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 THIRD PART Of the Famous TRAVAILS OF VINCENT le BLANC His Voyage to CONSTANTINOPLE.

REturning from Africa, I embarked in a Scette at Arache, and together with John Safolt, the Navi∣gator that preserved us from wrack at Gibraltar came to Cadiz, and thence to Marseills, where after three or four moneths rest, with the same Master I went to sea again in a vessell fraught for Constanti∣nople. We set saile at Marseills the twenty fourth of January, and arrived at this great town, the capitall of the Western Empire, on the twenty second of February following, having crossed the Ar∣chipelagus, and touched in at the Isle and Town of Seio, or Asion, where we heard a sad disaster, of a Lover, that in despair killed himself, and bequeathed his whole substance to his Mistresse, the ground of his destruction: There at a Convent of Fran∣ciscans, we saw the Fig-trees; the fruit whereof never ripens, till certain knats ingendered of the corruption of another, they call the Sicamore Fig, bites it; and then it ripens immediately, and is

exceeding delicate. Constantinople hath been the subject of so many ingenious pens, who have and daily do pourtray both the Town, and the Empire, the Court and State of the Grand Senior, his Officers, Religion, Customs, and other particulars of the Turks, that I shall enlarge my selfe no further, then to say 'tis admirable for pleasant scituation, and beautiful aspect at distance, though the intrinsick corresponds not; for the streets lye extremely sor∣did, out of the negligence or rusticity of the Inhabitants, who think of nothing but gain, and avarice, without regard to decency either in their houses, or streets. The Grand Senior, Bashaws, and such, have magnificent Palaces painted with gold and azure, after the Persian. Her Founder Constantine the Great dismantled Rome and all the Province of the Empire to adorn this his new City, which in imitation of ancient Rome he seated on seven hills: af∣terwards Justinian erected the magnificent Church of our Savi∣our, or S. Sophia, of circular Modell, by which pattern the Sara∣sins built their Temple, or Mosque at Meca, though there be much difference betwixt them, that at Meca, being only brick building, supported with abundance of Pillars.

Constantinople hath within nothing graceful, but the Princes Seraglioes, the Mosques, Hospitalls, and the Bashaws Palaces built by the art and industry of their slaves, as heretofore at Rome: likewise these Bashaws for the greatest part are Renegado-Chri∣stians, or Christians children, of more elegancy then the natu∣rall Turk, the most avaricious people of the world, who with∣out mony, afford not the least civility imaginable.

Constantinople is scituate on a Promotory environed on all sides, except the West, with the Sea, with a Gulph or Channell on the North, and Port Pera, or Galata secured with a chain as Malta is. Pera is as 'twere a Suburbs beguirt with Walls, rai∣sed in Anastasius the Emperours time, who fortified it. Within the circumference there are four good Ports besides this. On the Land side 'tis double wall'd, with good ditches equall'd, slan∣kard and rampar'd, no work of the Turks notwithstanding, but the ancient Christians, who possessed it, and since repaired by them. 'Tis of triangular form, one point towards the West, the other two declining with falls and windings towards the sea on the South side. From some houses in Pera, one may take a view of the scite and precinct of it, and perceive how it opens it self into three Angles, the one towards the Port of the Islands, a second to the River Port, and the third points upon the Grand Siniors Se∣raglio, which takes up the side of the hill, that embosoms the Gulph towards Pera, the height whereof is a shelter to the ves∣sels that ride on that side, and here the Sultans, and Sultanesses Gardens are. The Seraglio is of a noble and delightfull Fa∣brick, for it hath both land and sea for prospect, which from the Mount surveyes the champain. There are long ridings adjacent,

enclosed with high walls, and beautifyed with columns of dis∣colour'd marble, and tall trees ranked in walkes. Within the Se∣raglio is the Temple of S. Sophia, since the demolishment of a number of goodly Churches, made their Mosque: having left none for the Greek Christian service, but those of S. Peter, S. Thomas, S. Theodoret, Saint Luke, S. Lazarus, Saint John, and S. Seba∣stian; now in the Patriarcks hands where Christians celebrate with permission.

The Turks practice a Religion in Part and countenance meer∣ly, without regard to law either divine or humane:* 1.1 relying for their faith upon others, without further indagation, and con∣ditionally that their Prophet were not mistaken: Their principal care is the manage of their affaires, to be esteemed wise, and en∣joy the pleasures of the world. They esteem Christians far short of them, yet notwithstanding they allow Christ to be born of a Vir∣gin, that he was a great Prophet, and the Breath of the mighty God. There have risen amongst them some Sectaries, who held him a greater Prophet then Mahomet: but some being so bold as to publish it, were dragg'd by the heels, had their brains beaten out, and were made food for dogs. The prohibition to dispute of their law they observe exactly, for manifesting the imperti∣nence and absurdity of it, and for the diverse interpretations of their Alcaron, which would intangle them in a thousand confusi∣ons. They place their Paradise intirely in sensual pleasure, as in gustfull and delicate meat and drink, in fair women, and the like; and doubt not salvation, if they abstain from wine and swines flesh. Their Talismansat and Cadileschers, their Doctors preach them this wholesome doctrine: telling them the Paradise promi∣sed to Christians where there is neither meat nor drink, is for poor and wretched creatures; in theirs they make good cheer, so carnal, and below spirit are these people. The Priests must be a little learned in the course of the Sun and Moon, for the knowledge of their Feasts and New-Moons: they go daily upon the steeple of their Mosque, and proclaim the hours of prayer to God and their Prophet.

They have Religious of several orders, some like men in despe∣ration, counterfeiting the ideot, others dissembling simplicity, others that most frantickly torment themselves to death, women who ring themselves with wire, as we do Mares, but of this I have said sufficiently in my Treatise of Persia. The Mufti is their Grand Patriarck, who decides all differences in Religion and disputes a∣mongst the Priests, and the Grand Sinior himself cannot wave his sentence, who owes him such respect, that he rises from his seat to receive him when he makes a visit to him, and seats him by him. The determination of civill and criminal causes is com∣mitted to the Soubassi or Gadilescher Basha, Armin, or Ar∣cair. This Mufti as of the line of Mahomet, weares a green

Turbith, the Emir wears it also; not for holinesse, but for autho∣rity. These Emir are egregious Hypocrites, as are the Deruis, who wear the Cimeterre, and under colour of executing divine Ju∣stice, commit a thousand murders in the country. There are others who go in troops, and coming to a Village beg almes upon their knees, which Turks give them liberally, and they eat it in the place, neverthesse having done, for all this charity, all they can meet alone, they omit not to pillage and murther.

During my stay at Constantinople, there died Basha Zabahim, a person of worthy repute according to his law: Being departed, his death was notified to all the people, who came in a multitude and wept for him, and according to custome he was interred without the town. Persons of such quality at their decease ever bequeath to pious uses, as to the foundation of an Hospitall, or Mosque, or the like; officers clad in duskish course rugs, give notice to the people to pray for the soule of this pious Lord: His nearest kindred covered with fine white linnen from head to foot, go to the house and attend at the gate, no man entring in but the Ma∣ster. Such as are more remote, are only vail'd over the face with a fine cloth, which hangs down to the girdle. They are known by their wailings and lamentations, which they duplicate when they come together. Then come forth all the Domesticks in gray Ash-coloured cloth, next come twelve horses, with clothes of the like drawing on the ground, the leaders clothed with the same. These horses seem to weep, and by intermissions to sigh and sobbe, which they are brought to by rubbing their nostrils with a certain drugge, while the people thinking them to weep really, accompany them with tears and lamentations.

Then follow four in gray with four banners trailing on the ground, then four more trailing Arms, Pikes, Javelins, Cimeters, Bowes, and Arrows, all with like lamentation; next comes the Corps contrary to us with the head foremost, clothed in a rich garment, born by six men well habited, six more holding up the Pall of the same colour; with the robes, with a black Turbant, upon which there is a green ribband of a finger breadth, signify∣ing the heaven promised by their Prophet, and upon the Turbant a bundle of feathers of great value.

All his Allies and Friends follow after weeping covered with white, by the head of the Corps walk four Talimassans, reading prayers for the dead, these assisted at his departure, and are obliged for some charity bestowed on them to pray for him all the yeare; when they come to the crossing of a street, the Corps stayes, and a Talimassan with a loud voyce cryes, Ala Ramani arban Muhis la ala ila ala ale Huma ala. Which meanes, God is mercifull, pray to God for him; and with that the Priests, with Tallow Tapers walk round the Corps, repeating the same words, and thus conduct him to

his Sepulcher, lin'd with thin boards and roof'd over: for nine dayes all his kindred visit the tomb with lamentations, whither they bring provision for the Priests and poor; for whom there is almes assigned, and this, they say, maintains them till the resurrecti∣on; when the breath of God will judge in favour of the Prophet, who gives testimony of their good works before the divine Tri∣bunal.

Meanwhile the widow of the deceased layes out for birds kept in cages, which she buys and sets at liberty, that the merciful God may so free the soule of the departed, as she hath shewed mercy to the birds, and poor: With the Turks Processe is decided,* 1.2 according to the letter of the Alcoran. Near the Seraglio gate is the Diuan, where the Principals sit in scarlet robes. The second Tribunall or Diuan, is within the Seraglio hard by the other, where sit the four Bachats, with the grand Seniors Secretary, three Cadeleschers and the Beglierbeg, who is as high-Constable. Here are criminall causes determined, and all that concerns the Militia, and pay of Janissaries and Souldiers, attended by the Dragoman, one skilled in all languages, for the benefit of strangers; for people of all sorts come to these tryals, and 'tis allowed to any one to see Justice executed. The Dragoman takes perfect information, that no man may be surprized in his cause, and then makes report to the Diuan. The Judges are ever of a graceful presence, holding for a principle, that a fair mind was never covered with a foule face, or very rarely. They afford a fair attention, and as diligent to a child as to the grand Senior. In the Diuan there is a pri∣vate window where sometimes the Grand Senior, stands to hear the Justice of the Court, which keeps him in awe and remem∣brance.

They have an equall and speedy Justice administred by the States gratis, nor can they admit either of presents or mediations. Bad causes are rewarded with good bangs, all done with weight and measure, for to the Judges 'tis death to proceed otherwise. In affairs of importance where the grand Senior ought to take cognizance, the Cadileschir makes the report to him, and he sen∣tences as he pleases. There are other Courts and Judicatories in severall places of the Town, for multitude of the Inhabitants, who for the most frivolous things appeale to Justice. The Cadis, Armis, and Soubassi, are the Judges, who for transgression are discharged of their office. The high Court of the Seraglio sits all day, from morning to night, where they are provided of three meals a day; before they enter, at nine, and in the evening, no man being allowed to stir out, but the Visier, keeper of the seale, who before he can seale any dispatch, must acquaint the grand Senior. Three dayes a week these grand Sessions are held, Sa∣turday, Sunday, and Monday, and sometimes Tuesday, in occur∣rence of great affairs, or of strangers: the other four dayes are

assigned to the Courts of the four Bachats, who dispatch the rest, and sit in places appointed, whence on the Saturday they faile not to be at the grand Sessions, where all attend, seated with cros∣sed arms, and their feet close together, till the grand Basha ap∣pear; to whom they addresse themselves with great reverence, then to their seats with rigorous silence. The Basha with a list of papers in hand, looking round, observes him who prepares to plead, then with his hand gives him a sign to speak, and having heard the complaint, then hears the adverse party, and with great prudence judges and gives sentence.

In case of murther they make particular inquiry of all accessa∣ries, and they scape not without a good fine that could, and hinde∣red not the murther: For all that are present are bound under fine and penal punishments to apprehend the murtherer, and bring him to the Soubassi, the Cadi's Lieutenant, who having heard the mat∣ter gives judgement. I was at Constantinople in the time of Amu∣rath grand Son to the Sultan Soliman, where by one Bernard Na∣dal a Marseillian, I learnt many particulars of the Court: He was taken by the Turks in his youth, and presented to the Soliman, who made him renegado, and his page. He made me an exact relation of the whole Court and Seraglio, out of which I collected some memorials that I lost. I can humbly say, God made me an instru∣ment to regain this man, who came back to Marseills, while his Father and Mother were yet alive, where he was reconciled to the Church, but sometime after going to sea, was by the Turks retaken, and put to death. Of the Seraglio I remember he told me that within the second gate upon the left hand is the Princes kitchin, not comparable to those in our Royal Palaces; he reckon'd all the Officers to me, which I set not down. Beyond that is the great hall, or chamber of the Agas Capigis, or Cadun, the door-guards, a different office from the Chaous, who are exempt from guarding. Of this guard there are a great number, divided by thirty to a Company. The third gate opens into gardens, set with dates, and trees of other sorts; at the bottom whereof is a fair Subterranean apartment, sumptuously stored with riches, on the top stands a golden Mund, and on that a Cressant. Here the Prince bathes in hot seasons, and sometimes eats; here he gives audience to Embassadours, conducted through divers gates and Courts, for ostentation of the State and magnificence of the Pa∣lace, the rich columns, Mosaick Tapestries, &c. He gives audience to Embassadours onely twice; when they arrive, and when they depart, and then for a speciall favour reaches them his right hand to kisse. In the middle of the chamber stands a great globe of Chrystal,* 1.3 exceeding delightfull to the eye, for the diversity of co∣lours it presents, enriched round with fair diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. At one end of the Chamber is a door where the grand Senior goes to visit the Sultanaes, while the Basha's entertain the

Embassadours; for the second room is for his wives and Ladies, where none enters but Eunuchs. Nadal that I spoke of as a Fa∣vourite, went in often with the Prince, and was fortunate in this that the Sultan excused him from castration, for fear of loosing of him, many loosing their lives by it, though when 'tis done they are cast in a sleep, by vertue of a stupifying water. He told me the Ladies would blandish him exceedingly, and that there was one who daily said the rosary of the blessed virgin, and was daugh∣ter to the Prince of Natolia. The Sultan keeps ten pages, as grooms of his chamber to dresse and undresse him, who serve not by quarter, but attend the Prince continually, as Pages of honour: They are cul'd out of many more, and ordinarily are chosen by their Physnomy, or good face. 'Tis the office of one of these to go every morning to the Chasna, or Treasurer for fourty duckets to put in the Grand Seniors pocket for his charity, and bounty; at night when he goes to bed, all the money left in his pockets the Pages of honour divide amongst them, where they often find the sum compleat, the grand Seniors affairs not allowing him leisure to think of it. They fetch every day the like sum for his sports. These Pages watch all night by the Prince, two and two by turns, and have Flambeaus burning, till Sun rising that the Prince rises: for then from a high steeple the Dalliman calls every one to pray∣ers. The Prince assoon as he is ready goes to the Mosquee, and if he please, takes his Pages of honour to attend him; sometimes to take the air he goes on horse to a Mosquee more remote, and then is attended in handsom order. Furthermore the Porter or Capaigis,* 1.4 hath authority to punish any that shall raise any broiles in the Palace, and suffers no man to go in with armes. The Querriship comprehends 300. goodly horses, twelve whereof are reserved for the Princes saddle alone, on which onely the pages of honour may ride: there are other stables for above six thou∣sand horse, as 3000. palfreys, called there Deuagilar. There are a number of horses besides, and the Master of horse they call Bashaw Abrahor.

In my time 'twas thus, perhaps things are altered since, I onely touch upon this Court passing by, with reference to more ample relations extant of this subject.

I was not forth in this voyage to Constantinople above eight months, but I returned the same year to Marseills, where I found the Town in much inquietude, for apparition of certain spirits in the house of one George Trian, who had had two wives both de∣ceased. These Goblins made strange noyses, and presented strange illusions, as Tiran reported, in effect it much disturbed the neigh∣bours, at last all was set at rest by a neighbour that discovered there remained some things unsatisfied, by one of the wives, which she appeared to reveale.

Going one day to visit Monsieur, the Count of Carsa, living then at Marseills, discoursing of this accident, he related to me severall things of this kind; amongst others, that being on a time with two friends at Susa in ••eemont, they were told at their lodging how there was a Chamber haunted with spirits, and strangely molested with horrible rumblings: hereupon they were taken with a curiosity to lie in this chamber, whatsoever their host could say to disswade them; their evenings discourse was onely of apparitions, which one amongst them absolutely denied, saying 'twas all but fables, and phantasticall imaginations: But lying all together in the same bed, about midnight the Count wakes, and by the light of a Flambeau they had left burning, he saw some Monks both black and white, reading their Breviaries by the blew light of a Taper, that made the whole chamber of the same colour: he could not understand a word they said, though he observed them diligently: he was seiz'd with such horrour he could not speak to his bed-fellowes, onely jogged the next with his elbow, who slept as he were charm'd; and when he saw the Monks with grave steps draw nearer the bed, his fear redoubled, and though their swords lay hard by him, terrour onely possessed him. He thought the Monks muttering some words, turned off the cloaths, took one of his companions out of the bed, and burnt him to ashes in a great fire; and in effect one of them was gone and never heard off more, and none but himself and one more left in the bed.

I remember also that being at St. Bauma, while Godfrey the accursed sorcerer was there, as they carv'd him fish, being Lent, and laid it on his trencher, he seemed still to eat, yet there was nothing lesse on his trencher; and Father Michaelis exorcizing Magdalen de la Palu, asked her what it meant? who answered he could not eat of all things; and that the Devils brought him human flesh, of which he fed and left the rest, And divers Sorcerers exe∣cuted at Aix, have confessed that in their Sabbaths, most common∣ly they feed on such fare.

This makes me doubt whether those Goblins or Sorcerers, seen by the Count, carried not the poor Gentleman away for the like provision; for he was never seen more, and the other two remain∣ed frighted and astonished almost to death. Notwithstanding de Carsis, so he was called, was a prudent and valiant person; and the third that scaped with the Count, was called Vieramont. I made the same year a journey into Italy, and coming to Pecholi to visit some friends, being in bed at an Inne, I heard a strange noyse, and a voice that called me by my name, which I took to be the voice of my mother, who told me she was dead: frighted wherewith I fell into lamentations, till my Brother-in-law over-heard me, and came with a candle, who understanding the matter reassured me. But continuing in sadnesse, about six dayes after going from Pe∣choli,

I fortuned luckily on a Marseillian Merchant, my acquain∣tance, who came but four dayes before from thence, and assured me he left my mother in health, so I found 'twas but a meer illusi∣on. Afterwards in the same voyage going from Rome to Naples, betwixt Aquila and Abruzza, we lodged in a village called Chelana, where mine host having seen us well accommodated in bed, reti∣red to another room, for fear of spirits that haunted that: and in good earnest we had a very troublesome night of it, not able to rest for ratlings and jinglings, both upon the stairs and in the Chamber, without perceiving any thing, much ado to comfort one another, and 'twas to no purpose, we called mine hoste; who in the morning excused himself the best he could, and all passed in laughter; but coming back that way we found the house pulled down, and a Church building in the place.

Then returning into France, we passed by Beaucaire, where we supped with the Sieur de St. Andre, Governour of Montpelier, and telling him of these spirits, being a Protestant, he made a scoffe at it; but the best was, that in the night as he lay in bed, he was wa∣ked with such a noise, that leaping to his sword, he cryed out, and raised us all; supposing thieves were robbing the house, but find∣ing doors and windows all fast, he was amazed, and made an oath he would never jest at spirits again.

The Authours voyage into Italy.

REturning to Marseills in a time of sicknesse, I went to sea again, in a vessel bound for Brasile, under the command of Captain James Varin. Our sufferings in this voyage were great, specially in our return, when we were glad for food to eat all manner of leather, Munkeys, Parrots, and Rats, which passed for plovers. I was the most troubled with a young Marsellian I brought along with me, one William Vias, a neighbour, a most malicious unto∣ward fellow, who did me not the least service, though I laid in provision for him, and paid his passage. He quarrelled with every one, and was beaten by every one, without any amendment, grow∣ing worse and worse.

Once he was soundly bang'd for saying he would kill the Cap∣tain, and had my advice been followed, they should have made a Fricassee of him, as I saw one served at Brasile, as I shall relate in my second voyage to the West Indies.

At our return, we came a shore at Haure, where I dismis∣sed him, and came alone to Marseilles, where I married the most perverse woman in the world, so as when I thought to have spent the remainder of my life in repose, I was constrained

to wander again for quietnesse, and in effect made a voyage to Portugall, to barter some pearls.

I laid in Merchandizes proper for Cadiz, as Camlots of the East, cloth, corall, and two hundred crowns in gold, upon let∣ters of exchange to Hierome Viguer of Chativa, and an hundred pistols, I deposited with Noe Menestier, which I lost; yet he an honest man; for this Viguier a Spaniard, used such sleights and delays, that I was constrained to quit all, by a misfortune which befell me. For waiting for my money at his Bro∣thers house one Emanuele, one evening coming out of a Church, there stood discoursing a companie of Cannons, who seeing me in a French dresse, according to that degenerous cu∣stome of the Spaniard, began to affront me, which I waved with patience; and telling them how injurious 'twas to abuse a stranger thus meerly passing by them, they wanted not much to come from words to blows with me and my man: Here∣upon I complained to the Duke of Gandia, who gave me no other satisfaction than to refer me to the Bishop, from whom I returned with as little satisfaction.

Thus discontented I left the Town, and removed to Cadiz, by the way I lighted upon one of these venerable Cannons travailing for Valencia, well mounted, and glasses before his eyes to pre∣serve them from the wind; now I having this opportunity for my revenge, gave him such a buffet that I broke his glasse, and sent him senselesse to the ground: then upon the spur doubled my pace to Guadix, where 'twas my hard fortune to loose a bill of exchange I had for cloth I sold at Valence. thence by Granado I went to Cadiz, where some small negotiations be∣ing dispatched, I returned for Provence: But having some prick in conscience for my treaty of the Cannon of Gandia, I went to a Priest to confesse my self, who considering the spe∣cies of my fault, turned me over to the Bishop, who absol∣ved me, and for penance obliged me to make a pilgrimage to Rome: I performed it, and coming to Saint Peters Church, to confesse me to one of the Penitentiaries, with long slaves, by ill luck he prooved a Spaniard, and understanding I had beaten a Cannon of Gandia, was much concerned, howsoever gave me absolution.

* 1.5At this time there was an Almner of the Popes, who had the disposing of ten or twelve thousand duckets to the poor year∣ly, and as they say, reserved a good share for himself; so as in few yeares he became exceeding rich, but very avaritious: Whereupon some good fellows there, were resolved to shew him a trick, and partake with him; for this purpose one of them opens a shop of small commodities, with some curiosities and antick me∣dals of gold and silver.

This Almner as he came from Church, went every day to

converse with this new Merchant, who still shewed him rarities, whereof sometimes he bought, sometimes not. At last when their familiaritie was confirmed, behold another of the pack, disguised like a slave, an iron plate about his neck, and a red cap, stands to beg at St. Peters porch, and as the Alm∣ner came by, besought a charity of him: the other see∣ing him of a good aspect, asked him what he was? who answered he was a poore Gentleman newly come out of sla∣very, and having his conscience burthened, desired he would hear his confession. So entring the Church, this Gallant told him a long story, how he had been divers years captive to Dragut Rais that famous Pirate, that at length he made him groom of his Chamber, and trusted him with all his money and jewels, and that his Master being slain at the siege of Malta, he took a jewell of extraordinary value, and a sum of duckets, and came with the Fleet to Constantinople, where he met with means to get into Christendom, and return to his Countrey with his wealthy prize.

The Almner was on fire, to have a sight of the rich piece, and told him if it were a thing of that value, he would pro∣cure his holinesse to buy it: The slave then conjuring him to secrecy by the name of God, shewed him a fawcet Chrystall, arti∣ficially coloured with Dragons bloud, which made it of an admi∣rable lustre; wherewith the Almner dazled, desired him he might shew it to a Merchant a friend of his, of knowledge in such things, so they went together to the Merchant, who viewing the jewell, made unusuall admirations, as at an excessive treasure, telling him 'twas worth many thousand duckets; whereby his longing growing stronger, after many offers and refusals be∣twixt the slave and him, they at length bargained for two and twenty thousand crowns, which he paid upon the naile: Whereupon the Merchant shuts up shop, packs away, and vanishes with the slave, never to be heard of.

Meanwhile the Almner was so swell'd with his purchase, that he could not contain himself, imagining by this means he might arrive at any office or dignity whatsoever, and fancied himself Pope already, with this Carbuncle in his Tiara: For some dayes he concealed it, not discovering the least to his very nearest friends. At length meeting with two Goldsmiths of his old acquaintance, he shewed it them, and would know their opinion of the value, or near the matter; who perceiving it a counterfeit carbuncle, laughed heartily, and said 'twas a pretty Chrystall, and might be worth some few realls, which so stroke the good man, that overcome with grief and vexation, he betook himself to his bed, whence he never rose again. Thus was the good man abused by the knavish cheats.

To second this, I shall tell you of an exploite was put

upon me in this very voyage. I intended for Naples, to buy some horses, for which purpose I had a good handsom sum of money I had taken for pearls I brought from Lisbone, and sold to the Mar∣quesse of Oraison, which I had put in two bags, whereof one I ever carried about me. One day passing through the market Co∣lonna, I observed a Goldsmith well furnished with jewels, and ha∣ving cheapned a good diamond of about four or five carrats weight, and a good luster, by reason the Bishop of Marseills desi∣red me to buy him one if I met with a good bargain; we agreed for threescore and odd pistols, which I laid down; but he re∣canting and demanding more, I withdrew my money. Upon this comes in a man in good fashion, his beard white, and a black vel∣vet cap, and told me in private if I would buy a good diamond, or other jewels, he would shew me those were good, and at a reasonable rate. I took the man for some Senatour, or per∣son of quality, and followed him, though the Goldsmith pul∣led me by the sleeve, to come into his shop again. As we went along, my Gentleman entertained me with discourse of severall jewels he had at his Chamber, without Port Popolo, at last he had brought me to a place out of all wayes, near the Palle Malle, by the wall side; I began to suspect some mis∣chief when I heard a Faquin by the way bid farewell, such a one calling him by his name; and as I was thinking to take my leave of him, and go back again, I was seized upon by four or five Ruffians, who set a dagger to my breast, and made me deliver my purse, and the bag I had about me, and my guide vanished so as I could see him no more.

In this miserable condition I came back to Rome, full of shame and sadnesse, and though I spoke not a word of it, yet my misfortune was immediately divulged through all Rome, how I had been cheated by one in such cloaths, who was known and famous for such a one, he was not long after apprehended and meeting me I knew him not at all, having cut his hair and changed his cloathes, and stoutly denyed the fact. They shewed me some pieces of gold, which I claimed as my own, but that was all I could get.

Notwithstanding he was within few dayes after, with two of his Comrades hanged, convicted of divers other robbe∣ries.

Being upon return to Marseills I made a digression towards the river Genes, and Malta, and by reason the plague was at Martigues, I could not without difficulty be admitted into Ville Franche, to take a bill of health to crosse the River Genes, where they are ex∣ceeding severe upon such occasions.

The day after I arrived, coming abroad two houres before day to take fresh ayr, I heard a doleful voyce coming, as I thought, from Capo Ferino, that cryed, Alas, kill me not, and take all I

have; and after some profound groanes cease. The day brought the matter to light, and it appears a poor man was murthered by some of Nice, persons of quality, and free from suspition.

For these people with the Castle-Frigot went aboard a Bark, and having put all to the sword, and pilladged, sunk it: but God for his just judgement permitted him, who sate at helme to leap into the water, and being ignorant of swimming, they say a Dolphin came betwixt his legges and carried him to shore, then knocking at the Castle Gate, he was brought wet as he was, be∣fore the Governour, to whom he related, that some with the Ca∣stle Frigot had boarded their vessell, and used them as I told you. The Governour amazed at the matter, called for him who had charge of the Frigot, to know to whom he had delivered it, who told him that such and such had taken it without asking, because he had ever allowed them the priviledge.

The Governour put on his clothes and went to the shore, where he found his Frigot drawn on land, and a boy washing away some blood which was in it; for it seems one of the Bark en∣deavouring to escape, they took him, killed him, and threw him into the sea. The Governour quietly asked what he was doing, he cunningly answered, they had in the night taken a great Fish, and that he was washing away the blood. In the instant came he who had taken away the Frigot, to give good morrow to the Go∣vernour, whom the Marriner immediately knew, and cryed out, that was he who had done the fact; whereupon the Gentleman, with two others, were brought to the Castle, and upon triall ex∣ecuted; two more escaped, but being taken afterwards, paid the same rates, confessing many more murthers, and vessels sunk; a∣mongst others, one wherein were 22. Religious, Jesuits, and Ca∣pucins, whom they wrapt all in a saile, and cast into the sea, ha∣ving pilladged what they had.

Thence we went to the Town of Genes in company of one Ala∣ri, who had brought Hawkes to the King, and was going towards the Dutchy of Ʋrbina, and being at Vay about three or four miles from Savona, they would not suffer us on any conditions to passe further, and of necessity we must turn our course to the moun∣tains of Mountferrat a country pester'd with Bandits, and such other; in which passage we were rob'd, and poor Alari lost above two thousand franks which he had in his Valice.

We met with many difficulties in this passage, crossing through narrow passages, fill'd up with snow by Alcare to Casoanta, Alex∣andria, Placenta, Parma, Bolonia, Florence and Rome, where we arrived against the canonization of some Saints.

