Purchas his pilgrimes. part 3 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.

§. V. Nanquin described; RICIVS expelled thence, hee setleth at Nancian, thence goeth to Nanquin againe, and to Pequin; description of it, the way thither, the Kings Palace, and of Suceu, and Hamceu.

* 1.1NAnquin or Nanchin by the Portugals is called Lanchin: for they heard of it by the In∣habitants of the Prouince Fuchian or Fuquian, which vse L for N. It is called also [ 10] Intienfu, because the Gouernour of the Region there resideth. This is that Citie, which in the Chinois opinion excelleth all Cities of the world, both in greatnesse and goodli∣nesse: neither may many be compared to it. For it is full of very great Palaces, Temples, Towers, Bridges, which all yet are exceeded by those of the same kinde in Europe. It excelleth also in temperature of the ayre, fertilenesse of the soyle, goodnesse of wits, gentlenesse of manners, ele∣gance of speech, multitude of inhabitants of euery ranke, of People, and Learned, and Magistrates: these also holding equall ranke with those of Pequin, in number and dignitie, howbeit by the ab∣sence of the King, that equalitie is made vn-equall. And so in all the Kingdome of China, and the bordering Kingdomes, it is commonly (all things considered) iudged the first or chiefe Citie. [ 20] It is compassed with three Walls; the first, that of the Kings Palace exceeding stately. That is also compassed with a three-fold wall, in manner of a Tower, with ditches filled with water. It hath foure or fiue Italian myles in circuit. And I dare boldly say, that no King any where hath a more excellent Palace (not if you weigh particulars together, but) comparing all things. The second wall encompasseth the Palace, and the principall part of the Citie, opened with twelue Gates, which are fortified with Iron plates, and Ordnance planted ouer against them within the Citie.* 1.2 This second Wall comprehendeth eighteene Italian myles compasse. The third Wall and vttermost is not euery where continued, but where need is, Art hath added sup∣plyment to Natures fortification.

* 1.3The circuit thereof can hardly bee knowne. The Inhabitants say, that two Horse-men in a [ 30] whole dayes riding, hauing gone out of the same Gate, met together at night: whence the pro∣digious quantitie may bee obserued, especially the forme of the Citie being Circular, and there∣fore most capable. Although within the walls are great spaces of Mountaynes, Lakes, Groues, Gardens,* 1.4 yet the greatest part is very frequently inhabited. The garrison Souldiers (which one would not beleeue, had not eye-witnesses confirmed it) which keepe the Citie alone, are fortie thousand. The Pole is eleuated 32. degrees, and so it is seated in manner in the midst of the Kingdome, from North to South. The Riuer runneth by it at the West, exceedingly both enriching and beautifying it. Nor doth it onely passe by, but is in many places brought in∣to the Citie by Channels (whereby greater vessels may enter the Citie) being enlarged by Art. In times past it was called the chiefe Citie of the Kingdome, and may seeme to haue beene anci∣ently [ 40] more glorious.

* 1.5Ricius went a-land in the Suburbe, which is without the three Walls, and is so large and fre∣quently inhabited, that it may seeme another great Citie. There a Physician of the Vice-roy of Schiauchin knew him, and hee visited the Vice-royes sonne, and by his meanes grew acquain∣ted with others. When he went into the Citie, hee vsed to bee carryed in a close Chayre, to preuent noueltie, and for more authoritie, and because the length of the way to friends houses often required it. There hee thinking to fixe a residence, learned of one Sciutagin a Magi∣strate of his former acquaintance, to whom hee had before giuen a Globe and an Houre-glasse, receiuing promises of much kindnesse.* 1.6 To him he went full of hope and not emptie handed: but hee being both miserably couetous, and ambitiously hunting after new places, was offen∣ded [ 50] with his presence (hee pretending that he came to see him) sent for his Hoast, and threat∣ned him terribly, causing him to ship away his new Ghest; hauing also agreed with the No∣tarie of his Court to giue euidence against him, as a troublesome and dangerous man former∣ly expelled from Sciauchin. Thus against the streame both of his affection and the Riuer, is Ri∣cius forced (loath to displease Magistrates) to returne to Chiansi Prouince. In the way full of thoughts, hee had a vision (as the Storie sayth) in which God appeared to him, and promised to bee propitious in both the Cities Royall to him.

