Purchas his pilgrimes. part 1 In fiue bookes. The first, contayning the voyages and peregrinations made by ancient kings, patriarkes, apostles, philosophers, and others, to and thorow the remoter parts of the knowne world: enquiries also of languages and religions, especially of the moderne diuersified professions of Christianitie. The second, a description of all the circum-nauigations of the globe. The third, nauigations and voyages of English-men, alongst the coasts of Africa ... The fourth, English voyages beyond the East Indies, to the ilands of Iapan, China, Cauchinchina, the Philippinæ with others ... The fifth, nauigations, voyages, traffiques, discoueries, of the English nation in the easterne parts of the world ... The first part.

* 1.11599.

THe sixt we fell with the Ile Madagascar, short of Cape Romano: we spent this moneth to double that Cape,* 1.2 not being able wee bore roome with the Bay Saint Augustine, which [ 40] lyeth vpon the South West part of Madagascar in three and twentie degrees fiftie minutes.

The third wee anchored in the same Bay, where wee saw many people vpon the shore, but when we landed they fled from vs: for the other Voyage our Baase was in this Bay, where hee greatly abused the people, and tooke one of them, bound him to a Post, and shot him to death, with other shamefull disorders. After seuen dayes by much meanes that we made, some of them came to vs, and brought vs Milke and one Cow which wee bought, and after would no more a∣bide vs. They are a strong, well-shaped people, and cole blacke, their Language sweete and plea∣sing: their weapons halfe-Pikes, headed with Iron as a Harpon, which they keepe very bright, they goe wholy naked.

The Countrey seemeth to be very fruitfull, and hath great store of Tamaryn trees: we found [ 50] Beanes growing vpon a high tree, the Cods being two foot long, with answerable bignesse, and are very good meate, here are many Camelions. It was no small miserie that wee English indu∣red especially in this Bay. But God the euer-liuing Commander was our only succour.

The eight wee came aboord Dog hungry and meatlesse, the fourteenth wee set saile from this place, which we named Hungry Bay, shaping our course vpon the North side of the Ile. The nine and twentieth we came with the Ilands Comoro,* 1.3 lying betweene twelue and thirteene degrees, and are fiue Ilands, Mayotta, Ausuame, Magliaglie, Saint Christophero, Spirito Sancto. The thirtieth we anchored at Mayotta close by a Towne, where we found many people that seemed to reioyce at our comming, they came aboord our shippes with presents of Victu∣alls. The King sent to haue our Chiefe come ashore, promising him kindnesse. So our Baase went, [ 60] the King met him with many people, hauing three Drummes beating before him. He was rich∣ly apparelled so were his followers, with long silke Garments imbrodred, after the Turkish man∣ner. The King hauing vsed vs with such kindnesse as we required, wrote a Letter in our behalfe to the Queene of Ansuame, for there is no King.

The seuenteenth we departed: the nineteenth we anchored at Ansuame,* 1.4 before a City named Demos: which hath beene a strong place, as by the ruines appeare. Their houses are built with free hewed stone and lime the walls of the Citie are most ruinated, that which remaineth is as bigge as P••immoth. This Queene vsed vs exceeding friendly; but she would not be seene. In the••e Islands we had Rice, Oxen, Goats, Cocos, Bonanas, Oranges, Limons, and Citrons. The Inha∣bitants are Negroes, but smooth haired, in Religion Mahometists, their weapons are Swords, Targets, Bowes and Arrowes. These Islands are pleasing in sight, and fruitfull in nature. Here we found Merchants of Arabia and India, but what Commodities the Islands yeeld, I could not learne. They desire Weapons and Yron; they greatly regard Paper. The eight and twentieth, wee depar∣ted, [ 10] passing through the Islands Mascarenhas, by the sholds do Almirante.

