Cochin-China containing many admirable rarities and singularities of that countrey / extracted out of an Italian relation, lately presented to the Pope, by Christophoro Borri, that liued certaine yeeres there ; and published by Robert Ashley.

A Relation of the Kingdome of COCHIN-CHINA.

CHAP. I. Of the Name, Situation and Greatnesse of this Kingdome.

COchin-China being so named by the Portugals, is called in the lan∣guage of the Originarie inhabi∣tants Anam, which is the West, in regard it is situate on the West of China; in respect whereof the Iapaneses called it by the name of Coci, which in their tongue hath the same signifi∣cation that Anam hath with the Cochin-Chineses: But the Portugals which trafique in Anam, are they which of the Iaponian word Coci and of China, haue made and compounded this word Cochin-China, being as much to say, as Cochin of China, to distinguish it from Cochin a City of India frequented by them. And whereas in many Mapps Cochin-China is commonly called or designed by the name of Cauchin-China, or Cauchine, or some other; It proceedeth either of

their 〈…〉〈…〉apting the proper name, or else because the makers of the Mapps would signifie, that this King∣dome is the entrance and beginning of China.

Cochin-China on the South, confines with the king∣dome of Chiampa, about the 11. degree of Northerly Latitude, on the North side; yet somewhat Eastward, it bordereth on Tunchim▪ on the East side it hath the Sea of China; and on the West Northwest the king∣dome of Lays.

In length Cochin-China is held to extend aboue an hundred Leagues on the Sea coast; from the king∣dome of Chiampa, in 11. degrees of Northerly Lati∣tude, reaching to the gulfe of Anam in the eleuation of about 17. degrees of the same, where the estate of the King of Tunchim beginneth. In breadth it is of no great extent, being straitned within the space of twenty Italian miles, all a plaine countrey, bounded on the one side with the Sea; and hemmed in on the other with a great ranke of mountaines inhabited by the Kemois, which signifieth Saluages; for although they bee Cochin-Chineses, they will not acknowledge the King, nor obey him in any thing, cantoning and fortifying themselues in those mountaines, almost inaccessible.

Cochin-China is diuided into fiue Prouinces: The first where the King maketh his abode, ioyneth vpon Tunchim, and is called Sinuua: The second is named Cacciam, in which the Prince the Kings sonne doth reside as gouernour: The name of the third is Quam∣guia: The fourth Quignim, to which the Portugals haue giuen the name of Pulucambis: The fifth which bordereth on the Kingdome of Champa, is called Renram.

CHAP. II. Of the Climate and quality of the Countrey of Cochin-China.

THis Kingdome being (as hath beene said) be∣tweene the 11. and 17. degree of Northerly la∣titude, it followeth consequently that the Countrey is rather hot then cold: Yet it is not so hot as India, though it haue the same eleuation of the Pole, and bee likewise vnder the Torrid Zone. The reason of which difference is, because that in India there is no distinction of the foure Seasons of the Yeere: In re∣gard that there their Summer continueth for the space of nine Moneths together, during which no cloud appeareth in the skie, neither by day nor night; in such sort that the Aire is alwayes scorched by re∣uerberation of the Sun-beames. The other three Moneths they call Winter, not because they are without heate; but by reason of the continuall raines which are ordinary there both night and day at that season. And notwithstanding it naturally seemes that such continuall raine should somewhat refresh the Aire▪ Yet the same falling in the Moneths of May, Iune, and Iuly, when the Sun is at his highest in the Zenith of India, no windes then stirring but those that are very hot, the Aire is thereby so stuffed and thickned, that the heat is then sometimes lesse tollerable then in the midst of Summer it selfe: du∣ring which there commonly come from the sea, some gentle cooling windes to refresh the Land; without which gracious particular Prouidence of God, those Countreyes would be inhabitable.

This is not so in Cochin-China, which enioying the foure seasons of the Yeere (howsoeuer not so exactly distinguished as in Europe) is much better tempered thereby. For notwithstanding that in their Summer which comprehendeth the three Moneths, Iune, Iuly, and August, it be there very hot as in a Countrey sea∣ted vnder the Torrid Zone, and hauing the Sun in those moneths, in the highest point of eleuation ouer their heads: Yet in September, October, and No∣uember, being their Autumne the heat ceaseth, and the Aire is very temperate by reason of the continu∣all raines which doe ordinarily fall at those times on the Mountaines of the Kemois; from whence there come waters in such abundance, that they ouerflow all the Countrey, and ioyning themselues with the sea they seeme to be one selfe thing therewith. More∣ouer these Inundations of waters come commonly once in a fortnight, continuing about three dayes to∣gether▪ The benefit that commeth thereby, is not on∣ly the refreshing of the Aire, but also the fatning of the earth, making it more fruitfull and abundant in all things, and especially in Rice, which is the best Manna, and the commonest nourishment of all the Kingdome. In the other three moneths of Winter, which are December, Ianuary and February, the Northerly windes bring such cold raines, that there∣by they sufficiently distinguish Winter from their other seasons of the yeere. Finally in the Moneths of March, Aprill and May, there are seene the effects of a pleasant spring-time, all being greene and flourish∣ing amongst them.

Hauing thus declared these Inundations; I must also acquaint you▪ with some particular curiosities,

and remarkable obseruations thereof, before I con∣clude this Chapter.

The first shall be, that they are generally desired of all men, nor onely because the Aire is refreshed by them, becōming more ••••de•• and pleasant, but much more in regard of the fruitfulnesse which they cause in the Earth: Whereupon as soone as they see them, the pleasure and contentment they haue, is such and so great, that they make it sufficiently appeare by their visiting, feasting and presenting one the other, crying oft for ioy, and all repeating and reiterating Daden Lut▪ Daden Lut, which signifieth, the Water is come▪ the Water is already come: Insomuch that there is none amongst them of what degree or quali∣tie soeuer but Feasteth and reioyceth: Yea, euen the King himselfe.

Yet in as much as these inundations come so sud∣denly, and sometime so vnexpected, that when in the Euening they thought not of them, they find them∣selues in the Morning inuested on all sides, and shut vp in their houses, and that throughout all the Coun∣trey it falls out now and then, that they loose their Cattell, that haue not had the leisure to retire and withdraw them for refuge into the hills, and higher places: In regard whereof there is a constitution in the Kingdome, that those Beeues, Goats, Hoggs, and other beasts which are drownd in these deluges, shall no longer belong to the proprietarie and owner of them, but shalbe his that first seifeth on them: which custome occasioneth good sport amongst them, in re∣gard that when the water commeth, they betake themselues to their Boates, in quest of such drow∣ned cattell, with which they afterwards make merry, and feast their friends.

The young Children haue also their playes and pastimes according to their age; by reason that these great plaines couered ouer with Rice, abounding like∣wise with Rats, and Mice, they are forced by the wa∣ter which hath filled their holes, to saue themselues by swimming, and to climbe vpon the tres for refuge, by meanes whereof the trees are loden with Rats and Mice, in lieu of leaues and fruits: Therupon the boyes get themselues into boates by bands, betaking them∣selues to the shaking of the trees, dismounting those Rats and Mice, drowning them in the water; of which their childish disport, there commeth a great good to the Land, which by such meanes remaineth the more cleered and freed of this vermine; which o∣therwise by little and little, would much waste and spoile their fields.

The last commodity yet not the least which the Lut bringeth, is, that euery one thereby furnisheth and prouideth his house the better of all necessaries; for in three dayes it maketh all the countrey naui∣gable euery where, with such ease and facilitie, that there is nothing but may easily bee conueyed from one Towne to another: in regard whereof they keepe all their Faires and great Markets at these times, when the concourse is alwayes greater then at any o∣ther time of the yeere. In those dayes also they make their prouision of wood for their firing and for Buil∣ding, which they bring from the Mountaines in their Boates, that passe easily through the streetes, euen in∣to their Houses, which for the purpose are mounted on ranckes of pillars, raised very high to giue the wa∣ter a free entrance and issue; euery one retiring meane time into the vppermost story of his House▪ Vnto which the water (which cannot bee sufficiently ad∣mired)

the Lut or Inundation neuer mounteth; for they take their measure, so well, through long experi∣ence of the height of the waters, that they haue no feare thereof, being well assured that the waters will alwayes remaine below their Buildings.

CHAP. III. Of the Fertility of the Land.

ALbeit one may easily iudge of the fruitfulnes of Cochin-China, by the profit which the Lut bringeth (as hath beene said) yet somewhat may bee said in particular.

The Land becommeth so fat and so fruitfull by this Lut or ouerflowing, that thrice euery yeere they gather their Rice, and that in such great quantity and aboundance, that there is none will labour for his liuing, euery one hauing plentiously whereon to liue.

The plenty and the variety of fruits is great all the yeere long, of as many seuerall sorts as there are in In∣dia; for Cochin-China lieth in the same Climate: Yet in particular it hath fairer and greater Oranges then we haue in Europe, and those very succulent; the rinde of them being so soft, so tender and so sauoury, that it is as vsually eaten as the inside, which is of as plea∣sing a relish and taste, as the Limons of Italy: There are also certaine fruits which the Portugals call Bana∣nes, and others terme them Indian Figgs, but with no great reason in my opinion, seeing neither the tree which in India is called the figtree, nor yet that of Cochin-China hath any resemblance of our figtree, ei∣ther in the wood or in the fruit: The tree is like that

plant which wee call Turkie-wheat, though much higher, and the leaues so long and broad, that two of them will serue to couer a man from the top to the toe, and so compasse him round about; which haply made some to be of opinion, that this was the tree of the terrestriall Paradise, with the leaues whereof A∣dam sought to couer his nakednesse: This tree bea∣reth a grape at the top, of twenty, thirty or fourty to∣gether in a cluster, euery of which in his shape, as al∣so in his length and greatnesse, resembleth the com∣mon Citrons of Italy: When the fruit is not ripe, the rinde is greene of colour, and groweth yellow after∣ward as the Citrons doe: One shall not neede a knife to open and to pill this fruit, for the rinde thereof commeth away as easily as the huske of yong Beanes; It hath a pleasing smell, and the yellow flesh or mar∣row within, is as firme as that of a ripe peare which will melt in the mouth; Whence it appeareth that this tree hath nothing common to the Fig-tree, but the taste and sweetnesse.

There is also another sort of these Fruits, which is not eaten, but rosted and put in Wine. This plant is dried vp euery yeere when it hath yeelded his fruit, hauing at his foot a tender sprout for the next yeere. Moreouer▪ that which in Italy they call the fig-tree of India, hath no resemblance either with the plant or with the fruit of this Bananes: This fruit is also com∣mon to all the Prouinces of India.

But in Cochin-China there is another sort which is neither found in China, nor in all India; It is equall in greatnes to the greatest Citrons of Italy, and is so substantiall, that one of them will satisfie a man, the flesh within is very white▪ they are of a pleasing taste, and exceeding good against the loosenes of the belly.

