The history of trauayle in the VVest and East Indies, and other countreys lying eyther way, towardes the fruitfull and ryche Moluccaes As Moscouia, Persia, Arabia, Syria, Ægypte, Ethiopia, Guinea, China in Cathayo, and Giapan: vvith a discourse of the Northwest passage. Gathered in parte, and done into Englyshe by Richarde Eden. Newly set in order, augmented, and finished by Richarde VVilles.

The first Chapter, of the nauigation from Venice to Alexandria in Egypte.

IF any man shall demaunde of me the cause of this my vyage, certeynely I can shewe no better reason then is the ardent desire of knowledge, which hath moued many other to see the worlde and miracles of God ther∣in. And forasmuch as other knowen partes of the world, haue heretofore ben sufficient∣ly traueyled of other, I was determyned to visite and describe suche partes as here before haue not been sufficiently knowen: and therefore with the grace of God, and callyng vppon his ho∣ly name to prosper our enterprise, departyng from Uenice with prosperous wyndes, in fewe dayes we arryued at the citie of Alexandria in Egypte: where the desyre we had to knowe thinges more straunge and further of, would not permit vs to tarrie long. And therefore departyng from thence, and saylyng vp the ryuer of Nilus, we came to the citie of new Ba∣bylon, commonly called Cayrus or Alcayr.

Of the citie named Babylon, or Alcayr, a citie of Nilus in Egypt. Cap. 2.

WHen we arryued there, I marueyled more then I am able to say: yet when I ap∣proched so neare the citie that I myght wel see into it, it seemed to me much inferior to the reporte and fame that was thereof: for the greatnesse thereof, seemed nothyng a∣greeable to the bruite, and appeared no more in circuite then the citie of Rome, although muche more peopled, and better inhabited. But the large fieldes of the sub∣urbes haue deceyued many, beyng dispersed with in maner in∣numerable villages, whiche some haue thought to haue been

part of the citie, whiche is nothyng so. For those villages and di∣spersed houses, are two or three myles from the citie, and round about it on euery syde. Neyther is it here needefull to spende muche tyme in declaryng of theyr maners, or religion, forasmuch as it is well knowen, that all the inhabitantes of those regions are Mahumetans, and Mamalukes, whiche are suche Chri∣stians as haue forsaken theyr fayth, to serue the Mahumetans and Turkes: Although commonly they that serued the Soltan of Babylon in tyme past, before the Soltan was ouercome by the Turke, were called Mamaluchi, as they that serue the Turke, are called Ienetzari. But these Mamaluke Mahume∣tans, are subiecte to the Soltan of Syria.

Of the cities of Berynto, Tripoli, and Antioch. Cap. 3.

THe riches, fayrenesse, and magnificence of Babylon aforesayde, and the straunge souldiers Mamalukes, as things know∣en, we will now pretermit. Therfore de∣partyng from Babylon, and returnyng to Alexandria, where we agayne ente∣red into our sea, we came to Berynto, a citie on the sea coast of Syria Phoenicia, where we spent many dayes. This is inhabited of Mahume∣tans, and plentifull of all thinges. The sea beateth on the walles of the towne: it is not compassed with walles, but on the West syde towarde the sea. Here founde we nothyng memorable, but only an olde place ruinate, where they say that Sainct George deliuered the kynges daughter from a cruell Dragon, whiche he slue, and restored her to her father. Departyng from hence, we sayled to Tripoli. This is a citie of S••ria, Eastwarde from Berynto two dayes saylyng. The inhabitauntes are subiecte to the Lieuetenant or gouernour of Syria, and are Mahumetans. The soile is very fertile, and for the great trafique of merchaun∣dies, incredibly aboundeth with all thinges. Departyng from thence, we came to the citie Comagen of Syria, commonly called Alepo, and named of our men Antioch.

It is a goodly citie, situate vnder the mount Taurus, and is sub¦iecte to the Lieuetenant or Soltan of Babilon. There be the scales or ladders (for so they call them) of the Turkes and Syri∣ans, for it is neare the mount of Olympus. It is a famous marte towne of the Azamians and Persians. The Azamians, are people of Mesopotamia, neare vnto the Persians, & of the religion of Ma∣humet. From thence, is the iourney to the Turkes and Syrians, and especially of them that come from the part of Mesopotamia, named Azamia.

Of the cities of Aman and Menin. Cap. 4.

DEpartyng from thence, we came to Dama∣sco, in ten dayes iourney. But before you come there, in the myd way, is a citie na∣med Aman, where is great aboundaunce of gossampine or cotton wooll, and all maner of pleasant fruites. Goyng a little from Damasco, the space of sixe myles, is a citie named Menin, situate on the declinyng of a mountayne. It is inhabited of Christians of the Greeke profession, who also o∣baye to the gouernour of Damasco. There are seene two fayre Temples, which (as the inhabitantes reporte) were buil∣ded by Helena, the mother of the Emperour Constantine. There are all kyndes of fruites, and goodly Grapes, and Gardens watered with continuall sprynges. Departyng from thence, we came to the citie of Damasco.

Of the citie of Damasco. Chap. 5.

IT is in maner incredible, and passeth all be∣leefe, to thinke howe fayre the citie of Damas∣co is, and how fertile is the soyle. And there∣fore allured by the marueilous beautie of the citie, I remayned there many dayes, that learnyng theyr language, I myght knowe the maners of the people. The inhabitants are Mahumetans and Mamalukes, with also many Christians, lyuyng after the maner of the Greekes. By the way, it shall not be from my purpose to speake of theyr Hexarchatus: the whiche (as we haue sayde) is subiect to the Lieuetenaunt, vice∣roye, or gouernoure of Syria, whiche some call Sorya. There is a very stronge fortresse or Castell, whiche a certayne E∣thruscan, borne in the citie of Florence, buylded at his owne charges, while he was there y^e chiefe Hexarchatus or gouernour, as appeareth by the flower of a Lilie there grauen in marble, be∣yng the armes of the citie of Florence. The citie is compassed with a deepe fosse or diche, with foure goodly high towres. They passe the dyche with a hangyng brydge, whiche is lyfted vp or lette downe at theyr pleasure. There is all kynde of great artillerie and munition, with also a garde of fyftie Mamalukes, whiche dayly assyste the gouernoure or captayne of the castell, and receyue theyr stipende of the gouernoure or viceroye of Syria. Fortune seemed to geue the Hexarchatus or principate to the sayde Florentine, whiche we wyll declare as we haue hearde of thinhabitauntes. They saye that poyson was once geuen to the Soltan of Syria: and when he sought for remedie, he chaunced to be healed by the sayde Florentine, whiche was one of the companye of the Mamalukes. After whiche good fortune, he grewe dayely in fauoure with the sayde Prince, who for rewarde gaue hym that citie: where

also the sayde Florentine buylded a Castel, and dyed: whom to this daye the Citisens honour for a sainte, for sauyng the lyfe of theyr prince: after whose death, the gouerment returned to the Syrians. They saye furthermore that the Soltan is well be∣loued of his lordes and princes, for that he easely graunteth them principates and gouernementes: yet with condition to paye yeerely many thousandes of those peeces of gold which they call Saraphos. They that denye to paye the summe agreed of, ar•• in daunger of imminent death. Of the chiefe noble men or gouernoures .x. or .xii. euer assiste the Prince. And when it pleaseth hym to extorte a certayne summe of golde of his noble men or merchauntes (for they vse great tyrannye and op∣pression by the iniuries and thefte of the Mamalukes agaynst the Mahumetans) the Prince geueth two letters to the captaine of the Castell. In the one is contayned, that with an oration he inuite to the Castell suche as pleaseth hym. In the other is declared the mynde of the Prynce, what he demaundeth of his subiectes. When the letters be read, withal expedition they accomplishe his commaundement, be it ryght or wrong, with∣out respecte. This meanes the Prynce inuented to extorte mony. Yet sometymes it commeth to passe, that the noble men are of suche strength, that they wyll not come when they are commaunded, knowyng that the tyrant wyl offer them violence. And therefore oftentymes when they knowe that the captayne of the Castell wyll call them, they flee into the dominions of the Turke. This haue we geathered as touchyng theyr ma∣ners, we haue also obserued, that the watchemen in the towres, do not geue warnyng to the garde with lyuely voyce, but with drommes, the one answearyng the other by course. But if a∣ny of the watchemen be so sleepye, that in the moment of an houre he aunsweare not to the sounde of the watche, he is imme∣diatly committed to prison for one whole yeere.

