The estates, empires, & principallities of the world Represented by ye description of countries, maners of inhabitants, riches of prouinces, forces, gouernment, religion; and the princes that haue gouerned in euery estate. With the begin[n]ing of all militarie and religious orders. Translated out of French by Edw: Grimstone, sargeant at armes.

The Estate of the Turke in Africke.

¶ THE REALMES OF ALGIERS, [ E] TVNES, AND TREMISEN IN AFRICKE.

The Contents.

THe author hauing discoursed of the countries which the Turke holds in Europe, be¦comes [ F] to the discription of those which he commaunds in Africke; and beginning by the realme of Tremisen, he shewes the bounds, the length, and breadth, and the pro∣uinces which in old time it did containe. And hauing described the towne of Al∣gier, and the realme, he comes to treat of the realme of Tunes, the which he diuides into fiue

[ A] ••rou••nces notes their extention, scituation, and chiefe townes, and among others, he stayes at the d••sc••••ption of Carthage, the most auncient of the realme of Tunes, in old time the chiefe of all A••ricke. Then comming to two other obseruations, of the fertilitie of these prouinces, and the m••nners and dispositions of their inhabitants. Touching the first, he writes, That there is aboun∣dance of Corne, Oyle, Oliues, Dates, and all kind of fruits in the most part, Goats, Oxen, and Hor∣ses. As for the manners and customes of this countrie, that the women weare long haire, and haue a hoope of brasse vpon either thigh, and that in old time they were common, but new they liue after the manner of the Turkes, who command ouer them: They haue alwaies beene subtile, treacherous, and disloyall; there being in these countries two kinds of sects or religions, which [ B] were, Christians and Mahometans, whereof the Author wil speake hereafter more amplie, treating of the Turkes religion.

THe realme of Tremisen, or Telensin, hath Mauritania, Tingitana, (in the which are comprehended the realmes of Fez and Morroco) vpon the West, diuided by the riuer of Muluia: vpon the East, that of Ampsaga: vpon the South, lye the Numidians Getuli∣ens: and vpon the North part, lyes the Mediterranean Sea, which lookes towards the Island of Sardinia. Iohannes Leo, of Africke, comes very neere vnto Ptolome in his description which he made of [ C] the realme of Telensin, whenas he saith, That it ends towards the West with the riuer Zha, and with that of Muluia: vpon the West, it hath for bounds the great riuer, which some hold to be that which the Modernes call Magrada (which hath beene knowne to the Auncients by the name of Bugrada:) vpon the South, the desarts of Numidia: and towards the North, the Mediterranean Sea.

This countrie was called Mauritania Caesaria, in the Romans time. It extends from East to West three hundred and eightie miles, but the bredth is not aboue fiue and twen∣tie miles, that is to say, from the Mediterranean Sea, vnto the desarts of Numidia; by reason whereof it is subiect to the continuall incursions and inuasions of the Arabi∣ans which dwell in the Desarts: for this cause, the kings of this countrie haue alwaies [ D] sought the loue and friendship of the Numidians in all degrees, and yet they could neuer satisfie them.

This realme of Tremisen did, in auncient time, (as Authours affirme) comprehend foure prouinces, which carried the names of their chiefe and principall townes, that is to say, of Tremisen, Tenez, Bugia, and Algier: but at this day there remaines none but Te∣nez, and Tremisen. This last towne had in former times sixteene or seuenteene thousand housholds; but (first of all by reason of the warres of Ioseph king of Fez, who besieged it seueen yeares; then by the warre which was made by the Emperour Charles the fift, who had taken it vnder his protection; and of the Turkes, who in the end made them∣selues maisters thereof; and in like manner by reason of the warre betwixt the Serif and [ E] the Turke) it is much decayed.

The towne of Algier was in former times vnder the realme of Tremisen; but, by rea∣son of the insupportable charges it was at, it reuolted, and gaue it selfe to the king of Bu∣gia. It did afterwards belong to the king of Spaine, from whom Barbaroussa tooke it in the yeare of our Lord God 1515. Now it is reduced vnder the Turke, and is growne both rich and famous, being a retreat for an infinit companie of Pyrats which bring their prizes thither, for which reason the great Turke hath a Lieutenant remayning there. It stands vpon the declining of certaine hills, being three miles in circuit, and containes eightie thousand persons. A small Island makes the Port, the which is little, and subiect to the Northerne winds. The Turkes haue continually fortified this place, and made it [ F] in a manner impregnable. This towne was in former times called Gefair; and the realme of Algier extends vnto Tercot, a towne of foure thousand families, and vnto Guargale, which containes six thousand.

The realme of Tunes comprehends all that which lyes betwixt the great riuer, and the riuer of the countrie of Mesrat; so as it doth contayne all the countrie which the

Auncients did properly call Africke, or the lesser Africke, and in like manner the auncient [ A] Numidia. Some diuide this realme into fiue parts, which be the prouince of Bugia, that of Constantine, the countrie of Tunes, that of Tripoli, and that of Ezzab.

The prouince of Bugia begins at the great riuer, and extends vnto the mountaines of Constantine, neere vnto the Mediterranean Sea, the which is about one hundred and fif∣tie miles, and the bredth is neere fortie miles. There are also some townes which are small, but well peopled, as Necaus vpon the frontier of Numidia, and Chollo, neere to the Mediterranean Sea. But Bugia is the chiefe towne, which giues her name vnto the whole countrie. It is verie auncient, and was built by the Romans vpon a high moun∣taine neere vnto the Sea, Falzal, which some hold to be that which Ptolome calls Thabu∣aque. [ B] Sabellicus takes it for Vzaeat; Sannutus for Salde; but Castaldus (vpon whose judge∣ment [ B] the most judicious relie) holds that it is Igilgili, for that the scituation is verie like vnto it. In old time there were in this towne goodly Temples, Colledges, and stately lodgings; and moreouer, Hospitalls, and Monasteries, after their maner; but the towne was taken in the yeare of Grace 1508, by Peter of Nauarre, since which time it hath conti∣nued without ornament or beautie.

The countrie of Constantine lies betwixt the mountaine of Constantine, vpon the frontier of the countrie of Bugia, and the territorie of Tunes, neere to the riuer of Gua∣dilbarbar: the chiefe towne is Constantine, which Marmolius takes to be that which Ptolome calls Culcue, putting it in new Numidia: yet Paulus Iouius, with Oliuer, who hath commented vpon Mela, and some others, hold that it is rather Certe, the aboad of [ C] king Massinissa, which Ptolome calls Iulia: The towne is enuironed with high and strong mountaines, the which are verie auncient. It is in a manner compassed about with verie high rockes; they doe now account in it about eight thousand families. There are many faire houses, and without the towne there are to be seene a great number of goodly aun∣cient buildings, amongst the which there is a triumphall arch, after the manner of the Ro∣mans. They doe also place in this countrie the towne of Bosne, otherwise called Hip∣pona, built by the Romans, one hundred miles or thereabouts from the Sea, the which hath beene famous by reason of S. Augustin, who was bishop of that place.

The countrie of Tunes lies betwixt the riuer Guadilbarbar, which the Auncients haue called the poole of Hipponita (in which is the length of the countrie of Constan∣tine) [ D] and the riuer of Capes, which makes certaine lakes, the which in former times was the marish of Tritonides. This countrie is famous by reason of the towne of Tunes, the chiefe of the whole realme.

There are many faire townes in this countrie, whereof the chiefe is that of Tunes, whereof we haue made mention, called by Ptolome, Themise or Thunise. In the begin∣ning it was a small towne, but after the ruine of Carthage, it began to be wonderfully well peopled and inricht: so that at this day it is held for the chiefe towne of the whole countrie: for they number in it about ten thousand families, and it is neere fiue miles in circuit. Goulette was seated neere vnto Tunes, vpon the strait of a poole, neere ten miles [ E] long, by the which they go to Tunes.

Carthage, the most auncient towne of this countrie, and sometime the chiefe of all Africke, was built by the Phenicians, as some hold, seuentie two yeares before the citie of Rome. Some say that it was two and twentie miles in circuit: it was in a manner inuiro∣ned of all sides by the Sea. There was in the middest of it a fort called Byrses, which con∣tained little lesse than two thousand paces. This towne was taken and burnt by Scipio, in the yeare of Grace 602, after the foundation of Rome; but hauing beene afterwards re∣edified by Caesar, who transported a Colonie thither, it did afterwards flour••sh, and re∣ceiued much annoyance by the Vandales, Gothes, and Sarrazins, and hath been so ill en∣treated, as there scarce remaines a twentieth part of the towne inhabited. There is but [ F] little of the wall standing, some aqueducts, and a small number of the auncient buildings. They say there are about fiue and twentie shops of merchants, and fiue hundred houses the which are low and ill built.

Biserte, or Bensert, is a verie auncient towne, seated vpon the Mediterranean Sea, and

[ A] neere to a riuer, which being small in the beginning, by little and little growes wonder∣full great. There is a goodly port of the sea, capable to receiue great shipping. Some say that this towne is all one with Vtica, which held the first ranke next vnto Carthage, and grew very famous by the death of Cato. In this countrie, they do also reckon the great towne of Cairoan, seated in a plaine which is desart and sandie, and famous by reason of the studie of the law, according to the lawes of the land, and the superstition of the Ara∣bians, the which are carefully obserued there.

The countrie of Tripoli begins at the riuer and gulfe of Capes, and extends neere vnto the countrie of Mesrat, beyond the towne of Tripoli. Some say that this prouince [ B] did extend it selfe in former times towards the North, before that is was drowned, by reason whereof, the inhabitants flying this inconueniencie retired themselues to∣wards the South. There are many townes in this prouince, whereof the chiefe is new Tripoli, which otherwise is called Tripoli of Barbarie. This towne hath gotten reputati∣on in our time, by reason of the pirats which liue there, and which annoy all the coasts of Italie: wheras in former times there was great accesse of merchants from Genoüa, Venice, Cicile, and other places.

Ezzabe, the last prouince of the realm of Tunes, lies beyond that of Tripoli towards the East. It comprehends some towns which are of no great importance. The chiefe coun∣trie of this prouince is called Mesrat, the which lies neere to the Mediterranean sea, and [ C] about one hundred miles from Tripoli: and this countrie containes many townes and villages built as well in the plaine as vpon the mountaines.

¶ The Qualitie.

