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.

CHAP. VI. A Letter of Father DIEGO DE PANTOIA, * 1.1 one of the Company of IESVS, to Father LVYS DE GVZMAN, Prouinciall in the Prouince of Toledo; written in Paquin, which is the Court of the King of China, the ninth of March, the yeere 1602.

[ 10]

§. IIII. Difficulties of entring China, their dwelling at Nanquin, going from thence to Paquin, with Presents for the King, troubles in the way by an Eunuch.

RIght Reuerend Father in Christ, the peace of Christ bee with you. I thinke I doe not satisfie the dutie which I owe vnto your Worship, for the loue which you haue [ 20] alway shewed vnto mee, and the Obligation wherein I am bound to so many most dearely beloued Fathers and Brethren of this Prouince, if being as I am in this great Kingdome of China, procuring the good of these Pagans, (whereunto it pleased our Lord to choose mee) I should not giue you some briefe Relation of the things that concerne this our new Mission, and of some things also concerning the greatnesse of this Kindome, the Customes, Gouernment and Policy thereof.

Being come, as heretofore I wrote to your Worship, to Macao a City of the Portugals, ad∣joyning to the firme Land of China,* 1.2 where there is a Colledge of our Company: and there at∣tending till the Persecution, Tumults, and Warres of Iapon, would permit ten or twelue Fa∣thers of vs to passe thither, which stayed expecting fit oportunitie: when we were readie to de∣part, [ 30] within few monethes, it pleased our God to change my Lot, and Enterprize which I had before myne eyes, and to send mee to enter into China, whereinto I entred in the end of the yeare of our Lord 1599. There were in this Mission at this time, only fiue Fathers diuided into three Houses. For though it be twentie yeeres since they first began to enter, yet the entrance of Strangers is so hard and so straitly forbidden,* 1.3 and their state and perseuerance is so difficult, that in all this time there neuer passed aboue fiue or sixe Fathers, and those which succeeded since, though by little and little, did discouer the Countrey; But their entrance was by stealth and secretly. Considering that all passages were shut vp, and that in all China there was no man that could or durst presume to giue licence to preach the Gospell; we alwayes sought to get some ac∣cesse vnto the King, either by way of Embassage, or by way of Present, and Gifts, and to seeke [ 40] to obtayne this in part,* 1.4 or in the whole, to this end and purpose.

The Fathers alwayes sought to obtayne some Ambassage of the Pope, or of the Catholike King. But perceiuing they could not obtayne this, they procured it by way of giuing a Present, not so much of precious things,* 1.5 for they had none of that kind, as of strange things neuer seene before in China. And hauing procured this for many yeares space, without hauing any meanes to obtayne it; the Diuine Prouidence ordayned one in the yeare of our Lord 1590. which was this: The Fathers being in Xaucheo, (a Residencie of the Prouince of Canton) there passed that way a great Mandarin, called by the King, to giue him an Office in the Court, which among vs is like vnto a President of one of the chiefest Councels, which had known the Fathers long time; and now seeing themselues with him, and signifying vnto him the desire which they had to goe [ 50] to Paquin, to giue a Present to the King, and that if hee would doe them the courtesie to carrie them along with him vnder his shadow and protection, they would alwayes remayne thanke∣full, and exceedingly bound to serue him. After this and other motiues which they presented vnto him, did that follow which wrought most effect, which was a good Present, with hope of other things afterward, whereupon he shewed himselfe very tractable to grant their request, and to take them with him to Paquin.

Being glad of this resolution, they prepared themselues for the Voyage, and tooke the things which they desired to giue the King, which hereafter I will mention. It pleased God to bring them to Paquin, in the company of so great a Mandarin, without the hinderance of any bodie. Being come to Paquin they began secretly to negotiate their businesse: because they durst not, [ 60] neither was the Mandarin that brought them willing that they should shew themselues abroad. But though they attempted all possible meanes, neither with gifts, nor any thing else, there was not any man that would meddle with this businesse, because it was a matter that concerned Strangers, considering what might hereof happen vnto them. After they had spent certayne

moneths, and saw they profited nothing, and fearing some innouation, they determined to re∣turne to their Residencies from whence they came.

Hauing returned three hundred leagues, they came to the great Citie of Nanquin, which was the ancient Seat and Court of the Kings of China: and now (though the King reside not there) yet is it the most noble, great, strong, and beautifull of all this whole Kingdome, and retayneth her being the Royall Court, with all the same Offices which the Citie hath where the King re∣sideth. They desired greatly to get an entrance into this City, because, as I haue said, it is a fa∣mous place, and hath such store of graue persons in it, thereby to make themselues knowne,* 1.6 and here to procure with more facilitie an entrance or accesse vnto the King. But it seemed a thing impossible, because it is a City straitly guarded, especially for Strangers, for whose guard and [ 10] Watch it hath ordinarily aboue one hundred thousand Souldiers. And if they went about to get licence, it seemed impossible to obtayne the same of so many great Mandarins, as gouerned the same. But our Lord (to whom euery thing is alike possible) vouchsafed to comfort the Fa∣thers for their trauell and small fruit which they had reaped of their journey to Paquin: and by the counsell of some friends which they had there, and with the protection of the Mandarin had carryed them to Paquin, which at that season came vnto this City, they dwelt in Nanquin, without the contradiction of any Mandarin, although all of them knew thereof: howbeit, as a very great man said, which afterward became our great friend, hee was readie to send to ap∣prehend the Fathers, vntill hee vnderstood that they were peaceable people, which had long time abode in China.

[ 20] After they were purposed to remayne there, there was another difficulty to get leaue to dwell and haue an House within the wals. But the Diuine Prouidence gaue them a very sweet and easie meane for all this, as here I will declare. The Mandarins liue in this City in houses which are not their owne, but belonging to the Offices which they beare: and when one hath ended his Office, hee that succeedeth him, succeedeth him in his Houses, which are all builded at the Kings cost. At this time a great Mandarin had builded one of these, wherein by his Office hee was to dwell: But when he had finished it, it pleased God, that he enjoyed it not: and hee sent many Deuils to enter into it, as they did in deed, which with fearefull shapes did terrifie those which dwelt in it, especially by night: and this continued so long a time, that all men left it, and none would dwell in it. As Father Matthew Riccio (who was the party which negotiated [ 30] this businesse, as the Procurator of all this Mission) went about to seeke to buy an House, by way of jest they asked him, whether he would buy an house full of Deuils? The Father answered, that hee tooke it not for a jest, but that if the house liked him, hee would not vary for that; for he serued a God whom the Deuils feared and dreaded, and that trusting in his helpe he was no∣thing at all afraid of them, but that they did rather much feare him, because he was the Seruant of such a Lord. They went to see the House, which presently liked him: and as they sold it good cheape because of the bad report that it had, in two words they agreed together: and the Mandarin that sold it was so glad, that he gaue vs Patents to possesse it perpetually in China;* 1.7 a thing which in no place could be obtayned of any other Mandarin. Forth-with they went to it, and at their comming in they blessed it according to the Rite of the Holy Mother Church; [ 40] and by the grace of God there was neuer dreame of any euill thing that troubled the same. All men looked what would become of this, and what successe they should haue with the Deuils. And when they saw the great quietnesse, without any shew of Spirits, they were greatly asto∣nied, saying, that without doubt this was a great God,* 1.8 and that hee sought to dwell in that House, and that therefore he had commanded the Deuils to dwell there, and not to suffer others to enter therein; and that when he came they went their way.

To this so good beginning the progresse from thence forward was answerable:* 1.9 for the graue Mandarins vnderstanding, together with the fame that they were Learned men, that they had many Bookes, that they were men of a good life, and that they had some things of their Coun∣trey, which were neuer seene in China (as certayne Clocks with Wheeles, and Images in Oyle,* 1.10 [ 50] and other pretie things) all of them setting feare apart, and other respects, came to visit the Fa∣thers in great estate, because they were the greatest Mandarines of all China, but with much hu∣manitie, respect and courtesie, with Presents of things to eate, and Banquets as they vse with their equals. They were so well pleased with all that they saw and heard, that all of them be∣came their great Friends and Patrones: and gaue so good report of them, that all men sought to doe the like: and for continuance of their amity they came oftentimes to visit them, and often∣times inuited them to their Palaces: and with this fame and honour of the grauest sort of people, all the rest of the inferiour and baser sort vsed them with much reuerence, no man daring to doe,* 1.11 or say vnto them any discourteous thing.

[ 60] This was the state of things when it pleased God to choose me for this Mission, and when I entred into it we had three Residences, one in the Prouince of Canton, another in the Prouince of Quianci, which is somewhat more within the Land, another in the Citie of Nanquin, which is in the midst of the Kingdome, and three hundred leagues from Macao. I entred secretly, as all the rest did (I say without particular Licence of any Mandarin.) But my secrecie continued

but a while, as hereafter I will declare. I came at the first, without staying in any other House, to Nanquin, where three Fathers of vs were foure moneths; Father Matthew Riccio our Supe∣riour,* 1.12 Father Lazarus Catanio, and my selfe, and a Brother a Chinois, one of the two which are receiued into this Mission, and euery thing goeth well. But as in matter of strangers the Chinois are exceeding scrupulous, more then your Worship can beleeue, so there were many which spake of our abiding in Nanquin, considering that now wee had three Houses in China. Wee beganne with much more earnestnesse to procure another better foundation, and to returne to Paquin more openly, and seeke accesse vnto the King. And because in Nanquin there bee Mandarines to whom this belongeth, and some of them were our Friends, wee beganne to speake of this point.

But it was not needfull to spend many words; for straight way we met with a Mandarin, to [ 10] whom by right this matter appertayned,* 1.13 who frankly and freely offered vs Patents, Dispatches, and whatsoeuer was needfull to accomplish this businesse.

The promises of this Mandarin were not vaine: for when the time came that the Riuer was vnfrozen, (which all the Winter is frozen ouer) and Barkes began to goe for Paquin, he perfor∣med his word faithfully,* 1.14 giuing vs Patents and Passe-ports needfull for the money; and besides, hee sent vs a Barke of the Kings to carry our Present and our owne things. Beeing glad of these good newes and dispatch, we consulted how we should deale in certayne things which of∣fered themselues in this businesse, and who should goe: There was no question but Father Mat∣thew Riccio should be one, but who should be his companion: for whom they choose me, and the [ 20] Brother.* 1.15 We set our things in order, particularly those which were of the Kings Present, Which were two Clockes with Wheeles, one great one of Iron, in a very great Case made faire with a thousand ingraued workes, full of gilded Dragons, which are the Armes and Ensignes of this King, as the Eagle is the Emperours: another little Clocke very faire, aboue an handfull high, all of golden Metall, of the best Worke which is made in our Countrey, which our Father Generall had sent vs for this purpose; which was set in a gilded Case, as the other was: and in both of them in stead of our Letters were grauen the Letters of China, and an hand that came forth did point at them. Besides these there were three I∣mages in Oyle, two great ones of an Ell high, and one little one. The greatest was the figures and por∣trature of Our Lady of the Poplar, of Saint Lucar: The second was of our Lady with the Babe Ie∣sus, and Saint Iohn: the third, was a Picture of Christ, which was the least; all of them were of excel∣lent [ 30] Worke. Besides this, there were certayne Looking-glasses; two Triangle-glasses (which though among vs they be of no account, yet are they esteemed here among them) adorned with Chaines of Sil∣uer, and set in an excellent Case of Iapon, which was of twentie times more value then the Glasses, to them that know what Glasses are. A Booke of The Theatre of the World, and a Breuiarie exceeding fairely bound, with an inscription, That that was the Doctrine of the True God, whose Images they did present him withall. A very faire Monocord, because it is an Instrument whereat the Chinois doe wonder much, and other pretie things of lesse importance.

All which things beeing set in order, and imbarqued, we tooke our leaue of the Christians of Nanquin, (which at our departure came to our House with a Banquet with great joy) and of the Mandarins our friends, which with great sorrow, and shewes of loue tooke their lea∣ues [ 40] of vs, and sent vs Presents for our Iourney, and many Letters of fauour to the great Man∣darins of Paquin.

We departed with this good dispatch from Nanquin in the yeare 1600. the twentieth day of May. And knowing not how the King, and the Mandarins of Paquin, and those of the Kings Court, would take this our Iourney, because wee were Strangers, wee sought to prepare our selues for that which might fall out: in great hope that we should find ayde eyther in all or in part to obtayne our desire, which we had for the establishment of our Company in this King∣dome, and to procure the opening of an entrance thereunto for the preaching of the holy Gospell.

We began to sayle vp a very great Riuer, whereof hereafter I will speake somewhat; and [ 50] when we had sayled certayne leagues, wee entred into another small Riuer made by hand aboue two hundred leagues, only to carry in Barges the Tribute which the Prouinces of the parts of Nanquin pay vnto the King, and other things which these Countries yeeld (which are the best, and most plentifull of all things which are in China) because it seemeth impossible to carry it by Land with Millions of people,* 1.16 being in Rice, Wheate, Siluer, and a thousand other things very great: And the Vessels which are employed about this businesse are so many, that without doubt it is no Hyperbole to say that from Nanquin to Paquin, which is three hundred leagues, all the Summer time it seemeth to be a path way of the Kings Barges. We were all aswell Mandarins as particular men very well intreated all the way, whither many Mandarins came out of the Villages and Cities, desiring to see the Present which wee carried, and our selues; bringing vs [ 60] many Presents for our Iourney. Hauing trauelled two hundred and thirty leagues in forty dayes,* 1.17 wee came to a very famous place and Mart Towne in China, which is in the Pro∣uince of Xantun, which is next vnto the Territories of Paquin, called Lincin. Where, be∣cause of the great Trafficke of Vessels and Merchants, which goe and come from the Court, who

pay to the King a very great tribute, he hath placed one of his chiefest Eunuchs, which serueth to gather vp his Customes: which liued there in great estate, and much attendance. Whenso∣euer he goeth abroad he is alwaies carried in a Chaire, vpon eight mens shoulders,* 1.18 which is a very great honour in China, with great store of Horsemen before and behind, with certaine Ba∣sons of Copper, which make a great sound when they bee playd vpon, to signifie to the people that he commeth that way, that all may goe out of the way; as the custome is with all the great Mandarines in the Cities of their iurisdiction. Which Eunuch vnderstanding of vs, and of the things which wee brought for the King, and of many other things which they put in his head that wee brought, to wit, precious stones, and others of that kind: hee sent vs word, that hee knew what we had brought for the King, and that he desired much to see it, and that the same [ 10] day or the next he would come, praying vs that we would make it ready.

He came at the appointed time, and hauing seene the things which wee brought for the King, and making account of them to be precious, and that the King would greatly delight in them, he sought meanes to cause them to be presented to the King by all meanes, as things that he had dealt with vs to bring, to please him, and thereby to obtayne some sute for himselfe: and be∣sides this, with desire and hope that wee would giue him some precious stones (whereof the Chinois are very greedy) he determined wholly to meddle in this businesse. Hee sent vs a Pre∣sent of things to eate, and a very courteous message, that wee should passe in one of his Barges, that shortly he would send vs to Paquin, with Souldiers of his house, a Petition made with his owne hand to the king; that we should consult together, and bethinke our selues what we desi∣red [ 20] to obtayne of the King, whether it were to bee Mandarines, or to haue lands or houses, or all together, because there should be no difficulty in any thing. The message came with all this courtesie. And we made answer with the like, returning him a Present for his answer with ge∣nerall words. For though hee came with so great offers, yet wee knew that these Eunuchs,* 1.19 for the most part, are base and couetous people.

It happened at this time that the chiefest Mandarine of this Citie, which was our great friend was come from Nanquin, from whence they had fetched him for that Office. Wee determined that Father Matthew Riccio should visite him with a small Present, according to the vse of the Countrey, to relate vnto him this businesse, and to aske his counsell what wee were best to doe. Hee receiued the Father with much courtesie and loue, and kept him two dayes in his house: [ 30] which, after he had heard the whole matter, answered, that he was very sorrie that we had met with this Eunuch, because we could looke for no goodnesse of his basenesse, couetousnesse, and bad meanes of proceeding; and that he could performe nothing that he had promised, and that his intent was nothing but couetousnesse; that hee would aduise vs to take as little as we could of him: but for all this, that wee should not refuse that which hee offered, but rather to make a vertue of necessitie, and to thanke him with a very good continuance for that which hee pro∣mised, because we were in his power, and he might and would hinder our passage, if wee did not so, and take away our Present from vs, and giue it himselfe with his owne hand to the King,* 1.20 without making any account of vs, without controlment of any man, because he was not subiect to any Mandarine.

[ 40] This seemed vnto vs to be very sound counsell, and a forcible enducement to follow it. So we followed the same, and applied our selues vnto him in euery thing, answering the Eunuch ac∣cording to his desire, and passed in a Barke of his. He desired much forthwith to carrie the Kings Present to his house, saying, that he would trimme them to giue them to the King, and this we courteously denyed him, saying, that we durst not depart with them till we had deliuered them to the King, neither that it seemed reasonable, that when wee did giue them, another should trimme them; especially, that these pieces were not such as had need of more trimming, since in themselues they were so precious: with which answer hee seemed to remayne satisfied. At the first he made vs great banquets, sport, and cheere: but as in very deed his purpose was no∣thing but to doe himselfe good, and to looke for his owne profit, and not for ours, hee beganne [ 50] quickly to discouer himselfe: for hee stayed certaine dayes,* 1.21 looking that wee should giue him some precious stones, which some body had told him that we had brought with vs to please him, for some things that they looked for at his hands▪ and when he saw the dayes were passed, with∣in which he thought we would haue giuen him them, he began to be out of hope, and to grow cold in our entertaynment: yet for all this, he came to visite vs with great pompe at our em∣barking:* 1.22 and after fifteene dayes he dispatched vs for our iourney to Paquin with men of his owne house, and with a Petition to the King, signifying vnto him how hee had met vs on, the way, and what our intent was, and what things we brought.