I got Letters from Sieur Guileo Falio Embassadour of Malta for some of the money owing me by the Grand Master. Thence we came to Naples where such a famine raigned, that the women in mutiny threw stones at the Governour in his Coach, the Cardinal

and Sapata, whose heeles saved his life.

Then we took a Frigot for Messina, and by edict we were to take no more bread aboard then for half a day; I brought halfe a crowns worth, which I hid under the Planks: we had been un∣done if it had been found, and the souldiers were exact searchers; we suffer'd some hardship when we had no bread to our meat, yet so we passed two dayes intire: and putting in at the Pouilla, we could not amongst all the Fisher-men for any money buy a morsel, nor could have any thing amongst them but fish, which we after∣wards trucked with a youth for bread, he had in reserve; coming to Asilla, there we got bread; thence to Messina through the Straight, so dangerous for three or four leagues, where violence of the winde cast us on the Rocks. I got as well as I could to land, but seeing some women left in the Bark, and ready to perish, I perswaded a young shoomaker to assist me, nnd in effect, carry∣ing them on our backs through the boysterous waves, we got them safe to shore, for which afterwards they vouchsafed us not so much as thanks.

At Messina I understood the Sieur de Mantis was with his Gal∣lion at Saragossa, being dispersed from his Admirall, and seven or eight more that put to sea together at Marseills, and lighting up∣on Sanson the famous Pirat, with his six ships they maintained a long fight, at length the S. Katharine torn with the Cannon sunk, and had it not been for Monsieur de l'Isle Captain of the Admiral, things had gone worse, but night parted them. De Mantis, his ship repaired, intended to put to sea to seek his company, but there was news brought that Sanson with six tall ships waited his com∣ing forth within Cannon shot of the Haven mouth. Notwith∣standing the oddes, de Mantis resolved to fight him single. 'Twas the admiration of all that saw him hoyse sayle, looking on him as a frantick man, leading two or three hundred men to the Butchery, but this censure was changed into applause, when they beheld him environed with six Turkish ships, whose Cannons made the sea seem on fire▪ of which engagement he cleared him∣self, and restored them a bloody requitall.

His vessel endured seven hundred Cannon shot, he lost twelve men, and the Turks above three hundred, besides what wound∣ed. Thus victorious he returned to Saragossa, where he was sa∣luted with Cannon from all the Forts, and received into the town with an eminent honour and endearments, for his boldnesse to attack these six men of war well mann'd and commanded by an English Renegado, the most daring and desperate Pirate on the sea, who on the other side incensed with his disgrace, new mann'd his vessels, and reinforced them with two Gallies, and three hun∣dred Muskettiers: The Grand Master de Vignacourt had intel∣ligence of it, and de Mantis arriving at Malta, with his torne vessel, he repaired it; and at the same time the ships of Marseills

coming from Suria, put in there. Sanson having put to sea, rode in sight of Cape Passaro, whereof the Grand Master gave notice to the Marsellian vessels laden with Merchandises. Mantis with his Admirall design'd to fall upon the Pirats, whereupon I had some doubt if I were best go from Malta to Sicily, for 'twas ten dayes since I had my dispatches from the grand Master, who amongst other things had given me order to procure him three Gallies, built with all possible expedition: I was loth to imbark with de Mantis, for the hazard he was engag'd in, though of favour he promised me civill usage, and I employed my best art, with the Master of a ship, to carry me to Ligorne, and thence to Marseilles, promising to load him with Gally timber for Sicily, so as he resolved accordingly, and that we might passe unpercei∣ved of the Turks, we set not saile till towards the approach of night. The grand Master being advertised of our intention, sent the Galley de la Religion, to call us in again, to my extream vexa∣tion, having attended so long for a passage; But after I with my goods was set a ashore, the Master had liberty to go whither he pleased: The grand Master blam'd me exceedingly, for that the Turks lay then in the Channell, which was true, and in effect the vessel was taken next day, so as I had the better luck to escape. Mean while the Gallion of Malta was making ready to execute the Kings command, and within fifteen dayes 'twas ready to be brought to the key, where de Mantis, with the Marseillian vessels staid for it, to put out together for the coast of France▪ at the same time the Gallies of Malta were departing for Sicily, and de Mantis, being in the Kings ship, where he commanded for his Majesty, saluted them not as they passed by, whereat the Knights were much in∣censed, looking upon it as a point of honour, advertising the grand Master that he ought to fire all the Fort artillery upon him, and sink him: But the prudent Lord managed the affaire with more moderation; and three dayes after the Galley being made rea∣dy to launch, and being brought to the key, they asked de Montis who lay before the Palace, if he would salute the Galley of Mal∣ta, when it came to the key; and answering resolutely no, there passed tart words from both sides, with menaces they would make him do it per-force; but he persisted, that he would lose his life first, and that he had no such Commission; and when they demanded to see his Commission, he refused it in plaine termes.

But the grand Master desirous to accommodate all this, found out this expedient: 'Tis an order of Malta, when the grand Ma∣ster comes upon the shore, all the vessels in the Haven salute him, with three volleyes of Cannon: now he gave order that about seven next morning the Gallion should fall down to the key, at which time he exactly contrived to appear upon the shore, under pretence of going that way to Masse at a sumptuous Church he had

built with a faire fountaine before it, that cast up waters a Pike high.

His coming was no sooner discovered, but all the vessels pre∣pared with haste to salute him, and de Mantis the foremost, as a thing not to be deny'd gave him all his Cannon as well of his own vessel as of the Admiralls commanded by the Sieur d'Isle, and at the instant, all the other vessels did the like, so as nothing was to be seen but smoak and fire. At that very point the Gallion with her blazing Standart, a S. John upon her poop, enter'd the mouth of the Haven, and thought this discharge of Ordnance was a sa∣lute for her, who returned them the like with her roaring Ord∣nance, and thus by the prudence of the great Master, the difference was composed.

All this while Sanson lay at sea waiting for de Mantis, but having intelligence that the Gallion was of the company, he was better advised, and knowing himself too weak to close with us, hoysed sayle and went his way, leaving a Galley to round us, and view our equipage, which came one morn before the Gallion, and made a turn in the head of the whole Fleet, the Gallion gave him two culverins, and de Mantis one, and with this salute they parted, and we came safe to Marseills.

The Authours Voyage to Guinea.

BEing at Sevill for traffick of stones and pearles, I met with some Marseillians, who had bought of the English a vessel at a good penny-worth, they had taken at sea; they invited me into their company, and from Sevill being bound for Cadiz, by that we got some sixteen leagues at sea, they had so prevailed with me, that for trade I was resolved to joyn with them, whose de∣sign was for the white Cape, by others called the Cape of fishing, to load themselves with fish, which there they have for taking, there being such abundance, that but for salting they might lade many vessels in a days space: within ten days we came to Cape Nona, where we took in fresh water, and seven dayes after we arrived at the white Cape, a main shelter in the winter season, where the fish lye so thick, the ship brushes, and rubbes upon them as 'twere sayl∣ing through a shelf of sand.

There we found two vessels, a Fleming and a Marseillian; the Master whereof was John Baptista le vust called Servat, who for his Merchant employed Aurigues: the 15. of November we were upon a River of Guinea called Senega.

I ever carried with me a little memorial or diurnall, where I set down all the curiosities I met with, for which purpose I inform∣ed my self of the scituation of the countrey, the quality of the Prince and government, of which I will make a brief relation.

Guinea on the West is bounded with the River Senega, which ingulfs into the Ocean at sixteen degrees to the North, and the borders of Angela are at thirteen. Guinea is divided into the high and the low; the high Guinea inclines to the North, the lower lyes along the Senega, which they call Jeni, and reaches to the kingdome Manicongo, that begins at the first degree of the Line. Upon the coast of Cape Verde, are many Islands of one appellation, the principal is of S. James, in the hands of the Portuguese, since the year 1446. where they have a well-fortified town, and a Bi∣shoprick stil'd Civitad: an Island of 60. miles in length, and 36. in breadth, a mountanous country, where they have never rain but in September and October, which comprehend their winter. The valleyes are fertile, and afford excellent Melons the year round, Dates and Sugar-canes in abundance, flesh of all sorts, Fowle and Venison, with beards of horses and special good. 'Tis inhabited as that of S. Thomas, by a conflux of all nations, and the ayre be∣ing unwholesome, they transport their infirm to an Island two leagues distant called Praya, under a fine climate; the ayr healthful, and a commodious Haven betwixt two fair Rivers, which com∣pose two gulphs for harbours, one whereof is capable to containe many vessels in security, having before the mouth of it a little Island, which guards it from the Maritime gusts, and the land lying high, defends it from windes by shore. The other Islan∣ders affect to land at this Port, for that the rest are pester'd with sands; and chiefly, Borlouento and S. Thomas, where there is ever some vessel cast away. This Isle lyes close upon the Isle of Mago, otherwise called Barlouento, and near to Bona Vista, Saint Nicholas, Saint Anthony, Saint Vincent, Saint Lucie, and Fell, Islands plentifull of Cattle, and Venison, the inhabitants applying themselves onely to the chase, powder∣ing the flesh to sell to strangers, as the skinnes like∣wise.

A little Eastward lyes the Isle del Fuego where they get as good wine as in the Canaries: next is the Isle of Braua, full of Venison, and wilde Beeves, whereof the Hydes are much sought after, as being thick and tough. But to Guinea, the kingdome of the Jalofes is the first, which beginnes North∣ward at the River Senega, hath the Ocean on the West, the Jalofes called Fonlogageias, on the East, and the kingdom of Barbessin on the South: 'tis above a hundred and fifty leagues in length, of several commodities there is abundance; as gold and silver, which the natives conceale with all care from strange∣ers, though in dealing with them 'tis plain they have store, for that by whiles they produce some unfined. Taboucaton is their chief town. They are Blacks, but of good shape, the women comely, round-faced, with eyes lively and attractive. The men are martial, dextrous in throwing a Javelin, which

they will throw with as exact arm as we shoot with our Gunnes. They ride on good horses, clothe as the African, in short bree∣ches; a large Harnus, like a sheet of wollen covers them from head to foot, shod with Date-tree Sandals. Vpon the coast they have the good and well-fortified Haven Beziguche, whose entrance is skreen'd with a fair Island, much frequented with strangers trading for the Indies. Here are many Portuguese setled amongst them, some married, others who think of no∣thing but to heap up gold, living something after the Barba∣rian. Many of the Blacks go naked, painted with dissolved gold, their bodies carved, and drawn with a various tincture, as azure, red and yellow, which hold their life-time. There are amongst them maids adorned in the same manner, with great pendants in their ears, and their lips pierced like the Brasilians, they are generally libidinous, and given over to lu∣xury. They who are thus engraved and inlay'd with paints, or juyce of hearbs, most commonly do it for want, and this curiosiry is their attire.

Throughout the coast we find abundance of leather; wax, gold, silver ivory, and Amber-gris, which is the reason the English, Hollanders, and Flemings, visit them so oft.

The Jalofes are easie of belief, and inclined to Christianity; when they behold the Moon, they make strong ejulations, with sorts of adoration: They adore yet some other Idols, which neverthelesse fixe not their faith, the Mahometans on one side who impugne them with their law, on the other the Portuguese preaching ours, and their own Priests charming them with their delusions, and Idolatries. They make their sacrifices in the woods, making large hollow trees their Temples, where they keep many Idols to which they sacrifice pulse, Mill, Rice; and the blood of beasts, whose flesh they eat.

The countrey of Bracala confines upon the rapide River of Gambra, which in the mouth is five good leagues over, ships cannot enter it without a direct wind, with which they may advance three hundred leagues within the Countrey. This River cuts the great kingdome of Mandinga in the middle, peopled with Blacks, Idolaters, and abundance of Sorcerers, wicked, treacherous, and base people. When they hold a counsel ,tis in a cavern under ground to secure them from the prying of strangers. They have store of Brasil wood, as good as they of America, and upon the river many townes and villages where they mantain many vessels of Warre to encounter with any whatsoever, but upon advantage. This countrey ends South∣ward at the Cape of S. Mary 30. leagues from the river Chougala, by the Portuguese called S. Dominick. There are two nations of the same quality, the Barbachins called Ariates, and Falupes who trade in nothing but fish and cattel. They have an excellent

way to take the sea-oxe, the skins whereof they make great use of. They apply themselves to till the soyle, and get Mill, Rice, Pulse, and other graine.

Out of this countrey comes the River Casamanca, bounded Northward with the Jabundos, on the South, with the people of Bemum, who on the East have the Casangas. Of late yeares the Portuguese have discovered a way by an Arme of the Sea to Casangas, and for this purpose have erected a good Fort upon the cheek of it called S. Philips. This kingdome reaches North∣ward to Jaren, and together do homage to the Sultanship of Mandinga, rich in gold and silver, having excellent mines.

The Prince keeps his Court in the Town of Senrigo, more Eastward by a hundred leagues, then the Cape of Palmes; all the Blacks, as well of high as low Guinea, acknowledge this King, whereas the inhabitants along the Rivers, Faraca, Nigrate, and Budomel obey the King of Tombut, Lord of three kingdomes of Blacks.

This countrey is called by the Protuguese Mandimanca, where they adore the Moon, called by them the Bariamari, that is, the God of night or darknesse, and offer sacrifices to it in the most obscure woods, in hollow trees, at midnight; as they do likewise at Cassanga, who have one China for their principal Idol, in whose honour they goe on procession the twenty ninth of No∣vember, about Midnight. One of their Priests or Magicians with them called Acacani, bearing a banner of silk, with a faggot of Vine branches, and divers bones of dead men. I believe they are bones of such as have made voluntary sacrifice of themselves to this Demon, who appeares to them after divers manners; this Ensign weares a garment of woven twigges, at which there hang divers heads of little dogs, Munkeys, and other small creatures. Procession ended, they repose the Idols with∣in the same tree, and burne most sweet perfumes to it, sa∣crificing Mill; then make their prayers and depart.

In their dealings these people are lawlesse, trading in slaves with the Portuguese and others, which they rapine from all parts, and make their Market of them, to a miserable slavery. The Cassangarians neighbour upon another Nation called Leboura∣mos, who live along the River Saint Domingo, by the na∣tives called Jarin, full of fish, but a dangerous Haven, for the Sands and Rocks which lye before it.

Towards the North is Guinalla, another River; in the mouth whereof, the Portuguese have built a Fort they call Sancta Cruz, and the Haven Guinalla.

They are Negroes, which they term Beafares, abominable thieves, making prey of one another, to sell to the Portuguese. The King of Guinalla keeps a great State, hath a numerous guard of Archers, besides fifty huge strong dogges, all armed with

skin of sea-oxe dressed for the purpose, and made of proof, to every one a keeper. In Townes by night they have no other guards then such dogges, who once turned loose, spare no man, so as there is no stirring out of dores, without dan∣ger of being worried. This they do to defend themselves from such as by night come to break their houses, which are onely turfe covered with leaves, to carry away Negroes for the Mar∣ket. The King hath a mutiplicity of wives, and believes that such wives as dye with him for company, meet him in the other world, and become his wives again; but since they heard the true doctrine by some Fathers of S. Francis, who shew'd them their folly, they have not been so extravagant. Some of them were baptized, and went along with the Portuguese.

At the side of Guinala comes out a branch which runnes to Port Begama, and a few leagues higher divides again in two, and upwards, delivers it self to the Sea. The Portuguese hold this Port, which they call Balola, and the people on this branch are called Lansados. Both these are good Havens joyntly inha∣bited by the Portuguese and the Natives. For from the Meri∣dionall point of this River to Cape Vergas, there are three nations mingled with the Portuguese, the Malus, Ebagas, and Co∣solins.

Now from the South of that Cape begins a fair well-peopled Pro∣vince they call Gatulia, and the Portuguese Serellionna, that is a point throwing it self into the sea by the side of a great river of the same appellation, by reason of a hollow concavity roaring like a Lyon. This is a very pleasant country, full of Groves of Brasill trees, and Vines which they have not knowledge to dresse, abundance of Midian Figges which they call Ban∣canes, Sugar-canes grow without planting; Besides, they have good conveniences, as Mills and Engines to make their Sugar; for they have Mines in all parts. There is Rice, Cot∣ton, Cattle innumerable, Fish, Pepper in abundance, and more keen and pure then other; but there is prohibition upon life to carry any to Spain or Portugal, for spoyling the sale of that which comes from India.

Likewise there are Mines of Gold and Silver, Ivory, Am∣ber-gris white and black; in brief, 'tis absolutely a land of promise and delights. This Pepper the Portuguese call Dimi∣enta de cola, one would take it for a Chestnut, it growes in a shell, though without prickles. Other strangers who come to traffick for it, lade with it, but the Spaniard dares not take a grain.

In this country there is variety, and abundance of Birds; a sort of Ape they call a Baris, he is great and strong, the inhabitants take them with nets, traps and other engines, entrapping the sire and dam, with the young ones set in cages. They use them but

rudely, and beat them till they cry like children; make them walk upon two feet, tying the foremost in their pole to a stick: besides make them do many offices, as fetch water in a pitcher, wash dishes, blow the fire, draw wine, fetch meat from the But∣cher, and any other domesticall charre: But amongst all they will still be committing their petitlarcenies for meat and drink, but are well corrected for it. The sport is, when they turn the spit, to see how he will smell the meat, and turning his great shaggy head with hanging hair, flyly watch if any body see him, and they must be very vigilant, or he shews them a trick for the roast. As it happened to a Portuguese, who had invited certain Merchants; but when they came to take up dinner, Mr. Jack-turn-spit, had made use of one of the legs of a Turky-cock. His Master for the present beat him not, for the necessary use they had of him; who filled them wine and washed their glasses, and still at last took his cup when it came to his turn, and with his rogueries made them very merry.

To proceed, the Portuguese make a good time with these Ne∣groes, who bring them unrefined gold for things inconsiderable, and to facilitate their traffick upon a point of the Sea called Corco, five degrees North, they have built a Fort near a Town, inhabi∣ted by the Natives and Portuguese together. The whole Coun∣trey of Serri Lionna is exceeding populous, and watered with fair Rivers, bounded with tall dates, and great orange trees. The first River from Capo Verga, the Countreymen call Piterones, the Spaniards di Pietro, dividing into many branches, which inter∣weave the land, and compose many Islands, by the Negroes called Cagasian; where at an ebbing tide they find Amber-gris: for which cause the Portuguese built a good Town there, co-inhabi∣ted by Portugueses and Negroes; where they live so strangely, 'tis hard to know a Christian from a Pagan, nor is it easie to judge who lives the better; there are at least two thousand, Christians onely by name, living and dying like Pagans.

After this River there are two more, Capor and Tanabasira, des∣cending from a high Mountain, called Machamala, where stands a great rock of Chrystal, with divers Pyramids of the same, hanging from the top downwards; almost entirely in the air, two or three spans distant from the ground, which seems a great wonder, for touching it with the least fillip, it sounds like a bell. They say 'tis a congelation, made so by the heat of the Sun, which melting the foot of the Rock, left these points hanging in the air. 'Tis for a truth that certain Magicians on a feast, carried their Idols thither, whither they ran from all sides to the sacrifice, two thou∣sand notwithstanding lost their lives, and the Priests in the first place; for making their sacrifice and suffumigation at the foot of the Chrystall rock, the roof at which these Pyramids hung, shook, so as they broke and crushed to pieces the greater part of

them. The Devil having not power to hinder the extraor∣dinarie heate of the Sacrifices from dissolving the con∣gelations, since which time no one comes near this Chrystall grotte.

Something farther North there are other great Rivers, which render this Province of Serrilyonna as a pack of Islands▪ particu∣larly over against the mouth of one of them, there are two very pleasant and good, the one called Toro, where are rocks called St. Anne, which bear pearl oysters, yet they go not to fish for them, by reason of Sea-monsters, which have swallowed some who ventured.

In one degree to the South, lye the Islands Dolos and Tan∣sente, inhabited with Dates, Sugar-canes, Citrons, and a∣bundance of Cattell, covered with Rice, Millet, and long Pepper.

To conclude, these Blacks are governed by a King, and have Judges who administer justice to them, whom they call Foncos. At certain times the King in a various coloured robe, comes into a room hang'd with mat, set round with seats for Counsellours, whom they call Seitequi, and Advocates to plead for both parties. The Counsellors speak their opinion, and the King gives sentence, which is immediately executed.

When the King of Guinalla dies, who governs many kingdoms, there go twelve Seitequi, in long gowns of divers colours, made of feathers, with twelve trumpetters before them, sounding the more dolefully, by reason of a certain skin they make use of, for rendering the note more sharp, and proclaim his death: where∣upon every one comes out of his house; mussled in a white cloath: while the allyes of the deceased assemble to elect another. They take the corps and wash it, burn the bowels before their Idol, and preserve the ashes to be embalmed with his body. His Funerals are not celebrated till the next moon, when the people assemble from all parts of his dominion, bringing balm, incense, amber∣gris, white and black, musk, and other aromaticks, to burn and perfume his body; which then six principall persons, in robes of white silke, bear to his Sepulcher, flutes and hoboyes sounding mournfully, and attended with a concourse of people cloathed in white cloth, sadly singing and lamenting. The Princes who are in election are mounted on horses caparisoned with white, and themselves cloathed with the like. The corps laid in the monu∣ment well closed and cimented, they return to the Palace to feast and make good cheer. On the morrow is the election of a new King, and as they say, 'tis made according to divine inspiration, without favour or affection. Then four Bacharin, or twelve Sei∣tequi go to his house, bind him and lay him upon a Palanquin, four carry him to the Palace, where the chief Bachir unbinds him, gives him three rude lashes with a whip, he being on his knees

makes a speech of remonstrance to him; then takes him by the beard or ear, and sayes to him, If I deliver you this Scepter will you bring such a shame upon me, as to be a Tyrant to your peo∣ple? whereto he answers nec Bachir, that is, no my Lord. The other then striking harder sayes, do you promise this by the li∣ving God, he answers Nec Bachis Ameleichina, which is, before the Almighty God, I promise it. Then they vest him in Royall robes, put a triple Scepter in his right hand, a lance in his left; then that person casts himself at his feet, and craves his pardon; this done, he goes in triumph through the Town, where all re∣joyce and bring him presents.

CHAP. I. The Authours voyage in the West-Indies, The description, length, and distances of America.

THe coast of America taken intirely as it lies on the North Sea, from end to end, containes near upon six thousand leagues, as I have found it in two severall voyages: the first when I went from Marseilles in the Salamander, laded by one Boudar, under the command of James Varin, and the other with John Andes, who carried me from Marseilles to Cadiz. This new world is a continent from the Northern Sea to the Southern, and Northward extends to Groneland, Island, &c. from Island they e∣steem it 200. leagues to Ronevado, thence 110. leagues to Cape Maluas, the Countrey of Labrador, opposite to the Isles of Divels: frō Maluas to the cape of Marcos 60. to cape Belgado 50. This coast is of 200. leagues in right line, lying on the same bound, and buts upon the River St. Laurence, where Captain Velasco a Spaniard landed, who found it to be a good air, the Countrey well peopled, and full stocked with cattle: in the middle of the River he went upon an Island so covered with pidgeons, they could not passe for treading on them. He sayes the people called Piperons were giants of ten foot high, but kind and affable. This Captain Ve∣lasco thought this gulf had been an arm of the Sea, and sailed upwards above 200. leagues, meeting with divers habitations, where they live meerly upon venison and fish, butter and cheese. They presented him divers sheep, goats and kids, and in lieu Ve∣lasco presented Cacique a rich sword and poniard, and a watchet-Tassata coat.

The people wear short cloaks of skins, neatly made up, and

instead of bread have another substance which is very tastefull, 'tis a root whereof being dryed they make meale, then taking odoriferous flowers, they boile them together in earthen pots, scum them, and put thereto a good quantity of milke and salt, then binding this close in goat-skins, they lay it for two or three daies in the sun, and it becomes firm as Parmasan cheese, which they eat for excellent bread.

The disclosure of this River frames a square harbour, extend∣ing as far as Bacalaos: From this harbour or gulf to Florida, is 6000. leagues, from thence to Baya del Rio 60. leagues; thence to the Islands 70. l. in 40. d. to Rio fendo 75. l. in the River of Gama 70. l. 43. d. Cape St. Maria 50. l. Cape de Baco 50. l. Rio di Sancto Antonio 100. l. Cape di Arenos 80. l. passing by the harbour called in those parts Ariousa, the Cape whereof is in 23. degrees, thence to Cape Alegano, or of the Princes, 75. leagues, to the River Cam∣binga or Jordan, and 70. to the Cape St. Helen in 32. degrees, to Rio secco 40. to La Croix 20. (Berugon in the Indies) thence to Cagnoval or Cannaveral 40. leagues, People of Cano or Cagnoval, the point of Cagnoval in 28. degrees, and to Florida 40. leagues, the tongue of Land extending it self 100. leagues by Sea, over a∣gainst Caba; on the East Behame or Lucaros, the point of Florida in 15. degrees, thence to the Angle di Baccho, 100. leagues, Ancon du Baxos, and to Rio Nives, and Rio di Flores, 20. leagues, and 20. to the harbour of Spirito Sancto, by the Indians called Caula∣tan, 70. leagues in 28. degrees, and from thence 200. leagues to the River di Palmo, 30. leagues over, thence to the River of Pes∣cadoros, (Ind. Sotassi) under the Tropick, thence to Panonco 35. leagues, to villa ricca 70. to San Jouan de Loua, a famous port, 5. leagues, from the Shallous of Vega to the river Aluarado 40. leagues (Ind. Papa Jouapan) to Cauacalo, fl. 50. and to Guisalua fl. 50. 18. degrees, thence to Cape Rotundo 80. leagues, by the way stand Chagraton and Lazaro, thence to Cape Catuco 90. leagues, (Ja∣catan) 21. degrees, thence to Florida 900. leagues, from the gulf of Mexico 60. leagues, where there are strange currents and falls of water; from the edg of the gulph to Rio grande 120. leagues, passing by Punto di Mugeres, and the harbour di la Ascension: Rio grande bosomes it self in the Sea in 17. degrees, thence to Cape Cameroze 150. leagues, thus 30. to Queras, 30. to Caualles, thirty to Trionfada, 30. to Honduma, and 20. to Camzone, thence to Agata, or Gratia dios 70. leagues in 14. degrees, Cartago is in the middle of the coast of Gratia a dios, to di San Guadero 60. leagues, which is a great waste out of the Lake Nicaraga, thence to Zan∣bara 40. leagues, and to Nombre di dios 60. Vetagua is the mid∣way.

From Nombre de dios to Sucatan is good 500. leagues, the Isth∣mus is but 5. leagues, but from Escarpoucos 'tis 17. from Nombre de dios to Faralones 70. leagues, 8. degrees, there was a design to

cut this Isthmus, but some were of opinion that the South-sea ly∣ing higher would fall in and drown all. By the way we meet with Aola and the Porto de Missa, so called, for that the Prince that dis∣covered it, caused Masse to be said there in thanks for the success. The harbour of Ordea, thence to Carthagena 70. thence to St. Mar∣tha 50. leagues, by the Port of Zembra, and Rio grande: thence to Cape de vello 50. leagues, and thence to Sancto Domingo 100. leagues, from Cape de vello to Guiboucas 40. leagues, then the Gulph of Venusuela, extending it self 80. leagues, to Cape St. Romano: thence to Gulph Tuste 50. leagues, in the middle of the Gulph is Curiana: thence to the Gulph Cariari 100. leagues, the coast is in 10. degrees: There is Porto di Cassia Tistula Chiribichi, and Cumana fl. the point of Areya, Cubaga, or the Isle of Pearle, or the Margarite: from this point to the Salines is 60. leagues, thence to Cape Anegades 8. degrees, 80. leagues, where in a bosome lies the harbour of Paria, from Anegades to Ric dolee 50. leagues, six degrees: thence to Ore∣glane, or di Amazonas fl. 110. leagues, from Nombre di dios to Oreglane 800. leagues, a river that in the mouth is 50. leagues over, there the first that arrived to traffick were massacred by the women.