IF we shall obserue in generall the realme of Tunes, we must confesse that it is fer∣tile enough, and fit to breed vp much cattell, and to beare great numbers of trees, the which are commonly seene towards the South: for vpon the East, it is not very fruitful, neither haue they much water: but to examine euery thing in particular, the countrie of Bugia is in some places pleasant and fruitfull, for that it yeelds good store of graine and fruit▪ but in some other places, it is so barr••n, as there can be nothing seene more misera∣ble. [ D] The soile about the towne of Bugia is not fit for corne, but it yeelds excellent fruits. There are in this countrie wonderful high and rough mountaines, where there are many forrests, and store of fountaines, replenisht with goats, ox••n, and horses.

In the countrie of Constantin there is store of oyle and corne, with great plentie of butter, by reason of the troupes of ca••tell which they feed. Neere vnto Bone, there is a very great plaine, the which is fortie miles long, and fiue and twentie broad, the which yeelds aboundance of corne.

In the prouince of Tunes neere vnto the chiefe towne, and within foure or fiue miles round about, there are plaines full of oliue trees: but they want wheat, and all other [ E] kind of graine, by reason that the inhabitants dare not manure the land that is about the towne, for feare of the Arabians, who make dayly incursions.

The prouince of Tripoli yeelds great store of dates, and fruits of all sorts: but it is not fit to beare corne; yet they haue good plentie of wheat. The prouince of Ezzab hath goodly plaines, but nothing fit to beare wheat, nor any other graine: but in recompence thereof, there is aboundance of oliues, dates, and many other fruits.

¶ The Manners of the auncient.

THe women of this countrie did in••old time weare vpon either thigh a hoope of [ F] brasse, which is obserued at this day in many places of Africke among the Moores, and they did weare their haire very long. They were in some places so vnciuile, or to speake more properly, so nastie, as they did kill the lice they tooke with their teeth, and afterwards cast them to the ground. These were called Andrimachides, who liued among the Po••nes, and these did send and prostitute their daughters being readie

to marrie, to their king, who defloured her that best pleased him, and tooke say before the [ A] came vnto her husband.

They which liued neere to the Marish Tritonides, did shaue the forepart of their head, and did weare their haire long behind: on the other side, the Auses did suffer their haire to grow before, like as time is described. The virgins of this countrie do euery yeare pre∣pare a combate on the day of Mineruas feast, in honour of that goddesse, and they did fight with stones and staues with great eagernesse. They that died in this combate were held for corrupted virgins, and she that had carried herselfe valiantly in the fight, was al∣waies honoured by other virgins, who arme her with all peeces, especiall, with a bour∣gognet made after the Corinthian manner, with a crest like vnto our morrions, and set∣ting [ B] her in a charriot, they did carrie her in triumph along the lake of Tritonides.

The people of this countrie did cohabite confusedly with women, and as for the chil∣dren which were borne of such coniunctions, whenas they come to age, they were brought to the assemblie of men, where they made choise of him they would remaine with, and he was held for their father•• and euery three moneths they meet vpon this oc∣casion. They were held treacherous and disloyall, yea in such sort as it grew to a prouerbe, That whenas any one had fasified his faith, and broken his oath, it was sufficient to say that he was a Poenian. They were alwaies subtile, whereof their captaine Hanniball hath giuen sufficient testimonie to the Romans: as for courage they wanted not any; but they were full of factions and enuie: and this diuision, with the effeminatnesse which they learned [ C] at Capoua, was the cause of Hanniballs totall ruine.

The king of Tremisen was not accustomed to speake to any but to the greatest per∣sons of his court, who were afterwards dispatched according to his fancie. He had for his officers a Lieutenant Generall, who in time of warre hath as great authoritie as the king: a chiefe Secretarie, who did write an aunswere in the kings name: a Treasurer, and another which did distribute the treasure according to the kings commanndement and pleasure: the fift was the Captain of the port, or rather the lord Steward, who comman∣ded the kings guard: and as for Chamberlaines, although he had some, yet they did no seruice but when the king gaue audience, for that in his chamber he was serued onely by slaues, and by his women and cunuches. [ D]

¶ The Manners at this day.

THe inhabitants of these countries liue for the most part like vnto them of the realms of Fesse and Morrocco, of whom we haue elsewhere made mention. True it is, they applie themselues something to liue after the maner of the Turkes, who command ouer them. The Arabians do also liue like vnto them of whom we haue spoken, treating of the Empire of Morrocco.

They that are borne in the countrie do not greatly loue the Turkes, who haue authori∣tie ouer them, and if there should grow any combustions or troubles among them, they [ E] would be the first that should take armes against the vsurpers of their prouinces.

The inhabitants of this countrie are of a good complexion, endure labour willingly, and grow most commonly to be old, if the end of their daies be not aduanced by some violent death. They are seldome sicke, neither do they much feare it.

They that liue in the prouince of Bugia are rich, noble, and courteous, and as ciuile as any that liue in the rest of Barbarie. They haue an ancient custome to paint a blacke crosse vpon their iawbones.

The inhabitants of the countrie called particularly Tunes, are not very rich, especial∣ly the noblemen and gentlemen, who vse no kind of trafficke. Their manners are like vn∣to those of other prouinces; yet they are more studious and giuen to learning than others: [ F] and neere vnto Carthage they are exceeding proud, although they be of all men most miserable.

Finally, all the countrie which lies neere vnto the sea is full of pirats, who do continual∣ly rob and spoile such as they encounter. There are many Christians which be all slaues,

[ A] and especially in the towne of Algier, whereas they doe reckon fiue and twentie thou∣sand, who retaine the humours and manners of the countrie where they were borne; but liue at the discretion of such as haue them in their powers.

¶ The Riches.

THese countries must needs be rich, seeing that Merchants come thither from all parts, except to Tripoli, which is an ordinarie harbour for Pyrats, by reason whereof the Venetians and Geneuois, who were accustomed to come thither in regard of their [ B] traffique, flie from it now as daungerous.

There are great numbers of merchants to be seene at Constantinople, who sell cloth, wooll, oyle, silke, linnen cloth, and many other things. The Gencuois, and some others, go to Bona to make their traffique of corne and butter; and many of them also go to Tunes in regard of traffique, and in like manner the Venetians, and many merchants of other Nations.

The towne of Algier hath two ports, the one at Sea, the other at land, whereof the entrie yeelds neere a million of gold. The feeding of cattel yeelds great benefit to the inhabitants of these countries, and the great number of slaues whom they force to la∣bour, yeelds them an inestimable profit.

[ C] ¶ The Religion.

ALl they that dwell in these countries make open profession of Mahomets law, where∣of we will speake more at large in the end, when we shall treat in generall of the Turkes religion. And as for Christian slaues, they liue there in their religion with in∣finit numbers of miseries, being more roughly vsed than in the countries of the emperour of Morroco.

❧AEGYPT, AND [ A] [ B] THE COVNTRIES OF THE TROGLODITES NEERE VNTO IT.

The Contents. [ C]

IN the countrie of Aegypt there are many things as worthie of note as be in the world: but before the Authour comes vnto them, he sets downe the scituation of the coun∣trie, and the diuers names wherewith the Auncients haue baptised Aegypt. Whence the Aegyptians haue drawne their beginning. The extention of this prouince in length and bredth. The figure resembling a hand stretched out at length, vnder what climat, and in what paralell. The seuer all diuisions which the Auncients haue made of these countries, and how in old time it was diuided into high and low. The great number of townes, amounting to six and twentie thousand, of the raigne of Amasis: the name of the most renowned, amongst [ D] which is Sirene where there is a deepe pit to be-seene, in which they can see no shadow whenas t••e Sur••enders into Cancer. Memphis, famous for the aboad of the kings of Aegypt, and the neere∣nesse of the Pyramides numbred among the seuen wonders of the world. The citie of Caire, of a triangular forme, the which hath within the circuit thereof a Tower, by the meanes whereof▪ they foresee the fertilitie, and future barrennesse of all Aegypt. Alexandria, a citie built in forme of a halfe Moone, where there are goodly Cesternes to be seene, and the ruines of the auncient palaces of Cleopatra, and of king Costa, father to S. Katherine. Two Obiliskes, or Spires, ten fadome high, with other singularities. Damietta, and others. The riuer of Nile admirable in her name, which in the letters carries the numbers of the daies of the yeare, and famous for her seuen mouthes, which, ouerflowing Aegypt, makes the land fertile: The spring whereof being vnknowne [ E] to the Auncients, hath beene discouered in our time. Among the stately buildings of this realme, are the Sepulchres of their kings, the Obiliskes, the Sphinx, and the Pyramydes. Then followes the consideration of their riches, growing by the aboundance of all sorts of graine, cotton, sugar, wines which keepe long; Palme trees, Siccamores, Pomegranets, Oranges, the Tamaris, and the Alcana, which the Aegyptians vse for painting; Mettals, the Ametiste, and other pretious stones; the Eagle stone, which hath a vertue to discouer theeues: and neere vnto Caire growes the tree which beares balme. As for the nature and disposition of the Aegyptians, and their subtiltie of wit, it sufficeth to say, that antiquitie hath attributed vnto them the inuention of sciences. Their women were capable to trade in merchandise, and to doe all offices belonging to men; the which they did practise in old time. The rest of the Authors discourse is verie notable touching the auncient [ F] forme of the Aegyptians Duells. Their manner of writing from the right hand to the left, and the two sorts of letters which is vsed, the one sacred, and the other common and prophane. The garments of their Priests: their sacrifices, their meats, the feasts, at the end whereof was shewed a dead bodie: the funerall pompes as well royall as particular. The deities which they worshipped

[ A] vnder the figures of all sorts of beasts. Their disposition, and manner of liuing, and their reli∣gion at this day. Their lawes and auncient customes made touching traffick and theft: and for the marriage of their priests. The authoritie of their kings, the order which they held to treat of affaires, and their ceremonies in sacrificing a bull vnto their gods. Finally, is represented the state of the religion of Aegypt at this day, and the manner of liuing of the Christians, called Co∣phites, or Christians; of the Girdle.

[ B] SOme auncient Authors would haue Aegypt to be a distinct part of the world diuided from Africke and Asia, betwixt the which they [ XXXII] containe it. Others which take Nile for the true bound of Asia and Africke, put a part of this countrie in Asia, and the other in Africke. But Ptolome, and many others who haue taken the Arabi∣an gulfe, or the red sea for a more commodious bound of these two parts, haue placed Aegypt in Africke.

It was sometimes called Aerya, Aetia, Potamia, Ogygia, Melambola, Hefestia, Miare, and also Aethiopia, by reason of the Aethiopians which liued there, as Stephen and Eusta∣thius do witnesse. But the name of Aegypt comes from one of their kings, brother to Da∣naus, or from the riuer of Nile, which was sometimes called Aegypt: or from the people of Merseu, descending from the race of Cham, who according to the testimonie of Iose∣phus, [ C] where called Aegyptians. This countrie hath also receiued many names and Epy∣taphes from diuers authors, for that Apolodorus calles it the region of the Melampodes, by reason of the great fertilitie; and according vnto Plutarch in Osiris, they gaue it the name of Shemia, in the sacred ceremonies of the Aegyptians. And it may be, they spake this word in steed of Shamea, as Ortelius hath wittily obserued, by reason of Cham the sonne of Noah.