Of suche thynges as are seene in the citie of Damasco. Cap. 6.

AFter that I haue declared the maners of the Princes of Damasco, it seemeth agree∣able to speake of some suche thynges as I haue seene there. And therefore to speake fyrst of the excellencie and beautie of the ci∣tie, it is certaynely marueylously wel peo∣pled, and greatly frequented, and also mar∣ueylous ryche. It is of goodly buildyng, and exceedeth in abun∣dance and fruitfulnesse of all thynges, and especiallye of all kynde of victuales, flesh, corne, and fruites, as freshe damesenne grapes all the whole yeere: also Pomegranets, Oranges, Ly∣mons, and excellent Olyue trees. Lykewyse Roses, both white and red, the fayrest that euer I sawe: and all kyndes of sweete apples, yet peares and peaches very vnsauery. The cause wherof, they say to be to much moysture. A goodly and cleare riuer runneth about the citie: & therfore in maner in euery house are seene fountaynes of curious worke embossed and grauen. Theyr houses outwardly are not very beautyfull, but inward∣ly marueylously adourned with variable woorkes of the stone called Ophis, or serpentine Marble. Within the towne are ma∣ny temples or churches, which they call Moscheas. But that which is most beautyfull of all other, is buylded after the maner of Sainct Peters church in Rome, if you respect the greatnesse, exceptyng this, that in the myddle is no roofe or couerture, but is all open: but about the rest of the temple, it is altogeather vaulted. There they obserue religiously the bodye of the holy Prophet Zacharie. The temple hath also foure great double gates of metal, very fayre, and many goodly fountaynes within it. There are yet seene the ruins of many deca••ed houses, which were once inhabited by the Christians. Those houses they cal Canonicas, and are of woorke both carued and imbossed.

There is also to be seene the place where (as they say) our saui∣our Christ spake to Sainct Paule these woordes, Paule, Paule, why doest thou persecute me. &c. This place is without the ci∣tie about a myle.

There are buried the Christians that die in the citie. There is seene also the Tower in whiche Sainct Paule was commit∣ted to pryson, and ioyneth to the wall of the citie. But that place of the Tower where Paule was brought foorth by the Angell, the Mahumetans do not attempt to close vp: Saying, that yf it be closed ouer nyght, they fynde it open agayne in the morning. I saw also there, those houses in the whiche (as they say) Cain slue his brother Abell. These are on the other part of the citie a myle of, in a certayne valley, yet on the syde of a hyll. But let vs nowe returne to the stranger Solgiers, which they call Ma∣maluchos, and to speake somewhat howe licenciously they lyue in that citie.

Of the Mamalukes of Damasco. Cap. 7.

THe Mamalukes therefore, are that kynde of men, which haue forsaken our fayth, and as slaues are bought by the gouerner of Syria. They are very actiue, & brought vp both in learnyng and warlike discipline, vntil they come to great perfection. As wel the litle as y^e great, without respect, receiue stipend of the gouernour: which for euery moneth amounteth to syxe of those peeces of gold which they call Saraphos, besyde the meate and drynke of them selues and theyr seruantes, and also prouisi∣on for theyr horses. And the more valiaunt they be, & of greater actiuitie, they are hyred for the greater wages. They walke not in the citie but by two or three togeather, for it is counted dis∣honour for any of them to walke without a companion. And if by the waye they chaunce to meete with two or three women (for they lay wayte to tarry for them about suche houses whyther they know the women resort) lycence is graunted them, as they by chaunce fyrst meete with them, to bryng them into certaine tauerns, where they abuse them. When the Mamalukes attempt

to descouer theyr faces (for they go with theyr faces couered) they striue with them because they wyll not be knowen. But when the Mamalukes persyste wantonly to discouer them, they saye thus vnto them, Is it not enough for you that you haue abused our bodyes as pleaseth you, but that you wyl also discouer our faces? Then the Mamalukes suffer them to departe. But sometyme it chaunceth, that when they thynke to prostitute the daughter of some gentelmen or noble men, they committee the facte with theyr owne wyues: whiche thyng chaunced whilest I was there. The women beautifie and garnishe them selues as muche as any. They vse sylken apparell, and couer them with cloth of gosampine, in maner as fyne as sylke. They weare white buskyns, and shooes of red or purple coloure. They garnyshe theyr heades with many iewelles and earerynges, and weare rynges and braslettes. They mary as often as them lysteth: for when they are weary of theyr fyrst maryage, they go to the chiefe presse of their religion (whom they call Cady) and make request to hym to be diuorsed from theyr fyrste maryage. This diuorsment in theyr language is called Tala∣carè: whiche graunted by the hygh Priest or Byshop, they be∣gyn newe maryages. The lyke lybertie is also graunted to the husbandes. Some thynke that the Mahumetans haue fyue or syxe wyues togeather, which I haue not obserued: but as farre as I coulde perceyue they haue but two or three. They eate openly, specially in the martes or fayres, and there dresse they all theyr meates. They eate horses, Cammelles, Bufles, Gotes, and suche other beastes. They haue great a∣bundaunce of freshe cheese. They that sell mylke, dryue about with them xl. or .l. Gotes, whiche they bryng into the houses of them that wyll bye mylke, euen vp into theyr chambers, al∣though they be three roofes hygh, and there mylke them, to haue it freshe and newe. These Gotes haue theyr eares a spanne long, many voders or pappes, and are very fruitefull: There is great abundaunce of mussheromes, for sometymes there are seene .xx. or .xxx. Cammelles laden with mussheromes, and yet in the space of three dayes they are all solde. They are brought from the mountaynes of Armenia, and from Asia the lesse, whiche is nowe called Turchia or Natolia, or Anatolia.

The Mahumetans vse long vestures and loose, both of sylke and cloth. The most part vse hose of gossampine cloth, and whyte shooes. When any of the Mahumetans by chaunce mee∣teth with any of the Mamalukes, although the Mahumetan be the woorthyer person, yet geueth he place and reuerence to the Mamaluke, who otherwyse woulde geue hym the Bastonado, and beate hym with a staffe. The Christians also keepe there many ware houses of merchaundies, where they haue dyuers sortes of sylkes and veluet: but the Christians are there euyll entreated of the Mahumetans.

The iorney from Damasco to Mecha, and of the maners of the Arabians. Chap. 8.

