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.

THE SECOND PART OF THE TRAVAILES OF VINCENT le BLANC IN AFRICA. (Book 2)

CHAP. I. A generall Description of AFRICA.

HAving left the East Indies, as I said in the former part of this work towards the end, and having taken the road of Africa Westward, the first land we came on was the Isle of S. Laurence. Before I relate the particulars either of this Isle, or other places I have seen in Africa, I conceive it not im∣proper to draw a general Description of this third part of the Universe, as well for that I have traversed it from one end to the other in three severall voyages, as to shew the errour of mo∣dern

Geographers, who in their Maps of Africa, have left out more then fifty kingdoms or Provinces of note,* 1.1 as I sometime made appear to the late Mr. du Vair, then chief President of the Province, and afterwards Keeper of the Great Seale of France.

And first to take it from the streight of Gibraltar, or rather from Porto Farina towards Tunes to the Cape Bona Esperanza, the greatest extent from North to South,* 1.2 there, is found to be seventy degrees, which are above two thousand leagues: And from Cape-Verd to Cape de Guardafu or Guardafy, from East to West there is near upon eighty Degrees, which are about two thousand five hundred leagues of Teritory, comprehending a space most prodigious, such as our Europe is a very small matter in comparison of; the greatest part lying betwixt the two Tropicks, the rest on this side and beyond.

For from the kingdom of Budonell passing through the Negres, lyes Eastward the Empire of Tombut, or Tombotu; by the Arabians called Iza, containing thirteen large kingdomes watered by the famous River Nigrite or Niger, with Senega, a part of Guinee, Mel∣li,* 1.3 and many other Countreyes, as far as the Cape Verdi. The people here so savage, they scarce know how to speak; so sordid, they eat beast-entrailes uncleansed, and so brutish, they are more like ravenous dogs, then men of reason.

The people toward the Western Coast are better civilized, in the Provinces of Gavaga, Azemay, Galata, by the Arabians called Abu∣gazai, or Zenaga and Azanaga, and on the Coast of Cape-blanc, where they drive a great trade in white salt. Senega, where the River Niger waters large territories, abounds in Crocodills and fish, with which it furnishes Budonel, Meli, Gago, Guber, Agades, Cano Gazena or Cassena, Zegzog, Zanfara, Burneo, or Borno, Gan∣gara, Gaoga, and others where it reaches. The kingdome of Gangara contains seven others, as that of Borneo nine, who to gain a single dominion, have often come to Battell, but in the end satiated with blood, were constrained to agree again. Then have you the kingdomes or Temian, Daouma, Medra, Benin, Gorbani, Gi∣afiar, or Biafar, Amas or Amasen, which towards the South fronts Damula and Vangue, lying towards the Zaire.

From Senega towards the North, we find Scombaya, Musmuda, Zenera or Havia, Gumea, Guzula, Hea, Sus, with others called the Whites of Africa, who speak not Arabian, but use the tongue of Songay,* 1.4 as they term it; Likewise the usuall Language in Nue••e∣dia through the kingdomes of Terga, Gaziga, Lemta, and Berdoa. These people have a black or gray cloth hanging from their Tur∣bith over their face, that while they eat their mouth may not be seen, which were a great incivility. There are moreover, the Countries of Guzulan, Belu, Benin, Belbee, Toga, Afar, Alates, Crin, Beni, Gumi, Muzali, Abubenam, Zuir, Cazai, Dura, Zinzaler, and others. The vast kingdome of Fezor Morocco, contains Agar or

Agal, Elebat, Eris, Geres, Elcanus, Elegazar, or Elgezair, with the kingdomes of T••nes, Bugie, Constantine, ••ipoli, Telensin, Tre∣mesen, Telche, Te••es••e, &c. There is here a River which issuing from the bowels of Africa, passes through many countries, and threads Fesse where it se•• three hundred and threescore mill-wheels of extraordinary compasse at work, and gliding from thence under Miquin•• and Elcassour, throwes it self in sea at Ma∣mocre, under Arache, little distant from Arzille. Towards Tom∣but and Meli on the other side Senega lyes the wide-stretcht king∣dome of Gago, the King whereof is highly potent,* 1.5 compelling in a manner adoration from his people, who how great soever speak not to him but on knees, holding in their hand a cup of sand, which they cast on their head while they prostrate before him, and retire without tergiversation.

He affords not audience to his subjects, but at certain houres, morning and evening, and when they are found guilty in any crime, he chastises them with confiscation of goods, and sale of their wives and children, for slaves to strangers.

The two great Rivers Niger or Gambra, and Senega, Wash a very great part of the country, overflowing in the same sort and times as Nile doth. Budomel which is in like manner a River of the same denomination, as the country it travailes through, unites it self with Gambra, and the kingdome of Melli is upon a branch of Senega, environed with dismal deserts, and impenetrable Forests. This river on the North and South, is banked with the Deserts of Gilolef and Jalofel, on the West it hath the vast Forest of Aba∣cara, and Gago on the West. Next you come to Guber, Mount Chigi, or Gigi, or Sierra de Meleguete, then Guinga or Guinee, or Guinoy. These people are all black like quenched coles. Salt in the kingdome of Gago is more precious then gold, which there abounds; as likewise Fruit and Cattle.

Guber abutts Northward on Cano, Eastward on Zeger or Zegzeg, a woody and desert country, peopled with an infinite heard of beasts. In these Deserts you meet with Cassena, then drawing towards the Cape of bona Esperonza; You enter upon the king∣domes of Benin and Zanfara, under the Equatour, well inhabited, containing in length two hundred and forty leagues, where from mid-May to the middle of August, it rains for the most part, and almost constantly from noon till mid-night, as I have observed it to do in other countries under the same line. In fine, so fertile are these countries, that like those water'd by the river Nile, they yield two harvests annually, and each harvest of sufficiency to fur∣nish the people with provision for five years. Whence it comes, that storing up their corn in Cavernes under ground, which the Moores call Mattamorres, calked against moysture with a cement made of Sea-shels, —where being first dryed in the Sun, they keep it what time they please; they never think of sowing more

while they have any thing to live on, so as the land being thus laid up at rest, becomes more fertile. Their sheep breed twice a year, and often two or three lambs at a time.

The Cape of Palmes is in the territory of Isma towards Guinnee, with the Castle of Mina which the Portugues built upon this coast, drawing towards the Cape de bona Esperanza, the kingdom of Manicongo extends it self from the River Val de Biraco, or da Borca, as far as the River of S. Paul. This River da Borca, other∣wise called Rio de Los Reyes, is a quarter of a dayes journey from that of Agina or Asicera.

True it is, there are Maps which place it near to Biafar, though it be distant thence more then five hundred leagues; Biafar lying near to Amasan and Medra; the cause of this errour is, that they take it for the River called the Infanta of Portugal, which on the East hath the River Angra which waters the Town of Masire, or Maciera, directly over against the Isle of S. Thomas, and fronts the great kingdome of Damute, through the middle whereof pas∣ses the River of Bancara, Vibris and Vamta, with a branch of Noir, all which conjoyne in Zaire. Zaire overflowes like Nilus, and runs through many countries,* 1.6 some Mahometan, some Pagan, who adore the Sun, and about the break of day compose themselves on some eminent place, to make their Salema, that is, their prayer; at his Rising, casting themselves covered with a large cloth a hun∣dred times to the ground, and kissing it most devoutly. Some say that these two great kingdomes Damute and Monicongo bound upon Goyame or Guiame, which by reason of their great distance is most incredible. It is rather on one side, for on the South and West side, Monicongo is divided by the River Bancara, which lyes three degrees on the other side the line, and two from Cape de Lopo, or Loubo, at his disgorging near the river Gouan, or Gabam, not far from the Cape Gonzal, and the Cape St Catherine directly opposite to Cape Primaco, something near the Torrent of Fremo, which the Natives call Gouira. The last Cape of Damute is Alma∣da or Almadias, into the Gulph whereof one branch of Zaire, and the River of Saint Helen issuing forth at the same place do cast themselves, having on the North Abidara, which joynes it self to the Cataracts; On the West the land of Jair and Gubara, on the East Cogira, where begins the Cape de Corrientes, twenty four de∣grees from the South.

* 1.7Next we come to the great Empire of the Abissins, containing more then thirty five kingdomes, insomuch as some would have it equall with all Europe. The people for the greatest part are grosse and bruitish, clothed with beasts skins; though the country abound with gold, which the Rivers wash in with their streams. The women carry their Infants at their back in Goat skins, and never go into the field without their staffe, and victualls, and cast their hanging breasts over their shoulders for their children to

suck. For the generality, they are a very wretched people, sub∣jects to the great Neguz, who Commissions certain Deputies for administration of Justice amongst them.

But these Deputies finding them so voyd of reason retire them∣selves to Townes twenty or thirty leagues distant, and the others will not afford the paines to go so far; so as when any difference happens, they entreat the next Passenger to decide it, and in case he refuses, they way-lay him with bow and arrows, and by force oblige him to give sentence, which be it good or bad is observed most religiously, for recompense presenting him with some beast to carry his baggadge, most commonly with a Dent which is much like to a little Mule, only it hath a hogs taile, and little horns, which grow only skin deep, which it moves as the eares, and is much more swift: travelling on the sands his hoof will burn and cleave, so as 'tis impossible to get him wag a foot: then their only way is to make meat of him, his flesh being exceeding delicate, though without salt not long to be kept from corrupting to worms.

The greatnesse of this part of the world is particularly seen in that we find within it a hundred and fifty large kingdoms,* 1.8 with∣out reckoning many more of lesse quantity; which people this vast Peninsula of above two thousand leagues in length and latitude. It is water'd with many fair rivers, some whereof have their over∣flowes like the River Nile, and as beneficiall; others role before them sands of gold, besides Lakes, Marshes, and impenetrable Forests, rich gold mines, numerous heards of cattle, double har∣vests, the horrible monsters, the diversity of people; some civili∣zed, others so bruitish, they know neither religion nor articulate language: some christians of various Sects, others Mahometans, and a great part Gentiles and Idolaters, under the dominion of several Princes, of which the chiefest are the Grand Seigniour, who pos∣sesses Egypt wholly, with great part of the Coast of Barbary. The great King of the Abissins, who holds almost all the intestine Africa, with both the strands of Nile. The great Monomotapa Lord of almost all the Southerne Verges, even to the Cape de bona Esperanza. The potent King of Fez, and Marocco, and a multitude of other Kings and particular Princes, as those of Tom∣but, Ganga, Borno, who possesse many kingdomes.* 1.9 Of this so spacious and populous Africa, the Ancients had discovered but some few countries under the name of Egypt, Cirenaica, Numidia, Libia, Mauritania, Ethiopia, Nigrites, Garamantes, Atlantes, and very few more.

The Arabians at this day make a quadrupart division of it, not∣withstanding that it is not intirely known by reason of the dismal deserts which shut up passages, and deprive us of discovery. The first begins at the Cape of Babouchi or Guardafuni, where they in∣sert many countries out of Africa, taken in by a Prince named

Tramurat, who subdued Arabia Felix, and went in Arms as far as Carmanio, to which they call Erac, and amongst these are the kingdomes of Macran and Guadel, which are contained herein. The second called Biledugerid, heretofore Numidia terminates Egypt at the Town Eleocat. The third is a vast and horrid wil∣dernesse, which stretches it self to the bounds of Lible by them called Saria, or the Desert, because it takes beginning at Nile, and ends at the Desert of Saria. The fourth begins at the king∣dome of Gonaga, and ends at the kingdome of Galata.

Some make another division likewise into four parts, which are Barbary, Numidia, Libia, and Nigres. Barbary extends it self by the side of Mount Atlas upon the Mediterranean, from Egypt to Messa upon the Ocean, and comprehends the kingdomes of Moroc∣ca, Fez, Telessin, Tunes, &c. Numidia or Biledugerid hath in it Segelmesse, Bugie, Zeb, &c. Libia is Saira. And the land of Ne∣gres containes Galata, Tombut, Melli, Gaigo, Guber, Guinee, and others, as far as the Cape of bona Esperanza.

CHAP. II. A Description of the Isle S. Laurence, with the conditions of the People.

* 1.10WE came then on shore in the Isle of S. Laurence, or Mada∣gascar one of the largest in the world, scituate under the Tropick Capricorn between fourteen and twenty six degrees of Latitude, in circumference about eight hundred leagues, double the quantity of Candia. Upon one point thereof towards the Me∣ridian line, stands a reasonable good Town called Sancta Maria, under it is the Coast of Saint Sebastian, which compacts a Gulph full of small Islands, inhabited only by an excessive number of fowle.

That point which looks towards the Cape de Corientes in Afri∣ca contains six hundred leagues or thereabouts, betwixt the river Monica, and Mount Monica, and is called Gouara or S. Augustins, almost under the Tropick. Here is a very pleasant being, the In∣habitants civill, and well clothed, yet the heat is extream, where a River stuff't with fish frames a good harbour, and the soyle is fertile in fruits.

* 1.11In progresse upon this coast of Sancta Maria, we meet with a gallant Town called Antipara, between two Rivers, one of which forms the Cape Salido, so called from the saltnesse of the water, and is precisely the point of one end of the Island. Going on we

fall upon the Bay of S. Rochon de Machara near the Cape of S. Roch, which gives it name; then winding about eight miles from thence, we arrive at the Cape of Turmey, four miles downwards from the Bay Sancta Maria, directly underneath the Tropick. The country abounds in fleecelesse sheep, cattle, and fruits of all sorts. Fourty leagues from hence, ascending towards the Indies, you shall see Manalba a gentile Town, then Moropata a good Port, Manazero, Arco, Pescado de S. Antonio, and about a hundred paces from thence, the Point of Soulatar, by Mariners called the Cape of Amtar, and between them lye two Islands cal∣led the Irmanos, by the Islanders Bema.

Passing on from the Cape of Natall in Africa, the Coast is well peopled, there the Point of S. Anthony is, and the fair river Om∣zel with fertile Plaines all along from the Cape of S. Vincent, to that of S. Anthony. Here it is that Christianity was first embra∣ced: likewise have you there many Townes, and many Villages, as Acousia, Nabrada, Monalega, Dolaganza, Zanabi, Zarcara, Fra∣nonzara, Manatape, Babonda, Mancaua; with very good Havens almost throughout, with rivers and shallows, where the Sea flows and ebbes, as in Europe. Mancauia abounds in all sorts of ne∣cessaries for livelihood, and the Inhabitants of a kind disposition, because that part is much frequented: On the contrary, they of Alocanza or Aleganza, where the coast abounds with fish, are fierce, and proud. The more Southern Coast towards the Cape of Am∣bar is not so populous, though throughout the Island there are sufficient, and some are savage, others civil, and some of them as well men as women, richly clad and adorned with jewels and pre∣cious stones.

The Inhabitants of Secora and Ambia, are handsomely housed,* 1.12 and well accommodated, they reach as far as Cape Salido, from whence to Cape Dental is taken the breadth of the Island. In generall, this Island abounds in all sorts of good fruits, as Oran∣ges, Lemons, and Spices, which the Inhabitants eat confectioned, but Ginger especially; Cecuma, or Corcuma, and long Peper. They likewise boast of Clove-Gilli••lowers, which I dare not affirm, be∣cause I know it not. Of woods they have Ebony, Sendall, red, white, and Citron colour, Brasil whereof they make their bowes and arrowes, Sicamores, and Mastick.

They have moreover, Mines of excellent silver, but such is their sloth, they had rather live from hand to mouth, then work; here is gotten the best Indian Safron, and very excellent Sugar, which they order but very grossely, because they have not the perfect art to refine it; though neverthelesse they make a great Trade of it. They have Melons of incredible bignesse, yellow, red, and white, much more delicate then Provence or Spain hath. Throughout the whole Island there growes a root they call Igname, or Patata,* 1.13 from whence the invention was brought to Spain, of taste like a

Chestnut, but more dainty, particularly when it is boyled, rather then roasted. This root is of great use to the poorer sort, which though it be produced from seed sown, yet it multiplies in a pro∣digious manner, being cut in gobbits.

They have Dates of five severall kindes, and other trees which yield them excellent drinks, besides fruits to eat, and strings which they pull out to make Akpargates, or thread shooes after the Spa∣nish manner, which they call Pargas or Otayas: they have also thread from another tree called Langir, or Coatir in another lan∣guage, whereof they make cloth as fine as silk.

Then from one certain nut they draw oyle sundry wayes, pres∣sing what is within, and pouring thereon hot water, which makes an oyle like that of Almunds, or else pressing a little kernell which growes within the nut, when 'tis ripe like that of a Pastique, or Pumpion; Likewise from a grain or nut which is in common Dates, they draw a very good oyle, and the strong prickles which grow about the leaves serve them for needles to few their sayles, and the apparell of the poorer sort; which needle they call Cambiza.

As for the drinks they make of these trees, being drawne by distillation they are incorruptible, otherwise they grow sowre and dead in four and twenty houres; they make a certain compound of the juyce of Igname or Joucas, which in taste is like good Aqua vitae, and mixt with sugar and cinamon, is a good and kindly nourishment.

The Inhabitants of this Island take thought for nothing but how to live jovially, and which is admirable, in so great a num∣ber of people, you see neither beggers nor vagabonds, as in Eu∣rope.* 1.14 They all live happily without injuring others; some con∣tent with little, others will have more, and no man wants imploy∣ment, if he will take paines. Here some give themselves to gar∣dening, others there labour in the Mines, some apply themselves to Merchandizes, others to fishing, with their boats made of neats leather, so well joyned and liquored, that water cannot pierce them.

They live in perfect amity, such as if one man take fish, he parts freely with it to him that asks him. Some there are who addict themselves to hunt wild beasts, whereby they get skins of price, as Ermins, the Girafe striped with white and red, which breed in this Isle, with all sorts of wild creatures, as Elephants, Rhinoceros, which they call Couzan, and a certain sort of Asses, which are like the usual Asses, being almost all dapled gray, and white or black, and bay; they will suffer you to come close to them, but if you touch them, though never so gently, they spring away with most stupendious leaps.

* 1.15There are in this Island six kingdoms, the Kings whereof delight much in field-sports, as Hawks, for the Hare, and for the Par∣tridge,

which with them are called Gits, and others for fishing. Here are likewise the birds of Paradise, which live on Muschroms, and fragrant flowers; some call them Lapi, others Mie: The Ri∣vers feed Tortoises to a wonderful bignesse, excellent meat, and very fat, but are so laxative, they cause even Disenterias, as it hap∣pened to the Sieur Amador and his company, of whom we made mention in the first part.

We finde there likewise Crocodils,* 1.16 in the world again none so cruell and bloody, which come sometimes above a mile on land to feed on beasts, which they devoure at a morsell. They are ta∣taken with hooks fasten'd to a strong twisted cord made of canes, by them called Restant, laying some raschal sheep or goat for a bait, which the Crocodile swallows at a bit, and so is caught.

'Tis almost incredible, what hideous cries, groans, and tears, this creature sends forth, finding himself taken; as if foreseeing, he were now to be the fishers diet, who feast it merrily, the flesh being white, in taste like Capon, and of an excellent favour, but in Lent 'tis not to be eaten.

For which reason some have thought Amber gris to come from this creature, though there is more likelihood that it comes from the bottome of the Sea, and not from a fish as we said elsewhere.

To conclude, the Island is so plentiful of cattle, that they have often given a fat sheep for a Counter, or a leafe of paper; and a Marriner told me for truth, that being at the point of Cape Salido, to take in fresh water; an inhabitant of the Town of Antipara, gave him four Cowes for a scurvie piece of leather, he was about to throw into the Sea with his dead Master.

I remember Sieur Amador told me, how that passing through this Island, Alitadir King of Janiharou sent for him to have a piece of Scarlet, and that being upon a River imbarked with a Mahometan, they sayled two dayes compleat from the mouth of the River; then landed, where were ready for them two Chariots drawn by four bufflers a piece, which brought them to the King.

This River is called Janiharou from the name of the chiefe Town, where they have extream heats in the month of February,* 1.17 which is their Summer. It takes name from a fair fountain called Maraca Jenehar, that is, the fountain of Janiharon, then joyning with another called Marouca, it divides into two large streames, the one whereof presents it self directly face to face with Natal on the Ethiopian Coast; the other swelled with that of Macarahou, falls down to twenty two degrees near the coast — of S. Augustine, which is in twenty three. There we suffered such vio∣lent heat, that each moment we were forced to go into the river or sea for refreshment.

These people are of Olive hue, their humour docile enough, The women are kind and courteous; handsomely clad in Mantles; of amiable complexion, and take much delight in dancing to the

musick of certain Cimbals, which as they say they learnt from the Isles of Comore, or the Isles of Theives, not far from thence, Ethiopia lying betwixt them in twelve degrees and a halfe, and 200. miles from Mozombique.* 1.18 Of these Isles of Cemore there are five principal, which are of reasonable greatnesse, besides many small ones; al∣most all inhabited, whereof the most considerable is Malaquil.

As for the Edifice in the Isles of S. Laurence, their houses are co∣vered with the leaves of Coco tree,* 1.19 whence they produce their prin∣cipal sustenance; as the people of the Maladines doe, and have great store, because this tree furnishes them with all necessaries, though here they are not so good, as with the Maladines.

They have moreover another root called Joguia, which being dried yields flower, whereof they make a very delicate pudding, mingling it with milk, with sugar, or honey, and with the yelks of egs.* 1.20 They eat also, as likewise throughout all India, bats of ex∣traordinary greatness, and very good taste. They who dwell along the Sea coast, apply themselves chiefly to fishing, making their houses of turfs — dried at the Sun, or of Date leaves, aptly tempered with stone and morter, and some again for cover∣ings, use the shells of large Tortoises, which live both on land and water like Crocodiles.

CHAP. III. The Customes of the Inhabitants of Belugara, or Monopotapa. Salubrious windes venting from a Cave.

AT our departure from the Isle of S. Laurence, we steer'd our course towards the Cape of bona Esperanza, and in a short space arrived at the Arme del Spiritu Sancto, a renowned river which descends from high Ethiopia, and thence in two dayes we reacht to Belugara,* 1.21 a Town scituated upon the river of S. Lucie in the kingdome of Monopotapa, below Cephala in five degrees beyond the Tropick Capricorne, upon the side of the Mountain Bezula which stands in the middle. Winter is there in the months of June, July, August. The country is fertile, and abounding with game for Chase. As we stay'd by the way to re∣fresh our selves at a fountain, and make some repast, The Sieur de la Courbe, of whom I made mention in the first part, went on hunting, where he took some Hares, and many white Par∣tridges, which did us much courtesy. A league or thereabouts from the Town is a Cave, where during the violence of the heat the windes are very frequent, as in the Monsons of the East, and the Tournacaui of Potozzi, or Peron. And to make free passage

for this anniversary gale, the inhabitants have slit the Mountain,* 1.22 through which it blowes to the very Town, refreshing it ex∣ceedingly, and purifies bodies in such sort, that it renders them in a manner incorruptible. For which reason the Belugari∣ans and they of Zenzana, and Albigara burying their dead in this Cavern, the winde dries them and preserves them from cor∣ruption, as I noted in another place of another Mountain,* 1.23 and like windes blowing in the East Indies.

The People are either Idolaters or Mahometans. The greatest part at the rising of the Sun, prostrate themselves many times on the ground, muttering between their teeth I know not what prayers; and all, as well Moores as Gentiles,* 1.24 are given to these ceremonies. You have there men both white and black, well ci∣vilized and courteous, of handsome carriage and addresse; there are amongst them some who have received documents of Christi∣anity; for one of them observing one of ours reading in a Prim∣mer, had a curiosity to see what it was, where perceiving a Crosse, he kissed it with tears, requiring of Captain Inart if there were a Priest in our company, and being brought to one called Chaousandre, who afterwards became a Capchin, he confessed to him, and told us that he had formerly travailed three hundred leagues to finde one to confesse to, but at that time he was not in capacity for voyages of that length being guide of a family; that he had but one single wife, though fully as perverse as she was faire, and deprived of the light of Religion, as the rest of his houshold were.

He feasted us at his home with great kindenesse, and we presented him with a Roman Primmer, which he held in high esteem, for the pictures onely; for our characters were unknown to him, nor did he understand our language. He bestowed upon us a Girafe and a sheep all white, but the head, which was black, as they are all in that countrey. For Girafes, they are docile beasts, white and spotted with red, their fore-feet very short in proportion to the hinder, with a Deers head, and very short horns, there is great store of them in the land of Cefala.

CHAP. IV. The Country of Monbaze, Melinde, and Quiloa: the nature of the Inhabitants, and the respect they bear their PRINCE.

HAving left Bulgara, we run all along that stretched forth coast of Ethiope, where we visited Melindo, Monbaze, Quiloa, Mozambique, Cefala, and other Townes, for truck of our commo∣dities.

The country of Monbaze takes name from a Town and Island so called, which on the East hath the vast Indian sea, on the North Melinde, on the South Quiloa, and Westward the spacious lake of Zaflan, and the kingdome of Xoa belonging to the King of Abyssins. Heretofore this kingdome was subject to a great Prince styled the King of Monemuge, neighbouring to Ethiope, Mo∣natapa,* 1.25 and Mozambique. As for Monbaze 'tis a Town about the rate of Monpellier, built almost after the Italian model: the people are of Olive colour, affable, courteous, and well apparelled, speci∣ally the women, who delight in rich apparel.

There is a good Sea-port, strong, and much frequented by the Indians, who drive a great trade in spices, drugges, and precious stones, which much enriches the place, and brings a great con∣flux of people from Zanzbar, Penda, Agair, and other parts of Africa. There is gold, silver, precious stones, and Ivory in great quantity. The country abounds in good fruit of all sorts, parti∣cularly in Citrons and Oranges of prodigious bignesse, and of ex∣cellent taste, whereof the rind is sweet, and good to eat. There are likewise Peaches without stones, but of little savour, Pomegranates exceeding large; and above all, excellent waters, fresh and light, herein surpassing Quiloa, which is defective.

The People are of a sweet disposition, contrary to other Mari∣time places, where the natives are ordinarily mutinous, and liti∣gious. We had there an Host called Francesco Cosmel, of comple∣xion between black and white, as he were born of a Father black, and a Mother white, he gave us testimonies of a generous soule, and seemed to be of good extraction. He lodged us in the chief chamber of the house hanged with Matte, both walls and floore, with abundance of well-wrought cushions, with an artificial foun∣tain on one side which water'd little trees, where was a whole flight of birds of Paradise male and female, which contrary to the com∣mon opinion had feet, as I said elsewhere; whereupon I shall relate a pleasant passage which befell us. My companion resolving to go

to a jolly town not far thence to put off some Safron which he had, was taken with an extreme cholick, which made him go to stool oftner then he would, in our chamber there was a little Cistern full of pure water, he finding himself pressed, and conceiving this Ci∣stern to be a place of purpose for discharge, seats himself on it.* 1.26

By misfortune there was a young maid washing clothes, who finding this nasty showre fall upon her, began to cry out, and I that knew what the matter was, immediately went out; pretend∣ing I had something to buy; so as my companion, who suspected nothing, was amazed, when he saw two slaves fall upon him with cudgels, who cured his disease with a new sort of Cataplasme.

Returning up again I saw this lucky adventure, and my com∣panion as well as he could defending himself. In fine, after many excuses, the matter was taken up, by mediation of twenty seven Miticales, each being in value four French Livers; which my companion was forced to pay for mundifying the Cistern. True it is he was cured of his cholick, but so ashamed of the accident, he had not confidence to suppe with us.

The Territory of Monbaze is of no great extent, confining on one side on the Town of Orgaba, or Orgabea seated on the river Onchir, which runs to powre it self into Nile near Mount Amara, where the kingdome of Melinde begins, having Amara on the North, and Monbaze on the East. The common diet of the coun∣try is honey and rice, their drink Areta, Fatigar, and Belinganze, which they keep in great Oxe hornes, cut in severall figures, that they may be the more useful.

This sort of vessel is much used in the Ethiopian Court, as well for their capacity, as their not being liable to break, especi∣ally with the Monbazians, who neverthelesse will make no use of any but of a beast that had his throat cut, deriving this custome from the Jews.

In their traffick with Merchants they apply charms to force them to their intent, a thing I never observed in any other nation.* 1.27 When notice comes that some neighbour Prince hath sent Em∣bassadours to their King upon affaires of importance, they doe then much more. They take a wilde goat by them called Ma∣chorati, and having laid some charmes upon it, mounted upon his Elephant, the Prince passes three times over him with most horrible cries and imprecations, which their Labis or Priests pro∣nounce against their Singiscan or Demon: Then having made three cries more in manner of prayer, they require to know if this Embassadour comes for Peace or Warre, if it be answered for Peace, they march before him with abundance of perfumes, and signes of joy; and being arrived at the Town, the perfumes are cast into the water, to shew that all this was only to do him honour, and to endear him. But if it be for Warre, they testify the plain contrary.

I have heard since my return, that the town and Port of Mon∣baze is by the Portugals taken and demolished.

* 1.28For a draught of Melinde, which is a kingdom lying above Monbaze, and subject to the same King, the Capitall Town of the same name is scituate on the sea in two degrees and a halfe be∣yond the Line, the Port is at some distance, by reason that on the water side 'tis pester'd with many craggy rocks, which render the landing dangerous.* 1.29 The country abounds in all sorts of Fruits and Viands, bread excepted; instead whereof they make use of Pa∣rates, which are both good and wholesom. They have likewise variety of flesh which they roast and dresse in several manners, the fruits excell, and chiefly the Melons, called there Dormous, admi∣rable in taste, which they eat not but in Summer, because they are excessive cooling, and as it were freeze the stomack, being neverthelesse not ill of digestion, or causing chollicks; what quantity soever one eats. They are for the most part Idolaters, except some Mahometans, who dissemble their Religion; for which cause, the Prince hath but a sinister look for them. This Prince hath a high veneration from his people, who subjugate their shoulders for his support, burn perfumes to him when he ap∣peares in publick, as they do likewise for all Princes or Potentates who come to visit them. But indeed this Prince is most laudable in this particular, that he himself will take cognizance of what∣soever is acted by his Governours and Magistrates, and if any one impleads other before him, it behoves him on the price of his head, to be assured of the fact.

When a complaint is made to him, immediately he sends for the party accused: If he be a Noble man, when he arrives at the Palace gate,* 1.30 he gives notice to the Officers of his presencce, by the sound of a Cornet, who cause him to ascend single before the Prince, who with great patience hears hoth parties in presence of his Council. If ••oth are found culpable, the inferiour is remitted to the ordinary Justice, who punisheth him with stripes of cudgell, the Grandee is punished by fine: But if the Noble-man prove only guilty, the King leads him to his chamber, where being dis∣robed, prostrate on the ground, craving pardon, he receives from the Kings own hand certain stripes with a cudgell, more or fewer, in proportion to the crime and services he hath done. Which done he revests, kisses the Kings feet, and with all humility thanks him for the favour received. Then without further shew of any thing attends the King to his Hall, who in presence of all the Court, gives him a dismission, and recommends ••o him administra∣tion of Justice to his people, causes him to be accompanied out of town with ordinary ceremony, so as what hath passed, is not perceived by any, and this Grandee returns as well content, as if he had received a rich treasure. The charges of suit are defrayed out of the Kings Coffers, or if he please by the

criminall, without the knowledge of any one.

When as this King who by his subjects is esteemed a Saint, makes a progresse into the Country, he is mounted on a horse richly trapp'd, and going out of his Palace passes over a new kill'd heifer, where the people raise a loud outcry, and instantly go view the entrails of the beast, to judge by sorcery if this voyage shall be suc∣cesseful, or no. When he makes entrance into any town, all the fairest Ladies walk before him with censers of perfumes burning in their hands, some singing his encomiums, others melodiously playing on Basons, with fine nods, endeavouring to render them∣selves as complaisant as possibly they can.

To conclude, their territories confine upon the country of Zan∣gueliac and Ethiopia. Aquiloa is a Kingdome with an Isle and a Town of the same appellation, where the Portugals have a Fort, the Governour whereof drives a main trade by means of the ves∣sels he sends for the Indies. The King of Quiloa was Lord here∣tofore of Mozambique.

All these are countries of Zanguebar, or Zanzibar, which com∣prehends that large extent of ground which lyes between the Oriental and Occidental seas, of the people called Cafres. Zan∣zibar, properly speaking, is an Island which faces directly Mon∣baze, but the country I intend to speak of is Zanguebar, named so by the Arabians, because in their language, this word Zangue sig∣nifies black, and this country for the greatest part is inhabited by Blacks. Mark Pol esteems it an Island of above a thousand leagues in circuit, being water'd with many rivers, making as it were an Island.

Concerning the Town of Quiloa 'twas built,* 1.31 as Tradition sayes, above six hundred years past by one Hali son of Hocen King of Siras in Persia, who came to live there. Women here go ex∣ceeding well arrayed, richly adorned with Jewels and Ivory bracelets quaintly wrought, which upon death of husband and al∣lies, they break in signe of sorrow, as the men forbear to eat and shave their hair, as I before recounted of the East Indies.

CHAP. V. Of Mozambique, the nature of the Inhabitants. Cefala. Mines of gold in Ophir. Belugara.

HAving passed by Viada, where the people for the best part dwell upon the river Dumes or Humes,* 1.32 since the vast inunda∣tion of this and other rivers in the country, upon the day of Saint Abiblicane, we entered the kingdome of Mozambique; this River runs towards the East, passing by the foot of the Mountain Zet,

out of which issues one of the heads of Nile, the other from the Mount Betzoan, which ancients called the Mountains of the Moon streaming towards the points Maestro and Tramontanus. The branch which runs Southward, is divided not far from the head by a rock into two streams, the one watering the land of Sefala, the other running to disgorge it self in the sea right over against the Isle of Saint Laurence.

* 1.33Mozambique is a small Island hard upon the firm land, with a Haven and a Fort of the Portugals within fifteen degrees of the Line. 'Twas subject to the King of Quiloa, till the Portugals be∣came Masters, where now in their voyages from Portugal to the Indies is one of their securest harbours to rest and refresh them∣selves. The greatest part of the Inhabitants, who are all Blacks, professe Mahometisme, the rest Idolatry.

They upon the firm land are absolute brutes, going stark naked, their privities only covered with a cotten cloth. Adorers of the Sun, like them of Sephala speaking the same language as they; their traffick is Gold, Ivory, and Ebony; their chief food the flesh of Elephants. They delight much to parget their bodies with a reddish earth, perswading themselves that so dawb'd, the world shewes not finer men. The better sort paint themselves with a certain Folliage, which to make azure, they use Indico and other compounds. There are amongst them who bore their lips like the Americans, enchasing some delicate stone.

* 1.34Some say this count••y in times past depended upon Ethiopia, and and 'twas hither Salomon sent his Fleets for gold, and that the Queen of Saba stil'd her self likewise Queen of Mozambique and Melindo; moreover that their speech resembles in some sort that of Senega. Though to speak truth, 'tis more likelihood Salomon fetched his gold from the mines of Sefala, which are not farre thence, or may be from the East Indies.

* 1.35Touching the country of Cefala, or Sefala and Zinguebar, which takes up in a sort the whole breadth of that end of Africa, even to the Cape of Bona Esperanza, which coast is inhabited with Blacks, called Cafares, or Cafres, they appertain to the great Em∣pire of Monomotapa, of which we are to speak presently.

In particular for what concerns Zinguebar, or Zanzibar, which ancients called Agezymba, and which they placed above the high and interiour Ethiopia, 'tis as it were an Island environed with seas, and rivers, 'tis a plentifull country of all kinds of commodi∣ties for livelihood.

The town of the same appellation in twenty four degrees and a half, hath a good Port well frequented upon a lake, excel∣lently well built, of stone, lime and sand, after the manner of the Italian Towns, embellished with pleasant gardens, entirely be∣guirt with water, as Meroc is, but there is no drink but the draw-well. The Princes Palace seems very lofty, which defends the

mouth of the haven, before which there is a convenient place for calking vessels. 'Tis scituate in the best part of Monomotapa, and fronts Eastward with the Province of Simen or Simis, which joynes with the land of Melinde. The Inhabitants are well civi∣lized, and 'tis thought this is the same Monomotapa which lies up∣on the river of the Holy Ghost, where all the houses are flat roof∣ed — as they are at Naples, and the Palace royall like that at Calicut, there is not one but hath his Alfongi, which is a boat of one peice. The Presterian or Natahachi,* 1.36 and Abassi hath often attempted to take in this country, but failed, only he plun∣dered it, taking away a number of slaves to make Christi∣ans of his kinde. Amongst his other warres he took the Region of Canfild, which Geographers place where they should not.

