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.

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CHAP. I. A Treatise of Russia and the adioyning Regions, written by Doctor GILES FL••TCHER * 1.1 Lord Ambassadour from the late Queene, Euer∣glorious ELIZABETH, to THEODORE then Emperour of Russia A. D. 1588.

[ 40] THe Countrey of Russia was sometimes called Sarmatia. It chan∣ged the Name (as some doe suppose) for that it was parted ••n∣to diuers small, and yet absolute Gouernments, not depending, nor being subject the one to the other. For Russ•• in that tongue doth signifie, as much as to Part, or Diuide. The Russe repor∣teth that foure Brethren, Trubor, Rurico, Sinees, and Vari••••s,* 1.2 diuided among them the North parts of the Countrey. Like∣wise that the South parts were possessed by foure other, Kia, Sci••k••▪ Choranus, their and sister Libeda: each calling his Territo∣rie after his owne Name. Of this partition it was called Russia, about the yeere from Christ 860. As for the conjecture which [ 50] I finde in some Cosmographers, that the Russe Nation borrow∣ed the name of the people called Roxellani▪ and were the very same Nation with them, it is without all good probabilitie, both in respect of the Etymologie of the word (which is very farre fetcht) and especially for the seate and dwelling of that people,* 1.3 which was betwixt the two Riuers of Tanaia and Boristhones, as Strabo reporteth, quite another way from the Coun∣trey of Russia.

When it bare the name of Sarmatia, it was diuided into two chiefe parts: the White, and the Blacke. The White Sarmatia, was all that part that lyeth towards the North, and on the side of Liefland: as the Prouinces now called Duyna, Vagha, Vstik, Vologda, Cargapolia, Nouograd••a, &c. [ 60] whereof Nouogrod velica was the Metropolite, or chiefe Citie. Blacke Sarmatia was all that Country that lyeth Southward, towards the Euxin or Black Sea: as the Dukedome of Volodemer, of Mosko, Rezan, &c. Some haue thought that the name of Sarmatia was first taken from one Sarmates, whom Moses and Iosephus call Asarmathes, Sonne to Ioktan, and nephew to Heber,* 1.4 of the posteritie of Sem. But this seemeth to bee nothing but a conjecture taken out of the likenesse

of the name Asarmathes. For the dwelling of all Ioktans posteritie is described by Moses, to haue beene betwixt Mescha or Masius, (an Hill of ••he Amonites) and Sephace, neare to the Riuer Euphrates. Which maketh it very vnlikely, that Asarmathes should plant any Colonies so farre off, int the North and North-west Countries. It is bounded Northward by the Lappes, and the North Ocean.* 1.5 On the South-side by the Tartars, called Chrims. Eastward they haue the N••igai∣an Tartar, that possesseth all the Countrey on the East side of Volgha, towards the Caspian Sea. On the West and South-west border, lie Lituania, Liuonia and Polonia.

The whole Countrey being now reduced vnder the Gouernment of one, contayneth these chiefe Prouinces or Shires.* 1.6 Volodemer (which beareth the first place in the Emperours stile, be∣cause their House came of the Dukes of that Countrey,) Mosko, Nisnouogrod, Plesko, Smolens∣ko, Nouogrod velica (or Nouogrod of the low Countrey) Rostoue, Yaruslaue, Bealoz••ra, Bezan, [ 10] D••yna, Corgapolia, Mes••hora, Vagha, Vstugha, Ghaletsa. These are the naturall Shires per••••y∣ning to Russia, but farre greater and larger then the Shires of England, though not so well peopled. The other Countries or Prouinces, which the Russe Emperours haue gotten perforc•• added of late to their other Dominion,* 1.7 are these which follow, Twerra, Youghoria, Pe••mia, Va••••k••a, Bo••l∣ghoria, Chernigo, Oudoria, Obdoria, Condora, with a great part of Siberia: where the people though they bee not naturall Russes, yet obey the Emperour of Russia, and are ruled by the Lawes of his Countrey, paying customes and taxes, as his owne people doe. Besides these hee hath vn∣der him the Kingdomes of Cazan and Astracan, gotten by Conquest not long since. As for all his possessions in Lituania (to the number of thirtie great Townes and more,) with Narue and Dorp in Liuonia, they are quite gone, being surprised of late yeeres by the Kings of Poland and [ 20] Sweden. These Shires and Prouinces are reduced all into foure Iurisdictions, which they call Chetfyrds (that is) Tetrarchies, or Fourth-parts. Whereof wee are to speake in the Title or Chap∣ter, concerning the Prouinces, and their manner of Gouernment.

* 1.8The whole Countrey is of great length and breadth. From the North to the South (if you measure from Cola to Astraca•• which bendeth somewhat Eastward) it reacheth in length a∣bout foure thousand two hundred and sixtie verst, or myles. Notwithstanding, the Emperour of Russia hath more territorie Northward, farre beyond Cola vnto the Riuer of Tromschua, that runneth a thousand verst, well nigh beyond Pechinga, neere to Wardhouse, but not intire nor clearely limitted, by reason of the Kings of Swed••n and Denmarke, that haue diuers Townes there, as well as the Russe, plotted together the one with the other: euery one of them clayming the [ 30] whole of those North parts, as his owne right. The breadth (if you goe from that part of his Territorie that lyeth farthest Westward on the Naru•• side, to the parts of Siberia Eastward, where the Emperour hath his Garrisons) is foure thousand and foure hundred verst, or therea∣bouts. A Verst (by their reckoning) is one thousand paces, yet lesse by one quarter then an Eng∣lish myle. If the whole dominion 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Russe▪ Emperour were all habitable, and peopled in all places, as it is in some, hee would either hardly hold it all within one Regiment, or bee ouer mightie for all his neighbour Princes,

* 1.9THe Soyle of the Countrey for the most part is of a sleight sandie mold, yet very much diffe∣rent [ 40] one place from another, for they yeeld of such things as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 out of the earth. The Country Northwards,* 1.10 towards the parts of Saint Nicholas & Cola, and North-east towards Sib••∣ria, is all very barren, and full of desart Woods by reason of the Clymate, and extremitie of the cold in Winter time. So likewise along the Riuer Volgha, betwixt the Countries of Cazan, and Astracan; where (notwithstanding the Soyle is very fruitfull) it is all ••nhabi••ed, sauing that vp∣on the Riuer Volgha on the West side, the Emperour hath some few Castles with Garrisons in them. This hapneth by meanes of the Chrim Tartar, that will neither him selfe plant▪ Townes to dwell there, (liuing a wilde and vagrant life) nor suffer the Russe (that is farre off with the strength of his Countrey) to people those parts. From Vologda (which lyeth almost one thou∣sand seuen hundred verst from the Port of Saint Nicholas) downe towards Mosko, and so to∣wards [ 50] the South part that bordereth vpon the Chrim, (which contayneth the like space of one thousand seuen hundred verst, or thereabouts) is a very fruitfull and pleasant Countrey, yeelding Pasture, and Corne, with Woods and water in very great plentie. The like is betwixt Rezan (that lyeth South-east from Mosko) to Nouograd and Vobsko, that reach farthest towards the North-west. So betwixt Mosko, and Smolensko (that lyeth South-west towards Lituania) is a very fruitfull and pleasant soyle. The whole Countrey differeth very much from it selfe, by rea∣son of the yeere:* 1.11 so that a man would maruaile to see the great alteration and difference betwixt the Winter and the Summer in Russia. The whole Countrey in the Winter lyeth vnder Snow, which falleth continually, and is sometime of a yard or two thicke, but greater towards the North. The Riuers and other waters are all frozen vp, a yard or more thicke, how swift or [ 60] broad soeuer they bee: and this continueth commonly fiue Moneths, viz. from the beginning of Nouember, till towards the end of March, what time the Snow beginneth to melt. So that it would breed a frost in a man to looke abroad at that time,* 1.12 and see the winter face of that Coun∣trey. The sharpenesse of the ayre you may judge of by this: for that water dropped downe or

cast vp into the ayre, congealeth into Ice before it come to the ground. In the extremitie of Winter, if you hold a Pewter dish or pot in your hand,* 1.13 or any other metall (except in some chamber where their warme Stoues bee) your fingers will freeze fast vnto it, and draw of the skinne at the parting. When you passe out of a warme roome into a cold, you shall sensibly feele your breath to waxe starke, and euen stifeling with the cold, as you draw it in and out. Diuers not onely that trauell abroad, but in the very Markets, and streets of their Townes, are mortally pinched and killed withall: so that you shall see many drop downe in the Streets, many Trauel∣lers brought into the Townes sitting dead and stiffe in their Sleds. Diuers lose their Noses, the tippes of their Eares, and the balls of their Cheekes, their Toes, Feete, &c. Many times when (the winter is very hard and extreame) the Beares and Wolues issue by troupes out of the woods [ 10] driuen by hunger, and enter the Villages, tearing and rauening all they can finde: so that the In∣habitants are faine to flee for safegard of their liues. And yet in the Summer time you shall see such a new hew and face of a Countrey, the Woods (for the most part which are all of Firre and Birch) so fresh and so sweet, the Pastures and Meadowes so greene and well growne, (and that vpon the sudden) such varietie of Flowers, such noyse of Birds, (specially of Nightingales, that seeme to be more loud and of a more variable note then in other Countries) that a man shall not lightly trauell in a more pleasant Countrey.

And this fresh and speedy growth of the Spring there, seemeth to proceed from the benefit of the Snow: which all the Winter time being spred ouer the whole Countrey as a white robe, and keeping it warme from the rigour of the Frost, in the Spring time (when the Sunne waxeth [ 20] warme, and dissolueth it into water) doth so throughly drench and soake the ground, that is somewhat of a sleight and sandie mold, and then shineth so hotly vpon it againe, that it draw∣eth the Hearbs and Plants forth in great plentie and varietie, in a very short time. As the Win∣ter exceedeth in cold, so the Summer inclineth to ouermuch heate, specially in the moneths of Iune, Iuly, and August, being much warmer then the summer ayre in England.

The Countrey throughout, is very well watred with Springs, Riuers, and Ozeraes or Lakes.* 1.14 Wherein the prouidence of God is to bee noted, for that much of the Countrey being so farre in∣land, as that some part lyeth a thousand myles and more euery way from any Sea, yet it is ser∣ued with faire Riuers, and that in very great number, that emptying themselues one into ano∣ther, runne all into the Sea. Their Lakes are many and large, some of sixtie, eightie, a hundred, [ 30] and two hundred myles long, with breadth proportionate.

The chiefe Riuers are these, 1. Volgha,* 1.15 that hath his head or spring at the roote of an Alder∣tree, about two hundred verst aboue Yaruslaue, and groweth so bigge by the increase of other Ri∣uers by that time it commeth thither, that it is broad an English myle and more, and so runneth into the Caspian Sea, about two thousand and eight hundred verst or myles of length.

The next is B••risthenes (now called Neper) that diuideth the Countrey from Lituania, and falleth into the Euxi•• Sea.

The third Tanais or 〈◊〉〈◊〉, (the ancient bounder betwixt Europe and Asia) that taketh his head out of Rezan Ozara, and so running through the Countrey of the Chrim Tartars, falleth into the great Sea lake, or meare, (called M••••tis) by the Citie of A••ou. By this Riuer (as the Russe re∣porteth) [ 40] you may passe from their Citie Mosko to Constantinople, and so into all those parts of the world by water, drawing your Boate (as their manner is) ouer a little Is••hmus or narrow slippe of land, a few versts ouerthwart. Which was prooued not long since by an Ambassadour sent to Constantinople, who passed the Riuer of Moskua, and so into another called Ocka, whence he drew his Boate ouer into Tanais, and thence passed the whole way by water.

The fourth is called Duyna, many hundred myles long, that falleth Northward into the Bay of Saint Nicholas, and hath great Alabaster rockes on the bankes towards the Sea side.

The fifth Duna, that emptyeth into the Baltick Sea by the Towne Riga.

The sixt Omega, that falleth into the Bay at Solouetsko ninety Verst from the Port of S. Nicho∣las. This Riuer below the Towne Cargapolia meeteth with the Riuer Volock, that falleth into [ 50] the Finland Sea by the Towne Ya••a. So that from the Port of S. Nicholas into the Finland Sea, and so into the Sound, you may passe all by water, as hath beene tryed by the Russes.

The seuenth Suchana, that floweth into Duyna, and so into the North-sea.

The eighth Ocka, that fetcheth his Head from the Borders of the Chrim, and streameth into Volgha.

The ninth Moskua, that runneth thorow the Citie Mosko, and giueth it the name.

There is Wichida also a very large and long Riuer that riseth out of Permia, and falleth into Volgha. All these are Riuers of very large streames, the least to bee compared to the Thames in bignesse, and in length far more, besides diuers other. The Pole at Mosko, is fiftie fiue degrees ten [ 60] minutes. At the Port of Saint Nicholas towards the North sixty three degrees and fifty minutes.

FOr kinds of fruits, they haue Apples, Peares, Plummes, Cheries, Red and Blacke,* 1.16 (but the Black wild) a Deene like a Muske Milian, but more sweet & pleasant, Cucumbers and Goords (which they call Arbouse) Raspes, Strawberries, and H••rtilberries, with many other Berries in

great quantitie in euery Wood and Hedge. Their kinds of Graine are Wheate, R••e, Barley, Oates, Pease, Buckway, Psnytha, that in taste is somewhat like to Rice. Of all these Graines the Countrey yeeldeth very sufficient with an ouer-plus quantitie, so that Wheate is sold sometime for two Alteens or tenne pence sterling the Chetsird which maketh almost three Eng∣lish Bushels.

Their Rye is sowed before the Winter, all their other Graine in the Spring-time and for the most part in May.* 1.17 The Permians and some other that dwell farre North, and in Desart places, are serued from the parts that lye more South-ward, and are forced to make Bread sometimes of a kind of Roote called Vaghnoy) and of the middle rine of the Firre-tree. If there bee any Dearth (as they accounted this last yeere, Anno 1588. Wheat and Rye being at thirteene Alteens, or fiue shillings fiue pence sterling the Chetfird) the fault is rather in the practice of their Nobi∣litie [ 10] that vse to engrosse it,* 1.18 then in the Countrey it selfe. The Natiue Commodities of the Coun∣trey (wherewith they serue both their owne turnes, and send much abroad to the great enrich∣ing of the Emperour, and his people) are many and substantiall. First, Furres of all sorts. Where in the prouidence of God is to bee noted,* 1.19 that prouideth a naturall remedy for them, to helpe the naturall inconuenience of their Countrey by the cold of the Climate. Their chiefe Furs are these, Blacke Fox, Sables, Lusernes, Dunne Fox, Martrones, Gurnestalles or Atmins, Lasets or Miniuer, Beuer, Wuluerins, the Skin of a great Water Rat that smelleth naturally like Muske, Calaber or Gray Squirrell, Red Squirrell, Red and White Foxe. Besides the great quantitie spent within the Countrey (the people being clad all in Furs the whole Winter) there are tran∣sported out of the Countrey some yeares by the Merchants of Turkie, Persia, Bougharia, Georgia, [ 20] Armenia, and some other of Christendome to the value of foure or fiue hundred thousand Rub∣bels, as I haue heard of the Merchants. The best Sable Furre groweth in the Countrey of Pecho∣ra, Momgosorskoy and Obdorskoy, the worser sort in Siberia, Perm, and other places. The Blacke Fox and Red come out of Siberia, White and Dunne from Pechora, whence also come the white Wolfe, and white Beare Skin. The best Wuluerin also thence and from Perm. The best Martrons are from Siberia, Cadam, Morum, Perm, and Cazan. Lyserns, Mineuer, and Armins, the best are out of Gallets, and Ouglites, many from Nouogrod, and Perm. The Beauer of the best sort bree∣deth in Murmonskey by Cola. Other common Furres, and most of these kinds grow in many, and some in all parts of the Countrey. [ 30]

* 1.20The second Commoditie is of Waxe, whereof hath beene shipped in forraine Coun∣treyes (as I haue heard it reported by those that best know it) the summe of fiftie thousand Pood yearely, euery Pood contayning fortie pound, but now about tenne thousand Pood a yeare.

* 1.21The third is their Honey, whereof besides an exceeding great quantitie spent in their ordinary Drinkes (which is Mead of all sorts) and their other vses, some good quantitie is carried out of the Countrey. The chiefe increase of Honey is in Mordua and Cadam neere to the Chere∣missen Tartar: much out of Seuerskoy, Bezan, Morum, Cazan, Dorogobos••, and Vasma.

* 1.22Fourthly, of Tallow they afoord a great weight for transportation: not only for that their Countrey hath very much good ground apt for Pasturage of cattell, but also by reason of their many Lents and other Fasts: and partly, because their greater men vse much Waxe for their [ 40] Lights, the poorer and meaner sort Birch dryed in their Stoues, and cut into long shiuers, which they call Luchineos. Of Tallow there hath beene shipped out of the Realme a few yeares since about one hundred thousand Pood yeerely, now not past thirty thousand or thereabouts. The best yeeld of Tallow is in the parts and Territories of S••••lensko, Yarus••a••e, Ouglus, Nouogrod, and Vologda, O••fer, and Gorodetskey.

* 1.23Another principall Commoditie is their Losh and Cow-hide. Their Losh or Buffe-hide is ve∣ry faire and large. Their Bull and Cow-hide (for Oxen they make none, neither yet Weather) is of a small size. There hath beene transported by Merchants strangers some yeeres, one hundred thousand Hides. Now it is decreased to thirty thousand or thereabouts. Besides great store [ 50] of Goats Skins, whereof great numbers are shipped out of the Countrey. The largest kind of Losh or Buffe breedeth about Rostoue, Wichida, Nouogrod, Morum, and Perm. The lesser sort within the Kingdome of Cazan.

* 1.24An other very great and principall Commoditie is their Trane-oyle, drawne out of the Seal-fish. Where it will not be impertinent to shew the manner of their hunting the Seale, which they make this Oyle of: which is in this sort. Towards the end of Summer (before the Frost beginne) they goe downe with their Boats into the Bay of Saint Nicholas, to a Cape called Cus∣conesse or Foxnose, where they leaue their Boats till the next Spring-tyde. When the Sunne waxeth warme toward the Spring, and yet the Ice not melted within the Bay, they returne thither againe. Then drawing their Boats ouer the Sea Ice, they vse them for Houses to rest and [ 60] lodge in. There are commonly about seuenteene or eighteene Fleete of them, of great large Boats, which diuide themselues into diuers companies, fiue or sixe Boats in a consort.

They that first find the haunt, fire a Beacon, which they carrie with them for the nonee. Which being espied by the other companies, by such among them as are appointed of purpose,

they come all together and compasse the Seales round about in a Ring, that lye Sunning them∣selues together vpon the Ice, commonly foure or fiue thousand in a shoale, and so they inuade them euery man with his Club in his hand. If they hit them on the Nose, they are soone killed. If on the sides or backe they beare out the blow, and many times so catch and hold downe the Club with their Teeth by mayne force, that the partie is forced to call for helpe to his fellowes.

The manner of the Seales is, when they see themselues beset, to gather all close together in a throng or plumbe, to sway downe the Ice, and to breake it (if they can) which so bendeth the Ice, that many times it taketh the Sea-water vpon it, and maketh the Hunters to wade a foot or [ 10] more deepe. After the slaughter, when they haue killed what they can they fall to sharing e∣uery Boat his part in equall portions: and so they slay them, taking from the body the Skin, and the Lard or Fat with all that cleaueth to the Skin. This they take with them, leauing the bo∣dies behind, and so goe to shoare. Where they digge Pits in the ground of a fathome and an halfe deepe, or there about, and so taking the Fat or Lard off from the Skin, they throw it into the Pit, and cast in among it hot burning stones to melt it withall. The vppermost and purest is sold and vsed to oyle Wooll for Cloth, the grosser (that is of a red colour) they sell to make Sope.

Likewise Ickary or Cauery, a great quantity is made vpon the Riuer of Volgha,* 1.25 out of the fish called Bellougina, the Sturgeon, the Seueriga and the Sterledey: Whereof the most part is shipped by French and Netherlandish Merchants for Italy and Spaine, some by English Mer∣chants.

[ 20]

The next is of Flaxe and Hempe,* 1.26 whereof there hath beene shipped (as I haue heard Mer∣chants say) at the Port of Narue a great part of one hundred ships small and great yeerely. Now not past fiue. The reason of this abating and decrease of this and other Commodities, that were wont to bee transported in a greater quantitie, is the shutting vp of the Port of the Narue to∣wards the Finland Sea, which now is in the hands and possession of the Sweaden. Likewise the stopping of the passage ouer-land by the way of Smolensko, and Plotsko, by reason of their Warres with the Polonian, which causeth the people to bee lesse prouident in mayntayning and gathe∣ring these and the like Commodities, for that they lacke Sales. Partly also for that the Merchants and Mousicks (for so they call the common sort of people) are very much discouraged by many [ 30] heauy and intollerable exactions, that of late time haue beene imposed vpon them: no man ac∣counting that which he hath to be sure his owne. And therefore regard not to lay vp any thing, or to haue it before hand, for that it causeth them many times to be fleeced and spoyled, not on∣ly of their goods, but also of their liues. For the growth of Flaxe the Prouince of Vobsko, and the Countrey about is the chiefe and only place. For Hempe Smolenksko, Dorogobose and Vasma.

The Countrey besides maketh great store of Salt.* 1.27 Their best Salt is made at Stararouse in ve∣ry great quantitie, where they haue great store of Salt-wels, about two hundred and fiftie verst from the Sea. At Astracan Salt is made naturally by the Sea-water, that casteth it vp into great Hils, and so it is digged downe, and carryed away by the Merchants and other that will fetch [ 40] it from thence. They pay to the Emperour for acknowledgement or custome three pence. Russe vpon euery hundred weight. Besides these two, they make Salt in many other places of the Realme, as in Perm, Wichida, Totma, Kenitsma, Solouetske, Ocona, Bombasey, and Nonocks all out of Salt-pits, saue at Solouetskey, which lyeth neere to the Sea.

Likewise of Tarre they make a great quantitie out of their Fiere-trees in the Countrey of Duyna and Smolensko, whereof much is sent abroad.* 1.28 * 1.29 Besides these (which are all good and sub∣stantiall Commodities) they haue diuers other of smaller account, that are naturall and proper to that Countrey: as the fish tooth (which they call Ribazuba which is vsed both among them∣selues and the Persians and Bougharians, that fetcht it from thence for Beads, Kniues, and Sword-hafts of Noblemen, and Gentlemen, and for diuers other vses. Some vse the powder of it a∣gainst poyson, as the Vnicornes Horne. The fish that weareth it is called a Morse, and is caught [ 50] about Pechora. These fish teeth some of them, are almost two foot of length, and weigh eleuen or twelue pound a-piece.

In the Prouince of Corelia, and about the Riuer Duyna towards the North Sea,* 1.30 there grow∣eth a soft Rocke which they call Slude. This they cut into pieces, and so teare it into thin flakes, which naturall it is apt for and so vse it for Glasse-lanthornes and such like. It giueth both in∣wards and outwards a cleerer light then Glasse, and for this respect is better then eyther Glasse or Horne: for that it neyther breaketh like Glasse, nor yet will burne like the Lanthorne.* 1.31 Salt-peeter they make in many places, as at Ouglites, Yaruslaue and Vstug, and some small store of Brimstone vpon the Riuer Volgha, but want skill to refine it.

Their Iron is somewhat brittle, but a great weight of it is made in Corelia, Cargapol••••, and [ 60] Vstug Thelesna. Other Myne they haue none growing within the Realme.* 1.32

Their beasts of strange kinds are the Losh, the Ollen, the wilde Horse, the Beare, the Wolue∣ring or wood Dogge, the Lyserne, the Beauer, the Sable, the Matron,* 1.33 the blacke and dunne Foxe, the white Beare towards the Sea coast of Pechora, the Gurnstale, the Laset, or Mineuer.

They haue a kind of Squirrell that hath growing on the pinion of the shoulder bone, a long tuft of haire, much like vnto feathers, with a far broader tayle then haue any other Squirrels, which they moue and shake as they leape from tree to tree, much like vnto a wing. They skise a large space, and seeme for to flie withall, and therefore they call them Letach Vechshe, that is, the fly∣ing Squirrels. Their Hares and Squirrels in Summer are of the same colour with ours, in Win∣ter the Hare changeth her coate into milke white, the Squirrell into gray, whereof commeth the Calabar.

* 1.34They haue fallow Deere, the Roe Bucke, and Goats very great store. Their Horses are but small, but very swift and hard, they trauell them vnshod both Winter and Summer, without all regard of pace.* 1.35 Their Sheepe are but small, and beare course and harsh wooll. Of Fowle, they [ 10] haue diuers of the principall kinds: First, great store of Hawkes; the Eagle, the Gerfaulcon, the Slightfaulcon, the Gos-hawke, the Tassell, the Sparhawke, &c. But the principall Hawke that breedeth in the Countrey, is counted the Gerfaulcon.

Of other Fowles their principall kinds are the Swanne tame and wilde, (whereof they haue great store) the Storke, the Crane, the Tedder, of the colour of a Feasant, but farre bigger and liueth in the Firre woods. Of Feasant and Partridge they haue very great plenty. An Owle there is of a very great bignesse, more vgly to behold then the Owles of this Countrey, with a broad face, and eares much like vnto a man.

* 1.36For fresh water Fish, besides the common sorts (as Carpe, Pike, Pearch, Tench, Roach, &c.) they haue diuers kinds very good and delicate: as the Bellouga, or Bellougina of foure or fiue [ 20] elnes long, the Ositrina or Sturgeon, the Seueriga, and Sterledy somewhat in fashion and taste like to the Sturgeon, but not so thicke or long. These foure kinds of fish breed in the Volgha, and are catched in great plenty, and serued thence into the whole Realme for a great food. Of the Roes of these foure kinds they make very great store of Icary or Caueary, as was said before. They haue besides these that breed in the Volgha, a fish called the Ribabela, or white Salmon, which they account more delicate then they doe the red Salmon, whereof also they haue excee∣ding great plenty in the Riuers Northward, as in Duyna the Riuer of Cola, &c. In the Ozera or Lake neere a Towne called Perislaue, not farre from the Mosko, they haue a small fish which they call the fresh Herring, of the fashion, and somewhat of the taste of a Sea-herring. Their chiefe Townes for fish are, Yaruslaue, Bealozera, Nouogrod, Astracan, and Cazan: which all [ 30] yeeld a large Custome to the Emperour euery yeere for their trades of fishing, which they pra∣ctise in Summer, but send it frozen in the Winter time into all parts of the Realme.

* 1.37THe chiefe Cities of Russia are, Mosko, Nouograd, Rostoue, Volodomer, Plesco, Smolensko, Ia∣ruslaue, Perislaue, Nisnouograd, Vologda, Vstiuck, Golmigroe, Cazan, Astracan, Cargapolia, Columna.

* 1.38The Citie of Mosko is supposed to bee of great antiquitie, though the first Founder bee vn∣knowne to the Russe. It seemeth to haue taken the name from the Riuer that runneth on the one side of the Towne.* 1.39 Berosus the Chaldean in his fifth Booke telleth that Nimrod (whom o∣ther profane Stories call Saturne) sent Assyrius, Medus, Moscus, and Magog into Asia to plant [ 40] Colonies there, and that Moscus planted both in Asia and Europe. Which may make some pro∣bality, that the Citie, or rather the Riuer whereon it is built, tooke the denomination from this Moscus: the rather because of the climate or situation, which is in the very farthest part and list of Europe, bordering vpon Asia. The Citie was much enlarged by one Euan or Iohn, sonne to Daniel, that first changed his title of Duke into King: though that honour continued not to his posteritie: the rather because he was inuested into it by the Popes Legate, who at that time was Innocentius the fourth, about the yeere 1246. which was very much misliked by the Russe people, being then a part of the Eastern or Greeke Church. Since that time the name of this Citie hath growne more famous, and better knowne to the World: insomuch that not only the Pro∣uince, but the whole Countrey of Russia is termed by some by the name of Moscouia the Me∣tropolite [ 50] Citie. The forme of this Citie is in a manner round, with three strong walls, circu∣ling the one within the other, and streets lying betweene, whereof the inmost wall, and the buildings closed within it (lying safest as the heart within the bodie, fenced and watred with the Riuer Moskua, that runneth close by it) is all accounted the Emperours Castle. The num∣ber of houses (as I haue heard) through the whole Citie (being reckoned by the Emperour a little before it was fired by the Chrim) was 41500. in all.* 1.40 Since the Tartar besieged and fired the Towne (which was in the yeere 1571.) there lieth waste of it a great bredth of ground, which before was well set and planted with buildings, specially that part on the South side of Moskua, built not long before by Basilius the Emperour for his Garrison of Souldiers, to whom he ga•••• priuiledge to drinke Mede, and Beere at the drie or prohibited times, when other Russes [ 60] may drinke nothing but water, and for that cause called this new Citie by the name of Naloi, that is, Skinke or powre in. So that now the Citie of Mosko is not much bigger then the Citie of London.* 1.41 The next in greatnesse, and in a manner as large, is the Citie Nouograde: where was committed (as the Russe sayth) the memorable warre so much spoken of in Stories of the Scy∣thian

seruants, that tooke Armes against their masters: which they report in this sort: vz. That the Boiarens or Gentlemen of Nouograde and the Territorie about (which onely are Souldiers after the discipline of those Countries) had warre with the Tartars. Which being well per∣formed and ended by them, they returned homewards. Where they vnderstood by the way, that their Cholopey or Bondslaues whom they left at home,* 1.42 had in their absence possessed their Townes, Lands, Houses, Wiues, and all. At which newes being somewhat amazed, and yet disdayning the villanie of their seruants, they made the more speed home: and so not farre from Nouograde met them in warlike manner marching against them. Whereupon aduising what was best to be done, they agreed all to set vpon them with no other shew of weapon but with [ 10] their Horse whips (which as their manner is, euery man rideth withall) to put them in re∣membrance of their seruile condition, thereby to terrifie them, and abate their courage.* 1.43 And so marching on, and lashing altogether with their whips in their hands they gaue the onset. Which seemed so terrible in the eares of their villaines, and stroke such a sense into them of the smart of the whip which they had felt before, that they fled altogether like Sheepe before the Driuers. In memory of this victory the Nouogradians euer since haue stamped their Coine (which they call a dingoe Nouogrodskoy, currant thorow all Russia) with the fi∣gure of a Horse-man shaking a whip aloft in his hand. These two Cities exceed the rest in greatnesse. For strength their chiefe Townes are, Vobsko, Smolensko, Cazan, and Astra∣can, as lying vpon the borders. But for situation Iaruslaue farre exceedeth the rest. For besides [ 20] the commodities that the soyle yeeldeth of Pasture and Corne,* 1.44 it lieth vpon the famous Riuer Volga, and looketh ouer it from a high banke very faire and stately to behold: whereof the Towne taketh the name. For Iaruslaue in that Tongue signifieth as much as a faire or famous Banke. In this Towne (as may be ghessed by the name) dwelt the Russe King Vlademir, sur∣named Iaruslaue, that married the daughter of Harald King of England, by mediation of Sueno the Dane, as is noted in the Danish Storie about the yeere 1067.

