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 TERRA NIGRITARVM.

TERRA NIGRIT ARVM, or THE LAND OF NEGROES, is bounded on the East with Aethiopia Superior, on the West with the Atlantick Ocean, on the North with Libya Deserta, and on the South with the Aethiopick Ocean, and part of Aethiopia Inferior. So called from the Nigritae, the chief of the Nations here inhabiting in the time of Ptolomy: and they so named from the River Niger, of which more anon.

The Country very hot, by reason of ifs situation under the Torrid Zone: yet very well inhabited, full of people, and in some places alwayes green; well watered, and exceeding fruitful, specially in those parts which lie within the compass of the overflowings of the River Niger, and on the further side of the River Sanaga; abundantly well stored both with Corn, Cattel, and Garden-ware for the use of their Kitchins; well Wooded, and those Woods well furnished with Elephants and other Beasts, both wild and tame. Their greatest want (but such a want as may be born with) is the want of Fruit-trees, few of which they have; and those they have, bear one kind of fruit only, which is like the Chesnut, but somwhat bitterer. Rain here doth neither hurt nor help; their greatest welfare consisting in the overflowings of Niger, as that of Egypt in the inundations of Nile. In some parts liberally enriched with Mines both or Gold and Silver, very fine and pure: so that had not the Por∣tugals affected the honour of discovering New-Worlds as much as Wealth, they might have made as rich a Factory here, as at the Indies.

The inhabitants, till the coming of the Portugals thither, were for the most part so rude and bar∣barous, that they seem to want that use of Reason which is peculiar unto man; of little wit, and de∣stitute of all Arts and sciences; prone to luxury, and for the greatest part Idolaters, though not with∣out some small admixture of Mahumetans. When the Portugals first sailed into these Coasts, they hereof took the Ships for great Birds with white wings; and after, upon better acquaintance, they could not be brought to believe, but that the Eyes which were casually painted on the beaks of the ships, were the eyes by which they saw how to direct themselves in their course. Guns seemed to them, for their hideous noise, to be the works of the Devil; and for Bag-pipes, they took them to be living creatures; neither when they had been permitted to feel them, would they be perswaded but that they were the work of Gods own hands. The very Nobles (if so noble a name may with∣out offence be given to such blockish people) are so dull and stupid, that they are ignorant of all things which belong to civil society; and yet so reverent of their King, that when they are in his pre∣sence, they never look him in the face, but sit flat on their buttock, with their elbows on their knees, and their hands on their faces. They use to anoint their hair with the fat of Fishes, which makes them stink more wretchedly then they would do otherwise. Of complexion they are for the most part Cole-black, whence the name of Negroes; but on the South-side of the River Senaga, they are only Tawny: the Blacks so much in love with their own complexion, that they use to paint the Devil white; which I find thus versified.

The Land of Negroes is not far from thence, Neerer extended to th' Atlantick Main; Wherein the black Prince keeps his residence, Attended by his jetty coloured Train: Who in their native beauty most delight, And in contempt do paint the Devil white.

They have tried all Religions, but agree in none. Idolaters at the first, as others the Descendants of Cham: Afterwards it is said that they received the Rites and Religion of the Jews, (but the time and occasion of it I do no where find) in which they continued very long: But that being worn out at the last, Christianity prevailed in some Kingdoms of it. In the year 973. Mahometism began to get ground amongst them, by the diligence and zeal of some of the Preachers of that Law: the first who were reduced that way being those of Melli; after which Tombuto, Oden, Gualata, were infected with the same poyson also. In the end, all the rest of this Country followed their example, except the Kingdom of Borneo, some part of Nubia, and the Coasts of the Atlantick Ocean, which continue in their antient Gentilism: Christianity being confined to a corner of Nubia (if still there remaining) and some few Garrisons belonging to the Crown of Portugal. And as they are of different Reli∣gions, so are they also of several Languages: those of Gualata, Guinea, Tombutum, Melli, and Gugonti, speaking the Language called Sungai; the Guberoi, Canontes, Chaesenae, and Gangrates &c. that called Guber; Gualata, a language of its own; and those of Nubia, one resembling the Ara∣bick, Chaldaean, and Egyptian.

Mountains of most note in it, in the former times, were those of 1. Arvaltes, and 2. Arangus, and 3. that called Deorum currus; this last supposed to be the same which is now called Punta de Lopes Gonsales; but that more probably which they now call Cabo de Sierra Leona, a large Promontory,

thrusting it self into the Sea; discerned afar off by the Saylor and the Country people, as well by reason of his height, reaching to the clouds, as the continual lightnings and thunders which do issue thence.