The three and twentieth, we fell with the Islands of Maldiuia,* 1.5 which are very low close by the water, wholly couered with Cocos trees, so that we saw the trees but not the shore. Here we an∣chored, and refreshed our selues: Many of the Countrey Boats passing by vs, but none would come to vs: whereupon our Baase sent out the ships boats to take one of them. The foure and twen∣tieth, they brought a Boat aboord vs couered with Mats, like a close Barge. In this Boat was a Gentleman and his Wife, he was appar••lled in very fine white Linnen, after the Turkish manner. In his rings were rich stones, his behauiour was so sweete and affable, his countenance so modest, and his speech so gracefull, as that it made apparant shewe he could not be lesse then a Noble-man. He was vnwilling to haue his Wife seene: notwithstanding our Baase went with him into his Boat, to see her: he also opened her Casket, wherein were some Iewels and Ambergreese. He re∣ported [ 20] that she sate with mournefull modestie not v••ng one word: what was taken from them I knowe not; but in departing this Gentleman shewed a Princely spirit. His colour was blacke, with smooth haire, a man of middle stature. In these Islands there is great trade by reason of the Cocos: for they make Ropes, Cables, Sayles, Wine, Oyle, and a kind of bread of that tree, and his fruit. They report that there be 11000. of these Islands. The seuen and twentieth wee set sayle: this morning there came an old man aboord vs that spake a little Portugall, he was our Pilot through the Chanell, for by chance we fell with the true passible Chanel•• named Maldiuia, in lati∣tude foure degrees, fifteene minutes of the North-pole, where the Compasse is varied seuenteene degrees Westerly. In missing this Chanel it is a dangerous place. The trade of shipping through this Chanell is very great of diuers Nations, from most places of India, as I hope in your Lordships [ 30] presence at large to enforme your Honour.

The third we fell with the Coast of India,* 1.6 in eight degrees and forty minutes of Northerly la∣titude, neere about Cochin, and coasting this shore, we shaped our course East for Camorin, and from thence to the Island Sumatra. The thirteenth, we saw the coast of Sumatra, in fiue degrees forty minutes of Northerly latitude. The sixeteenth, we spake with the people, staying at an Island by the shore to take in water. The one and twentietth we anchored in the Bay of Achin,* 1.7 in twelue fathome. Being here, the King sent his Officers to measure the length and breadth of our ships, to take the number of our Men and Ordnance, which they did. With those Officers, our Baase sent two of his people with Presents to the King, a Looking-glasse, a Drinking-glasse, and a Bracelet of Corall. The one and twentieth, our men came aboord, whome the King had apparel∣led [ 40] after his Countrey manner, in white Calicut cloth: they brought newes of Peace, Welcome, and plenty of Spicery. We found foure Barks riding in the Bay, three of Arabia, and one of Pegu, that came to lade Pepper. Here was also a Portugall, named Don Alfonso Vincent, that came with foure Barkes from Malacca, to preuent our trade, as the sequell doth shew. The three and twentieth at mid-night, the King sent for our Baase, and sent a Noble man for his Hostage: hee went presently on shore, whom the King vsed very kindly, promising him free trade. He appa∣relled him after the Country manner, and gaue him a Cryse of Honour: This Cryse is a kind of Dagger, whose haft and handle (for it hath no crosse nor hilt) is made of a kind of mettall, which the King esteemeth farre beyond Gold, and is set with R••bies. This mettall hath a fine lustre: it is death to weare this Cryse, but from the Kings gift: and hauing it, there is absolute freedome to [ 50] take Victualls without money, and to command the rest as slaues. The sixe and twentieth, our Baase came aboord with a Boat-load of Pepper▪ reporting words aboue credit, how the King had vsed him, of his mightie fortune, and of the wonderfull trade that he had procured, with no smal Gaudeamus in superbia nostra: he further said, that the King did often demand of him, if he were not of England, which he did strongly denie, vsing some vnfit speeches of * 1.8 our Nation. Further, said he, beeing aboord, I wish I had giuen a thousand pound that we had no English among vs: thus we, poore soules, were thrust into the Corner. The seuen and twentieth, our Merchants went on shore with their Merchandize, hauing an house by the Kings appointment.