The other Townes haue nothing that is greatly memorable, saue many ruines within their walls. Which sheweth the decrease of the Russe People, vnder this gouernment. The streets of their Cities and Townes in stead of pauing, are planked with Firre trees, plained and layd uen close the one to the other. Their houses are of wood without any lime or stone,* 1.45 built very [ 30] close and warme with Firre trees plained and piled one vpon another. They are fastned toge∣ther with dents or notches at euery corner, and so clasped fast together. Betwixt the trees or timber they thrust in mosse (whereof they gather plenty in their Woods, to keepe out the aire. Euery house hath a paire of staires that lead vp into the chambers out of the yard or street after the Scottish manner. This building seemeth farre better for their Countrey, then that of stone and bricke: as being colder and more dampish then their woodden houses, specially of Firre, that is a dry and warme wood. Whereof the prouidence of God hath giuen them such store, as that you may build a faire house for twentie or thirtie Rubbels, or little more, where wood is most scant. The greatest inconuenience of their woodden building is the aptnesse for firing, which happeneth very oft, and in very fearefull sort, by reason of the drinesse and fat∣nesse [ 40] of the Firre, that being once fired, burneth like a Torch, and is hardly quenched till all bee burnt vp.

THe sur-name of the Imperi••ll house of Russia, is called Beala••: It tooke the originall (as is supposed) from the Kings of Hungarie. Which may seeme the more probable,* 1.46 for that the Hungarian Kings many yeeres agoe haue borne that name: as appeareth by Bonfinius and other Stories written of that Countrey. For about the yeere 1059. mention is made of one Beala that succeeded his brother Andreas, who reduced the Hungarians to the Christian Faith from whence they were fallen by Atheisme and Turkish perswasion before. The second of that name was called Beala the blind, after whom succeeded diuers of the same name.

That their Ancestry came not of the Russe Nation, Iuan vasilowich father to this Emperour,* 1.47 [ 50] would many times boast, disdayning (as should seeme) to haue his progenie deriued from the Russe bloud. As namely to an Englishman his Gold-smith, that had receiued Bullion of him to make certaine Plate: whom the Emperour commanded to looke well to his weight. For my Russes (said he) are theeues all. Whereat the Workeman looking vpon the Emperour, began to smile. The Emperour being of quicke conceit, charged him to tell him what hee smiled at. If your Maiestie will pardon mee (quoth the Gold-smith) I will tell you. Your Highnesse said, that the Russes were all theeues, and forgat in the meane while that your selfe was a Russe. I thought so (quoth the Emperour) but thou art deceiued. For I am no Russe, my Ancestors were Germanes (for so they account of the Hungarians to bee part of the Germane Nation, though indeed they come of the Hunnes. That inuaded those Countries, and rested in those parts of Pannoni••, now cal∣led [ 60] Hungarie.

How they aspired to the Dukedome of Volodemer (which was their first degree, and ingraf∣ting into Russia) and whether it were by Conquest, or by Marriage, or by what other meanes, I could not learne any certainty among them.* 1.48 That from these beginnings of a small Dukedome (that bare notwithstanding an absolute gouernment with it, as at that time did also the other Shires or Prouinces of Russia) this house of Beala spred it selfe forth, and aspired by degrees to the Monarchie of the whole Countrey, is a thing well knowne, and of very late memorie. The chiefe of that House that aduanced the Stocke, and enlarged their Dominions, were the three last that raigned before this Emperour, to wit, Iuan Basileus, and Iuan father to the other that raigneth at this time. Whereof the first that tooke vnto him the name and title of Emperour, was Basileus father to Iuan, and grandfather to this man. For before that time they were con∣tented to be called great Dukes of Mosko. What hath beene done by either of these three, and [ 10] how much they haue added to their first estate by Conquest or otherwise, may bee seene in the Chapter of their Colonies, or Purchases perforce. For the continuance of the race, this House of Beala at this present * 1.49 is in like case as are many of the greatest Houses of Christendome, vz. the whole Stocke and Race concluded in one, two, or some few of the Bloud. For besides the Em∣perour that now is, who hath no child (neither is like euer to haue, for ought that may bee con∣iectured by the constitution of his body, and the barrennesse of his wife after so many yeeres marriage) there is but one more, vz. a child of sixe or seuen yeeres old, in whom resteth all the hope of the succession, and the posteritie of that House. As for the other brother that was el∣dest of the three, and of the best towardnesse, he died of a blow giuen him by his father vpon [ 20] the head in his furie with his walking staffe, or (as some say) of a thrust with the prong of it driuen deepe into his head.* 1.50 That he meant him no such mortall harme when hee gaue him the blow, may appeare by his mourning and passion after his sonnes death, which neuer left him till it brought him to the graue. Wherein may be marked the iustice of God, that punished his de∣light in shedding of bloud with this murder of his sonne by his owne hand, and so ended his dayes and tyrannie together, with the murdring of himselfe by extreme griefe, for this his vn∣happie and vnnaturall fact.

* 1.51The Emperours younger brother of sixe or seuen yeeres old (as was said before) is kept in a remote place from the Mosko, vnder the tuition of his mother and her kindred, of the House of the Nagaies: yet not safe (as I haue heard) from attempts of making away by practice of some [ 30] that aspire to the succession, if this Emperour die without any issue. The Nurse that tasted be∣fore him of certaine meat (as I haue heard) died presently. That hee is naturall sonne to Ioan Vasilowich, the Russe People warrant it, by the fathers qualitie that beginneth to appeare al∣ready in his tender yeeres. Hee is delighted (they say) to see Sheepe and other cattell killed, and to looke on their throats while they are bleeding (which commonly children are afraid •• behold) and to beate Geese and Hennes with a staffe till he see them lie dead. Besides these of the male kind, there is a Widow, that hath right in the succession, Sister to the old Emperour, and Aunt to this man, sometime Wife to Magnus Duke of Holst, Brother to the King of Den∣marke, by whom she had one daughter. This woman since the death of her Husband hath beene allured againe into Russia, by some that loue the succession better then her selfe, which appeareth [ 40] by the sequele. For her selfe with her daughter, so soone as they were returned into Russia, were thrust into a Nunnerie, where her daughter died this last yeere while I was in the Countrey, of no naturall disease as was supposed. The mother remayneth still in the Nunnerie, where (as I haue heard) she bewayleth her selfe, and curseth the time when she returned into Russia, enticed with the hope of marriage, and other faire promises in the Emperours name. Thus it standeth with the Imperiall Stocke of Russia, of the House of Beala, which is like to determine in those that now are, and to make a conuersion of the Russe estate. If it be into a gouernment of some better temper, and milder constitution, it will be happie for the poore people that are now op∣pressed with intolerable seruitude.

[ 50]

* 1.52THe solemnities vsed at the Russe Emperours Coronation, are on this manner. In the great Church of Precheste (or our Ladie) within the Emperours Castle is erected a Stage, where∣on standeth a Scrine that beareth vpon it the Imperiall Cap and Robe of very rich stuffe. When the day of the Inauguration is come, there resort thither, first the Patriarch with the Metropo∣litans, Arch-bishops, Bishops, Abbots, and Priors, all richly clad in their Pontificalibus. Then enter the Deacons with the Quier of Singers. Who so soone as the Emperour setteth foot into the Church, beginne to sing: Many yeeres may liue noble Theodore Iuanowich, &c. Whereunto the Patriarch and Metropolite with the rest of the Clergie, answere with a certaine Hymne, in forme of a Prayer, singing it all together with a great noise. The Hymne being ended, the Pa∣triarch with the Emperour mount vp the Stage, where standeth a Seat ready for the Emperour. [ 60] Whereupon the Patriarch willeth him to sit downe, and then placing himselfe by him vpon an∣other Seate prouided for that purpose, boweth downe his head towards the ground, and sayeth this Prayer: Oh Lord God King of Kings, Lord of Lords, which by thy Prophet Samuel didst choose thy seruant Dauid, and anoynt him for King ouer thy People Israel, heare now our Prayers, and looke

from thy Sanctuarie vpon this thy Seruant Theodore, whom thou hast chosen and exalted for King o∣uer these thy holy Nations, anoint him with the oyle of gladnesse, protect him by thy power, but vpon his head a Crowne of Gold and precious Stones, giue him length of dayes, place him in the Seat of Iustice, strengthen his arme, make subiect vnto him all the barbarous Nations. Let thy feare bee in his whole heart, turne him from all errour, and shew him the saluation of thy holy and vniuersall Church, that hee may iudge thy people with Iustice, and protect the children of the poore, and finally attayne euerlasting life. This Prayer he speaketh with a lowe voyce, and then pronounceth a lowd: All prayse and power to God the Father, the Sonne, and the Holy Ghost. The Prayer being ended, he commandeth certayne Abbots to reach the Imperiall Robe and Cap: which is done very decently, and with [ 10] great Solemnitie, the Patriarch withall pronouncing alowde: Peace be vnto all. And so he begin∣neth another Prayer to this effect: Bow your selues together with vs, and pray to him that reigneth ouer all. Preserue him (oh Lord) vnder thy holy protection, keepe him that hee may doe good and holy things, let Iustice shine forth in his dayes, that we may liue quietly without strife and malice. This is pronounced somewhat softly by the Patriarch, whereto hee addeth againe alowd: Thou art the King of the whole World, and the Sauiour of our soules, to thee the Father, Sonne, and Holy Ghost▪ bee all prayse for euer and euer. Amen. Then putting on the Robe and the Cap, hee blesseth the Emperour with the signe of the Crosse: saying withall, in the Name of the Father, the Sonne, and the Holy Ghost.

The like is done by the Metropolites, Archbishops, and Bishops: who all in their order come [ 20] to the Chaire, and one after another blesse the Emperor with their two fore-fingers. Then is said by the Patriarch another Praier, that beginneth: O most holy Virgin Mother of God, &c. After which a Deacon pronounceth with an high lowd voyce: Many yeeres to Noble Theodore, good, honoura∣ble, beloued of God, great Duke of Volodemer of Mosko, Emperour, and Monarch of all Russia, &c. Whereto the other Priests and Deacons that stand somewhat farre of by the Altar or Table, an∣swere singing, Many yeeres, many yeeres, to the Noble Theodore. The same Note is taken vp by the Priests and Deacons, that are placed at the right and left side of the Church, and then alto∣gether, they chaunt and thunder out, singing: Many yeeres to the Noble Theodore, good, honourable, beloued of God, great Duke of Volodemer, Mosko, Emperour of all Russia, &c. These Solemnities being ended, first commeth the Patriarch with the Metropolites, Arch∣bishoppes, [ 30] and Bishops, then the Nobilitie, and the whole Companie in their order, to doe homage to the Emperour, bending downe their heads, and knocking them at his feet to the very ground.

The Stile wherewith hee is inuested at his Coronation, runneth after this manner. Theodore Iuanowich, by the grace of God, great Lord and Emperour of all Russia, great Duke of Volodemer, Mosko, and Nouograd, King of Cazan, King of Astracan, Lord of Plesko, and great Duke of Smolensko, of Twerria, Ioughoria, Permia, Vadska, Bulghoria, and others, Lord and great Duke of Nouograd, of the Low Countrey, of Chernigo, Rezan, Polotskoy, Rostoue, Ya∣ruslaueley, Bealozera, Leifland, Oudoria, Obdoria, and Condensa, Commander of all Siberia, and of the North parts, and Lord of many other Countreyes, &c.

[ 40] This stile contayneth in it all the Emperours Prouinces, and setteth forth his great∣nesse. And therefore they haue a great delight and pride in it, forcing not onely there owne people but also Strangers (that haue any matter to deliuer to the Emperour by Speech or writing) to repeat the whole forme from the beginning to the end. Which breedeth much cauill, and sometimes quarrell betwixt them and the Tartar, and Poland Ambassadours: who refuse to call him Czar, that is Emperour, and to repeat the other parts of his long Stile. My selfe, when I had audience of the Emperour, thought good to salute him onely with thus much, viz. Emperour of all Russia, great Duke of Volodemer, Mosko, and Nouograd, King of Cazan, King of Astracan. The rest I omitted of purpose, because I knew they gloried, to haue their Stile appeare to be of a larger Volume then the Queenes of England. But this was taken in [ 50] so ill part, that the Chancellor (who then attended the Emperour, with the rest of the Nobili∣tie) with a lowd chasing voyce called still vpon me to say out the rest. Whereto I answered, that the Emperours Stile was very long▪ and could not so well be remembred by Strangers, that I had repeated so much of it, as might shew that I gaue honour to the rest, &c. But all would not serue till I commanded my Interpreter to say it all out.

THe manner of their Gouernment is much after the Turkish fashion:* 1.53 which they seeme to imitate as neere as the Countrey, and reach of their capacities in Politike Affaires will giue them leaue to doe.

The State and forme of their Gouernment seemeth to apply all to the behoofe of the Prince, [ 60] and that after a most open manner: as may appeare by the Sophismata, or secrets of their Gouern∣ment afterwards set downe, aswell for the keeping of the Nobilitie and Commons in an vn∣der proportion, and farre vneuen ballance in their seuerall degrees, as also in their Impositions and Exactions, without any regard of Nobilitie or People: farther then it giueth the No∣bilitie a kind of libertie, to exact vpon the Commons and baser sort of People in all parts

of the Realme wheresoeuer they come, specially in the place where their Lands lye, or where they are appointed by the Emperour to gouerne vnder him: Also to the Commons some small contentment, in that they passe ouer their Lands by discent of Inheritance to whether Sonne they will:* 1.54 which commonly they doe after our Gauill kind, and dispose of their goods by gift or Testament without any controllment.

Concerning the principall points and matters of State, wherein the Souereignetie consisteth (as the making and annulling of publike Lawes, the making of Magistrates, power to make Warre or League with any Forreine State, to execute or to pardon life, with the right of Appeale in all matters, both Ciuill and Criminall) they doe so wholy and absolutely pertayne to the Emperour, and his Coun∣sell vnder him, as that he may be said to be both the Souereigne Commander, and the Executio∣ner of all these. For as touching any Law or publike Order of the Realme, it is euer determined [ 10] of before any publike Assembly or Parliament be summoned. Where besides his Councell, hee hath none other to consult with him of such matters as are concluded before hand, but onely a few Bishops, Abbots, and Friers: to make aduantage of the peoples Superstitions, euen against themselues, which thinke all to be holy and just, that passeth with consent of their Bishops and Clergie men, whatsoeuer it be. For which purpose the Emperours are content to make much of the corrupt state of the Church, as now it is among them, and to nourish the same by extraordi∣nary fauours, and Immunities to the Bishops Seas, Abbeyes and Frieries: as knowing Supersti∣tion and false Religion best to agree with a Tyrannicall State, and to be a speciall meanes to vp∣hold and maintayne the same.

* 1.55Secondly, as touching the publike Offices and Magistracies of the Realme, there is none here∣ditarie, [ 20] neyther any so great nor so little in that Countrey, but the bestowing of it is done im∣mediately by the Emperour himselfe. Insomuch that the very Diacks, or Clerkes in euery head Towne, are for the most part assigned by himselfe. Notwithstanding, the Emperour that now is (the better to entend his Deuotions) referreth all such matters pertayning to the State, whol∣ly to the ordering of his Wiues Brother,* 1.56 the Lord Borris Federewich Godonoe.

Thirdly, the like is to be said of the Iurisdiction concerning matters Iudiciall, specially such as concerne life and death. Wherein there is none that hath any authoritie or publike Iurisdiction that goeth by Discent, or is held by Charter, but all at the appointment and pleasure of the Em∣perour, and the same practised by the Iudges with such awe and restraint, as that they dare not [ 30] determine vpon any speciall matter, but must referre the same wholly, vp to the Mosko to the Emperours Councell. To shew his Souereigntie ouer the liues of his Subjects, the late Empe∣rour Iuan Vasilowich in his walkes or progresses,* 1.57 if he had misliked the face or person of any man whom he met by the way, or that looked vpon him, would command his head to be strooke off. Which was presently done, and the head cast before him.

* 1.58Fourthly, for the Souereigne Appeale, and giuing of Pardons in Criminall Matters to such as are conuicted, it is wholly at the pleasure and grace of the Emperour. Wherein also the Empresse that now is, being a woman of great Clemencie, and withall delighting to deale in publike Affaires of the Realme, (the rather to supply the defect of her Husband) doth behaue her selfe af∣ter an absolute manner, giuing out pardon (specially on her birth day and other solemne times) in [ 40] her owne name, by open Proclamation, without any mention at all of the Emperour. Some there haue beene of late of the ancient Nobilitie, that haue held diuers Prouinces by right of In∣heritance,* 1.59 with an absolute Authoritie and Iurisdiction ouer them, to order and determine all matters within their owne Precinct without all Appeale; or controllment of the Empe∣rour. But this was all annulled and wrung cleane from them by Iuan Vasilowich Father to this Emperour.

* 1.60THeir highest Court of publike consultation for matter of State, is called the Zabore, that is, the Publike Assembly. The states and degrees of persons, that are present at their Parlia∣ments, are these in order. 1. The Emperour himselfe. 2. Some of his Nobilitie about the number [ 50] of twenty being all of his Councell. 3. Certayne of the Clergie-men, &c. about the same number. As for Burghers or other to represent the Comminaltie, they haue no place there: the people beeing of no better account with them then as seruants or bond-slaues that are to obey, not to make Lawes, nor to know any thing of publike matters before they are concluded.

* 1.61The Court of Parliament (called Zabore) is held in this manner. The Emperour causeth to to be summoned such of his Nobilitie as himselfe thinketh meete, being (as was said) all of his Councell: together with the Patriarch, who calleth his Clergie, to wit, the two Metropolites, the two Archbishops, with such Bishops, Abbots, and Friers as are of best account and reputa∣tion among them. When they are all assembled at the Emperours Court, the day is intima∣ted when the Session shall beginne. Which commonly is vpon some Friday, for the Religion [ 60] of that day.* 1.62

When the day is come, the Clergie-men assemble before at the time and place appointed, which is called the Stollie. And when the Emperour commeth attended by his Nobilitie, they a∣rise all, and meete him in an out-roome, following their Patriarch, who blesseth the Emperour

with his two fore-fingers, laying them on his fore-head, and the sides of his face, and then kis∣seth him on the right side of his brest. So they passe on into their Parliament House, where they sit in this order. The Emperour is enthronized on the one side of the Chamber. In the next place not farre from him at a small square Table (that giueth roome to twelue persons or thereabouts) sitteth the Patriarch with the Metropolites and Bishops, and certayne of the prin∣cipall Nobilitie of the Emperours Councell, together with two Diacks or Secretaries (called Dunmoy dyakey) that enact that which passeth. The rest place themselues on benches round a∣bout the Roome, euery man in his ranke after his degree. Then is there propounded by one of the Secretaries (who representeth the Speaker) the cause of their Assembly, and the principall mat∣ters that they are to consider of. For to propound Bils what euery man thinketh good for the [ 10] publike benefit (as the manner is in England) the Russe Parliament alloweth no such custome, nor liberty to subjects.

The points being opened,* 1.63 the Patriarch with his Clergie-men haue the Prerogatiue to be first asked their vote, or opinion, what they thinke of the points propounded by the Secretarie. Whereto they answere in order, according to their degrees, but all in one forme without any Discourse: as hauing learned their Lesson before, that serueth their turnes at all Parliaments alike, whatsoeuer is propounded▪ Commonly it is to this effect. That the Emperour and his Councell are of great wisdome and experience, touching the Policies and publike Affaires of the Realme, and farre better able to iudge what is profitable for the Common-wealth, then they are, which attend vpon the seruice of God only, and matters of Religion. And therefore it may please them to proceed. That in∣stead [ 20] of their aduise, they will ayde them with their Prayers, as their duties and vocations doe require, &c. To this or like effect hauing made their Answeres euery man in his course, vp standeth some Ab∣bot or Frier more bold then the rest (yet appointed before-hand as a matter of forme) and desi∣reth the Emperour it would please his Majestie to command to be deliuered vnto them what his Majesties own iudgement, and determinate pleasure is, as touching those matters propounded by his De••ake.

Whereto is replyed by the said Secretarie in the Emperours name. That his Highnesse with those of his Noble Councell, vpon good and sound aduice haue found the matters proposed to be very good and necessary for the Common-wealth of his Realme. Notwithstanding, forasmuch as they are Religious men, and know what is right, his Maiestie requireth their godly Opinions, yea, and their Censures too, for [ 30] the approuing or correcting of the said Propositions. And therfore desireth them again to speak their minds freely. And if they shall like to giue their consents, that then the matters may passe to a full conclusion.

Hereunto when the Clergie-men haue giuen their consents (which they vse to doe without any great pausing) they take their leaues with blessing of the Emperour: who bringeth the Pa∣triarch on his way so faire as the next Roome, and so returneth to his Seat, till all be made ready for his returne homeward. The Acts that thus are passed by the Zabore or Parliament, the Deia∣keis or Secretaries draw into a forme of Proclamation, which they send abroad into euery Pro∣uince, and head Towne of the Realme, to be published there by the Dukes and Diakeis, or Secre∣taries of those places. The Session of Parliament being fully ended, the Emperour inuiteth the Clergiemen to a solemne Dinner. And so they depart euery man to his home.

[ 40]

THe degrees of persons or Estates of Russia (besides the Souereigne State or Emperour him∣selfe) are these in their order. 1. The Nob••lity which is of foure sorts.* 1.64 Whereof the chiefe for Birth, Authority, and Reuenue are called the Vdelney Knazey, that is, The exempt or priuiledged Dukes. These held sometime a seuerall Iurisdiction, and absolute Authoritie within their Pre∣cincts, much like vnto the States or Nobles of Germany. But afterwards (reseruing their Rights vpon compo••ition) they yeelded themselues to this House of Beala, when it beganne to waxe mightie, and to enlarge it selfe by ouer-matching their Neighbours. Onely they were bound to serue the Emperour in his Warres with a certayne number of Horse. But the late Emperour I∣uan Vasilowich Father to this Prince, being a man of high spirit, and sub••ill in his kind meaning [ 50] to reduce his Gouernment into a more strict forme, began by degrees to clip off their greatnesse, and to bring it downe to a lesser proportion: till in the end he made them not onely his Vassals, but his K••lophey, that is, his very Villaines or Bond-slaues. For so they terme and write them∣selues in any publike Instrument or priuate Petition which they make to the Emperour. So that now they hold their Authorities, Lands, Liues, and all at the Emperours pleasure as the rest do.

The meanes and practice whereby hee wrought this to effect against those, and other of the Nobility (so well as I could note out of the report of his doings) were these, and such like. First, he cast priuate emulations among them about prerogatiue of their Titles and Dignities. Wherein hee vsed to set on the inferiours, to prefer or equall themselues to those that were accounted to [ 60] be of the Nobler Houses. Where hee made his aduantage of their malice and contentions, the one against the other, by receiuing deuised matter, and accusations of secret practice and Con∣spiracies to bee intended against his Person and State. And so hauing singled out the greatest of them, and cut them off with the good liking of the rest, hee fell at last to open practice, by for∣cing of the other to yeeld their Rights vnto him.

* 1.652. Hee diuided his subiects into two parts or factions by a generall Schisme. The one part he called the Oppressini or Select men. These were such of the Nobility and Gentry as he took to his owne part, to protect and maintayne them as his faithfull subiects. The other he called Zemskey, or the Commons. The Zemskey contayned the base and vulgar sort, with such Noblemen and Gentlemen as he meant to cut off, as suspected to mislike his Gouernment, and to haue a mea∣ning to practise against him. Wherein he prouided that the Oppressini for number and qualitie of Valure, Money, Armour, &c. farre exceeded the other of the Zempskey side, whom he put (as it were from vnder his protection: so that if any of them were spoyled or killed by those of the Oppressini, (which he accounted of his owne part) there was no amends to bee sought for by way of publike Iustice, or by complaint to the Emperour.

The whole number of both parts was orderly registred and kept in a Booke: so that euery [ 10] man knew who was a Zempskey man, and who of the Oppressini. And this libertie of the one part to spoile and kill the other without any helpe of Magistrate, or Law (that continued seuen yeeres) enriched that side, and the Emperours Treasury, and wrought that withall which hee intended by this practise, viz. to take out of the way such of the Nobilitie, as himselfe misliked: whereof were slaine within one weeke to the number of three hundred within the Citie of Mosko.

This mischieuous practice of making a generall Schisme, and publike diuision among the subiects of his whole Realme, proceedeed (as should seeme) from an extreame doubt, and des∣perate feare, which he had conceiued of most of his Nobilitie, and Gentlemen of his Realme, [ 20] in his Wars with the Polonian and Chrim Tartar. What time he grew into a vehement suspition (conceiued of the ill successe of his Affaires) that they practised Treason with the Polonian and Chrim. Whereupon he executed some, and deuised this way to be rid of the rest.

* 1.663. Hauing thus pulled them and seased all their Inheritance, Lands, Priuiledges, &c. saue some very small part which hee left to their name, hee gaue them other Lands of the tenour of Pomestnoy (as they call it) that are held at the Emperours pleasure, lying far of in another Coun∣trey, and so remooued them into other of his Prouinces, where they might haue neyther fauour, nor authority, not being Natiue nor well knowne there. So that now these of the chiefe Nobi∣lity (called Vdelney Knazey) are equalled with the rest: saue that in the opinion and fauour of the people they are of more account, and keepe still the Prerogatiue of their place in all their publike meetings. [ 30]

Their practice to keepe downe these Houses from rising againe and recouering their dignities are these, and such like. First, many of their Heires are kept vnmarried perforce, that the stocke may dye with them. Some are sent into Siberia, Cazan and Astracan, vnder pretence of seruice, and there either made away, or else fast clapped vp. Some are put into Abbeyes, and sheare themselues Friers by pretence of a Vow to be made voluntary, and of their owne accord, but in∣deed forced vnto it by feare, vpon some pretenced crime objected against them. Where they are so guarded by some of speciall trust, and the Couent it selfe (vpon whose head it standeth that they make no escape) as that they haue no hope but to end their liues there. Of this kind there are many of very great Nobilitie. These and such like wayes begunne by the Emperour Iuan Va∣silowich [ 40] are still practised by the Godonoes, who being aduanced by the Marriage of the Empresse their Kinswoman, rule both the Emperour, and his Realme (specially Borris Federowich Godonoe, Brother to the Empresse) and endeauour by all meanes to cut off, or keepe downe all of the best and ancientest Nobilitie. Whereof diuers already they haue taken away, whom they thought likeliest to make head against them and to hinder their purpose, as Knez Andreas Guraken Bulgat∣koue, a man of great birth and authoritie in the Countrey. The like they haue done with Peter Gollauni (whom they put into a Dungeon where hee ended his life) with Knez Vasilie Vrywich Goll••ohen, with Andrieu Iuanowich Suskoy accounted among them for a man of a great wisedome. So this last yeere was killed in a Monastery (whither they had thrust him) one Knez Iuan Petro∣wich Suskoy a man of great valour, and seruice in that Countrey: who about fiue or sixe yeeres [ 50] since, bare out the siege of the Citie Vobsko, made by Stephan Batore King of Polonia, with one hundred thousand men, and repulsed him very valiantly, with great honour to himselfe, and his Countrey, and disgrace to the Polonian. Also Micheta Romanowich Vncle to the Empe∣rour by the Mothers side, was supposed to haue dyed of Poyson, or some like practice.

* 1.67The Names of these families of greatest Nobilitie are these in their order. The first is of Knez Volodemer, which resteth at this time in one Daughter a widow, and without Children (menti∣oned before) sometime wife to Hartock Magnus Brother to the King of Denmarke, now closed within a Nunnerie. The second Knez Metheloskey, thrust into a Frierie, and his onely Sonne kept from marriage, to decay the house. The third Glimskoy. But one left of his house, and hee without children saue one Daughter. The fourth Suskoy, whereof there are foure Brethren young [ 60] men, and vnmarryed all. The fifth Hubetskoy. Of this House are foure liuing. The sixth Bulga∣loy, now called Guletchey house, whereof are fiue liuing, but youths all. The seuenth Vorallins∣koy. Two left of that stocke. The eight Odgoskey, two. The ninth Telletskoy, one. The tenth Tayto••e, three. These are the Names of the chiefe Families, called Vdelney Knazy: that in effect

haue lost all now, saue the very name it selfe, and fauour of the people, which is like one day to restore them againe, if any be left.

The second degree of Nobilitie is of the Boiarens.* 1.68 These are such as the Emperour honoureth (besides their Nobilitie) with the title of Counsellers. The reuenue of these two sorts of their Nobles that riseth out of their Land assigned them by the Emperour, and held at his pleasure (for of their owne Inheritance there is little left them, as was sayd before) is about a thousand Marcks a yeere: besides Pension which they receiue of the Emperour for their seruice in his Warres, to the summe of seuen hundred Rubbels a yeere, and none aboue that summe.

But in this number the Lord Borris Federowich Godenoe is not to bee reckoned, that is like a Transcendent, and in no such predicament with the rest, being the Emperours Brother in law,* 1.69 his [ 10] Protector for direction, for Command and authoritie Emperour of Russia. His yeerely reuenue in Land and Pension, amounteth to the summe of 93700. Rubbels and more, as appeareth by the particulars. Hee hath of inheritance (which himselfe hath augmented in Vasma Dorogobose, sixe thousand Rubbels a yeere. For his office of Connick, or Master of the Horse twelue thousand Rubbels or Marcks, raised out of the Conaslue Sloboday, or the liberties pertayning to that Office, which are certayne Lands and Townes neere about the Mosco. Besides, all the meadow and pasture ground on both sides the banke of the Riuer Mosko, thirtie verst vp the streame, and for∣tie verst downwards. For his pension of the Emperour (besides the other for his Office) fifteene thousand Rubbels. Out of the Prouince or Shire of Vagha, there is giuen him for a peculiar ex∣empted out of the Chetfird of Posolskoy, two and thirtie thousand Rubbels, besides a rent of [ 20] Furres. Out of Rezan and Seuer, (another peculiar) thirtie thousand Rubbels. Out of O••••er and Turiock another exempt place eight thousand Rubbels. For rent of Bath-stoaues and Bathing-houses without the walls of Mosko, fifteene hundred Rubbels. Besides his Pom••st, or Lands, which hee holdeth at the Emperours pleasure, which farre exceedeth the proportion of land al∣lotted to the rest of the Nobilitie.