In the sacred booke of the Hebrues, this countrie was called Mesraim, as Iosephus doth witnesse, and Chus, if we shall beleeue Arias Montanus. Whereupon I will not omit to say that the Aegyptians haue drawne their beginning from Mesraim the sonne of Chus, who came from Cham the sonne of Noah. The Arabians call this countrie Mezre, and the [ D] inhabitants Chibit, of his name who first commanded in those quarters. The Turkes call them Elchebits, as Pinet reports, or Elquibet, according to Marmolius.

This prouince runs a great tract of countrie from South to North. It hath for bounds vpon the West, the desarts of Barze, of Lybia, and Numidia, and the realme of Nubia; vpon the South, the countrie of Bugia, and the riuer of Nile, as Leo Africanus affirmes, for that in this place it winds about something from the West vnto the East. But Plinie (who was followed by many in that respect) sets the end of Aegypt vpon that side neere vnto the towne of Siena, which they now call Asne. Others say, that vpon the South side lie the Cataractes, which are very strait precipes, by the which the Nile falling with great aboundance of waters, seemes not to flow, but to poure downe with [ E] a wonderfull violence. It hath for bounds vpon the East, the desarts of Arabia, which lies betwixt Aegypt and the red sea, and all this countrie is desart, and without any water for the space of eight daies journey: vpon the North, it ioines with our sea, which is cal∣led in that place the Aegyptian sea, of the countrie to the which it ioines. This shewes sufficiently, that the Auncients haue call••d that onely Aegypt, which is watered by the riuer of Nile, that is to say, the countrie which is enuironed with great desarts, beginning at those places which are neere vnto Siena vnto the Mediterranean sea. And that part which lies on either side of Nile, from Asne vnto Alcaire or Caire, is like vnto a band stretched out at length, if you will except the turnings of the riuer, as Strabo writes, which are very many.

[ F] This figure is made by certaine mountaines, neere vnto the which the riuer running straight an•• restrained betwixt them, is neuer aboue fiue hundred stades broad, or about seuen and thirtie miles, neither doth it carrie that breadth in all places: but some modern writers affirme that it is not aboue seuen or eight miles broad, and that sometimes it is so restrained betwixt the mountains, as it carries not aboue foure or fiue miles in breadth.

But from Caire or neere vnto it, this riuer diuideth it selfe into two maine branche••, and [ A] giues a triangular figure to Aegypt, whereof the two sides are channells falling by two passages into the sea, that is to say, vpon the right hand to the Pelusian mouth, or of Damietta, and on the left hand to the mouth of Canope, where the towne of Rosetta now stands. The Basis of this triangle, is that coast of the Aegyptian sea which lies be∣twixt the mouth of Damiette, and that of Rosetta, which runs in length about three hundred stades, or one hundred sixtie and two Italian miles, as Strabo writes, or according vnto some others of one hundred and seuentie thousand paces: so as the most Norther∣therly part of Aegypt, which they call base Aegypt, hath the forme of an Island, compast in by the sea, and those two channells of Nile, and was comprehended vnder the name [ B] of Delta, by auncient Historiographers, Geographers, and Poets, for that it is very like vnto this Greeke letter.

This Island hath in circuit, as Strabo doth write, about three thousand stades, which make three hundred seuentie and fiue Italian miles: yet the moderne writers say, that this Delta containes about three hundred miles; for that from the towne of Rosetta vn∣to Damiette they account one hundred and fortie miles, and euery channell is seuentie miles long. Ptolome calls this the great Delta, the which he diuides into the lesser, and the third, calling the lesser Delta, that which lies betwixt the riuers of Bubastes and Busiris; and the third, is that which is contained betwixt the riuers of Bubastes and Atribe. All in a manner take the length of Aegypt, from the towne of Asne, vnto the Mediterrane∣an [ C] sea; and this extent, according vnto Plinie, is of fiue hundred eightie and fiue thou∣sand paces; but some moderne writers say, that it containes about fiue hundred thou∣sand.

Leo of Africke extends the length of this countrie beyond Asne, vnto the great and auncient Asne, which is distant from the riuer of Nile about eightie miles towards the East, and to the South, vpon the frontires of the realme of Nubia, and the inhabitants of Bugia. The same author makes it foure hundred and fiftie Italian miles long: but for that he makes them longer than he should, it is fit according to the opinion, of some to adde a fourth part; so as it would make about fiue hundred sixtie and two ordinarie miles. [ D]

It is scituated neere to the Tropicke of Cancer, bending towards the Articke circle, betwixt the seuenth & tenth paralel, especially vnder the second climat: by reason wher∣of the longest day in Summer is not aboue thirteene houres and a halfe, and in the most Northerly parts, it exceeds not fourteene houres. It lies betwixt the Meridean of Alex∣andria and Tenesse or Teneze, whereof the first passeth by the one hundred and sixtieth degree and a halfe, and the other neere to the sixtie three degree and one quarter. We find in authors diuers diuisions of this countrie, for that they which distinguish Asia from Africke by the riuer of Nile, diuide this prouince into three parts, that is to say, in∣to Aegypt of Asia, otherwise called Thebayde, and now Seid or Said; into Aegypt of Africke, which is that part which lies towards the West; and into base Aegypt contai∣ned [ E] towards the North in the diuision of Nile, vnder the forme of Delta.

Aegypt was also diuided in old time into high and low. They call that part high Aegypt which is long and straight, and begins at the Cataractes beyond Siena vpon the frontires of Aethyopia, and ends neere vnto Caire. Base Aegypt containes that which is enclosed betwixt the two channells of Nile, from Caire vnto the Mediterranean sea, vn∣der the forme of the letter Delta, or of a Triangle.

There are others who diuide this prouince into high, middle, and base, the base they take from the frontires of Aethiopia, and extend it onely vnto Antinoe, a towne seated vpon the Nile, which Leo Africanus calls Anthius; and it is the same with Thebayde or the countrie of Sahid. For the middle Aegypt, they take that part which is betwixt the [ F] towne of Antibe, and the top of the great Delta, which is called Heptapolis and Hep∣tanomia. Base Aegypt is according to their opinions the part contained vnder the figure of Delta, and this was called by the Romanes Amgustam-Nica, or Augustamia. I••stini∣an diuides it in his new constitutions into the first and second.

[ A] Finally, Leo Affricanus makes mention of the diuision of Aegypt, which was made when the Mahometans became maisters thereof. He diuides it into three regions, that is to say, into that of Sahid, which is earthly, the which runs from the countries of Bugia, vnto Caire, and this is high Aegypt: Into I••••ifia, which is in the West countrie of Nile, from Caire vnto Rosette; and into Bechria, or Merennua, which is vpon the East part neere vnto the riuer of Nile.

We must also vnderstand, that Aegypt was in former times diuided by Alexander in∣to diuers gouernements; and that the Romans did afterwards practise the like. Hero∣dotus makes mention of eighteene gouernements, or Nomes; Strabo nineteene; Pto∣lome [ B] six and fortie; Plinie about fiftie; but Ort••lins hath gathered out of diuers Authors about sixtie six Nomes.

As for the townes, some haue written that in former times there were about six and twentie thousand, whenas Amasis raigned▪ and Diodorus saith, That in his time there were aboue three thousand. But Ortelius could neuer find but three hundred, notwith∣standing all his care and diligence in this search: so as we must conceiue that auncient writers comprehended these bouroughs and villages in this computation: yet we denie not but the Scyrian, Aethiopian, and Roman warres, haue ruined many townes. But leauing this dispute, I say, that the most famous of Aegypt, were Siena and Thebes, which was also called Diospolis, Tentyra, Heliopolis, Memphis, Babylon, Alexandria, Pelu∣sim, [ C] and some others.

Siena, now called Asne, is precisely vnder the tropicke of Cancer. In this place (as Plinie doth witnesse) they made a verie great pit, where th••re is no shadow to be seene whenas the Sunne enters into Cancer. The towne of Memphis, seated beyond the riuer of Nile towards the West, was in old time the aboad of the princes of Aegypt, and the Pyramides (whereof writers make so great mention) are not farre from it. Caire suc∣ceeded in the place of this auncient towne, and was the ordinarie aboad of the Soldans of Aegypt. It is true, that many hold that the Caire is in the same place where in old time Babylon stood: For Belon, who hath beene in all those countries, seemes to assure that the towne, called Babylon by the Auncients, was a little aboue Caire. And in truth [ D] there are many ruines to be seene, and the remainders of goodly and stately buildings in that place, the which is at this day a village, where there remaine good numbers of Christians, Grecians, and Armenians, where there is a chappell to be seene, and a vault vnder ground, where they say that the blessed Virgin lay hidden with her sonne our Sa∣uiour, whenas she fled out of Iu••ie.

The towne of Caire is more long than broad, and of a triangular forme. It is verie great, and walled about, but not of all sides, for that the riuer of Nile borders the grea∣test part, which serues as a wall. Without the circuit of the walls, there are many buil∣dings, and a fo••t which is in one of the corners like a rocke whereas certaine staires were cut out, the aboad whereof is wholesome and pleasant: for that, taking view from the [ E] windowes, they might see the whole countrie of Aegypt. Most of the houses are coue∣red with double slate, by reason of the heat, and the doores are so low and narrow, as they are forced to stoope when they enter into them: yet the houses of great men haue great gates, like vnto those of Europe. There is in this towne a certaine Tower, by means whereof they know how fertile it shall be euerie yeare in Aegypt, obseruing how much the riuer of Nile did rise: for there are diuers markes by the which they doe judge what the haruest will be: for whenas Nile comes to the highest hole, they haue aboundance of corne; and after this manner they judge of their haruest, according to the heigth of the water: yet the Baron of Beauueau, in his voyage saith, That it was in Mosque called Elchial, whereas they did measure how m••ch the riuer of Nile did rise by a pillar [ F] which was there; but Palernes in his peregrination saith, That they go and obserue the heigth of this riuer, in an Island neere vnto Caire, whereof we will make mention, spea∣king of the qualitie of Aegypt.

