The world surveyed, or The famous voyages & travailes of Vincent le Blanc, or White, of Marseilles ... containing a more exact description of several parts of the world, then hath hitherto been done by any other authour : the whole work enriched with many authentick histories / originally written in French ; and faithfully rendred into English by F.B., Gent.

CHAP. XXVI. Of the Kingdom of Martaban, marvellous strength of Macaraou, or the flowing of the sea. Particularities of Pegu.

* 1.1FRom Siam we came to the Kingdom and Town of Martaban, sometime subject to Pegu, but since to the King of Syam. It buts Westward upon the Gulfe of Bengale, Northward upon Pegu, Eastward upon Siam, and Southward upon Tanasserim and Jan∣gome. The Fathers of St. Francis, and those of the Society have built them Churches there. The soyle is very fertile, yielding or∣dinarily three crops, the year; there is plenty of Rice, and other sorts of grain, fruit, trees, sweet and medicinall hearbes of all sorts, mines of all mettalls, rubies and other stones, and the aire is very wholesom.

* 1.2The Capitall Town is Martaban, sixteen degrees towards the North, hath a good harbor, and scituate upon the river Gaypoumo, or rather upon an arme of the sea, where the tide runs strangely toward Pegu; for whereas ordinarily it flowes by degrees, with an easie motion, without violence, here it fills that arme of the Sea, or River, on a sudden, and flowes with such fury and impetuosity, as it were mountains rolled up in water, and the most rapid torrent in the world doth not parallel this in swiftnesse; and by three pas∣sages fills the harbor, and other receptacles, with a most fearefull force and rapidity. This arme is by the Indians called Macaroou (which signifies) beware the Tyger, for the vehemence of the waves, which I will more amply speak of in another place.

* 1.3Martaban joynes to the Territories of Dougon, the remo∣test Town of Pegu. The Inhabitants are given very much to trading,* 1.4 and especially in Lacca, a kind of gumm they draw out of trees, very fine, and better then that is made in Dalascia, in Aethiopia, which I have already spoken of. They have many more Droggues, as Galingall, Turbith, or Camomell, Rubarb,* 1.5 found upon the mountains of Pegu, and is called Jubara: The leafe is broad, and bitter as gall, they gather it in May, which is the latter end of their winter, the root is of a tan'd collour, some is yellow, purple, and red, according to the land

that bears it. Some season their meat therewith, and 'tis a pre∣servative against many infirmities; 'tis sold very cheap, and is mingled with perfumes: there growes wood of Aloes, red Sendal,* 1.6 and Cittern upon the hills. Women burn of all these to make concoctions, and use them in their labours, and delivered, they seek for a black-headed lamb, and carry the child to the Tem∣ple, covered with flowers, drugges, and perfumes.

Then they begin their sacrifice,* 1.7 delivering their child and lamb into the hands of the Banean, or Priest called Satalico, the skin, head, feet, and entrals, fals to his share, this is done in ho∣nour of Castigay their Idol. All those Flamins are great Magi∣cians; They cast the childrens nativities new-borne, and set down, what shall befall them during their lives. This writing is carefully kept by the parents, for to prevent the bad accidents. For they esteem whatever those Baneans say infallible, and when any person is sick, they are consulted whether the party will dye or recover, and when they have given their opinion, 'tis believed as Gospel. One being once (as I may say) condemned or senten∣ced to death by a Wizard, and left off; was undertaken by one of our company, and recovered in nine dayes, which made them believe the Christians were more knowing then their Magicians: the like happened to another, whose wife was by a Christian per∣swaded, to shut out the Magician that had given his opinion of her husband; he recovering, was satisfied of the abuses and false∣hoods of their Magicians, Pagodes, and Castigais, and of their false Priests, and was also instructed in the truth, and purity of our Re∣ligion, that he might leave his own Idolatries: but Alas, the poor creatures heart being hardened, replyed: I believe (said he) that thy God is great, and more powerful then ours, and that being so great and Majestical, he will not vouchsafe to make himself known to such miserable simple creatures, as we are; and it would be very unfit to believe a God were not willing to com∣mand us. Ours (said he) makes his will known to us, which we all submit unto, and obey, but I shall never more trust the Ba∣neans, for they are false Prophets: and upon these accidents, ma∣ny of them remove their habitations. It were easie to perswade them to the truth, they being simple, and very credulous; and besides, they bear a great respect to the memorie of Saint Tho∣mas: but opportunities to destroy their Idols are wanting, that they might see, they have neither force nor motion. 'Twere dangerous to attempt it, without a considerable strength. Those deceitful Baneans, do so enslave the people, that they believe things strange, and absurd, beyond relation.