One other there is, of the house of Glinskoy, that dispendeth in Land and Pension about fortie thousand Rubbels yeerely. Which hee is suffered to enioy, because he hath marryed Borris his wiues Sister, being himselfe very simple and almost a naturall. The ordering of him and his Lands are committed to Borris.

In the third ranke are the Voyauodey, or such Nobles asure,* 1.70 or haue beene Generals in the Em∣perours [ 30] warres. Which deliuer the honour of their Title to their posterities also: who take their place aboue the other Dukes and Nobles, that are not of the two former sorts, viz. of the Vdel∣ney knaz••y, nor of the Boiarens.

These three degrees of their Nobilitie, (to wit) the Vdelney knaz••y, the Boiarens, and the Voiauodey, haue the addition of Vich, put vnto their sirname, as Borris Federowish,* 1.71 &c. which is a note of Honour that the rest may not vsurpe. And in case it bee not added in the naming of them, they may sue the Bestchest or penaltie of dishonour vpon them, that otherwise shall tearme them.

The fourth and lowest degree of Nobilitie with them, is of such as beare the name of Knaz••y or Dukes, but come of the younger Brothers of those chiefe Houses, through many discents, and [ 40] haue no inheritance of their owne, saue the bare name or title of Duke onely. For their order is to deliuer their names and titles of their Dignities ouer to all their Children alike, whatsoeuer else they leaue them. So that the Sonnes of a Voiauodey or Generall in the field, are called Voia∣uodey, though they neuer saw the field, and the Sonnes of a Knez or Duke, are called Knaz••y, though they haue not one groat of inheritance or liuelyhood to maintayne themselues withall. Of this sort there are so many, that the plentie maketh them cheape▪ so that you shall see Dukes glad to serue a meane man for fiue or sixe Rubbels or Marcks a yeere, and yet they will stand highly vpon their Bestchest or reputation of their Honours. And these are their seuerall de∣grees of Nobilitie.

The second degree of persons, is of their Sina Boiarskey, or the sonnes of Gentlemen, which all [ 50] are preferred, and hold that Name by their seruice in the Emperours warres,* 1.72 be••••g Soul∣diers by their very stocke and birth. To which order are referred their Dyacks or Secretaries, that serue the Emperour in euery head Towne, being joyned in Commission with the Dukes of that place.

The last are their Commons, whom they call Mousicks.* 1.73 In which number they reckon their Merchants and their common Artificers. The very lowest and basest sort of this kinde (which are held in no degree) are their Countrey people, whom they call Christianeis. Of the Sina Bo∣iarskey (which are all Souldiers) wee are to see in the description of their Forces, and Militarie prouisions. Concerning their Mousicks, what their condition and behauiour is in the Title or Chapter Of the Common people.

[ 60]

THe whole Countrey of Russia (as was sayd before) is diuided into foure parts,* 1.74 which they call Chetfirds, or Tetrarchies. Euery Chetfird contayneth diuers Shires, and is annexed to a seuerall Office, whereof it takes the name. The first Chetfird or Tetrarchie, beareth the name of

Pososkoy Chetfird, or the Iurisdiction of the office of Ambassages, and at this time is vnder the chiefe Secretarie and officer of the Ambassages, called Andreas Schalcaloue. The standing fee or stipend that hee receiueth yeerely of the Emperour for this seruice, is one hundred Rubbels or Marcks.

The second is called the Roseradney Chetfird, because it is proper to the Roserade or high Constable. At this time it pertayneth by vertue of Office to Basilie Shalcaloue, Brother to the Chancellour, but it is executed by one Zapon Abramoue. His pension is an hundred Rub∣bels yeerely.

The third is the Chetfird of Pomestnoy, as pertayning to that Office. This keepeth a Register of all Lands giuen by the Emperour for seruice to his Noblemen, Gentlemen and others, giueth out and taketh in all Assurances for them. The officer at this time is called Eleazar Wellusgine. His [ 10] stipend is fiue hundred Rubbels a yeere.

The fourth is called Cassauskoy Dworets, as being appropriate to the Office that hath the iuris∣diction of the Kingdomes of Cazan and Astracan, with the other Townes lying vpon the Vol∣gha, now ordered by one Druzhine Penteleous, a man of very speciall account among them, for his wisedome and promptnesse in matters of policie. His pension is one hundred and fiftie Rub∣bels a yeere.

From these Chetfirds or Tetrarchies is exempted the Emperours inheritance or Vochin (as they call it) for that it pertayned from ancient time to the House of Beala, which is the sirname of the Imperiall bloud. This standeth of sixe and thirtie Townes with their bounds or Territories. Besides diuers peculiar Iurisdictions, which are likewise deducted out of those Chetfirds, as the [ 20] Shire of Vagha (belonging to the Lord Borrise Federowich Godonoe) and such like.

These are the chiefe Gouernours or Officers of the Prouinces, not resident at their charge a∣broad, but attending the Emperour whither soeuer hee goeth, and carrying their Offices about with them, which for the most part they hold at Mosko, as the Emperours chiefe seate.

The parts and practice of these foure Offices, is to receiue all Complaints and Actions what∣soeuer, that are brought out of their seuerall Chetfirds and Quarters, and to informe them to the Emperours Councell. Likewise to send direction againe to those that are vnder them, in their sayd Prouinces, for all matters giuen in charge by the Emperour and his Councell, to bee done or put in execution within their Precincts.

For the ordering of euery particular Prouince of these foure Chetfirds, there is appointed one [ 30] of these Dukes, which were reckoned before in the lowest degree of their Nobilitie, which are resident in the head Townes of the sayd Prouinces. Whereof euery one hath joyned with him in Commission a Dyack or Secretarie to assist him or rather to direct him. For in the executing of their Commission, the Dyack doth all.

* 1.75The parts of their Commission are these in effect. First, to heare and determine in all ciuill matters within their Precinct. To which purpose they haue vnder them certayne Officers, as Gubnoy Starets or Coroners, who besides the tryall of selfe Murders, are to attach Fellons: and the Soudiae or vnder Iustices, who themselues also may heare and determine in all matters of the same nature, among the Countrey people of their owne Wards or Bayliwickes: but so that in case either partie dissent, they may appeale, and goe further to the Duke and Dyack that reside [ 40] within the head Towne. From whom also they may remooue the matter to the higher Court at Mosko, of the Emperours Councell, where lye all appeales. They haue vnder them also S••••skoy Starets, that is Aldermen, or Bayliffes of the Hundreds.

Secondly, in all criminall matters, as Theft, Murder, Treason, &c. they haue authoritie to ap∣prehend, to examine and to imprison the malefactor, and so hauing receiued perfect euidence and imformation of the cause, they are to send it ready drawne and orderly digested vp to the Mos∣ko, to the Officer of the Chetfird, whereunto that Prouince is annexed: by whom it is refer∣red and propounded to the Emperours Councell. But to determine in any matter criminall, or to doe execution vpon the partie offending, is more then their Commission will allow them to doe. [ 50]

Thirdly, if there bee any publike seruice to be done within that Prouince, (as the publishing of any Law, or common order, by way of Proclamation, collecting of taxes and impositions for the Emperor, mustering of Souldiers, and sending them forth at the day, and to the place assigned by the Emperour or his Councell) all these and such like pertayne to their charge.

* 1.76These Dukes and Dyacks are appointed to their place by the Emperour himselfe, and are changed ordinarily at euery yeeres end, except vpon some speciall liking or sute, the time bee prorogued for a yeere or two more. They are men of themselues of no credit, nor fauour with the people where they gouerne, being neither borne, nor brought vp among them, nor yet hauing inheritance of their owne there, or else where. Onely of the Emperour they haue for that ser∣uice an hundred Marcks a yeere, hee that hath most, some fiftie, some but thirtie. Which ma∣keth [ 60] them more suspected and odious to the people, because being so bare, and comming fresh and hungry vpon them lightly euery yeere, they racke and spoyle them without due regard of Iustice or Conscience. Which is easily tollerated by the chiefe Officers of the Chetfirds, to the end they may spoyle them againe, and haue a better bootie when they call them to account:

which commonly they doe at the end of their seruice, making an aduantage of their injustice and oppression ouer the poore people. There are few of them but they come to the Pudkey or Whip when their time is ended, which themselues for the most part doe make account of. And therefore they furnish themselues with all the spoyle they can for the time of their Gouern∣ment, that they may haue for both turnes, as well for the Emperour and Lord of the Chetfird, as to reserue some good part for themselues.

They that are appointed to gouerne abroad, are men of this qualitie: saue that in the foure border Townes that are of greatest importance, are set men of more speciall valour and trust, two in euery Towne. Whereof one is euer of the Emperours priuie Counsell. These foure border [ 10] Townes are, Smolensko, Vobsko, Nouogrod, and Cazan, whereof three lie towards the Polonian and Sweden, one bordereth farre off vpon the Chrim Tartar. These haue larger commission then the other Dukes of the Prouinces that I spake of before, and may doe execution in criminall matters. Which is thought behooffull for the Common-wealth: for incident occasions that may happen vpon the borders that are farre off, and may not stay for direction, about euery occur∣rent and particular matter from the Emperour and his Counsell. They are changed euery yeere (except as before) and haue for their stipend 700. Rubbels a yeere he that hath most: some haue but 400. Many of these places that are of greatest importance, and almost the whole Coun∣trey is managed at this time, by the Godonoes and their Clients.

The Citie of Mosko (that is the Emperours Seat) is gouerned altogether by the Emperours [ 20] Counsell. All matters there both ciuill and criminall, are heard and determined in the seuerall Courts, held by some of the said Counsell, that reside there all the yeere long.

Onely for their ordinary matters (as Buildings, Reparations,* 1.77 keeping of their Streets decent and cleane, Collections, leuying of Taxes, Impositions and such like) are appointed, two Gen∣tlemen, and two Dyacks or Secretaries, who hold a Court together for the ordering of such matters. This is called the Zempskey house. If any Townes-man suspect his seruant of theft or like matter, hither he may bring him to haue him examined vpon the Pudkey, or other tor∣ture. Besides these two Gentlemen, and Secretaries that order the whole Citie, there are Sta∣rusts or Aldermen for euery seuerall Companie. The Alderman hath his Sotskey or Constable, and the Constable hath certaine Decetskeis or Decurions vnder him, which haue the ouersight of [ 30] ten housholds a piece, whereby euery disorder is sooner spyed, and the common seruice hath the quicker dispatch. The whole number of Citizens poore and rich are reduced into Companies. The chiefe Officers (as the Dyacks and Gentlemen) are appointed by the Emperour himselfe, the Starust by the Gentlemen and Dyacks, the Sotskoy by the Starust or Alderman, and the De∣cetskoyes by the Constables.

This manner of gouernment of their Prouinces and Townes, if it were as well set for the giuing of iustice indifferently to all sorts, as it is to preuent innouations, by keeping of the No∣bility within order, and the Commons in subiection, it might seeme in that kind to be no bad nor vnpolitike way, for the contayning of so large a Common-wealth, of that breadth and length as is the Kingdome of Russia. But the oppression and slauery is so open, and so great, that [ 40] a man would maruell, how the Nobilitie and People should suffer themselues to be brought vn∣der it, while they had any meanes to auoide and repulse it: or being so strengthned as it is at this present, how the Emperours themselues can be content to practise the same, with so open iniustice and oppression of their Subiects, being themselues of a Christian profession.* 1.78 By this it appeareth how hard a matter it were to alter the state of the Russe Gouernment, as now it standeth.

THe Emperours of Russia giue the name of Counsellour to diuers of their chiefe Nobilitie,* 1.79 rather for honours sake, then for any vse they make of them about their matters of State. These are called Boiarens, without any addition, and may be called, Counsellours at large. For [ 50] they are seldome or neuer called to any publike consultation. They which are of his speciall and priuie Counsell indeed (whom he vseth daily and ordinarily for all publike matters pertay∣ning to the State) haue the addition of Dumnoy, and are named Dumnoy boiaren, or Lords of the Counsell, their Office or Sitting Boarstua dum••a.

Their names at this present are these in their order. First,* 1.80 Knez Feoder Ioanowich Methislos∣key. 2. Knez Iuan Michailowich Glinskoy. 3. Knez Vasilie Iuanowich Suskoy Scopin. (These three are accounted to be of greater birth then wisedome, taken in (as may seeme) for that end, rather to furnish the place with their honours and presence, then with their aduice or counsell.) 4. Knez Vasilie Iuanowich Suskoy, thought to be more wise then the other of his name. 5. Knez Feoder Michailowich. 6. Knez Michata Romanowich Trowbetskoy. 7. Knez Timophey Roma∣nowich [ 60] Trowbetskoy. 8. Knez Andriew Gregoriwich Curakine. 9. Knez Demetrie Iuanowich Fo∣restine. 10. Knez Feoder Iuanowich Forestine. 11. Bodan Iuanowich Sabaroue. 12. Knez Iuan Vasilowich. 13. Knez Feoder Demetriwich Shestinoue. 14. Knez Feoder Michailowich Troy∣conioue. 15. Iuan Buterlyney. 16. Demetrie Iuanowich Godonoe. 17. Borrise Federowich Godonoe, brother to the Empresse. 18. Stephan Vasilowich Godonoe. 19. Gregorie Vasilowich Godonoe. 20. Iuan

Vasilowich Godonoe. 21. Feoder Sheremitoue. 22. Andrew Petrowich Cleshenina. 23. Ignati•• Petrowich Tatisloue. 24. Romain Michailowich Peua. 25. Demenshoy Iuanowich Cheremissen. 26. Romain Vasilowich Alferioue. 27. Andriew Shalcaloue. 28. Vasilie Shalcaloue. 29. Elea∣zar Wellusgin. 30. Drezheen Penteleoue. 31. Zapon Abramoue.

* 1.81The foure last of these are called Dumnoy deiakey or Lord-Secretaries. These are all of the Em∣perours priuie Counsell, though but few of them are called to any consultation, for that all mat∣ters are aduised and determined vpon by Borris Federowich Godonoe brother to the Empresse, with some fiue or sixe more whom it pleaseth him to call. If they come, they are rather to heare, then to giue counsell, and doe so demeane themselues. The matters occurrent which are of State done within the Realme, are informed them at their ••ittings by the Lords of the foure [ 10] Chetfirds, or Tetrarchies. Whereof mention is made in the Chapter concerning the Gouern∣ment of their Prouinces. Who bring in all such Letters as they receiue from the Dukes, Dyacks, Captaines, and other Officers of the Citie and Castles pertayning to their seuerall Quarter or Chetfird, with other aduertisements, and informe the Counsell of them.

The like is done by the chiefe Officer of euery seuerall Office of Record: who may come in∣to the Counsell-chamber, and informe them, as occasion incident to his Office doth require. Be∣sides matters of State, they consider of many priuate Causes, informed by the way of suppli∣cation in very great numbers. Whereof some they entertayne and determine, as the Cause or meanes can procure fauour. Some they send to the Offices whereto they pertayne by common course of Law. Their ordinary dayes for their sitting are, Mondayes, Wednesdayes, and Fri∣dayes. [ 20] Their time of meeting is commonly seuen of the clocke in the morning. If there bee any extraordinary occasion that requireth consultation on some other day, they haue warning by the Clerke of of the Counsell, called Dorofey Bushew, who receiueth order from the Roserad, or High Constable of the Realme, to call them together at the time appointed.

* 1.82FOr the receiuing of Customes, and other Rents belonging to the Crowne, there are appoin∣ted diuers Vnder-officers, which deliuer ouer the same into the head Treasurie. The first is, the Office of Dwoertsoua or Steward of the houshold. The second is, the Office of the Chetfirds, which I comprehend vnder one, though it be diuided into foure seuerall parts, as was said be∣fore. The third is called, Bulsha Prechode, or the great Income. [ 30]

As touching the first, which is the Office of the Steward, it receiueth all the Rents of the Em∣perours Inheritance, or Crowne-land, which they call, Vochin. The Vochin or Crown-land con∣tayneth in it sixe and thirtie Townes with the Territories or Hundreds belonging vnto them. Whereof the chiefe that yeeld the greatest Rents are these: Alexandrisca, Corelska, Otfer, Slo∣bodey, Danielska, Moisalskoy, Chara, Sametska, Strararouse, Bransoue, &c. The Inhabitants or Tenants of these and the other Townes, pay some Rent money, some other Rent duties (called Obr••key) as certaine Chetfirds or measures of Graine, Wheat, Rye, Barley, Oats, &c. or of other victuall, as Oxen, Sheepe, Swannes, Geese, Hares, Hennes, wilde Fowle, Fish, Hay, Wood, Ho∣ney, &c. Some are bound to sowe for the Emperours prouision certaine acres of ground, and to make the Corne ready for his vse: hauing for it an allowance of certaine acres of ground for [ 40] their owne proper vse.

This prouision for the houshold, specially of Graine serued in by the Tenants, is a great deale more then is spent in his house, or in other allowance serued out in liuery, or for the Emperours honour, called Schalouaney: for which vse there is bestowed very much, both in Graine and o∣ther Victuall. This surplus of prouision is sold by the Steward to the best hand, and runneth into the Emperours Treasurie.

In the time of Iuan Vasilowich, father to this Emperour (who kept a more Princely and boun∣tifull house then the Emperour now doth) this ouerplus of Graine, and other incomes into the Stewards Office, yeelded to his Treasurie not past 60000. Rubbels yeerely, but riseth now by good husbanding of the Steward Gregory Vasilowich Godonoe, to 230000. Rubbels a yeere. And [ 50] this by the meanes of the Empresse, and her kindred, specially (Borris Fedorowich Godonoe) that account it all their owne that runneth into the Emperors Treasure. Much of this surplusage that riseth out of the Rent prouision, is employed to the payment of the wages of his houshold Of∣ficers, which are very many attending at home, and purueying abroad.

* 1.83The second Office of Receit, is called the Chetfirds, (being diuided into foure seuerall parts, as before was said) hath foure head Officers: which besides the ordering and gouernment of the Shires contayned within their seuerall Chetfirds, haue this also as a part of their Office, to re∣ceiue the Tagla and Podat belonging to the Emperour,* 1.84 that riseth out of the foure Chetfirds or Quarters. The Tagla is a yeerly Rent or Imposition raised vpon euery Wi••e or measure of Graine, that groweth within the Land, gathered by sworne men, and brought into the Office. The [ 60] Wite contayneth sixtie Chetfirds. Euery Chetfird is three Bushels English, or little lesse. The Po∣dat is an ordinary Rent of money imposed vpon euery Soake, or Hundred within the whole Realme.

This Tagla and Podat bring in yeerely to the Offices of the Chetfirds a great summe of money:

as may appeare by the particulars heere set downe. The Towne and Prouince of Vob••ko pay yeerely for Tagla and Podat about 18000. Rubbels. Nouogrod 35000. Rubbels. Torshocke and Otfer 8000. Rubbels. Razan 30000. Rubbels. Morum 12000. Rubbels. Colmigroe and Duy∣na 8000. Rubbels. Vologda 12000. Rubbels. Cazan 18000. Rubbels. Vstiug 30000 Rubbles. Rostoue 50000. Rubbels. The Citie of Mosko 40000. Rubbels. Sibierskoy 20000. Rubbels. Castrome 12000. Rubbels. The totall amounteth to 400000. Rubbels, or Markes a yeere, which is brought in yeerely the first of September, that is reckoned by them the first day of the yeere.* 1.85

The third (that is called the Bulsha Prechod, or great Income) receiueth all the Customes that are gathered out of all the principall Townes and Cities within the whole Realme. Besides the [ 10] fees and other duties which rise out of diuers smaller Offices, which are all brought into this Office of Bulsha Prechod. The Townes of most trade, that doe yeeld greatest Custome, are these here set downe. Mosko, Smolensko, Vobsko, Nouogrod Velica, Strararouse, Turshocke, Ot∣fer, Yaruslaue, Castrome, Nesua Nouogrod, Cazan, Vologda. This Custome out of the great Townes is therefore more certaine, and easie to bee reckoned, because it is set and rated precise∣ly what they shall pay for the Custome of the yeere. Which needs must bee payd into the said Office, though they receiue not so much. If it fall out to be more, it runneth all into the Empe∣rours aduantage.

The Custome at Mosko for euery yeere, is 12000. Rubbels.* 1.86 The Custome of Smolensko 8000. Vobsko 12000. Rubbels. Nouogrod v••lica 6000. Rubbels. Strararouse by Salt and other commo∣dities [ 20] 18000. Rubbels. Torshock 800. Rubbels. Otfer 700. Rubbels. Yaruslaue 1200. Rubbels. Castrome 1800. Rubbels. Nesna Nouogrod 7000. Rubbels. Cazan 11000. Rubbels. Volog∣da 2000. Rubbels. The Custome of the rest that are Townes of trade, is sometimes more, sometimes lesse, as their trafficke and dealings with commodities to and fro, falleth out for the yeere.

This may bee said for certaine,* 1.87 that the three Tables of Receits belonging to this Office of Bulsha Prechod, when they receiue least, account for thus much, vz. The first table, 160000. Rubbels. The second table, 90000. Rubbels. The third 70000. Rubbels. So that there com∣meth into the Office of Bulsha Prechod, at the least reckoning (as appeareth by their Bookes of Customes) out of these and other Townes, and maketh the summe of 340000. Rubbles a yeere. [ 30] Besides this Custome out of the Townes of trade, there is receiued by this Office of Bulsha Pre∣chod, the yeerely Rent of the common Bath-stoues, and Cabacks or drinking houses, which per∣tayne to the Emperour. Which (though it be vncertaine for the iust summe, yet because it is certaine, and an ordinary matter, that the Russe will bathe himselfe as well within as without) yeeldeth a large Rent to the Emperours Treasurie.

There is besides,* 1.88 a certaine Mulct or Penaltie that groweth to the Emperour out of euery Iudgement or Sentence, that passeth in any of his Courts of Record in all Ciuill matters. This Penaltie or Mulct is twentie Dingoes or Pence vpon euery Rubbel or Marke, and so ten in the hundred. Which is payd by the partie that is conuict by Law. He hath besides for euery name contayned in the Writs that passe out of these Courts, fiue Alteens. An Alteen•• is fiue pence [ 40] sterling, or thereabouts. This is made good out of the Office, whence the Writ is taken forth. Thence it goeth to the Office that keepeth the lesser Seale, where it payeth as much more to the Emperours vse. This riseth commonly to three thousand Rubbels a yeere, or thereabouts. Far∣ther also out of the Office of Roisbonia, where all felonies are tryed, is receiued for the Emperour the halfe part of Felons goods, the other halfe goeth the one part to the Informer, the other to the Officers.

All this is brought into the Office of Bulsha Prechod, or Great income. Besides the ouerplus or remainder that is saued out of the Land-rents allotted to diuers other Offices: as namely, to the Office called Roserade, which hath Lands and Rents assigned vnto it to pay the yeerely sala∣ries of the Souldiers, or Horsemen, that are kept still in pay. Which in time of peace, when they rest at home not employed in any seruice, is commonly cut off and payd them by halfes, [ 50] sometimes not the halfe: so that the remainder out of the Roserade Office that is layd into the Emperours treasurie, commeth for the most part euery yeere to 250000. Rubbels.

In like sort (though not so much) is brought in the surplus out of the Strelletskoy Offices which hath proper Lands for the payment of the Strelsey men or Gunners, as well those at Mosko, that are of the Emperors Guard (12000. in ordinary) as on the borders, and other garrison Towns and Castles. Likewise out of the Office of Prechase, Shisiuoy Nemsh••y, which hath set allowance of Lands to maintayne the forraine mercenary Souldiers, as Poles, Sweadens, Dutches, Scots, &c. So out of the Office of Pusharskoy, (which hath Lands and Rents allowed for the prouision of munition, great Ordnance, Powder, Shot, Saltpeter, Brimstone, Lead, and such like) there is left somewhat at the yeeres end, that runneth into the Treasurie. All these bring into the Of∣fice [ 60] of Bulsha Prechod that which remayneth in their hand at the yeeres end. Whence it is de∣liuered into the Emperours Treasurie. So that the whole summe that groweth to this Office of Bulsha Prechod, or the great Income (as appeareth by the Bookes of the said Office) amounteth to 800000. Rubbels a yeere, or thereabouts.

All these Offices, to wit, the Office of the Steward, the foure Chetfirds, and the Bulsha Prechod deliuer in their receipts to the head treasurie,* 1.89 that lyeth within the Emperours house or Castle at the Mosko. Where lye all his Moneys, Iewels, Crownes, Scepters, Plate, and such like, the Chests, Hutches, and Bags being signed by the Emperours themselues with their owne seale. Though at this time the L. Borris Federowich Godonoe, his seale and ouer-sight supplieth for the Emperour, as in all other things. The vnder Officer at this time is one Stepan Vasilowich Godonoe, Cousin germane to the said Borris, who hath two Clerkes allowed to serue vnder him in the Office.

* 1.90The sum that groweth to the Emperors Trea∣sury in money onely, for euery yeere.

• 1. Out of the Stewards Office aboue the expence of his house 23000. Rubbels.
• 2. Out of the foure Chetfirds for Soake and Head money, 400000. Rubbels.
• 3. Out of the Bulsha Precod Office, or great Income for Custome and other Rents. 800000. Rubbels.

Sum 1430000. Rub∣bels cleere, besides all charges for his house [ 10] and ordinary salleries of his Souldiers other∣wise discharged.

But besides this reuenue that is paid all in money to the Emperors treasurie, he receiueth yeerely in Furres, and other duties to a great value out of Siberia, Pechora, Permia, and other places, which are sold or bartred away for other forraine commodities to the Turkish, Persian, Armenian, Georgian and Bougharian Merchants, that trade with••n his Countries, besides others of Christendome. What it maketh in the whole (though the value cannot bee set downe pre∣cisely, as being a thing casuall as the commoditie may be got) it may be ghessed by that which [ 20] was gathered the last yeere out of Siberia for the Emperours Custome, vz. 466. Timber of Sa∣bles, fiue Timber of Martrones, 180. blacke Foxes, besides other commodities.

To these may be added their seazures, and confiscations vpon such as are in displeasure, which riseth to a great summe, besides other their extraordinary Impositions, and exactions done vpon their Officers, Monasteries, &c. not for any apparant necessitie, or vse of the Prince, or Common-wealth, but of will and custome: yet with some pretence of policie. To this purpose this by-word was vsed by the late Emperour Iuan Vasilowich: That his people were like to his beard. The oftner shauen, the thicker it would grow. Or like sheepe, that must needs bee shorne once a yeere at the least: to keepe them from being ouer-laden with their wooll.

[ 30]

* 1.91MEanes seruing to which purpose were to preuent no extortions, exactions, or briberies whatsoeuer, done vpon the Commons by their Dukes, Diacks, or other Officers in their Prouinces: but to suffer them to goe on till their time be expired, and to sucke themselues full. Then to call them to the Praueush (or whip) for their behauiour, and to beat out of them all, or the most part of the bootie, (as the Hony from the Bee) which they haue wrung from the Commons, and to turne it into the Emperours Treasurie, but neuer any thing backe againe to the right owners, how great or euident soeuer the iniurie be . To this end the needie Dukes, and Diacks, that are sent into their Prouinces, serue the turne very well, being changed so often (to wit) once a yeere: where in respect of their owne, and the qualitie of the people (as before was said) they might be continued for some longer time, without all feare of innouation. For com∣ming [ 40] still fresh vpon the Commons, they sucke more eagerly: like Tiberius the Emperours Flies, that came new still vpon an old sore. To whom he was wont to compare his Praetors, and other Prouinciall Officers.

2. Yet they did make of these Officers (that haue robbed their people) sometimes a pub∣like example, if any be more notorious then the rest: the Emperour thus seeming to mislike the oppressions done to his people, and transferring the fault to his ill Officers. As among diuers other, was done by the late Emperor Iuan Vasilowich to a Diacke in one of his Prouinces: that (besides many other extortions and briberies) had taken a goose readie drest full of mony. The man was brought to the Market-place in Mosko. The Emperour himselfe present made an Oration. These, good people, are they that would eate you vp like bread, &c. Then asked he his Po∣lachies [ 50] or Executioners, who could cut vp a Goose, and commanded one of them first to cut off his legs about the midst of the shin, then the armes aboue his elbowes (asking him still if Goose-flesh were good meat) in the end to chop off his head: that hee might haue the right fashion of a Goose readie dressed.

3. They make an open shew of want, when any great Taxe or Imposition is towards. As was done by this Emperour Theodore Iuanowich, by the aduice of some about him at the begin∣ning of his raigne: when being left very rich (as was thought) by his father, he sold most of his Plate, and stamped some into Coyne: that he might seeme to want money. Whereupon present∣ly out came a Taxation.

4. They suffer their subiects to giue freely to the Monasteries (which for their superstition [ 60] very many doe, specially in their last Wills) and to lay vp their money and substance in them, to keepe it more safe. Which all is permitted them without any restraint or prouiso, as was and is in some Countries of Christendome. Whereby their Monasteries grow to exceeding great wealth. This they doe to haue the money of the Realme better stored together, and more rea∣die

for their hand, when they list to take it. Which many times is done without any noyse: the Friers being content rather to part from somewhat (as the increase groweth) then to lose all at once. Which they were made to doubt of in the other Emperours dayes.

To this end Iuan Vasilowich late Emperor vsed a very strange practise,* 1.92 that few Princes would haue done in their greatest extremities. Hee resigned his Kingdome to one Velica Knez Simeon, the Emperours sonne of Cazan: as though hee meant to draw himselfe from all publike doings to a quiet priuate life. Towards the end of the yeere, he caused this new King to call in all Char∣ters granted to Bishoprickes, and Monasteries, which they had enioyed many hundred yeeres before. Which were all cancelled. This done (as in dislike of the fact & of the mis-gouernment of the new King) hee resumed his Scepter, and so was content (as in fauour to the Church and [ 10] Religious men) that they should renew their Charters, and take them of himselfe: reseruing and annexing to the Crowne so much of their lands, as himselfe thought good.

