Cosmographie in four bookes : containing the chorographie and historie of the whole vvorld, and all the principall kingdomes, provinces, seas and isles thereof / by Peter Heylyn.

OF POLAND.

POLAND is bounded on the East with Russia, and the Crim Tartar, from whom parted by the River Borysthenes; on the West with Germanie; on the North with the Baltick Sea, and some part of Russia; on the South with the Carpathian Mountaines, which divide it from Hungarie and Walachia.

It is an Aggregate body, consisting of many distinct Provinces united into one Estate; of which Poland being the predominant hath given name to the rest called all together the Realm of POLAND: and that so named from Pole, which in the Sclavonian language (the common language of the Coun∣trey) fignifieth plaine, because but little swelled with hills. Of figure round, in compasse 2600 miles; situate under the eight and twelfth Climates; so that the longest day in the southern parts is but 16 houres, and about 18 houres in the parts most North.

The Countrey plaine, but full of woods, which serve to rectifie the Aire, being naturally so cold that they have neither Wine nor Grapes: in stead whereof they use that kinde of drink called Ale; in former times the usuall Beverage of England, and this Countrey onely. Barley they have, and Pulse in such aboundant measure, that no small quantities of each are transported yearly: nor yeeld they any thing at all to Denmarke or Hungarie for their plenty of Cattell. But of this more in our de∣scription of the severall Provinces.

The people are very industrious, and studious of all Languages, especially of the Latine to which they are so devoted, that there is scarse a mean man, who is notable in some measure to expresse himselfe in it. According to their abilities rather prodigall then truely liberall; and good soul∣diers generally. The Peasants live in miserable servitude unto their Lords; the Lords in such equa∣lity of estate amongst themselves, that none of them (excepting the greater Princes exceedeth 25000 Ducats of yearly rent. Proud in their garb, costly in their Apparell, impatient in their humours, and delicate in diet: these last conditions common to the women also, who are for the most part in∣differently fair, and rather wittie then well spoken. But this being the peculiar Character of the Polander properly so called, is not perhaps communicable to the people of the rest of the Provinces, whom we shall speak of severall in their proper places.

The Christian faith was first planted in this Kingdome at severall times, and by severall persons, according to the different parts of which it confisteth: in Poland specially so called, in the time of their Prince Miecislaus sonne of Nemomislus, anno 963. in Livonia, by the Preaching of one Meinardus, anno 1200. or thereabouts; in Lituania not untill the yeare 1386. at the admission of Jagello to the Crown of Poland, and then done (as some say) by Thomas of Walden, (or Waldensis) an English Frier. In Samogitia and Volhinia, at the same time with Lituania. In the rest at other times, and on other occasions, yet so that in many places of it, Idolatry was never totally rooted out, the seeds and practise whereof in many points still remaine amongst them. Corrupted by the superstitions of the Church of Rome, a Reformation was endevoured at such time as John of Has flourished in Bohemia, the next neighbouring kingdome: but by the rigour of Ladislaus the sixth, then King thereof, assisted by his

〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Noblemen, at that time hindered. Afterwards in the time of Luther, some who had stu∣died at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Wittenberg, (Universities of Saxonie) brought his opinions home with them in∣to the Province or Poland; as some Dutch Merchants (with the rest of their Commodities) did in∣to Dantz••••k, the chief Towne of Prussia, anno 1525. from whence it spread it selfe over most part of that Country. According as it was favoured or disliked, by the Palatines, Chastellans, and other great men of the Realm; so was its entertainment either good or bad: the Grecians in the mean time taking opportunity, to winne some parts of it to their side; and confirm others in it, who being origi∣nally members of the Church of Greece, because originally converted by the Bishops thereof, did still continue in conformitie and obedience to it. In the end by reason of the over great liberty of the Nobi∣lity and people, and want of power in the King to controul their doings, every man took up what Re∣l••gion he best liked; some following the Augustane Confession, others the Helvetian, others adhering as tenaciously to the Church of Rome; and some inclining to new Sects, or rather to old Heresi••s under new disguises, have brought in such a miscellanie or Babel of Religions into this estate, (Jesuites, Luth••rans, Calvn••sis, Socinians, Arians, Anabaptists, and indeed what not, being here all tolerated) that at last it grew into a By-word, that if any man had lost his Religion hee might finde it in Poland, or else 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it to be vanished. A By-word afterwards applyed unto Amsterdam; communicable since unto other places: Libertas Prophetandi, or the Libertie of Prophecying being now as much allowed of in some parts of Christendome, as Libertas opinandi, was in Rome under Nervas Government; ubi & sen∣t••re quaevelis, & quae sentias l••qui liceat, when as a man might thinke as hee listed of the publick, and speak what he thought. But whether this be such a Rara temporum felicitas, such a felicitie of these our times, as Tacitus conceived the other to be of those; future times will shew.

But to return againe to Poland, notwithstanding this mixture of Religions, yet that most publickly allowed and countenanced is the Religion authorised by the Church of Rome: asserted here by the zeal of the Kings unto that cause, and the great power of the Bishops, who seeing how those of their Order have sp••d in Germanie and other places, under colour of Reformation of some things amisse, have hi∣therto upheld the Ecclesiasticall Estate in the same forme they found it. The Government of the Church as formerly, by 3 Archbishops, and 19 Bishops: who challenge a jurisdiction over all the kingdome, ••ut exercise it upon those onely who submit unto them: those who embrace the Doctrines of Lu∣ther or Calvin, following the formes of Government by them established, as others doe some new ones of their owne devising. And for those Provinces and people which lie towards Greece, or were parts heretofore of the Russian Empire, and still hold a Communion with those Churches; they have Arch∣bishops and Bishops of their owne Religion; that is to say, the Archbishops of Vilne and Lemburg, the Bishops of Polozko, Luzko, Pinsko, Volodomire, Presmil, and Kiovia. Yet amongst all these dif∣ferent Churches and formes of Government there is this conformitie, that whensoever the Gospell is read openly in the Congregation, the Nobility and Gentrie use to draw their swords (according to an antient custom which they had among them) signifying their readinesse to defend it against all op∣posers. Which reason doubtlesse gave beginning to the standing up at the Creed and Gospell, in the primitive times; retained still in the Church of England: whereby we doe declare how prepared and resolute we are to defend the same; though some of late, holding it for a Relick of Popery, with greater nicety then wisdome, have refused to doe it.

Chief Rivers of this Kingdome are 1 Vistula or Wixel, the antient Boundary betwixt Germany and Sarmatia Europaea, which rising in the Carpathian Mountaines, passeth by Cracovia the chief City of Po∣land, and dividing Prussia from Pomerella falleth into the Baltick sea not far from Dantzick; and is navigable for the space of 400 miles, of old called Vandalis. 2 Warta, which runneth through the lesser Poland; 3 Duina the lesse, watering Livonia: and 4 Borysthenes or Nieper passing through Podolia, both spoken of before when we were in Russia. 5 Niester by Ptolemie called Tyras, which falleth in∣to the Euxine Sea, having first parted Podolia from Moldavia. 6 Jugra, by some called the lesser Ta∣nais, arising in Lituania, and falling into the more noted Tanais, which is now called Don. Of lesse note there are, 1 Reuben or Reuhon, 2 Chronu•• now called Pregel, 3 Bogh, said by some to bee the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Antients. 4 Minnael, 5 Niemen, the Maeander of these Northern parts. 9 Winde, a Livonian river falling into the Baltick. Mountains of note here are not many, the Countreys for the most part being plain and Champain: and those which be are rather boundaries betwixt this and some other Kingdome, then proper unto this alone. The chief of which are those called Sarmatici, di∣viding G••rmany from Sarmatia Europaea, by Solinus named Sevo, by Ptolemie the Carpathian Mountains; the boundary at this time betwixt Poland and Hungary.

The common metes and Land-markes being thus laid down, we will next take a view of those se∣verall Provinces of which this kingdome doth consist, being ten in number: that is to say, 1 Livonia, 2 Samogitia, 3 Lituania, 4 Prussia, 5 Poland, specially so called, 6 Mollovia, 7 Podlassia, 8 Rus∣sia Nigra, 9 Voltinia, and 10 Pod••lia: all of them (except the proper Poland) within Sarma∣tia Europaea.

1 LIVONIA.

1 LIVONIA or LIEFLAND is bounded on the East with the Empire of Russia, on the West with the Baltick Sea; on the North with the Gulf or Bay of Finland, on the South with Samogitia, and Lituania. Extended in length along the shore of the Baltick for the space of 125 Dutch or 500 Italian miles, & 40

Dutch or 160 Italian miles in breadth: and called thus perhaps from the Lenovi, a people of Germany, inhabiting not far from the River Vistula.

The countrey for the most part plaine, without any mountaines, furnished with corn and fruits in so great aboundance, that they send part thereof into other countries: and yet there is much ground untilled in it, by reason of the bogs and marishes which are very frequent. Here is also store of wax, honey, and pitch, but they have neither oyl nor wine; the want of which last is supplyed by Meth. Of tame beasts fit for mans service they are well provided; as also of such whose skins are of more value with the Merchant, then their flesh at the market; as Ermins, Sables, Castors, others of that kinde; besides good store of game for hunting, the countrey having in it many large woods, parts of the Hercynian. And as for Rivers there are few countries which have more, watered by the Winde, the Beck, the Dwine, the Ruho; all of them falling into the Baltick; many great Lakes, whereof the chiefe is that of Beybas, 45 miles long, and full of fish.

The people are much given to gluttonie and drunkennesse, especially in rich mens houses where it is to be had: for the paisant lives in want enough, meere slaves to their tyrannicall Landlords, who spend in riot and excesse, what these get by drudgerie. And when at any time the poore wretch leaves his Landlord to mend his condition with some other, the Lord if he can overtake him will cut off his foot, to make sure of him for the future. They are a mixture of many Nations, as the Fstones, which are the naturall Inhabitants, (derived from the Estii, a Dutch people, spoken of by Ptolemie) of which Nation are almost all the Paisants; the Moscovites, Swedes, Danes, Dutch, and Polanders, inter∣mingled with them, comming in upon severall conquest, and planting themselves in the best parts of it, in which they still Lord it over the Native, but the Dutch especially for long time Masters of the whole.