This country stretches very far even to the lake of Zaflan,* 1.37 which makes the faire Island of Zunan or Zanan, near which is Garga, or Gorga, the capitall town of the countrey, beauti∣fied with pleasant gardens, and abounding in fowle and cat∣tle, rice, and other commodities for livelihood. This lake of Zaftan is as 'twere a wide and vast sea of sweet water;* 1.38 lying close upon the great Province of Gazasele, which confines upon Cafates, Cara, Esaui, Noua, Ambian, all which meet at Agag, scituate between the two Cataracts called by the In∣habitants Zembra, with the entire kingdome of Aygamar. As to Cofala, 'tis likewise a reasonable large country, rich and fertile at least from the lake Gourantes to the Cuama: for the rest of the Coast,* 1.39 from the River Magnice to the Cape, is but barren. This Magnice, or the River de Espiri∣tu Sancto, as the Portugalls call it, rises from one of the lakes whence Nile takes its Origine, called Zembra; or as others will have it more probably from Zachaf, and cros∣sing the mountaines of the Moon, and the great Empire of Monomotapa, deliver themselves in the Meridian Sea, in twenty three degrees and a halfe forth of the same lake Cuama or Couesme takes his birth, which disgorges it selfe at seven mouthes, a little above the Cape of Cou∣rantes, in sort that this kingdome of Sefala is invironed with two great Rivers, which towards Mid-August make exceeding inundations, and fatten the soyle, as Nile, by its overflowes, fertilizes the countries of Egypt, Beni∣ermi; Nubie, Tamatas, Soba, Bugamidei, Goyame, and others.

These two rivers then launch out of the lake Zaire and Zembre or Goyame as some think, and moderne writers say,* 1.40 from a lake called Zuman, or Zuama, or Sachaf, as two great branches, one whereof which is Magnice, runnes into the sea, as at a place by the Portugalls called Punca, or Labras

del Spiritu sancto. The other is called Fuama, that is, faint, be∣cause it failes at threescore and fifteene miles from Cefala, and is lost in the sand, whence it rises again afterwards. The large lake of Zembre bears great vessels, and some re∣port they have sailed upon it above two hundred and fifty leagues. It receives other rivers, as the Paname sixty leagues be∣neath Cefala, others about twenty leagues, as the Libia Mariancia, called by the Abissins Eshusula and Sancola, both great inundati∣ons, laying the whole country under water, and in Marshes of difficult passage.

* 1.41The soyle of Cefala is exceeding rich in gold, and the river Cu∣ama brings it ready fn'd in small threads which are found in the sand, so as this river passes through mines of gold, for which reason the Portugals by permission of a Mahometan Prince who rules the Country, have here built a Fort to facilitate their nego∣tiation with the Inhabitants. Before they arrived here, some Mahometans of Quiloa and Magadoxo built the town of Sefala in one of the Islands made by Geuesme,* 1.42 this river augmented by Paname which takes birth near the town Amara, and swelled by Laanga, who leads with it the Arrouia, and joyns with Monoua at the Ruenia, and the Inedita called Iradi by the Ethiopians, which together water many countries, making vast inundations and Mar∣shes, which render the land so dangerous to passe, that there needs well experienc'd guides, and to make Mount Masima, by the na∣tives called Manica, the way to Ethiopia, there are many fair Pro∣vinces,* 1.43 rich in ore of gold and silver. They term the gold mine Manica, the country Matuca or Mataca, and those which get the gold Bothones. There is another an exceeding rich one in the Province of Torta or Toroa, and in that of Gag or Agag one of silver, as there is also at Bocaua or Batua, Boror, Tacouir, and other places, and the soyle is universally very fertile; as likewise at Potozzy and Perou. To avoid these immense Marshes, as I said, one is forced to take the way of Mount Manica, bending towards Ambea, and Sabaim, where at this day are seen huge ruines of ancient structures, which re∣semble the greatnesse and magnificence of those of the an∣cient Romanes, chiefly in the kingdomes Batua and To∣roa, where are the most ancient mines of gold in Afri∣ca.* 1.44 There you finde likewise store of stones of exces∣sive bulke so excellently pollished, they never lose their lu∣stre, fixed together without Cement, so fine, it is not per∣ceivable.

In like manner we finde there Remainders of walls of above twenty five handfulls thick, with certain hieroglyphick cha∣racters engraved, not to be read, as the like is observed in Per∣sia among the ruines of the town Persepolis. Many do conceive 'twas from hence Salomon fetcht his gold, as I said elsewhere;

and these great ruines to have been of that Ages building, and by the same King.

Howsoever we took not this road by the Mountain, for being come from the Cape Gourantes, with a Portugall Captain called Baccheo, a fiery and insolent person, with whom we had contract∣ed for our passage, with design to come for Spain, by the Cape of Bona Esperanza, and along the coast of Africa, we were con∣strained to go on shore at Agoas de san Biasio, by some called the coast of S. Rafuel, to avoid the tyranny of this Captain.* 1.45 'Tis scarce credible what discommodities one suffers in these Portugal vessels; for though he shift his clothes and linnen a hundred times the day, he is eaten up with lice; have you need but of a glasse of water, you must make insupportable submissions to a very boy, contest every evening for your lodging, run every hour to the drudgery of the ship, and depend on a Captain more cruell then a Comet; finding my self in this distresse, I resolved to disbark at what rate soever, and I took my time when I saw them putting some Hogs-heads in boat, to put in a little chest of mine also co∣vered with red leather, and locked, pretending I went to fell some commodities. Being now on land, I followed a path towards a vil∣lage called Git Bulgara with my mantle on my shoulders where meeting by the way with a country-man, who understood me not, because I spoke Indian, he only apprehended some Arabian words, and made signes to me, that at the next village I should be understood, and helped me himself to carry my Baggadge. Being come to a Fishers house we found him mending his nets, who at first accost cryed to me, Afartas, as to bid me I should not be afraid. I took him by his countenance to be an honest man, he had many children, and amongst the rest two tall girles, who gazed upon me with wonder at the strangenesse of my habit, which was Persian, with long Bases, a Cassock, and a vest like a Honger-line over all of a neat stuffe: I opened my chest, and took out some bracelets made of Venetian Beads of several colours, wherewith I presented them,* 1.46 which they accepted with much content, even ravished with the prettinesse of these little toyes of glasse: but the Father restored them to me again, and rebuked them sharply for having taken them, conceiving them to be pre∣cious stones, till with entreaties I prevailed with him to take them, and gave them back to his daughters, who had never be∣fore seen themselves so richly deck'd. This good man having hidden my chest, and given me notice by signes that I should not speak a word of it to any one, lest it should be enquired after, cau∣sed a Moor to be brought to me, who had on his arme a Crosse, by whom I understood he had been at Tunis, and, what was more content to me, told me I might travell throughout Africa as far as Cair and Alexandria, going from town to town, and from dwelling to dwelling, with security.

* 1.47I had a curiosity to know why he bore that crosse upon his arme, he replyed, his Father lived at Magadeli, and was a Maho∣metan, but that he and the rest to exempt themselves from pay∣ing tribute to the N••gus, imprinted this mark, that they might be known for Christians. In the mean while my courteous Host killed a kid, and made ready plenty of fish to entertain me, adding that, though I should stay a twelve moneth entire in his house, he could not make satisfaction for the present I had given his daugh∣ters, who would get husbands much the sooner. And really all the neighbours near at hand flocked to behold and admire them with these splendid bracelets, and christall pendants red and gar∣nisht with guilt, which I hung at their ears when we rose from ta∣ble, notwithstanding their fathers opposition, who was ashamed and confounded at my prodigality. Some three houres after, or thereabout, the boat belonging to our ship came to shore, where I presently saw my Comrades arrive, who had been at sharp words with the Captain, for that he permitted me to leave the ship, and importunely entreated me to return, rather then to expose my self single to the hazard of being devoured by wild beasts, till be∣ing satisfied by the Moore, that we might securely travel through the midst of Africa, they took my design themselves, and resol∣ved to go strait to Alexandria by the River Cuame, which is a branch of Zaire as I said before; which falls very gently; and the sea at full tide comes in, and goes above twenty five leagues up∣ward; upon this design we bought two Almadies, wherein we stowed our carriage, Sieur de la Courbe, Cassis my companion and I, with our Moore, and one Ismaro who came aboard with us at the Cape of Courantes to go for Lisbon, we took our leave of our Hoste, whose name was Adilau, and going along up the Ri∣ver, we arrived the first evening at a Town called Alzizir, the Lord whereof, whom we presented with a paire of knives, treated us with much humanity, and having feasted us with good cheer, lodged us upon cotton quilts.

On the morrow we took the tyde, and in our Almadies going up the river, he met two men, one of which spake Arabian to us, which was much comfort to us, he embarked with us, promising to wait on us three Moones, that is, three moneths for a Capos which I gave him. At night we landed at Aiasita, a convenient town, but meanly built, whose situation my companion took with his Astrolabe, and found it distant from the Line twenty four de∣grees. Being arrived, although there were no danger for the rest of our journey, we thought best to go together to Belugara, to visit the Lord of the place, and get a passe from him. He was very glad to see us, and much the more for a present we made him of a little neat basket, a diverse coloured glasse, and a pair of knives, which he so highly esteemed, that he caused us to dine at his own table, and gave us a piece of Parchment of Azure co∣lour,

about the bignesse of a card for play, with a writing for our passage; gave us a favour two Gazells, and two Pea-Birds, and caused four small Elephants be made ready to carry us to our Barks, which lay some two leagues from thence, and he himself bore us company for a quarter of a league, mounted on a another little Elephant decently trapped with cotton cloth of several co∣lours. The rest of the day we traveld not far by reason the tide was spent, as also for that we went a shooting in the woods with our Guns, where we found such abundance of white rabbets, that they were troublesome, and great store of tame Partridges, and went through no other then onely the town called Langada, be∣longing to the Prince of Atasinga. The Candi came himself to visit us, inviting us to stay that night there, but in respect the day was far spent, we held on our way, and arrived something late at a town called Suguelane, subject to the Subacchi,* 1.48 whither we sent one of our men before to take a lodging for us. On a sudden be∣hold a company of young girles, who came to us with Pipes, and Tabors, made of the bark of a tree of one entire piece, drawn over with certain fruit, which sound much like Cimballs, dance∣ing and tripping to the musick of these instruments. Sieur de la Courbe gave them a piece of money, which on one side had cer∣tain characters, on the other a crown'd head, with a kind of Nose∣gay in the form of a Pyramid, with a great many flowers round about. They beheld this piece with much curiosity, and one of them holding it aloft to the view of the party, the rest fell to dancing after their fashion, till such time as perceiving a troop of about fifty men, wrapt in woollen cloth, which covered their whole bodies, we made a soft retreat to our Barks. Then we saw in the middle of the company one raised above the rest, borne on a Palanquin, having on his head a Miter, enriched with stones, who being come near our boates, descended, and having said Afra∣res, which signifies come nigh, entered affably into one of our Barks, and saluted us with the word Erga••i, which is, welcome. The Sieur de la Courbe understanding this to be the Lord of Su∣guelane, kissed his hand, and by an Interpreter delivered him the occasion and design of our voyage. This whole night was divi∣ded into good chear, and dancing with the wives of this Poten∣tate, the Principall of whom, The Sieur de la Courbe presented with a chain of various colour'd glasse beads, which caus'd as much wonder and envie in the other Ladies, as contentment in the Prince, who reciprocally gave him a cup of Euate, filled with Pe∣pitaian gold, which he forced upon our country-man by the strength of entreaties, but in retribution, out of the civility natu∣rall to his country, he presented a guilt Cimeterre with hangers of China work. I likewise presented the Ladies with some rare pendants of red Pausell christall, and very glittering, who imme∣diately cast off their upper garments, and fell to dancing.

To conclude, having seen Jerma, and Simbada, a great and huge Town erected in the water, where is the right country of Agisim∣ba,* 1.49 staid fifteen dayes at Rifa, where we became known to the Chanubi or Governour, who gave us good instructions for our journey, and brought us better then half the way to Cheticoura in a boat of his; The Sieur de Courbe, and I, who had a particular curiosity to see the country, resolved there to go render a defe∣rence to the great Taboqui or Monomotapa, who was at his capital Town of Zanguebar or Monopotapa, who bestowed many indulge∣ments on us while we staid, our boats being left with the rest of our company, who had no such curiosity, with order to meet all to∣gether at a certain place called Calboute, without parting any more thenceforward. I cannot give a particular account of the distance of places, I may be excused by reason of the deviations and turnings we were forced to make, returning sometimes the same way we came: notwithstanding I shall speak precisely enough of what concerns Monopotapa.

CHAP. VI. Of Monopotapa, the Princes estates, and Government, his way of living, and the singularity of his Country.

* 1.50THis Prince is by some called the Benemotapa or Benemataxa, and by the native people the Grand Tahaqui, he possesses so large an Empire, that 'tis given for a thousand leagues in circuit, invironed with seas and great Rivers, which render it inaccessable and inexpugnable; for on the North it hath the vast lake Zembré or Zembaré, on the South the Cape of Bona Esperanza, and on the other sides the Eastern and Western seas. Towards the Siroch it stretches it self as far as the Mountaines of Manice where the king∣dome of Toroca or Toroa takes beginning, whereof the principal town is Zenebra, next is Tatuca rich in gold, silver, and ivory.

Then there are the kingdomes of Agag and Boro, which on the Blacks side face towards the Beche, on the West towards Tacui, which goes as far as Mozambique. Likewise within this Empire the Province of Butua lyes, as also that of Simbage or Simbatni, plentiful in Ivory,* 1.51 by reason of the great multitude of Elephants, in salt of the rock whence good part of Africa is furnished, though at dear rates in some places; by reason of the great di∣stance and difficulty of the roads.

These people for the greatest part are Idolaters, stiling their chief God Maziri, the maker of all things; others call him Atuno.

In great reverence they have likewise a Virgin by name Peru, and have Monasteries where live recluse maids; moreover, they are grand magicians, as they are through the whole country of Guy∣nee. There came a certain one who reported he had passed the kingdomes of Candabar, Couzani, Transiani, Ʋsbeque, and many other countries of the East, as China, San, Pegu, Bengale, Besnagari, Calicut, and the wide sea of Alondon, to have runne through all the dominions of Preste John, to have been in the floods of the Torrid without wetting himselfe, clothed with a meer Sattin, walking upon the clouds, to have passed the Zember upon the back of a devill, and to have arrived in the kingdome of Sahama, to finde the Monopotapa to declare his Religion to him, having in few dayes gone thirteen thousand leagues. He added far more, the particular satisfaction he received after so long a travell, in that the Prince caused four Christians their hateful enemies to be massacred, and engaged in honour of their God to pray at the Temple five times the day, under pain of the scourge.

The King building a faith in this sorcerer, made an ordinance that all should yield obedience to this Mulila and his associates, whom they named the Jubacumba.

For the first time the people presented themselves at their ce∣remonies, but being absent the second time, these impostor Priests, coming forth, fell upon them with scourges made of Elephants hyde, and beat them most rudely, persevering in this harsh way of treatment, till on a day a young Portugues, called Francisco Sanche, who lived in the Fort of Safala, being come to the town for trade, and to visit a Mistresse he had, a Merchants daughter, received some lashes in the street from these magicians, whereupon being sensible of his injury, lets flye his cimeterre at one of them, and lays him dead on the ground, without much trouble, confiding in the Kings favour, to whom he had brought a present from the Go∣vernour of the Fort Henrique Mendez, and they joyning in their defence, he killed four, and wounded four more, then mounted on horse, and went safe off.

The King being told of it fell into laughter, and praised the Portugues for his courage, which ingratiated him with his Mistris; so as she after married him.

True it is, this Prince had not long before put some Jesuits to death, but he made them ample satisfaction, by putting to death all the Mahometans, who gave him such councell, whereupon the Fathers of Cochin being advertised of it, sent others presently, who declared to the King the benefit they were to all mankind, in instruction and salvation of souls, and gain'd so highly upon his grace, that besides other particular favours which he did them, he granted free liberty to his people to be converted, and em∣brace the Christian faith. So it is that Christian faith was intro∣duced by the fathers of the society, where to this day 'tis pre∣served

and practised by them and the Dominicans, and though the Prince be an Idolater, he is a well-wisher to the Christians. He holds a stately gravity, allowing audience to none but on the knee, nor tergiversation in retiring. No man hath accesse but up∣on extreme submissions, and prostrating himself on the ground on six paces distance, the Princes answers are briefe. He delights at be decked with chains and stones as women are, bestowes little, and loves to be presented with all curiosities possible. He keeps a great Pack or Seraglio of wives, and some say he hath a guard of armed Ladies, like Amazons, and a number of fierce great dogges.

* 1.52The capitall town where he keeps his Court is called Madro∣gan, where he hath a stately Palace; the houses are good build∣ing, the materialls are wood and loome, which being well temper∣ed and whitened over, are sufficiently gracefull and inhabitable.

The King must not go robed, but after the manner of his Ance∣stors; that is, a Cassock of his own country silk, for stuffes brought from forrain parts he wears not for fear of poyson, over this a large and long scarfe, like a womans mantle, which comes betwixt his legs, and is brought up to be tucked under his girdle, with a rich handcherchief over his shoulders, he hath buskins embroydered with gold, and rich carkanets on his neck, with a band about his hat interwoven with big pearles, rubies, and emeralds. He makes great use of Elephants, and of a beast called an Alsinge, seldome ridden on, which resembles a hart, never using horses, for that rhere are so few.

What is most remarkable in this place is, that there is no sort of prison, the reason, because all matters of justice are finally con∣cluded upon the place. Here as in other parts 'tis a crime capi∣tall, to deflowre a maid before her years of maturity, because she ought to be capable of bearing children.

The Kings wives are most richly and artificially attired, who live separate in several apartements, without any knowledge of one another, unlesse when through speciall grace he convokes them. 'Tis pain of death for him that but goes about the lodge∣ings of these Ladies.

Many Colledges likewise where youth is instructed in vertue. The Ladies of quality held it an honour to dresse the Princes meat, and wait by turnes, taking charge of his diet at meals, at which time he hath Musicians for his alacrity, but they are hood∣blinded, that they may not view his face, and when he drinks, a great person calls out aloud, Pray for the Kings health.

His drink is wine of distilled Dates, with Manna, Ambar, and Musk. His odours and perfumes for each day, come to two pound weight of gold, provided him by certain Merchants. The Ta∣pers for his service are compounded with odours. When he goes forth in a morning, if the Sun with his rayes have not refined the

ayre, he hath four great perfumed torches borne before him, himself being carried by foure Gentlemen, in a Chaire Richly a∣dorned, with a Curtaine, or Canopy over it: an Umbrella, en∣riched with jewells, and a numerous Attendance of Nobility; Before him goes a Guard of two hundered Mastiffs, each lead by his keeper; and amongst these (for his desport) a Buffon. Up∣on the way he never gives audience to any one, and goes not out of his Pallace, whether on foot, or mounted either on Horse, Elephant, or Alsigne, but he bestrides some new-killed beast (as I related of Monbase,) and being pas'd, they raise a loud cry, making inspection on the intralls, to know, if there be good or bad towards the Prince, whereof their Flamins make report. His Chaire-bearers are dawb'd all over with a red earth, wherin they work folliage of divers sorts, after the manner of the Mozambiques.

The Royall Pallace is very commodious, flank'd with Towers without, within furnish'd with cotton cloth of diverse colours, gold tissue: the floore costly pav'd with plates of gold cut in figures, with great Candlesticks of ivory hung in chaines of silver; Seats enriched with gold Folliage, properly beautified with co∣lours, and Transparent Ennamell, and foure Principall Gates, sumptuously wrought; and Guarded by those they call Sequen∣der. His Family is by a number of Officers, very orderly go∣vern'd, who observe him with a most profound silence. While he sits at Table, you heare not a whisper, nor the least noise. His Vessell is Purcelan, garnish'd and set round with sprigs of gold, fashion'd like Corall. The Captain of the Gate is called Cadira. The Captain of the Guard Acar. The Treasurer, or he who disposes the Revennues, Cabacada. The Seniglaren is as 'twere Constable, or Lieutenant Generall, who are all in array of Honour, of cotton cloth, or silke of diverse colours, girdles inrich'd with stones, guilt falchions, or swords, with hilts of Mas∣sie gold carv'd and enammell'd, which is for ordinary; on high dayes, of Diamonds, Rubies, and other stones of inestimable price. I saw there the pommell of an Alfange, or cimeterre, made of one fausell Ruby of extraordinary bignesse, of one peice entire, which was given for the Ransom of a Province.

For, the Father of Tabachi, who reigned at the time we were there, having disburs'd a Masse of gold-ingotts, to releive the King Vida∣rati, the other gave him a Province for security, and when he came to redeem it, Tabachi chose rather this gorgious sword, then all the gold they would restore him, which was a great quantity.

When this King Marches to the Warr in Magnificence, he weares a Robe of silke, with hanging sleeves, a girdle enchas'd with stones of peculiar vertues, as the Magicians make him beleive; a Poniard at his girdle, and his sword borne before him by a Prince, with a small casket of jewells; Himself in a Littar, born by Gentle∣men, called Singaro, one Page marches before him, with his Um∣brella, another with a fan of Austrich feathers, which are here in

abundance, some as large as oxen. The Princes and Gentry ha∣bited in the Turkish dress, saving that for a Turban, they weare little round bonnets, all bravely mounted on Elephants, or Hor∣ses, which are bred and suckled by Cowes, and train'd by Jaloses, so expert at it, that running at high speed, they will throw a dart, and riding catch it again, so dexterously, and with such agility, that without stop, they will (stooping) take a stone off the ground. He hath with him a hundred Elephants, caparison'd with the skins of Sea-oxen, unpeirceable by any dart, each carrying foure Eu∣nukes, with cross-bowes, of farther reach then long-bowes. Upon the neck sits the Bes••gu, who guides and commandes him; and during the clamour and confusion, layes his mouth to his eare, hol∣lowing to him, that he may understand him; and so docile is this creature, that he will turn back his long eare, to hearken, and o∣bey what he bids him. This Besigu beares a bow and quiver, a short sword, and a coat of Sea-oxe. In the Van of the Elephants march great Mastiffs, cap'd in the same manner, to each a keeper, who hath him linked to his girdle with an iron chaine. In summe, tis of Faith with all of them,* 1.53 that he who dies for his King, gains salvation, though in other points they embrace all sorts of Reli∣gions, telling you they cannot be damn'd, for that they are freinds with all the Gods in Heaven, and cheifely with Runia, Adula, Isaten, those are the Christian Gods.

In the Head of this Mastiffe-Regiment, Marches a body of Musketteirs, who do good service with their fire-clubs: before them above two thousand chariots, covered with leather, drawn with six oxen, which carry each fifteen men, of those called Ar∣besrait, with short guns, like Carabins. One part of the Army may shade by day under these Charrets, which again will shelter them by night, while the Mastiffs with their keepers lye in the Head, under Tents, who by turns stand centinell abroad. The whole Army Marches divided in three Squadrons.

The Eunuques go clothed like women, and do all sorts of service, dress their Masters diet, made of Rice, Mill, or the Root Igname, whereof they make cakes, which are heavy, and offensive to the stomack, and soon hurt it. Their ordinary fare is powder'd beef, milke a little turn'd their drink; The King, & Great ones drink hon∣nyed-wine, which they keep in oxe-hornes, as they do in Ethiopia.

The Vulgar are cloathed only from the girdle downwards, ca∣sing up their privities in little purses, or pumpions, made hollow like sheaths, when they go into the field, by reason of certain venimous creatures, which sting cruelly, wherewith some have been sore handled.

All that belong to the Court, are known by the priviledge they have, to weare upon the shoulder the Talmassaca, or Mantle of severall stuffs, according to quality, and of the sort the King wears it, which is very costly, and tis a high Honour to weare the Mantle of the Kings make.

Poyson is very common throughout the Empire, and at deare rates, there being some that is sold at a hundred Miticales, or Sequins the ounce; The reason so much is used, is, the rigour of the King, and his Ministers of Justice, who inflict such cruell pu∣nishments upon Offenders.

For, no sooner hath a person committed a Crime, but he is pu∣nished in the instant, and if the Crime requires the Offender should be suspended some dayes, to render his punishment more long and greivous, he is tyed to a tree, with strong guards, there being no Prisons, as I said before; so, as the Criminall seeing no possi∣ble escape, the best remedy is to poyson himself, by a speedy death to cut off the rigour of a long paine.

Nor will the Prince be clothed with any thing but what is made within his own Palace, for fear of poyson. There are cer∣tain trees called Coscoma, which beare fruit like the golden ap∣ple, of violet sent, which tastes well, but, being eaten in any quan∣tity, purges so violently, that it voids blood, and at last is mor∣tall. There are those that ingross the poyson by Patent, for which they pay a high excise to the Prince, by reason there are so many who use it for there death, to free themselves from the Tor∣ments of Justice, for there is no pardon to be expected for offen∣ces. If one injures another without cause, he is cruelly bastina∣do'd, as they are in Turky, where I have seen Judges themselves, for that they have failed in Justice, punished in that manner.

They are laid naked upon the ground, and the Officer, or Exe∣cutioner, is to beat them with a cord knotted, and buttond at the end, and when the President gives the word, then he doth his Of∣fice: having done, he gets up, puts on his clothes again, and gives thanks to the Judges, and Executioner, for their Justice, without any disgrace for the matter, and returns to his function, as if no such thing had happened. This makes the Judges can∣did in their sentences. The greatest Lords and Magistrates find the like from the King, as I observed before, speaking of Melnida. For, he hath them castigated in his presence privately, and then with instructions dismisses to their charge. Justice thus se∣verely executed, without exception of persons, preserves the Na∣tion in firm Peace and Tranquillity, and gets the King as 'twere a Divine Adoration, so really, that as he passes thorough the streets, the people praying for him, cast themselves to the ground on their face, not presuming so much as to look upon him.

There are some Princes and particular Lords, fancy much to hang bells at their neck or leg, conceiving it well becomes them.

At Court every man goes habited as pleases him best, so,* 1.54 as there are Courtiers: but they are of the highest rank, who, over all, weare a large cassock, of a Lions skin, made up unshapely enough, as they use in Preste Johns Court; but no man can weare this Lions garment, but a Prince of the blood. Others

go to the wars in coats of sea-oxe covered with ivory, to defend the thrust of a sword, for 'tis not their custome to cut. They also use Swords and Bucklers faced with ivory, or skins of sea-oxe, or Crocodiles, with which all their Rivers abound, the flesh whereof they eat throughout all Africa and India, as an excellent meat.

CHAP. VII. The History and strange adventure of Prince Alfondie. Another of the Amours of Princesse Abederane.

BEeing here, we further came to understand that Alfumigarba∣chi, one of the last who raigned in this Empire, dying sudden∣ly at the age of 47. years, without leasure to call a prudent coun∣cell, or settle the succession in the child, that of all the rest, he most desired, amongst the sixty four sons and eleven daughters, which he had by several wives, whose name was Abditsinda, his minion, a gallant and generous Prince.

This change bred great tumults and dissentions at Court, each of these wives striving to thrust her childs head under the crown, so as to attain more easily to it, and to gain the Peers and Officers of the Crown, to purchase the Scepter, they spared not whatsoe∣ver was dearest to them, a cause of much blood and murther. Of these sons there were four principal, whose names were Abga∣rou, Adala, Corcut, and Gulman, who having seap'd some enter∣prises upon their persons, united themselves against their other brothers, of whom they put to death as many as they could lay hold on, the rest saved themselves in several places, flying the cruelty of those who proclaimed Offices and places of trust to whosoever brought in their heads. During this state of things, here raged great warres, and many bloody encounters passed, wherein two of the four brothers payed their lives, and there re∣mained only Corgut and Gulman, who at last reconciled with a general peace, and lived in great amity, copartners in the royalty, so as after the modell of Eteocles and Polinice, those ancient Kings of Thebes, each governed six moneths by turns. This lasted for a time, till Corcut took to wife the Princesse Dafila, an ambitious Lady, who six moneths after her nuptials, perswaded her con∣sort to murther his brother, and reign without a partner, which was done accordingly, calling him to Court under pretence of communicating some affaires of consequence, and so he became sole King, and reigned thirteen years, till an Uncle of his called Nahi,

in revenge, put both him, his wife, children, and all his allies to death, to the great content of the people, for the hatred he bore to this unfortunate Fratricide. Then they imagined an ancient Prophecy which they kept amongst them, was accomplished: That the Lamb should kill both the Wolfe and his wife: She was called Gildada, and was drowned. But the King of Dafila incensed with the death of his daughter and Son-in-law, brought a most cruell warre upon the new King Nahi, wherein fell numbers on both sides. In the mean while, amongst the Princes who had scap'd the truculent hands of their brothers, one there was who strayed far off, and got into the kingdome of Deli, where contenting him∣self to live meanly as an unknown private person, he purchased a small possession for his livelihood, and betook himself to labour: where taking a wife, she brought him a son they called Alfondi; who at seven or eight years of age, gave the world great hopes of his person, for the excellent parts which began to bud in him, and which made him amiable to all men; in so much that ad∣dicting himselfe to the words, as yeares encreased his vi∣gour, he did wonders in the slaying of Lions, Beares, Ti∣gars, and other furious beasts, and in all his actions appeared no∣thing but what was great and noble; insomuch as hearing spoken on day how strenuous a war there raged betwixt Tahachi his un∣known great Uncle, and the King of Dafila, he was transported with emulation to be a Party, and being furnished with a good horse and Arms, with the society of a Troop of brave young men, he hasted to those parts, where, in the service of Tahachi, he soon gave proofe of his Courage, and abilities in warr; but, amongst others, on one signall occasion which presented it selfe, where, with a small party of Souldiers, he defeated the much more numerous Enemy; and the King of Dafila admiring his Valour, endeavou∣red under-hand to win him to his side, by offering a Daughter of his in Marriage, with a Province, which he had taken from Ta∣hachi. To which Afondi seeming to give eare, dexterously made use of the opportunity, to seize upon the Towne of Ama∣zen, a most considerable place, which exceedingly pleased Tahachi, and heightned his affection to him, feeling, I know not what secret motion in his soul, which pushed him on to this Dearnesse, without any apprehension that he was his Nephew; but, Good blood, as they say, cannot dissemble. At length, Alfondi, assisted with his Uncles Forces, did such Atcheivements and Exploits, that within six Months, he delivered the Empire Zanzibar from the oppressi∣on of the Enemy, which obliged Tahachi for recompense, to give him one of his Daughters in Marriage, without any deep∣er knowledg of him, then his Heroick Actions, and Noble As∣pect; forall the Orientall and Meridionall Princes, regard more the Mind, and Physiognomy of a Man, then they do the extracti∣on, or Nobility of Blood.

Alfondi raised to so high a degree, reflects upon his father the honest labourer, whom he omitted not to send for, who being arrived, and having declared who he was, begat an unparalleld joy in Tabochi and his whole kingdome, every one shedding teares for his discovery, rendring praise to God, and his just pro∣vidence for reducing things to so unhoped for a point, and after so many years reposing the inheritance on him, to whom of right it appertained. For this Prince was immediately acknowledged by all, even Tahachi himselfe, who voluntarily released the Em∣pire, which he surrendred into the hands of his Daughter, his Son-in-law, and Nephew Alfondi, who with the consent of the good man his Father, to the general joy of all was received and crowned King, and governed with so much equity and justice, that he gained the hearts and suffrage of his people, who adored him as a God: nor failed he in rendring to his Father and Uncle while they lived, a due honour and respect. This Prince had reigned forty seven yeares, when he arrived in the countrey.

Before I conclude my discourse of Tahachi, and his condition, I shall not omit another story, which testifies the singular justice he dispenses with indifferency to all his subjects. He had consti∣tuted in the Province of Quame one Abdalami, a person of high quality, his confident, a gallant Cavalier, and one who had done most signal services in the war with the King of Dafila; but being inclined to avarice, and hord up wealth, he played the Tyrant, and sacked the country to satiate his own humour, and the de∣sires of some women he gave entertainment to: When Tahachi was informed thereof, he was much displeased, for 'twas his rule to maintain equal justice, peace and freedome amongst his sub∣jects: Notwithstanding he concealed his resentments for a while, giving way to his proceedings as well for his great services, as for that he had bestowed on him a kinswoman to wife, called Abia∣sinda, by whom he had children. He admonished him often by letter, to bear himselfe more temperately, but perceiving his small regard, by the constant intrusion of complaints that came to him, he sent expresse command that he should repaire immedi∣ately to Court to give account of his actions upon pain of death, and being proclaimed rebell, and guilty of his treason. Abdalami understanding his own wealth and power, slighted this summons, and fortified himself in the holds of his Government. Whereupon the King caused his wife and children to be apprehended and brought prisoners to his city royall. This Princesse with her best art excused her husband, beseeching his Majesties mercy towards him, for his former services, adding withall that these complaints, were but a calumny raised by the malice of his enemies. The King covering his resentments, mildely answered her, that she should only procure her husband to come to Court, but she fear∣ing to bring his person in danger, thought best only to advise him

to send a certain Casket of rings, and all sorts of rich jewels for a present to the Queen, and by that means work his peace: This he did, and she having presented it, the Queen shewed them to the King, who wondred at so great a treasure, where amongst others were five hundred pearles, each being a Miticale or Crown and half in weight, besides many other jewels of value, sufficient to buy a kingdome. 'Twas much affliction to the Prince to see such treasures gotten at the price of his peoples blood, and then he commanded the Princesse his kinswoman to bring her husband to Court by a day appointed, or he would make feel the weight of his displeasure. Poor Abdalami was amazed at the news, and fearing not without cause, the Kings incensement, fai∣led not to come accordingly; and without calling on his wife and children, went strait to the Palace, where having sounded the Trum∣pet according to the custome, as I observed before; he unclothed himself, and sitting on the ground stark naked, only a linnen cloth before his concealed parts, he attended in this manner the mercy of the King: whereof notice being brought to his Lady, she with her children disrobed in like manner, went to the Palace gate, and there seated themselves on the ground by him, with each a great stone on their head.

The Queen espying them from her window, in this deplora∣ble condition, moved with compassion, shewed them to the King, who gave order they should be bidden to revest themselves, go back to their lodgings, and there attend his further pleasure; so they did, trembling with expectation of the consequence.

Many advised Abdalami to make escape, and his wife her self was of that opinion; but he would not be perswaded, his services raising him a confidence of the Kings clemency. Now moreover to compleat his calamity, when the King began to relent, the suits and supplications which came on all sides in his behalf, one of the principal persons in the Court called Isman, charges him with a new crime, complaining to the King that he had seduced & debauched a daughter of his, for which he craves justice, which suspended the Kings clemency, resolving to examine the truth of the matter, which proved, in fine, to be but a meer supposall.

For it was most true, that Abdalami being a Prince of an amia∣ble form and beauty, and of high esteem for his valour, this Lords daughter had so impetuous a Love-passion for him, that she fell sick to death, and Abdalamies Lady visiting her as a friend, obser∣ved she fell on weeping as oft as she beheld her, whereupon one day she importuned to know the reason, conjuring her to speak freely if she had in any thing offended her, protesting she was rea∣dy to make her as ample satisfaction, as she could desire. The poor Lady confounded with shame, was sometime before she could form her answer, but at length love taking place of Virgin-modesty, she ingenuously confessed the eause of her distemper,

with such abundance of tears, sighs, and supplications of pardon for the affront she offered her, that the other was moved to such tendernesse, she promised her notwithanding one so near and dear to her as a husband was aimed at; neverthelesse in pity of her violent passion, which deserved some pardon, she would contri∣bute what was possible to her reliefe; hereupon the young Lady told her, how she had presented by her bond-maid a chain of pearl and rubies to her husband, with request that he would wear them for her sake, which he accepted as well for the value of the thing, as for that the slave was a gay and pretty girle, to whom he gave a pair of pendants of Fauser diamonds, of an Olive figure; but for the Mistresse, he returned her a bare meagar thanks, with∣out further acknowledgement, which the slave notwithstanding dissembled, making her Mistresse believe he had a strong affection for her, and for love of her, wore her favour: and so this slave treated her with these fictions, in hope to give some remission to the violence of her passion, and twas she who first embarked her in these amorous follies.

The Lady was amazed at these passages, and remembred the chain, because her husband had given it to her self, without ac∣quainting her where he had it.