Wee were very honourably entertayned in his iourney, and in all the Townes and Cities of [ 60] his Iurisdiction whereby we passed, he commanded them to giue vs without delay refreshing of Flesh-meate, Fish, much Fruit, and Wine. Wee trauelled eight dayes, and came to the last place of his Iurisdiction: which is three dayes iourney from the Court of the King. We stayed there with company that did waite vpon vs, watching day and night about the Barke with their Centinels and Bells, as they are wont to doe with the great Mandarines, and especially because

there were there things belonging to the King, and the rest of the seruants of the Eunuch went to Paquin, to deliuer the Petition to the King, and to know his pleasure. They deliuered the Pe∣tition, and we looked for an answer thereof within three or foure dayes, as he had told vs. But God had disposed otherwise for the exercise of our patience and hope in him: and that was, that the King made no answer as we looked for: whereupon he was somewhat ashamed of the great brags that he had made to vs without performance of any thing: and hee and wee were all in suspense, when we saw the King returned no answer, which is wont to bee a token that he liketh not the Petition that is made vnto him.* 1.23

Fifteene dayes after wee arriued in this place, the Eunuch came thither; to send from thence to the King a third part of the tribute which he had gathered. He came accompanied with great [ 10] store of Vessels, and that wherein he was, was such, as assuredly your Worship hath not seene the like in all your life.* 1.24 The forme is very much different from ours: for it is like vnto an high House, wholly diuided into chambers and halls very high, full of carued workes round about, with hangings of Silke, of many figures, and round about full of galleries to walke vp and downe without being driuen to enter in.* 1.25 And on the outside it was all couered ouer with a kind of Oyle like Varnish, which runneth out of certaine trees, which they make with tempering of all sorts of colours,* 1.26 (whereof in Iapon and here there is great abundance) and the Portugals call it Charan; it is a very faire, shining▪ and durable thing: and the things that are coloured with it, doe shine like Glasses, if it be of the finest: and besides, though it be not costly, yet it is as faire and fairer, because it is more naturall, and very neate and fine, wherewith they paint diuers fi∣gures,* 1.27 [ 20] trees, and flowers; and if it be of the right, it doth not decay, and loseth no whit of his lustre. Herewith was the Barge trimmed without, with diuers figures painted on the hull of the Barge: from the hull vpward the windowes and the walls of the Halls and Chambers was full of carued workes, knots, and carued flowers, some gilded, others of diuers colours, agreeable to their natures, which made a very pleasant shew: within it was of the same worke with more excellency, and the most part was gilded, and the floore of boords was painted with very shi∣ning Charan or Oyle. It was as long as a good Gallie, little more or lesse, and somewhat broa∣der,* 1.28 but farre higher, and in such sort, that when wind fayleth they vse very great Oares after the manner of China, which serue, and are managed as Fishes vse their tayle to swimme. And because they bee of this fashion they vse them with much facilitie in euery Vessell how high so∣euer [ 30] it be. This was the fashion of the Vessell wherein the Eunuch came with much Musike of Trumpets, Drummes, and Fifes, and other Instruments which I omit for breuities sake.

* 1.29When he was come to this place, seeing the King sent no answere to his first petition, he sent another to put him in remembrance, and to solicite an answere to the first: wherein hee answe∣red nothing to this point, although he answered to other things. And though it bee true, that sometimes the King maketh no answer, through forgetfulnesse and confusion, because the peti∣tions be infinite which are daily giuen him from all the Kingdome: yet most ordinarily when he giueth no answer it serueth for an answer, either that hee will not doe, or liketh not of that suit that is made vnto him. And therefore because there came no answer, the Eunuch was much grieued that he had meddled in this matter,* 1.30 out of which he could not withdraw his hand be∣cause [ 40] he had giuen a Petition to the King, vntill he had seene some answer of his, fearing some damage, or displeasure of the King, that hereof might ensue: and hereupon hee beganne to estrange himselfe from vs, and sought not to see vs, not to haue to doe with vs, and sent sixe men alwaies to stay in our Barge, vnder colour to serue vs, but in very truth to watch vs day and night.

* 1.31In this suspence wee continued three moneths in the extreme heate in a Barge, not knowing what would become of vs. At the end thereof newes was brought vs, that the King had sent to the Eunuch, that he should see what things they were (for vntill then he had not written to him but in generall) and signifie it vnto him, and if he thought them worthie, he should send him a Petition touching that matter. Wee were somwhat more ioyfull with this message, which [ 50] was so indeed. And Father Matthew Riccio went to the Eunuchs lodging to receiue the Kings answer, with such ceremonies and reuerences as they are wont to receiue the messages that come from the King. And to put this commandement in execution, he came to our Barge accompa∣nied with many inferiour Mandarines, as witnesses, and in the Kings name hee tooke all these things into his hands: which he sent vnto his house. There he fell to reason with vs, perswa∣ding vs that wee should conceale none of the precious things that wee had brought (whereof his minde did so greatly runne) because the King would be greatly displeased, if hee knew that wee had any good things and would not giue them him. Wee told him plainely the truth, put∣ting him in plaine words out of that imagination which we knew he had conceiued. And after many complements on both parts he returned to his lodging. [ 60]

He wrote to the King what things they were which we had brought, looking that he would straight haue sent for them. But it fell out as it did at the first, that he returned no answer, and the cause thereof seemed to be, that they were things that he made none account of. Wee were now the second time in like case as wee were at the first, not being able to goe backe nor for∣ward:

for they would not suffer vs to goe to Paquin, nor to returne backe. The Eunuch being readie to returne to the Citie of Lincin, where we first met him,* 1.32 hauing need of the Barge where∣in wee were, commanded vs to bee remoued vnto an house in the Citie, there to stay vntill some message came from the King, either good or bad. We remoued with great pleasure, for the desire that we had to say Masse, whereof wee were depriued many moneths.* 1.33 After we were come on shoare, we set vp our Altar whereon we said Masse euery day, preparing our selues for that which might betide vs.

This Eunuch could not bee disswaded from that which couetousnesse had perswaded him,* 1.34 to wit, that we had brought some precious thing with vs. And seeing it seemed vnto him that he could not get vs by another way, to giue that which hee desired, and wee had not; hee became [ 10] shamelesse, and two dayes before his departure, he came with a great companie to our house, as though it had beene to visite vs in friendship, we thinking nothing of any such thing: and when he was come in he began to speake vnto vs, and put vs in great feare, asking vs, how wee durst come so farre into the Kingdome without leaue of the King? and that other Eunuchs had ad∣uertised him from the Court, that wee had many other things, and that wee would not shew them, nor giue them to the King. While he was thus talking and dealing, hee commanded his men to seize vpon all our stuffe, which we had in foure or fiue Hampers, and to lay them all out vpon a banke, which with great celeritie aboue an hundred Officers which came with him per∣formed, and in two words, they vndid and opened all, and with his owne hands he opened as many papers as he found, to seeke that which he desired:* 1.35 and seeing he could finde nothing that [ 20] hee looked for, he tooke that which hee found, which was an Image of our Ladie, being one of the two small ones which wee had reserued, that which hee left was better without compari∣son, and very excellent, on which also hee had cast his eye: hee tooke also certaine Glasses, and other small things, of small importance, because there were no better:* 1.36 but that which grieued vs much was, that he tooke from vs a Crosse of very good and great Reliques, and a Case of Re∣liques likewise, and the Chalice wherein we said Masse,* 1.37 which because it was of Siluer and gilt (which that yeere they had sent vs of Almes from Maaco) did please him; and when we pray∣ed him not to touch it, because it was a thing consecrated to God, which the Kings of our Coun∣trey durst not presume to touch, hee made a iest of it; and the more it was told him that hee should not touch it, hee handled it the more with scorne, saying, that though wee told him he [ 30] might not touch it, yet we saw he held it in his hands without any difficulty or danger.

By the intercession of a Mandarine that fauoured vs, he gaue vs the Chalice againe; but wee could neuer get the Reliques againe out of his fingers, as wee desired, for of all things else hee would depart with none.

As he and those that ayded him so willingly were searching with much curiositie, and euery one catched what he could, because all things lay tumbled on the ground: at last they met with a Case wherein was a carued Crucifixe, which was mine.* 1.38 He began to looke vpon our Lord Ie∣sus Christ being bloudy and wounded, being a very faire and pleasant sight to our eyes and heart, but very strange, foule and offensiue to his sight. He vsed certaine gestures not saying any word, [ 40] vntill he was astonished, and turned his head, and asked what it was? Wee told him, that that was the true God which made Heauen and Earth, whom all the World ought to worship, who died for our sinnes, and to giue vs life, and afterward rose againe by his owne power, and ascen∣ded into Heauen. He would not heare many reasons; for it seemed vnto him that we were de∣ceiued in worshipping a God that in his eyes was dead: againe, he looked wistly vpon it; and the finall conclusion that hee made was, that that which hee suspected was true,* 1.39 that wee were very lewde fellowes, because wee had the shape of a man misused with so great inhumani∣tie, nayled on a Crosse, and all besprinkled with blood, as that was, and that it was nothing else but some witchcraft to kill the King; And though in this second point hee was deceiued; yet in the first he had great reason, though hee knew not wherefore, since our sinnes and euill deeds made Christ to be vsed on that sort.

[ 50] That which the Eunuch said in our house, he vttered also abroad: in so much that certaine graue Mandarines which fauoured vs, retired themselues from vs, and sent vs word, that from henceforth wee should leaue that crucifixed man, and that seeing now wee remayned in China, we should wholly conforme our selues vnto them, for as long as we kept it they durst not speake in fauour of vs, because the report went that it was a deuice to kill the King. But our China Boy which was a Christian before he brought vs the message, answered before the Mandarine, saying, That this was the true God: wherefore not onely wee, but himselfe that was a Chinois would rather die then denye him one jot: whereat the Mandarine was amazed,* 1.40 seeing him speake resolutely of dying; a thing so much abhorred of the Chinois, euen to speake of it: and so he sent vs a moderate message, bidding vs to hide that Figure, that no bodie should see it, for [ 60] the report that went of it. The Eunuch gaue out many threatnings against vs, saying, that whether the King receiued the Present, or not, the least displeasure that hee would doe vs was, to thrust vs out of the Kingdome, as wicked fellowes, writing a Petition to the King against vs, Besides this we remayned thrust into an exceeding bad and naughty house in the greatest force

of the Winter,* 1.41 alwaies with many Souldiers within and without doores, the gates being shut with hanging Lockes, without suffering our Boy to goe forth to buy any thing, without two Souldiers to goe with him. In which kinde of liuing (though still with some remission of the rigour that we were kept in at the first) wee continued aboue two moneths and an halfe with∣out any kinde of comfort or rest at any time of the day to say Masse.* 1.42

At the end of which time, the Eunuch returned to the same place. Wee verily thought that our comming out of that place should not be such as it was, at the least we thought we should be thrust into a perpetuall Trunke or Prison, or in some worse place, as the fame went, and the good will which the Eunuch shewed vs.

[ 10]

§. II. The King sends for them, is delighted with their Clockes and Pictures; they are shut vp, after take a house, are admired for learning; Christianitie of China.

AS the cause of our trouble was the Kings not dispatching of our businesse, and our con∣ceiuing that hee misliked of our comming, so all was ended by his remembring by chance to aske where the strangers were, which certaine moneths past they had told him had brought him certaine Images, and certaine small Bells which strike of them∣selues [ 20] (for so they call Clocks) and wherefore they brought him not those things,* 1.43 and that they should fetch them quickly; and he gaue the charge of dispatching our businesse to a great Man∣darin of Paquin, to whom it belongeth to deale with Strangers.

These newes were brought to the Eunuch and vs, who for the executing of the Kings com∣mandement (whose Letter they obey without reply) sent vs word that wee must goe to Paquin, because the King sent for vs, and sent vs eft-soones all the Pieces which hee had in his possession, and the most part of those things which he had taken from vs, that wee our selues should put them in order, that they should receiue no hurt by the way, and gaue vs many men to carrie all our stuffe on their shoulders,* 1.44 and Horses for all our companie, and a Mandarin to accompanie vs. Wee were lodged all the way in the Palaces of the Mandarins very honourably. Hauing trauel∣led [ 30] foure dayes, we came to the walls of Paquin, and they lodged vs in an house without the walls.* 1.45 And because the King had referred the businesse to the Mandarin, which I spoke of, the Eunuch feared that hee should lose the thankes, which he thought to receiue of the King for that present, if another Mandarin should meddle with it. That day hee caused all things to be made readie of the Petition and remembrance, which therewithall he was to giue vnto the King, and earely in the morning with other things and much Siluer of the reuenues which he presented, being all guarded with many Horse-men and Foot-men, hee carryed it to the Kings Palaces. Who hauing the memoriall deliuered vnto him,* 1.46 commanded his men to receiue all things. They receiued the same: and when hee had seene all those strange things, the like whereof, or of so great excellencie, he had neuer seene before; they say that he rejoyced greatly, considering and [ 40] viewing all things a very long while,* 1.47 with great shew of admiration, especially of the Pictures and Clockes. Hee commanded them to bring vs to his Palaces, and to enquire of vs what kinde of thing those Clockes were, and what thing was needfull, for to haue them to goe well. Wee answered to the point. And from the place where we were on horsebacke, by poste on two Hor∣ses which we mounted,* 1.48 and with the like speed we came to the Court. At the same of our com∣ming, and for to see vs an infinite multitude of people assembled, (because Strangers are no ordinarie thing in China:) and when wee came to the Court, those which had the charge of vs, were enforced to make roome with staues. When we were come to a certayne place, a great Eunuch accompanied with aboue two hundred small ones, came downe to demand of [ 50] vs what the King commanded him, and to see how wee did handle those Clockes: They saw how we vsed them; but wee answered to the question, that it was needfull to ap∣point some bodie of good capacitie to learne, which in two or three dayes would learne how to vse them.

When they had returned the answer, the King appointed foure Eunuches of his principall Mathematicians,* 1.49 to learne it, and command them to receiue vs in the meane while in his house with••n his owne Palace. They receiued vs with much respect and good ente••taynment. A great multitude of Eunuches came to see vs, and euery one to enquire what came in his minde. But the King, which all those dayes was occupied in rejoycing for those new things, commanded the Images to bee placed in a principall Hall,* 1.50 whether, as the Eunuches told vs, the chiefe Queene [ 60] went to doe them reuerence: and they told vs of the King, that hee durst not keepe them neere him, being afrayd, because they seemed vnto him to bee aliue. Often times he sent Eunuches vnto vs,* 1.51 to enquire diuers things concerning our Countrey, whether it had any King, what man∣ner of Apparell he wore, and what kinde of Hat? (for in China they make great difference of

the apparell of the King, from the foot to the head, and of other men) and if wee had any Pi∣cture of him that we should shew it. We had a picture wherein was the Pope with his triple Crowne, and the Emperour, and the King with their Ensignes, kneeling before the name of God, and we gaue them it for a show, declaring that those were three kinde of Kings, and that all of them did worship the true God, which made Heauen and Earth, whose Image we had gi∣uen him. They carryed it vnto him, and because it seemed to bee small,* 1.52 he commanded them to draw another greater, in colours by it.

Afterward hee sent another to demand questions of the things of our Countrey, particularly of the Kings Houses. Wee had a Map of the Escuriall, newly cut in Copper, and a picture of the [ 10] Place of Saint Marke in Venice, both which wee gaue them.* 1.53 Though we suspect that they de∣liuered but the second, saying, that they durst not giue the other,* 1.54 because straight in haste hee would command them to paint them great, and there was none that durst take it vpon him, though wee know not whither they deliuered it afterward. Hee willed them further to en∣quire; after what manner wee buryed our Kings:* 1.55 because in the matter of Burials and Sepul∣chers, the Chinois are great South-sayers, and put a great part of their felicitie in a good manner and place of their Burials. At that time wee receiued a Map of the Death of his Majestie,* 1.56 (who liueth with God in glorie) and of the manner of his Funerall, and so we answered him, as it was in the Map, to wit, that they made him a Coffin within of Lead (which continueth long) and without of excellent Wood, and put these coffins in a Sepulcher of stone, and for this purpose, [ 20] there was a Church builded of purpose. They enquired many things of vs of this kinde these few dayes, where vnto wee answered, aduancing the things that belonged to the seruice of our Lord God, as much as we might, and concerned our Europe, as farre as the truth would permit vs, because that we deemed it to bee conuenient for the seruice of our Lord. They told the King so many things, that it seemed hee greatly desired to see vs: But on the other part,* 1.57 he thought it would bee too great a courtesie, and much beyond his custome, who neuer suffereth himselfe to be seene of his owne people, but of his Eunuchs, and Wiues that serue him, and somtime very sel∣dome of some one of the greatest Mandarins: yet, though he would not suffer himselfe altogether to bee ouercome of this temptation, yet he suffered himselfe in part, and hee sent to take our Pi∣ctures: which two Painters did, each of them by themselues as well as they could. Yet in truth [ 30] I neither knew my selfe nor my companion in that picture, but as it was they carryed it away.* 1.58 It was not after such figure and manner, as your Worship hath knowne mee, but with a Beard an handfull long, and a garment of a Learned honourable Chinois, though downe to the foote, and very modest: but from the head to the foot farre differing from our fashion.

After the Eunuches had beene instructed three dayes, the King in haste sent for the Clockes, which they carryed, and set in order before him; whereat hee tooke such pleasure,* 1.59 that he in∣creased their Dignitie, aduancing those foure which had learned this skill, to a greater place of their Order. The King asked them many questions of vs, what wee did eate, and how much, and many other trifles. Whereunto the Eunuches answered (as they told vs afterward) as wee could desire.

[ 40] They gaue vs all the welcomes of humanitie which the King did shew vs, appointing vs all to bee Mandarins (which is the reward and felicitie of the Chinois) which wee alwayes refu∣sed, saying, that we came not for that purpose, but onely to dilate the Law of God,* 1.60 neither could wee take that office vpon vs: But we were so neere to bee made Mandarins, that they told vs the King would bestow Dignitie vpon vs, that wee were enforced to beseech the Eunuches, that when occasion was offered, that his Majestie did aske them any thing, they would tell him plainely that we sought no kinde of Dignitie, nor could become Mandarins: who told him so much; whereby our Lord God deliuered vs out of much trouble, which wee should haue endu∣red in refusing the same, if the King had bestowed it vpon vs. Wee continued in these demands, questions and answers, goings and commings to the Kings Court: for now we had liued a whole [ 50] moneth abroad: in which time euery day I at least was there, when wee could not goe both, because Father Matthew Riccio was occupied with other Ghests and visitations. They enqui∣red and asked vs, what we would demand of the King? Wee told them,* 1.61 that we sought no profit at all; but if the King would giue vs vnder his hand, some certayne place and a House to dwell in, we would bee very glad; because wee had none other intent, but to stay in some cer∣tayne place, and to seeke to dilate the Law of God. For though it bee true, that our purpose did stretch it selfe further (as I haue sayd in the beginnning) yet wee found things in so different a disposition from that which we imagined, that it seemed an exceeding great errour, to make a∣ny motion to giue an entrance for more companie and Fathers: for it was certayne that we should doe no good, nor should finde any, which by any meanes durst presume to mooue it to the [ 60] King, and assuredly should lose all that we had done, and at last should cast our selues wholly out of the Kingdome: and therefore it was not conuenient that we should bee knowne, that we had any companions. And many of our friends gaue vs counsell, that wee should not seeme to seeke to dwell heere; for in that very point, they would haue vs in suspition. Yet neuer∣thelesse, we went as farre as we could, and as we thought might bee brought to passe, which

was, that we might haue the Kings license, that no Mandarin might (if hee would) cast vs out.

The Mandarin, to whom the King at the first had referred our businesse, seeing the Eunuch had wholly medled in the same without him, being much offended therewith, did frowne alto∣gether vpon vs, and made a warrant out, to take vs wheresoeuer they found vs, vttering certayne grieuous words against vs,* 1.62 because that being Strangers, and remayning in the Court, wee pre∣sented not our selues vnto him, to whom of right belonged all the businesse of Strangers. They were at the lodging where wee lay, and they shut vp our Boyes; for they neuer durst offer any discourtesie to Father Matthew Riccio, (which at that time was there.) At that time I was at the Kings Court, whither they sought to send me word to speake with the Eunuches, and that they, if they could, should aduertise the King thereof, that they had apprehended vs. But they [ 10] hindred with exceeding great care and diligence the going foorth of any bodie, and they stayed for me till I came home, (which came home thinking no harme at all) and when I was come in, they shut the doore without.