AFter that I haue largely spoken of Damas∣co, I wyll proceede to the rest of my vyage. Therfore in the yeere of our lorde .1503. the eight daye of the moneth of Apryll, when I had hyred certayne Cammelles (which they call Carauanas) to go to Mecha, and beyng then ignorant of the customes and maners of them in whose companye I shoulde go, I entred familiaritie and frendshyppe with a certayne captayne Mamaluke, of them that had forsaken our fayth, with whom beyng agreed of the price, he prepared me apparell lyke vnto that whiche the Mamalukes vse to weare, and geuyng me also a good horse, ac∣companyed me with the other Mamalukes. This (as I haue sayde) I obtayned with great cost, and many gyftes whiche I gaue hym. Thus enteryng to the iorney, after the space of three dayes, we came to a certayne place named Mezaris, where we remayned three dayes, that the merchauntes which were in our company myght prouide thynges necessarie, as specially Ca∣mels, and dyuers other thynges. There is a certayne Prince whom they cal Zambei, of great power in the countrey of Arabia: he had three brethren and foure chyldren. He norysheth fourtie thousand horses, ten thousand mares, & foure thousand Camels.

The countrey where he keepeth the heardes of these beastes, is large, of two dayes iorney. This Prince Zambei, is of so great power, that he keepeth warre with the Soltan of Babylon, the go∣uernour of Damasco, and the prince of Ierusalem al at once. In the tyme of haruest and geatheryng of fruites, he is geuen who∣ly to praye and robbyng, and with great subtiltie decey∣ueth the Arabians: for when they thynke hym to be a myle or two of, he is with them sodenly betymes in the mornyng: and inuadyng theyr landes, carryeth away theyr fruites, Wheate, and Barlye, euen as he fyndeth it in the sackes: and so lyueth contynually day and nyght with suche incursions. When his Mares be weeried with continuall runnyng, he resteth a whyle: and to refreshe them, geueth them Camelles mylke to drynke, to coole them after theyr great labour. Those Mares are of such marueylous swyftnesse, that when I presently sawe them, they seemed rather to flee then to runne. Note also that these Ara∣bians ryde on horses only couered with certayne clothes or mat∣tes, and weare none other vesture then only an inwarde coate, or peticoate: for weapon, they vse a certayne long Dart of Ree∣des, of the length of ten or twelue cubites, poynted with Iron (after the maner of Iauelyns) and frynged with sylke. When they attempt any incursyons, they marche in suche order, that they seeme to go in troupes: they are of despicable and litle sta∣ture, and of coloure betweene yealowe and blacke, which some call Oliuastro. They haue the voyces of women, and the heare of theyr head long and blacke, and layde out at large. They are of greater multitude then a man woulde beleeue, and are among them selues at contynuall stryfe and warre. They inha∣bite the mountaynes, and haue certayne tymes appoynted to robberye: for this purpose they obserue especially the tyme, when they are certayne of the passage of the Pylgryms and o∣ther that iorney that way to Mecha, then lyke theeues they lye in the way and robbe them. When they make these theeuysh inuasions, they bryng with them theyr wyues, chyldren, fami∣lies, and all the goodes they haue. Theyr houses they put vpon the Camelles, for other houses haue they none, but lyue onlye in tentes and pauylyons as do our Souldiers.

Suche tabernacles are made of blacke wooll, and that rough and fylthy. But to returne to our viage. The eleuenth day of A∣pril, departed from Mezaris a company of Camels (which com∣panie they call the Carauana) to the number of .xxxv. thousand, with fourtie thousand men. But we were no more then three∣score persons, of whom the Mamalukes had taken the charge to guyde and garde vs, and the Carauana of our companie, whiche the Mamalukes diuided into three partes, as some in the fronte, other in the myddest of the army, and other in a wyng after the maner of a halfe Moone, inclosyng the whole armie: for in this order march the peregrines which iorney in these regions, as hereafter we wyll further declare. But you shall fyrst vnder∣stand that Damasco is from Mecha fourtie dayes and fourtie nyghtes iorney. Departyng therefore from Mezaris, we con∣tinued our iorney that day, vntyll the .xxii. houre of the day. Then our Captayne and guide Agmirus, after he had geuen the watch woorde and signe, commaunded that euerye man shoulde rest and remayne in the place where the signe shoulde be geuen them. Therefore as soone as they hearde the signe by the sound of a Trumpet, they stayed, and after they had vnburdened theyr Camels, spent there two houres to victual them selues and theyr beastes: then the Captayne geuyng a newe signe, chargyng theyr Camelles agayne, they departed speedyly from thence. Euery Camell hath at one feedyng fyue Barly loaues, rawe and not baked, as bygge as a Pomegranate. Takyng Horse, they continued that iorney the daye and nyght folowyng, vntyll xxii. houres of the day, and at that houre they obserue the order whiche we haue spoken of herebefore. Euery eyght daye they drawe water by dyggyng the grounde or sande: by the way neuerthelesse somewhere are founde Welles and Se∣sternes. Also euery eyght daye, they rest theyr Camelles two dayes to recouer theyr strength. The Camelles are laden with incredible Burdens, and double charge: that is to meane, the burden of two great Mules. They drynke but once in three dayes.

Of the strength and valiantnesse of the Mamalukes. Cap. 9.

WHen they tary and rest them at the waters aforesayde, they are euer enforced to conflict with a great multitude of the Arabians: but the battayle is for the most parte without bloodshed. For although we haue often tymes fought with them, yet was there on∣ly one man slayne on our parte: for these A∣rabians are so weake and feeble, that threescore Mamalukes, haue often put to the worst fyftie thousande Arabians. For these feelde Arabians, whiche are called Pagani, are not in strength or force of armes to be compared to the Mamalukes, of whose actiuitie I haue seene great experience: among the whiche this is one. A certayne Mamaluke layde an Apple vppon the head of his seruant, & at the distance of about .xii. or .xiiii. pases, stroke it of from his head. I sawe lykewyse an other, who ryding on a sadled horse with full course (for they vse saddles as we doe) tooke of the saddle from the horse styll runnyng: and for a space bearyng it on his head, put it agayne on the horse, styll continu∣ing his full course.

Of the cities of Sodoma and Go∣morrha. Cap. 10.

PAssyng the iourney of twelue dayes, we came to the playne or valley of Sodoma and Gomorrha, where we founde it to be true that is written in holy scripture: for there yet remayne the ruynes of the destroyed citie, as witnesse of Gods wrath. We may affyrme that there are three cities, and eche of them situate on the declining of three hylles: and the ru∣ines doe appeare about the heyght of three or foure cubites. There is yet seene, I wotte neare what, lyke blood, or rather

lyke redde waxe myxte with earth. It is easie to beleeue that those men were infected with most horrible vices, as testifieth the baren, drye, filthie, and vnholsome region, vtterly without water. Those people were once fedde with Manna: but when they abused the gyft of God, they were sore plagued. Depar∣tyng twentie myles from these cities, about thirtie of our com∣pany peryshed for lacke of water, and dyuers other were ouer∣whelmed with sande. Goyng somewhat further forewarde, we founde a little mountayne, at the foote whereof we founde wa∣ter, and therefore made our abode there. The day folowyng early in the mornyng, came vnto vs xxiiii▪ thousande Arabi∣ans, askyng money for the water which we had taken. We an∣swered that we would paye nothyng, bycause it was gyuen vs by the goodnesse of God. Immediatly we came to hand strokes. We geatheryng our selues togeather on the sayde mountayne, as in the safest place, vsed our Camelles in the steede of a bul∣warke, and placed the merchauntes in the myddest of the ar∣my (that is) in the myddest of the Camelles, whyle we fought manfully on euery syde. The battayle continued so long, that water fayled both vs and our enemies in the space of two dayes. The Arabians compassed about the mountayne, crying and threatenyng that they would breake in among the Camelles: at the length to make an ende of the conflicte, our Captayne as∣semblyng the merchauntes, commaunded a thousande and two hundred peeces of golde to be giuen to the Arabians: who when they had receyued the money, sayde that the summe of ten thou∣sande peeces of golde should not satisfie them for the water which we had drawen. Whereby we perceyued that they began fur∣ther to quarell with vs, and to demaunde some other thing then money. Wherevppon incontinent our Captayne gaue com∣maundement, that whosoeuer in all our companie were able to beare armes, should not mount vppon the Camelles, but should with all expedition prepare them selues to fyght. The day folowyng in the mornyng, sendyng the Camelles before, and inclosyng our army, beyng about three hundred in num∣ber, we met with the enemies, and gaue the onset. In this conflicte, we lost only a man and a woman, and had none other domage: we slue of the Arabians a thousande and fyue hun∣dred.