In their festivals, when their Idols are carried in state upon chariots, some of them (through zeal) throw themselves under the wheels, and are broken in pieces. Others thrust their heads into steel hoops, keen as razers, and cut their own throats, putting

their feet in a rope fastened thereunto: and such are afterwards esteemed Saints, and registred in their Temples; others cut a hole in their sides, and fasten a rope thereto, and are dragged by the Chariot after their Idol, then their friends say to them (remember that I have ever been thy friend) and believe he hath power to save them.

Parents are reverenced, and if poor, they are assisted upon the publick account.

They have a solemn feast wherein they reckon up the twelve moons or moneths, with the twelve signes, and make great jol∣lity; when they draw their Idols upon Chariots, another of Vir∣gins is drawn off one hand, to incense and perfume it.

At Martaban there growes a fruit, which opened, represents the perfect figure of a Crosse. At Martaban some years before, we made our travels there; a rich and potent King (as the Portuguais relate) named Chaubaina was besieged by Bramaa of Pegu,* 1.8 and re∣duced to extremity, he implored the assistance of Portugal, offer∣ing great treasures, which for some considerations was denied; and the distressed Prince forced to deliver up himself, wife, and children, to that inhumane Tyrant of Pegu, who contrary to his promise, put them all to cruel deaths, and sack't that flourish∣ing town; and the Portuguais were much blamed for refusing their assistance. There was a vast treasure, and (they say) six and thirty thousand Merchants all strangers, that repaired thither from fourty several nations of the Indies, and other remoter pla∣ces; as Portuguais, Greeks, Venetians, French, English, Abyssins, Turks, Jewes, Arabians, Armenians, Tartars, Mogors, Corozans, Persians, Malabarians, Javans, and many others. This Town had 24. gates.

* 1.9We went from Martaban to Pegu, four small dayes journey di∣stant by land, and no more by sea, although 'tis much further; but their Frigates fleet sayling, bring all to one; and putting forth with the tyde; if your ship strikes upon a Rock, and is able to bear the shock, it glides over, like a Balon, for no arrow flyes fleet∣er. I have shot seven or eight times through the streight of Gi∣braltar against tyde, but with full sayles, and so you may stop in those seas, without casting Anchor, in expectation of better wea∣ther, but in Macaraou, the road to Pegu, 'tis impossible with the strongest winds against tyde, to make a stand, for the waves there over-powre the winds, I have not seen the like fury of the seas in any place of the world as in Martaban and Pegu, for there is a gulph of water, and the tyde taking her course, meets with those waters, the one roling against the main body of the sea, there is a terrible conflict, they withstand each other for a time, at length the weakest must yield, the two bodies separate with such swiftnesse and vehemency, that it seems a great hill overturned; nor is there a courage so great it daunts not, and where before a

hollow was seen empty and dry, covered over with ships; on a suddain, the Surges are so violent, you would believe, the infer∣nal powers were all united, to tosse those ships. I never yet heard a reason given for it, a search worthy the labour of the greatest wits in the world. I remember that some yeares after, meeting with a most famous Sea-Captain at Calis or Cales, I related him this wonder of Macaraou (saying that I should not be credited, if I made any such relation in print) he answered me that the words, or little faith of ignorant persons, could not prejudice the experi∣ence of knowing men, and that he himself (had he not seen) could not have believed the impetuous,* 1.10 and most violent encounter of two seas, from the North and South, in the streight of Magellan, from the North the water entred 60. leagues within the streight, from the South forty, where meeting with an unconceivable fury, they strike horrour and amazement into all beholders; which made him believe the discourses, and opinions of all natural Phi∣losophers to be uncertain, since his own experience so often con∣tradicted them.