Rivers of most note, besides Nile, which watereth it on the East, 1 Senaga, or Canaga, which riseth out of the Lake of Guoga, supposed to be the same which Ptolomy calleth Lacum Chelonidem; and if so, then must this be the River Gir, of which he saith, that having fallen into that Lake, and there swallowed up, it thence produced another River, whose name he telleth not, little inferiour unto Nilus for the length of its course, the variety of strange Creatures which are bred therein, or the distinction which it maketh in the face of this Country: the people on the one side of it, being Black, on the other Tawnie; the soyl on the one side very barren, on the other fruitfull. In the end having run his race, he falleth into the Atlantick by two great Out-lets. 2 Niger, a River better known to Ptolomy by name then nature; now found to have its rise from a great Lake within two degrees of the Equinoctiall, whence running northwards for a time, he hideth himself under ground for the space of 60 miles together: when rising up again, and making a great Lake called the Lake of Borneo, he bendeth his course directly Westward, and taking in many less Channels, he teareth the earth into many Islands, and at last falleth into the Sea. Of as long course, and the same wondrous nature, as the River Nilus. For from the fifteenth day of June, it overfloweth all the adjacent fields, the space of 40 days together, and in so many more, recollecteth his waters, into their proper Chan∣nels; the whole Country being indebted to these inundations, for its fertility, which otherwise could be but small, since the dryness of the soyl can afford no exhalations, whereby clouds may be gene∣rated, and the earth refreshed with moystures, or revived with dewes.

Chief Cities of this Country in the time of Ptolomy, 1 Nigira, the Metropolis of the Country, 2. Panagra, 3 Malachath, 4 Anygath, 5 Thumondacana, 6 Suluce: and others to the number of 17 in all; situate all along the course of the River Niger: Of all which we have nothing now remaining but the situation and the names, which that Author giveth us. So that the memory of all the Ancient Towns and People being quite defaced, we must look upon it now as it standeth divided at this time into several Kingdoms, 25 at the least in all (some say many more) the chief of which are these that follow.

1. ORA ANTEROSA, A large tract of ground on the Western Ocean, extended from Cape Blance to the River Carthage, sandy and barren, but reasonably well peopled. The Inhabi∣tants hereof called Azanaghi, were accompted formerly very rude and barbarous; much civilized since the Portugals and other Christian Nations began to trade there; of middle stature, complexioned between black and ash colour; great lyers, very treacherous, poor and parsimonious, and very pati∣ent in extreams both of heat, and hunger. The chief Towns, 1 Porto di Dio (we may call it Gods Port) and 2 Porto del Riscatto, two frequented Havens, thus named occasionally by the Portugueze, at their first coming thither. 3 Arquin, a strong Fortress of the Portugals, situate on or neer the Promontory now called Cape Blance, and giving name unto some Ilands, five or six in number, ly∣ing neer unto it, called the Isles of Arquin, inhabited by a barbarous People, named the Azanhays; but of no great note. These coasts discovered first by the Portugals, An. 1452. under the conduct of Prince Henry, son of John the first, or by his incouragement and directions.

2. GVALATA, distant from the Ocean 100 miles, (the Province of Ora Anterosa being inter∣posed) is but a small Country, though a Kingdom, containing in it but three Burrough Towns, with some Territorie of ground and petty Hamlets belonging to them. Fruitfull only in Dates, Mill, and Pulse; but of these two last no great abundance. The Inhabitants Cole-black, hospitable towards strangers, to their power, but poor and miserable; without Laws, setled form of Government, Gentry and Judges.

3. AGADEZ bordering on Targa, one of the five Desarts of Libya; the People of it general∣ly given to grazing, their houses made of green boughs, which upon every change of Pasture they carry with them. So that we are to look for few Towns among them, but these moveable Villages. One of good note it hath, called Agadez, by the name of the Country, inhabited for the most part by Merchants Strangers, who drive a great Trade betwixt this and Tremesen. The Town well wal∣led, the houses of a better building then the Country promiseth; the People civiller, and more fair conditioned then the rest of the Negroes, seated commodioustly on a River which falleth into the Senaga, and by that means hath correspondence with the Ocean also. The King hereof, a Tributary to the King of Tombuto, payeth him 15000 Crowns of Annual tribute.

