A true description of the mighty kingdoms of Japan and Siam written originally in Dutch by Francis Caron and Joost Schorten ; and novv rendred into English by Capt. Roger Manley.

VVhether they be faithfull or false in their dealings.

THis Nation is very trusty, and that out of their ambition, the only mark they aim at; hence it is that they seldom wrong each other, esteeming their honours above their lives and hopes: examples of this kinde are frequent amongst them, I will only relate one. During the civil Wars between Ongoschio and his Puple, the King of Cocora (who followed the Usurper) had left his Queen and Children, as the fashion is, at the Emperours Court; Fideri having notice of this revolt, sent for Cocora's Wife and Children to come into the Castle, the better to secure them; which the Lady refused, excusing her self, That she was married, and under the obedience of her King, as he was under his imperial Majesty; let him command her Lord, and she would most readily, upon receipt of his orders, submit to his High∣ness pleasure. The Emperour, angry at this denial, sent her word, if she would not come, he would cause her to be brought by force. The Queen, who thought no dishonour e∣qual to that of quitting her house in her Hus∣bands absence, and seeing she could not con∣serve

her self in it against the Emperours fury, resolved to perish with it; she therefore com∣manded some barrels of Gun-powder to be brought into a Chamber, where she retired with her Children, Nurse, and such of her Women who were resolved to die with her; and there writing her Will and her own Elegy, she conveyed them by a trusty Gentleman in her service to her Lord; and immediatly there∣upon, putting fire to the Powder, prevented that loss of honour which she feared, and the Emperours design by that fatal blow. If it happen that a person be in a strait and enga∣ged, and comes to another for assistance, re∣commending the protection of his life and honour to his generosity, this Man will hazard all, without respect of Wife and Children; for the service of his Friend, and perish or deli∣ver him out of his distress and misfortune; they will die, nay suffer the worst of tortures, rather then discover their complices, although in evil, thinking the breach of covenants in∣expiable; and the dishonour of not helping their neighbour, and one that hath thrust him into misery, worse then any death whatso∣ever.