Now being desirous to invert some cure for her malady, though a most perfect reciprocal affection animated both her husband and self, notwithstanding compassion forced her inclinations to offer her a nights concubitation with her husband; which so reviv'd this Damsells heart, that immediately she arose from her bed, and in few dayes was perfectly recover'd. To compasse this with∣out her husbands discovery, she consulted both with the daughter, and the Lady her Mother, who was likewise of the Party; so, as re∣turning home, she told her husband she found some unusuall di∣stemper in the state of health, and entreated him he would forbear her enjoyments for some nights, which expir'd Abdalami passionate for her commpany: she, to heighten his flame, shewed some unwillingness, till pressing her with importunity, she con∣sented for the ensuing night, upon condition that for that night he should not speak a word to her. Being thus agreed, she gives the Lady notice to be ready at the houre appointed, so being con∣veyed into the wives roome, she conceived with child, without the husbands knowledge of the juggle. Meanwhile, time ma∣king the Father perceive the growth of his daughter, and under∣standing by her acknowledgment, whose act it was, fired with rage, accompanied with his Allies and Relations, without delay he re∣paires to the King, with a violent complaint of this injury, as I said before. Hereupon Tahachi enters into a deep consideration of these two Persons, whereof the one was his Kinsman, and of high deserts for his services, the other was Lord of the Pro∣vince of Essen, between Dafila and Ganfilira, below Barnagasso,

heretofore tributary to the great Negus, but being not inclined to be a Christian himself, nor be subject to a Christian King, had put himself voluntarily under the dominion of Tahachi an Infidel. In conclusion the King resolved to have the matter examined, and to pronounce Justice as the cause merited. And hereupon notice was given to Abdalami of the accusation, wherein being conscious of his own innocence, he was much satisfied that the Kings anger lay on that side, and conferring with his Lady, told her he admired the impudence of that Lord, to accuse him of a a thing he was so ignorant of, and much more at the insolency of his daughter, that laid two bastards to his charge: The Lady smiled, as who should say it may be true, whereupon as he was about to make oaths and protestations to the contrary she ac∣knowledged and related the whole to him, and how the businesse was brought to passe by her invention, whereat he was strangely amazed, admiring his Ladies goodnesse, that was so charitable to her own injury. In this conjuncture, the King gave licence to Lord Isman to take revenge of Abdalami in what sort he could, under his assured grace; so he now layes wait for all occasions to effect it, and to surprise him on the water as he went to take the Ayre, for the town of Zanzibar, or Zanguebar, is compleatly encir∣cled with water, which runs both within and without, and almost every inhabitant hath his Almady or flat boat, wherein they recre∣ate upon the Lake. But Abdalami, whether advertised, or sus∣pecting it, stood upon his constant guard, so as passing one day upon the water, before the windowes of the Palace-royall, that the King might have the prospect, if any one attacked him, Isman comes up with his boats to assault his enemy, who was not un∣provided: then there succeeded a fierce combat between them, where Abdalami did miracles in his own defence; so effectually, that he put the adverse barks to flight, to the extraordinary de∣light of the King. In the mean while Princesse Abasinda waits up∣on the Queen, and recounts to her the plain truth of the mystery, which being told the King, he sent to Isman to let him know, that if the case were found such as he apprehended, he would lay the head of Abdalami in his hands, to carry into his own country; whereof, though spight & shame of his defeat had made him their Bedfellow, and he had not stirr'd forth of twenty dayes; he was so satisised, he came immediately to the King, who remitting the matter to Councell, 'twas concluded that the Mother and daugh∣ter should be brought to Court, to answer what should be deman∣ded of them. At the same time the King made a personall visit to Abdalami, who upon this vouchsafed descent to come thus alone to his house, conceived some hopes of his businesse, and casting himself at his feet, said he held himself over happy in the favour his Prince had done him, and for ever after he should esteem it an honour to lay down his life for his service. The King causing him

to rise, embraced him, assuring him of pardon for what was pass'd, for which he and his Lady rendring humble thanks, attended him to his Pallace. Three dayes after, the Mother and her daughter arrived in their Pelanquins, born on their slaves shoulders, then the Councell being sate, three Calsena or Officers were sent for Abdalami, as who understood not the matter looking on him as a lost person, and Isman for his part conceiving he durst not appear, but rather trust to flight, had laid souldiers to wait and intercept him on the way. But they were strangely amazed when they saw him appear at the Palace in his Talia Massara, or Persian mantle down to the foot, under a Cassock, a figur'd cloth of gold, cove∣red with a white Cipresse in testimony of his innocence, and about his head a cord made of small reeds according to custome, in te∣stimony of self-punishment, if he were found guilty. The Judges then examined both parties, and finding they could produce no sufficient evidence, they took the Mother and daughter apart, and learning from their mouthes the pure and reall truth, they thought fit to have Princesse Abiasinda to be brought, and since 'twas through her charity this affair was consented to and contrived, 'twas but reason she should speak her opinion: Then placing her on the Bench with the Judges, Abdalami was called forth, who being asked if he would stand to what sentence his Lady should pronounce, answered, Yea most willingly: then raising her voyce, she pronounced, that since Alberane had so firm an affection to her husband, and had born for him two lovely children, by the good favour and permission of his Majesty, she condemned him to espouse her presently, and she would receive her for her faithful compani∣on. The judgment was admired by the whole Assembly, and the Father being asked if he held this Award sufficient reparation of his honour, was so confounded with the unfolding of what he was before kept ignorant, he knew not what to say, but the King pressing his resolution, in testimony of submission, he cast himself on the earth, saying, If Abdalami would honour him with marry∣ing his daughter, he would give with her the Province of Assen, with the mines, and threescore carriages of fine gold, which he had gotten that present year. The businesse so well accommo∣modated, the King gave order for great rejoycings, with solemn feastings, and open court for fifteen dayes, for all Princes and Lords of his Train. The Councell would have had the moity of this treasure dispensed, for satisfaction to the complaining province of Zuamin, but the King opposed, content only to abridge him of the Crown rights for five yeares, which amounted to much more then all that treasure: which was done accordingly, to the content of all, and these two Ladies with sincere affection, lived dear companions in peace and unity.

CHAP. VIII. The Authours voyage into Ethiope: A description of Preste Johns Dominions, with the Quality of his People.

HAving staid some dayes in the Court of Tahachi, and learnt what is here before rehearsed, we took our way back to our company, whom we left at Chesicoure, who were something troubled for us having spent two and twenty dayes in this short voyage: for passing by Aruama a beautifull town, the Sieur de la Courbe for some occasion would needs stay; then upon a streame from Zuama we came to Gazira, Sequesma, Boagiara, Salera, Aimaca, or Armeta, and many other Townes and Villages. At length being come to Gustigoari we understood there had happened a difference in our com∣pany whereby some were wounded, and being come to Si∣gara, three dayes journey thence, we took the other part of the River, which bears name with the Town of Zuama, crossing the Province of Almadrega, which with the coun∣try-men is called Calhouras, because the capitall Town bears the same name; 'tis but small, governed by the King of Ti∣grai, Vassail to the grand Zeguz, facing Westward the Province of Bagamidri: we made it four dayes from Calhouras to the town of Bagamidri, and it happened well we covered our Almadies, for the rain much inconvenienced us travelling these four dayes through a waste country,* 1.55 where land-Tor∣toises abound of exceeding bignesse, which were very com∣modious for our diet, and within them there were great num∣bers of egges which purged us strangely, this being very laxa∣tive meat.

Our fellows lying at Chasicours had intelligence that we were on the other side the River, and enquiring, found us at Carboran, a Village three leagues distant from Bagami∣dri, where you may imagine the joy this review diffused through all of us. In the first place we considered and re∣conciled their discord, on the morrow together went we all to dine at Bagamidri, where we rested some dayes to truck and put off our commodities, as well in Town, as the adja∣cent Villages. We had all the same desire to behold the Court, and person of the grand Negus, who ever resides in field un∣der Tents and Pavillions, ranged about like a formall City. To which we were rather induced for the meeting with a Portugal

Lord who came from the Indies expressely to visit the grand Ne∣gus in the name of the Spanish King his Master, who went aboard on the coast of the red Sea, and landed on the territories of Bar∣nabas, who accompanied him to the place we found him at, and brought us together as far as Barra upon Moraba, where we expe∣cted to finde the Prince. To be short, I set not down the wayes and distances betwixt Bagamidri and Barra, another town of Ethiope, because for our negotiation we made diversions to both hands, as we did through Arabia, Persia, and India. But from Barra to our compleat return, we observed as near as might be. Before we discourse of Bagamidri, it seems not improper to tell you that 'tis the beginning of the vast Empire of Ethiope, or the grand Negus,* 1.56 whom commonly we stile the Preste John of Ethi∣opia, in distinction from another who was sometimes in high In∣dia. He is also titled Kibir Negus and Senab, and King of the Abissins. They report him to have in possession above thirty five kingdomes or Provinces, which containes a strange scope of a po∣pulous countrey, of more then three moneths travell. True it is, he is not at instant of such power as heretofore by reason the neighbouring Mahometans, and amongst others the King of Adel, with the Zeilan, by a continual war have deprived him of many territories, even of the best part of the towns and havens he held about the red Sea, the chief whereof are Zuachim Manzua,* 1.57 an•• Ercoco. So as at present this Empire is much dimi∣nished, both in extent, strength, and dominion, only that by the assistance of the Portugues of the East, he hath regained some pla∣ces of late years. And though at this day he is very ample, so must we not give credit to many things of Grandeur and Magnifi∣cence we finde in Spanish Authours tasting somewhat of the fable,* 1.58 published in a Romantick way: which are sufficiently refu∣ted by the Fathers of the society, in their more authentick works, extracted from the very notes of those who were, and are con∣stantly in person there, from whom we have exact information both for the spiritual, and for the temporal.

The countrey of the Abissins was known to our Ancestours by the name of Ethiope under Egypt, afterwards the lesser India. This Ethiopia is divided into the Eastern, the Western, and the middle. The bounds at this day are the red Sea on the East, Egypt on the North, the Mountains along Nile, Maniconge, the Black River and Nubia on the West, and Southward the Moun∣tains of the Moone, and the Lakes where the Nile rises, or rather the borders of the Empire of Monopotapa. Some afford it fifty kingdomes and more, others are satisfied with five and thirty or lesse. For absurdly some would make this Empire greater then all our Europe, and that it should hold out from Egypt to the Promontory of Guardasu, and to Babelmandel and Mogadoxo, and of another side to the Southern or Ethiopian

Ocean, the Cape of Good Hope, allowing for Tributaries many Moorish Kings, to Monomotapa it selfe, with the S. Laurence Islanders: though at this day he hath his hands full to defend himself against the Mahometans, the Gales or Galois, and the Agays, a people that are Blacks, by whom for these threescore years he hath been rudely jostled; till the Prince was constrained to sup∣plicate the aid of the Portugals who brought effectuall assistance, and by degrees have restored him to a recovering condition.

As you go from the red Sea Westward lye these Kingdomes,* 1.59 Tigrai, Dancaly, Angote, Xoa, Amara, Leca, Baga, Midai, Dambea, Datali, Fatigar, Ambra, Anogotera, Bernagas, Belin∣ganza, Damure, Edear, Guiame, there are the Cataracts of Nile, Vangui, Masmude, Cafates, Gilama, and others; some whereof Christians inhabit, the rest Mahometans and Gentiles.

The people of these kingdomes when they bring their Gibre or tribute to the Prince, They have wound a rope about their head, and proclaim with a loud voice, The Revenue of such a Pro∣vince, My Lord I am here present. Then doth the Negar distri∣bute this Gibre or revenue to three uses, the first to relieve the poor of the Nation, and support the Church, a second for pay and maintenance of his army, and the third to his Coffers for the ex∣hibition of his houshold. Now is the Revenue small, for they have trees, of which we finde many growing upon the high ways loaded with silk, not by the work of art but nature, whereof the gatherers pay a fift to the Prince, as they do of their gold and silver mines, where they employ their slaves, as sometimes they do the children of them who have not paid the King dues for their har∣vest of silk. Of Benjamin, Storax, and other Aromaticks, 'tis the same thing, for the gathering whereof they make choyce of young lads, as concerning their smell to be more exquisit, and more firm, and indeed the Merchants have a speciall regard for these gatherers, and the younger, the more they give them. They who get Safron, pay the same rates, but they observe not the like niceness in the gathering. The Farmers of these customes have a set day to bring it in to the Prince himself, who receives it in person, who so much delights in odours, that whatsoever used in Court even to the Flambeaus is perfumed. But when these are brought in, they are attended with Drums, Hoboyes,* 1.60 with other in∣struments and consorts of musick, which the towns are by duty to provide. The same Prince hath likewise his fift out of the soul∣diers booty in time of warre, as the Spanish King hath out of the Merchants mines, but that he exacts an impost from thieves or Curtizans, is a mistake.

This State was known to all Antiquity, but upon uncertainty enough, till about 120. years since, the Portuguese gave us a bet∣ter information of it, and specially since these last threescore years that the Fathers of the society came thither.

The soyle in some part is exceeding fertile, in others not, It a∣bounds in mines of gold, silver, brasse, lead, sulphure, fruits of all sorts, as citrons, oranges, but vines are scarce: The air is tem∣perate enough, though under the torrid Zone, the people there are black for the greater part, and of long life. Their principall traffick is salt, which they carry very deep into the Provinces, and sell dear, making it serve as 'twere for their money, trucking it for all sorts of commodities, whereof they have square pieces of severall proper weights, as we have gold and silver. In the sacred History, the land of Ethiope is called Chuz, or Phut, from the two sons of Cham. who lived there.

'Tis said the name of Abassie, or Abissine, came from the Ara∣bians, who called them Elbabassi, and Abex. Others say 'twas given by the Egyptians, who by this name understand all such as inhabit a Countrey encircled with deserts, as we find this is.

But the Ancients made ordinarily two Ethiopes, the one East on the other side the red sea, in Sabia, or Arabia the happy, the other west, on this side, or under Egypt. And indeed the Home∣rists, a people of Arabia, along the coast of the red sea are called Ethiopians, and there is some evidence, that heretofore Kings of Ethiopia reigned on both sides the Gulph; also some do opinion the Queen of Saba came from Arabia, others from the true Ethi∣opia. The west Ethiopia was either the lower from Egypt to Meroe,* 1.61 or the high from Meroe to the Mountains of the Moon. Some there are again, who confound the Eastern with the Abissins, place the Western towards the Atlantique sea, then will have tho interiour towards Zanzibar.

Some hold the Ethiopians to have been the first Idolaters, as descending from Chus the son of Cham, and that they first received Judaisme, and circumcision upon the Queen of Saba's voyage to Salomon; and after Chritianisme, by the Queen Candace's Ennuch. Times past the Ethiopian Kings were very potent, and brought under yoke Egypt it self, and being by Semiramis and Cambyses assaulted, defeated their armies, nor durst Hercules and Bacchus, those famous Victors, invade them: The Poets had this land in such esteem, were it for the goodnesse, or for Religion, that here they would celebrate their Deities festivals, and inthrone Alemnon, Cephee and Perset, mighty and illustrious Kings of this Countrey. There was one Melilec, who holds the chief renown amongst them, who they report to have been the son of Salomon, and Mecheda Queen of Saba, and of whose race by lineal descent, from Father to Son, all their Kings to this day report themselves descended: I know not how justly it can be proved. Howsoever it be, the most ancient Histories attest, that about the year 521. in the time of Justin the Emperour, there was one Elesbaan King of Ethiopia, a Christian, who subdued Dunaam a Jew, King of Arabia the happy, who infesting the Homerites being Christians,

Elesbaan he freed them, and being returned into his Countrey, became Hermite. Afterwards there was another King named Hellisteus, a Christian also, who entred confidence with Justinian the Emperour, and brought famous victories from the Infidels in Arabia.

These kings made the royal town of Cachumo, sometimes called Aucumo, their mansion, which stil holds the name since those times, by reason of the length and difficulty of roads, we have had little or no intelligence of the Ethiopian Kings, the Turks and Saracins having constant possession of the passages, til the voyages of the Portuguese, who have given us some light since this latter age. As to spiritualty this Countrey hath ever submitted to the direction of the Patriarch of Alexandria, who for the danger of coming thither by reason of the Saracins who ruled in Egypt,* 1.62 sent them a Prelate called Abuma, for Governor; as the Patriarch of Antioch sends one into the East, called Catholica. Some say that in the year 1439. the Abissins came to render obedience, and to acknow∣ledge Pope Clement 5. at Auignon, that they sent since to the Council of Florence, in the year 1439. But 'tis more certain that since the Portuguese conversed with them, the Kings have made a fuller acknowledgement of the Romane Church. As to their Re∣ligion, though it be Christian, yet they retain divers Jewish ce∣remonies, and other heresies, received as wel from Pagans, as from the heretical Eutiches and Dioscorus, sent to them by schismatical Patriarchs from Alexandria, whereof at present they begin to be purged, and better instructed by the Jesuite Fathers, and the Patriarks sent to them from Rome, as we find in modern relations.

For a long time there have regular Religious been in the Countrey, and Anchorites of the order of St. Anthony, St. Macharius, and St. Basile, but no Dominicans, as some would have us believe.

From St. Anthonies order is proceeded another, they call Este∣farrus, which must be St. Stephen.

For the nature of the people, they have a strong propensity to vertue, and orthodox religion, render exact obedience to their Prince, and most high veneration to Church and Clergie, are se∣verely chast, and addicted to pennance, and austerity of life, very charitable and very hospitable.* 1.63 Priests while they celebrate mass are covered with a vail, after the Greek manner, and the men di∣vided a part from the women in the Church.

The whole Court lodges alwaies under pavilions in the field, rang'd in the form of a Town, for places and streets drawn to a direct line, where there is assigned for every one a Captain, or Justiciar to prevent tumults. 'tis of great circuit, sometimes con∣taining two leagues of land, with twelve ports in honour of the Apostles: within this circuit there are two Churches, one for the

Emperour and Nobility, of seven or eight hundred paces in cir∣cumference, the other for the vulgar.

* 1.64Within there is one Altar onely, and upon it the figure of a Crosse of a gray colour, shadowed with a vail of white silk, on the middle of the Altar stands a picture of the blessed Virgin in co∣lours, betwixt two more of the Apostles, St. Peter, and St. Paul: upon solemn Feasts the Emperours white tent is changed for a red: through all the Churches there is said but one Masse a day, where there is observed such reverence, that 'tis not lawfull to spit, speak, or sit down, upon any occasion whatsoever; the Tem∣ple of our Lord, as they say, being a place neither for uncleanness nor discourse: If one be constrained to passe by on horseback, he alights, and walks with hat in hand. When the Sacrament is e∣levated, one rings a bell of stone, the clapper of wood, (as are all the bells in Ethiope) and immediately all fall upon their knees. The Emperour himself if he be on horseback, alights in haste, and continues on his knees till another sign be given. The Priest is never seen while he consummates, because he is covered and sur∣rounded with a white vail, as likewise the people never behold the blessed Sacrament, but they bow their face to the ground, jogging their bodies in a dancing manner, and standing on their toes. The Offertory is made at the end of Masse. They give the Sacrament to little children as well as others, causing them to abstain before.

The Negus never eats in gold or silver, but in vessels of Euate onely, which endures no poyson, but breaks immediately. For wine there is none made but in his Palace, or in the Abuma's house. As for the Abissine, or Nubian language, 'tis a distinct tongue, but much compounded as they say, with Hebrew, Chaldean, Syriack, and Arabick words, which reaches to the very East, by reason of the soft and sweet pronunciation, and because 'tis plain and easie to learn. So the Abissins when they travel, as I have often mark'd, make themselves easily understood, with the Guinoii themselves. They use the Chaldaick for sacred matters and sciences, in which all their books are written, and Masse celebrated, as the Abissins do in their Church of St. Stephen of India at Rome, in like manner as the Maronites and other Syrians. Now for the Rivers in this Countrey there are many very great ones, but the principal is the so famous Nile, which cuts it from one end to the other, sallying, as some say, out of an unsoundable lake in the Country of Guyame, others will have it from the Mountains of the Moon, or Cafartes, and from Befsi or Zech, whence likewise issues the Zaire and the Aquilonde, which run Westward, and the Zuama southward. But the Nile towards the West, falls into the lake of Zambra or Zaire, and from thence passing betwixt the Kingdoms of Damus and Am∣bea, inclining towards the East, then on the other side the Equi∣noctial enters Beleguanza, corporates with another River flowing

from the lake Zanflan, likewise called the Nile, and thence betwixt Bagamidri, Vangue, and Abiancantiva, it visits Tigremabon; and having swallowed the Tagazzi, or Tecassin, and other Rivers, swel'd with so many flouds, it creates the famous Isle of Meroe, with two arms, by the Ancients called Astapus and Astaboras, at this time Tecassin and Ahambi; afterwards re-uniting, passes the Tropick Cancer, and at Siena or Asma, makes the renowned Ca∣taracts, or falls amongst the Mountains, which so compresse it, that it seems a shot or lightning in quicknesse, and thunder in horrid noyse; till having crossed Egypt, and entertained some Ri∣vers of Nubia, branching it self into many streams, which com∣pose the so much celebrated, fair and fertile Countrey of Delta, comes to render it self into the Mediterranean at mouthes and sluces, which our Ancestors took for seven, others nine; at this day the most known and remarkable, are those of Damiete Rosete, heretofore called Heracleotique and Pelusiaque, which com∣pose the two sides of the triangle.

As to the surfluxes and inundations which fertilize all Egypt,* 1.65 and serve instead of fructiferous rains from June to September, laying the Countrey like an Archipelagus, covered with in∣numerable little Islands, wherein stand their habitations more excelse then the rest, which is a piece of water, I leave to Philo∣sophers to search the causes, who in all ages were much perplext and much divided, some attributing it to the dissolving of snows from the Ethiopian mountains, where snow never fell: others to anniversary winds forcing the waters to remount, and so o∣verflow: others with more probability to the continual rains of the torrid Zone in this season, as I my self have seen it hap∣pen all along this Zone to the Indies, both East and West. Yea there are some who go further for a cause, and will have it proceed from winds and furious tempests, which at this season rage about the Cape of good Hope; swelling the Sea, which by certain secret Subterranian channels, communicates it self with the Ethiopian Lakes, which makes Nile and other Rivers taking birth from thence, to surfeit. But howsoever it is, and whencesoever it proceeds, certainly the effect is altogether admirable, the en∣crease lasting fourty daies, as likewise the decrease, and some say the River Noir, or Cambra, or Senega do the same. The course of this River from birth to dissolution, is esteemed to be nine hun∣dred leagues in right line, and windings and bosomes considered to be above two thousand, which is the longest course of any Ri∣ver in the Universe, except the Plate and Maragnon in Brasile.

CHAP. IX. Of the Town of Bagamidri, and the coro∣nation of their Kings.

TO return to our voyage, I shal tell you that Bagamidri is a Town in Ethiopia, in three degrees of altitude beyond the line, in a fair champion upon the River Zuama, which disbanks as Nile do's. For the kingdom of Bagamidri it reaches to the Tro∣pick, watered by Zuama, called by the inhabitants Zimbada, which crosses the deserts of Manica, where are dismal Mountains, and goes til it ingulphs it self in the Oriental and Meridian sea, com∣posing a most commodious shore, where vessels take in fresh-water and fuel. Here are abundance of wild goats, and small Buls and Cows so fierce, that he must be very skilfull that takes them, they have little horns which grow but skin-deep, moo∣ving them as their ears, as I observed in another place. This River of Zuama is by the Portugalls called, Rio del Spiritu sancto, for the content they receive who saile upon it.

Moreover, in passing or bathing in this River, there ought great caution to be had, and to be well arm'd against the Cro∣codiles, which are here in great numbers: nor is the danger on land much lesse, for the Tigars, of which there are great Troupes, and will very sawcily dismount you, either from Horse or Mule.

Towards the West the Countrey borders on Mancigonge, Eastward on Cafates, to the North it lyes on Gidada, which some call the Countrey of Amazons, South-ward on Mono∣potapa.

The Town of Bagamidri is called Imperial, by reason the King of Tigrai, or Tigremahon, having received his first Crown at the place of his election, receives the second here.

* 1.66This Ceremonie was first instituted in the time of St. Abiblica∣nus, who lived in a cave near the Town, in so high repute, that the King who then reigned would have the honour to be crown'd by so great a Saint, since which time there is an Ordinance, that all the Kings of Tigray shal be crown'd here, (as the several Crowns of our Emperours were received at Aix, Milan, and Rome) and the third he receives from the hand of the Grand Negus, his Soveraign, who hath onely a crown of silver, whereas the King of Tigray hath his of inestimable value.

Here I shal tell you by the way, that in Tigramahon I saw a Church of one intire piece, wrought in a Rock near

to Tecassin, which they call the Church of Creatures, for that 'tis dedicated to the four Evangelists. In the lower Ethi∣opia, there is the like which they call the Maiant Calassen, that is, the Seat of Eternity.

For the Kingdome of the Amazons they report it to be betwixt the country of Damut and Gorage, or Goraga and Gongara where they recount many things, not unlike the stories of our Ancestors; as that the women have the au∣thority, are exceeding valiant, and excellent Archers, that they cut off their right breast to draw a how the better, with o∣ther things of that kinde.

There is mention made of the like women in many other parts of the world. Some say the word Amazon is derived from a country belonging to the Negus, or Monopotapa, near Mancinconge, where the women are of great courage,* 1.67 though the men are Masters, and Preste John makes use of them in his warres. In this country stands the faire city Fe∣lucia, or Falacia, where they say is a sumptuous Tombe of a Princesse called Agagina, built all of a black marble, clear and transparent as glasse. The people of these countries,* 1.68 are of severall complexions, according to the place that gives them breath: For under the line they are neither white nor black, but of a swart tawny colour, though the world affords not a more temperate climate then they are under.

They who live Westward from the countrey of Agagne to Ambian are intirely black, and four degrees from the Line, troubled with excessive raines for three moneths together. But they of the Province of Zembre, are more white and ve∣ry docile, especially the women who are passably beautifull and gracefull, and good Christians, though they were the last that received the faith, since the Eunuch baptized by Saint Philip planted it in the better part of the Provinces of Ethi∣ope, and as some will have in Arabia the happy it self, and as far as Tuprobane▪

CHAP. X. Of the Mansion of Preste John, and his Justice. A History upon this subject.

BEing at Bagamidri, some of us more curious then the rest of our company, agreed to go see the Court of the Grand Negus, or King of the Abissins; and to this purpose leaving them that had no such desire we took a side-way towards the towns Barra, and Barua, where we were told the Prince most commonly resided: Following on this road, and having crossed many Provinces and Kingdomes, at length we arrived at Barra the chief town of the Country, where we found a numerous multitude of people living under Tents, to the number of ten thousand, or more. Amongst these there was one covered with white cloth conspicuous above the rest, with twelve gates of marvellous largenesse belonging to it. We Inn'd in an Abyssins tent, who obliged us with curtesies, and while meat was making ready, they brought us in an oxe horne honied wine, whereof we drunk. Not long after, we percei∣ved upon the way, a troop diversly armed with twelve Ʋgandes or Trumpets before them; then came a Prince mounted on a black and white Elephant, which is a great rarity, accom∣panied with four Noble-men, who bore over him a Canopy of gray damask. Being advanced near the Kings tent, he dismoun∣ted and presently was attended with a numerous and honourable train. Next with great submission he suffered his garments to be taken off; they were of silk, interwoven with gold, and em∣broydered with pearles of exceeding greatnesse: He was a po∣tent Prince, who having received injury from another King, came to seek justice at his Majesties hands. 'Twas not for want of power to take revenge himself, but he would shew this defe∣rence to the King, who inflicts most severely on all transgres∣sors.* 1.69 Now this Prince, called Aranuhi, stript off his gorgious habilliments, cast over him a Lions skin, which in the Sove∣raigns presence all are obliged to weare, with a large shirt of silk trailing on the ground. Being come before the Pa∣lace, the Trumpets began in a dolefull sound, and the King having notice, gave order he should enter; for this Prince in times past had done famous military services, then casting himself on the ground, framed his complaint, that the other King his enemy had violently carried away his wife, with a daughter which he had heretofore refused him, intending to marry her to another a greater Prince then he, and had taken besides 40. Quintalls of gold.* 1.70 Upon this complaint the Negus immediately dispatched a Calscena to summon the Prince offen∣der,

whom he met upon the road,* 1.71 hasting to Court to clear him∣self of the accusation.

Then instantly the Prince complaynant was called aside, reve∣sted with a rich habit given him by the Negus, with a hat of more then usuall largenesse, according to the custome. When the latter was arrived and disrobed as the former, and mantled with a Lions skin, he took a stone, carried for him by a Gentleman to the Palace gate, and having caused the Trumpets sound, he could not be admitted; but for above two houres waited in this po∣sture, taken for a bad omen amongst them, till a slave brought or∣ders he should repair to his lodgings, and attend there till he were called for. Some dayes passed in this manner, before any commands came from the Negus, then having laid down his appa∣rell, and put on the Lions skin, he seated himself on the ground with a heavie stone upon his head, as a criminall, till the Alicassin or Steward of houshold came, who caused him to reassume his apparell, which put him in some hope of grace. This Officer conducting him by the hand, brought him before his Majesty in state, under a rich Canopy, with a Curtain of silk of the same colour as the Canopy, screening his face, then cryed aloud; Most mighty Emperour, I bring thee here this Prince thy servant, and tri∣butary according to thy command. At that time the King was com∣plementing a Princesse wife to the Tigraian King, arrived lately at Court in a very plain habit of frized Cottons. The Prince no sooner entered, but he cast himself on the ground, the complainant who was summoned being present, of whom the Negus demanded what he had to object against this person; the other answered, that this Prince of Jauas had stolne away his daughter, and a great quan∣tity of fined gold. To which the Negus commanded the Defen∣dant to make answer, and deliver the very truth; who first putting his hand to the ground, then laying it on his head, with eyes lift∣ed to heaven, a sad pale countenance, fell on his knees, not pre∣suming to turn an eye towards the Kings face, who is alwayes screen'd, and answered.

Most excelse and redoubted Sir, most true it is, I sent to re∣quest this Prince for his daughter Adila in mariage, and being de∣nied without further instance I desisted, content to seek another of my own degree. But not long after, the Queen her mother ac∣companied with many of her Alliance brought her to me, toge∣ther with gold, which she told me was of her own proper treasu∣ry, and not her husbands, and thereupon gave me both reason and license to marry her, and that with her own free mind and consent, without the least violence imposed upon her, whom I love and honour more then the whole world besides.

The Negus having then taken the matter into consideration, told Prince Aranuhi, he found not the other so guilty as was pretend∣ed; that his sentence was, he for his part should repay the gold

doubled, that the Princesses, his wife, and daughter should be bor'd through the lips, and confin'd during pleasure, to what place he should appoint. The Prince of Jauas to this sentence durst make no reply further, then to desire time for payment: two moneths was allowed him, and immediately Commissioners were dispatched to see the Arrest of the Court executed, nor did either of the Princes quit the Court till the King bad them retire. But in this conjuncture, the Princesse of Tigremahon, moved with compassion for the condemned young Lady, casting her selfe at the Negus feet, besought him, that for a singular grace and fa∣vour to her, he would vouchsafe the young Lady might continue with her husband; and the Queen having applyed her prevalency to Aranubi for his consent, by the mediation of these two Ladies, all was ended in peace, and the two Princes embraced as friends and Allies. Mean while the Commissaries ignorant of what had passed, had already done execution upon the mother, and had likewise on the daughter, but that she made a seasonable escape, to the joy of the whole Court, and the Negus causing them to come to Court, would have the Nuptialls solemnized there with all sorts of rejoycing, feasts, and combats of savage beasts.

Then certain Lords of the Court with the Kings Sister were sent to the Sea-side to bring the Ladies, who being arrived, covered with a white linnen cloth, and bare-footed, cast themselves on the ground before the King and the Father. At that time the King wore a Crown of silver for some mystery which I could not learn by any enquiry I could make, and the treasure and jewels being brought, were distributed by the Father to his two children, and the King in token of his favour and indulgement released to Prince Aranubi all rights of Signeurie, with letters Patents of free and absolute Principality.

Amongst the Combats at this solemnity, one was of a white shaggie Ape put within an inclosed list, with a Serpent that had six wings, and was 14. foot in length. The Ape was armed with a wooden helmet, having a pike on the top exceeding sharp, and his body mailed with leather, liquored, and made fit, so as he could use his teeth at pleasure, the lists were rounded with painted cloth, with pieces of timber, and cords hard straind, un∣der which the Ape might shift when he was hard pressed upon, he made most horrible faces when the Serpent came to assault him, who raised himself upon little feet like a Gooses. Next was brought in an Ape of extraordinary size, armed with silvered Paste-board, mounted upon a great sheep, with a small lance, against a beast they call a Chilacou, like a wolf, whose design was to attack the Pal∣frey, not the Cavalier, who during the conflict, fretted, and made mouthes in a strange manner; at length they were parted.

After them was brought in a small Lion of a brave courage, who finding nothing to combat, laid him down along, but he no

sooner saw a Creature called a Bachuro enter, arm'd with scales, but with a loud roar, he nimbly flew upon him; for a good hour the fight lasted, with terrible assaults on both sides, till at last the Lion had the day, strangled his foe and eat him, for the flesh is ex∣ceeding good.

Then the Cheger, or Elephant with the Rhinocerot, which was a most furious combat, but of little delight, because for their bulk and weight, they could shew but little agility or motion. Then was brought in play another sort of Elephant, called by the Indians a Gachias, and against him four dogs of exceeding greatnesse, of which at the very first bout he kil'd one: The fiercenesse of the beasts made this fight of much recreation. Next was a Crocodile and a Tigar, who treated each other very rudely. After them two great Dogs against a Targout, a kind of wolf, but much different from ours, 'twas a bloudy combat, where one of the dogs was kil'd, and the Targout hurt.

So this day was concluded with the combats, for other dayes there were other Triumphs, which I omit, to avoid prolix∣itie.

This is all of remark which happened at Court, while we staid at Barra, which I thought fit to recount, for information of the nature and manners of the people.

We stayed something the longer at Barra, in expectation to see his Majesty the Negus who was suddenly to come thither, and be∣cause he had not been there of a long time, a magnificent entrance was prepared for him.

CHAP. XI. Magnificence of the Negus and his military Officers.

THey have a custom that whensoever the Prince visits their Towns, he makes each to observe, whatsoever his Prede∣cessors, and himself at his coronation engag'd for, as to worship one onely God, to have but one Faith, and one Law, to uphold the Christian and Apostolick Church, some say of late years they have added Romane, acknowledging now obedience to the Pope, then to administer Justice, love the poor, observe continency, to impugn with all his power the Moores, Jews, and Idolaters, in sum all who believe not in Jesus Christ, to innovate no new laws, nor coyn other money than the Ordinary, not to stay above three dayes in any one Town, not to admit any Prince of the blood, or next in succession to be at large, but to keep them immur'd in the Mountain of Amara, with other things of like sort. To be

brief, The Negus was received into the Town, with a sumptuous state and magnificence, and we had the satisfaction to see his whole Court march.

Here the Portuguese Embassadour arriv'd, of whom I spoke, with a train of twenty men, all mounted upon Mules; having staid, as they told us, three months, at the famous monastery of the Vision in the Country of Bamazaz towards the red sea, where report goes are 2000. religious gray-Friers, who live in great au∣sterity without want either of victuals or habit. He addressed himself to receive audience of the Negus, but was deferr'd to another time; by reason his Majesty having staid some dayes at Barra, was constrained to depart that night to go towards Sacouon three leagues from thence, two dayes march for the Army, which moves not above three or four miles a day: and here we saw the order of the Armies march.

* 1.72About break of day the Vaunt-guard marched first, consisting of some twenty thousand Horse without shoes, which in those mountainous and stony waies, is a great inconvenience to them. They ride as the Arabians do with a bill, their stirrups very short, wearing certain cimeters, and generally a certain two-edg'd arms they call Perdagalzes: This troop was led by a great Prince called Lychano,* 1.73 which in vulgar Greek signifies Light, but his proper name in Abissine speech, is Betudete. This troop being passed in very regular order, came the baggage of the court, amongst whom were a multitude for removal and ordering of the Tents. Then the officers and servants of the kitchin, about three thousand, who carried the kings fare in baskets, and his drink in small barrels marked and sealed: next followed a great number of horses, mules, elephants, Alsinges, and other kinds of beasts with carri∣age. Amongst others there were four Lions, as tall as mules, un∣der one mans charge, who never ceas'd raving and rating after them, to keep them from straying from their company: They were gentle and tame as sheep; and by the way, 'tis a strange thing to see these beasts feed; their keeper to shew us a rarity, hung up a joynt of mutton, upon the wall of the stable or den, all the four gaz'd upon it, and then lay down, as knowing their share was in it: afterwards the first that was hungry came, and at two or three mounts & active leaps spear-high, fetches down the piece of meat. But after this train of seven or eight thousand head was past, came 12. or 1500. Foot, with bows, quivers, and short swords, led by one they called Abagarindas: after them followed another part of the Cavalry, and the body of the Army in handsom order, with trumpets and hoboys before them, to cheer and recreate them. Lastly came twelve or fifteen thousand Musqueteers upon the wings, as 'twere in the form of a half moon, carrying their guns strait upright; cimeters they had, and wore a very large cap or hood, which they folded up, and let hang upon their shoul∣ders,

because they are troublesome and inconvenient.

The Army which consisted of fourscore or a hundred thousand men, being past the Negus, his Majesty followed, of whom we could not then have a sight: Afterwards he came to Church with Stan∣dart borne before him by the Berenega upon an Elephant; 'twas the figure of a plain crosse in a piece of silk. And 'tis remarkable, that you finde not the figure of our Saviour nailed to the Crosse in any Church of the Abissins, and their reason is, because we are not worthy to behold him in his passion.