The Christian Faith was first here planted by Meinardus of Lubeck imployed herein (in the time of Frederick the first) at the perswasion of some Dutch Merchants who traded hither, by the Archbishop of Breme, by whom made the first Bishop of the Livonians. The Church hereof at this time governed by the Archbishop of Riga, the Bishops of Derpt, As••lia, Oesel, Curland, and Rivallia, in those parts which remaine subject to the Polander, where the Religion of the Church of Rome is onely counte∣nanced. Such parts of it that are under the Swedes or Danes are for the most part of the Lutheran pro∣fession; planted with colonies of that people. But the Estones, or originall Inhabitants, as they have a language: so they have a Religion by themselves also; mixt of the Christian and the Pagan: ex∣tremely well affected unto their Priests, to whom they present salt, candles, and fruites, when they come to them for their blessings; great lovers of Confession, esteemers of holy water, and diligent fre∣quenters of their Churches: but so extremely ignorant in all points of Religion, that there is hardly one in a village that can say his Pater-noster. When they bury any of their dead, every one drinketh an health to him, and powreth his part upon him when his turne comes to drink, putting into the grave with him an hatch••t, wine, meat, and a little money for his voyage. And in some places they are wholly idolatrous (if not converted very lately by the care of the Jesuites) some of them wor∣shipping the Sun, other stocks and stones, and some Serpents also. The language of the Countrey is for the most part the High Dutch (being the language of those Nations who first lorded over them) the Estones having generally a peculiar language, which none of the others un∣derstand.

It was divided formerly into the Provinces of Curland, Eastland, Semigall, Virland, Harland, and Let∣tenland; but these six, since the conquest of it by the ••••landers, are reduced to three: Harland, and Vir∣land, being united unto Estland, and Semigallia unto Curland.

Chief places in Estland are 1 Rivalle, a Bishops See, and well traded Port, situate on the Gulf of Fin∣l••nd; a town belonging to the Swede, the keeping whereof and of Viburg, on the borders of Moscovie stand him yearly in 100000 Dollars. 2 Habsay, or Habses, (Asilia in Latine) a Bishops See, and 3 Pernow, a well fortified place, belonging to the Swethlander also, ever since the conquest of these parts of the countrey by John the second. Places of great importance to the Crowne of Sweden; as all other pieces of this nature are, which standing in an Enemies Countrey not onely do defend our own, but offend our adversaries. For they are not onely dores to open a further passage into their territories, whensoever we shall see occasion; but whilest the Enemie is besieging thereof, or otherwise busyed in recovering them into his power, our owne state is preserved in quiet, and time may yeeld fit op∣portunity to relieve them, if they be distressed, without wasting any part of our proper countreys Of which nature was Calais when it was in the hands of the English; the Garrisons which the Spaniards and Portugu••ze have in Afric and India: the charge of keeping them being sufficiently defrayed (if the charge prove greater then the income, as sometimes it doth) by the advantages they give unto him which hath them. 4 Velin, a strong Town, and fortified with an impregnable Castle, betrayed by the Dutch Garrison, at that time in it, together with William of Furstenberg the great Master, into the hands of John Basilius the great Duke of Moscovie: who still holds it. 5 Derpt or Derbren, (in Latine Tupatum) a Bi∣shops See; situate on the Beck, or Einbeck betwixt two Lakes, in the midst of the Province; and taken at the same time by the Moscovite; who transporting the Livonians into other places, planted thos•• parts with Colonies of his own people. 6 Tornest, a Castle of great strength, taken then also by the Russ••s: but being recovered by the Polander, was blown up with Gun-powder, that it might no more come into the hands of the Enemy. Hitherto nothing of this Countrey which belongs to the Polander; these that follow doe, that is to say 7 Borcholm, the seat and residence of the Bishop of Rivalle, since the taking of that Town by the Swedes. 8 Weisenberg, incommodiously seated betwixt

two ill neighbours, Narve, and Rivalle, but serving very well to prohibit the incursions of those Gar∣risons further into the Countrey. 9 Werneber, in that part of Fstland, which is called Odinpen, and Wittenstein in that part thereof which is named Jervia.

In LETTENLAND, lying in the midst betwixt Estland and Curland, the places of most note are 1 Rita, (the people call it Rig) seated on the mouth of the River Dwina, falling there into the Baltick; first built, and planted at the charges of the Merchants of Breme; after that the Archbishops See, the ordinary residence of the great Master, and the chiefe City of the whole Province of Livonia. A town well fortified according to modern Rules of fortification, with a strong wall, large Bulwarks, double ditches, Palisadoes; and well provided of all manner of Ammunition: a famous Emporie, of great resort by forein Merchants, who carry hence Pitch, Wax, Hempe, Flax, and such other com∣modities. Governed (notwithstanding their subjection to the King of Poland) by their own Laws; and such stout defenders of their liberties, that they will by no means admit of any foreiner to have command of the City; obedient in all other things to the will of that King. 2 Dunamund, an impregnable fortresse, two Dutch miles from Riga, well garrisoned by Polanders, who here take toll of all forein Merchants. 3 Blokaws, a Garrison of the Kings betwixt Riga and Dunamund, where the Merchants are toll••d over again. 4 Winden, more within the land, on the River so called. 5 Wol∣mar, upon the River Treiden. 6 Kokenhan, a strong Towne on the banks of the Dwina. This Coun∣trey belongs wholly to the King of Poland, and stood firm for him in the war made by Charles Duke of Suderman, against his Nephew Sigismund King of Poland and Sweden, when almost all Eastland had submitted to him.

CVRLAND, the third and last member of this division, containing Semigallia also, lieth south of Lettenland, and north of Samogitia and Lituania: an entire Dukedome of it selfe, but holden un∣der the Soveraignty and homage of the kings of Poland. Places of most importance in it, are 1 Can∣den, 2 Goldingen, 3 Kies, (the Dutch call it Wenden) the seat of the Great Master of the Teutonick order in times past; now most frequented as the place of Parliament or Generall Assemblie for affaires which concern the publick. 4 Dubin, 5 Grubin, on the Sea side, but of no trade at all. 6 Halenpot. And then in Semigall, 7 Mitow, the Court and residence of the Dukes of Curland, 8 Selborch, 9 Bassembourg, 10 Do∣belin. No town in all this Dukedome of any trading, though lying for a great space all along the Baltick; because none of them furnished with commodious Havens. A Dukedome first begun in the person of Gothardus Ketler, (of one of the noble families of Danemark) the last Great Master of the Dutch Knights in this Countrey: who in the year 1562 surrendering his order and the whole pos∣session of Livonia to Sigismund Augustus King of Poland, received back again for him and his heirs for ever, the Dukedome of Curland and Semigall, to be held by them of that Crown: the Nobility of these Countreys doing then presently their homage and allegiance to him, as their Hereditary Prince. Since which time the Princes of this house have continued Feudataries unto Poland, but not reckoned as parts or members of the body thereof; not coming to the Diets, nor liable to the publick charges, nor having any thing to doe in the Kings Election: in a word, rather honourable Neighbours of the Kings of Poland, then subjects to them. The present Duke like to be much increased in estate and power, if the now Marquesse of Brandenbourg (whose sister is his mother) should depart without issue: For by that means there will be added to this house the great Dukedome of Prussia, those of Cleve and Gulick, together with such other Countries possessed now by that Marquesse, as he holds by descent from the Heires Generall of those Dukedomes: which makes him cast an eye already upon those Estates.

There belong also to Livonia some few Islands situate in the Baltick Sea, that is to say, 1 Osilia, 2 Dogeden, 3 Mona, 4 Wormse, 5 Wrangen, and 6 Kien. Of which the foure last doe belong to the King of Polands Dacuden, Dogeden King of Swethland; and Osilia or Oesel to the Dane. This last the chiefe of all the six, distant from the maine land of Livonia 12 Dutch miles, 14 of the same miles in length, halfe as much in breadth: the chiefe Towns thereof being Osel, a Bishops See, which gives name to the Island, 2 Sunberg. The Island made subject to the Danes by Magnus, brother of Frederick the se∣cond king of Denmark, who being chosen Administratour of the Bishoprick of Derpt, in Estland, made himself master of this Island, and some other peeces; which, dying without issue, he bequeathed to the King his brother, anno 1580.

As for Livonia it selfe, it was first under the Levoni and Estii two German Nations, from whom the Countrey had the name of Livonia, the people of Estlanders or Fstones. Distracted into many petit principalities, it was made acquainted with the Christian Faith by the care of the Merchants of Bre∣men, as before was said. Meinard their first Bishop being dead, and Bertold his successour slaine by such of the people as had not yet received the Gospell: the knights of the Port-glaive, and the sword were sent hither to defend the Preachers and their Doctrine by force of Arms. Finding themselves too weak to effect the businesse, they united with the order of Dutch Knights in Prussia, to whom from that time forwards they became subordinate; the Great Master of Livonia, acknowledging him of Prussia for his Superiour. These Knights continued Masters of it, without contradiction till the year 1557. (embracing in the meane time the opinions of Luther, anno 1528) when quarrelling with the Archbishop of Riga, of the house of Brandenbourg, because he would not adhere unto their opini∣ons; who to secure his own estate was forced to put Riga into the hands of the Polanders. After∣wards being overlaid by the Moscovite, who had taken from them almost all their Countrey, they

were faine to put themselves under the protection of Sigismund Augustus King of Poland, anno 1559 But William of Furstenburg the Great Master being betrayed by his own Mercenaries into the hands of the Moscovite: Gothardus his successour (following the example of Albert the Great Master of Prussia) transacted with the said Sigismund for the whole estate: which he surrendered to his use in the Ca∣stle of Riga, March 5. anno 1562. together with his Crosse the seale of the Order, the Charters and Grants of many of the Popes and Emperours which concerned the same; as also the Keies of the City and Castle of Riga, the Office of great Master, the rights of coynage, and all the powers and priviledges appertaining to it: receiving back again from Ratzevill the Kings Commissioner, the Duke∣dom of Curland, to him and to his Heirs for ever as before is said. By this transaction the Kings of Pole became masters of Liefland, more absolutely setled in it after a long war betwixt Steven King of Po∣land, and John Vasiliwick the Great Duke of Moscovie, who in the end surrendered all his claim therein to the said Steven and his successours, anno 1582. reserving onely some few Townes on the Easterne borders: the Danes and Swethlanders taking occasion by these troubles to impatronize themselves of Narve, Rivallia, Osel, and some other pieces.