There is also in Cochin-China another fruit, which I haue not seene elsewhere; in India it is called Can, and resembleth in shape and fashion, the outside of the Pomegranate: But the Marrow within is more liquid to be taken and eaten with a Spoone, hauing an aromaticke taste, and is for colour not vnlike to a ripe Medlar.

They haue also a fruit like vnto our Cherries, but their taste is more like that of the Raisin: In their lan∣guage they call them Gnoo. Neither are they with∣out Melons, yet not so good as those of Italy; nor are they vsually eaten but with Sugar, or Hony. But their Cucumbers or Water-Melons, as others terme them, are exceeding great, and most excellent.

There groweth also a fruit called Gyaque, which is common also elsewhere in India, but not so faire by much, as in Cochin-China, growing on a tree as high as the Wall-nut or Chess-nut tree, with much longer prickels: This fruit is as great as the greatest Cab∣bage, for one of them is as much as one man can car∣ry at one time. It is like a Pine-apple in the outside, but the inside is tender and soft; full of yellow eares or cloues, whose graynes are flat and round as a Iulio of Italy, or a Teston; and in the midst of each graine is found a bone, which they cast away when they eate the fruit. There are two sorts, those which the Por∣tugals call Giaca-barca, whose meat is firme when the kernell is cast away: The other is not so firme, but ra∣ther soft as glue; the taste of either of them is much resembling that of the delicious fruit called Durion, which wee are now to describe.

The Durion is one of the most excellent fruits in the World, which groweth not elsewhere but at Malac∣ca, Borneo, or some Iles thereabouts: There is no great

difference betweene the tree that beareth it, and the Gyaque; the fruit thereof, as well as that of the Gya∣que, resembling the Pine-apple outwardly, both in the shape, and hardnesse of his rinde: The meate is close to the bone, as in the other, being maruellous white, and in taste and sweetnesse like the Mangiar∣bianco, a delicate dish of the Italians. This meat, and this liquor within the Apple, is in ten or twelue little cells, euery of which hath his white meate about the bone as big as a Chess-nut: When you breake or open it, there commeth out a very vnpleasing smell, like that of a rotten Onion; yet that which is within hath no taste thereof at all, but is sweete and most deliti∣ous. Whereupon I will relate a History of what hap∣pened where I was present: One being desirous to giue a taste of this fruit to a Prelate that was newly come to Malacca, opened it before him, not thinking thereof, whence there came so strong and so vnplea∣sing a sauour, that the Prelate became so distasted therewith, that hee could not possibly be perswaded to taste thereof: But being set at the Table to his Dinner, amongst other seruices, there was presented to him a dish containing nothing but the inside of this fruit, which in sauour and taste is so like to the Mangiar-bianco, that it was easie to make the Prelate or any other to mistake it, that had not seene it dres∣sed or prepared. He had no sooner put his hand to it, but at the very first morsell which he tooke, he found the taste so exquisite, that with astonishment hee enquired, who was the Cooke that had prepared such a delicious white meate; whereunto hee that feasted him in his House, made answere smiling, that no o∣ther Cooke had medled therewith, but the great GOD, who had furnished this Countrey with so

rare a fruit; which was no other but the Durion which he had in so great horror at the first: Wherewith the Prelate was much astonished, eating thereof with so good an appetite, as if he could not haue too much of it. This fruit is held so excellent, that euen at Malacca where it groweth, the same is sometimes sold for a Crowne a piece.

In Cochin-China also there is great plenty of ano∣ther fruit, which the Portugals call Ananes. And al∣beit there be nothing more common throughout In∣dia and in Brazil; yet because I doe not find them so well discribed to my mind, by such as haue made mention of them, I will adde a word or two concer∣ning the same. This fruit groweth not on any tree, neither commeth it of any seed, but of a roote, as our Artichockes doe: The stalke and leafe is very like those of the Carduus-thistles and Artichoks: It is round like a colomne or pillar of 9. inches in length, and of such a greatnesse, that one can scarcely clip it with both his hands. The meate thereof is closed within like as in the Radish: But it hath a harder rinde, which is fashioned in resemblance like to the scales of Fishes. It is yellow within when it is ripe, and then the outside being pared away with a Knife, it is vsu∣ally eaten raw, being of a sharpe and sweete relish, when it commeth to his naturity, not vnlike to a deli∣cate Peare.

There is also found in Cochin-China another fruit, peculiar to that Countrey: It is called of the Portu∣gals, Areca, which groweth on a tree of as straight a body as the Palme-tree; hollow within, and hath no leaues but at the top onely, as the Palme-tree leaues are: In the midst of which there are little boughs on which the fruit hangeth, in bignes and shape like the

wall-nut, hauing also a greene huske like vnto it, and the meat within as white and hard as a Chess-nut; yet hath no taste nor sauour at all: Therefore it is not eaten alone, but couered with leaues of Betle, being a plant well knowne in all India, whose leaues are like Iuie leaues, and the plant it selfe climbing on trees as our Iuie in Europe. They cut their leaues into small pieces, and in euery piece they put a morsell of Areca, so that of one fruit, they make foure or fiue morsells: They vse also to put Lime to their Areca; such as they make in that countrey of Oyster-shells, and not of Lime-stones as they doe in Europe. And as with vs there are commonly some appointed to dresse the Meat, to prouide Cates and to performe other offices: So in Cochin-China there is in euery house some or o∣ther appointed to no other office, but onely to infold these morsels of Areca in the Betle, and the officers that are so imployed, who most commonly are wo∣men, be called the Betleres. These morsels thus pre∣pared are put into boxes, and they vsually goe chew∣ing on them all day long, not onely within doores, but euen when they goe vp and downe the streetes, or speake with any, in all places and at all times; But after they haue long chewed it and kept it in their mouthes without swallowing of it, they spit it out; contenting themselues with the odour and quality which doth maruellously comfort the stomach. This fruit thus prepared, is in such request among them, that when any goeth to the house of another to visit him, hee carrieth with him a boxe thereof, presenting it vnto him, which he presently putteth in his mouth; and before he take his leaue, he that is so visited, com∣mandeth the Betlere of the house to bring him a boxe thereof, which hee offereth to him that came to

him that came to see him, in requitall of his courte∣sie. In such sort that they must alwayes haue it pre∣pared in a readinesse; and so great is the profit there∣of, that the greatest reuenue of the Countrey, consist∣eth in possessing fields well planted with Areca, as in Europe with Vines and Oliues. Tobacco is also vsed there, though not so frequently as their Betle. There are also Cabbages of all sorts in great abundance, as well as Sugar-Canes. Our fruits of Europe are not yet come to Cochin-China; howbeit I am of opinion that the Vine and Figg-tree would prosper well there. Our herbes, as Lettice, Succory, Coleworts and such o∣ther are growing in Cochin-China, and all ouer India; yet they beare leaues onely without any seed: so that when they would haue any new, they are faine to haue the seed out of Europe.

Flesh is also there in great plenty, by reason of the abundance of foure footed beasts which they nourish there in their houses, as Kine, Goats, Swine, Buffles, and such other. Of wild beasts, as Harts, they haue many greater then those of Europe; Wild Bores and diuers others. They haue great store of Fowles, tame Hens and wild, with which their fields are couered; Turtle-Doues, Pigeons, Duckes, Geese and Cranes, which are very sauoury meat; besides many others which we haue not here in Europe.

There is also great store of Fish, and that of so ex∣quisite relish and taste, that hauing crossed so many Seas, and trauelled through so many Countreys as I haue done, methinkes I haue not found the Fish of any other place, comparable to that of Cochin-China. And by reason that the whole length of the countrey lieth on the Sea, as I haue said, there is such a multi∣tude of Fisher-boates, and Fish-takers, and Fish-car∣riers

throughout the Kingdome, that it is a pritty spectacle to behold so many rankes of men, carrying Fish from the Sea side, euen vp to the Mountaines; in which exercise they imploy twenty of the foure and twenty houres of the day. And although it bee true, that they like better of Fish then of Flesh, yet the chiefe cause why they are so much giuen to Fish∣ing is, the desire they haue to prouide themselues a Sauce which they call Balaciam, that is made of a salted Fish mollified and dissolued in water; whereof they make a biting liquor, not vnlike vnto Mustard, with which they furnish their Houses in so great a quantity, that they fill Tunnes and Hogsheads there∣with, as in many places of Europe men doe with wines▪ yet they vse it not for meat by it selfe, but for sauce onely to quicken their appetite in eating of their Rice, which they suppose would otherwise bee vnsauoury.

They abound also with Shel-fish, with Oysters, and other fruits of the Sea; especially with one kind which they call Cameron.

But beyond all that hath beene said, Gods Proui∣dence hath priuiledged them with a rare and exqui∣site kind of food, which in my opinion cannot bee better likened or compared, then to that Manna with which the chosen people of God were fed in the De∣sart. This kind of food is so peculiar to Cochin-China, that it is not any where else. That which I will say thereof shall not be by hearesay, or by report of any other, but by mine owne experience, who haue seene and eaten of it often. There is a little Bird in this Countrey, like vnto a Swallow, which fasteneth his nest to the rocks, on which the waues of the Sea doe beate, and are broken. This little creature taketh

with her bill some of the froth of the Sea, and with a certaine humour which shee draweth out of her sto∣macke, mingling the one with the other, maketh I know not what clay-like bituminous matter, where∣with shee after buildeth her nest; which when it is growne to be dry and hard, becommeth transparent, and of a mingled colour, betwixt yellow and greene. These nests are gathered by those of the Countrey, and being softened and dissolued in water, serue to season all their Meates, either Flesh, or Fish, Hearbes or any thing else; giuing such a diuersity of relish, and so proper to euery of them, that one would thinke they were prepared with Pepper, Cinamom, Cloues, and all manner of Spices: in such sort, that this little nest is sufficient to season all sorts of Viands without Salt, Oyle or Lard, or any other thing: Which made me say that indeede it resembled the Manna, which had in it selfe the taste of all the most fauourie kinds of foode; but that this is only the worke of a little Bird, whereas the other was prepared by the Angels of God. And of this there is such store, that I haue seene ten little boats loaden with these nests, gathered along the Rocks within the space of halfe a League. But because it is such an exquisite thing, none but the King doth traffique therewith, they are all reser∣ued for him, and the greatest vtterance he maketh of them, is for the King of China, who hath them in great esteeme.

They eate not any Milke nor ought made thereof, holding it for a great offence to draw milke from Kine or any other creatures: and their reason for such their scrupulosity is, that they say, the milke was or∣dained by Nature, for the nourishment of the young ones: As if hee to whom the little ones appertaine,

could not dispose of the nutriment due vnto them.

They eate certaine things which wee lothe and ab∣horre as venimous; namely the Camelions, which are greater there, then those which being dried, are brought out of strange Countreyes oftentimes into Italy. I haue seene some brought by a friend of mine, bound, and packed vp, which he cast vpon the burn∣ing coales, and assoone as their bands were burnt, they marched faire and softly after their manner, on the liue coales, till such time as they felt the force of the fire, which they indured for a while, being of a very cold constitution; but in the end they were rosted and broiled, whereupon this friend of mine, drew them to him, and scraping away the burnt skin with a Knife, found their flesh to be exceeding white, which hee brayed and sod with a little sawce like vnto Butter, and eate them as a most excellent meat, inuiting me thereunto: But I was contented with the sight of it.