Whereof you neede not marueyle, if you consyder that they are vnarmed, and weare only a thynne loose vesture, and are besyde almost naked: theyr horses also beyng as euyll furnished, and without saddles, or other furniture.

Of a mountayne inhabited with Iewes, and of the citie of Medinathalhabi, where Mahumet was buried. Cap. 11.

IN the space of eyght dayes, we came to a mountayne whiche conteyneth in circuite ten or twelue myles. This is inhabited with Iewes, to the number of fyue thou∣sande, or thereabout. They are of very lit∣tle stature, as of the heyght of fyue or sixe spannes, and some muche lesse. They haue small voyces lyke women, and of blacke colour, yet some blac∣ker then other: They feede of none other meate then Goates fleshe. They are circumcised, and deny not them selues to bee Iewes. If by chaunce any Mahumetan come into their handes, they slay him alyue. At the foote of the mountayne, we founde a certayne hole, out of the whiche flowed aboundaunce of wa∣ter. By fyndyng this oportunitie, we laded sixtiene thousand Ca∣mels: which thyng greatly offended the Iewes. They wandred in that mountayne, scattered lyke wylde Goates or Prickettes, yet durst they not come downe, partly for feare, and partly for hatred agaynst the Mahumetans. Beneath the mountayne, are seene seuen or eyght thorne trees, very fayre, and in them we founde a payre of Turtle Doues, which seemed to vs in maner a miracle, hauyng before made so long iourneyes, and sawe neyther beast nor foule. Then proceedyng two dayes iourney, we came to a certayne citie named Medinathalhabi: foure myles from the sayd citie, we founde a well. Heere the Carauana (that is, the whole hearde of the Camelles) rested.

And remayning here one day, we washed our selues, and chaun∣ged our shertes, the more freshely to enter into the citie: it is well peopled, and conteyneth about three hundred houses, the walles are lyke bulwarkes of earth, and the houses both of stone and bricke. The soile about the citie, is vtterly barren, except that about two myles from the citie, are seene about fyftie palme trees that beare Dates. There, by a certayne garden, runneth a course of water fallyng into a lower playne, where also passin∣gers are accustomed to water theyr Camelles. And heere o∣portunitie nowe serueth to confute the opinion of them whiche thynke that the Arke or Toombe of wicked Mahumet in Me∣cha, to hang in the ayre, not borne vp with any thyng. As tou∣chyng which thyng. I am vtterly of an other opinion, and af∣firme this neyther to be true, nor to haue any lykenesse of trueth, as I presently behelde these thynges, and sawe the place where Mahumet is buried, in the sayde citie of Medinathalhabi: for we taryed there three dayes, to come to the true knowledge of all these thynges. When wee were desirous to enter into theyr Temple (which they call Meschita, and all other churches by the same name) we coulde not be suffered to enter, without a com∣panion, little or great. They takyng vs by the hande, brought vs to the place where they saye Mahumet is buried.

Of the Temple or Chapell, and Sepulchre of Mahumet, and of his felowes. Cap. 12.

HIs Temple is vaulted, and is a hundred pases in length, and fourescore in breadth: the entry into it, is by two gates: from the sydes, it is couered with three vaultes, it is borne vp with iiii. hundred columnes or pil∣lers of white brick, there are seene hanging lampes about the number of .3. thousande.

From the other part of the Temple in the first place of the Mes∣chita, is seene a Tower of the circuite of fyue pases, vaulted on euery syde, and couered with a cloth of silke, and is borne vp with a grate of copper curiously wrought, and distant from it two pases: and of them that goe thyther, is seene as it were through a lattesse. Towarde the lefte hande, is the way to the Tower, and when you come thyther, you must enter by a narower gate. On euery side of those gates or doores, are seene many bookes in maner of a Librarie, on the one syde .xx. and on the other syde xxv. These contayne the filthie traditions and lyfe of Mahumet and his fellowes: within the sayde gate, is seene a Sepulchre (that is) a digged place, where they say Mahumet is buried and his felowes, which are these, Nabi, Bubacar, Othomar, Aumar, and Fatoma: But Mahumet was theyr chiefe Captayne, and an Arabian borne. Hali, was sonne in lawe to Mahumet, for he tooke to wyfe his daughter Fatoma. Bubacar, is he who they say was exalted to the dignitie of a chiefe counseller and great go∣uernour, although he came not to the hygh degree of an Apostle or prophet, as dyd Mahumet. Othomar and Aumar, were chiefe Captaynes of the army of Mahumet. Euery of these haue their proper bookes of theyr factes and traditions. And hereof pro∣ceedeth the great dissention and discorde of religion and maners among this kynde of filthie men, whyle some confirme one doc∣trine, and some an other, by reason of theyr diuers sectes of pa∣trons, Doctours, and saintes, as they call them. By this meanes, are they marueylously diuided among them selues, and lyke beastes kyll them selues, for such quarelles of dyuers opinions, and all false. This also is the chiefe cause of warre betweene the Sophie of Persia and the great Turke, beyng neuerthelesse both Mahumetans, and lyue in mortall hatred one agaynst the other, for the mayntenaunce of theyr sectes, Sainctes, and Apostles, whyle euery of them thynketh theyr owne to bee best.

Of the Secte of Mahumet. Cap. 13.

NOw will we speake of the maners and sect of Mahumet. Understande therefore, that in the highest part of the Tower aforesayd, is an open rounde place. Now shall you vn∣derstande what crafte they vsed to deceyue our Carauana. The first euenyng that we came thyther to see the Sepulchre of Ma∣humet, our Captaine sent for the chiefe priest of the Temple to come to him: and when he came, declared vnto him that the only cause of his commyng thyther, was to visite the Sepulchre and bodie of Nabi, by which woord, is signified the Prophet Mahu∣met: and that he vnderstoode that the price to be admitted to the sight of these mysteries, should be foure thousande Saraphes of golde. Also that he had no parentes, neyther brothers, sisters, kinsefolkes, chyldren, or wyues, neyther that he came thyther to buye merchaundies, as spices, or Baccar, or Nardus, or any ma∣ner of precious Iewelles: but only for very zeale of religion and saluation of his soule, and was therefore greatly desirous to see the bodie of the Prophet. To whom the priest of the Temple (they call them Side) with countenance lyke one that were di∣straught, made aunswere in this maner, Darest thou with those eyes with the which thou hast committed so many horrible sinnes, desyre to see him by whose sight God hath created hea∣uen and earth? To whom agayne our Captayne aunswered thus, My Lorde, you haue sayde truely: neuerthelesse I pray you that I may fynde so much fauour with you, that I may see the Prophet: whom when I haue seene, I will immedi∣ately thrust out myne eyes. The Side aunswered, O Prince, I will open all thynges vnto thee. So it is, that no man can denye but that our Prophet dyed heere, who if he would myght haue dyed at Mecha: But to shewe in him selfe a token of humilitie, and thereby to gyue vs example to fo∣lowe