Wee rode the next day very honourably on Horsebacke to the audience of the Mandarin, and signified vnto him,* 1.63 that in that we did not present our selues, was not our fault; hee vsed vs w••ll, and honourably; but they put vs in an house with a Guard, where wee continued some three moneths, yet so that certayne Mandarins came to see vs. This Mandarin gaue the King a remembrance that hee held vs there:* 1.64 But that as our purpose was good to serue him with that pre∣sent, it was reason to giue vs some reward, setting downe that it would doe well to giue vs the Ensignes of the Mandarins, and to pay vs for that which wee had giuen him Royally; but that it was fit to send [ 20] vs away speedily into our Countrey, or to Canton (where vntill then wee had dwelt:) for it seemed not well, that Strangers should dwell and that in the Kings Court, entring into the Palace of the King eue∣rie day, being a thing so vnusuall. And in very deed hee had reason: for to suffer vs to enter into the Palace, or to stay and lye there, they did vs such a fauour, that of long time the King of Chi∣na hath neuer done to any Stranger. Wee feared some trouble by this Petition. But our Lord which had giuen vs this bitter morsell, afterwards made it sweet to vs againe, because the King made none account of it. And albeit diuers times afterward, the said Mandarin deliuered foure Petitions concerning this point, hee made as small account of the last as of the first. And diuers times the Eunuches told vs, that the Kings meaning was of all likelihood, that wee should stay heere,* 1.65 For feare lest wee should returne into our Countrey, to giue newes and knowledge of his King∣dome; as they delt with a Turke, which hath beene heere aboue fortie yeeres. True it is, that hee [ 30] answered as little, in performing nothing that was in the Petition: But wee tooke it for good satisfaction, that hee did not yeeld to that, that we might not lose the other thing, which was the principall.

When three moneths almost were spent, seeing the businesse would bee prolonged if wee at∣tended the Kings answer, and being shut vp we could doe nothing, nor negotiate any thing that we intended, nor deale in Gods matters, as we desired; wee sought to get out of this place, and to get a license to take a House,* 1.66 and there to stay wayting till the King would giue some order: and wee handled the matter so well, by meanes of certaine Mandarins which fauoured vs, and principally by the grace of our Lord, that wee obtained our whole desire: And we tooke an [ 40] house in the chiefe situation of this Citie: all that which they gaue vs at the Kings cost in that place, which was sufficient for our sustentation, after wee were gotten out they gaue vs the same allowance in like manner.

Many Mandarins of this Court, heard great fame of vs and of our things: and vnderstanding that we were come out of that place,* 1.67 b••gan to come in great numbers and concourse with much honour and respect, courtesie and presents to visite vs, and to enquire diuers things which they desired to know. For the fame that went of vs, that wee knew all Countries, and the things and customes of the World, and the materiall and spirituall things of Heauen, was great: and therefore euery one came to enquire that which hee desired.* 1.68 And though our knowledge be but little, in comparison of the knowledge which is in our Countrey: yet being compared with [ 50] theirs of China, which knoweth nothing of the world, saue their owne Kingdome, which by a common name thy call, The World: of God, and of the things of Heauen nothing, and of other things little, it was somewhat, and was sufficient to send them home amazed, and alwayes with a desire to returne.

* 1.69They saw a very faire and great Map of the world which wee brought with vs, and we shew∣ed them how bigge the world was, which they thought to bee so little, that they imagined that there was not so much more in all the same, as their Kingdome: And they looked one vpon ano∣ther,* 1.70 and sayd, wee are not so great as we imagined, seeing heere they shew vs, that our King∣dome, compared with the world, is like a grayne of Rice, in comparison of a great heape. They also thought, that there was no other Writing, nor no other Bookes in the world but theirs: [ 60] and when they saw ours, which at the least they saw in outward appearance, to bee much better then their owne, they were astonied, and put out of their errour, doing vs alwayes more and more honour: and chiefly they were astonied, when wee shewed vnto them certayne things in the Mathematickes which they knew not,* 1.71 giuing Clockes to certayne persons, which for this

end we made of purpose: and by these and other meanes, and principally by discoursing with them of Morall vertues, (whereof they write, speake▪ and haue many Bookes) and of Gods mat∣ters, there ranne so great a fame,* 1.72 that the greatest Mandarins of all this Kingdome (which are the greatest persons ne••t the King) sought to conuerse with vs, and to seeke our friendship: and so many sent vs presents, and others came to visite vs, with great numbers of people: others with much courtesie inuited vs to their houses: so that in foure moneths space, wee had gotten the greatest Mandarins of Pequin to be our friends, and readie to fauour vs is all things:* 1.73 And he which at this time particularly doth fauour and honour vs, i•• the President of that Audience▪ which hath the charge of vs, and at the first approoued vs: so that wee remayne Inhabitors of [ 10] this Citie, with all libertie that wee can desire, to deale with all such as are willing to heare the things that belong to our holy Law, and their saluation. And by this good successe, our Lord hath made vs forget all that is past. And though it bee true, that hitherto wee haue gotten no dispatch, nor resolution of the King, yet wee content our selues in that hee letteth vs stay heere, although he neuer grant vs more. For albeit by this our Iourney, we haue not obtayned all that wee desired, yet we hope that this our firme abode heere, shall tend greatly to the seruice of our Lord, and the good of this Mission.

They bee commonly of good vnderstandings, so that easily they fall into reason, and are capa∣ble: they haue not in the gouernment of this Kingdome,* 1.74 any thing that forbiddeth them to fol∣low what Law they list, nor any Law nor Obligation, which is contrarie to our holy Law. [ 20] They haue none which effectually and with authoritie doth exhort them vnto other Lawes, and with-draw them from the truth.* 1.75 For the Bonzi (which are dedicated for this purpose to Idols) are in the common conceit of all men, the most base, contemptible, and worst people in all Chi∣na, whose least care is, to exhort them to any thing more then to giue them somewhat: and thus they doe not onely not exhort them to follow Idols, but also with their bad manner of li∣uing, perswade them (as wee haue often heard of men of good iudgement) that it is not good to serue them, since their Ministers bee such. And so in this matter of worshipping of Idols, though there be many that worship them, and haue many of them, and vse their Ministers for their Funerals, and other things, yet with very small affection, and deuotion thereunto, we ea∣sily make them say that they are naught, and that it is not fit to worship them.

Yet, though these things and others which I 〈◊〉〈◊〉, doe helpe them with ease to follow the [ 30] Law of God, the counterpois is great, and commonly it weigheth downe the ballance on that side. For first because the matter of Strangers is so odious in China, and the dealing with them so suspicious, one sort because they disdayne it, as the Princes, who albeit they now conceiue bet∣ter of vs, yet to learne of Strangers, and to receiue a Law which is not of their owne meanes, they hardly perswade themselues: others for feare, as the base people.

The second difficultie, and perhaps the greatest, i•• a naturall obliuion, that all this Nation hath of another life, and of immortalitie, and of saluation or condemnation of the Soule:* 1.76 and not onely an obliuion, but also an auersion from all these things, wherein wee haue likewise found them to differ from all other Nations. And it is a thing to be noted, that since it is a thing [ 40] so naturall to Man to reuerence some God, either false or true, and to feare or loue him, and to conceiue or imagine what shall follow after this life: Those Chinois, (which on the other side are of so good capacities in humane things, and so wittie therein) bee as though they were de∣priued thereof; for they are almost all Atheists, not knowing nor worshipping neither false nor true God, nor neuer thinking what shall follow after this life:* 1.77 And those which a man would thinke are most bound hereunto, which are the Learned men, are they, which haue least know∣ledge hereof: yea, rather one of the chiefest things that they commend, is, not to beleeue any thing that concerneth another life, Hell, nor Paradise, which they wholly place in this life. The Bookes which they studie from their Child-hood, doe them much hurt,* 1.78 which are of certayne Philosophers aboue two thousand yeeres old, whom they esteeme little lesse, then if they were their God, to whom euery yeere they offer Sacrifices: of whom they hold so great an opinion, [ 50] that they thinke not that any thing more may bee knowne, then They knew. And oftentimes they haue asked vs, whether wee had not these Bookes in our Countrey? What other Bookes might we haue, that might compare with them? And as these Philosophers, as Gentiles, spake nothing of the other life, but onely of good Gouernment, and Morall vertues, they thought they might attayne so farre, without beleeuing that there could bee another life. By reason here∣of, and of the common vices which Paganisme draweth with it, which in this Countrey increase exceedingly, by reason of the fatnesse, abundance, and fruitfullnesse thereof, they feele great difficulties to vndergoe the yoke of Christ, (though it be so sweet) so contrarie to their appetite, which taketh from them the libertie which they haue, in keeping as many Wiues as they are a∣ble, and in a thousand other things.

[ 60] These later yeeres in the residencies of Canton, Nanquin, and heere in Paquin, were made some true Christians, which ouercame all these difficulties, and goe on forward with great integritie,* 1.79 constancie and feruour. In the Prouince of Canton, in a residencie which wee haue in Xaucheo, a principall Citie, haue beene Baptised within this two yeeres, about three hundred persons, which

according to the Letters which euen now wee receiued, doe all continue with great example and zeale. And the Mandarins and grauer sort of people, mooued by the good example which they giue, doe fauour them much: and especially, our Lord hath shewed many tokens of his fauour, in hauing shewed great plagues vpon such men, as persecuted them for becomming Christians. And aboue all, God hath shewed his ayde vpon the Women: who, besides the men, are very hard to bee wonne to receiue our holy Law,* 1.80 which is, the great priuatenesse which they vse, be∣cause it is not lawfull to see them, no not for their kinsfolkes. But as I say, herein the grace of our Lord God shewed it selfe very mightie, seeing it ouercame this difficultie, and so many of them were Baptised, after they had beene very well Catechised by the Fathers. On Sundayes and Holy-dayes, because they cannot come to Masse with the Men, yet at least in this beginning, [ 10] they meete in places appointed for that purpose,* 1.81 and there they Pray, and reason, and intreat of Diuine matters. The men for the exhortations that they make vnto them, haue dayes appoin∣ted of themselues, and with their owne consent, to conferre and repeate that which they haue told them: which going home they repeate to their Wiues and Daughters.

Euery day some bee Conuerted in Nanquin: graue and learned men doe enter. Heere in P••∣quin while wee haue beene heere, we haue Baptised some, and some great Mandarins come to heare. If our Lord doe helpe them, and shed his bloud vpon these Chinois, (as hee hath done in Iapon, and in other places) there will bee setled one of the most famous and learned foundations of Christianitie, that is in all the world. For the greatnesse of this Kingdome, their Lawes and Gouernment conformable to reason, their being so studious as they are, and giuen to Learning, [ 20] and to know so much as they know of Morall vertues, and their good capacities gentle, docile, and ingenious, and the great peace and quietnesse which they enioy, without hauing any bodie to trouble them with warre, promise much and giue great hope, that the v••ntage which they haue ouer other Nations lately discouered, in the gifts of Nature (being assisted by the grace of God) will helpe them in Gods matters.

And I assure your Worship, that if the doore were opened to Preach freely and to Baptise, I say not that the Fathers and Brethren of our Companie which might bee spared, but without a∣ny amplification at all, halfe the Religious men of all Europe, were needfull to attend so many Cities, Townes and places: and so infinite numbers of people as there are: albeit when Christi∣anitie is once begun indeed,* 1.82 there is such abundance of graue people and of much estimation, that [ 30] many of them might bee made Priests, Preachers, and Bishops, without feeling any want of those of Europe: since as now they bee Gentiles, and their hope goeth no further then to this life, there be many very great Mandarins▪ ••hose chiefe delight is to discourse of things concer∣ning Vertue,* 1.83 and oftentimes they meete together as it were in Fraternities to treate thereof; And the grauer sort doe make Orations, and Conferences together, perswading one another, and deliuering the meanes to gouerne well, and to follow vertue. And without doubt, the more wee see of this, and the more zeale in these Christians, so much the more our heart is rea∣die to burst to see them so destitute,* 1.84 and to haue so few meanes to obtayne necessarie remedie and helpe.

[ 40]

§. III. The description of the Kingdome of China: of Catay and Musk; the diuision into Prouinces; Cities and Townes described, Riuers, Shipping, Com∣modities, Diet, and feeding.

NOw by the helpe of our Lord I will say somewhat that I remember, touching the Cu∣stomes, Policie, and Gouernment of this Kingdome, but not in such order as were re∣quisite, [ 50] because I haue no leasure, and therefore I will onely write as things come vnto my minde, though things bee not lincked well together, because I cannot first write one Copie, and afterward dispose it in order, with such distinction as were needfull; reseruing that (as I sayd in the beginning) vntill our Lord grant me a better opportunitie.

This great Kingdome of China, is almost foure square, as the Chinois themselues describe the same:* 1.85 it runneth North and South from the Prouince of Canton, which is the most Southerly part of it, beginning seuenteene or eighteene degrees vnder the burnt Zone, vnto fotrie two de∣grees, which is the most Northerly part of it: it contayneth from Canton by water, aboue sixe hundred leagues: but in a right line it is foure hundred and fiftie, on the East it confineth with Corea, which ioyneth with the same, and with Iapon, and with the Ocean Sea, by which they [ 60] come from Peru, and Nucua Espana, to Manilla: On the West with certayne small Kingdomes, which lye betweene Bengala, the Lands of Mogor and Persian; On the South, with the Iles called Philippinas, and the Maluca••, and others, and more South-westerly, it hath Sion, Pegu, and other Kingdomes. On the North part, it hath those people which in our Countries wee

commonly call Tartars, with whom they haue alwayes had Warre, and once they wanne all the Kingdome from the Chinois.

For the Readers better satisfaction I haue here presented him Hondius his Map of China, not to shew it, but the erroneous-conceits which all European Geographers haue had of it: A more complete Map of China I shall present after, as by comparison will appeare.

[illustration] map of China

HONDIVS his Map of China.

CHINA

This Kingdome standeth in an excellent climate and situation; for besides the things which it hath in it selfe, it standeth very neere vnto India, and other Kingdomes, from whence com∣meth with great facilitie that which it desireth and wanteth. And before I passe any further, [ 50] because I haue spoken of the situation and heigth of China, I will note for their sakes which would bee glad to learne, and also it may serue to mend two notable errours,* 1.86 which our new∣est Maps haue. The one is, That they make China a third part bigger then it is, placing this Citie of Paquin in fifty degrees, being in very deed but in forty onely, as we saw, which twice tooke the heigth thereof with a very good Astrolabe: And the limits and end of this King∣dome, which are three dayes iourney or lesse distant from this City of Paquin, are at the most but two degrees more:* 1.87 And so those great walls so famous in our Europe are in two and forty de∣grees; and this is the greatest heigth of the Kingdome of China.

The second errour is, that our Maps make a Kingdome aboue China, which they call Catayo, whereas indeed it is none other but this selfe same Kingdome of China: and the Citie of Cam∣balu, [ 60] which they put for the head thereof, is this Citie of Paquin wherein wee are. Wee finde this here to be true very plainely by occasion of certaine newes which lately were spred ouer diuers parts by the way of Mogor, which gaue out many things, and great matters of Catayo, which seemed to be so peculiar and proper to this Kingdome of China, that they made vs doubt

that it was not a seuerall Kingdome. After wee were come to this Citie of Paquin wee met with two Cafilas or Carauans, one of Moores of certaine small Kingdomes bordering vpon China, another of Turkes with their Turbants of the Countries of Mog••r, and of the great Is∣mael Sophi, (for with this very name they call him) and of other parts▪ which had knowledge by fame of Spaine, Italie, Venice, India, and Portugall.

* 1.88These Turkes and Moores are wont to come hither euery fiue yeeres by Land, in the name of their King, to acknowledge and pay Tribute to the King of China: for which purpose they counterfeit certaine Letters, wherewith they easily deceiue the Chinois, which thinke and hold that all the Kings of the World doe acknowledge obedience vnto theirs. But the trueth is, that they come to vse their trafficke and merchandise, and therefore the Chinois admit them [ 10] willingly: howbeit many now doe know, that their paying of Tribute is a fayned thing: In which their trafficke they speed very well.* 1.89 For the King doth maintayne them very plentiful∣ly from the time that they come into his Kingdome, vntill their departure; and they tooke all their Chists of them, whereof this yeere they brought a thousand. The King tooke of them at an easie price a great part of the merchandise which they brought, and afterward hee gaue them rewards. The thing of greatest bulke of merchandise are a kinde of stones, which them∣selues call Iasper stones; which is white, yet somewhat duskish, so that it enclineth to grey (which seemeth to bee that Iasper which so often times in the holy Scriptures is called Pre∣cious stone.* 1.90) It commeth in pieces vnhewen, but whole like peeble stones; which stone for many ornaments the Chinois esteeme much; especially the King: and they buy euery pound [ 20] of the best at eightie Duckets: and of that which is worse, at fiftie or sixtie Duckets, whereby they gaine greatly. I haue seene these stones of other colours in our Countrey, but not of this which the Chinois esteeme.

When these men come to this Citie of Paquin, they put them into a great house, which there is for this purpose; (wherein wee were two moneths) and suffer them not to come forth. Wee asked these men certaine questions: and one was this of Catayo, enquiring of them, How they called this Kingdome of China in their Countrey? They answered, Catayo, and that in all the Countries of Mogor, Persia, and other parts, it had none other name, and that they knew none other Kingdome that was called so. Wee asked them how they called this Citie of Paquin? They said Cambalu, which, as I haue said, is that which our men set downe for the [ 30] head Citie of Catayo. Whereby it appeareth, that there can no doubt bee made, but that wee are heere resident in the Countrey which must bee Catayo, if there were no fault in the Maps; and wee know that there is no such Countrey, nor Cities, but a few contemptible Moores and Gentiles.

Wee vnderstood also of their x 1.91 Ciuet or Muske, whereof they brought some, which is, as it y 1.92 were the maw (or stomacke) of a Beast somewhat bigger then a Cat, which they kill to cut away this maw. They breed wilde in the field, and in a Countrey very neere to China, though not of this Kingdome. I had read when I departed out of Spaine, a Booke which is printed of the things of China, which writeth of this Ciuet, and of other things, which I haue seene with mine eyes: it reporteth many errours by halfe informations, which hee which [ 40] wrote it should haue beene better informed in, although in many things hee tell the trueth. They brought also great store of very good Rhubarbe,* 1.93 which heere wee bought of them of the choice, at ten Marauedis the pound: it is a wilde root like vnto Nauewes, whereof, they say, the fields are full. These men say, That there is a Sea of sand (which our Maps doe place in Arabia) neere vnto China, which diuideth it from Mogor, and other Kingdomes: And this should seeme to bee the cause, why these Kings, which heare great fame of this Kingdome, of the greatnesse thereof, and of the weakenesse of the people, doe not seeke to inuade the same, being not very farre off; because it would bee very difficult to passe ouer the same sandie Sea, with a great Armie.

* 1.94The Chinois diuide this Kingdome into thirteene Prouinces, and two Courts, which are, as [ 50] it were, two Prouinces. Euery one of them haue their Metropolitane Citie; and euery Citie her diuision of so many Townes.* 1.95 It is knowne very particularly by Chinish Bookes which are written of this argument, how many Cities, Townes, and places there are in all the Kingdome, how many houses euery one hath, and commonly what numbers of people, what euery Coun∣trey seuerally yeeldeth, and how much Tribute it payeth to the King, and many other things: but I doe not set it downe here: because I could not get those Bookes these few dayes past, to take a view thereof: At some other time, God granting mee life, I will doe it more at large. Onely I say in generall,* 1.96 that all the way which wee trauelled, wee met with so many Cities, Townes, and Villages, that to beleeue their greatnesse, it was necessarie to see them. For your Worship will hardly beleeue, that wee spent two or three houres in sayling still by the walls [ 60] of one Citie. After which there still followed many Townes and Villages, one within sight of another. And after this manner all this way continueth, euen to Paquin. Yea, the Vil∣lages are very great, and full of people, and of much trafficke. For though wee giue them this name (which among vs signifieth some small matter) The Chinois doe not distinguish

them by great or small, and so their Villages are bigger then others which wee call Townes.