By this practice he wrung from the Bishoprickes and Monasteries (besides the lands which he annexed to the Crowne) an huge masse of money. From some fortie, from some fiftie, from some an hundred thousand Rubbels. And this as well for the increase of his Treasury, as to abate the ill opinion of his hard gouernment, by a shew of worse in another man. Wherein his strange spirit is to be noted: that being hated of his subiects (as himselfe knew well enough) yet should venture such a practice to set another in his saddle, that might haue rid away with his horse, while himselfe walked by on foot.

5. They send their Messengers into the Prouinces or Shires, where the speciall commodi∣ties [ 20] of their Countrey grow, as Furres, Wax, Hony, &c. There to forestall and ingrosse sometime one whole commoditie, sometime two or more, taking them at small prices what themselues list, and selling them againe at an excessiue rate to their owne Merchants, and to Merchants strangers. If they refuse to buy them, then to force them vnto it. The like is done when any commoditie either natiue or forraine (as Cloth of Gold, Broad-cloth, &c.) thus engrossed by the Emperour, and receiued into his treasury happeneth to decay, or marre by long lying, or some other casualtie. Which is forced vpon the Merchants to be bought by them at the Empe∣rours price, whether they will or no. This last yeere of 1589. was engrossed all the Wax of the Countrey: so that none might deale with that commoditie, but the Emperour onely.

[ 30] 6. To take vp and engrosse in like sort sometime forraine commodities (as Silkes, Cloth, Lead, Pearle, &c. brought into his Realme by Turkish Merchants, Armenians, Bougharians, Poles, English, and other. And then to force his Merchants to buy them of his Officers at his owne price.

7. They make a Monopoly for the time of such commodities as are paid him for Rent, or Custome, and to inhance the price of them, as Furres, Corne, Wood, &c. What time none must sell of the same kinde of commoditie, till the Emperours be all sold. By this meanes he maketh of his Rent, Corne, and other prouision of victuall (as before was said) about 200000. Rubbels or Markes a yeere. Of his Rent, Wood, Hay, &c. 30000. Rubbels, or thereabouts.

8. In euery great Towne of his Realme hee hath a Caback or other drinking house, where [ 40] is sold Aqua-vitae (which they call Russe Wine) Mead, Beere, &c. Out of these hee receiueth Rent that amounteth to a great summe of money. Some yeeld 800. some 900. some a 1000. some 2000. or 3000. Rubbels a yeere. Wherein besides the base and dishonourable meanes to encrease his treasury, many foule faults are committed. The poore Labouring man, and Artifi∣cer, many times spendeth all from his wife and children. Some vse to lay in twentie, thirtie, for∣tie Rubbels, or more into the Caback, and vow themselues to the pot, till all that be spent. And this (as he will say) for the honour of Hospodare, or the Emperour. You shall haue many there that haue drunke all away to the very skin, and so walke naked (whom they call Naga.) While they are in the Caback, none may call them forth whatsoeuer cause there be, because he hinde∣reth the Emperours reuenue.

[ 50] 9. Some of his Boiarens, or Nobles of his Court, (whom he vseth vpon trust) that haue hou∣ses in the Mosko, faine themselues robbed: Then they send for the Zemskey men, or Aldermen of the Citie, and command them to finde out the robbery: In default of not finding it, praue or cease the Citie for their misgouernment in 8000.9000. or 10000. Rubbels at a time. This is many times practised.

10. In these exactions to shew their Soueraigntie, sometime they haue beene vsed very plaine, and yet strange cauillations. As was that of Iuan Vasilowich, father to this Emperour, after this sort. He sent into Permia for certaine loads of Cedar wood, wherof he knew that none grew in that Countrey. The inhabitants returned answer they could finde none there. Where∣upon hee seazed their Countrey in 12000. Rubbels, as if they concealed the commoditie of [ 60] purpose. Againe, he sent to the Citie of Mosko to prouide for him a Colpack, or measure full of liue Fleas for a medicine. They returned answere that the thing was impossible. And if they could get them, yet they could not measure them, for leaping out. Whereupon hee praued, or beat out of their shins 7000. Rubbels for a Mulct. By like cauillation hee exto••ted for his No∣bilitie 30000. Rubbels, because he missed of his game, when hee went a hunting for the Hare:

as if their hunting and murthering of Hares had beene the cause of it. Which the Nobilitie (as the manner is) Praued presently againe vpon the Mousicks, or common people of the Countrey.

* 1.93THe condition of the Commons and vulgar sort of people, may partly bee vnderstood by that which already hath beene sayd concerning the manner of their Gouernment, and the state of the Nobilitie, with the ordering of their Prouinces, and chiefe Townes of the Land. And first touching their libertie how it standeth with them, it may appeare by this: that they are reckoned in no degree at all, nor haue any suffrage nor place in their Zabore, or high Court of Parliament, where their Lawes and publike Orders are concluded vpon. Againe into what ser∣uile condition their libertie is brought, not onely to the Prince, but to the Nobles, and Gentle∣men [ 10] of the Countrey (who themselues also are but seruile, specially of late yeeres) it may fur∣ther appeare by their owne acknowledgments in their supplications, and other writings to a∣ny of the Nobles or chiefe Officers of the Emperours. Wherein they name and subscribe them∣selues Kolophey, that is, their Villaines, or Bond-slaues: as they of the Nobilitie doe vnto the Emperour. This may truely bee sayd of them, that there is no seruant nor bond-slaue more aw∣ed by his Master, nor kept downe in a more seruile subjection, then the poore people are, and that vniuersally, not onely by the Emperour, but by his Nobilitie chiefe Officers and Souldiers. So that when a poore Mousick meeteth with any of them vpon the high way,* 1.94 hee must turne himselfe about, as not daring to looke him on the face, and fa••l downe with knocking of his head to the very ground, as he doth vnto his Idoll. [ 20]

Secondly, concerning the Lands, goods, and other possessions of the Commons, they answer the Name and lye Common indeed, without any fence against the rapine and spoyle, not onely of the highest, but of his Nobilitie, Officers, and Souldiers. Besides the Taxes, Customes, Seazures, and other publike exactions done vpon them by the Emperour, they are so racked and pulled by the Nobles, Officers, and Messengers, sent abroad by the Emperour in his publike affayres, specially in the Yammes (as they call them) and thorow faire Townes, that you shall haue many Villages and Townes of halfe a mile, and a mile long, stand all vnhabited: the people being fled all into other places, by reason of the extreame vsage, and exactions done vpon them. So that in the way towards Mosko, betwixt Vologda and Yaruslaueley (which is two nineties after their reckoning, little more then an hundred miles English,) there are in sight fiftie Darieunes or Villa∣ges [ 30] at the least, some halfe a mile, some a mile long (that stand vacant) and desolate without any inhabitant. The like is in all other places of the Realme, as is sayd by those that haue better tra∣uelled the Countrey then my selfe had time, or occasion to doe.

The great oppression ouer the poore Commons, made them to haue no courage in following their Trades: for the more they haue, the more danger they are in, not onely of their goods, but of their liues also. And if they haue any thing, they conceale it all they can, sometimes con∣ueying it into Monasteries, sometimes hiding it vnder the ground, and in Woods, as men are wont to doe where they are in feare of forraigne inuasion. Insomuch that many times you shall see them afraid to bee knowne to any Boiuren or Gentleman, of such commodities as they haue to sell. I haue seene them sometimes when they haue layd open their Commodities for a liking [ 40] (as their principall Furres and such like) to looke still behinde them, and towards euery doore: as men in some feare, that looked to bee set vpon, and surprised by some Enemie. Whereof as∣king the cause, I found it to bee this, that they haue doubted least some Nobleman or Sinaboiars∣key of the Emperour had beene in company, and so layed a trayne for them to pray vpon their Commodities perforce.

This made the people (though otherwise hardened to beare any toyle) to giue themselues much to Idlenesse and Drinking: as passing for no more, then from hand to mouth. And hereof it commeth that the Commodities of Russia (as was sayd before) as Waxe, Tallow, Hides, Flax, Hempe, &c. grow and goe abroad in farre lesse plentie then they were wont to doe: because the people being oppressed and spoyled of their gettings, are discouraged from their labours. Yet this [ 50] one thing is much to bee noted, that in all this oppression there were three brethren Merchants, of late that traded together with one Stocke in common, that were found to bee worth 300000. Rubbels in money,* 1.95 besides Lands, Cattels, and other Commodities. Which may partly be im∣puted to their dwellings farre off from the eye of the Court, viz. in Wichida, one thousand miles from Mosko and more. The same are sayd by those that knew them, to haue set on worke all the yeere long ten thousand men in making of Salt, carriages by Cart, and Boat, hewing of Wood and such like: besides fiue thousand Bond-slaues at the least, to inhabite and till their Land. They had also their Physitians, Surgeons, Apothecaries, and all manner of Artificers of Dout∣ches and others, belonging vnto them. They are sayd to haue payed to the Emperour for Cu∣stome to the summe of three and twentie thousand Rubbels a yeere, (for which cause they were [ 60] suffered to enioy their Trade) besides the maintayning of certayne Garrisons on the borders of Siberia, which were neare vnto them. Wherein the Emperour was content to vse their purse, till such time as they had got ground in Siberia, and made it habitable, by burning and cutting downe Woods, from Wichida to Perm, aboue one thousand verst, and then tooke it all away from

them perforce. But this in the end being enuyed and disdayned, as a matter not standing with their policie, to haue any so great, specially a Mousick, the Emperour began first to pull from them by pieces, sometimes twentie thousand Rubbels at a time, sometime more: till in the end their Sonnes that now are, are well eased of their Stocke, and haue but small part of their Fathers substance: the rest being drawne all into the Emperours treasurie. Their names were Iacone, Gregorie, and Simon, the Sonnes of O••••ka.

For the qualitie of their people otherwise, though there seemeth to bee in there some apt∣nesse to receiue any Art (as appeareth by the naturall wits in the men, and very children) yet they excell in no kinde of common Art, much lesse in any learning, or literall kinde of know∣ledge: [ 10] which they are kept from of purpose, as they are also from all military practice: that they may bee fitter for the seruile condition, wherein now they are, and haue neither rea∣son, nor valour to attempt innouation. For this purpose also they are kept from trauelling,* 1.96 that they may learne nothing, nor see the fashions of other Countries abroad. You shall seldome see a Russe a traueller, except hee bee with some Embassadour, or that hee make an escape out of his Countrey. Which hardly he can doe, by reason of the borders that are watched so nar∣rowly, and the punishment for any such attempt, which is death, if hee bee taken, and all his goods confiscate. Onely they learne to write, and to read, and that very few of them. Nei∣ther doe they suffer any stranger willingly to come into their Realme out of any ciuill Countrie, for the same cause, farther then necessitie of vttering their commodities, and taking in of for∣reine doth enforce them to doe.

[ 20] And therefore this yeere 1589. they consulted about the remouing of all Merchants stran∣gers to the border Townes, to abide and haue their residencie there,* 1.97 and to bee more wary in admitting other strangers heereafter into the Inland parts of the Realme. For the same pur∣pose also they are kept within the bounds of their degree by the Lawes of their Countrey: so that the sonne of a Mousick, Artificer, or Husbandman, is euer a Mousick, Artificer, &c. and hath no meanes to aspire any higher: except, hauing learned to write and reade, hee at∣tayne to the preferment of a Priest, or Dyack. Their Language is all one with the Slauonian, which is thought to haue beene deriued from the Russe Tongue, rather then the Russe from the Slauonian. For the People called Sclaui,* 1.98 are knowne to haue had their beginning out of Sarmatia, and to haue tearmed themselues of their Conquest Sclauos, (that is) Famous or [ 30] Glorious, of the word Sclaua, which in the Russe and Slauonian Tongue signifieth as much as Glorie, or Fame. Though afterwards being subdued and trod vpon by diuers Nations, the Italians, their Neighbours, haue turned the word to a contrary signification, and terme euery Seruant or Peasant by the name of Sclaue, as did the Romanes by the Getes and Syrians, for the same reason. The Russe Character or Letter is no other then the Greek••, somewhat distorted.

Concerning their Trades, Diet, apparell, and such like, it is to be noted in a seuerall Chapter of their priuate behauiour. This order that bindeth euery man to keepe his ranke, and seuerall degree, wherein his fore-fathers liued before him, is more meet to keepe the Subiects in a seruile subiection, and so apt for this and like Commonwealths, then to aduance any vertue, or to breed [ 40] any rare or excellent qualitie in Nobilitie or Commons: as hauing no further reward nor pre∣ferment, whereunto they may bend their endeauours, and employ themselues to aduance their estate, but rather procuring more danger to themselues, the more they excell in any noble o•• principall qualitie.

THeir Courts of Ciuill Iustice for matters of Contract, and other of like sort,* 1.99 are of three kinds, the one being subiect vnto the other by way of appeale. The lowest Court (that seemeth to be appointed for some ease to the Subiects) is the Office of the Gubnoy Starust, that signifieth an Alderman, and of the Sotskoy Starust, or Bayliffe of the Soake or Hundred, where∣of I spake before in the ordering of the Prouinces. These may end matters among their neigh∣bours [ 50] within their Soake, or seuerall Hundred, where they are appointed vnder the Dukes and Dyacks of the Prouinces, to whom the parties may remoue their matter, if they cannot be agreed by the said Gubnoy, or Sotskoy Starust.

The second is kept in the head Townes of euery Prouince or Shire, by the said Dukes and Dyacks, that are Deputies to the foure Lords of the Chetfirds (as before was said.) From these Courts they may appeale, and remoue their Suits to the chiefe Court, that is kept at the Mosko, where are resident the Officers of the foure Chetfirds. These are the chiefe Iustices or Iudges, euery of them in all Ciuill matters that grow within their seuerall Chetfird or Quarter, and may be either commenced originally before them, or prosecuted out of the inferiour Courts of the Shires by way of appeale.

[ 60] Their commencing, and proceeding in Ciuill actions is on this manner. First, the Plaintife putteth vp his Supplication, wherein he declareth the effect of his Cause,* 1.100 or wrong done vnto him. Whereupon is granted vnto him a Wepis, or Warrant, which he deliuereth to the Prastaue, or Sergeant, to doe the arrest vpon the partie whom hee meaneth to implead. Who vpon the

arrest, is to put in Sureties to answere the day appointed, or else standeth at the Sergeants deuo∣tion, to be kept safe by such meanes as he thinketh good.

The Sergeants are many, and excell for their hard and cruell dealing towards their prisoners; commonly they clap Irons vpon them, as many as they can beare, to wring out of them some larger fees. Though it be but for sixe pence, you shall see them goe with Chaines on their legs armes, and necke. When they come before the Iudge, the Plaintiffe beginneth to declare his matter after the contents of his Supplication. As for Attorneys, Counsellors, Procurators, and Aduocates, to plead their Cause for them, they haue no such order, but euery man is to tell his owne tale, and plead for himselfe as well as he can.

* 1.101If they haue any witnesse or other euidence, they produce it before the Iudge. If they haue [ 10] none, or if the trueth of the Cause cannot so well bee discerned by the plea, or euidence on both part••: then the Iudge asketh either partie (which hee thinketh good, Plaintiffe or De∣fendant) whether hee will kisse the Crosse, vpon that which hee auoncheth, or denyeth. Hee that taketh the Crosse (being so offered by the Iudge) is accounted cleare, and carrieth away the matter. This Ceremonie is not done within the Court, or Office, but the partie is carried to the Church by an Officer, and there the Ceremonie is done: the money in the meane while hanging vpon a naile, or else lying at the Idols feet, ready to be deliuered to the partie, as soone as he hath kissed the Crosse before the said Idoll.

* 1.102This kissing of the Crosse (called Creustina chelouania) is as their corporall Oath, and ac∣counted with them a very holy thing, which no man will dare to violate, or prophane with a false allegation. If both parties offer to kisse the Crosse in a contradictorie mat∣ter, [ 20] then they draw Lots. The better Lot is supposed to haue the right, and beareth away the matter. So the partie conuicted is adiudged to pay the debt or penaltie whatsoeuer, and withall to pay the Emperours fees, which is twentie pence vpon euery Marke, as before hath beene noted.

When the matter is thus ended, the partie conuicted is deliuered to the Sergeant, who hath a Writ for his warrant out of the Office, to carrie him to the Praneush or Righter of Iustice, if pre∣sently he pay not the money, or content not the partie. This Praneush or Righter, is a place neere to the Office: where such as haue sentence passed against them, and refuse to pay that which is adiudged,* 1.103 are beaten with great cudgels on the shinnes, and calues of their legs. E∣uery fore-noone from eight to eleuen, they are set on the Praneush, and beate in this sort till the [ 30] money bee payd. The after-noone and night time, they are kept in chaines by the Sergeant: except they put in sufficient Sureties for their appearance at the Praneush at the houre ap∣pointed. You shall see fortie or fiftie stand together on the Praneush all on a rew, and their shinnes thus becudgelled,* 1.104 and bebasted euery morning with a piteous crye. If after a yeeres standing on the Praneush, the partie will not, or lacke wherewithall to satisfie his creditor, it is lawfull for him to sell his wife, and children, either outright, or for a certaine terme of yeeres. And if the price of them doe not amount to the full payment, the Creditor may take them to be his bond-slaues, for yeeres, or for euer, according as the value of the debt requireth.

Such kind of Suits as lacke direct euidence, or stand vpon coniectures and circumstances to be [ 40] weighed by the Iudge, draw of great length, and yeeld great aduantage to the Iudge, and Offi∣cers. If the Suit be vpon a Bond, or Bill, they haue for the most part good and speedy iustice. Their Bonds or Bills are drawne in a very plaine sort,* 1.105 after this tenour. I Iuan Vasileo haue borrowed of Alphonasse Dementio, the summe of one hundred Rubbels of going money of Mos∣ko, from the Kreshenea (or hallowing of the water) vntill the Saburney Voscreshenea (or Coun∣sell Sunday) without interest. And if this money rest vnpayed after that day, then hee shall giue interest vpon the said money, after the common rate, as it goeth among the people, vz. for euery fiue the sixt Rubbell. Vpon this there are Witnesses, Micheta Sydroueskoy, &c. Subscribed. This Bill haue I written Gabriel Iacouelesni, in the yeere 7096. The Witnesses, and Debter (if hee can write) endorse their names on the backeside of the Bill. Other signing, or sealing haue they none. [ 50]

* 1.106When any is taken for a matter of Crime (as Treason, Murder, Theft, and such like) he is first brought to the Duke and Diack, that are for the Prouince where the partie is attached, by whom hee is examined. The manner of examination in such cases, is all by torture, as scourging with whips made of sinowes,* 1.107 or whitleather (called the Pudkey) as big as a mans finger, which gi∣ueth a sore lash, and entreth into the flesh; or by tying to a Spit and rosting at the fire; some∣times by Breaking and wresting one of their ribs with a paire of hot Tongs,* 1.108 or cutting their flesh vnder the nayles, and such like.

The examination thus taken with all the proofes, and euidences that can bee alleaged against the partie, it is sent vp to the Mosko, to the Lord of the Chetfird or Fourth part, vnder whom the Prouince is, and by him is presented to the Counsell-table, to be read and sentenced there, [ 60] where onely Iudgement is giuen in matter of life and death, and that by euidence vpon infor∣mation, though they neuer saw nor heard the partie who is kept still in prison where the fact was committed, and neuer sent vp to the place where hee is tryed. If they finde the partie

guilty, they giue Sentence of death according to the qualitie of the fact: which is sent downe by the Lord of the Chetfird, to the Duke and Diack to bee put in execution. The Prisoner is carried to the place of execution with his hands bound, and a Waxe candle burning held be∣twixt his fingers.

Their Capitall punishments are hanging, heading, knocking on the head, drowning, put∣ting vnder the Ice, setting on a stake, and such like. But for the most part,* 1.109 the Prisoners that are condemned in Summer, are kept for the Winter, to be knockt in the head, and put vn∣der the Ice. This is to bee vnderstood of common persons. For theft, and murder, If they bee committed vpon a poore Mousick by one of Nobilitie are not lightly punished, nor yet is hee called to any account for it. Their reason is, because they are accounted their Kolophey, or [ 10] Bond-slaues. If by some Sinaboiarskey, or Gentleman Souldier, a murder or theft bee commit∣ted, peraduenture hee shall bee imprisoned at the Emperours pleasure. If the manner of the fact be very notorious, hee is whipped perchance, and this is commonly all the punishment that is inflicted vpon them.

If a man kill his owne seruant, little or nothing is said vnto him, for the same reason: be∣cause hee is accounted to be his Kolophey, or Bond-slaue, and so to haue right ouer his very head. The most is some small mulct to the Emperour, if the partie bee rich: and so the quarrell is made rather against the purse, then against the iniustice. They haue no written Law,* 1.110 saue onely a small Booke that contayneth the time and manner of their sitting, order in proceeding, and such other Iudiciall formes and circumstances, but nothing to direct them to giue Sentence [ 20] vpon right or wrong. Their onely Law is their Speaking Law, that is, the pleasure of the Prince, and of his Magistrates and Officers.

THe Souldiers of Russia are called Sinaboiarskey, or the Sonnes of Gentlemen:* 1.111 because they are all of that degree, by vertue of their military profession. For euery Souldier in Russia is a Gentleman, and none are Gentlemen but onely the Souldiers, that take it by discent from their Ancestors: so that the sonne of a Gentleman (which is borne a Souldier) is euer a Gentle∣man, and a Souldier withall, and professeth nothing else but military matters. When they are of yeeres able to beare Armes, they come to the Office of Roserade, or Great Constable, and there present themselues: who entreth their names, and allotteth them certaine Lands to maintaine [ 30] their charges, for the most part of the same that their fathers enioyed. For the Lands assigned to maintayne the Armie, are euer certaine, annexed to this Office without improuing, or detra∣cting one foot. But that if the Emperour haue sufficient in wages, the roomes being full so farre as the Land doeth extend already, they are many times deferred, and haue nothing allowed them, except some one portion of the Land be diuided into two. Which is a cause of great dis∣order within that Countrey: When a Souldier that hath many children, shall haue sometimes but one entertayned in the Emperours pay. So that the rest hauing nothing, are forced to liue by vniust and wicked shifts, that tend to the hurt and oppression of the Mousicke, or common sort of people. This inconuenience groweth by maintayning his forces in a continuall succes∣sion. The whole number of his Souldiers in continuall pay, is this: First, he hath of his Dwo∣raney, [ 40] that is, Pensioners, or Guard of his person, to the number of 15000. Horsemen,* 1.112 with their Captaines and other Officers, that are alwaies in a readinesse.

Of these fifteene thousand Horsemen, there are three sorts or degrees,* 1.113 which differ as well in estimation, as in wages, one degree from another. The first sort of them is called, Dworaney Bulshey, or the companie of head Pensioners, that haue, some 100. some 80. Rubbels a yeere, and none vnder 70. The second sort are called, Seredney Dworaney, or the middle ranke of Pen∣sioners: these haue 60. or 50. Rubbels by the yeere, none vnder 40. The third and lowest sort are, the Dyta Boiarskey, that is, the lowe Pensioners: their salarie is 30. Rubbels a yeere, for him that hath most; some haue but 25. some 20. none vnder 12. Whereof the halfe part is payd them at the Mosko, the other halfe in the field by the General, when they haue any warres, [ 50] and are employed in seruice. When they receiue their whole pay, it amounteth to 55000. Rubb. by the yeere.

And this is their wages, besides lands allotted to euery one of them, both to the greater and the lesse, according to their degrees. Whereof he that hath least, hath to yeeld him 20. Rubbels or Markes by the yeere. Besides these 15000. Horsemen, that are of better choise (as being the Emperours owne Guard when himselfe goeth to the warres, not vnlike the Roman Souldiers called Pretoriani) are 110. men of speciall account for their Nobilitie, and trust, which are cho∣sen by the Emperour, and haue their names registred,* 1.114 that find among them for the Emperours warres, to the number of 65000. Horsemen, with all necessaries meet for the warres of the [ 60] Russe manner.

To this end they haue yeerely allowance made by the Emperour for themselues, and their Companies, to the summe of 40000. Rubbels. And these 65000. are to repaire to the field eue∣ry yeere on the borders towards the Chrim Tartar, (except they bee appointed for some other seruice) whether there bee warres with the Tartars, or not. This might seeme peraduenture

somewhat dangerous for some State, to haue so great forces vnder the command of Noblemen, to assemble euery yeere to one certaine place. But the matter is so vsed, as that no danger can grow to the Emperour, or his State by this meanes. First, Because these Noblemen are many, to wit, 110. in all, and changed by the Emperour so oft as hee thinketh good. Secondly, Be∣cause they haue their liuings of the Emperour, being otherwise but of very small Reuenue, and receiue this yeerely pay of 40000. Rubbels, when it is presently to be paid forth againe to the Souldiers that are vnder them. Thirdly, Because for the most part they are about the Emperors person, being of his Counsell, either speciall, or at large. Fourthly, They are rather as Pay-ma∣sters, then Captaines to their Companies, themselues not going forth ordinarily to the warres, saue when some of them are appointed by speciall order from the Emperour himselfe. So the [ 10] whole number of Horsemen that are euer in a readinesse,* 1.115 and in continuall pay, are 80000. a few more or lesse.

If he haue need of a greater number (which seldome falleth out) then hee entertayneth of those Sinaboiarskey, that are out of pay, so many as he needeth: and if yet he want of his num∣ber, hee giueth charge to his Noblemen, that hold Lands of him, to bring into the field euery man a proportionable number of his seruants (called Kolophey, such as till his Lands) with their furniture, according to the iust number that hee intendeth to make. Which, the seruice being done, presently lay in their weapons, and returne to their seruile occupations againe.

* 1.116Of Footmen that are in continuall pay, he hath to the number of 12000. all Gunners, called Strelsey. Whereof 5000. are to attend about the Citie of Mosko, or any other place where the [ 20] Emperour shall abide, and 2000. (which are called Stremaney, Stresley, or Gunners at the Stir∣rop) about his owne person at the very Court or house where himselfe lodgeth. The rest are pla∣ced in his garrison Townes, till there be occasion to haue them in the field, and receiue for their salarie or stipend euery man seuen Rubbels a yeere, besides twelue measures, a piece of Rye, and Oats.* 1.117 Of mercenary Souldiers, that are strangers (whom they call Nimscoy) they haue at this time 4300. of Polonians: of Chirchasses (that are vnder the Polonians) about 4000. whereof 3500. are abroad in his Garrisons: of Dutches and Scots, about 150: of Greekes, Turkes, Danes, and Sweadens, all in one band, 100. or thereabouts. But these they vse only vpon the Tartar side, and against the Siberians: as they doe the Tartar Souldiers (whom they hire sometimes, but onely for the present) on the other side against the Polonian and Sweaden: thinking it best po∣licy [ 30] so to vse their seruice vpon the contrary border.

* 1.118The chiefe Captaines or Leaders of these forces, according to their names and degrees, are these which follow. First, the Voyauodey Bulshaia, that is, the Great Captaine, or Lieutenant generall vnder the Emperour. This commonly is one of the foure houses of the chiefe Nobilitie of the Land:* 1.119 but so chosen otherwise, as that he is of small valour or practice in Martiall mat∣ters, being thought to serue that turne so much the better, if he bring no other parts with him saue the countenance of his Nobilitie, to bee liked of by the Souldiers for that, and nothing else. For in this point they are very warie, that these two, to wit, Nobilitie and Power, meet not both in one, specially if they see wisedome withall, or aptnesse for policie.

Their great Voiauod or Generall at this present in their warres, is commonly one of these [ 40] foure, Knez Feoder Iuanowich Methisloskey, Knez Iuan Michailowich Glinskoy, Cherechaskoy, and Trowbetskoy, all of great Nobilitie, but of very simple qualitie otherwise: though in Glinskoy (as they say) there is somewhat more then in the rest.* 1.120 To make vp this defect in the Voiauod or Generall, there is some other ioyned with him as Lieutenant generall, of farre lesse Nobilitie, but of more valour and experience in the warres then he, who ordereth all things that the other countenanceth. At this time their principall man, and most vsed in their warres, is one Knez Demetrie Iuanowich Forestine, an antient and expert Captaine, and one that hath done great ser∣uice (as they say) against the Tartar,* 1.121 and Polonian. Next vnder the Voiauod and his Lieutenant generall, are foure other, that haue the marshalling of the whole Armie diuided among them, and may be called the Marshals of the field. [ 50]

Euery man hath his quarter, or fourth part vnder him: whereof the first is called, the Praua Polskoy, or Right wing. The second is, the Lenoy Polskoy, or Left wing. The third is, Rusnoy Polskoy, or The broken band, because out of this there are chosen to send abroad vpon any sud∣den exploit, or to make a rescue or supply, as occasion doth require. The fourth, Storeshouoy Polskoy,* 1.122 or The warding band. Euery one of these foure Marshals haue two other vnder them (eight in all) that twice euery weeke at the least must muster and traine their seuerall wings or bands, and hold and giue iustice for all faults and disorders committed in the Campe.

And these eight are commonly chosen out of the hundred and ten (which I spake of before) that receiue and deliuer the pay to the Souldiers. Vnder these eight are diuers other Captaines, as the Gul auoy,* 1.123 Captaines of thousands, fiue hundreds, and hundreds. The Petyde Setskoy, or [ 60] Captaines of fifties; and the Decetskies, or Captaines of tennes.

* 1.124Besides the Voiauoda, or Generall of the Armie, (spoken of before) they haue two other that beare the name of Voiauoda: whereof one is the Master of the great Ordnance (called Naradna Voiauoda) who hath diuers Vnder-officers, necessary for that seruice. The other is called, the

Voiauoda Gulauoy, or the Walking Captayne, that hath allowed him 1000. good Horsemen of principall choice, to range and spye abroad, and hath the charge of the running Castle,* 1.125 which we are to speake of in the Chapter following. All these Captaynes, and men of charge must once euery day resort to the Bulsha Voiauoda, or Generall of the Armie, to know his pleasure, and to informe him if there be any requisite matter pertayning to their Office.