him, was willyng rather heere then elsewhere to de∣parte out of this worlde, and was incontinent of Angelles borne into heauen, and there receyued as equall with them. Then our Captayne sayde to him, Where is Iesus Christus the sonne of Marie? To whom the Side answered, At the feete of Mahumet. Then sayde our Captayne agayne: It suffyceth, it suffyceth, I will knowe no more. After this, our Captayne commyng out of the Temple, and turnyng him to vs, sayd, See (I pray you) for what goodly stuffe I would haue payde three thousande Saraphes of golde? The same daye at euenyng, at almost three a clocke of the nyght, ten or twelue of the Elders of the secte of Mahumet entred into our Carauana, whiche remayned not paste a stone cast from the gate of the citie. These ranne hyther and thyther, crying lyke madde men, with these wordes, Mahumet the messenger and Apostle of God, shall ryse agayne. O Prophet, O God, Ma∣humet shall ryse agayne, haue mercy on vs God. Our Cap∣tayne and we all raysed with this crye, tooke weapon with all expedition, suspectyng that the Arabians were come to robbe our Carauana: We asked what was the cause of that exclama∣tion, and what they cryed? for they cryed as doe the Christi∣ans, when sodeynly any marueylous thyng chaunceth. The Elders answered, Sawe you not the lyghtnyng whiche shone out of the Sepulchre of the Prophet Mahumet. Our Cap∣tayne answered, that he sawe nothyng, and we also beyng de∣maunded, answered in lyke maner. Then sayde one of the olde men, Are you slaues? That is to say, bought men: mea∣nyng thereby Mamalukes. Then sayde our Captayne, We are in deede Mamalukes. Then agayne the olde man sayde, Y••u my Lordes, can not see heauenly thinges, as beyng Neophi∣ti, (that is) newly come to the fayth, and not yet confirmed in our religion. To this our Captayne answered agayne, O you madde and insensa••e beastes, I had thought to haue gi∣uen you three thousande peeces of golde, but now, O you dogges, and progenie of dogges, I will gyue you nothyng. It is therefore to bee vnderstoode, that none other shynyng came out of the Sepulchre, then a certayne flame which the priests caused to come out of the open place of the Towre spoken

of here before, whereby they would haue deceyued vs. And ther∣fore our Captaine commaunded that thereafter none of vs should enter into the Temple. Of this also we haue most true experi∣ence, and most certaynely assure you, that there is neyther I∣ron or steele, or the Magnes stone that should so make the toombe of Mahumet to hange in the ayre, as some haue falsely imagi∣ned: neyther is there any mountayne nearer then foure myles: we remayned here three dayes to refreshe our company. To this citie, victualles and all kynde of corne is brought from A∣rabia Foelix, and Babylon or Alcayr, and also from Ethiope, by the redde sea, whiche is from this citie but foure dayes iour∣ney.

The iourney to Mecha. Cap. 14.

AFter that we were satisfied, or rather wea∣ryed, with the filthinesse and lothesomenesse of the trumperyes, deceites, trifles, and hy∣pocrises of the religion of Mahumet, we determyned to goe forward on our iourney: and that by guiding of a pylot, who myght directe our course with the mariners boxe or compasse, with also the carde of the sea, euen as is vsed in saylyng on the sea. And thus bendyng our iourney to the West, we founde a very fayre well or fountayne, from the which flowed great aboundance of water. The inhabitantes affyrme that Sainct Marke the Euangelist was the aucthour of this foun∣tayne by a miracle of God, when that region was in maner bur∣ned with incredible drynesse. Here we and our beastes were satisfied with drynke. I may not here omit to speake of the sea of sande, and of the daungers thereof. This was founde of vs before we came to the mountayne of the Iewes. In this sea of sand we traueiled the iourney of three dayes and nightes: this is a great brode plaine, all couered with white sande, in maner as small as floure: If by euyll fortune it so chaunce that anye

trauaile that way southward, if in the meane time the wind come to the north, they are ouerwhelmed with sande. And although they shoulde haue prosperous wynde, yet are they so inuolued with sande, that they scatter out of the way, and can scarsely see the one the other .x. pases of. And therefore thinhabitans tra∣uaylyng this way, are inclosed in cages of woodde, borne with Camels, and lyue in them, so passyng the iorney guided by pilots with maryners compasse and card, euen as on the sea, as we haue sayde. In this iorney also many peryshe for thirst, and many for drynkyng to muche, when they fynde suche good waters. In these sandes is founde Momia, whiche is the fleshe of such men as are drowned in these sandes, and there dryed by the heate of the Sunne: So that those bodyes are preserued from putrifaction by the drynesse of the sand: and therefore that drye fleshe is esteemed medicinable. Albeit there is an other kynde of more pretious Momia, which is y^e dryed and embalmed bodies of kynges and princes, whiche of long tyme haue been preserued drye without corruption. When the wynde bloweth from the northeast, thē the sand riseth, & is driuen against a certaine moun∣tayne which is an arme of the mount Sinai. There we found cer∣tayne pyllers artificially wrought, whiche they call Ianuan. On the lefte hande of the sayde mountayne, in the toppe or rydge thereof, is a denne, and the entrie into it, is by an Iron gate. Some fayne that in that place Mahumet lyued in contempla∣tion. Here we heard a certayne horrible noyse and crye: for pas∣syng the sayde mountayne, we were in so great daunger, that we thought neuer to haue escaped. Departyng therefore from the fountayne, we continued our iorney for the space of .x. dayes: And twyse in the way fought with fyftie thousande Arabians, and so at the length came to the citie of Mecha, where al thinges were troubled by reason of the warres betweene two brethren, contendyng whiche of them shoulde possesse the kyngedome of Mecha.

Of the fourme and situation of the citie of Mecha: and why the Mahumetans resort thyther. Cap. 15.

NOwe the tyme requireth to speake some∣what of the famous citie of Mecha, or Mec∣ca, what it is, howe it is situate, and by whom it is gouerned. The citie is very fayre and well inhabited, and contayneth in rounde fourme syxe thousande houses, as well buylded as ours, and some that cost three or foure thousande peeces of golde: it hath no walles. About two furlongs from the citie is a mount, where the way is cutte out, whiche leadeth to a playne beneath. It is on euery syde fortified with mountains, in the stead of walles or bulwarks, and hath foure entries. The gouernour is a Soltan, and one of the foure brethren of the progenie of Mahumet, and is subiect to the Soltan of Babylon, of whom we haue spoken before: His other three brethren be at continuall warre with hym. The xviii. daye of Maye, we entred into the citie by the north syde: then by a declynyng way, we came into a playne. On the south syde are two mountaynes, the one very neere the other, di∣stant onely by a litle valley, which is the way that leadeth to the gate of Mecha. On the east syde, is an open place betweene two mountaynes, lyke vnto a valley, and is the waye to the moun∣tayne where they sacrifice to the Patriarkes Abraham & Isaac. This mountayne is from the citie about .x. or xii myles, and of the heyght of three stones cast: it is of stone as harde as mar∣ble, yet no marble. In the toppe of the mountaine, is a Temple or Meschita, made after their fashion, and hath three wayes to enter into it. At the foote of the mountayne are two cesterns, which conserue waters without corruption: of these, the one is reserued to minister water to the Camels of the Carauana of Babylon or Alcayr, and the other, for them of Damasco. It is rayne water, and is deriued far of.