Of all other things requisite for the intertaine∣ment of a mans life, Cochin-China is also very suffici∣ently prouided. As first for apparell, there is such a∣bundance of Silke, that the handy-craft men, and the baser sort of people weare it dayly. By occasion whereof, I haue diuers times taken pleasure to see the men and women trauell in carrying Stones, Earth, Lime and other like things, without any regard taken of the tearing or fouling their faire and rich apparell which they weare. Yet this will not seeme strange to any, that shall know how these high Mulberry trees, by whose leaues the Silke-wormes are nourish∣ed, are as plentifull here in these large plaines, as Hempe is with vs, and no longer time in growing. In such sort, that in a few Moneths the Wormes come forth of them, and nourish themselues in the Aire▪

spinne out their Silke in due time, and make their Codds, Bladders and Bottomes, in so great a quanti∣ty and abundance, that not only the Inhabitants haue enough fot their owne necessary vses and occasions; but they furnish Iapan also, and send Silke to the Kingdome of Lais, wherehence it is also carried into the Kingdome of Thibet: For albeit the Silke be not so fine and delicate, yet it is stronger and more sub∣stantiall then that of China.

Their Buildings and Houses are all of wood▪ yet in regard thereof they need not enuy any other Pro∣uince; because that without any exaggeration, the Wood and Timber of this countrey is the best of all the world, by the iudgement of those that haue beene in many places. Amongst that great number and ex∣ceeding great diuersitie of trees which they haue, there are two sorts most commonly imployed in their Buildings, which are so incorruptible, that they are not endammaged by being in the water, or vnder the earth: They be so sollid also and so weighty, that they will not swim on the water, but serue for Anchors. One of these kinds of wood is blacke, yet not so blacke as the Ebeny: The other is red; being both of them so smooth and euen, that when the Barke is ta∣ken away, they need no plaining or smoothing. These trees are called Tin, and haply he should not much be deceiued, that should be of opinion that the trees which Salomon vsed in the building of the Temple, were of the same incorruptible Timber; seeing wee know already by the Scripture, that those which he imployed were called Ligna Thyine, 2. Chro. 9. 10. 11. which approacheth very neere their name. The moun∣taines of Cochin-China are couered all ouer with these trees which are exceeding straight, and of such vn∣measurable

height, that they seeme to touch the clouds with their tops; and therewith so thicke, that two men cannot circle them about. With these trees doe the inhabitants of Cochin-China build their hou∣ses; of which it is lawfull for euery one to take on the mountaines as many as he will. Their houses are built vpon pillars that are very high and sound, and well vnderlaid; vnto which they ioyne boards and plankes, which they can take off and lay on againe, as they list to change them with Grates or Lattices of Canes and Reeds, which they interlace curiously to let in the Aire in times of heat; partly also to giue the water free passage in and out, and that their boats may haue egresse and regresse in the time of inunda∣tions. They vse also a thousand deuises and inuenti∣ons to beautifie and adorne their houses; caruing their boards and planks with curious workemanship, and making their habitations delightfull with varie∣ty of garnishment.

Now whiles we are discoursing of Trees, I will adde somewhat as concerning another kind of wood which is their most precious merchandise: This is that re∣nowned wood called Aquila and Calamba, which are the same in regard of the wood, yet much different in the reckoning made of them, as also in their vertue and efficacie. There is good store of these trees, espe∣cially on the mountaines of the Kemois, which are ve∣ry great and very high. If this wood be cut from a young trunke or stocke, then they call it Aquila; whereof there is such plenty, that euery one may take as much as he will: But when this wood is taken from an old tree, this is the Calamba, which were exceeding hard to be gotten, if Nature had not holpen in that behalfe, placing these trees at the top of the highest,

steepe, and craggie mountaines, where they may qui∣etly grow without any wrong or violence done them. There are falling from them from time to time, some branches which breake of themselues from the body of the tree; either by becomming blasted and withe∣red, or by extremity of old age, which are found to be rotten and worme-eaten. This is the high-prised and renowned Calamba, which farre surpasseth the com∣mon Aquila, in efficacie and sweetnes of scent. Eue∣ry one may sell of the Aquila at his pleasure; but the traffique of the Calamba is reserued to the King a∣lone, for the excellent odour and soueraigne vertue thereof. And certainely in those places where it is gathered, it is so sweet, and so odoriferous, that pro∣uing certaine pieces of it, which had beene giuen me, I buried them more then fiue foot vnder ground; yet notwithstanding they betrayed themselues by their sweet smell. This Calamba where it is gathered, is valued at fiue Ducats the pound; yet at the Port of Cochin-China it yeeldeth more; and scarcely to be had vnder sixteene Ducats the pound: And being transported to Iapan, it is valued at two hundred Du∣cats the pound: But if one meet with a piece of such greatnes that a man may lay his head on it, as on a pillow; the Iaponeses will giue three or foure hundred Ducats the pound for it: because they find by expe∣riment (as they say) that it is better for health, to haue some hard thing vnder ones head when he slee∣peth, then a soft pillow of feathers: which because they hold to be vnwholsome, they vse ordinarily a piece of wood for a Boulster to rest their head on; which euery one according to his ability, will haue as costly as he can get. And if it be made of Calamba, they account it a pillow for a Prince. Now the A∣quila,

howsoeuer it be of lesse estimation and value then the Calamba; yet it is of such account and worth, that one Ships lading of Aquila is sufficient to inrich a Merchant all his life. And the best re∣compense that the King can giue to a Captaine of Malacca, is, to trade and traffique with this Aquila: by reason that the Brachmans and Banians of India, being accustomed to burne the bodies of the dead with this odoriferous wood, will quickly dispatch and rid him of an infinite quantity thereof.

In conclusion, there are also in Cochin-China, many Mines of the preciousest Metalls, and of Gold especi∣ally. So to comprehend in few words the fertility of this country, which meriteth a more larger discourse; I will conclude this Chapter with that which the Merchants of Europe that trade thither commonly say, That the riches of Cochin-China are greater then those of China it selfe; which is knowne to be so exceeding rich and plentifull in all good things.

CHAP. IIII. Of the Eelphants and Rhinoceros.

THere are many Elephants in the woods of Cochin-China; of which they make no vse, because they haue not the skill to catch them and to make them tame, but they haue some brought vnto them from a neighbouring countrey called Cambogia, which are instructed and disciplined before. These are as great againe as the Indian Elephants, the print of their foot which they leaue behind them, is a foot and halfe in the Diameter: The teeth which come out of their

mouthes, of which Iuorie is made, are oft times thir∣teene, sometimes fourteene foot in length; but those of the female Elephants are much shorter: Whence may easily be coniectured, how much greater the Ele∣phants of Cochin-China are, then those which are brought into Europe, whose teeth are not aboue two foot and a halfe in length.

They are long liued; and thereupon when I once demanded how old one of them was, his Conductor answered me, that he was threescore yeeres old when he was brought out of Cambogia, and had liued fourty yeeres in Cochin-China.

And because I haue trauelled many times on Ele∣phants in this Kingdome, I can report many things of them which will seeme very strange, but are neuer∣thelesse true.

The Elephant doth ordinarily carry thirteene or foureteene persons, who are thus in this manner ac∣commodated; Euen as we put Saddles on our Hor∣ses, so doe they put vpon their Elephants, a kind of Engine fashioned like vnto a great Hors-Litter, with∣in the which there are foure seates; and it is fastned and tied with chaines vnder the belly of the Elephant, in like manner as the Saddle is with the Girthes to the Horse. This Litter hath two entries or open pla∣ces on each side, in which are bestowed sixe persons, being ranked by three and three; and another behind, wherein two persons are placed; and then the Nayre, (who is as the Coach-man or Conductor) placing himselfe on the Head of the Elephant, that he may guide and gouerne him. It hath not onely happened vnto me to trauell by Land in this manner, but many times also by Water, passing in this sort ouer some arme of the Sea, sometimes more then halfe a league

from the Land▪ And to speake trueth, it is a maruel∣lous thing to him that neuer saw it; to see such a great and huge masse of flesh, loaden with so heauy a burden, to goe swimming and crossing the waters like a Boate with Oares. True it is, that he made it suffi∣ciently appeare, that he suffered much, as well in the paines he tooke to carry the great masse of his body, as for his difficulty of breathing; Insomuch that to ease and refresh himselfe in this great trauell, he tooke vp the water in his trunke, and cast it vp so high in the aire, that one might haue thought it had beene some Whale of the Sea.

By reason of his great corpulency, it is an extreame difficulty for him to bow downe; and although he must needs doe it, for the commoditie of those that are to goe out or enter into the Litter, yet he neuer doth it but when the Nayre commandeth him; and if whiles he is so bowed downe, any make too long stay, either in complying with friends or other∣wise; he raiseth himselfe on his feet, with impatience to remaine so long in such a violent posture.

It is no lesse wonder, to see how at the command∣ment of the Nayre, he maketh his body in manner of a Ladder, for the greater commodity of those that are to enter into the Litter: For the first step, he offereth his Foot, which is distant enough from ground; for the second he presenteth his Pasterne, at a conuenient distance from the first; and for the third, he boweth his Knee▪ the fourth step, is on the bone of his Flanke which is cast somewhat outward for the purpose; and from thence he receiueth you on his trunke, and car∣rieth you to a chaine fastned to his Litter.

Hereby euidently appeareth, how much they haue bin deceiued who haue written, that the Elefant could

neither bow himselfe nor lie downe, and that the only way to take him, was to cut the tree against which he was to leane when he went to sleepe: because that by the fall of that tree which was to sustaine and support him, he must of force fall downe without any ability to raise himselfe againe: by which meanes, he should be an assured prey to the Hunter that pursued him. All this is but a fable; although it be out of doubt, that he neuer lieth downe to sleepe: that Situation being so incommodious and violent for him, as hath beene expressed: and therefore hee sleepeth alwayes standing, with a continuall agitation of his head.

In occasion of Warre and Battaile, they take off the couering of the Litter, wherehence, as out of a Tower, the Souldiers fight with Arrowes and Mus∣kets, and sometimes also with Field-pieces; the Ele∣phant hauing strength enough to cary them: For this beast is exceeding strong, and hath not his like. I haue seene one my selfe, cary excessiue burdens on his trunk: Another that lifted vp a great piece of Artil∣lery: Another alone to draw ten small Boats one af∣ter another, taking them betweene his Teeth, with great dexterity, and casting them into the Sea. I haue seene others, pull vp great Trees by the rootes, as easily as a man would pull vp a Colewort or a Let∣tice: With as much facilitie they will throw downe and ouerturne Houses, beat downe whole Streetes, when they are commanded in the Warres, to endam∣mage the enemie, and in Peace, when a House is on fire, that it take not hold of the rest.