The twentieth, our Baase beeing with the King was exceeding well entertained,* 1.9 the King [ 60] very importunate to know if he were English: Tell me truely, (said the King) for I loue soul∣diers; and I must further tell you, Alfonso hath been earnest with me to betray you, but it shall not be; for I am your friend: and therewith gaue him a Purse of Gold. He giuing thankes, answe∣red that he was not of England, but of Flanders, and at the Kings seruice. I haue heard of * 1.10 Eng∣land, said the King, but not of Flanders: what land is that? He further enquired of their King,

State, and Gouernment; whereof our Baase made large report, refusing the Authoritie of a King, relating the gouernment of Aristocratie. He further made sute to the King, to giue commande∣ment that his subiects should not call him English: for it was a bitternes vnto him: which the King granted. Againe, he required to know if there were no Englishmen in the ships: he answe∣red, there be some English * 1.11 in the ships, but they haue been bred vp in Flanders. I vnderstand, said the King, that there be some that differ both in apparell, language, and fashion: what are those? he answered, English; of which my cheife Pilot is one. Well, said the King, I must see those men. As touching your Merchandize it shall be thus: I haue warres with the King of Ior (this Kingdome of Ior is the South-point of Malacca) you shall serue me against him with your ships: your recompence shall be your lading of Pepper; this was agreed. The twenty eighth, our Baase [ 10] came aboord, accompanied with one of the Sabandars, the Secretary, Merchants of Mecka, Turks, Arabians, and Don Alfonso, with some Portugalls; all which departed passing drunke.

The King began to shew an altered countenance the twentieth hereof, saying to our Baase, Wherefore doth not that English Pilot come to me?* 1.12 (for he would not suffer me nor M. Tom∣kins to goe on shore) I thinke when you haue your Pepper, you will runne away without doing me seruice, as you haue promised: whereupon I was presently sent for. The one and twentieth, I came on shore. The two and twentieth, I went to the King early in the morning, who did vse me very friendly. I stayed with him foure houres or better, banqueting and drinking. After an houre, he caused the Sabandar to stand vp, * 1.13 and bad me likewise stand vp. The Sabandar tooke off my Hat, and put a Roll of white linnen about my head; then he put about my middle a white [ 20] linnen cloth that came twice about me, hanging downe halfe my legge, imbroydered with Gold: then againe he tooke the Roll from my Head, laying it before the King, and put on a white gar∣ment vpon me, and vpon that againe one of red. Then putting on the Roll vpon my Head, I sate downe in the Kings presence, who dranke to me in Aquauitae and made me eate of many strange meates. All his seruice is in Gold, and some in fine Porcellane. Hee eateth vpon the ground, without Table, Napkins, and other linnen. Hee enquired much of England, of the Queene, of her Basha's, and how she could hold warres with so great a King as the Spaniard? (for he thinketh that Europe is all Spanish.) In these his demands he was fully satisfied, as it seemed to his great good liking.

The three and twentieth▪ the Prince sent for me; I rid to his Court vpon an Elephant: hee [ 30] vsed me exceeding well. Excessiue eating and drinking was our entertainment. During the small time of my beeing on shore, I met with a very sensible Merchant of China, that spake Spanish, of whom I learned some things, which I hope will giue your Lordship good contentment. Here are many of China that vse trade, and haue their particular Towne: so haue the Portugals, the Gusa∣rates, the Arabians, and those of Bengala and Pegu. Our Baase disliking that I so much frequen∣ted the Chinaes company, commanded me aboord. The next day hauing some sowre lookes of the King, he came aboord with a dull spirit.