Douglane and Onaragnen, which is 15. leagues broad in 4. de∣grees, are held 100. leagues distant, thence 'tis 100. leagues to the Angla di S. Luca, and a hundred to Cape Promero: thence to Cape St. Augustine, in 8 degrees, 70 leagues, the next land to Ʋfo, for from thence to Cape Verde, is 500 leagues, thence to the Gulph di 'Todos Sanctos 100 leagues, in 13 degrees; by the way is the river St. Francesco, and the river Reali: thence to Cape Abraloso∣ios 100 leagues, a Coast full of shelves, conceal'd rocks, and bars of sands, very dangerous, wherefore they must hold 20 miles off to sea, in 13 and 18 degrees, from de Fue to the point bono Abrigo, thence to the Point St. Michael 50 leagues, and 60 to the river St. Francisco, six and twenty degrees, thence to Ti∣biquiri one hundered leagues, in the road the Port Patos, Port Fariol, Sigaro, Toubanaco, &c. Thence to Plata fifty leagues, five and thirty degrees; from St. Augustino there is six hundered and sixty leagues; from the Mouth of it to the Point St. He∣len sixty five leagues; thence to Arenas Gordas thirty leagues; to low Anegado fourty; to Tierrabaxa fifty; to Baya sin fondo sixty; a Gulfe in one and fourty; to Arifices de Loubos four∣ty, to Cape Saint Domingo five and fourty; to Chiquera, or Cape Bianco twenty; to the river Saint John Serran twenty; called Agova de Trabaios nine and fourty degrees; thence to the Promont, at the thousand Virgins, the Streight ends. The summe is twelve hundered leagues, from Venosuela to Desrado, a Cape in the Mouth of the Streight from North to

South. From Cape Desrado to the mouth of the Straight not far from the Bell, a Rock which seems to cover the mouth of it, to the South sea 70. leagues; the bounds are first Cape Promero, 49. degrees; thence to Salmas 44. degrees, and 165. leagues from Salmas to Cape Hermoso, 110. leagues, and 44. degrees; thence to the River S. Francesco 60. to Rio Sancto 120. leagues, to Chirinaca 100. leagues, 31. d. not farre off Gest and Rio de Plata•• to Chinca or Rio de Plobados 200. leagues, 22. degrees, to Are∣quippa, 18. degrees, 90. l. to Lima 12. degrees, 140. leagues, to Cape Anguilla 100. leagues, Truxillo and other Ports are upon this coast: Thence to Cape Bianco 40. leagues, and 60. to Cape Helena, 2. degrees; thence to Guegemir 70. leagues, the Cape Saint Laurenzo: They finde it to be thence to Cape S. Augustine, 1000. leagues; thence to the River of Peru 100. leagues, the way lyes by the Gulf S. Matthew, the River S. James, and S. John of Peru: to the gulf S. Michael 70. leagues 6. degrees, extending 50. leagues, from thence to Panama 8. degrees 155. leagues, the 17. of Novemb. de dios: Perou of 1000. in breadth, and 1200. in length: Corrcalatron 4065. leagues, from Panama to Teouentepée 650. leagues, adding 70. leagues from the coast of Panama to the Point of Aguera: From the Bruche 100. leagues, from thence 100. to the Cape Bianco, where the Port Heiradura, and 100. to the Port of the possession of Niqueraga, 12. degrees; thence to the gulf Fonseca 15. to Cortega 20. to Rio grande 30. to the River of Guali-Mala 45. to Sitoula 50. joyning to the Lake of Cortes, which is twenty five long, and eight broad; from this Lake to Porto Pourado 100. and 40. to Crantepee, which runnes from North to South, with the River Coasacalco in 13. degrees; and there compleat the 650. leagues, from Tecoantepee to Colima 100. leagues, by the way is Escapulio and Zaca∣tula: from Colima to Cape Coruentes 100. leagues, 20. de∣grees; betwixt them is the Porto de Nativitad, thence to Chiamelan 60. under the Tropick, where are the Havens Ca∣listo and Vanderas, from Chiamelan to the deep River, or R. de Miraslores 250. leagues, 33. degrees. In this space of 250. leagues, they passe the River of S. Michael, Logagaual; Porto del Re∣medio, Cape Vermego, the Port of Ports, the Passe of Mira∣flores, to the point of Balenas 200. leagues, or California go∣ing to Porto Escondido: By the way you come to Belen Port del fuego, the gulph of Canoas; the Isle of Pearles called Tarrarequi: from the point of Balenas to Cape Courantes, 'tis 80. leagues, where comes in the sea of Cortez, like to the Adriatick, being something coloured from the point de Valenas 100. leagues to the point of Abad, and as much to the Cape Lingano 30. degrees, from thence to the Cape of Bruz, fifty leagues, and one hundred and fifteen to the Port of Sar∣dinia.

On this coast is the Crick S. Michael and the gulf de los fuegos, and the white coast resembling the coast of Brasile, so as one would think white linnen hung there: from Sardinia to Terra Nevada 150. l. passing by the Port of Todos santos Cape Gabeca, Cape Nevado, Golfo, Primero: Sierra Nevada in 40. d. This is the last country, which runs North to Labrador. Thus we find the South sea to contain 3375. l. and the Notth 5960. l. together 9300. l. new Mexico, 1000. l. in circuit: comprehending 15. large inhabited Provinces.

CHAP. II. The Authours Departure, Particulars of Demingo.

FRom the Port of Sancta Maria, in 37. degrees we steer'd the ordinary course of the Canaries, whither 'tis 590. miles, the gulf de las Yegas lying in the way. The Canaries, hereto∣fore called the Fortunate, had that appellation from some terrible and sanguinary dogs which were there, going in packs like sheep, and at this day there is abundance of them exceeding fierce and dangerous. Of these Islands there is the grand Canari, Tenerif, Palma, Gomora, du Fez, Fortaventura, and others lesse, to about 28. degrees.

They afford divers curiosities, amongst which Mount Pic in Tenerif; which I esteem to be one of the highest on the earth, Libanus it self is not so high by halfe, much lesse Mount Gi∣bel in Sicily, for it may be discovered at 120. miles distance, and is the first land the Marriners discover at sea, when they come from Spain.

This is not to be ascended but two moneths in the year, July and August, for the extreme colds, and because 'tis commonly covered with snow, which cooles the ayre to such a degree, that one cannot breath upon it without iminent danger of life. From the top of this, the rest of the Islands are all discovera∣ble, and amongst them one which seems rather an illusion then a reality: For one plainly views the Isle, and go to the place you find nothing. They have three names for it, the Fortunate, the Inchanted, and the Not to be found: and there is no more to be learned of it, only the common people say 'tis an Island inhabi∣ted by Christians,* 1.6 and that God prohibits they should be discove∣red: for my part I have seen it as I have the others, and I believe 'tis conceal'd with clouds which are exhal'd from the abundance of fresh water there, which render it so obscure to be found out.

In the Isle of Tenerife there is a cave in a firm Rock. where the heardsmen in bad weather shelter their cattle, 'tis some 5. leagues from St. Christophers. They report that heretofore there was an apparition of extraordinary splendour, with an image of the bles∣sed virgin, which wrought many miracles, and was the reason of a Church built by the title of Nuestra Sennora de la candelaria, where there is a monastary of Dominicans.

In the Island of Iron is that miraculous tree, the leaves whereof distill water, which suffices the inhabitants for drink. The tree is alwaies hooded with a thin cloud, of colour between gray and white, and never extenuates for wind nor tempest, nor suffers any motion, whence is deduced all the liquor, which the tree emits so plentifully into cesterns placed for the purpose, that it waters both the Inhabitants and the heards of the whole Island, there being no other water at all, so as without this 'twould lye waste and desert, and by this is rendered inhabitable and fruitfull.

Having taken in provisions at the Canaries, we continued our course towards the Desseada, crossing the great pacifick gulph, which may be said one of the calmest Seas of the world; for during the fourty dayes we were upon it, we perceived not the least alte∣ration, but an air or gentle gale blew equally and constantly with∣out ceasing; so as vessels are there almost alwaies driven by the Poupe, without scarce ever using saile for above two thousand four hundred and ninety two miles to Desseada; which takes name from the desire they have to get thither, there being no other land betwixt that and the Canaries, passing the gulph, the voyage ta∣king up sometimes thirty two dayes, sometimes thirty five, as it happens.

Desseado, one of the Antillaes, was the first Columbus discove∣red in his second voyage, where from the Canaries he arrived in twenty dayes, 'tis in 15. degrees towards the North. Thence they come to Domingo, a good and a fertile Island in eighteen de∣grees: The inhabitants are sanguinary, and man-eaters, pra∣ctising all sort of guile, to betray strangers to their broach.

They are dextrous archers, and seldom misse their mark, their bow•• ten or twelve foot long, and their arrows will pierce a corse∣let good sword proof; they are made of a hard and strong wood they call Sourgar, whereof they poyson the pile. They live upon venison, grapes, and fruit, both men and women go absolutely na∣ked, adore the Sun, have little stock more than a few garden u∣tensils, a bed made of cotton in the manner of netting, hanging from one side of the house to the other, which is round, made of straw, called Tortora. Their goods are all in common, and what they have they eat together. They are not injurious to one ano∣ther, are very Martial, their armes, clubs of eight foot long, made like Bel-clappers, which they will mannage very effectually; but

they affect their bow more than their club. They have some Priests in their Gentilism, whom they call Chaouris, who solem∣nize certain ceremonies and feasts. There being a necessity of ta∣king in fresh water, some of the ship of Cape Moulini, would needs go on shore, and but that some of the Company disswaded him, the Captain himself had gone with them, howsoever he sent the Masters mate, with twenty resolute men and twelve Musqueteers. Our Captain Noguena seeing this rash enterprize, knowing the hu∣mour of the Countrey, immediately sent a shore thirty of his men, whereof twenty were musqueteers to assist them: but they were no sooner at the fountain, but they perceived two hundred Sa∣vages making towards them, and had they not by the perswasions of some cast up a bulwark, the successe had proved worse with them. The musquetteers playing on them, the Sauages with ter∣rour began to run, having lost four or five of their men, whereupon ours thought they had been freed of them, but were amazed when they perceived them rallyed, and advancing from another side came on with such fury, that had it not been for good conduct ours had had the worst of it; for our Musqueteers were so ama∣zed they knew not how to give fire, and for all ours could do, they left seven or eight of our men behind them; for with main strength they bore down our Barricado, but by Gods assistance ours repulsed them so vigorously, that some of theirs remained on the place, and we were relieved very seasonably.

They had a resolution to fetch off their fellowes, but seeing they could not, retreated, and left us in peace; one that we pre∣served alive was quite amazed, and made us good laughing, with his mows and monkey faces. He was stark naked, round visaged, and flat-nosed like a dog. We asked in whom he believed, he an∣swered in Toquilla and Toupan, that is the Sun and the thunder. He was instructed in the Faith, and afterwards baptized. These people know not what tillage is, and eat no bread, but of a root they call Taquen, whereof they make meal, in Brasile they call it Caouin, they dry it, and grind it, and boyling it with water, make drink of it, 'tis in taste like sowr milk. The root in the mouth is more sharp than unripe chesnuts.

They have a tree called Sarboul, growing naturally in the woods bears fruit all the year, 'tis firm as a Meloun, and looks like those golden apples which in Spain they call Berengenas. A kind of flower they also make of fish, as they do in Brasile, drying it a∣gainst the Sun, 'tis sharp and grates the throat of those that are not used to it. Beasts they have abundance of all kinds, which they call Pascous, that is sheep. They are great Fishers, their boats of that straw they call Tortora, and have likewise some of timber all of a piece, like Canoes.

At their nuptials they use some Ceremonies, their Priests put on them a kind of open shoes, the Spaniard calls Aspargates, the

Indians Otrya. They shooe them both with these shooes, then change them, and afterwards restore them to their Chaouris. While a maid, she is free to her pleasurc, but married she is lyable to death if she transgresse. They are neither avaricious nor ambi∣tious, saying as the earth was sufficient to feed their Fathers, so 'twil them; and 'tis a folly to waste our shortned life with care: the meanest is as good as the best amongst them.

The Spaniards who live in the Town of St. Domingo use them very harshly, for which cause they call them Salbini, that is Ty∣rants. Abundance become Christians, and the rest are most zealous adorers of the Sun and Thunder, and offer a kind of Sacrifice to them.

CHAP. III. A violent Tempest, The Isle of Cuba, and Hispaniola, The customes of the Inhabi∣tants, and their Kings.

FRom Domingo about 336. miles, lies Nauasse in 17. degrees, a very small but a good Island, and neighbouring to it another called Jamaica, in length 150. miles, in breadth 40. These Islands are lyable to a wind the Indians call Ʋracans, or Foracans, most violent and dangerous to Saylors, who do what is possible to a∣void it, and when they discover it rising, rather then be surpriz'd at sea, they lie in harbour two or three months together. Betwixt these two Islands were we overtaken with one of these stormes, which assaulted us with such fury, as if all the Infernals had been broke loose, for it bore away sailes and yards, tore the cordage with other most prodigious effects; it rose all in an instant, and before we could think of it, cast away a vessel of our Company laden with Souldiers, going to relieve Truxillo, infested by the English. We saved divers of them by a bridge of planks cast into the Sea, and fastened to the Ship with a strong cable. The first time we saved twenty six men and a woman, whose coats had kept her floating on the water: But the second time we cast it forth when there were more upon it, close by the Ship side the cable broke, and all these poor people so near recovery perished; and we had not strength to make another we were so num'd and strark, with the cold this wind brings along with it, so as 'twas lamentable to behold these poor people perish for want of help; and no assistance could be had from the other vessel, being in the evening so driven from us that we could hear no more of it. All

the night we heard the sad cryes of people, calling for help, which we knew not how to give them, and when day came, we saw no∣thing either of ship or person.

Some of them died as soon as they got aboard our ship. Amongst the rest they had a Capuchin Father worthy of re∣cord for his constancy and resolution,* 1.7 who in the very sea ex∣horted them, and called upon them to dye well, and recommend themselves into the hands of God, heard their confessions, and gave them absolution, and at last died amongst them encouraging and giving consolations to the very last. This tempest consists not of a single wind, but of all the four together, which so in∣cumber a vessel, that it cannot stir neither forward nor backward. The day brought us some comfort, but we were still persecuted with the tempest, and waves that flew upon us with such violence, that at every blow we thought we should have perished, as I believe we had, had we not resolved to cast all over-board. Then without further dispute, or more words, seven or eight of us taking a draught of wine, a little to re∣invigourate us in our extreme feeblenesse, we betooke to cast our fraught over-board, Cloth, Tapestry, Camlets, Moc∣cadoes, Corrall, Hunney, Wines, &c. with such celerity, that in an houre we cast more over-board then was laded in a day; and twas happy we did so, for immediately we perceiv'd the Vessell to be more lusty; and I and my partners had the happinesse to see the goods we laded to beare our charges, cast into the sea in the first place, which as little troubled us, as if they had been none of ours, being satisfy'd with the fruition of our lives; after all we were constrain'd to cut down the maine Mast, one of the sayles was un∣furl'd, which made a strange noise, and exceedingly annoy'd the Vessell; wherefore the Captain commanded the saylers to go up and furle it, but at that time he was ill heard, and worse obey'd;* 1.8 thereupon one who was more obedient and resolute then the rest, undertook it, as he mounted they called to him to encourage him, but by that time he got to the middle of the Mast, the winde had seiz'd him, and he cryed out Juro a mi vida Senior que el Viente me despega las manos de las cuerdas; I sweare to you Sirs, the winde teares my hands from the ropes, and with that crying Santiago, he fell down upon the Deck, he had better have falne besides it, for he dyed within three houres after. The Tempest continu'd, and the Vessell being light, could not uphold the Mast against the stu∣pendous force of the storme and the waves, which took some of our men over-board: whereupon we down with the main Mast, but in the fall the cordage broke, and is tumbled into the sea, and carri∣ed some men along with it, the vessel reeling quite down on one side with the weight of the mast was immediately filled with water, and recoyling to the other side, very many were lost, without possibi∣lity to relieve them, the rest of us left desolate to sorrow and di∣stresse.

The vessel being assaulted by so many several winds, cannot move any way except some one wind be mightier than the rest: For these vessels are not by half so able as ours are.

Besides these winds cause so unsufferable a frigidity, that one cannot endure to look into the air, cut like a razor, and make ones limbs stiffe and immoveable as a piece of wood. For my part my face was hard and strark as any stone. I am of opinion the Devill comes in it, for I believe that naturally no wind can break a strong cable, as 'twere a thread. At last as it pleased our good God the tempest ceased, and the ordinary Breezes return. By good fortune we had one sayle left in reserve, which we used to our advantage in the best manner we could, scarce finding rope sufficient for it, the tempest had so broken our cordage, so we then sayled on. 'Tis true the sea was yet so turbulent and con∣tumacious, that we were as fearful as ever; for this kind of storm is more dangerous in the end then the begining; and we might be∣hold the waves, like two engaged armies plying one another with continual assaults, without intermission. But in fine, it became a little calmer, and we came in view of Cape S. Anthony, a point of the Isle of Cuba discoverable a long way off; till we arrived there the storm left us not: nor do I know that I had so famous an en∣counter in all my voyages in Asia and Africa, though in my tra∣vail to Alexandria, three leagues off Candia our ship sunk, in the depth of Winter, and about mid-night: which was nothing com∣par'd to these diabolical Ʋracanes, for there we contest but with one wind, here we are surrounded with all the winds at once, whence it comes, that few escape.

* 1.9Cuba is one of the principal Islands of the Indies in 22. d. in cir∣cuit 630. miles, 120. miles over. 'Tis the most fruitful in all Ame∣rica, full of fruits of all sorts, Mines of gold and brasse, and hath Ravana, one of the fairest and securest Havens of the world, the coming in being narrow, flanked on both sides with strong Tow∣ers, and a town with an impregnable Cittadel. Where the Fleets of Peru and Nombre de Dios put in for provisions, the Isle abounding in all commodities, and plentiful of all properties for maritime travail. 'Tis as 'twere a suburbs to the Indies, having not above 130. leagues off sea to S. John de Loua on the firm land in Nova Spania.

The Island abounds particularly in fish, and amongst the rest in a sort of sea Breezes, which Spaniards call Besée Espada who is very sanguinary, and greedy of mans flesh. So as no man dare bathe himselfe for fear of these ravenous crea∣tures, the teeth whereof cut like any rasor, and upon their back have three Pikes like Partisans. He is so greedy of mans flesh, that he will follow a vessell three hundred leagues out∣right without appearing, in hope of a corps. They likewise call them Taburintes, or Tiburins, a Captain told me, that

coming from Florida one followed him 500. leagues without ap∣pearing, and that arriving at Por••o Rico, the fish was taken with a sheeps head, & horns in his belly, which he had brought from Flori∣da, where 'twas cast into the sea. They go likewise up into the rivers.

As to their Crocodiles, they are covered with skin so firm, 'tis impossible to pierce it, except under the belly where he is easily vulnerable. As I said before, in the East Indies Ethiopia they make meat of them, the flesh being very good, but here they do not. In like manner here is abundance of all other sorts of fish, as well such as breed in our seas, as others.

This Island was discovered by Columbus in his second navi∣gation, and called Juane, afterwards Ferdinand and Isabella; from Ferdinand King of Spain, as before of Juane his daugh∣ter. 'Tis in length 230. leagues, on the East it hath the Isle of Hispaniola or Hairi, on the West Jucatan, and the Gulf of Mexio, on the South Jamaica or S. James, and Northward the Lucayes, and the channel of Bahama. There we finde many townes, and habitations of Spaniards, who began to plant, or rather to supplant in the year 1511. For they used such abo∣minable cruelties, that in a short time they almost extirpated all the Natives: beginning with the King or Catique Haiuey, whom they burnt alive for publishing to his subjects the cruelty used by the Spaniards in the Isle of Hairy or Hispaniola. The Mines destroyed many of them; and Las Cafas sayes, that being there, he saw in four moneths seven thousand children starved to death; for both their fathers and mothers were held so strictly to their labour in the Mines, they had not freedom to look af∣ter their families.

The Isle Hispaniola was discovered by the same Columbus in his first navigation in the year 1492. began to be inhabited in 1494. and was otherwise called Hairy Quisquera, and Cipaugi,* 1.10 or Cibai, being in circuit about 400. leagues: It abounds in fruit, su∣gar, cattle, and Mines of gold and copper. This Island had many Caciques or potent Kings, amongst them the King of Magna or Magana, that is, Champion, or the field, was Paramount, who is called Guarionexi. These Kings lived peaceably, without any great State. Their chiefest expense was in Dancers, Musi∣cians, and Wrestlers, who were for his Majesties recreation both in his Palace and progresse. He was carried by men upon a frame set with feathers of divers fine colours, and those dancers dan∣ced before him. The people held their King for a God, and the meanest of them could raise an Army of sixteen thousand men armed with skins of wild beasts, Clubbes of wood with a keen stone at the end, which they called Courcoumachi; they had like∣wise bows and arrows pil'd with bone. Together they were able to raise fourscore thousand men, holding good correspondence with one another, interchanging visits at 80. or a hundred leagues

distance, without other businesse then to be merry. They are a strenuous people, docile, and capable of religion, were it not for the unsufferable Tyranny of the Spaniard, who of four hundred thousand soules found on this Island, have left scarce the hundreth part, which is the cause you meet scarce with any thing but desolation; and dead mens bones.

The first of these kingdomes is called Mangna, a fertile soyle with many good and large rivers, in length 80. leagues, from the South sea to the North invironed with mountaines, amongst which are these Cibar, where are gold mines of 23. Carats and a half, the second kingdome is Sigouaya: the third Magana or Magnane: the fourth Xantiga: the fifth Hegay.

* 1.11Magana abounds in gold and sugar, and, different from the rest, the King is created by election. The King dead, foure Tabusamin, who are principal Peeres, assemble the peo∣ple at the Palace of Bibical, a Conquerour, and establisher of the state.

This Bibical was the miracle of his time for strength, who came hither from Mecheoarin on the Continent in Mexico to visit his brother, servant to the King of Mangna, and one of his chief dancers; being here, would needs see the other dominions of the Island:* 1.12 at Sigouaya, where the exercise of wrestling is much in request, he made some stay, as indeed in war it self the matter is decided as much or more by vigour of arm as weapon, and being very perfect, he entered lists with the best amongst them, and in the Princes presence came off with such advantage, that he gained the honour of a Lions skin, a matter so considerable with them, that in warre, 'tis worne by none but persons of quality.

Invited by the King he stayed at Court, but the King of Mangna, with whom his brother was, having notice, he sent ex∣pressely to have him return, and that he would find an honou∣rable employment for him; withall, sent him an ample present, not in wealth, but Mexican curiosities as Jewels, to hang in the ears and lips, and the like; the people not prizing so much gold, as in∣nocent and simple gaity; and with great reason liberty above all. All the Kings civilities, nor his brothers entreaties, could draw him from the Prince of Sigouay,* 1.13 who had designed him to march with a hundred Indians into the kingdom of Magana, and take a strong town called Saalan; for that it maintained it self a free town, and would submit to no Prince. With much joy Bibical re∣ceived the Commission, and by his valour reduced the place to his Princes obedience, with many famous gallantries, putting num∣bers to the sword, and the rest to flight. Their Bastion called Courcoumeca barrocadoed with timber twice mans height, he took by assault.

By this means not the town alone, but the whole countrey was

subjugated to the King of Sigouaya, who repayed Bibical with collation of honours, and erected him monumental trophies of stone with this inscription Aray jourcoumac Bifical, that is, a man worthy of principality. Gibbeleca the Kings sister became so passionate a lover of him, that she resolved to marry him, though her brother in displeasure secur'd her in a secret prison: Biblical freed her, married her, and carried her to Magana, where he made himselfe King of the Countrey, which so incensed the brother, he used all meanes to destroy him, for which purpose he suborned an Indian, who from an ambush shot him on the high way with a poysoned shaft: this so moved Biblical, that he invaded him with a vigorous and violent warre, assisted by his brother Gouayquibal, and at last overthrew him; but the venome of the wound he had formerly received, by de∣grees so prevailed over him that he dyed, swelled and black as a coale, leaving no child behind him. The people peti∣tioned the Dowager she would marry again, that they might have a Prince to govern them, whereto, though with difficul∣ty, she at last condescended, and called a Councel, where 'twas ordered that the most strong and active should succeed and marry the Queen.

Then they proclaimed an Assembly at all exercises of strength, as leaping, wrestling, and Clubbe-fight, in which amongst them all one Calips prov'd eminent, and was made King. For his chief Councel he elected the deceased Kings brother, to whom he gave his sister in marriage; and since that time the Kings have been elected by strength, which custome con∣tinued to Moulsamberc, who died at the Spaniards invasion.

This Island was heretofore exceedingly vexed with the Ca∣nibales of the Antilles, and other neighbour-Islands, who come to hunt men and women as others do savage beasts,* 1.14 the men to eat them, and the women for procreation.

This Island, though under the torrid Zone enjoyes a tempe∣rate ayre, and almost a perpetual spring by meanes of Mountains which shelter it from the North, and refresh it, as in most parts under the Zone.

The Fecundity of the soyle is such, that corn sowed produ∣ces most great and long eares, of above a thousand cornes in an ear: Besides, it yields Gold, Mastick, Aloes, Cotton, Silk, Sugars, Spices, Pepper, and Ginger; with Jucan and Cassaue, whereof they make their bread. 'Twas from hence the Spani∣ards first took and brought into Europe the Morbus, and remedy, Guaicum. Here chiefly raign the furious winds called Ʋracans or Foracanes, furies that rend trees, dash the waves against the sky, destroying Navies, and other prodigies.

But as these people were delivered from the cruelty of the Canibales, they fell under that of the Spaniards, a hundred

times worse, who laid the Island with the rest of her neighbours desert and depopulate, though the Natives at their landing used them with all humanity; but they fell presently to bloudy butch∣ery, carrying them slaves to other Countries, and reduced them to such despair, that the wretches thought better to use violence on themselves and children,* 1.15 then to be led slaves under these Sal∣bins, thieves and tyrants.

* 1.16As one of these miserable Kings was going to be burnt, a Father of St. Francis, exhorted him to baptism; he liked well of all he told him of eternal life, and heaven, but understanding the Spani∣ards went thither also, he lost his vocation, saying in his language, Heiti siltiba Salbin, Spaniards in heaven and I with them, fie, fie: adding he had rather live with the Yares, the Devil, and so dyed; they destroyed all generally, & being glutted & weary with slaugh∣ter they made markets of the rest, as of Cattle, to toyle and carry burthens, not regarding any countermands of the Spanish King to keep them slaves. These new guests at first they called chil∣dren of the Sun, but afterwards they changed their stile and called them Solbins and Devils, and with good reason, when these new∣comes would lay insupportable burthens on them, and when they failed or fainted, cut off their heads to save a labour of unlock∣ing an iron collar about their neck to put upon another. Not∣withstanding they were a people very capable of religion and doctrine, as appeared in such as were converted, who proved very pious Christians; but these unfashionable Doctors had mind on no∣thing but to satisfie their insatiable avarice and ambition.

CHAP. IV. Of the coasts of new-Spain, of the torrid Zone, and winds which blow there.

HAving staid some dayes in Cuba to recruit, we took ship a∣gain to continue our voyage. Noguera Captain of the vessel we came in, was very sorry to part with us, and made large pro∣fession to one of our Company for the service he had done him, and gave him three hundred Reals, offering if he would return to Sicily with him, he would give him the command of a vessel, share equally what was gained, and ever esteem him as a brother. Our comrade engaged himself at his return, accepting but the half of his money, and that upon importunity, which he present∣ed to a Lady the Captain had brought with him from Spain, and she returned him a Crucifix set with emeralds, and so they parted with much resentment; the Captain protesting he had perished

but for God and the Levantisks; with particular acknowledgment of what we did in Domingo at their going for water. He recom∣mended us to a Captain who was very civil to us, and would ac∣cept of nothing for our passage.

We came to the Cape of St. Anthony, and thence with good advice steer'd the course towards Foudora or Houduras: 'tis not the ordinary way for Fleets, when they go directly to St. John de Loua in new Spain, having seven hundred miles to crosse, sayling in view of fruitful Campeche, in the land of Jacatan. The Port of St. John is a well-fortified Town, and amply provided of artil∣lery: in 19. degrees from thence to Mexico, they hold it seventy leagues, and fifty to vera Cruz, a place hot and unhealthfull,* 1.17 but plentifull in provisions, about two hundred miles from Mexico.

This quarter is called La Vega, a shallow, not a haven; these two places so neere neighbours, differ exceedingly in the ayre, for at Vera Cruz 'tis extraordinary bad; and at St. Johns tis excellent∣ly good; as indeed thoroughout all Mexico, a good Country, and well inhabited both by Natives and Spaniards: temperate enough, and contains sixteen great Provinces. Then there is the new Mexico, lately discovered, and whereof there is further disco∣very every day, and is of wonderfull extent, as likewise the Mex∣ican language goes very farre.

From St. John de Loua Coasting along by Jucatan Hunduras, and Nicaruga, we came to Nombre de Dios, in the Northern sea; and on the other side, in the southern to Parama, and thence to Peru, &c. Now tis necessary to understand there commonly blowes a winde they call Brizes, which carries Vessells by the Poope, from the east to the Indies, which winde rises in 28 de∣grees of Artick altitude, towards the Torrid, following the Mi∣nense and rapid motion of the Heavens in that Hemisphere, more like a gentle blast, or a breathing of the ayre, then a winde, so quietly it beares vessells along, without any alteration, or contra∣ry violence; as in other Parts among the Tropicks, where the strongest carries it his way, and where diverse Raigne according to the diverse times and seasons.

The other windes are Tramontone, or north, south, east, west, south-east, north-west, north-east, south-west. The Brizes come east-ward, and serve very well from the Canaries to Cuba: from Spain to the Canaries the voyage is more difficult, by reason of the diverse windes, which blow in the Gulfe de Las Yequas; and betwixt that and the Continent are other windes, which blow opposite, and often force to lye along in the Haven in expectation of a faire gale.