He told me he was very desirous to go witnesse what I related of Macaraou, at Cambay, and Pegu, but since I have discovered, that there is nothing liker to what I have said of Macaraou,* 1.11 then the Mascaret of Bourdeaux. That is well known to be a moun∣tain of water gathered together (in the River of Dourdonne) while the waters are all quiet; that mountain is framed on a sud∣den, and rolles down the river, overturning what boats soever are in the way, which every man endeavours to avoyd, making with all haste to the shoare.

I have asked the reason of the Inhabitants, who have told me it proceeded from the height of the Seas, meeting with the ebbe of the River, and by that encounter this water gathers together, but others agree not to this, for (if so) the like would happen in the Garonne, and in other places, which I never heard of:* 1.12 so that with more reason they attribute the cause to some ayre inclosed in some channel or spring under ground, running from Garonne to Dourdonne, which raises this mountain of water when the Sea flows: but I know not whether the same reason might be given for Macaraou.

The Kingdom of Pegu, is one of the largest, richest,* 1.13 and most potent of the Indies, next to Mogor, and China, but to the two last are lately happened strange revolutions, they are extremely fallen off from their state, and have been dismembred by the Kings of Tangu, and Aracan, who had in my time the possession of the white Elephant, that bred so much contention in Siam.* 1.14 This kingdom in my days contained many others, viz. two Empires containing 26. crowned States; Southward, Pegu confines upon Martaban and Siam, Eastward upon Brama, Cambay, and Cochin, China, Northward upon Ava Tazatay, & Aracan, Westward upon Bengale and the gulf.

The Town of Pegu is very large and square, 5. gates at every square or side, encompassed with a deep work or trench full of Water-Crocodils, and other dangerous Serpents. The walls are built of wood, with Watch-towers of rich work, and gilt, repai∣red every tenth year. The houses are stately edifice. At new Pe∣gu the King keeps his Court, the streets are exactly streight, and large; about the heart of the town you discover almost all the streets, which is a gallant curiosity; old Pegu is built after the same model, and there the Merchants inhabit: In new Pegu the streets are set with Palm-trees, and Cocos loaden with fruit; the new was framed and built by the line near a forest of Palmes towards the North in a large field: in the trenches (filled with water by the river that washes that coast) there are certain baths accommoda∣ted purposely; and very safe from Crocodils, otherwise swim∣ming were very dangerous. The Town is as bigge as Fez, where∣of there is the old and new, as Pegu.

The King of Pegu is so potent that he never goes to war with∣out a million and a half of men, well armed, with Arquebuses and other Guns: they are the best Gunners in the world, but not many of them, and their Guns are far better then ours, being made of better iron, better temper'd, and better wrought. They have a 100000. good souldiers.* 1.15 they live of little, and for need upon leaves and roots, and are gallant and resolute men. His guard con∣sists of 30000. horse,* 1.16 either Turk or Persian: and to have them plen∣ty at a pinch, there is an edict or law, that what Merchant soever brings 20. horses to be sold, shall have the rest of his commodities free, which make them furnisht from all parts of the Indies, Persia, and Soltania in Arabia, where are the best of the world; the soul∣diers exercise themselves much at marks, and often, the King gives rewards to the best marks-men. He may have 5000. Elephants, and many other beasts. Merchants follow the Armies upon bulls and oxen.

The country is rich in Mynes of Gold and Silver, Rubies, Sa∣phyrs, Garnets, and other stones: These daily augment the Kings treasures: his Magazines may passe for the treasure of the East. In one Court of his Pallace at new Pegu, there is such store, that 'tis little esteemed,* 1.17 not one man to guard it, nor the dores kept shut: There stands the figure or statue of a proper tall man, all of beaten gold, a crown upon his head of the same, enriched with ru∣bies of inestimable value; and round it four statues more of youths all of gold, which seem to be Idols, (yet they say) they were made for delight.* 1.18 In another Court is represented a Gyant sitting, of silver, with a Crown of the same, but far richer set with Jewels: in ••ther Courts stand statues made of Ganze,* 1.19 a mixture of many mettals, whereof their Byzes are made, a sort of coyn, but not royal.* 1.20 The Crowns of these latter are richer then the others, with rubies and Saphyrs, the biggest I ever saw.