* 1.14The first hereof, the King made shew that we should receiue in Ordnance for the battery of Ior, and take in souldiers to depart for that seruice. There were many Gallies manned, and brought out of the Riuer, riding halfe a mile from our ships; the Sea full of Prawes and Boats all manned: [ 40] there came aboord vs the Secretary, named Corcoun, & the cheife Sabandar named Abdala, with many souldiers weaponed with Courtelasses, Hand-darts, Cryses and Targets. They brought with thē many kinds of meat, & a great Iar of Aquauitae: herewith they made shew of friendship with banqueting. We mistrusting some treachery, filled our tops with stones, made fast our gratings, and prepared our weapons: whereat our Baase was exceeding angry, commanding all to be dis∣solued, but we would not. There is in this Countrey a kind of Seed, whereof a little beeing ea∣ten,* 1.15 maketh a man to turne foole, all things seeming to him to be Metamorphosed; but aboue a certaine rate it is deadly poyson: with this all the meate and drinke which they brought was in∣fected. In banqueting, the Sabandar and Secretarie sent for me, M. Tomkins keeping me compa∣ny, and vsed some words to one of his company, but what I knowe not; in short time we were [ 50] foole-frolicke, gaping one vpon an other like Antiques, our Baase beeing prisoner, and knewe it not. Suddenly when a token was giuen from the other Ship (for there the like treachery was v∣sed by the Secretary, who went from our ship thither to act the same) they set vpon vs, murthe∣red our Baase, and slew diuers others, M. Tomkins, my selfe, and a French-man defended the Poope, which if they had recouered, our ship had been lost: for they had the Cabin, and some were belowe among the Ordnance, by creeping in at the Ports. The Master of our ship which they call Captaine, leapt into the Sea, so did diuers others; but recouered the ship againe, and came aboord when all was done. In the end we put them to flight, (for our tops plagued them sore) which when I saw, I leapt from the Poope to pursue them, M. Tomkins leaping after me, there came a Turke out of the Cabin, and wounded him grieuously, they lay together tombling [ 60] each for his life: which seeing, I ranne the Turke in with my Rapier; and our shipper presently with a halfe Pike thrust him downe the throat into the body. In the other ship all the cheifest were murdered, and the shippe taken: we cut our Cables, and draue to her, and with our shot made the Indians flie: so we recouered the ship: the Gallies durst not come neere vs. In this great

miserie it was some pleasure, to see how the base Indians did flye, how they were killed, and how well they were drowned. The Sea was couered with Indian heads: for they swamme a∣way by hundreds, The Sabandare Abdala, and one of the Kings neere Kinsmen were slaine, with many others; and the Secretarie hurt. The King being by the Sea-side with many peo∣ple, when the newes came of the Sabandars death and their great ouerthrow, the furious Infi∣dels murdred all our men a shore, only eight excepted, whom the King fettered for Slaues. We lost in this misfortune threescore and eight persons, of which we are not certaine how many are captiued: only of eight wee haue knowledge. Wee lost two fine Pinnasses of twentie tunnes a piece, and our ship Boate.

[ 10] This day we departed and anchored before the Citie Pider, where we had sent a Pinnasse for Rice, hoping to haue newes of her, but had not. The second there came eleuen Gallies with Portugals (as we thought) to take our ships. Wee sunke one and beate the rest: so they fledde. This after-noone came aboord vs the sonne of Lafort a French Marchant dwelling in Seething-Lane, who was one of the eight Prisoners, with this Message from the King. Shame you not to be such drunken beasts, as in drunkennesse to murder my people, whom I sent to you in kindnesse. Therefore he required our best ship for satisfaction, and for the reliefe of our men. Doe'this said he to Lafort, and I will make you a great Nobleman, but wee would not, and being distressed of water, departed to the Ilands Pulo Botum vpon the Coast of Quedia in six degrees fifty minutes, where we refreshed and watered.

During the time of our abode in Achien, we receiued into both our ships a hundred and fortie [ 20] tuns of Pepper, what stones or other Marchandize I know not. But at the day of Treason our Marchants lost all the Money and Marchandize a-shore, which they report to bee of great va∣lue, and many young Aduenturers were vtterly ruinated: among which I doe most grieue at the losse of poore Iohn Dauis, who did not only lose my friendly Factor, but also all my Europe Commodities, with those things which I had prouided to shew my dutie and loue to my best Friends.

So I may conclude, that although India did not receiue mee very rich, yet she hath sent mee a∣way reasonable poore.

The Ile Sumatra is a pleasing and fertile Soyle, abounding with many rare and excellent Fruites, of Graine they haue only Rice which is their Bread. They plowe the ground with Buffs, [ 30] of which there are great plentie, but with small skill and lesse diligence.* 1.16 The Rice groweth in all respects as our Barley.