WHen Wars are towards (which they faile not of lightly euery yeere with the Tartar, and many times with the Polonian and Sweden,* 1.126 (the foure Lords of the Chetfirds send forth their Summons in the Emperours name, to all the Dukes and Dyacks of the Prouinces, to [ 10] be proclaymed in the head Townes of euery Shire: that all the Sinaboiarskey, or Sonnes of Gen∣tlemen make their repayre to such a border where the Seruice is to be done, at such a place, and by such a day, and there present themselues to such and such Captaynes. When they come to the place assigned them in the Summons or Proclamation, their names are taken by certayne Officers that haue Commission for that purpose from the Roserade, or High Constable, as Clerkes of the Bands.

If any make default and faile at the day, he is mulcted, and punished very seuerely. As for the Generall and other chiefe Captaines, they are sent thither from the Emperours owne hand, with such Commission and charge as he thinketh behoofefull for the present seruice. When the Soul∣diers are assembled, they are reduced into their Bands, and Companies, vnder their seuerall [ 20] Captaynes of tens, fifties, hundreds, thousands, &c. and these Bands into foure Polikeis or Le∣gions (but of farre greater numbers then the Romane Legions were) vnder their foure great Leaders, which also haue the authoritie of Marshals of the field (as was said before.)

Concerning their Armour they are but slightly appointed.* 1.127 The common Horse-man hath nothing else but his Bow in his Case vnder his right arme, and his Quiuer and Sword hanging on the left side: except some few that beare a Case of Dagges, or a Iaueling, or short Staffe along their Horse side. The vnder Captaynes will haue commonly some piece of Armour besides, as a shirt of Male, or such like. The Generall with the other chiefe Captaynes and men of Nobili∣ty, will haue their Horse very richly furnished, their Saddles of Cloth of Gold, their Bridles faire bossed and tasselled with Gold, and Silke frindge, bestudded with Pearle and Precious [ 30] Stones, themselues in very faire Armour, which they call Bullatnoy, made of faire shining Steele, yet couered commonly with Cloth of Gold, and edged round about with Armine Furre, his Steele Helmet on his head of a very great price, his Sword, Bow, and Arrowes at his side, his Speare in his hand, with another Helmet, and his Shesta pera, or Horse-mans Scepter carried before him. Their Swords, Bowes, and Arrowes are of the Turkish fashion. They practise like the Tartar to shoot forwards and backwards, as they flye and retyre.* 1.128

The Strelsey or Footman hath nothing but his Peece in his hand, his striking Hatchet at his backe, and his Sword by his side. The stocke of his Peece is not made Caleeuer wise, but with a plaine and strait stocke (some-what like a Fowling-peece) the Barrell is rudely and vnartifi∣cially made, very heauie, yet shooteth but a very small Bullet. As for their prouision of victu∣all, [ 40] the Emperour alloweth none, either for Captayne, or Souldier, neyther prouideth any for them except peraduenture some Corne for their Money. Euery man is to bring sufficient for himselfe to serue his turne for foure moneths,* 1.129 and if need require to giue order for more to bee brought vnto him to the Campe from his Tenant that tilleth his Land, or some other place. One great helpe they haue, that for Lodging and Dyet euery Russe is prepared to bee a Souldier be∣fore-hand. Though the chiefe Captaynes and others of account carry Tents with them after the fashion of ours with some better prouision of victuall then the rest. They bring with them commonly into the Campe for victuall a kind of dryed Bread (which they call Sucharie) with some store of Meale, which they temper with water, and so make it into a Ball, or small lumpe of dowe, called Tollockno. And this they eate raw in stead of Bread. Their Meate is Bacon, or some other flesh or fish dryed, after the Dutch manner. If the Russe Souldier were as hardie to [ 50] execute an Enterprize, as he is hard to beare out toyle and trauell, or were otherwise as apt and well trayned for the Warres, as he is indifferent for his Lodging and Dyet, hee would farre ex∣ceed the Souldiers of our parts. Whereas now he is farre meaner of courage and execution in a∣ny Warlike seruice. Which commeth partly of his seruile condition,* 1.130 that will not suffer any great courage or valour to grow in him. Partly for lacke of due honour and reward, which hee hath no great hope of whatsoeuer seruice or execution he doe.

THe Russe trusteth rather to his number, then to the valour of his Souldiers,* 1.131 or good orde∣ring of his Forces. Their marching or leading is without all order, saue that the fore Pols∣key or Legions, (whereinto their Armie is diuided) keepe themselues seuerall vnder their En∣signes, [ 60] and so thrust all on together in a hurrie, as they are directed by their Generall. Their En∣signe is the Image of Saint George. The Bulsha Dworaney or chiefe Horse-men, haue euery man a small Drumme of Brasse at his Saddle-bow, which hee striketh when hee giueth the charge, or onset.

They haue Drummes besides of a huge bignesse, which they carrie with them vpon a board layd on foure Horses,* 1.132 that are sparred together with Chaines, euery Drumme hauing eight stri∣kers, or Drummers, besides Trumpets and Shawmes, which they sound after a wild manner, much different from ours. When they giue any charge or make any inuasion, they make a great hallow or shoute altogether, as loude as they can, which with the sound of their Trumpets, Shawmes, and Drummes, maketh a confused and horrible noyse. So they set on first discharging their Arrowes, then dealing with their Swords, which they vse in a brauery to shake, and bran∣dish ouer their heads, before they come to strokes.

* 1.133Their Footmen (because otherise they want order in leading) are commonly placed in some ambush or place of aduantage, where they may most annoy the enemy, with least hurt to them∣selues. [ 10] If it be a set battell, or if any great inuasion be made vpon the Russe borders by the Tar∣tar,* 1.134 they are set with in the running or mouing Castle (called Beza, or Gulay gorod) which is car∣ried about with them by the Voiauoda gulauoy (or the walking Generall) whom I spake of before. This walking or mouing Castle is so framed, that it may be set vp in length (as occasion doth re∣quire) the space of one, two, three, foure, fiue, sixe, or seuen miles: for so long it will reach. It is nothing else but a double wall of wood to defend them on both sides behind and before, with a space of three yards or thereabouts betwixt the two sides: so that they may stand within it, and haue roome enough to charge and discharge their pieces, and to vse their other weapons. It is closed at both ends, and made with loope-holes on either side, to lay out the nose of their Peece, or to push forth any other weapon. It is carryed with the Armie wheresoeuer it goeth, [ 20] being taken into pieces, and so layed on Carts sparred together, and drawne by Horse that are not seene, by reason that they are couered with their carriage as with a shelfe or pent-house. When it is brought to the place where it is to bee vsed (which is deuised and chosen out before by the the walking Voiauod) it is planted so much as the present vse requireth, sometime a mile long, sometimes two, sometimes three, or more: which is soone done without the helpe of any Car∣penter, or Instrument: because the Timber is so framed to claspe together one piece within an other: as is easily vnderstood by those that know the manner of the Russe building.

In this Castle standeth their shot well fenced for aduantage, specially against the Tartar, that bringeth no Ordnance, nor other weapon into the field with him, saue his Sword, and Bow and Arrowes. They haue also within it diuers field Peeces, which they vse as occasion doth require. [ 30] Of Peeces for the field they carrie no great store, when they warre against the Tartar: but when they deale with the Polonian (of whose forces they make more account) they goe better furnished with all kind of Munition, and other necessarie prouisions. It is thought that no Prince of Christendome hath better store of Munition,* 1.135 then the Russe Emperour. And it may partly appeare by the Artillerie House at Mosko, where are of all sorts of great Ordnance, all Brasse Peeces, very faire, to an exceeding great number.

The Russe Souldier is thought to be better at his defence within some Castle, or Towne, then he is abroad at a set pitched field. Which is euer noted in the practice of his Wars, and namely, at the siege of Vobsko, about eight yeares since: where he repulsed the Polonian King Stepan Bato∣re, with his whole Armie of 100000. men, and forced him in the end to giue ouer his siege, with [ 40] the losse of many of his best Captaynes and Souldiers. But in a set field the Russe is noted to haue euer the worse of the Polonian, and Sweden.

If any behaue himselfe more valiantly then the rest, or doe any speciall piece of seruice, the Emperour sendeth him a piece of Gold, stamped with the Image of Saint George on Horseback. Which they hang on their sleeues,* 1.136 and set in their Caps. And this is accounted the greatest ho∣nour they can receiue, for any seruice they doe.

* 1.137THe Russe Emperours of late yeeres haue very much enlarged their Dominions and Territo∣ries. Their first Conquest after the Dukedome of Mosko, (for before that time they were but Dukes of Volodomer, as before was said) was the Citie, and Dukedome of Nouograd on the [ 50] West, and North-west side: which was no small enlargement of their Dominion, and strength∣ning to them for the winning of the rest. This was done by Iuan great Grand-father to Theo∣dore now Emperour, about the yeere 1480. The same began likewise to encroach vpon the Coun∣treyes of Lituania, and Liuonia, but the Conquest onely intended, and attempted by him vpon some part of those Countreyes, was pursued and performed by his Sonne Basileus, who first wan the Citie and Dukedome of Plesko, afterwards the Citie and Dukedome of Smolensko, and many other faire Townes, with a large Territory belonging vnto them, about the yeere 1514. These Victories against the Lettoes or Lituanians in the time of Alexander their Duke, hee atchieued rather by aduantage of ciuill Dissentions and Treasons among themselues, then by any great po∣licie, or force of his owne. But all this was lost againe by his Sonne Iuan Vasilowich, about eight [ 60] or nine yeeres past, vpon composition with the Polonian King Stepan Batore: whereunto he was forced by the aduantages which the Pole had then of him, by reason of the foyle hee had giuen him before, and the disquietnesse of his owne State at home. Onely the Russe Emperour, at this time hath left him on that side his Countrey, the Cities of Smolensko, Vitobsko, Cheringo, and Beala gorod in Lituonia. In Liuonia, not a Towne, not one foot of ground.

When Basileus first conquered those Countreyes, he suffered the Natiues to keepe their Pos∣sessions, and to inhabit all their Townes, onely paying him a Tribute,* 1.138 vnder the Gouernment of his Russe Captaynes. But by their Conspiracies and Attempts not long after, hee was taught to deale more surely with them. And so comming vpon them the second time, hee killed and carryed away with him, three parts of foure, which hee gaue or sold to the Tartars that serued him in those Wars, and in stead of them placed there his Russes, so many as might ouer-match the rest, with certayne Garrisons of strength besides, wherein notwithstanding this ouer-sight was committed, for that (taking away with him the Vp-land, or Countrey people that should haue tilled the ground, and might easily haue beene kept in order without any danger, by other [ 10] good policies) he was driuen afterwards many yeeres together to victual the Countrey (especial∣ly the great Towne) out of his owne Countrey of Russia, the soyle lying there in the meane∣while waste, and vntilled.

The like fell out at the Port of Narue in Liefland,* 1.139 where his Sonne Iuan Vasilowich deuised to build a Towne, and a Castle on the other side the Riuer (called Iuangorod) to keepe the Towne and Countrey in subjection. The Castle hee caused to bee so built, and fortified, that it was thought to be inuincible. And when it was finished,* 1.140 for reward to the Architect (that was a Polonian) he put out both his eyes, to make him vnable to build the like againe. But hauing left the Natiues all within their owne Countrey, without abating their number or strength, the Towne and Castle not long after was betrayed, and surrendred againe to the King of Sweden.

[ 20] On the South-east side they haue got the Kingdomes of Cazan and Astracan. These were wonne from the Tartar, by the late Emperour Iuan Vasilowich, Father to the Emperour that now is: the one about thirty fiue, the other about thirty three yeeres agoe. North-ward out of the Countrey of Siberia, he hath layed vnto his Realme a great breadth and length of ground, from Wichida to the Riuer of Obba, about 1000. miles space: so that he is bold to write himselfe now, The great Commander of Siberia.

The Countreyes l••kewise of Permia, and Pechora,* 1.141 are a diuers People and Language from the Russe, ouercome not long since, and that rather by threatning, and shaking of the Sword, then by any actuall force: as being a weake and naked people, without meanes to resist.

[ 30] THeir Neighbours with whom they haue greatest dealings and intercourse,* 1.142 both in Peace and Warre, are first the Tartar: Secondly, the Polonian whom the Russe calleth Laches, noting the first Author or Founder of the Nation, who was called Laches or Leches, whereunto is added Po, which signifieth People, and so is made Polaches; that is, the People or Posteritie of Laches: which the Latines after their manner of writing call Polanos. The third are the Swe∣dens. The Polonians and Swedens are better knowne to these parts of Europe, then are the Tar∣tars that are farther off from vs (as being of Asia) and diuided into many Tribes, different both in name, and gouernment one from another. The greatest and mightiest of them is the Chrim Tartar, (whom some call the Great Cham) that lyeth South, and South-east-ward from Russia, and doth most annoy the Countrey by often Inuasions, commonly once euery yeere, sometimes [ 40] entring very farre within the In-land parts.

In the yeere 1571. he came as farre as the Citie of Mosko, with an Armie of 200000. men, without any battell, or resistance at all, for that the Russe Emperour (then Iuan Vasilowich) lea∣ding forth his Armie to encounter with him, marched a wrong way: but as it was thought of very purpose, as not daring to aduenture the field, by reason that he doubted his Nobilitie, and chiefe Captaynes, of a meaning to betray him to the Tartar.

The Citie he tooke not, but fired the Suburbs, which by reason of the buildings (which is all of Wood without any Stone, Bricke, or Lime, saue certayne out Roomes) kindled so quickly, and went on with such rage, as that it consumed the greatest part of the Citie almost within the space of foure houres, being of thirty miles or more of compasse. Then might you haue seene [ 50] a lamentable Spectacle: besides the huge and mightie flame of the Citie all on light fire, the peo∣ple burning in their houses and streets, but most of all of such as laboured to passe out of the Gates farthest from the Enemie, where meeting together in a mighty throng, and so pressing euerie man to preuent another, wedged themselues so fast within the Gate, and streets neere vnto it, as that three Rankes walked one vpon the others head, the vppermost treading downe those that were lower: so that there perished at that time (as was said) by the fire and the presse, the num∣ber of 80000. people, or more.

The Chrim thus hauing fired the Citie, and fed his eyes with the sight of it all of a light flame, returned with his Armie, and sent to the Russe Emperour a Knife (as was sayd) to sticke him∣selfe withall: obrayding this losse, and his desperate case, as not daring either to meete his Ene∣mie [ 60] in the field, nor to trust his Friends or Subjects at home. The principall cause of this conti∣nuall quarrell, betwixt the Russe and the Chrim, is for the right of certayne border parts claimed by the Tartar, but possessed by the Russe. The Tartar alleadgeth, that besides Astracan and Ca∣zan, (that are the ancient possession of the East Tartar) the whole Countrey from his bounds North and Westward, so farre as the Citie of Mosko, and Mosko it selfe, pertayneth to his right.

Which seemeth to haue beene true by the report of the Russes themselues,* 1.143 that tell of a certayne homage that was done by the Russe Emperour euery yeere, to the great Chrim or Cham, the Russe Emperour standing on foote and feeding the Chrims Horse, (himselfe sitting on his backe) with Oates out of his owne Cap, in stead of a Boll or Manger, and that within the Castle of Mosko. And this homage (they say) was done till the time of Basileus Grandfather to this man. Who surprising the Chrim Emperour by a stratagem, done by one of his Nobilitie (called Iuan Demetrowich Belschey) was content with this Ransome, viz. with the changing of this ho∣mage into a Tribute of Furres: which afterwards also was denyed to bee payed by this Em∣perours Father.

Hereupon they continue the quarrell, the Russe defending his Countrey, and that which hee [ 10] hath wonne, the Chrim Tartar inuading him once or twice euery yeere, sometime about Whit∣sontide, but oftner in Haruest What time if the Great Cham or Chrim come in his owne per∣son, hee bringeth with him a great Armie of 100000. or 200000. men. Otherwise they make short and sudden roades into the Countrey with lesser numbers, running about the list of the bor∣der as wilde Geese flie, inuading and retiring where they see aduantage.

Their common practice (being very populous) is to make diuers Armies, and so drawing the Russe to one,* 1.144 or two places of the frontiers, to inuade at some other place, that is left without defence. Their manner of Fight, or ordering of their forces, is much after the Russe manner, (spoken of before) saue that they are all Horse-men, and carrie nothing else but a Bow, a sheafe of Arrowes, & a falcon Sword after the Turkish fashion. They are very expert horse-men, and vse [ 20] to shoote as readily backward as forward. Some will haue a hors-mans staffe like to a bore Speare, besides their other weapons. The common Souldier, hath no other Armour then his ordinary Apparell,* 1.145 viz. a blacke Sheepes skinne with the wooll-side outward in the day time, and in∣ward in the night time, with a Cap of the same. But their Morseys or Noblemen imitate the Turke,* 1.146 both in Apparell and Armour. When they are to passe ouer a Riuer with their Armie, they tye three or foure Horses together, and taking long poles or pieces of wood, binde them fast to the tayles of their Horse: so sitting on the Poles they driue their Horse ouer. At handie strokes (when they come to joyne battell) they are accounted farre better men then the Russe people, fierce by nature, but more hardie and bloudie, by continuall practice of Warre: as men knowing no Arts of Peace, nor any ciuill practice. [ 30]

* 1.147Yet their subtiltie is more then may seems to agree with their barbarous condition. By rea∣son they are practised to inuade continually, and to rob their neighbours that border about them, they are very pregnant, and ready witted to deuise Stratagems vpon the sudden, for their better aduantage. As in their warre against Beala the fourth King of Hungarie, whom they inuaded with fiue hundred thousand men, and obtayned against him a great v••ctorie. Where among o∣ther, hauing slaine his Chancellor, called Nicholas Schinick, they found about him the Kings pri∣uie Seale. Whereupon they deuised presently to counterfeit Letters in the Kings name, to the Cities and Townes next about the place, where the Field was fought: with charge that in no case they should conuay themselues, and their goods out of their dwellings, where they might abide safely without all feare of danger, and not leaue the Countrey desolate to the possession of [ 40] so vile and barbarous an Enemie, as was the Tartar Nation, tearming themselues in all reproach∣full manner. For notwithstanding he had lost his carriages, with some few straglers that had mar∣ched disorderly, yet he doubted not but to recouer that losse, with the accesse of a notable victory, if the sauage Tartar durst abide him in the field. To this purpose hauing written their Letters in the Polish Character, by certayne young men whom they tooke in the Field, and signed them with the Kings Seale, they dispatched them foorth to all the Quarters of Hungarie, that lay neere about the place. Whereupon the Vngarians, that were now flying away with their goods, Wiues, and Children, vpon the rumour of the Kings ouerthrow, taking comfort of these coun∣terfeit Letters, stayed at home. And so were made a prey, being surprised on the sudden by this huge number of these Tartars, that had compassed them about before they were aware. [ 50]

When they besiege a Towne or Fort, they offer much Parley, and send many flattering messa∣ges to perswade a surrendrie: promising all things that the Inhabitants will require: but being once possessed of the place, they vse all manner of hostilitie and crueltie. This they doe vpon a rule they haue, viz. That Iustice is to bee practised but towards their owne. They encounter not lightly, but they haue some ambush, whereunto (hauing once shewed themselues, and made some short conflict) they retire, as repulsed for feare, and so draw the Enemie into it if they can. But the Russe being well acquainted with their practise, is more warie of them. When they come a Rouing with some small number, they set on Horsebacke counterfeit shapes of men, that their number may seeme greater.

When they make any onset, their manner is to make a great showte, crying all out together, Olla Billa, Olla Billa, God helpe vs, God helpe vs. They contemne death so much, as that they [ 60] choose rather to dye, then to yeeld to their Enemie, and are seene when they are slaine to bite the very weapon,* 1.148 when they are past striking, or helping of themselues. Wherein appeareth how different the Tartar is in his desperate courage from the Russe and Turke. For the Russe

Souldier if hee begin once to retire putteth all his safetie in his speedie flight. And if once he be taken by his enemie, hee neither defendeth himselfe, nor intreateth for his life, as reckoning straight to dye. The Turke commonly when hee is past hope of escaping, falleth to intreatie, and casteth away his weapon, offereth both his hands, and holdeth them vp, as it were to bee ty∣ed: hoping to saue his life, by offering himselfe Bond-slaue.

The chiefe bootie the Tartars seeke for in all their warres, is to get store of Captiues,* 1.149 speci∣ally young Boyes and Girles, whom they sell to the Turkes, or other their neighbours. To this purpose they take with them great Baskets made like Bakers panniers, to carrie them tenderly, and if any of them happen to tyre, or to bee sicke on the way, they dash him against the ground, or some Tree, and so leaue him dead: The Souldiers are not troubled with keeping the Cap∣tiues [ 10] and other bootie, for hindering the execution of their warres, but they haue certayne bands that intend nothing else, appointed of purpose to receiue and keepe the Captiues and the other prey.

The Russe borders (being vsed to their inuasions, lightly euery yeere in the Summer) keepe few other Cattell on the border parts, saue Swine onely, which the Tartar will not touch,* 1.150 nor driue a∣way with him: for that he is of the Turkish Religion, & will eate no Swines-flesh. Of Christ our Sauiour they confesse as much as doth the Turke in his Alcaron, viz. That he came of the Angell Gabriel, and the Virgin Marie, that hee was a great Prophet, and shall bee the Iudge of the world at the last day. In other matters likewise, they are much ordered after the manner and direction of the Turke: hauing felt the Turkish forces when hee wonne from them Azou and [ 20] Caffa, with some other Townes about the Euxine, or Blacke Sea, that were before tributaries to the Chrim Tartar. So that now the Emperour of the Chrims for the most part is chosen some one of the Nobilitie whom the Turke doth commend: whereby it is brought now to that passe, that the Chrim Tartar giueth to the Turke the tenth part of the spoyle, which hee getteth in his warres against the Christians.

Herein they differ from the Turkish Religion, for that they haue certayne Idoll puppets made of Silke or like stuffe, of the fashion of a man,* 1.151 which they fasten to the doore of their wal∣king houses, to bee as Ianusses, or keepers of their house. And these Idols are made not by all, but by certayne Religious women, which they haue among them for that and like vses. They haue besides, the Image of their King or great Cham of an huge bignesse, which they erect at eue∣rie [ 30] stage, when the Armie marcheth: and this euery one must bend or bow vnto as hee passeth by it, bee he Tartar, or Stranger. They are much giuen to Witchcraft and ominous conjectures, vpon euery accident which they heare or see.* 1.152

In making of Marriages, they haue no regard of alliance or consanguinitie.* 1.153 Only with his Mo∣ther, Sister, and Daughter, a man may not marrie, and though he take the woman into his house and accompanie with her, yet he accounteth her not for his Wife, till hee haue a Child by her. Then he beginneth to take a dowrie of her friends of Horse, Sheepe, Kine, &c. If shee be barren, after a certayne time hee turneth her home againe.

Vnder the Emperour they haue certayne Dukes, whom they call Morseis or Dynoymorseis: that rule ouer a certayne number of 10000. 20000. or 40000. a piece, which they call Hoords.* 1.154 [ 40] When the Emperour hath any vse of them to serue in his warres, they are bound to come, and to bring with them their Souldiers to a certayne number, euery man with his two Horse at the least, the one to ride on, the other to kill, when it commeth to his turne to haue his Horse eate. For their chiefe victuall is Horse-flesh, which they eate without Bread,* 1.155 or any other thing with it. So that if a Tartar bee taken by a Russe, hee shall be sure lightly to finde a Horse-legge, or some other part of him at his saddle bow.

This last yeere when I was at the Mosko, came in one Kiriach Morsey, nephew to the Em∣perour of the Chrims that now is (whose Father was Emperour before) accompanied with three hundred Tartars, and his two Wiues, whereof one was his Brothers widow. Where being en∣tertayned in very good sort after the Russe manner, hee had sent vnto his lodging for his wel∣come, [ 50] to bee made ready for his Supper and his companies, two very large and fat Horses, ready flayed in a Sled. They preferre it before other flesh, because the meate is stronger (as they say) then Beefe, Mutton, and such like. And yet (which is maruell) though they serue all as Horse-men in the warres, and eate all of Horse-flesh, there are brought yeerely to the Mosko to bee ex∣changed for other Commodities, thirtie or fortie thousand Tartar Horse, which they call Cones. They keepe also great herds of Kine, and flockes of blacke Sheepe, rather for the Skinnes and Milke (which they carry with them in great bottles) then for the vse of the flesh, though some∣times they eate of it. Some vse they haue of Rice, Figges, and other fruits. They drinke Milke or warme Bloud, and for the most part card them both together. They vse sometimes as they tra∣uell [ 60] by the way, to let their Horse bloud in a veyne, and to drinke it warme, as it commeth from his body.

Townes they plant none, nor other standing buildings,* 1.156 but haue walking Houses which the Latines call Veij, built vpon wheeles like a Shepherds Cottage. These they draw with them whi∣thersoeuer they goe, driuing their Cattell with them. And when they come to their Stage or

standing place, they plant their Cart-houses very orderly in a ranke: and so make the forme of streets,* 1.157 and of a large Towne. And this is the manner of the Emperour himselfe, who hath no other seate of his Empire but an Agora, or Towne of wood, that mooueth with him whitherso∣euer hee goeth. As for the fixed and standing building vsed in other Countries, they say they are vnwholsome and vnpleasant.

They begin to mooue their Houses and Cattell in the Spring time, from the South part of their Countrey towards the North parts. And so driuing on till they haue grased all vp to the furthest part Northward, they returne backe againe towards their South Countrey (where they continue all the Winter) by ten or twelue miles a stage: in the meane while the grasse being sprung vp againe, to serue for their Cattell as they returne. From the border of the Shalcan to∣wards the Caspian Sea, to the Russe frontiers, they haue a goodly Countrey, specially on the [ 10] South and South-east parts, but lost for lacke of tillage.

Of money they haue no vse at all, and therefore preferre Brasse and Steele before other me∣tals, specially Bullate, which they vse for Swords, Kniues, and other necessaries. As for Gold and Siluer they neglect it of very purpose, (as they doe all tillage of their ground) to be more free for their wandring kinde of life, and to keepe their Countrey lesse subject to inuasions. Which gi∣ueth them great aduantage against all their neighbours, euer inuading, and neuer being inuaded.

* 1.158For Person and Complexion, they haue broad and flat visages, of a tanned colour yellow and blacke, fierce and cruell lookes, thinne hayred vpon the vpper Lip, and a pit on the Chin, light and nimble Bodied, with short Legges, as if they were made naturally for Horse-men: whereto they practise themselues from their Child-hood, seldome going a soot about any businesse. [ 20] Their Speach is very sudden and loude, speaking as it were out of a deepe hollow throat. When they Sing you would thinke a Cow lowed,* 1.159 or some great Bandogge howled. Their greatest ex∣ercise is Shooting, wherein they trayne vp their Children from their very infancie, not suffering them to eate, till they haue shot neere the marke within a certaine scantling.

* 1.160There are diuers other Tartars that border vpon Russia, as the Nagaies, the Cheremissens, the Mordwites, the Chircasses, and the Shalcans, which all differ in Name more then in Regiment, or other condition, from the Chrim Tartar, except the Chircasses, that border South-west towards Lituania,* 1.161 and are farre more ciuill then the rest of the Tartars, of a comely person, and of a stately behauiour, as applying themselues to the fashion of the Polonian. Some of them haue subjected [ 30] themselues to the Kings of Poland, and professe Christianitie. The Nagay lyeth Eastward, and is reckoned for the best man of warre among all the Tartars, but very sauage and cruell aboue all the rest. The Cheremisin Tartar, that lyeth betwixt the Russe and the Nagay, are of two sorts, the Lugauoy (that is of the valley) and the Nagornay, or of the hilly Countrey. These haue much troubled the Emperours of Russia. And therefore they are content now to buy Peace of them, vnder pretence of giuing a yeerely pension of Russe Commodities, to their Morseis or Dy∣uoymorseis, that are chiefe of their Tribes. For which also they are bound to serue them in their warres, vnder certayne conditions. They are sayd to bee just and true in their dealings: and for that cause they hate the Russe people, whom they account to bee double, and false in all their dealing. And therefore the common sort are very vnwilling to keepe agreement with them, but [ 40] that they are kept in by their Morseis, or Dukes for their pensions sake.

The most rude and barbarous is counted the Morduite Tartar, that hath many selfe fashions, and strange kindes of behauiour,* 1.162 differing from the rest. For his Religion, though hee acknow∣ledge one God, yet his manner is to worship for God, that liuing thing, that hee first meeteth in the morning, and to sweare by it all that whole day, whether it bee Horse, Dog, Cat, or what∣soeuer else it bee. When his friend dyeth, hee killeth his best Horse, and hauing flayed off the skinne, he carryeth it on high vpon a long pole, before the Corps to the place of Buriall. This he doth (as the Russe sayth) that his friend may haue a good horse to carrie him to Heauen: but it is likelier to declare his loue towards his dead friend, in that hee will haue to dye with him the best thing that hee hath. [ 50]

Next to the Kingdome of Astracan, that is the furthest part South-eastward of the Russe Do∣minion, lyeth the Shalcan, and the Countrey of Media: whither the Russe Merchants trade for raw Silkes,* 1.163 Syndon, Saphyon, Skinnes, and other commodities. The chiefe Townes of Media where the Russe tradeth,* 1.164 are Derbent (built by Alexander the great, as the Inhabitants say) and Zamachie, where the staple is kept for raw Silkes. Their manner is, in the Spring time to re∣uiue the Silke-wormes (that lye dead all the Winter) by laying them in the warme Sunne, and (to hasten their quickning, that they may sooner goe to worke) to put them into bagges, and so to hang them vnder their Childrens armes. As for the Worme called Chrinisin (as wee call it Chrimson) that maketh coloured Silke, it is bred not in Media, but in Assyria. This trade to Derbent and Samachie for raw Silkes, and other commodities of that Countrey, as also in Persia, [ 60] and Bougharia, downe the Riuer Volgha, and through the Caspian Sea, is permitted as well to the English, as to the Russe Merchants, by the Emperours last Grant at my being there. Which hee accounteth for a very speciall fauour, and might proue indeed very beneficiall to our English Mer∣chants, if the Trade were well and orderly vsed.