All the Cities and Townes are very well enclosed with high walls. And because, as I said,* 1.97 I deferre this vntill another time, I will only speake of Nanquin, whereof I had some sight.

This Citie standeth in two and thirtie degrees and an halfe, eight or ten leagues from the Sea, vnto which it hath a mouth, and a mightie Riuer. It hath three walls of Bricke very high and faire, with very great and beautifull gates, which they shut vp very timely before night. This Citie, of old time, two hundred yeeres past, was the habitation of the Kings of China; and so it continueth in very good condition: The streets are very broad, and all paued with very great square stones, or set with brickes. It hath exceeding long streets of two leagues,* 1.98 and two leagues and an halfe, and in the middest of the Citie are the Kings Palaces,* 1.99 which are [ 10] very great.

The Chinois declare the circuit of this Citie,* 1.100 that two Horsemen going in the morning both out of the same gate, and one going on the one side, and the other on the other, going all the day they meet at night in the gate opposite to that which they went out at. The very truth is, that it is at least eleuen or twelue leagues in circuit, and seemeth to haue aboue two hundred thou∣sand houses of people. It seemed to all of vs that were there,* 1.101 that Nanquin and this Citie of Paquin, each of them haue as many people or more, then foure of the most famous and popu∣lous Cities of all our Europe, as Rome, Lisbon, and others of the greater sort. For whereas these two whereof I speake are in themselues so great Cities, not one nor two streets, but the grea∣ter part of the Citie euery day doth swarme with people.

[ 20] There are about this Citie many others within one or two dayes iourney,* 1.102 and very famous for greatnesse and trafficke; among which there are two, one named Hancheo, the other Sucheo; and this is very great and like to Venice, whose streets are halfe water and halfe land. The Chi∣nois call these Cities * 1.103 Paradise, to expresse the goodnesse, abundance, and cheapnesse of all things that are in this Kingdome, and come from other places. And Sucheo is so full of people, merchandise, and trafficke, that a Booke which is printed (wherein all things are set downe which the Prouinces and Cities pay to the King) saith,* 1.104 that this only payeth one yeere with another in Siluer, Gold, Rice, and Silke, and other things, wherewith it doth greatly abound, twelue millions: so that there be whole Prouinces that amount not to so much by a great deale: which though it seeme an incredible thing, yet they write it for a certaintie: and hee which [ 30] knoweth what these Cities are, will beleeue it.

Yet for all this, these Cities haue no notable things,* 1.105 neither sumptuous Temples nor buil∣dings, which are wont to be those things which doe beautifie a Citie: for the houses are not beautifull outwardly; nor they vse no great Porches, as they doe in our Countrey. And he that hath seene the things of our Countrey, and is skilfull in architecture, shal find it here very little. For the houses are low, and without galleries, lofts, windowes, or sight into the street; yet they haue faire yards, and are very neate within, and painted with diuers colours, with that Charan, or liquid Gumme, whereof I made mention before. And that which I speake of Nanquin tou∣ching the abundance of people, trafficke, and manner of houses, is after the same manner in the other Cities which we saw. For the Chinois are so like, and so vniforme in all naturall and arti∣ficiall [ 40] things, that he that hath seene one of the principall Cities,* 1.106 findeth no new thing to bee seene in the others. And albeit that other Cities are not comparable to these in bignesse, yet in multitude of people proportionally there is little difference.

This Kingdome is commonly very fertile of all things that are necessarie for the vse of man:* 1.107 and a great cause of the fertilitie and abundance thereof proceedeth of the great number of ex∣ceeding great Riuers which it hath;* 1.108 which besides the profit that the Riuers yeeld by the fi∣shing, and besides the profit in watering of the grounds, wherein they stand the Chinois in great stead, they are occasion of great trafficke and communication of one Prouince with another with great ease by water, which is an enriching to them that vse it, and of great plentie in euery Citie of all things that are in the Kingdome. From our departure from Macao,* 1.109 till with∣in [ 50] a little of Paquin, which is, as I said, sixe hundred leagues, wee trauelled not past one day by Land (because wee would not fetch too great a compasse about by water) wee trauelled a great part of this way vnto Nanquin by the greatest Riuer that euer I saw in my life: which in some parts is aboue three leagues broad, and very deepe: which the Chinois, for the greatnesse thereof doe call, The little Sea; and that with good reason. For though it were an hundred leagues from the Sea where I entred into it; yet there is great abundance of fish of those kindes which breed in the Sea; as Porposies, fishes with sharpe beakes, and others which I haue seene.

I saw in this Riuer neere the bankes thereof men fish with certaine Fowles as bigge as small [ 60] Gee••e, like vnto Rauens, with a long beake, and bending downeward like a crooked hooke, which the Chinois teach to fish: They haue a very long necke, which they binde in such sort that the fishes cannot goe downe into their stomacke, but they fill their throat with them, if they be small fishes, and when they come out of the water, they make them cast them out: and if the fish bee great, hee fighteth with him, and beateth him with pecking, assaulting him

with his bill, vntill hee driue him vp that the Fisher may see him; which commeth quickly with a small Net like a Wheele vpon a staffe, and hee taketh him vnder the water. And after this sort wee saw this Fowle take Fishes sometimes of a pound, and a pound and halfe weight; and they say they take bigger. And because this fishing is so gainfull and so certaine, they pay a certaine Tribute to the King for euery one of these Rauens (or Cormorants.)

* 1.110Wee met with another Riuer as great as this, which seemed to bee rather of mudde then water, because the water was alwaies mingled with earth, which whence it should come for so many yeeres, I wot not. They cannot drinke the water without they clarifie it, which they doe with Alume.* 1.111 Besides these two Riuers all the rest is made by hand for vessels to passe to Paquin.

The Vessels which we saw in all the Cities which we passed, is one of the greatest things that [ 10] belong to this Kingdome. For in euery Citie there are two sorts of them, one sort of vessels for burden, and another sort for houses. Some of them are very faire, and as fit to dwell in as houses themselues: and many of them also serue for houses for poore people, wherein they haue their whole houshold,* 1.112 and bring vp Hens and Hogs, and gayne their liuing in them. I remember that the same morning that wee entred into Nanquin there went 500. Vessels or more before our Barke, to enter at the same houre, with their sayles vp most pleasantly to behold; many of them being laden with diuers things, all for the prouision of that great Citie: and on this manner they continued all day long in going and comming.* 1.113

The Barges of the Mandarines (which are all made at the Kings cost) are the most costly, and are most for the sight, and very great. They would much reioyce in our Europe to see them: be∣cause [ 20] it seemeth that there is nothing comparable to these in beauty.* 1.114 Most commonly these haue Trumpets, and Drummes, which they play vpon when they passe by the Citie, and when they meet with others, that all may giue them place. They are commonly as long as Gallies, and as broad or more, but very high, so that to get vp into one of them is aboue a fathome high from the water, and therefore they carrie a great burthen.

* 1.115And because I spake before of those which carrie the Kings Tribute, I will here speake more particularly. Many Prouinces from whence they cannot carrie Rice and other like things with ease to Paquin, because they are farre off, pay their Tribute in Siluer: but those Prouinces from whence they may passe by water, pay a great part in Rice. For which occasion all the Cities haue great and strong Vessels made of purpose for this seruice. And when the time of their de∣parture [ 30] is come, euery Cafila or Companie departeth from their Citie with a Mandarine that hath the charge of them.

* 1.116And they say that those Vessels which goe from this part of Nanquin, in all amount to ten thousand, though they goe not all euery yeere: yet they haue alwaies more for yeeres of greater plenty; and because many cannot returne in time, to goe backe againe the next yeere. I know not certainly how many they be; but this onely I know, that all this way from Nan∣quin to Paquin, seemed to be a path-way of these Vessels, whereby wee passed: for they went all along, and because they went so deeply loden, oftentimes they wanted water. To helpe this want of water (for because it is no naturall Riuer it neuer ouerfloweth) it hath floud-gates like Sluces, wherewith it keepeth in all the current three or foure or sixe houres: then opening [ 40] the same, many doe passe with great ease, and they may goe very well vntill they come to such another place.

Besides these Vessels of victuals, they carrie to the King euery yeere many others, which bring him particular things, and dainties, whereof this Countrey of Nanquin yeeldeth great store, and also for the seruice of the Kings house. Some Cafilas or Carauans of these are of pie∣ces of Silke for the Kings house, which may be some dozen of Vessels; others carrie many things to eate: and with one of these Cafilas we passed. They were nine great and faire Vessels, which carried pieces of Silke,* 1.117 and other things which they are wont to burne in the Sacrifices which they make vnto the dead, and before their Idols. They say, that these Vessels for particu∣lar [ 50] things are a thousand: and as soone as they come within the Kings house, the Eunuches take the charge of them. From Nanquin vnto the middest of the Kings Palaces, Vessels may passe by this Riuer: to come to the place which they goe vnto, they passe thorow the mid∣dest of the Palaces. In all these Riuers, when they want winde, the Mariners draw the Barkes with great facilitie, and sixe or seuen are sufficient easily and merrily to draw one of these Vessels laden.

* 1.118Wee met likewise vpon this way a very great number of Vessels which came from farre, la∣den with Brickes for the Kings workes, and greater store this yeere to build a great piece of an house which fire from Heauen had burned: for this purpose they carried great store of timber for beames, and boords, and other lesser timber which are carried from the parts of Nanquin vn∣to [ 60] Paquin, some an hundred and two hundred paces long, and one log fastened vpon another, so that these rafts grow high and great: they carrie vpon them frames of dwelling houses ready made, wherewith there goeth an inferiour Mandarine, which hath the care of it, and sometimes the Mariners goe with all their houshold, and breed of Hogs, Hens and Duckes: for sometimes

they stay aboue a Summer in going to Paquin. These seuen or eight yeeres this prouision of tim∣ber, Brickes, and lime, and other things hath continued.

The fertilitie of this Kingdome is great, of all things that seeme to be needfull for the vse of mans life. And if there bee any other Nation which liueth commodiously without needing traf∣ficke with forraine Kingdomes, they are the Chinois. And though it bee true that some things come vnto them from forraine Countries, yet are they not the necessary things for the life, and which all men vse. The most that commeth out of forraine parts, and they desire, is Siluer: And that which all men carrie from thence is very much, and very good merchandise: as Silke,* 1.119 Gold, Muske, Porcelanes, pieces of wrought Silke, raw Silke, cloth of Cotton wooll, all kinde [ 10] of worke in Copper, Iron, and Latten, Quicksiluer, Sugar, Honey, Waxe, Cinnamon, workes made of fine wood, and gilded, as Bedsteads, Ink-horns, Cabinets,* 1.120 and an infinite number of other things, whereof there is so great abundance, that although they send out many ships laden for Iapon, India, Manila, and other parts: yet without doubt they might prouide ten times more: and if more would come to buy, they would alwaies haue the more to sell. All things are very cheape, without all comparison cheaper then in our Countrey.* 1.121 A pound of Sugar is worth eight or ten Marauedis, and sometimes sixe: and if they buy any quantitie at once, an hundred pounds weight are worth nine or ten Rials of Plate: And here at the Court (where all things are dea∣rest) a pound is worth twenty, or foure and twenty Marauedis. There is great store of Waxe and that very good, which wee buy heere in Paquin for the seruice of our Altar, a pound for a [ 20] Riall and a Quartill: and the pounds here are greater then ours; for euery one of them weigh sixteene Duckets of Siluer weight. Honey likewise is very good cheape. Of Copper and Lat∣ten there is exceeding great abundance: and Latten made and wrought into any worke that a man would haue, with the fashion and all is worth a Riall and a Quartill the pound. Needles an hundred a quarto, and if they buy many together, better cheape. And I haue set downe for example these small things to know the particular price, and of other things (though they bee not so cheape) after the same proportion.* 1.122 Howbeit those which come from forraine Countries to trafficke with them, had need to be very heedfull: for the Chinois lose not opportunities to raise the price of them, when they may.

The abundance of things for food is likewise great, to wit, of Oxen, Weathers, Sheepe,* 1.123 [ 30] Goats, and more then of all others of Hogs, because they are the common food that they liue of, Deere, Hares, which they catch with Hawkes, whereof here and in other parts there are many. And when they are dearest here, one of them is worth foure or sixe Quartos: they be as great as they bee in our Countrey, and they are found at all times. Hens, Geese, Duckes, and sundry sorts of wilde Fowles, and all other flesh is exceeding good cheape. Wee came to a very great Citie, where Beefe, Mutton, Hennes, all was of one price a pound, which was foure Ma∣rauedis. And in Nanquin (though the Court be there) a pound of Hens flesh was sold for three halfpence, Fishes after the same manner, or better cheape, because it stands vpon the Riuer. And I saw a Fish of ten pound weight sold for a Riall of Plate, and we bought great Trouts at three Marauedis a pound weight. Egges ten, twelue, sixteene, eighteene for one Conduren,* 1.124 [ 40] which in our Countrey is a penie halfpenie farthing. Fruits are of the like cheapnesse. In our iourney, which was when Abricockes beganne to bee ripe, which are here very good, they gaue vs two hundred for ten Marauedis. They are very much giuen to eate fresh Herbs and Sa∣lads, and Pulse. At euery banquet and good feast, there is alwaies Flesh or Fish.* 1.125 There are many Nuts, Chestnuts, Filberds, and Pine-nuts though but few, Figs, though not of our kinde, and yet as good or better, and many. And although they haue all these things, yet e∣uery Prouince and Countrey doth not yeeld them all: but that which one wanteth another supplyeth.

Their common food in stead of Bread is Rice sodden only in water, whereof wee all did feed, although at the first wee had much adoe with it. Commonly they haue euery yeere two Har∣uests, and in some places three.* 1.126 And the Land hath great Plaines with Riuers to water the [ 50] grounds: for the fields of Rice doe much desire to be couered with water.

From our entrance into Canton vnto this Citie of Paquin, wee met with few Hills, and espe∣cially from Nanquin hither very few. Wee passed by a Plaine aboue an hundred leagues,* 1.127 farther then wee could kenne. I saw likewise much Wheat, whereof they make rolls without leauen, sodden in the reeke or vapour of seething water, and so without crust, good for old folkes that want their teeth. Although that it bee true that the fruitfulnesse of this Countrey is very great, yet without doubt other things, saue Rice would not be sufficient,* 1.128 if the Chinois were as great feeders as our people, and did not feed so sparingly as they doe. They all eate commonly thrice a day; once, betimes in the morning; the second time, at two in the afternoone; the third time, very moderatly at night. And besides, the rich Mandarines, few others which are of [ 60] good abilitie, doe commonly eate either Flesh or Fish, but Pulse, Salads,* 1.129 and Herbs which cost almost nothing, and their chiefest food is Rice, or Millet, and hereof they fill their bellies.

They haue many Horses, Mares, and Mules, whose flesh they eate,* 1.130 though I haue not heard report that the greater sort doe feed vpon them. They haue much Wine of diuers sorts; all

made of Rice: but herein they may not compare with the Wine of our Countrey: Whatsoe∣uer they drinke, be it Wine or Water they drinke it alwaies hot. They are neate in feeding, for they touch none of their meate with their hands, therefore they vse neither Table Napkins, nor Table-clothes.* 1.131 All their meat is serued to the Table finely minced. They vse to feed with two small stickes of Iuorie, Ebonie Wood, or such like, wherewith they take vp all their meate ve∣rie hansomely. And herein, I confesse, they haue a great aduantage of vs; because this manner of feeding is very commodious, and such as euerie man that hath triall thereof will much delight in it:* 1.132 and therefore our Fathers and Brethren in Iapon and Macao vse it. Their alwaies drinking their drinke hot, and eating little fruit (for they are not so greedie of it as our men are) doth keepe them from many infirmities and sicknesses, and therefore they liue healthfully. They haue no Oliues, yet haue they abundance of Oile. The best is of a kind of Herbe, which they call in [ 10] Spaine,* 1.133 Alegria, which signifieth Ioy or Mirth. I say not that it is as good as ours, but I say, I find no fault in it, nor I doe not desire it, nor much lesse the Chinois, which can eate nor smell no kind of Oile, because the smell thereof pleaseth them not, as sometimes wee prooued by a little of ours which we had: and they call their stinking Oile odoriferous, so great a force there is in cu∣stome. As the Chinois are diuerse in diuers Prouinces, so are their Fruits: and those which grow in the Prouince of Canton,* 1.134 are not in all these colder Prouinces. There are the best sweete O∣ranges which hitherto we haue knowne, which are eaten with the skinne.

[ 20]

§. IIII. Their Moneyes, Apparell, Persons, Trades, Wealth, Learning, Marriages, Superstitions, Rites, and Opinions.

* 1.135THere is in this Kingdome great store of Timber; for proofe whereof wee need no more but to see the multitude of Barges laden therewith so good cheape as it is. And there∣fore I thinke a man may build a ship with all things necessary thereunto, three parts of [ 30] foure better cheape then in our Countrey.* 1.136 They vse not Gold, though there be much to be bought, but all is Siluer, which they doe not coyne in Money, but cast it in Barres, and when they would buy any thing, they cut it and weigh it in certayne fine Weights like the Ro∣mane Weights in our Countrey: and therefore euery body that will buy or sell, carryeth one of those Weights with them. Great store of Siluer commeth out of forreine Countreyes. But the chiefe Mas••e of it is out of the Mynes of the Kingdome it selfe, as also the Gold. When they buy or sell, they try the Siluer of how many Kiliates it is: and one is worth more, another lesse, according to the goodnesse thereof. It was very necessary for the Chinois to weigh and try their Siluer, and not to coyne it into money: for otherwise there would haue beene a thousand de∣ceits,* 1.137 wherein the Chinois are very cunning. They vse Brasse Money, wherein also they try that [ 40] which is true or false: for in all sorts there is deceit and mixture. They haue the best Porcelane that hitherto hath beene found, which is exceeding good cheape, and in such plentie, that besides all the Kingdome of China doth furnish it selfe thereof, they send forth as many ships ladings as they will.