There is also within the citie of Caire, a place walled about called Basestan, whereas they sell much siluer vessell, cloth of gold and siluer, silkes, and some rare spices. Multi∣tudes

of people flocke thither continually, for that whatsoeuer is rare within the citie, is [ A] to be seene there. Some report, That this citie hath aboue eighteene miles in circuit, and aboue foure and twentie thousand streets which are chained vp euerie night. There are both within and without the citie goodly gardens, the which, beside ordinarie hearbs, were replenished with canes of Cassia, Tamaris, Palme trees, Siccamores, Oranges, Citrons, and wild Lymons, and also with Canes of Sugar, and the hedges which are about these gardens are full of Camelions. Aboue Materea, which is a goodly garden neere vnto Caire, there is an Obeliske to be seene, greater than those which are at Alex∣andria, or that which is to be seene in the Hippodromo at Constantinople.

As for the Pyramides of Aegypt (as Belon reports) they stand in an eminent place, and [ B] begin to shew themselues fortie miles off. The Aegyptians (as he saith) call these Pyra∣mides, Pharaons; and they seeme more admirable to them that behold them neere hand, than Authors haue described them: for the antique workes of the Romans, are matters of small moment, in regard of these wonderfull masses of stone. They are to be seene in a verie desart place, foure miles from Caire, and some three stones cast beyond the riuer of Nile. The greatest exceeds all the rest in beautie. It hath at the foot three hundred paces in square, which make one thousand two hundred in circuit, and the heigth there∣of may be six hundred foot. The stones whereof it is made, are in a manner equall, three foot long, and two foot broad, and of the same thicknesse; and although the top seemes to be made sharpe, by reason of the altitude thereof, yet it is one and twentie [ C] foot square.

The Baron of Beauueau (from whom I haue drawne this relation) saith, That en∣tring into it, he first descended some fiftie paces, then mounting about fortie, he went in∣to an alley that was foure foot broad, and fiue high, and some thirtie paces long, the which had at the foot of it a little chamber, some eight paces square, but all ruined, and full of ordure; and returning by the same alley, he saw vpon the right hand the mouth of a verie great and deepe Cesterne, then mounting 68 steps, he entred into a verie high chamber, garnished with marble, the which was fortie foot long, and one and twentie broad, where there was to be seene a great hollow stone of Thebain marble, the which was three or foure fingers thicke, twelue spans long, and fiue broad. This stone is of such [ D] a substance, as striking thereon with another stone, it sounds as cleere as a bell. This was the report of that kinght, whereon I will relie, beleeuing that a man of his qualitie will describe things as they are, and not falsifie any thing.

Belon saith, That it hath steps without, and three hundred twentie foure paces vpon ei∣ther side. Moreouer, from the basis or foot, vnto the top, there are two hundred and fiftie degrees, whereof euerie one is fiue foot high, reckoning nine inches to the foot. He saith, That the bredth is such, that a good archer being vpon the top, and shooting an ar∣row into the aire, it would fall vpon the steps, and not passe the foundation. He reports, That the top is plaine, and hath two paces in Dyameter, and that fiftie men may easily stand thereon. [ E]

I will not speake of the rest, for that were a superfluous curiositie: but I will onely say, that, a little beneath the Pyramides, the great Colosse of Sphinx is to be seene, neere vn∣to the channell of Nile. I will omit the description, for that Plinie, Herodotus, and some others, haue done it sufficiently.

The towne of Alexandria was in former times one of the chiefe cities of the world; for for that it yeelded not vnto Rome, in regard of the number of the inhabitants. It is sea∣ted (as the Baron of Beauueau reports) in a sandie countrie, and vpon the Sea shore, built like a halfe Moone, more broad than long, and is diuided into old and new. The first is three miles long, hauing within it (besides many rare things) two mountaines of sand that are inclosed. Her auncient walls are yet standing, but within it is little inhabi∣ted. [ F] All the buildings are hollow, and vaulted vnderneath, and full of Cesternes, the which are supported by pillars of marble, by reason of the necessitie of water, for that they haue no other but that which is brought from an arme of Nile, called Calis, by cer∣taine pipes to fill these cesternes once a yeare, which is the fifteenth day of August. There

[ A] are very faire and great streets, in which there are many antiquities and ruines to be seen, among others the ruines of the pallace of king Costes, father to S. Katherine, and neere vn∣to it six pillars of marble, the which are twentie spans about, and three fadomes high without the ground. There is also to be seene in a street, the place where S. Marke was beheaded, and a church where the Cofites keepe the stone vpon the which his head was cut off, and the pulpit wherein he preached. There is also a church dedicated to S. Kathe∣rine, where there is a square pillar to be seene, vpon the which the head of this virgin was cut off.

Neere vnto the walls of the port, there are two spires to be seene, almost a like, both [ B] grauen with Hieroglificall letters, whereas the one lies all along, and is almost couered with earth; and the other stands ten fadome high without the ground, and hath eleuen foot in square. A little boue, is the place to be seene, where in old time stood Cleopatras pallace, where she had a gallerie which aduanced ouer the sea, as may be seene by the ruines.

Without the towne stands a pillar which Caesar caused to be erected in memorie of Pompeis defeat, the which is of marble, and of a reasonable heigth: the basis and top are eightie foot, and it hath eight and twentie in circuit. As for the new towne, it is some∣what more pleasant, seated in a plaine, hauing vpon the left hand the old port, the which is defended by a castle of the old towne: but by reason of the difficultie, they doe no [ C] more vse it, but sometimes to lodge their galleys and foists.

Vpon the right hand is the new port, the which is nothing but an open road, subiect to the Northern winds: but it is defended on either side by two castles, which they call Farilos, whereof the one stands vpon a little Peninsula, and hath no other fresh water, but what is brought to it by the towne cesterns: the other is right against it; so as all ships must of necessitie passe within the shoot of these two castles, and without these two ports the towne would be soone abandoned by reason of the bad aire.

The Island of Pharos, which they set right against Alexandria, is no more an Island, as in the time of Caesar and Ptolome: for this place ioines now to the firme land, and hath a castle very incommodious, for that that they are forced dayly to carry water vpon cam∣mells, [ D] which they draw out of the cesternes of Alexandria. Halfe a dayes iourney from Alexandria, stands Rosetta, a faire towne, seated on the riuer of Nile, about eight miles from the sea. The houses are well built, and enricht with gilding and painting, rare things in those prouinces.

The towne of Damietta is also very famous, and seated neere to the Miditerranean sea. The auncients called it Pelusium, and it had also the name of Eliopolis, of the prince Elie or Aly who had enuironed it with three walls, Suidas calles it the key of Aegypt: but Ortelius thinkes that Pelusium is that which at this day we call Teneze. Besides these townes, there are also others of good note, as Michacle, which is almost as big as Caire; and Fuca, or Foua, which next vnto Caire is bigger than any of the rest, and right against [ E] it, is the Island of Edibeb, which the riuer of Nile makes in that place. There are also a great number of townes and villages in Aegypt, especially neere to the riuer of Nile, which makes them pleasant, and yeelds them great profit.

As for villages, if they be far from Nile, the inhabitants haue built them in high pla∣ces to auoid the ouerflowing of the water. Their houses are built of a thicke fat slime or mire, the which is very binding; and their couerings are pointed, yet there are some which are made flat.

As for the Troglodites, they held the countrie which lies beyond the banke of the red sea, vpon the right hand of Aegypt. Polome calls them Arabians Ichthiophages: and Ca∣ftoldus saith that this countrie is now called Sci••fia; but it seemes that the modernes call [ F] it Arabia Trogloditica.

The chiefe places of this countrie are Grondal or Corandal, with a reasonable good port. Alcosser or Chozair, which some take for the auncient Berenice of Ptolome. There the mountains open to giue passage to the fruits which are brought out of the Abyssines countrie.

There is also Suaquen which is the Ptolomais of Mela, according to the opinion of [ A] Ortelius. Plinie calls it Epytheras, and Ptolome Theron. Neere vnto this towne, there is a very good port. The Turke doth commonly entertaine a Bassa there, who commands all the countrie.

Neere vnto the red sea, and as it were in the head of the Arabian gulfe, stands the towne of Suez, which Peter Gilliez, and Belon take for Arsinoe, mentioned by Ptolome. Zieglerius holds it to be Potidia, according to Strabo: but some others thinke that it is Hero, or the citie of Heros, which did flourish exceedingly in the time of the Ptolomees, and of the Romanes, by reason of the aboundance of merchandise which was brought thither from the Indies, and Arabia, and transported from thence by Caire and Alexan∣dria [ B] to Aegypt: but at this day it is of no great trafficke, nor much peopled, by reason of the great difficultie of all things; and yet the Turke hath vsed all possible meanes to people it.

¶ The Qualitie.

AeGypt is only watered by the riuer of Nile, which makes the soile very fruitfull. There haue beene many names giuen vnto this riuer, for the which they giue diuers rea∣sons: for Diodorus hath called it Aetos, that is to say, Eagle, by reason of the swiftnesse of her course towards the Cataractes. It hath also beene called Aegypt, of a king of that [ C] countrie, who gaue his name both to the realme and riuer. Festus saith that it was called Melus; and Eustathius and Plutarch, Mela: Cedren and Epiphanius tearme it Chrysor∣rhoas, that is to say, flowing in gold; and Denis giues it the name of Siena: it was also in old time called Syris, Triton, Diris, Astepe, and Astaboras. In holie writ it is called Si∣hor or Seor, that is to say, trouble, by reason of the slime and mud which it carries with it into Aegypt; and it also giues it the name of Gehon, and of Phison.

The Aegyptians haue called it Noym: the Abyssins, Tacui, according to Barius, or Abanhi, as Martian writes; the Africans, Nile; and they of the countrie, Taccasij, and Abanhi. There are diuers opinions touching the spring of this riuer, and all are very vn∣certaine. But at this day it is certainely knowne that it comes not from the mountaines [ D] of the Moone, as Ptolome assures, but from a very great lake called Zaire, the which is in high Aethiopia, betwixt the realme of Congo or Manicongo, and the countrie of Moni∣motapa or Benimotapa, vnder the eleuenth degree, or the heigth of the Pole Antartick and it is most certaine, that this riuer flowing through many countries with sundrie tur∣nings serpent wise, make a great number of Islands, whereof the greatest is that of Meroe. But when it enters into Aegypt, it runs betwixt the mountaines which restraines it of ei∣ther side, then it makes the Delta, hauing spread it selfe abroad by many straits and val∣leis: for as far as the mountaines extend themselues, and are distant one from another; so much doth the riuer extend it selfe, or grows narrower, and makes the habitable coun∣trie of a diuers forme, and then againe it dilates it selfe ouer the champian fields, taking [ E] againe her naturall course.

The riuer of Nile, whilest it runs along Aegypt, is very like to the riuer of Po, especial∣ly from Ferrara vnto the mouth of it; for they may easily passe both vpon the one and the other with full sailes both vpward and downeward.