The trunke of the Elephant is long, proportionally to the rest of his body, so that without stooping or bowing downe, he can easily reach from the ground, what hee list: It is composed of many little nerues,

bound, and linked one vnto the other, in such sort, that on the one side, it is so flexible and maniable, that he extendeth and turneth it as he list, to receiue any the least things; and on the other side, it is therewithall, as hard and strong as we haue said.

His whole body is couered with a hard and rough ash▪coloured skin: His ordinary trauell, is 12. leagues a day. His motion to those that are not vsed vnto it; bringeth the like incommoditie as they find in the Ship, that are not accustomed to Sea-voyages.

For the Docilitie of the Elephant, I shall say more maruellous things, then those which are ordinarily rehearsed: Which will make it manifest, that with great reason it was said by one, Elephanto belluarum nulla prudentior; seeing hee doth such things as will giue men iust cause to beleeue, that they cannot see how they should be done, without Intelligence and Prudence.

First then, the Nayre vseth an Instrument of Iron a∣bout the length of foure hands breadth, with which he doth somtimes beate or pricke him, with a sharpe crooke which is in the end thereof, to awaken him, and make him attentiue to what is commanded him, yet notwithstanding hee doth ordinarily rule and di∣rect him with words, in such sort, that hee seemeth to vnderstand his language: And there are of them, that vnderstand three or foure, according to the Coun∣treyes where they haue liued. So it seemed that hee on which I trauelled, understood the Language of Cambogia, whence he was brought, and that of Cochin-China, where he serued. But who would not wonder to see the Nayre talking to his Elephant, informing him of his voyage, of the wayes he is to goe, in what Inne hee intendeth to lodge, what prouision hee shall

find there, and to tell him particularly what he is to doe in all that Iourney thorowout; and that the Ele∣phant performeth all with as much punctuality, as a man of sound Iudgement. In such sort, that hauing vnderstood whither he is to goe, hee goeth straight directly thither, without seeking of a beaten way, and without any astonishment, if he meet with riuers, Woods, or Mountaines, but imagining that he shall euery where make his passage, hee passeth through all difficulties: For if there be a Riuer in his way, hee ei∣ther wadeth, or swimmeth through it; If hee be to passe through a Wood, hee breaketh the branches that hinder him, pulleth vp whole Trees with his trunke, and cutteth off others with a sharpe Iron, made like vnto a Sithe, which for such purposes is fastened vnto the forepart of the Litter; and when oc∣casion serueth, hee draweth first the branches and boughes to him, then he taketh this Iron and cutteth them away; making himselfe an open passage through the thickest Forrests whatsoeuer, whereby men per∣ceiue that the Elephant hath beene there and opened the way. All this hee doth easily, and readily to exe∣cute the commandements of the Nayre. One onely thing this beast findeth incommodious and grieuous, which is, when any thorne or other sharpe thing pric∣keth the soles of his feete, which he hath very tender and sensible; going therefore but softly, and with great circumspection, when hee is to passe through such dangerous places. I was once on a Iourney, in which there were seuen or eight Elephants in compa∣ny, when I hard the Nayres each of them aduertising his beast to take heede to their footing, because they were to goe for the space of halfe a League, through certaine sandie places, in which there

were commonly some Thornes growing: At which warning the Elephants bowed downe their heads, and looking attentiuely with their eyes, as men common∣ly doe when they seeke after somewhat that is lost, they went faire and softly, with great heedfulnesse, whiles they were in that danger, till such time as be∣ing told that they were past feare, they lifted vp their heads, and continued their pace as before. In the eue∣ning, being come to their Inne, the Nayres bid the Elephants goe to pasture in a Wood, without taking their Litters from their backes: And when I questi∣oned them why they did not discharge them of that burden, they answered me, that the Elephants were to feede on the boughs, and bodies of trees, and there∣fore that they might cut them downe at their plea∣sure, with the sharpe Iron we speake of, they were to keepe on their Litters. The next day, being to lodge in a place where there was no Wood, the Nayres brrought each of them a great faggot of greene trees for their Elephants, I tooke great delight to obserue how one of them with his trunke tooke these boughs more nimbly then the rest, pulled them with his teeth, and did eate them after with as good an appe∣tite as wee would eate a figge, or any other fruit. The next day discoursing with the other trauellers, being about some twenty persons, I told them what pleasure I tooke in beholding how handsomely this Elephant did make shift to feede on those boughes. Where∣upon the Nayre by commandement of the owner of this Elephant, called him aloud by his name, which was Gnin, who being gone a little aside, presently lif∣ted vp his head, as hearkning what he would say to him: Remember saith the Nayre the father the pas∣senger, that was pleased▪ yesterday to see thee eate:

Take presently a truncheon such as thou hadst then; and come into his presence, doing as thou did∣dest: No sooner had the Nayre spoken, but the Ele∣phant holding a Truncheon in his mouth, commeth before me, and finding me out amongst the rest, pre∣senteth it vnto me; then peeleth and eateth it, and do∣ing me a profound reuerence, retireth himselfe as it were laughing, with signes of gladnesse and reioy∣cing: And I remained astonished, to see in a beast so much aptnesse to vnderstand and to doe what was commanded him. Yet is he obedient to none but to the Nayre or to his Master, and endureth not to see a∣ny other get vpon him; which if any attempt to doe, and he see it, they doubt he would cast downe his Litter, and kill him with his trunke. Therefore when any are to get vp on him, the Nayre couereth his eyes with his eares, which are very huge and vnhansome. When he sheweth himselfe resty in doing what is commanded him, and doth it not so readily as hee ought, the Nayre hauing both his feet vpon his head, beateth and chastiseth him soundly, giuing great blowes with a staffe, in the midst of his forehead. Once we being many in a company on an Elephant that carried vs, and the Nayre beating him in such sort as we haue said, we expected at euery blow he re∣ceiued, that hee would haue cast vs downe. They giue him ordinarily sixe or seuen blowes on hisfore∣head, but with such vehemency, that the Elephant trembleth euery Limbe and Ioynt; yet endureth it with much patience.

There is onely one occasion wherein he will not be ruled by the Nayre nor by any man, which is, when on the suddaine he entreth into Rut: for then being be∣side himselfe, as if he were mad, he endureth no body;

but taketh his Litter with his trunke, battering and breaking all to pieces. Yet ordinarily the Nayre per∣ceiuing it a little before, by certaine signes, alighteth off him, and likewise the company; and taking off the Litter from his backe, leaueth him in some close cor∣ner alone till his heat be ouerpassed: after which, as if he were ashamed of his disorder, he goeth holding downe his head, submitting himselfe to the blowes and bastinadoes which he seemeth to himselfe to haue well deserued.

These beasts in former times haue beene of great vse in the Warres, and such Armies as came into the field with great bands of them, were much feared. But since the Portugals found out the inuention to incounter them with Torches and Fire-brands, they haue rather beene hurtfull then profitable, because being not able to abide those fiery flames before their eyes, they furiously fled away, putting their owne Armies in disaray, killing and ouerthrowing all that stood in their way.

The tame Elephant fighteth onely with two sorts of beasts, which are the Wilde Elephant, and the Abade or Rinoceros; for this latter he is commonly two hard, but by the former he is ordinarily ouercome.

The Abade is a beast which hath some resem∣blance of the Oxe, and somewhat of the Horse; and is of the bignesse of a little Elephant: He is couered all ouer with Scales, which is to him as an armour; he hath but one horne in the midst of his forehead, which groweth straight, being formed like a Pyra∣mide: his feete and hoofes like those of an Oxe. Whiles I was at Nouoemon a Towne in the Prouince of Pulucambes, the Gouernour went out once to hunt an Abade, which was in a Wood not farre from our

dwelling: He was accompanied with more then a hundred, some on foot, others on horsebacke, with eight or ten Elephants. The Abade commeth out of the Wood, and at the sight of so many enemies, not onely sheweth no signe of feare, but furiously goeth against them all; thereupon the company diuiding themselues into two wings, the Abade runneth through the midst of them, and came to the rereward where the Gouernour was mounted on an Elephant, which sought to take hold on the Abade with his trunke, but could not, by reason that the other made so many leapes and friskoles, seeking to pierce the Elephant with his horne. The Gouernour know∣ing well that this beast could not bee wounded, but where he had no Scales, which was onely in his flanke, watched when in his leaping his belly was to∣wards him; and taking his aduantage, threw a dart at him, with which he pierced him through, which caused great acclamations and shoutings of ioy throughout all his troope; who there presently in the field made a great bonfire of wood, wherein whiles the Scales of the beast were a burning, they daunced and leaped about it; and when, as by degrees, the flesh came to be rosted, they cut out euery one his Carbonado, and merrily eate it. Then they opened the Abade to take out his Heart, his Liuer and his Braine, whereof they made a delicate dish, which they presented to the Gouernour, who had retired himselfe somewhat aside to a higher place, where hee sollased himselfe with their iollity. I being present at this piece of seruice, obtained of the Gouernour, the Nayles or Hoofes for my share, which are esteemed to haue the like vertue and property, that the Hoofe of the Elk hath. The Horne also is thought to be

as soueraigne against poyson, as the Vnicornes Horne is held to be.

CHAP. V. Of the Temperament Manners and Customes of the Cochin-Chinois, Of their manner of Liuing, Clothing, and Medicines.

THe Cochin-Chinois are little differing from the Chinois in their Countenance, being all of Oliue colours; those I meane that are toward the Sea: for the others which are farther into the Land towards Tunchim, are as white as those of Europe. In the line∣aments of their faces they are like the Inhabitants of China; flat nosed as they are, with little eyes. They are of a meane stature; neither so little as the Iapo∣nois, nor yet so tall as the Chinois; but in strength and agility of body, they exceed them both: They surpasse the Chinois also in courage and valour: onely the Iaponois surmount them in one thing, which is, their contempt of life in perils and conflicts: for these Iaponois seeme to make no account thereof, and to haue no feare of death at all. The Cochin-Chinois is more gentle and courteous in conuersation, then any other nation of the East: and albeit on the one side they stand much vpon their valour; yet on the other side, they hold it as infamous to be transported with choller. And whereas all the other Easterne na∣tions hold the Europeans for profane people, and haue them naturally in horror; in such sort, that when wee land in any of their Countreys, they betake them∣selues to flight. In Cochin-China on the contrary, they

contend who shall conuerse with vs most; they aske vs many questions, they inuite vs to eate with them, vsing all kind of Courtesie, Ciuility, and Familiari∣ty. So it happened with me and my companions at our first arriuall there; where it seemed vnto vs, as if we were amongst our ancient acquaintance. By which occasion, there is a fare Gate opened for the Preach∣ing of the Gospel of Iesus Christ amongst them..