Of Pepper they haue exceeding plentie, Gardens of a mile square,* 1.17 it groweth like Hops from a planted Root, and windeth aboue a stake set by it vntill it grow to a great bushie Tree. The Pepper hangeth in small clusters, three inches long, and an inch about, each cluster hauing fortie Pepper Cornes, it yeeldeth increase equall with Mustard Seed. They bee able to lade twentie ships yearly; and more might, if the people were industrious and laboursome. The whole Coun∣trey seemeth to be a Garden of pleasure. The Ayre is temperate and wholsome, hauing euerie morning a fruitfull dew, or small raine. The Hauen that goeth to the Citie of Achien is small, hauing but six foot at the barre. And there standeth a Fort made of stone, round without coue∣ring, [ 40] battlements, or flankers, low walled like a Pownd, a worse cannot bee conceiued. Before this Fort is a very pleasant Road for ships, the wind still comming from the shore, a shippe may ride a mile off in eighteene fathomes close by, in foure and sixe fathomes. Of Beasts, heere are Elephants, Horses, Buffes, Oxen and Goates, with many wild Hogs.

The Land hath plentie of Gold and Copper Mines, diuers kinds of Gummes, Balmes,* 1.18 and many kinds of Drugges, and much Indico. Of Stones there are Rubies, Saphires, and Garnets: but I know not that they grow there. They haue passing good Timber for shipping.

The Citie of Achien, if it may be so called, is very spacious, built in a Wood,* 1.19 so that wee could not see a house till we were vpon it. Neither could wee goe into any place, but wee found [ 50] houses, and great concourse of people: so that I thinke the Towne spreadeth ouer the whole land. Their houses are built eight foote or better from the ground vpon posts of wood, with free pas∣sage vnder, the wals and couering of Mats, the poorest and weakest things in the World. I saw three great Market places, which are euery day frequented as Faires with all kindes of Mar∣chandize to sell.

The King is called Sultan Aladin, and is an hundred yeares old, as they say,* 1.20 yet hee is a lustie man, but exceeding grosse and fat. In the beginning of his life he was a fisher-man: (of which this place hath very many; for they liue most vpon fish▪) and going to the Warres with the former King shewed himselfe so valiant and discreet in ordering the Kings Gallies, that gaining [ 60] the Kings fauour, he was made Admirall of his Sea-forces and by his valour and discretion the King so imbraced him that he gaue him to Wife one of his neerest Kinswomen. The King hauing one only Daughter, married her to the King of Ior, by whom shee had a sonne: this Childe was sent to Achien to bee nourished vnder his Grand-father, being Heire to the Kingdome:

the King that now is, was now chiefe Commander both by Land and Sea. The olde King sud∣denly dyed, this King tooke the protection of the Childe, against which the Nobilitie resisted, but he hauing the Kings force and taking oportunitie, ended the liues of more then a thou∣sand Noblemen and Gentlemen: and of the rascall people made new Lords and new Lawes. In fine, the Childe was murthered, and then he proclaymed himselfe King by the right of his Wife. Hereupon arose great Warre betweene him and the King of Ior, which continueth to ths day. These twentie yeares he hath by force held the Kingdome, and now seemeth to bee se∣cure in the same.

His Court is from the Citie halfe a mile vpon the Riuer, hauing three Guards before any can come to him, and a great Greene betweene each Guard, his house is built as the rest are, [ 10] but much higher, hee sitteth where hee can see all that come to any of his Guards, but none can see him. The wals and couering of his house are Mats, which sometime is hanged with cloth of Gold, sometime with Veluet, and sometime with Damaske. Hee sitteth vpon the ground crosse-legged like a Taylor, and so must all those doe that be in his presence. He alwayes weareth foure Cresis, two before and two behind, exceeding rich with Diamonds and Rubies; and hath a Sword lying vpon his lap. He hath attending vpon him fortie women at the least, some with Fannes to coole him, some with Clothes to dry his sweat, some giue him Aqua vitae, others wa∣ter: the rest sing pleasant Songs. He doth nothing all the day but eate and drinke, from morning to night there is no end of banquetting: and when his belly is readie to breake, then hee eateth Arecca Betula, which is a fruit like a Nutmeg, wrapped in a kind of leafe like Tabacco, with [ 20] sharpe chalke made of Pearle Oyster-shels: chawing this it maketh the spittle very red, draweth the Rhume exceedingly, and procureth a mightie stomacke: this maketh the teeth very blacke, and they be the brauest that haue the blackest teeth. By this meanes getting againe his stomacke, he goeth with a fresh courage to eating. And for a Change with a Cracking Gorge, hee goeth into the Riuer, where he hath a place made of purpose, there getting a stomacke by being in the water. Hee, his great men and women doe nothing but eate, drinke, and talke of Venerie. If the Poets Fables haue any shew of truth, then vndoubtedly this King is the great Bacchus. For he holdeth all the Ceremonies of Gluttonie.