The whole Nation of the Tartars are vtterly voide of all Learning, and without written Law. Yet certayne rules they haue which they hold by tradition, common to all the Hoords for the practice of their life. Which are of this sort. First, To obey their Emperour and other Ma∣gistrates, whatsoeuer they command about the publike Seruice. Secondly, Except for the publike behoofe,* 1.165 euery man to bee free and out of Controlement. Thirdly, No priuate man to possesse any Lands, but the whole Countrey to bee as a Common. Fourthly, To neglect all daintinesse and varietie of Meates, and to content themselues with that which commeth next to ••and, for more hardnesse, and readinesse in the exe∣cuting of their Affaires. Fiftly, To weare any base Attire, and to patch their Cloathes, whether there bee any need or not: that when there is used, it bee no shame to weare a patcht Coate. Sixtly, To take or [ 10] steale from any Stranger whatsoeuer they can get, as being Enemies to all men, saue to such 〈◊〉〈◊〉 will sub∣iect themselues to them. Seuenthly, Towards their owne Hoord and Nation, to bee true in word and deed. Eightly, To suffer no Stranger to come within the Realme, if any doe, the same to bee Bond-sla••e to him that first taketh him, except such Merchants and other, a•• haue the Tartar Bull or Pasport about them.

THe Permians and Samoits that lye from Russia, North and North-east, are thought likewise to haue taken their beginning from the Tartar kinde.* 1.166 And it may partly be ghessed by the fashion of their Countenance, as hauing all broad and flatfaces, as the Tartars haue, except the Chircasses. The Permians are accounted for a very ancient people. They are now subject to the [ 20] Russe. They liue by Hunting and trading with their Furres, as doth also the Samoyt, that dwel∣leth more towards the North Sea. The Samoyt hath his name (as the Russe saith) of Eating him-himselfe as if in times past, they liued as the Cannibals, eating one another.* 1.167 Which they make more probable, because at this time they eate all kinde of raw flesh, whatsoeuer it bee, euen the very Carrion that lyeth in the ditch. But as the Samoits themselues will say, they were called Samoie, that is, of themselues, as though they were Indiginae, or people bred vpon that very soyle, that neuer changed their seate from one place to another, as most Nations haue done. They are subject at this time to the Emperour of Russia.

I talked with certaine of them, and finde that they acknowledge one God:* 1.168 but represent him by such things as they haue most vse and good by. And therefore they worship the Sunne, the [ 30] Ollen, the Losh, and such like. As for the Storie of Slata Baba, or the Golden hagge, (which I haue read in some Maps, and descriptions of these Countries, to bee an Idoll after the forme of an old Woman) that being demanded by the Priest, giueth them certaine Oracles, concerning the successe and euent of things, I found it to bee but a very fable. Onely in the Prouince of Ob∣doria vpon the Sea side, neere to the mouth of the great Riuer Obba, there is a Rocke, which na∣turally being somewhat helped by imagination) may seeme to beare the shape of a ragged Wo∣man with a Child in her armes, (as the Rocke by the North cape the shape of a Frier) where the Obdorian Samoits vse much to resort, by reason of the commoditie of the place for Fishing: and there sometime (as their manner is) conceiue, and practice their Sorceries, and ominous conje∣cturings about the good, or bad speed of their Iourneyes, Fishings, Huntings, and such like.

[ 40] They are clad in Seale-skinnes, with the hayrie side outwards downe as low as the knees, with their Breeches and Netherstocks of the same, both men and women.* 1.169 They are all Blacke hayred, naturally beardlesse. And therefore the Men are hardly discerned from the Women by their lookes: saue that the Women weare a locke of hayre downe along both their eares. They liue in a manner a wilde and a sauage life, rouing still from one place of the Countrey to another, without any propertie of House or Land more to one then to another. Their leader or directer in euery Companie, is their Papa or Priest.

On the North side of Russia next to Corelia, lyeth the Countrey of Lappia,* 1.170 which reacheth in length from the furthest point Northward, (towards the North cape) to the furthest part South-east (which the Russe calleth Sweetnesse or Holy nose, the English men Cape-grace) about three hundred and fortie fiue verst or miles. From Sweetnesse to Candlelox, by the way of Versega [ 50] (which measureth the breadth of that Countrey) is ninetie miles or thereabouts. The whole Countrey in a manner is either Lakes or Mountaines, which towards the Sea side are called Ton∣dro, because they are all of hard and craggie Rocke, but the inland parts are well furnished with Woods, that grow on the hills sides, the lakes lying betweene. Their dyet is very bare and sim∣ple. Bread they haue none, but feed onely vpon Fish and Fowle. They are subject to the Em∣perour of Russia, and the two Kings of Sweden and Denmarke:* 1.171 which all exact Tribute and Cu∣stome of them (as was sayd before) but the Emperour of Russia beareth the greatest hand ouer them, and exact of them farre more then the rest. The opinion is that they were first tearmed Lappes, of their briefe and short speach. The Russe diuideth the whole Nation of the Lappes in∣to two sorts. The one they call Nowr••manskoy Lapary, that is, the Noruegian Lappes: because [ 60] they bee of the Danish Religion. For the Danes and Noruegians, they account for one people. The other that haue no Religion at all, but liue as bruite and Heathenish people, without God in the world, they call Dikoy Lopary, or the wilde Lappes.* 1.172

The whole Nation is vtterly vnlearned, hauing not so much as the vse of any Alphabet, or

Letter among them. For practice of Witch-craft and Sorcerie, they passe all Nations in the the World.* 1.173 Though for the inchanting of ships that sayle along their Coast (as I haue heard it reported) and their giuing of winds good to their friends, and contrary to other, whom they meane to hurt by tying of certayne knots vpon a Rope (somewhat like to the Tale of Aeolus his wind-bag) is a very Fable, deuised (as may seeme) by themselues, to terrifie Saylers for com∣ming neere their Coast. Their Weapons are the Long-bow, and Hand-gunne, wherein they excell, as well for quicknesse to charge and discharge, as for neernesse at the Marke, by reason of their continuall practice (whereto they are forced) of shooting at wild-fowle. Their manner is in Summer time to come downe in great companies to the Sea-side,* 1.174 to Wardhuyse, Cola, Kegor, and the Bay of Vedagoba, and there to fish for Cod, Salmon, and But-fish, which they sell to the Russes, Danes, and Noruegians, and now of late to the English-men that trade thither with [ 10] Cloth, which they exchange with the Lappes and Corelians, for their Fish, Oyle, and Furres, whereof also they haue some store.* 1.175 They hold their Mart at Cola, on Saint Peters day, what time the Captayne of Wardhuyse (that is Resiant there for the King of Denmarke) must be pre∣sent, or at least send his Deputie to set prices vpon their Stock-fish, Trane-oyle, Furres, and o∣ther Commodities: as also the Russe Emperours Customer, or Tribute taker, to receiue his Cu∣stome, which is euer payed before any thing can be bought, or sold. When their fishing is done, their manner is to draw their Carbasses, or Boats on shoare, and there to leaue them with the Keele turned vpwards,* 1.176 till the next Spring-tyde. Their trauell too and fro is vpon Sleds, drawne by the Olen Deere: which they vse to turne a grazing all the Summer time, in an Iland called [ 20] Kilden (of a very good Soyle compared with other parts of that Countrey) and towards the Winter time, when the Snow beginneth to fall, they fetch them home againe, for the vse of their Sled.

* 1.177COncerning the Gouernment of their Church, it is framed altogether after the manner of the Greeke: as being a part of that Church, and neuer acknowledging the Iurisdicton of the Latine Church, vsurped by the Pope. That I may keepe a better measure in describing their Ceremonies, then they in the vsing them (wherein they are infinite) I will note briefly: First, what Ecclesiasticall Degrees, or Offices they haue with the Iurisdiction, and practice of them. Secondly, what Doctrine they hold in matter of Religion. Thirdly, what Lyturgie, or forme [ 30] of Seruice they vse in their Churches, with the manner of their administring the Sacraments. Fourthly, what other strange Ceremonies, and Superstitious Deuotions are vsed among them.

Their Offices, or Degrees of Church-men, are as many in number, and the same in a manner both in name and degree,* 1.178 that were in the Westerne Churches. First, they haue their Patriarch, then their Metropolites, their Archbishops, their Vladikey, or Bishops, their Protopapes or Arch∣priests, their Deacons, Friers, Monkes, Nunnes, and Eremites.

* 1.179Their Patriarch, or chiefe Directer in matter of Religion vntill this last yeere, was of the Ci∣tie of Constantinople (whom they called the Patriarch of Sio) because being driuen by the Turke out of Constantinople (the Seate of his Empire) he remoued to the Ile Sio,* 1.180 sometimes called Chio, [ 40] and there placed his Patriarchiall Sea. So that the Emperours, and Clergie of Russia, were wont yeerely to send Gifts thither, and to acknowledge a Spirituall kind of homage, and subjection due to him, and to that Church. Which custome they haue held (as it seemeth) euer since they professed the Christian Religion. Which how long it hath bn I could not wel learne, for that they haue no Story or Monument of Antiquitie (that I could heare of) to shew what hath beene done in times past within their Countrey, concerning either Church, or Common-wealth mat∣ters. Onely I heare a report among them, that about three hundred yeeres since, there was a Ma∣riage betwixt the Emperour of Constantinople, and the Kings Daughter of that Countrey: who at the first denyed to joyne his Daughter in Mariage with the Greeke Emperour, because he was of the Christian Religion. Which agreeth well with that I find in the Story of Laonicus Chal∣cacondylas [ 50] concerning Turkish Affaires in his fourth Booke: where hee speaketh of such a Mari∣age betwixt Iohn the Greeke Emperour, and the Kings Daughter of Sarmatia. And this argueth out of their owne report, that at that time they had not receiued the Christian Religion: as al∣so that they were conuerted to the Faith, and withall peruerted at the very same time, receiuing the Doctrine of the Gospell, corrupted with Superstitions euen at the first when they tooke it from the Greeke Church, which it selfe then was degenerate, and corrupted with many Super∣stitions, and foule Errours, both in Doctrine and Discipline: as may appeare by the Story of Nicephorus Gregoras, in his eighth and ninth Bookes. But as touching the time of their Con∣uersion to the Christian Faith, I sppose rather that it is mistaken by the Russe, for that which I find in the Polonian Story, the second Booke the third Chapter: where is said that about the [ 60] yeere 990. Vlodomirus Duke of Russia, married one Anne Sister to Basilius, and Constantinus Bro∣thers, and Emperours of Constantinople. Whereupon the Russe receiued the Faith and Profession of Christ. Which though it be somewhat more ancient then the time noted before out of the Russe Report, yet it falleth out all to one reckoning, touching this point, viz. in what truth and

sinceritie of Doctrine the Russe receiued the first stampe of Religion: for asmuch as the Greeke Church at that time also was many wayes infected with errour and superstition.

At my being there, the yeere 1588. came vnto the Mosko the Patriarch of Constantinople,* 1.181 or Sio (called Hieronimo being banished as some sayd) by the Turke, as some other reported by the Greeke Clergie depriued. The Emperour being giuen altogether to superstitious deuotions, gaue him great entertaynment▪ Before his comming to Mosko, hee had beene in Italy with the Pope, as was reported there by some of his company. His arrand was to consult with the Emperour concerning these points. First, about a League to passe betwixt him and the King of Spaine, as the meetest Prince to joyne with him in opposition against the Turke. To which pur∣pose [ 10] also Ambassages had passed betwixt the Russe and the Persian. Likewise from the Georgians to the Emperour of Russia, to joyne league together, for the inuading of the Turke on all sides of his Dominion: taking the aduantage of the simple qualitie of the Turke that now is. This trea∣tie was helped forward by the Emperours Ambassadour of Almayne, sent at the same time to so∣licite an inuasion vpon the parts of Polonia, that lye towards Rusland, and to borrow money of the Russe Emperour, to pursue the warre for his Brother Maximilian, against the Swedens sonne, now King of Poland. But this consultation concerning a league betwixt the Russe and the Spa∣niard, (which was in some forwardnesse at my comming to Mosko, and already one appointed for Ambassage into Spaine) was marred by meanes of the ouerthrow giuen to the Spanish King by her Majestie, the Queene of England, this last yeere. Which made the Russe Emperour and his [ 20] Councell, to giue a sadder countenance to the English Ambassadour at that time: for that they were disappointed of so good a policie, as was this conjunction supposed to bee betwixt them and the Spanish.

His second purpose (whereto the first serued as an introduction) was in reuenge of the Turke and the Greeke Clergie, that had thrust him from his seate, to treate with them about the redu∣cing of the Russe Church vnder the Pope of Rome. Wherein it may seeme that comming lately from Rome, hee was set on by the Pope, who hath attempted the same many times before, though all in vaine: and namely the time of the late Emperour Iuan Vasilowich, by one Anthony his Legate. But thought this belike a farre better meane to obtayne his purpose by treatie and mediation of their owne Patriarch. But this not succeeding, the Patriarch fell to a third point [ 30] of treatie, concerning the resignation of his Patriarchship, and translation of the Sea from Con∣stantinople or Scio, to the Citie of Mosko. Which was so well liked, and entertayned by the Em∣perour (as a matter of high Religion and policie) that no other treatie (specially of forraigne Ambassages) could bee heard or regarded, till that matter was concluded.

The reason wherewith the Patriarch perswaded the translating of his Sea to the Citie of Mosko, were these in effect. First, for that the Sea of the Patriarch was vnder the Turke, that is enemie to the Faith. And therefore to bee remooued into some other Countrey of Christian profession. Secondly, because the Russe Church was the onely naturall daughter of the Greeke at this time, and holdeth the same Doctrine and Ceremonies with it: the rest being all subject to the Turke, and fallen away from the right profession. Wherein the subtill Greeke to make the bet∣ter [ 40] market of his broken ware, aduanced the honour that would grow to the Emperour, and his Countrey: to haue the Patriarchs Seat translated into the chiefe Citie, and seate of his Empire. As for the right of translating the Sea, and appointing his Successour, hee made no doubt of it, but that it pertayned wholly to himselfe.

So the Emperour and his Councell, with the principall of his Clergie,* 1.182 being assembled at the Mosko, it was determined that the Metropolite of Mosko, should become Patriarch of the whole Greeke Church, and haue the same full Authoritie and Iurisdiction that pertayned before to the Patriarch of Constantinople, or Sio. And that it might bee done with more order and solemnitie, the fiue and twentieth or Ianuarie, 1588. the Greeke Patriarch accompanied with the Russe Cler∣gie, went to the great Church of Precheste, or our Ladie, within the Emperours Castle (hauing [ 50] first wandred thorow the whole Citie in manner of a Procession, and blessing the people with his two fingers) where hee made an Oration, and deliuered his resignation in an Instrument of writing, and so layed downe his Patriarchicall staffe. Which was presently receiued by the Metropolite of Mosko, and diuers other ceremonies vsed about the Inauguration of this new Patriarch.

The day was holden very solemne by the people of the Citie, who were commanded to for∣beare their workes, and to attend this solemnitie. The great Patriarch that day was honoured with rich Presents sent him from the Emperour and Empresse, of Plate, cloath of Gold, Furres, &c. carryed with great pompe thorow the streets of Mosko, and at his departing receiued many gifts more, both from the Emperour, Nobilitie, and Clergie. Thus the Patriarchship of Constan∣tinople, [ 60] or Sio, (which hath continued since the Councell of Nice) is now translated to Mosko, or they made beleeue that they haue a Patriarch with the same right and Authoritie that the other had. Wherein the subtill Greeke hath made good aduantage of their Superstition, and is now gone away with a rich bootie into Poland, whither their Patriarchship be currant or not.

The matter is not vnlike to make some Schisme betwixt the Greeke and Russe Church, if the

Russe hold his Patriarchship that hee hath so well payed for, and the Greekes Elect another withall, as * 1.183 likely they will, whether this man were banished by the Turke, or depriued by order of his owne Clergie. Which might happen to giue aduantage to the Pope, and to bring o∣uer the Russe Church to the Sea of Rome, (to which end peraduenture hee deuised this Strata∣gem, and cast in this matter of Schisme among them) but that the Emperours of Russia know well enough, by the example of other Christian Princes, what inconuenience would grow to their State and Countrey, by subjecting themselues to the Romish Sea. To which end the late Emperour Iuan Vasilowich, was very inquisitiue of the Popes authoritie ouer the Princes of Chri∣stendome, and sent one of very purpose to Rome, to behold the order and behauiour of his Court.

With this Patriarch Hieronymo, was driuen out at the same time by the great Turke, one De∣metrio Archbishop of Larissa:* 1.184 who is now in England, and pretendeth the same cause of their ba∣nishment [ 10] by the Turke, (to wit) their not admitting of the Popes new Kalender, for the alte∣ration of the yeere. Which how vnlikely it is, may appeare by these Circumstances. First, be∣cause there is no such affection, nor friendly respect betwixt the Pope and the Turke, as that hee should banish a Subject for not obeying the Popes ordinance, specially in a matter of some sequel for the alteration of Times within his owne Countries. Secondly, for that hee maketh no such scruple in deducting of times, and keeping of a just and precise account from the Incarnation of Christ: whom hee doth not acknowledge otherwise then I noted before. Thirdly, for that the sayd Patriarch is now at Naples in Italy, where it may be ghessed he would not haue gone with∣in the Popes reach, and so neere to his nose, if hee had beene banished for opposing himselfe a∣gainst [ 20] the Popes Decree.

This office of Patriarchship now translated to Mosko, beareth a superiour Authoritie ouer all the Churches,* 1.185 not onely of Russia, and other the Emperours Dominions, but thorow out all the Churches of Christendome, that were before vnder the Patriarch of Constantinople, or Sio: or at least the Russe Patriarch imagineth himselfe to haue the same authoritie. Hee hath vnder him as his proper Diocesse the Prouince of Mosko, besides other peculiars. His Court or Office is kept at the Mosko.

* 1.186Before the creation of this new Patriarch, they had but one Metropolite, that was called the Metropolite of Mosko. Now for more state to their Church, and new Patriarch, they haue two Metropolites, the one of Nouogrod velica, the other of Rostoue. Their office is to receiue of the [ 30] Patriarch such Ecclesiasticall orders, as hee thinketh good, and to deliuer the charge of them o∣uer to the Archbishops: besides the ordering of their owne Diocesse.

* 1.187Their Archbishops are foure: of Smolenso, Cazon, Vobsko, and Vologda. The parts of their of∣fice is all one with the Metropolites: saue that they haue an vnder Iurisdiction, as Suffraganes to the Metropolites, & Superiors to the Bishops. The next are the Vladikeis or Bishops, that are but sixe in all:* 1.188 of Crutitska, of Rezan, of Otfer and Torshock, of Collomenska, of Volodemer, of Susdalla. These haue euery one a very large Diocesse: as diuiding the rest of the whole Countrey among them.

* 1.189The matters pertayning to the Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction of the Metropolites, Archbishops, and Bishops, are the same in a manner that are vsed by the Clergie in other parts of Christendome. [ 40] For besides their authoritie ouer the Clergie, and ordering such matters as are meere Ecclesiasti∣call, their jurisdiction extendeth to all Testamentarie causes, matters of Marriage, and Diuorce∣ments, some Pleas of iniuries, &c. To which purpose also they haue their Officials, or Commis∣saries (which they call Boiaren Vladitskey) that are Lay-men of the degree of Dukes,* 1.190 or Gentle∣men, that keepe their Courts and execute their Iurisdiction. Which besides their other oppres∣sions ouer the common people, raigne ouer the Priests: as the Dukes and Dyacks doe ouer the poore people, within their Precincts. As for the Archbishop or Bishop himselfe, hee beareth no sway in deciding those causes, that are brought into his Court. But if hee would moderate any matter, he must doe it by intreatie with his Gentleman Officiall. The reason is, because these Boiarskey, or Gentlemen officials, are not appointed by the Bishops, but by the Emperour him∣selfe, [ 50] or his Councell, and are to giue account of their doings to none but to them. If the Bishop can intreat at his admission to haue the choice of his owne Officiall, it is accounted for a speciall great fauour. But to speake it as it is, the Clergie of Russia, aswell concerning their Lands and re∣uenues, as their Authoritie and Iurisdiction, are altogether ordered and ouer-ruled by the Empe∣rour and his Councell, and haue so much, and no more of both as their pleasure doth permit them. They haue also there Assistants or seuerall Counsels (as they call them) of certayne Priests that are of that Diocesse, residing within their Cathedrall Cities, to the number of foure and twentie a piece. These aduise with them, about the speciall and necessarie matters belonging to their charge.

* 1.191Concerning their Rents and Reuenues to maintayne their dignities, it is somewhat large. The [ 60] Patriarchs yeerely rents out of his Lands (besides other fees) is about 3000. Rubbels or Marcks. The Metropolites and Archbishops, about 2500. The Bishops, some 1000. some 800. some 500. &c. They haue had some of them (as I haue heard say) ten or twelue thousand Rubbels a yeere: as had the Metropolite of Neuogrod.

Their Habit or Apparell (when they shew themselues in their Pontificalibus after their so∣lemness manner is a Mitre on their heads after the Popish fashion, set with Pearle and Precious Stone, a Coape on their backes, commonly of Cloth of Gold, embroydered with Pearle, and a Crosiers Staffe in their hands, layed ouer all with Plate of Siluer double gilt, with a Crosse or Sheepherds Crooke at the vpper end of it. Their ordinary habit otherwise when they ride or goe abroad, is a Hood on their heads of blacke colour, that hangeth downe their backes, and standeth out like a Bon-grace before. Their vpper Garment (which they call Reis) is a Gowne or Mantell of blacke Damaske, with many Lists or Gards of white Sattin layed vpon it, euery Gard about two fingers broad, and their Crosiers staffe carried before them. Themselues follow after, blessing the people with their two fore-fingers, with a maruel∣lous [ 10] grace.

The Election, and appointing of the Bishops and the rest,* 1.192 pertayneth wholy to the Empe∣rour himselfe. They are chosen euer out of the Monasteries: so that there is no Bishop, Arch∣bishop, nor Metropolite, but hath beene a Monke, or Frier before. And by that reason they are, and must all bee vnmarried men, for their Vow of Chastitie when they were first shorne. When the Emperour hath appointed whom he thinketh good, hee is inuested in the Cathedrall Church of his Diocesse, with many Ceremonies, much after the manner of the Popish Inaugura∣tion. They haue also their Deanes, and their Arch-deacons.

As for preaching the Word of God, or any teaching, or exhorting such as are vnder them,* 1.193 they neither vse it, nor haue any skill of it: the whole Clergie being vtterly vnlearned both for [ 20] other knowledge, and in the Word of God. Onely their manner is twice euery yeere, viz. the first of September (which is the first day of their yeere) and on Saint Iohn Baptists day, to make an ordinary speech to the people, euery Metropolite, Arch-bishop, and Bishop, in his Catherall Church, to this or like effect: That if any bee in malice towards his Neighbour, hee shall leaue off his malice: if any haue thought of Treason or Rebellion against his Prince, hee beware of such practice: if hee haue not kept his Fasts, and Vowes, nor done his other Duties to the Holy Church, hee shall amend that fault, &c. And this is a matter of forme with them, vttered in as many words, and no more, in a manner, then I haue heere set downe. Yet the matter is done with that Grace and Solemnitie, in a Pulpit of purpose set vp for this one Act, as if hee were to discourse at large of the whole substance of [ 30] Diuinitie. At the Mosko the Emperour himselfe is euer present at this Solemne Ex∣hortation.

As themselues are void of all manner of Learning, so are they wary to keepe out all meanes that might bring any in: as fearing to haue their ignorance and vngodlinesse discouered. To that purpose they haue perswaded the Emperors, that it would breed Innouation, and sow danger to their State, to haue any nouelty of Learning come within the Realme. Wherein they say but truth, for that a man of spirit and vnderstanding, helped by Learning and liberall Education, can hardly indure a tyrannicall Gouernment. Some yeeres past in the other Emperours time, there came a Presse and Letters out of Polonia, to the Citie of Mosko, where a Printing House was set vp, with great liking and allowance of the Emperour himselfe. But not long after, the house [ 40] was set on fire in the night time, and the Presse and Letters quite burnt vp, as was thought by the procurement of the Clergie-men.

Their Priests (whom they call Papaes) are made by the Bishops,* 1.194 without any great tryall for worthinesse of gifts, before they admit them, or Ceremonies in their admission: saue that their heads are shorne (not shauen, for that they like not) about an hand breadth or more in the crowne, and that place anointed with Oyle by the Bishop: who in his admission putteth vpon the Priest, first his Surplesse, and then setteth a white Crosse on his brest of Silke, or some other matter, which he is to weare eight dayes, and no more: and so giueth him authoritie to say and sing in the Church, and to administer the Sacraments.

They are men vtterly vnlearned, which is no maruell, for as much as their Makers, the Bi∣shops [ 50] themselues (as before was said) are cleere of that qualitie, and make no farther vse at all of any kind of Learning, no not of the Scriptures themselues, saue to reade and to sing them. Their ordinary charge and function is to say the Lyturgie, to administer the Sacraments after their manner, to keepe and decke their Idols, and to doe the other Ceremonies vsuall in their Churches. Their number is great because their Townes are parted into many small Parishes, without any discretion for diuiding them into competent numbers of Housholds, and people for a just Congregation: as the manner in all places where the meanes is neglected, for increasing of knowledge, and instruction towards God. Which cannot well be had, where by meanes of an vnequall partition of the people, and Parishes, there followeth a want and vnequalitie of stipend for a sufficient Ministery.

[ 60] For their Priests, it is lawfull to marry for the first time. But if the first Wife dye, a second he cannot take, but he must lose his Priest-hood, and his liuing withall.* 1.195 The reason they make out of that place of Saint Paul to Timothy 1.3.2. not well vnderstood, thinking that to bee spo∣ken of diuers Wiues successiuely, that the Apostle speaketh of at one and the same time. If hee

will needs marrie againe after his first wife is dead, he is no longer called Papa, but Rospapa, or Priest quondam. This maketh the Priests to make much of their Wiues, who are accounted as the Matrones, and of best reputation among the women of the Parish.

For the stipend of the Priest, their manner is not to pay him any tenths of Corne, or ought else: but he must stand at the deuotion of the people of his Parish, and make vp the Incommes towards his maintenance, so well as hee can, by Offerings, Shrifts, Mariages, Burials, Dirges, and Prayers for the dead and the liuing (which they call Molitua.) For besides their publike Seruice within their Churches, their manner is for euery priuate man to haue a Prayer said for him by the Priest, vpon any occasion of businesse whatsoeuer, whether he ride, goe, saile, plough, or whatsoeuer else he doth. Which is not framed according to the occasion of his businesse, but [ 10] at randome, being some of their ordinary and vsuall Church-prayers. And this is thought to bee more holy, and effectuall, if it be repeated by the Priests mouth, rather then by his owne. They haue a custome, besides to solemnize the Saints day, that is, Patrone to their Church once euery yeere. What time all their Neighbours of their Countrey and Parishes about, come in to haue Prayers said to that Saint for themselues, and their friends: and so make an Offering to the Priest for his paines. This Offering may yeeld them some ten pounds a yeere, more or lesse, as the Patrone or Saint of that Church is of credit and estimation among them: The manner is on this day (which they keepe Anniuersary for the Priest, to hire diuers of his Neighbour Priests to helpe him: as hauing more Dishes to dresse for the Saint, then he can well turne his hand vn∣to. They vse besides to visit their Parishioners houses, with Holy Water, and Perfume, com∣monly [ 20] once a quarter: and so hauing sprinkled, and becensed the goodman and his Wife, with the rest of their houshold, and houshold-stuffe, they receiue some Deuotion or lesse, as the man is of abilitie. This and the rest layd altogether, may make vp for the Priest towards his maynte∣nance,* 1.196 about thirty or forty Rubbels a yeere: whereof he payeth the tenth part to the Bishop of the Diocesse.

The Papa or Priest is knowne by his long Tufts of haire, hanging downe by his Eares, his Gowne with a broad Cape,* 1.197 and a walking staffe in his hand. For the rest of his Habit, hee is apparelled like the common sort. When he sayth the Lyturgie or Seruice, within the Church, hee hath on him his Surplesse, and sometimes his Coape, if the day bee more Solemne. They haue besides their Papaes or Priests, their Churnapapaes (as they call them) that is, Black Priests: [ 30] that may keepe their Benefices, though they be admitted Friers withall within some Monaste∣rie. They seeme to be the very same that were called Regular Priests in the Popish Church. Vn∣der the Priest, is a Deacon in euery Church, that doth nothing but the Office of a Parish Clerke. As for their Protopapaes, or Arch-priests, and their Arch-deacons (that are next in election to be their Protopopas) they serue onely in the Cathedrall Churches.

Of Friers they haue an infinite rabble farre greater then in any other Countrey, where Pope∣ry is professed.* 1.198 Euery Citie, and good part of the Countrey, swarmeth full of them. For they haue wrought (as the Popish Friers did by their Superstition and Hypocrisie) that if any part of the Realme be better and sweeter then other, there standeth a Friery or a Monastery dedicated to some Saint. [ 40]

The number of them is so much the greater, not onely for that it is augmented by the Su∣perstition of the Countrey, but because the Friers life is the safest from the Oppressions, and Exactions, that fall vpon the Commons. Which causeth many to put on the Friers Weed, as the best Armour to beare off such blowes. Besides such as are voluntary, there are diuers that are forced to shire themselues Friers, vpon some displeasure. These are for the most part of the chiefe Nobility. Diuers take the Monasteries as a place of Sanctuary, and there become Friers, to a∣uoyde some punishment, that they had deserued by the Lawes of the Realme. For if hee get a Monastery ouer his head, and there put on a Coole before hee bee attached, it is a protection to him for euer against any Law, for what crime soeuer: except it be for Treason. But this Prouiso goeth withall, that no man commeth there, (except such as are commanded by the Emperour to [ 50] be receiued) but he giueth them Lands, or bringeth his stocke with him, and putteth it into the common Treasury. Some bring 1000. Rubbels, and some more. None is admitted vnder three or foure hundred.

* 1.199The manner of their Admission is after this sort. First, the Abbot strippeth him of all his Se∣cular or ordinary Apparell. Then he putteth vpon him next to his skinne, a white flannell shirt, with a long Garment ouer it downe to the ground, girded vnto him with a broad Leather Belt. His vpper-most Garment is a Weed of Garras, or Say, for colour and fashion, much like to the vpper Weed of a Chimney-sweeper. Then is his crowne shorne a hand breadth, or more close to the very skinne, and these, or like words pronounced by the Abbot, whiles hee clippeth his haire: As these haires are clipped of, and taken from thy head; so now we take thee, and separate thee [ 60] cleane from the World, and worldly things, &c. This done, hee anointeth his crowne with Oyle, and putteth on his Coole: and so taketh him in among the Fraternitie. They vow perpetuall Chastitie, and Abstinence from flesh.