For their Apparell, though they haue great abundance and cheapnesse, yet in goodnesse they may not compare with our Countrey. There is much Silke and that very good, but they know not how to dresse it. They make good Damaskes, razed Veluets, Taffataes, and other sorts: but the colours, though at the first sight they seeme reasonable, are quickly lost and fade away. The ordinary apparell of the common people is of blacke cloth made of Cotton, or of certayne shags of Silke, which are very great, farre greater then a flocke, which only serue for this pur∣pose, [ 50] and are very warme. Persons of Honour weare commonly an outward Garment of Silke which they vse in Visitations, and other like Actions: And there are many which alwayes goe abroad apparelled in Silke, but not in such great number as that Booke setteth downe, whereof I made mention before. All men, euen to the very Souldiers, weare their apparell long downe to the in-step of the foot, with very broad sleeues, open before, and fastened to the sides beneath the arme. They be so well contented and pleased with their manner of apparell, that they think there is none in the World comparable to theirs. And in very truth they bee graue and modest, and especially those of the Mandarins, which differeth from all others, sauing the Bonzi, which shaue their Beards and Heads. All the men and women let their Hayre grow long, and the men trusse it vp, and wind it on a knot on the top of their crowne. They weare certayne Nets on [ 60] their heads like Coyffes, made very cunningly of Horse-hayre: and in the Summer time many weare Caps and Hats of the same. There are many sorts of Caps or Hats (for I know not what their seuerall names are) according to the state of euery one. The basest sort which the com∣mon people vse ordinarily is round. Their shooes, are of the same stuffe that their Garments are

of, very commonly of Silke made with many faire borders and knots. It is a discourtesie for a man to be seene (especially before any man of Worship) without a Cap on his head. They great∣ly esteeme for the most part things of our Countrey, and they are very deare. And some pieces of Silke which the Portugall Merchants brings, especially Veluets of three Piles, are far more dearer then their owne. All woollen cloth is much esteemed and very deare, likewise Cham∣blets, and fine Linnen-cloth, which they bring from India are very deare. Looking-glasses, and all things made of Glasse, and many other things, which in our Countrey are very good cheape, are here deare, and in great estimation.

The Chineses haue commonly little Beards, small Eyes, and Noses, and all of them haue black [ 10] Eyes, so that they much maruelled at the colour of mine, which are * 1.138 of Gray or Iron colour (which they neuer saw) and they find many secrets in them, and very commonly they say, that these eyes of mine know where stones and precious things are, with a thousand other Myste∣ries, so that they thinke they haue Letters in them. To paint an euil-fauoured man, they paint him in short apparell, with a great Beard, Eyes, and Nose. They are commonly all white, yet not so white as those of Europe: and therefore to them we seeme very white. The Learned men are very graue, of very good capacitie, and appeare outwardly very modest and graue.

There are Arificers of all Arts that are in our Countrey, and very many with the selfe-same manner forme of Instruments. Euery man is free to follow what Trade he will,* 1.139 without being bound to follow his Fathers Trades, as diuers times I haue heard it spoken when I was in Europe: [ 20] and those which will may study, forsake, or change that course of life. They worke very good cheape: but in cunning and excellencie ours most commonly excell them much, though in some things they be very skilfull.

The seruice of young men and maydes is easie and good cheape, because there is great store of people, so that a yeares wages is not aboue two Duckets, and meate and drinke,* 1.140 without appa∣rell. As there are many poore people that haue many Sonnes and Daughters, it is a very ordi∣nary thing to sell them, and this the cheapest thing in China. For a youth of twelue or fifteene yeares without any naturall blemish will cost not past twelue or fifteene Rials of Plate, and in time of Dearth much lesse, and it is a common thing to buy them for seruice; though they vse them well, and marry them at their time.

[ 30] Although the abundance and riches of this Kingdome be very great, as the people also is: yet there is no body that is very rich,* 1.141 neyther in any state of people may they compare in this point with our Countrey. You shall not find in China, which is able to spend twenty thousand Duc∣kets of Rent, how neere of Kinne soeuer he be to the King, and very few, and those easie to bee numbred that can spend ten thousand Duckets, and the ordinary is no more which they possesse then that which their Lands and Offices yeeld them, which is not great.* 1.142 But though it bee true that those of our Countrey possesse much more Siluer, considering the cheapnesse of things in their Countrey, all commeth to one account.

There are very few of the poore people idle, because all of them commonly take paines,* 1.143 and earne their liuing. Though the multitude of the Nation be so many, and the Kingdome so great, [ 40] yet the surnames of all the Kingdome are not aboue three hundred, and all of one syllable.* 1.144

There are some, though very few, which may be called Knights,* 1.145 which for seruice to the Kings in some necessities haue giuen them Offices in succession: but the common vse is not to haue any Nobilitie by Descent in China; neyther can any man say,* 1.146 I am of a better House then you. But the honour and Nobilitie dependeth wholly vpon Learning, and to obtayne degrees and Offices of Mandarins. And therefore an House which now is in Office, and his Father bee one, if he haue a Sonne a Doctor, which is made a Mandarin, he is honourable,* 1.147 and the honour continueth as long as the Learned men and Mandarins doe liue. There is no man, neyther Kinsman nor not Kinsman of the King which hath euer a Village of his owne that payeth him Tribute: but all men pay it to the King; and hee giueth stipends and wages to the Mandarins, [ 50] so that they receiue nothing of particular men by right, though they extort much continually by oppression.* 1.148

Commonly the Chinois doe marry from fifteene to eighteene and twentie yeares, and all of them doe marrie one Wife that is chiefe; and this is their lawfull Marriage.* 1.149 On the day of their Marriage, when the Bride doth passe to the House of her Husband, shee carrieth openly before her through the streets all the things which she bringeth with her, and all her house-hold stuffe: But besides her they may marrie (I say they may keepe and doe keepe as many as they are able) as many Wiues as they will, which for the most part they buy: and afterward when they will,* 1.150 sell them away againe. They may not only not marrie with any Kinswomen of their Wiues, but with none of that surname, though they haue no shew of Alliance. The sonnes of the Concu∣bines [ 60] doe likewise inherit, and there is little or no difference in their state and honour, to be the Sonne of the lawfull Wife or of the other, neyther make they any question of it.* 1.151

The thing wherein the Chinois are most obseruant, Ceremonious and Superstitious is in their Burials, Funerals, and Mournings:* 1.152 for herein they shew their obedience and loue to their Pa∣rents, whereof their bookes are full. It is a very ordinary thing to haue great respect to their Fa∣ther

and Mother, and the disobedient are grieuously punished. Many graue men and Manda∣rins begge leaue of the King to leaue their Offices which they haue, and to goe home to keepe their Father and Mother company, yeelding for a reason that they be old, and that they would goe to serue them. And it is a Petition in the sight of all men so iust, that they grant it very v∣sually.* 1.153 When the Father or the Mother dieth, all the Sonnes and Daughters (from the King to the meanest Peasant) doe mourne for three yeares. The mourning colour, which among vs is blacke Bayes, among them is white Linnen, whereof they make all their apparell euen to the Cap. The first monethes they weare a very rough Sack-cloth, girded with a Coard, like the bare-footed Friers. And though he be neuer so great a Mandarin, without any exception (saue only the Mandarins of the Warre) assoone as hee heareth newes of the death of any of his Pa∣rents, he is to leaue his Office and Dignitie, and all other Employment whatsoeuer of Gouern∣ment [ 10] and Examinations of obtayning his degree, and is to goe home for three yeares to burie his Father or Mother (and to mourne and bewaile them. The graue men which haue an house for this purpose, doe not straitway burie their dead, but keepe them two or three yeares in the house,* 1.154 in a Chamber which they keepe for this Office, and it is not the worst in the house: and very vsually or euery day they go thither to make them a thousand Ceremonies and Reuerences, and to burne Incense, and other sweet sauours, and to set ouer the place where they be laid, meate to eate; and at seuerall times, many of those Bonzi doe meet, and with great Ceremonies begin their Seruice and Prayers, and their Sonnes, Kinsefolkes and Wiues make lamentation. The Mandarins do not only leaue their Offices,* 1.155 and change their Weeds, but also all the things which [ 20] they did vse. Many sit not in Chaires, but vpon low Stooles: they visit, or suffer themselues to be seene very seldome: they change euen the very Paper wherein they write, wherein they haue a piece of another colour, in token of mourning: when they name themselues in their Letters, they vse not the name which they did at other times, but others proper to the partie, as when he nameth himselfe, hee calleth himselfe disobedient, signifying, that by his disobedience to his Parents he did not preserue them aliue.

They vse no kind of Musikce, and many change their ordinarie Diet into courserfood. Vpon the Funerall day they prouide great company:* 1.156 many Kinsfolkes and Friends meete together, all clad in white, with many Bonzi, (according to euery mans abilitie) which sing with dolefull In∣struments. And by their apparell which they weare, and their time in singing, hee that knew [ 30] them not, would take them for Clerkes reuested, singing plaine Song; for they much resemble them.* 1.157 They make many Beeres with men, of Paper or of white Silke, many Banners and other Ensignes. The place whither the Corps goeth is adorned with many figures: the Corps is put into a very great Coffin. This Nation holdeth a great part of their felicitie, for them and their Successours to consist in these things of their Funerals, especially in two, the Coffin or Chist wherein the Corps is to be layed, and the place of their buriall. The stuffe to make the Coffin of,* 1.158 wherein themselues are to bee buried, and the making of the Coffin, they leaue not to others to doe after their deathes, neither then may the body looke for much cost to make one of these Coffins, neither in this (as a thing of great importance) will they trust, no not their owne Sons: but they themselues at leisure seeke some kind of Wood that is least corruptible, and Plankes [ 40] which are commonly foure, sixe, or eight fingers thicke: which because they bee so thicke, and the Chists or Coffins very closely shut they can keepe their Corps in their Houses without any euill smell. Some spend in making their Coffin seuenty, eighty, and an hundred Duckets. They hold it for a felicity to be able to get one of these that is good; on the contrary for a great dis∣grace, not to haue a Coffin to burie himselfe in, and they are very few which faile in that one point.

* 1.159The Sepulchre and place thereof is the thing for choosing whereof they vse great Sorcerie or casting of Lots, and doe it with great heedfulnesse, and with the helpe of some that are skilfull in this Art. For they hold opinion, that in making a good choice of the place dependeth a great part of their owne good fortune and of their Posteritie. And oftentimes they are a yeare in re∣soluing [ 50] whether it shall looke toward the North, or to any other part. And therefore the grea∣test and most contentious Sutes which are in China, are about places of Burials. These places of Burials are alwayes without the wals in the fields, or Mountaynes wherein they build Vaults very well made and strong of Bricke, stone, or other matter, wherein they lay the Coffin, and then close it vp very surely:* 1.160 And afterward now and then they come thither to performe cer∣tain Ceremonies, & to bring things to eat. They hold it very vnluckie to burie a dead man in the Citie: and if they know it, though he were the greatest man that is in China, they will not suf-him to bewaile his dead Friends much, especially those which are women. There are many which beleeue the passing of the soules from one bodie into another: and therefore after the death of their Father and Mother,* 1.161 they will neuer kill any liuing beast, yeelding for a reason [ 60] why they will not doe so, lest some of them should be their Mother or Father, or some other other person. And likewise many of them fast, because, that whereas some of them bee poore; they desire afterward to be borne againe in a rich and honourable Family.

Although it bee true that the most part of them beleeue not in Idols, and it offendeth them

not to speake euill of them, yet commonly all of them at a certaine time of the yeare doe them some reuerence, because it is the custome, though in no sort they worship them as Gods:* 1.162 and those which put most confidence in them, burne Paper, Incense, and sweet smels vnto them, and kill beasts before them. Their Bookes of these Idols speake of Hell, and in many places, or in a man∣ner in all the Cities there is set vp a portraiture of Hell made with bodily shapes, and many De∣uils, as vglie as wee paint them. It is very well set foorth, but badly beleeued: for it serueth only there for a bugbeare. And if any beleeue that which the Idols say of Hell,* 1.163 that it is a place of torments, they say, that after so many yeeres be passed, all men come out againe, and are trans∣formed into some beast. Those which beleeue in the Idols, come before them to cast lots to know what things shall come to passe: howbeit I haue not heard in all China,* 1.164 that there was any an∣swer [ 10] of a Diuell in an Idoll, as is in other parts, in regard of the small beliefe that they haue in them, and the lewdnesse of the Bonzi that serue them. Their houses wherein they set them,* 1.165 whereof as yet I neuer saw any good one, are commonly verie filthy and stinking.

And besides this consulting of Idols,* 1.166 the Chinois are much giuen to Diuinations to know things to come, and whether they shall haue good or bad fortune; whether they shall haue that which they desire or no: and there bee an infinite number of these South-sayers, and all of them prat∣lers, mumblers, and cooseners, whereby they deceiue many. And though the Chinois be of good vnderstanding, and know that these fellowes know nothing, and euery foot doe take them in lyes: yet for all this, there are verie few that when any occasion is offered, doe not consult with them. And though they seeme to bee but few, yet some of them are in league with the Deuill, [ 20] as oftentimes wee gather by certaine things.

Many of these graue men of China, haue commonly two follies, wherein they doe erre more then in other things. The first is, that they perswade themselues that they can much prolong their Liues; and for this purpose they vse a thousand inuentions, and take many medicines,* 1.167 which indeed rather doe shorten their dayes. There are many Masters and Bookes of this follie, which vsuallie are graue and rich men. There are many that make themselues very old folks, whom the people follow like Saints to learne some rule of life of them, wherein they put all their felicitie. Many doe not beleeue that we are so old, as we say we be, and that we doe dissemble: but that in deed we bee an hundred yeeres old, and that we know this rule to liue for euer, and that we doe not Marrie because wee would liue long. The other follie is, that they perswade themselues that [ 30] they are able, and goe about to make Siluer, whereof likewise there are many Bookes.* 1.168 They vse for this purpose many Hearbs, and Quick-siluer, wherein they spend that little Siluer which they haue, and remaine beggers, but not perswaded but that it is fecible, but that it was not their good lucke, and good fortune: and to obtaine this, many of them fast many yeeres.

§. V. Their bad Souldierie and Artillerie; Degrees, Priuiledges, Honours and [ 40] promotions of Learning. Their Authors and Bookes, and Printing. The Mandarins commended.

THere are many Souldiers in many Prouinces of this Kingdome: and though they haue had Peace these many yeeres, yet they still entertaine them:* 1.169 but because they bee lo∣uers of peace and quietnesse, the most contemptible state, except the state of the Bon∣zi, is the Souldier. And indeed it is a most base people, which hath no valour nor worthinesse, much lesse any fortitude in them. Many of them are Porters, which beare on their shoulders, the Chaires wherein the Mandarins and honourable persons are carried. And at the time of Musters, which are made from time to time, they repaire thither, to obtaine wages, [ 50] and thus they haue no worth, nor jot of honour in them. The punishment wherewith their Captaines punish them, is the same wherewith they punish all other people: they whip them as wee doe Children in Schooles. According to the worthinesse and valour of the Souldiers,* 1.170 the beautie of their Armour, offensiue and defensiue is answerable, which is fitter to bee laughed at, then to be reported. They haue no Harquebusses that are worth any thing: and all those which I saw (and I saw many Souldiers with them) had their barrels but a spanne long: so that it see∣meth that they beare it and the rest of their Armour for fashions sake. And I maruell not: for by reason of the exceeding great Peace which they haue so long enioyed,* 1.171 they haue none occa∣sion to become valiant: but they are able men when occasion serueth, and it seemeth they will [ 60] easilie become valiant.

The Mandarins of Souldiers, is also a thing of small estimation, and they are nothing compa∣rable with those which they call the Mandarins of Learning, which are those, which take De∣grees. The Mandarins or Captaines of Souldiers, obtaine not the same for Heroicall arts or prowesse, but they make a Discourse or an Oration, vpon some matter concerning warre, and they

make choise of certaine of those which had done it best. Likewise they shoote two or three Ar∣rowes,* 1.172 to see if they bee skilfull in shooting. They haue no vse of great Ordnance. Albeit I saw in the Gates of some Cities, certaine small short Pieces, as broad at the mouth as at the nether end, which I know not whether they shot off sometimes or no: I saw about sixe or eight of them vpon the Walls. The defence of their Walls is their height, without any other Artillerie. The greatest force and number of Souldiers, resideth in the confines of the Tartars.

* 1.173It is foure hundred yeeres since a King of the Tartars wonne all China, (whereof Paulus Ve∣netus writeth, which was in that Countrey) and they did also possesse it two hundred yeeres: at the end whereof, a Bonzo a very prudent and valiant man rebelled, and cast the Tartar out, and remayned King,* 1.174 whose issue continueth vntill this day. They alwayes keepe great Watch and ward vpon this frontier. Many youthes of these Tartars remayned in China, and namely in [ 10] these parts of Paquin, there are many which keepe and maintayne their Law of Mahomet, and haue Mezquitas or Turkish Temples,* 1.175 and are much different in shapes and countenances from the Chinois.* 1.176 Except the Souldiers, there is none that keepe Weapons in their houses: not because it is forbidden, but because there is no need of them: but rather the Learned and graue people, count it a dishonest thing to keepe Armour: there is no vse of them but in the time of warre. For you shall neuer see them fight with weapons one with another as wee doe. But their figh∣ting is to buffet one another, to pull them by the hayre of the head, and to draw them by the coller,* 1.177 and in two words to become friends againe. Our men make no great matter of giuing buffets and such like, for they kill one another.

* 1.178The Chinois are greatly giuen to Learning and studie; for all their honour and riches depen∣deth [ 20] thereupon. They haue aboue fortie thousand sundry Letters: though many of them bee made one of another.* 1.179 They haue no A, B, C, nor any thing like thereunto, as among vs. But to signifie euerie thing they haue one Letter, and all diuerse. Their words are of one syllable, and no more,* 1.180 though their Letters bee so many. Those which are commonly vsed euery day, are eight or ten thousand. They begin to learne to write and reade commonly, when they be seuen yeeres old: they write with Pensils. They haue many little Bookes which encourage Children to stu∣die,* 1.181 exhorting them to take paines, with the reward that they shall grow to bee Mandarines. They know not, nor studie any Science, neither Mathematickes, nor Philosophie, nor any such thing,* 1.182 but onely Rhetoricke: for all the substance of their knowledge and fame of Learned men, consisteth in nothing else, but to know how to make a very elegant Discourse and Oration [ 30] vpon a theame, like as in our Europe the Oratours vsed anciently. And as the Chinois haue good wits, and by hope of reward are verie appliable hereunto, they doe it with great excellen∣cie, and occupie themselues with nothing else, and haue no other knowledge to distract them from it.

Euery Doctor (after hee hath obtained his degree) setteth vp in his Countrey before the doores of his House a Title of verie great letters, which saith: This is the House of a Doctor: which all men haue in regard. And before the doore, they set vp many high Poles like masts, which euerie Mandarin of that Citie where hee dwelleth sendeth him, with a Banner hanged vp, and alwaies they remaine there. They make a verie excellent Arch triumphall, to him that hath the first degree, at the gate of his House. The Chinois esteeme more then we doe, the skill [ 40] to bee able to write well,* 1.183 and Print euerie yeere a great number of Bookes, whereof there is no examination nor choise, and euerie man Printeth what hee list, good or bad, and so they make a booke of nothing. The best which come foorth are of no Science: for as I haue said, they know none: but they are onely of Morall sentences, to the aduancement of good Customes and Go∣uernment. Their manner of Printing is not like ours: for they joyne not their Letters, but for euerie leafe they make a table which hath letters on both sides, it would seeme to bee very hard, but with the custome which they haue gotten,* 1.184 they doe it with great ease, speed and cheape∣nesse. I will send you some Booke well printed, that your Worship may see it. They also print Letters in white, I say white letters, and the ground blacke. And though in the former they [ 50] come not neare vs, yet in this they goe far beyond vs. They vsually print these letters in Stones, and the letters stand not in the Stone vpward to touch the Paper directly, but in the paper and the stone they stand all one way:* 1.185 and this is the order whereby they doe this: They wet the Paper, and laying it vpon the toppe of the Stone, they gently beate it with some verie gentle thing, wherby the Paper which lyeth vpon the Stone sinketh into the hollownesse of the Letter, and resteth lower then the other, then with a kind of Inke which they haue for this purpose, they finely lay it ouer, whereby the Letters remaine white, because they bee deeper, and the rest re∣maineth blacke. I send you with this Letter certaine papers thereof, that your Worship may reioyce in beholding the excellencie wherewith it is done. One of our Bookes of equall volume with one of theirs,* 1.186 containeth much more: for our letter is lesser then theirs. Though in China it [ 60] be harder to learne to reade and write, then in our Country, yet there be few but know ordinarie Letters to deale betweene man and man.