As in all places of Europe, the Custome is by vncouering the head to shew reuerence, in this place it is wholly contrary. For before any man can come to the Kings presence, he must put of [ 30] his hose and shooes, and come before him bare-legged, and bare-footed, holding the palmes of the hands together, and heauing them vp aboue his head, bowing with the bodie must say, Dou∣lat: which done dutie is discharged. And so hee sitteth downe crosse-legged in the Kings presence. Hee doth onely spend the time in eating with women, and Cock-fighting. And such as is the King, such are his Subiects; for the whole Land is giuen to no other contentment.

His State is gouerned by fiue principall men, with their inferiour Officers, his Secretarie, and foure called Sabandars, with these resteth all authoritie· The Kings will is their Law. For it seemeth there is no Free-man in the Land: for the life and goods of all is at the Kings pleasure. Hee will make no Offenders happie by death, but cutteth off their hands and feete, and ba∣nisheth [ 40] them to an Ile named Polo-wey. If he put any to death, the Elephants teare him to pie∣ces, or they driue a stake into his fundament, and so he dyeth. There are Gaoles and many fette∣red Prisoners that goe about the Towne.

His women are his chiefest Counsellers, hee hath three Wiues, and very many Concubines, which are very closely kept.

Hee hath very many Gallies, I thinke an hundred, some that will carrie foure hundred men, made like a Wherrie, very long and open, without Decke, Fore-castell, Chase, or any vpper building. Their Oares are like Shouels of foure foote long, which they vse only with the hand not resting them vpon the Galley. They beare no Ordnance, with these hee keepeth his Neigh∣bours in obedience. A woman is his Admirall, for hee will trust no men. Their Weapons [ 50] are Bowes, Arrowes, Iauelings, Swords, Targets, they haue no defensiue Armes, but fight naked.

Hee hath great store of Brasse Ordnance, which they vse without Carriages, shooting them as they lye vpon the ground. They be the greatest that I haue euer seene, and the Mettall is re∣ported to be rich of Gold. The trust of his land force standeth vpon his Elephants.

These people boast themselues to come of Ismael and Hagar, and can reckon the Genealogie of the Bible perfectly. In Religion they are Mahometists, and pray with Beades as the Papists doe. They bring vp their Children in Learning, and haue many Schooles. They haue an Arch∣bishop and Spirituall Dignities. Here is a Prophet in Achien, whom they greatly honour, they say that hee hath the spirit of Prophesie, as the Ancients haue had. He is disguised from the rest [ 60] in his Apparell, and greatly imbraced of the King.

The people are generally very cunning Merchants, and wholy dedicated thereunto. Of Me∣chanicall Artesmen, they haue Gold-smithes, Gun-founders, Ship-wrights, Taylors, Weuers,

Hatters, Pot-makers, and Aquauitae Stillers, which is made of Rice (for they must drinke no Wine) Cutlers, and Smithes.

As touching their Burials, euery Generation or Kinred haue their particular place to burie their dead; which is in the Fields. They lay the Corps with the head towards Mecha, ha∣uing a free Stone at the head, and another at the feete curiously wrought, thereby signifying the worthinesse of the person.

But in the place of the Kings Burials euery graue hath a piece of Gold at the head, and another at the foot, weighing at the least fiue hundred poun•• weight, cunningly imbossed and wrought. This King hath two such Peeces in making and almost finished, which wee saw, that are a thou∣sand [ 10] pound weight a piece, and shall bee richly set with stones. I did greatly desire to see the Kings Burialls, because of the great wealth therein; but could not. I doe almost beleeue it to be true, because this King hath made two such costly monuments.

