Relations of the most famous kingdomes and common-wealths thorowout the world discoursing of their situations, religions, languages, manners, customes, strengths, greatnesse, and policies. Translated out of the best Italian impression of Boterus. And since the last edition by R.I. now once againe inlarged according to moderne observation; with addition of new estates and countries. Wherein many of the oversights both of the author and translator, are amended. And unto which, a mappe of the whole world, with a table of the countries, are now newly added.

Swizerland.

IN the daies of Caesar, this Province contained two hundred and forty miles in length, and one hundred and fourescore in breadth; which circuit or territorie seeming too narrow a roome to containe so valiant and a warlike people, that not long before had overthrowne L. Cassius a Roman Consull, slaine the Consull himselfe, and sold the souldiers for bond∣slaves; upon these apprehensions, and the conceit of their owne valours, they began to entertaine a resolution, by con∣quest to gaine a larger territory, correspondent to the ambitious greatnesse of their minds, and to forsake their owne country, which first gave them breath and being. In heat whereof they prepare for their departure, they provide victuals, study tillage two yeeres, buy carts and cariage beasts, and left any mans courage should decline with the time, they make a law, that every one should be in readi∣nesse to set forward in the beginning of the third yeere. Be∣ing upon their way, and hearing that Caesar (then Procon∣sull of France) had caused the bridge of Geneva to be hewne downe; and to debarre them of passage, had raised that fa∣mous fortification betweene the Lake and Mount Iura, they sent some of their greatest Commanders to Caesar, to intreat a quiet passage thorow the Roman Province. At their ap∣pointed day of Audience hearing Caesars deniall, they re∣solve to open the way with the power of their forces. In tri∣all of which project, after they had received divers defea∣tures, they againe sent their Ambassadors to Caesar, to in∣treat an acceptation of submission, throwing themselves at his feet, and with many supplications, craving such favo••∣rable conditions of peace, as might best comfort so distres∣sed a people, and beseeme the glory of so mighty a conquests which requests Caesar upon delivery of pledges mercifully granted, injoyned them to returne to the Country from whence they came, and to build the cities and villages, which before their comming forth they had destroyed.

Ever since which time they retained the reputation of their ancient glory, but never enterprized to forsake their limi∣ted habitations. The number of Men, Women, and Chil∣dren, that were in that journey, was 3680000. whereof 920000. were fighting men: of them that returned, and saw the fortune of both their States, was 110000. Some hold opinion, that this Nation is utterly extinguished, and that the present Inhabitants (whereof we now intreat) both for their resemblance in manners and phrase of speech, are descended from the Germans.

It is almost all situated amongst the Alpes,* 1.1 and therefore supposed to be the highest Region in Europe, and the rather for that the most famous Rivers of this part of the World, (viz.) Rhone, Rodan, and Po, falling from these high pla∣ces, doe disperse their chanels thorow divers Provinces of Christendome. It is called in Historie, Confoederatorum Regio, a State popular, and subject to no one Prince. And although it seeme to bee environed with steepe and barren Mountaines alwaies covered with Snow, yet in truth it is fertile enough, and intermixed with fruitfull places full of excellent Pastures, wherein they bring up infinite numbers of Sheep and Cattell to their inestimable profit, by venting of Butter, Cheese, and other white meats to forren Na∣tions. Of Wheat and Wine they have no such plenty, but are glad to crave in aid of their neighbours to releeve their wants.

From the times before spoken of, untill the comming of the Sarazens into Italy, at what time the Pope sent an ho∣nourable Embassage of Cardinals to intreat their favour and assistance, they seemed to live contented within theior owne limits; and onely in reward of their many good ser∣vices (imployed for the defence of the Church and Christen∣dome) they desired of his Holinesse, that they might live in liberty in these places which they then inhabited, with the use of their owne Lawes and ancient Customes. Which the Pope not onely granted, but in token of their worthinesse and valour he gave them a red banner, with the Image of

the Crucifix painted therein. After this service, they againe gave themselves to a quiet and peaceable life, to follow til∣lage, and to husband their granges, untill such time as cer∣taine Noblemen their neighbours began to incroach upon them, and to exercise tyrannicall jurisdiction over them. Which kind of servitude (as people bearing in fresh remem∣brance their ancient and generous ••••••utation) being unable to endure, and inured to give and not to take the law of their neighbours, opposed their forces against the insolency of this Nobilitie.

The discontentment first burst out in the yeere of our Lord* 1.2 1300. about which time the Counts of Aspurgh (afterward Dukes) had placed in one of their Castles of Vrania in Val∣street, a Gentleman proud above measure, unsociable, and in lust insatiable. At first he was secret, but by custome im∣boldned, in Feasts and publike Banquets hee would boast, how he had now abused one Woman, then another: at last, amongst the rest, having ravished a very young and beauti∣full Damsell, he was slaine by her two Brethren. The Count agrieved hereat, offered to doe justice upon the offenders, but the Inhabitants of that Vallie valiantly resisted, over∣threw two or three of his Castles in one day, and slew divers of his Officers. Which president the Vndervaldenses imita∣ting, committed the like outrage upon the Gentlemen of their Territorie, exclaiming that the tyranny of the Nobi∣litie had inforced them to this action. The first of the Con∣federates were, the Suavi, those of Vro, Zurich, and Vnder∣vald; who so well as they might in so sudden an innovation gave themselves to peace, and to respect the good of the league and the confederate Cities.