Before this Ensigne march about fifty Priests singing Psalmes, and Hymnes, and four in Pontifical robes, who carry a hollowed stone large and square, which they call the Tabuco, which they use when they celebrate Masse before the Negus: before it vested as the four are, marches another who going backward,* 1.74 incences the stone: then followes the Standart, and some five hundred gentlemen of quality, all on horse-back, and clad in large white shirts of silk, and plaited like a Chanons Surplice. One part of this company they call Calsena, who are exempt Officers in readi∣nesse to execute the Kings commands. After this attended with Musick and Hoboyes, appears a Canopy high exalted, and before it one whom they call Licadona mounted on an Elephant, bearing in his hand a lump of gold or silver guilt, who seemed to be the chief of this musick. Four Princes, upon four of the highest Elephants can be gotten, bear the Queens Canopy, plainly ha∣bited with Lions skins over their shirts, and broad hats on their heads: the Queen her self's in a Littar, and with her com∣monly a little childe for her recreation, accompanied with a nu∣merous train of Littars, Chariots, and other attendance in great magnificence. Next comes a man mounted on a great horse, trapped with Aiofar, a sort of stuffe which the tree Areca bears, and he often cries aloud, Tacar and Etefra, which is the same; as take heed, and make room. Then three hundred Elephants follow richly mail'd with Sea-wolf skins, lin'd with skins of Crocodile, of four or five hundred pound weight, and of such firmenesse, that they are Musquet proof. One clothed in Velvet, embroydered with gold, sits for-most upon the head; the principal rider beares a banner of a Lions skin at the end of an Indian Cane: upon the neck sits one who guides the beast with two barres of steele fastened to his jaws, hanging downwards, not turning up, as our Printers represent them; the Saddles are girt with chaines of iron, four men besides the guides may conveniently mount them. They call the guide the Digali, who is armed with a most hard skinne, and in time of battel hath a Trumpet or Cornet to put in the beasts eare, to make him know his meaning, who otherwise could not for the confused noyse: after follow many chariots, some of four, some of six wheels, bound with massie bonds

of iron drawn by horses, mules, and other beasts, wherein the baggage of the Army is carryed. They also use these chariots against the Elephants, who at first onset falling into fury by the in∣stigation of the riders, make bloody havock. Against which the enemy sometime provides fire-works, which thrown into their eyes before their feet, terrifies them, and makes them turn and rush over their owne men; but being backed with these strong chariots, and managed by souldiers skilfull in the art of war, they maintaine battell. Two thousand foot next with bows arrowes,* 1.75 and broad short well temper'd hangers. In the middle of them twelve men march, termed the Ariates, that is, the Apostles: after them came a Prince mounted on a white Elephant, bearing upon his lance a banner of a Lions skin, who marched with solemne gravity before 2000. horse, richly capa∣risson'd with a certain stuffe, down as low as the Cambrell, a fore∣head-piece of a hard skin doubled, which arm's the whole head, except the ears. The Prince that led these, they called the Betu∣dete or Generall, who had to wait on him a company of the Ne∣guses pages, whom they called Legameneos. Next to these marched another great Lord they called the Alicassin, upon a gallant horse in the head of two thousand horse more, armed with swords; and woodden bucklers, who are Gentlemen of Guard to the Prince, with them called Cumali. Then another great Lord mounted on an Elephant, and two horse-men advance∣ing something before others, who often cry out Imbrane, room, room: next two thousand barded Cammels, each mounted, with two men armed with halfe-pikes, and strong bucklers of leather: then another on horse-back with a banner of a Lions skin, the like as I saw before the King of Angotera, with a company of four thousand horse; this Prince bore a ball of silver, with four pages riding bare, excellently mounted, called Laga Menegus. The Audrugez, or high Steward, with a thousand horse in rich equipage: at the heeles of these came twenty vene∣rable old men in gowns so large, they almost covered the horse, then as many on foot, who seemed to be of the family of those they call Snachagora, who are Physicians, Philosophers, and Counsel∣lours. Then appears a most rich Canopy, with Valence of gold and silver, borne by four Noble-men, with a numerous cavalry, no bo∣dy under it, and four Beteneguz, who carry lumps of silver gilt, all accompanied with musick of Hoboys, and other Instruments.

Then comes the King of Tigrai with his standart and a numerous company; and not farre after the Abuna, or grand Patriarck, with four Lycanates, or Prelates, who beare a Tabutt, with the Logatera, and march reversed, giving incense, facing the Cata∣mar, or body of the Army.

Lastly, the Baldaguin or Canopy of State of the grand Negus, appears, accompanied by the rest of the Princes, himself mounted

on a horse richly trapped, with excellent musick. Two Kings on foot hold his bridle, two more at his stirrups, and two at the crupper; all in white silk shirts, which they call Aotila, the Prin∣ces wearing over all a Lions skin, a thing allowed to none but those of the blood, except some few upon speciall favour. The Negus goes under the State with a vaile over his face, nor does he appear unvail'd to his people more then foure times in the year, and some years only at New-years tyde, and Easter, when he keeps open Court. But since the death of Negus Nahut was concealed so many moneths after his decease, this custome is changed, and 'twas enacted by the Councell generall, or States assembled, that he should shew himself four times the year at solemn feasts.

When these times come, the people expresse extraordinary joy, as if the Deity it self descended to them, by reason this Prince is exceeding just, compassionate and mercifull, dividing his reve∣nue in three parts, one for his family, a second for the Church, and a third for Orphans, widowes, and others in want, for which purpose he builds abundance of well-founded Hospitalls.

CHAP. XII. The victory of the Negus over the Goragues. His entrance into Barua.

LEaving Barra we went to the town of Barua out of desire to see more of the Negus, and the triumphant entrance provi∣ded for him, for a victory lately had over the Soldan of Gorago, a people so wilde and savage, that of how many soever are taken in war, 'tis impossible to preserve one alive; by reason they are no sooner prisoners, but by the sent of a certain poyson they have in readinesse, they die in the very instant, or suddainly after. In this war the King of Tigray brought him very effectuall auxilia∣tions, else he had had a bad match of the Goragues, a mortall ene∣my to the Abissine, whom they call Israelites.

In conclusion, after he had put them to the rout, he pursued and besieged them in Tamar, a town surrounded with strong walls, and good ditches, where they were provided of En∣gines, made of great timber-pieces so drawne and bent by cor∣dage and wheeles, fixt opposite, that the reverse was so vigorous, they would founder or break a ship in pieces. For which rea∣son the Negus, after the trench was filled forbore to storme, nor indeed, but for the help of a Genoese had he accomplished his de∣signe without extream losse. This Genoese by mine blew up a Tower, which opened a marvelous breach. Then the people,

mad with despaire, choosing rather to dye, then be reduced to ser∣vitude, exposed their wives and children in the face of the assault. In the end, the town was taken and demolished, and the inhabi∣tants to a man put to the sword, not one amongst them yielding to accept of mercy. The Negus took prisoners the Kings wife and daughters, and while he was using perswasions to gain them to come live with his Queen, and that he would wealthily bestow the daughters, the mother and one of the daughters had dis∣patched themselves with poyson: The other who was faire in perfection had no ambition of death. The Negus gave her to his wife, who richly clothed her, and used all sorts of blandish∣ments to comfort her.

After this victory in Gorago, against the Negus was to visit Barra, the inhabitants amongst other magnificences had erected to him a stately Pyramid of timber, covered with Fausell garnets, either cut by the hand of Lapidaries, or coming so from the mine, sup∣ported by four Gyansts: with a spacious Palace of divers works and Niches, furnished with statues of Ladies, gloriously adorned with gold and silver, and laid with colours to the life, many Tro∣phies of victories. Upon the town River, called Morabo, was ere∣cted a sumptuous Pageant, with the figures of an Elephant, and a Rhinocerot. The Elephant was filled with fire, and the Rhino∣cerot was so contrived with springs that suck'd in water, and spouted it against the Elephant; the whole supported upon piles, by which the fire was conveyed with a singular sleight: for from the bank to the Elephant there ••ere secretly lines drawn, whereon were hanged cartridges filled with powder, which being sired with a cane,* 1.76 the blazing cartridge flew like lightening upon the Rhinocerot; and at the same instant the springs being set on work, the Rhinocerot encountered the Elephant with such a stream of water, that the cartridges (the fire not being wilde-fire) lost their effect. It could not but be delightfull to see these flaming squibs of such velocity, and in such a multitude in the middle of a bulk of water which opposed, and vanquished their fury.

The Negus and all the Court were much delighted therewith, and the Divertisement discharged a good part of those griefes, which oppressed the captive Princesse, to whom the combate of the ar∣tificiall beasts was very pleasant, it continued above two houres, till at last the conflict grew so robustious, they overturned the Fabrick under them; and all fell at once, and vanished in the River together, to the exceeding pleasure of all the Beholders, and thus was this day spent. The Negus on the mor∣row went to Masse, and as he passed, the Militia of the town saluted him with fire-works of ingenious invention. Being returned from Masse, and going to Dinner, unexpected came in a strange Prince, who falling to his feet, petitioned him he would bestow upon him the captive Princesse, or vouchsafe to impose a ransom on her,

The King looked upon him as admiring how he passed the guards, a thing extraordinary, and unusual amongst them; neverthelesse admitting his passion for an excuse, he demanded who he was; the other answered that his Countrey bordered upon the domi∣nions of the Barnaguz, that is high-Admiral, north-ward towards Ganfrila and Drafrila,* 1.77 and that the late Zambaze Prince of Gorago had given him this Princesse his daughter for wife: whereupon the Negus caused her to be called, and after a mutual acknowledg∣ment, weeping she told the Negus and Queen, that but for hope of meeting again with her husband, she would not have pre∣served her life, but had in death wayted on her mother and sister.

The Queen had gotten a promise from her that she would be∣come Christian, and being mov'd anew, she said she was most rea∣dy; then turning to the affianc'd Prince, she declared to him that being a Christian she could not match with an Infidel, and there∣fore requested him they might together receive their baptization: this at first seem'd very harsh to him, yet at length by perswasions and manifestations, they so prevailed, that he condescended, and both of them with divers Lords of his train were baptized toge∣ther. The Negus released him of a certain tribute due, which, as likewise other Princely presents, he gave his Lady.

CHAP. XIII. The manner of service at the Negus's table, the receipt of the Portuguese Embassadour.

AS to the service at the Negus's table, 'tis as magnificent as with any Prince on earth, for the multitude of Officers: our curiosity found so much favour as to see it, and amongst other things remarkable, there were three pages in raz'd tissue, suitable with a bed in a corner of the room, as we perceived coming in, the Negus's lodging as I suppos'd. These Pages brought to the Table three dishes made of a black wood they call Euate,* 1.78 like to our Ebony, of precious esteem with them, for the property it hath to burst in pieces as soon as poyson comes within it. These dishes were half full, one you must know with a sort of pear, which cut in middle presents the perfect figure of a Crosse, a strange rarity in a fruit, the second half full of burning coals, and the third of ashes. This to represent Christs Passion, Death, and Hell.

The rest of the service was most splendid, as well for state as deli∣cacy of meats, ingeniously dressed and perfumed, with an odour so sweet and pleasant, as 'tis impossible any could be more. The canopy of state over the Princes head was of the same as the bed and the Pages apparel were. There were others diversly habited, but all rich, and every one two distinct vestures, one that had but a half-sleeve, with bases falling over their buskins, and hiding some part of their shoe. But I will relate the rest of the service, when I deliver the reception of the Spanish Kings Embassadour, Don Francisco di Lopes, sent to the grand Neguz for leave to build Forts upon his coasts, as well for the advance of commerce, as the propagation of Religion. He came on land in Africa, towards the river Souac, near the Monastery of the Holy Ghost, of the religious Observantines I spoke of before. We met with him before that in our travels, and he came along with us as far as the head of that River, where we set him on shore near the Church or the Monastery of the Holy Ghost, which is one of the chiefest Fortifications the King of Ethiopia hath, and 'tis there 'tis said 300. religious are, where he staid some dayes to refresh himself, then took his journy towards the Court, whither from that place he had 4. or 500. leagues of land to crosse, and yet 'twas a for∣tune to him that the Court was no further remov'd, for as it might have happened, he might have had above 700. leagues before he reacht thither. Being furnished with horses at this Monastery for himself and his company, (who were some fourteen or fifteen in number, he came, as he since told us, to another Church or Mo∣nastery some seven or eight leagues from thence, but with ex∣tream trouble, his horses so tiring, that the servants were fain to carry the baggage themselves for two leagues together. At length he got to the Monastery of St. Dominick, as he called it, where he found good entertainment, and changed his horses, which were for no further service, being so extreamly beaten out with travail∣ing unshod, as they use in those parts, because they have not the art of shooing. As he was upon the point to depart thence, there fell such an excesse of rains, that the Rivers were so broken out, that he was constrained to stay near a month longer, and ex∣pect till they retir'd within their banks. Then he continued his journey, and having crossed a vast Countrey came to Mongibir, where he made a visit to the King, who was then sick, but used him with great civilities. The Embassadour offered him the ad∣vice of his Physician, but he told him our Lord who had sent his grief should cure it. He furnished him with horses, and appointed his own Son to conduct him even to the Court. By the way he met with many other Monasteries, and mountainous and unplea∣sant Countries: thence he came to the Province of Tigremahon, subject to the Negus, who hath five kingdoms under his domini∣on: here 'twas he first drunk the honied wine kept in great ox∣horns.

From thence he travailed to Culusen, and many other Countries, till he arrived near Barra, where the Court lay. As soon as we had notice of it, we failed not to present our respects to him, and he returned many civilities to the Sieur de lu Courb, as the principal amongst us, but neverthelesse with a Sossiego and Spanish gravity, of which the Sieur seemed to take no notice, for that we designed by his mediation to see the Negus at table, which as yet we had not compassed; though for his own part out of the gravity or vanity of his Countrey, he disdained to see it, yet by reason of his quality he might have done it without difficulty. This being observed by the Sieur de la Courb, he so well feasted a Master of houshold to the Abuma, that he promised us we should see him at supper, as we did two dayes after: but I believe he first demanded his Masters licence, then he brought us to the Mona∣stery of Atania, for the Negus seldom lodges in tents, where he finds Monasteries or Churches, as there are plenty in this Coun∣trey. 'Twas there we saw the Prince sup, in the manner I spoke of.

As concerning the Embassadour, the Negus having intelligence of his coming, sent a handsom company of Cavaliers to receive him, and some eight dayes before had sent a grand Serami to conduct him, which Serami was not sparing of his cudgell to any upon the way, that gave not the Embassadour honour, who being met by these Cavaliers many salutes and complements were inter∣changed. Being arrived at the Camp they presented him a tent of Canvas, which was something disliked by the Embassadour, as being unsuitable to his quality, neverthelesse he seemed to take no notice of it; but the Serami perceiving something, told him for excuse, they used him no courser than the Prince himself who had no better: which gave satisfaction to the Embassadour: then they brought him in provision of victuals, for him and his retinue. 'Twas three dayes before he had audience, then some principall Gentlemen and Officers came for him by night, and conducted him to the Court, which was then at a goodly Monastery; and being brought into the chamber of presence, he found the Negus sitting on a bed of raz'd gold, and silver tissue, four pages in the same stuff standing bare at the bed•• feet with lighted Flambeaus in their hands. The Embassadour made him a most respectfull reverence at seven or eight paces distance, bowing exceeding low, whereas others kisse the ground; and the Negus unvailing a little one side of his face, demanded the Presents the King of Spain had sent him, where the other being ready to answer, supposing he should have a compleat audience, the person that brought him in told him at present it might not be, and that the King had seen him was sufficient for the first time, and so without further cere∣monies he delivered his letters, which were read by an Interpre∣ter. On the morrow about midnight the Embassadour was sent

for again in the same sort and ceremony; then the Embassadour carried the Present, which was in pieces of silk, spices, and some rich and well-wrought arms. The Negus received them, then dismis'd him, causing one to tell him he should shortly be dis∣patch'd.

The next day he was sent for again to Court, where he dined with the King and Queen, the King a little remov'd at some distance from them. The first service was three gold dishes, the first full of fire, the second of ashes, and the third of the miraculous pears I spoke of, in which, being cut, there appears a perfect natu∣rall crosse, representing our Redemption, as the other eternall pains and death.

Afterwards came all sorts of exquisite and delicate meats. The Embassadour having staid some months in the Court, the Negus sent him a letter for his Master, though letters are not in use with them, content onely to send their messengers, who deliver their missives by vocal relation: but this letter was at the proper instance of the Embassadour himself, as he told me a good while after, when I met him at Grenada in Spain.

When I mentioned the Army of the Negus, I forgot to tell you 'tis ranged in such sort, that the Lanciers are quarter'd outmost round the Camp, lined with the Cavalry, and musqueteers within them, all quarter'd in order, and streets, as in a Town: the Soul∣diers apart by themselves, Merchants on one side, and Artificers on the other; six or seven thousand tents will serve for fourscore thousand men. The Cavalry most commonly consists of thirty thousand horse, all unshod, for they have not the art to shooe them, stout and indefatigable, being brought up by Cowes from which they take the calfs and put colts in their places.

To conclude, the Emperour ordinarily depends not upon his proprietary possessions: for bedes the gold and silver his people pay as tribute, they pay him amber, musk, civet, stones, and all sorts of victuals and sustenance; so as he hath not much use of money more then to pay his Officers and servants, who are paid their stipend in gold or silver uncoin'd in gobbets exactly weigh∣ed, besides such a proportion of diet every day for their lively∣hood, as in Italy, Cardinals, Princes, and the Nobility use to do.

CHAP. XIV. Of the kingdom and policy of Mongibir, of the Mountain Amara, where the Abissin Princes are.

BEcause I have made mention of Mongibir,* 1.79 I shall inform you that this Countrey, the capitall Town whereof is called Scan∣fourin, is subject to the Negus, and neighbour to the Province of Calasen. The Natives are of a middle size and olive colour, which makes them affect strangers exceedingly, esteeming them more beautiful than themselves; though very few come amongst them: for they are wretched, base, and timorous beyond imagination, trembling at the report of a gun, which they say is the Devils han∣dycraft, and call him Hocalsic, that is a good man, who carries none of these fire cudgels. Neverthelesse they maintain a continuall war upon the Calasens, who are Christians, and they Idolaters, wor∣shipping the sun, the Negus never being able to reconcile them, nor introduce Christian religion amongst them.

Amongst other heresies they believe, that after death the soule enters into another body, which makes them indulge strangers so highly, upon opinion they may be of their alliance; yet they hold they cannot enter into the Calasenians, nor the Suecans, be∣cause they are Romarins, that is Christians:* 1.80 nor delight to inhabit a body of a contrary Religion, and so ceremonious and austere as ours is.

The earth, say they, was made for our sustenance, and 'twere in∣dignity to the Maker not to make use of all which it produces. When one speaks to them of the kingdom of Heaven, they say 'tis the mansion of the Gods and Lights, and not of men, and that God will have no communication with sinners, who are unwor∣thy to approach a thing so holy, which shews they once had better knowledge of our mysteries,* 1.81 though in the whole time of our travaile there, we saw not any book or the least record of the true religion. They will invite Passengers to lodge with them, and command their wives to keep them company; while they go to the wood or river for entertainment for their guests, their wives caresse them, and esteem it a happinesse if they prove with child by a stranger, which when they bring into the world, they call it Gilchaquillan, that is a child of the sun, who being grown up, the Prince takes him to his service, saying, this is the way to multiply his Nation with vertuous people. And what is more, the wife is the better esteemed of her husband; and the Prince, if it be a male child, sends him a little snake of gold or silver, in

form of an ear-pendant, which renders him so qualified, that the time may come he may be capable of the charge of Benchaye, who is the person next to the King: if it be a girle she shall be married to a person of high degree. Though they want not mines of baleys, rubies, and of silver, besides other mettals, as tin and cop∣per, whence they get an earth which makes the most pure violet colour in the world, wherewith they make their houses very gracefull to the eye, neverthelesse their fancy is to paint their arms and legs, specially the nails, and hang pieces of old iron in their ears. A Portuguese one day shewed them a piece of gold against the sun, which charmed them so, that they immediately made it known to their king, who resolved to have it at any price to hang in his ear, as a thing miraculous and sacred, and gave for it half a tun-weight of cinamon.

As concerning the Articles of their Faith, they have no Idols in their Temples, but on solemn feasts being assembled they dance round, and sing hymns in honour of the sun, abstaining from suste∣nance till his setting. They acknowledge a place where sinners are tormented after death, and some more grievously than others, proportionably to their offences.

Further they have no speculation, being Masters neither of li∣terature nor characters, a simple people easie to deceive, content with a bare sufficiency for livelyhood, not studying how to make use of their national commodities to the best advantage: besides so kind, they give freely to one another whatsoever they are pos∣sessed of, and so grosse, there are many things amongst them they know no name for, and are absolute forrainers at a mile distance. Their onely traffick is for honied wine, which is brought them from Suechan and Calasen, in truck for wild beef-hides, and Ele∣phants, which they sell to Biguen. They are of such fidelity in their commerce, that they are really ignorant what 'tis to lye, and keep their promise with religious observation. 'Tis true the In∣gresses to the Countrey are very dangerous, by reason of robbers of diverse nations who rendezvous there, but the King executes most severe justice on them that are apprehended, condem∣ning them to the jawes of wild beasts, which he keeps in Parks.

This Princes court is governed with good policy, and is most commonly attended with four hundred tall men at arms, drawn out of his Provinces called Marac, which on the South confine on the kingdom of Couran, small Countries, but the Inhabitants have a particular renown for their fidelity: Besides he hath constantly near him 400. horsemen well mounted, and in his stable a thou∣sand able horses at rest, because being generally bare-foot, they are apt to batter their hoofs. To march before him he hath 50. Ca∣valiers whom they call the Joarmamir, that is the chief Guard, cloth'd in cotton cloth, with bow and arrow in hand: then follow

fifty Cavaliers more in cotton Cassocks variously painted, with a short silk Cloak, not unlike Meca Tapistry, wearing on their head a cap in fashion like a Miter, at their girdles hang little balls of steel with three pikes, wherewith they seldom misse when they strike, and at their Saddle bow a sharp'ned iron like the head of a lance. These they call the Kings Champions.

These two troops march in the field about a bow-shoot before the Prince, having between them fifty Elephants richly trapp'd with Tapistry of silk, each bearing three or four men with strong bows, and arrows three ells long, Ethiopian bonnets on their head, and Alparyates, or open shooes on their feet: them they call Jourles, that is Archers. Then 50. Cavaliers mounted on white horses, bearing balls of silver richly wrought, in white short cloaks with silver buckles, on their head a red bonnet hanging over their shoulders, like a Chapperoon, they term these Gouaique Soumi∣mara, that is, the Princes Councell of strangers. Then a hundred more well mounted, stuck with abundance of feathers, their hor∣ses covered with cases of Beares, Lions, or other beasts skins frin∣ged with little coloured feathers, a bow in a scarfe, and a club in their hand of a sufficient length. In the last place comes up the troop which is called Mameiteque Ebaulbic, or the Guard of the Bo∣dy armed with long lances pointed with certain stones keen as any razor, which next fire-pikes is the most dangerous arms I ere be∣held. One amongst them bears the Standart, which is the figure of a Sun, and the King marches next after, habited much after the sort as the Gouaique Soumimara, a bonnet on his head, band∣ed with a white Taffety hanging over the horse cruppers, with many devices representing the high atchievements of his Prede∣cessours, to satisfy the humour of the people, who glory in gene∣rous Princes, whose fame may live with posterity.

Amongst other the fundamental lawes of this Nation, there is one whereby the King is obliged to marry three wives all of his own quality, without regard to their being forrainers, or of a contrary religion, holding that a good wife ought to make her husbands will her rule in all things. If they conform not precise∣ly to this law, they render their children incapable of succession, and must be content with a bare pension, and become subject to an elected King, who possibly he might have raigned over him∣self. But this difference seldome happens amongst them, and Tradition makes mention only of one Cbapoularin son of Jazal∣ga, whom his mother had instructed to adore the infernal spi∣rit, which was ground of much combustion in the State, so as the mother and nine of her sons were massacred in a sedition, and they elected for King a son of the last wife, from whom the people received so prudent a Government, that being dead, they erect∣ed a statue to his memory in the middle of the Market-place, in the town of Biguen, where it stands at this day. This is a town

of exceeding strength, mantled with good Bastions, every street provided of chains for case of necessity, girt with good ditches, scituate upon the fair River Gambir, abounding in fish, which they fish for in little boats made of reeds, capable only of two men. The King hawks at river in those boats, as 'tis the ordi∣nary way of the country. They use bridges of straw to crosse the rivers, as they do in the kingdome of Garamel, which straw they call Ingar, as in the West-Indies they call it Tortora. The wo∣men appear freely in the streets, their garments are a short gowne after the Arabian cut, sleeves to the elbow onely, linnen hose, hanging on the left side a rich girdle colour'd in devices, to di∣stinguish maids from married women, upon their head a linnen vaile curiously wrought, hanging down their shoulders.

Three times the year they admit commerce with the Suecheui∣ans, for their civility at Memite, when they took away all their women, and by expresse command of their King, restored them without the least injury to their honour, a most heroick action of a barbarous Prince. From this country of Suechen they receive very considerable commodities, as likewise from Couran and Ma∣rat, countreys where they have plenty of honied wines, corne, cattle, fish, and excellent fruits, which they transport to Biguen without the least tribute for any thing whatsoever. When the Kings wives go abroad, they are seated on Chariots, in such manner as the Chineses or the Geneses are, all three together, in the same dresse like three sisters, and with like affection. The Prince keeps a perfect amity amongst all the three, a thing much to be admired. Three principal noble-men called Genelcoulbre ever aecompany them, walking seven or eight paces before them, with staves in their hands. The Ladies wear crowns of flowers and stones won∣derful refulgent, their face open, with pendants in their ears of rich pearls, and bracelets of the same.

If they meet the King, they descend from their Chariots, and im∣mediately ascend again without further complement, as if they had never seen him. He makes a turn towards them, then passes on; and three of the chief of his train alight from horse, and come kisse the Queens Chariots, who deliver some certain words to them, and so the Gentlemen remount. I often enqui∣red what it might be they spoke, but I could never be satisfied for the several relations told me. The Princes royall are educated in the Province of Marat, with prudent persons well warn'd to in∣struct them in obedience to the King, whom they visit once in the year, which they divide into four seasons as we do. The Daughters remain near their Mothers, where for their exercise they are taught to work the short coats, which resemble the Ta∣pistry of Meca, which the King bestowes as presents on the Prin∣cipal of his Court, to whom he marries his daughters: these Per∣sons by priviledge may have two wives more, but of inferiour de∣gree

to his Lady-Royall, and so may be elected Bene-Chayc, an honourable office next his Majesty.

The Court is well governed, and very polite, but the vulgar are exceeding grosse and ignorant. Daughters of the Nobility marry not but with husbands of vertue and valour. The King uses all endeavour to civilize the People, but to no effect. Upon a time the King met a clowne carrying fish, and asking him what he was, received but a slight answer; but being told 'twas the King spoke to him, he was so overjoyed, he would needs give him all his fish, which the King refused, but out of love he would needs force it upon him, and kindly threw it all in his lap, whereat the King laughed heartily, and caused one to give him a thanks of a better price, and made him come to Court, whence he would part no more.

Some dayes journey from Bilguca towards the Province of Marat, Westward there is a mountain to imagination surpas∣sing the highest steppe of the Ceuares in altitude, which ne∣ver wants snow, no not in July when we surmounted it, which is the end of Winter there. At the foot of the Moun∣tain there is a gentile towne called Moulgas, the inhabitants whereof are Jewes, tributary to the King of Mongibir: one of these Jewes was our Hoste, who gave us good entertainment, and falling into discourse upon the Old Testament, he took us for Jewes, and presently we had a whole Synagogue about us to congratulate, but they were soon scared away, when we as∣sured them we were Christians. Our Host presented us for a dainty with the flesh of Crocodile, but not being used to it, for my part I could not taste it, for the apprehension I had of that furious creature, though I were sufficiently satisfied the meat was wholesome, white, and sipid. He shewed us two Ducarfs, the least I ever saw, who for pastime he had hors'd upon a sheep. Having gotten an Elephant for the remove of our baggage and commodities, we left Moulgas, and came to Suarin, the first Town in Marat, a place of strength scituate upon a little Mountain, whence there sallies a stream of wa∣ter that turns three Mills. The people are kinde and courte∣ous, but Idolaters, believing the Sunne to be the maker of all things, and like them of Mongibir, that Heaven is onely for the Gods, and not for men.

Thence we came to Moucal, an uniform Town, having eight ports, which are all perspicable from the middle station of the Town: Before the Palace-Royall stands a Pyramid, upon which there is the statue of a King named Soualin, who once rescued this Town out of an enemies hands, by the ayd of the Towneswo∣men, who in the action attested an un-heard of Magnani∣mity, for a monument whereof, he enacted a Law in their favour, that they may have three husbands, but the men

for their basenesse, onely one Wife.

Some few dayes journey from thence, we entered the king∣dome of Couran, a good and fertile countrey, but full of Forests, infested with very dangerous wilde beasts, and amongst others with a sort of fierce and ravenous dogges, by which ma∣ny Passengers are devoured; as by the way we met with suf∣ficient evidence in bones, apparel, and bagges of Pearles and Emeraulds.

Afterwards we passed through divers countries, as Sou∣chalbi, Choucay, and others. In all these parts we far'd at a cheap rate, for it cost us not in two dayes the value of a far∣thing; the good people bringing us share of what prey they had in hunting, came themselves to eat with us: for our exhila∣ration, they used certain strange instruments which they play∣ed on. The women are reasonable faire, very chast, but ill apparelled. The maids at twenty yeares of age, may marry whom they will, without hinderance of either Father or Mother.

When they solemnize matrimony, they go to the Temple, where the Father sayes to the young man, I give thee my daughter for thy spouse, and the other Father sayes the like to the maid. Then they take two sheeps hearts, male and fe∣male, and present them to the Priests; who saying certain pray∣ers, burn them on the Altar, then kisse the married couple, and joyn them in mutuall embraces: then they feast with musick, and deprive the maid of a lock of haire growing on the hind∣part of her head, as is the custom for all maids and widowes, they religiously observe marriage all their lives, in perfect peace and concord.

* 1.82To give account of the Mountain Amara, whereof I made mention before, which is in four degrees and a halfe of the Me∣ridian, where all the Princes of the blood are enclosed, and carefully guarded, 'tis a large Province, adjacent to Belequan∣ze, Zoa, and Ambian, containing a good number of Towns, Vil∣lages, and Castles, and is above 150. leagues in circuit. Much about the middle, there is a high risen mountain of the same name, directly under the Equinoctiall line, which is the proper Mansion of the Princes. There are some who relate wonders of the height, extent, beauty, and richnesse of it, making it a terrestri∣all Paradise, but there is more probability in what I learnt of some inhabitants beyond it, who say the Mount is round, of but few leagues compass at the top, exceeding high, constituted of a rock cut like a wall, of difficult ascent, but onely by one certain way. There are Palaces and Gardens for accommodation of the Prin∣ces and their People, besides a Monastry of S. Anthonies Order, with corn, fruit, and cattle for their sustenance, without any other water then rain, which they preserve in Cesterns.

Franciscus Aluarez neverthelesse saith, this mountain is not to be rounded in lesse than fifteen dayes, but I suppose he means at the very bottom: and that upon this huge mountain where 'tis exceeding cold, there stand lesser which compose valleys, where there are both Rivers and Fountains, with some hamlets and ha∣bitations; but having not been an eye-witnesse, I report but what I have heard, for 'tis death to a stranger to come there, and the natives to have their hands and feet cut off.

The Monastery is called Zio marina Christos,* 1.83 the religious whereof employ themselves wholly in the service of their order, which some report to be of huge number, others lesse. All of them betake themselves to labour, every one having his little cell apart for his devotions, not entring the Church but on Festivals, when they celebrate but one Masse onely. Their fasts are stu∣pendous and incredible. The women receive the Communion in the porch or entrance, not within the Church it self, except on the feast of the Visitation, when they have priviledge to enter.* 1.84 The chief of the Monastery is called the Barnagaz, and by ano∣ther name the Lebetera, which means a Devote or Sage, as 'tis called also the Church of Sages. Here the Princes of the blood are kept secured, since the dayes of a king called Abraham, who ha∣ving many children received a vision in his sleep, to this purpose, for prevention of civil wars in the State. 'Tis forfeit of life for these Princes to come out of their enclosure, except him who is immediately to succeed when time falls: then he comes forth and takes with him one who is most in his favour, presenting gifts to all the rest, to whom he sends a rich Crown set with stones, which is given to him, whom by unanimous consent they acknowledge chief, and next to succession, who is honoured next to the Negus himself: for there the succession goes by proximity of blood,* 1.85 ex∣cept power carry it as it hath often happened. Some say they call all of the blood-royal by the name of Israel. For the rest of the Province of Amara, 'tis very mountainous and very fruitfull, the air good and temperate enough, without discommodity, but ex∣cesse of rains from mid-May to the middle of August, according as other Countries all along the line. We had most of this relation from the Spanish Embassadour I mentioned, who had great fami∣liarity with Prince Gabriel, who came out of the Mountain when David the last of that name deceased, at the election of Nabur his confident friend, who freed him from that Princely confinement, and admitted him to live in his presence, so long as in no sort he medled not in affairs of the State. Many other particulars of the Mountain we learnt of one of the Religious of the Monastery there, who amongst other things told us, how he once attended the Negus against the King of Geret, assisted with the Kings of Abat and Eri, who denied the customary tribute, whom this Prince invaded as far as the Countries of Ganfrila and Drafrila, who o¦therwise

the Negus had absolutely lost, for the Barnagaz who was Governour, was then come to Court, to do homage to the new Prince, who understanding that his Countrey was seiz'd on, with all possible expedition, repaired thither with fifteen or sixteen thousand men, and brought a seasonable relief, assisted by a Prince called Lulibella Abelicano esteemed a Saint, and in effect with a handfull of men in comparison of the Enemy, they got but little lesse then a miraculous victory. This religious man told us many more very remarkable things of the death of the late Negus, father to him who reigned when we were there; a Prince so vertuous, and so beloved of his people, that after his death many of his chiefest Noblemen left their Fortunes and stately mansions, and becoming recluse religious spent the remainder of their dayes in pennance. Amongst others a Prince who had espoused a sister to the deceased, mourned with such passion, that he fir'd his Palace, and got himself to so uncouth and solitary a place, that no man knew where to find him.

'Twas in a Cave in the wild of the woods, where he concealed himself, and this by the consent of his Lady, who on her part with two of her daughters became a recluse Nun, in a Monastery of women called Aranatingil, to whom after decease of the Mother, the Negus sent to perswade to become secular again, and prevailed with the one who was married to the Prince of Dafila, but the other called Agaria, persisted in her devotion, and proceeded to such sanctity, that, as they say, by revelation, she understood the Place where her father was retired, and sent her Confessor to visit him, whom he found in the hollow of a rock, to which one must ascend by many steps, and in one corner of the rock he had a lit∣tle garden with a fountain, and some Coco Dates, which the A∣bissins call Miguel, and other trees set round. There the Prince spent his daies with one onely servant, living on the fruits of these trees. He was exceedingly beloved and lamented by the whole Court, as well for his valour and vertue, as for that he was of the bloud of Tigray, being descended from the Emperour of Tigray: and the Negus himself, holding wars with the King of Deli, felt special want of him; and coming to understand where he was concealed, took the pains to go in person with his whole Army thi∣ther, to entreat his assistance in a businesse of so main importance, to the preservation of the Faith, promising him that the wars en∣ded, he should return to his hermitage; whereto the other would not be refractory, but leaving his grotte, and appearing to the Army, they conceived so great a confidence of good successe in the war, that with a generall shout they cryed out victory. 'Twas a noble pleasure to see the kindnesses wherewith the whole Court welcom'd the Prince, some embracing his knees, other casting themselves at his feet, so great is the devotion of these people. Then arming him with arms of the skin of Coscuma, back and

breast, and mounting him on a gallant horse with an azure Crosse in a white standart before them, as on the day of battel, they have a red Crosse of the colour of the Emperours tent, they marched into the field, and the war was prosperously ended to the wishes of the Negus: whether this Prince returned to his grotte or con∣tinued at Court I cannot tell. But to proceed, the Province of Amara confines upon Angote, divided by the River Ancona, 'tis true that Olabi lies betwixt, through which the River Cabella passes, rising out of the lake of Amara, abounding with Sea-hor∣ses, by them called Gomaraes, and by the Arabians Garmaran, and another like to a Lamprey, which being boiled in water, makes pottage white as milk, but red being boiled in milk. The Negus is esteemed one of the richest and most potent Princes in the U∣niverse. His ordinary Army consists of thirty thousand horse and fifty thousand foot, partly of tawny, partly of entirely black peo∣ple, by reason of the heat of the Countrey, though notwithstan∣ding they have both winter and summer. The Prince never stayes in Town above three dayes, and ever hath a well ordered Army in the field, amply provided of all sorts of military ammunition, and his Court walled with a strong and magnificent Guard.

When any one sues for accesse to the Prince, there is a Noble∣man whose office is to question him, what he is, whence he comes, and what he desires of his Majesty, and holding him constantly by the hand at the gate of the Tent-Royal, he speaks in a loud tone after a manner of singing, and so gives the King notice of this persons arrivall, who immediately receives a dispatch of his businesse in few words and short time.

When the King marches into the field, which is never without his Court and Army, of above fourscore or a hundred thousand men, he removes not above four or five miles a day, ever lodging at Churches or Monasteries. The Army marches foremost, with all the baggage packed up in baskets instead of coffers. This Court is not hung upon by such a rascallity as ours is, nor is the Countrey harried and eaten up by such a rabble, the villages con∣tribute nothing, but the whole is discharged out of the treasure and revenue of the Prince. After the Army is passed, comes a∣bout three thousand Officers, who carry the provisions for the Kings table, wine in Barrels, and meat in Panniers, every one car∣rying his proportion on his head, those who conduct them are called the Seraif: Then the Lords called the Serami follow a∣foot, a javeline in their hand, and a guilt falchion like a short sword by their side, and the Priests bare-headed, whereof four, who serve by the Quarter, carry the sacred stone for cele∣bration.