The Peguans go all cloathed alike, in Cottons, linnens, and silks the best, and all are barefoot ever, whether walking or riding; the country abounds in Sugars, which they make great and many uses of, they cover their houses with it, and mingle it with ciment, Their buildings are costly carved and wrought, sparing neither Gold nor Azure. When the King or any Noble-man builds a Pal∣lace, he provides himself with the purest gold to guild it. For there, as in many other places of the Indies Gold is not coyn∣ed, but is merchandize: at Tahaba, or old Pegu,* 1.21 are many refy∣ners, and gold and silver beaters, they work it into leaves (as we do) for the ease and benefit of the Gilders, without committing much waste, for they gild, (as I have said) the very walls and towers, and their houses after the Persian fashion. New Pegu is al∣most all so built, and nothing spared to make up a sumptuous splendid structure, they cover them with tortoise shell, which they place and joyn very neatly. There is a certain place, where Coa∣ches, Litters, Trunks, Boxes, Saddles, Harness for Elephants and horses, are only made, covered with gold and silver; I saw there a saddle and furniture for an Elephant, bought at a very high rate, for their King.

What is most remarkable of their buldings is, that those that live of their own rents or estates are contented with the meanest and poorest houses: they are convenient, but like country houses, and thatch'd with straw, and only able to preserve them from the injuries of the weather. The Merchants and other tradesmen,* 1.22 and shop-keepers, who have something to lose out of their shops, or warehouses, they live in strong houses well built, of stone & brick, close shut with strong gates and locks, and call those houses Godons.

Throughout all the Towns of Pegu, there are the Taregha,* 1.23 or persons sworn, to see good measure and weight made of commo∣dities, to the Merchants they have charge of: and if a bad bar∣gain be made, the fault is laid on them,* 1.24 with discredit and reproa∣ches, which they escape sometimes very narrowly: so you take much pleasure to trade with them, they are so faithful and sin∣cere, and a most excellent order is observed both in buying and selling: and whatever is either bought or sold, is put in a lump into the Sensals, who gives notice of the number, and sets a price upon them; and sets a rate of what they ought freely to get over and above all charges whatever: if the price be liked, the mony is payed, and the Sensal keeps an exact account; for they are able chosen men. There is no danger of any deceit; besides,* 1.25 they do all to the advantage of those that refer themselves unto them: and in case the price doth not please buyer and seller, they have the whole day to confirm or avoyd it, although 'tis to the Sensals discredit and infamy.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Marta∣ban.
• * 1.2

  Gaypou∣mo.
• * 1.3

  Dougon.
• * 1.4

  Laque.
• * 1.5

  Rubarbe.
• * 1.6

  Aloes·
• * 1.7

  Banean & Satalico sacrifica∣tors. Castigay an Idoll.
• * 1.8

  Chaubai∣na's dis∣aster.
• * 1.9

  Pegu.
• * 1.10

  Seas from North and South meet in the strait of Magel∣lan.
• * 1.11

  Maskaret of Bourde∣aux.
• * 1.12

  Garonnne River.
• * 1.13

  Kingdom of Pegu.
• * 1.14

  Empire of Pegu's length. Town of Pegu.
• * 1.15

  Iron Guns:
• * 1.16

  Good horses, and from whence.
• * 1.17

  Statues of beaten gold.
• * 1.18

  Other of silver.
• * 1.19

  Ganze a mixt met∣tle.
• * 1.20

  Byze a coyne.
• * 1.21

  Tahaba.
• * 1.22

  Goudons or Mer∣chants houses.
• * 1.23

  Taregha.
• * 1.24

  Faithful trading.
• * 1.25

  Sensals true.