Likewise they make great account of Poetrie, and also the grauer sort giue themselues much vnto it.* 1.187 It is verie ordinarie with them to send vs some Po••sie in praise of vs, when wee enter

into friendship with any. Also they make much account of Paintings,* 1.188 and playing vpon Instru∣ments. And albeit they know but little in the first, because they haue no Art, nor paint the things with shadowes, and know not how to paint in Oile: yet in the second they are verie readie on their Instruments, and play grauely and leasurely. I heard certaine sorts of Musicke, e∣specially in the Palace of the King: to welcome me, the Eunuches his Musicians played vnto me awhile, and they pleased me: although in this, little it seemeth vnto me they may compare with our Countrey, yet it is certaine, that they thinke they doe farre excell vs. They haue not aboue one kinde of Instrument, which the grauer sort vse and make much account of, which is like vnto our Harpe, although the fashion and manner of playing vpon it, differeth from ours, and [ 10] from all our other Instruments.

As in China there is no sort of people more honourable then the Learned men, and Doctors:* 1.189 so there is no people of better condition, and of more Honourable and more Noble manner of proceeding. And albeit before they were Doctors and Mandarins, they were verie poore and base people, and many of their Fathers officers of vile Offices, (as it is verie ordinarie) neuerthe∣lesse, after they haue obtayned the Degrees, they put vpon themselues a more honourable spirit. And therefore albeit in China, wee indured much trouble at the base peoples hand, yet the Man∣darins did alwaies vse vs honourably and with much respect: especially now, for which cause now no man dare trouble vs. And if there bee any, which in title are like our Lords, Knights, and Courtiers, they are these. There are among them, men of much excellencie and sinceritie in their Office, which doe seeke the common good: And without doubt they make vs wonder,* 1.190 that see∣ing [ 20] they bee but Gentiles, which doe nothing for the zeale of Gods honour, nor for his sake, they be of such sinceritie, which they shewed of late more then at other times, in hauing to doe with this wicked, vicious, and couetous King, which they now haue:* 1.191 who though hee be so absolute a Lord, that with the same libertie, and in a manner with the same facilitie, hee doth what he list with the greatest Mandarins of his Kingdome, as well as with the basest people thereof. Yet for all this, of late yeeres there were many, who with great libertie and courage reprehen∣ded his faults by writing (which is the manner of speaking most publikely with him) that all men might read it. And though they might feare some grieuous punishment (besides the losing of their Offices, for that was certayn) neuerthelesse, there were many men of courage which wrote [ 30] vnto him: among whom there was one very renowned: The letter which he wrote to the King, began thus. That although hee were assured, that he were to be hanged, and that the Fire were kindled to burne him, yet hee would reprehend his vices and lewdnesses,* 1.192 and the euill example that hee gaue to all his Kingdome: And so hee did, and spake verie freely, and put him in great feare. And it see∣meth that for his sinceritie and courage, the King had some regard of him, and though hee puni∣shed him, yet it was verie moderately.

There fell out another accident in this kinde within these few yeeres, which because it is no∣table I will heere set it downe. This King hath many women besides his lawfull wife,* 1.193 which among themselues keepe the order of first and second. Hee hath no Sonnes by his lawfull Wife, but he hath one which is the eldest of the third or fourth, and others yonger of the second. The [ 40] Eldest by the custome or lawes of the Kingdome, is the lawfull inheritour, although he bee of the fourth wife: but hee bare more affection to the other and to her Sonne, and desired, by her perswasion, to aduance him to bee Prince, and would not haue aduanced the lawfull Heire.* 1.194 The time being passed to performe the same, many Mandarins lost their Offices, for reprehending him of this disorder, and for seeking to make him aduance the Eldest. But the principall Man∣darins of the Court perceiuing that hee proceeded on, and would not doe that which they re∣quested, and which was reason, consulted together, and published a Proclamation, which com∣manded all the Mandarins which are in the Court (which are aboue some thousands) that vn∣der paine of losing their Office, they should all meete at such a day, and such an houre,* 1.195 in such a place of the Kings Palaces. When they were all assembled at the day appointed, with their [ 50] Ensignes of Mandarins, they put vp a Petition vnto the King, saying, That since so often they had aduised him of a thing so Iust, and that hee made none account of them, not seeking to aduance the true Prince, that hee should seeke those that would serue him, that all of them would there giue ouer their Ensignes of Mandarins, and would no longer serue. It seemeth the King was afraid of so great a resolution of the chiefest men of his Kingdome: And so hee commanded an Eunuch to goe foorth vnto them, and answer them, that they should resume their Offices in Gods name, and that hee would fulfill their request. Finally, they did effect so much,* 1.196 that they caused him to doe that which was reason; and so this yeere 1602. hee aduanced the true Prince, of whom hereafter I will speake somewhat.

[ 60]

§. VI. Of the Gouernment of China: Of the Mandarins; the China Comple∣ments and manifold nicities.

NOw I haue touched the state of the Mandarins, it offereth it selfe to speake of the manner of Gouernment in particular; But I confesse vnto your Worship, that the multitude of Offices which they haue is so great a frame, that I was not able to vn∣derstand it, to reduce it into order. Onely I will say in generall, that they haue many good things belonging vnto Gouernment, but not the execution: finally, it is a Gouernment of [ 10] Gentiles,* 1.197 with a thousand faults. There are no great store of Lawes, but commonly they decide Controuersies of their owne heads, and make Lawes in their Iurisdiction after their pleasure, eue∣ry one diuerse. And heere your Worship may imagine, that the Gouernment in the practise cannot bee very iust, since euery one that can tell how to make a good theame or exercise, are not sufficient to bee Law-makers: And it is very ordinarie among them to direct all things to their owne profit, whereby of necessitie, they commit many absurdities and wrongs, and take all that they can get:* 1.198 Bribes are vsuall, and men vse these more then any thing else: And though one of them know this fault in another, they all dissemble as being in the same fault, that others may winke at them.* 1.199 And though they seeke to hide it one from another, yet it is like the se∣cret of Anchuelus. [ 20]

The Mandarins are many in all Cities, but very extraordinarie in the Courts of Nanquin, and Paquin. For in this Citie of Paquin, besides the Mandarins of Armes, whereof no great account is made, and are more in number then the rest; and besides those which alwayes repaire thither, vpon the businesses of all the Prouinces:* 1.200 Those that properly belong to this Citie and Court, are aboue two thousand and fiue hundred: who all, or the most part heare Causes ordinarily twice a day; so that wee cannot imagine what businesses occupie so many Mandarins, nor what is the Iurisdiction of euerie one. The most principall which are in all the Kingdome and heere, are sixe, Presidents of sixe Councels, being the chiefest of the Kingdome. There is one, which is the greatest,* 1.201 to whom belongeth the gouernment of all the Mandarins of the Kingdome, to aduance them to higher Offices that doe deserue it, and as much as they deserue, to chastise and to de∣grade [ 30] those which badly performe their Office: which because it is a place so great and honou∣rable, the Chinois call him, The Mandarin of Heauen: who proposeth all these things to the King, as to promote, to aduance, to disgrade the Mandarins, and the King confirmeth them: So that all the Mandarins how small soeuer they bee; that are in all the Kingdome, are appointed by the King. The second hath the charge of all things belonging vnto Ceremonies, as well hu∣mane of Courtesies▪ and ceremonies in all royall Acts, as in making the King, the Prince, and in marrying of them, &c. And all that which belongeth to the worship of the Sacrifices of the Dead, and others which the Kings offer to Heauen and Earth. There is another chiefe of the Councell of Warre:* 1.202 another of the Kings Treasure, which taketh the account of the Kings rents: another Councell is of the Workes, as of the Kings houses, prouision for all things neces∣sarie, [ 40] for the Walls of the Cities, &c. There is another of Chastisement, whereunto causes cri∣minall and sentences of Death doe belong.* 1.203 Aboue these (sixe) there is onely one Degree, which are absolutely the greatest, before whom whatsouer the King doth in any thing is consulted of. Although it bee true, that these be rich and opulent in the conceit of the Chinois, yet none of them in any thing may compare with any of the meanest Lord of title,* 1.204 of our Countrey. The wages which they haue of the King is small: the attendance which they haue, is of base people, and of small countenance, yet they are much respected and obeyed: And the common people kneeleth vnto them, as to the Mandarins. The common chastisement which all the Mandarins doe giue,* 1.205 is to whip them with peeces of Canes, of foure or sixe fingers broad and thicke, where∣with oftentimes they dye, when it is layd on soundly. Whipping is as common as it is to [ 50] whip Children in the Schoole: And sometimes for nothing they giue a dozen stripes, as well to the Plaintiffe as to the Defendant, and therewith they end the Suites, and they stay to giue none other sentence, but say: Giue him twentie stripes.

* 1.206Vsually when the Mandarins of any State goe through the streets, men goe before them cry∣ing, or making a noise with Instruments, for the people to giue place. And in particular Cities, when a great Mandarin passeth through the streets, all men hide themselues and goe into houses, and the Handicrafts-men cease from their worke, and that in such sort, that I saw once in a Ci∣tie in a street of great trafficke, a Mandarin appeare, and in a moment euery bodie got away, euen the very Dogges, with exceeding great silence: so greatly they bee reuerenced of all men. And many carrie Chaines trayling them before them, and other Instruments. But in the Courts [ 60] (though the Mandarins bee greater) the people runne not away, they doe no more but giue way that thy may passe. In the Courts many Mandarins, though they be great, ride on Horsebacke, and others in Chaires: but besides them, all goe in Chaires carried on mens shoulders, which ac∣cording to their Offices are two, or foure, or eight.

Euery Prouince hath a Visitor, which publikely visiteth the same euery yeere, and taketh in∣formation of the Mandarines. There are secret and priuie Visitors. Sometime one is sent:* 1.207 But it is no vsuall thing, and as I haue heard, it is long since it was left off. I speake this, because I alwaies heard when I was in Spaine, that the Chinois vsed this manner of Visitation.

The Visitor onely may giue sentence of death. They be not cruell in punishments by death.* 1.208 Onely the King vseth some cruell execution: and namely this King that now raigneth, which is a very wicked man. One of them is that which lately hee caused here to bee executed vpon eight men, by the great frosts of Winter, for no great offence for so cruell a punishment,* 1.209 and as they say, falsely imputed; And this it was: Hee caused their neckes to be put through a thicke [ 10] planke, which taketh a great part of the head, and they set the plankes to stand vpon Formes, so that the man standeth vpon his feet day and night in the middest of the street, with men to watch him. Hee condemned them to this punishment for three moneths: but they died before fifteene dayes, with their legs all rotted, and burst with standing alwaies on foot: I my selfe saw them stand on this fashion, which pitied me extremely. I neuer saw nor heard of any other cruell punishments; though, as I haue said, often times the Mandarines kill them with whip∣ping, which is a very cruell thing.

The Chinois are very curious in writing of newes, which vsually they set out in Print, and in a very short space disperse them through all the Prouinces.* 1.210 There are alwaies Bookes where∣in all the Mandarines of the Kingdome are written, as well their names as their Countries: [ 20] And because they be changed euery foot from one place to another, they blot out and put in the names as soone as they know them, with great facilitie.

One thing among the rest is (wherein they bee very dutifull and prolixe) in their manifold courtesies, which are of many sorts,* 1.211 according to the estate of him with whom they haue to doe. The vsuall fashion is when they visite one another, the stranger is set on the most honou∣rable hand (which in some places is the right hand, and in the Northerne Prouinces the left) and putting one hand in the sleeue of the contrarie arme, which is very long and wide, they lift vp their hands so fastned together, then bending their (head and) body downe to the ground, say∣ing, Zin zin, which is of no signification but an interiection of vrbanitie, their bowing veneration they call, Zo ye: they change places to repay courtesies. After this the Guest sitteth downe in * 1.212 the [ 30] Chaire of the Master of the house, and the Master of the house another besides that which the Guest hath, and each of them setteth them in their due place, which is the strangers Chaire in the highest place, distant from the wall, and the Chaire of the Master of the house is set in the midst of the lowest place, one ouer against another. After this (when they haue ended their salutations) they straightway cause a drinke to be brought, which they call Cha, which is water boyled with a certaine herbe, which they much esteeme, for this is a want of ciuilitie and courtesie: and at the least they must drinke of it twice or thrice. He bringeth forth some Fruit or Sweet-meat, and a Spoone to take it vp. If the Guest stay any time, straight without faile they will bring out some thing to eate, but with some preparation, answerable to the occasion and person: whereon they eate very little, vnlesse it be at the ordinary houres of feeding, and then they eate somwhat more.

[ 40] When they visite one another (vnlesse they be very great friends and familiars) a Boy goeth alway before, which carrieth a Libell or Booke of visitation, which they call Paytre, which is as much as, A Paper of visitation: And this name neuer faileth, for alwaies they vse it: wherein his name with modest epithets (as many perhaps as Visitors) are written, according as the quality is of them that visite, and those that are visited; so is the manner most different whereafter they write the same: to wit, with more humility, either as our better, or as an equall, or as an infe∣riour, as a scholer, or as a master: for as the relations are many and particular, so the fashions and manners which they vse are diuers. Of these things, and of all that hereafter I shall say touching this point, I will send you the examples in their owne papers of visitations, which great Man∣darins, and ordinary men brought vnto vs, setting down in our tongue vpon euery letter the de∣claration [ 50] thereof. And I doubt not but your Worship, our most deare Fathers, and Brethren, and as many others as shall see the same will reioyce thereat. And when that Paper is brought, they carrie newes into the house to him that is visited, which prepareth himselfe to receiue his Guest, which commeth within a while after. When they be not people which they see euery day, they vse not ordinary apparell in their visitations, but they haue garments, proper for this purpose, of a farre different fashion. And if by chance one come so apparelled, and another be not, he sayth, that he durst not salute him, nor receiue him before he had put on his apparell, so he getteth him away in great haste to put on his apparell, and then they begin to performe their complements.

When the Guest departeth, hee alwaies goeth before, and at their going out of the doores they vse salutations, and offers of courtesie; according to the qualitie of the Guest,* 1.213 and the Ma∣ster [ 60] of the house, so he bringeth him more or lesse way, or vnto the street: or if he goe so farre, he stayeth till he take his Chaire, or his Horse, and then lifting vp their armes and sleeues vnto their heads they take their leaues and depart one from the other. When they are departed, the Visitor and hee that is visited, each of them send a Boy to giue one another thankes, one for his visitation, the other for his good entertaynment and friendly vsage. If hee that is visited be not

at home, they leaue the Paytre at his house, which is a token that hee came to visite him. Hee that is visited is bound to requite his visitation presently, or the next day, if he bee a man of Worship, or if they bee equals, within three or foure dayes: which payment is performed after the selfe same manner: and if hee finde him not at home, it sufficeth to leaue the Paytre there. If hee that requiteth the visitation bee a farre greater person then the first which visited him, (as if he be some great Mandarin) hee which first visited him, returneth the next day in person with a paper, wherein hee giueth him thankes that he came to his house: and if they see one another, he giueth him thankes by word of mouth.* 1.214 When the man which visiteth is of great Worship hee sendeth word a good space before with a Paytre: and the Master of the house commeth forth to receiue him, and to bring him into the house. All their Houses and Lodgings, haue alwayes an head and more honourable place (which is the highest part) where alwayes they place the [ 10] Guest.* 1.215 Likewise in their writing they vse a great difference, according to the estates, Dignitie and Age: and in their Letter, the greater the Mandarin is, they vse the greater Letter: those that are equall, or inferiour vse a very small letter: likewise they obserue the same order in spea∣king to euery one according to his qualitie. When they meet in the streets, the ordinary courtesie, is, to put their hands into their sleeues, & closing them together to hold them vp, & to vse a com∣mon speech, which they haue for this purpose. When a couple enter into new acquaintance, they doe yet more,* 1.216 and that is, they kneele downe, and touch the ground with their head so often, and with so great ceremonies, that I dare not speake of them, lest I should neuer make an end.

* 1.217When they send Presents, they write downe all things which they send in a paper, as they doe their speeches, with words of Honour: whereof I send likewise examples to see, of very [ 20] graue persons which sent vs Presents. And whether the partie receiue the Present or not, or on∣ly a part, he alwayes sendeth backe another paper with certaine red lines (as herewith is to bee seene) with a Letter which sayth: I thanke you much: And when he receiueth the Present, hee alwayes giueth some money to the youths that bring it: and hereby he remayneth bound to an∣swer him, with another Present as great at the least: And herein they be very precise, especially persons that are not of the greatest account. A thing which I finde very strange, and which doth put vs to much trouble, to be driuen equally to answer those Presents which the greater Manda∣rins doe send vs, for they alwayes desire some thing of our Countrey, and here we are very poore.

They send vs somtimes from Macao some Clockes of sand, or Houre-glasses, some Kniues, some [ 30] cases of tooles for Surgeans, and other things: for they much esteeme all things that come from our parts: and with these things, which in our Countries are little or nothing worth, heere wee procure friends, which stand vs in exceeding great stead to conferre with them of our holy Faith, and of the saluation of our Soules.

Besides their Presents and visitations, they haue Gossippings and Banquets, whereunto very vsually they inuite one another.* 1.218 When these be very solemne, they set euery Guest two tables for himselfe, one of Flesh and Fish, &c. another of Fruits and sweet Meats. When they be not so so∣lemne, one table for euery man, or two at euery Table: they prouide for these Guests great diuer∣sitie of meates well dressed and seasoned, which they bring soft and fayre one after another, that they may be hot. When they inuite one to a Banquet, they send sixe or seuen dayes before a pa∣per,* 1.219 [ 40] wherein they inuite him against such a day. If hee cannot come, he sendeth another paper, wherein he saith, I excuse my selfe: If he excuse not himselfe, he is resolued to come. This paper is sent with many words of courtesie, & with much honour. On the day appointed in the morning, hee sendeth another to inuite him againe for the selfe same day: and at the appointed houre, hee sendeth another to pray him to come: and then hee goeth: If any of these messages should fayle hee would not goe. When he is gone to the Banquet, they vse many other ceremonies: But the most adoe is, about their places, so that it is long before you can place them, and allot out the roomes how they shall sit, because they euer seeke, or at least make shew that they seeke to giue the chiefest roome to others.* 1.220 They feed not as men vse to doe in our Countrey: neither seemeth it that the Feast is made to feed, but onely they taste of some small thing for fashion sake; and [ 50] they drinke very sippingly in small Cups of Porcelane, each of which will contayne fiue or sixe Thimbels-full of Wine; and heerein and in deuising, they spend fiue or sixe houres at a Banquet, and goe home an hungred. And thus it happeneth vnto vs; although wee seeke to excuse our selues from them as much as we can, because wee lose much time, vnlesse it bee some great Man∣darin, who we feare would take it euill, if wee should deny his request. When the Banquet is en∣ded, the next day euery one of the Guests sends his Boy with a paper, wherein hee thanketh his Hoast for his good cheare.