But to returne to speake of the citie: for as touchyng the maner of sacrifice which they vse at the foote of the mountayne, wee wyll speake hereafter. Entryng therefore into the citie, wee founde there the Carauana of Memphis, or Babylon, which preuented vs eyght dayes, and came not the waye that wee came. This Carauana conteyned threescore and foure thou∣sande Camelles, and a hundred Mamalukes to guyde them. And here ought you to consyder, that by the opinion of all men, this citie is greatly cursed of God, as appeareth by the great barrennesse thereof, for it is destitute of all maner of fruites and corne. It is scorched with drynesse for lacke of water, and therefore the water is there growen to suche pryce, that you can not for twelue pence buye as muche water as wyll satys∣fie your thyrst for one day. Nowe therefore I wyll declare what prouision they haue for victuales. The most part is brought them from the citie of Babylon, otherwyse named Memphis, Cayrus, or Alcayr, a citie of the ryuer of Nilus in Egypt, as we haue sayde before, and is brought by the red sea (called Mare Erythreum) from a certayne port named Gida, distaunt from Mecha fourtie myles. The rest of theyr prouisions, is brought from Arabia Faelix (that is) the happye or blessed Arabia: so named for the fruitfulnesse thereof, in respect of the other two Arabiaes, called Petrea & Diserta, that is, stonye and desart. They haue also muche corne from Ethyopia. Here we found a marueylous number of straungers and peregrynes, or Pylgryms: Of the whiche, some came from Syria, some from Persia, and other from both the East Indiaes, (that is to say) both India within the ryuer of Ganges, and also the other India without the same ryuer. I neuer sawe in anye place greater abundaunce and frequentation of people, forasmuche as I could perceyue by tarrying there the space of .xx. dayes. These people resort thyther for diuers causes, as some for mer∣chandies, some to obserue theyr vowe of Pylgrymage, and other to haue pardon for theyr sinnes: as touchyng the whiche we wyll speake more hereafter,

Of the merchandies of Mecha. Cap. 16.

FRom India the greater, which is both with∣in & without the ryuer of Ganges, they haue pearles, precious stones, and plentie of spyces: and especially from that citie of the greater India, which is named Bangel∣la, they haue muche gossampyne cloth and sylke. They haue also spyces from Ethio∣pia: and therefore we must needes confesse that this citie is a famous mart of many ryche thynges, whereof there is great plentie.

Of the Pardons or Indulgences of Mecha. Cap. 17.

LEt vs now returne to speake of the pardons of pilgryms, for the which so many strange nations resort thither. In the myddest of the citie, is a Temple, in fashyon lyke vnto the Collossus of Rome, the Amphitheatrum I meane, lyke vnto a stage, yet not of mar∣ble or hewed stones, but of burnt bryckes: For this temple, lyke vnto an Amphitheater, hath fourescore and ten, or an hundred gates, and is vaulted. The entrance, is by a discent of twelue stayers or degrees on euery part: in the church porche, are solde only iewels and precious stones. In the entry the gylted walles shyne on euery syde with imcomparable splen∣dour. In the lower part of the temple (that is vnder the vaulted places) is seene a marueylous multitude of men: For there are fyue or syxe thousand men that sell none other thyng then sweete oyntmentes, and especially a certayne odoriferous and most sweete pouder, wherewith dead bodyes are embalmed. And from hence, all maner of sweete sauours are carried in maner into the countreys of all the Mahumetans. It passeth all beleefe to thynke of the exceedyng sweetenesse of these sauours, farre sur∣mounting

the shoppes of the Apothecaries. The .xxiii. daye of Maye, the pardones began to be graunted in the Temple, and in what maner we wyll nowe declare. The Temple in the myd∣dest is open, without any inclosyng, and in the myddest also ther∣of, is a Turret, of the largnesse of syxe pases in cercuitie, and in∣uolued or hanged with cloth or tapestry of sylke, and passeth not the heyght of a man. They enter into the turret by a gate of syluer, and is on euery syde besette with vesselles full of balme. On the day of Pentecost, licence is graunted to al men to se these thynges. The inhabitantes affyrme, that balme or balsame, to be parte of the treasure of the Soltan that is Lorde of Mecha. At euery vaulte of the turret, is fastened a rounde circle of Iron, lyke to the ryng of a doore. The .xxiii. day of Maye, a great multitude of people beganne earely in the mornyng before day, seuen tymes to walke about the Turret, kyssyng euery corner thereof, oftentymes feelyng and handdelyng them. From this Turret, about tenne or twelue pases, is an other Turret, like a Chappell buylded after our maner. This hath three or foure entryes: in the myddest thereof is a well of threescore and tenne cubites deepe: the water of this Well is infected with salt Peter or salniter. Eyght men are therevnto appoynted to drawe water for all the people: and when a multitude of peo∣ple haue seuen tymes gone rounde about the fyrst Turret, they come to this well: and touchyng the mouth or brym there∣of, they saye thus, Be it in the honour of God, God pardon me, and forgeue me my synnes. When these woordes are sayde, they that drawe the water, powre three buckettes of water on the headdes of euery one of them that stand neere about the well, and washe them all wette from the headde to the foote, al∣though they be apparelled with sylke. Then theyr dotyng fooles dreame that they are cleane from all theyr synnes, and that their synnes are forgeuen them. They saye furthermore, that the fyrst Turret, wherof we haue spoken, was the fyrst house that euer Abraham buylded: and therefore, whyle they are yet all wette of the sayd washyng, they go to the mountayne, where (as we haue sayde before) they are accustomed to sacrifice to Abra∣ham.

And remaining there two daies, they make the said sacrifice to Abraham at the foote of the mountayne.

The maner of Sacrificyng at Mecha. Cap. 18.

FOrasmuche as for the most parte, noble spi∣rites are delyted with nouelties of great and straunge thynges, therefore to satisfie their expectation, I wyll describe theyr maner of sacrifycyng. Therefore, when they intend to sacrifice, some of them kyl three sheepe, some foure, and some tenne: So that the but∣cherie sometyme so floweth with blood, that in one sacrifice are slayne aboue three thousande sheepe. They are slayne at the rysyng of the Sunne, and shortly after are distributed to the poore for Gods sake: for I sawe there a great and confounded multitude of poore people, as to the number of .xxx. thousande. These make many and long dyches in the feeldes, where they keepe fyre with Camels doong, and rost or seeth the fleshe that is geuen them, and eate it euen there. I beleue that these poore people come thither rather for hunger then for deuotion: which I thinke by this coniectur, that great abundance of cucumbers are brought thyther from Arabia Faelix, whiche they eate, castyng a∣way the parynges without their houses or tabernacles, where a multitude of the sayde poore people geather them euen out of the myre and sande, and eate them, and are so greedie of these parynges, that they fyght who may geather most. The daye folowing, their Cadi (which are in place with them as with vs the preachers of gods worde) ascended into a hygh mountayne, to preache to the people that remayned beneath: and preached to them in theyr language the space of an houre. The summe of his sermon was, that with teares they shoulde bewayle theyr sinnes, and beate their brestes, with sighes and lamentation. And the preacher hym selfe with loude voyce, spake these woordes, O Abraham beloued of god, O Isaac chosen of god, and his frend. ••••aye to god for the people of Nabi. When these woordes were sayde, sodenly were heard lamenting voyces. When the sermon was done, a rumor was spredde that a great armye of Ara∣bians, to the number of twentie thousande, were commyng.