* 1.7In Nancian the chiefe Citie of Chiansi hee abode. This is as great in circuit, but not in Mer∣chandise as Canton, and though none of those portentuous great Cities, yet is it famous for the number of Learned men, which thence are aduanced to diuers parts: the people are thriftie and [ 60] contented with little,* 1.8 and many of them obserue that first aforesayd. Of the Learned men there is also a Societie, in which on set dayes the more learned doe Lecture or discourse touching ver∣tues in very modest manner. The Physician aforesayd, famous for his Art and well respected by

the Vice-roy, was visited by him. Hee now vsed his Silken vest and Cap vsed by the Learned, somewhat like but higher, then that which Priests in Spaine weare, (for he had learned to keepe state and not to deiect himselfe too much) and carryed two seruants with him in long garments made of Callico, and his gestatorie Chayre: without which pompe a man cannot bee taken for a Learned man, the poorest Students vsing them, and otherwise contemned. The Physician enter∣tayned him kindly, and after inuited him to a Feast, where were many Students,* 1.9 and some of the Royall bloud (of which that Citie hath very great store) which were glad of his acquaintance; and when he had once mentioned his staying there, the Physician was so eager in desire thereof, that he feyned that the President Scilan had written to him, to procure him residence there,* 1.10 be∣cause [ 10] in the former abode he had not his health. The Chinois esteeme such lyes to bee wisedome. Hee soone got credit amongst them by Mathematicall lectures and instruments, and by his arti∣ficiall memorie especially.* 1.11 For the Chinois aboue all others commit whole bookes to memorie with vnwearyed paynes, and in the first yeeres of their studies doe nothing else. He repeated the most confused and independant Characters in order, yea, backwards as well as forward. Many desired to learne it, and some hee entertayned. Physicians being of no great authoritie, he sought to insinuate into fauour of the Magistrates; but a certayne Student had counselled him to neg∣lect their license, and thereupon enquirie being made by the Vice-roy, this his friend and land∣lord very friend-like, would needs throw him suddenly out of doores,* 1.12 and hee was forced by force to defend himselfe. But the Vice-roy hauing receiued a Libell from him, testifying who he [ 20] was, greatly reioyced (hauing heard of him) and when hee came to his Court, arose from the Tribunall to meete him, would not suffer him to kneele, and gaue him good vsage and magnifi∣cent Titles, inuiting him also to reside there. Whose affections were after kindled into a greater flame by his Physicians, magnifying his Mathematickes, Memoratiue, Bookes, three square Glasse and other nouelties. The Vice-roy would haue him make him a Dyall, and teach his Sonnes, but for that admirable Glasse, hee would by no kinde force accept the gift.

And whereas time out of minde many of the Royall bloud are there,* 1.13 two of them hauing the tytle of Kings, Chiengan, and Longan, sent their principall Seruants or Courtiers, to inuite Fa∣ther Matthew to the Palace, which is fitting to Royall Maiestie, both for Greatnesse, magnifi∣cence of Building, pleasure of Gardens, and other furniture of houshold and attendance. Chien∣gan [ 30] first inuited and entertayned him, attyred with a Royall vesture and Diadem▪ Father Mat∣thew gaue him a Dyall with the Signes of the Zodiacke, and a Globe with China characters, and other Europaean commodities; which hee recompenced with Silkes, weight of Siluer, and diuers viands. Nothing gaue him such content as two Bookes of Iapon paper, smooth and hard bound in Europaean manner: one contayning Maps and other Mathematicall representations, with an explication in their Language; the other was a tractate of Friendship,* 1.14 wherein Dialogue-wise (as Cicero in his Laelius) hee bringeth in the King, questioning what the men of Europe thought of Friendship, and set downe the sentences of Philosophers, Doctors, and other Authors; a worke to this day read there with great applause and admiration, Printed in diuers Prouinces. Chiengan continued his friendship and left it as a legacie to his Sonne, who vsed when the Father [ 40] visited him, to pay the Porters, and to giue money to his seruants, a token with them of great welcome. The Societie also of Learned men grew acquainted with him, and the chiefe of them,* 1.15 hearing him complayne of multitude of visitors, wished him to command his Seruants to say hee was not at home: which officious lye he affirming to bee by our Law vnlawfull, bred in him and the rest much wonder.