Besides, their Lands (that are very great) they are the greatest Merchants in the whole

Countrey, and deale for all manner of Commodities. Some of their Monasteries dispend in Lands, one thousand, or two thousand Rubbels a yeere. There is one Abbey called Troits, that hath in Lands and Fees, the summe of 100000. Rubbels, or Markes a yeere. It is built in manner of a Castle, walled round about, with great Ordnance planted on the wall, and contay∣neth within it a large breadth of ground, and great varietie of building. There are of Friers within it, (besides their Officers, and other Seruants) about seuen hundred. The Empresse that now is, hath many Vowes to Saint Sergius, that is Patrone there: to intreate him to make her fruitfull, as hauing no children by the Emperour her Husband. Lightly euery yeere shee goeth on Pilgrimage to him from the Mosko, on foot, about eighty English miles, with fiue or sixe thousand women attending vpon her, all in blue Liueries, and foure thousand Souldiers for her [ 10] Guard. But Saint Sergius hath not yet heard her Prayers, though (they say) hee hath a speciall gift and facultie that way.

What Learning there is among their Friers, may be knowne by their Bishops, that are the choice men out of all their Monasteries. I talked with one of them at the Citie of Vologda,* 1.200 where (to try his skill) I offered him a Russe Testament, and turned him to the first Chapter of Saint Matthews Gospell. Where hee beganne to reade in very good order. I asked him first what part of Scripture it was, that he had read? he answered, that he could not well tell. How ma∣ny Euangelists there were in the New Testament? He said he knew not. How many Apostles there were? He thought there were twelue. How he should be saued? Whereunto he answe∣red me with a piece of Russe Doctrine, that he knew not whether he should be saued, or no: but [ 20] if God would Poshallouate him, or gratifie him so much, as to saue him, so it was, he would bee glad of it: if not, what remedy. I asked him, why hee shoare himselfe a Frier? Hee answered, because he would eate his Bread with peace. This is the Learning of the Friers of Russia, which though it be not to be measured by one, yet partly it may bee ghessed by the ignorance of this man, what is in the rest.

They haue also many Nunneries, whereof some may admit none but Noblemens Widowes,* 1.201 and Daughters, when the Emperour meaneth to keepe them vnmarryed, from continuing the bloud or stocke, which if he would haue extinguished. To speake of the life of their Friers, and Nunnes, it needs not, to those that know the hypocrisie, and vncleannesse of that Cloy∣ster-brood. The Russe himselfe (though otherwise addicted to all Superstition) speaketh so fou∣ly [ 30] of it, that it must needs gaine silence of any modest man.

Besides these, they haue certayne Eremites,* 1.202 (whom they call Holy men) that are like to those Gymnosophists, for their life and behauiour: though farre vnlike for their Knowledge, and Lear∣ning. They vse to goe starke naked, saue a clout about their middle, with their haire hanging long, and wildly about their shoulders, and many of them with an Iron coller, or chaine about their neckes, or midst, euen in the very extremitie of Winter. These they take as Prophets,* 1.203 and men of great Holinesse, giuing them a liberty to speake what they list, without any control∣ment, though it bee of the very highest himselfe. So that if hee reprooue any openly, in what sort soeuer, they answere nothing, but that it is Po graecum, that is, for their sinnes. And if any of them take some piece of sale ware from any mans shop, as he passeth by, to giue where he [ 40] list, hee thinketh himselfe much beloued of God, and much beholding to the holy Man, for ta∣king it in that sort.

Of this kind there are not many, because it is a very hard and cold Profession, to goe naked in Russia, specially in Winter. Among other at this time, they haue one at Mosko, that walketh naked about the streets, and inueigheth commonly against the State, and Gouernment, especial∣ly against the Godonoes, that are thought at this time to be great Oppressors of that Common-wealth. Another there was,* 1.204 that dyed not many yeeres agoe (whom they called Basileo) that would take vpon him to reproue the old Emperour, for all his crueltie, and oppressions, done to∣wards his people. His body they haue translated of late into a sumptuous Church, neere the Em∣perours House in Mosko, and haue canonized him for a Saint. Many Miracles he doth there (for [ 50] so the Friers make the people to beleeue) and many Offerings are made vnto him, not only by the people, but by the chiefe Nobilitie, and the Emperour, and Empresse themselues, which vi∣sit that Church with great Deuotion. But this last yeere, at my being at Mosko, this Saint had ill lucke in working his Miracles.* 1.205 For a lame man that had his limmes restored (as it was pre∣tended by him) was charged by a woman that was familiar with him (beeing then fallen out) that he halted but in the day time, and could leape merrily when hee came home at night. And that he had intended this matter sixe yeeres before. Now hee is put into a Monastery, and there rayleth vpon the Friers, that hired him to haue this counterfeit Miracle practised vpon him. Besides this disgrace, a little before my comming from thence, there were eight slaine with in [ 60] his Church by fire in a Thunder. Which caused his Bels (that were tingling before all day and night long as in triumph of the Miracles wrought by Basileo their Saint) to ring somewhat soft∣lier, and hath wrought no little discredit to this Miracle-worker. There was another of great account at Plesko, (called Nichola of Plesko) that did much good,* 1.206 when this Emperours Father came to sacke the Towne, vpon suspition of their reuolting and Rebellion against him. The Em∣perour,

after he had saluted the Eremite, at his lodging, sent him a reward. And the Holy man to requite the Emperour, sent him a piece of raw Flesh, being then their Lent time. Which the Emperour seeing, bid one to tell him, that he maruelled that the Holy man would offer him flesh to eate in the Lent, when it was forbidden by order of holy Church. And doth Euasko (which is as much to say, as Iacke) thinke (quoth Nicola) that it is vnlawfull to eate a piece of beasts flesh in Lent and not to eate vp so much mans flesh, as he hath done already. So threatning the Emperour with a prophecy of some hard aduenture to come vpon him, except he left murdring of his people, and departed the Towne: he saued a great many mens liues at that time.

This maketh the people to like very well of them, because they are as Pasquils, to note their great mens faults, that no man else dare speake of. Yet it falleth out sometime, that for this rude libertie, which they take vpon them, after a counterfeit manner, by imi••ation of Prophets, [ 10] they are made away in secret: as was one or two of them, in the last Emperours time, for be∣ing ouer-bold in speaking against his gouernment.

* 1.207THeir morning Seruice they call, Zautrana, that is, Mattins. It is done in this order. The Priest entreth into the Church with his Deacon following him. And when he is come to the middle of the Church, he beginneth to say with a loude voyce: Blaslauey Vladika (that is) Blesse vs heauenly Pastor: meaning of Christ. Then hee addeth, In the name of the Father, and of the Sonne, and of the holy Ghost▪ one very God in Trinitie: and Aspody pomelui, or, Lord haue mercy vpon vs, Lord haue mercy vpon vs, Lord haue mercy vpon vs: repeated three times. This done, he marcheth on towards the Chancell, or Sanctum Sanctorum, (as they vse to call it) and so en∣treth [ 20] into the Scharsuey Dwere, or the Heauenly Doore: which no man may enter into, but the Priest onely. Where standing at the Altar, or Table (set neere to the vpper wall of the Chan∣cell) he sayeth the Lords Prayer, and then againe Aspody pomelui, or, Lord haue mercy vpon vs, Lord haue mercy vpon vs, &c. pronounced twelue times. Then praised be the Trinitie, the Father, the Sonne, and holy Ghost, for euer and euer. Whereto the Deacons, and People say, Amen. Next after, the Priest addeth the Psalmes for that day, and beginneth with, O come let vs worship, and fall downe before the Lord, &c. and therewithall himselfe, with the Deacons, and People, all turne themselues towards their Idols, or Images, that hang on the wall, and crossing themselues, bow downe three times, knocking their heads to the very ground. After this, he readeth the Ten Com∣mandements, and Athanasius Creed, out of the Seruice Booke. [ 30]

This being done, the Deacon that standeth without the Heauenly Doore, or Chancell, readeth a piece of a Legend, out of a written Booke, (for they haue it not in Print) of some Saints life,* 1.208 miracles, &c. This is diuided into many parts, for euery day in the yeere, and is read by them with a plaine singing note, not vnlike to the Popish tune, when they sung their Gospels. After all this (which reacheth to an houre and an halfe, or two houres of length) he addeth cer∣taine set Collects, or Prayers vpon that which he hath read out of the Legend before: and so endeth his Seruice.* 1.209 All this while stand burning before their Idols, a great many of Waxe candles, (whereof some are of the bignesse of a mans waste) vowed, or enioyned by penance, vpon the people of the Parish.

About nine of the clocke in the morning, they haue another Seruice, called Obeidna, (or [ 40] Compline) much after the order of the Popish Seruice,* 1.210 that bare that name. If it be some High or Festiuall day, they furnish their Seruice beside, with Blessed bee the Lord God of Israel, &c. and Wee praise thee, O God, &c. sung with a more solemne and curious note.

* 1.211Their euening Seruice, is called Vecherna, where the Priest beginneth with Blaslauey Vladika, as he did in the morning, and with the Psalmes appointed for the Vecherna. Which being read, he singeth, My soule doeth magnifie the Lord, &c. And then the Priest, Deacons, and People, all with one voice, sing, Aspody pomelui, or Lord haue mercy vpon vs, thirty times together. Whereunto the Boyes that are in the Church, answere all with one voice, rolling it vp so fast, as their lips can goe: Verij, Verij, Verij, Verij, or, Praise, Praise, Praise, &c. thirty times together, with a very strange noise. Then is read by the Priest, and vpon the Holidayes sung, the first [ 50] Psalme: Blessed is the man, &c. And in the end of it, is added, Alleluia, repeated ten times. The next in order is some part of the Gospell ready by the Priest, which hee endeth with Alle∣luia repeated three times. And so hauing said a Collect in remembrance of the Saint of that day, hee endeth his euening Seruice. All this while the Priest standeth aboue at the Altar, or high Table, within the Chancell, or Sanctum Sanctorum, whence hee neuer moueth all the Ser∣uice time. The Deacon, or Deacons (which are many in their Cathedrall Churches) stand with∣out the Chancell by the Scharsuey Dwere, or Heauenly Doore: for within they may not be seene all the Seruice time, though otherwise their Office is to sweepe and keepe it, and to set vp the Waxe candles before their Idols. The people stand together the whole Seruice time in the bo∣dy of the Church, and some in the Church Porch, for Piew, or Seat they haue none within their [ 60] Churches.

* 1.212The Sacrament of Baptisme they administer after this manner. The child is brought vnto the Church (and this is done within eight dayes after it is borne) if it bee the child of some

Nobleman, it is brought with great pompe in a rich Sled or Wagon, with Chaires and Cushions of cloth of Gold, and such like sumptuous shew of their best furniture. When they are come to the Church, the Priest standeth ready to receiue the child within the Church Porch, with his Tub of water by him. And then beginneth to declare vnto them, that they haue brought a little Infidell to be made a Christian, &c. This ended, he teacheth the Witnesses (that are two or three) in a certaine set forme out of his Booke, what their dutie is in bringing vp the child after he is baptised, vz. That he must be taught to know God, and Christ the Sauiour. And be∣cause God is of great maiestie, and wee must not presume to come vnto him without Mediators (as the manner is when we make any suit to an Emperour, or great Prince) therefore they must [ 10] teach him what Saints are the best, and chiefe Mediators, &c. This done, he commandeth the Deuill in the name of God after a coniuring manner, to come out of the water: and so after certaine Prayers he plungeth the child thrise ouer head and eares. For this they hold to bee a point necessary, that no part of the child be vndipped in the water.

The words that beare with them the forme of Baptisme vttered by the Priest, when he dip∣peth in the child, are the very same that are prescribed in the Gospell, and vsed by vs, vz. In the name of the Father, and of the Sonne, and of the holy Ghost. For that they should alter the forme of the words, and say, by the holy Ghost, (as I haue heard that they did) following certaine Heretikes of the Greeke Church, I round to be vntrue, as well by report of them that haue beene often at their Baptismes, as by their Booke of Lyturgie it selfe, wherein the order of Baptisme [ 20] is precisely set downe.

When the childe is baptised,* 1.213 the Priest layeth Oyle and Salt tempered together vpon the forehead, and both sides of his face, and then vpon his mouth, drawing it along with his finger ouer the childs lips (as did the Popish Priests) saying withall certaine Prayers to this effect: that God will make him a good Christian, &c. all this is done in the Church Porch. Then is the child (as being now made a Christian, and meet to be receiued within the Church Doore) carried into the Church, the Priest going before,* 1.214 and there he is presented to the chiefe Idoll of the Church, being layd on a Cushion before the feet of the Image, by it (as by the Mediator) to be commended vnto God. If the child be sicke, or weake (specially in the Winter) they vse to make the water luke warme.* 1.215 After Baptisme the manner is to cut off the haire from the childs [ 30] head, and hauing wrapped it within a piece of Waxe to lay it vp as a Relique or Monument in a secret place of the Church.

This is the manner of their Baptisme, which they account to be the best and perfectest forme. As they doe all other parts of their Religion, receiued (as they say) by tradition from the best Church, meaning the Greeke. And therefore they will take great paines to make a Proselyte,* 1.216 or Conuert, either of an Infidell, or of a forreine Christian, by rebaptising him after the Russe man∣ner. When they take any Tartar prisoner, commonly they will offer him life, with condition to be baptised. And yet they perswade very few of them to redeeme their life so: because of the naturall hatred the Tartar beareth to the Russe, and the opinion he hath of his fashood, and iniustice. The yeere after Mosko was fired by the Chrim Tartar, there was taken a Diuoymorsey, [ 40] one of the chiefe in that exploit with three hundred Tartars more:* 1.217 who had all their liues of∣fered them if they would be baptised after the Russe manner. Which they refused all to doe, with many reproches against those that perswaded them. And so being carried to the Riuer Mosko (that runneth through the Citie) they were all baptised after a violent manner: being thrust downe with a knock on the head into the water, through an hole made in the Ice for that purpose. Of Lieflanders that are captiues,* 1.218 there are many that take on them this second Russe Baptisme to get more libertie, and somewhat besides towards their liuing, which the Empe∣rour ordinarily vseth to giue them.

Of Englishmen since they frequented the Countrey there was neuer any found, that so much forgot God, his Faith, and Countrey, as that he would be content to be baptised Russe, for any respect of feare, preferment, or other meanes whatsoeuer: saue onely Richard Relph, that fol∣lowing [ 50] before an vngodly trade, by keeping a Caback (against the order of the Countrey) and being put off from that trade, and spoiled by the Emperours Officers of that which he had, en∣tred himselfe this last yeere into the Russe Profession: and so was rebaptised, liuing now asmuch an Idolater, as before he was a Rioter, and vnthrifty person.

Such as thus receiue the Russe Baptisme, are first carried into some Monasterie to bee instru∣cted there in the doctrine and ceremonies of the Church. Where they vse these ceremonies. First, they put him into a new and fresh sute of apparell, made after the Russe fashion, and set a Coronet, or (in Summer) a Garland vpon his head. Then they anoint his head with Oyle, and put a Waxe candle light into his hand: and so pray ouer him foure times a day, the space of seuen dayes. All this while he is to abstaine from flesh, and white meats. The seuen dayes [ 60] being ended, he is purified and washed in a Bath-stoue, and so the eight day hee is brought into the Church, where he is taught by the Friers how to behaue himselfe in presence of their Idols, by ducking downe, knocking of the head, crossing himselfe, and such like gestures, which are the greatest part of the Russe Religion.

The Sacrament of the Lords Supper they receiue but once a yeere, in their great Lent time, a little before Easter.* 1.219 Three at the most are admitted at one time, and neuer aboue. The manner of their communicating, is thus. First, they confesse themselues of all their sinnes to the Priest (whom they call) their ghostly Father. Then they come to the Church, and are called vp to the Communion Table, that standeth like an Altar, a little remoued from the vpper end of the Church, after the Dutch manner. Heere first they are asked of the Priest, whether they bee cleane or no, that is, whether they haue neuer a sinne behind that they left vnconfessed. If they an∣swer, No, they are taken to the Table. Where the Priest beginneth with certayne vsuall Pray∣ers, the Communicants standing in the meane while with their armes folded one within ano∣ther, like Penitentiaries or Mourners. When these prayers are ended, the Priest taketh a Spoone [ 10] and filleth it full of claret Wine. Then hee putteth into it a small piece of Bread, and tempereth them both together:* 1.220 and so deliuereth them in the spoone to the Communicants, that stand in order, speaking the vsuall words of the Sacrament. Eate this, &c. Drinke this, &c. both at one time without any pause.

After that hee deliuereth them againe Bread by it selfe, and then Wine carded together with a little warme water, to represent Bloud more rightly (as they thinke) and the water withall, that flowed out of the side of Christ. Whiles this is in doing the Communicants vnfold their armes. And then folding them againe, follow the Priest thrice round about the Communion ta∣ble, and so returne to their places againe. Where hauing sayd certayne other prayers, hee dis∣misseth the Communicants, with charge to bee merrie, and to cheere vp themselues for the seuen [ 20] dayes next following. Which being ended, hee enioyneth them to fast for it as long time af∣ter. Which they vse to obserue with very great deuotion, eating nothing else but Bread and Salt, except a little Cabbage, and some other Herbe or Root, with water or quasse Mead for their drinke.

This is their manner of administring the Sacraments. Wherein what they differ from the in∣stitution of Christ, and what Ceremonies they haue added of their owne, or rather borrowed of the Greekes, may easily bee noted.

THeir chiefest errours in matter of Faith I finde to bee these. First, concerning the Word of God it selfe they will not read publikely certayne Bookes of the Canonicall Scripture,* 1.221 as [ 30] the bookes of Moses: specially the foure last, Exodus, Leuiticus, Numeri, and Deuteronomie, which they say are all made disauthentique, and put out of vse by the comming of Christ: as not able to discerne the difference betwixt the Morall and the Ceremoniall Law. The bookes of the Prophets they allow of, but reade them not publikely in their Churches, for the same reason: be∣cause they were but directers vnto Christ,* 1.222 and proper (as they say) to the Nation of the Iewes. Onely the Booke of Psalmes they haue in great estimation, and sing and say them daily in their Churches. Of the New Testament they allow and reade all, except the Reuelation: which therefore they reade not (though they allow it) because they vnderstand it not, neither haue the like occasion, to know the fulfilling of the Prophecies contayned within it, concerning especially the Apostacie of the Antichristian Church, as haue the Westerne Churches. Notwithstanding, [ 40] they haue had their Antichrists of the Greeke Church, and may finde their owne falling off, and the punishments for it by the Turkish inuasion in the Prophecies of the Booke.

* 1.223Secondly, (which is the fountayne of the rest of all their corruptions both in Doctrine and Ceremonies) they hold with the Papists, that their Church Traditions are of equall authoritie with the written Word of God. Wherein they preferre themselues before other Churches: af∣firming that they haue the true and right Traditions, deliuered by the Apostles to the Greeke Church, and so vnto them.

* 1.224Thirdly, that the Church (meaning the Greeke, and specially the Patriarch and his Synod, as the head of the rest) hauing a soueraigne Authoritie to interpret the Scriptures, and that all are bound to hold that Interpretation, as sound and authentique. [ 50]

Fourthly, concerning the Diuine nature and the three Persons, in the one substance of God, that the holy Ghost proceedeth from the Father onely, and not from the Sonne.

* 1.225Fiftly, about the office of Christ, they hold many foule errours, and the same almost as doth the Popish Church: namely, that hee is the sole Mediatour of redemption, but not of intercession. Their chiefe reason (if they bee talked withall) for defence of this errour, is that vnapt and foo∣lish comparison,* 1.226 betwixt God, and a Monarch or Prince of this world, that must bee sued vnto by Mediatours about him: wherein they giue speciall preferment to some aboue others, as to the blessed Virgin whom they call Procheste, or vndefiled, and Saint Nicolas, whom they call Scora pomosnick, or the Speedy helper, and say, that hee hath three hundred Angels of the chiefest appoin∣ted by God to attend vpon him. This hath brought them to an horrible excesse of Idolatrie, af∣ter the grossest and prophanest manner,* 1.227 giuing vnto their Images all religious worship of Pray∣er, [ 60] Thankesgiuing, Offerings and Adoration, with prostrating and knocking their heads to the ground before them, as to God himselfe. Which because they doe to the Picture, not to the por∣traiture of the Saint, they say they worship not an Idoll, but the Saint in his Image, and so of∣fend

not God: forgetting the Commandement of God, that forbiddeth to make the Image or likenesse of any thing, for any Religious worship, or vse whatsoeuer. Their Church walls are ve∣rie full of them, richly hanged and set foorth with Pearle and Stone, vpon the smooth Table. Though some also they haue embossed, that sticke from the board almost an inch outwards. They call them Chudouodites, or their Miracle workers: and when they prouide them to set vp in their Churches, in no case they may say, that they haue bought the Image, but Exchan∣ged money for it.

Sixtly, for the meanes of Iustification, they agree with the Papists,* 1.228 that it is not by Faith one∣ly apprehending Christ, but by their Workes also. And that Opus operatum, or the worke for the [ 10] worke sake, must needs please God. And therefore they are all in their numbers of Prayers, Fasts, Vowes, and Offerings to Saints, Almes deeds, Crossings and such like, and carrie their num∣bring Beads about with them continually, as well the Emperour and his Nobilitie, as the com∣mon people, not onely in the Church, but in all other publike places, specially at any set or so∣lemne meeting, as in their Fasts, law Courts, common Consultations, entertaynment of Ambas∣sadours, and such like.

Seuenthly, they say with the Papists, that no man can bee assured of his saluation,* 1.229 till the sen∣tence be passed at the day of Iudgement.

Eightly, they vse auricular Confession,* 1.230 and thinke they are purged by the very action from so many sinnes, as they confesse by name, and in particular to the Priest.

[ 20] Ninthly, they hold three Sacraments, of Baptisme, the Lords Supper, and the last Anoiling or Vnction. Yet concerning their Sacrament of extreame Vnction,* 1.231 they hold it not so necessarie to saluation as they doe Baptisme, but thinke it a great curse and punishment of God, if any dye without it.

Tenthly, they thinke there is a necessitie of Baptisme,* 1.232 and that all are condemned that dye without it.

Eleuenth,* 1.233 they rebaptise as many Christians (not being of the Greeke Church) as they conuert to their Russe profession: because they are diuided from the true Church, which is the Greeke, as they say.

Twelfth, they make a difference of Meates and Drinkes,* 1.234 accounting the vse of one to be more [ 30] holy then of another. And therefore in their set Fasts they forbeare to eate flesh, and white meates (as wee call them) after the manner of the Popish superstition: which they obserue so strictly, and with such blinde deuotion, as that they will rather die, then eate one bit of Flesh, Egges or such like, for the health of their bodies in their extreame sicknesse.

Thirteenth, they hold Marriage to bee vnlawfull for all the Clergie men,* 1.235 except the Priests onely, and for them also after the first Wife, as was sayd before. Neither doe they well allow of it in Lay-men after the second marriage. Which is a pretence now vsed against the Emperours onely Brother, a childe of sixe yeeres old: who therefore is not Prayed for in their Churches, (as their manner is otherwise for the Princes bloud) because hee was borne of the sixt marriage, and so not legitimate. This charge was giuen to the Priests by the Emperour himselfe, by procure∣ment [ 40] of the Godones: who make him beleeue, that it is a good policie to turne away the liking of the people from the next successour.

Many other false opinions they haue in matter of Religion. But these are the chiefe, which they hold, partly by meanes of their traditions (which they haue receiued from the Greeke Church) but specially by ignorance of the holy Scriptures. Which notwithstanding they haue in the Polonian tongue, (that is all one with theirs some few words excepted) yet few of them reade them with that godly care which they ought to doe: neither haue they (if they would) Bookes sufficient of the old and new Testament for the common people, but of their Lyturgie onely, or Booke of common seruice, whereof there are great numbers. Which notwithstanding it is not to bee doubted, but that hauing the Word of God in some sort (though without the or∣dinarie [ 50] meanes to attaine to a true sense and vnderstanding of it) God hath also his number among them. As may partly appeare by that which a Russe at Mosko sayd in secret to one of my Ser∣uants, speaking against their Images and other superstitions: That God had giuen vnto England light to day, and might giue it to morrow (if hee pleased) to them.

As for any Inquisition or proceeding against men for matter of Religion,* 1.236 I could heare of none: saue a few yeeres since against one man and his wife, who were kept in a close Prison the space of eight and twentie yeeres, till they were ouer-growne into a deformed fashion, for their hayre, nayles, colour of countenance, and such like, and in the end were burned at Mosko, in a small House set on fire. The cause was kept secret, but like it was for some part of truth in mat∣ter of Religion: though the people were made to beleeue by the Priests and Friers, that they [ 60] held some great and damnable Heresie.

THe manner of making and solemnizing their Marriages,* 1.237 is different from the manner of o∣ther Countries. The man (though hee neuer saw the woman before) is not permitted to haue any sight of her all the time of his wooing: which hee doth not by himselfe, but by his

Mother or some other ancient woman of his kinne or acquaintance. When the liking is taken (as well by the Parents as by the parties themselues, for without the knowledge and consent of the Parents, the contract is not lawfull) the Fathers on both sides, or such as are to them in stead of Fathers, with their other chiefe friends, haue a meeting and conference about the dowrie, which is commonly very large after the abilitie of the parents: so that you shall haue a Market man (as they call them) giue a thousand Rubbels, or more with his Daughter.

As for the man it is neuer required of him, nor standeth with their custome to make any joyn∣ter in recompence of the dowrie.* 1.238 But in case hee haue a Child by his Wife, shee enioyeth a third deale after his decease. If he haue two Children by her or more, she is to haue a courtesie more, at the discretion of the husband. If the husband depart without issue by his wife, shee is returned [ 10] home to her friends without any thing at all, saue onely her dowrie: if the husband leaue so much behind him in goods. When the agreement is made concerning the dowrie, they signe Bonds one to the other, as well for the payment of the dowrie, as the performing of the Marri∣age by a certayne day. If the woman were neuer married before, her Father and friends are bound besides to assure her a Maiden. Which breedeth many brabbles and quarrels at Law, if the man take any conceit concerning the behauiour and honestie of his wife.

Thus the contract being made, the parties begin to send tokens the one to the other, the Wo∣man first, then afterwards the Man, but yet see not one another till the Marriage bee solemni∣zed. On the Eue before the marriage day, the Bride is carryed in a Collimago, or Coach, or in a Sled (if it bee winter) to the Bridegroomes house, with her marriage Apparell and Bed-stead [ 20] with her, which they are to lye in. For this is euer prouided by the Bride, and is commonly ve∣rie faire, with much cost bestowed vpon it. Heere she is accompanied all that night by her Mo∣ther and other women: but not welcommed, nor once seene by the Bridegroome himselfe.

When the time is come to haue the marriage solemnized, the Bride hath put vpon her a kinde of Hood,* 1.239 made of fine Knit-worke or Lawne, that couereth her head, and all her body downe to the middle. And so accompanied with her friends, and the Bridegroome with his, they goe to Church all on Horsebacke, though the Church be neare hand, and themselues but of very meane degree. The words of contract and other ceremonies in solemnizing the Marriage, are much af∣ter the order,* 1.240 and with the same words that are vsed with vs: with a Ring also giuen to the Bride. Which being put on, and the words of contract pronounced: the Brides hand is deliuered [ 30] into the hand of the Bridegroome, which standeth all this while on the one side of the Altar or Table, and the Bride on the other. So the marriage knot being knit by the Priest, the Bride commeth to the Bridegroome (standing at the end of the altar or table) and falleth downe at his feet, knocking her Head vpon his Shooe, in token of her subjection and obedience. And the Bridegroome againe, casteth the lappe of his Gowne or vpper garment ouer the Bride, in token of his dutie to protect and cherish her.

Then the Bridegroome and Bride, standing both together at the Tables end, commeth first the Father and the other friends of the Bride, and how themselues downe low to the Bride∣groome: and so likewise his friends bow themselues to the Bride, in token of affinitie and loue euer after betwixt the two kindreds.* 1.241 And withall, the Father of the Bridegroome offereth to [ 40] the Priest a loafe of Bread, who deliuereth it straight againe to the Father and other friends of the Bride, with attestation before God and their Idols, that hee deliuer the dowrie wholly and truely at the day appointed, and hold loue euer after, one kindred with another. Whereupon they breake the Loafe into pieces, and eate of it, to testifie their true and sincere meanings, for performing of that charge, and thenceforth to become as graines of one Loafe, or men of one Table.

These ceremonies being ended, the Bridegroome taketh the Bride by the hand, and so they goe on together with their friends after them towards the Church porch.* 1.242 Where meet them certaine with pots and cups in their hands, with Mead and Russe Wine. Whereof the Bridegroome ta∣keth first a Charke, or little cup full in his hand, and drinketh to the Bride: who opening her [ 50] Hood or Vale below, and putting the Cup to her mouth vnderneath it (for being seene of the Bridegroome) pledgeth him againe. Thus returning all together from the Church, the Bride∣groome goeth not home to his owne, but to his Fathers house, and shee likewise to hers, where either entertayne their friends apart.* 1.243 At the entring into the House, they vse to fling Corne out of the windowes vpon the Bridegroome and Bride, in token of plentie and fruitfulnesse to bee with them euer after.

When the Euening is come, the Bride is brought to the Bridegroomes Fathers house, and there lodgeth that night,* 1.244 with her Vayle or couer still ouer her head. All that night she may not speake one word (for that charge shee receiueth by tradition from her Mother, and other Ma∣trons her friends) that the Bridegroome must neither heare, nor see her, till the day after the [ 60] marriage. Neither three dayes after, may she bee heard to speake, saue certaine few words at the Table in a set forme, with great manners and reuerence to the Bridegroome: If shee behaue her∣selfe otherwise, it is a great prejudice to her credit and life euer after: and will highly bee disli∣ked of the Bridegroome himselfe.

After the third day, they depart to their owne, and make a Feast to both their friends to∣gether. The marriage day, and the whole time of their festiuall, the Bridegroome hath the honour to be called Moloday Knez, or young Duke, and the Bride Moloday Knezay, or young Dutchesse.

In liuing with their wiues, they shew themselues to be but of a barbarous condition: vsing them as seruants, rather then wiues. Except the Noble-women, which are, or seeme to bee of more estimation with their husbands, then the rest of meaner sort. They haue this foule abuse, contrary to good order, and the Word of God it selfe, that vpon dislike of his wife, or other cause whatsoeuer, the man may goe into a Monasterie and shire himselfe a Frier, by pre∣tence of deuotion: and so leaue his wife to shift for her selfe so well as shee can.