With whiche newes, they that kept the Carau••nas beyng greatly feared, with all speede, lyke madde men, fledde into the citie of Mecha, and we agayne hearyng newes of the Arabians approche, fledde also into the citie. But whyle wee were in the mydwaye betweene the mountayne and Mecha▪ we came by a despicable wal, of the breadth of foure cubites: The people passyng by this wall, had couered the waye with stones, the cause whereof, they saye to be this: When Abra∣ham was commaunded to sacrifice his sonne, he wylled his sonne Isaac to folowe hym to the place where he should execute the commaundement of God. As Isaac went to folow his fa∣ther, there appeared to hym in the way a Deuyl, in lykenesse of a fayre and freendly person, not farre from the sayde wall, and asked hym freendlye whyther he went. Isaac answered that he went to his father who tarryed for hym. To this the enimie of mankynde answered, that it was best for hym to tarrye, and yf that he went anye further, his father woulde sacrifice hym. But Isaac nothyng feareyng this aduertise∣ment of the Deuyl, went foreward, that his father on hym myght execute the commaundement of God: and with this an∣swere (as they saye) the Deuyll departed. Yet as I∣saac went forwarde, the Diuell appeared to hym agayne in the lykenesse of an other frendlye person, and forbade hym as before. Then Isaac takyng vp a stone in that place, huride it at the Deuyl, and wounded hym in the forehead: In witnesse and remembraunce whereof, the people passyng that waye, when they come neare the wall, are accustomed to cast stones agaynst it, and from thence go into the citie. As we went this way, the ayre was in maner darkened with a multitude of stocke Doues. They saye that these Doues, are of the pro∣genie of the Doue that spake in the eare of Mahumet, in lyke∣nesse of the Holye Ghost. These are seene euery where, as in the villages, houses, tauernes, and graniers of corne and ryse, and are so tame, that one can scharsely dryue them a way. Too take them or kyll them, is esteemed a thyng worthy death: and therfore a certayne pensyon is geuen to nouryshe them in the Temple.

Of the Vnicorns of the temple of Mecha▪ whiche are not seene in any other place. Cap. 19.

ON the other part of the temple are parkes or places inclosed, where are seene two Unicorns, named of the Greekes Mono∣cerotae, and are there shewed to the people for a myracle, and not without good rea∣son, for the seldomenesse and strange natu∣re. The one of them, which is much hygh∣er then the other, yet not muche vnlyke to a colte of thyrtye monethes of age, in the forehead groweth only one horne, in ma∣ner ryght foorth, of the length of three cubites. The other is much younger, of the age of one yeere, and lyke a young colte: the horne of this, is of the length of foure handfuls. This beast is of the coloure of a horse of weesell coloure, and hath the head lyke an Hart, but no long necke, a thynne mane hangyng onlye on the one syde: theyr legges are thyn and slender, lyke a fawne or hynde: the hoofes of the fore feete are diuided in two, much like the feete of a Goat, the outwarde part of the hynder feete is very full of heare. This beast doubtlesse seemeth wylde and fierce, yet tempereth that fiercenesse with a certaine comelinesse. These Unicornes one gaue to the Soltan of Mecha▪ as a most pre∣cious and rare gyfte. They were sent hym out of Ethiope by a kyng of that countrey, who desired by that present to gratifie the Soltan of Mecha.

Of diuers thynges which chaunced to me in Mecha: And of Zida, a port of Mecha. Cap. 20.

IT may seeme good here to make mention of certayne thynges, in the which is seene sharpenesse of witte in case of vrgent ne∣cessitie, which hath no lawe, as sayeth the prouerbe: for I was dryuen to the poynt howe I myght priuely escape from Me∣cha. Therefore whereas my Captayne gaue me charge to buy certaine thyngs, as I was in the market

place, a certayne Mamaluke knewe me to be a Christian. And therefore in his owne language, spake vnto me these woordes, Inte mename: That is, whence arte thou? To whom I answe∣red that I was a Mahumetan. But he sayde, Thou sayest not truely. I sayde agayne, By the head of Mahumet, I am a Ma∣humetan. Then he sayde agayne, Come home to my house. I folowed him willingly. When we were there, he began to speake to me in the Italian tongue, and asked me agayne from whence I was, affyrmyng that he knewe me, and that I was no Mahu∣metan: Also that he had been sometyme in Genua and Venice. And that his woordes myght be the better beleeued, rehearsed many thinges whiche testified that he sayde trueth. When I vnderstoode this, I confessed freely that I was a Romane, but professed to the fayth of Mahumet in the citie of Babylon, and there made one of the Mamalukes. Whereof he seemed greatly to reioyce, and therefore vsed me honourably. But be∣cause my desyre was yet to goe further, I asked the Mahume∣tan whether that citie of Mecha was so famous as all the world spake of it: and inquired of him where was the great aboun∣daunce of pearles, precious stones, spices, and other rich mer∣chandies that the bruite went of to be in that citie. And all my talke was to the ende to grope the mynde of the Mahumetan, that I might know the cause why such thinges were not brought thyther as in tyme paste. But to auoyde all suspition, I durst here make no mention of the dominion which the Kyng of Por∣tugale had in the most parte of that Ocean, and of the gulfes of the redde sea and Persia. Then he began with more attentyue mynde, in order to declare vnto me the cause why that marte was not so greatly frequented as it had been before, and layde the on∣ly faulte therof in the kyng of Portugale. But when he had made mention of the Kyng, I began of purpose to detracte his fame, least the Mahumetan might thinke that I reioyced that the Chri∣stians came thyther for merchandies. When he perceyued that I was of profession an enemy to the Christians, he had me yet in greater estimation, and proceeded to tell me many thynges more. When I was well instructed in all thinges, I spake vnto him friendly these woordes in the Mahumets language, Mena∣ha Menalhabi: That is to say, I pray you assist mee. He asked

me wherein. To helpe me (sayde I) howe I may secretly de∣parte hence. Confirmyng by great othes, that I would goe to those Kinges that were most enemies to the Christians: Affir∣myng furthermore, that I knewe certayne secretes greatly to be esteemed, whiche if they were knowen to the sayde kynges, I doubted not but that in shorte tyme I shoulde bee sent for from Mecha. Astonyshed at these woordes, he sayde vnto mee, I pray you what arte or secrete doe you knowe? I an∣swered, that I would gyue place to no man in makyng of all maner of Gunnes and artillerie. Then sayde hee, Praysed be Mahumet who sent thee hyther, to do him and his Saintes good seruice: and willed me to remayne secretly in his house with his wyfe, and requyred me earnestly to obtayne leaue of our Cap∣tayne, that vnder his name he myght leade from Mecha fiftiene Camelles laden with spices, without paying any custome: for they ordinarily paye to the Soltan thirtie Saraphes of golde, for transportyng of such merchandies for the charge of so many Camelles. I put him in good hope of his request, although he would aske for a hundred, affyrmyng that that myght easily be obteyned by the priuileges of the Mamalukes, and therefore de∣sired him that I myght safely remayne in his house. Then no∣thyng doubtyng to obtayne his request, he greatly reioyced, and talkyng with me yet more freely, gaue me further instructions, and counsayled me to repayre to a certayne Kyng of the greater India, in the kyngdome and realme of Decham, whereof we will speake hereafter. Therfore the day before the Carauana depar∣ted from Mecha, he willed me to lye hydde in the most secrete parte of his house. The day folowyng, early in the mornyng, the trumpetter of the Carauana gaue warning to all the Mamalukes to make readie their horses, to directe their iourney toward Syria, with proclamation of death to all that shoulde refuse so to doe. When I hearde the sounde of the Trumpet, and was aduertised of the streight commaundement, I was marueylously troubled in mynde, and with heauy countenaunce desired the Mahume∣tans wyfe not to bewraye me, and with earnest prayer commit∣ted myselfe to the mercie of God. On the Tuesday folowyng, our Carauana departed from Mecha, and I remayned in the Mahumetans house with his wyfe, but he folowed the Carauana.