In the meane while at Xauceo they sustayned abuses, and Sebastian Fernandus was vsed igno∣miniously by the calumnies of their quarrelsome neighbours, and sentence of a partiall Iudge,* 1.16 which caused two Seruants to bee whipped vnheard, and Fernandus to stand as in a Pillorie, with his head in a board an ell and halfe square, therein a hole fitted for the necke,* 1.17 to bee opened and shut; so that a man cannot put his hand to his mouth: and this forsooth for beating the Bachellors. [ 50] This was written as the cause of his punishment. Hee afterwards sought the Iesuites fauour, a∣shamed of his fact, inuited them, and set vp an Edict for their safetie. Fernandus was sent here∣vpon to Ricius, and Cataneus continued alone without any Father, till the yeere 1597. and fell sicke:* 1.18 then going to Amacao (Father Iohn Aroccia was sent in his place) hee returned with Fa∣ther Nicholas Longobard a Sicilian. Father Matthew was appointed superiour of the China missi∣on by the Visitor Valignanus, without subjection to the Rector of Amacao. To him precious watches were sent, and Images with other things, which might further their China proceedings, the Portugals of Amacao continuing their liberalitie herein.

Father Matthew minding to trie all meanes to peerce to the Court, assayed Chiengan in vaine, who feared to raise any suspicion of himselfe. Hearing therefore that Guan (which had as you [ 60] heard) visited the house of Xauceo, in his way to Hainan, was thence called by the King to Nan∣quin to bee President of the first Councell, called Li Pu, that is, the Councell of Magistrates:* 1.19 in his way at Nancian they visited him with a present, (in which nothing so pleased him as the tri∣gone Glasse) and tooke opportunitie to signifie to him, their desire of presenting the King with some Europaean rarities. Hee approued thereof and sayd, they should not onely goe with him to

Nanquin, but to Pequin also; whither within one moneth of his comming hee was to goe. Ricius with Cataneus attend him (leauing two of the company at Nancian) with two brethren of the company,* 1.20 Seb. Fernandus, and Emanuel Pererius, of China parentage in Amacao: who of their God-fathers take vsually both Christian name and Sir-name, vsing also their China names in dealing with Chinois. They set foorth from Nancian on Midsummer day, 1598. and when they were come to Nanquin they found all full of feare, by reason of the Iaponian warre in Co∣rai, so that none durst giue vs entertaynment, grieuous Proclamations hauing lately forbidden to receiue men any way suspicious, by occasion of Iaponian Spyes taken. Euen the President himselfe, feared to bee author in so troublesome time of bringing Strangers: and Ricius when he visited him,* 1.21 vsed his Gestatorie seate. They gaue eight pieces of Gold to a cunning Clerke to [ 10] write their Petition (so deare doe Learned men there prize their labour) which when they gaue the Chancellour (which sends Petitions from Nanquin to the King••) hee would not meddle with it, but put it off to the President, that hee should carrie them with him to Pequin. He being to bee there to gratulate the King at his Birth day, in name of the sixe Tribunals or Coun∣sels, sent his goods by water and the Iesuites with them, but went himselfe by land.

When this President came to Nanquin, other Magistrates visited him with presents after the manner,* 1.22 and one the Vice-roy of that Prouince with a Map of Ricius his inuention, concealing the name of the Author in a new impression; which hee shewed to Ricius, who soone knew and challenged his owne. This the President intimated, that the Author was going with him to Pequin. Hee presently sends the Captayne of the Souldiers, to desire the President that he might [ 20] haue sight of a man whom hee so much admired; sending withall a Chayre, and Porters with Horses also. For the Vice-roy of Nanquin resideth not in Nanquin, because in that High Court are higher Magistrates, which would seeme to eclipse his Greatnesse. So Cataneus went with the Ship,* 1.23 Ricius to the Vice-roy, whom hee sal••ted with Europaean gifts. He stayed with him ten dayes, so great desire he had to conferre with him. And when hee shewed him the Image of Christ, he would not take view of it there, but would first ascend to a neate Chappell which he had on the top of his House, therein after the rites of their Learned, to worship Heauen; with three doores to it,* 1.24 from the South, East, and West: about it round was a Gallerie distinguished and cancelled. There he caused an Altar to bee erected, and thereon Wax-lights and Incense to be fired; and then the Image being set thereon, hee came in his most sumptuous attire and did worship foure times, after their accustomed rites: after which hee would not stand before it but [ 30] besides it, to take view, which hee did a good space. After him, his familie did likewise: and e∣uery day they reiterated the same, one also being appointed to keepe perpetuall Odours burning before it. Hee brought other Magistrates also to see the same: and when he might not detayne the Father longer, he sent him away with great weight of Siluer, which came fitting to their necessitie. Hee gaue aduise also touching their designe, and told them of that frustrate successe which followed. He went with him to the Riuer, and sent one with him till he had ouertaken his companion. The Chinois call that Riuer Iansu-chian, Chian signifying the greatest Riuer; o∣ther Riuers they call Cho.* 1.25