Of this gentle and pleasing disposition, and of this facilitie of manners, there commeth that great vnion, and good intelligence, which they haue amongst themselues, conuersing together one with the other, as openly, with as much Candour, as if they were all brethren, bred, and brought vp together in the same House, though they neuer saw each other before. And it would be held a great basenesse amongst them, if any should eate any thing, were it neuer so little, with∣out imparting it to those that are with him, and gi∣uing to euery one his morsell. They are of a liberall inclination, and beneficent to the poore, neuer refu∣sing their alms to those that aske it, and would thinke they had failed much in their duty, if they had deni∣ed them, as holding themselues bound in iustice to re∣lieue those that are in want. By means wherof, it hap∣pened that some strangers making ship-wrackein one of the ports of Cochin-China, and hauing no know∣ledge of the tongue, by which they might beg what they needed, holp their necessity sufficiently by lear∣ning this one word, Doij, which signifieth, I am hun∣gry: For as soone as they perceiued strangers com∣playning in such a manner, and crying Doij at their doores, they went out all auie, being touched with compassion, and gaue them somewhat to eat, whereby they got suddenly so much prouision, that the King

hauing granted them a Ship, to carry them into their Countrey, there was not one of them willing to take that opportunity, they were become so affected to that Countrey, where they had found such as would liberally furnish them wherewith to sustaine them∣selues without working▪ Insomuch that the Captaine of the Ship was driuen to constraine them with a good cudgell, and with the flat of his Sword, to em∣barke themselues, as they did with good store of Rice which they had gathered, going but from doore to to doore, and crying, I am hungry.

But as these Cochin-Chinois doe shew themselues prompt and liberall in giuing, so are they as much or more in requesting whatsoeuer they see to their li∣king; for they no sooner can cast their eye on any thing which they thinke rare and curious, but they are desirous thereof, and will say vnto you Sin Mo∣caij, which signifieth, giue me one of those: and they hold it a great discourtesie to deny them any thing, though it be rare and precious, or no more such to be had; and account him base that refuseth them, where∣by men are driuen either to hide what they haue, or to be ready to bestow it on him that shall aske it.

A Portugal Merchant, nothing liking this strange custome (as indeede there are few that like well of it) seeing himselfe euery day importuned to giue what∣soeuer good thing hee had, was one day disposed to carrie himselfe in like manner toward them; and so comming to a poore Fisher-mans boate, and laying hands on a great panier full of Fish, hee saith vnto him in the language of that Countrey, Sin Mocaij, Giue me this; the good man without further dis∣course gaue him the panier as it was, to carry away, which the Portugal carried to his House accordingly,

wondering at the liberality of the poore man. But hauing consideration of his pouerty, he paid him af∣terward the value.

Their termes of Ciuillity, Courtesie, and Enter∣tainment, are very neere those which are vsed in China, the inferiours vsing great respect toward their superi∣ours, as also those of the same rancke, practising one towards another all those petty punctualities, and complements, which are peculiar to the Chinois: Espe∣cially the great reuerence they beare to the aged; al∣wayes preferring the ancientest, of what degree or condition soeuer they are; and giuing to the aged all kind of preeminence aboue the younger. And so some of these Lords comming often to visite vs in our House, though they had beene sufficiently aduer∣tised by the Interpreter, that a certaine Father being more aged then the rest was not our superiour, they could not possibly forbeare to salute him that was old before the superiour, being much younger.

In all the Houses of Cochin-China, be they neuer so poore, three sorts of sitting are vsed. The first, and least of all is▪ on a Matt stretched out on the ground; whereon all doe sit, that are of the like quality and degree. The second is on certaine Coards or Girts, stretched out and couered with a finer kind of Matts then the former, where those of the better rancke place themselues. The third is on a Tent which is raised from the ground, about some two foote and a halfe, made in manner of a Bed, which is reserued onely for the Gouernours, or Lords of the place, or for such as are dedicated to the Seruice of God: On which they alwayes make our Fathers to sit.

Of this gentle and agreeable humour of the Cochin-Chinois commeth; the account they make of Stran∣gers,

giuing them liberty to liue according to their owne law, and to apparrell themselues as they thinke good, commending their course of liuing, admiring their Learning, and frankly preferring it before their owne; contrary to the Chinois, which make no rec∣koning, but of their owne Countrey, their owne fashi∣ons, and their owne Doctrine.

Concerning their Apparrell and Clothing, wee haue already said, that Silke is so common in Cochin-China, that all are clad therewith. It onely remaineth to speake of the Fashions which they vse: And to begin with the Women, I must confesse, that their habit hath allwayes seemed vnto me, to be the most Modest of all India, for they cannot endure any part of their bodies to be vncouered; no not in the grea∣test heates. They weare fiue or six Taffeties, one vpon another, all of seuerall colours. The first reacheth downe to the ground, which they make trayne a∣long, with such Grauity, Decency, and Maiestie, that one cannot discerne so much as the end of their feet; the next is foure or fiue fingers breadth shorter; the third commeth short of the second; and so are the rest, the one shorter then the other; in such sort, that all the colours are discerned. This is their Habit ftom the Girdle downewards. Their bodies they co∣uer with certaine curious Stuffes, which are wrought Eschecquer-wise of sundry colours, casting ouer it so fine and thin a vaile, that all this diuersity, and va∣rietie may easily be perceiued through it, like a plea∣sant and gratious Spring-time, accompanied with great Grauity, and Modestie. They weare their haire loosely, hanging on their shoulders, which they suf∣fer to grow so long, that it reacheth to the ground, and the longer it is, the fairer it is accounted. They weare

a great Hat on their Heads, with such broad brims that they couer all their Faces, and suffer them not to see more then three or foure paces before them; and these Hats are wouen or interlaced with Silke, and Gold, according to the quality of the persons: The Women are not bound to any further courtesie in the Saluting of any whom they meete, then to lift vp their Hats so farre that their Faces may be seene.

The men in stead of Breeches wrap themselues with a whole piece of Stuffe, clothing themselues ouer it in the like manner, with fiue or sixe garments which are long and large, all of fine Silke, of sundry colours, with great large Sleeues, not vnlike those that the Benedictines vse to weare. These garments of theirs, from the girdle downewards, are all becut and slashed with curious deuises; in such sort that as they goe through the Towne, they make such a shew of all these colours mingled together, that if ne∣uer so little a wind should happen to blow vpon their garments, one might say they were so many Peacocks going about shewing the variety of their plumes.

They let their Haire grow as the women doe theirs, euen downe to their heeles, and weare their Hatts in like manner. They which haue any Beard, of which their are but few, doe neuervse to cut it, conforming themselues therein with the Chinois; as also in letting the Nailes of their fingers grow, which the Gentry doe not vse to haue cut, keeping them as tokens of Nobility, to distinguish them from the Common people and the Artificers; who may not weare them long, lest they should bee hindered by them in their worke: whereas the Gentlemen haue such long ones, that they cannot gripe any thing in their hands. They cannot relish our fashion of cutting our Haire and

our Nailes, because they suppose them to haue beene giuen by Nature for an ornament. When wee were once in discourse about the Haire, they made an ob∣iection▪ to which it was not very easie to make an∣swere on the suddaine: If, said they, the Sauiour of the world, (to whom ye professe that ye seeke to con∣forme your selues in all your actions) did weare his Haire long after the manner of the Nazarites, as ye assure your selues, and as appeareth in the Pictures of him which ye haue shewen vs, why doe yee not the like? adding thereunto, for more force of argument, that the Sauiour of the world, wearing his Haire at the full length, gaue vs to vnderstand it was the best fashion: Yet notwithstanding they contented them∣selues, when we told them that our imitation did not consist in the exteriour man or in the outward habit.

The Learned sort and the Doctors, apparell them∣selues somewhat more grauely, without so many co∣lours and cuttings; couering the rest of their gar∣ments with a Gowne of blacke Damaske: they weare also a kind of Stole, hanging about their Necke, and a Maniple of blue Silke on their Arme, couering their heads commonly with a Cap, not vnlike to a Bishops Mitre. The men as well as the women, haue euer a Fanne in their hands very like ours here in Europe; which they carry more for countenance then other∣wise. But whereas we in Europe vse to be clad in blackes, during our mourning, they vse the white on like occasion: when they salute any, they neuer vncouer their head, holding that for a discourtesie and full of irreuerence, vnbefitting; wherein they a∣gree in opinion with those of China.

The Cochin-Chinois vse neither Hose nor Shooes, but onely take at the most, to keepe the soles of their

feet from what might offend them, a sole of Leather, made fast and tied vpon the foot with some buttons and ribbands of Silke, after the manner of Sandales: not accounting it any way vndecent to goe without Stockens or Hose and Shooes. And albeit, going af∣ter such a manner shod or vnshod, they often times find their feet very dirty, they reckon little of it, ha∣uing for the purpose in euery house, at the entry of the Hall, a Bason of faire water in which they wash their feet; and such of them as vse to weare Sandals, leaue them there to put on againe when they goe forth, hauing no need to vse them within doores, where the ground being couered with Matts, they feare no fouling of them.

The ordinary food of the Cochin-Chinois is Rice, and it seemeth a strange thing, that this Countrey be∣ing so plentifull in all kinds of Flesh, Fowle, Fish and Fruits, that neuerthelesse, they feed still on Rice; wherewith they commonly fill themselues at the be∣ginning of their repast, and then by way of ceremo∣ny, doe but assay and taste of all the other Viands. So that Rice is to them the principall and chiefe, as bread is with vs, which they eate alone without sauce or mixture, either of Butter, Oyle or Suggar, but on∣ly seething of it in water; whereof they vse no more then will serue to keepe it from sticking to the Pot, and so from being burnt; by reason whereof the graines remaine stil entire, being only a little mollifi∣ed, and moystned. They find moreouer by experience, that the not vsing to season the Rice maketh it digest the more easily; whence it is, that throughout all the East they accustome themselues to eate foure times a day at the least, and that plentifully, to supply the necessity of Nature.

The Cochin-Chinois eate sitting crosse-legd on the ground, hauing a round Table before them, brest∣high, curiously wrought, and the edge or border about it gilded with Siluer or Gold, according to the qua∣lity of the persons. This Table is not very great, the custome being, that euery one haue a seuerall Table; and that as many guests as are inuited or expected, so many Tables be prepared for them▪ which is also ob∣serued when they eate in priuate, vnlesse haply the Husband and Wife, or the Father and the Sonne bee contented with one Table. They haue neither kniues nor forkes at the Table, not needing any. They haue no need of kniues, because their morsells are before cut out in the Kitchin; and in lieu of forkes they haue little stickes finely polished which they put be∣twixt their fingers in such sort, that with their dexte∣rity they can take vp any thing therewith. They haue as little need of table Napkins, seeing they neuer foule their hands, but alwayes take vp their meat with those stickes.

They inuite one another often to Feasts and Ban∣quets, in which they serue many other sorts of Cates besides those I haue mentioned: Yet therein they serue no Rice, because they suppose that euery one hath enough at home. And how poore soeuer he be that giueth entertainement, they thinke hee hath not done fairely, if euery of the guests haue not his Table serued with an hundred dishes at least. Also, because they vse to inuite all their Friends, Kinsefolke and Neighbours to these feasts, there is seldome any such meeting, at which there are not thirty, forty, or fifty, and sometimes an hundred, or two hundred persons. I was once my selfe at one of these Sollemne-Feasts, in which the Guests were no lesse then two thousand.

