¶Of Belgica. chap. 26.
BElgica is a Prouince of Fraunce in Europe, and hath that name of a ci∣tie, that is called Belgia, as Isidore sai∣eth lib. 9. This Prouince (Orosius say∣eth) hath Germany, and the Riuer of Ryne on the East side, and the moun∣taines that are called Alpes Pennine, in the North east side: and the Pro∣uince of Narbon is in the South side. Therein is the Citie of Arelatensis, & hath the Prouince of Lugdunensis in the West, and the Brittish Sea in the North west and Britaine, that is Eng∣land, in the North side. This lande is plenteous of corne and of fruite, and beareth wine in many places, and is ful of men, and is strengthened with Cities and with townes. And the men he fierce by kinde, as Isidore sayeth libro. 9. The men be bolde and hardye, the lande is moyst with waters and Riuers, and faire with plenteous fieldes, and woods, and meades, and full of noble beastes, with fewe beastes wonderfully shapen, with few venemous beasts except frogs & Adders. And generally and commonly this lande is peaceable and quiet, and this land of Belgica, hath many diuers people and countreyes, with somewhat diuers language.
(* 1.1Belgae, The people that inhabite the Countreyes and Townes, incloa∣sed with the Occean sea, and the Riuers of Rhene, Mame and Seyne, wherein be the Cities of Tryre, Coleyne, Ma∣gunce and Reynes. Also the Countryes of Flautiders, Hollande, Gelderlande, Iuliers, Cleues, Henawe, part of Fri••••e∣land, Picardie, the greatest part of cam∣paine, and all the Forest of Arderne. It was sometime called, Gallia bel∣gica.)