But as these Brize windes in going, afford a delightfull accom∣modation, so in returne they prove our vexation: for we must go without the Tropicks to fetch the south-west, otherwise we

have the Brizes in our teeth, which force us to beare up higher for others, and be perpetually tacking about to the roade of Ter∣retta: In so much that one may sooner go twice, then return once from the Indies; the return is so labourous, I meane for them who come from new Spain to Seuille; for from Peru they have the same Navigation, as the ships that go by the Brizes from the Canaries to the Indies, and by the south sea. Coming from Peru, they have the winde in the Poope as farr as Lima, in twelve degrees, which carries them to 17, to the Port Guatulio in new Spain. Then they must go fetch the south-west in the elevation of 27 degrees above: nor is there any certainty of it, for some∣times these windes raigne there; sometimes the north-west, and Tramontane invade the Regions: They call them neverthelesse Brizes, as coming from the motion of the same Hemisphere; sometimes they bring along with them so exceeding a frigidity, that though the sea ever naturally yeild a certain warmth of it selfe, I never felt so much cold as in these parts; and but for the Wines we laid in at our return, we had suffered much more.

* 1.18'Tis then certain, that they who go to the Indies must make use of these prosperous windes, and to gaine them must keep in the lowest elevation possible, for the neer∣er they come to the Equinoctiall, the more certaine and constant are these Brize windes, as nearer to the moti∣on.

For this reason the sea from the Canaries is called the Ladies sea; from this benigne Winde, as is also the sou∣therne sea beyond Peru, and so along westward. Notwith∣standing this rule is not so generall, but in the Torrid of the East-Indies there are two anniversary principall windes, east and west, which by turnes raigne six moneths together, more or lesse, called the Mousons, or Mnessons, as I said in another place.

* 1.19As to the quality of the Torrid Zone, contrary to what Antiqui∣ty delivers, that it is impenetrable, and absolutely disinhabitable for the excessive hea••e of the perpendicular rays of the sun, I have spoken sufficiently in another place; and shewed it to be the most temperate place of the world, and best inhabited, full of large lakes, rivers, and showers at certain seasons and houres, and windes which refresh and fertilize in an admirable man∣ner.

According to naturall Philosophy there was reason to believe these parts disinhabitable, and scorched with the fervour of the sun, who is verticall to them; but experience had not acquaint∣ed them with the lakes and rivers that lye almost all along this same Zone, and chiefly in America, so cooling and moist∣ening, that they allay the heats to a moderate temper;

and by a mystery at the extremity of winter produce drynesse, and in summer rains and humidity; so as in many places they are forced to retire to their Canoes to avoid the emanations of the ri∣vers, Orlano, Plata, Paraguay, and others which lay the circumja∣cent Countreys like seas, to which the spacious lakes are a second meanes; like as the Egyptians in time of Niles inundations, re∣tire to their field-houses of dung, loome and straw set upon the highest points. But the people, upon Portogay and Plata, they quite abandon theirs, and betake themselves to their Ca∣noes, or Pirago••a, upon the water like Ducks, and returne not till the floud is sunk, so that the extreamest heats of the Torrid produce their rains, and when the heate slack∣ens, it rains not at all: But out of the Torrid and the Tropick, these qualities change, their raine coming to∣gether with the cold of winter, as here with the heat of sum∣mer: For the Sun where 'tis most forcible exhales vapours in more abundance, which breaking fall in plentifull showers. They who live in towns and plantations built on grounds of advantage, pass these flouds and rains with satisfaction, and their fruits of the earth, no more than in Egypt are not destroyed and lost: But the more vulgar and savage sort who live in the Countrey, that can neither sow nor plow, retreat to their barks with a heap of roots, and such fruit as the earth affords them naturally: They have a∣bundance of Cattle likewise, which they feed with the Josni they call Tortora, which they eat also themselves, cover their houses with it, make their boats and fewell of it.

True, the air throughout the torrid is not of one quality, there being some places burnt for want of lakes, fountains or rivers, or by reason of the huge barren mountains, as in other parts of E∣thiopia, Guiney, deserts of Africa, the Andes, mountains of Peru, and other places. And hence it comes, that according to the diverse constitutions under the same line you have blacks in one place, and whites in another: and as the extremity of these qua∣lities hot and dry, render some places dis-inhabitable, so the a∣bundance of water, lakes, marshes, and great rivers, with their constant inundations, render others as little habitable: as in the greatest part of America, where this inconvenience is such, that the rivers swel'd with the summer rains, at every turn break out of their limits, with such impetuosity and violence, they force and carry all before them, nor can one travaile for dirt, and mud of marshes.

CHAP. V. Of South and North America, The Qualities, and Discovery.

AMerica for the greatest part is not inhabited, by reason of the huge barren and cold mountains, and little plain for a long way, abundance of sandy and barren forrests, as in Egypt and Lybia, where there is neither habitation nor commodity of living; huge trees bearing nourishment neither for man nor beast; onely in some parts there are trees yeild some refreshment to passengers, with a leaf like the vine and fruit like the Quince, but more soft, and in taste like the apples of Italy, called Mele Rose, but sweeter. The tree is high and fair like a mulberry: The fruit never heats upon the tree, and very little being gather∣ed, but quenches thirst, and refreshes more than any fruit in the world;* 1.20 wherefore the Indians will go fifteen or twenty leagues to look it: and being extream hot, lay pieces of it on their fore∣head and cheeks, which refreshes as well as eating it, be the heat never so violent. But 'tis exceeding dangerous for strangers; for the Indians are so jealous of this fruit that they will suffer no others to eat it, but beat their brains out, as they did at Curaufour, where they killed a number of Spaniards for eating them, which they after eat themselves. To conclude, the fruit, how long soever it continues in the sun, looses not its freshnesse.

* 1.21Of the three Regions America may be divided into, there are the two outmost, the high and the low, and the interiour. The lower is along the Sea coast, hot and moist, having few or no rains in many places unpeopled, by reason of the deep sands, marshes, and standing waters, which make the Countrey unwholsome. But the plains from Peru to Chila are more temperate, by reason of the fresh and fruitfull vales, whereof there are store.

The second is the land of Hamen, cold and dry, well peopled, plentifull in herbage, and rich in mines.

The interiour is the best, and 'twas the Spaniards kind fortune or rather Providence, that landed them there at first: for had it been any where else, they had never or with more difficulty at∣tained their design, for the scarcity of commodities to live upon after their diet, very different from that of the Natives. But at the very first they fell upon the best parts, as the Isles of Hispaniola and Cuba: and on the continent on the one side new Spain, on the other Peru, and many other, all good Countries, full, and temperate, which yeilded them such plenty of commodities for livelihood, and rich mettals. For this middle division abounds

corn, fruit, cattle, pastures, and forrests, the air wholsome, and the Countrey pleasant and commodious.

They have cattle in great abundance, as sheep, goats, beeves, horses, and others. They preserve a stock of wild beeves for their hides, wherewith they lade ships for Europe; and make a good traffick of them to supply our vanity for coaches boots, and other uses of leather. The soyle in some parts is proper enough for vines, but the Spaniards will admit no plantation of them, for taking away the profit of the wine brought from Spain, for which they carry back good gold and silver. But notwithstanding their prohibitions in New-Spain, they have planted them for ease of their burthensome tributes; for they made no conscience to impose fifty or sixty crowns upon a tun of Spanish wine; which they get at a better rate upon the place, where they prosper excellently well.

Mexico, or New-Spain, where one still ascends unperceivably, is a good and fruitful Countrey, rather better than Peru towards Cusco and Gouamanga, and Aroquipa, which is likewise very fertile; but this is without comparison, and would be yet better if the Mountaines were nearer, to mitigate the excessive heat. Notwithstanding the Spanish women affect it so much that they will come two thousand leagues by sea, leaving their Native Countrey to settle here, and this in no small number: For in the Fleet that went one thousand five hundred ninety two, they reckon that in thirty vessels that were cast away, there perished above 800. women, and many small infants: Some were going with their husbands, others with their friends, and others of their own inclination; and not a year but they transport a great number. And 'tis no wonder they expose themselves to this dan∣ger, living exceeding miserably in Spain, where there are abun∣dance of single women that work or worse for their living.

America, the new world is divided into two principall parts, North and South, both as 'twere Peninsula's, fastened to by the streight or neck of land, of Nombre di dios and Panama, and betwixt them is comprized the great Archipelagus of all those Islands, An∣tillias, Luccaes, Barlouente, Sotauente and others, whereof we spoke already, towards the great Mexican gulph.

The North part might be taken to begin very near the North pole, and according to some at Groenland, which they will have to be upon the Continent of America: from thence we come by the streights of Hudscas, Davis Forbisher and others, which are thought to crosse to the Orientall and Tartarian sea; but here they appear rather gulphs and arms of the Sea then streights: Then we come to the Lands of Estotiland, Labrador, Cortereal, New-France or Canada, and Bacaleos, Norembeck, Virgi∣nia, New-Nideoland, or the New-Low-Countries, Florida, and New-Spain, or Mexico, as well the old as new, and the lands above

new Granada, Mar Vermeio, California, Quiuira, or new A••bion, and Anian to the famous Streight of land, or sea of the same name, which joynes, or divides North Asia, or high Tartarie, from this part of America. And 'tis probable that this way for many Ages men and beasts have passed, who have peopled this new World, whether from China, Tartarie, Moscovia, and other places, or as farr as Scandia, or from elsewhere carried by the windes, cast up by shipwrack, or coming upon designe, or for ease of people, alwayes growing onward: But this dispute I leave to be decided by better abilities, being out of my reach, and no part of my design.

* 1.22South America from Jucatan, Honduras, and Nicanagua to the Streight of Panama, proceeds by Ʋraba, Dariena, Castilia, Dor, Ve∣nesusla, Paria, Cabagna, Cumana, Curibana, and further up into the famous Land of Guinea; then comes the vast Territory, or Coast of Brasile, of above 1000 leagues; Patagona, and Chica, to the Streights of Magellan and Maire; and at last ascending towards the South-sea, by Chila and Peru, to the Isthmus of Man∣nama.

As for the Parts southward, beyond the Streights, towards the Land of Fou, or Queinos, to the Isles of Salomon, new Guinea, and others, 'tis not yet knowne what they are.

As to the Discovery of this New World, leaving that com∣mon question, If our Ancestors had any knowledge of it, twas first made by Columbus, in the yeare 1492. afterwards successive∣ly, by Americus Vespasius, Cabot, Cortercall, Cupral, Verazan, Cor∣tez Pisarra, and at last by Sir Francis Drake, Sir Walter Rawley, Forbisher, Davis, Hudson, and others.

Towards the Lands of Labrador and Canada, one Captaine Ve∣lasco, a Spaniard, passing that way, entred the river of Canada, or St. Laurens, and taking it for an Arme of the Sea, having a faire winde, sayl'd up about 200 leaugues, where he found ma∣ny Townes and Villages inhabited by people called Piperones, of an extraordinary stature, as ten foote high, or more, people kinde enough, and tractable, spending their time only in hunting and fish∣ing: their ordinary diet milke and cheese.

Upon a Sunday, coming on shore to celebrate Masse, there came innumerable Savages to admire our Sevice and Ceremonies, as a thing altogether new to them. They presented the Spaniards a∣bundance of sheep, Kids and goats, and they might have taken off the common what Cows and Cattel they would.

A people otherwise not very Military, but exceeding simple, and use Barkes, like the Brasilian Canoes. The Captaine, in gra∣tuity, gave to the cheife of them a handsome sword and dagger, who by signes let him understand, he had nothing to re∣turne him but 50 Cows, and 200 sheep, desiring him to ac∣cept

them for accomodation for his company.

Part of them he took, and gave him a Coate of Azure Ta∣feta, which he highly esteemed and admir'd, and went confi∣dently abord them with a score of his men; and at severall times came little boats loaded with fruit, which this Lord had provided to present the Captain with; at his departure he fired some Can∣nons, which strangely amazed these poor people, who thought the World at an end; they go cloath'd with skins, commodiously sew'd together.

In the Land of Labrador, and beyond Northward, are abundance of Mountains and Forrests, where there are numbers of wilde beasts, and amongst others huge beares, and great Griffins all white, which are nothing like those of the East, or Africa, which are gray, only a little red under the belly, but both of them have but two feet, and not foure as they are pain∣ted. They have also Partridges, and other sorts of birds all white.

A little higher lies the frozen sea,* 1.23 which some say is not a sea frozen, but land covered with ice. An Indian, one Irica, told me that in his youth he had been in the Land of Labrador, which the Natives call Ʋchacara, which borders on a Countrey called Al∣fringa, and that crossing from Province to Province, he saw seas of Vast extent, all frozen, and the people assur'd him twas not a Sea, but Land, covered with fresh water-ice, a thing hard to be cre∣dited.

They have not any Townes, but Villages, where on little hills they live in timber houses, covered with hides of Beifes, and o∣ther beasts. The people are Whites, kinde and affable. This Coast extends to the space of 400 leagues, there is a large river they call de tres Hermanos, which some Spanish were about to crosse, but could not for snows. Some imagine here is a streight, that goes into the Orientall sea, others that tis an Arme of the sea only.

Some take this for the river Rio Neuado, which on one side coasts this Countrey for 200 leagues; on the other side, to the Bay of Maluas, and by the Gulph Merosco lyes the Isle of Devills, so cal∣led because they hold it to be haunted with spirits, as many of the eastern Islands are, as I observed in another place.

There are Tawnies amongst them, they weare in their eares rings of gold and silver, their cloaths lin'd with Martins, and o∣ther furrs, amongst them there live some Britains and English men.

Next lies the Countrey called Bacaleos, or Bacca-Lao,* 1.24 so called from our fishing for Codds there, to which the Seamen give that terme. That place is so thronged with this sort of fish, that sometimes they cumber a Vessell in say∣ling.

The coast from thence to Florida is about 900 l. The Country is

cold like Flanders, and under almost the same climate. The peo∣ple are Idolaters, and bruitish, void of civility, except along the shore where the French inhabit; there they live better, and eat not mans flesh as the rest round about them do. They live in o∣bedience to one they elect out of the most potent amongst them, many Islands adjacent are possessed by the French.

Not far from thence lyes the Countrey called Chicora, the people whereof are of extraordinary size, they wear their hair down to their girdle, the women much longer: They believe the immortality of the soule, and that after death they transmigrate to a better Countrey than their own.

They keep stocks of tame Deer, which they drive to pasture as we do Cows and Oxen; from them they make excellent cheese which mingled with a sort of clouted cream, is a very delicate dish.

The English say the land of Bacalaos was first discovered by one Cabor, sent thither by Henry the 7. King of England; to which the Spaniards consent not, much lesse the French, who trafick'd here long before any other Nation.

Chicora lyes upon the Continent a little above Bacalaos, and according to some is part of it, as likewise the Country of Hari. The Spaniards say that Licenciado Ayllon going from Hispaniola, run along all these coasts, and amongst others visited Chicora. They feed here on the roots of Jucca, Casabe and Potataes. They have variety of Idolatries, and Idols, with a thousand ceremonies, superstitions, and feasts. Their great God they call Mateozunga, the lesser Quexuga, and fancy a Mahometan Paradise, of all sorts of pleasures, musick, dancing, feminine embraces, &c.

They believe the rotundity of the earth, and that 'tis in the middle of the Universe, and that by consequence there are Anti∣podes. Their Priests abuse them with a thousand prodigies and impostures: widows, if their husbands died naturally, marry not again, but if by Justice or other violence they may. No man hath more than one wife, except the King, who may have two. They compose their year of 12. moons, all their commerce is in exchange. They have excellent remedies for all diseases, by means of their patriot herbs, wherein they have good knowledge, amongst others they have one called Guachi, against choler. The Spaniard Ayllon recounted many other particulars of Chicora, that 'twas of great extent, and contained many Provinces.

CHAP. VI. Of Canada, or new France.

CAnada, or new France, was discovered, and frequented by the Brittains and Normans, in the yeare 1504, and before that also; since again by Verraz••n, who took possession of the Coast and Continent for King Francis the first, which hath continued from time to time to this day.

The Countrey hath not any Mines of gold, as they know of, but white Corall it yeilds, called Esurqui, and some Jasper and cassidone stones, with abundance of Beavers, wherein consists their traffick.

They have discovered a tree, called Aneda, or Zuaboya, much like our nut-tree, the decoction whereof is a soveraine, and pre∣sent remedy for a disease, common in this Country, which infects them like a plague, from head to foot, with a violent contraction of the sinews, stinking breath, and mouth running with purtefica∣tion, as at Scurbut, and at last seizes on the vitall spirits, and with extreme torments finishes their lives: but Providence hath furnished them with this remedy Aneda, as Carter in his Voyages observes.

All these Countreys of Bacaleos, Caneda, Hochelaga, are com∣prised under the name of New-found-Lands, or new France, fre∣quented these many yeares by the French for fishing of Cods. For in the exact description, I refer myselfe to Histories, and published Re∣lations; only I will repeat what severall, who have travailed it, have told me.

Canada extends it selfe by a point south-west, within the Coun∣trey of Goulmaran, coming up to the River Diquero, where there is a spacious Town of the same name, otherwise called Sougoubal, where the King keepes his Court; towards the sea it joynes with Baraleol, and the New-found-Lands; the Natives of extraordina∣ry stature, favoured like them of new Mexico, heavy like a gilt Morian, they are of a cruell nature, warring upon their neigh∣bours, and there are of them that eat Mans flesh: they inhabit up as farr as the great river Hochelaga, and use boats made of the barke of a tree, at the getting of this barke, they use particular ceremonies, and prayers to their Idols, to protect them in warr in which they are assisted with Virgins dedicated to the Gods, as our Religious.

Some amongst them are of more humanity and assasibility, ad∣dicting themselves only to fishing, which they will willingly do for strangers.

The King derives himselfe from the first stock which peopled

world after the deluge, whereof they have some light.

They bear great reverence to the Sun for the light and bene∣fit they receive. They feed on bread made of fish, and the like as in Florida; live in common, and diverse families under a roof. Men have several wives, whom they marry with little ceremo∣ny, and leave them when they please. Their King they call the great Sagamos or Sahagama, that is the great King, whom they carry upon a Sindela of cotton, mixt with feathers, very curious and artificiall: women wait at his table, nor will he trust men with any thing of his diet; as he passes by, all bow with great respect, none is capable of succession but the eldest Son, all the other Children are subjects; for which cause the other wives, rather choose abortion, then to live to see it.

After the Kings decease; they live perpetual widows, and in signe of mourning immediately put on the Singaye, make incisions in their face, then laying gum on a fire, hold over their faces that smoak may colour the scarifications, with this gum, and oyle of date-stones, the meaner sort make their face black and orange-tawny, their hair hangs loose about their shoulders, having nothing about their head but the Singaye, which they wear as the Moors do their hair, appearing both under and over it. This is made of feathers of a bird they call Tanaps: the Americans esteem this bird ominous, when they meet it. The vulgar women wear other plumes with cotton, but they neither marry the second time.

The men wear apparel of Deer-skins usefully contrived, one arm uncovered, and so they wear their garment like a scarf, their breeches like the Egyptians, but not so long. The Coun∣trey is exceeding cold, and lyable to earth-quakes, for which they sacrifice to their Idols, whereof they have one in figure, half a man, and half a serpent, which they call Andouagni, and adorn him in a rich habit, and their Country diamonds, which are not so good as others.

They have mines, but none very good, fruits of many sorts, and amongst others a tree called Coltan, which yeilds an ex∣cellent liquor that they make drink of, their King drinking nothing else. Vines grow there in abundance, naturally with∣out labour, exceedingly loaded with grapes, but they have not the skill to make wine of them, except they have been lately shewed: they have pumpions and gourds which they eat roasted, oyle out of Date-stones, very sweet and soveraign in diseases. One tree there is which takes away any feaver in few hours. They are great hunters, and wear engines like raquets on their feet, whereby they go the lighter on the snow in pursuit of their chace. Of late years the English have changed the appellations the French gave these Countries, of New-France, and Canada, to New-England, New-Scotland,

and New Brittanny above, before called Labrador, and Estotiland.

Goulmaran is the name of a river and a country, where the sa∣vages chief food is fish, of which they have abundance, and drying it in the sun make flower, which they eat without other baking: they eat the flesh of their enemies; they house in caverns or cab∣bins of straw, without either apparel or houshold-stuffe more then Gourds which the soyle produces in abundance: great store of cattle which fatten themselves without further care; they live in common, and admit no strangers to inhabit amongst them. Their mortal enemies are the Siniga neighbouring Mountaneers, covered at halfes with beast skins; and these nations as professed enemies, eat one another. For arms, they have staves, bows, and slings, wherein they are very effectual, being strong and good wrestlers. They lead into the field troops of fierce and strong dogs, and fling them the head, hands, and feet of an enemy for re∣ward; they only spare their wives to whom they yield all honour, and marry with them. There is not amongst them any sort of Science, Learning, or Character: they believe the soul immortal, and that the Sun created the world, whom they call Courcourant▪ and the Moon Beleida: live like brothers, without any Law of property, every man hath his wife, and with her is satisfied; no di∣stinction of sin amongst them, vice nor vertue: all equal, onely a particular reverence to one chief as their King, whom they call Caraybalan: They shave their head and beard with a root called Meite, which dryed at the Sun, they make into powder, and ap∣ply it plaister-wise all night. Maids deflowr'd before Matrimony, never marry, though the fact is no dishonour to them.

Their Singay by the advantage of their mountains, often fall upon them; they have a sort of trunks through which they will blow their poysoned arrowes with strange vigour, and wound incurably. They are of admirable Footmanship, and will fly like Grayhounds before a pursuing enemy, and on such occasions their dogges stand them in good stead. They scatter about the fields certain poysoned paste for the enemies dogges, and lest their own should be taken with it, they hold them up tyed: he that hath two with him thinks himself secure. When the dogge winds any thing, if the Master cryes Taip, the dogge stayes till his Ma∣ster hath viewed his prey: they carry burthens like horses. Their houses are of straw, and their burrowes are fortified with Timber-Palizadoes, which they poyson against the invading enemy. Of the same straw they cover their houses, they make bridges, and never make bridge of stone; which straw-bridges are of good firmnesse. They have some houses made of earth, mingled with chopt straw. The Charaybalan or King, walks through the coun∣try with no attendance but dogges, and allowes no man to ap∣proach him. These dogges are his guard, being very fierce;* 1.25 and

when they find any thing, they first look on their Masters face, to understand if they should eat it or not, and stand for good ser∣vants: the enemy hath strong apprehension of them. These dogges have great tayles like Bulles, and it hath been knowne that they have assaulted and defeated a good body of men▪ so as the race of them is prized at a high rate.

CHAP. VII. Of Virginia and Florida, Fountains of youth, dangerous love.

ON the South and East of all these parts lyes Virginia, disco∣vered by Sir Walter Rawleigh and the English, and Florida, first found by Sebastian Cabot an English Navigator in the yeare 1496. as he looked for another matter: and more perfectly after∣wards discovered by John Ponce of Lyons who so christened it, be∣cause he arrived on Palme-Sunday in French, called Flowre-Sun∣day, or else because he found the land fragrant and spread with flowers.

This is a country of wide circuit towards 34. degrees, having on the East the Channel of Bahama the Lucays and Virginia, on the West Mexico and the gulph Panuco, on the South it looks upon Cuba or Jucatan, and on that side extends above 200. leagues to the 24. degree: on the North lyes Canada, New France, and the Auanares, towards this point or tongue of land, in form of an Isthmus, 'tis dangerous sayling for the opposite winds and currents of water. The natives are strong and turbu∣lent, eat their enemies of war, but their friends and confederates never, not for any extremity. The men eradicate their beards to appear more lovely and pleasing to the women: pierce their nose and ears, and hang in rings and jewels: they marry not till 40 years of age, and the woman 25. holding that the children will be more robustious. Women before matrimony observe not chastity, and without dishonour: but after marriage they will forfeit life as soon as their fidelity.

North they border on the Aunares, and beyond them the Abar∣daos, a cruell and wicked people, continually in warre, and use a thousand subtleties to ensnare their enemies, but especi∣ally by night, first laying their Engines or Caltrops, then give the Alarme, and seem to flye; so the enemies pursuing, are often taken in these trappes; as they likewise take wilde beasts: as they on the other side make conceal'd pits for them to fall in.

There are also the Jagares, a people so swift, they boast they can take a Deere in plain running, and indeed the Deere there are not so wilde. For they feed in fields, in Heards like Cows, whereof they make their ordinary sustenance. Ponce de Leon sayes he sent one of these people with a letter, and some provisi∣on to his company, and in few houres he went and came thirty 1.

They are cloathed with skins of beasts, but cheifly Deere, which they dresse very artificially.

Then there are the Apalchen and Chahamo, people intirely barbarous and brutish, who adore and sacrifice to devills, that appeare to them in diverse formes. The whole Countrey abounds in all Commodities; as flesh of all sorts, and fish, and they say there are Mines of Gold and Silver, whereof they make no great account. They have a King, whom foure of the Principall amongst them beare in the skin of a Saliabe, a beast like a Hart: appar∣relled with skins, and set with feathers; they adore the Sun, and believe the immortality of the soule: and that some go to Hea∣ven, and others to the bowells of the earth. Towards the Pro∣montory of Baxos, there is a fishing of ordinary pearles, neither so fine nor great as in the River of Palmes, and Margarita; nor do the Natives much esteem them, and value more a measure of Sperma Caetae, then a handfull of pearles.

The people of Canada ma•••• a greater account of them: for the women weare them in their eares. In many places they build their houses in forme of a Cressant, in Honour of the Moone, and cover them with barkes of trees, or sea reeds.

For Armes they use Bows, and poysoned Arrowes, as doth the greater part of America. They are much given to Hunt and Fish. For more of the description of the Country, and the manners of the people, I refer my selfe to the French and Spanish relati∣ons.

I will only make mention of one miracle in the Countrey, at∣tested by the Licentiados, Ayllon, Figuerra, and other Spaniards of Quality; 'tis a fountain of Youth, whereof the water be∣ing drunke, not only mitigates all maladies, but makes the old young again, restoring decayed strength and vigour, whereof they saw the experience in an old decrepid man, quite worne out, who became vigorous and lusty, that married and got chil∣dren.

The Spaniards advanced not into the Country, finding the People Martiall, bloody, and violent enemies to them; which I suppose proceeded rather from cruelties, they them∣selves exercised, then the inclinations of the people, whom the French, who used them mildely, found quite other∣wise. And we see that Once de Leon leaving them by reason of their salvagenesse, one Ferdinand de Sot••, in

the year one thousand five hundred thirty four for booty and dis∣covery of Mines, made a voyage thither: where he committed a thousand cruelties upon the people, and the Catiques them∣selves; so as at last, in revenge he and all his company were massacred.

Afterwards Pamphilio de Naruanez brought a good Colony into the River of Palmes, where either by tempest or want, the greater part perished. Then in the year one thousand forty nine, some Religious of Saint Benedicts order were sent thi∣ther, who had but little better successe, so as the countrey remaining unplanted by any forrainers, in the yeare one thou∣sand five hundred sixty two, our French went to make a con∣quest of it.

Lo here the first discovery and taking possession of these terri∣tories, by Verazan in the name of King Francis the first, in the year 1524. For Admirall Chatillon, ambitious the French should have the honour and Empire of those parts, had induced Charles the ninth to commission John Ribaut Diepois, to go plant there at his own cost and charges; advised to the designe by a French-man, who under the stile of a Levantisk, and Savoyard, not a French-man, had before made a voyage that way to New Spain.

Ribaut with a good party ••f French souldiers, and Mar∣riners, first touch at the Cape of France, so named by him, in thirty eight degrees, and the faire River May which he so called, because he arrived there on the first of May. There the Indians and their King gave him kinde entertain∣ment, and many presents were interchanged: ours gave them bracelets of Tinne; Bills, Looking-glasses, and Knives: They returned Plumes of red feathers, Baskets of twigges fine∣ly platted, and skinnes of beasts ingeniously figured. On further they found other Rivers, to which they gave the names of Seine, Somme, Loire, Charante, Garoma, Giron∣da, Belle and others within lesse then sixty leagues off coast, then upon the River Jordan they cast Anchor, and called that place Port Royal, where they set up the Armes of France, as they did in the River May, upon a stone pillar. Ribaut upon his designe of planting, built a Fort he called Charles-Fort, in the mouth of a faire River by the natives called Toubachire, by Chenonceau; and placing in it Captain Albert with twenty souldiers, and foure pieces of Ordnance, he returned for France, bringing for a shew some pieces of Rock streaked with gold and silver, and abundance of Mun∣keys and Paraquitoes, promising to return shortly with a con∣siderable Colony of men and women.

Here Captain Albert Governour of the Fort falls in love with a daughter of one of the principal Caoiques, very fair

and coming, whom he had procured into the Fort with her Fa∣thers consent;* 1.26 the maid holding it for a great honour to be affe∣cted by strangers. But here upon a souldier one of the chiefest and gallantest of the company, becomes her servant also, and by so much the more ardent for some countenance she shewed him though in private: the Captain perceiving it, he fell into such rage, he would have killed him, but for fear of mutiny amongst the souldiers; so thought better to set him a shore in a desert Island, three leagues from thence, promising to send him provision from time to time: but not performing accordingly, the poor man was brought to such extremity, he had no sustenance but Oysters, Tortoise egges, Birds that he took with his hand, and hearbs, and was forced to creep into hollow trees, for security from wilde beasts, especially Cro∣codiles, whereof there are great store; nor did his sword and punniard stand him in small stead against them. The very Apes and Munkies were vexatious to him. Sometimes for better se∣curity he climbed into trees, and, they say, falling asleep one night in a tree, he tumbled down on the back of a Cro∣codile, that was come a shore for his prey, 'twas hard to say which was most frighted, but he pursued the Crocodile to the River side, being but slow of pace by reason of his short legges, and heavie body.