Therfore such Feasts are made in the open fields, that there may be roome enough to place so many Tables: Neither ought it to be found strange, that these Ta∣bles being not great, there should bee an hundred Dishes serued thereon at once; because at such times by a maruellous prety deuice, they place a little castle on the Table, hauing sundry Stages made of Suger∣canes, on which they bestow in very good order, all these Dishes, in which also there is contained what∣soeuer the Countrey yeeldeth, as well of Flesh, Fish, Foule, Fourefooted-beasts, both wild and tame, as also all sorts of fruits which the season afordeth: For if there be any one wanting, it is very disgracefull to the entertainment; and they will scarse vouchsafe it the name of a Feast. The Masters are first serued, by their principall attendants, who eate in their Masters places when they are risen; being serued by inferi∣our seruants, which succeed them in their turne. And because they cannot deuoure all that is prepared, and the custome is to make a cleane riddance of all, as soone as these are satisfied, there commeth yet a ba∣ser sort of followers, who when they haue also eaten their fill, vse to put vp the remnant in bagges which they beare for that purpose, and carry it home to feast the Lackies and Scullions of the Kitchin, who make good cheere with it; and then the Ceremony endeth.

They haue no Grapes in Cochin-China, therefore in stead of wine they vse a kind of drinke made of Rice distilled in a Limbicke, which hath the taste of Aqua∣vitae, and resembleth it in colour, being also of like Acrimony, Subtillity and Viuacity. They haue such abundance thereof, that euery one drinketh common∣ly as much as he list; and are no lesse drunken there∣with, then others are with wine in these parts. Yet

those of the better sort, vse to allay it with another drinke made of Calamba distilled, which giueth it a pleasant sauour and acceptable odour, being an excel∣lent composition.

They vse also to drinke a dayes, of a certaine warme water, in which the root of an hearbe which they call Chia hath sod, of which this drinke taketh the name, being very cordiall, and not a little helpfull to dis∣perse the noysome humours of the stomach, and to fa∣cilitate the digestion. The like is vsed in Iapan and China also; sauing that in China, in lieu of the root, they seeth onely the leaues of the tree, and in Iapan they take them in powder, but the effects are the same; and they all call it Chia.

Concerning their Phisicians, and manner of curing their diseases, I can say there are many, as well Portu∣gals as natiues of the Countrey; and it is often seene, that many vnknowne maladies, for which the Phisici∣ans of Europe know no remedies, haue beene discoue∣red and cured easily by those of that Countrey. And it hapneth sometimes, that the Portugal Phisicians giue ouer a diseased person, supposing him in a despe∣rate estate, who is afterward easily cured by a Phisici∣an of that Countrey, if they send for him.

The Methode vsed by them is this, that assoone as they enter into the sicke persons chamber, they sit downe a whiles neere vnto his bed, to settle the stir∣ring of their spirit, which they haue contracted in their comming; then they feele the parties pulse with much attention and circumspection, saying af∣terward vnto him, you haue such a Sicknesse; and if it be vncurable they say vnto him sincerely, I haue no Medicine for this Maladie: which is a shrewd signe that the sicke person will not escape. But if they

iudge the Maladie to be such as may be healed by their Remedies, they will say, I haue that which will heale you, and by such a time I will set you on your feet. Then they agree vpon the Salary that the Phi∣sician shall haue, in case he cure the disease; which they measure and proportion according to the quali∣ty of the disease, and so make the contract. The Phi∣sician afterward composeth his Medicine himselfe, without any Apothecary, for they haue none there for feare of disclosing the secret of their Medicines, which they conceale as much as they also can; partly because they dare not trust any other with the Ingre∣dients they prescribe. If the sicke person recouer his health by the time prefixed, he is to giue the price a∣greed on: If he faile of his cure, the Phisitian looseth both his labour, and his charge.

The Medicines which they vse to giue, are not like vnto ours, which are distastfull, mollifiing and loosening the belly; but are as pleasing as their Pot∣tage, and nourishing withall, so that they neede no other aliment: Whence it commeth that they giue of it oftentimes a day, as we would giue broth to the diseased from time to time. And their Medicines doe not alter Nature, but assist it in her ordinary functions, drying vp the peccant humours, without any trouble to the sicke person at all.

Heere is offered me a thing worth the relation: A Portugal falling sicke there, called vnto him the Phi∣sicians of Europe, who after they had visited him a while, gaue him ouer for a dead man, and came no more at him. A Phisician of that Countrey being sent for, vndertaketh to cure him within a certaine time, charging him straitely, that whiles he had him in cure, he should not meddle with Women: Other∣wise

there was no hope. The sicke man taketh the Medicines appointed, and within few dayes he find∣deth himselfe so well recouered, that hee tooke no great care of performing what the Phisician had en∣ioyned. Thereupon the Phisician comming to visite his Patient, and perceiuing his Incontinencie by the change of his pulse, aduiseth him to dispose himselfe to death, because hee was past all hope, for he knew no remedie now to saue his life: And that neuerthe∣lesse hee was to pay him the Money agreed on be∣tween them; because if he died, it was his owne fault. Sentence was giuen for the Phisitian, the Patient Died.

They haue also the vse of Blood-letting by Phle∣botomie; yet are they more sparing thereof, then with vs in Europe; neither doe they vse Lancets, but haue many Goose-quills, into which they fasten diuers lit∣tle pieces of Porcelane that are very sharpe, fashion∣ed and placed like the teeth of a Saw, some greater, and some lesse. And when they are to open a Veine, they apply one of these quills thereunto, and giuing a little stroake thereon with their finger, they open the Veine with the Porcelane, which entereth no further then is requisite. But that which is yet more strange, is, that when they haue drawen Blood sufficiently, they vse no band, nor Ligature about it: but onely wetting their thumbe with a little spittle, they presse it on the wound, and make the skin returne to his place, the Blood suddenly stanching, and the ouer∣ture closing together: Which I attribute to their opening of it with the Porcelane, which maketh the Veine to close vp, and to heale so easily.

They are not without Chirurgions, that haue won∣derfull secrets; I bring no other proofe, but what

they haue practised on my selfe, and one of our Bre∣thren my Companion. Hauing fallen from a very high place, I fell on my stomach, against the edge of Stone, in such sort, that I began to spit blood, and my Brest was sorely bruised and hurt, some of our Eu∣ropian remedies were vsed, but I found no helpe nor ease, vntill a Chirurgion of that Countrey, taking a quantity of a certaine Hearbe, like vnto the Hearbe Mercurie, and making a Plaister thereof, applyed it to my Stomach; then boyled some of the same hearbe with water, for me to drinke, and made me eate of the same raw, as it was: And in few dayes, I was perfect∣ly healed. To make tryall thereof againe, I caused the legge of a Hen to be broken in many places, and a Plaister of this Hearbe to bee applyed thereunto, and within few dayes, the Hens leg was made whole and entire againe.

A Scorpion had bit one of our Brethren on the Necke, (who was my Companion) such biting be∣ing held to bee deadly in this Kingdome, for his throat began to swell in such sort, that wee were a∣bout to haue administred vnto him the extreame Vnction, but a Chirurgion causing presently a pot of Rice to bee boiled with faire water, and setting the same at his feete, hee compassed him about with clothes, that the hot vapour and fume thereof might not be dispersed: whereof it followed, that assoone as the fume had gotten vp to the wounded place, hee found his griefe asswaged, the swelling of his throat vanished, and himselfe in as good plight as before.

Many more such like might be added; but I will onely affirme, that their Medicines are of much more force in those parts, then they are with vs. And I can say this in particular, that I brought with me there∣hence

a little barrell of Rubarb, being esteemed to be of the best; but when I came into Europe, after two yeeres voyage, I found my Rubarb so altered, that I could not know it for the same. So much doe the Simples lose of their vertue, by being transported out of those Count〈…〉〈…〉s into ours.

CHAP. VI. Of the Ciuill and Politicke Gouernement of Cochin-China.

THeir Gouernement in Generall, hath some affi∣nity with that which is vsed in Iapan and in China. But as the Iaponians account of Armes, much more then of Sciences, and the Chinois on the contra∣ry esteemeth highly of the Siences, and maketh no great reckoning of Armes: The Cochin-Chinois not following the course of either of these nations, doe not reiect or abandon the one, as if they were wholly addicted to the other; but are indifferently affected to either, according to their occasions. And accor∣dingly doe recompence and preferre, sometimes the Doctors, and sometimes the Souldiers, to the offices and dignities of their Kingdome.

Cochin-China hath many Vniuersities, in which there bee Readers and Schooles and Degrees; to which their Schollers are aduanced by examination, as they are in China; teaching the same Sciences, vsing the same Bookes and Authors; namely, Zinfa or Confus, as the Portugals call him; being an Au∣thor of as sublime and profound Learning and Au∣thority with them, as Aristotle amongst vs, and indeed more ancient. These bookes are full of Erudition, of

rare Histories, of graue Sentences, of Prouerbes and such like, all concerning good manners; such as Se∣neca, Cato, or Cicero here with vs. Many yeeres labour is spent in learning the propriety of the Phrase, Cha∣racters and Hieroglyphikes in which they are writ∣ten. But that part which they account most of, and haue in greatest estimation, is Morall Philosophy; comprehending the Ethik, Oeconomik and Poli∣tick. And it is a goodly sight to see and vnderstand them in their Halls, when they reade and pronounce their Lectures aloud as if they sang: which they doe, to accustome themselues, and to get a habite, to giue to euery word his proper accent; of which they haue a great number that signifie many seuerall different things: whereby may be gathered, that to conuerse with them, it is requisite to know the principles of Musicke and the Counter-point.

The Language which they vse in common speech, is much differing from that in which they teach and reade in their Studies, and in which their Bookes are written. Euen as amongst vs our vulgar Languages, common to all, differ much from the Latine which is vsed in the Schooles. Wherein also there is a diffe∣rence betweene them and the Chinois, who if they be Learned or Noble, neuer speake but in one kind of Language, which they call that of the Mandarins, who are their Doctors, Iudges and Gouernours. And the Characters which they vse in their writing and in their printed books, are aboue fourescore thousand, diffring one from the other. Whence it commeth to passe, that the Fathers of the society of Iesus, are eight or ten yeeres studying of these bookes, before they become able to treat, or capable to conuerse with them. But the Cochin-Chinois haue reduced this great

multitude of Characters, to the number of three thousand at the most, which they vse in their ordi∣nary Discourse, in their Letters, in their Supplicati∣ons, Memorialls and other such things as haue not respect to their printed bookes: which must of ne∣cessity be composed in the Characters of China. The Iaponians haue yet beene more ingenious, who albeit they endeauour in whatsoeuer concerning their writ∣ten and printed bookes, to conforme themselues to the Chinois; haue notwithstanding handled the mat∣ter so well, that for dispatch of their ordinary affaires, they haue inuented eight and fourty Letters, by the combination of which, they expresse and declare what they will, euen as well as wee doe with our A. B. C. Yet are the Characters of China, still in such request, and so great estimation in Iapan, that those forty and eight Letters, howsoeuer they be more commodious to expresse their Conceits, are little regarded in com∣parison, but by way of contempt, are accounted and called the Womens Letters.