Auncient authors doe not agree touching the mouthes of Nile: for some will haue seuen, as Mela, Strabo, Diodorus, and Herodotus: others nine, with Ptolome, and Plinie eleuen. But the Moderns assure that there are but three or foure, as William of Tier, and Peter Belon, who report what they haue seene, and in like manner some others: for it di∣uides it selfe into foure branches foure miles from Caire, whereof two make the two chiefe and nauigable mouthes, that is to say, the one Damietta, and the other of Roset∣ta: [ F] yet when it ouerflowes, many brookes, into the which the riuer is diuided, are naui∣gable. But in another season great vessells cannot passe, by reason of the marishes and and sands, but they may onely be waded through. Finally this riuer is wonderfull fruit∣full, for that it breeds very excellent fish, and moreouer beasts, and fearefull monsters, as

[ A] Horses, Sea-calues, Crocodiles and others, which do much harme to men. They say that there is no wind vpon this riuer, and that the water is sweeter than any other in the world: It may be the reason is for that it is much inflamed with heat, and by that meanes not too thicke, but more subtile, or else by reason of her long course; for they hold that there is not any riuer in the world that flowes by so great a tract of land.

Some report, that Nile written in Greeke, expressing the number which euerie Let∣ter is valued at, contaynes the whole number of the daies of the yeare, after this manner: N. 50, E. 5, 1. 10, λ. 30, O. 70, σ. 200.

The ouerflowing of Aegypt begins about the seuenteenth of Iune, at what time the ri∣uer [ B] begins to rise, and continues fortie daies together, and did fall during the like time. This happeneth whenas Aethiopia, which is aboue Aegypt, hath greatest store of rayne, especially in the farther mountaines; and when this raine is past, the ouerflowing sea∣seth, and it retires it selfe. And in truth it is an admirabe thing to see the rising of this ri∣uer, whenas all others fall, and to see it decrease whenas others begin to swell. During the time of her encrease, vnto the end of her fall, all the townes of Aegypt are like vnto Islands, for that they are scituated vpon high places, to the end that the ouerflowing of Nile should not annoy them: so as no man can passe but by boat, or the art of swim∣ming; and at this time in a manner all kind of wild beasts that come there are drowned, and such as can escape, saue themselues by retiring vnto hills: As for ••ame cattell, which they keepe at that time in stables, they are fed by their maisters, who hath made prouisi∣on [ C] for the feeding of them. Finally, for that the rising of Nile hath beene sometimes lesse, it may be conceiued that in time it will be nothing, and that the bankes will equall the heigth of the riuer.

There are some which hold, (according to the testimonie of Strabo) That Aegypt was in former times drowned by the Sea, vnto the ma••shes neere vnto Pelusium, and to the mountaines of Cassia, and Serbonides; but by the means of Nile, which did continually bring slime and mud with her innundation, it became as we now see it. And the reason which confirmes this opinion, is, that a great number of shells are found in the sand.

The countrie of Aegypt is plaine, low, and without mountaines; so as they cannot see farre. The ayre is hot and offensiue; so as to auoid the insupportable heat in Sommer, and [ D] to haue some fresh ayre and wind, the inhabitants are accustomed (as Leo Affricanus re∣ports) to build verie high Towers in all their townes, which haue both aboue and below a doore right against their houses; so as the wind comes both from below, and from the top: yet this prouince is not subiect to the Southerne winds, which are ho••test, like vnto the rest of Africke; but it is chiefely exposed to the Southerne winds, the which are moist there, whereas in other countries they drie.

The countrie is not subject to Earthquakes, not to rayne, whereof they haue not any need, for that the land is euerie yeare fattened with the ouerflowing of the riuer of Nile. And if it happens to rayne, the which is verie seldome, it causeth diseases, as Catharres, [ E] Feuers, swelling of the codds, and other sicknesses. Finally, the countrie is exceeding fertile, by reason of the ouerflowing of Nile; for want whereof, the dearth is verie great. They haue digged many pits, to the end that such townes as are farre from Nile, in the middest of the prouince, should neuer be vnfurnished of water, whenas the riuer ritires it selfe. Trogus makes mention, that the countrie of Aegypt is so fertile, as there is not any one that yeelds so great aboundance of all things necessarie for the life of man. Therefore many of the Auncients haue called Aegypt, the Store-house of the earth; and Plinie as∣sures, that the greatnesse of the Roman empire could not long continue without the come and wealth of Aegypt; for that the plentie or famine of the people of Rome depen∣ded vpon the riuer of Nile. He saith also, That the countrie of Aegypt doth so abound [ F] with hearbs good to eat, as they may the more easily forbeare corne. The riches of Aegypt may sooner be admired, than valued, if we consider the magnificence and pride of the tombes and monuments of kings, the Labyrinths, the Obiliskes, the Pyramides, and the Sphynx, which were finished with an incredible charge.

This prouince abounds with all sorts of graines, & pulses. It hath good pastures in euery

place, and aboundance of Oliue trees: yet high Aegypt, or the countrie of Sahid, exceeds [ A] all the rest in aboundance of pulses, and flax, and in store of cattle, hens, and geese. That part of base Aegypt which lyes towards the East, the which is called Errife, yeelds aboun∣dance of fruit, Barley, and Rice; and the Westerne part yeelds great store of cotton, and sugar. They go to their haruest in this countrie, in the beginning of Aprill, and presently they thresh their corne, so as by the twentieth of May, there is not an eare to cut. The fields about Nile, for the most part (as Belon reports) are full of Rice, and Canes of Su∣gar. But beyond the bankes of Nile, they haue some difficultie to trim and entertaine their gardens, for that they are forced, with certaine vessels that their oxen carrie, to bring water continually for the watering of them. [ B]

Besides their hearbes and corne, there is verie good wine, and great aboundance in diuers places; for that neere vnto the Lake called Meotides, they gather excellent good wine, which keepes verie long: but they haue no great store of Oyle, nor vnder-woods; and they haue little other timber but Palme trees, which are not worth any thing for building. These Palme Trees grow wonderfull high throughout all the countrie of Aegyt, and there hath beene seene (as Belon makes mention) comming out of one bodie, twentie great trees seperated. Besides these Palme trees, their gardens are replenished with Siccamores, Cassia, Pomegranets, Oranges, and Tamaris; whereof the greatest part grow exceeding high: but the Tamaris comes not but when it is sowed, and it growes as well in drie as moist ground, as for Siccamores, they are so greene, as they exceed all other trees in greenenesse. [ C]

They haue also carefully maintained a shrubbe called Alcana, whereof there are vn∣derwoods: The leaues are of a yellow colour when they are dried, wherewith the wo∣men that liue in the Turkes countrie, die their hands and feet, and a part of their haire. There is also great store of sweet smelling flowers; for that Plime doth also giue precious perfumes to Aegypt, yet he affirmes, That their flowers doe not commonly smell verie well, for that the aire is full of fogges, by reason of the neerenesse of the riuer of Nile.

Besides cruell and hurtfull beasts, wherewith the countrie abounds, it doth breed a great number of tame cattell, as Bugles, Oxen, Camells, Horses, Asses, Sheepe, and Goats; all which grow verie great, by reason of the temperature of the ayre, the aboun∣dance [ D] of pasture, & sweetnesse of the feed, being watered by the riuer of Nile. Amongst other cattell, there are sheepe, exceeding great and fat, which haue thicke tailes hanging downe to the ground, and their wooll is blacke. And for that the countrie is verie moo∣rish in Winter, there breed many fowle, especially Storkes, whereof the countrie is so full, as in some grassie places watered by the riuer of Nile, the fields are in a manner all co∣uered. There breeds also in this countrie such aboundance of frogges, as if the Storkes did not deuoure them, there would be nothing else seene. There are many Camelions, as Belon writes, the which are found among the shrubs, and liue not of the wind, as many haue written; yet they will continue a whole yeare together without eating any kind of sustenance. [ E]

The hens doe not vse to hatch or discouer their chickins in any part of Aegypt, and therefore they vse the heat of furnaces. Moreouer, this countrie hath alwaies abounded in mettalls, especially in those places which are neere vnto Aethiopia; and the Amethyste, with many other pretious stones, grow there. They doe also find great store of the Eagle stone, called Actites, neere vnto Alexandria, wherewith they may lade whole ships; and these stones haue this speciall vertue, to cause theeues to be discouered and surprised, as Belon notes in his obseruations.

The women of Aegypt are verie fruitfull for the procreation of children, insomuch as many times they haue three or foure at a birth, and it hath beene obserued, that the chil∣dren which were borne in that country, in the eighth moneth, are not in danger of death, [ F] as in other places.

Neere vnto Caire, and in a place called Materea, they find a tree which beares balme; and about Alexandria, they haue a great number of a certaine kind of goats which they call Gazelles; they haue also many Pomegranets, Lymons, Oranges, Citrons, Figges,

[ A] cherries, and other kinds of fruits which we haue in these countries. They find also about Alexandria great store of pulses, rice and barley. It is true that this soile would be barren if the inhabitants were not very carefull to manure it; and especially in those places which were far from the riuer of Nile, being forced to bring water with their oxen and by other meanes.

The Island of Edibeb abounds in canes of sugar, siccamores, palme trees, all sorts of pulses, and rice. As for Arabia Trogloditica, it is a barren countrie, sandie, desart, and not manured, and also little inhabited, by reason that they recouer water with great dif∣ficultie. And touching the towne of Suez, there is not any water within two miles com∣passe [ B] round about: for they digge their water out of a certaine pit the which is two miles distant from the towne, the which they carry vpon cammells, but it is somewhat bitter and salt.

¶ The Manners of the auncient.

THe Aegyptians haue beene alwaies very ingenious and wittie; so as Macrobius calles Aegypt the mother of arts; for that the inhabitants of this countrie haue inuented Geometrie, Arithmaticke, Physicke, and other arts. They were first of all giuen to the obseruation of the stars, to Negromancie, and Sorcerie.

[ C] They were the first of all which inuented the names of twelue gods, and which did erect Altars, Idolls, and Temples, and who set the figures of beasts in their statues: the which shewes plainely, that vndoubtedly they tooke their beginning from the Aethio∣pians, who first of all brought all these things into the world, as Diodorus Sicilus re∣ports.

The women of Aegypt did in old time vse the trade of merchandise, keepe tauernes, and did all offices belonging to men; whereas their husbands were idle, and kept their houses, and if there were any burdens to be borne, the men set them vpon their heads, and the women vpon their shoulders. The men sate downe to make water, and the wo∣men on the other side stood right vp; they went to do their businesse in their houses, and [ D] did feast it in the open streets.