4. CANO, a large Province on this side of the River Canaga, full of woods, mountainous, and in some parts desart; but plentifull enough of Corn, Rice, Citrons, and Pomgranats, with good store of Cotton wool. Well-watered besides that great River with some lesser Streams. Sufficiently populous, and stored with good Towns and Villages, the habitations of the Shepherds and Husband∣men; as the chief Town called Cano, is of wealthy Merchants. This the Seat-Royal of their King, a Tributary also unto him of Tombuto; environed with a wall, built of a Chalk stone, as most part of the houses are.

5. CASENA, on the East of Cano, but less fruitfull far, the Country over-grown with vast woods, and the soyl untractable; affording only Mill, and Barley, but of that good plenty. The People as black as any Coal, with great noses, and most prominent lips. Their hou∣ses very poor and mean, and their Towns accordingly; none of them numbring more then 300 Families.

6. SANAGA, lying on the other side of that River, from which thus named, extendeth to the Atlantick Ocean, as far as to the Promontory which by Ptolomy named Arsinarium, is now called Cape Vert, or Caput Viride. The Country full of rich Pastures, goodly Trees, and most sorts of Fruits; plentifull enough of Mill and Pulse, but ill provided of other Corn, and no Grapes at all. Well watered both with Lakes and Rivers. No tame beasts about their fields, but Goats, Cows and Oxen; of Lyons, Leopards, Wolves and Elephants, too great a plenty. The people extreme black, much given to lying, treacherous, very full of talk, excessively venereous, and extremely jealous. A King they have, but such a one as holdeth but by courtesie only, having no certain Rents or Revennes, but what given By his Nobles.

7. GAMBRA or GAMBEA, a small Kingdom on the River so named, but bordering in some places on the Atlantick. In those parts very pleasant, the Trees always flourishing, the air very hot; in other parts of the same nature with Sanaga, but that this affords good store of Rice, which the other doth not.

8. TOMBVTVM, on the further side of the River Sanaga: exceeding plentiful of Corn, Cattel, Milk, and Butter. Destitute of Salt, but what they buy of sorrein Merchants at excessive rates; and small store of horses. Well watered by a branch also of the River Niger, and many wells of purpose made to receive such waters, as by artificial Dikes and Channels are derived from both. The People courteous, rich, and pleasant, spending whole dayes and nights in singing and dancing. Their food, Flesh, Butter, Milk, and Fish, which they mingle together, and make it neither toothsom nor wholsom. The chief Towns, 1 Tombuto, which gives name to this Kingdom, situate about twelve miles from a branch of the Niger, and founded by the Saracens or Arabians in the 610. year of their Hegira. The houses all of mud and thatch, except one fair Church, and the Kings palace, both of lime and stone. Inhabited by wealthy Merchants, who manage a great trade betwixt this and Fesse. 2 Gago, the residence of the King; large, without wals, the buildings very poor and mean, ex∣cept such as belong unto the King or the chief Nobility. The Merchants rich, and their wares sump∣tuous and precious, but excessive dear. The Town about 400 miles distant from Tombuto, situate in a fruitful Country for Rice, Fruits, and Flesh, and well replenished with fresh water. 3 Cabra, a large Town, but unwalled, and of no better building then the other two.

9. MELLI, lying on the East of Tombutum, is a spacious and fruitful Province, situate all along on a branch of the River Niger, in breadth 300 miles, and abundantly fertile, especially in Corn, Cat∣tel, and Cotton Wooll: the people generally very wealthy; of greater wit, civility and industry then the rest of the Negroes. The chief Town of it is called Melli, unwalled, but large, as containing in it 6000 families furnished with many Temples, Priest and Readers of the Mahometan Law, which those of this Country did first unhappily admit of. This the Seat-royal of their Kings, who are very courteous unto strangers; but Homagers and Tributaries to the King of Tombutum.

10. GHENEOA, situate betwixt Gualata, Tombutum, and Melli, but so that it bordereth in one place on the Ocean also; is a wealthy Country: but hath neither Town or Castle in it, except that wherein the King resideth, who is a Vassal also to the king of Tombutum. That town the resi∣dence also of their Priests, Doctors, and Merchants: of which the Priests and Doctors are apparalled in white, but all the rest in black, or blew Cotton. The people have great traffick with the Merchants of Barbary; and though made very rich by the overflowings of Niger, and the wealth of the Country, they have great store of Gold uncoined; yet in buying and selling at home, they use iron-mony.