That most Ingenious and Exellent Inuention of Printing, was practised in China, and Cochin-China, before wee had the knowledge thereof in Europe; yet not in such perfection: In regard that they doe not ioyne Letters with Letters, or Characters with Cha∣racters; but with a Punchion, or Grauing-iron, they graue, and cut their Formes on a board, or plancke, euen as they intend to Print them in their Bookes: Then they apply their Paper vpon the board that is so graued and cut, putting it vnder the Presse, in like manner as wee doe in Europe, when we Print on a cop∣per Plate, or other such thing.

Besides those Bookes which treate of Morall Phi∣losophie, they haue also of Sacred matters, as they

call them, concerning the Creation, and beginning of the World, of reasonable Soules, of the Demons, of Idols, and of their different Sects; these Bookes they call Sayc Kim, to distinguish them from the pro∣fane, which they terme Sayc Chiu.

Now albeit the Language of the Cochin-Chinois be therin like to that of the Chinois, that they vse only words of one Syllable, pronounced with diuersity of tones and accents; yet they differ much in this, that the Cochin-Chinois are more fruitfull and abounding in Vowells, and therefore more sweet and pleasing: richer in accents and in tones, and so more melodi∣ous and harmonious: in such sort that they haue their eare made for Musicke, proper and apt to distin∣guish the variety of tones and accents.

The language of Cochin-China is to my seeming the most easie of all; because it hath neither coniugations Verbes, nor Declining of Nounes: but with one only word, adding therunto an aduerbe or a pronoune, maketh knowne the time passed, the time present, and to come; the singular number and the plurall, and supplieth all the Moodes, Tenses and persons, as also the diuersity of Numbers and of Cases. As for ex∣ample, this word Haue (which in the Cochin-Chinois tongue is expressed by Co) without other variation but adding a Pronoune, will serue all occasions: and so that whereas we should say by Coniugation, I haue, thou hast, he hath; they contenting themselues with the Pronoune, without varying the Verbe, would say, I haue, you haue, he haue: In like manner to sup∣ply the diuersity of the Tenses, they will say in the Present, I now haue; for the passed, I heretofore haue; and for the future, I hereafter, or in time to come haue; and so from one to the other, without euer

changing their Co; whence it easily appeareth, how easie this tongue is to be learned, as indeede, in six Moneths whiles I was there; I learned as much as was sufficient to treate with them, and to vnderstand their Confessions; though I had not the perfect know∣ledge thereof; for to say the truth, foure whole yeeres were no more then requisite to make one exact, and excellent therein.

But to returne to the course of my History: I said the custome of the Cochin-Chinois was not onely to re∣gard men of Learning, recompencing their great knowledge, by aduancing them to high and honoura∣ble degrees of dignity, and assigning to them good rents and reuennues; but that they had also in great estimation, those that were Couragious, Valorous and excellent in Armes. Yet doe they gouerne them∣selues therein, after another manner then is accusto∣med amongst vs. For in stead of giuing to their great and generous Captaines, as they doe in these parts, some Lordship, Earledome or Marquisate, in acknow∣ledgment of their deserts; they reward them by sub∣iecting so many persons vnto them, as a certaine num∣ber of the Kings subiects and vassalls, who in what part of the Kingdome soeuer they be, are bound to acknowledge him for their Lord, to whom the King hath giuen them, to serue him with their Armes when he shall be occasioned to vse them; as also to pay him all such duties as they payed before to the King: And so as we say such a one is Lord of such a place, Earledome or Marquisate; they say, such a one hath the command of fiue hundred men, this other of a thousand; the King hath increased this mans com∣mand to a thousand more, and of the other to two thousand: so augmenting their greatnesse, their dig∣nities,

riches and commodities, by giuing of them more vassalls.

Of their Warres, wee shall speake in the next Chapter. There remaineth yet somewhat to be said concerning their Ciuill Gouernement. First they dispatch all their affaires more readily, rather accor∣ding to the Martiall Law More belli, then by plea∣dings at the Barre with Iudges, Notaries and Proct∣tors with their dilatory proceedings. The Vice-Royes and Gouernours of Prouinces, supplying all those offices, and giuing publike audience foure houres euery day in a faire large Court within their Pallace; two houres in the forenoone, and two houres in the afternoone. Thither goe all that haue contro∣uersie, to represent their pretensions and their plaints; and the Vice-Roy or Gouernour leaning on a win∣dow, vnderstandeth the grieuances of each one after the other. And because the Gouernours are ordina∣rily men of good iudgement and experience in af∣faires, questioning the parties to good purpose, and obseruing also the apprehension of the assistants, which they coniecture by their countenance, and the approbation which they haue of the demandant or defendant, they discouer easily the trueth of the bu∣sinesse forthwith, and pronounce their sentence aloud without delay, which is presently executed, without appeale or any other formality; whether it bee death or banishment, or whipping, or pecuniary amends; chastising euery offence as the Law requireth.

The crimes whereof they are most commonly ac∣cused, which are seuerely chastised among them, are many: But aboue all, they punish rigorously the false accusers, Theeues, and Adulterers. When the first are conuicted to haue charged any falsly with a

crime, whereof he was not guilty, hee is condemned, without mercy, to endure the same punishment which the other should haue suffered, if he had com∣mitted that whereof he was accused. And indeed ex∣perience hath made it appeare, to be the best course of sifting out the trueth. Their theeues are punished according to the proportion of the theft: If they haue stollen any thing of great value, they cut of their heads: If of lesse consequence, as a Hen, they lose only a finger; and for the second offence they cut off ano∣ther: If they be taken with a third, they must loose an eare; and for the fourth offence they cut off the necke.

The adulterers, be they men or women, are exposed to the Elephants, who kill them in the manner ensu∣ing. The offender is conducted out of the Towne in∣to a Plaine, where in the presence of an infinite num∣ber of people, he is brought into the midst of the place, with his hands and feet tied neere vnto the Ele∣phant, vnto whom the sentence of the party that is to be put to death is read, that he may execute it from point to point. The order being this: That first he shall seize on him, take him and straine him with his trunke, and hold him so suspended in the aire, shew∣ing him to all the world; then that he cast him vp with violence, and receiue him againe on the point of his teeth, that by the heauy fall of his weight he may gage himselfe thereon, and that then he dash him a∣gainst the ground, and that in the end hee tread him vnder his feet. All which the Elephant doth, without failing in any one point, to the great astonishment and terrour of all that are present, who by the punish∣ment which they see inflicted on another, doe learne, that fidelity is to be kept betweene those that are married.

It will not be amisse, being now discoursing of married folkes, to relate some particularities concer∣ning the marriages of that Countrey. It hath not beene seene that the Cochin-Chinois, though they be Gentiles, haue contracted marriages within the de∣grees forbidden by Gods Law, or the Law of Nature; neither within the first degree of the collaterall Line of Brothers and sisters. But in the other degrees mar∣riage is permitted, so that he haue but one wife. It is true, that the richer sort vnder the title of their great∣nesse and liberality, are accustomed to haue many Concubines; taxing them with auarice and misera∣blenesse, that doe not keepe as many as their reuenues will maintaine. These are called their second, third and fourth wiues, which they tooke after the first which is accounted, and is truly and really their wife, and to her it appertaineth to choose the rest accor∣ding to her liking, and to giue them to her husband. Yet their marriages are not indissoluble, their Lawes permitting a diuorce, though not altogether at the will of either party: for they must first prooue the suggestion for which they would leaue one the o∣ther; which being auerred it is lawfull for them to withdraw themselues from the first, and to marry a∣gaine. The husbands bring the Dowries, and relin∣quish their owne houses to dwell with their wiues, by whose meanes they are maintained, and by whom all the houshold affaires are managed: for there they beare the charge and gouernement of the Family, whiles the husband keepeth himselfe within doores, not putting himselfe to any paine, contenting him∣selfe to be prouided of what is needfull for his food and raiment.

CHAP. VII. Of the Forces of the King of Cochin-China, and of the Warres he hath within his Kingdome.

IT hath beene touched already, in the beginning of this History, how that Cochin-China being a Pro∣uince, dismembered from the great Kingdome of Tunchim, was vsurped vniustly by the Grandfather of the King that now reigneth, who hauing the Gouern∣ment, rebelled against the King of Tunchim: Whereunto he was not a little emboldened, when hee saw himselfe suddenly furnished with diuers Pieces of Artillery, recouered and gotten out of the Ship-wracke of sundry Ships of the Portugals, and Hollanders against the Rockes, which men after∣wards gathered vp by those of the Countrey. Where∣of there are to be seene at this day, threescore of the greatest in the Kings pallace alone yet remaining. The Cochin-Chinois being now become so expert in the managing of them, that they surpasse our Europe∣ans: For indeed they did little else euery day, but exercise themselues in Shooting at a Marke: Where∣upon they became so fierce, and so glorious, and to haue so great an opinion of their owne valour, that as soone as they perceiued any of our Ships of Europe to come towards their Ports, the Kings Cannoniers pre∣sently presented them with defiance: But ours vnder∣standing now that they were not comparable vnto them, auoyded the Tryall as much as they could, knowing well by experience, they were growne more certaine to hit where they would with their Artil∣lary,

then others are with the Harquebusse; which also they are ready and well practised in, going out daily by troopes into the Field, to exercise it. Moreo∣uer, that which further encouraged him much to that resolution of reuoulting, and banding himselfe a∣gainst his Prince, was the sight of a hundred Gallies, and more of his owne; by which meanes, being be∣come to be powerfull at Sea, as well as he was by his Artillary at Land, it was easie for him to accomplish his designe against the King of Tunchim his Lord. Seeing also that his continuall commerce with Ia∣pan had brought into his Countrey, great store of Swords and Cemiters of that Countrey, which are of an excellent temper. Hee was also prouided with a great number of Horses, which though they be but little, are very seruiceable and generous, on which they fight with darts, and exercise themselues daily therein. The power of this King is such, that hee is able to bring threescore thousand men into the field. Which notwithstanding, hee is not without feare of the King of Tunchim, whose forces are foure times more: Therefore to keepe him in good termes, and to maintaine good Intelligence with him, he payeth him a Tribute of all his Kingdome doth yeeld, that may be acceptable to him; particularly of Gold, and Siluer, of Rice, and further furnishing him with Boardes, and other wood, wherewith to build his Galleries. Now the only occasion that made him re∣solue to make League with the Son of the late King, who at this day hath the Gonernment of the last Pro∣uince of Tunchim, bordering vpon China, was that hee remaining Vanquisher, and making himselfe Master of all Tunchim, Cochin-China might be discharged of the Tribute.

