pillars brought thither out of Spain. He made a Cistern under this Church, which is as big as the Church, he covered the Church with Lead, and made leaden Pipes at every corner, to receive and convey the rain water into the aforesaid Cistern. The Tower or Steeple of stone like unto Vespasians Roman Amphitheatre, is higher than the Steeple of Bononta in Italy, the steps which go up into it are very broad, and the walls thick. This Tower hath three Belfries or Turrets, on which there is another little arched Tower built. And this hath three Turrets one over another, and they go from one to another by a wooden Laddet. If any one look down from the highest Tower he will think that men of great stature are no bigger than children of a year old. And this Tower hath a golden Moon for a Weathercock, and three golden Globes, so fastened upon Iron, that the greatest is placed lowest, and the lesser highest. There is also a strong Castle in this City so that 〈…〉 do use no Tables, nor Tablecloths. They are clothed with a kind of cloth made of Wool like Carpeting stuff, they wear a great deal of fine cloth about their heads, yet the forepart of their head is bore, none wear Hats or Caps but old men, and learned men, they wear no Smocks, and in stead of Beds, they have hair Blankets in which they wrap themselves. They shave their beards before they are married, but afterward they wear them long. THE KINGDOMS OF THE ABYSSINES AND CONGUS. THE Kingdom of the Abyssines is called Aethiopia, which Ptolemy placeth beneath Egypt. The Country. The Moors do call the Prince thereof Asiela Bassi, and in the Aethiopian language he is called john Belul, that is, High and Precious, not Presbyter, as some are of opinion. He glorieth that he is descended from the stock of David, and this is his Title. N. N. The supreme Governor of my Kingdoms, the only beloved of God, the Pillar of Faith, descended of the stock of Judah, the Son of David, the Son of Solomon, the Son of the Pillar of Zion, the Son of the seed of Jacob, the Son of Mary, the Son of Nahu according to the flesh, the Son of the Saints Peter and Paul, according to Grace, the Emperor of the higher and lower Aethiopia, and of my large Kingdoms, jurisdictions, and Territories; King of Noa, Caffares, Fatiger, Angola, Baru, Balig●●ca, Adea, Vangua, and Goyama, where there are the Spring-heads of Nilus, &c. He is without doubt one of the greatest Monarches of the world, whose Territories do lie between the two Tropickes, even from the read Sea to the Aethiopian Ocean. And that we may describe the bounds of his Empire more accurately: on the North it hath Egypt which is subject to the Turks: on the East the read Sea, and the Bay of Barbary: on the South it is encompassed with the Mountains of the Moon, on the West it is bounderd with the Kingdom of Cengus, the River Niger, the Kingdom of Nubia, and the River Nilus. In which bounds are contained ancient Aethiopia, below Egypt. Troglodyte, and the Cinnamon-bearing Country, and part of the innermost Libya. The Country in general (as appeareth by those who have taken a late view of it) is most fruitful. The fruitfulness if the Soil. There is a double Summer, which almost lasteth all the year, so that in some Fields they are sowing, and in others they 〈…〉 map of Abissines THE DUKEDOM OF THE ABYSSINES.