The residue of the Noblemen and Gentlemen, fearing if this example were left unpunished, the sore would grow incura∣ble, as an evill which could bring forth no lesse a mischiefe than the utter losse of their jurisdiction, mustred all their friends and followers, determining either to tame or to raze these confederated Cantons. But the Swizers well acquain∣ted with the difficult passages of the Country, easily fru∣strated

the attempts of their enemies: thereby rather increa∣sing than diminishing their liberty.

Lupold Duke of Austria, enterprizing upon them with a mighty Army for the same quarrell, had the like fortune. So in succeeding ages had Charles Duke of Burgundy, by their service undertaken and performed for the defence of Rhene Duke of Lorrain••. They are men of large stature, and very seldome goe armed, but serve onely with the Pike or two-hand-sword, because they feare no other forces save the fury of the great Artillery, from which (say they) a brest-plate or curace is not able to defend them. And be∣cause of their order, they thinke it a matter impossible for any forces to breake them, or to enter upon them neerer than a Pikes length. In a pitcht field, without doubt, they are excellent good Foot-men, but to invade a Province they have little courage, and lesse to defend it; and commonly, where they are not able to maintaine their accustomed or∣der of fight, they availe nothing; as in the warre of Italy was plainly manifested, especially when they were put to assaults (as at Padoa, and other places) wherein they gave but weake testimonies of valour: whereas when they fought it out in open field at the Pikes length, they carried themselves valiantly; insomuch that at the battell of Ra∣venna, if the French had beene without their assistance, they had questionlesse lost the glory of that daies victory. For before both Armies came to handy-strokes, the Spanish had already overthrowne the French and Gascoine Foot-men, and if the Swizers had not seconded them, they had beene all slaine or taken. So in the warre of Guien it plainly ap∣peared, that the Spanish were more afraid of one band of Swizers, whereof the King had waged ten thousand, than of any of the rest of the French Regiments. Thus by the reputation of these and their former exploits, they wonne unto their Nation so glorious a perpetuity of their Armes and valour, that ever since they have beene called unto the aide of divers Princes, and in continuall action under some one State or other bordering upon them; but especially

under the Kings of France, of whom they entertaine some∣times more, and sometimes lesse. Sithence the reigne of Lewis the 11. they have beene in perpetuall league, and in their pension; to whom they give yearly fortie thousand Florens, twentie thousand to the Cities, and twentie thou∣sand to particular persons. They againe are divided into thirteene Cantons, eight whereof are Catholike, the residue of the Religion. But those of the Religion are much grea∣ter; and out of these it is that the Kings of France are sup∣plied: the residue are in pension, with the King of Spaine.

When the French King demandeth any forces out of their Cantons, they call a Diet, the charge whereof,* 1.3 as like∣wise the souldiers wages, the King defrayeth. These forren bands, more or lesse, to whom he alwayes committeth the battell, and the guard of his Cannon, (as for entring of breaches, and giving assaults, they doe expresly capitulate to be exempt) with the five Regiments before spoken of in the discourse of France, are his maine moderne forces on foot: but when he would have greater numbers, he giveth his Captaines Commissions to take up souldiers thorow the whole Realme, not by presse, as with us, but by striking up the Drumme, when if any come voluntarily, and take pay, they are inrolled, and injoyned to serve, otherwise not.

The government of these thirteene Cities,* 1.4 with their de∣pendances, (which they terme Cantons) is meerely popu∣lar: for though the members seeme to be separated, yet live they as one body firmly knit and united, having a chiefe Magistrate over every Territorie chosen by the commonalty of every particular Citie, and every Citie hath his particular Councell and place of assemblie, save only when they are to sit upon matters of importance, and such as concerne the ge∣nerall estate, then they appoint a generall Diet, and that to be held in some one of the Cities which they thinke most convenient; whereunto foure or five of the most principall of every Citie are bound to resort. In their consultations, for the most part, they are comfortable one to another; and because one Citie is as free as another, having no one chiefe

Governour superiour to any other, in case the cause (be it peace or warre) concerne the universall State of all the Can∣tons, looke how the major part of voices shall sway in the Senate, so it prevaileth, and that which the greater number resolve upon, is without more adoe put in execution. The benefit which they gaine by a common warre, Is divided in common: but if sometimes two or three united Cantons purchase any bootie by their peculiar Armes, of that pur∣chase the residue can claime no share. Yet hath it happened, that the residue thinking themselves injured in not partici∣pating generally, have raised divers controversies; and be∣cause (as aforesaid) they are equally free, and as great is the soveraigne authoritie of one Citie as of another, both par∣ties have appealed unto the French King, who upon hearing of the cause in question, gave judgement, That a particular gaine appertained to particular persons. And so the rest.