* 1.221Heere your Worship may see, wherein the Chinois spend the one halfe of their life. For the greatest businesse they haue, and that wasteth most of their time, is in Visitations, Banquets, and sending of Presents. And the time wherein they most of all vse the same, is their New-yeere, [ 60] which lasteth fifteene dayes: their Birth day, which all of them keepe with great solemnitie: or when they goe foorth, or come home on a Iourney. And to end the whole yeere, I send you some Papers of visitation of all these things (whereof they haue sent many vnto vs) that your Worship may see (though you vnderstand not the outward Letter) the manner and fashion of

this people, how farre different Salutations, manners and fashions, we send you from the plaine∣nesse of our Europe, and especially of our Companie, But for the present, wee all thinke it neces∣sarie to eate after this fashion, and to vse their customes, to obtayne more free accesse vnto them, and to winne them to Christ.

There is a Turke heere, a dweller in this Citie, which aboue fortie yeeres agoe, brought one or two Lions to the Father of this King: who,* 1.222 partly because hee knoweth no Learning nor Sci∣ences, and partly because hee sought not to apply himselfe to the habite, customes, and manner of China, there is none that will deale with him, nor come neere his house: And through the grace which God hath giuen vs, and because they see vs apply our selues to their Apparell, Fa∣shion, [ 10] and Courtesies, all the grauest Mandarins come home to our house to visite vs, and doe vs the fauour, to hold vs publikely for their Friends: which they vse not to doe, to their owne Countrey-men, of our qualitie and condition: praysed bee our Lord alwayes, Amen.

I will not omit to declare the great pleasure, wherewith these learned Chinois heare the great consent of the things and ceremonies, of our holy Faith in Europe, and that wee haue Bishops, and, as we call them heere, Mandarins, and superiours in Spirituall things: and aboue all, they reioyce exceedingly to heare of our Pope,* 1.223 that being so great a personage they preferre a Lear∣ned and Holy man by way of Election, and not by Succession, and likewise the obedience and subjection which other Kings doe yeeld vnto him; and that there haue beene many (as wee told them) who being chosen Popes, refuse it in good earnest, and by no meanes will accept the [ 20] same: and that we haue all things which concerne the Law of God and good manners, set downe in writing, with all other Bookes concerning him, or his Ministers.

And although that which I haue spoken hitherto of our high Priest, is a thing very apparent and true, and wee deliuered it for such, and they so vnderstand it: yet oftentimes they haue gi∣uen vs occasions of laughter. The first was, That when wee told them, that some refused so great an Office: straight-way they aske, where you say that they refuse it, is it not euident that their excuse will not bee accepted? As who should say, if they would accept of it, who is there that would make an excuse? And thus they say, because they doe so themselues:* 1.224 for when great Of∣fices are bestowed vpon them, eftsoone they offer vp a Petition, making a thousand excuses to the King not to receiue them: and they desi••e nothing lesse, neither can any thing happen so [ 30] grieuous vnto them, as to accept their excuse. But vsually they be not admitted: though some∣times they bee, to their great griefe of heart, as I my selfe haue seene: But to excuse themselues, or to refuse with some danger, is the vse so common, that they will not fayle to doe so: for if they should not doe so, it were more certayne that they should goe without the Office. The se∣cond thing that made vs more to laugh, is, that many of them tell vs, that if wee would returne into our Countrey, without doubt they would make vs Popes: The reason (though not openly) which they yeeld, is, that wee haue a great aduantage aboue other men of our Countrey, to wit, that wee haue seene, and studied, and vnderstand their Bookes; because that they onely, in their opinion, can make a man perfect, and generally seene in all things. Such is the high conceit and reputation which they hold of their Bookes.

[ 40]

§. VII. Of their Women: Of the Tartars Conquest, Acts and Expulsion. The greatnesse of the King, and neighbouring States. Of the Queenes Eunuches.

I Will conclude this Letter with two points: the one concerning the Women, where∣of I haue little to say: and the last is of the King, and of his Palaces and Seruices.* 1.225

Euery man (as I said before) may keepe as many Wiues as hee will, and so they doe: which is the cause of many tumults, quarrels,* 1.226 and disorders in their houses a∣mong their wiues, and among the Sonnes of diuers Mothers: and therefore when wee tell them, [ 50] that in our Countrey no man marryeth but one Wife, they neuer are satisfied in praising it in words, though neuerthelesse they doe not follow it, nor put it in practise. And the discontent∣ment which the Women haue among themselues, and with their Husbands for this occasion, is like to prooue a great encouragement vnto them, to make them desirous to receiue our holy Faith, and to perswade their Husbands to embrace the same, seeing that it doth not permit any more but one lawfull Wife onely.

Of their other Conuersation, Customes, and other things, wee know nothing,* 1.227 neither is any thing to bee learned: for they keepe house all their life time, and goe out of doores exceeding seldome to visite either their Mother or Sisters, or nearest kinswomen, for they goe not to any else, no not in thought: And therefore as they haue no conuersation, (but alwayes to keepe [ 60] home) I can speake nothing of their behauiour. Their Apparell seemeth vnto mee honest and comely: (for sometimes I haue seene the Wiues of Officers, and of the poore people,* 1.228 for many of them doe goe abroad.) In some parts of the Countrey wee haue met many women vpon the high way, in short garments, like to the men of our Countrey, without any difference, saue on

their heads, and their feete: for all the rest is all one kinde of Apparell; but these are the com∣mon people onely: One of the greatest ornaments that the Women haue, is, to haue verie little feete, and they are so little, that they goe verie badly, and alway they seeme to goe as though they would fall.* 1.229 I could not know the cause, nor the Chinois themselues know not the originall occasion, why this is counted for a beautie: albeit some say, it began not for a comelinesse, but onely with a purpose to cut off all occasion from them of going abroad.

* 1.230The Chinois haue beene very carefull in their Histories, and therefore they haue histories of their Kings of aboue foure thousand yeeres. And if credit bee to be giuen to that which their Bookes report, touching those times, and is gathered by diuers of their Histories; There are ma∣ny more yeeres from the Flood to our dayes (whereof they also haue some knowledge in their Bookes) then the most followed and allowed Calculation among vs,* 1.231 which tr••ate of that mat∣ter, [ 10] doe allow of: for they say, it is sixe thousand yeeres at the least. They say that they haue continued Histories. But I leaue this, because I haue not well conferred the truth and founda∣tion of the Chinish histories. At the least it is certaine, that they haue knowledge of their mat∣ters, and certaine Kings within a little after the Flood, whensoeuer it was. They had many an∣cient Kings,* 1.232 which were verie good men, which it may bee were saued in the law of Nature, because the heroicall workes of Vertue, which they report of them were great, and there is no record that they worshipped Idols, but some, that they worshipped the Lord of Heauen and Earth. There were some that sought not to leaue their lawfull Sonnes to bee their Heires, be∣cause they thought them not fit for Gouernment, but choose the wisest and best man, that they could finde, and left the Kingdome vnto him. [ 20]

This Kingdome in old time was diuided into many small Kingdomes, vntill by little and little it was vnited. It is some foure hundred yeeres (as I said before) since a Tartar King pos∣sessed it whollie, and two hundred, since a Bonzo or Religious man of China recouered it. This Mahumetan Tartar King, left some tokens of himselfe in things that he did. Hee left in Nan∣quin,* 1.233 certaine Mathematicall instruments of Copper, the like whereof for goodnesse peraduen∣ture are not in all Europe, at least not better.

* 1.234The Chinese Bonzo which expelled him out of the Kingdome, was a very valiant and wise man, and there bee many Histories of his wisedome, and sentencious sayings, and iudgement in hard matters: and the manner and forme of Gouernment, which hee ordayned in this King∣dome,* 1.235 which continueth inuiolable, doth greatly declare the same. Hee made new Offices and [ 30] gaue new Names to all of them: An vsuall thing when one house beginneth to Raigne, to change all, euen the name of the King, as also of all Offices, and also of many Cities. I omit the diuision of the Gouernment into so many heads, and so good distribution, that it seemeth (and so the Chinois say) it is like to continue thousands of yeeres, so that no man of the same Kingdome is able, nor hath any power to make any Rebellion of importance. For those which in former time reuolted, were the Vice-royes of the Prouinces, and other great Mandarins, in whose power were the Gouernment, the Souldiers, and the treasure. But hee diuided it in such sort, that those which had power ouer the Souldiers,* 1.236 should haue no money at all, neither should the pay of the Souldiers depend vpon them: and those which keepe the Treasure must haue no su∣perintendencie and dominion ouer the Souldiers. Others which were mightie and rich, hee [ 40] impouerished and diuided their Authoritie and Reuenues among many; and so there is no man that can call himselfe Great. I remember that I had read in a Booke, set out in the Spanish tongue, of the great power of certayne Captaynes, and because the King did not trust them, hee sent one of his house to will them to come vnto him.

All which relation, with many other things which hee reporteth of the prouidence of the King, how hee diuideth his Authoritie among diuers Princes, is not so in truth, neither in truth, neither is there any apparence thereof, neither haue the Captaynes much authoritie, nei∣ther are they very rich: for though they haue many people, yet the gouernment of them is diuided into diuers heads, so that they can hardly assemble to raise any Rebellion, especially, be∣cause [ 50] they remaine alwayes in the Kingdome, and neere about the King.

* 1.237The Reuenue of this King, without doubt, is exceeding great, and vntill wee haue gotten it out of their Bookes (wherein euery thing is set downe very particularly) I will not presume to publish the same, not as though I knew not that it is so, since whilest a man knoweth more of this Kingdome, he doubteth lesse: Yet because I feare for all this that it will bee hard to make one be∣leeue the same, which knoweth it not of a certainty; making the Accounts not very large, his Reuenues are one yeare with another an hundred Millions in Siluer,* 1.238 Gold, Rice, and an infinite number of other things: although the greatest part is Siluer. And he that considereth the great∣nesse of the Kingdome, and that euery man payeth Tribute to the King of their Persons, Lands, Trees, and other things (without carrying any Tribute out of the same) that which I speake wil [ 60] not seeme excessiue.* 1.239 But as his Reuenue is very great, so his Expenses are many. For those which in this Kingdome doe liue at the Kings charge are many, to wit, all the Mandarins to whom the King giueth Wages, all the Souldiers, all the Kinsfolkes of the King, his Eunuches, and an infinite number of people, whereby his charges are exceeding great, although alwayes there re∣mayneth

a good deale for him to lay vp: and there is no doubt but hee hath it in store in excee∣ding great quantitie.

Many small Kingdomes round about acknowledge the King of China, and pay him Tribute,* 1.240 as Corea, and others, whose names I know not, on this Northerne part: and on the side of Ma∣laca and Macao, many others. And sometimes on these Northerne parts they trouble him somewhat, in robbing and killing of people. It may be that your Worship, or some bodie else may demand, why the King of China being so great, subdueth not these small Kingdomes that lye about him to deliuer himselfe of trouble? I answere, that he wanteth no abilitie:* 1.241 but I will say one sure thing, a Paradoxe to the people of our Europe, which is, That neither the Chinois, nor their King doe seeke, nor dreame of dilating their Empire more then it is.* 1.242 And this their [ 10] resolution is such, that although they would giue them all these Kingdomes, they would not take them, & much lesse if they were farther off. For they hold it for one of the greatest miseries (especially the Mandarins & graue sort of people) to go out of their Kingdome to any other part.

There is one of the best Examples hereof that may be giuen: which fell out of late,* 1.243 and that was, that as by the danger which might grow to his Kingdome, if the people of Iapon should winne the Kingdome of Corea, which is joyned to China by the mayne Land, as they began to doe; the Chinois ayded the Coreans with many men: and the people of Iapon by the death of their King called Quabacondono, did wholly aband••n it. The Kingdome remayned in the power of the Chinois, and so continued two or three yeares. After which they whol∣ly gaue it ouer, without any other greater respect, then that there were none that were [ 20] willing to goe thither to gouerne it, nor that the King had any need to annexe it vnto his Estate. And without doubt, it seemeth that he would doe the like with any other, although they would put it into his hands. And touching those Kingdomes which pay him Tribute, there is no great account made, whether they come or no▪ and their continuall comming, is more for the profit of those which come, then that the King doth desire it. And therefore the Philippine Ilands which in former times paid Tribute to the Kings of China, were made none account of when they ceased to pay it.

This King hath one lawfull Wife (as other men haue) in choice whereof they haue regard to nothing else but to her good qualities and externall beautie, for there is no Nobilitie to be [ 30] sought for. Besides her hee hath a great number of Concubines chosen after the same manner, whose Sonnes (if the lawfull Wiues Children faile) inherit the Kingdome, which commonly falleth out, and such is he which now is King, and he which is to succeed him.* 1.244 When any of these women be once entred into the Kings Palace to bee his Wife, there is no name which may bee compared vnto her in being kept close; for they may not only not goe abroad, no nor bee seene of their Father, Mother, or Brethren. They haue little or none authoritie, but such as they ob∣taine of the King. Also the seruice of the King, of the Queene, and of his Concubines, is all by Eunuches, a seruice doubtlesse vnworthy of a King.* 1.245 All these Eunuches (without any excepti∣on) are of the most base people which are in all the Kingdome, whose Fathers (because they can∣not keepe them when they were young) doe make them Eunuches, in hope that one day they [ 40] shall get into the Court to serue the King: the manner is farre different from some which are in Europe: for these bee like those which the Turkes vse.* 1.246 Because their Fathers doe this for po∣uertie, it followeth that they haue no excellencie, for they haue no meanes to learne it, and they are little or nothing Learned.

They elect and choose these Eunuches from time to time to supply such as die, and this first yeare that I was here, they chose aboue three thousand, for which purpose there assembled a∣boue twentie thousaind (as they say) out of which number they made their choice. The Ele∣ctors were a verie great Mandarin (to whom, as I said before,* 1.247 the Kings priuate businesse belongs) and another Eunuch of the eldest and most priuate. The Examination and Election consisteth in two things, which are a good Countenance and a good Tongue: for proofe whereof, they make them pronounce two words, wherein those that haue not a readie Tongue doe stumble. [ 50] When they are chosen, and gone to the Court, they diuide them in diuers Offices:* 1.248 yet at their first comming, they are appointed to waite vpon the old Eunuches as Boyes, which make good triall of their patience, and obedience: and he that after certaine yeares sheweth himselfe to∣wardly, they begin to employ in greater matters.

Of these Eunuches, the King hath his Musicians and Mathematicians, who, to bee briefe,* 1.249 I say, haue no sound vnderstanding in th••se things at all, but only for complement or superficially: yet some of them are bound to watch all night, and to looke whether any Comet doe appeare, or any such like thing in the Skie, to enforme the King thereof: and to performe other like Of∣fices. They are vsually verie couetous, and as they are base,* 1.250 if they rise to bee priuate with the [ 60] King, some of them be proud and vncourteous. They serue the King as slaues, obeying his will which way soeuer he inclineth. The King chastiseth them verie sharply for euery light offence: especially the King that now is, which is a very wicked man. He hath caused many to be whip∣ped to death, for some small matter wherein they haue offended him. Yet there are some of them good and di••••r••et, which the King vseth for dispatching of his businesse, and other matters

of weight. Though the ordinarie wages which they haue of the King bee small, yet it serueth them well to liue of, and therefore they goe verie well apparelled in many Robes of Silke verie finely wrought of diuers colours, and the manner of their Cap and Apparell differeth from all o∣ther peoples. There are of them in number, as they say, aboue sixteene thousand of them in the Kings palaces. Hereby your Worship may see what Examples and Education the King of China obserueth, which spendeth all his time with these and with women.

Although it be the custome of these Kings, to shew themselues from time to time to certaine of the greatest Mandarins: yet they neuer suffer the rest of the people to see them, nor to speake with them;* 1.251 and when he speaketh with any bodie, they enter not into the place where hee is; but the King commeth forth to a certaine place. If there be any Nation among whom the Law [ 10] of Nations hath no place in many things it is this: for as they haue no commerce with other Nations, so they haue not the Law which is common to all men. And therefore they admit no Ambassadour in China, vnlesse it be by the way of giuing some Present, the King not acknow∣ledging any; neither doe they thinke that there is any in the World, which is able to deale with their King by way of an Embassadour.* 1.252 And if they bring any Message (as the Iapons brought within these few yeares, who came to intreate of certaine agreements, by no meanes they are admitted to the sight of the King; neither doth he giue them audience: but some Mandarin doth accompany them: and the entertaynment which they giue them, and honour which they shew to all strangers which come vnto them is verie small. But as for the most part they haue no great conceit of strangers, so their entertaynment is like to their conceit. Whosoeuer he be that [ 20] commeth into their Countrey, they shut him vp in a verie homely house, not suffering him to goe abroad.

* 1.253The Kings Palaces are verie great; and albeit in the excellencie of Architecture they bee not comparable to those of our Europe, yet they much exceed in the hugenesse of Building. They haue three wals foure square, the circuit of the first may be as bigge as the wall of a good Citie. Betweene the first and the second wall, there is a wall which enuironeth the greatest part of the House, and here are many Houses of the Eunuches of the lowest sort, which exercise Mechani∣call Arts, or the like, as Porters, &c.

Betweene the second and the third wall there are many pieces of the Kings House, which is not joyned altogether, but in diuers parts there be diuers Roomes, built for diuers purposes, one [ 30] answering to another. These parcels of Buildings which are here (which are euerie one as long as the Careere of an Horse, and very high) haue no vnder Roome, but a great Building raised vp with foundations of great Brickes, as broad and long as all the Building, wherein there are Gates of Marble stone very wel wrought to passe from one place to another. This house or Foun∣dation is about eight fathomes high little more or lesse. Aboue these are guilded Galleries, Taras∣ses, Hals, and Chambers, which on the out-side shew verie gallant (which is as much as can be seene; for no man can get in to see them.) The greatest part of them is of Timber, with many gilded Embossements, and many other pleasant Pictures. The Roofes are verie well made. The Tiles are of a farre better fashion, in mine opinion, then ours, and so euen ioyned together that that they seeme to be all one piece:* 1.254 they are all anneled with yellow, which is the Kings Co∣lour. [ 40] To conclude, I say, that it seemed vnto me in multitude of Houses and greatnesse a stately thing.* 1.255 Also betweene these wals the Riuer runneth which I spake of: and to passe from one to another there are many faire Bridges of Marble made of very great stones: betweene these wals was one of the two fourth parts of the House, on which the fire from Heauen fell downe within these few yeares,* 1.256 and consumed it: and with the blowes of the stones which fell downe many verie great Houses were broken downe to the ground (as sometimes I beheld my selfe) and they remayned with many signes of fire on them. They say, that when this fire fell from Hea∣uen,* 1.257 the King commanded his Sonne to kneele downe, and beseech The Heauen to be mercifull vn∣to him, for he himselfe was too wicked, and that the Heauen would not heare him. Within these wals are many Lodgings of the grauest Eunuches, who like Fellowes of Colledges liue many in one [ 50] House,* 1.258 euerie one hauing his priuate Chamber. Heere betweene these wals are Mounts and Groues and other recreations whither the King repaireth to recreate himselfe. And the space of these wals is very great, for when I went to the Palace to teach the Eunuches which were in that place to trimme the Clocke, I passed before I came to their Lodging eight great Palaces, and on the other side there were many more. The Lodgings of the Eunuches vsually are low and bad, for the Kings Seruants, yet very necessarie.