No woman of Aegypt might be a priest in the Temple of any of their gods or god∣desses. And as for the Aegyptians they were neuer consecrated to any particular god, but to all together. They had a soueraigne Bishop chosen from among the priests, who at his decease left his sonne to succeed him in his dignitie and soueraigne priesthood. The legi∣timate children, according to the law of the countrie, did not refuse to nourish their pa∣rents, wherunto they were not forced, wheras the women were constrained, if by chance they were vnwilling thereunto.

There haue beene many other people whose custome hath beene in mourning and lamenting for the dead, to couer their heads with dyrt, & to suffer their beards and haire [ E] to grow: but the Aegyptians did poule their haire, and cut their beards, and did knead paste with their hands and feet, and some say that they first of all brought in circumcisi∣on among men. It is the opinion of auncient Greeke authors, who were ignorant of the sacred historie of the Iewes.

They did write from the right hand to the left, like vnto the Hebrewes, Arabians, Turkes, and Persians. The women did carrie but one single roabe, and the men, as more delicate and effeminate, had two. They vsed also two kinds of letters, the one was sacred, and the other common and allowed to all men: but this latter was drawen from the Ethyopians. The priests were bound to shaue all their bodie euery three daies, to the end they might not carrie any filthinesse into the temple and sacrifice. They did weare gar∣ments [ F] of linnen cloth new washed, white and cleane, saying, that they did cut the fore∣skin to be more neat, and that it was more seemely to be without filthinesse, than in any other sort whatsoeuer. They had shooes made of a certaine wood which they call papier.

They did not sow any beanes in Aegypt, neither was it lawfull for any one of them to eat any if by chance they were brought thither from any other countrie: yea the

priests were forbidden to looke on them, for that they held an opinion that this kind of [ A] pulse was impure. Their custome was to wash themselues dayly in cold water, many times thrice a day, and twice in the night. The Aegyptian sacrificers did neuer eat the heads of any beasts that had beene sacrificed, but they did first curse them with strange execrations, and with cruell and abhominable words, then they sold them to the first stranger that came, or if they found no merchant to buy them, then they cast them into the riuer of Nile.

All the Aegyptians did sacrifice oxen, bulls, and calues: but is was forbidden to sacri∣fice any kine or heyfers; for that they were dedicated to the goddesse Isis, to whom they bare a particular honour. They did liue of drie bread and vsed beere, for that they had [ B] no wine growing: they did also eat fish sometimes raw, and sometimes dried in the Sunne, or salted, and in their pickle. They did also eat foule raw and salted, and the richest among them did eat quailes, and mallards, the which they held for their greatest dainties.

Whenas they met at any feast, and the banquet ended, some brought in a dead bodie made of wood, or otherwise exceedingly well represented being about two fadomes long, which figure was shewed to euery one that assisted at the feast, saying, eat, and drinke, and behold this; for hauing liued at thine ease, thou shalt be like vnto him after thy death. Whenas young men met with any that were more aduanced with age, they went out of the way to let them passe, and seeing them to come into any assemblie, they [ C] did rise to giue them place: and whenas they encountred in the streets, they saluted one another without any speech, stretching forth their hands, and bending downe vnto their knees. They did weare garments of linnen cloth fringed at their sleeues, the which they called Calasires, casting white cloakes vpon them to couer them: for they were forbid∣den to weare garments of wooll whenas they entred into their temples, neither durst they burie them with any dead bodie.

They were very sober, for they did neuer set any thing vpon the table, but a peece of veale and a goose, and there was a certaine measure of wine appointed for euery one, to the end they should not fill their bellies more than were fit, nor drinke vntill they were drunke. [ D]

Their kings carried themselues so mildly vnto their subiects, as they did winne the hearts and loue of all men; so as not onely the priests, but all others were more care∣full of the preseruation and the prosperitie of their king, than of themselues, their wiues, and children. Whenas the king died, it was a pittifull thing to see their generall lamentation, tearing their garments, and shutting vp their Temples, going neither to faires nor markets, nor solemnising any feast, defiling their heads with dyrt, for the space of two moneths, and twelue daies, carrying a linnen cloth bound about their armes, and in this manner twice a day there met two or three hundred men and women to re∣new their mournings and complaints, singing in verse the vertues and holie life of their king who was dead. [ E]

During all this time, they did not eat any meat that was roasted, and they did ab∣staine from wine, and from all kinds of daintie meates. They did not wash nor an∣noint themselues, neither did they lie in any bed, nor had the companie of their wiues, but during all this time they went and lamented very much for their king, as if their owne children had beene dead. During all this time, they prepared the funerall pompe, and the last day, the bodie was carried before the doore, and to the entrie of the Tombe or Sepuchre, where they did repeat an Abridgement or Sommarie of the life and actions of the deceased king, and then it was lawfull for euery man to accuse him.

The sacrificers did also assist in that place, and did commend the forepassed life of him, [ F] whose bodie lay exposed to the view of the people; who allowed that which was com∣mendable with clapping of their hands & great acclamations, reiecting with a trouble∣some noise, those things which displeased them in the discourse of his life. This hath of∣ten bin the cause that many kings whom the people hated, and wose actions were distast∣full

[ A] vnto them, hearing the discourse made, were depriued of the honour of their obse∣quies, and the pompo accustomed at the funeralls of kings. And this feare caused many of them to liue justly, for that they were assured the people would not faile to dishonour them, and denie their bodies these last offices.

Finally, the Aegyptians haue beene the most superstitious, or rather the most ridicu∣lous of all the Idolaters, for that not content with the statues or images of men, they haue worshipped beasts both aliue and dead, as Cats, Dogges, Rats, Sparrow-hawkes, Goats, Wolues, Crocodiles, and a great number of other beasts. And they were so void of shame to make publique profession of this follie and beastlinesse, as contrariwise they [ B] held it worthie of praise and honour, whenas they practised this villanous Idolatrie. They carried the figures and representations of these beasts about their townes and villages, shewing them a farre off as their preseruing gods, which they should honour. Whenas any one of these gods of the Aegyptians died, they put it into a faire lynnen cloth, salting it with great cries and lamentations, and beating their brests strangely; then annointing it with the juyce of Cedar, and other precious and arromaticall drugges, they interred it in a certaine place appointed to that effect, to the end that the dead carcase should not sodenly dissolue. If any man did kill any one of these beasts, there was no meanes to saue his life, for that the people flocking together, did murther him most cruelly, neuer expe∣cting how justice would determine or censure of him: The feare which many had to be thus ill entreated, made them whenas they saw any one of these beasts dead, to flie farre [ C] from it, deepely lamenting this losse, and making it knowne that it came not by any fault of his.

The charge of feeding these beastly gods was giuen to men of qualitie, who carried themselues carefully, and entertained them with great charges, for that their food was a kind of delicat drinke made of a certaine graine, and broth composed of wheat flower, and they had also for these beasts, other meats made with milke, and besides that, they did set before them geese, both boyled and roasted, to satisfie them. They gaue to them that liued, raw flesh, and birds taken with nets or otherwise, and to be short, they imployed much money, and a great deale of toyle, to entertaine them.

[ D] They were so foolish, as seeing these beasts to die, they wept, and mourned heauily, with shews of contrition, as if their children had beene deceased, and they did interre them with much charge and state: so as in the time of Ptolome, surnamed Lagus king of Aegypt, an oxe being dead at Memphys of meere age, he that had the charge to feed him, spent in his funeralls a great summe of money which he had receiued for his feeding; and moreouer, he borrowed of the king fiftie talents of siluer to furnish the charge of these ridiculous obsequies.

As for the honours which they performed to dead men, the Aegyptians did also exceed in that charge, for as soone as any one was dead, the friends and kinsfolkes of the decea∣sed comming together, couered their heads with dyrt, and went about the towne lamen∣ting [ E] and weeping continually, vntill the bodie were interred. During this time, they ne∣uer washed themselues as of custome, neither did they drinke any wine, nor eat any deli∣cat thing, and the apparell which they vsed, was of small value. Their interments were of three sorts or kinds, the one sumptuous, the second meane, and the third of small im∣portance. In the first, they imployed a talent of siluer: in the second, twentie mynes: and the third was performed with so little charge, as it deserues not to be spoken of. They that had the charge of funeralls, as being borne and bred vp to it from their youth, carried the rolls of their charges, to enquire of the parents of the deceased, how much they would spend, and when they had agreed vpon the price, they deliuered the bodie, to the end that the preparations of the obsequies might be made according to their agreement. First, [ F] the Register or Scribe, hauing layed the bodie vpon the bare ground, did marke vpon the hip, how farre they should launce or cut the bodie vpon the left side. He that had charge to make the incision, taking an Aethiopian stone, did launce the dead bodie, and then fled sodenly and speedily away, being followed by the assistants, who cursed him, and threw stones at him, as if he had committed some crime, for that they were of opinion

that he which had thus opened the bodie of any man, had some secret hatred against the [ A] deceased. They that did embalme the bodie, were held amongst them for men of note and esteeme, and might frequent the Temples, and conuerse with the sacrificing Priests. Whenas these were neere vnto the bodie, they did open all the bowells, except the heart, and the kidneys; and sodenly another washt that place with Phenetian wine, into the which they did put odoriferous things; then they did first annoint the bodie with the juyce of Cedar, and then with diuers arromaticall things for the space of a moneth, or more: and not content to haue embalmed it after this sort, they made an infusion of Myrhe, Synamon, and other spices, as well to preserue the bodie long from corruption, as also to giue it a good smell. [ B]

The bodie being embalmed after this manner, they deliuered it vnto his kinsfolkes, hauing first so placed euerie part and member of the bodie, euen the eye browes, as it might be taken for a sleeping man. After this, they began the discourse of his life from his infancie, and related his pieties towards the gods, his knowledge, the innocencie of his manners; then comming to his perfect age, his religion, his justice, his integritie, his continencie, and his wisdome. Which done, they did call vpon the infernall gods, en∣treating them to place the dead bodie in the ranke of the happie. The people made an∣swer to those prayers, much commending the dead, as he that enioyed the happinesse of fortun at soules. Euerie man did interre his dead bodie in his owne Sepulchre: As for such as had no particular place, they put them in their houses in the strongest walls there was, setting the coffin right vp, and walling it with masons worke, to the end that the suc∣cessours [ C] growing rich, and performing their dutie in paying what was due for the decea∣sed, they might haue meanes to interre it honourably.

Whenas they borrowed any money, they were accustomed to lay the bodies of their kinsfolks in pawne; and if they failed to redeeme them, it was a great infamie vnto them; and moreouer, they themselues were depriued of buriall.