That Riuer of Nanquin which I called (Yamsu or) Iansu, the sonne of the Sea, goeth North∣ward to Nanquin, and then returning somewhat Southward, runneth into the Sea with great [ 40] force; fortie myles from which it passeth by Nanquin. And that from hence to Pequin there might bee passage by Riuers, the Kings of China haue deriued a large Channell from this to ano∣ther Riuer, called the Yellow Riuer, such being the colour of that troubled water. This is the o∣ther famous Riuer of that Kingdome, in greatnesse and note, which ariseth without the King∣dome to the West, out of the Hill Cunlun, conjectured * 1.26 to bee the same whence Ganges ariseth, or one neere to it. Where it first breakes foorth, it maketh a Lake which they call of the Con∣stellations: thence it pierceth into the borders of China in Sciensi, the most Westerly Prouince, and goeth out againe out of the Northerne walls into the Tartars Countries: after which it re∣turneth to the South, and that Prouince whence it had come, and washeth another Prouince na∣med [ 50] Sciansi, and another named Honan: then turneth into the East and entreth the Easterne Ocean, not farre from the Sonne of the Sea. This Riuer against their lawes for Strangers, entreth China from Barbarous Regions, and as in reuenge of their malice to Strangers, often ouer-floweth great part of the Kingdome, and shifteth his Channell being full of Sands which it mooueth. Certayne Off••cers or Magistrates designed doe sacrifice thereto, or to the Spirit of it (for they set Spirits ouer diuers things) with many rites:* 1.27 and they fayne that it cleeres the troubled waters, but once in one thousand yeeres; whence it is prouerbiall of a ••ild-seene thing▪ When the yellow Ri∣uer shall bee cleered. They that sayle therein, must therefore keepe the water many dayes till it setleth, the third part prouing myre and sand. Before the ingresse and egresse of this Riuer, are Channels which giue passage to Ships that carry prouision to Pequin. Those Ships are sayd to [ 60] bee ten thousand,* 1.28 sent onely out of fiue Prouinces, Chiansi, Cechian, Nanchin, Vquam, and Scian∣tum. For these Prouinces pay their yeerly tribute in Rice and Corne, the other ten in Siluer. Besides these, there passe innumerable Ships of Magistrates and of priuate Merchants: but pri∣uate men are forbidden to goe out of the Hiansu into those lesse Riuers (those onely passe which

dwell within such Riuers to the North) lest the multitude of Ships should hinder the passage, or bee able to doe harme to Pequin. Yet is there such store of Ships notwithstanding, that they are forced to stay sometimes diuers dayes, one hindring another, especially at some seasons when water is scarce, for remedie whereof, they haue lockes and stood-gates, which opened make way from one to another of them, with great labour and tedious lingring. The crossenesse of windes and labours of drawing with ropes, I need not mention. Some ships are ouerwhelmed at the o∣pening of those lockes.* 1.29 They haue woodden Engines on the bankes to draw the ships of Magi∣strates, at the Kings cost, against the streame all the way. And in fitting this Riuer to Nauiga∣tion, a million is spent yeerely; the feare of the Sea and Pyrats, haue made them take this course [ 10] rather then that by Sea.