* 1.259Next after this followeth the third wal, where the King dwelleth, with his Wiues and Chil∣dren, and those which where his neerest seruants, whereinto no man entreth but they. And ther∣fore albeit I haue heard that it is a very beautiful thing & very much worth the seeing, as in very deed it sheweth to be: yet I cannot giue any Relation of any thing concerning the same in par∣ticular. [ 60] Only this I say, that when I was in the House of the Eunuches that were the Mathe∣maticians, I went sometimes vp into a Towre, from whence I might see the tops of the Hou∣ses, the Groues, and Orchards, and me thought that I neuer in my life saw so great a frame of Building, although I haue seene many in mine owne Countrie. And therefore there are alwaies

a great number of Officers of all Offices, some making new Buildings, and others repayring the old. The King neuer goeth abroad, especially this King,* 1.260 and his Ancestors some one time and no more, vnto a Temple which they haue builded to The Heauen, and the Earth, where euerie yeare they offer Sacrifice. And therefore I know not with what pompe hee goeth abroad: But like as in his seruice he hath no men of qualitie, it cannot bee such as our Kings vse in their going to Church:

There is a barbarous custome among the Kings, that when the Prince is aduanced to the King∣dome, within a short time after, all the rest of the old Kings Sonnes are to depart out of the House to certaine places appointed for them, which vnto the third Generation are serued like [ 10] Kings, but they neuer come more in the presence of their Father, Mother, nor elder Brother:* 1.261 and therefore there is great lamentations of their Mothers at their departure. The Posteritie of these doe alwaies remayne as Kinsmen, and with the name of the Kings Kinsmen. To all these (which are very many) the King giueth sufficient mayntenance, which is no great matter. They neuer beare Office; and deale with other people, and marrie with them, without doing themselues much good or none at all in being the Kings Kinsmen, nor purchase any speciall authoritie there∣by. Other Kinsfolkes of the King, married with the Sisters, Daughters, or Cousins of the King, or Queene, although they haue sufficient to liue vpon, yet haue they exceeding small authoritie, and haughtinesse. And herein, nor in any thing may they compare with the Mandarins.

Here came to visit vs one married with the Sister of this King that is now, in a Chaire with [ 20] three or foure Boyes to wait on him. Another came oftentimes married with the Sister of the Wife of the Prince that is to inherit, on Horse-backe with one Boy only attending on him; and hee entreth into the Examinations that hee may proceed Doctor and become a Mandarin: So litle is the benefit that groweth vnto them by the Consanguinity or Affinity of the King which are joyned vnto him thereby.

Here the time faileth me, though neither matter,* 1.262 nor desire to giue contentment to your Worship, and the rest of my most deare Fathers and Brethren, neither doth nor shall euer faile me. And therefore if I shall vnderstand, that they take this in good worth, I will giue Relati∣on of that which shall fall out here by the helpe and grace of our Lord, to whom I humbly be∣seech all of them to commend mee.

[ 30] I send here withall two Maps of this Kingdome of China,* 1.263 which came to my hand after I had written this Letter, and Relation. I sought to translate all that which is contayned in the China Letters; which is all the Rent which euery one of these Prouinces payeth to the King of China; and to make a description of all the Houses which euerie Prouince hath, and how many people, and many things else: But your Worship may beleeue that by no meanes I had leysure: and therefore I send you only the figure, and another yeare (if it please our Lord God) I will send you the same with the declaration thereof.

All the rundles and squares which are therein are Cities, or Fortresses of many Inhabitants, both of them walled about. There is no Towne here set downe that it is not walled: the others are many more.

[ 40] The Riuers are well distinguished. The great lines are the limits of the Prouinces: the other small lines, and of little circuit are the Iuridisdictions of some one principall Citie.

We print here another Map of all the World of our manner with C••••nish Letters, which be∣••••use wee want time to declare the Letters, I send not till the next yeare, which then we will send if our Lord grant vs life.

I send you many other Papers, that your Worships may see the fashion of the Letters of these people of China, and what Characters wee committed to memorie. From Paquin, beeing the Court and Royall Citie of the King of China, the ninth of March, 1602.

[ 50] [ 60]

Notes

• * 1.1

  This Booke I haue both in Spanish printed 1606. in Va∣lencia: and in Latine at Mentz 1607.
• * 1.2

  Colledge of Iesuits.
• * 1.3

  Entrance into China difficult.
• * 1.4

  Meanes sought to enter China.
• * 1.5

  Embassage. Present.
• * 1.6

  100000. Gar∣rison Souldiers in Nanquin. Ricius saith 40000. perhaps the other 60000. are for the Countrey adioyning, or for the Nauie and Sea-guard: or Ricius might speake of the ordinary at o∣ther peaceable times, Pantogia of this trouble∣some time while the Ia∣ponian warre continued. Mandarins houses are publike. House pos∣sessed.
• * 1.7

  Iesuits Patent for China habi∣tation.
• * 1.8

  Fame of Ie∣suits sanctitie.
• * 1.9

  Fame of their Learning.
• * 1.10

  Watches ad∣mired.
• * 1.11

  Their credit & good vsag••.
• * 1.12

  Three Iesuits.
• * 1.13

  Leaue for Pa∣quin granted.
• * 1.14

  The Riuer of Nanquin ouer-frozen all the Winter.
• * 1.15

  The particu∣lars of the Kings Present. Gilded Dra∣gons or Ser∣pents (so Cruz cals them) the Kings Armes. Pinto saith a Lion, perhaps his coniecture for the fre∣quencie men∣tioned also by Polo, sup. p. 89. &c. or perhaps this might then be, and Serpents since, the Royall En∣signe. Besides a Lion is the Armes of Can∣ton Prouince, and perhaps of some others which might be mistaken for the Kings Armes.

  They began their iourney from Nanquin 1600. the 20. of May, stilo nouo.
• * 1.16

  300. leagues as it were one pathway of shipping.
• * 1.17

  Lincin.
• * 1.18

  Mathan the Kings Eunuch, his pompe.
• * 1.19

  Eunuchs base minded.
• * 1.20

  Not subiect to ordinary Ma∣gistrates.
• * 1.21

  Conceit of gemmes.
• * 1.22

  He dismisset•• them.
• * 1.23

  Silence of de∣niall.
• * 1.24

  Eunuchs pom∣pous Barge.
• * 1.25

  Glorious Var∣nish.
• * 1.26

  Abundance of all colours in Iapon and China.
• * 1.27

  Painted Fi∣gures.
• * 1.28

  Very great Oares and the excellent vse of them. Musike.
• * 1.29

  Manner of pe∣titioning the King.
• * 1.30

  Eunuch e∣stranged.
• * 1.31

  They stayed three months.
• * 1.32

  Lincin.
• * 1.33

  This was the thirteenth of October.
• * 1.34

  Couetousnesse iniurious.
• * 1.35

  Images.
• * 1.36

  A Crosse and Reliques.
• * 1.37

  A Chalice.
• * 1.38

  A Crucifixe.
• * 1.39

  Suspicion.
• * 1.40

  Dying dread∣full.
• * 1.41

  The force of Winter.
• * 1.42

  This was till the b••ginning of Ianuarie, 1601.
• * 1.43

  The King sends for them
• * 1.44

  Their iourney
• * 1.45

  They came to Paquin, in 4. dayes trauell.
• * 1.46

  The present is deliuered to the King.
• * 1.47

  Clockes and Pictures admi∣red.
• * 1.48

  They are sent for to the Court.
• * 1.49

  Eunuches are taught to vse the Clockes.
• * 1.50

  The Pictures.
• * 1.51

  The King of China his que∣stions.
• * 1.52

  Three kindes of Kings.
• * 1.53

  The Escuriall
• * 1.54

  Saint Markes.
• * 1.55

  Sepulchers.
• * 1.56

  Death of King Philip the 2.
• * 1.57

  The King ne∣uer suffereth himselfe to be seene of the common peo∣ple.
• * 1.58

  Bad Picture-drawers.
• * 1.59

  Eunuches pre∣ferred.
• * 1.60

  Iesuites offered to be Manda∣rins.
• * 1.61

  A Moneth▪
• * 1.62

  Mandarin of∣f••nded.
• * 1.63

  They are shut vp some three moneths.
• * 1.64

  Mandarins Pe∣tition.
• * 1.65

  A Turke kept there.
• * 1.66

  They hyer an House.
• * 1.67

  Visited by Mandarins.
• * 1.68

  China igno∣rance o•• the wor••d.

  Vse of Maps.
• * 1.69

  Ill Cosmogra∣phie.
• * 1.70

  Ignorance mo∣ther of arro∣gance.
• * 1.71

  Mathematicks
• * 1.72

  Ethikes.
• * 1.73

  Foure months
• * 1.74

  Hopes of Christianitie.
• * 1.75

  The basenesse of the Bonzi.
• * 1.76

  Indeuotion.
• * 1.77

  Almost Atheists
• * 1.78

  Bookes of Phi∣losophers, a∣boue 2000. yeeres old. Sacrifices to Philosophers.
• * 1.79

  Some Christians made there.
• * 1.80

  Closensse of Women.
• * 1.81

  Some relati∣ons of Con∣uersions are heere for bre∣uitie omitted.
• * 1.82

  Multitude of people.
• * 1.83

  Desire of Lear∣ning and Mo∣rall vertue.
• * 1.84

  Marke this zeale.
• * 1.85

  China foure square. The Description.
• * 1.86

  Two notable errours of our newest Maps. Paquin in 40. degrees.
• * 1.87

  The Kingdom of China goeth not past 42. de∣grees North-ward.

  China and Ca∣tayo are all one.

  Cambalu and Paquin a••e all one▪
• * 1.88

  Very Mer∣chants.
• * 1.89

  It is so in Mos∣couie.
• * 1.90

  Iasper stone a great mer∣chandise·
• x 1.91

  Almizcte Span. the Latin hath Muske.
• y 1.92

  Como buche Span, Latin Sto∣machum.
• * 1.93

  Rhubarb. See before in Chag∣gi Memet. p. 164 A Sea of sand.
• * 1.94

  Diuision.
• * 1.95

  Chorographi∣call Bookes.
• * 1.96

  Chin•• populous
• * 1.97

  Villages as great as Townes. Walls.

  Nanquin in 32. degrees and an halfe. Three walls.
• * 1.98

  Streets long.
• * 1.99

  Palaces.
• * 1.100

  Circuit.
• * 1.101

  200000. houses
• * 1.102

  Hancheo and Sucheo.
• * 1.103

  Quinsay, Ciui∣tas coeli.
• * 1.104

  Reuenue.
• * 1.105

  Building not beautifull, compared with European.
• * 1.106

  Vniformitie in China Cities.
• * 1.107

  Fertilitie.
• * 1.108

  Commodious Riuers.
• * 1.109

  In 600. leagues but one day by land.

  This is more exactly measu∣red by Ricius, a more exact and mature obseruer of all things. sup. §. 5. cap. 5.

  Mighty Riuer, perhaps Qu••••n mentioned by Polo.

  Fishing with a kinde of Ra∣uens or Cor∣mora••ts
• * 1.110

  Muddy Riuer.
• * 1.111

  Alume vsed in clarifying of water. Shipping.
• * 1.112

  Ship-houses.
• * 1.113

  Multitude of ships.
• * 1.114

  The excellent beauty of the Mandarines Barges.
• * 1.115

  Tributes in money and in kinde.
• * 1.116

  10000. Vessels at Nanquin for Tribute of Vi∣ctuals, and 1000. for other Tributes: and others many for workes. Path-way of ships.

  Sluces or locks.
• * 1.117

  Silkes and per∣fumes.
• * 1.118

  Vessels for workes.
• * 1.119

  Siluer in grea∣test request in China▪
• * 1.120

  The great store of merchan∣dise in China.
• * 1.121

  Cheapnesse.
• * 1.122

  A caution for strange Mer∣chants.
• * 1.123

  Victuall store and cheape.
• * 1.124

  Sixe pence. One halfpeny.
• * 1.125

  Herbs.
• * 1.126

  Two and three Haruests in one yeere.
• * 1.127

  Plaine Coun∣trey.

  Plaine of 100. leagues.
• * 1.128

  Spare feeding.
• * 1.129

  Herb-eaters.
• * 1.130

  Horses eaten. Wines diuers.
• * 1.131

  Neatnesse.
• * 1.132

  Iesuites. Benefit of hot drinke.
• * 1.133

  Oile made of an herbe.
• * 1.134

  Cold Prouin∣ces.
• * 1.135

  Timber plenty
• * 1.136

  Much Gold to be bought in China.
• * 1.137

  Brasse money vsed in China.
• * 1.138

  Sarcos la••. ferruginei.
• * 1.139

  Trades.
• * 1.140

  Seruants cheape. Sale of chil∣dren vile.
• * 1.141

  None very rich.
• * 1.142

  Yet as rich as ours very rich.
• * 1.143

  Few idle.
• * 1.144

  Surnames.
• * 1.145

  Knights.
• * 1.146

  Nobilitie on∣ly in Learning.
• * 1.147

  No Lord but the King.
• * 1.148

  Extortion.
• * 1.149

  Marriage.
• * 1.150

  Polygamie.
• * 1.151

  Inheritance:
• * 1.152

  Funerals and mournings.
• * 1.153

  Three yeares mourning in white Linnen.
• * 1.154

  Keeping the dead at home.
• * 1.155

  Other Fune∣rall Rites.
• * 1.156

  Funerall day.
• * 1.157

  Funerall Fi∣gures.
• * 1.158

  Coff••n.
• * 1.159

  Buriall place.
• * 1.160

  Vnluckie to burie in the Citie.
• * 1.161

  Transition of soules.

  Metempsuchi∣call Supersti∣on,
• * 1.162

  Idolatrie.
• * 1.163

  Of Hell. See in Pinto.
• * 1.164

  Lots.
• * 1.165

  Wicked Bonzi.
• * 1.166

  Diuiners and diuinations.
• * 1.167

  Studies to pro∣long life.
• * 1.168

  Bookes of Al∣chimie.
• * 1.169

  Souldiers ma∣ny and few.
• * 1.170

  Basenesse. Armour and Armes.

  The barrels of their Pieces but a span long
• * 1.171

  The causes of bad Souldiers, dis-respect, dis-use, and their choise from the ton••••e.
• * 1.172

  Exercises Mi∣litarie.

  No Ordnance
• * 1.173

  Tartarian con∣quest.
• * 1.174

  Feare of Tar∣tars.
• * 1.175

  Mahometans.
• * 1.176

  No weapons in houses.
• * 1.177

  Not bloudie.
• * 1.178

  Studious.
• * 1.179

  Many Chara∣cters.
• * 1.180

  Monosyllable language.
• * 1.181

  Pensil-writing.
• * 1.182

  Rhetorike sole Art.

  Here followed of their De∣grees which is more exact in Trigantius, and therefore here omitted.

  Glory of Do∣ctors.
• * 1.183

  They Print yeerely great store of bookes in China.
• * 1.184

  Easie Printing.
• * 1.185

  Printing white
• * 1.186

  Most can write and reade.
• * 1.187

  Pootrie.
• * 1.188

  Painting and Musicke.
• * 1.189

  Noble Spirit of the Manda∣rins.
• * 1.190

  Sinceritie of some.
• * 1.191

  The present Kings disposi∣tion.
• * 1.192

  Heroike zeale.
• * 1.193

  Kings Wiues and Children.
• * 1.194

  Question of the Successor.
• * 1.195

  Thousands of Court Manda∣rins.
• * 1.196

  The Prince Proclaimed.
• * 1.197

  Gouernment good if well executed. Lawes lawlesse
• * 1.198

  Bribes.
• * 1.199

  Dance in a Net naked.
• * 1.200

  Court Manda∣rins.
• * 1.201

  Chiefe Man∣darin, or of Heauen.

  See or these af∣ter in the di••∣course of Ric∣cius and Tri∣gantius.

  The second.
• * 1.202

  The third, &c.
• * 1.203

  Counsell of State, or the Colai.
• * 1.204

  Their wealth and wages meane.
• * 1.205

  Whipping.
• * 1.206

  State and pompe.
• * 1.207

  Visitors.
• * 1.208

  Punishment by death rare.
• * 1.209

  The great frosts of Win∣ter in Paquin.
• * 1.210

  Bookes of newes.
• * 1.211

  Complements of courtesie and entertain∣ment. That which is in a little letter is added out of Trigautius.
• * 1.212

  When they salute in the street, they turne to the North, side to side: at home to the head of the house, which is a∣gainst the doore, North∣ward also their Temples and Halls for en∣tertaynment being made with the doore to the South. Cha or Chia a drinke made with a certaine herbe.

  Paytre or visi∣ting paper. These Libels consist of 12. pages of white paper a palme and hal••e long, &c. see Ric. pag. 66.

  Salutation or visitation-garments.
• * 1.213

  Taking leaue.
• * 1.214

  Head place of the house.
• * 1.215

  Great Letters for great per∣sons.
• * 1.216

  First acquain∣tance.
• * 1.217

  Sending Pre∣sents.
• * 1.218

  Banquetting.
• * 1.219

  Inuitations.
• * 1.220

  Feasts to taste and bride it.
• * 1.221

  Chinois Com∣plemental and almost all complement. New-yeere.
• * 1.222

  A Turke dis-re∣spected.
• * 1.223

  The Hierarchy applauded by Chinois.
• * 1.224

  Ridiculous ni∣cetie.
• * 1.225

  Palace.
• * 1.226

  Polygamie li∣tigious.
• * 1.227

  Closenesse of Women.
• * 1.228

  Apparell.
• * 1.229

  Small feet.
• * 1.230

  Histories of their Kings.
• * 1.231

  Knowledge of the Flood.
• * 1.232

  Moralitie made a King, and Nature made a Man∣darine contrary to innumera∣ble Scripture, &c.
• * 1.233

  Mathematicall Instruments.
• * 1.234

  The China vin∣dex.
• * 1.235

  New Lords, new Lawes.
• * 1.236

  Rebellion pre∣uented by the policie.
• * 1.237

  Reuenue.
• * 1.238

  100. Millions. others say, 150.
• * 1.239

  Expences.
• * 1.240

  N••ighbour Kingdomes. Corea or Corai.
• * 1.241

  A Paradoxe.
• * 1.242

  Contentednes.
• * 1.243

  Corea ioyned to the Conti∣nent of China.
• * 1.244

  Queenes closenesse.
• * 1.245

  Eunuches.
• * 1.246

  The yard and all cut away.
• * 1.247

  Their numbers and choice.
• * 1.248

  Seruice▪
• * 1.249

  Ignorance▪
• * 1.250

  Couetousnesse
• * 1.251

  The common people neuer see nor speake with the King. Law of Nati∣ons contem∣ned.
• * 1.252

  Emb••assages.
• * 1.253

  Royall Palace.
• * 1.254

  Yellow is the Kings Colour.
• * 1.255

  Riuer and Bridges.
• * 1.256

  Fire from Heauen.
• * 1.257

  No peace to the wicked.
• * 1.258

  Mounts and Groues.
• * 1.259

  Third part••∣tion.
• * 1.260

  King a home Prisoner. Temple of Heauen and Earth.
• * 1.261

  Barbarous v∣sage of the Kings Chil∣dren.
• * 1.262

  Kings Affinitie and Consan∣guinitie, little worth.
• * 1.263

  Maps of China.