To conclude this discourse, the Aegyptians held themselues to be all gentlemen, and were in former times verie slouthfull, delicat, inconstant, braggers, great talkers, and of little truth in their discourses. They were naturally proud, furious, and more fitter for mutinies and innouasions than to execute any thing well. They were injurious, and no∣thing [ D] valiant, ignorant of the lawes, and aboue all, could not endure the commaund of strangers. They were so subiect to mutinies and seditions, and to suffer themselues to be transported, as they haue raised great combustions for verie light causes.

¶ The manners at this day.

THere are few remaining at this day of the right Aegyptians, being reduced to a hand∣full of Christians, and the rest following Mahomets law, are mixt among the Affri∣canes, and the Arabians: for the ancient nobilitie of Aegypt, who had retired themselues into maritime places, after that the Roman empire was transported into Greece, they [ E] went into the heart of the countrie, into the prouince of Sahid, or high Aegypt, whenas the Mahometans inuaded the countrie: yet there is not any nation that retaines more some markes of their antiquitie; for that they doe at this day within their townes weare garments like vnto those which auncient Authours haue described. They that liue in townes are of a colour enclining to white; but the countrie people are exceeding tanned and swart: for the most part they are good, full of freedome, and pleasant in their con∣uersations. But the inhabitants of base Aegypt exceed them of the higher part, in ciuili∣tie: for that part which is in the heart of the prouince, is not much frequented by straun∣gers vnlesse it be by a small number of Aethiopians: but in the other which runnes along the Sea coast, there frequent many men from Europe, Barbarie, and Assyria. They are [ F] pleasant aboue all other nations, and were alwaies enclined to dauncing and tumbling. They weare strait garments sowed together before, and which hang down to their heeles, hauing verie strait sleeues: yet in Sommer, they weare a kind of cotton lynnen cloth of diuers colours; and in Winter, of woollen cloth, whereof the ground is cotton: yet

[ A] chants and rich burgesses make their garments most commonly of some cloth that comes out of Europe. Euery man weares a turban vpon his head, the which in their vul∣gar tongue they call Dulipan: and by this attire they distinguish men of diuers sects in Aegypt, as also in other countries which are vnder the great Turkes obedince. They do also vse the ancient breeches of Aegypt. The women neuer shew themselues in publicke, but their faces are couered, as in all Turkie.

Leo Africanus saith that they doe often vse for their meat new cheese and very salt, sower milke, and hardned after some sort, the which although they hold for one of their greatest dainties, yet strangers cannot endure the tast of it; and the greatest inconueni∣ence is, for them that come amongst them, that they do most commonly mingle that [ B] sower milke with all their meat. They make their houses so low, as they seeme fitter for duckes than men; for that most commonly they do lie and feed vnder trees especially vn∣der palme trees, to the end they may refresh themselues with the wind that blowes: for the Aegyptians and Arabians aboue all the nations in the world take delight to lie abroad vpon the ground in the night, hauing nothing but a gowne to couer them.

They are exceeding good swimmers, and become such by constraint: for that whenas the countrie is all couered with the water of the riuer of Nile, they are forced to passe from village to village to do their businesse, or else vse small boats as many doe. They of Alexandria, and many other townes of Aegypt do naturally speake the Arabian tongue of Africke: but the Turkes which are mingled amongst them doe vse a very different [ C] language.

As for the Troglodites, they are commonly rude, barbarous, and exceeding poore: but besides the originaries, there are many Mahometan Turkes and Arabians which dwell in this prouince.

¶ The auncient Gouernment.

ALI the countrie of Aegypt was in old time diuided into diuers parts and gouern∣ments, and either had a gouernour, who tooke care of all that was requisite for the managing of affaires. The reuenue, demeasnes, and tribute was diuided into three [ D] parts or lots, whereof the first was for the sacrificers, who were wonderfully honoured among the people, both for that they were consecrated vnto the gods, and had the charge of sacred things, as also for their singular learning, for the which many were aduanced.

They distributed this reuenue vnto the priests to be imploied in sacrifices and orna∣ments of Temples, and to relieue such as were in necessitie, and had need of some assi∣stance. For the Aegyptians did not forget any thing that might serue for the ceremonies of their gods, and they held it vnfit to leaue them without support and entertainement, who imparted knowledge vnto them, and did assist them with counsell, for the profit and aduantage of the commonweale: they were alwaies called to counsell, and to the con∣clusion [ E] of their most important affaires; for that they did prouide for things to come, and did foretell the future successe, either by the meanes of Astrologie, or by the inspe∣ction of the sacrifices which were offered: moreouer being perfect in Histories, they re∣lated the deeds of the ancient, to the end their kings seeing them, might take aduice and councell of what they had to do.

The Aegyptians did not follow the custome of the Grecians, who would haue but one man or one woman precide ouer sacred things: for that many had the same honour, and gaue themselues to the seruice of the gods, leauing the same charge to their children by enheritance. These persons were freed from all taxes and subsidies, and were honoured aboue all others in the realme next vnto the king.

[ F] The other portion of the reuenues of the realme was for the king, who emploied it for the charges of the war, and entertainement of his house, and did distribute bounti∣fully to men of valour and worth, giuing to euery man according to his merit: whereby the people were not burdened with any extraordinarie tribute, for that the souldiers were entertained or recompenced with the third part of the reuenues, the which was ordained,

to the end they should the more willingly expose themselues to all dangers and hazards [ A] for the publicke good.

Their common weale was also diuided into three Estates, for the seruice and support of the whole bodie, that is to say, into labourers, sheepheards, and artisans. The first h••uing taken to farmeatan vnder rate the lands of the king, priests, or souldiers, imploied themselues from their youth in tillage, wherein continually they spent the remainder of their daies; whereby they proued the best husbandmen in the world, whether it were by nature, or that they had it by succession from their auncestors, or that long experience had made them so perfect.

The sheepheards busied themselues in no other thing but to gouerne their troupes, [ B] as they had learned of their predecessors, spending the rest of their liues in that exercise.

As for the artisans, without doubt mechanicke arts were brought to perfection in Aegypt, for that they meddled with no other thing but what the law did allow them, and what they had learned and receiued from their auncestors, and they were not admitted to the managing of publicke affaires: so as neither the troublesomenesse of him vnder whom they had passed their apprentiship, nor the ambition of honors, could hinder them from attaining to a perfect knowledge of that which they sought.

Their judgements were not rashly giuen, but with great discretion, beleeuing that good deeds were of great consequence for the publicke good. They held an opinion that the true meanes to root out wickednesse, was to punish the wicked, support the af∣flicted, [ C] and to haue pittie of such as were reduced to any extremitie and miserie, and that contrariwise all was in confusion and disorder, if through fauour or rewards they suffered faults which deserued death to be vnpunished: for this cause in the cities of Memphis, Heliopolis, Ceres, Messer, and Thebes, they did chuse men of good reputation to be their Iudges, whose decrees were as just as those of the Areopagites of Athens. These being created thirtie in number, did chuse him for President and chiefe of the Councel, whom they knew to be most vertuous and wise, & the assemblie did put another Coun∣sellor or Assistant in his place, to the end the number might be perfect. These were en∣tertained with great charge, but aboue all, they gaue a goodly estate to the President, who did weare a chaine of gold with a medaile enricht with stones, in the which was the [ D] image of truth, whereby they gaue to vnderstand that truth should guide the princes heart in all his judgements.

A decree being drawne vpon any point, and the image of truth laied before, they brought the bookes of the laws, being eight in number, least they should stray from ju∣stice in the case propounded: and the custome was, that whosoeuer did accuse any one of a crime, he should deliuer it in writing, and set downe in particular how it had beene done, and how preiudiciall he held the offence to be.

They gaue vnto the accused a sufficient time to make aunswere to euery one of the accusers articles, the which he did set downe in writing before the Iudges; and then he denied the fact, or alleaged reasons to justifie himselfe, or did shew that his offence did [ E] not deserue so great a punishment or fine as that which his accuser had propounded. The Iudges hauing heard both parties twice, and the matter being propounded in councell, and all matters debated and concluded, the President turning the image of truth towards the partie which had most right, pronounced the sentence of that which was in question, and this was their auncient manner of pleading and giuing judgement in Aegypt.

And for that we haue spoken of the lawes and ordinances in generall, it shall not be vnfit to examine in particular the auncient statutes of this people, to the end we may know how much they exceed all others in the well managing of affaires, and whether their order were not better and more profitable. [ F]

First of all, he that did take an oath and forsweare himselfe, was without remission put to death, as conuicted of a double crime, for that he did not obserue the respect which he ought vnto the gods, and had broken his faith, which is a strict and great bond to en∣tertaine humane societie. He that seeing any passenger stript and robbed, and did not

[ A] seeke to ayd him, or to hinder his death, or the losse of that which he carried if he might doe it, was without remission put to death; and whenas he could not releeue him, he was bound to declare the fact, and the theeues names which had committed the crime, if he knew them; wherein if he failed, he was brought in question, and had a certaine number of stripes, and was kept three daies in prison without meat. He that accused any one false∣ly, being conuicted of slaunder, suffered the like punishment which the accused should haue done, if his deposition had beene found true.

The Aegyptians were forced by the law to deliuer their names in writing to the presi∣dent, and also to declare vnto him the course of their liues; and if any one were found [ B] false, or that he liued of some filthie gaine, contrarie to the laws, he was put to death by justice. If any one had wilfully slaine a man of a free condition, or else a slaue, without any just subiect, without any delay he was put to death by the law, the which had no re∣gard vnto the condition of the murtherer, but vnto justice, to the end that men might be diuerted from doing wrong one vnto another, and that in punishing the murther com∣mitted in the person of a slaue, the life of free men might be more secure.

The Law-giuers of the Aegyptians had ordained no punishment against fathers that should kill their children; but they were onely enjoyned to remaine continually three daies and three nights by the dead bodie; and to the end they should not faile therein, they set men to guard them. They vsed this mild kind of judgement, for that they held [ C] it an vnjust thing to make him loose his life that had giuen it vnto his sonne, and they thought it a more reasonable thing to punish him by a just griefe, and repentance of his rash choller, than by any other torment, which would be light vnto him in regard of this sorrow, which would make his life troublesome and worse in death. But if any one were so vnnaturall as to kill his father, they had ordained a cruell punishment; for, after they had pricked and sliced him with bodkins, and pen-kniues, and with sharpe Canes, they caused him to be burnt aliue, holding it (as indeed it is) for the most detestable and vnhumane crime in the world, to depriue him of life, of whom he held his being, preser∣uation, and originarie breeding.

