The history of Polybius the Megalopolitan The fiue first bookes entire: with all the parcels of the subsequent bookes vnto the eighteenth, according to the Greeke originall. Also the manner of the Romane encamping, extracted from the discription of Polybius. Translated into English by Edward Grimeston, sergeant at armes.

Of the Cities of Abydos and Sestes Maritine and opposite.

I Hold it lost time to vse any long discourse of the commo∣dities of the Cities of Abydos and Sestes: for that matters of small moment are knowne to all, by reason of the ordi∣nary frequenting of the places: yet I doe not thinke for the present that a summary aduertisment to the Reader, would bee vnprofitable in regard of them. You must vnderstand that the things which are now to be spoken of the sayd Cities) are not so much drawne from their scituation, as from their opposition and confe∣rence. Whereas the Nauigation of the Sea, which some call by the name of Ocean, others Attlantique, is not passable, but at the streights which are at the Pillars of Hercules: Neither can they in our Sea, in the Propontis and Pontus, vnlesse it be made by the streight betwixt Aby∣dos and Sestes.* 1.1 As Fortune hath prepared two Gulfes with some rea∣son, it falls out that the streight of the Pillars of Hercules is broader then that of Hellesponte: For it is of three score Furlongs, and that of Abydos onely of two. The which wee may coniecture hath beene

made for a greater spaciousnesse of the exteriour Sea,* 1.2 then ours. That of Abydos is more commodious then that of the Pillars of Her∣cules. For the first is inhabited on either side, and in manner of a Port, for the mutuall communication of Traffique, and hath in some place a Bridge for those which passe on foote from one firme land to another. They also salie continually on the other side. In regard of that of the Pillars of Hercules, it is little frequented, for that the people which inhabite some in Affricke, some in Europe, haue little commerce to∣gether: and this exteriour Sea is little frequented and tryed. The City of the Abydeins* 1.3 is environed on either side with the farthest bounds of Europe: hauing a Port from whence Sailors with what wind soeuer, may be seene. But it is not possible for any man to come vnto the City, being without this ingulfement of the Sea to the Port, by reason of the swiftnesse and vehemence of the current.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Of the profit of Abydos and Sestes.
• * 1.2

  A comparison of the streight of Abydos with that of Gibel∣tar.
• * 1.3

  The City of the Abydeins.