The people that trade in this place are of China, Bengala, Pegu, Iaua, Coromandel, Gusarate,* 1.21 Arabia, and Rumos. Rumos is in the Red Sea, and is the place from whence Salomon sent his ships to Ophir for Gold, which is now called Achien, as by tradition they doe affirme. And the Rumos people from Salomons time to this day haue followed the same trade.

They haue diuers termes of payment, as Cashes, Mas, Cowpan, Pardaw, Tayell; I only saw two pieces of Coine, the one of Gold, the other of Lead, that Gold is of the bignesse of a penny, it is as common as pence in England And is named Mas, the other is like a little leaden Token: [ 20] such as the Vintners of London vse called Caxas. A thousand sixe hundred Cashes make one Mas. Foure hundred Cashes make a Cowpan. Foure Cowpans are one Mas. Fiue Masses make foure shil∣lings sterling. Foure Masses makes a Perdaw. Foure Perdawes makes a Tayel, so a Mas is nine pence ⅗. of a Pennie.

They sell their Pepper by the Bhar, which is three hundred and threescore of our pounds, for three pound foure shillings their pound they call a Catt, which is one and twentie of our ounces. Their ounce is bigger then ours by so much as sixteene is bigger then ten.

The weight by which they sell Precious Stones is called; Masse, 10. ¾. whereof make an ounce.

Once euery yeare they haue a custome that the King with all his Noblemen and whole pompe [ 30] of his land must goe to the Church to looke if the Messias bee come, which happened at our being here. There were many Elephants, I thinke fortie, very richly couered with Silke, Vel∣let, and cloth of Gold: diuers Noblemen riding vpon each Elephant, but one Elephant aboue the rest was exceeding richly couered, hauing a golden little Castle vpon his backe, this was led spare for the * 1.22 Messias to ride in. The King riding alone likewise in a little Castle, so they pro∣ceede with a very solemne procession, some had Targets of pure massie Gold, others great halfe Moones of Gold, with Stremers, Banners, Ensignes, Drummes, and Trumpets with other Musicke, very pleasing to see. Comming to the Church with great Solemnitie, they at length looked in, and not finding the Messias, vsed some Ceremonies. Then the King comming from his owne Elephant, roade home vpon the Elephant prepared for the Messias: where they end the [ 40] day with feasting and all pleasing sports.

The Ile is diuided into foure Kingdomes, Achien, Pider, Manancabo, and Aru. Achien is the chiefest, the rest are tributarie to him. Aru holdeth with the King of Ior, and refuseth subiection. I haue only hard of fiue principall Cities to be in this Ile. Achien, Pider, Pacem, Daia, Manan∣cabo.

Returning to our proceedings after the slaughter of Achien, seeking reliefe,* 1.23 the tenth hereof we anchored at the lands Pulo Lotum, in sixe degrees fiftie minutes, by the Kindome of Queda: where we watred and refreshed. There were in our ship three Letters close sealed, superscribed, A. B. C. Which vpon the death of our Baase were to be opened. By A. one Thomas Qu••mans was appointed our Chiefe, who was slaine at Achien. Then B. was opened, whereby Guyan Lo∣fort [ 50] who escaped Captiuitie by being the Kings Messenger, was appointed our Chiefe, whom we so receiued. The letter C. was not opened. The last hereof wee set sayle our course againe for Achien, with hope by some meanes to recouer our men.

The sixth we came in sight of Achien, the twelfth wee came into the Bay,* 1.24 where wee found ten Gallies set out against vs. Wee came vp with one of them, and gaue her diuers shot, but in a calme vnder the land she escaped. The rest durst not come neere vs: for they are very Cowards, proud and base.

The eighteene hereof wee shaped our course for the Citie Tanassarin, for it is a place of great trade, the fiue and twentieth we anchored among the Ilands in the Bay in eleuen degrees, twen∣tie minutes, of the Pole Articke. Being here we were very much crossed with bad winds, so that [ 60] wee could not recouer the Citie, for it standeth twentie leagues within the Bay▪ being in verie great distresse of victuals we departed hence, shaping our course for the Ilands Nicobar, hoping there to find reliefe.