Certain Indians fishing, saw the miserable condition of this poor man, and advertised his comerades in the Fort, who incen∣sed against their Captaine for this and other rigours killed him, and fetched back the souldier halfe dead with hunger: then chose another Captaine, and constrained by necessity to return into France; by help of the Indians, they built a lit∣tle Bark, nailed with wooden pinnes, and fitted with Sayles of such linnen as they had, victualled with the round corne of the countrey, they call Mays, and powdered flesh but were driven to such exigent by the way, they were fain to cast lots, who should be so unhappy, as to be food for the rest.

In the year one thousand five hundred sixty four, Captain Landoniere was sent thither with three vessels, who built Fort Caroline upon the River May, and thence made some inroads upon the Continent; amongst other things he relates a flash of lightening the most horrid and prodigious was ever heard of: for it covered and burnt above five hundred Acres of Meadow, green, and watered, roasted the Fowle,* 1.27 and con∣tinued for three dayes without ceasing. The year following Captain Ribaut returned thither with his son, and about four hundred men and women to compose his colony, and till the soyle.

He was upon opening a Mine of Gold, and in the rock

was come to fine gold, of the bignesse of needle points, about 30. leagues from the sea: but afterwards being about to go on with the work effectually; he was unexpectedly surprized by Spaniards who used him and his company with all cruelty, and treachery imaginable.

Our Histories relate the passage at large, so as our Forts were taken, and all our countrymen hanged or murthered. Young Ribaut escap't, came back into France and complained to the King,* 1.28 who wrote to the King of Spain about it; but he onely sent order to the Viceroy of New Spain, to informe him∣self of the matter, and accordingly to do justice: which never∣thelesse was forgotten, and so the outrage was unsatisfied, till the year 1567. that Captain Gourgues nobly undertook the re∣venge at his own charges, and bravely drove out all the Spa∣niards, and demolished their Forts. I shall make no further progresse, for that the Histories of Florida, make large re∣lations.

CHAP. VIII. Of Mexico: the nature of the Inhabitants, their Kings, sacrifices, &c.

FRom Florida by degrees we arrive at New Spaine, or the kingdom of Mexico. A countrey extending in length and breadth from the River Tanasco or Grisalue towards the West, or Jucatan, to the Province of Caliacan, and the river Saint Michael bounded on the North with new Granada, and the Pro∣vinces of new Mexico. On the South lyes the great gulph of the pacifick sea of Mexico. On the East the River Panuco, and the skirts of Florida.

The kingdome of Mexico is otherwise called Culbuca, and Anauas by the Inhabitants, it holds dominion from Pa∣nuco to Dariene, which divides it from Peru. The princi∣pal Provinces are Guatemala, Xalisco, Chalcos, Taica, Me∣choachan, Tlascalan, Acapulco, Culiacan, Tezuco, Tescuco, Huaca-chalque, Huacachala, Claortomaca, Maxalcinco, Gisteca∣pan, and others.

New Spaine is one of the most excellent Provinces of the New World, fully inhabited, pure ayre, abounding in corne, and all sorts of graine, Cattle, Mines of Gold, and chiefely of Silver, wanting nothing but oyle and wine.

The principal and capital town is Temistican or Temoxtitlan,

or Temuistican, upon a Lake of thirty Leagues in circute, is contained threescore thousand Houses, at the time the Spaniards took it, under the famous Ferdinand Cortez. The lake is of two waters, salt and fresh, by reason of the rivers that en∣ter it. There are many other great Townes, but less then Mexico.

Before they received Christianity, they were all great Idola∣ters, and given to strange superstitions, many whereof they con∣tinue still. Their Sacrifices were formidable, Fathers not scru∣pling to make their own children victims.

The Mexicans are an ingenuous people, and of experience in all sorts of workes, particularly in Tapestry of feathers, where they have things artificially drawne to the life. The Soyle abounds in all sorts of fruits, and commodities for livelihood, as well naturall as adventitious: even vines, whereof they have ve∣ry good, notwithstanding the prohibition to plant any.

True, in many parts the grapes come not to perfect maturity; by reason of the abundant rains in June and July, when the grapes begin to ripen, so as they soake raine, and corrupt, wherefore they are forced to eat them halfe green. Some have try'd to make wine, but it proves sharp, and more like wine of quinces, then grapes.

They have planted olive-trees, which come to good growth, and full of leaves, but without fruit. All sorts else grow well and plentifully. The wine they drink comes all from Spaine, and is very deare, for it cost five of us three crowns a day for our parts, and a good bargaine, the plenty of mony making all things deare, for a bed 12 realls a night.

In Peru tis yet dearer, though they get very good wine and figs, as likewise in the Isles of Barlouento, and Cuba. There are many Forrests by the Indians called Arcaboucos, store of Ebony Gu••a∣cum, or Lignum Sanctum, wide and thick Forrests of Cedars, Lau∣rells, Dates, Pines, Oaks, and hearbs of all sorts, proceeding from the nature of the Climate, being hot and moist. The greater part of the ground lies notwithstanding uncultivated,* 1.29 for want of La∣bourers, of which they have none, but some Blacks of Maniconga and Guinea, lazy people, and no good workers.

The Country is not very populous, many more women then men, by reason warr and labour consumes them.

The extent of these Regions is admirable, nay infinite, in re∣spect of the few Inhabitants, and less agriculture; for this late dis∣covered Mexico contains above 15 Provinces, of above a thou∣sand leagues in circuite, where there are as faire Towns and build∣ings as in Europe.

Good part speak the Mexico Tongue. Farther on there suc∣ceed severall unknowne Nations, without number: Some Re∣ligious went thither to Preach the Faith, but the Savages devou∣red them.

'Tis not yet found out what Territories border with Cape Mendocino, California, high Florida, new Mexico, and others to∣wards the North Pole, no more then what is beyond the Streight of Magellan, higher by 56. or 57. degrees.

The Inhabitants of old Mexico, do intirely apply themselves to the Trades and wayes of the Spaniard, being grown good Weavers, and make all sorts of silke stuffs: in like manner they are docile and judicious, and such as are become Christi∣ans, follow the Doctrine most religiously.

The Countrey is of such a scituation, that you ascend where∣ver you go from the sea Coast, but so easily you perceive it not. So coming from the middle of the land to the Sea-ward, you des∣cend on which side soever, but so, as afterwards one admires how they ascended mounted so high, or came so low; all the Mexican Territory is of this quality and scituation.

* 1.30The Mexicans derive themselves originally from other parts, the Ancient Inhabitants were barbarous, and eat nothing but ve∣nison, which they called Chichimeques, and Otomies; then the Na∣vatalks came from the North, from Provinces, which since are joy∣ned to New Mexica, who peopled, cultivated, and civiliz'd the soyle and Nation: But withall they introduced their strange Idolatries, and horrible sacrifices of men and infants, whereof they perpetrate abundance every yeare: Whereby 'tis very probable that not only this, but all the other Coun∣treys are inhabited with people deriv'd from the North, whi∣ther the Asians and Europians may have passed by little and little by the Streights, either of Sea, or Land, as we have already de∣monstrated.

These Mexicans being well setled, chose a King to Govern them, who was one Acamipixtsi, a Mexican Lord, who had mar∣ried a daughter of the King of Cublivacan, an ancient people of the Country: since which time they have ever had Kings, not by succession, but Election, continued to the ninth and last King Montezuma, taken by Cortez: under which Kings they had diverse Warrs, and tooke in many neighbors, augmenting it to a great state.

The King was not Elected by the Commons, but by 4 Princi∣pall of the Court, and had the Crowne from the hands of the Tescaio.

But the King Elect, before he receives his Crown, is obli∣ged to go fight the Enemy, and bring such a number of Prisoners to their Sanguinary sacrifices. If he faile in the first expedition, they excuse it, but if the second time, they poyson him, and choose another. If he returne victorious, they conduct him with great ceremony to the Temple, where they make the great sacrifice, with processions, and musick, through the Town. He was crowned with a Crown like a Miter, and every one made

oath to serve him to the last drop of bloud; then was conducted with great magnificence to the Pallace-Royal, the Electors called Laceocal, marching first, that is, Princes of the Lance, then the Lacaterret, or Thunder-bolts of men, who are the gallantest of the Cavaliers, then Hazeuocal, that is, bloud-shedders, and the Lilbancalqui, Knights of the black lance. These four orders were his Majesties privy Council: in the Town they had other Councils for administration of Justice. When the King went to the Temple, an hundred men marched before him with great bows taller than themselves; then 100. more with long staves with a hardbroad keen stone in the end, with which he will cut off a horse-head; I have seen one cut a sheep in two with it, those they call a la a tilpeo.

The Kings Pallace is sumptuous and magnificent, a Parke by it stored with wilde beasts of all sorts, ponds full of fish, with boates of rich worke, and cages for Birds. The Pallace is composed of separate apartments, and severall ha∣bitations for the Courtiers, every one according to his dignitie and degree.

The Mexican Kings had high esteem for men of valour, and rewarded them very amply, by which means they were so well served in their wars, and got so many victories. Their weapons were clubs with keen stones, lances, pikes, a sort of javelins, at the throwing whereof they were exceeding dextrous, bows, arrows, lit∣tle targets, and a head-piece with a plume of feathers; coats of Li∣ons, Bears, Tigers, and other beasts-skins, great runners, and wrastlers.

The King of Montezuma in his Militia had an order of Knights, that from the Crown had their hair tyed with carnation ribbons, rich feathers, and a scarf of the same colour, who for every gal∣lant atchievement they have done, have so many waves fastened, and hanging over their shoulders. This King was of that order, as he is to be seen represented in his statue at Chapultapes. This ha∣bit was very stately, enriched with plumes of all colours, and makes the Spaniards deck themselves with feathers in imitation, and adorn their horses with them: another order of Knights there was called Agourlas, clad in another manner, and with other diffe∣rences; then there were the Ataroncos, the Tigers, the Blacks armed from head to foot in fight, the others half armed: Their cloaths of Combi, cotton and other things, these had license to eat in gold and silver vessels, a thing not allowed to others; who were apparelled with courser cloathes, called Nequen.

These first Knights lodge in the Kings Palace, and have their apartments amply accommodated, whom I cannot compare better than to the Mayl'd Knights at Malta, distinguished in divers com∣panies, by the Titles of Princes, Eagles, Tigers, and Blacks. The rest of his Valiant Militia lodged in other divisions apart, assigned

them by the Council, and upon pain of death could not change their lodging. This Militia was so well ordered and disciplined that they stroke, terrour in the neighbouring people. And what was most to be admired, that they could keep so many different Nations in concord, for the perfection of the Country drew people from all parts thither.* 1.31 There is one sort of people amongst them called Chalcas, that is, men of the streight, which argues them to be a people come from the streight: others called Souchimilcos, that is field men; others Tapaneras, men of the bridge; others Alcapousalcas, Couluas, crookback'd: Tsaluicas, mountain-men. All these Nations are come to inhabit, and feed on Mexica; to build Towns and Burroughs, and that as their Characters shew above seven or eight hundred years since. The Tlascaltecaes never agreed with the Mexicans, but assisted the Spaniards against them, and in compensation are eased of tributes, and have many privi∣ledges; and possesse the room the Chichimeras who fled from their homes at the approach of the Spaniards, so much they were asto∣nished with that new way of war, esteeming them children of the Sun.

* 1.32The Tsalcaltecaes used a stragatem to dispossesse the Chichime∣caes, who made good resistance at first, for under colour of a feast of amity, while these were drinking, the others stole away their arms, and so got their ends. The History whereof stands at this day painted in the Countrey. The original people were Gyants, as appears by bones of dead men, and teeth as big as pullets eggs. They who remained by little and little, conformed themselves to the others.

The Mexicans had a most truculent custom, to sacrifice their prisoners of war, and enemies, to their gods, and in want of them their own natural children. The Priests or Papas performed the sacrifice opening the breast of the miserable victim, and with the heart sprinkled the Idol to appease it, and watered the stairs and the temple with his blood. In Peru they made the like sacrifice of children, from four to ten years old, with such madnesse that they would slaughter 200. at a time, and this for the health and prosperity of their Ingas or Kings, and the like of maids drawn out of their Monasteries.

* 1.33To gain their Childrens consent, they tell them they shall be immediately made Saints, and go straight to heaven amongst the gods: At Peru at decease of their Kings they slaughter a number of his servants to attend and wait upon him in the other world. This custom of bloody sacrifices was common through all the parts and Islands of the new world.

What is admirable, in Coluacane, as also in Jacatan, Ʋraba, and Dariena, there are many circumcised, whence arises a question, whether they came from the ten Tribes, sent to Tarty and Arsarach.

The Mexicans chief god, or wooden Idol, was Vitzilipatzli,* 1.34 whom the Toucouacans or Te••calhuacans, the first civilizers of Mexico brought with them in a Tabernacle of Sea-reeds, who promised to make them Lords of this vaste Countrey, shewed them the way to it, and how to keep it, which at this day is to be seen in historical paintings, as I have often my self ob∣served. In prosecution they built lofty Temples, and in∣stituted their Feasts and bloudy Sacrifices, whereof I spoke before.

The Devil, that Ape of the Almighty, would imitate what we read of the Ark in the old Testament, conducting the chil∣dren of Israel, and other mysteries; the stile this Seducer uses, to gain credit and adoration from these abused people. And the Indians in memory of this Ark, to this day place a case of reeds upon the Altar.

Being in the Kingdome of Tabin, and passing on to the Countrey of S••iton, we visited the Lord of the Territories Palace, where amongst divers figures of Princes, there was one of a King with an emerald hanging in his nose: whom we were informed was King of Mexico, and how after the decease of Montezuma, one Tlacaeler a person of high valour, was elected King, or Lord of the Countrey, who neverthelesse waved the offer, saying he had charge enough in the ordering his own do∣minions.

The Mexicans perceiving his resolution, requested he would name them a King, and then he elected Ticoci••, son of the King deceased, who being young was constantly assisted with the coun∣sel of Tlacaeler.

This King had his nose pierced, and an Emerald hang'd in it, and hence in their books and monuments, this King is figured with his nose pierced.

In the Temples of Peru they set the Image of Pa∣chacamas with a Monde under his Feet, who they said had a Spirit that he sent upon earth to execute his will; that being a potent crowned King, he went na∣ked, for their example, and that in his hand he bore a dart to exterminate those of bad lives, and called him Chinnequil, that is, the Ghost of the Great Crea∣tour.

Letters they had none, onely a sort of significant Cha∣racters, figures and draughts like Hieroglyphicks, which they continue still to expresse the mysteries of Christianisme. They will form all their words and discourses in these figures and paint∣ings, as when they would say, I confesse me to Almighty God: they draw a Priest sitting, a man at his feet upon his knees▪ and over them three faces in one, signifying the Trinity, and something lower the image of the Virgin with her infant, &c. and pictures of

Saints and Angels. In this manner they expresse all by figure, which asks a long time to signifie a matter of importance, and some∣times a whole day to draw it. Wherefore in all great Towns there are those that sell papers, with all necessary and ordinary commu∣nications ready delineated.

Their Records, Histories, Calendars, and Annals, were ever ex∣pressed in this manner.

CHAP. IX. The Mexican year, their Paradise, Infernall, and their Dances.

THe Mexican year was divided into eighteen moneths, of twenty dayes to a moneth, and the five dayes over they set apart for feasts, sacrifices, and recreations. The year began in March with the coming of the leaf, each month having a particu∣lar pourtraict.

The Peruians more properly divided their year into 12. months, or moons, wherein they exquisitely compacted all the dayes of the year, which they began in January.

These months they deciphered by 12. columns in order, with names signifying the feasts contained, and the seasons to sow, reap,* 1.35 &c. the first was Soucangae, the 2. Rayme, then Hostino••••qui, Aucayqui, Ar••ucouqui, Caualiarqui, J••urtaqui, Jouapaqui, Caya∣rayme, Payconeo, Jomarayme, Ayamara, the twelfth.

They pourtrayed the Sun and Moon, and by certain distincti∣ons, knew the full and the qualities of it. The Mexicans had a mooving wheel, whereon the months, feasts, and seasons, were set with distinct cyphers. For the seven dayes are not founded upon the solary or lunary course, but with the Hebrewes upon the creation, and our number of Planets with the Pagans.

The years are denoted by severall signes, from four to four, of thirteen years each division, which in 25. years contained the whole period, and concluded the circle.

* 1.36So the people of Chicora divided their year into twelve Moones, in Coluacana they use the Lunary Months, and call the Months Books. The Moon in their language is T••na, the Sun Tanaric.* 1.37 I have often enquired of the use of this Mexican wheel, but could never understand it: it moves very slowly, and goes round every Month, noting the periods, and account of years, as to say: such a thing was done in such a year, de∣••yphered by a Temple, a Rose, a Rabbet, a Stone, the four

marks of the wheel. When a little needle in the middle of the wheel comes to point at the period of fifty years, then are they stroken with a strong apprehension, believing the world is to be ended, and for three or four dayes before lament, and make Sacrifices to appease the angry gods; but when it arrives at the point, they leave their Sacrifices, break all their u∣tensils, as they were to die at the instant, lay themselves on the ground with extream contusion for their bad lives, and terrour of approaching torments: and having spent a day and night thus dolefully, upon appearance of the next day, which they never thought to see, they go strait to visit the wheel, which now hath entered a new circulation; then repleat with joy they render a thousand benedictions to the gods for the grace received, whereof they thought themselves unworthy, with engagements of reformation for the future. Then pre∣pare for a solemne fast abstaining till night from all suste∣nance: for three dayes they observe these fasts, without company with their wives.

After this their Priests or Papaes, with 12. men and youths in feather garments, dancing silently to musick, bear the Idol of their God Ʋriacocha, followed with a number of boyes and girls in white, decked with flowers and feathers of various colours, then the Religious in their proper habits, next come 12. sheep for sa∣crifice, then the principal persons with tapers in their hands, then follow the whole multitude of men and women, with hymns and gratifications, up to a Mountain: from whence they observantly return to the Temple. Amongst them there are some that fu∣riously lash their bare shoulders with thorns of Mangouay, so as the Temple runs with bloud, wherewith the Priests wash the face of their Idol. After this the sheep with their ears peirced, and a thousand gayties were dejugulated, and with them some Children were sacrificed, whilest others dance and sing about them, the Priests instructing and encouraging them to it.

But before the Feast, they compound a meat of the flesh of certain venemous Creatures, Mace, Tobacco, and certain roots, which the Priests eating, a Devil enters their bodies, and they fall into a fury; then they begin their ball. The feast is called Procrayme. Every year they have the like Sacrifices, beginning with fasts and lamentations.

They have processions likewise, and with dances and songs carry their Idols very solemnly, still concluding with bloudy sa∣crifices.

When Lords and Masters dye, their Servants sacrifice themselves in hope to serve their Masters in the other world, and if through indiscretion or want they were not paid and well rewarded in this life; suppose it shall be amply done in

the next. They believe the immortality of the soule, felicity for the good, and the wicked to be tormented by the Devil, whom for this reason they adore, wearing his counterfeit in their ears, that he may shew them some favour when they come to the Abysse. They believe that after death their actions are presented and plea∣ded before the great God, who gives definitive sentence one way or other to eternity.

They believe no reformation, as the Bretellians▪ and others believe no hell, but that all go to live merrily with their fore∣fathers. In some parts they embalm the Corps, and together interr their whole treasure. In other parts they lay victuals and drink by them, in opinion God sometimes confines their souls to their Se∣pulchers, so as they may want sustenance.

* 1.38The Indians when they fall sick, present their Priests with di∣vers rarities, that they would make prayers for their health; But if their disease grow vigorous, with Brasile they die a shirt ver∣million, and send it to be sacrificed for their recovery; also they send divers prayers figured in Characters to be burned with shels, they call vila coronea. Likewise they sacrifice sheep, and the rarest of birds, nay slaves themselves terming this hurlauical: as that of the feasts contauical, wherein they mingle odoriferous woods called Jauli, resembling the Lemon tree, together with ceremonial prayers.

Against their Enemies they have other Sacrifices, as to burn their Effigies, with the pictures of severall venemous and morti∣ferous Creatures, the Priest pronouncing, So perish the strength of our enemies, then they sacrifice a black sheep kept long from food, and the Priest cries, So let the heart of our enemies be weak∣ned.

To Rivers they sacrifice the shels that come from them, to foun∣tains fruits and vertual herbs; holding there is nothing on earth which hath not his like in heaven, and that they hold a correspon∣dence: and that any thing of good operation on earth, is acceptable to their gods in heaven. In what condition soever, in health or sicknesse, peace or war, on all occasions they have recourse to prayers and sacrifice, even to immolation of their slaves and chil∣dren. The Mexicans dis-avow all peace with their neighbouring enemies, the Tapacques, Ilascalcans and Mechoachans, that they may be stored with prisoners of war for sacrifice, & hold these wretches for Saints and celestiall, when they go with consent.

* 1.39Dancing was very frequent with the Mexicans, mixing many Ceremonies and superstitions, the Lords themselves the most grave, and of what office soever, disdained it not, and to use the Mitecos, that is, dancings in stately rooms, or gardens, with spiri∣tuall songs, rather a sort of adoration than a dance. One Indian hangs about anothers neck, then he dances to a taber or flute, others shew a thousand postures and agilities of body, like our

tumblers. They have sometimes their Muscurades called Qua∣cones, disguising themselves like Devils, and glory in this dance. Likewise dancers on the rope, standing with their head down and feet up, with a thousand Turn-overs, and Gamboles; others dance with an extraordinary weight on their shoulders, and this they call Tanquil, then comes another and leaps upon this weight, yet he dances still, though painfully. Then all weaving Arms, and singing, dance in a ring very prettily without the least trouble to one another, then in couples by turns they fall out, and dance about the ring in several manners, at last joyn all together. For this they adorn themselves with their best attire, and still sing prayers and praises to their Gods.

CHAP. X. Burning mountains, the Conquest of Mexico, and some particular trees.

AMongst the Mexican Marvailes are the burning mountaines, which vomit forth flames, and thick smoak, more or lesse,* 1.40 according to the matter that feeds the fire, shut up in the bowels of the earth.

The most famous of these Mountaines for height and compasse are the Guatamala, discernable at vast distance on the South sea. A Spanish Priest out of avarice would needs sound this Moun∣tain, supposing the bottom to be full of gold: This Priest was called Mossen born at Antequera who came to the Indies with Pirarow at the time of Ferdinand Cortez conquest: he had a sister living with him, who had a fair daughter, whom the Captain married to Lazart d' Almadia, Clark of the ship, promising 1000. duckets in marriage: But the Clark being jealous of his Captain, left his wife in Spain, and the Captain being come on shore with grief for his Mistresse absence dyed, to whom by his last will he ratified the 1000. duckets: Mean while the Clark took com∣mand of the vessel, and arrived in New Hispaniola, where the Priest was very welcome, Priests being there very acceptable, and was accommodated in the town of Sanda, where he lived in great esteem for sincerity and devotion, so in few years he grew very wealthy. But not content with this, upon suggestion that the flaming Mountain, not farre thence was a Mine of gold, he thought to get inestimable riches out of it:* 1.41 for this purpose he caused a strong iron chain to be made, to the measure of the height of the Mountain, which he had taken by Artizans, then by

strength of men began to cut a way for portage of his necessaries; which could not be done but at great expence: a mans labour there being worth two crowns a day, neverthelesse avarice made him passe it easily: But this beginning was a mean matter, for he must continue the labourers, being yet not advanced far by reason of the height of the Mountain, and firmnesse of the rock, which he must cut through: nor though many looked upon the enter∣prize as extravagant and inconsiderate, yet the Priest every day got nearer to the mouth of the Furnace, with expence of time, labour, and difficulty. After four moneths space; the ponderous chains and chaldrons, with great cost and paine were drawne up. The good man boasted, he doubted not now to come shortly to his ends, and that he had a revelation of it in his sleep: at length all these iron Engines were set in order, and the work-men to the number of 50. began to let down a Chaldron well fastened to a strong chain of iron with other Engines secured, and the Priest himself set his hand to the work: But as they thought to draw up the Chaldron full of rich melted mettle, the strength of the fire consumed all, and they hardly escaped without burning their hands and feet, so violent a heat burst out upon them. The Priest halfe mad cry'd out, the Devil had broken his chain with a thou∣sand curses, ready to throw himself headlong into the Precipice, covered over with soot and cindars, and frying with heat, fright, and toyle, that he looked like a right fury; running like a mad∣man to and fro; the rest in little better condition, the greatest part being lam'd and consum'd with labour, and the violence of heat which had even melted them. The good man at last was brought to his lodging in extreme torment, where they laid him to bed in so much grief and discomfort, that he was the pitty of the world. Waking in the night he was surprized with such a rage, that he gave himself several stabbes in the throat with his knife, and in the morning his sister coming to visit him, found him steep'd in blood and gastly, half dead, whereupon she cryed out for help, and friends came immediately in, and a Chirurgion applyed the country balsom so fortunately to his wounds, that he was well within few dayes; neverthelesse for extreme griefe and sullen∣nesse he could eat nothing, at last he languished to death, having consum'd all he had gotten, besides what his sister had, and other friends whom he quite ruined.

The poor woman lived a while after, but miserably, her Son-in law making some voyages betwixt the Indies and Spain, in the best sort he could, who afterwards had other strange misfortunes upon his wives account, esteemed the daughter of that unfortu∣nate Priest·

The last King of Mexico Montezuma was so potent, that he had three thousand men for his guard, and could bring three hun∣dred thousand fighting men into the field. He sacrificed every

year above 20000 persons to his Idols. His revenue in gold, silver, precious stones, pearles, cotton, furres, and fruit was in∣finite, he had thirty feudatary Kings under him,* 1.42 each whereof command a hundred thousand vassals. He gained nine battailes against his enemies, and was nine times victorious in close lists: He kept such State and Majesty, that none durst look in his face. He was slain in an insurrection of the Mexicans against Cortez, and his Nephew Catamazin chosen in his place; but he continued not long.

Mexica was conquered by Ferdinand Cortez, born at Medelin,* 1.43 in Estremadura, who came to the West Indies in the year 1485. and 1519. went from Cuba to the conquest of Mexica, discovered before by Fr. Fermandez de Cordoua, who first found Jucatan in 1517. and by the intelligence he had from Velasco Governour of Cuba, he sent his Nephew John de Grizalua, who went as far as San Jouan de Ʋsua, and took possession of the countrey for the King of Spain. Velasco sent afterwards one Osio to relieve Gri∣zalua, but he returned without advancing further. Cortez undertook the invasion with five hundred souldiers, his Captains, Auilla, Porto Carrecco, Orda, Escalente Salsedo, Olid, Escouar, Alua∣rada, and others. He gain'd the Kingdom with great toyle and industry, defeated, and took the King Montezuma; afterwards being driven out by the Mexicans, with a neighbouring people their enemies he returned, and brought them absolutely under the yoke. The Indians called him Malnixa, as a God descen∣ded from heaven. Amongst the Spaniards themselves he had great enemies, as Garary, Estrada, Olid, and Navez, whom he routed, and compleated his conquest. The Emperour made him Marquesse del Valla. He was indued with all the qualities of a Spaniard vertuous and vitious. He was bold, valiant, suddain in execution, clear spirited, subtle, patient, and resolute; but ambi∣tious, out of measure cruell, and libidinous. He dyed in Spain, at the age of 63. in the year 1546. He conquered in Mexica from 12. to 15. degrees. The town of Mexica is in 19. degrees: about the 8. of May, and the 16. of July the Sun is perpendicu∣lar. The countrey is temperate, but rather hot then cold, clothes there not being tedious or troublesome, nor nakednesse impor∣tune, or broyling.

The Mines are not so wealthy as in Peru: but more profitable by reason of the lesse charge and danger. Besides gold, silver, iron, and brasse; they bring from thence sugar, cochenell, cotton, plumage, honey, wax, balm, amber, salt, medicinable drugges, &c. and few vessels return light, which is not in Peru, Spain being enriched as well from one as the other. For though there is so much treasure to be exhausted, yet there is not so much danger. The faith hath made a farther progresse, the countrey is better peopled, the natives better ordered, more regular, better Mar∣kets

of cattle, horses, sugars, and meat, wherein Peru cannot com∣pare, which doubtlesse would be better if it had more rain.

The natives wondring why the Spaniards were inquisitive of gold and silver, at first they made them believe 'twas to cure them of a pain at their heart, whereto they were subject, but in time they found it did hold them there indeed.

Cortez to bring these people in obedience to his King, told them he was Emperour of all the Christians, the greatest Lord on earth, who had under him more Kingdomes and Provinces then other Kings had subjects.* 1.44 That his government was founded on Justice, and proceeded immediately from God, that he was ac∣complished with all vertues, and that the Monarchy of the whole Universe, was by right his inheritance, and other Spanish boasts and vanities.

Concerning the particulars of this great country, besides what I have said already. In the Province of Mechoacan, there is an ex∣cellent root of the same name with the countrey, by others called Jeheurais, of the same vertue to purge, as Rhubarb, but more light and white, and purges with lesse violence, which is a great traffick in Spain, where 'tis worth three or four realls the pound, and there almost nothing. 'Tis taken by the weight of a Crown pulveriz'd in an egge, wine, or broth. I have seen greater effects of it then Rhubarb. It may be kept four or five years or longer with care, but there is such abundance, they matter it not.