11. GVBER lieth on the East of the former Province; of the same length, and naturally well senced with lofty mountains. Exceeding populous, and thick set with Villages, in which dwell their Husbandmen and Shepherds, rich in their numerous herds of all sorts of Cattel, as also great quantities of Rice and Pulse: the people very industrious, and good Artificers. Their principal Town is called Guber also, a town of 6000 families, the usual residence of their King; full of wealthy Merchants, and rich in Manufactures.

12. GIALOFI lieth betwixt the two great Rivers of Sanaga and Gambia. The people whereof are of such admirable dexterity, that they can leap upon an horse when he is in his fnll gallop, stand in the saddle when he runneth fastest; turn themselves about upon his back, and suddenly sit down. Of their Country I find little, of their Story nothing, but that Bemoin one of their kings, being over∣laid with Civil wars, in the year 1489. went for aid to the king of Portugal, and gave great hopes of his Conversion to the Christian faith; But being shamefully murdered by Pedro de Vas the Portugal General, the hopes of Christianity in these parts fell together with him.

13. GVINEA, is a Sea-coast Country, extended from Sierra Leona (so called from the Lyon like roaring of the Waves beating on that Promontory) in the tenth degree of Longitude, to the borders of Benin in the 30. But the Portugals comprehend under this name the whole Sea coast of Africk from Cape Blanco and the Country of Ora Anterosa, to Angola and Congo inclusively, in the Lower Aethiopia. But take it in the proper sense, as before limited, and we shall find it to be rich in Gold, Ivory, Rice, Barley, Cotton-wooll, and a sort of Pepper which the Portugals call Pimienta del Rabo, the Natives Melegneta, and we Guinie-pepper: of double the efficacie of the Pepper which come from India; and therefore forbidden to be sold by the Kings of Portugal, for fear their Indian trade should be discontinued. Well stored with Sheep and Poultry and of Dates good plenty; All other Fruits which they want or care for, are brought thither from Gualata. Birds in abundance, and

Of Elephants and Apes too many. A Tree they have, by them called Mignolo, the Bark whereof being cut doth afford a most excellent liquour, more pleasant, strong, and nourishing, then the choice∣est Wines; which they drink of in their great Feasts, even to drunkenness. The people of both Sexes very rude and barbarous, aswel in their habit, as their manners; yet amongst many barbarous customs they have one most commendable, which is the breeding of their Maidens: When marriage∣able, they place in an house severed from the rest of their Cities like a Cloyster or Monastery: where for a yeers space they are trained up by some old man of best estimation. At the years end they are brought out well apparalled with Musick and Dances; where the young men please themselves in the choice of their wives. For whom having bargained with their Parents, they satisfie the old man for his care and pains in their Education. They keep one day of rest weekly, but therein differ from all Nations in the world besides, that they keep their Sabbath upon the Tuesday. Distracted into as many Kingdoms as great Tribes or Families: the Kings thereof subordinate unto one another, as they lie more within the Land, till they end all in a subjection to the King of Mandinga. Places of most note, 1. Songus the principal of Mandinga, about 100 Leagues Eastward from the Cape of Palmes. 2 Budomel, the chief Town of the Kingdom so called. 3 Uxoo, in the Center of all the Country. 4 Mina, a strong hold of the Portugals, situate neer the Cape called Cabo de Trois pentas the three pointed Cape; named sometimes also S. George de Mina, by the name of the Cappa∣docian Martyr, and the Mines of Gold which they hoped to finde there; By which, and by the Fort of Arquin, which they have upon Cape Blanco in the North part of this Land of the Negros, they com∣mand all the Countries which they call by the name of Guinea. This Town not built untill the year 1485. in the beginning of the reign of John the 2d. though the discovery of these coasts had been made before An. 1452. under the conduct of Prince Henry Duke of Viseo, Son of John the first. By whose incouragement the Portugueze did first imploy themselves in forreign Discoveries, and be∣came enamoured of the Seas.