2 SAMOGITIA.

2 SAMOGITIA is a small Province wedged in betwixt Livonia and Lituania, having Livo∣nia on the North, Lituania on the East and South, and the Baltick Sea upon the West: in length extending 50 miles from East to West, but not of answerable breadth. It is so called from the low∣nesse of the situation (the word Samogits in the language of the Inhabitants signifying terram infe∣riorem or the Lowlands) by the Moscovite in the same sense called Samotzkasemla. This lownesse of the situation makes it very watery and almost continually frozen; but withall it hath many forrests which yeeld unto the people aboundance of honey, better, more pleasing to the tast, and lesse mixt with wax then in other places.

The people are supposed to be of the Saxon race, of good stature, well-set, bold and apt for war; but withall, boysterous, rude and barbarous: Christians in generall, but many who doe still retaine their old Idolatries: nourishing amongst them a kinde of foure-footed Serpents, about three handfuls in length, which they worship as their Household gods, attending them with fear and reverence when they call them out to their repast; and if any mischance happen to any of the familie, it is imputed pre∣sently to some want of due observation of these ugly creatures. Naturally inclined to Divinations, Charmes, and Sorceries, and frequently abused (as for the most part such people are) by diabolicall il∣lusions. Nay they which professe the name of CHRIST are so ill instructed, that they use to marry many wives, without confideration of bloud or parentage: it being ordinary for a man to marry with his brothers widow, & not unusuall to marry the Relict of their fathers, (a fornication not so much as heard of in St. Pauls time, amongst the Gentiles). They have some customes also, as unprofitable, as these are heathenish; breaking up their land, as they doe in Moscovie, with spades or sticks. And when one of their Governors observing the husbandrie of other Nations, had brought them to the use of the plough, it fortuned that for two or three yeares, either by the indisposition of the weather or some other accident, they had not so much corn as they used to have. Which want the people attri∣bating to the use of the plough, nec quicquam aliud in causa esse putantes, and not beleeving that there was any other cause of it, grew so much incensed, that the Governour fearing some sedition like to fol∣low on it, was forced to leave them to the old way which before they went. An humour like that of the present Irish in ploughing with their Horses tayles, spoken of before. So pertinacious for the most part are ignorant and superstitious people in standing to their antient customes, though absurd and hurtfull.

Townes they have few, their houses for the generality being poore and low, covered with straw or du••t, with an hole open in the roofe to let in the light. The principall of those they have, (but rather Villages then Towns) are 1 Bigla near the head of the River Swiete, 2 Linkaw, of which no∣thing memorable.

This Province hath alwayes followed the fortunes of Lituania; subject, when that was so, to the kings of Russia; converted when that was, to the Christian Faith; and finally united with it to the Crown of Poland.

3 LITVANIA.

LITVANIA hath on the East the Empire of Russia, on the West Prussia, Massovia, and Poland; on the North, Livonia, and Samogitia, and on the South Volhinia and Podolia. So called from Lituus the ceremoniall staffe, used antiently by the Augures in their divinations: to which the Inhabitants hereof being very much addicted before their receiving of the Gospell, were called Lituani. But this is but conjecturall onely. Yet rather thus then that it should be peopled by some banished Italians, first named Italia, then Litalia, and after by a most unlikely corruption come to Lituania, as Maithias a Michou would fain have it.

The Countrey for the most part full of Mcores, Forrests, some great Lakes, like a Sea for bignesse, and many navigable Rivers: which frozen over in the Winter make the wayes more travellable at

that time of the yeare, then they are in summer. The air in most places exceeding cold, which makes their Wheat (whereof they have some aboundance) to be seldome ripe; and other fruites of the Earth to come slowly forward. Their forrests yeeld them Bugles, Ermins, Sables, Deere, wilde Horses, plenty of Honey, Wax, and Pitch; but their breed of cattell is lesse here, and of smaller sta∣ture then it is in Germany. These Forrests also are the storehouse out of which the English and Hol∣landers furnish themselves with timber both for ships and building; returning to them in exchange salt, wine, and other necessaries which are wanting here.

The people antiently had Fire and Serpents for their Gods, nourishing the last in their houses, and keeping the other continually burning: the Priests and Ministers of the Temples alwayes adding fewell, that it might not faile. The Vestall fire not kept more carefully at Rome, nor with greater ceremonie. To this God whom they called Dishpan, or the Lord of the Smoke, they used to sacrifice young pullets; to the other their Cocks: the seed of this Idolatrie is implanted in them, that it is said, that in a Village of the kings called Lovaniski, not soure miles from Vilna, their chief City, they doe to this day worship Serpents. Converted with their Prince Jagello to the Christian faith, an. 1386. they yet retained such customes as are inconsistent with Christianity: marying and unmarying when and as often as they please; no bond being so soone cancelled as that of Matrimony. For a maried man to use the body of an harlot is accounted (as indeed it is) an opprobrious crime; but for the wife to have her Stallions and Adulterers is a thing so ordinary and unblameable, that the husbands call them their Co-adjutors, and prize them far above the rest of their Acquaintance. The common people in a miserable servitude unto their Lords, pillaged and beaten by them upon any occasion; yet must not come before them with an empty hand. And if any of them have committed a crime de∣serving death, he must hang himself assoon as the sentence is signified to him, or else is beaten and tor∣mented in so cruell manner, that death at last is looked on as a better life.

The countrey is divided into ten parts or Provinces, subject unto the jurisdiction of so many Pa∣latines, that is to say, the Palatine of 1 Vilna, 2 Trock, 3 Minsko, 4 Novogrod, 5 Brestia, 6 Volhinia, 7 Kiovia, 8 Mi••slaw, 9 Vitebsco, 10 Polotzkie. But Novogrod and Polotskie being conquered by the Great Duke of Moscovie, and added unto that estate; and Volhinia reckoned (of late times) for a di∣stinct Province of it selfe, not depending of it: the remaining number is but seven; most of them taking names from their principall Townes. The chief of those, and others which deserve place here, are 1 Vilna a Bishops See, equall in bignesse to Cracow, the chief City of Poland; so called of the River Vil and Viln, upon which it is seated; built there in the year 1305 by one Godemin, a great Prince of these parts: well-walled, but the gates thereof open night and day; large, rich, and well frequented by forein Merchants; especially by those that drive the trade of Moscovie, who have here their Hall; one of the chief ornaments of the City. They have in it also some Churches built of stone (but the most of wood) the principall whereof is the Monastery of S. Bernard, which is a very comely structure. The Natives call this Town Vilenski; the Dutch, Die Wilde. Situate in the very heart of the countrey, the longest day in summer being here 16 houres and halfe a quarter; whereas in the most southern parts of the countrey it is but 16, and in the most northern not fully 18. 2 Kiovia, or Kiof, situate on the Nieper or Borysthenes, where the River Desna fals into it: hereto∣fore a beautifull and most stately City, having in it above 300 faire Churches, of which some remain unto this day; the ruines of the rest to be traced out amongst shrubs and bushes, the receptacles of wilde beasts. The seat at that time of the Metropolitan of the Russian Empire, containing also under his jurisdiction the countries of Walachia in Dacia, and Nigra Russia in Poland. But being destroyed by Bathu or Boydo the Tartarian, in the conquest of these parts by that people; it never could come neer its former lustre; yet still it holds the reputation of a Bishops See, acknowledging the Patri∣arch of Mosco for his Metropolitan; and consequently of the Communion of the Greek Churches, not of that of Rome. 3 Grodua, on the River Chronus, the chiefe Town of the Palatinate of Trock, memo∣rable for the death of Stephen King of Poland. 4 Grumwold, more memorable for the great defeat given neer it by Jagello the Duke of Lituania and King of Poland to the numerous Army of the Dutch Knights invading this Province: so confident of their successe in the undertaking, that they brought with them aboundance of chains and torches; with the one to lead captive the Nobles of Poland, and with the other to fire their Cities. But Jagello, then newly made a Christian, putting his confidence in God, with an Army of untrained souldiers so tamed their pride, that he slew 40000 of them; never recovered of that blow whilest their Order stood. 5 Ponsko, in the Palatinate of Brest; 6 Klow, reck∣oned a countrey of it selfe; and 7 Strissin fortified with a Castle, both under the Palatine of Mieslaw. The rest of the chief Towns may be known by the Palatinates, which they give their names to; but not else observable.