By information of the natives, some of the Spaniards were cu∣red of diseases by this root, and so it became famous. 'Tis called Indian Rhubarb. Amongst other trees in Mexico or the land of Caperous, there is the famous tree of Muguey, whereof they tell as many wonders, and several uses, as of the Eastern Cocos, for it yields water, wine, vinegar, oyle, honey, wax, thread, and needles;* 1.45 so as this is sufficient to keep a man. After drawing fresh water, the fruit will be like sweet small nuts. The water a little boyled becomes good wine; more boyled, like burnt wine, which coagulate again excellent honey, whereof they make Sy∣rupes: The first water set in the Sun makes good vinegar: From the leaves issues sweet milk, and out of the leaves you may draw thread, strong enough to make cloth. I brought with me two shirts of it, and some of the fruit, as perfect into Europe, as it grew on the tree, for the rind is very thick, and that preserves it. cloth made of this yarne, will ever have some dark gray streaks in it. About the leaves grow little prickles, so strong and hard, they use them for needles, and sew with no other. There are many who live on this tree alone, which puts forth leaves upon leaves continually, and in such abundance, that the tree is covered over from the root to the top, which makes it unshapely. To make it pregnant, they lay cindars to the root: the wood is of such qua∣lity, it endures twice as long in the fire as any other, and when

they will keep fire a long time, they use a piece of this wood.

Balm comes from a tree something like a Pomegranate tree, and it produces several sorts of several vertues. The first is Opo∣balsamo, excellent for wounds and the plague, of gold co∣lour like Ambar: another sort is something white: another sort is press'd out the leaves and sprigges burnt; of such vertue, 'twill draw any iron out of the flesh.

I brought some into France, wherewith I did most admi∣rable cures of wounds, and old ulcers which had eaten to the very bone.

In a word, 'tis most soveraigne for wounds, paines in the sides, contagions, and holding a little in the mouth, pre∣serves from bad ayrs.

They much esteeme another tree called Cacao, as the fruit is of great use and traffick, which passes with them as money to buy all commodities. The fruit is like an Al∣mond, a little lesse: They are never without Cacoas in their pockets, to buy what they want, for alms, or to eat;* 1.46 and 'twill keep a long time. The Province of Guatima produces them in abundance, where they make a precious drink of it, that ac∣cordingly mixt cools, or heats: it makes good wine. They make Cakes of it good for the stomack, and ptisick, 'tis like an Almond tree, the leaves a little broader, and of a thicker body. To make it prosper, they plant another by the side of it: 'tis very tender, and suffers equally by cold and heat.

This latter tree they call Cacaos mother, because it preserves it from the injuries of the weather. Whosoever hath this tree, they esteem him happy and pious, in opinion, if he were not such, their God would not have sent him this tree: and when such a tree dyes, they believe the Master hath committed some hei∣nous crime.

In like manner they have their Coca in high esteem at Peru, which being chewed and held in the mouth, marvellously re∣vives the spirit. 'Tis of very delicate taste, whereof they make great traffick to Potossi.

Of the Gold and Silver Mines in Mexico, I will speak jointly with those of Peru.

CHAP. XI. Of new Spain, the Provinces thereof, and of Peru.

NEw Spain is the greatest Dominion in North America, as Pe∣ru in the South. Betwixt both lyes Jucatan, Hondura, Ni∣caragua, Veraga, or Nombre de Dios & Panama, which chain them together.

* 1.47Jucatan is a point of land which extends to the 21. degree, like a peninsula, being in the streightest place from Xicalanco to Cho∣temal some hundred leagues over: the country was first discover∣ed by one Fernandez in one thousand five hundred and seventeen. afterwards by Grisalua, who came from Cuba to the Isle of Co∣sumel, or Saint Crois, thence to Campechia, Champatron, and Tauasco.

Hondura was first discovered by Columbus in his last voyage, 1502. last by one Casan who setled the Plantation of Tucillo in 1515. Pedrarias d' Avila, in 1519. planted the Colonies in Nom∣bre de Dios, and Panama towards the South Sea; the first discoverer of that sea was Vasco Muntz, coming from Dariana in 1513. who with great joy rendred thanks to God, and took possession for the King of Spain.

Betwixt Nombre de Dios and Panama, 'tis 17. or 18. leagues of Marshes, Mountains, and craggy asperous rocks, full of fierce wild beasts of all kinds, and a multitude of Apes that make a very troublesome noyse. They transport their Merchandise from sea to sea, either by land with convoyes, or by the river Chagra to about five leagues from Panama,* 1.48 and then by land with Con∣voy. They have often thought of cutting this Isthmus in the streightest place, but the difficulty of the Rocks and Mountains by the way, besides the doubt if the seas are levell, as at the Egyptian Isthmus, hindred the proceeding.

A Colony at Sancta Maria Antiqua in Dariana, displanted for the unsoundnesse of the ayre: for but throwing warm water on the ground, toads, and other venemous creatures would en∣gender.

Advancing towards the East, we came to the Provinces of Ʋra∣ba, S. Martha, Cartagena, Popayan, Dorado, new Estramadora, new Granada, Venecuela, Castilia Doro, Bagota, new Andolousia, Paria, Cahaqua Cumana, &c.

South lyes Dariana, then the great kingdome of Peru, then Chila to the Streight.

Dariana was planted by one Anchisa, there are Cowes with feet, like Mules, and hornlesse.

Peru according to some extends from Dariana to Chila others clipping it from Popayan North, to Chila South. It took name from the River Peru in two degrees Northward; the Provinces there∣of are Quito, Quixos, Popayan, Canela, Pacamores, Gualsonge, then Collao, Carchas, Anedas, Tecuman, to Chila.

Popayan is about two hundred leagues in length, and forty in breadth, lying upon new Granada towards the East. The Pro∣vinces are Antioch, Tataho, Anserma, Arma, Pacoura, Catapa, Quinhaya, Calix, and Pasto.

Anserma 70. leagues from Antioch is called by the Indians Om∣bra; but the Spaniards seeing the Inhabitants hold salt in their hand, and call it Anser, thought the town had been so called, and continued that name: there is a passage over the river Saint Mar∣tha at that town. Arma is of note for rich Mines: Parmoura hath also silver Mines: the Province of Arbi extends to the Mountains of Cordilleras, which runs a thousand leagues Southward: on that side which stretches to the sea, they never have raines by reason the South, and South-West winds blowing continu∣ally, drive the clouds away, whereby this part is barren without tree, fruit, or grasse. but the other side onely a league distant, by reason of the rains, abounds in fruits and all com∣modities.

In Quinbaya at the end of the Cordilleras over against Andes, there is a famous burning mountain. In the Province of Pastro there is a large valley called Arris ever cold, both winter and summer. All these parts are well peopled, and the Inhabitants not so bloody, nor man-eaters as in other parts; living under a govern∣ment and obedience to their Prince, and believe in the resurre∣ction after death, and that they shall live in fields of peace, with all sorts of delights.

Peru extends from Pasto to Chila,* 1.49 ends Southward at the Ri∣ver Manto, North at Augar Mayo: here are vast sandy Plains as far as the Indies, where the heat is extreme, while snow lyes on the Mountains, and the like diversity of the seasons; I remember when I went to Sicily, walking on the coast of Calabria in the be∣ginning of March, winter was so sharp, there was not the least sprout of a Vine to be seen, whereas in Sicily I found them a span high, young beanes, good Artichocks, and they mowed green corn, to give the blades to horses.

In this part between the sea and the Codilleras called Sanaria, for want of wood, they get a certain earth out of the water, which they dry and make turfes, like those in the low countreys: the Mountains are the most desert and arduous in the world, of long extent, running from Panama to the streight: they throw down di∣vers Rivers, and compose very fertile Valleys.

At the point of Sagotta at the entrance into those vast plains, betwixt the Mountains and the Sea, lyes a wide countrey,

covered with nothing but sand, like the deserts of Arabia, but not so white: some shrubs there are, or rather stalks, strong as the Caper sprigges in the deserts of Palestine, the same we call salt grasse, which refreshes the passengers exceedingly, and con∣tinues till May. The seasons differ but little in Quito Cagnales, Santiago, de porto Vieio Cusco, Cagnata, Collao, Charcas.

* 1.50The Province of Quito is called by the Spaniards Poblada de San Francesco, and the capitall town S. Francis of Quito. The length of Peru from Quito to Chila is some six hundred leagues, the breadth about fifty. The countrey is divided into three parts, the Plaines upon the sea side, about ten leagues over, the Moun∣tains and Valleys twenty leagues, the Forests and Lawns twenty leagues, within which little space of fifty leagues; there is such difference, that it rains as 'twere alwayes in one part, in ano∣ther not at all, and in the middle upon the mountaines sel∣dome.

The Cordileras which run from Pole to Pole by the names of Andes and Sierra, are very different though in the same eleva∣tion: one side covered with woods, where it rains, and is ever hot; the other side bare and cold, winter and summer. These mountains go for a thousand leagues in view of one another, divi∣ding at Cusco, where they inclose the Province of Collao, a Cham∣paign countrey full of Lakes and Rivers. Next Collao lyes Charcas a mountanous countrey, rich in Mines. Quito is under the Equinoctial abounding in all sorts of fruit, whereof they make two harvests in the year.

The spring lasts from Aprill to November, and from October to March their rains, which they esteem their winter. Here they have of those famous sheep called Pacos which serve as pro∣perly for carriage as horses: of the height of an ordinary asse, long legges, deep belly, long and risen neck, and the head like ours in Europe. They draw and do any work, the flesh is wholesome and savory, fresh or salt: these beasts are tame, and apt to be brought to labour.

Out of the Province of Cognata towards the East comes the great River Maragnon, and on the West lyes the Province of Gou∣acabilcas, the capital whereof is Guayaquil, then Porto Veio, where are good Mines, as I shall relate hereafter.

The Province of Santiago is South under the Equinoctial, con∣taining Porto de Passao, the River S. Jaques, Tamebamba, point S. Ellen, Valley of Chaga, Mount Christo, Cheramica, Manta, Sapil and other towns. Their houses are of timber covered for the best part with Tortota, a fort of reeds, whereof they make many uses. Then comes the Province of Caxamolca from the town of Traxillo to Gouancabanca, and it may be fifty leagues over. In this country Pizaro took King Atabalipa.

* 1.51Then followes the Province of Casio, with a town-royall of

the same name fenced with divers walls, 13. degrees to the South, the Countrey is cold and mountainous, but the valleys fertile. The principal Nobility of the Empire resided here, who held long ears for a grace and beauty, for the hanging of many jewels, whence the Spaniards called them Oreiones, the most magnificent in Peru. East lye the mountains of Andes. There are the Can∣ches and Ayauires, great Souldiers. The chief Towns are Houton∣cana, Chicano, Cachahurara. The Inhabitants of all these parts go cloathed, and neighbour upon the Province of Collao, the lar∣gest of all, having the Andes on the East, on the South Suchiabo. The principal Towns are, Culy and Chilane, Acos, Pamoura, Pomata, Cepita, and Tiquanaco, and reaches to Carocoles. 'Tis a flat Coun∣trey and hath many rivers: and the great lake of Titicata, that is, the Isle of Lead, because within it is an Island that yeilds lead: 'tis 80. leagues in compasse, and in some places is so many fathoms deep, many rivers fall into it, and it again discharges into another called the Oulagas.

The last Province of Peru neighbouring to Chila is called Char∣cas, in which as the Town of Plata, the Capital,* 1.52 where the famous mines of Porco and Potossi are. Potossi of four or five houses, built at first to fine their mettal, by degrees is grown a fair Town in 2••. and 22. degrees: where notwithstanding the sterility of the Countrey, all commodities abound by reason of the rich mine; of such power and attraction is wealth. Next to Charcas is the Province of Chila, which they hold to be 500. leagues over to the Streight.

'Tis an admiration to observe the quality of Peru, on this side. For here there is but one wind, not that which in the Torrid u∣niversally blowes Eastward, as we said, but this is South and South∣west; without which 'twere not to be inhabited for the drynesse of the place, but this wind renders it very healthfull: for 'tis to be observed that in this Countrey it never rains, snows,* 1.53 or thun∣ders, nor any thing that may refresh it, but this wind alone effects it. On both sides of the Countrey are the high Mountains Cordil∣leras, productive of fair trees, and there, as in other places they have variety of weather, hot, cold, rain, snow: and on both sides the mountains are bare and cold in extremity. This Countrey is long and narrow, composed of plains, mountains, and valleys: The plains are by the Sea-coast; on the other side the Mountains are reasonable good, but some hungry enough. The plain may be of thirty or fourty miles broad, from West to East, and holds the length from North to South. And 'tis strange that in some parts they never have any rain, and in others more than they wish for, being but fourty or fifty Leagues di∣stant.

In the plains then it never rains, all they ever have is a dew, which is so slender it never wets at all. Their houses are covered

with straw or reeds. In the mountains they feed on those wild-goats that have the Besar stone.

They have likewise store of sheep, and cows, which they call Guanacos and Pacos, abundance of Apes and Munkeys, making most exotick faces upon passengers,* 1.54 some you shall see chattering their teeth, others scratching their bellies, here one running with three or four young ones under her armes, there another upon a tree that stirs nor at all; but the mischief is, if we carry them out of their own air they die immediately. Besides there are infinite Parrots upon the trees that never shun the passengers; but the young ones for fear thrust the head under the Mothers wing; and if we take one of these without the Mother they dye imme∣diately.

Some valleys are better than others, as those of Yneay Anda∣gaylas, and those that run up to Cusco, the Town-Royall, hereto∣fore great and populous, now ruined by the Spaniards. The Cordilleras, mountains of a thousand leagues long, where they divide and separate, compose the large Campania of Collao. The Countrey towards Titicata is barren, without either bread or wine, but the inhabitants live upon a root called Papas, which they dry, and make a course bread of it, called Choignos; the Countrey neverthelesse populous for the heards of cattle, goats, and sheep it breeds. There is abundance of venison, partridges, and other sorts of game.

The vales of Charcas yield good ground, and the Mountains are rich in Mines. The reason they have no rain in some parts, is want of matter for exhalation, there being nothing but sand, and neither Rivers nor Fountains. There are some draw-wells of excessive depth,* 1.55 it being impossible to derive water from other parts, for the interposition of the mountains. Besides there blow∣ing no wind but one, without any other to oppose it, that can en∣gender no vapours. Where the Mountains are not so very high, there they have sometimes rains, as at Arica, Arequipa, and some other places. Notwithstanding, the other parts where it rains not, by means of the wind are fertilized even to wonder, and grasse grows through the sand which feeds the Cattle exceedingly, as it doth near Lima, where grasse grows on a Mountain entirely sand.

In May, when we first begin to feel heats in Europe, in Peru they are extream cold, where the Toumacaui reigns, as at Potossi and through all the Countrey of Charca, as 'twere the heart of Peru; a wind more cold and piercing than any in Flanders, and at Potossi is indurable, though the Mountain be higher than Nostre Dame de la garde, at Marseills, or Mount Martre at Paris: there is a lesse Mountain at the side of it, called Guayna Potossi, or young Potossi, both of a colour, red without any verdure. The air is very intemperate, either hot or cold in extremity, so as an

hermit would scarce live there, yet the ambition of gold and sil∣ver makes it pleasant to every one.* 1.56 The Mines were first discove∣red by Indians, amongst whom one acquainted his master Villa∣roel a Spaniard, who became Lord of it, paying the fifth to his King, about 1545.

One of the wonders of Peru, nay of the whole earth, is the Mountain Perlaca, where the air is so cold, thin, and piercing, that it causes passengers to vomit, to that extremity they bring up bloud and kils them with intolerable gripings: and if the travailers make not all possible speed 'tis no scaping: for in this short passage of four or five dangerous leagues, men loose their senses, and often their horses or what they ride on will stand immoveable, without sense either of spur or whip, so as they are constrained to run on foot, and drive their beasts before them.

Some cover their eyes, others stop their ears, and their nose, o∣thers muffle and lap their head and whole body. Others put their head in a bag of herbs, and aromatick drugs, others carry cordials to eat, others eat not of all day, that they may not have so much matter to vomit; but oftentimes this serves not the turn, when one is in this pernicious place, where there is nothing to be heard but laments and vomitings, and notwithstanding that the Sun shine never so clear, this vapour hath still its force: some go other wayes a side off, but they still find the same inconvenience, and the danger sometimes more great: all the wayes are exceed∣ing bad, and the worst by the Sea side.

The whole extent of this quarter is not above five and twenty leagues, without people, beasts, trees, or grasse, so desert is the place, and beyond the Countrey extends 500. leagues: At the foot of these Mountains there are some rascally Innes, they call Tambos, where one finds but wretched entertainment. This is the high-road from Peru to Chila: At the foot of the Mountain to∣wards the Sea, one would think the passage more benign, but there reigns a wind chiefly in May, June, July, and August, which cools and penetrates with extremity, so as fingers and toes freeze and fall off with cold, the greatest part perish in passing, and the wind renders them incorruptible.

Of burning mountains we have spoken sufficiently in Mexico, some there are in Peru towards Arequipa, which throw forth stones; others onely smoak, others flaming pumice stones, some vomiting flames and cinders, others scalding winds.

In Mexico, near a place called la Peubla de los angelos,* 1.57 there is a hill five and twenty leagues high, answerable to another on the top of a Mountain; where when it thunders it makes an Echo that shakes the whole Countrey: a formidable thing to those that are not used to it. Near Guatimala in 1586. for six moneths this hill casts out flames and cinders, followed with earthquakes, that they have thought the Countrey had been ruined. All Mexico

and Peru are subject to these earth-quakes, and chiefly on the Sea-coasts, from Chila to Quito, For above 200. leagues, the Sea-men with astonishment beheld flames rising from these moun∣tains, and afterwards learnt that the Town of Guatimala was al∣most entirely swallowed in the earth-quake. In 1587. it reached 200. leagues distance, and at St. Croix, the Refectorian of the Dominicans was beaten dead, and twenty of the religious killed under the vaults. The Inhabitants of Guatimala having notice made a timely retreat. There are of these Mountaines near Lima, and another at Arequipa, to which you must ascend two dayes in sand.

Most parts of this India are subject to these furnaces, and earth-quakes, and chiefly near the Sea. Near Leon de Nicaragae there is a terrible one, where sometimes by night the flames may be discerned 25. leagues, in discourse whereof Benzoni relates the same of a Jacobin, as Acosta of a Priest at Guati∣mala.

In the Province of Seiron near the Town of Bousan, is mount Malat, where is one of the most conspicuous furnaces of the Indies, next that of Guatimala; for the hill at the bottom hath five mouths, and at the top one, which is more formidable than the other five, for casting out fire, with miraculous fury; but this is by intervals, sometimes nothing but smoak appear∣ing, at other times throwing up burning stones, specially when the wind Tourmacaui reigns: during which time there is heard a most hideous tumult and tempest within. One King went a∣bout to quench it with water, but in vain, the fire encreasing the more, on which design divers perished, and amongst the rest a near Allie of the Kings, in whose memory he made a sta∣tue, adorned with plumes, mounted on an Elephant, and armed with skin of Crocodile. All that passed by it, prostrated be∣fore it with great humility, believing the Prince happy, as being deify'd by their God; this fire which they adore as a Di∣vinity. The Mexicans call these furnaces Popocatepech, Popoca signifying smoak, and tepech a Mount. The Neighbouring Inhabitants in their Armes, and Ensignes bear a flaming Moun∣tain.

CHAP. XII. Of certain Fountains, Lakes, Rivers, &c. in this Countrey.

NEar Potossi at the bottom of the vale Tarapaye, there lyes a Lake, round as 'twere drawn with a compasse, and the water so hot, that but at the brims there is no enduring it, but thirty paces forward 'tis impossible, notwithstanding the Countrey round about is excessive cold. In the middle it boyles and runs round, that you would think some tem∣pest were underneath. From this Lake they draw a Channell that sets certain Leather-Engines at worke, usefull for the Mines, without any waste of the water. Titicaca in Collao is famous for largenesse, and bearing vessels of burthen: fish a∣bounds in it, whereof the Inhabitants round about take great quantity, very sweet, good, and commodious for passengers, to whom they freely give part of their fish, taking them with certain hand Engines. If a Priest come that way they will present him a thousand civilities, and he is happy with whom he will lodge. One is in perfect security amongst them, not understanding what theft meanes, and you may trust them with all the treasure of the world, while you live like good Christians.

Throughout the Countrey there are abundance of other Lakes, as that of Eupama in Brasile, whence so many Rivers issue; and amongst others the great Paraguay, or Plata, which make inundations like Nile, but not so moderately, for Nile comes without any injury, but on the contrary with all commo∣dity: whereas Plata breaks with fury into the Countrey for three months together, coursing from the Cordilleras in Peru to the South Sea. They have a way to passe rivers upon floats of gourds or pumpions fastened together, which they use for all sort of car∣riage, in some places they have bridges of straw. The Spaniards have built stone bridges, which the Indians much admire, and at first had no confidence to trust themselves upon bridges in the air.

Now for their Fountains, near the cape St. Helen in Peru, there is a Fountain of liquor burns like oyl: 'tis a certain Bitumen, or Gum, which they call Copey, or Copal, that never decreases, how much soever is taken out. Marriners use to liquor their cordage with it. The like is in the Isle of Lobos, in Mexico, which the Marriners can smell three miles at Sea, and more, if the wind ••it right.

In Cusco there are Fountaines, the water whereof immediately

congeals into white salt, in which Peru abounds. In Guan∣cauesica there are hot springs that condense to stone, whereof they build their houses; but the water drunk is mortall: wherefore they stop up all high-wayes to it, for it causes a present heavinesse, and then they die immediately. They have many other fountains hot and cold close together, some where∣of cure the French disease, though never so confirmed, by reason of the Sassaparilla that grows in them.

In Peru there is a sheam red as bloud, for that called Rio Vermeio.

In Caramel they have another Fountain cures all feavers, and purges like Rhubarb; the water is brackish and salt at the first taste, but afterwards one feels nothing, but may drink his fill without dammage: it drives through the body all that is ma∣lignant, then passes clear. I thought I should have vomited my bowels up, but afterwards I found my self sound and cheerfull, and cured of a Rhume in my teeth I had been troubled with for a long time. I drunk three flagons a day, and still it provoked me to drink more: They come to it from all parts, and for all diseases, even for wounds. And the place is made so necessary one may bath in it. 'Tis onely hurtfull to hot livers.

Round about it are tents of straw, and beds of cotton, and sheep-skins, where you shall have all accomodation for a small matter, and they will officiously fetch and furnish you with any thing you want, amongst others they bring us a fowle called Magnota, more delicate than a patridge, ano∣ther that is white and black, and eats like a capon, and a∣bundance of turtles. But of Lakes, where is there any so admirable as that whereon the Towne of Mexica is seated? whereof one part by reason of Salt-peter at the bottome is salt as the Sea, the other by reason of the Rivers that fall into it fresh as any Fountaine, each division being ten leagues in length, and five in breadth, and three dayes journey in circuite, with a delightfull Mountain in the middle, and a bath hot as that at Baleru. In the middle of the Lake is the Charnell of green Tombs, ever covered with herbs and flowers.

The Spaniards have laid most of the Town dry, being before in the manner of Venice, and have made conduits that convey water throughout the Towne, and chiefly round the walls. Out of avarice the new Conquerours admit not the Indians to fish on the Lake without license, who now, contrary to Articles, enjoy not their ancient liberties, neither in this nor other things.

There are three Causwayes lead to the Town, of halfe a league long. They account upon 4000. houses of Spaniards,

and thirty thousand Indians: For Rivers you have there spaci∣ous Lakes, or rather Seas, as the Magdala in the Province of St. Martha called Rio grande, then the Orenoque towards Ca∣stilia of gold, and Venesuela. The silver River in Brasile coming from Mountaines far remote from Peru, above all, the great Ozeilliana, or Maragnon, and Amasones, which cuts through the South America, from Chachaneyas, and Qui∣to, through infinite Territories and Dominions, to the Nor∣thern Sea.

This River comes from the Province of Araquixo, or de los Quixos, near to Popayan, and thirty leagues from the South-Sea, discovered first by Francisco Orellano, a Spanish Captain, sent thither by Gonzala Pizarra, who had sought a long this River for the land of Canela; and missing the wealth he sought for, and finding the trees few in number,* 1.58 and of small value; not lighting on the Country of the Prince surnamed Dorado, in 1562. he sent Orellano with fifty men to seek provi∣sion, view the Countrey, and attend his coming in an appointed place.

The Captain following the stream, which still grew wider by the Rivers that every where augmented it, going fifty leagues a day; without oar or labour, for a long while he discovered no habitations: go up again he could not, and by land there was nothing but woods and bushes, after he had suffered plenty of hunger, he met with severall people, and of severall tongues, and conditions, some mild and courteous, others fierce and sa∣vage; pursuing his way without card, compasse, or guide, by many Islands and populous Countryes, amongst others of Ama∣zons the female Archers, of whom there are some Curtisans,* 1.59 at Brasile, not much discrepant from those Antiquity renowns in Asia, who co-inhabit not with men, and at certain times have Neighbours come over to them for procreati∣on, to whom again they transmit the Males, and keep the Girles.

After a tedious Navigation, and many turns and compasses for above seventeen hundred leagues upon this River, he came to the confusion of it in the North Sea, fourty leagues over, following the Coast he arrived at Cubaga, or the Isle of Pearles, which is above four hundred leagues, whence Orellano with 14. of his men being recruited, came to S. Domingo, after∣wards made an ample relation to the Emperour, where Ouiede took his instructions, and inserted it in his History.

Meanwhile Pizarra expected, and having suffered ex∣tream hunger, seeing Orellanio came not, he returned to Quito much troubled, he found not the sought for Dorado, a golden Prince indeed, who wore no other gar∣ment but pulverized Gold lay'd on with gumme, with

which he goes dayly covered. To conclude, this is one of the greatest and longest rivers on the earth, and washes more lands and people than any other. Afterwards many other Spaniards sailed it, as Salinas Orhia, and others.

Adde hereto the great Lake or Ocean Guiana, Parimi, and Manoa, in Countries discovered by the English, Sir Walter Rawley in 1595, who equals it with the Caspian Sea, that containes many Islands. The capital Town is Manoa, a Countrey rich in gold, fruit, and cattle. North lies Castile of gold, Paria and Caribana, West new Andalousia, and Peru, South Omaga, Pegu, Picora, Paguana, East Tisnado, Brasile, &c.

Concerning beasts in America, there are great numbers as well the naturall of the Countrey, as Europian transported, which are multiplyed exceedingly.* 1.60 Amongst others in Mexico there is one the Spaniards call an Armadillo, armed with scales like the Rhi∣nocerot, in shape like a little pig, about the size of a Cat, and lives in Burroughs like a Rabbet. The Pacacou like a fox, that preys on dead mens carcases, and digs them up how deep soever, I have seen of them in Asia and Africa, where they call them Chicali.

* 1.61There are the Birds called Conderos, which the Chaca poyas of Peru adore; these will carry away a sheep, tear in pieces and eat him; they are ash-coloured like a Sea-Crow••: others again so minute they seeme rather Flyes or Gnats.

* 1.62Another sort that is as 'twere all feathers, and none or little flesh, and as they say never comes upon the earth. Their fea∣thers are of various colours, in perfection beautifull, when they rest they hang on a bough by the tayle, clasped round it: their plumes are worn and much esteemed.

In Marseills I saw one sold for 500. crowns, in Portugall they come at 60. The Indians of these curious feathers make Pour∣traicts as artificiall as those in colours, nor can they well be dis∣cerned asunder.

* 1.63The Guacamayes have more beautifull and curious feathers than the Paraquito. They affect plumes throughout all India, but in Mexica above others, for wear, for adornement of their Temples and Idols, and to make pourtraicts of their fashion. Feathers are there good chaffer, I saw an Indian truck pearls with a Leuantian, (so they term us) for feathers he brought with him, which cost him but five Crowns, and he had above three hundred pearls for them. This was a poor Marriner who made a fortune by it,* 1.64 for he made many voyages af∣terwards to the Indies, with a good ship, and merchandizes of his own.

They wear them likewise in their dances. First one called the Tamari dances single, then makes a signe to a Lady to come dance with him, then others follow after the same rule;

but they never kisse nor touch hands, and use all respect to their women.

Of fish, there are abundance of Crocodiles and Tiburons,* 1.65 that are man-eaters. The Manati that suckles her young ones with teats, hath legges to walk by land, and eats fruit and grasse: the flesh is good like veale, there are many about the Isles of Barleu∣ento, the coasts of Peru, Cape Magdalen, and the Isles of Sa∣lomon.

They are very good to salt, and eat like powder'd beef. There are abundance of Whales, but they are ignorant how to take them. The Floridans take them, and make their chiefest suste∣nance of them, the flesh dryed in the Sun, they make into flower, and without wetting eat it in powder, and it nourisheth exceed∣ingly. Another fish with wings flyes as swift as an arrow, they are like Mackarels, but not so good meat. The Meri that swim alwayes against stream, and the Indians say, in August, have a worm in their head, vexing them, and makes them go upward, that the water entring at a little hole, may refresh them.

