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The prouince cauled Peru, was also named no∣ua Cathilia by them that fyrste founde it. This region is the west parte of America: and is situ∣ate in the longitude of .290. degrees, procea∣dynge from the West to the East. And south∣warde begynneth fiue degrees beyonde the E∣quinoctial
line, and is extended very farre into the south. This is taken to bee the rychest lande in golde, syluer,* 1.1 perles precious stones, and spyces, that euer was founde yet to this day. For golde is there in such plentie that they make pys∣pots therof, and other vessels applyed to fylthy vses. But this is more to bee marueyled at, that in a citie cauled Collao was founde a house all couered with massie plates of golde.* 1.2 In theyr warres also theyr harnesse was of golde and syl∣uer.* 1.3 Theyr weapons are bowes, arrowes, flynges, dartes, and pikes. Thinhabitantes are warlyke people and of great agilitie. They haue cities defended with lawes and armes. The region is exceadyng frutefull,* 1.4 and yeldeth corne twyse in the yeare. It is so florysshynge with many fayze wooddes, mountaynes, ryuers, and other both pleasaunt and necessary commodities, that it seemeth in maner an earthly Paradyse. It hath dyuers kyndes of beastes, and yet none hurtfull or of rauenynge kynde. There are sheepe of such heyght that they vse them in the steade of horses.* 1.5 Sume wryte that they are as bygge as the younge foles of camels: and that theyr woolle is very softe and fine. Also that the ewes brynge furth lambes twyse a yeare. The people are wytty and of gen¦tyl behauoure. Cunnynge also in artes, faythful of promes,* 1.6 and of maners not greatly to bee discommended, saue that they are ignorant of Chryst: who neuertheless is nowe know¦en vnto them in many places, as our hope is he shalbe dayly more and more if all princes wyll herein putte theyr helpynge handes to the plowe of owre lorde, and sende labourers into his vyneyarde.
Peru is the rychest lande that is know∣en
A house coue∣red withgold
harnes of golde.
A frutful re∣gion.
Great sheepe
The bewtie of Chrystian Princes.