14. BENIN, beth directly East of Guinea, by the Portugals reckoned for a Province or King∣dom of it: the King whereof is said to have 600 Wives, with all which twice a yeer he goeth out in Pomp. The Gentlemen (if I abuse not the name) have most of them 80 Wives, some more; he that is poorest, ten, or twelve, and the more the merrier. The people thereof do cut and rase their skin with three lines drawn to the Navel; esteeming it necessary to salvation. They use all, both men and women, to go naked till they are Married; and then robe clothed only from the wast to the knees: so that had our Sir Thomas Moor lived in these parts, he had in some measure had his desire. For he among other strange plots in his Utopian Common-wealth, telleth us, how there it is the custom, for some reverend old Sire to bring in naked, the young man; and some hoary old Ma∣tron, to present naked, the young woman; between whom a Marriage is propounded. For, faith he, in buying a horse, the chapman not only vieweth his naked carkase, but taketh off all his trappings and saddle, lest under them some blame might be hidden: and why then in choosing of a wise, should we take one, of whom we see no more then the face (unius Palmae spatium) and perhaps scarce that. The learned and ingenuous Author of the New Atlantis, though he dislike of Marriages made upon such uncertainties, yet he would have this discovery made by some friends of the Parties, not by them themselves: it being as he saith very inconvenient, that after such a plain and familiar sight of each others person, there should be a refusal upon either side. But these new Projects I refer to your modest censures.

15. GVANGARA lieth on the North of Benin, a wealthy and well peopled Country; but their Towns and Villages very mean, except that called by the same name with the Country, where the King resideth, which is somewhat better then the rest, well traded, and full of rich Merchants. The King hereof of so great Revenues, that he keepeth seven thousand Archers, and five hundred Horse in continuall pay; but Homager and Tributarie to the King of Bor∣num.

16. BORNVM, a large and opulent Country on the West of Guangara, is there extended to the length of 500 miles. Distinguished equally in a manner into hills, and valleys: the hills in∣habited by Neat-herds, and Sheepherds, breeding great flocks and herds of Cattel, with Mill, and many other fruits to us unknown; the Vales replenished with many Market-Towns, and as full of Corn. The People are of no Religion, but live like beasts, without propriety so much as in their wives or children: nor are they differenced by names, as in other places, but by some mark upon their bodies. Which though it seem strange to us of this present Age, yet was it thus in part, with out Saxon Ancestors. Whence have we else the names of White, Brown, Black, Gray, Green, and Tawny; or those of Long, Short, Low, Curle, Crispe, and others, but from such Originals? not to say any thing of the names of Trades, and Occupations, so familiar with us. The name of their chief City is Borneo, where the King resideth. A potent Prince, who keepeth in continual pay three thou∣sand horse, and great numbers of Foot, and yet is said to have no other Revenue then what he getteth by strong hand from his Enemies. Which if it be true, those Kings must needs be good Warriours, and have great successes also in their undertakings: it being also said of these Kings of Borneo, that all the Furniture of their Horses, all the Dishes, Cups, and Platters which they eat or drink in, yea the very Chaines for his Dogs were of finest Gold.

17. Gaoga lieth betwixt Borneo, and the Desarts of Nubia: the Country almost square, each side thereof extended 500 miles. The People ignorant, rude, uncivil, but specially those which dwell in the mountains: their houses built most of boughs and leaves, which once dry, easily take fire; but the best is, they are soon repaired: their greatest wealth is in their Cattel, which they keep most ten∣derly. About the year 1420. they were brought into subjection by a Negro-Slave, who having slain his Master, by the help of his wealth grew strong enough to incroach on his neighbours; and selling such Captives as he took, for horses of Egypt, became King of Gaoga, and in fine very gracious with the Mamaluck Sultans. His Suceessors have since so enlarged their Territories, that they are second unto none but the Kings of Tombutum.

18. NVBIA hath on the West Gaoga, bounded on the North with Egypt, extended Eastward unto Nilus, by which parted from Aethiopia Superior, or the Habassine Empire. So called from the Nubae, an antient and potent people of this Tract, spoken of by Ptolomie: the great Lake, anciently called Nubea Palus, being hence denominated. A distinct people from those of the same name, dwelling on the shores of the Red-Sea, neer unto Sinus Avalites, who from the shortnes of their stature passed in accompt for Pigmies; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, saith Hesychius an old Grammarian: these being a strong and potent Nation, and well skilled in wars. Insomuch as Cyriacus once a King hereof, under∣standing of some pressures laid upon the Christians of Egypt, is said to have raised 100000 Horse for their aid and succor; but by the perswasions of the Patriarch of Alexandria, went back unsought with. For at that time the Country was wholly Christian, and had been so from the very dayes of the Apostles; but are now fallen off again to their former Idolatries, or become Mahometans, for want of Ministers to instruct them. It is recorded by Alvarez, the writer of the Aethiopick History, that at his being in the Court of the Abassine Emperor, there came Ambassadors out of Nubia to intreat a supply of Pastors to instruct their Nation, and repair Christianity amongst them; but were un∣christianly rejected.