Yet before he departed, he gaue commaundement to his wyfe to bryng me to the Carauana, which should departe from Zida the porte of Mecha, to goe into India. This porte is distant from Mecha .xl miles. Whilest I laye thus hyd in the Mahumetans house, I can not expresse how friendly his wife vsed me. This al∣so furthered my good interteynement, that there was in the house a fayre young mayde, the Niese of the Mahumetan, who was greatly in loue with me. But at that tyme, in the myddest of those troubles and feare, the fyre of Uenus was almost ex∣tincte in mee: and therefore with daliaunce of fayre woordes and promises, I styll kepte my selfe in her fauour. There∣fore the Fryday folowyng, about noone tyde I departed, folowyng the Carauana of India. And about mydnyght, we came to a certayne village of the Arabians, and there remay∣ned the rest of that nyght, and the nexte day tyll noone. From hence we went forwarde on our iourney towarde Zida, and came thyther in the silence of the nyght. This citie hath no walles, yet fayre houses, somewhat after the buyldyng of Italie. Heere is great aboundaunce of all kynde of merchan∣dies, by reason of resorte in maner of all nations thyther, ex∣cepte Iewes and Christians, to whom it is not lawfull to come thyther. Assoone as I entered into the citie, I went to their Temple or Meschita, where I sawe a great multitude of poore people, as about the number of .xxv. thousande, atten∣dyng a certayne Pilot who should bryng them into their coun∣trey. Heere I suffered muche trouble and affliction, beyng enforced to hyde my selfe among these poore folkes, faynyng my selfe very sicke, to the ende that none should be inquisityue what I was, whence I came, or whyther I would. The Lord of this citie is the Soltan of Babylon, brother to the Soltan of Mecha, who is his subiecte. The inhabitauntes are Mahume∣tans. The soyle is vnfruitfull, and lacketh freshe water. The sea beateth agaynst the towne. There is neuerthelesse aboundance of all thinges: but brought thyther from other places, as from Babylon of Nilus, Arabia Foelix, and dyuers other places. The heate is here so great, that men are in maner dryed vp there∣with. And therefore there is euer a great number of sicke folkes. The citie conteyneth about fyue hundred houses.

After fyftiene dayes were past, I couenaunted with a pilot, who was ready to departe from thence into Persia, and agreed of the price, to goe with him. There laye at Anker in the hauen almost a hundred Brigantines and Foistes, with diuers boates and bar∣kes of sundry sortes, both with Ores and without Ores. Therefore after three dayes, gyuyng wynde to our sayles, we entred into the redde sea, otherwyse named Mare Erythraeum.

Of the red sea, and why it can not be sayled in the nyght. Cap. 21.

IT is well knowen to wyse men that this sea is not red, as some haue imagined, but is of the colour of other seas. We continu∣ed therefore our vyage vntyll the goyng downe of the Sunne. For this sea, is naui∣gable only in the day tyme: and therefore in the nightes, the maryners rest them, vn∣tyll they come to the Ilande named Chameran, from whence they proceede forwarde more safely. Why this sea can not be sayled in the nyght, they say the cause to be, that there are many daungerous sandes, rockes, and shelues: and therefore that it is needefull of diligent and long prospecte, from the toppe Castell of the shyppe, to foresee the dangerous places.

Notes

• The same was also called Memphis in tyme past.
• Mamalukes. Mahume∣tans.
• Ienezzari.
• Syria Phoeni∣cia.
• Sainct George and the Dra∣gon.
• Tripoli.
• Alepo or Antioch.
• The mount Taurus. The mount Olympus.
• Azamia.
• Mesapota∣mia.
• Persia
• Damasco.
• Sainct Helene the mother of Constantine the Emperour.
• Christians Greekes.
• Hexarchatus is a principate or gouerment.
• The Soltan of Syrya.
• A strange ma∣ner to demaund a subside.
• Theyr church∣es.
• The bodie of the Prophet Zacharias.
• The place of the conuersion of Sainct Paule.
• The prison of Sainct Paule.
• The place wher Cain slue Abel.
• The Mama∣lukes wages.
• Howe the Ma∣malukes abuse women.
• The women of Damasco.
• Chaunge of husbandes and wyues.
• The Mahu∣metans wiues.
• Gotes mylke.
• Mussheromes. Asia the lesse nowe named Natolia or Turchia.
• Christians of Damasco.
• Carauana, a companie of Cameles.
• Mamaluchi renegadi.
• Mezaris.
• The prince Zambei in Arabia.
• The Prince of Ierusalem.
• A Prince a theefe.
• Mares.
• The Arabians lyue by robbe∣ry.
• Houses 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on Camels backs.

  Tentes and pa∣uilions▪
• This for feare of the Arabi∣ans.
• From Damas∣co to Mecha.
• Perhaps with the sounde of a Horne of Trumpet.
• Water.
• The Burden of the Camelles.
• The feeblenesse of the Arabi∣ans.

  Pagans.
• The actiuitie of the Mama∣lukes.
• Manna, tur∣ned in bitter plagues.
• Lacke of wa∣ter.
• Water deerely bought.

  So did Abra∣ham with the Philistians.
• So doeth the Turke his ar∣my.
• Iewes Pig∣met.
• The citie of Medinathal∣habi.
• The Toombe or Sepulchre of Mahumet.
• Mahumet was not buried in Mecha.
• Mahumets Librarie.
• Nomothetae Turcarum.
• This Hali, our men that haue been in Persia, call Mortus Hali, That is, Saint Hali. Discorde and sectes of religi∣on among the Mahume∣tans, Turkes, and Persians.
• Note.
• Such come, such c••affe. Not only a∣mong Turkes and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Sed.
• Nabi▪ i•• the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Ma∣humet. A great price for vil•• mar∣chandies.
• Suche people suche priest.
• My lorde bi∣shop of Mecha
• It semeth that they know not where he was buryed.
• The deuyll he was.
• Thri•••• at the feete of Ma∣humet.
• Mahumet shal ryse▪ &c. with Iuda.
• False miracles to confirme false religion.
• Neophiti.
• Sic ne respon∣des pontifi••i.
• The ••able that Mahumets Toombe han∣geth in the ayre.
• Iourney on the lande by carde and com∣passe as on the sea.
• The fountaine of Sainct Marke the Euangelist.
• The sea of sande.
• Mare fabu∣losum.
• Momia.
• Momia of kynges bodies embalmed.
• Mont Sinai.
• The den where Mahumet li∣ued in contem∣plation.
• Mecha, The kingdome of Mecha.
• Mecha, whi∣che Abraham O••telius cal∣leth Mecca.
• The Soltan of Mecha.
• Sacrifice to Abraham and Isaac.
• Mecha cur∣sed of god.
• Water very deare.
• The ryuer Nilus.
• The red sea.
• Arabia Faelix,
• Many pyl∣grymes and strangers at Mecha.
• Why so many nations 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to Mecha.
• The temple of Mecha.
• A Turret in the Temple of Mecha.
• A gate of siluer.
• Balsame or balme.
• A chappel with a well in it, in the Temple.
• A straunge baptisme for remission of synnes.
• Good meaning sufficeth not.
• The house of Abraham. Sacrifice to Abraham.
• Sacrifice of sheepe.
• Religion for pouertie.
• Cadi, a prea∣cher.
• A goodly ser∣mon.
• Soldiers trou∣ble the word of God.
• Where Abra∣ham sacrifyced his sonne Isaac.
• The Diuell ap∣peareth to Isaac.
• Isaac wound∣ed the Deuyll in the forehead.
• Stocke doues of the progenie of the Doue whiche spake in Mahumets eare.
• Monoceros.
• The Vnicor∣nes.
• The Vnicorns horne.
• Why Mecha is not so much frequented as in tyme paste.
• The dominion of the Kyng of Portugale in the East partes
• Hipocrisie.
• Paying of cu∣stome to the Soltan.
• The realme of Decham in India.
• Affliction coo∣leth lechery.
• The citie of Zida.
• Poore Pil∣gryms that came from Mecha.
• From Arabia to Persia.
• The red sea.