Therefore when they are either occasioned or determi∣ned to make any particular warre, the united Cantons erect lights and make bone-fires: but when they are to raise for∣ces in generall, (as suppose they should for the French King) first they strike up their Drumme, then all the Cities doe presents as many persons as they thinke good, which may be to the number of five and thirtie or fortie thousand, of whom after the Captaines have culd out their limited portions, the residue are licensed to depart to their owne homes. Every Citie hath his principall Standard, with their peculiar armes and devices therein, to distinguish one people from another. And because no politike body can stand without a head,* 1.5 al∣though in no case they will tolerate one absolute Governour over the whole, yet are they contented to submit them∣selves to the government of one particular Magistrate in every particular Citie: him they terme Vnama. The ele∣ct on of which Officer is on this manner: On the first Sunday in May, the principall of all the houses and families tho••ow every Canton, of all sorts and qualities, assemble themselves either in some meadow, or else in the chiefest streets of their Citie, where all of them taking their places in order, the

Vnama, whose time of office is now expired, seating him∣selfe in a place somewhat above the rest, after some stay, ri∣seth up and maketh a speech to the people, excusing himselfe in good termes of his insufficiencie to discharge the weight of the office committed unto his charge, and craveth pardon of that which he hath through ignorance or negligence committed, to the prejudice of the common good, and there∣withall offereth to resigne his determined office into the hands of the people. Immediately upon this resignation, with a loud voice hee nominateth the partie, whom in his judgement he thinketh worthy to succeed in his place. He that is nominated, commeth forth before the multitude, and presenting himselfe before them, after some speeches, nomi∣nateth a second, & the second (with like ceremonie) a third. The nomination being ended, the chiefe of the companies demand of the people, which of these three thus nominated, they are willing to elect: So naming them anew, one by one, the multitude lift up their hands at the naming of him whom they desire to be their Governour. And oft-times it falleth out, that he that hath beene once Vnama, in desert of his justice and good carriage towards them, hath beene cho∣sen againe the second time. This election finished, they pro∣ceed to the choice of other Officers.

This Officer continueth in his place three yeares, and al∣though he be the chiefest amongst them, yet goeth hee but little better attired than the meanest, only attended with five or six persons. He dwelleth in his owne house, because they imploy the publike places for the holding of the Diets, the keeping of their Munition and Artillerie, and other fur∣niture belonging to the warres. In criminall causes he can doe nothing without the counsell of the fifteene, but in civill matters he hath larger limitation.

Next the Vnama, is that Officer of Iustice, who is as it were the Chancellor, and the second person in that State. After him are certaine Counsellors, men well experienced in affaires of Princes, and occurrence of Provinces. Then the Chamberlaine, and his is the charge of the Munition and

publike Treasure. Next to him are the foure Deputies, in authoritie greater than the Counsellors, and may doe many things in absence of the Vnama, so as the Chancellor be pre∣sent. These with the Vnama make the fifteene, which go∣verne the State as well in peace as in warre, and are ever pre∣sent at the hearing and deciding of all occurrences arising within the Territorie of their owne Canton.

These are from yeare to yeare confirmed by the people, although (as doth the Vnama) they continue their office for three yeares. These send Governours to the Castles on the Frontiers, and (to decide inferiour matters) they allow ten persons chosen out of the meaner sort; but the parties in controversie may appeale to the fifteene: other Iudges, or further appeales (as in the Civill Law) they have not to flie unto. For their chiefest care is their tillage and warfare, co∣veting to live simply and plainly, and not to intrap one ano∣ther in quarrels and suits of Law. The partie evicted is se∣verely punished. Neither will they suffer any of their people to appeale out of their owne Countries; and if any offend therein, he is grievously chastened.

Thorow the whole world Lawes are not observed with lesse partialitie; for they are never-altered according to the humours of the inconstant multitude, nor violated without due penaltie inflicted: for as of those five sorts of popul••r governments which Aristotle discourseth of, there is none more dangerous than that wherein the will of the people beareth sway above reason, and standeth for Law, as Ze∣nophon writeth of the Athenians; so no forme of government can be compared to that wherein the Commonaltie without d••tinction live subject to the censure of the Law: in regard of which policie, wee ought not to marvell, if this Com∣mon-weale have flourished now these two hundred and fif∣tie yeares, in great reputation of valour.

For ••••y two meanes hath this estate beene preserved, viz. by unpartiall administration of justice, and frequencie of neighbourly feastings; whereas the scornfull ambition of great men hath heretofore ruinated the popular estates of

the Megarians, the Romans, the Florentines, the Syennois, and the Genoese. Of which sort, the Swizzers have none at all, or if there be any (as there are but few which escaped the generall massacre) yet are they contented (without lay∣ing any claime to their ancient gentility) to range them∣selves with the residue of the basest commonalties, and can but seldome be admitted to the chiefest magistracies, being commonly bestowed upon Butchers, and such like Mecha∣nicall Artizans.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Situation.
• * 1.2

  The Causes of their first Re∣volts.
• * 1.3

  Levying of souldiers.
• * 1.4

  Government.
• * 1.5

  Their Sove∣raigne Magi∣strate.