The Prince marches under a Canopy, in an Apostolike ha∣bit of white silke, with wide sleeves, and a broad large hat.

When the Court marches they are all well mounted, but ill-armed, for their Armes are neither so neat nor so well wrought as ours: The Prince hath one compleate suite of Armes which he puts on but seldom: The King of Spain presented him with a suit by his Embassadour, which was mus∣quet proof.

Their ordinary Arms are half-pikes, and battle-axes, of which they know how to make good use. Their tents of thick strong cloth: the Prince's of white linnen lined with leather, so spa∣cious, 'tis capable to comprehend twelve thousand persons, do∣mestick Officers, and Servants, as I said before, and the La∣dies of Honour to the Queen, besides the Cavalry who serve by Quarter, and are those who wear the Lions skin. In the middle of the Tent there stands a Church of vast circumference, near to which the King and Queen onely inhabit, for upon oc∣casion of any conference, they come into other apartements. His Tent alone is like a little Town, containing within it his very stables, all regularly composed, and well governed. He hath his musick singing day and night, the Musicians discharging their duties by turns; though he be not in his Tent, the same reverence and respect is observed as if he were present. He who hath the office to expostulate and induct those who make ad∣dresses to the Prince, after he understands the businesse; if he cannot of himself give satisfaction, he repairs to the Prince, to whom he relates the whole upon his knees, without presuming to behold his face, or rise up while the King speaks, then returns and exacts the like reverence from others to himself.

As touching Justice there, 'tis equally and speedily admini∣stred, without any tedious processe. If any man either in court or Army be found guilty of a crime, he is immediately punished with bastinadoes, the ordinary chastisement, but they use also buf∣feting as the Turks do.

For the tributary kingdoms and dominions under the Negus, the Law is such, that no one can confer the succession on his Children without expresse licence, and 'tis seldome that the Sonne succeeds the Father, but where he hath done some sig∣nall service for the State: insomuch as they are as it were Go∣vernments for life, nor have they assurance to continue so long; for sometimes the Prince to reward their services will deprive them of their Crown or Government to advance them to a higher. If he be displeased with any one, he sends but a meer Serami or Lord, with a verbal command onely, for letters they have no use of, and the subject Prince having notice of his arrivall, puts on his Lions skin, in token of obedience, and meets him with all submission and civilities: whom the Serami having told that the King commands his presence, without reply he immediately prepares for his journey, with his treasure, wife and children.

The King afterwards disposes of him at his pleasure, either de∣taining him at Court, or sending him to the warres, till he shall think to bestow on him some other government or domini∣on on better or worse according to his desert; for this King is a be∣nigne and equitable Prince, exceedingly beloved of his subjects, which supports the state in happy justice, peace, and tranquillity, every one observing his duty: whence it proceeds that they re∣gard not to erect any State by buildings, having no assurance they stall descend to their heirs.

The Crown revenues consist in corn, wine, cloth, linnen, silk, silver, not coyn; but counted by weight, for here there is no mint, no more then in China. He hath also an impost upon salt, which is a deer commodity here, and in some places is used as mony. The Prince hath these payments out of the necessaries to livelyhood, and hath his receivers in every town. His revenue is extraordinary great, which he dispenses part in payment of his Army, part in support of his family, and the rest to the Church and Poor.

The countrey abounds in all commodities, except spice and salt, which comes from very forrain parts, and are exceeding deer, insomuch that for a little bag of salt, you shall have what you desire, weight for weight; for what salt they have comes either from Egypt, betwixt whom and them there are immense deserts, or from other places seven or eight hundred leagues re∣mote, which sets such price upon it: As again they have their spices by the red Sea from Cochin Narsingue, and elsewhere, and as far as the West-Indies.

All the Towns of the country are ill built and little, and the rea∣son is, because the Prince resides so little in them, and the Court is continually upon march and change of station. The principall are Barra, Tiena, and Barua, whereof the greatest is not by a third part so big as Florence: They are all strongly wall'd, and some well moated, but Bastions with them are not used. The Fort or Citadel is commonly upon the gates of the Towns, where they keep their Artillery, whereof they have great store, and say as well as the Chineses; 'tis two thousand years since they first had the invention. I saw a piece upon a Chinese vessel of 800. years cast, and 'tis no small question, if they had the invention from us, or we from them, as 'tis more likely, if it be of such antiquity with them as they say, or whether we happened upon it upon the like accident as they, I transferre to more curious inspections.

Amongst other things I observe it as most singular and laudable in these people, that they bear a passionate affection to their Princes, and so firm a fidelity that they submit to all sorts of tor∣ments, yea to death, rather then fail in their duties; and will consent sooner to the destruction of their proper Parents, then of their Princes: It being unheard of, that any one ever con∣spir'd

against his Prince, and if it should ever happen, they would extirpate him and his, even to the child in the cradle, saying; there can be no lawful or valuable excuse for the subject that conspires against the King. A Tenent strange enough to the per∣versity of nearer nations, and in particular to our unfortunate France, who out of I know not what furious enraged and diabo∣lical zeale, hath too often dipt her paricide ••ands in the Royal blood. God grant her grace to imitate these loyal Abissins, bet∣ter Christians in this then she. In all crimes they use a most se∣vere and exemplar Justice; and a man once observed to be nefa∣rious, is hated and avoyded by all men: so as if for any fact he once fall under the hands of Justice, he shall be so bastinadoed, he shall feel it all dayes of his life. And on the contrary, men of good lives are beloved and favoured by all men, and if any misfortune befall him, he shall finde every where assistance. The Prisons commonly are full of prisoners, maintained at the Princes charge, and 'tis but rarely that any suffer death in publick, but com∣monly within the Prison where they fell the condemned with a club. They have likewise a most remarkable Rule for Creditors and Debtors: for if one sell, or lend to another any thing, upon con∣dition of payment at a certain day, and after the day past, the Debtor hath not paid it, the Creditor goes to the President or Judge, to whom he opens his case: The Judge gives him a faire hearing, and having given sufficient testimony, the Judge delivers him a wand, wherewith he goes to seek the Creditor, and having found him, with the end of that wand draws a circle round about him, with command in the name of Justice not to stirre thence, till he be satisfied; then he must either discharge the debt, or to prison without excuse or delay: and if he endeavour to escape, 'tis death. Being in prison, they assign him a day of payment, on which if he perform not, he must endure the cudgel; then they assign him another day, and so forward, till he either pay the debt, or dye with stripes; or render his person slave to his Creditor, till his service hath made satisfaction: Sometimes they have the favour to go get their bread abroad. So severely is Justice executed, without respect of persons, or bribery; for in such case the Judge is both degraded, and punished: but it happens very rarely because they have but few suits amongst them. If one be found to have accused another wrongfully, he shall suffer the bastinado: again if one deny a fact whereof there is evident proof brought against him, they put him to rack, by screwing his fingers between two planks, and in case he confesse not then, they break his arms and legs. Their prisons are very large, and capable to hold many, where every prisoner labours for his living. The offendors by day have freedome of the house, but at night are shut up in a room so close, they can scarce stirre.

In Ethiopia there are many Churches, but of mean architecture,

though something after the Roman way, with bells with wooden clappers, which yield a very sweet sound. They have very little iron and very few fountains; I remember not I saw above five or six throughout the countrey where I was. Their pictures are ve∣ry course, Statues ill proportioned, without any figures of relief.* 1.86 There are Monasteries of all sorts, more or lesse austere, yea they have Religious that marry, but no more then once. In the Church they never sit down, but stand upright, leaning at certain times on a kind of Crosiar, or Crutch. They consecrate the Sacrament in a piece of bread according to the Greek rites, and then in imi∣tation of David before the Ark, they use a motion in a manner of dancing in time of prayer, then bow themselves very low: When they go forth of the Church, they hang those Crutches out of the Gate in a place covered for that purpose, and every one knowes his own again. Their Priests live very exemplarly, and in great austerity: In the Church they never demand any thing, every man gives to whom he pleases.* 1.87 They have some amongst them who never eat flesh nor drink wine, living on no∣thing but fruits, hemp-seed, such as we feed birds with here, and other seeds unknown to us, and on certain roots.

Others there are of an order not so austere, but every one, upon pain of most rigorous correction, observes the rule he hath made choyce of. There are Icronimites who ever go barefoot and bare-headed, sleep upon the boards, wear hair-cloth, never taste wine nor flesh, and are as 'twere continually in prayer; Their Con∣vents are in woods, where with leave of superiours, they walk at liberty, without any communication, but at confession. Their office holds from Mid-night till an hour before day, then it rings to prayer, then they repose an hour, and return to sing the office of the Church; which done, they say Masse with extraordinary devotion, then take their Sandals, and sit down to a very innocent meal. They confesse not at all, have commonly their eyes fixt on the ground, and are much in solitude.

A man when his wife is departed, loses the repute of honesty, if he become not religious. They rebaptize as often as they please, and ever after confessions they go to a Priest in a corner of the Church to be baptized, and you shall see those of the greatest age go to the Font like little infants.

Some have said that they baptize in fire, but 'tis nothing so, for they use water onely as we do, though their words are some∣thing discrepant.

They have long precept-fasts, and keep lent very strictly, dis∣pensation being allowed neither to Soldier nor Infant, therefore this is the time the enemy chooses to invade them, supposing they shall finde them weak. At Easter they communicate after the Greek rites, and force the sucking infants to receive it, giving

them the Teat after it, so that the Church is filled with the cries and bawling of children.

Obstinate Hereticks they condemn to the fire, but this hath not often occurred, but with Moores who dissembled Christians. In summe, the Ethiopians, though Christians, retain many ceremo∣nies, superstitions, and heresies, both of the Jewes and Grecians, as Circumcision, Purification, the Sabbath, abstinence from Swines flesh, from Hare, from blood, from all things strangled, and from certain fish. With the Grecians they deny the Procession of the Holy Ghost, the two-fold will of Christ, repeat Baptisme, condemn the Councel of Calcedon in favour of Eutiches and Dios∣corus, hold that the soul freed from the body, enters not into hea∣ven till the dissolution of the world, and many other errours at∣tributed to them, denyed by some of them: but of this the Mo∣dern relations of the Jesuites, afford better information; who live amongst them, and bring in a plentiful harvest to the Church, by the conversion of these people to the Catholick and Ro∣man Faith.

Concerning the Prince he hath divers appellations, as Senap and Negus which signify Emperour and King, Belulgian or Beldigian, that is, excellent or precious Lord, and with the vulgar, the Pre∣steian, whether the name came from an ancient Persian word which signifies Apostolical, or whether in imitation of a King, who sometime raigned in Tartary, called the Presteian of India a Ne∣storian Christian, who was vanquished, and cast out by the Tar∣tars, and had this name from having a Crosse borne before him, when he appeared in publick.

Afterwards the Portuguese by the same name called the King of the Abissins, either for a parity, or because they apprehen∣ded him the Presteian of Asia and India, so high in history for these three or four last Ages. But of all I have said, and of all other particulars of the Empire of the Abissins; their Manners,* 1.88 Religion, Speech, and Power, I referre my selfe to the more ample discourses of such as have written expresse∣ly, whose residence and observation was of higher growth then mine, content onely to have touched upon that little I observed passing through the Countrey, and now I will revert to the Town of Barua, which I left for this short digression.

CHAP. XV. Of the Town of Barua, Bagamidri, and others. Stories of Sorcerers.

BArua is a Town, that for bulk and scituation may stand in Pa∣rallell with Samacara in Arabia the happy, whereof I spake in the first part. It is raised upon a Mountain, at the Foot where∣of slides a lovely River called the Arabic Arat, by the Abissins Morato, which yields abundance of fish, but chiefly store of Crocodiles, which are excellent meat, and they eat them chiefly in lent, at which season there comes more plenty then at any time of the year besides. They come up from Nile, and so disperse themselves through all the Rivers of Ethiope, that fall upon it. This creature lives both on land and water, is a great destruction of cattell, chiefly of sheep, where∣of he is very licourous, and will devour one at a morsel, for want of them will break into gardens, and eat the fruits. This crea∣ture is so subtle, that he will hide himself near to houses, and vent most heavie sighs, to entice people to him and devoure them, as it had fortuned to a poor woman at Barua, who had been so taken and devoured, but for the timely rescue of her husband, howsoever was mutilated.

The like happened to us going by night from Alexandria to Roussete, for we saw one, which we took for a block, and as a servant belonging to the Consul of Alexandria, stept before to take it up, he was caught by this beast, who with his tayle drew him under water, and was never seen more.

In fine having wandered to and fro amongst these townes of Ethiopia, selling or trucking our Merchandizes, we resol∣ved to fall again upon our way to our country. In the compa∣ny there were some Nubian Merchants of the town of Casas civill persons and good Christians. We consulted together of our way, if we should take towards the River Falucia, or make to Gayuelle, along the River Morabon, which runs to Barua. But our company being composed of persons of divers interests, according to their affaires, there arose some dispute; but at last 'twas determined we should go by Gay∣uelle, whither we had seven long dayes journey, to avoyd the danger of robbers, who are very infestuous to those parts; as also the Tigars, whereof there is store through∣out all Ethiopia, and so at length gaine Zuama, or Bagami∣dri, where we left our vessels, and part of our goods.

Then we travailed along the river through diverse wild and dis∣inhabited places, being ever ready upon our guard for robbers that might way-lay us to ransack what we had, and so crossing Areal and Chaussabir two Provinces, we met with Heardsmen of exceeding bignesse, who kept tame goats, which furnished us with milk and cheese, and venison as much as we would have, for a small quantity of salt in exchange, being of opinion we had given them something of high price. Not long after we beheld Gazuelle, and other small Townes, where the greater part are Christians, though they hold something of Judaism, as I said before.

As we thought to go take our dinner at Moradar, about a league from Almina, a stormy wind under a cloak of thick black clouds pursued us at the heels, which made us keep near our boats, that if the rain should surprize us we might have shelter at hand.

At the instant, two men and a Priest in a gray habit accosted us, the Priest with his hat in his hand, saluted us in Italian, saying he was of Cagliari in Sardaignia, and that 'twas his desire to re∣turn for his Countrey, whence he came into Ethiopia with a Ro∣man Bishop, who passed to the other world at Magadeli: and un∣derstanding of some Italians that were travailing through Ethiopia for Egypt, he had sought us out to be admitted into our company, intending to take ship at Alexandria, and steer the course for Italy, and so for Rome. The two men that were with him gave us high commendations of him, assuring us he would pay well for his passage, for that the Bishop had left him threescore Doublons for his voyage. We made little answer, but at the same time, two Noblemen overtaking us in Palanquins, or Littars born by slaves on their shoulders, this Priest made to them and asked an alms, and one of them gave him a piece of silver, then presently returned to us, and as familiarly as we had been acquainted all dayes of our life, told us, by asking one could loose nothing but the deniall.

At length we came to Moradar, where we stayed our boats, as we had often done, since the losse of Monsieur de la Courbs man, in hope to find the body, for he had rich things about him.

Being at our Inne we smelt a strong sent, and found 'twas some musk cats this Priest carried with him, which he would have trucked with us for other commodities, but we were loth to be troubled with such unwholsome things. There they brought us to table a dish of raw flesh, well seasoned with salt and spices, which was of delicate taste and an excellent meat. After dinner we ob∣served certain people, looking stedfastly in a bright shining bason, and asking the reason, they told us they were looking to see a troop of Devils that were going to a battail, that was presently

to be fought. We replyed if it might be without danger we should be very glad to participate with them, and would content them with a piece of money, which they accepted of, and the Sieur de la Courb gave them what we promised. Hereupon one of them cast a kind of grease upon a chafing dish of burning coals, which flamed and went out again, and there arose a thick smoak, then they perfumed the bason, and oyled it with a sort of oyl, and in an instant a formidable darknesse involved us, and we saw pas∣sing in the air, as it were great swarms of knats, not being able to discern directly what likenesse they were of, we desired the Ma∣gician he would stay them, and ask these Demons or hags whither they went with such celerity; then renewing the fumigations and muttering I know not what incantations betwixt the teeth, we saw as 'twere swarms of Ants, which removing on his command, in imagination we saw the form of a body covered with linnen, with∣out being able to distinguish more: but this Phantasme drawing near us, such horrour seized us, that for my part the hair of my head so started up, that it threw my cap on the ground, and strait a most loathsom stink, as 'twere of carrion, filled the room: this thing gabbled something which the Magician understood, and told us he learnt by these demons there was a battaile at hand, to be fought by the king of Barma, and thither they were travelling, to receive the souls of the slaughtered, that they had crossed a Sea of darknesse and horrour, and the confines of a land where the Sun never shone, nor Creature lived, and things of the like kind which this man related.

At last all vanished, leaving a scene of such lovely trees, that from thence-forward we were bewitched with no such un∣lucky ambition to see Diabolicall delusions: But to our busi∣nesse, after many daies travaile we arrived at Bagamidri, where we learnt the rest of our Company, who would not come along with us, stayed for us at Zambera, or Zambre, a gentile Town upon the lake of Zuame. We were thirteen dayes travelling this shore, where we found many villages or hamlets, but few good dwellings:* 1.89 from Zets to Casera which are the best Towns, 'tis three dayes journey, and from Abi∣ari, which is the Bishoprick of St. Abiblicano, three more, and to Cafata four: we had extraordinary rains all this way, which neverthelesse hindered not our journey.

We made five dayes from Cafate to Girat,* 1.90 and two to Gisara in the Province of Ambian: from thence in six dayes we rea∣ched to Samodera a very neat Town betwixt two Rivers, and in two and a half to Cosiana, where we found the Princesse of Bilibranos, with eight Almadies, in whose Company we reached in three dayes to Cabestane, in two more to Ca∣besera, and in a day and a halfe to Ambadara, or Amba∣dora.

From thence we went to Albias or Albian, a small Town, but full stocked with people, here we lodged at a Dragoyan merchants house, who was married there, and he let us want for nothing. At this Town, in the River were abundance of tame ducks, and a number of displumed geese, as likewise most part of the ducks were, the rest frizeled, which caused a laughter amongst us; to see these poor birds so ill apparelled, which some of the Town observing, and amongst them some of the Consuls or Ma∣gistrates themselves called the Abiari, they told us, when these should come to our table, they would bring us a double pleasure both in eating and sleeping, and at last we understood 'twas usual to pull their fowle alive to stuffe their beds with the fea∣thers, making little cases of tender Osiers, which stuft with feathers, compose a very easie lodging, then for the meat 'tis both wholsom and delicate: for this purpose they fleece them twice a year: Sheep they have in abundance, which are of ad∣mirable increase, bringing young ones two or three times a year, and very often two at a fall. They constantly coat them un∣der covert by night, holding for certain that the two stars which predominate in these parts in June and July, which the Indians call Zobana,* 1.91 rising in the East, are mortiferous to their cattle: they have a custom they teach their heards to feed so as they turn their heads from them as they passe by.

In this Town of Abbiar we had good entertainment for no∣thing, all upon the Princes account; But wheresoever we came we distributed some grains of salt, which is very acceptable in those Countries, as indeed throughout the whole Empire of Preste John, being in effect their most currant money, for that is ready truck for any thing.

In this place we staid two dayes, at the instance of the Magi∣strates and others of Quality, and left our Almadies and goods in charge with some of our company, to take the way to A∣mina, and so upon a branch of the Tecassin, visit the Town of Saba or Soba. We made it about nine miles before we arrived at Amina, by a road carassed with the sweetest folliage in the world, that is of dates, citrons and oranges, which grow there to a very great harvest. The fields are full stocked with cattle of all kinds, and wild poultrey, leaving their eggs upon the earth, which the shepherds and others will not stoop for: we had good sport to catch these fowls wherein no one hath propri∣ety; amongst them some have combs like cocks, and many other kinds there are.

At Amena, which is a pleasant Town, there we agreed with a man to furnish us with two Bungi, or barks, to carry us to Saba and back again. The Bungi are little close boats like the Gondolaes of Venice, toed by two Bibaries which are small bulls trained to it, who go a constant trot. We went off in the

morning and breakfasted above ten leagues off, by reason of the swiftnesse of our Bibari.

This branch of Tacassin is much about the rate of the ditch or channel of Pisa at Liuorne; but towards Amina it runs soberly e∣nough, where fish is plenty and cheap, as all other necessaries, by reason of the fertility of the Countrey in all things. The whole Island or Countrey of Saba, called by the Natives Ma∣guedan, or Soba, is environed with two large Rivers, Sabalete and Morabo, washed with the Tecassin, who runs thither to joyn with Nile, of large extent, very populous and fertile. The Inhabitants are Christians, except some strangers of severall Religions, there being liberty of conscience, and freedom to enjoy their own Temples. There came in our company a man and his wife in a boat of his own, both decently habited, he wore a large two-corner'd cap of Chamlett: many discourses passed betwixt us, his wife being very reserv'd and discreet in her husbands presence, but in his absence more free and jolly.

The evening brought us to a fair Town called Salete or Ca∣leta, a different from that which is 'twixt Barra and Barua,* 1.92 be∣ing 300. leagues distant from one another: we landed in a spaci∣ous place, much resembling the Tambou of Peru, one house being reserv'd for entertainment of strangers, where we beheld many gardens of pleasure, and amongst the rest one appertaining to the Prince of Sabalete, who is as 'twere Vice-roy, or Governour of the Countrey. This garden in my judgement was the most pleasant I ever saw in any place, full of all sorts of trees, fruit trees and o∣thers, with Bird-cages, and trees bearing berries for the birds.* 1.93 Thence we went to dine at Saba, where we staid some time, as well to view the Town, as for our small commerce and traffick.

CHAP. XVI. Of the Queen of Saba, and the kingdome of Caraman.

THe Town of Saba or Soua, and Soba and Sabin, is not the same which is in the Isle of Meroe, near the 15. or 16. degree beyond the line, whereas this is onely in the 7. or 8. Some will have it the Queen of Saba came from hence, others from the Saba in Meroe, others from that in Arabia. This Queen, by name Ma∣cheda, or Nictoeris and Nicaula, and with the Arabians, Belchis, they have it that she went from Saba to Mazua, a port upon the red Sea, that she went from thence to Mount Sina, and thence in eight daies to Hierusalem, that she presented Salomon with gold, silver, aromaticks, precious woods, and the true

natural Balsome so much ever since esteemed, growing onely in the gardens of Jericho. That she had one Son by Salomon, whose name was Melilec, from whom the Kings of Ethiopia are derived to this very age; That Judaisme was at that time planted in Ethi∣opia, whence 'twas afterwards driven in Candaces time, when the Christian faith was established: but till then 'tis probable it kept footing there, in that the Eunuch belonging to Queen Candace or Judith, was travelling to Jerusalem, to adore, when he was con∣verted by Saint Philip; and indeed they retain still many Jewish ceremonies, as I said before.

There are those who recount several things of the Queen Saba, which savour of the Talmud fables, and the ragings of the Rab∣bins, as her having intelligence how Salomon was building the Temple, she made a visit to him with a numerous train, a multi∣tude of Cammels, Elephants, Mules, and other beasts of burthen, carrying great treasures. That she travers'd Nubia, Cansila, Dala, and Tamatas, and arriving in the lower Egypt, she dismissed her Cavalry, as incapable to travail the Deserts, and crossing the red sea, landed at Ziden a Port in Meca, came to Medina, and thence to Sina, and in forty five dayes journy upon the Deserts to Palestine, that being to passe over a river, upon a piece of timber, being informed by the prophetick spirit what it was, she chose ra∣ther to wade through the water in her clothes, then set her foot upon that wood, wherein the Maker of the Universe for us, should consummate his death and Passion, and how of this beam then buried in the ground, was afterwards fram'd the Crosse on which our Saviour suffered; and many other things of like mettle they relate; which they say come to them by tradition.

Of Candace they say more, she built the first Church in Ethio∣pia, by the Title of S. Mary of Sion, and that the sacred Table of the Altar was brought from thence. But reverting to Saba, the ayre is temperate, and the soyle exceeding fruitful, loaded with Oranges and Lemons, and covered with birds of game. They are a good natur'd people, kind and civill, of long life, and not subject to many maladies; and 'tis not improbable these are the Ethiopian Macrobees so much celebrated by the Ancients for Longaevity. They delight in good horses, and chiefly in those brought from Persia and Arabia, which they esteem the best of the world. They affect to go handsomely apparelled, wearing two corner'd hats of Chamlet lin'd with cloth of cotton or silk, their garments long, their doublets and hose of the Mariners cut, like them of Goa. The women are decently dressed in silk, their face open, with little round bonnets exquisitely wrought; at the crown whereof, which is slit, comes out a lock of their hair, deck'd with gemmes; of pearls they wear abundance, especially the No∣bility; others wear a vaile of linnen over their face. They have an hearb they call Amatura, which makes the best Carnation and

Nacar dye in the world, and being washed, becomes an excel∣lent crimson which never loses colour. The town in prospect may be aptly said like Tauris. Directly over against it on the other side the river, stand two other towns and a spacious Village. The kingdome of Saba is stor'd with many other good towns, as Ma∣drara, Ambadarae or Ambadora, Mathida or Machada, Betma∣ria, Madraneli or Manadelli, and others of great trade, the people Christians, of devotion enough, but with some mix∣ture of Judaisme. They worship Saints, but above all the bles∣sed Virgin, and when the Angelical salutation, or Ave Maria is rung, the Prince, if he be on horse-back descends to say the prayer on his knees, otherwise he should be mulcted. They have a Legend of a Paralitick, who being on horse-back, and hearing the Bell ring, without excuse presently alighted, and was cured; whereupon he became a Monk of S. Abiblicanus gi∣ving all his wealth to the poor. 'Tis death to blaspheme the name of God or the blessed Virgin, and all both men and women, as they are generally addicted to labour, while they work sing pious songs to cheer them. Curtesans and publick Harlots are there expressely prohibited, and severely punished. A Shooma∣ker seeing one who was very beautiful, (for lewdnesse) led to punishment, took her to wife, and saved her, for which he had a general applause of all men, and she ever after lived vertuously and modestly during her matrimony. They bear great honour to the Crosse, and salute it on their knees, as oft as they finde one on the high way, insomuch as one shall scarce see a Crosse without divers kneeling about it: When a Church, Chappel, or Oratory is to be erected, they ring the Gadapi, which means the bell of cha∣rity, the bell made of baked clay, and the clapper of wood, which calls them together; and a Calsena declares the necessity of the structure, to which they make a general voluntary contribution. I have seen the very principal Ladies along the river, carry, two and two, the necessaries to it, as Stones, Lime, Sand, and other ma∣terials, which some will carry on their heads. The Princesse her self leads the way on such occasions, and all the other Ladies fol∣low her example. The men likewise do their parts, and in cer∣tain stations stand religious persons, with musical instruments to recreate the Lady-taskers; on the other side 'tis the Princes part to provide fruits and other refreshments for them, with tables set here and there, furnished with all sorts of diet, and wine of honey in large hornes, for they seldom use other wine, except some of Dates; wine of the vine being forbidden by Law to all whatsoever. In this town is the Church of S. Mary of Sion, of which I spoke before, which they will have to be the first in Chri∣stendom, built by the Queen of Saba, wherein they deceive them∣selves; there being more probability, 'twas the Queen Candace, or some other after her: for in the dayes of Salomon, and long

after, there was no Temple but that of Jerusalem, whither they resorted from all parts, to the services and sacrifices at certain so∣lemn feasts. There are 300. Debeteres or Cannons belonging to this Church: There is likewise a stately Palace for the Tribunal Justice called the Macabate, where they judge the Processe, and Appeal to Tigray, whereon they depend; the Province being tri∣butary to the kingdome of Tigray. The Town of Saba or Soba is properly upon that Nile which comes from Zaire, for the other branch called Tecassin, or Tagazzi, descends from the Lake Baret∣na in high Ethiopia, and they joyn about Ermita. From Saba, be∣fore we went aboard, we had a desire to go see the Town of Cara∣man, the Seigniory whereof confines upon Gianamora, or Giana∣mara towards the East and North, towards the South upon the Kingdom of Cauas, and on the West upon the Province of Sieto, which touches upon Nubia.

Here is a Church dedicated to the sacred Virgin, which is one of the most famous in the country, for that by exquisite artifice 'tis cut out of the natural rock. Candaces Eunuch is said to be the Founder of it. Within we saw thirteen Domes or Niches excellently wrought with fine columns, and drawing near the Altar in one of the Niches, the picture of the Virgin with her in∣fant Jesus crowned, and a crescent at his feet, then in the middle of the Church the figure of a Bird, signifying the Holy Ghost, without any either image or figure in the whole Church: The Ni∣ches made Seats for the Priests, in representation of the thirteen Apostles. They have many Sects amongst them. The chiefe Pre∣late wore a long garment close girt to him, at which is fastened a picket capouch. The man shewed much gravity and Majesty, and stood amazed when he saw us on our knees before the image of the Virgin, whereof he desired to know the reason. But as there were but few amongst them of the ancient religion, so omit they not to sing the Prime, the third, the sixt, and other Canoni∣cal houres, singing the Psalmes standing, Interjecting many sen∣tences, and prophane ceremonies. They much rejoyced at our devotion to the blessed Virgin, and began to cry out with great joy, Anderi, behold people of the farthest point of the world of our religion, then shewing them our Primmers with some pictures in them, they could not contain from kissing our garments, wel∣coming us with such profound humility, that in tendernesse we melted tears.

* 1.94The Prince of the place having heard of us, and that we were entertained by these Priests, conceived well of us, and imagined we were Priests, travailing towards Saba in Meroe, to visit the chaire of a holy Prophet of the great God Magoura, which they hold to be the Chaire Saint John Baptist preached in, by them called Nabi Asista, and the Robe King David danced in before the Ark, preserved as a venerable Relick, with a ring presented,

as they say, by Salomon to the Queen of Saba, a very splendid one, and seems like a burning coale.

Now being lodged in the Priests apartment, he entertained us with excellent fare, variety, and well-dressed, but the first dish seemed strange to us, for 'twas flesh raw, seasoned with spices; 'twas of no ill taste, but rather procuring appetite; then we were served with all sorts of good meat. At this feast many came to accompany us, and I suppose every one brought in a share, for the people understanding us to be of their religion, used us with great kindnesse, and as we came out of the Church, kissed our garments, and presented us with birds of divers kinds, for which we shew∣ed a gratitude, but accepted nothing.

While we were at Supper, we had every one an Inhabitant sitting by him with a cup of Date wine in his hand, others waiting to fill again when occasion was, and not one of those who sate with us eat a bit, but sate onely to entertain us. More we observed, that in all the meats, there was not one bone, but so neatly ordered, one could not perceive how they were taken out. There was no fruit for the last, though they have great abundance; but Plates full of little fryed cakes, like fritters, to which none of us had any great stomack, yet to comply with them, every one took one for a taste onely, but for my part I liked them so well, that two dousins scarce served my turn. After supper a great concourse came in to look up∣on us, and some amongst them modestly desired me to shew them my Primmer, for a picture of the blessed Virgin which was in it, which I did, and they took it, and shrunk away so in the throng, I could never hear more of it.

After this they brought us to our lodging, our beds were mats,* 1.95 and Bernusse instead of sheets.

That night we slept very well, and on the morrow we went to hear their Church-service: where there was an extraordinary con∣gregation. We sung a Salve before the Image of the Virgin, and interpreted the signification to them, wherewith they were extremely edified, weeping for joy to see and hear us, and learnt by heart what we had taught them, for they are a very docile people, and proclive to Religion.

CHAP. XVII. Of some particular Towns in Ethiope, visited by the Authour in his Peregrination.

HAving stayed there some few dayes we returned back to Al∣biar, where we found our company, with our Almadies and goods, then together we held our course upon the Nile for three dayes journey, meeting neither with Town nor Village of any importance, but we saw abundance of Cattle, Bufflers, Cam∣mels, and a sort of Goats, which have hair soft and delicate, as white silk, then steecelesse sheep; others all white but the head: Swine of extraordinary greatnesse, which quietly carry boyes who guide them, and travell them like horses; but for Apes and Monkies, 'tis incredible what number and variety there is in those parts, besides many other Specieses of beasts un∣known to us.

The third day we passed by a corner of a wood, which is in the famous desert of Goran, whereof we had the prospect fifteen days before. There we found Tortoises of such prodigious great∣nesse, they will travel with a man upon them. The fourth day we came to a gentile town called Camissan, where amongst other sin∣gularities; their women are of extraordinary beauty, who enter∣tained us with many kindnesses, and the more freely, because there were but few men in town, the greatest part being in the Princes attendance, who at that time made a new entrance into Casila, another Province upon the Nile. Then we came to Cassoudra three leagues from thence, where there is a Colledge, and a School of the Syriack language, which the Mahometans of Dalascia, as sub∣jects to the Negus, are obliged to maintain for their tribute; at night we went to bed at Baza, and were exceedingly molested with knats or cousins, by reason of a little coppice of Cassia, by which we came, and after that by another of Orange trees, which kept us company as far as Baza. These knats breed in the fruit of the Cassia trees, which is sweet, and falling upon the ground soon corrupts, as I said in another place, speaking of Arabia.

From Baza we made three dayes to Hermita, a pretty town, only one mile distant from Nile, which comes not to it, because the Channel is choaked up.

The scituation is very pleasant, standing in a thicket of Orange and Lemon trees: there again we saw those huge Tortoises, which men ride on, and 'tis a wonderful thing of those creatures, they, their heads cut off, will live four or five dayes, retaining their blood, as we several times experienced.

On the morrow, holding on our journey, we came to lodge at Fougira, which stands in a wood of Orange trees, that perfumes the air with a sweet odour. There we saw Archers so excellent they will shoot as directly as a Gunner: and they told of one that set an apple upon his sons head, and shot it off with an arrow: we went to see the Governour of the Town, who was lately married to a wealthy Lady; and having made our respects to him, he had little regard of us, wherewith we were no more satisfied, than we were with his Physiognomy, which was very ill-favoured, but well matched with his Ladies. We spent most part of the night to see the devices and sports the people made, in honour of their Governours nuptials to delight his spouse. Leaving Fougira we went to Fougiara to bed, a small but a pleasant Town, having all the day had a violent storm at our back, and happy it was our Almadies were well covered; but here befell us a sad misfortune through the fault of the steers-man, for holding too close to shore, a torrent of water from this deluge of rain falls upon the open part of the vessel, with such weight and force, that in an instant we were all under water, and all our gold, silver, and mer∣chandize lost, with our Interpreter, and two servants. 'Twas a most deplorable thing to see a shipwrack so near the land. Yet I had notwithstanding the good fortune to save a woman, who with her husband came aboard with us for Casiane, but with this I had the hard fate, that by preserving her I lost a little pannier of the chiefest curiosities I had, which was a losse of importance to me, and much grieved the good woman, since it happened upon her occasion, so as she beg'd of her husband to take it into consi∣deration, and to give me something in recompense when we came to Carsiane; but he who was a subtle companion gave me good words, which produced nothing. The truth, is in this mischance, if we had not been relieved by another Almadie, we had all been cast away, besides that the shore is infested with robbers, and beasts of prey, as Lions, Tigars and others.

'Tis true the Lions here are not altogether so dangerous, for they will not meddle with a man except they be first assaulted: but the Tigars are bloody and ravenous of mans flesh, so as if they once compasse a man he is lost, venturing upon horsemen them∣selves, giving most stupendous leaps and assaults, yea they will fear∣lesse break into the midst of a troop of horse. By night we got to Fougiara, where we had a good supper provided, but we could eat nothing for the terrour our late danger had left in us, and the affliction for our great losse, but for the men above all: For the Sieur de la Courb lost a servant that had serv'd him twenty years, besides a thousand Spanish doublons, and a pound of pearles, by estimation of great value, with great store of other rich commo∣dities and curiosities. Notwithstanding 'twas our duty to embrace all with patience, with praises to God that preserved our persons,

and in this misfortune the Sieur de la Courb had a bason full of gold, of Pepitas, (as the Spaniard calls them) or seeds given him by one of the Lords in our travaile, which was in another Almadie with the rest of his people, and now stood us in good stead. On the morrow we went to Carsiane, and lodged at her house who was saved when our bark was lost, she made us a free entertain∣ment, and upon her account we were visited by all the principall of the Town. There we rested our selves two daies, and the good woman in acknowledgement of her obligation, thought no treaty sufficient for me, taking so much care for me that next morning she brought me a clean shirt, and gave me other presents as she was able, amongst the rest, a peice of very sine cloth of Calicut to make me shirts. Thence we went to Saraboma or Saraboesun, that so famous Island, which the Ancients called Meroe, and now Caeguere, be∣tween the line and the Tropick.