Whenas any woman condemned to die was with child, they attended the time of her [ D] deliuerie, for that they held it a great injustice, if with this offendresse they should punish an innocent infant, as if they should put two persons to death for one fault. As for their laws and ordinances concerning warres, they were these: He that abandoned his ranke in battaile, or refused to obey his Captaine, was held infamous, cassiered, and de∣priued of all honour and hope of reward, and he was forbidden euer to carrie armes, or to returne to his first exercise. This law inuited men to doe wel, and to feare a note so shame∣full, and full of ignominie, more than horrid death.

They that discouered any secrets vnto the enemie, and practised with them, had by ver∣tue of the law their tongues cut out; and whosoeuer did clip or counterfeit any coyne, change or spoile weights or measures, falsifie signatures, and counterfeit writings, or cor∣rupt [ E] scedules, instruments, or publique arts, had both his hands cut off, to the end that the member which had offended, might feele the punishment, and that others taking ex∣ample thereby, might feare to commit the like errour.

The laws proceeded verie rigorously against them that forgot themselues to women, for that he that forced a woman of a free condition, was gelt, and depriued of his priui∣ties; for that, in doing this wrong, he had committed three great and strange offences, that is to say, the outrage, the rape, and the corruption of another mans wife, and withal, had caused a confusion and mixture of bastards with legitimat and lawfull children. He that was surprised in adulterie, without violence, was condemned and doomed to haue a thousand blowes with rodds, and the woman was censured to haue her nose cut off, to [ F] the end that by the mutilation of that member, she might be punished in that part which is one of the goodliest ornaments of the face.

As for laws and ordinances made touching traffique and commerce, they hold that Baccorides was the Authour. These lawes did inferre, that if any one did denie the receit of money which had beene lent him without bill, the lender should be credited vpon his

simple oath; for that the Aegyptian made great account of the solemnitie of oaths, as of a [ A] holie and religious thing: And therefore, as they did hardly giue credit to those that sware often, and vpon euerie light and triuiall occasion, so they were verie carefull that good men should not be often forced to swe••re, least they should loose the reputation of their wisdome.

It was in like manner ordained, That it should not be held reasonable, to beleeue him, who had borrowed without bill, whenas he should sweare in his owne cause. The Law∣giuer would not that vsurie, promised by writing, should equall the moytie of that which had beene lent; and he ordained, That the payment should onely be taken vpon the deb∣tors goods, and that his person should not be arrested and put in prison, nor yet made a [ B] slaue, for that they held it sufficient that his goods should be subject to the bond, and that the bodies of citisens were bound to the Commonweale, who would employ them both in the time of peace and warre: for he held it an vnfit thing, that souldiers, which did venter their liues for the preseruation and good of their countrie, should be im∣prisoned for debt.

The Aegyptians had another law touching theft, which was, That whosoeuer had resolued to practise it, should cause himselfe to be enrolled in the Register of the sacrifi∣cing Priests, and carrie the thing stolne vnto him, as soone as euer the theft was commit∣ted; and on the other side, he that had lost any thing, must come and set downe before the same Iudge, the day, and houre of his losse: by this meanes, thefts were easily discoue∣red, [ C] and he that had lost, recouered his goods againe, onely the fourth part was allotted for the theefe, to punish him that had beene so carelesse to keepe his owne, for that the Lawgiuer held that it was better to loose a part, than all the things which were pilfered or stolne.

The Aegyptian priests did marrie one onely wife: others had as many as they would or could maintaine. At that time there was not any among them held a bastard, although he were begotten of some slaue; for that they held the father to be the onely Autho••r of the generation, and the mother did serue but to receiue the seed, and to giue it nou∣rishment, which was of no great charge, for that they fed their children with rootes of reeds, and other things which they boyled vpon the embers; or else they gaue them cer∣taine [ D] hearbes which grew in the marishes, the which they boyled or laied vpon the coales, and sometimes they gaue them raw. They made their children to go barefooted, and most commonly without garments; wherein they were fauoured by the tempera∣ture of the ayre of that prouince. Finally, all the parents expence in the education of their children vntill they came to age, could not cost twentie Drachmas, or at the least did not exceed that summe.

The Priests instructed their children in learning, both sacred and prophane, and especi∣ally Geometrie, and Arithmeticke: as for fencing and wrestling, they would not haue them practise it, for that those exercises were too violent and daungerous, if they should therein exercise their bodies being yet so tender. [ E]

They which trauelled or went to the warre, were entertained without any charge, if they fell sicke, for that physitians had their wages from the Commonweale, and were bound by the law to haue a care of sicke persons and to cure them, following the ordinan∣ces, receits, and writings of the Auncients of that art, who were in authoritie and reputa∣tion among them. If the physician, hauing followed the rules of the sacred Booke, could not cure the sicke person, he was not accused of his death; but if he recouered him by other remedies or medicaments, he was put to death without remission: for that they held, that the order to physicke a sicke person, which had beene long before obserued by physitians, and inuented with much payne by the Auncients, was farre better than any new receits. [ F]

As for the kings of Aegypt, they did not abuse their power and authoritie so licenti∣ously, as the princes of other nations, who had nothing but their owne will (as a man may tearme it) for a law; for that they were forced in all things to gouerne themselues according to the laws and statutes of the countrie, as Diodorus writes in his second booke.

[ A] They that were of the kings traine, and who serued him commonly, were no slaues (were they strangers, or borne & bred vp in their houses) but the children of gentlemen priests, who exceeded the age of twentie yeares, and should be more learned and better taught than all others, to the end the king might be enuited, by the presence of his seruants so full of vertue, not to do any thing that might be blame worthie, for that they assisted him day and night, and did obserue his actions.

There were certaine houres appointed both by day and night, wherein the law allow∣ed the king to treat of affaires; for that in the morning he receiued letters, petitions, and other memorialls of that which was to be done, to the end that making aunswere to all, [ B] he might prouide for euery thing in due time, and according vnto justice. This done, be∣ing accompanied by a troupe of men that were of ripe age, and discreete, he washt his bodie, then being richly attired, he went to make his prayers to the gods, and to offer sa∣crifice in the temple, whither being come, hauing brought the beasts that were appoin∣ted for the sacrifice to the corner of the altar, the priest in the presence of the king, and all the people hearing him, wished him a long and happie life, so as he carried himselfe mildly and justly to his subiects. After his prayers, he began to discourse of the kings ver∣tues, shewing how much he honoured the gods, loued men, and was just, wise, chast, true, magnanimious, and liberall. If any error were committed in the gouernement, he purged and excused the king, laying it vpon his officers, who had giuen him false instru∣ctions, [ C] and councelled him ill, contrarie to the law and justice. This done, the priest ex∣horted the king to liue well, and by this meanes to make himselfe pleasing vnto the gods, and he counselled him to follow the aduice of such as propounded vertue, and those ex∣ercises which made the life of man glorious.

In the end, the king hauing sacrificed a bull vnto his gods, the priests reading the me∣morable deeds and sayings of the most famous men, he exhorted the king to gouerne the people with all mildnesse and justice, after their example, and not to giue himselfe to couetousnesse and to heape vp treasures. His most priuat actions also, as to walke, wash, lie with his wife, and such like were limited according vnto the law, the which he might in no sort exceed.

[ D] ¶ The Religion.

AeGypt is peopled by Mahometans, Christians, and Iewes, in some small number. As for the Mahometans and Iewes, we will leaue the discourse of their beliefe to another place; but to speake something of that of the Christians, they of Aegypt are either strangers, or borne in the countrie. The strangers come thither by reason of trafficke, espe∣cially in the townes of Alexandria and Caire: for this realme being seated betwixt the red sea and the Mediterranean, sees both East and Westby reason of the great trafficke, and is as it were a ladder by the which the wealth and treasures of the Indies, and the [ E] East passe into Natolia, Africke, and Europe: by reason whereof there come thither not only Venetians, Florentines, and Ragousans in great numbers, but also French and Eng∣lish. The religious of S. Francis, who remaine in Ierusalem, imploy their spirituall assi∣stance, and go to administer the sacraments, and to preach the word of God to the Chri∣stians which trafficke into Aegypt.

The Christians borne in Aegypt, which haue remained since the inundation of Barba∣rians, and the crueltie of the Sarrazins, Mammeluz, and Turkes, do not exceed the number of fiftie thousand persons, which dwell dispersed here and there, especially in the townes of Caire, Messia, Montfalut, Buque, and Elchiase, all scituated vpon the riuer of Nile. There are also many at Minia, in which territorie there are diuers monasteries; [ F] but the most famous of all Aegypt are those of S. Antonie, S. Paul, and of S. Machaire. The first is in the countrie of the Troglodites, vpon a mountaine, whereas they say S. Antho∣nie was beaten by deuills: the second is not far from it, in the middest of the defarts: and the third is in the defarts of Boulacca, towards the West. This monasterie is called Nitria, in the Histories of the holie fathers: the reason is, as I suppose, for that in this

countrie the waters of Nile being made thicke by the heat of the Sunne in low grounds, [ A] turnes into salt, and nyter. There hath been a stately conuent vpon the riuer of Nile, six miles from the towne of Menfia, vnder the name of S. George. There hath beene two hundred Monkes in it, the which was a great commoditie to passengers who were recei∣ued there, and entreated very courteously: but all the Monkes being dead of the plague, about one hundred and fiftie yeres since, the place was abandoned.

But to speake something of the qualitie of the Christians, they are called Cofires, and Christians of the girdle; for that although they be baptised like vnto vs, yet are they circumcised like vnto the Iewes; so as it seemes their beliefe doth not passe be∣neath the girdle: but that which is worse, for these thousand yeares they haue followed [ B] the heresie of Eutiches, who admitted but one nature in Iesus Christ; so as by the meanes of this heresie, they seperat themselues from the vnion of the Church. The occasion of this Schisme was the bad Councell of Ephesus, assembled by Dyoscores for the defence of E••tiches, who had beene alreadie condemned at the councell of Calcedonia, by six hun∣dred and thirtie fathers assembled by the authoritie of Leo the first: and the Cofites fea∣ring that they should maintaine two Hipostases, to attribute two natures to Christ, be∣came Eurichians, for that they would not fall in the error of Nestorius.

They say Masse in the Chaldean tongue, saying often, Alleluya. They read the Gospell first in the Chaldean tongue, and then in the Arabian. Whenas the priest faith, Peace be with you, or peace be giuen you, the youngest amongst them goes and toucheth the hand of [ C] euery one that assisteth at this Masse. After the consecration, they giue a little peece of bread to euery one of the assistants. They obey the Patriarch of Alexandria, and say that they haue their faith from Prete Ian.