The twelfth we anchored at the Ilands Nicobar in eight degrees of North latitude where the people brought vs great store of Hens, Oranges, Limons, and other Fruit,* 1.25 and some Amber∣greece,

which we bought for pieces of linen-cloth, and Table Napkins. These Iles are pleasant and fruitfull, low land, and haue good road for ships. The people are most base, only liuing vpon fruites, and fish, not manuring the ground, and therefore haue no Rice. The sixteenth wee departed shaping our course for the Ile Zeilon: for wee were in great distresse, especially of Rice.

* 1.26The sixt by Gods great goodnesse we tooke a ship of Negapatan, which is a Citie in the Coast of Coromandell, shee was laden with Rise bound to Achien. There were in her threescore per∣sons, of Achien, of Iaua, of Zeilon, of Pegu, Narsinga, and Coromandel. By these people wee learned that in Zeilan there is a Citie named * 1.27 Matecalon, a place of great Trade, and that there wee might load our ships with Sinamon, Pepper and Cloues. They also said that in Zeilon were [ 10] great store of precious stones and Pearles: that the Countrey doth abound with all kind of Vic∣tuals, and that the King is an exceeding Enemie to the Portugals; they also told vs of a Citie named Trinquanamale, where was the like Trade. So they promised to lade our ships, and roy∣ally to victuall vs, for little money. Hereupon we laboured by all possible meanes to recouer the said places, but could not, for the wind was exceeding contrary. Then these Indians told vs that if we would stay vntill Ianuary, we should haue more then a hundred ships come close by that shore laden with Spicerie, Linnen-cloth, and China Commodities; besides stones and other wealth. To stay there as a man of Warre our Gouernour would not agree: but to stay and in ta∣king any thing to pay for the same he was content, for so was his Commission. to this the Com∣pany would not agree. Whereupon the eight and twentieth hereof we shaped our course home∣ward,* 1.28 [ 20] hauing beaten sixteene dayes vpon this Coast to recouer Matecalon. We discharged our Prise the eighteenth hereof, hauing taken the best part of her Rice, for which our Chiefe payed them to their content. But the Companie tooke away the Money and Merchandize from the Indians with much disorder: we tooke with vs twelue of the Indians of seuerall places: who af∣ter we could a little vnderstand them, told vs that the Marchants had great store of precious stones in the ship, which they had hid vnder the Timbers. Of what truth that report is I know not. They would not suffer Master Tomkins nor me to goe aboord the Prise: for what reasons I know not.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Ianuary. 1599.
• * 1.2

  Madagascar. February. Bay of Saint Augustine.
• * 1.3

  March. Hungry Bay. Iles Comoro fiue.
• * 1.4

  Aprill. Ansuame.
• * 1.5

  May. Maldiuia.
• * 1.6

  Iune.
• * 1.7

  Achin.
• * 1.8

  Englishmen abused by Hollanders.
• * 1.9

  Iuly.
• * 1.10

  England famous.
• * 1.11

  Diuerse Eng∣lishmen in this Voyage.
• * 1.12

  August.
• * 1.13

  Dauis his en∣tertainement with the King of Achin.
• * 1.14

  September.
• * 1.15

  A strange se••d▪ and strange treachery.
• * 1.16

  Rice.
• * 1.17

  Pepper.
• * 1.18

  Mines of Gold and other commodities.
• * 1.19

  Achien Citie.
• * 1.20

  Sultan Aladin.
• * 1.21

  The Turkes are called Rumos in the Indies. The reason of that name is their Metropolitan and Imepriall Citie Constan∣tinople called New Rome: of which Rome they call them Rumos. Their tradition of O∣phir is rather to be marked then this Ety∣mologie and conceit of Ru∣mos in the Red Sea.
• * 1.22

  The promi∣sed returne of Mahomet ex∣pected.
• * 1.23

  September.
• * 1.24

  October▪
• * 1.25

  Nouember▪ Nicoba••▪
• * 1.26

  December.
• * 1.27

  Matecalon in Zeilan a Citie of great trade.
• * 1.28

  Prise dischar∣ged.