Some say 'twas originally called Saba, and took the name of Meroe from a sister of Cambyses king of Persia. This Island is em∣braced by the two arms of Nile, the one anciently called Astaboras the other Astupus, or Astusapes, which is on the west side. Saraboma standing betwixt two rivers like Saba, is quite hidden in trees very pleasantly. There we saw not so much as one Trades-man, or pub∣lick shop, but every man in his own house works by himself. The greatest part spin wool or silk, and dames of the best quality make stuffs of silk. In brief, they all work except those of base repute. They are a people of honest and religious life, where there is not a Malefactor, nor a person in the hands of justice, no Lawyers, nor no Pettyfoggers. They celebrate Masse after the Georgian rites, with some ceremonies of the Jew or Abissine. Through all the churches they say but one Masse a day, as through the rest of all E∣thiopia, and all, men, women, girls and infants, must hear every day one: there cannot be a people better, nor more devout.

They generally observe lent, and the greater part fast it entirely. They give the Communion to sucking infants, use extream austeri∣ties, are of very reserved life, timorous to offend God in the least, grounding themselves on the words of the Evangelist, who saith, Hardly shall the just man be saved.

From thence we passed by many habitations of tents, composed in the form of Tremisen, or Ducalia, where throughout, the peo∣ple were very large of person, and stoutly armed, and waited on with fierce dogs. Then we travailed five dayes, not meeting with any Town but Guelba, a place inconsiderable: nor durst we lodge there for fear of some injury, but lay in our barks. As we passed a∣long, we enquired stil of the Country-men if they saw by the banks the bodies of any drowned men, but in vain, for we could learn no tidings. The fifth day we came to a fair Town called Essere, in the same Isle of Meroe, seated on a soyle covered with dates, oranges, and other fruit trees. They have likewise Coloquintida, but make

no account of it. We had sight of a wild Rhinocerot, that was cros∣sing a thick wood, that with breaking the boughs as he went made the woods ring, afterwards we saw the female follow him. The peo∣ple of the Country venture not to destroy them, for that he is so dangerous, and his natural armour impenetrable.

From Essere we made towards Bigan, having taken in provision because we had four dayes journey thither. The way is something dangerous by reason of certain Cafies, assassines who murther the passengers, and live onely upon pillage.* 1.96 There they call them Tam∣matans, because they are of the kingdom of Tamatas: They can subsist three or four dayes together, without eating any more then a little butter, and two dates a day: They are of a large size by a good span taller than the ordinary, but very megre and lean, and they never lie down.

As we passed we saw vaste Countries but few inhabitants, ex∣cept some shepherds. But before we arrived at Bigan, we came to a great hamlet, called Carfouran, where we went on shore to refresh and recreate a little: There we bought a barrel of wine of honey, which barrel was made of a cane of one piece, all but the ends. They have of these barrels that are wonderful large; towards the West we saw a great field covered over with capers, of which they make little account: we boiled a young calf, which they gave us, I think, for fear we should do them some harm, seeing us go in company, and well appointed, and every where we took passes of the Princes and Lords.

Neverthelesse, when we came away we gave them some few dragmes, which are little square pieces of silver, currant all along Nile up into high-Egypt, and are taken by weight. Thence we came at night to Bigan, and we neglected not as soon as we landed, to go visit the Governour, whom they call the Basira; we shewed him the Negus's pasports, which with great ce∣remony in token of reverence he laid upon his head, shewed us great kindnesses, and invited us to supper.

He sent us to our lodging four great hornes of date-wine, exceeding strong and searching; for drinking it without water one would think himself on fire, and I believe it passes through some distillatory: We kept it to take in mornings in the manner of strong-water. We returned the Governour some sweet-meats in exchange, which were very acceptable, and he gave us besides certain birds which are good meat, in Province we call them Fransons, with six turkeys, and four white partridges. Departing from Bigan we came in one day as far as Casima, directly over against the desert of Goran, which lies on the East and South of it.

This was a day of great pleasure to us, passing still by Lawrels and other sorts of lovely and wholsom fruit-trees, and meeting with many Towns and hamlets, where they have horses in abundance:

We saw there a great troop of Munkies passing by a lake in the middle of a Plain, and a Gentleman fishing with Hawkes, which took great store of good fish, and carried them to their Master. The sight of this fishing retarded us above an houre, though we had seen the like in several places in India. When the people saw we were delighted with their sport, they brought us a good part of their fish, as Eels, Trouts, Carps, and Barbels, and we returned them two fine horns excellently wrought, full of Date wine. They walked by us upon the River Bank, and desired us we would stay and drink with them, mean while one of them wrote a note to the Lord of Casima, whereupon when we were arrived, he or∣dered us very noble accommodation, sent us divers sorts of fruits, and a dozen of rabbets black and white; exceeding small, but of excellent taste. With great courtesie, he offered us any thing we had use of, and on the morrow, he invited us to dinner in his garden called the Motochon, which word is vulgar Greek, though used in Nubia. This garden was made at the Princes charge with great art, full of abundance of trees, graffed with several kindes one above another, which to the eye is delightful to see several va∣riety upon the same stock, as amongst others two several sorts of figs. The like I have seen in the Isle of Chio, and at Zaure, at the Convent of S. Francis, for there on the one side I have seen fruit ripening, on the other side fruit decayed and rotten, out of which corruption, certain knats take life, which immediately go and peck the others, which makes them presently perish, which otherwise would endure for ever, an admirable thing in nature, neverthelesse most true. There were besides certain trees which bear nuts as bigge as Estridge egges, full of cotton, as fine as silke.

There were other sorts of fruit which I never saw but there, and one amongst the rest, leav'd like the Siccamore, with fruit like the golden apple, but no gall more bitter, and within five ker∣nels as big as Almonds, the juyce whereof is sweet as sugar, be∣twixt the shell and the nut there growes a thick skin of Carnation colour, which taken before it be throughly ripe, they preserve with Date-vinegar,* 1.97 and makes an excellent sweet meat, which they present to the King as a great curiosity. Another tree bears of the finest sort of Lacque for Painters. Also they sow here Ori∣ent Auil or Indico, an hearb that makes a dye of great price; whereof they make great traffick, and profit.

Besides, they have another grain from which they draw an ex∣cellent oyle, beyond that of Cinamon, which they use for restorati∣on of the spirits. Then they have a tree like a Pomegarnat, which bears a most soveraign balme, as I have had the experience: for I brought one of these nuts from thence, which I had of this Go∣vernour in truck for a Turquese, wherewith I did great cures amongst my friends.

I should never conclude if I should write but half the curiosi∣ties of this garden, where there is a collection of all the Oriental singularities: But that which seemed of all most rare and artifi∣cial, was two hands of transparent Marble at the Fortal, which held a bow bent; when any one knock't at the gate, the hands dis∣charged arrowes upon them, but the arrovves had no piles, and the danger vvas not great: all this done by springs dexterously set on vvork. The beauty and excellence of this garden stay'd us tvvo vvhole dayes here in contemplation of the rarities.

In fine, we took our leave of this worthy Lord, whom they cal∣led Lebetera, and bent our course for Misan, through which vve vvere to enter Nubia, a kingdom vvhich confronts the Deserts of Goran, Egypt, Ganga, and Borno, the bounds of Preste Johns Em∣pire, vvhich confines on that side on Nubia and Egypt.

We crossed many countries in a short space, because Nile is more rapid and svvift here then in any other part, for having reunited all his vvaters, and meeting sometimes vvith open plain coun∣tries, vvhere he spreads himself at length and breadth, some∣times vvith rocks and mountains, vvhich gird and straighten him, he cannot so properly be said to glide or run, as to precipitate himself headlong, with falls that make such noyse, it deafens the people round about. There are the Cataracts so celebrated in antiquities, the great and the lesse, not far above the ancient Townes, Elephantina, and Siena, or Asna.

CHAP. XVIII. A prodigious History of a young Abissin Prince, by name Joel, by enchantment transformed into an Ape.

AS we passed along Nile in our Bark, entertaining the day with various discourses, one shewed me a book of many prodigi∣ous histories, and amongst others, this of Prince Joel, of whom I had heretofore heard at Pegu, where the story is represented in a Tapistry of the Kings, after this manner. In Janamira a Province of Ethiopia, there lived a Prince called Rostan Sofar, otherwise Fafarin, who by a first wife had a son named Alarin Sofar, but usually called Joel; and by a second wife two, Aman Sofar and another whose name I know not. Not long before his death, he made his will, and left to Joel his eldest sonne, his principial do∣minion, and all his treasure; betwixt the other two, he divided the rest of his dominions. The guardian-ship of young Joel, he committed to a friend, to whom he discovered the place where

the greatest part of his treasure lay hid, which he had inclosed in a stone that was laid in the bowels of a wall. Three dayes after his decease, this friend dyes with grief, so as the treasure, toge∣ther with Joels person, were left in the power of Rostans widow, Joels step-mother: who, ambitious the succession should come to her own children, out of a frantick malice, resolved to send Joel upon a specious pretence, far enough from his Palace, to a sister of hers, a most powerful Magician, who to raze out all remem∣brance of him, should by vertue of charms, transform him to an Ape, giving out that he was lost, and could by no means be heard of.* 1.98 They say the work was executed after this manner. This Sorceresse was blind, but on the Sabbath that darknesse left her, and she could see as others do: a: On a Sabbath day she took Joel with her to sacrifice to Sathan, and do him such homage, as his professed servants use to do. But he refusing to perpetrate such abhominable duties to the Prince of darknesse, she resolved to dispatch him by murther; but again moved to com∣passion by the gracious sweetnesse in his face, she changed her de∣signe. She composed a Bath wherein she put him, and by power of her inchantmens, transformed him to an exceeding pretty, and tractable Ape, superinducing an Apes skin over his humane shape, so abstracting his reason and sence, that little more remained in him then was proportionable to a meer sensual creature, notwith∣standing which a knowledge was something more perfect, though he had not the use of articulate speech, and with a marvellous addresse to render those little services to them of the family, who cherished him, and fancied him exceedingly.

The deplorable Prince lived divers years in this condition, at length he made his escape into the woods, where he suffered great acerbities, and often perplexed with illusions of the devill, but was still assisted by an extraordinary flame of grace, and the vigilancy of his guardian Angell, who for his consolation appear∣ed to him sometimes in the form of a dove, sometimes in some other shapes of like quality. Mean while, it being generally belie∣ved Joel was dead, Aman Sofar his younger brother had possessi∣on of his fathers estate, and enjoyed those wide dominions with∣out contradiction. Upon a time as he progressed with a magnifi∣cent train towards the Province of Dafila; he sate dovvn to re∣fresh himself under a shade, and caused the green bank of a cool fountain to be covered for his table, the pretty Ape being at hand, presented himself before his brother, and addressing him∣self upright upon his feet, by mute expressions seemed to beg some bread. Aman observing the quaintnesse of his dapper guest, with a neat white flaxen beard, soft as silk, and his-body powder'd with Orange colour'd tufts, bad some bread and meat should be given him on a Plate, which before he would touch, he went and washed his hands at the waste of the vvell. Aman vvas so taken

vvith these Mimick civilities, that he gave him drink in his ovvn cup of gold, and entertained him as one of his train, taking him along upon one of his Elephants, 'Tis scarce imaginable hovv di∣ligent and officious this poor creature vvas in their voyage, hunt∣ing for vvater for them, and climbing trees to get them fruits; but 'tvvas observed he would be Cup-bearer to none but his brother.

Aman had married a Lady of high Descent, and besides had a Concubine whose name was Amer, and by both had many chil∣dren. Joel being arrived at Court, failed not to go kisse the hands of all his little nephewes, and Neices, and of his brothers lawfull consort, which he did with so courtly a grace, that Aman laugh∣ing, said, you are very imperfect in your courtship to Ladies, if you complement the children, and forget the mother, upon which hint he immediately tender'd the like respects to the Concubine, he had before performed to the wife. In a word, there was not the least offence of bruitishnesse to be observed in the pretty Al∣singe, for so they named this little Ape, insomuch that he himself in imitation of people would pare his nailes; would still his Ne∣phews when they cryed with plums, and fruit he would have in a corner, did all kind of offices for his brother and sister, except such as were sordid and inferiour, which he left for inferiour Officers.

In Court there liv'd a Lady of Quality, widow to the afore∣mentioned Tutor of Joel, with a most beautiful daughter of thir∣teen or fourteen years of Age called Eugenia, or as others say Ozania, who falling sick, entreated her mother she would desire the Ape of Prince Aman, to be some exhilaration to her with his blan∣dishments he used to shew her when she came to Court to visit the Princesse, which was easily granted. The Ape being brought, as he had been some learned Physician, immediately found the nature of her disease, and presently applyed himself to make her merry: which divertisement betrayed her into the hands of sleep, then he stept back to the Palace to communicate him∣selfe, and play with his little kinsmen, and returned not long after to visit the sick Lady newly waked, stroaking her with his little hands, which had something I know not what of finer make then other creatures of the same Species, as I my selfe observed in the figure I saw at Pegu. By little and little, so firme a friendship grew betwixt Joel and Eugenia, that they could not be asunder, especially the Lady who was astonished to reflect, she should have so strong a passion for an Ape, without knowledge of any cause or ground: That caused her greatest admiration was, that one day paring her nayls, she would needs pare the Alsinges also, and viewing them attentively, she observed some part of them to be co∣vered with a thin skin like that of his armes, which were bet∣ter shap'd, and more solid then his fellows. This put her often

into musings, till sleeping on a night in a vision, she be held a venerable Matron covered with a white vaile, who spake thus. Ozania my daughter, wherefore protract ye to relieve my sonne Joel, who is the selfe-same Ape you so tenderly cherish, reduced to the deplorable estate you see him, by the infernal cru∣elty of a Step-mother.

But as it pleased the Creatour of all things to suffer this trans∣formation, and in this forme to preserve him to this houre; since 'tis Heavens Decree he shall one day be your husband, I re∣commend him to you. Faile not to soak him in a bath of those hearbs I have properly collected for him, and laid them in such a place (she told her where) and you shall see his natural humane form restored him, and he shall be your Spouse, as I have alrea∣dy commanded him, having appeared to him in the same posture and habit you now behold me. And that you may have no sus∣pect of these my words, as soon as you awake, go to such a place of your garden, where you shall find a stone, which you shall break, and within you shall finde a key of Treasure, my hus∣band put into your Fathers hands to keep for Joel. In uni∣ty may you both live long: And with these words she em∣braced and vanished. The Lady affrighted wakes, and with a suddain shreek wakes her mother, who suddainly ranne to know the matter, to whom Eugenia relating her apparition, the Mother soon called Prince Joel to remembrance, how about his nine or ten yeares of age, by the malice of his Mother-in-law, he was lost, no one knew how. Hereupon they both em∣braced the Ape Joel, who had received the same vision, and was as 'twere out of countenance to be so indulged by these Ladies, to whose hands he paid his kisses, but chiefly to his dear and best affected Eugenia.

Together they went then to councel what was to be done in this conjuncture, that they might not be liable to the indigna∣tion of Prince Aman Sophar. The Mother thought best, be∣fore he reassumed his shape by vertue of the intended Bath, that he should return to his brother, and after some dayes of himself get away, and then they would advise of what was to follow; But in the first place they fetched the stone in the gar∣den, and putting it in a strong fire, as they were directed by the vision, it burst, and they found a key, and descending three steps in a little Arch, they found a door, which they open∣ed with the key, and found a great iron chest, with a Masse of Jewels, and Treasure, with some notes of what Joels Father desired after his decease. This done, Ozania's mother led back the Ape to Aman, acknowledging her obligation, for that the Ape had recovered her daughter. Joel then stayed some dayes at Court performing his wonted offices, and application, and as he went one day to gather some fruit for the children, the

peevish Gardener threw a stone at his face, which fetcht some lit∣tle bloud: upon this hurt he presently run away, and was seen no more at Court, for which all were much troubled; Aman caused him to be sought for, but they could find him no where, not with Ozania her self. This while the Ape lay close in a bush, til at night he stole secretly to the Ladies house to his fair Mistresse, who suffered torments for him. There he found the bath in readinesse, and being in it 'twas an admiration to behold how the skin which masked him over, no sooner felt the heat of the water and vertue of the herbs, but it dissolved to nothing like a mist, chased by the wind, or dissipated by the Sun.

They then cloathed the Prince in splendid and rich apparell, and the Ladies entertained and feasted him with an excesse of joy, which he embraced with an affectionate tendernesse, all three weeping for joy of so suddain and unhop'd for a blessing.

The joy was generally through the house, they to whom the secret was undiscovered, supposed him to be some young Lord, kinsman to the Lady who called him Nephew. Then they entred into consultation what course was best, but Prince Joel in the first place, would assure his faith to fair Ozania, to whom he promised solemn Matrimony in fit time and place. After this they perused seriously the Testament of Prince Rostan Sofar, father to Joel, who in preference of Joel, had disposed him all his treasure, and the dominion of Chasubir. To his second Son he had given the Seniory of Sanat, and other Territories, with other subsequent disposals.

All this they found signed and ratified by their Soveraign Lord and Emperour, the Grand Negus, for they found diverse letters, many rich presents, amongst which a cimeter with curious hangers. Now Christians of the Ethiopian rites, they celebrate the marriage 'twixt Joel and Eugenia in the open Church. And after some dayes of felicity, they were of advice, that before he discovered himself to Aman Sofar his best way would be to make his addresse to the Emperour of the Abissins, that by his authority he might have restitution made him of the estate and treasure left him by the last will and disposition of his Father, possessed for so long time by his Brother.

In prosecution of this resolve, he took his voyage in an ample and magnificent equipage, and came to Barra, where the Court then lay, then having erected his Pavillions he advanced to the Palace gate, and having caused the trumpets sound according to custom, two principall Noblemen conducted him to the Princes presence, where plac'd on his knees, in few words he delivered the story of his fortunes.

The Emperour with extream wonder called him to remem∣brance, how he was lost in his youth, and that rumour went,

his Mother-in-law had caused him to be strangled and cast into a River; how she had been called to Court, to answer these accu∣sations, and could hardly justifie her self.

Prince Joel brought most rich Presents to his Majesty, in a vessel of gold, amongst the rest, a delicate Clock with weights to it, a most rich collar with a stone inchased, of admirable vertue to stanch bloud, as was experienc'd upon a goat, which they wound∣ed in three severall places, and not a drop of bloud issued. The Emperour received Joel and his Presents with indulgements, and desired his Lady who was come in company with him should visit the Queen, who received her with exceeding kindnesses. The Emperour was seated on a Throne, under a Canopy, with large curtains, called there a Mandilate.

Princesse Ozania presented the Queen with chains of corrall, a crosse of rich Rubies, a Chrystall looking-glasse, set in a fine Emerald, and other beautifull presents out of the Treasury of Joels father.

The customary Ceremonies of the presents performed, the Emperour at the request of Joel, dispatched a Calsena, to summon Aman Sofar to come answer the matter at Court, which strangely amazed him, both for the demande and re-appearance of his brother Joel, whom he thought dead long before.

Notwithstanding to Court he came with all diligence, and found the Negus removed many dayes journey from the place, where Joel found him at first, for the Court resides not above three daies in one place, by reason of the numerous train which followes the Prince, and at that time was in the Province of Gi∣anamora, a Countrey of Mahometans, who were in rebellion for their imposts or customs. Assoon as Aman arrived, he pitched his Tents, and before he presented himself to the Emperour, enqui∣red for Joels quarter, who having intelligence of his arrivall, though the elder Brother prevented him with a visit, and knew him exactly, whereas the other had not of him the least know∣ledge: Neverthelesse at first sight, as right bloud cannot dissem∣ble, he saw his Fathers face in Joel's, and his heart melting, he fell at his knees, and wept. Joel raised him up, kissed him, and with mutuall embraces gave demonstration of joy and affection, then supped together.

Supper ended, Aman with exemplar deference assured his Bro∣ther he ambitioned not to detain any thing from him that apper∣tained to him, but preferring his love before all worldly wealth, since by divine providence he was returned, after so long an ab∣sence, wherein all gave him lost, with a free heart he surrendred all he possessed into his hands, beseeching he would have conside∣ration on him and his children.

Joel embraced him upon the same, and told him he would

share so with him, that he should rest content, and he desired to live with him in peace and amity: Then shewed him his Fathers Testament, which was to regulate them both, wherewith Aman was exceedingly satisfied, onely he had a little regret for his Brothers matching with Ozania as inferiour to his quality, beside that he had an opinion she used some surprizall or art to gain his brother; for the present neverthelesse he dissembled it, especially upon Joels relating the history of his life and trans∣formation, and recovery of his form, manifesting the obligation he had to this good Lady was so great, he could do no lesse than marry her daughter.

Hereupon they resolved to go together to the Palace, through the middle of the Army or Court, which is ranked in Pavillions, as a fair strong Town in streets and publick places.

Then with accustomed ceremony they tendered their reverence to the Emperour, to whom they signified the agreement and ami∣cable accommodation betwixt them, wherewith he was exceed∣ingly pleased; and looking on the sword by Joels side, he told him he knew it to be the sword he heretofore sent his Father, and if he would employ it in his service, he should lose neither time nor la∣bour. Then he called for two battle-axes for horsemen of an ex∣cellent temper, and perfection, enriched with precious stones, in scabbards of silver guilt, then drawing them out, told them he de∣sired they would both keep them in remembrance of him, and that at the Palace gate stood two horses ready sadled, which he gave them, and exhorted them to live in peace and fraternall love. The Negus gave moreover to Joel, in requital of his Presents, two Ele∣phants loaded with Matirals, a kind of silver money not stamp'd in Ethiopia, for there they make no sort of coin: one of which Joel gave to his brother, together with the burthen. Likewise the Em∣press when Ozania or Eugenia came to receive her dismission, pre∣sented her a chain of fair pearls, of an exceeding size, and a pair of ear-pendants, of rubies which to the eye were two coals of fire.

Having parted with the Court they sent all their baggage by land, to return the same way they came, and went them∣selves to Vangot, and thence upon Zambre, cut their voyage shorter by the half.

At their arrivall Joel was welcomed with the joy and ac∣clamations of all the Countrey, and Aman surrendred into his hands all that he possessed of his till that time, and reti∣red to those Seniories that were allotted him: And Joel had by Ozania two sons, Gabriel and Aman, who succeeded after his death.

Here ye have the Tragie-Comedie, I mean the deplo∣rable and afterwards happie adventures of Prince Joel, who during his Apes life suffered all sorts of miseries, seek∣ing his Victuals with a thousand hazards and troubles, often

brought to events the last, with hunger, thirst, cold and heat, wandring through forrests and deserts, often exposed to the ma∣lice of weather, but more to the malice of men, who proclaim a most mortall war against these creatures, for spoyling gardens, pil∣laging their trees before the fruit be ripe, and committing many outrages on their poultry, connies, and domestick fowl, for which cause they pursue them with stones, bows, and guns: So as he was forced to use his best providence and dexterity to evade these in∣conveniences: and told his Mother-in-law Isania, he was often constrained to live on rats, moles, mice, snakes, worms, and other vermine, to prevent dying for hunger.

Isania enjoying now a perfect tranquillity, took great delight to hear the particulars of the afflicted life her Son led during his transformation, and captivity. This life being properly a most cruell slavery, when Magicians shall have power to transform a humane body, contrary to his consent and will. And indeed he affirmed, it often brought him into strange despairs, even to cast himself from some precipice. So as one day being in this furious resolution, another huge black Ape came to him, and leading him to a dark deep well, perswaded him to leap into it, but terrified with the vacuity and darknesse, he retired; then a pure white bird came to him, who freed him from this temp∣tation, and led him to a place where he found a pocket full of bread to satisfie his hunger. Again he related, how following on a time a beast he saw at some distance, it brought him at length to an assembly of people of all sexes and ages, dancing to musick with their faces outwards: amongst the rest he saw a nurse of his, who bestowed a garment on him, for then he conceived he was returned to his pristine shape of man. That in the midst of all this he saw a Beare to whom all these people made adoration, and that the nurse perswaded him to do the like, assuring him this Lord was infinitely power∣full, and could restore him to his estate and dominions, and give him all sorts of content and pleasure, upon condition he would do him homage as others did. But as a Christian, he had a horrour of it.

In apprehension he saw Tables brought in, and covered with all sorts of dainties, whereof they all eat, and he amongst the rest, but thought the meat very ill dressed, and of an unsa∣voury taste. In the end all vanished, and he staid behind like an Ape as before, and in a vast solitude, whence he had much dif∣ficulty to get forth.

Telling this story, dame Isania much admired to hear that Joels nurse who was her kinswoman should frequent Magicians Sabbaths, and resolved to search the truth. Whereupon they went to visit her, for she lived not farre off, and found 'twas truth, as the poor wretch confessed her selfe;

and Joel was of such abilities, that by argument and eloquence, he reduced her to the right way, leaving that life of abomination, and went to S. Mary of Sion, one of the most celebrated Churches of Ethiopia, the chief residence of their Abuma or Patriarch, of whom with penance and contrition, she received absolution, and was exorcised together with a son of hers, whom she had seduced to this accursed sodality.

Her neighbours adde, that there were about her certain marks where her flesh was insensible of pinching or piercing, as we re∣port of our witches here, which shews the devil is every where the same. In summe, their memorials in particular relate this sto∣ry of Joel for a truth, which I had also by relation from the people.

'Tis no small difficulty, how these transformations can be made by the work of the devil; for though sacred history mention the like of the Babylonian Emperour, that was done by the plenipo∣tentiary power of the Almighty, and if the devil do the like,* 1.99 'tis but by meer illusion, or by applying Actives to Passives, and this no further then he hath permission from his soveraign Master, who executes his just and secret judgements, how, and when he pleases.

We have plenty of examples both ancient and modern of An∣thropolychi, or men turned to Wolves, whether really, or in ap∣parance only by distracted fancies, which doubtlesse is the ordi∣nary way Magicians transform themselves into several sorts of beasts: and these Anthropolychi have been known to come into Villages, and divers women and children have been murthered by them, and that their teeth were short like a mans. I my selfe was present, when my associate Cassis apprehended himself trans∣formed to an horse at Transiana.

In reference to what I have said, I remember at the great Caire, I saw a Jugler or Magician rather, by name Harafit, who had an Asse would do strange and supernatural feats, and many opinion'd 'twas a young man so chang'd to get money, which they call Ca∣rabit, and the beast understood both the word and the matter very well.

For my part I thought him to be some reasonable creature, or at least some beast possessed and agitated by a Demon; for amongst other things he had judgement to distinguish the fairest woman in the company, though they go all as 'twere masked and covered with an Huke that hides their face, and a thousand other tricks, far beyond what I saw of the famous horse Morace at Paris, long agoe.

Some would go further, and have it to be the Magicians own proper son: so as the Clark of our ship, another, and my self, out of curiosity would needs go see this Mountebank at his station at Brillac, on the other side Nile; where having wound him up with

good chear, and given him a handsome piece of money to unlock his secret, the Clark told him if he would transform a young Grecian they had redeemed out of slavery, they would give him an hundred Sequins, for they had a design to make a benefit by selling him to the King of France, whereto he consented, and promised to effect it, so that he who was to own the Asse and the Grecian both, would renounce their Faith: and hereupon shewed him se∣ven Figures for that purpose, in every of which, there was one name of these seven principal Demons, and a book wherein there were most funestous and execrable things. But with horrour we were satisfied with the discovery of so much wickednesse, and left him.

As concerning the Androlychi, I have not heard of any thing so strange, as that the Governour of Bagaris related one day to me. He told me, that going with some of his company from Lio∣nac to Montpelier, they overtook an old man with a sack on his shoulders, going a great pace towards the same town, a Gentle∣man of the company out of charity told him, if he would, one of his servants to ease him, should carry his burthen for him, at first he seemed unwilling to be troublesome, but at length accepted the offer, and a servant of the Commanders chamber called Nicholas took the burthen, and being late, every one doubled his pace, that they might get in in good time, telling the good old man, they would goe before, and he should finde them at the White-horse. The servant of the Chamber coming in with the first, had a curi∣osity to see what was in the sack, where he found a Wolfs skin, so properly accommodated for the purpose, that he had a strong fancy to disguise himselfe in it: whereupon he got it on his back, and put his head within the head-piece of the skin, as 'twere to shew his Master a Maskarade, but immediately a fury seized him, that in the Hall where they supped, he made strait to the compa∣ny at table, and falling on them with teeth and nailes, made a dangerous rude havock, and hurt two or three of them, so as the servants and others fled to their swords, and so plyed the Wolf with wounds, that they laid him on the ground, and hurt in several places. But as they looked upon him, they were amazed when they saw under the skin a poor youth wallowing in blood. They were fain to lay him presently on a bed, taking order for his wounds and hurts, whereof he was covered; and was long before he could be cured: but this cured him of the like curiosity against another time. The company by this means had but a bad season∣ed supper, and many of them were sick either of hurt or appre∣hension. For the old man Wolf, 'twas not known what became of him, but 'tis probable, that hearing of this tydie accident, he was cautious to appear.

CHAP. XIX. Of the Desert Beniermi, and the Townes Dangala, Machida, Georgia, &c.

IN this Navigation, which I have interrupted for this prodigi∣gious story, we met with a countryman upon a Mare, who went aboard a Bark, to crosse the river to the Province of Da∣fila: but the man never observed a Colt that followed him, and leapt into the water to come after his damme, which the man seeing, he besought the Pilot to turn back and take him in, but the Pilot would not be perswaded, so as he was constrained to leap into the water himself to save the Colt: But had not we by good fortune been at hand to help him, the poor man and his Colt had perished together, the violence of the water carrying them both away. Being in safety, he was so amazed and out of breath, that he was not able to speak us thanks: But he told us afterwards his Master made him pay for the Colt, because he had not tyed him fast.

After this, for four long houres we cut through a Desert, they call Beniermi, where we saw several kindes of wild beasts; amongst the rest two Lions lying in a shade, with their muzzles all bloody; they stirred not at all at the sight of us, though some were afraid, they would have leapt into the Bark upon us. But others better ex∣perienced, assured us no, except they were disturbed; for the no∣ble and generous nature of the beast, who are only dangerous to those that hurt them. Joyning upon these deserts, we saw fair till'd fields, some sow'd with Lupines and Beans, others with su∣gar Canes.

Being come to Misen we rested there one day, then about two miles further we had sight of Cafa a gentile town, and passing fur∣ther into the country, we went on shore at a gallant town on the coast of Nubia, they call Hami, to take in Melons and Potatoes, the best of the world.

And from thence steer'd towards Dangala a very good town; but bearing so much upon the land, our Almadie was so fast gra∣vell'd, we were forced to unload our goods, which hinder'd us at least two hours, and made us lye at Bisen, four leagues short of Dan∣gala, whither we went on the morrow in the company of conti∣nual rain, thunder, and lightenings: which was the cause we could not go on the other side of Nile, to see Dafila the chief town of the Province of the same denomination, where one of the gallantest, and most valiant Princes of the Negusian Empire reigns.

Touching Dangala, 'tis subject to Barnagus, who at first had it in

exchange for Cassina, and since hath both by help of money. 'Tis in Nubia the opposite of the Province of Dafila, which extends as far as Danfila. Thence in five dayes we came to Mara, a neat town, opposite to the Province of Ganfila, on the other side of Nile. The country is well peopled, and plentiful of all commodi∣ties; amongst the rest there is a mine of the finest silver. Thence in two days to Bergan, and in one more to Tiruti, a town abound∣ing in all things, but very dirty. On the other side of Nile is Gourage in the kingdom of Tamatas. Then in two dayes seven∣teen leagues to Daerue, where there is a mine of Lead and Antimony, whereof they make great profit, sending their mettals every where, they mixe brasse in their money and call it Cazec.

We had the pleasure there to see a morall representation of the Magdabens conversion, which was full of delight and contempla∣tion. Thence we had a desire to walk under the shades to Ma∣chida, a town they will have to be built by the Queen of Saba, who was so called; and they told us we should see in the Church a very antique statue of this Queen; but being arrived, we saw no∣thing but the ruines of a town, which neverthelesse shewed, that in times past they had been something of noble. For there we saw the ruines of a Castle, which we must needs judge to have been a place of great strength, for that all the avenues were of difficult accesse. The day following we went to Fuingi or Fungi, and thence in four dayes to Rifa, then to Sania, Asmona, Canan, Asna, where there is a Castle called Asiar. Some will have it, that the ancient, and so much renowned town of Siena, was there scituated di∣rectly under the Tropick on this side. Thence in four dayes to Banaa; and on the other sidetowards the red sea is Georgian, a town inhabited by Georgian Christians, who have licence with fly∣ing banners from the Turk, to visit the Sepulcher at Jerusalem, without paying Toles, or Imposts, as others do. They recount a mi∣racle upon these people, when they were once persecuted by an In∣fidell King, Almighty God covered the enemies with a continual darknesse, whereby they were delivered: upon which subject the Arabian great Poet and Historian, wrote some verses. But I have heard others say, 'tis the same that happened to the countrey of Georgiane or Albania in Asia the greater, in a part thereof called Bonhainson, where the Christians were pursued by Saure King of Persia a Mahometan, and being reduced to save themselves by flight, he invironed them with his forces, in which extremities they had recourse to their prayers, and an obscurity came over the King and all his, whereby the Christians had means to save them∣selves. Some say that a darknesse ever since continued in that part of the countrey, and that no man dare come upon the ground, and that the cries of men, and neighing of horses are continually to be heard, without knowing any ground for it.

Having staid one day in the Town of Georgian, or Georgia, on the other side, we passed in two dayes to the town of Erir, thence to Cosia, then repassing Nile we came to Pemin, the first Town of high-Egypt: Here they are all Moores, but yet people of consci∣ence, and very courteous to us. Thence we went to complement the Sultan, or Governour of the Town of Almona, and to have his passe, because we were to enter into a Countrey all Infidels, and subject to the Grand Sinior. The Sultan favoured us with many testimonies of affection, and sent by a Frigot to the other side of Nile, to a garden in the Town of Tima for fruit for us, a∣mongst others Peaches of extraordinary size without stones, but not so sweet nor good as ours in Europe.

Thence in two daies we came to Grandole, a very Mercantile Town, and in two dayes more to Manucat, a great Town of a∣bout a thousand fires; but about a league from thence there is one more large and fair, called Bazuelle, or Bazielle, which was heretofore esteemed the Suburbs of Caire. Here are the most sumptuous Mosquees of all Egypt, which they call Gemit Azore,* 1.100 or Hamore, where the Mahometans go to render their vows, with diverse offerings, and hold this Mosquee was erected in the ho∣nour of a holy woman, called Nacisse, kinswoman to the false Pro∣phet Mahomet, people of a most austere life: within they give entertainment to divers sorts of Marabuts, or hermites, who are there to do penance. They recount many fabulous miracles, a∣mongst others, one of the resurrection of a dead person, pretended in the time of Soudan Saladin, who had a servant called Aliaze, married to a fair and rich young maid, but she behav'd her self so ill towards him, that her love was fixed on another object, where∣fore in despair he complained to the Cherif, or Priest of the Mosquee. This Cherif bade him be of comfort, and advised him for some dayes to conceale himself, to see how his wife would take it.

In the mean while the Cherif visited his wife, and enquired most earnestly of her husband, telling her if he were dead or lost, through her occasion, she was damn'd without hope: being trou∣bled hereat, she told him she had not seen him of fifteen or sixteen dayes, and that she was much afflicted for his absence, but that she would make a vow to God and the Prophet, if she could have him again she would be more dutifull to him. At the same time, by fortune, there was taken up the body of a young man who was drowned in Nile, so disfigured that he could not be known. The Cherif taking this opportunity, and having conferred with her husband, they concluded to take his body, and cloathing it in a suit of his, and putting his ring on his finger, lay him in the Mosquee, covered with a cloth, and say 'twas the corps of this wo∣mans husband, which was done, and the woman hearing the news went presently, and knowing the cloaths and the ring, fell into a

most passionate lamentation, whereupon the Priest to comfort her told her, that on condition she would make a 9. dayes visit in the Mosquee, the most blessed Prophet would restore her husband to life, and told her something of a certain vision he had, while he said the office of the dead. In brief, with subtlety and authority he so prevailed with her, that in the morning she went to the Mosquee to make her prayers and sacrifice, to this purpose, upon the Tomb where the Cherif the night before had hidden her husband; and then the egregious Priest pronounc'd his conjurations over the dead, that in the name of the great God, their Prophet and Saint, he should rise and comfort his disconsolate relict: which was no sooner said, but the good fellow began to stir, and cryed out, behold I am here: then the Cherif rejoycing opened the monument, and out marches the husband, who embrac'd his wife, overcome with joy for so great a miracle, which was blown immediately through the world, and ever since this Mosquee hath been devoutly frequented where every one makes their vows, to obtain their wishes: and these are the goodly miracles of Mahomet.

CHAP. XX. Of Grand Caire, of Balm of Egypt, of Nile, of Crocodiles, and the particulars of Egypt.

HAving had a view of Bazuelle, and the stately Mosquee, which in perfection of architecture is not notwithstanding to be compared with our Churches of the better structure, we came in four hours to the great Caire. First we arrived at Bebelot, or Bebelloch, which is but a Burrough or Suburbs of 20000. fires; then one league further, to another called James Talon, or Gemeth Tailon; thence to another called Garafa, or Cha∣rafa, joyning upon the Grand Caire, and at length to the people of Bebzuailac, or Bulac.

This great Town treads upon the ruines of the ancient Baby∣lon and Memphis, the residence first of the Pharoes kings of E∣gypt, then of the first Saracine Emperours, and the last Soudans and Califes of Babylon of Caire, distinct from the Babylon of Chal∣dea, who in our histories are called the Soudans, and Califes of Balda, or of Baudas, or Bandas, the same as Bagded.