The antient Inhabitants hereof were the Aorsi, Pagarini, Savari, tribes of the Sarmatae Europaei. United into this name of Lituanians, they became subject to the Kings of Russia; till the breaking of that kingdome by the Tartars. At what time Erdizvill then their Prince, (but an Homager and Tributary to the Ru••sians) with drew himselfe from their command: as did also many others of the conquered Provinces. Afterwards Mi••doch, one of the Dukes or Princes of it, being made a Christian, was by Pope Innocent the third honoured with the title of a King, but returning againe unto his vomit, he lost that title. In the end anno 1386. J••gello Duke of Lituania, marying with Heduigis Queen of Poland, was upon three conditions chosen King of that Realm. 1 That he should immediately re∣ceive the Christian faith. 2 That he should draw all his subjects to the same beliefe; and 3 that hee should unite this Dukedome to the Crown of Poland. Of these the two first were performed with∣out

any delay; though the second not without some difficulty; the people being obstinate in their old Idolatry, especially in the religious conceit they had of high trees; which to cut down was held both unsafe and impious. Not to be weaned from this conceit till by the authority of the King their lostiest trees were felled, and their Woods grubbed up: which when they saw done without any danger to the Prince; or any of those whom he employed in that service, Regis mandato & autoritati cedere caperunt, they then began to hearken unto his commands, and generally received the Gospell, and were Baptized. In the last point there was a longer time of deliberation. For the Princes of the house of Jag••llo, loth to deprive themselves of their Patrimoniall estate, which was hereditary unto their po∣sterity; and to subject it to the election of the Polanders, in which it was possible the Princes of their family might be pretermitted: deferred the accomplishment hereof from one day to another, un∣der colour that the Lituanians would revolt, if they went about it. But Sigismund Augustus, in whose person the male issue of Jagello failed, foreseeing what divisions might ensue after his decease, and fear∣ing that the Moscovites would renew their old pretentions; united it unto the Crown: ordaining that the Bishops, Palatines, and a certain number of the Chastellans by him established, should have their place and suffrage in the great Councell of Poland: power in the choosing of the King, and all other priviledges which the naturall Polonians have. Since that accounted a chief Member of that Body Politicke: subject to those corruptions, changes, and innovations in matters of Religion, which have been predominant in the other; excepting those parts onely which relate to the Church of Greece or Mosco, adhering pertenaciously to the rites thereof.

4 VOLHINIA.

VOLHINIA, by some accounted one of the Palatinates of Lituania; (as once it was) but by others a distinct Province of it selfe, is bounded on the North and East with Lituania, on the South with Podolia, and on the West with Russia Nigra, and Podlassia. So called, as Maginus is of opi∣nion, from the Volgari, who dwelling on the banks of the River Volga, came afterwards into this coun∣trey calling it Volgaria, whence by degrees it came unto Volhonia, and at last to Volhinia. But this con∣jecture is improbable and of no good grounds.

The countrey yeelds good plenty both of grain and fruits, Pooles which abound with very good fish, Forrests which doe afford them store of game and honey; and much good pasturage for their cattell. The people of the same nature with the Lituanians, but more strong, and warlike, and better weaned from their old superstitions and heathenish customes, then the others are. Of the same lan∣guage and Religion with those of Russia, to which, together with the rest of Lituania, it did once be∣long: It is divided commonly into three parts or Provinces, all taking name from the three princi∣pall Cities of it; that is to say, 1 Luzke, in Latine called Luceozia, a towne of above 1000 families, where 127 onely, in the time of my Authour were of the Romish Religion; the residue being Rus∣sians, Grecians, and some Armenians; the seat & residence of two Bishops, of which one being of the Com∣munion of the Church of Rome, is of the Province of the Archbishop of Lemburg in Russia Nigra: but they which are of the Communion of the Church of Greece, have also a Bishop of their owne, who acknowledgeth the Patriarch of Mosco for his Metropolitan. 2 Valodomir, a Bishop See also, of the same condition. 3 Keromenze, which (as the rest) hath under it many fair Towns and Castles, besides large Villages. The whole once part of Lituania, as before was said; but of late dismembred from it, and united to the Crown of Poland, as a State distinct. But so, that the greatest part of it is immediately sub∣ject to the Duke of Ostrogoye, who is said to have 4000 Feudataries in this Countrey, the greatest Prince of those who hold Communion with the Church of Greece, in the whole Realm of Poland.

5 PODOLIA.

PODOLIA hath on the North Volhinia, part of Lituania, and the great Empire of Russia, on the South Moldavia, from which parted by the River Tyras, now called Niester: on the West Russia Ni∣gra: extending Eastward through vast uninhabited countries, as far as to the Euxine Sea. The reason of the name I finde no where guessed at, the people for the most part of the same nature with the Rus∣sians, to whose Empire it formerly belonged.

The Country generally so fertile, that the husbandman is accustomed to reap an hundred for one, in regard it bears at one ploughing for three years together: the countreyman being put to no further trouble, then at the end of the first and second yeares, to shake the corn a little, as he reaps or loads it, that which so falls serving as seed for the next yeare following. The meadow grounds so strange∣ly rich, and luxuriant, and the grass so high, that a man can hardly see the heads or horns of his Cattell: of so swift a growth, that in three days it will cover a rod which is throwne into it, and in few more so hide a plough, that it is not an easie work to finde it. If these things seeme beyond beliefe, let Maginus who reporteth them, bear the blame thereof: though better take it on his word then goe so far to disprove him. And yet which addes much unto the miracle, the ground in most places so hard and stony, that there need six yoke of Oxen to break it up, to the great toyle both of the Cattell and the men. It is also said that in this countrey there are great flocks of sheep, many

heads of Oxen, abundance of wild beasts, and great store of honey. And yet for all this plenty and abundance of all things necessarie, the Country for the most part, especially towards the East, is but meanly inhabited; by reason of the frequent incursions of the Tartars bordering next unto it. Who have so wasted it in times past, and thereby so discouraged the people from building, planting, and all other works of peace and husbandrie, that in so large and rich a Countrie, there is nothing to be seen but some scattered houses, few Villages, and not above from Towns of note, viz. 1 Or••zakow, at the influx of the Borysthenes or Nieper into the Euxine sea. 2 Vaszow, at the fall of the River Bog into that of Nieper. 3 Braclaw, more high upon the Bog. 4 Camienecz, on the borders of Russia nigra, built by some divine hand as it were amongst the precipices of high and inaccessible Rocks; and so well fortified withall, that it is impregnable; as is apparent by the many and great repulses, which the Turks, Tartarians, and Valachians, have received before it, with much shame and losse. 2 Lemburg, remarkable for the sawces or salt-meats, which they send thence into other Countries.

6 RUSSIA NIGRA.

RVSSIA NIGRA hath on the East Volhinia, Podolia, and Moldavia; on the West Mazo••ia and Poland, specially so called; on the North Lituania, and Podlassia; and on the South the Sarmati∣an on Carpathian Mountains. It is called also Roxolania from the Roxolani, a chief people of Sarma••••a Europaea, and by some Ruthenia: but generally Russia, from the Rossi spoken of before, in the Empire of Russia, who spread themselves over all these parts. Some hold that it was first called Rosseia which signifieth in the Sclavonian language a scattered Nation, or a Nation disseminated, and dispersed into many parts; and that this was the name generally of all that spake the Sclavonian tongue, and fol∣lowed the religion and ••ites of the Church of Greece: extended from the frozen Seas to the Adriatique, and from the Euxine to the Baltick. This and a greater tract of ground I grant to have been hereto∣fore possessed by divers Nations under the name of Sclavonians; a very considerable part of Germany and P••land being conquered by them. But for the name of Russia, given at first to all the Russian Em∣pire, distinguished now into Russia Alba, and Russia Nigra, I adhere unto my former Vote: conceiving that it came from the Rossi, an Armenian people, inhabiting about Mount Taurus, who in the year 864 or there abouts, attempted the taking of Constantinople, and after placed themselves on the Northern banks of the Euxine, getting ground of the Sclavonians to the North and East, till they had made themselves masters of all Russia Alba, Lituania, Volhinia, Podolia, and this Russia Nigra. Distinguished from the former by the adjunct of Nigra, after the destruction of that great Empire by the coming in of the Tar∣tars, either from the colour of their garments, or their black and more southernly complexion. In which regard called also Russia Meridionalis, or the Southern Russia.

The Country is generally fruitfull, abounding in Horses, Oxen, Sheep, Sables, and Foxes: such store of Bees that they breed not only in Hives and hollow trees, but in Rocks and Caves. Well wa∣tred both with Pools and Rivers, affording them great plenty of fish; more naturally spawning here then in other places, insomuch that if a Pond be digged, and spring accordingly, the fish will breed therein of their own accord without being brought from other waters. The greatest want hereof is wine, either supplyed with Mede, or from other places. And it is said, that in the Terri∣torie of Cheline the branches of the Pine trees left upon the ground for three years together, will be converted into stone.

The people are generally valiant, and so strong of bodie, that they use Bows of 12 foot long. Being formerly governed by Dukes, they doe but ill brook the name of King; which much induced the Kings of Poland to send Colonies of naturall Polonians into most parts of the Countrie, insomuch as most of the Knights and Gentrie of it are of that extraction, and follow the religion of the Church of Rome: the Paisants and originall inhabitants of it being more generally affected to the Rites and doctrines of the Church of Greece.

Places of most importance in it are, 1 Chelme, in the Territorie whereof it is affirmed, that the branches of Pine trees left upon the ground for three years together, are converted to stone. 2 Pre∣misten, 3 Halitz, 4 Belzo, 5 Grodeck, and 6 Leopolis, by the Natives called Lemburg, built by one Leo a Moscovite, a Town of great traffique, and an Archbishops See, who is of the Religion of the Church of Rome. But the Patriarch of Mosco hath here also an Archbishop of his own ordaining, there being Churches both in the Citie it self, and all Russia generally (as before was said) which are of the com∣munion of the Church of Greece. There are also in this Citie some Armenian Merchants who have a Church, a Bishop, and some Priests of their own religion.

Of the affairs of this Province, and how it was a part once of the Russian Empire, hath been said already. Dismembred from it by the Tartars, it had a while Dukes or Provinciall Governours, sub∣ject and tributarie unto those Barbarians: as had also Podolia, its next neighbour. Both conque∣red by the Polander, were for a time kept under by strong hand, and the power of Garrisons. But be∣ing upon all occasions apt to revolt, by reason of the hard hand which the Kings held over them, (by whom treated rather like slaves then subjects) they were assured unto the State by giving them the same liberties and immunities both for the Nobilitie and the Commons, which the naturall Polonians had; and by that means made fellow-members of that Common-wealth. The Act of Ladislaus the 6. the son of Jagello, imitating therein the ancient Romans, who much augmented their forces, and assu∣red their Estate, by communicating the freedome of Rome, and the priviledges of Latium to many of

〈…〉〈…〉.