To vnderstand the same the better, it must bee knowne, that whiles I was in Cochin-China, it was not the Son of the late King of Tunchim, that tooke possession of the Kingdome, but his Vnckle, out of whose hands the Young Prince escaped to saue his life, into the last Prouince of that Kingdome, confi∣ning vpon China; where being acknowledged to bee the Sonne of the King disceased, the people chose him to be their Prince; and by his good Gouerne∣ment, he wan their hearts, in such sort that the King of Tunchim his Vncle entred into great apprehension, lest he should ioyne in League with the King of Co∣chin-China, who possessed the other end of his Coun∣trey, and inclosing him betweene them, dispossesse him of the Kingdome vsurped: For preuenting whereof, hee sent yeere by yeere a great and puissant Army against this Prince, to defeate him: But all in vaine, for the Army being of necessity to passe fiue or sixe dayes Iourney through wayes where there was no other water to drinke, but of certaine Riuers which descended out of the enemies Countrey; they found those waters poysoned by the Prince his people; with a certaine Hearbe; in such sort, that as well men as Horses that dranke thereof dyed: Whereby the Armie was enforced to retire after much expence, and great paines taken to little purpose.

Their Millitary discipline, and manner of gouer∣ning themselues in the Warres, is much like that of Europe. They obserue the same order in making their S••uadrons, in going to Skirmishes, in Assaults, and in Retreatings. And this King hath Warre ordinari∣ly in two places of his Kingdome. For first it stan∣deth him vpon, to stand alwayes on his guard; on that side next to the King of Tunchim, who doth menace

him vncessantly, and alwayes maketh some onsets on his Confines. Therefore the King of Cochin-China keepeth his residence in Sinuua, being the furthest and last prouince of his Kingdome, that he may be euer in readinesse, with his Forces on the frontiers of Tunchim, which is the entry to a very puissant Pro∣uince, that is ordinarily prouided of Gouernours of great experience and knowledge in the Warres.

Secondly he is kept in continuall Alarmes on the West-side in the last Prouince of his Kingdome cal∣led Renram, by the king of Chiampa, whose assaults he doth easily repell, in regard he is not so mighty as himselfe, and needeth no other forces thereunto but those of the same Prouince, the Gouernour whereof with his Souldiers, is sufficient to defend it.

Moreouer, he is continually leuying and raising of armies to succour the King of Cambogia, who hath married a naturall daughter of his; furnishing him with Gallies and with men against the King of Siam. In such sort, that on all sides, as well by sea as by land, he maketh the glorious name and reputation of the Armes of the Cochin-Chinois to be renowned.

On the Sea he maketh warre with his Gallies, each of which hath sixe pieces of Cannon, and is also well furnished with Musket-shot. And it will not be found strange, that the King of Cochin-China hath al∣wayes more then an hundred Gallies well furnished in good readinesse, if one know in what manner he prouideth for it: For the Cochin-Chinois vse not to make Galli-slaues of their delinquents or others; but when they are to put themselues to fight at Sea, they furnish their Gallies with as many men as are requi∣site in this manner. They send out secretly and sud∣denly many Seriants and Commissioners, who going

throughout all the Kingdome ere men are aware with the Kings authority, doe seise and presse all such as they find fit to handle an Oare, and bestow them in the Gallies, vnlesse by reason of their birth and ex∣traction, or for some other consideration, they be ex∣empted and priuilidged. And that course must not be thought so hard and difficult, as at first it may seeme, because, they are as well intreated in the Gallies as any where else: And yet better payd: and besides, their Wiues, their Children, and all their Familie, is maintained at the Kings charge, with whatsoeuer is needfull, according to their rancke and condition, during all the time that their Husbands are thus absent. And they serue not onely to tug at the Oare, but also to fight vpon occasion: To which purpose they haue euery one his Harquebusse and Musket giuen him, with Darts, Coutelasse, and Ce∣meters: and as the Cochin-Chinois are hardie and vali∣ant in their approaches, with their Oares, and with their Muskets and Iauelins, they are no lesse in the encounter and close medly; where they make rare proofes of their valour. Their Gallies are not so great nor so large as ours, but they are so brauely be∣decked with Gold and Siluer, that they are a glori∣ous spectacle to behold. The Fore-castle, namely which they account the most honourable place, is all of Gold. This is the Captaines place, and the chiefe of his company: The reason they giue for it is, that the Captaine being to be the formost vpon all occa∣sions, ought therefore to be in the most hazardous place of all the Gallie.

Amongst other defensiue Armes, they vse little Bucklers or Targets, of an Ouall forme, of such a length, that they will commonly couer the whole

Man, being so light also, that they are nothing cumbersome.

In their Townes in this Kingdome, their Houses being built but of boards, as I haue said, and suppor∣ted with Pillars of Wood, they haue this aduantage▪ that if the Enemie come with such Forces, as they find themselues vnable to resist, euery one taketh his houshold-stuffe and flieth to the Mountaines, setting their Houses on fire, and leauing nothing of value therein. In such sort that the Enemy finding no place wherein hee may sortifie and maintaine him∣selfe, is forced to retire out of the Countrey, and they returning againe, doe soone build themselues other Houses as good, and restore their Townes in as good plight as they were before.

CHAP. VIII. Of the Commerce, Ports and Hauens of Cochin-China.

THe Realme of Cochin-China being so abundant in all sorts of Commodities, as we haue said, for the life of man; the people are the lesse addicted to trauell abroad, and to traffique elsewhere: They doe neuer therefore make further Voyages by Sea, then within the view of the Coasts and bankes of their welbeloued Countrey. Yet are they neuerthelesse willing to giue all Strangers free accesse into their Ports, and take a singular pleasure to see others come to Trade and traffique in their Countrey, not onely out of their Neighbour Prouinces and Kingdomes, but also from remote Countreyes. To which end

they neede not vse much Art, seeing that Strangers are allured thither fast enough by the fruitfulnesse of the Countrey, and the riches ouerflowing therein. And therefore not onely those of Tunchim, of Cam∣bogia, of Cinceos, and others their Neighbours doe traffique there, but euery day there arriue Merchants of Countreyes further distant; and from China, Ma∣cao, Iapan, Manilla, and Malacca, which bring Sil∣uer into Cochin-China, for the merchandize of the Countrey: Which are not bought, but exchanged with the same Siluer which is sold there as Merchan∣dize, the price thereof being raised or diminished ac∣cording to the great or little plenty thereof, euen like Silke and other Wares.

The Money with which all things are bought, is of Letton, of the like Value as a French Double, or a Stiuer of the Netherlands. This Money is exactly round, Printed and marked with the Kings Armes, euery Peece hauing a hole in the midst, through which they are filed by thousands, euery file or string of them worth about two crownes.

The Chinois and the Iaponois are they that make the chiefe negotiation of Cochin-China, in a Faire which is yeerely held in one of their Ports, for some foure moneths together: the one bring on their Ionks, the value of foure or fiue millions in siluer; and the other vpon certaine vessells which they call Somes, an infi∣nite quantity of fine silke, with other of their coun∣trey merchandise. The King receiueth a great re∣uenue out of this Faire, by his duties and imposts, and the Countrey an vnspeakeable gaine. And as on the one side the Cochin-Chinois haue no wrought Stuffes nor Manufactures, because they doe not ap∣ply themselues to Manuary trades, by reason of that

idlenesse into which their plenty hath plunged them: and that on the other side they are easily inueigled with the curiosities comming from other places, which they higly esteeme; they will buy them at what price soeuer they be set, and doe not spare for money, to haue such things which of themselues are of little worth; such as Combes, Needles, Brace∣lets, Beades of glasse to hang in their eares, and such other trifles and womanish curiosities. And I re∣member that a Portugal hauing brought from Ma∣cao into Cochin-China a boxe full of Needles, which could not cost him aboue thirty Ducats, got aboue a thousand; selling them for a Riall a piece in Cochin-China, which had not cost him aboue pence a piece in Macao. In conclusion, they vie one with the other in buying whatsoeuer they see, so it be new and brought from farre: for which they disburse their siluer with∣out difficulty. They are very desirous of our Hatts, our Caps, Girdles, Shirts and all our other garments, because they differ from theirs. But aboue all, they make most esteeme of Corall.

Concerning their Ports; It is certainely a thing worthy admiration, that within the space of little more then an hundred leagues, there are reckoned a∣boue threescore places fit and apt to land in: which commeth of this, that there are in that Coast many great Armes of the Sea. The goodliest Port where all the strangers ariue, and where that famous Faire is kept which we haue mentioned, is that of the Pro∣uince Cacciam. Men doe enter thereinto by two mouthes of the Sea; the one is called Puluciambello, and the other Turon. These mouthes are distant three or foure leagues asunder, by which, after that the Sea thus diuided in two Armes, hath extended it selfe se∣uen

or eight Leagues within the Land, as two Riuers that are disioyned; It reioyneth in the end, and casteth it selfe into a great Riuer, where the Vessels also meete, that come in on either side.

The King of Cochin-China permitted the Iaponians and Chinois to make choyce of a commodious place to build them a Citie in, for the more Commoditie of the Faire, whereof wee haue spoken. This Citie is called Faiso, which is so great, that one may well say, that there are two Townes; the one of the Chinois, and the other of the Iaponois: Each of them hauing his Quarter apart, and their seuerall Gouernours, and liuing after their owne manner: That is the Chinois according to their owne particular Lawes, and Customes of China, and the Iaponians according to theirs.

And because as wee haue said the King of Cochin-China doth refuse no Nation to enter, but leaueth it free for all sorts of Strangers, the Hollanders came thither also as well as the rest, with their Ships laden with diuers kindes of Merchandise: Whereupon the Portugals of Macao designed to send an Ambassa∣dour to the King, to intreat him that the Hollanders as their sworne enemies, might be excluded out of Cochin-China: Wherein they imployed a braue Captaine, called Ferdinand de Costa, who effected it with good successe, yet not without much difficulty; preuailing so farre, that the King by his Edict or Proclamation, forbad the Hollanders to approach the Countreyes vnder his obedience, or paine of their liues. But those of Macao apprehending afterwards, that the said Edict was not well obserued, thought good to send a new Embassage into Cochin-China, to obtaine a Confirmation thereof; and charged their

Deputies to make the King vnderstand, that the af∣faire concerned his owne Interest, and that if hee did not preuent it, he might haue cause to feare that the Hollanders in time (being so crafty and cunning as they are) would assay to inuade some part of his King∣dome of Cochin-China, as they had already some o∣ther places of the Indies. But certaine Persons of good vnderstanding in that Countrey, aduised them not to speake in that sort to the King; because that would be the very way to make the Hollanders haue permission to come to Traffique in that Countrey, and to inuite all Holland thither: The Maxime of the Cochin-Chinois being, not to acknowledge euer any the least apprehension of any Nation in the World. Cleane contrary to the King of China, who fearing all, shutteth the Gate against Strangers, permitting no traffique in his Kingdome.

This is that little which I haue thought good to re∣late concerning the Temporall estate of Cochin-China; according to that knowledge I could get during the space of some yeeres whiles I remained there: the Aire being so benigne, that they neuer haue any Pestilence, neither doe the people know what kind of thing it is, or what it meaneth.

FINIS.