In all this way, many Cities most worthy note appeare, of the Prouinces Nanquin, Scian∣tum, Pequin, and besides the Cities there are so many Townes, Villages, Houses on the bankes, that all the way may be sayd to bee inhabited; so that the Saylers no where want to furnish themselues with Corne, Rice, Fish, Flesh, Fruits, Hearbs, Wine and the like, at a very cheape rate. By the same Riuer, Wood, Timber, Boards,* 1.30 Pillars (for the Chinois make reckoning onely of those of wood) are carryed for the Kings workes: especially, then when the Kings Palace had beene on fire, which consumed two parts of three thereof. In all the Iourney, ours found great rankes of Timber-trees tyed together, and of other wood, which many thou∣sands of men drew with huge toyle, and scarcely could get forwards fiue or sixe myles in a day, and from the Prouince Suscuen, which is furthest from the Court, such Timber-trees were in [ 20] going vp, two or sometimes three yeers space: whence euery pillar made of them prodigiously arose each to three thousand pieces of Gold: and of those Timber-rankes they encountred one, seeming longer then the rest, which was esteemed to reach two myles in length. The Bricks al∣so (which the Chinois preferre before Stone) for the Kings Palace,* 1.31 were carryed this way fifteen hundred myles, and many Ships had no other vse, so many as might seeme sufficient, not for a Palace but a great Citie. Out of the Southerne Prouinces, are yearely sent those things which in the more barren Prouinces of Pequin are wanting; as Fruits, Fish, Rice, Silkes, Cloathes and other things: and a day is set them, at which if they bee not there, they incurre grie∣uous penalties. Of the Ships called Horses, the Kings Eunuches haue command.* 1.32 By this Riuer [ 30] they sayle almost onely when the Riuers swell ouer their bankes, peraduenture by the melting of the Snowes from the Hills whence they spring. By the heate in that Iourney of a moneth, and sometimes two moneths, the viands which they carrie,* 1.33 are often corrupted before they come to Pequin, for which cause they coole them with Ice, and in all those wayes much Ice is preserued for that purpose, and distributed to the passengers, and so all things are carryed fresh to the Court.

The Eunuches of those Ships, sell emptie roomes to the Passengers for their gayne: for the Chinois thinke it a glory to send that which goeth to the King in many ships, & not to giue them their full lading, which is also profitable for that sterilitie of Pequin, Merchants by these con∣uenient fraights making nothing to want there where nothing growes. Ours hyred a roome in [ 40] like manner for their ease. By reason of the great heat they all fell sicke, yet by Gods helpe reco∣uered. When they were to passe out of the Riuer, in the Prouince of Sciantum, they met with a hand-made Riuer, which runnes out neere Pequin, to the Tower Tiensin.* 1.34 Another Riuer from Pequin or rather from Tartaria, meetes it, and runnes together with it into the Sea, or in∣to that Bay, betwixt Corai and China, after they haue runne together one day. In this Tower there was a new Vice-roy extraordinary, by reason of that inuasion of Corai from Iapon. Hee prouided a huge Fleet for defence of Corai,* 1.35 by which meanes that whole Riuer was full of Ships of warre and militarie tumult. Ours went thorow the thickest of them without let, and at length came to the Port or Banke rather of Pequin, which banke is a dayes journey from the walls of Pequin. And although by Art they haue made a huge Channell to the walls, yet lest it should bee filled with multitude of Ships, they suffer none but the Kings burthens to goe that [ 50] way, the others being carryed by Carts, Beasts, and Porters. They came to Pequin on a festiuall day, the Eeuen of the Virgins Natiuitie.

The chiefe Mart Townes in this way were Iamcheu in Nanquin Prouince, in thirtie two degrees thirtie minutes. Hoaingan in thirtie foure not all so much;* 1.36 Sinceu in thirtie foure de∣grees thirtie minutes. In Sciantum Prouince Zinim in thirtie fiue degrees fortie minutes. Lincin in thirtie seuen degrees fortie minutes. In Pequin Prouince Tiencin in thirtie nine degrees thirtie minutes. Pequin in fortie large. They are deceiued which eleuate it to fiftie. Now from Can∣ton (which is two dayes from Amacao) are of China furlongs (fiue of which make a mile, and fifteene a league) by Riuer to Nanhiun, one thousand one hundred and seuentie. Thence to Nan∣cian [ 60] eleuen hundred and twentie. From that to Nanquin, one thousand foure hundred and fortie.* 1.37 And thence to Pequin three thousand three hundred thirtie fiue, in all seuen thousand sixtie fiue: which makes of miles, one thousand foure hundred and thirteene.