7 MASSOVIA.

MASSOVIA is bounded on the East with Lituania, on the West with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 specially so called, on the North with Prussia and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, on the South with Russia Nigra or 〈◊〉〈◊〉. So called 〈…〉〈…〉 one of the Dukes hereof; who in the year 1045. being vanquished by Casi••••••e Duke of Poland, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into ••••ussia and there unfortunately dyed.

The Countrie large, and for the most part full of woods, where they finde store of Bug••••s and wild 〈◊〉〈◊〉 The people strong, valiant, and couragious in war: differing little from the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in speech, manners, or apparell; save that they use a kinde of whistling, which the others do not. The principall Towns of it, are 1 Marschow, the chief of the Province, and heretofore the residence of the Duke or Prince, remarkable for the best M••de or Metheglin. 2 Egr••d Czirko, 3 Poltouvoski, 4 Gadz••ck, 5 Lozara, 6 Dro••e, the seat of a Palatine, but not else observable.

This Province was once subject to Princes of its own, not subject or subordinate unto any Superi∣our. Of which number that Masso was one, from whom named Massovia. In the years 1246. and 1260. being strangely wasted and distressed by Mind••y Duke of Lituania; they were fain to put themselves under the power of the Polander: by whom made the portion of the second son of that Kingdom. But John and Stamslaus the two last Dukes hereof, dying without issue, it returned unto the Kings of Poland, by whom incorporate to that Crown, and priviledged in the election of the King, and all matters which concern the publick, as all others of the Polonians are, anno 1526.

8 PODLASSIA.

Podlassia is bounded on the East with Volhinia, on the West with Prussia▪ on the North with Li∣tuania, and on the South with Massovia, and Russia nigra. The reason of the name I know not. The Coun∣trie not much differeing from those before, the people a mixt generation of Russes, Moscovites, and Po∣l••nians; partake a little of the manners and garbe of those severall Nations from which they lineally are descended.

Places of most importance in it, are 1 Bielsko, 2 Brunsko, 3 Suras, all of them having fair and ample Territories. 4 Tykdiskin, strongly fortified and well garrisoned, as being the place where the Kings Treasures are kept. 5 Knyssin, beautified with a royall Palace and a pleasant Park, wherein are store of wilde beasts for hunting, and fish-ponds very well replenished. 6 Narew, 7 Vasilkow, and 8 Augustow, a very strong Town, built and well fortified by Sigismund Augustus, and by him thus na∣med, anno 1569. at what time he dismembred this Province from Lituania, to which before it apper∣tained; uniting it forever to the Crown of Poland.

9 PRUSSIA.

PRVSSIA is bounded on the East with Lituania, and Podlassia; on the west with Pomerania; on the North with the Baltick Sea; and on the South with Poland and Massovia. Called first Borussia from the Borussi, who subdued it (of whom more anon) which by an easie alteration was changed into Prussia, by which name still called.

The Countrie is extended all along the Baltick Sea, from the Citie of Dantzick in the west, to La∣bian on the mouth of the Maillank East, for the space of 50 Polish miles; and from Torune bordering on Massovia, to Memel in the confines of Lituania, 58 miles of the same measure. The air thereof very mild and temperate, the soil both profitable and pleasant; full of Lakes and Rivers stored with fish, plentifull of corn and other necessaries, and well clad with Forrests which yeeld them game for hun∣ting, rich skins for profit, and abundance of honey. Of which last they make Mede for their own use (their ordinarie drinke where there is no wine) and fell the rest unto the Merchant. But the com∣moditie wherein they doe excell their neighbours, is their plentie of Amber, which is the juice of a stone which groweth like a Corall in a Mountain of these Baltick Seas, covered quite with water, and shunned by Mariners 3 leagues off for fear of Shipwrack: the Mountaine reasonable large, about 50 yards high of English measure. And when any tempest riseth in these Northern Seas, especially in September and December, the liquor by violence thereof is rent from the rock, and cast into divers Ha∣vens and on divers Coasts of this Countrie, and sometimes upon those of Sweden and Pomerania: the people leaping into the Sea when it rageth most, whence they take up first some store of weeds, after that this Liquor; which being taken out of the water hardneth like to Corall. Besides the beau∣ty hereof and the quality it hath of attracting straws and iron, as the Adamant doth, burning like pitch, and others of this nature; it is excellent good for stopping bloud, all kinde of Agues, falling-sicknesse, dropsies, stone, colick, weaknesse of stomach, head-ach, and the yellow jaundise.

The people, especially the Gentrie, descend from the Germans, and retain much of their nature having more art and industry then the other Polonians, and being more tenacious of their ancient cu∣••omes. Idolaters for long time together, converted first unto the Faith, in the time of the Emperor Frederick the 2. by whose setting on they were subdued by the order of the Dutch Knights, anno 1215. and either wonne or forced to the Christian Faith. As Christians, governed since the first plantation of the Gospell by the Bishops of Culm, Warme, Samb••a, and Pomesan, suffragans to the Archbishop of Guesna: under whom those parts of it doe still continue, which have not yet forsaken the Church of Rome: the Lutherans, Calvinians, and other separate Congregations distinct from them, having their own forms both of doctrine and discipline.

Few Provinces of the North are better watered then this is, both for Lakes and Rivers: some of the Lakes 7 Dutch miles in compasse, and well stored with fish; the Rivers 12 in number, that is to say, 1 The Vistula, 2 Chronus, 3 Nogat, 4 Elbing, 5 Vasera, 6 Passaria, 7 Alla, 8 Pregel, 9 Ossa, 10 Drebmez, 11 Lica, and 12 Lavia, all plentifully stored with fish; besides a large Sea coast both for trade and fishing, no small commoditie to the Natives.

The Country formerly divided into twelve Dukedomes, (so they called the parts and fractions of it) was by the industrie of the Dutch Knights so adorned and beautified (after they had once brought it under their obedience) that there were no fewer then 72 Castles and 62 good Towns of their foun∣dation. Which number being much increased in these later times, hath made it the most flourishing part of the whole kingdom of Poland. But the Order of these Knights being suppressed in this Coun∣trie by an agreement betwixt Sigismund the first King of Poland, and Albert of Brandenbourg, the last great Master of the Order; both Towns and Countrie are divided between the successours of the said Alber•• as Dukes of Prussia, and of the said Sigismund as Kings of Pole; the Dukedoms or divisions of Hogerland Warme, Galmadia, Micklow, Calmigeria, with the Citie of Mariemberg, the Soveraignty of Dantzick, and Melvin, with the whole Countrie of Pomerella lying on the West side of the Vistula, being allotted to the King; the residue containing the divisions of Schalavonia, Sambia, Natangia, Nadravia, Ba••vnia. Sudavia, and Pomesama, (except the City and Territorie of Mar••emberg) to the Dukes o•• Prussia.

Chief Towns belonging to the Duke, are 1 Mimel, a well frequented Port, the Mart town for the commodities of Lituania, which are brought hither, and here bought by the forein Merchant: part of this Province interposing betwixt Lituania and the Baltick. 2 Coningsberg, as the Dutch; Regim••m, as the Fre••ch; and Mons Regius, as the Latines call it, situate in the Province of Sambia, at the bottome of a Gul••e or Bay, where the Pregel falleth into the Baltick Sea, built by the Dutch Knights in the year 1260, and made an Universitie by Albert the first Duke hereof, 1525. the seat and principall residen••e of his succeslours: as also of the Bishops of Sambia, in Latine called Sambienses, by the name of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Province. 3 Mubneburg, founded by the Dutch Knights, anno 1279. 4 Brandenburg, on the South side of that bay, but more near the Sea; built, as I gueste, by some of the great Masters of that familie 5 Ragmtz, the furthest town of note towards Litua••ia. 6 Angersburg, in Sclavenia, as was also Ragnitz. 7 Nordenburg in Ba••tonia. 8 Ottelburg in Galmdia, of which little memorable. 9 Marienwerder, the fur∣thest of the Dukes estate towards the Vistula, and the ordinary residence of the Bishop of Pomesan. Besides which there are reckoned in this division, 80 good towns more, and about 54 Castles, though not of much observation in the course of storie.

Chief towns pertaining to the King are 1 Braunsberg, upon a Bay of the Baltick Sea, which they call Frisch Haffe; a town of good trade by reason of the commodious Haven; and the ordinarie re∣sidence of the Bishop of Warmia. 2 Frawenburg, on the same Bay, not far from Braunsburg. 3 Elbing, on the same Bay, not far from a fair and fishfull Lake, well traded, rich, and full of very wealthie Merchants. 4 Ressel, the chief town of the Diocese and Dukedome of Warmie. 5 Strasburg, in Mich∣low, confining on Poland specially so called; at the siege whereof by Gustavus Adolphus King of Swe∣den, anno 1628. Elias Tripe, one of the Engineers of that King, found out the use of Leather Ordinance, which afterwards did that King great service in his wars of Germany. 6 Culm, on the River Vistula, a Bishops See. 7 Mariemburg, on the Nogat, built by the Dutch Knights, anno 1302. and made the seat of the Great Masters of their Order, translated first from Ptolemais or Acon in Syria, to the citie of Venice; from thence to Marpurg, and at last to this place by Sifride the twelfth Great Master of it: whose con∣stant residence in this town, occasioned the Bishop of Culm to remove thither also. A very fair and well-built citie, the chief of those which do belong to the King of Poland: by whom so well garri∣soned and furnished with such store of victualls, ammunition, and all other necessaries, that it wa•• thought able to hold out for a six years siege. But it proved otherwise when besieged by the King of Sweden, who took it in lesse space then so many months; on the setling of a peace betwixt the Crowns rendred again unto the King of Poland. Beneath this town down towards the Baltick is a pleasant Island made by the Nagot and the Wixell, for the fertilitie of the soil, and the great numbe•• of houses, villages, and people, not equalled (for the muchnesse of it) in all this Countrie. 8 Ne••∣burg, on the west side of the Vistula or Wixel, in the Countrie called Pomerella, once part of Pomerania but given by Swantibore Duke of Pomeren, anno 1107. to Bugeslaus his second son; whose posterity enjoyed it till the year 1295. when Mestevin the 2. dying without issue male, gave it to Primislaus Duke of the Polonians, whose successours have ever since enjoyed it by that donation. 9 Dirschaw or Darsaw, (in Latine, Darsovia) a well fortified Town and of great importance, on the same side of the River, and the same Countrie of Pomerella. 10 Dantzick, in Latine called Dantiscum, and sometimes Geda∣num, situate on the same side of the River also, a fair and well-built Citie, the houses for the 〈◊〉〈◊〉