Another sort called Perpil streaked with divers colours, that they eat roasted, and is meat for sick persons. They have soals of extraordinary growth, weighing ten or twelve pound, but the flesh is hard.

Vicognes are like Deer without hornes, greater then Goats, li∣ving on Mountains without fear of frost or snow, in their bowels they have a stone of the vertue of the Unicorne, or Besar, against poyson: they bear a wool as fine as silk, whereof they make Sum∣mer garments that refresh them. The flesh is good against di∣vers diseases, the stone is like a Pullets egge, black, or gray; this beast they say having eaten some poysonous hearbs, eats another called Capas, proper against poyson, and so breeds this stone of the same vertue.

There are little wild swine called Saynes, that go in heards, and are very dangerous: others that are also very dangerous to take if the hunters have not good assistance, which are good meat, and the grease of them serves for oyle, for Spanish oyle is there ve∣ry deare.

There is likewise a very heavie beast called Manaquail, cover∣ed with Pikes like the Hedge-hog, that will dart them at a di∣stance, a snowt like a hogge, but nothing so big, and a short foot, he is very good meat. There is also another sort of Crocodile, of which we found one hunting in the Forest of Caramel, and we judged him to be seven or eight paces long, and after we had viewed him a while' we raised him, and put him to flight with strange ejulations.

Of Apes and Munkies there are great numbers of all sors, and sizes. Some as little as rattes or mice, with a white beard, that will imitate all they see, and are very serviceable, as I have seen

at Sevill, that seem to have a kind of reason. In Candia I saw another that the Master bidding him go stand Centinel, and look if he could discover any sayle, would presently climbe the Mast, or get upon the Lanthorne, and if he discovered any vessel, would make signs, and cry out, and was ever very certain.

Their sheep called Lamas or Pac••s serve for all carriages, with fine wool, whereof they make Combi and Auafra for their ap∣parel. One of these sheep will carry eight heavie jarres, nine or ten leagues a day, but like mules they are humoursome, and one must have patience to please them, and expect their good mood before they will travail.

In new Spain they have the Espoulcou about the size of a Hare, with a furre so fine, 'tis not for any but persons of quality to wear it; they say the blood of it drunk breaks the stone in the bladder in few dayes.

For spices, in the Isle of Barlouento there is abundance of su∣gars (as also in Brasile) Ginger, Mastick, Aloes, Cassia, Cina∣mon. In Carabana they have likewise Cinamon, and in Canela upon Orellana beyond the Quixos where Gonzala Pizarra went to look it, for he was told in form it was little different from that in Borneo, Moluccos and Leilan, that the other grew in canes and reeds, but this on certain fair trees that bore a fruit like an Acorne, and that the bark was Cinamon: the fruit is not plea∣sant, nor the bark so good as the Cane; neverthelesse they make use of both. Pizarra at length, after great toyle, found the trees upon a Mountain, in small number, and of little value.

Other trees of such compasse, good dwellings may be made within the bodies of them which they call Sesbiraich, some in new Hispaniola, eight men cannot fathom about, and of a flight shot in height, on the top whereof they make Arbours.

CHAP. XII. The Mines of the New World.

AMongst other rarities and riches, the New World produces Mines of Gold and Silver, pearles and precious stones in di∣vers places, and chiefly in new Spain and Peru, which of all parts of the world, are most indulged with these advantages of na∣ture, though other parts of Asia and Africa have them in some abundance, and Europe likewise: but it appeares America had the principal and better portion, as well in these as other Dowries, as I have before mentioned.

In divers Islands they finde most wealthy Mines, as in Hispa∣niola,

Cuba and the rest upon the great gulph; again, in Cara∣bana, Veragna, Castile of gold, the country of Dorado, or Es••ra∣mador. In new Spain, there are these of silver Paxuco, Tasco,* 1.66 Zu∣pango, Guanaxato, Tumazlan, and other places in Acapulco.

At the gold and silver mines they coyne not, for want of Artists, but they cut pieces and gobbits, whereon they mark the price from one reall to eight, and so send them to Spain. The Mines belong to Merchants, who give so much to the King, some four, some five per centum. For want of men that can and will work, they get the mettle with much difficulty, being the toyle wherein the Spaniards have spent the lives of so many thousands, nay mil∣lions of miserable Indians.

The Mines are exceeding deep, where the workmen are much inconvenienced with water, and with damps that poyson them: few free-men will venture themselves, and the meanest slave hath his three crownes a day, who are often buried under the falls of the Mine, so as by this means by degrees,* 1.67 the generation of the Indi∣ans will be in short time totally consumed, who are constrained to undergo the work to get their livelyhood, how good Christians soever they are; and to speak uprightly, looking on the insatia∣ble avarice of the Spaniard, and the misery these Mines put them to, 'tis hard to judge who is the better, the slaves or the natives; for the slaves, for 800. or 1000. crowns may redeem themselves again; the extreme colds they meet with at the bottom, often strikes them dead, having little or no wine to relieve them: being a barren country, and the least glasse of wine at the price of a Re∣all, the smallest money they have amongst them, where they use not to stamp any Demy-Realls: if a man will live but with mode∣ration, his wine will stand him in a crown a day, which cuts their gaines the shorter: they pay dear for apparell, and principally for shooes, which rot with continually standing in water: They have the better of it, that work at the mouth of the Mine, for they hand the materials from one to another, and so have the be∣nefit to see the day light, whereas they below see not but by can∣dle-light: the depth is sometimes a thousand, or two thousand steps, which are fac'd with boards, or leather,* 1.68 or 'twere impossible to endure it: But again, 'tis much more inconvenient to one that is not used to it, by reason of the ayre, that makes one vomit in ex∣tremity, as I experienced going in one day, though I had travai∣led all the seas in the Universe, without the least motion. Now the silver Mine containes four several vaines, (or Veta••, as the Spaniard terms them) of different stone, as they are likewise dif∣ferent mettles, which run all from West to East, of not above two ells broad, and every vain is of several oares, as silver, brasse, tin, and iron. The largest Mine any Merchant may purchase, i•• of 80. ells, and no more; for which he hath the Kings Patent: there are some very small Mines, that are not of above 4. ells, but they

may sink down to the center if they can without incroaching on his neighbour: and if it happen that one makes the least incision beyond the direct line; mining upon another, he loses all he hath by confiscation.

In the Veta or vein of silver there are 78. Mines belonging to several Masters, except some one hath rented several, the tin Mine hath 24. Masters, every one his particular Mine, they go lesse and lesse, according to the quality of the mettle, as that of brasse is lesse, iron lesse then that. There is a gate, and goods locks to every Mine, they work by turnes, otherwise they could never endure it, the ayre is so strong and pernicious.

The silver Mine may be 150. ells deep, toylsome to the labou∣rers, especially the slaves, whose backs are loaded with silver, and their legges with iron. When a Mine yields five for a hundred, 'tis sufficient.

Great art is required to direct the Mine, sometimes they can neither find men nor Mine, being all for want of good direction, overwhelmed: wherefore Geometry is very necessary.

Silver generally lyes betwixt two rocks or mountains, the one very soft, the other as hard, and ever in the very middle. There are several sorts of it▪ the finest is called Casilla by the Spani∣ards, by the Indians Tacana, of Ambar colour, the other more black; and there is of other colours. I took all to be the same, perceiving nothing of silver in any stone, but the workmen know it perfectly. The oare they carry to little furnaces to be fin'd. When the stone is good, a hundred weight yields fifty pieces of eight, some not above thirty, nay five; but the richest of all, two hundred and above. There is not a Mine but hath belonging to it at least four thousand of these little furnaces, some five or six thousand, as that at Caratecas and Potossi. You would think you saw an Army of the bellows-blowers.

* 1.69They have one Mine of Quick-silver, the heat whereof emits a most pernicious vapour that destroyes them all; makes them lose their teeth, and often their senses and understanding. Staying by it but a quarter of an hour, I was almost stupified to a stone, and the rest likewise that were with me, and had sped worse, if notice had not been given us. They get an earth they call Aza∣gue, which melted yields quick-silver, with which they use to pu∣rify the silver, and have it likewise from Spain, where there is a Mine near Sevill, for this at Cacatera will not suffice. The silver being fin'd and made money, they carry it upon sheep to the Sea-side, to ship it for Spain. The fining of it is troublesome, for of∣ten it must passe the fire seven or eight times.

They bring to Spain every year 12. or 13. millions more or lesse, whereof the fifth comes to the King, the rest to the Masters. There was one in few years got two hundred thousand crownes and more for his share; and when he dyed, had not a sheet to bury

him in. Of gold there is several sorts, the Popitas, or gob∣bets, or grains of gold, absolute gold, pure and neat, with∣out mixture, wanting neither furnace nor melting, ready for the stamp, being perfect by nature.

The massiest I ever saw was but of three pounds, yet 'twas presented to the Spanish King for twenty pounds.

Out of the Mounts of Libani in Cuba, there was one ta∣ken weighing 3310. weighs, each weigh worth fourteen or fifteen realls, which with infinite other riches was cast away at sea, going for Spain.

There is no silver comes pure from the Mine except some small bit which they call Capa di plata, pure silver.

Another sort of gold inserted in stone of the Mine, hard to be extracted; in breaking which stone, one discerns little lustre of gold, in some lesse, in some none at all.

The most delicate gold I ever saw, was a stone tranfixt as 'twere with prickles of gold, like a Hedge-hogge, re∣fulgent both within and without, this gold is the best and finest of all.

Another sort is in sees or powder, found in rivers, 'tis pure, and needs passe but one fire.

Such are found in the rivers of the Isles of Barlouento, and in the Pasaguey, &c.

The best gold is of Chila, Quito, and Granado.

The Mine of Carauana, in Peru, and Vuldiuia in Chila, which is the most perfect, is of twenty three Carats, and a halfe, as likewise at Varaquae.

Silver abounds in the rich mines of Potosi, and the Province of Charcas.

Next the Mine of Porto not farre off; likewise very rich, but of little benefit for want of workmen, by reason of the unsound ayre, and extreme cold, and water which drownes it, but in Potosi 'tis not so.

In the time of Jugas King of Peru, the Mine of Porto was open and wrought in, but not that of Potossi which was not disco∣vered, till the Spaniards time.

This is the richer, and yields most.

At the first they drew forth every week above two thou∣sand Weighs, or Castillans, whereof the gain came to forty thousand.

They fish for pearle in the South sea,* 1.70 neare Pa••a∣ma, and in the North sea in divers places, as in the Isle

Margareta towards the coast of Paria, where the Oysters feed upon Cubuca, and surname it so. There are very large and pre∣cious of them, I have seen one no bigger then a nut sold for three thousand duckets, there are of higher price. The Master of the South fishing, assured me he saw one as bigge as an indif∣ferent egge. There were three brought to Lisbone that paid a duty of sixteen thousand duckets to the King, as is to be seen in the Register of Contracts.

There is a sort they call stars, another demi-stars, others Cade∣netas Pedreria, &c. Allofat, or minute-pearls, and seed-pearls, and those of greater price, Quilates, or Carats. For this fish∣ing they choose the best winded men, and such as can contain longest under water.* 1.71 At Barlouento, Cula, and Hispaniola, I have seen them stay three quarters of an hour under water, and I was told they have had some have continued the whole houre. The General of Margaita keeps many of these men, who are slaves to him called Bouze, and are ready enough to pilfer the best and sell them, though 'tis forbidden upon life to buy them. The Master must use all fair means to get them out of their hands with something else, otherwise they will sooner return them to the sea then let him have them, if he give them not wine and good cheer.

The Incas make no use of pearls, unwilling out of benignity to expose their subjects to so much danger; but the Spaniards are nothing so scrupulous, they make their poor slaves dive ten or twelve fathom deep, to tear oysters from the rock: and to fortify their lungs for retention of breath, they keep them fasting, and hold them to a diet.

One was brought to the King, bigge as a Pidgeons egge, valued at 14000. duckets; by some at a hundred thousand, and 'twas called a Peregrina. The Negro that extracted it from the oyster had his liberty for it, and the Master was made Arguazilmaior of Parama.

For Emeraulds there is a Mine in Mexico, at new Granado in Peru, near Manta and Porto Vieio. I bought an excellent one of an Abissin Merchant, which surpassed in hardnesse and lustre, any of Mexico and Peru; Being in company with a friend, he de∣sired it of me, and I gave it him; but two dayes after, I percei∣ved it broken upon his finger, whereat he much admired, and I told him the reason: which was, he had had familiarity with a woman, but he was ashamed to acknowledge it, there being none but Idolaters, which is a great basenesse.

Another time being in an Indian Town, Inhabited by the Spaniards,* 1.72 I had an Emerauld, which a Lady, daughter to the Lalcayde or Governour of the place desired to buy; but on the morrow she sent for me, complaining I had sold her a broken

stone, which I disavowed; at last I asked her if her husband were in town, and answering no, I whispered to her smiling, she had then been kinde to some friend, whereat she stood amazed, and in the end acknowledged the truth, taking me to be skilled in divination. The like happened another time to another friend of mine, who acknowledged the like truth: for such is the ver∣tue of this stone if it be good and fine, and of the old Mine. There are very fair ones, and of great price, did not the plenty of them make them lesse esteemed, I once saw one weighed four ounces, sold for 6000. realls.

The Emerald incorporated within a rock, is like the mettle contained, and while 'tis imperfect, the rock will be vein'd with green and white, and opening the rock, the Emerauld lyes there imperfect, of the colour of the rock, green and white; so as to have it come to maturity, they leave it there till na∣ture bring it to perfection, and go digge another place for riper: The Mexicans had a custome to peirce the nose and chin of their Idols, to put Emeraulds in them: one of their kings himselfe had his nose so bor'd and adorn'd with an Eme∣rauld, and from thence was surnam'd Nose-bor••d.

CHAP. XIV. Of Peru, Of the Kings or Incas; and of the Country of Chila.

PEru was first discovered by Vasco Munes de Balbon,* 1.73 in the year 1515. and the first Haven knowne, was Porto Vieio under the Equinoctial. The Dominions of Peru under the Incas reached from Quito to Charcas 700. leagues, then to Chila 500. leagues. By tradition 'tis about 500. yeares since the Natives of Peru living barbarously, without civility, law, or policy; some amongst them esteemed, descended from heaven, and a generation of the Sun, civilized the rest, and modelized the government. The first King was called Ma••ca Capac, all his Progeny and suc∣cessors Incas, Kings, as Manco Capac sole King.

This first instituted adoration of the Sun amongst them, with their Temples and Sacrifices. Their Priests or Sages are cal∣led Amantas, who believe the immortality of the soule, after death rest for the good, and torment for the wicked, with resurrection of bodies.

These Kings, or Incas, enacted good lawes, and by de∣grees extended the Empire to the state the Spaniards found

it in. And like as the Roman Empire was as the hand of provi∣dence to reunite and sweeten the rude and savage on this side, so in a manner the Monarchy of the Incas in Peru did the same amongst these grosse and wilde Idolaters, living like bruites, to modelize and regulate them,* 1.74 and at last lead them to the knowledge of the true God, as now it hath.

Notwithstanding 'tis to be admired, that in such darknesse and ignorance of all moral and and natural sciences, their Amantas or Sages, should have a sort of knowledge of the courses of the Sun, and Moon,* 1.75 and other stars, for they knew in some kinde the an∣nual motion of he Sun, and the vulgar counted their yeares by the harvests. They likewise understood the Solstices, obser∣ving them of eight days in the East at Cusco, and another number in the West: they reckoned the moneths by Moons, allowing twelve in the year, adding though grossely, the eleven dayes over-plus, at the points of Solstice; observed the Equinoctials, whence in September they made the principal feast of the Sun.

The Equinoctial they found by the shadow of a pillar, and the Eclipses in like manner, during which time, they think the Sun angry with them, and the moon sick. The king took the Rainbow for his Arms and device. They kept all accounts by knots upon strings of various colours: and they had some harmony of Musick in songs and Instruments of Canes fasten∣ed together, four and four, in the nature of Organs, whereon they could expresse their passions of love, content, or sorrow. They had also some Poetry and verse, in measure with Meetre, and called their Poets Harauee, that is, Inventors.

Their Temples were of stone magnificently built, sumptuous for gold and silver. The statue of the Sun was massy gold, which a Spaniard took and gam'd away in a night, whereupon one said by way of je••r, that he had plaid away the Sun before he was up. Of precious stones, they have none but Emeraulds, and Torqueses, the country yields neither Diamonds, nor Rubies.

In their golden garden were all sorts of hearbs and plants, trees, flowers, fruits, animals of massy gold, and silver to the life; In short, the Spaniard found there unspeakable wealth, yet all was nothing in comparison of that the Natives concealed, or cast into the Sea or Lakes, which could never be recovered. There were Monasteries of maids dedicated to the Sun, bound to perpetual virginity, and never beholding other person, the superiours called them Mamacunes.

* 1.76The last of these Incas was Atahualpa the 14, from Manco Capac.

Leon the 7. Inca, called Viracocha was a great souldier and Conquerour, who saw in a vision one of their Gods Viracocha a Phantasm, with long Mustachoes, and a long gown, of the Spaniards fashion, whom for this cause they call Viracocha, the Indians ha∣ving no beard, and wearing short garments. They say this Phan∣tasme

foretold the arrival of the Spaniards, an unknown people, who should take away their Estates and Religion.

Tapangui the tenth King, atchieved great conquests, and extended his Empire to Chisa, above 1000. leagues, and built the fortification of Cusco, that seems rather rocks grafted toge∣ther by enchantment, than an edifice built by industry and strength of men; for the vastnesse of the stones of 38. foot long, and 18. broad, when they had use neither of Iron, Waggons, Oxen, Cranes nor Pullies, but fetched all from remote parts by humane strength.

The 12. Inca Huaina Capat, by the Spaniards called Guainae∣cauan, that made the famous roads, with the monumentall stones and Innes from Quito to Cusco, for above 500. leagues, the one by the Mountains, the other along the Sea shore upon the plain, works far surpassing all the Romans boast of, for length, art, la∣bour, and cost; besides the rich and prodigious chain of gold, eve∣ry link wrist thick, made for a sort of dance never found by the Spaniards.

This King was capable of the true Religion, for he would rea∣son that the Sun could not be the Soveraign God, but that there must be one more powerful that commanded his perpetual circu∣lation; because were the Sun his own master he would sometimes rest for his pleasure, not for necessity; whereas the Soveraign God ought to enjoy the most perfect tranquillity without pertur∣bation, which was not seen in the Sun.

King Huiana now in peace at his palace of Tamipampa, in 1515. had intelligence of certain strangers, not altogether unknown, that coasted the shore of his Dominions: First Nunez Balboa discovered it in 1513. afterwards Pizarra and his Company, who first gained it in 1531.

The news much disturbed the King,* 1.77 calling to mind an ancient oracle amongst them, how a forraign bearded people should con∣quer and destroy their Empire: besides in 1512. they had divers presages that portended the same. For which reason the King dying advised his Sons, with the white men with beards that were to be their Masters, and the Indians in excuse, that they no bet∣ter defended themselves against such a handfull of Spaniards, say 'twas not for want of courage, but in obedience to the orders and premonitions of their Prince.

Huiana had by all his wives above 300. children, yet but one legitimate, called Hilascar, by his wife who was his Sister, and one other by his dear Concubine, called Acabalipa; to whom he left the kingdom of Quito, and Huascat reigned soveraign at Cusco: But Acabalipa to throw off his homage to his Brother, in∣vaded him with a bloudy war, defeated him, and took him, and put to death all the Incas, and Princes of the blood-Royal,* 1.78 that he might reign sole King, though according to the Sanctions of

the State not capable, his Mother being Daughter neither of Coya, that is, a Queen, nor of Palla, a Princess of the blood. He gave death to above two hundred of his Brothers, then to as many of his alliance as he could lay hands on: as well men as women, with cruell torments; and extended his tyranny upon the very servants, and officers royal, with fire, violations, and other vil∣lanies.

In the Province of Canares alone, he put to death sixty thousand men, because they had held with his Brother, and covered the land with carcases, and horrible desolations. In recompense this villain was justly punished by the Spaniards, more wicked than himself, and they afterwards by themselves not finding any that could exceed them again in villany.

In the year 1526. Francisco Pizarra, and Diego Almagro, being at Panarma, having lived a long time in the Indies, and assisted at the conquest of Ʋraba Cartagena, and other places, resolved up∣on the expedition and discovery of Peru, where they met with ill-favoured entertainments at their first landing. Then Pizarra going to Spain obtained the chief command in the designed con∣quest; and with four of his Brothers, Diego, Almagro, and others, made their invasion in the year 1531. with most fortunate success: Acabalipa they took, who paid a ransom of gold and silver, never∣thelesse they gave him an ignominious death by the hands of the Hangman.

Thus was this mighty and opulent Empire conquered by a handfull of Spaniards, divine providence in inscrutible councels, making the avarice, cruelty, and other vices of these Victors instrumentall, to bring these people to the knowledge of the true God.

Now is the time the Spaniards glut their avarice, and cruelty, perpetrate all insolencies and truculencies imaginable, which have been so fully represented, observed, and exaggerated by their own histories and Authours, I shall not need to paint them in any other colours: but they all or the greatest part paid dear for it, when by intestine discord, envy, and amutinies amongst them∣selves, they butchered one another, and so revenged the nefarious treatment of the poor Indians; and those who overstood this self-destruction were justly executed by the command of Charles the fifth, who commissioned certain Licenciados Vacca de Gastro, and Gasca, to pronounce severe justice upon these seditious Mutineers: there the Pizarras, Almagros, and others, all peri∣shed.

The fifth Viceroy established in Peru, was Blasius Nuez, 1544. Lima, or the Town of Kings, was founded at this time, first by Pizarra, in 1533. afterwards the residence of the Viceroys, the seat of Parliament, Inquisition, University, and the Metropolitan Church of the whole Countrey.

As to Chila, that wide Countrey, which the Incas could never subdue, Almagro first discovered it, then in 1540. o••e Valdi••ia entred, and over-run it, but he found such opposition of the Araucans, a small people of this great Territory, that he breathed his last there, was slain and eaten, and from that time for 50. years they held the Spaniards in play, with good order and military discipline; they had learnt of one Lanearo, an Indian, sometime page to Valdiuia, and afterwards revolted against him. This Arauco is a small division in Chila, not above ten leagues▪ in length and seven broad, upon the Sea-side, and breeds the most warlike people of the Indies, upon which account the Spaniards stiled it El estado in domito, wherein are contained the vales of Ponco, Purto, Tucapol, Angol, Cauten, &c. and the Towns of the Concep∣tion, and the Imperiall.

In 1599. the Arucans took and demolished the Town and Fort Valdiuia, and others, putting all the Spaniards to sword, man woman and child, and sacked and burnt all, and had repossessed the rest of the Country had they not been repulsed.

This constant war with the Araucans gave occasion to the fa∣mous Poet Alonzo de Ercilla, to make his Poem the Auracana, where he describes the Countrey, and their war with the Spani∣ard, and begins with this vanity, truely poetical and Romantick Spaniard-like.

No Las damas, Amor, no gentilezas Di cavalieros canto enamorados, Ni las Maestras, regales y ternezas De amorosos a feijos y cay dados; Mas el valor, los huecos, las proesas De aquelles Espagnoles esbercadòs Que a la cermi de Arauco no do madae Pasieron duro y ago, per la espada.

Here I observe a singularity amongst these people, in election of their Chief, or Captain Generall, who is the man that can carry longest a great tree like a date tree upon his shoulders; as one Canpolican who was chosen did for three dayes together, without the least rest.

CHAP. XV. Of the streight of Magellan.

* 1.79FRom Chila the next is the streight of Magellan, of about 100. leagues in length, and not much more in breadth, or any waies, which is not to be survey'd till you are well within the land: The tides are strong and dangerous, principally from the South sea, by reason of the narrow entrance in the mouth, and a multitude of rocks and mountains before the mouth of it, which render the passage hard to find, and being but a little out at sea one can perceive nothing of it, so as you must go cast about with the cock-boat, though otherwise you know the way and the true heighth, which is about 52. degrees. There is one very high Mountain hard upon the mouth, called la campana, being in form like a bell. The shallowest place is fifteen or twenty fathoms, and a very good bottom.

The South sea enters thirty leagues within, amongst very high Mountains covered with snow, the North sea enters it seventy leagues on the other side, where they find bottoms in many pla∣ces, as on the contrary, on the South side the depth is such no ship can ride at anchor. On the North side there are expatiate plains and champians upon the firm land, and divers Rivers that fall into this streight, shaded with odoriferous trees, which shews the goodnesse of the soyle. It containes some Islands not to be ventured on without discretion.

The Inhabitants on the South side are exceeding little, on the North of Gyants stature, whom in Magellan they call Paragous, for their great feet:* 1.80 they clothe with skins of sheep and other beasts for the rigidnesse of the Climate. These are a people without civility,* 1.81 law, or policy, wandring up and down without any certain abode, reposing in Cabins, and no other arms than bow and arrows; when we speak to them and they understand not the language, they lift their eyes to heaven. They live upon flesh dried in the Sun, enemies to none, but give themselves wholly to chase and fishing.

This Streight is vexed with forcible tides from both sides, which like two Cells encounter with a most obstreperous fragour, where the danger is great, and chiefly in winter, when the winds rage there with more violence: for the Streight is never free from winds, no not in summer: divers vessels perish in crossing the Rocks, which seem an Archipelagus of Islands, both those on the South-sea-side, and those which come from Lima.

The immense depth on the South side renders the sea more navigable, and on the North the length of the fall breaks the

force of the waves, so as there is no great danger but in the nar∣rowest, and in some places of not above a musket shot.

In the winter the Sea is higher than in Summer, and the passage wider, notwithstanding the sailing is nothing more secure by reason of the crosse winds and colds. Some are of opinion that the Tides do not meet at the same time, but as it flowes on one side it ebbs on the other, by a locall remotion of the sea: but they are deceived, for 'tis certain that the floud comes in and goes out on both sides at the same time, like as the boyling of a pot rising from the center disperses to all parts, and cooling, ceases all together: this hath been proved by ex∣perience, that at the same time the floud came thirty leagues form the South, and seventy from the North, the Sea swelling from both parts, as the Pilots observed, following the course of the Moon, the Tides augmenting or diminishing according to her state, the Tide and Ebbe coming sooner or later by three quarters of an hour daily conformable to the course of that plannet: The Spaniards call the high-tide at the new-moon Ca∣beza de aguas, the tide at the full Aguas viuas, the low tides in the wane, Aguas muertas.

This so admirable motion of the Sea seems rather a combat, or like the boiling of water in a pot over a fire, then a locall remoti∣on, which neverthelesse I refer to Naturalists.

The streight begins Northward at the Cape of eleven thou∣sand Virgins, as Magellan called it, and ends Southward at Cape Victoria: in the middle stood the Towne and Fortresse of St. Philip, which afterwards, the Inhabitants perishing with hunger and cold was called the Port of Famine.

The first that passed this streight was Ferdinand Magallanes a Portuguese, who had both heard and seen something of it in their cards. 'Twas in 1519. when he went to find a road to the Moluccas that way, for Charles the fifth.

Afterwards one Pedro Sarmicates passed the streight from North to South; from South to North few passe, for the dan∣ger and difficulty to find the way. Since that the famous Argonautes who went round the world by Sea, as Sir Francis Drake in one thousand five hundred seventy nine, Candish in one thousand five hundred eighty five, Oliuier de Nort in one thousand five hundred ninety nine, and of fresher memory Spilberg, le Maire, Hermita, and others. But le Maire in 1618. a little further, in some fifty six or fifty seven degrees, towards the South, found the new Streight, called by his own name much shorter, and much easier than the other, not being above eight leagues in length, and the breadth wide and facile: the Spaniards came thither afterwards, and gave it the name Saint Vin∣cent.

Upon the North-side the streight of Magellan are abundance

of winglesse birds,* 1.82 that live in holes in the ground, fat and good meat, they called Pinguins.

Sir Francis Drake found many good Harbours in the Streight, where good fresh waters came; but they are not easy to enter, for the strong and turbulent windes that raigne there. The Land on both sides lies exceeding high, and banked with in∣accessible Mountains, particularly on the South and East, where they are ever covered with snow.

The breadth in some places is of two, three, or foure leagues, in the narrowest of one, or of two musket shots. 'Tis excessive cold, and never without snow and ice, the trees notwithstanding ever green, and laden with fruit.

From this Streight by Cape Foendo, and the White Cape, they ascend again into the silver river, where begins Brasile in 35 de∣grees beyond the line, reaching to the River of Amazons, under the Line. This silver river, or Paravai Parana, and Paraguay, disgorging altogether like Cordillera, de serra, Muada in Peru and Charcas over-flow the whole Countrey, so as the Inhabitants for that time live in Canoes, fastned to Trees, till the floud be retired within the banks. At the mouth tis about 35. leagues over, but fur∣ther within the Land fifty; being streightened towards the Mouth by reason of the Mountains, and compassing a number of Islands: this River rises near the Town of Plata, towards Potossi, whence it takes name. Others derive it from the great lake called Eupania, where the other Rivers take birth, as Marag∣non, but it should rather be Parana, which afterwards falls in∣to the silver River.