Here is a Poison in this Country of which the tenth part of a grain will dispatch a man in a quarter of an hour, and is sold for ten Ducars an ounce; the Customs for which unto the King is as much as the price unto the Merchant. But for this one ill Commodity they have many good; that is to say, Corn, Sugar, Civet, Sanders, Ivory, all in great abundance; some store of Gold, and other Mettals. The Country naturally sandy, but well refreshed with Lakes and Rivers, which do much inrich it; insomuch as the people generally are very wealthy, aad manage a great trade with the Merchants of Caire and Egypt. Their chief City is called Dangala, large and well frequented; said to contain no fewer then 10000 families; but their houses built of nothing but thatch and mortar. In other parts, especially towards the river Nilus, they have many Villages; few or none of them worth the naming.

There are many other Kingdoms in this Land of Negroes, besides those in Guinea, but of lesser note; as 19. BITO, 20. TEMIANO, 21. ZEGZEG, 22. ZANFARA, 23. GOTHAN, 24. MEDRA, 25. DAVM. Of which there is nothing to be spoken, but of their poverty or riches, blessings or curses common to them with the rest of these Nations; and therefore I purposely omit them.

This Country, or a great part of it, was anciently accounted part of Libya Interior; inhabited besides the Nubae and Nigritae spoken of before, by the Nabathrae dwelling about the hill Arvates, the Aronca neer the hill Arangus, the Agargina, Xylinces, and Alchalinces, Aethiopick Nations. Not much considerable in the business of former times; nor much discovered (not very perfectly at this day) till the year 973 at what time certain Mahometan Preachers, out of a superstitious zeal to propagate their Sect, first opened the way into these Countries: the People then living like bruit beasts, without King, Law, or any form of Government; scarce knowing how to sow their lands; clad in the skins of as very beasts as themselves, and challenging no propriety in wives or children. First conquered by Joseph King of Morocco, of the race of the Almohades; and after that by the five Nations of Libya Deserta, who divided them into fifteen parts, every one of those five Nations possessing three of them. One of the Kings of these Libyant, named Soni Heli, being slain by Abuaci Ischia General of his forces, and the rest terrified with that blow, An. 1526. the Negroes once again recovered their long lost liberty, and instituted divers Kings of their own. Amongst them, Izchia was most deservedly made King of Tombutum, who managed his affairs so well, that he conquered the Kings of Guber, Agadez, Cano, Melli, Zanfora, Zegzeg, Ghenaeoa, Gambea, and Casena; which he made his Tributaries. So that his successors are now the greatest of those five Kings, who have the supreme power over all the rest. The other four, 1. the King of Mandinga, lording it over the Realms of Benin, Giolofi, and the Kings of Guinea: 2. the King of Borneo, the onely one that is de∣scended of the Libyan race, in greatness of command next to him of Tombuto; 3. the King of Gua∣lata, whose Kingdom is confined within that one Province, but therein absolute and supreme; and 4. the King of Gaoga, Paramount over all the rest.

But because the greatest power is in the hands of the King of Tombuto, who possibly enough may in short time bring all the rest under his command, we will take a more particular view of his estate; affirmed to be the richest Prince in these parts of Africk, and to have many Plates and Scepters of gold, some of which weigh 1300 pound weight. When any of his Subjects do appear before him, they kneel on both their knees, and bowing their heads unto the ground, cast sand over their shoulders and upon their heads, going forwards still upon their knees. His Court he keeps in a royal manner, continually guarded with 3000 Horse, but with many more Foot, all

armed with Bowes and empoisoned Arrows. To the Jewes a very bitter Enemy, whom he ad∣mitteth not to trade in his kingdoms, and consiscateth the goods of all such of his Subjects as hold traffick with them. Zealous of the Mahometan Law, and liberal in stipends to the Doctors and Professors of it. Of greater power then any other beyond Atlas, but the Habassine Emperor. And though Amet the Xeriffe of Morocco, in the year 1589. had some hand upon him, and con∣quered a great part of this kingdom, even as far as Gago, extending his Empire six moneths journey by Camels beyond Morocco; yet it held not long: this King again recovering what was taken from him; and being since that time in as eminent power, as ever in any times before.

And so much for TERRA NIGRITARVM.