part of brick, and the rest of stone; raised with great beauty and magnificence six or seven floores high: beautified with a fair Councell-house for affairs of State, and many publick gardens for dis∣port and exercise. It consisteth of three Cities governed by as many Senates; the one called Fur∣stat or the fore-Citie, the second Altstat or the old Citie, and the third Reichstat or the Emperours Citie: but all encompassed with one wall, and governed by one chief Senate or Common-Councel chosen out of all three. A Bishops See, and the second in esteem and rank of all the Hanse towns; of so great trade and such a noted Granarie of all sorts of corn issued from hence to supply the wants of all other Countries, that 1000 measures of wheat (besides other commodities in proportion) are here dayly sold. Heretofore it was reckoned as Imperiall, but now esteemed a Free-Estate, ac∣knowledging the Kings of Poland for their Protectours; to whom they allow many customes upon their merchandise, and permit his Officers to abide there for receiving of them. The first town in the Kingdome of Poland which gave entrance to the doctrines of Luther, anno 1525. but in so tumultuous a manner, that they that favoured his opinions, deposed the old Common-Councell men and created new ones of their own, prophaned the Churches, robbed them of their ornaments, and shamefully abused the Priests, and Religious persons, abolished the Masse, and altered all things at their pleasure. But by the coming of the King they grew somewhat quieter: Having one Convent of Black Friers, and two of Nuns, who still enjoy the exercise of their Religion. 11 Melvin, a noted Port Town and of great resort, especially by the English Merchants, who had here their Staple for the Bal∣tick. A small, but fair and well-built Citie, and fortified with a very good wall: governed like Dan••k, after the manner of a Free Estate or Common-wealth, under the patronage and protection of the Kings of Poland.

The ancient inhabitants hereof were the Venedi, the most potent Nation of this tract, exten∣ded all along the coast of the Baltick, from them by Ptolemie called Sinus Venedicus, containing un∣der them the Gythones, Phinni, Sulanes, Phrungudiones, Avarini; and more within the land, the Sudi∣ni, and Galindae, whose name the Dukedome or Province of Galindia, doth still retaine. But great and potent though they were, they were subdued by the Borussi, inhabiting at the foot of the Riphean Mountaines; who weary of their own cold and barren dwellings, removed into the Western parts, and vanquishing the Venedi and those other Nations, possessed themselves of this Country, which they called Borussia; now by us named Prussia. By Venedus one of their Princes, having 12 sons in all, it was divided into 12 Provinces or Dukedomes, one for every son, continuing by that means distracted into divers petit principalities, till the coming of the Marian or Dutch Knights, sent hither by Frederick the 2. anno 1215. by whom the Provinces or Dukedomes of Su∣davia, Michlow, and the greatest part of Nadravia, were laid waste and desolate, the rest submit∣ted to their power and received the Gospel. After this it continued change of Masters, they revolted to the King of Poland, to whom they offered their obedience: seconded by the yeeld∣ing up of Mariemberg, with many other Towns and Castles sold to King Casimir by the Garrison Souldiers, anno 1457. for 476000 Florens. But the Knights disdaining to be so dealt withall, and refusing to swear allegiance to the Kings of Poland, they brake out into open war; managed with variable successe on both sides; Ludovicus the then Great Master, being so successefull at the first that he once beat the King out of the field, routed his whole Armie, slew 30000 of his men upon the place, and took 136 of his chief Nobilitie: not vanquished at last but by the treachery and rebellion of his own people. In the end wearied and worn out on both sides by continuall wars, Albert of Bran∣denbourg then Great Master, having for 14 years together couragiously maintained the honour of his Order, and for the 4 last years importuned in vain the assistance of the Emperour and Princes of Germanie, began to think of some expedient to compound the businesse. Being inclined to Luthers doctrines, and willing to advance himself unto this Estate, he secretly practised with Sigismund the first of Poland, to end the war to the advantage of both parties. By whom at last it was agreed that Albert should relinquish his Order, and surrender all Prussia into the hands of the King; that the King pos∣sessing the Western parts with the town of Mariemberg, and the soveraignty of Dansk and Melvin, should invest Albert with the title of Duke of Prussia, estating on him and the heirs of his bodie, the whole Eastern Moietie, containing the Provinces or Dukedoms before specified; and finally, that Al∣bert and his heirs should hold the said Estate as Homagers to the Crown of Poland, taking place in all Assemblies at the Kings right hand. According to this agreement, anno 1525. Albert, attired in the compleat Habit of Master of the Dutch Order, presents himself humbly on his knees before King Sigis∣mund at Cracow, the King then sitting on his Throne. The King raising him from the ground, cau∣sed him to put off those robes and attire himself in a Ducall Habit; which done an instrument was read and published, whereby the King conferred upon him and the heirs of his body the Dukedome of Prussia, to be held of him and his successours Kings of Poland. An act at which the whole Order were extremely incensed, but they could not help it; and thereupon retired into Germanie, where there were some good lands left to maintain such of them as had no mind to quit that militarie honour: lea∣ving their old Estates in Prussia to the King, and the Duke; whose successors have hitherto enjoyed their part of it with the Title of

DUKES of PRUSSIA.

• 1525 1 Albert Brandenbourg, son of Frederick Marquesse of Onalsbach, or Ansbach, created Master of the Order by the Emperour Maximilian, anno 1511. and the first Duke of Prussia by Sigismund the first of Poland, anno 1525. founded the Universitie of Coningsberg, anno 1544.
• 1563 2 Albert Frederick, son of Albert the first Duke, marryed Mary Eleanor daughter of William Duke of Cleve, Gulick, Berg, &c.
• 3 Anne, Eldest daughter of Duke Albert Frederick Dutchesse of Prussia, brought the Estate in marriage to
• 4 John Sigismund, Marquesse and Elector of Brandenburg confirmed therein by Sigismund the 3. of Poland, pretending an Escheat thereof for want of heirs males of the bodie of Albert the first Duke.
• 5 George William, Marquesse and Elector of Brandenburg, and Duke of Prussia in right of the Lady Anne his mother; and of Cleve, Gulick, Berg, &c. by descent from Mary Eleanor his Grandmother.
• 6 Frederick William, son of George William, Marquesse and Elector of Brandenburg, Duke of Prussia, Cleve, Gulick, and Berg; of whose investiture in the Dukedome of Pomeren, and other large and goodly Signeuries, we have spoke elsewhere.

As for the Government of this Province, standing thus divided, that of the Duke is more Monar∣chicall then that of the King; the one being absolute and uncontrollable in his Estates, the other sub∣ject to the great Councell of Poland. If any difference grow between them, Delegates appointed by the King, but taking a new Oath to doe equall justice, either at Mariemberg or Elbing, do compound the businesse: who together with some others of the Dukes nomination, receive all Appeals, in which the Duke is interessed as one of the parties.

The Revenues of this Dukedome are thought to be 120000 Ducats yearly.

The Armes thereof are Argent, an Eagle Vert, Membred and Crowned Or, langued Gules.

10 POLAND.

POLAND properly and specially so called, is bounded on the East with Massovia, Podlassia, and Lituania; on the West with Silesia, and the Marquisate of Brandenburg; on the North with Prussia, and on the South with the Sarmatian or Carpathian Mountains, which divide it from Hungarie. It is in length 480 Italian miles, 300 of the same miles in breadth; and took this name (as afore is said) from the word Pole, signifying as much as plain; the Countrie being plain and levell, little swelled with hils.

The Air hereof is pure and healthy, but sharp and cold; the Countrie plain, shaded with thick dark woods, parts of the Hercynian, full of wild beasts for hunting, and of Bees for honey, which they have here in great abundance: together with such plenty of grain, but of Rie especially, by rea∣son of the continuall breaking up of new grounds gained out of the Forrests, that it may be called the Granarie or Store-house of the Western parts of Europe; sent down the Wixel unto Dantzick, and thence transported by the Merchant into other Countries, according to their severall wants.

The Character of the people we have had before; adding now only that in matters of war they are stout and resolute; so forwards in giving the charge and pursuit of the enemie, that John Vasi∣••wich the Great Duke of Moscovie, comparing them with the Souldiers of his own Dominions, was wont to say, that the Moscovites wanted a spur to drive them forwards; and the Polanders had need of a bridle to hold them back. Their language is the Sclavonian tongue; most generally spoken also in the rest of the Provinces, but with some difference in the dialect, or pronunciation.

It is divided commonly into two parts, the Greater and the Lesser Poland. The Greater lying wholly on the Western side of the Wixel, and so accounted anciently as part of Germanie, contains 9 divisi∣ons, under the jurisdiction of the 9 Palatines of 1 Posna, 2 Kalisch, 3 Siradia, 4 Lancitia, 5 Vratislaw, 6 Brestus, 7 Rava, 8 Ploczko, and 9 Dobrzin: each of them so called from some Town of note. The chief whereof, and of the rest contained in them, are 1 Posna, a Bishops See, and the principall of the Greater Poland, seated amongst hills on the River Warta; built of free-stone, with very large Suburbs beyond the River: but much subject unto inundations, which adde much strength unto the place: of great resort by reason of the Marts or Fairs holden twice a year. 2 Koscien, situate amongst Marishes and ••ortified with a double wall. 3 Ostresow, bordering on Silesia, begirt with woods. 4 Guesna, the antientest town of Poland, founded by Lechus their first Prince, the seat of him and his successours till removed to Cracow, situate in Kalisch, and by old prescription, the first place for the inaugurati∣on of the Kings of Pole: in regard that here Prince Bo••••slaus the first King received the Regall Diadem

at the hands of Otho the third. The town well-walled, and the See of the Archbishop, who is the Primate of the kingdome, by antient priviledge the Popes Legat for all Sarmatia Europaea, and in the absence of the King or interregnums the Vicar Generall of the kingdome, having power to summon the Diets, to conclude and publish their Decrees. 5 Petrocow, a walled Town, in the Palatinate or di∣vision of Siradia, situate in a moorish soyle; the place in former times of the Generall Diets, since re∣moved to Warsaw. 6 Viadislaw on the Wixel or Vistulae, a Bishops See. 7 Bedost, a walled Town on the Bard, a navigable River, conveying the Merchandise of these parts into the Vistula. 8 Kruswick in Bresty, built of wood, standing on a great Lake named Gopla in the Castle whereof Popielus the second Duke of Poland, was after a strange manner devoured with Rats, swarming out of the Lake. 9 Ploczko, upon the Vistula, a walled Town, and a Bishops See, with a Castle to it; and 10 Mlawa, bor∣dering on the Dukedome of Prussia.

