CHAP. I.
¶ The Mines of Brasse.
IT is now time to go in hand with Mines of Brasse, a mettall esteemed most of all [unspec I] other next to Gold and Siluer, in regard of the vses about which it is imployed: nay, if I should say truly, preferred it is (especially that which is called the laton of Corinth) in diuers respects before siluer, yea, and gold it selfe: for brasse (I may tell you) is of great authority in the campe, and carrieth no small stroke a∣mong souldiers in regard of their pay, which (as I haue said before) was weighed them out in brasse: and hereupon their wages-money is vsually called by the name of Aera militum. From this mettall likewise, the generall Receiuers and Treasurers take their title of credit and place: for at Rome they be called Tribuni aerarij, as a man would say, The Tribunes or Officers to the chamber of brasse coine, that is indeed, of the Treasury: hereof also is the Chamber of the city [unspec K] or Treasurie it selfe, called Aerarium: finally, those that be deeply indebted to any man, are in Latine named Obaerati, as it were charged and pressed with the heauy burden of brasse, i. debt. Moreouer, I haue shewed already (for the greater credit and authority of this mettall) for how many yeres together the people of Rome vsed no other mony but brasen coine. And otherwise, as may appeare by antient records and histories, the credit of brasse took root at the beginning, and hath bin in authority euer since Rome was Rome: an euident proofe whereof we haue from K. Numa, who founded and erected a third society or confraternity of brasse-founders. As tou∣ching the ore or veine of brasse, digged it is out of the mine in manner aforesaid, but it is tryed, & brought to perfection by fire. Made also it is of the Chalamine stone, named otherwise Cad∣mia. The best mines of brasse that yeeld the excellent mettall, are now in Asia; howsoeuer in [unspec L] old time Campaine in Italy carried the name. And euen at this day, the brasse digged out of the mines within the territory of the Bergomats in the farthest part of Italy, is in great request: and as it is said, there are good mines thereof discouered lately in Germany, a Prouince vnder the Roman Empire.