PEquin is situated in the Northerne border about one hundred miles from the wall against the Tartars.* 1.38 Nanquin exceeds it in greatnesse, composition of the Streets, hugenesse of Buil∣dings, and Munitions: but Pequin exceedeth it in multitude of Inhabitants, and of Magistrates. To the South it is compassed with two walls high and strong, so broad that twelue Horses may easily runne abrest oin the breadth without hindering one the other. They are made of Brickes, saue that on the foot it stands all on huge stones,* 1.39 the midle of the wall is filled with Earth: the height farre xceeds those in Europe. To the North is but one wall. On these walls by night is kept as vigilant watch as if it were time of warre:* 1.40 in the day Eunuches guard the gates, or rather exact Tributes, which is not done in other Cities.

* 1.41The Kings Palace riseth within the inner Southerne wall, neere the City gates and extends to [ 10] the Northerne walls, seeming to take vp the whole Citie: the rest of the Citie running forth on both sides: It is some-what narrower then the Palace of Nanquin, but more goodly and glorious; that seeming by the Kings absence,* 1.42 as a carkasse without soule. Few of the Streets are paued with Bricke or Stone, so that in Winter dirt, and dust in Summer, are very offensiue: and be∣cause it raineth there seldome, the ground is all crumbled into dust, and if any wind blow, it en∣ters euery Roome. To preuent which they haue brought in a custome, that no man of whatso∣euer ranke goeth on foot or rideth without a Veile or Bonnet hanging to his brest,* 1.43 of that sub∣tiltie that he may see, and yet the dust not annoy him: which also hath another commoditie that he may goe any whither vnseene, so freed from innumerable tedious salutations, and also he spares attendance and cost. For to ride is not magnificent enough with the Chinois, and to bee [ 20] carried in their Seats is costly, with Attendants especially; and in that time of Warre it fitted with ours to passe vnknowne, being Strangers.

* 1.44Muletters stood at the Palace, and City gates, and in euery Street to let Mules, themselues also attending the Hirers whether they would in the City; which leading the beasts by the bri∣dle, in that frequencie made way, being also skilfull of the wayes, knowing most of the great mens Houses:* 1.45 all at a reasonable rate. There is a Booke also which truly relateth all the Streets, Lanes, Regions of the City: Porters also with Seats to carrie Men, and Horses are euery-where found, but dearer then at Nanquin, or other places.

* 1.46All things are to bee had in abundaace, but brought thither and therefore dearer. Wood is scarce, but supplied with Mine-coles (we call them Sea-cole) necessary to that Region, cold be∣yond [ 30] what the Glimate vsually exacteth: their Beds are so made with Brick-workes, that they by a new kind of Stones admit the heate of those Coles: a thing vsuall in all those Northerne Regions.* 1.47 These Northerne Chinois are some-what more dull, but better Souldiers then the o∣ther. Here they learned that this Kingdome is Cataio, and the King of China the great Can, and Pequin Cambalu.

For the nine Kingdomes (of Mangi) are those Southerly Prouinces which are vnder the great Riuer Iansuchian, and sixe vpon it make vp the fifteene, so great that some one of them is as great as all Italy. Anno 1608. whiles we write, it is fortie yeares since two Turkes or Moores out of Arabia brought to China a Lion (a beast seldome here seene) by Land, which had an Of∣fice giuen by the King to them and theirs, to keepe the Lion, and that they should carry no [ 40] Tales thence. They in conference called this Kingdome great Catay, and this City Camhalu the like we heard of others which had comne from Persia. The Chinois also haue heard of that name,* 1.48 and still call the Tartars Lu, and the North parts Pa and Pe: to which Can the Tartarian Title added easily makes Canpalu or Cambalu with others; for the Chinois seldome vse B. and Marco Polo comming in with the Tartars called it by their name. And at this time without the walls of China is found no Catay. The Portugals called it China, borrowing the name as may be supposed from the Siamites, and hence Cosmographers made them two Kingdomes. But Goez his Iourney by Land to Catay Hath taken away all scruple.* 1.49