The LESSER Poland lying on the South of the Greater, and divided by the River Wixel, com∣prehendeth onely three divisions, under the Government of the Palatines of Craco••, 2 Sendomir, and Lublin. Principall Cities of the which are 1 Craco••, upon the Wixel, (called in Latine Cracovia) a Bishops See, the chief of all the kingdome, and the seat of the Prince, and the Sepulture of the for∣mer Kings. By Ptolemie called Carodunum; fortified with a double wall (of the old fashion) a deep ditch, the Castle of Vanel situate on the top of an high rock; and beautified with an University•• or generall study of good Arts and Sciences. The buildings 〈◊〉〈◊〉 more faire then elsewhere in Poland, of free stone, and foure stories high, but for the most part covered with Shingles, or tiles of wood: in the midst a large market-place of form quadrangular; and in the middle of that the Common-councell house, about which are many shops of Merchants. On one side of it standeth the Cathedrall Church; and on the East-side of the City, the Palace Royall, high seated on an hill over looking both the Town and Countrey, fair and well built, of form somewhat neere a Quadrangle; but lying open to the South without any buildings above the wall; affording thereby to the Gallery, being on the North side of the Castle the more excellent prospect. 2 Lelow, a walled towne with a Castle, on the River Bialo. 3 Sendomir, a walled town with a Castle also, seated on a hill, under which the Vi∣stula or Wixel. 4 Wislicza, a walled town amongst Marishes, encompassed with the River Nid. 5 Lub∣lin, a walled town, but more strongly fortified by the marishes and wates, with which environed: re∣markable for three yearly Marts, drawing hither Merchants from most parts adjoining, as also Mo∣scovites, Armenians, Turkes, and Grecians: the Jews, inhabiting the greatest part of the suburbs, have here their Synagogue; making the Town, especially at time of those Marts, a medley of all Nations and Religions. 6 Casimir, on the Wixel, so named from the founder of it, a King of Poland.

The old Inhabitants of this countrey, were the Arii, Helverone, Elysii, and the Naharvali, parts of the Suevi Lygii spoken of by Tacitus; all of them lying on the Dutch side of the Wixel, by conse∣quence, within the bounds of the antient Germanie: the people of all the rest of the Provinces before described, being of the Sarmatian race, next neighbours to the Germans, and not much unlike them in persons, customes, or conditions. But these dispersed and scattered Nations of Sarmatia Europaea, be∣ing united in the common name of Sclaves, part of them setled in that part which we now call Po∣land, at that time reckoned and accompted of as a part of Germanie. The time of their first comming hither, and the manner of their government when first setled here, is not very well known. But for the first it is most certain, that it was some time, and that not long after the death of Mauritius the Eastern Emperour: and for the next it is as certain, that on the coming of Lechus, a Croatian, who fled his countrey for a murder, with his brother Zechius, they setled into a more constant form of Go∣vernment, then before they did. For Lechus seeing his brothers good successe in Bohemia, where the Sclaves received him for their Prince; passed into Poland, the next Province, and was as cheerfully re∣ceived by the Sclaves thereof: who looked upon him as a Prince of their own extraction, and with∣out quarrell or competition submitted themselves to his commands, anno 650. or thereabouts. Of this there is good constat amongst our Authours. But neither the names or number of his succes∣sours doe occur in story, till the time of Crocus, the founder of Cracovia, the chief City of Poland, and the Legislator of this people. After this the succession of their Princes and the successe of their affairs, becomes more certain: the Estate hereof being much improved, by the conquest of many Sarmatian countreys, all which together constitute and make up the kingdome of Poland, so called from this predominating and prevailing Province. The summe of their affaires is this. The posterity of Cro∣••us failing in Popielus the second, Piastus is elected Duke, the Princes from that time forwards, be∣coming Elective, but alwayes with respect to the next of bloud. In the time of Mi••cislaus son of Nemomystus they received the Gospell, anno 963. Boleslaus the son of Miecislaus, was the first who had the title of King conferred upon him by the Emperour Otho the third, about the yeare 1001. relin∣quished by Vladislaus the first, and not resumed againe till the time of Primislaus, Duke of Posna, anno 1300. after which perpetuall. In the person of this Primislaus, Pemerella is united to the state of Po∣land, anno 1295. in that of Jagello, or Vladislaus the fifth, the great Dukedome of Lituania; incorpo∣rated into this body as a Member of it, in the time of Sigismund Augustus. By Vladislaus the sixt, son of Jagello, Podolia and Russia Nigra, are also added; by Sigismund the first Prussia, and Massovia; Podlas∣sia by Sigismund Augustus, who also tooke Volhinia out of Lituania: by Stephen, the actuall possession of the greatest part of Livonia; by Sigismund the third a title to the Crown of Sweden. The Princes follow in this Order.

DUKES and KINGS of POLAND.

• A. Ch.
• 649 1 Lechus of Croatia the first Duke; whose posterity failing, twelve Palatines were chosen to direct affairs, and the state became Aristocraticall.
• 2 Crocus, the Legislator of Poland.
• 3 Lechus II. son of Crocus.
• 4 Venda the daughter of Crocus, and sister of Lectius the second.
• 5 Lescus the first.
• 6 Lescus II.
• 7 Lescus III. Contemporarie with Charles the great.
• 8 Popielus son of Lescus the third.
• 9 Popielus II. devoured in most horrid manner by rats and mice, together with his wife and children, the last of the posterity or house of Crocus.
• 800 10 Piastus the first Duke elected.
• 11 Zemovitus son of Piastus.
• 12 Lescus IV. son of Zemovitus.
• 13 Nemomyslus son of Lescus the fourth.
• 14 Miecislaus son of Nemomyslus, the first Christian Prince of the Polonians, founded the Bi∣shopricks of Cracow and Guesna.
• 1000 15 Boleslaus son of Miecislaus the first, who had the title of King conferred on him by Otho the third.
• 1025 16 Miecislaus II. sonne of Boleslaus.
• 1041 17 Casimir son of Miecislaus.
• 1059 18 Boleslaus II. son of Casmir, deposed and died an Exile in Hungary.
• 1082 19 Vladislaus brother of Boleslaus, the second, abandoned the title of King only and used that of Prince or Duke.
• 1003 20 Boleslaus III. son of Vladislaus.
• 1140 21 Vladislaus II. son of Boleslaus the third, outed by his Brethren, and at last estated in Sile∣sia; united formerly to Poland from the time of Lechus.
• 1146 22 Boleslaus IV. brother of Vladislaus the second.
• 1174 23 Miecislaus III. brother of Boleslaus and Vladislaus, deposed by his brother Casimir.
• 1178 24 Casimir II. brother of the three last Princes.
• 1195 25 Lescus V. son of Casimir the second deposed by Miecislaus the third.
• 1203 26 Vladislaus III. son of Miecislaus the third deposed by Lescus the fift; who again seised on the Estate.
• 1243 27 Boleslaus V. surnamed Pudicus.
• 1280 28 Lescus VI. surnamed Niger, the adopted son of Boleslaus and his Cousen German once remo∣ved; after whose death, anno 1289. the estate being distracted into many fations, was for some time without a Prince: setled at last on
• 1295 29 Primislaus surnamed Postbumus, who againe assumed the name of King, continued ever since by his successours.
• 1296 30 Vladislaus surnamed Locticus, brother of Lescus Niger, outed by Wenceslaus King of Bohemia, anno 1300. after whose death, anno 1306. he resumed the estate.
• 1333 31 Casimir III. surnamed the Great, son of Vladislaus the fourth, the first establisher of the kingdom, after all those troublesd, yed without issue.
• 1371 32 Lewis king of Hungary son of Charles King of Hungary by Elizabeth the sister of Casimir.
• 1383 33 Heduigis the youngest daughter of Lewis, her elder sister Mary succeeding in the Realm of Hungary, chosen Queen of Poland, marryed to Jagello Duke of Lituania, Christened and called Vladislaus the fift.
• 1386 34 Valdislaus V. Duke of Lituania, elected King upon his marriage with Queene He∣duigis.
• 1435 35 Vladislaus VI. son of Jagello, or Vladislaus the fift, by Sephia daughter of the Duke of Kio∣via. He was King of Hungary also, slaine at the battell of Varna by Amurath the se∣cond King of the Turkes without issue.
• 1447 36 Casimir IV. brother of Vladislaus, first brought the Knights of Prussia, under his com∣mand; Knight of the order of Garter.
• 1493 37 John Albert the second sonne of Casimir, his elder Brother Vladislaus being pretermitted on his accepting of the Crowns of Hungarie and Bohemia.
• 1502 38 Alexander the third son of Casimir.
• 1507 39 Sigismund the fourth sonne of Casimir his elder Brethren dying without issue; sup∣pressed the Order of the Dutch Knights in Prussia; and added part thereof unto his estate.
• 1548 40 Sigismund II. surnamed Augustus the last of the male issue of Jagello.
• 1574 41 Henry Duke of Aniou, son of Henry the second French King, chosen on the death of Sigis∣mund

• Augustus, the onely Stranger to the bloud in all this Catalogue. On the death of his brother Charles the ninth, he departed secretly into France, where he succeeded by the name of Henry the third.
• 1579 42 Stephen Bathor Vaivod of Transylvania, having marryed Anne sister of Sigismund the se∣cond, is elected King; he united Livonia to the Crown, and had a great hand up∣on the Moscovite.
• 1587 43 Sigismund III. son of John King of Swethland and Catharine his wife another of the sisters of Sigismund the second King of Poland and Sweden. He valiautly opposed Osman the Great Turke invading his Dominions with an Army 300000.
• 1633 44 Vladislaus VII. eldest son of Sigismund the third; after whose death the kingdom was ex∣tremely embroyled by factions, especially by the mutinous and seditious Cosaques; not fully setled by the election of
• 1648 45 Casimir V. Brother of Vladislaus the seventh now king of Poland, anno 1648.