The first that came within the mouth of this River, was Americus Vesputius, sent by the King of Portugall to discover Brasile, in the yeare fifteen hundered and one, and supposing it a passage from the South sea to the Moluccas, satisfied himselfe, and returned without looking farther.

After that, in the yeare fifteen hundered and twelve, the King of Spain sent one John Solis, who named it Solis. In fifteen hundered twenty five Sebastian Ganor made a farther advance up the River, and by reason of the silver he found amongst the people, or rather because the head of it lies near the Town Plata, towards Potossi, called it the silver River, or Plata.

The Inhabitants along the River are of large stature, long-lived, light, and nimble of foot, use bows and slings in warr, and speak the Patagonick Language, or the Chicaan: of la∣ter times the Spaniards have ascended this River as farr as Char∣cas and Colao.

The other river I mentioned is above fifty leagues in the mouth, and rises amongst the Mountains of Cuntisuya, near Cusco, the Indians call it Apurimac, principall, and Capacmaya,

the Prince of Rivers. It runs from South to North above five hun∣dred leagues from his source at the equinoctiall: Then it turns to the East for 650. leagues in a right line, and goes with wind∣ings and turns, for above a thousand five hundred leagues, two miles to the league.

This is the greatest River upon the earth,* 1.83 which at his infu∣sion keeps the Sea fresh for many leagues: first discovered by the Pinsons of Siville in the year 1500. then Orellana sailed it from the source almost to the end in 1543. 'tis filled with se∣verall Islands, and the Tide mounts above a hundred leagues: They find Meragnon to be seventy leagues Southward, distant from Orellana, that rises from the great Peruian lakes, which descend from the Mountains covered with snow: others put them both in one: it may be falling so close together into the Sea, they may joyn waters, and Orellana bear the name of both.

CHAP. XVI. Of Brasile, the Conquest of it, and of the Brasilians, &c.

BRasile is a large Province of America appertaining to the Crown of Portugall, extending from 25. degrees to the se∣cond from North to South, some ten degrees in breadth from East to West, from fort Para in the mouth of the great River of Amazons to Plata.

Maragnon bounds it Northward in two degrees, Plata South in thirty five, on the East the excelse and inaccessible Moun∣tains of Peru,* 1.84 and on the East the Ethiopian or Atalantick Sea, as likewise on the North. For the Country, the benig∣nity and sweetnesse of the air, and water, and the fertility of soyle is a miracle in such a Climate and temperature: which renders the Inhabitants of so healthfull and long life: and though the Climate be under the Torrid, there come fresh∣gales from the Sea that moderate it, so as it becomes a delicate habitation, having every morning some mists and dews, which the Sun afterwards dissolves into air. Here you meet with nothing but fair open fields, pleasant hills, fertile mountains, fresh valleys, green meadows, abundance of woods, rivers, and fountains of excellent waters, with infinite plenty of all sorts of trees, plants, fruits, grain, cattle, sugar, balm. In a word 'tis for necessaries and delights, the fullest Country on the earth. Of strange Crea∣tures there is the Cerigon, in shape and bigness like a Fox, betwixt

yellow and gray, whose belly is like a purse or pocket, wherein she saves her young ones when she is hunted: another the Portu∣guese call Pereza, for his slow gate, in fifteen dayes not going a stones cast, nor can any force drive him faster, he feeds on nothing but leaves of trees, and 'tis some dayes work for him to climb up and come down. There are Camelions whereof I have spoken in another place.

Betwixt Brasile and the Cape of bona Esperanza, there is a Gulph of 1200. leagues, formidable and furious for winds and tempests.

The Countrey is divided into nine Governments, or Captain∣ships, wherein are 7. Colonies of Portugueses along the coast, that is Tamaraco, Pernanbuco, Todos santos, or San Saluador, Puerto seguro, espiritu santo, Paraibi, Genero and others: the Capes of S. Augustine, and St. Vincent, the River St. Francis &c.

* 1.85The first discoverers were Vespusius, the Pinions Lopez, and Cabral about 1500.

Pedro Aluarez Cabral made the principall discovery in 1500. be∣ing sent by King Emanuel for the East Indies; but a tempest cast him here, and he named it the countrey of St. Chrosse, and the place he landed on Porto Seguro.

Cabral for that time contented himself with taking possessi∣on, and the Kings of Portugall being full of concernments in Africa and the East, neglected new conquests: till Emanuell not long before his death, sent thither one Gonzalo Cotello, who sailed on along the coast not without trouble and danger, and returned without any advantage.

Afterwards King John the ••. sent Christopher Jago, who disco∣vered about 1100. leagues upon the coast, amongst others the Bay of Todos Santos, where in the River Paraguasu he found two French vessels traficking with the Natives; which shewes the French men traded with this Nation before the Portu∣gueses had any knowledge of it. This Jago barbarously sunk their vessels, and murthered all the men, done like the Spaniard who though he cannot discover and possesse all, will not suffer o∣thers to do it.

* 1.86From that time the Kings continued sending thither, and divided the Countrey into Captainries, and Duarte Coello for∣tified himself in that of Pernanluco, assaulted perpetually by the Natives, who like the benign humour of the French much better. In like manner other Portugueses with their Kings Patents accom∣modated themselves in other Captainries, as Pedro Contino, on the River St. Francis, and the Bay de todos Santos, where they planted sugar-canes, and built Engines to make it. But the Cap∣tain at last was defeated, and had his brains beaten out by the T••p••••bous, his neighbours and enemies.

The first Governour or Captain Generall of all Brasile, was

one Thomas de Sosa in one thousand five hundred forty nine, with a Fleet of one thousand souldiers, and some Jesuites brought thither to convert the Natives, who were placed in the town of San Saluador: one Fernandez Sardinia was the first Bi∣shop of Brasill, in the year one thousand five hundred and fifty.

The French under Villegagnon,* 1.87 would have planted there in one thousand five hundred fifty five; about the river Ganabara, in twenty three degrees: but the successe is too well known, which happened through our own errour, and the ill usage of the Portuguese: nor was it better in one thousand five hundred ninety four, one thousand six hundred and four, and one thou∣sand six hundred and twelve towards Margnon, where our for∣mer errour, and the basenesse of the Portuguese, shut us quite out of this country: But the Hollanders afterwards with better fortune, better resolution, and more patience, have since established themselves. The French notwithstanding had most right for the commerce they had with the Nation from time to time, who loved them naturally, as they hated the Portuguese, and indeed all others.

The Brasilians are said originally to have come some ages since from ••eru, advancing thither by progression from time to time.

The Natives are exceeding barbarous, eaters of humane flesh, but their enemies onely: go totally naked both men and women, of hue betwixt yellow and green, low and flat nosed; for by custome when a child is born, they crush their noses, as we do by whelps, but females are not so served. The men are beard∣lesse, and with great care keep themselves so with small pincers. They make holes in their chins so bigge, they will thrust their tongues through them, an ugly thing to look upon, enchasing pre∣cious stones, and hold this for a beauty. The women have holes in their ears, and wear glasse pendants they get in truck▪

They wear onely a small ••u••t of cotton upon their haire, and maids the like; for the rest stark naked. But I observe their na∣kednesse yeilds lesse provocation to concupiscence, then the ap∣parel and ornaments of ours: For going naked, they are sordid and nasty, though never so handsome by nature: they are free for any mans voluptuousness, both maids and widows, but married women are particular to their husbands▪ so long as they are alive; ••ut they have variety of customes, as they have variety of people. They live according to nature upon such provision as the earth of it self produces: the root whereof they make their bread and drink, is a good material: another they call Pachouqui, in taste like a Chesnut, they brought of these into Spain, where they prosper well; the Spaniard calls them Pacates. Of beasts there are abundance, and all kindes of Venison, and they are

very dexterous in killing it with their bow, wherein they shoot exactly.

Divers of ours being taken, have naturalized amongst them, whether for that they had not means to escape, or voluntarily, having wife and children with them, of whom ours have learned much of their manners and language: but the misery is, divers of them have fallen to frequent their Superstitions and Idolatries: when we did inculcate to them to leave that unfortunate and bruitish life, they answered us with nothing but sighs and tears, though they knew us for French-men, nor would have discovered themselves such to us, had not one of us found it out by observ∣ing how attentively they harkened to our language, and as we told them they were Christians, one amongst them answered no, which shewed they understood us, and in effect one of them was a Rocheler, the other of Saint Malo, who were taken in one thou∣sand five hundred seventy one, going towards the Cape of Saint Anthony to look water: Five of them the Savages eat and pre∣served three for their youth; they are exceeding greedy of hu∣mane flesh, and hold it the most delicate of all other.

Otherwise these people live in great innocency in little round Cabbins, without moveable or utensil, except some silly vessel of earth or wood, and a cotton bed like a fishing-net hanging in the ayre: they are very credulous, and understanding their lan∣guage a small matter might convert them.

Generally they believe the immortality of the soule, and that after death they go to dance with their Fathers behind the mountains▪ for all their delight is in dancing, and dance perpe∣tually, if they have the least leisure; as they eat at all hours, with∣out observation of any order: Sometimes rise at midnight to eat, and never drink till they have quite ended: some believe that the soules of such as have lived well, according to their law of nature, transmigrate into beautiful bodies, and others on the contrary for punishment into deformed and squalid ones, which in a manner is the Metempsycosy of Pythagoras, whereof we spoke in the East Indies.

The Sourons and Carmels who live upon the River of Plata, towards Paraguay have but one wife, whom they petition her fa∣ther for, who never denies her to brave and martial men, all ver∣tue and honour lying in that: at their marriages the Priests Ca∣raibes or pages, perform some ceremonies, causing them to change shooes: of houshold stuffe, they have nothing but a couch, a cot∣ton bed, and an Estere of straw, or sea-reeds. The father gives her in a basket cotton girdles, and other ribbands to bind her hair, and feathers for her hushand.

All is in common except their wives, who keep a severe fide∣lity to their husbands, never transgressing, if otherwise they are punished without remission, or fly the countrey, in other crimes

they are not so rigorous: maids and widows use all freedom; and if a husband find his wife a maid, he esteemes himself un∣handsomely married, and that she must needs be contemptible, for that no man hath medled with her.

Contention betwixt man and wife seldom or never happens, and when it does, they hold it to proceed from the displeasure of their Gods, and make sacrifices to appease them.

The women being delivered, they swathe the child with a cotton fillet without other clothes, and when they foul them∣selves, make them clean with sand, and lay them on their faces on the ground to sleep, where they lye without further danger.

They have certain experienced hearbs which they lay about them being near child-bed, which are very beneficial to them; and rejoyce much at the birth of a child, especially a Male-child; and the joy is general, all crying out, That is, the Infant shall take revenge of their enemies.

They eat upon the ground, or else on a sort of reeds,* 1.88 where∣with they likewise cover their Cabbins; they sleep commonly in the open ayre without the least inconvenience, so sweet and tem∣perate is their climate.

Letters nor characters they have none, but are very ignorant, Mandioc a root is their chiefest diet, whereof they make flower, and eat it without baking, likewise boyled with water, it makes them drink in taste like turned milke: they make flower also of fish dryed in the Sun, are great hunters, and good archers.

Brasil or Araboutan is their principal traffick, which both men and women go a long way for, and bring it on their shoul∣ders to truck for glasse toyes, little knives and looking-glasses.

Brasil is a tree of more then ordinary height, with small leaves, and infructiferous. many kindes of it, yellow, white, and carnation.

They make their chaffer with Merchants, without language, setting their wood an end on one side, and what they would buy on the other, and so bargaining by signes, every one takes away his own.

In some places they make drink of a root called Piroua, which hath a sent that flyes into the head of those that are not used to it; it refreshes like Tisan, of Orange colour, when 'tis boyled.

Being at Caramel, they feasted us exceedingly, with the best dainties they had, and on all occasions invited us to eat with them, admiring our wayes, and highly taken with our civilities: amongst other things it seemed strange to them, why we so oft took off our hats, but informing them it was to do honour, they were satisfied: they invi∣ted us to marry there, and live with them, offering us their

fairest women, and much affected our manners, and ap∣parell.

* 1.89At Feasts most commonly they make their designes of Warre upon their enemies for prisoners; and presently joyning all to∣gether, do reverence to the Sun, promising the fairest prisoners for a sacrifice, if he prosper them; then choosing four of the best experienced amongst them, they obey them without ex∣ception. They march with certain Instruments that make a loud noyse like drummes, and are stuck with abundance of feathers: their Armes are Clubbes of Brasil, which they call Sangal or Araboutan: bowes longer then ordinary, and arrowes without piles; of wood so hard, they are as effe∣ctuall as steel'd: Thus equipag'd, they will march fifteen or twenty leagues into the Mountaines, to surprize their ene∣mies, whom they seldome take unprovided, and there will they fight with a bloody obstinacy, preferring death before captivity: it being their satisfaction and glory, to take their enemies alive, and feast with their flesh. Having taken any they bind them, use them well, marry them with their sisters, or whom they will, and let them live together till the day of sacri∣fice: the evening before, they acquaint them with it in a friendly way, and the other accepts it with alacrity, feasting and dancing all together: The day come, they lead him round the town or habitation, and all the people follow him with joy and triumph, the boyes shouting and jeering him; who without dejection boasts his own feats and prowesse; reproaches them that he has done as much for some of theirs, and that his slaughter shall be revenged at full, then reckons up all theirs, that he and his party have eaten: the other still singing and dan∣cing, regardlesse of what he sayes: coming to the place of execu∣tion, they unbind him, and bid him before his death revenge himself the best he can;* 1.90 then he with whatsoever comes to his hand, falls on, and layes at any one he can reach, and some∣times wounds such as make not a timely evasion, then come two with Clubbes, and at a blow beat him to the ground; presently they rip him, take out his bowels, and deliver the heart to their Caraibs or Priests, to sacrifice to their Gods, the Sun, and thunder; then washing the carcasse in warme water, they cut it in pieces, broyle it upon a wooden Gridiron, never turning till it be fully enough on one side, and then feast all to∣gether.

They assault their enemies in their habitations, which are surrounded with a sort of pointed Palizadoes to gore the assay∣lants: the others storme it in the weakest place, and being ro∣bustious and strong backed, ever strive to come to hand-fight.

The miserable wife of the prisoner, makes most sad moan, and specially if she be with child, foreknowing they will do the like for her infant, when it shall come to two or three years old, a strange cruelty, and so swallow their own bloud, under pretence 'tis the child of an enemy.

Savages though they are, there appeares something of good natural reason in them, which by instruction and addresse might be improved, As when we reproach them with their naked∣nesse, they retort that we are the stupid and unreasonable to conceale what God hath so liberally given us, and have we nothing to doe with our money, but to cast it away upon clothes, things of no use, being borne without them.

Another asked me one day why we Christians would ha∣zard our lives in so long voyages,* 1.91 if it were to see or pos∣sesse their countrey, to which we had no right? and saying 'twas for neither, but onely to fetch some things of gaine a∣mongst them: and what gaine, said he, a scurvy piece of wood, and other things as little worth? And telling him, that wood was of value in our countrey, and usefull to our livelyhood: And how, said he, is your countrey so wretch∣ed, it yields you not sufficient for life, and sustenance?

I answered, the countrey had a good sufficiency in it to maintain us; but we desired to get wealth for the felicity of our selves and posterity.

And what sayes he, will these riches advance you in Gods favour, will they preserve from death, or can you carry them with you? and replying, 'twas for none of all this, but that we took a felicity to leave it to our children: Well, said he, if the soyle were sufficient to maintain you and your Fathers before you, why should it not do the same for your chil∣dren and posterity.

They alledge the same reason, when we blame them for not cultivating their land, saying since it kept their fathers, 'twill not faile to maintain them and their children. So these silly people live free from all passion, avarice, ambition, envie, and labour of body or spirit.

If they get any thing that is good, they call in their neigh∣bours, and make merry together, with perfect friendship, candor, and freedome, without quarrels or calumnies, go freely to one another, and eat what they finde, with a good will.

They have a drink of the root Cavain, which the Carmels call Piroa, made thus, they boyle the root with water, and when they use it, they stirre it together and drink it warm, this tastes like turned milk, but in some places for a dainty,

the maids chew the root, then boyle it, and make a most ex∣quisit drink.

In some parts there is a sort of root called Elcout, of the taste of a nut, which I hold the best amongst them, 'tis of great vertues, but the excesse dries; infused with ano∣ther called Monqueil, it purges without violence: they have an herb that growes low with leaves a hand-broad, that cures all sorts of soares and wounds, of which I had once a triall. For falling from a rock, I got seven or eight very troublesome hurts, and an Indian with this leafe, cured me in three dayes.

I have seen the same in Egypt, in Italy also, and believe 'tis in France.

Another root they have called a Jehearit, that purges like Rhubarbe, but more gently: I believe 'tis the same that comes from new Spain called Mechouacan.

Another that purges, being laid Emplaister-wise on the stomack: women lay it on the heads of their daughters, to emit their Mestruits making them stand with their feet together upon a stone, and a sleight incision, to draw that blood with∣out pain.

Brasilians,, and chiefly the Toupina••ba are kinde to stran∣gers, specially the French, and freely part with their victu∣als to them.

A woman when she would be kinde, or entertain one, she seats her self on the ground, and weeps as she had been beaten, then on a suddain addresses her self with a thousand blan∣dishments, inviting him freely to the pleasure of her daugh∣ters. I have knowne some so base amongst us, that buckled with these idolatrous girles, a thing most detestable.

They are absolutely without letters or characters, and in pronunciation use not F. L. R. So as we may thence derive, they are without Faith, without Law, and with∣out Royalty.

They are addicted to Divinations and superstitions, and their Priests are sorcerers: by an ancient tradition they have some obscure knowledge of the deluge: some believe re∣ward and punishment of good and evill after death, others, not; but all believe the immortality of the soule, and that they shall remain the same they were in this life, and at the houre of their death: they interre their dead, and for several dayes lay meat in the Sepulcher, with a cotton bed: they have no King, nor superiour to command them, every linage living apart in a several valley, and change their habitation according to fancy; many families living under the same roof: great hunters, fishers, and swimmers, ex∣ceeding

vindicative: of a turbulent spirit, and inclined to Warre, the same in prosperity and adversity, endure hun∣ger with patience, when they have nothing to eat, and when they have they gourmandize, and drink drunk after their fashion. The good or evill that befalls them some attribute to destiny, others to fortune or chance.

They are divided into several nations, and for the most part enemies: as the Sourons, and the Carmils, and the Ta∣pus, whom they call Savages, who are enemies to all, as more wilde and bloody then the rest.

The Cariges are more soft and humane, who inhabit be∣yond the Winter Tropick two leagues from the Sea; they inhabit on high ground, and sow the Mandior: then there are the Oeuetacas, Margaiars, Toupinanbas, and others: these last are those our French have had commerce withall, of whom we have ample printed relations: and there might have had good plantations, had we made use of our time, and moderated our passions.

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CHAP. XVII. The Isle of S. Thomas, according to a description made to the Authour, by Sieur de la Courb, and Cassis.

THis Island is under the Equinoctiall between the Isles of Prince and Anchan, discovered by the Portuguese in their first navigation to the East.

The Isle of Saint Thomas hath fifty leagues of sound land, was discovered on Saint Thomas day, that gave name of it. It beares little more then Sugar-Canes, planted by the Portuguese, but the trees are ever green. The Portuguese built here the town Pauoazan, The Haven whereof looks towards Ethiopia.

At first all Nations inhabited there, but at present the Por∣tuguese will have none but themselves, and the French who are exceedingly beloved, for a French Jesuite who propaga∣ted Religion exceedingly in this Isle.

The natives are some white, some black, and marry still in their own colour. The town is pleasant, and the whole land is full of Sugar-Canes, which fill the Island with flyes, as Arabia is infested with the same creatures by reason of the Cassia there: Sugar is so cheap, that for eight Realls you may have a hundred weight, but it has this fault, 'twill not easily dry; in exchange they carry thither Wines, Cheese, Leather, Clothes, because neither Vine, nor Corne, will prosper there.

Upon a Vine there the grape will be green on one side, and ripe on the other; and blossoms at the same time.

Their Gardens produce all sorts of herbes and fruit, but stone-fruit; but above all, Figges, and Melons.

The root Igname growes there in abundance, very whole∣some boyled, or raw.

Likewise Millet which they call Zaboucou, whereof they make excellent things with Sugar; the soyle is strong, in∣clining to a yellow, and in some parts reddish, where the dew of the night tempers it like waxe, so as it never comes to dust: They bend their Sugar-Canes to the East, and say they pros∣per best then: they may have there some seventy Sugar∣mills.

These Engines or Mills, resemble the Samaritane at Pont∣neuf in Paris, easily rising and falling.

That which displeases is, they pour it into great caldrons, and it is like honey, then they make it in loaves hardly dry, you never seeing any so solid from thence as from Madero, nor is it worth so much though they use all possible art to refine it: They purify it with cindars. At the plantations far from water the Blacks fetch water to set the mills at work. The sugar being drawn they give the canes to the swine, which fattens them, and makes the flesh of excellent taste, and wholsome; from mid-May to mid-August they have Eastern winds where∣with they dry their Sugars, without which they could never do it; for all other windes are adversaries to them, because of the raines they stirr up in the other months.

The Island is unhealthfull by reason of the corrupted ayr: their houses are good, built and covered with timber, out of the abundance of huge high trees.

All nations heretofore went thither by reason of franck traffick; but now they must pay tribute, all but the French, who enjoy the same immunities as the Portuguese.

They have many slaves from Guinea, brought by the Corsairs to be sold.

Captain Ribaut Diepois took a vessell with diverse whole families, men, women, and children, whom he set free on land, but caused two Blacks to hang the Master and five Mar∣riners. 'Tis a cruell inhumanity to carry the Father away by violence into perpetuall slavery, while his poor family is ex∣posed to misery and starving. They marry the slaves amongst themselves, for breed, like a race of horses; who continue slaves by inheritance: whereas in the East at ten yeares end they are made free-men: they have but one day in the weeke free to themselves, which they employ industri∣ously, in making themselves fine to be acceptable to their Mistresses.

The Portuguese of St. Thomas following the humour of their Nation, have a vanity to have their slaves grow rich, and walke with gravity like them, and will give them a hundred or two hundred Crownes, to buy Turks for their gain and ease. They bring the greater part to be baptized, and marry together, pro∣viding them of a livelyhood. They celebrate certain feasts like the Basks, with drums beaten by hand, and songs to them, and have their meetings under the shade of trees. The slaves yearly choose one amongst them for their Prince, to command and go∣vern at their meetings, who seats himself in the middle, and then they give him one of these drums, and with both hands above his head he makes a most harmonious musick, to∣gether with flutes, and other instruments, looking on their Mi∣stresses with a thousand munkey tricks, while they dance and

trip Moresco Sarabrands to them again. They go together to fetch their Prince at his Masters, who first makes them a colla∣tion, then bringing forth the Prince decked with flowers, a scepter in one hand, and a nosegay in the other, they carry him on their shoulders in a Palanquin, to the place of dancing, where their Mistresses meet them. The Prince first dances with his Mistresse, & then the others follow. The Prince de la' amour, called the Ar∣cadit, salutes his Lady, and then with gravity presents her the Posie, which she receives, and dances with amorous smiles and simpers. Afterwards they all attend the Prince to his Masters house, where the nuptials are consummated, provided they be∣come Christians.

At that time Sieur de la Courb was there, there was a Portu∣guese Lady, widow of a Merchant, called Bornauente, rich, fair, and young, to whom the chiefest of the Island sued for marriage, and she would give ear to none, because she would not put her self under subjection. She kept divers slaves, and there arriving a vessel laden with slaves, she bought some, and one amongst the rest of so handsome garb and addresse, she judged him to be of good extraction, whereupon asked whence he was? he told her he was of Danieta, the Son of a wealthy Nobleman, who had intelligence of his capti∣vity, and would shortly free him, that he was taken fishing in a small boat; and enquiring further of his religion, she per∣ceived he was an Idolater.

But the Lady taken with his gracefull behaviour, used him with all possible kindnesse, and one day her lust bearing her away, she resolved to call him to her Chamber, and receive a satisfaction from him; for which purpose having sent for him, in expectation she lay down upon her bed, fell fast a∣sleep, and in a dream thought something came that rude∣ly pulled the sheet from under her: waking affrighted, she called her maid, and related the vision to her; the maid wished her to lay by such troubles, and commend her selfe cordially to Almighty God: On the morrow she rose early and went to her Confessor, to whom she related the whole, and he gave her for penance to sell this slave, and never to see him more; promising he would be her chapman, and buy him to be his boatman, when he went to take the aire.

The Lady made her advantage of his proffer, and doubting the slave to be some Demon or Magician sent him to the Priest, who bought him to his sad misfortune; for rowing along by the shore to take the air, there came a sudden gust from the land that over∣turned the boat: Now the Priest swimming well made to shore, but the slave with a pole dashed his brains out, and himself was never heard of after.

In this Island the Rats do great mischief, eating their Sugar loaves, whatsoever they can do to prevent it. Here upon a Mountain there are certain trees that distill water continually, as in the Isle of Iron in the Canaries; these trees are ever hooded with a thick cloud, which moystens them in such sort that they yield sufficient to water all their fields of Sugar∣canes, whereas that in the Isle of Iron distills but at certain hours.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The Turks Religion.
• * 1.2

  Turk••sh justice.
• * 1.3

  A descrip∣ti••n of the Serag∣lio.
• * 1.4

  Bashaw Abrahor the master of horse.
• * 1.5

  A History.
• * 1.6

  The fortu∣nate Island
• * 1.7

  A violent tempest.
• * 1.8

  Aroucane••.
• * 1.9

  Cuba an Island.
• * 1.10

  Espaniola.
• * 1.11

  Magana.
• * 1.12

  The Hi∣story of Bibical.
• * 1.13

  King Bib∣lical.
• * 1.14

  The Isles of the An∣tilles. Canibals hunt men and wo∣men.
• * 1.15

  Cruelty of the Spaniards.
• * 1.16

  Indians aversion to the Spaniard.
• * 1.17

  Coast of Mexico.
• * 1.18

  Admirable windes.
• * 1.19

  The Tor∣rid Zone.
• * 1.20

  A mysti∣cal fruit.
• * 1.21

  Three re∣gions of America.
• * 1.22

  South A∣merica.
• * 1.23

  The fro∣zen Sea.
• * 1.24

  Bacalao Codfish.
• * 1.25

  Military dogs.
• * 1.26

  Unfortu∣nate love.
• * 1.27

  A prodi∣gious lightning.
• * 1.28

  French hanged in Florida.
• * 1.29

  The tem∣perature of Mexico.
• * 1.30

  The Anci∣ent Mexi∣cans.
• * 1.31

  People of Mexica.
• * 1.32

  A strata∣gem.
• * 1.33

  The Mex∣icans sa∣crifices.
• * 1.34

  The Mex∣icans Ido••▪
• * 1.35

  The Mex∣ican year & month.
• * 1.36

  Chicora.
• * 1.37

  The Mex∣ican wheel
• * 1.38

  Ceremo∣nies and Prayers.
• * 1.39

  Their dances.
• * 1.40

  Burning Moun∣tains.
• * 1.41

  A History of a cove∣tous Priest
• * 1.42

  Montezama King of Mexica.
• * 1.43

  Ferdinand Cortez conquer∣ed Mexica.
• * 1.44

  Spanish vanity.
• * 1.45

  A tree yielding all neces∣saries.
• * 1.46

  Fruit used for mony.
• * 1.47

  Jucataen.
• * 1.48

  Panama.
• * 1.49

  The extent of Peru.
• * 1.50

  Q••ito.
• * 1.51

  Casio.
• * 1.52

  Plata.
• * 1.53

  A wind of the use of rain.
• * 1.54

  Munkeys.
• * 1.55

  Temper of Peru.
• * 1.56

  Mines in Potossi.
• * 1.57

  Earth∣quakes.
• * 1.58

  A disco∣very.
• * 1.59

  Amazon••••
• * 1.60

  Strange beasts.
• * 1.61

  Birds of prodigious greatness.
• * 1.62

  Tabala.
• * 1.63

  Plumes in use.
• * 1.64

  A good bargain.
• * 1.65

  Fish of Mexico.
• * 1.66

  Mines of silver.
• * 1.67

  Mines of gold and silver.
• * 1.68

  The man∣ner of their working in the Mine.
• * 1.69

  Quick∣silver.
• * 1.70

  Pearle-fishing▪
• * 1.71

  Men di∣vers.
• * 1.72

  Emeralds enemies of incon∣tinency.
• * 1.73

  Peru by whom dis∣covered.
• * 1.74

  By whom civilized.
• * 1.75

  Calander of Peru.
• * 1.76

  Incas, or Kings of Peru.
• * 1.77

  Presage of the Spani∣ards arri∣vall.
• * 1.78

  Cruelty revenged.
• * 1.79

  The strait of Magel∣lan.
• * 1.80

  Paragows.
• * 1.81

  Chica a Countrey.
• * 1.82

  Wingless birds.
• * 1.83

  The river Orellan••.
• * 1.84

  Brasile.
• * 1.85

  Brasile by whom dis∣covered.
• * 1.86

  In 1533.
• * 1.87

  Villegag∣non.
• * 1.88

  Customes of the Bra∣silians,
• * 1.89

  Brasilians man-eat∣ers.
• * 1.90

  Prisoners of War.
• * 1.91

  Savages indued with rea∣son.