To returne to ours now come to Pequin, the President gaue them entertainment, and procured an Eunuch to vndertake the businesse for the Presents, which were a Clocke, two Pictures, two [ 50] Trigone-glasses and a Bell:* 1.50 all pleased the Eunuch, but his minde ranne more on making Siluer of Quick-siluer, which he had heard they could doe, and which would bee more gratefull to the King. And when he saw that would not be vndertaken, neither would he vndertake to acquaint the King, in this time of Corayan Warres; and ours also were taken for Iaponians, or neere vnto them, they not knowing how by true names to distinguish Nations. The President also began to be fearefull and purposed to carry them backe with him to Nanquin. Yet they staid a moneth after him (he being at a certaine day by Law to depart) and when they had tryed all wayes in vaine, none daring to acknowledge Strangers, they returned to Nanquin. They had a Bill of Exchange from Amacao to take vp money at Pequin,* 1.51 but the Merchant had plaid the Merchant and Chinese too, none such there to be found. They hired a ship at an easie rate for their returne [ 60] (because they goe empty) but not easie in this respect that the Owners pouertie made the Iour∣ney tedious for what of helpes. This benefit they made of this Iourney to learne the Language better,* 1.52 making a Dictionary, obseruing their Accents with Points deuised; (that speech consi∣sting wholly of Monosyllables, the want of skill in those Accents had caused that they neither

did, nor were vnderstood) Cataneus sk••ll in Musicke helping to distinguish those sounds. What course Ricius and he instituted, that the Company still obserue in their Writing.

All the Riuers in China vse to be frozen in the beginning of Winter, that ships cannot passe by water, and Carts by Land are safer.* 1.53 They agreed that Father Matthew should goe by Land with two Seruants, to try if he could settle at Nanquin, the rest and the burthens to stay till the Riuer were thawed. He purposed also to goe to Suceu whither Chiutaisu had often inuited him, being his Countrey. Passing thorow Sciantum, he visited Siuceu and Yamceu famous Marts, and passing the Riuer Yamceu, at Chinchiamfu,* 1.54 the chiefe City of that Prouince hee entred into a hand made Riuer, by which is sailed to Suceu and to the chiefe Citie of Cechian Hamceu. This Riuer being Southerly and neere frozen ouer, is so narrow that multitudes of shippes cloy it so [ 10] somtimes that they cannot passe forward or backward. He was forced therefore to go by another way, which is a Coach or Wagon of one wheele, so builded that one sitting in the midst,* 1.55 and two on the sides, the Coach-man behind with woodden Leauers or Barres driues it forwards both surely and swiftly; that in short time he came to Suceu.

This Noble Mart is one of them whereof is the Prouerbe, That which is in Heauen the Seat of the Blessed, that in Earth is named Suceu, and Hamceu: in splendour, wealth,* 1.56 frequencie remark∣able. It is built in a calme fresh-water Riuer, and quite thorow one may goe, as in Venice, by Land or Water, but herein it excelleth Venice that the water is fresh. The streets and buildings stand vpon piles of Timber, the Wares from Amacao and other parts are most sold here. It hath one ga••e to the Land, the other are water-wayes. The Bridges are innumerable, & Magnificent, [ 20] Ancient, but of one Arch in those narrow Chanels. Butter and White-meates are plentie, Rice, and the best Wine, which thence is carryed to Pequin and other parts. It is scarsly two dayes from the Sea. It is well fortified, the chiefe City of the Region, which hath eight Cities.* 1.57 One of the Princes held this, when the Tartars were expelled, against this Royall Race; whereupon it still payeth a great Tribute, to wit, the halfe of ••ll things growing, (so that some two whole Prouinces pay lesse then this one Region to the King against whom it had stood out) it is still also awed with a frequent Garrison. Chiutaiso was then absent at Tanian a Neighbour City,* 1.58 who receiued him with great humanitie. He abode in a Monasterie, and resigned his bed to his Master, who tired by trauell fell sicke, and was likely there to haue dyed. Recouered by his care, he gaue him a Triangle Glasse, which he put in a Siluer case with Gold Chaines at the ends, and [ 30] adorned it further with a Writing that it was a fragment of that matter whereof the Heauens consist.* 1.59 One was said to offer him fiue hundred pieces of Gold soone after for it, which till Father Matthew had presented his to the King hee would not sell: after that hee set a higher price and sold it.