The Government of this kingdome is nothing lesse then Monarchicall. For though the first Dukes hereof were absolute Princes, and ruled after a Despoticall manner; having power not onely of the estates of their subjects, but of life and death, without formalities of Law: yet when they once be∣came elective, they lost much of that power, which decayed so by little and little, that at the last the King is counted little better then a Royall shadow: Stat magni nominis umbra, in the Poets language. A diminution which began first in the times of Lewis of Hungarie, and Jagello of Lituania, who to gaine the succession to the kingdome contrary to Law, the one for his daughter, the other for his sonne, departed with many of their Royalties and Prerogatives to buy the voices of the Nobility. Since which time the Nobilitie in all their elections have so limited and restrained the Kings authority, and enlarged their own: that without their consent in Counsell, he may neither make war nor treat of peace, nor impose taxes, nor alienate any of his Demeanes: nor do any thing of importance which concernes the Publick: in so much as Boterus a great Statesman doth expressely say, that the Go∣vernment of Poland doth rather seem an Aristoratie then a Monarchie, a Common-wealth rather then a Kingdome. Besides the King not onely takes a solemn Oath at his Coronation to confirme all the rights and Priviledges, which have been granted to the Subject by his Predecessours: but addes this clause, quod si Sacramentum meum violavero, incolae Regni nullam nobis obedientiam praestare tene∣buntur, that if he violate this Oath, his Subjects shall not be obliged to yeeld him any obedience. Which as Bodinus well observeth, doth rather savour of the condition of a Prince of the Senate, then of the Majestie of a King; respected accordingly by the great ones, who looke not on him as their King, but their elder Brother, (or perhaps not that) and reckon his Decrees but of three dayes lasting. Which notwithstanding the King once chosen and inthroned, hath sole power in many things, without consulting with the Senate, as viz. in assembling Diets, choosing the secular Counsellers, disposing absolutely of his Vassals, and the Revenues of the Crown to what use he pleaseth; being ••ole Judge of the Nobility in Criminall causes; which is a strong bridle to raine them in with. By which, and either uniting himself unto the Clergy, or the well-forming of his party amongst the No∣••••lity, hee may doe many things not allowable in strictnesse of Law: the power and influence which he hath in the publick Government, being proportionable to the strength of his wit and Brain.

And here it is to be observed, that none but the Clergie and Nobilitie have any suffrage in the election of the King: that is to say, the 26 Palatines, and 60 Chastellans, with the four Marshals, and some o∣thers of the principall Officers of State, in behalf of the Nobility; and the Archb••shops and Bi∣shops in the name of the Clergie: but of the Commons none at all. Which is the reason why there is so much care taken to preserve the priviledges of the two first Orders; without obtaining any immu∣ties for reliefe of the third: most miserably oppressed on all sides, rather as Bondmen then Tenants in respect of their Lords, and not so much subjects, as plain slaves in regard of the King: whereof somewhat hath before been noted. Nor are the common people excluded onely out of these electi∣ons, but have no place nor vote in the Counsell of State, or in any of the Generall Diets: the first con∣sisting onely of the Prelates, Palatines, Chastellans, and principall Officers, spoken of before, the nomina∣ting of which pertaineth to the King alone, the other aggregated of all persons of those severall Or∣ders, and the Delegates of each Province and principall City sent thither for the rest of the Nobility, whom they represent. Yet notwithstanding this exclusion of the Commons from this Common-Counsell, they there concludes of all matters of publick interesse, not properly determinable by the great Counsell or Coun••ell of State; in which perhaps (especially in the case of taxes) the Commons may be more con∣cerned then any other.

The Forces of this Kingdome or Common-wealth relate unto Land-service onely. For though they have a large Sea coast upon the Baltick; yet the Danes, Swedes, and Hanse-townes, having got the start of them, keep them from doing much at Sea. And for Land-forces they consist of Horse especially, whereof they are able to raise eightscore thousand, (that is to say, 100000 out of Poland, and 60 or 70000 out of Lituania: of which one halfe at least are thought to be fit for action. And this seemes probable enough in regard of those great bodies of Horse, which Stephen and Sigismund the third had against the Mo••covite; whereof the one had 40000 and the other 30000 (besides draught horses, very well appointed. But for their Foot, they are not at so good a passe, their Infanterie be∣••ng for the most part Germans or Hungarians; whom they hire for money; of which two Nations

king Stephen, in his enterprise upon Livonia, had no lesse then 16000 to convey his Ordinance. Upon confidence of this great number of Horse, and their readinesse to serve upon all occasions, the Polan∣ders bear themselves so high, that they neither fear the power of a forein Enemie, nor regard the for∣tifying of their Towns, or the building of Fortresses on their Frontires: boasting that they are able to defend their countrey, without such helps, against any Nation whatsoever, and trusting more to a Castle of bones, (as was courageously said by Savage an English Gentleman) then to a Castle of stones. And for the raising of these Horse, the Gentlemen of the Countrey are bound by their tenure, (like the Turkes Timariots) not onely to serve in person for defence of the Realm, but to maintaine a cer∣tain number of Horse in continuall readinesse; especially in those parts which lie next the Tartar, where their numbers are exceeding great, and with whom many times they join to afflict and harasse their own countrey, though in pay against them. Of these some serve in the manner of our men of armes, some like unto our light horse, others like the Tartars. And these they call commonly by the name of Cosacques (or Adventurers): a race of men trained up to steal, wast and depopulate, where∣soever they come; having little but their swords to live by; a murderous and wicked people, chiefly in their drunkennesse, and that not onely towards strangers, but their naturall Countreymen. The cause of that sedition which for some yeares past, hath more depopulated and distracted that flou∣rishing kingdome, then all the Armies of the Turkes.

As for the Revenues of this king, they are computed at 600000 Crowns per annum, drawn chiefly out of Salt and some Mines of Silver: the profits arising from the Demeasnes of the Crown, being for the most part given away in pensions and gratuities, to the Palatines, Chastellans, and other great men of the Realm, to make them the more pliant to his desires. Most of which sum is put up yearly in his Coffers, or expended in the purchase of estates for his younger sons; his daughters being marryed at the pub∣lick charge, and the expenses of his houshold defrayed by the Lituanians and most part of Poland, for the time that he remains amongst them. Nor doe the wars at any time exhaust his Treasure, in which case by decree of the Di••ts he is inabled to lay impositions and taxes upon the people, levied in the way of Excise, or upon their lands, which doe amount to such a sum, that by means hereof king Stephen maintained war three yeares against the Moscovite, without expending any thing of his own Revenue.

Chief Orders of Knighthood in this kingdome, are

1 The Marian or Dutch Knights, instituted under the wals of Acon or Ptolemais in the Holy land; in a Church whereof dedicated to the blessed Virgin, their Order was first allowed; from thence called Equites Mariani. The institution was in the year 1190. The first great Master, Henry Walpot. The Christians being beaten out of Syria, they first removed to Venice, and from thence to Marpurg in Hassia, where and in some other parts of Germanie, they were endowed with fair Revenues, from which named Equites Teutonici, or the Dutch Knights sent into Prussia by the Emperour Frederick the second, anno 1239. or called, in as some say, by the Moscovite against the Prussians; they fixed their seat at Mariemberg, under Sigefride, the second Great Master, anno 1340. or thereabouts. In the time of Ludovicus the 18 Great Master they were forced to submit to Casimir the fourth of Poland, anno 1450. the occasion of the long war betwixt them and the Polanders, continuing all the time of Albert of Brandenbourg, the 24 and last Great Master in this Countrey, who surrendered his order (as before said) to Sigismund the first by whom he was created the first Duke of Prussia. Such of the Knights as disrelished this action, retired into Germanie, where they chose one Walter Croneberg master of the Order: the title afterwards conferred upon Maximilian one of the younger sons of Maxmilian the se∣cond; but the Order sensibly decaying, and all this time of little estimation in the world.

2 Of the Portylaine, or Sword-bearers (Ensiferi in Latine) confirmed by Pope Innocent the third, by whom sent into Livonia to defend the Preachers of the Gospell against the Infidels, at the first conver∣sion of that countrey. Being too weak to effect that businesse, they united themselves with the Dutch Knights by the Popes authority; and in stead of Knights of the sword, were called Knights of the Crosse. Separated from it in the time of Vnivus their Great Master, anno 1541. the Dutch Knights being then dispossessed of Prussia, and these inclining wholly to the opinions of Luther, they a while sub∣sisted of themselves; what became of them afterwards, and how the Order was extinguished, hath been shewen already in Livonia.

The Armes of this kingdome are quarterly, 1 Gules, an Eagle Argent, crowned and Armed, Or, for the Realm of Poland; and 2 Gules, a Chevalier armed Cap a pea, advancing his sword Argent, mounted on a barbed Courser of the second for the Dukedome of Lituania.

There are in the whole Realm of Poland.

• Of the Romish Church Archbishops 3. Bishops 19.
• Of the Greek Church Archbishops 2. Bishops 6.

Universities 4. viz.

• Cracow
• Vilna
• Dantzick.
• Regimont.

And so much for POLAND.

Notes

• Livonia.
• Samogitia.
• Lituania.
• Volhinia.
• Russia Ni∣gra.
• Prussia.
• Poland.