The Town of Caire, or Alcayr, writes six hundred yeares erection, the first stone laid by a slave of Calife Elcaine, by name Gehoar, or Chetiq, where the Califes of Egypt

fixt their siege, whilst they maintained another at Bagded, and one at Cairoan, a hundred miles from Thunis. This Towne having been long under the Soudans, was as at last, in the year 1517. taken by the Turks, who extirpated the Empire of the Mamelues. 'Tis seated upon a good place of the Nile, and known by four principall divisions. One stands upon a rising or eminent place, the other along the Nile more low, where some say Memphis was heretofore, and there Nile composes a sweet Isle full of lovely gardens. This part may be of eighty or nine∣ty thousand fires, inhabited by the wealthiest merchants. About two miles from thence there is another part, of little lesse extent, by the Inhabitants called Mubacar. Next is the ancient Town, which the Inhabitants call Bezuela, whereof we spoke before, where there is magnificent and stately edifices, and Mosquees, and amongst others one very fair hospitall. This part consists of about twenty thousand fires, stretching it self about half a league to∣wards the West, towards the South touches the Palace of the Sul∣tan, or Bascha, and toward the North a little Suburb which they call Bebesor, which runs bending towards the East, to ano∣ther of like greatnesse, Jemet Taulon, the name of the Soudan who founded it.

In this part there is a spacious Palace, and a sumptuous Col∣ledge well founded, whither they resort from all parts to study the sciences. About two miles from thence, there is another well-built part Carafa. The ancient Town Bezuela, or Bazieles, other∣wise called Mifuletif, or Mifruletif, is that where the famous Sepulcher of their pretended St. Nassisse, the neice of Mahomet by his son in law Haly, stands.

On this side lies the garden which bears the plant of the true Balm, so much renowned there, which they call Almatria,* 1.101 and Christians Materea. This plant hath a leaf like Lentisk, or Mastick tree, which they prune every year as a vine, as a Gardener told me, who kept it, 'tis but small, and there is but little of it.

Ethiopians say the Queen of Saba carried this plant to Salomon who caused it to be set in the gardens of Jericho, and after∣wards was transplanted to this place by the Sarazins; but others say that 'twas first brought from Arabia the happie, where all the balm that grows there at this day, is of like vertue and quality.

About the end of May they slit the bark, not with iron, but something else, and the liquor distills out, which they receive in a glasse. They adde that this plant will prosper with none but Christians, and that it dyes in the hands of In∣fidels.

In some places of the West Indies, in Nova Hispania,* 1.102 and Carthagenia, there is some of no lesse esteem than this of E∣gypt; it grows in the middle of a fountain, which is like a

draw-well. The Mahometans say when the blessed virgin was in Egypt, she rested at this fountain, and here washed the linnens of her child Jesus. A little on one side is an Island, with a fair Palace, where the Bascha goes sometimes for recreation, 'tis called Michial. Here lies the head of the Channell, or Aqueduct, on which there stands a Column, to foreknow the fertility or ste∣rility of the year, according to the heighth of the inundation of Nile.

The Part of Caire which lies upon Nile is very large, cal∣led Boubacon, or Bebesoe, and Boulac, here land the vessels which come from Rosete, or Alexandria, and other parts.

In sum, this Town consists of many more Towns, or Burroughs, or Suburbs, full of people, and I believe in this Town there are as many souls, as in all the rest of Egypt throughout; and he had need of a good horse that would survey all these habitations, in two, nay in three dayes.

The Basha's Palace is the same where the Soudans was, and that while the Empire was in glory, was one of the most rich and magnificent in the Universe, as a French Authour describes it who was there in those times: There being many Courts, every one with a guard, Porches, Galleries, and Columns of Martle, guilt vaults, various-coloured pavements of Mosaick work, frets, car∣vings and sculptures, pleasant large gardens, fountains, viviaries, bird-cages, and other singularities: All sorts of rich moveables, stones, gold and silver. The Calife or Soudan had a throne of massy gold, and rarely was seen to any except Embassadours.

The Ladies for the greatest part are attired in white, with coats, and a mask of the same colour, a silk smock of diverse colours, a little bonnet on their head, of some rich stuffe, with a band or wreath about it, and over all a large vest or huke, which covers the whole body.

Touching the Inundation of the River Nile, it advances mode∣rately, not doing any dammage: and when it comes they make a generall triumph; then they run at the vest, a certain game of prize amongst them, and prepare ditches expresly to receive the water, certain persons being substituted of purpose, who ascend four or five dayes journey towards the Channell, to see if the wa∣ters flow with vigour and violence, and thence return with poste-haste, and acquaint the Basha to what degree; and when there is notice that 'tis arrived within half a dayes journey, the Bascha with the whole Nobility mounts on horseback, clo∣thed in their apparell, with the robe of Mahomet, born by a Marabou, in great triumph before them; and by the way, running the Masse, shooting with a Bow at a golden apple upon the end of a Pike. First they ride three or four rings, then running at high speed in a full career, they let fly at the apple, and he who do's best bears away the prize.

And so they solemnize the arrival of the flood, every one clean∣ses and prepares their cesterns, to store up water for the whole year; for they have neither draw-wells nor fountains, that ever I saw: and it never rains there, only every evening there falls a dew, such as if one should sleep abroad, he should be as wet, as if he came out of the River. The like is in Peru, where they never have rain. But instead thereof, they are visited with a wind that fannes and moystens.

The Paraguary, or the River de la Plata at Brazill, hath the like inundations as Nile, but with more violence and ra∣pidity, and lodges full three moneths upon the land it wa∣ters, whereas Nile comes quietly, and retires with the same ci∣vility, not staying before any town above 15. or 20. dayes. They contrive to build their houses upon hills, and rising grounds, to secure themselves from waters and humidity: In the countrey, the houses for the greater part are built of loom, of beast-dung, and earth, and there are some which have no other then tents of strong cloth of a reddish colour; but they who live near the sil∣ver River by reason of the impetuous stream of the water which overturns, and carries all before it, are constrained to forsake their houses, and for a time betake themselves to their Canoes, where they lead the Ducks life, till the flood retiring within its bounds, leaves their dwellings to their possession again: But I am not certain if this happen by a constant annual course as in Egypt. The custome of triumphs at the arrival of the inundation of Nile, we finde to have been amongst the ancient Egyptians, amongst others they celebrated the great feast of Niloa towards the Summer-Solstice, holding the River for a God, whom they worshipped under the names of Osiris and Orus, giving him the appellations of the Saviour of high Egypt, Father and Crea∣tour of the lower, who water'd and manur'd their soyle. Now for the Crocodile, there are great store in this River, as there are in many other places of the East and West-Indies, as I ob∣served before.

The Indians call them Caymans, they have so lustful a greedi∣nesse to Mans-flesh, that they will venture for it with unspeak∣able outrage and vigour. A man walking by the River side with a little child in his hand, a Crocodile leaps suddenly upon him, and tore the boy out of his armes, not being able to save him. If any one by chance fall in the water, there's an end of him, there∣fore 'tis exceeding dangerous to refresh or bathe there without good caution; the very boats loaded with people have often pe∣rished by them. These creatures generally make cleare work, their assaults being so forcible, that from some they crop armes and legges, others they devoure intirely: They hold a fierce and rude war with the Tigars, 'tis a creature without tongue, moving only the other chop, contrary to the nature of all other creatures;

the Egyptians made him a part of their Idolatry. Some observe that they were not pernicious to the countrey hertofore, as they have been particularly since the Mahometans usurped it. Again, some say the ••ountrey hath been much the more infested with these creatures, since a Governour of Egypt deprived them of a leaden Crocodile placed by enchantment, like a Talisman, in a certain place.

From Caire down towards the sea, they are not so dangerous, as in the higher Egypt. Besides Crocodiles, this River breeds Hi∣popotumes, or Sea-horser, with divers other Monsters and Fishes.

About four leagues from Caire, and one and a halfe off Nile, stand the famous Pyramids of so prodigious a height, and admi∣rable structure, erected heretofore by the ancient Kings of Egypt, either for ostentation and monument of their greatnesse and mag∣nificence, or for custody of their treasure, or for sepulture of their bodies. This structure is by so much the more stupendious, for that the stones of such immensity and hardnesse were trasported so far with such cost and pains, as some say from Arabia and Ethi∣opia: and these bulks not rear'd to that height, with Cranes, Scaf∣folds, or other Engines as then not known, but by Cavaliers, and Platforms of earth, by strength of arms, and extremity of labour, as 'tis related of the wonderful edifice of Jugas, of Perou at Cu∣sio and other places. 'Tis not without wonder to be consider'd, that the greatest of the three which, as they say, was erected by Chemmis King of Egypt, with the employment of 360. thousand mens labour for twenty years together, is at this day perfect and entire, though three thousand years since the raising of it. They say on every side of the square near the Basis, it is 200. fathomes over, and 800. foot high; 'tis hollow, and within there are walks, and a fair room where the Sepulcher may be. The other two are lesse and Massie, one built by King Cophus, the other by Mycerine, or the Curtisan Bhodope.

The bulk of these structures hath put them in the number of the seven wonders of the world, and some say the children of Is∣rael were employed at the building of these enormious Fabricks. There is yet to be seen some remainder of a monster, wonderfull both in form and quantity, which they call a Sphinx wrought in Numidian or Serpentine marble extraordinary hard, with hu∣mane face, and the body of a Lyon, as the ancients represented this monster. There is yet left a kind of Obeliske or Needle, the work likewise of the Ancients, which some attribute to King Phe∣ron, others to Philadelphe; Howsoever those great Obelisks which are at this day at Rome,* 1.103 were brought from thence; as the Hiero∣glyphick letters engraved upon them testify; for 'twas the holy and sacred Scripture of the ancient Egyptians.

A side off those Pyramids beyond Nile Eastward towards the red Sea, lyes the famous countrey called Ehebaida, and her de∣serts,

where so many Christian Hermits and Anchorites lead their lives, as S. Paul, S. Anthony, and others, adorned heretofore with so many Towns, filled with religious communities, where there were more Monasteries and Churches, then other houses, and no cor∣ner where one might not hear day and night the Almighties prai∣ses. Amongst the rest 'tis said of Oxininchus, that at the same time had in it ten thousand religious men, and as many women, who with emulation kept a marvellous hospitality for poor tra∣vellers and strangers. Here in Thebaida flourished heretofore the famous town of Thebes, with a hundred Ports, nothing whereof remaines but ruines.

On the other side Westward lye the Deserts of Barea, towards Barbary and Lybia, where was the celebrated Temple and Oracle of Ammon, visited by Alexander the great. In brief, all Egypt is surrounded with Deserts, and Sands, except on the Sea coast. For on the West they had deserts of fifteen dayes over, on the East the Thebaidan deserts for three or four dayes up to the Ara∣bian Gulph: Then on the other side the red sea, the great desert as far as Palestine, where the Israelites were forty years, of many dayes travail over.

From Caire to Delbequi, 'tis all Desert, where Mummy is found,* 1.104 or bodies dried in the Sand. Of it there is another sort, which is of embalmed bodies found in ancient Sepulchers.

These Deserts are above 18. or 20. dayes over, and they who travail them, ride upon Cammels in Wainscot cabbins for the great dust and heat, with small holes for ayre and light, where they both eat and sleep. For there is no greater danger then the winds in that place, bearing and removing mountains of sand from one side to the other, under which Passengers are often over∣whelmed, and lost (as heretofore whole Armies have been) with∣out the least possibility of assistance to one another in the convoy, which sometimes consists of ten or twelve thousand persons and more, every one striving to save himselfe, and go with the greatest speed they can without stay night or day, there being no possibi∣lity to know a track, though one should have passed a thousand times, by reason of the continual variation of the sand, which lyes to day in one manner, to morrow in another; so as through this sea of sand they must use their Pilot and compasse, without hope of refreshment during the journey, onely about fifteen leagues from Delbegut, where a fair fountain proceeds from a neighbou∣ring river, which is thought to be an arm of Nile, the water whereof is warm like Niles, but something better. Afterwards they must again passe over Deserts and dangerous moveable mountains of sand, which put me in mind of the gray Tents or Adonars; with the Moores of Fez and Morocca, which you shall see in a numerous heap upon a field, and on the morrow no such thing, but removed to another station: for so it is with these

walking mountaines day by day still in motion, differing from a mountain of sand of excessive height; I saw since near the Town of Lima or of Rois in Poru, which exalting to an extraordinary height amongst many other hills, never alters or diminishes for any wind or storm that can assault it; a thing much admired by all men, and for this the Indians adore it as divine; but of this we shall with Gods leave speak in another tract of a voyage to the West-Indies. But returning to the sands of Egypt, 'tis thence the greatest part of Mummy or flesh buried and rosted in the sand is gotten, which the wind uncovering, the next passenger brings to town for trade, it being very medicinable. Here you see a dead man is often more serviceable to the living, then the living them∣selves; yet some approve not of the physick: But howsoever em∣balmed flesh is prefer'd before it, for the Aromatick drugs the Egyptians used for preservation of dead bodies, wherein they were at great charge and study, whether for their hope of resur∣rection, or for the opinion of some Philosophers, that soules should so long live after departure, as the bodies remain intire and in∣corrupt: for which cause they seasoned and embalmed them with Bitumen, Salt, Frankincense, Myrrhe, and other Aromaticks; and bodies thus embalmed and preserved for many ages, by the Ara∣bians are called Mummies. To proceed, the land of Egypt is high∣ly renowned for a very potent and wealthy kingdom, where some say heretofore have been reckoned 20. thousand wall'd towns, to entertain the infinite multitude of Inhabitants she had in those dayes: but now there remaines but little of all this. The first Kings of the world were their Rulers, from whom they derive their lines of so many thousand fabulous years. Their first and kings were called in the Scripture by the generall name of Pharoes, then the Persians became their Masters, afterwards the Greeks, then at last the Romans, till the Saracins got them under their Califes and Soudans, and the Turks for this last age. The ayre is good and temperate, the soyle fertile, and abounding in all commodi∣ties, but so plentiful of corn, that 'twas held the Granary of Rome in her chiefest glory: in medals of antiquity, Egypt was still figur'd with ears of corn.

The country about Caire they call Sabida, heretofore Sais, and Egypt, taken together Chibib, in Heibrew Mitfraim by the name of the son of Chus who first possessed it, thence the Arabians at this day call it Mesre.

The region called Delta from the triangular form, is the fertile part of it, because 'tis water'd, and cut through by seven branches or armes of Nile; This country is exceeding fertile throughout; but the rest from Caire to Ethiopia is not so, but only along the Nile for three or four leagues on each side, where the river flows, the rest is sandy, parched and waste, except some places where the river comes in channels, which they say were heretofore the work of Joseph, son of Jacob.

CHAP. XXI. Of the Town of Alexandria, the Isle of Malta, and the Authours return to Marseils.

WE staid some dayes at Grand Caire, where in the advance of my voyage I staid many moneths; but before I go away, I will tell you how we met there with a brother of my compani∣on Guillen Cassis, whom he had so basely abused at our coming from Meca, as I said in another place, when he cheated him of seven Cammels, under colour to go to traffick in the red sea and Ethio∣pia, and we passed into Arabia the happy, to Persia, the East Indies and Affrica, where in all we were forth in our travailes six years and a halfe. But as soon as he perceived at a distance his bro∣ther Marat, he got slily into a company, that his brother might not take notice of him; at length he passed by us, with a fixed eye, but said nothing, no one thinking of him; for my part I knew him not, yet me thought I had seen him before, till at last I called him to mind, and told the whole story to our company, who condemn∣ed it for an unworthy action. In fine, the good fellow by this means scap'd a bad encounter.

Being departed from Grand Caire we went to embarke in our Almadies which staid for us at Boulac, which is the Rendezvous of all Merchants, Christians, and others, who are bound for Alexan∣dria. Thence we came in a day and a half to Auas, where we met with my friend who had made all speed for fear of his brother. From Auas we came in a day and a half to Rousette, called by the natives Raschill, a town by the ancients called Metilis, or Canapus, upon an arm of Nile called Heraclettick, which Historians call Rexi. At Roussetta we sold our Almadies, and imbarked by night in a Germe, and the next day were in Alexandria.

Alexandria is a town half ruinate, of little pleasure,* 1.105 a most re∣markable example of the inconstancy of worldly things; that this town should now be brought to so lacerate a condition, that was for many ages one of the most ample, fair, populous, rich, and flou∣rishing towns of the world, chiefly renowned for excellent and commodious scituation, for her Founder Alexander the great, for having been the Seat-royall of the Ptolomi••s, for her so famous and frequented Haven, for her proud buildings; amongst the rest, Pharoes tower, one of the wonders of the world, for her Acade∣my renowned for all Sciences, for being the mother of so many fa∣mous Philosophers, great Doctors, and holy Patriarcks who kept the christian faith so long flourishing in those parts, briefly for so many ornaments of art and nature, from which glory she fell after she

was taken with the rest of the country by the Sarasins, and their third Calife Homar, so as after this consternation she never recove∣red any thing of her pristine splendour. But she remains a good Haven, and a good landing place for all Merchandizes of the Le∣vant and Indies, where all Levantine Merchants, Africans, and Europians come to traffick. Heretofore the Romans, afterwards the Ptolemies made it the greatest Mart in the world, by the means of the sea and Nile, drawing thither all sorts of drugs, spices, and other Arabian commodities from India by the red sea, then by land to Nile, and so to Alexandria. Since again under the Soudans this course was continued, where the Venetians, and all Europi∣ans fetched their spices, till the Portuguese found out another way as we said in another place.

I will say no more either of this town or Caire as places suffici∣ently understood in these parts by the ample relations of divers accurate travailers: only I shall observe, that in this town when the Nile flowes, they preserve sweet water in their Cesterns, and make Channels to water their gardens. There is resident a Consul for the French Nation, Le sieur de Rhode, was then the person who shewed us much kindnesse, and much admired our tedious and painful peregrination. He had his wife there with him, by whom he had two twin daughters, which for devotion he sent to take baptization at Jerusalem, and twenty years after my own natural brother married one of these daughters called Lucretia, by whom he had many children at Marsels. We travell'd all Africa to Alexandria, in eight moneths.

Having stayed some dayes in Alxandria, we departed for Tripoli in Suria, without accomplishing my vow to go to Jerusalem, for which I had gone so much ground, and there we went aboard the Christina of Marsels, and were five monthes intire before we could arrive there, for that having touched upon Malta, we stayed some time to see the sports of their Carnavalle, which stayed us awhile. By the way it happened that the Saylers having rifled a little ves∣sell of Greek wine, drunk so freely, that one of them amongst the rest, climbing the Mast to do his office, knowing his own condition tyed himself for fear of falling, and lay down in the scuttle, where he slept two dayes before he waked. In the mean time, the others calling for him to come to dinner, and not hearing any answer, they apprehended they had heard something fall into the sea the night before, which made a great noyse, and that 'twas the poor Marriner, who was drowned in his drink, whereupon the Stew∣ard of the ship rung the bell thrice; then, as the custom is, threw a fire-brand into the sea, and said aloud, Gentlemen Mariners, pray to God for the soul of poor Veran (that was his name) because through Gods mercy, he rests with the soules of the faithful. Then every one kneeling down prayed for him, then presently what goods he had were inventoried, and prized. But the day following, the Master of

the ship, whose name was Pier de Soulier for discovery of the land; like a careful Marriner, climbed the Maste himself, but he was ama∣zed, when he found there the supposed dead man fast tyed, and yet in a profound sleep; but upon the Masters call, he awaked suddenly, which made the company very merry. That night we lay upon a dangerous sea, and feared we were upon the Asquequi, or Seques, which towards the land is a bad bottome,* 1.106 that which made us judge of it, was certaine Mosse swimming upon the water, which hangs to the rocks, which made us very apprehensive. In the evening a huge Whale followed us as the Pilot told us, who had discovered him, and at last minding to leave us, as he turned, brushed so rudely upon the ship, that it shook all over, as it had dashed against a rock. At the instant every man affrighted, cryed out for mercy, supposing we were lost, for we were in the middle of a vast sea, where there was no pos∣sibility of safety. The Master presently ran to the Hold, to see if the ship were founder'd; on the other side the Pilot from the Poupe discovered the monstrous fish had left us, and was gone with a hideous noyse, so as we were safe, and by Gods good∣nesse freed of a desperate fear.

After some dayes sayling on, we came to touch at Malta, and being Shrovetide, we resolved to stay awhile to see the celebration of this feast, and there we put off some pieces of fine cloth, which they call Calicut, but the mischief was, that the Courtizans, of which they have there very subtle ones, had good share of them, cheating us of some crowns under colour of treating us at our own cost.

Of this Island I will say no more, then that at this day 'tis the Residence of the Knights Hospitallers of S. John of Jerusalem insti∣tuted in the year 1134. in the time of Baldouin of Bourgos the third French King of Jerusalem, for the security of them who went to the Holy-land, and in the year 1309. their great Ma∣ster Villaret took by force of Armes the Isle of Rhodes from the Sarasins, who usurpt it from the Greek Empire, and there esta∣blisht the Residence of his Order, and maintained it stoutly against the many attempts of the Soldans of Egypt; but in the year 1522. Turk Soliman carried it from the great Master Philip Villers, and by the license of Pope Leo the tenth, this great Master with his order retired to Viterbo till better times; and divers places being propounded for their Residence, as Sasda in Candia, Serigo, Elba, and others: in conclusion they resolved to petition Charles the fifth for Malta, to whom it belonged, as dependant on the kingdome of Sicily; against the French, English, and Italians, who would have had no such obligation to the Emperour, but at length they consented, because it had good Havens, and was near to Barbary; so they got Malta and Goza, in the year 1529. without other tribute or condition, then a solemne

Masse annually, and a Falcon every yeare to the Viceroy of Naples, but withall that they should have free transport of corne from Sicily. This in effect was more advantage to the King of Spain then the other Nations of Christendome, the Isle of Malta being a guard to all the Spanish and Italian Coasts under his dominion.

The Order at first was divided by seven Languages, three of France, which were France, Avernia, and Provence, then of Italy, Germany, England, and Spain. Afterwards an eighth was added, Spain being divided into Castile and Portugall, and England being left out, they took in Aragon.

Of these eight Languages, every one had two Electours for election of the Grand Master. These Grand Masters have for the greater part been French, and the greatest part of the Order consists of our French Nobility, but I shall speak no more of it, being a matter so generally known.

Having left Malta, we set sayle for Marsells, where we landed within few dayes, setting a period to that long voy∣age, which had cost us so much time, paines and danger; God be glorified who guided us to so safe a Port, at the time of the great Commet, whose extent was thirty degrees, the taile pointing to the West, embracing Sagittarius and Capri∣corne, and appeared not in the Sublunary Region, but the Celestial, so as 'twas seen throughout the Indies both East and West. But I cannot omit to relate how, when I came to my Fathers house, who was then sixty five yeares of age he knew me not, but thought me dead, and had made my funeral six years before: so as seeing me in the Greek habit, he took me for some stranger, and asking me who I was, I answered him in language barbarous enough, I was a Grecian, and 'twas but truth, I had almost forgot my native language, being very young when I left my countrey, and for that I had discontinued it so long time. Some vulgar Greek I un∣derstood, which I learnt at Canea in Candia, where I staid six or seven moneths after our first shipw••ack.

Then my Father who spoke good Greek, having traffick'd a long time in that country, asked me what was my businesse, and telling him I came to dine with him, he told me I was wel∣come, and bad me draw near the fire, as I did. Then he de∣manded who, and of whence I was, and telling him I was a Marsellian, the sonne of one Raphael Blanc, he was amazed, and troubled, and calling my mother, told her a son of his was come from Sicily to visit him, my father having had a former wife in Sicily, by whom he had two children, who lived there up∣on their mothers means: whereupon they both afforded me great indulgements; but at length I declared my self to them, and then there was amongst us such a tyde of tendernesses, there was not

room for words, nor could we contain our tears of joy. After∣wards I related to them at leasure the strange and various adven∣tures of my voyage, shewing them divers curiosities I had brought along with me, amongst others, Asbeste linnen, which is made clean with firing, being incombustible linnen, used by Indian Princes, and Lords, and are wrapt in it when their bodies are committed to the pile, as the bodies of Roman Emperours were in ancient time. I have often shewed the experience of it to per∣sons of quality in Provence. I shewed them the herb Falacit, ha∣ving this property, that laying it under a bed all those loathsome Chemisses worms stock to it, and so are killed. I brought it in a box, but I was ill advised, I brought not the seed to plant in these parts. I shewed them divers other things of singularity, admired by many both of knowledge and quality. But before I conclude I shall tell you in order, to this re-acknowledgement of my Father and Mother, Brothers and Sisters, what long after happened to me at Palerma in Sicily, after my Father was dead.

For calling to mind he had often told me he had a Son and Daughter there, I made diligent enquiry for them: at first no one could tell any thing of them, for that they were called by their Mothers name, whose heirs they were; and my Brother who was called Nazaro Bianco, was called onely de Nazara; but at length I enquired by so many tokens that I found out his house, and go∣ing thither I was told he was sick, which hindered me not, but I went confidently up into the Chamber, meeting a young maid upon the stairs, blood which cannot lye, told me that must needs be my Sister: neverthelesse without further notice, desiring to see her Brother, she led me to his Chamber, and seating me near the bed where he lay, I observed in him the very pattern of my Fa∣ther, and asking if he had not Brothers at Marseills, he told me yea, and asked if I knew them: whereupon many discourse•• passed, telling him divers news and recommendations.

During our discourse, this Sister of mine looked stedfastly up∣on me, as she were ravished to see and hear me, and I presenting my hand to her, she kissed hers, and took mine, a thing not usuall in Italy, and lesse in Sicily.

Hereupon my Brother having caused a little daughter of his to be brought in, I kissed her hand as I did my Sisters, and taking a ring off my finger of an orientall fauset emerald, one of the best I ever saw, I presented it to her, wherewith she was quite con∣founded, and in doubt whether she should take it or no; but tel∣ling her her Uncle sent it her by me, with leave of her Mother who was present, she accepted it; and at the same instant I gave a fair table Rubie to my Sister. But as we were in the middle of these complements and discourse of our friends, who should come into the chamber with a French garb and alacrity, but the Gover∣nour of the Bastide, nephew to the grand Prior of St. Giles, and

other Cavaliers my friends, who knowing I was there came to seek me, and by their calling upon my name my Brother and Sister knew me, and confessed they had some suspicion of me when I gave the rings: my Sister told me at the instant she met me on the stairs, she felt something extraordinary, which made the colour rise in her face. Then we fell to embraces and rejoyces, like the American women, who when they will bid their friends welcom, sit on the ground and weep, and entertain them, embrace, and feast them weeping. So I staid there some six weeks in jollity and con∣gratulation with my friends. I was willing to relate this passage, as well to shew the various encounters of mans life, as the in∣stinct of bloud which will discover it self be it never so concealed and unknown.

CHAP. XXII. The Authours voyage to the kingdom of Mo∣rocca, he is taken by the Spaniards, an accident befell the Authour at Ara∣che, The battel of Sebastian King of Portugall.

BUt let us come back to my return to Marseills, where I felt the custom of change to be of no small force, which was so prevalent with me, that I had scarce rested six moneths there, but I grew weary, finding neither the air, customs, nor man∣ner of living agreeable, I was so moulded to change and va∣riety.

As this inquietude possessed me, it happened fortunately that one Don Guillerm passed by Marseills, sent by Henry the 3. Em∣bassadour or Agent to Fez and Marocco, and being very much a friend to my Father, dining one day at our house, he heard me speaking of my travails, and was pleased with my conversation; he asked me if I would go along in his company: And I was in a humour so well disposed that I accepted very willingly, so he en∣tertained me. This Don Guillerm was a Chirurgion born at Nice, who travailing to Marocca, was so happy as to cure the King of a pestilence, with which he was visited at Constantinople, which brought him in great esteem with the Prince; Insomuch that he sent him to treat of an alliance with King Henry the third, who re∣turned him with presents to Molouco and Abdelmelech.

Being thus agreed, we parted from Marseills about sixty in

company, and imbarked upon a well-arm'd vessel, within six dayes we came by night near upon the streight of Gibraltar, but the stream was so violent it held us back till day, and well-nigh cast us on shore near the Tower called the Devils mansion, where no body ever lives: for they have a tradition that the master Mason which built it, being not paid his price by him that set him on work, gave it to fiends who have kept it ever since.

Being thus driven on shore, against the mount of Gibraltar, as we endeavoured with strength to shove her off, the vessel over∣turned, and the mast and sails lay in the water, which much ama∣zed us; but by happy fortune a Pilot of Marseills, John Saffoulo, being aboard with us for his private affairs, seeing our danger, and that every one was fled to the other side the deck, fell to work and with an ax opening the side of the ship let in the water, so as the weight set her upright, and by Gods assistance we scaped this imminent danger, being driven by a gentle gale to a point where we cast anchor.

But notice hereof coming to the Spanish Gallies, which lay at anchor not far thence, they sent out presently to take us and bring us to the Town of Gibraltar; while they were towing us along, we cast into the Sea above two thousand cannon bullets, and a great quantity of powder. The Spaniards hereupon accused us of treason, for carrying ammunition to their enemies, for they had found some barrels of powder which were left behind. Then coming aboard us, like right ravenous wolves they ransack'd every where, seizing all the merchandizes, and opening the chests eat all that was good: amongst the rest searching a Physicians chest they found some purging lozanges, whereof some of them eat in great quantity, and found so sudden an effect, they had scarce time to untie their breeches, whereof two or three died, saying, we had poysoned them.

Mean while they put Irons on our legs, and removed us into the Galley, with rude treatment and rough menaces, till at last sentence passed upon us, by which the Embassadour, and ten of the chief Gentlemen were to loose their heads, all the rest to the Gallies for ever.

The Embassadour hearing this sad sentence, appealed to the King of Spain, who confirmed the sentence, saying no more than Loque es hecho es hecho. But by good fortune the Marseillian Pilot that was with us, when he first saw the Galleys coming upon us, cast himself privately into the Sea with some moneys, and so gain∣ing the land went to Madrid, and this in consideration of one a∣mongst us, to whom he had promised his daughter in marriage. Being there, and understanding the King had ratified this sentence of death; he addressed himself presently to the most Serene In∣fanta Donna Isabella, and so handsomly laid before her the in∣conveniences would ensue upon this execution, which was suffi∣cient

to break the peace between the two kings; that she moved with these reasons, went immediately to the King her Father, to petition for grace, which was granted, and we released, to the dis∣content of them who thought to make a good booty of us and our goods.

Being now again Masters of our lives, goods, and vessel, after two months time, which was spent in these proceedings, we put to sea again upon our course to Arache, a fort of importance in the kingdom of Fez, about 70. or 80. miles from Gibraltar, where there is a Port made by a River, as at Goa in the Indies, which is crossed with a bar of sand, so as there is no coming in but at high water, which is here every day, but at Goa you may expect a month. Coming on shore there we were very well entertained, and the Embassadour provided of horses, and other necessaries to go to the King of Fez Abdelmelech, who was then in great vexation for that Mahomet his nephew, who disputed with him for the kingdom, and whom he had defeated in many battails by the assi∣stance of the Turk, was newly scaped towards Don Sebastian, King of Portugal, to crave his aid. Being come from Arache to Miguine ten leagues from Fez, seeing the Embassadour was to hold on his way to Morocca to the King, we resolved four or five of us to go see Fez, the capital Town of the Countrey. Having walked through Meguine, beyond the Town we came to a Church-yard of the Ma∣hometans, where two of us making water, it happened to be near the Sepulcher of one of their Marabons, or Santons, and being per∣ceived by some of the Moores, they would have stopt us, but we defending our selves stoutly with fists and feet, I got out of their hands; but my heart failed when I saw fifty Archers of the Town∣guard about us, who paid me well for the blows I had given their fellows, for they beat me most outrageously, as they did the rest of us, the very Children crying after me, Tarasti Nazarani, that is kill him, at every word calling me Quichequet, dog. At last I was brought before the Cadi, or Judge, to whom I kneeled, but he made me lye along on the ground, and gave me thirty lashes on the back, with a whip of o••-sinews, and as many bangs on the belly with an Indian cane, so that I was almost dead, with the blowes which had quite benum'd me; yet again for these threescore bangs I must pay as many miticales in gold, which are worth four franks a piece, after all they laid me in prison, with another bath'd in blood at the same time.

Then they used all art possible to perswade me to renounce my faith. Amongst others came in one in scarlet, and under pretense of some compassion on my youth, spoke softly in the Spanish tongue, I should be advised and have a care how I lost my soul.

Not content with this they sent a young Spanish damsell to me cloathed in white, with a Huke which covered her all over, who after salutation, expressed her resentment of my misfortune, and

with some words of consolation, told me she was come to in∣struct me how to save my self from death, and to set her at liberty immediately. I bent my thoughts upon the woman, not as yet comprehending what she meant, till she explained further that I should marry her, and renounce my faith for a time, and when the King of Portugal who was upon point to give battaile to the Marocco should be victorious, we should have means to escape amongst the Christians.

I must confesse ingenuously, the words of this young maid made a strong assault upon me, and made me take the matter into consideration, but God gave me the grace to hold firme to my self, and at last to satisfie her that neither for her beauty nor enjoy∣ment of all the world, would I ever renounce the faith of Jesus Christ my God, so she took her leave. But after this the Judges themselves attended with the Executioner, with his heading-knife at his side, came to me, and speaking to me, told me I had com∣mitted a hainous crime, but that there might be some reme∣dy found, that we had all one God the Creatour of all things, and the benign common Father of all men, who had sent di∣vers Prophets for our instruction, and to shew us the way of salvation; but they having one more excellent than the rest, they were obliged in all they could to augment the number of his Disciples; so as to save my life there was no other way then by deniall of Jesus Christ: not that they e∣steemed his law nefarious, for they knew he was likewise a great Prophet, the breath of the Almighty, and a great friend of Mahomet; but because their law was the best and the most perfect.

To this, God assisting me with his extraordinary grace, I with courage answered, that rather then deviate voluntarily in the least from my Religion, I would sacrifice a thousand lives if I were master of so many.

Perceiving my constancy, they told me I was ill advised, never∣thelesse to testifie their affection and consideration of my youth, they would make me another offer which might conduce to the securing of my life: whereupon there was a sumptuous tapestry spread upon the floor, with rich bracelets and pendants of value, all this stirred me not; so as seeing they gained no∣thing upon me, the principall of them, the Ermin,* 1.107 pro∣nounced sentence of death, and at the instant the Execu∣tioner seizing on me made me lay my head on a block of wood, and without further Ceremony with his weapon na∣ked in his hand prepared to give the blow: but as he was hastening me to pull my doublet off that the collar might not hinder the blow; God inspired one amongst the rest, that told them they committed an errour to cut me off being so young, for that 'twas against their Law to execute any one for

that crime being under 17. years of age, and that they ought to inform themselves precisely of it: For in the Alcoran the severe law is, that whosoever shall commit Formicat, that is, pollute a holy place, he ought not to be put to death, onely chastized with bastinadoes, and absolved.

But this punishment was exceeding cruelly and fully inflict∣ed upon me, for I stood the fury of a multitude, who in the instant came in, and asking, Chate quei feuti houat Romi, that is, what hath this Christian done, and being related, they said, haley, that is, make room, then they all fell upon me, and laid on till they were weary, so much as a decrepid, horrid, squalid old man, who while he bestowed his labour on me, told me, that as I had presumed to pisse upon the head of one that waited on their great Prophet, so after death the Saints should shit upon my soule, which should feed upon that ordure till the Judgement-day, and then be cast into flames amongst her fellowes. His opinion was approved of, but the execution sus∣pended.

Mean while my Companions were escaped severall waies, and crept into caves, where one of them lived three dayes upon snailes, so as they could no waies help me. But my misfortune coming to the eares of some Christian merchants, who lived in Town, they went immediately to supplicate the Judicature to have consideration of my youth, that I was a Gen∣tleman belonging to the Embassadour of France, who would re∣sent the affront, and acquaint their Prince with it, whence incon∣veniences might accrew.

They were not so moved with these reasons, but some bribes must be given, so as the Merchants entring caution of a vast sum with me, and obliging themselves for my re-appearance when time should be, I was set at liberty: Of all those there was not one of my Countrey nor acquaintance.

Being at large, I was quartered in a noble house, with a rich Portuguese Merchant, who spared nothing for my recovery, out of this sad estate.

This Merchant, by name Andrieto Gasparo, born in the Island of Corsa, had two Brothers at Marseills, and knew my Father very well, to whom he gave speedy intelli∣gence of my misfortune, and received an answer with expresse order, to worke my delivery at what rate so∣ever. Hereupon these worthy people advised together, and re∣solved to send two men to court on dromedaries, there called Ba∣cambal, which are beasts of extraordinary velocity, that will go their hundred miles a day, with the principall Rider, and one to guide him, with their baggage and necessary provisions for their journey.