At the beginning of the China yeare▪ all are busied in sending Presents to their friends, feasts and salutations.* 1.60 They went to Cinchian to the p••blike Solemnitie where Chiutaiso was well knowne, and by his speech Father Matthew and from thence they went to Nanquin, in Fe∣bruary, 1599. Before wee come thither wee will looke backe to our Canton Iesuits.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Nanquin. (which Polo calls Quinsay) described. It was then grea∣ter, as being the Royall re∣sidence, which remoued and warres toge∣ther haue di∣minished it: perhaps also that Lake de∣caying and d••ying vp; or not rebuilt af∣ter the Tartars expelled.
• * 1.2

  Second Wall twelue Gates. Third Wall.
• * 1.3

  Citie wall two dayes iourney on horsebacke.
• * 1.4

  Garrison 40000. In 32. or 32. de∣grees, 15. min.
• * 1.5

  Large Suburbs
• * 1.6

  Miserable Churle.
• * 1.7

  Nancian.
• * 1.8

  Fast from flesh, fish, egges, and milke.
• * 1.9

  Many of the Royall bloud at Nancian.
• * 1.10

  China lying is prudence.
• * 1.11

  Ricius his arti∣ficiall memorie
• * 1.12

  Fortune friend
• * 1.13

  Chiengan and Longan, Kings titular.
• * 1.14

  Ricius his China Booke of friendship.
• * 1.15

  Token of wel∣come.
• * 1.16

  Cauils.
• * 1.17

  Pillorie board.
• * 1.18

  Aroccia and Longobardus,
• * 1.19

  The Couns••ll Li Pu so called of creating Maiestrates▪
• * 1.20

  Custome of Conuerts names in Bap∣tisme. Anno 1598.
• * 1.21

  Writing well in China brings credit and gaine.
• * 1.22

  Vice-roy of Nanquin, a lo∣uer of Geo∣graphie.
• * 1.23

  Honour to an Image.
• * 1.24

  Chappell.
• * 1.25

  Chian or Quian See Polo sup. 90 Riuer of Nan∣quin: one cut from it for Pe∣quin.

  Yellow Riuer see the Map.
• * 1.26

  Such con∣iectures as this and those in Pinto of this Lake seeme ill grounded. Lake of Constel∣lations.
• * 1.27

  Magistrates sa∣crifice to the Riuer.
• * 1.28

  10000. Ships of the Kings for fiue Prouinces
• * 1.29

  Cranes to draw ships. Tempestuous seas and Py∣rats on that coast. See Pinto.
• * 1.30

  Timbers for the Kings buil∣dings.

  Two thirds of the Kings house burnt by Lightning.
• * 1.31

  Bricks prefer∣red to stone.
• * 1.32

  Swifter ship•• called Horses.
• * 1.33

  Heat and cold.
• * 1.34

  Hand-made Riuer. Tiensin.
• * 1.35

  They come to Pequin.
• * 1.36

  Iamcheu. Hoain∣gan. Sieucen. Zinim. Licin.
• * 1.37

  Length of the way.
• * 1.38

  Pequin de••c••i∣bed, compared with Nanquin.
• * 1.39

  The walls.
• * 1.40

  Watch and Ward.
• * 1.41

  Palace.
• * 1.42

  Streets.
• * 1.43

  All goe and ride veiled.
• * 1.44

  Commoditie of Mules and Mulletters.
• * 1.45

  Booke of Pe∣quin.
• * 1.46

  See Polo sup. 88.
• * 1.47

  China, Cathay. See Pantoia.
• * 1.48

  Camhalu the great Tartar of the North.
• * 1.49

  Goez sup. cap. 4.
• * 1.50

  Alchymie and base couetise.
• * 1.51

  Coozening Merchant.
• * 1.52

  China Lan∣guage and Ac∣cents.
• * 1.53

  Riuers frozen▪ Ric. goeth by Land.
• * 1.54

  Siuceu and Yamceu.
• * 1.55

  Coach of one wheele.
• * 1.56

  Suceu descri∣bed.

  Another Ve∣nice.
• * 1.57

  Huge Tribute.
• * 1.58

  Tanian.
• * 1.59

  Glasse glazed.
• * 1.60

  New yeares day.