But by the way, the Riders had need be well swath'd back and

head for the extreme shakings they give the body, as likewise to have their ears well stopt, for being deafened with the hideous noyse they make by the way. They dispatched these two Cour∣riers, one strait to Marocca, whither 'twas reported the King was gone, the other Francisco Maria a Portuguese, towards the Sea Coast to Alcasseur, where he met with Muley Moluco, to whom he was well known, and laying himself at his feet, related the proceedings to him. Whereupon the King caused the Embassa∣dour of France who was there, to be called; in the end he resolved to return this Messenger with all speed, with order and command to the Ermin of Mequine, to discharge me without further cau∣tion. Upon Estradiors return, he presented these letters to Er∣min, and the rest of the Judicature who received it with great ceremony and humilty, laying it upon their head, and so I had my freedome, and my life saved, with sufficient marks to remem∣ber, and for the future be better advised at my cost; for I felt the stripes longer after: and indeed this is the greatest danger we ranne amongst the Infidells. Besides, it cost me deere, for I was fain to present the Gentlemen of the Judica∣ture, with a barrell of Safron, and some Tapistry hangings for their curtesie, who afterwards in testimony of their Amity, sent me to Fez a magnificent present of a fat sheep, and some other comestible things, as bisquet, sugar, cheese, and abundance of dates, and that was all I got.

At my departure with these worthy Merchants, one of their wives called Causabonna, in return for a bladder of Musk I pre∣sented her, gave me six fine shirts, with caps, and handkerchers. At my return from Africa, going back for Arache this way, I failed not to visit my good friends these Merchants, and was likewise to see the Ermin Mahomet Mustapha, who by reason of my change of habit and countenance, at first knew me not; but afterwards gave me noble entertainment, for his heart was Christian▪ and made us taste his good wine, and eate with him, offering me gold, but I refused it, notwith∣standing I must needs take them, saying they belonged to me; being some Duckets given him for the Mutton, and other things that were sent to me, so as he made the account but even: which shews how just this man was.

And he it was that in my suffering came to advise me to stand firm, and not renounce my faith, and religion. He had two wives of most perfect beauty, and he told me if any occasion should oc∣curre to draw him out of Barbary, he would embrace baptiza∣tion, there being throughout these parts, no meanes to ex∣ercise Christian Religion, for I heard not one Masse so long as I was here, neither at Fez, nor other townes where there are abundance of Christians. They will not allow of Priests, which is otherwise at Constantinople, where there are above

twenty Churches, where they celebrate divine service, both in Greek, Latine, and Abissinian, and is free exercise of Religion for all Christians: and if the body of a Christian be to be interred at any distance from thence, the Priests with the crosse go publickly for it, and carry it whither they please, without the least injury from any one, upon pain of being well punished.

During this progresse of affairs, King Mahomet had agitated so with Sebastian King of Portugal, that he was upon the march with a potent Army, and that many vessels were already arrived at Ar∣zille, Oran, Tanger, and Cerote, forts on the African coast in the Christians hands: whereof Muley Malouco being advertized, made diligent preparation, and first takes a march into the mountains against the Arabians, whom he distrusted to be of his nephews party. He took course to dis-arm them totally, and disabled them of sixteen thousand good horses, for which he promised good pay∣ment, and mounted on them so many musqueteers with red caps; thus securing the Arabians, and blocking up all avenues that they might not come upon his back. By this means having raised an Army of sixty thousand horse, he advanced to Alcassour, or Al∣casquinir, about fifteen leagues from Arache, with his Brother Muley Hamet. Don Sebastian on the other side appeared there with about sixteen or eighteen thousand horse and foot, Portu∣guese, Castillians, Italians, and Germans.

On the 4. of August the battaile was given, wherein the King of Portugall was slain, and his Army wholly defeated: Mahomet fly∣ing to Arzille to save himself, was drowned, fording the River of Mucazen, which runs by Arache, though bravely mounted. Above twelve thousand Christians fell there, besides many priso∣ners, amongst whom were ••00. women, and 200. sucking infants. I was my self at this fight, with about threescore Marseillians more, whereof few came off. Malouco dyed of sicknesse in his time of triumph, and his young Brother Muly Hamet succeeded, whose race continues to this day. I saw the body of the King of Portugall carried away in a chest, filled with unslack'd lime to preserve it, begged of King Muley Hamet, by Andrietto Gasparo Corse, his great favourite, who sent it to Lisbone, for which the King of Spain sent him a rich present in recompense, and interred it in the Church of Belen. 'Tis true, I understood since by some Portuguese slaves, that this was the body of a Swisse, and that the King being beaten from his Horse escaped: and indeed some years after one appeared, who said he was the King of Portugal, and shewed severall testimonies, but howsoever he was executed in Spain as an Impostor, after so many who described this battle at large, and faithfully, I will content my self to say onely what I saw. Thus then, the whole Portuguese Cavalry being landed, drew up in two squadrons. Don John of Cordoua, Commander in chief of the one advanced towards Alcassar, where the Moores

attack'd them severall times, and standing obstinately to their pikes broke their ranks, but the Christians falling on with their pistols, Azimut their Commander in chief was slain, then the rest made no great resistance, so as the Moores not used to this sort of arms, fell into disorder and fled, which put such vanity in the Christians, that they lay in the field, in hope to take Alcassar, five leagues from Arache, being both between two Rivers, a league distant one from another. Don Sebastian to prevent surprizall by night, surrounded his Army with waggons, carts, baggage, utensils barrels, and all the train of Artillery.

Don Aluaro Perez led the Van, with five hundred horse, and twelve hundred Landsquenets, guarded on the right with the River, on the left with pikes, barely armed with a corslet, and a thousand Musqueteers in the head, who marched the faster to get at some distance from the Army, to provoke the Moores to fall upon them with hope of being releived by ten thousand Arabians under the command of Armabachi then with the Portuguese who suspended to declare themselves for hazarding their fortunes, wives, and children they knew not how, for they had intelligence how the King of Fez had drained their Countrey, and blocked up the avenues to hinder relief coming to his Nephew. Hereupon they made a stand, resolving not to declare themselves, advertising Soliman the son of Armabachi, that they would stand Neuters, till time should advise them what to do, under the conduct of Amet Sarran, a prudent Commander, who had engaged to Malouco, that he would be ready at his command.

But Courco Abrahin who led five thousand Moorish horse being young and gallant, ambitious to do something of noble, sent to Sarran, that if he would second him he would give battaile, but Sarran answered 'twas no policy to attack an Army well rang'd and defended with Artillery, without more possibility: so that day he did nothing, onely four Moores well mounted made a bravado.

I went along with one Hercules, a Cannoneer, and John Sassello a Marseillian, to view the Portuguese Army, which was a noble prospect, all we disliked was the burthensome number of women and children.

The 13. of July, Aluarez about day break spied Courco Abrahin with his five thousand Moores: and with a grand stratagem drew them under shot of all his Musqueteers, and five field-pieces, that made a great slaughter. These Moores were all defeated, and their Leader slain, to the great glory of Don Aluarez, and Captain Balliotin, Commander of the Lansquenets, Don Sebastian view'd all the combat with exceeding delight, embraced Aluarez return∣ing with victory, and gave him a rich Rubie in a Jewel, set round vvith diamonds, which he tied himself in his hat, and to Banastarin and to Baliotin Captains of the Lansquenets, and Arquebusiers, to

each a rich Diamond. The Moorish King gave likewise to Al∣varez his Cimeterre of an excellent temper, and a scabbard of great price. Of these five thousand horse, not above three hundred escaped; of Christians, there dyed not above twenty, and fifty wounded.

Malouco hearing of this defeat was exceedingly troubled, and blam'd Sarran, that he came not in with relief. Hereupon he draws his Army towards the Sea side; but the French Embassa∣dour advised him rather to take course with the Arabians, who had engaged to bring in to Mahomet fifty thousand horse, and to fall upon them before they got into a body. He accepted the Councell and marched against them, and put the country of Loy∣assan and others to fire and sword: The Arabians submitted, and promised him all obedience, but he being cautious, and fearing their perfidiousnesse, took all their horses, and left the men for the next harvest, so with dexterity he prevented that danger.

Thence he returned towards the Sea-coast, and began already to be ill disposed, which proceeded from excessive constipation or Melancholy: from the beginning of his sicknesse he never came on horse-back, but went ever in his Littar. He was a benigne and courteous Prince, affectionate to his friends, without state or distance, speaking affably to them, and rendring salutes with great civility. But on the other side he was cruell to his enemies, in ju∣stice rigorous, but chiefly to such as injured the Sutlers, as to a boy who putting his hand into a pannier, stole three dates, the Sutler complaining, he caused three of his fingers to be cut off. Some who had intention to turn to Mahomet, he made them be ram∣med into a Cannon, and fire set to it.

The fourth of August, at that time when the prodigious Planet menaced Portugal and Marocca, the King of Portugal having made his prayers, and received a benediction from the Bishop of Co∣nimbria, mounted on a white horse caparison'd with gold and green, of about five and twenty years of age, with something a ri∣sing nose, a good stature, his lip a little hanging, went through all the Army, to animate and encourage the souldiers. Some say the Bishop of Conimbria dreamed the night before, that the battel was lost, and that they were all slaves, as it came to passe; and that upon this alone he sent his treasure, and all things he had of value to Arzille, which served for his ransom afterwards.

Malouco the same day about eleven in the fore-noon, left his Littar and mounted on horse-back, vested in a rich robe of cloth of gold, wrought with a folliage, a Cimeterre at his side, his saddle set over with precious stones, and thus went from rank to rank, encouraging his men to combat. His Army marched in good order like a half-cressent, drums of the Morisco very small, beat, and the Fifes founded a shriller sound then the Trumpet. 'Twas thought the battels should have been given on Sunday the third, but 'twas

defer'd to the fourth, and Sebastian and Mahomet were advised to stay battel till the approach of night, because the Arabians pro∣mised to come over to them, and leave Malouco, which proved false, and they were so disappointed. King Sebastian was armed, as the day before, in green Armes, upon a white horse one of the best in Portugal.

The Moores Army was rampar'd on the left hand with the Ri∣ver. Sebastian thought himself sure of the Arabians assistance, and specially of Melouco's Van-guard, which was all of Arabians, and for this reason stayed till night, that they might not be perceived. 'Twas in a field of above two large leagues every way, without ei∣ther tree or stone. Before the Van-guard marched, the Light-horse-men mounted on the Arabians horses, composing the point of the Cressent, and were wholly cut off with the Cannon. The Arabians seeing this rout, thought good to do the like; but not perceiving a man of the other Battalia's fall, they set a good face on it, by force Muley Hammet being at hand to instigate them. The battail at length grew hot, and the Arabians performed nothing of what they had promised: Molouco employed the re∣maining houres of his life in giving order for victory: The King of Portugal and the Moor remained on the ground as well as Mo∣louco, the one slain, the other drowned, and the third dead of in∣firmity in his Littar, Hamet remaining only victorious, and heire of all.

Don Sebastian did wonders in his own person, but overpowred with number, he hung his handkercher on the point of a lance in token of yeilding, but the rascally Moores ignorant of this pra∣ctice, run upon him, and those that stood with him, and put them all to the Sword. The slaughter was great, but chiefly of those who went along with the baggage, who were as many or more then all the Army.

There were some mingled themselves amongst the dead, to save their lives. 'Twas sad to see 200. sucking children, and above 800. women, boyes, and girles, who followed father and mother, think∣ing to inhabit this country, who had loaded chains and cords to fetter the Moores, and served for the Christians themselves, of whom there are 17. thousand prisoners, the two hundred infants, and the eight hundred women not reckon'd. As to the kingdom of Fez or Marocca, heretofore Mauritania, or Tingitania, 'tis of vast extent, and amongst others hath the two potent towns of Fez and Marocca.

Fez is the Capitall of the kingdom, strong in scite and people, seated on two great hills, being able upon occasion to raise sixty thousand horse: of sumptuous edifice, of the Persian building, embellished with Folliages of gold and azure, their walls strong, streets cleanly kept, being a Captain for every one, with strong gates at the ends for their security, and crossed with chaines; a

fair river called also Fez passes through the middle.

This River is divided into two channels, one towards the South, which waters Fez the new, the other towards the West, water∣ing Fez the old, besides divers fountains which creep through Subterranean channels.

The houses for the greatest part are of brick, with Towres and Tarrasses, where the women prune themselves in the evening, for they seldom stirr abroad. There are Mosquees of fair building with their Marabouts for their service; the Principall called Cai∣rimen is of as large circumference as the Town of Arles, with 31. principall gates, sustained by 38. large Arches in length, and 20. in breadth, every night 900. lamps are lighted, and on festivall dayes, as in their Romadan, the feast of S. John, the Nativity of our Lord, more Lamps without number upon brasse candlesticks, where after Mid-night they sing Mattens. Sixty leagues from hence is Marocca chief of all other kingdomes under that Empire, as Hea, Ducalea, Gusula, Hascora and Trelle: as Fez hath under it, Tesmenia, Asgar, Flabat, Errif, Garet, Escaus, &c.

This Town was built, or rather augmented by a Prince, called Mansor in the year 1024. scituate in a Plain invironed with Date-trees. He built there a Magnificent Mosquee; there is the high tower with three Spires, on which stand three balls of gold, of twenty thousand Miticales, or two hundred and twen∣ty five pounds weight a piece, Muley Malouco would have had them for his warres, but the Inhabitants would not permit him, whereupon the Janissaries that came from Constantinople to as∣sist Malouco, made some Musquet shot, and pierced them in divers places. He promised them that after a time he would set the like there again, but the others answered, if he should dye, all was lost; as his great Grand-father who sold the foundation rents of the Hospitall of Fez, and dyed before he could restore them, so as 'twas lost to the poor.

CHAP. XXIII. Of the Kingdome of Marocca and Fez.

MArocca stretches it selfe very farre, and the parts North∣ward joyn upon the countrey of Asgar, crossing the Mountaines of Gouraigoura, thirty leagues from Fez, whence there flowes a lovely River which runnes Westward, and joynes with the River Bar, where there are vast Plaines and Pastures without stone, like the Camargue of Arles.

The Arabians call this countrey Suambiz, a countrey a∣bounding in Cattell, and fronts upon another Nation of the Arabians called Aluzar, and betwixt these two people, there is ever a mortall warre and hatred.

The People of Asgar confine Northward on the Ocean, Westward on the River Buragray, which cuts through Fo∣rests full of Celoquintida, and Oranges, rendring a most plea∣sant odour, Southward on the River Bonazar, inhabited by those wealthy Arabians called Alalur, whence come a brave company of Cavaliers.

Here there are many faire Townes, as Argac, Larais, and Casar, Alcahir, or Elcabir, that is the Grand Palace built by the great Mansor, upon an encounter hee had, being lost a hunting, and Northward the countrey of Habar.

The Region of Habat, or Elbabat, ends also on this side the Ocean, beginning from the South to the River Gonar∣ga, or Orga, and Suerga, and from the East to the Straight. The Principall City is Azaget or Ezageu, which stands up∣on the hanging of a Hill, neare to the River Gourga, and hath many other good Townes, as Agla, Tonser, Merga, Omar, and others upon the Straight, conquered by the Por∣tuguese, as Arzile, and others; and joynes to the Province of Errif, which beginnes at the Straight; and Eastward stretches as farre as the River Necor, Northward to the Me∣diterranean. The principall town of it is Targa, or Terga, up∣on the said sea, who traffick with the People of Tunnis, and Bisette.

There are besides the Townes of Jelles, Gebba, and others. Garet joynes to this Province, which reaches as farre as the Deserts of Numidia, and the Cities there

are Mazelle, Megger and others, where there are many Mines of Iron.

This Countrey joynes upon the Region of Chaus, which Westward runnes to the River Barnagara, that goes to the borders of Lybia, with her townes of Teurere, Besornin, &c. It extends as farre as the Kingdome of Telesin, exceeding rich, which on the West bounds upon the Rivers Moluia and La, South upon the deserts of Numidia, comprehending from West to East near four hundred miles, environed with many great deserts, confining on the blacks, and hath two remark∣able Havens, Marzalquibir, and Oran, besides the townes of Gualdida, Hauan, the great City of Nodroma, and Telesin the capitall, where the King resides, who keeps a magnifi∣cent Court.

There is also Constantina, the Walls whereof are black stone polished, scituate upon a Mountain at the foot where∣of the River Sufamar runnes. About it are other Provin∣ces, whereof some joyn to the desert of Barqua, which bor∣ders upon Tenez, a City of Numidia, and on the North em∣braces the Province of Daro, which joynes upon Sequelme or Segelmesse, taking name from the capitall towne, and ex∣tends to the River of Zez, which confines on the Deserts of Lybia.

All these countries are inhabited by severall barbarous peo∣ple, as Zonetes, Azonagia, Zabara, Egilefe, and runnes to the Province of Chenega, which joyns to the Mountaine of At∣las. This Mountaine reaches to the Deserts of Numidia, a∣mongst which there is one countrey terminates upon the kingdom of Bugia, called Zeb, on the North having Biledul∣gerib, or Numidia.

Lybia is of great extent, and Numidia larger. In Lybia are the vast Deserts of Zonzaga and Zuenziga, almost all inhabited on the skirts, with Arabians, who have the blacks on the West and South called Galata, confining upon Tom∣bur. In the middle is the Desert of Zarat, which is two hundred miles over, without any habitation: but the desert of Aroboan affords some comfort, and it joynes upon Tombur. Then next are the deserts of Hair, over which lyes the pas∣sage from Tombur to Telensin.

We leave the Desert of Gosde on the right hand for the numbers of fierce beasts that resort thither: then to the de∣sert of Gir, which on the North confines on Tuas, Tegerin and Damesab, which hath the kingdome of Agades on the South, a countrey plentifull of Herbage, Fountaines, and Manna, which they use much in their Diet, and Potta∣ges; they have such abundance of it, it renders them ex∣ceeding strong and agile, they likewise, boyled with water,

make drink of it. They are subjects to the King of Tombur, and border upon Cano another kingdome tributary to Tombur. The people are all black as pitch. Near the Town of of Masar in Arabia Salban, there was once a Gulph of the Sea. There was for∣merly a Temple dedicated to Venus, where maids did prostitute themselves for pleasure or profit, they report: but a famous Courtisan, beautiful and rich, by name Ameliga, being court∣ed by divers Princes and great persons, would accept of no∣thing from them, only obliging them to give something to the poor, using these words, Honour the Goddesse Ameliza to whom you offer this; which made her famous through all Africa, so as they came from very forrain parts to see her, and the King of Bodumal sued to have her to wife, which she refused: a∣mongst others there was a Maraban who visiting her, erected a magnificent Temple to her, which was immediately fre∣quented with a concourse of people, and everyone repair'd thither to obtain their desire, provided they were able of member, otherwise 'twas not to be looked for. The People of Guiner, Tombur, and others were of this devotion. The Priests of the Temple received the word, and render'd them at certain houres.

For the kingdome of Melli 'tis very wealthy, by reason 'tis cut through with the black river or Senega, or a branch of it, or rather a channell made by hand, so as 'tis very fruit∣full in Dates, Raisins, Cotton, and other commodities; for 'tis said this River flowes as Nile does, and at the same houres: They have abundance of Canoes, or boats of one piece, in which they travaile upon their little negotiations, passing from king∣dome to kingdome, moved out of the History of Jonas, who they say came on shore there. They make great benefit of Whales, and believe no Whale can passe that way without bursting.

An ancient Gentleman of Siban told me, that in the yeare one thousand five hundred seventy one, walking on the shore, he saw three great Whales, which being entered the Gulph, made a most horrid noyse, and on the morrow one of them was cast up with his belly slit, as it had been done with a knife, the other two were carried away with the streame of the water. Whether this be a miracle or magick, I will not judge.

Melli borders upon Gago; and Gago is the better countrey of the two, and though Melli have the better townes, yet the other is of much more esteem for many things, but chief∣ly for the quantity of gold, brought thither by the Moores from all parts, and this gold is very exquisite, whereof they make most part of their pieces of a crown and halfe, which they call Miticales. But Melly hath the glory from all her

neighbours for a fair Colledge of their Prophet Haly, where all the other kingdomes come to study the Sciences: there being many learned Doctors of their kind. Thither for this purpose repaires the youth of Cambre, the chief town of Tambur, as also from Gago and other place. Gago is a Town of great traffick where there is a great Mart for pepper, and slaves of all parts of Christendom, whom they employ in Mines, there being some who for avarice bring their own children for this purpose. Gago bor∣ders Eastward on Cober, and the capital towns of these two coun∣tries are 200. leagues distant. They are also under the inundation of Niger, which manures the countrey, and makes it plentifull in cattle, and provisions: the reason the people apply themselves more to husbandry then study, and so are grosse and rustick. Westward from thence lyes the great Cape Serrelyonne, on the East the kingdome of Agades, then Cano, Zegeg, which breeds such store of horse, then Zanfara and Guangara Northward, whose King hath a Guard of 7000. men, foot and horse, with bowes and Cimeterres. Then comes Borro which runs above five hundred miles Eastward, having on the South the Deserts of Get, and on the North those of Barea. They are a brutish people, and enter∣tain their wives in common. Towards the Piroc are the Deserts of Goran, towards Ethiopia: there are people in abundance, and a party of Giloses, who come thither by reason of a sedition, and a party from Zenega who came thither by reason that a daughter of the king of Azangues being married to the King of Gambra, find∣ing she was no maid, repudiated her, whereof arose great warres amongst them.

The people of Temesne say they were the Founders of Marocca, they use a finer language then others, which they call Aquela Ma∣rig, that is, the noble language, the other kingdomes of Afri∣ca speaking but a rude language in comparison. Another cal∣led Sigay, which goes in the kingdomes of Galatas, Tombut, and Guinée, Meli, Gago different from the rest: another at Juber, which cannot be written, because of the gutturall pronunciation, and goes as far as Cana and Casena: Again at Hea, Gangara, Borne, they use other languages. At Sena, Terga, Gueziga, and Lenta, they expresse themselves well, something like the African, and pronounce in the throat, but distinctly. They are much contented to see a stranger learn their language.

I was acquainted with a Physician learned in all these Lan∣guages, as likewise in Latine, Greeke, and Italian, and French, reasonable well. One night being in bed in the same Chamber with him, and Captain Thomas Martin, on a suddain enters a Moor, mine Host having brought him in, with a slave carrying a Torch, cover'd from head to foot with woollen cloth, who saluted us in French: seeing him so black I blessed my self, taking him for a devill, whereat he laughed, bidding

me I should not be afraid, for there was no danger. He kissed his hand, and took mine with many kindnesses and expressions, that he could not have slept if he had not seen me, entreating me to come to him on the morrow, to communicate to me a matter of impor∣tance. Asking how he came so perfect in our tongue, he told me he was once servant to one Charbi at Marseills, that he had had businesse with my father, whom he named, and my brother: that he had been a slave 9 years, then redeemed himself. On the morrow he was with us at our first stirring, and we took a walk together, and then he invited us to dinner to his house, which was very noble. I demanded of him how a person of such quality had remained so long in slavery: he told me that for five years his ransom being a thousand duckets was lost. He had four horses in his stable, his lodging chamber was gilt, and had many other very fair rooms. He had one wife only, and he would never marry other, but would live like a Christian. His wife was fair in perfection. He gave me high commendations to his wife that she might be courteous to me, and she was therefore very civill to us: He shewed us all his house, and a fair Library of well-bound books, and shewed me how the Africans had been Lords of a great part of the world, shewing me a Book titled Albazer full of curiosities, and histories of the renowned Africans, as Hannibal, Massinissa, Septimus Seve∣rus Emperour, and many other Kings, Princes, and Bishops, as St. Augustine and others.

I asked him why he followed not the Law of so many holy Bishops. He told me he was not so far divided, and that in their Alcoran Mahomet confesses that Jesus Christ was greater than he: that he met him in the sixth heaven and humbled himself to him, beseeching him to pray to God for him, which he never did to other Prophets, who all beg of Mahomet to pray to God for them. So as this man wanted nothing of a Christian but Baptisme; and told us that having paid his ransom, if his Master Churbi the Con∣sul had not pressed him to marry a young widow whom he dear∣ly lov'd, he had willingly become Christian. He was a man very upright, wise, and vertuous, and if he would marry other wives, of the chiefest in Town he might have plenty. He told me as a secret that the Governour of Arzille, who was in heart of the Spa∣nish opinion, would have given his daughter in marriage, if he would have become Christian, he had likewise a particular affection for Christians. This is that Arzille which in the year 1421. was conquered by Cordoue the Moor, which Don Alphonso, King of Portugal regained from him.

But to return to Marocca, I shall speak of what I have often seen in Mountains of Ziz, that is, how the people have a familiarity with serpents, and very infants will play with them. The Mahometans having it by precept of Law, to kill none of these pernicious crea∣tures,

insomuch as I was once reproved by one of them for throw∣ing a stone at a toad.

Being departed from Sequeline, we crossed the Mountains of Ziz, which takes beginning at the skirts of Mezetazu, towards the West, and terminates at Telde, towards Numidia. The Arabians call it Segelmesse, which are fifteen Mountains where these Serpen∣tine people inhabit, which the people call Zanaga, who keep com∣pany with serpents, and have their gardens full of toads. 'Tis true there are amongst them Magicians of divers kinds, whereof some can charm these reptile Creatures, as in the Indies they charm the Caymanes and Tiburons,* 1.108 that these fish-monsters devour not them who fish for pearls, they call these Magicians Malurman. In these Mountains of Ziz there are other Magicians, who boast they can cure all diseases,* 1.109 them they call Mahazin, and are in great esteem. Another sort called Zairan conjure tempests, lightenings, hails, and other Meteors, which are hurtfull to fruits. I remem∣ber I there saw a Magician, who perceiving a horrid tempest ap∣proaching in a thick black cloud, which would quite destroy their Seytume, or olives then in flower, he made a hole in the ground, and with certain words urined in it, which diverted the storm to another part: yet they have another sort they call Machabell, who say they can cure all diseases in cattle. Others called Sadahachar, who have power over devils, and can compell them to any place they command them: They have alwaies one amongst them, and they call them white devils. Others very skilfull in Geomancy, who can shew spirits in a bright bason like a looking-glasse, which re∣presents what is desired: Others they have that cause beasts or men to languish and die; but this last sort is not onely amongst Infi∣dels, I have seen them likewise amongst Christians. For being once at Seville in Spain, I knew a Flemish Limner excellent in his art, who languisht by this means, betwitch'd by a famous strumpet cal∣led Segnora Maria de Villara, who would have served a Comrade of his in like sort, with certain biskets wherewith she entertained him, whereof one was charm'd and the other not; but he suspect∣ing some villany, cunningly conveyed it to her own plate, and took another. Afterwards she doubting nothing gave him one to pre∣sent to his wife, with a curious purse. But he returning home made triall on a dog, who immediately fell to howling, and dyed. Mean while the Bisket which the Curtizan had taken unawares, began to work, whereupon perceiving her self lost, she sent for her friend, who acknowledged he had given her the morsel, ignorant what it was. Hereupon she desired him for a last service, he would go to a certain place in a garden out of Town, and cut a cord which he should find tied to a tree; which taking some friends with him he did, and found a toad tied by the leg at the end of the cord, and he had no sooner cut it but the Curtizan died. I was

in Sevill when this happened, and seeing the body of this woman going to buriall, he who was the principal actor told me the story, for we lodg'd in the same house. And his wife upon this strange ef∣fect durst no longer wear the purse she sent her.

In order to this I will relate you two other examples of Sorce∣rers, which happened in our Countrey of Provence, one of a Shoe∣maker at Aix. On the day he was married a witch tied a knot up∣on a point, with certain words, and laid it on the Altar in time of Masse, and afterwards put it in a hole. For five or six years these people could never live together, till the witch being apprehended before her death, confessed where the point was, which was found together with crosses, caracters, and sacred words: The witch was burn'd alive, and the shoemakers wife afterwards became with child.

The other of a Marsellian, who being in love with a maid, whom her friends would not consent should marry him, was advised to go to Baile de Luc, a grand Sorcerer, who made him make an offering to Sathan, then drawing a circle on the ground, he divided it in seven parts, and in each placed a character, signifying the name of a Devil, who should appear to him in what form he would, and carry him whithersoever he desired. But the other not being over confident named the form of man, but the Sorcerer would have the form of a beast. In fine, the other for money procured him to let him have the caracter of a Demon with him to his own home, to make tryal of, and made choice of the name Leviathan, and about midnight went to do this work at his Mistresses door, the Magician having told him 'twould work the more forcibly. He then laid the Caracter upon a stone and on his knees made his pray∣ers to Leviathan to assist him in his enterprize.

He said this prayer five times, then on a sudden the devill ap∣peared in a hideous and horrible form, which the poor man having not courage to endure, fell in a trance on the ground for three hours together. Afterwards returning to himself, he got up, took his ticket, and returned home sad and vext at his want of courage. He cast the Caracter in the fire, whence broke three such claps of thunder, as if the house should have sunk to hell. The Father, Mother, and Sisters ran to see what the matter was, but he seemed to know nothing. The poor man being in this distresse, came to me, for he was my friend, and telling me the proceedings asked my advice, with most desperate speeches, saying, that to gain his love he did not care to be damned. Whereupon I advised him in the best sort I could, telling him that this way though he should gain his Mistresse, nothing but misery could befall him; then I made him promise me to go together to a Capucin of my acquaintance to reconcile him, and receive his diabolical renunciation; but this miserable man came not according to appointment, persisting in his accursed resolution.

Mean while the maid having knowledge of all, married honou∣rably with another, and left the wretched man infamous and dis∣graced, to a Tragick death. Now to conclude this discourse of Africa, I saw there certain beasts, the like whereof I never saw in India East or West, they call them Pachacou, like foxes, and are of so strange and ravenous a nature, that if they wind a dead corps before it be interr'd, they will scrape and mine till they get to it, and eat it to the bones, some call them Chicali, they live onely on flesh. And I remember that a poor boy, servant to one of our com∣pany, being dead, we buried him in a sandy ground, and as deep as we could, but the day following we found him drawn out of the earth, and knawed to the bones. Not imagining how this came to passe, we went next evening to watch, and found 'twas those beasts, who came in a troop to hunt after such booty: We hit one of them so with a stone, that he lay for dead, and as we were view∣ing him, as a strang thing, on a sudden he leapt up and ran away, which made us think this Creature is exceeding crafty, that can dis∣semble death so naturally. The Arabians call him Duburh, the Africans, Ilef.

A while after this battail, I went aboard at Lareche, and came to Calis, a hundred miles from thence, so to San Loucas, then to Seu∣ille, 16. leag. from Calis, going thither by the Gadalquivir: and re∣ceived some money I had a letter of exchange for from Fez, I went to Grenado, two dayes journey from Seuille, so down to Cordoua, and Guadix, and meeting with a waggon loaded with wool, I came to Cartagena, then following the coast to Malaga, Valencia, Barce∣lona, and at last to Marseills.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Maps of Africa de∣fective.
• * 1.2

  The ex∣tent of Africa.
• * 1.3

  See Pliny l. 5. c. 1. of the Cavarian•• of Affrick.
• * 1.4

  Leon of Africa, lib. 1. cap. 11.
• * 1.5

  Majesty of the King of Tombut.
• * 1.6

  Africans who adore the Sun.
• * 1.7

  The Em∣pire of the Abissins.
• * 1.8

  The pro∣digious greatnesse of Africa.
• * 1.9

  The divisi∣on of Afri∣ca.
• * 1.10

  Read An∣drew Cor∣sals letter of this Island.
• * 1.11

  A Topo∣graphy of the Island S. Laurence
• * 1.12

  Chreumain or Indian Safron. Garcias l. 1. c. 39.
• * 1.13

  Igname or Inhame a root.
• * 1.14

  The occu∣pations of the Inha∣bitants of Madagas∣car.
• * 1.15

  Birds of Paradice.
• * 1.16

  Croco∣dils, and the man∣ner how to take them.
• * 1.17

  Janiharou a Town and River.
• * 1.18

  Isles of Theives.
• * 1.19

  The Coco tree.
• * 1.20

  The root Joguia.
• * 1.21

  Belugara.
• * 1.22

  Windes which pre∣serve bo∣dies incor∣ruptible.
• * 1.23

  Lib. 11. c. 2.
• * 1.24

  Christians in B••lu∣gara.
• * 1.25

  The town of Mon∣baze.
• * 1.26

  A merry passage, see the like story in the first part.
• * 1.27

  The man∣ner how they re∣ceive Em∣bassadors.
• * 1.28

  Melinde Town and Kingdom.
• * 1.29

  Melons of excellency,
• * 1.30

  The Prince of M••linde a g••ave Justiciar.
• * 1.31

  Quiloa, Zanguefar, Zanzebar.
• * 1.32

  The river Humes.
• * 1.33

  Mozam∣bique.
• * 1.34

  Salomons gold.
• * 1.35

  Zinguebar.
• * 1.36

  Abassins.
• * 1.37

  The Isle Zunan.
• * 1.38

  The lake Zaflan.
• * 1.39

  Magnice a river.
• * 1.40

  Zaire and Zembre.
• * 1.41

  Rivers in Suama.
• * 1.42

  Divers ri∣vers in Couama.
• * 1.43

  Goldmines.
• * 1.44

  Alvarez testifies, that in the mines of Chaxumo, there are stones of 64 fa∣thoms, six in breadth, and three height.
• * 1.45

  The au∣thor changes the design of his first voyage.
• * 1.46

  The cour∣tesie of sa∣vages.
• * 1.47

  The Abif∣sins im∣print a Crosse on their flesh.
• * 1.48

  Suguelane.
• * 1.49

  agisimba.
• * 1.50

  Monopota∣pa.
• * 1.51

  Mines of salt.
• * 1.52

  Madrogan the chief town of Monopo∣tapa.
• * 1.53

  Subjects zealous to their Prince.
• * 1.54

  Lions skins
• * 1.55

  Land Tor∣toises.
• * 1.56

  The ex∣tent of the Abissins country.
• * 1.57

  Manzua.
• * 1.58

  C••dignus & others.
• * 1.59

  King∣domes.
• * 1.60

  Tributes paid to Preste John.
• * 1.61

  Ethiopia double.
• * 1.62

  The Abis∣sins religi∣on.
• * 1.63

  See Alua∣rez ch. 41.
• * 1.64

  The reve∣rence they bear to sa∣cred pla∣ces.
• * 1.65

  Causes of the flow∣ing of Nile.
• * 1.66

  Abba Li∣canus who some say baptized Candace the Queen Aluarez. ch. 14,
• * 1.67

  Amazons.
• * 1.68

  People black and white.
• * 1.69

  Aranuhi.
• * 1.70

  A hundred weight.
• * 1.71

  Calscenas, P••este J••hns mes∣sengers. Aluaca. 141.
• * 1.72

  Aua. c 8.
• * 1.73

  Betudete a grear offi∣cer. Al. c. 69.
• * 1.74

  Tabuto the altar stone.
• * 1.75

  Ariates.
• * 1.76

  The tri∣umphall entrance of the Ne∣gus into Barra.
• * 1.77

  Ganfrila and Dra∣frila.
• * 1.78

  Al. calls it Gauete.
• * 1.79

  Mongibir.
• * 1.80

  Romarins Christians
• * 1.81

  Strange prostitu∣tion of wives.
• * 1.82

  See Al. cap. 58. and 59.
• * 1.83

  This is Domine mi∣serere nobis
• * 1.84

  Aluarez cals them Debiteres. The can∣nons of Ethiopia. Of this Abraham See Al. ca. 54.
• * 1.85

  Israelites is as much as Princes of the blood-roy∣al, or offi∣cers des∣cended from those Jews who came thi∣ther in the daies of Salomon. Al. c. 61. & 138.
• * 1.86

  Alu. saith the Priests & Cannons are single, Monkes married.
• * 1.87

  Instituted since Al. time, who speaks not of them.
• * 1.88

  Look Al. G••es, Go∣dagne, and the mo∣dern rela∣tions of the Jesuites.
• * 1.89

  Abibli∣cains.
• * 1.90

  Bilibranos the name of a Mo∣nastery. Dragoyan or Dora∣gila in sum. See Mark Pol. l. 3.••.17.
• * 1.91

  Or Zabano as the Per∣sians call them. See the first part, c. 37. which must be Medusa's head, or the dog, or one of Orion.
• * 1.92

  Al. sayes they call it Berene∣gus c 46. Sabalete a river. Al. ca. 52.
• * 1.93

  Saba cal∣led Sabin by Al. c. 41.
• * 1.94

  May be the Mo∣nastery of Abba Ga∣riman.
• * 1.95

  Bernusse a sort of African cloth.
• * 1.96

  Tamatan.
• * 1.97

  Lacque sanguine colour for Painters.
• * 1.98

  The same we read in the Histo∣ry of Gan∣fredi.
• * 1.99

  See if this may be, in S Aug. l. 18. c. 18. De civitate Dei.
• * 1.100

  See Leon. Afr. l. 8.
• * 1.101

  Truebalm Pe Mar. in his Lega. babil. l. 3. who sayes 'tis in the year 1502 this plant was lost.
• * 1.102

  See Mo∣nardes.
• * 1.103

  Hierogly∣phicks.
• * 1.104

  Mummie.
• * 1.105

  Alexan∣dria▪
• * 1.106

  Seques Sbelus heretofore Syrtes.
• * 1.107

  Ermin a Judge.
• * 1.108

  Leon. Abr. l. 3.
• * 1.109

  Mahazin. Zaira.