[ 10]

THe other Ceremonies of their Church, are many in number: especially,* 1.245 the abuse about the signe of the Crosse, which they set vp in their high wayes, in the tops of their Churches, and in euery doore of their houses, signing themselues continually with it on their foreheads & breasts with great deuotion, as they will seeme by their outward gesture. Which were lesse of∣fence, if they gaue not withall that religious reuerence and worship vnto it, which is due to God onely, and vsed the dumbe shew, and signing of it instead of thanksgiuing, and of all other duties which they owe vnto God. When they rise in the morning, they goe commonly in the sight of some steeple that hath a Crosse on the top; and so bowing themselues towards the Crosse, signe themselues withall on their foreheads and breasts. And this is their thanksgi∣uing [ 20] to God for their nights rest, without any word speaking, except peraduenture they say, Aspody Pomeluy, or Lord haue mercie vpon vs. When they sit downe to meat, and rise againe from it, the thanksgiuing to God, is the crossing of their foreheads and brests. Except it be some few that adde peraduenture a word or two of some ordinary prayer, impertinent to that purpose. When they are to giue an oath for the deciding of any controuersie at Law, they doe it by swearing by the Crosse, and kissing the feet of it, making it as God, whose name onely is to bee vsed in such triall of Iustice. When they enter into any house (where euer there is an Idoll hang∣ing on the wall) they signe themselues with the Crosse, and bow themselues to it. When they begin any worke, bee it little or much, they arme themselues first with the signe of the Crosse. And this commonly is all their prayer to God, for good speed of their businesse. And thus they [ 30] serue God with crosses, after a crosse and vaine manner: notwithstanding what the Crosse of Christ is, nor the power of it. And yet they thinke all strangers Christians, to be no better then Turkes in comparison of themselues (and so they will say) because they bow not themselues when they meet with the Crosse, nor signe themselues with it, as the Russe manner is.

They haue Holy-water in like vse and estimation, as the Popish Church hath.* 1.246 But heerein they exceed them, in that they doe not onely hollow their Holy-water stockes, and tubs full of water, but all the Riuers of the Countrey once euery yeere.* 1.247 At Mosko it is done with great pompe and solemnitie: the Emperour himselfe being present at it with all his Nobilitie, mar∣ching through the streets towards the Riuer of Moskua, in manner of Procession, in this order [ 40] as followeth. First goe two Deacons, with banners in their hands, the one of Precheste (or our Lady) the other of Saint Michael fighting with his Dragon. Then follow after the rest of the Deacons, and the Priests of Mosko, two and two in a ranke, with Coaps on their backes, and their Idols at their brests, carried with girdles or slings, made fast about their necks. Next the Priests come their Bishops in their Pontificalibus: then the Friers, Monkes, and Abbots: and after the Patriarches in very rich attire, with a Ball or Sphere on the top of his Myter, to sig∣nifie his vniuersalitie ouer that Church. Last commeth the Emperour with all his Nobilitie. The whole traine is of a mile long, or more. When they are come to the Riuer, a great hole is made in the Ice, where the Market is kept of a road and a halfe broad, with a stage round about it to keepe off the presse. Then beginneth the Patriarch to say certaine prayers, and coniureth [ 50] the Deuill to come out of the water: and so casting in Salt, and censing it with Frankincense, maketh the whole Riuer to become Holy-water. The morning before, all the people of Mosko vse to make crosses of chaulke ouer euery doore and window of their houses; least the Deuill being coniured out of the water, should flye into their houses.

When the Ceremonies are ended you shal see the black Guard of the Emperors house, & then the rest of the Towne, with their pailes and buckets to take off the hallowed water for drinke, and other vses. You shall also see the women dip in their children ouer head and eares, and ma∣ny men and women leape into it, some naked, some with their clothes on, when some man would thinke his finger would freeze off, if he should but dip it into the water. When the men haue done, they bring their horse to the Riuer to drinke of the sanctified water, and so make [ 60] them as holy as a horse. Their set day for the solemne action of hallowing their Riuers, is that we call Twelfth-day. The like is done by other Bishops in all parts of the Realme.

Their manner is also to giue it to their sicke in their greatest extremitie: thinking that it will either recouer them, or sanctifie them to God. Whereby they kill many, through their vnrea∣sonable superstition, as did the Lord Borris his onely sonne, at my being at the Mosko:* 1.248 whom

he killed (as was said by the Physitians) by powring into him cold Holy-water, and presen∣ting him naked into the Church,* 1.249 to their Saint Basileo, in the cold of Winter in an extremitie of sickenesse.

They haue an Image of Christ, which they call Neruchi, (which signifieth as much as Made without hands) for so their Priests, and superstition withall perswadeth them it was. This in their Processions they carry about with them on high vpon a pole, enclosed within a Pixe, made like a Lanthorne, and doe reuerence to it as to a great mysterie.

* 1.250At euery brewing their manner is likewise to bring a dish of their woort to the Priest with∣in the Church: which being hollowed by him, is powred into the brewing, and so giueth it such a vertue, as when they drinke of it they are seldome sober. The like they doe with the first fruits of their Corne in Haruest. [ 10]

* 1.251They haue another Ceremony on Palm-sunday, of ancient tradition: what time the Pa∣triarch rideth through the Mosko, the Emperour himselfe holding his horse bridle, and the peo∣ple crying Hosanna, and spreading their vpper garments vnder his horse feet. The Emperour hath of the Patriarch for his good seruice of that day two hundred Rubbels of standing pen∣sion. Another pageant they haue much like to this, the weeke before the Natiuitie of Christ: when euery Bishop in his Cathedrall Church, setteth forth a shew of the three children in the Ouen. Where the Angell is made to come flying from the roofe of the Church, with great ad∣miration of the lookers on, and many terrible flashes of fire are made with rosen, and gun-pow∣der, by the Chaldeans (as they call them) that run about the Towne all the twelue dayes, dis∣guised [ 20] in their players coats, and make much good sport for the honor of the Bishops pageant. At the Mosko, the Emperour himselfe, and the Empresse neuer faile to be at it, though it be but the same matter plaid euery yeere, without any new inuention at all.

* 1.252Besides their fasts on Wednesdayes, and Fridayes throughout the whole yeere, (the one be∣cause they say Christ was sold on the Wednesday, the other because he suffered on the Friday) they haue foure great Fasts or Lents euery yeere. The first, (which they call their great Lent) is at the same time with ours. The second, about Mid-summer. The third, in Haruest time. The fourth, about Hallontide: which they keepe not of pollicie, but of meere superstition. In their great Lent, for the first weeke, they eat nothing but bread and salt, and drinke nothing but wa∣ter, neither meddle with any matter of their vocation, but intend their shriuing and fasting on∣ly. [ 30] They haue also three Vigils, or Wakes in their great Lent, which they call Stoiania and the last Friday their great Vigil,* 1.253 as they call it. What time the whole Parish must be present in the Church, and watch from nine a clocke in the Euening, till sixe in the morning, all the while standing, saue when they fall downe and knocke their heads to their Idols, which must bee an hundred and seuentie times iust through the whole night.

* 1.254About their burialls also, they haue many superstitious and prophane Ceremonies: as put∣ting within the finger of the corps, a letter to Saint Nicolas: whom they make their chiefe me∣diatour, and as it were the porter of heauen gates, as the Papists doe their Peter.

In Winter time, when all is couered with snow, and the ground so hard frozen, as that no spade nor pick-axe can enter their manner is not to bury their dead, but to keepe the bodies (so ma∣ny [ 40] as die all the Winter time) in an house, in the suburbs, or out-parts of the Towne, which they call Bohsedom, that is Gods house: where the dead bodies are pyled vp together, like bil∣lets on a woodstacke, as hard with the frost as a verie stone, till the Spring-tide come, and re∣solueth the frost: what time euerie man taketh his dead friend, and committeth him to the ground.

* 1.255They haue besides their yeeres and moneths mindes for their friends departed. What time they haue prayers said ouer the graue by the Priest: who hath a peny ordinary for his paines. When any dieth, they haue ordinary women mourners, that come to lament for the dead par∣tie: and stand howling ouer the body after a prophane and heathenish manner (sometimes in the house, sometimes bringing the body into the back-side, asking him what he wanted, and [ 50] what he meant to die. They bury their dead, as the party vsed to goe, with coat, hose, bootes, hat, and the rest of his apparell.

Many other vaine and superstitious Ceremonies they haue, which were long and tedious to report. By these it may appeare how farre they are fallen from the true knowledge, and prac∣tice of Christian Religion, hauing exchanged the Word of God for their vaine Traditions, and brought all to externall and ridiculous Ceremonies, without any regard of Spirit and Truth, which God requireth in his true worship.

* 1.256THe Emperours priuate behauiour, so much as may be, or is meet to bee knowne, is after this manner. Hee riseth commonly about foure a clock in the morning. After his appar∣relling [ 60] and washing, in commeth his ghostly Father, or Priest of his chamber, which is named in their tongue, Otetz Duhouna, with his Crosse in his hand, where with he blesseth him, laying it first on his forehead, then vpon his cheekes, or sides of his face and then offereth him the end of it to kisse. This done, the Clerke of the Crosse (called Chresby Deyack Profery) bringeth

into his Chamber, a painted Image, representing the Saint for that day; for euery day with them hath his seuerall Saint, as it were the Patrone for that day. This hee placeth among the rest of his Image Gods, wherewithall his Chamber is decked,* 1.257 as thicke almost as the wall can beare, with Lampes and Waxe-candles burning before them. They are very costly and gor∣geously decked with Pearle and Precious Stone. This Image being placed before him, the Em∣perour beginneth to crosse himselfe after the Russe manner; first, on the fore-head, then on both sides of his brest, with Aspody Pomeluy, Pomeluy mena hospody, sacroy mena gresnick Syhodestua: which is as much to say, as, Helpe me, O Lord my God, Lord comfort me, defend and keepe me a Sin∣ner from doing euill, &c. This he directeth towards the Image, or Saint for that day, whom hee [ 10] nameth in his Prayer, together with our Lady (whom they call Precheste) Saint Nicholas, or some other, to whom he beareth most deuotion, bowing himselfe prostrate vnto them, with knocking his head to the very ground. Thus he continueth the space of a quarter of an houre or thereabouts.

Then commeth againe the Ghostly Father or Chamber Priest, with a Siluer Bowle full of Holy-water, which they call in Russe, Sweta Voda, and a sprinkle of Basill (as they call it) in his hand: and so all to besprinkleth first the Image Gods, and then the Emperour. This Holy-water is brought fresh euery day from the Monasteries, farre and neere sent to the Emperour from the Abbot or Prior, in the name of the Saint, that is Patrone of that Monastery, as a speciall token of good will from him.

[ 20] These Deuotions being ended, he sendeth into the Empresse, to aske whether she hath rested in health, &c. And after a little pawses goeth himselfe to salute her in a middle Roome betwixt both their chambers. The Empresse lyeth a-part from him, and keepeth not one chamber, nor Table with the Emperour ordinarily, saue vpon the Eue of their Lents, or common Fasts: what time she is his ordinary Ghest at Bed and Boord. After their meeting in the morning, they goe together to their priuate Church or Chappell, where is said or sung a morning Seruice (called Zautrana) of an houre long or thereabouts. From the Church hee returneth home,* 1.258 and sitteth him downe in a great chamber, to be seene and saluted by his Nobilitie, such as are in fauour a∣bout the Court. If he haue to say to any of them, or they to him, then is the time. And this is ordinary, except his health, or some other occasion alter the custome.

[ 30] About nine in the morning, he goeth to another Church within his Castle: where is sung by Priests, and Choristers, the high Seruice (called Obead••a, or Complin) which commonly lasteth two houres: the Emperour in the meane-time talking commonly with some of his Councell, Nobilitie, or Captaynes, which haue to say to him, or he to them. And the Councell likewise conferre together among themselues, as if they were in their Councel-house. This ended, he re∣turneth home, and recreateth himselfe vntill it be Dinner time.

He is serued at his Table on this manner. First, euery Dish (as it is deliuered at the Dresser) is tasted by the Cooke, in the presence of the high Steward, or his Deputie.* 1.259 And so is receiued by the Gentlemen-wayters (called Shilshey) and by them carryed vp to the Emperours Table, the high Steward or his Deputie going before. There it is receiued by the Sewer (called Erastnoy) [ 40] who giueth a taste of euery Dish to the Taster, and so placeth it before the Emperour. The num∣ber of his Dishes for his ordinary Seruice, is about seuenty: dressed somewhat grosly, with much Garlike, and Salt, much after the Dutch manner. When hee exceedeth vpon some occasion of the day, or entertainment of some Ambassadour, hee hath many more Dishes. The Seruice is sent vp by two Dishes at a time, or three at the most, that he may eate it warme, first the baked, then the Roast meats, and last the Broths. In his dining chamber is another Table: where sit the chiefe of his Nobility that are about his Court, and his Ghostly Father, or Chapleine. On the one side of the chamber standeth a Cubboord, or Table of Plate, very faire and rich, with a great Cisterne of Copper by it, full of Ice and Snow, wherein stand the Pots that serue for that meale. The Taster holdeth the cup that he drinketh in all Dinner time, and deliuereth it vnto him with a say, when he calleth for it. The manner is to make many Dishes out of the Seruice after it is [ 50] set on the Table, and to send them to such Noblemen and Officers as the Emperour liketh best. And this is counted a great fauour and honour.

After dinner he layeth him down to rest, where commonly he taketh three houres sleep, except he employ one of the houres to bathing, or boxing. And this custome for sleeping after Dinner, is an ordinary matter with him, as withall the Russes. After his sleep, he goeth to Euen-song (called Vechurna) and thence returning, for the most part recreateth himselfe with the Empresse till Sup∣per time, with Iesters and Dwarfes, men and women, that tumble before him, and sing many Songs after the Russe manner. This is his common recreation betwixt meales that he most de∣lights in. One other speciall recreation, is the fight with wild Beares,* 1.260 which are caught in Pits or Nets, and are kept in barred Cages for that purpose, against the Emperour bee disposed to see [ 60] the pastime. The fight with the Beare is on this sort. The man is turned into a Circle walled round about, where hee is to quite himselfe so well as hee can: for there is no way to flye out. When the Beare is turned loose, he commeth vpon him with open mouth; if at the first push he misse his ayme, so that the Beare come within him, hee is in great danger. But the wilde Beare

being very scarce, hath this quality, that giueth aduantage to the Hunter. His manner is, when he assayleth a man, to rise vp right on his two hinder-legs, and so to come roaring with open-mouth vpon him. And if the Hunter then can push right into the very brest of him betwixt his fore-legs (as commonly he will not misse) resting the other end of their Boare-speare at the side of his foot, and so keeping the Pike still towards the face of the Beare, hee speedeth him com∣monly at one blow. But many times these Hunters come short, and are either slaine, or misera∣bly torne with the Teeth and Talents of the fierce Beast. If the partie quite himselfe well in this fight with the Beare, he is carried to drinke at the Emperours Seller doore: where he drin∣keth himselfe drunke for the honour of Hospodare. And this is his Reward for aduenturing his life, for the Emperours pleasure. To maintayne this pastime, the Emperour hath certayne Hunts∣men that are appointed for that purpose to take the wild Beare. This is his recreation common∣ly [ 10] on the holy dayes. Sometimes hee spendeth his time in looking vpon his Gold-smithes and Iewellers, Taylors, Embroyderers, Painters, and such like, and so goeth to his Supper. When it draweth towards Bed-time, his Priest saith certayne Prayers: and then the Emperour blesseth and crosseth himselfe, as in the morning for a quarter of an houre or thereabouts, and so goeth to his Bed.

* 1.261The Emperour that now is (called Theodore Iuanowich) is for his person of a meane stature, some-what low and grosse, of a sallow complexion, and inclining to the Dropsie, Hawke-nosed, vnsteady in his pase, by reason of some weaknesse of his limmes, heauy and vnactiue, yet com∣monly smiling almost to a laughter. For qualitie otherwise, simple and slow witted, but very [ 20] gentle, and of an easie nature, quiet, mercifull, of no martiall disposition, nor greatly apt for matter of Policie, very Superstitious, and infinite that way. Besides his priuate Deuotions at home, he goeth euery weeke commonly on Pilgrimage, to some Monasterie or other that is nee∣rest hand.* 1.262 He is of thirtie foure yeeres old, or thereabouts, and hath reigned almost the space of six yeeres.

THe chiefe Officers of the Emperours houshold, are these which follow. The first, is the Of∣fice of the Boiaren Conesheua,* 1.263 or Master of the Horse. Which contayneth no more then is expressed by the name, that is, to be Ouer-seer of the Horse, and not Magister Equitum, or Master of the Horsemen. For he appointeth other for that Seruice, as occasion doth require (as [ 30] before was said.) He that beareth that Office at this time, is Borris Federowich Godonoe, Brother to the Empresse. Of Horse for Seruice in his Warres (besides other for his ordinary vses) he hath to the number of 10000. which are kept about Mosko.

* 1.264The next is the Lord Steward of his houshold at this time, one Gregorie Vasilowich Godonoe. The third, is his Treasurer, that keepeth all his Moneyes, Iewels, Plate, &c. now called Stepan Vasilowich Godonoe. The fourth, his Comptroller, now Andreas Petrowich Clesinine. The fift, his Chamberlaine. He that attendeth that Office at this time, is called Estoma Bisabroza Pastelnis∣chay. The sixt, his Tasters, now Theodore Alexandrowich, and Iuan Vasilowich Godonoe. The se∣uenth, his Harbengers, which are three Noblemen, no diuers other Gentlemen that do the Of∣fice vnder them. These are his ordinary Officers, and Offices of the chiefest account. [ 40]

* 1.265Of Gentlemen, beside that wait about his Chamber, and Person (called Shilsey Strapsey) there are two hundred, all Noblemens Sonnes. His ordinary Guard is two thousand Hagbutters, ready with their Peeces charged, and their Match lighted, with other necessary Furniture, continual∣ly day and night: which come not within the house, but waite without in the Court or Yard where the Emperour is abiding. In night time there lodgeth next to his Bed-chamber, the chiefe Chamberlaine, with one or two more of best trust about him. A second chamber off, there lodge six other of like account, for their trust and faithfulnesse. In the third chamber lye certayne young Gentlemen,* 1.266 of these two hundred, called Shilsey Strapsey, that take their turne by forties euery night. There are Groomes besides that watch in their course, and lye at euery gate and doore of the Court, called Estopnick. [ 50]

The Hag-butters or Gunners, whereof there are two thousand (as was said before) watch a∣bout the Emperours Lodging, or Bed-chamber, by course two hundred and fiftie euery night, and two hundred and fiftie more in the Court-yard, and about the Treasure-house. His Court or house at the Mosko, is made Castle-wise, walled about with great store of faire Ordnance plan∣ted vpon the wall, and contayneth a great breadth of ground within it, with many dwelling houses. Which are appointed for such as are knowne to be sure, and trustie to the Emperour.

* 1.267THe priuate behauiour and qualitie of the Russe people, may partly be vnderstood by that which hath beene sayd, concerning the publike State and vsage of the Countrey. As tou∣ching the naturall habit of their bodies, they are for the most part of a large size, and of very [ 60] fleshly bodies: accounting it a grace to be somewhat grosse and burley, and therefore they nou∣rish and spread their Beards, to haue them long and broad. But for the most part they are very vnweldy, and vnactiue withall. Which may bee thought to come partly of the Climate, and the numbnesse which they get by the cold in Winter, and partly of their Dyet that standeth

most of Roots, Onions, Garlike, Cabbage, and such like things that breed grosse humours, which they vse to eate alone, and with their other meates.

Their Dyet is rather much, then curious.* 1.268 At their Meales they beginne commonly with a Chark, or small cup of Aqua-vitae (which they call Russe Wine) and then drinke not till to∣wards the end of their Meales, taking it in largely, and all together with kissing one another at euery pledge. And therefore after Dinner there is no talking with them,* 1.269 but euery man goeth to his bench to take his after-noones sleepe, which is as ordinary with them as their nights rest. When they exceed, and haue varietie of Dishes, the first are their baked meates (for roast meats they vse little) and then their Broaths or Pottage. To drinke drunke, is an ordinary matter [ 10] with them euery day in the Weeke. Their common Drinke is Mead, the poorer sort vse water, and a thin Drinke called Quasse, which is nothing else (as wee say) but water turned out of his wits, with a little Bran meashed with it.

This Dyet would breed in them many Diseases, but that they vse Bath-stoues, or Hot-hou∣ses in stead of all Physicke, commonly twice or thrice euery Weeke. All the Winter time,* 1.270 and almost the whole Summer, they heate their Peaches, which are made like the Germane Bath-stoues, and their Potlads like Ouens, that so warme the House, that a stranger at the first shall hardly like of it. These two extremities, specially in the Winter of heate within their Houses, and of extreame cold without, together with their Dyet, maketh them of a darke and sallow complexion, their skinnes being tanned and parched both with cold and with heat: specially [ 20] the women, that for the greater part are of farre worse complexions then the men. Whereof the cause I take to be their keeping within the Hot-houses, and busying themselues about the hea∣ting, and vsing of their Bath-stoues and Peaches.

The Russe because that he is vsed to both these extremities of heate and of cold, can beare them both a great deale more patiently then strangers can doe.* 1.271 You shall see them sometimes (to season their bodies) come out of their Bath-stoues all on a froth, and fuming as hote almost as a Pigge at a Spit, and presently to leape into the Riuer starke naked, or to powre cold water all ouer their bodies, and that in the coldest of all the Winter time. The women to mend the bad hue of their skinnes, vse to paint their faces with white and redde colours,* 1.272 so visibly that euery man may perceiue it. Which is made no matter, because it is common, and liked well by their [ 30] Husbands: who make their Wiues and Daughters an ordinary allowance to buy them colours to paint their faces withall, and delight themselues much to see them of foule women to become such faire Images. This parcheth the skinne, and helpeth to deforme them when their pain∣ting is of.

They apparell themselues after the Greeke manner. The Noblemans attyre is on this fashion. First, a Taffia, or little night cap on his head, that couereth little more then his crowne, common∣ly very rich, wrought of Silke and Gold Thread, and set with Pearle and Precious Stone.* 1.273 His head he keepeth shauen close to the very skin, except he be in some displeasure with the Emper∣our. Then he suffereth his haire to grow and hang downe vpon his shoulders, couering his face as vgly and deformedly as he can. Ouer the Taffia he weareth a wide Cap of blacke Foxe (which [ 40] they account for the best Furre) with a Tiara, or long Bonnet put within it, standing vp like a Persian or Babylonian Hat. About his necke (which is seene all bare) is a Coller set with Pearle and Precious Stone, about three or foure-fingers broad. Next ouer his shirt (which is curiously wrought, because hee strippeth himselfe into it in the Sommer-time, while hee is within the house) is a Shepon, or light Garment of Silke made downe to the knees, buttoned before; and then a Caftan or a close Coat buttoned, and girt to him with a Persian Girdle, whereat he hangs his Kniues and Spoone. This commonly is of Cloth of Gold, and hangeth downe as low as his ankles. Ouer that he weareth a loose Garment of some rich Silke, furred and faced about with some Gold Lace, called a Ferris. Another ouer that of Chamblet, or like Stuffe called an Alka∣ben, sleeued and hanging low, and the Cape commonly brooched, and set all with Pearle. When [ 50] he goeth abroad, he casteth ouer all these (which are but sleight, though they seeme to be many) another Garment called an Honoratkey, like to the Alkaben, saue that it is made without a Coller for the necke. And this is commonly of fine Cloth, or Camels haire. His Buskins (which hee weareth in stead of Hose, with Linnen Folles vnder them in stead of Boot-hose) are made of a Persian Leather called Saphian, Embroydered with Pearle. His vpper stocks commonly are of Cloth of Gold. When he goeth abroad, hee mounteth on Horse-backe, though it bee but to the next doore: which is the manner also of the Boiarskey, or Gentlemen.

The Boiarskey, or Gentlemans attyre is of the same fashion, but differeth in Stuffe: and yet he will haue his Caftan or Vnder-coat sometimes of Cloth of Gold, the rest of Cloth or Silke.* 1.274

Vhe Noble woman (called Chyna Boiarshena) weareth on her head, first a Caull of some soft [ 60] Silke (which is commonly called Red) and ouer it a Fruntlet, called Obrosa, of white colour. Ouer that her Cap (made after the Coife-fashion of Cloth of Gold) called Shapka Zempska, edged with some rich Furre, and set with Pearle and Stone. Though they haue of late begun to disdaine Embroydering with Pearle about their Caps, because the Diacks, and some Mer∣chants Wiues haue taken vp the fashion. In their eares they weare Earerings (which they call

Sargee) of two Inches or more compasse, the matter of Gold set with Rubies, or Saphires, or some like Precious Stone. In Sommer they goe often with Kerchiefs of fine white Lawne, or Cambricke, fastned vnder the chinne, with two long Tassels pendent. The Kerchiefe spotted and set thicke with rich Pearle. When they ride or goe abroad in raynie weather, they weare white Hats with coloured bands (called Stapa Zempskoy.) About their neckes they weare Col∣lers of three or foure-fingers broad, set with rich Pearle and Precious Stone. Their vpper Gar∣ment is a loose Gowne called Oposhen, commonly of Scarlet, with wide loose sleeues, hanging downe to the ground buttened before with great Gold Buttons, or at least Siluer and gilt, nigh as bigge as a Wal-nut. Which hath hanging ouer it fastned vnder the Cap, a large broad Cape of some rich Furre, that hangeth downe almost to the midst of their backes. Next vnder the Oposken or vpper Garment, they weare another called a Leitnick that is made close before with [ 10] great wide sleeues, the cuffe or halfe sleeue vp to the elbowes, commonly of Cloth of Gold: and vnder that a Ferris Zemskoy, which hangeth loose buttoned throughout to the very foot. On the hand wrests they weare very faire Bracelets, about two fingers broad of Pearle and Precious Stone. They goe all in Buskins of White, Yellow, Blue, or some other coloured Leather, em∣broydered with Pearle. This is the attyre of the Noble-woman of Russia, when shee maketh the best shew of herselfe. The Gentlewomans apparell may differ in the Stuffe, but is all one for the making or fashion.

* 1.275As for the poore Mousick and his Wife they goe poorely clad. The man with his Odnoratkey, or loose Gowne to the small of the legge, tyed together with a Lace before, of course white or blue cloth, with some Shube or long Wast-coat of Furre, or of Sheep-skinne vnder it, and his [ 20] furred Cap, and Buskins. The poorer sort of them haue their Odnoratkey, or vpper Garment, made of Cowes haire. This is their Winter Habit. In the Sommer time, commonly they weare nothing but their shirts on their backes, and Buskins on their legs. The woman goeth in a red or blue Gowne, when she maketh the best shew, and with some warme Shube of Furre vnder it in the Winter time. But in the Sommer, nothing but two shirts (for so they call them) one o∣uer the other, whether they be within doores, or without. On their heads, they weare Caps of some coloured Stuffe, many of Veluet, or of Cloth of Gold: but for the most part Ker∣chiefes. Without Earings of Siluer or some other Metall, and her Crosse about her neck, you shall see no Russe woman, be shee Wife, or Maide.

* 1.276As touching their behauiour, and qualitie, otherwise, they are of reasonable capacities, if [ 30] they had those meanes that some other Nations haue to trayne vp their wits in good Nurture, and Learning. Which they might borrow of the Polonians, and other their Neighbours, but that they refuse it of a very selfe-pride, as accounting their owne fashions to be farre the best. Partly also (as I said before) for that their manner of bringing vp (void of all good Learning, and Ciuill behauiour) is thought by their Gouernours most agreeable to that State, and their manner of Gouernment. This causeth the Emperours to bee very wary for excluding of all Peregrinitie, that might alter their fashions. Which were lesse to bee disliked, if it set not a print into the very minds of his people. For as themselues are very hardly and cruelly dealt with all by their chiefe Magistrates, and other Superiours, so are they as cruell one against another, specially ouer [ 40] their inferiours, and such as are vnder them. So that the basest and wretchedest Christianoe (as they call him) that stoopeth and croucheth like a Dogge to the Gentleman, and licketh vp the dust that lyeth at his feet,* 1.277 is an intollerable Tyrant, where hee hath the aduantage. By this meanes the whole Countrey is filled with Rapine, and Murder. They make no account of the life of a man. You shall haue a man robbed sometime in the very streets of their Townes, if he goe late in the Euening; and yet no man to come forth out of his doores to rescue him, though he heare him cry out. I will not speake of the strangenesse of the Murders, and other cruelties committed among them, that would scarsly be beleeued to be done among men, specially such as professe themselues Christians.

The number of their vagrant and begging poore is almost infinite: that are so pinched with [ 50] Famine and extreame need, as that they begge after a violent and desperate manner, with Giue me and cut me, Giue me and kill me; and such like Phrases. And yet it may be doubted whether is the greater, the Crueltie or Intemperancie that is vsed in that Countrey. I will not speake of it,* 1.278 because it is so foule and not to be named. The whole Countrey ouerfloweth with all sinne of that kind. And no maruell, as hauing no Law to restraine Whoredomes, Adulteries, and like vncleannesse of life.

As for the truth of his word, as some say, the Russe neither beleeueth any thing that another man speaketh, nor speaketh any thing himselfe worthy to bee beleeued. These qualities make them very odious to all their Neighbours, specially to the Tartars, that account themselues to be honest and just, in comparison of the Russe. It is supposed by some that doe well consider of [ 60] the State of both Countries, that the offence they take at the Russe Gouernment, and their man∣ner of behauiour, hath beene a great cause to keepe the Tartar still Heathenish, and to mislike as he doth of the Christian profession.

To the Reader.

I Thought good here to giue an account of my course. Hauing spent much time in that other World, so little known to This (Tartaria and China) that the parts least known might be made best known: I haue comne neerer home, to Russia, and her neighbours, the neerer, or Chrim Tartars, the Sa∣moyeds, and others; whereof Doctor Fletchers Story being so elaborate (where, though the centre bee Russia, yet his circumference is more generall) and by men iudicious which haue in those parts en∣ioyed most honourable employment, and exactest intelligence, commended; I haue giuen him the first place. And if some terme bee mollified, or some few things omitted, it is not to defraud Thee of the [ 10] Historie (which for substance is whole, as by perùsall is found) but not to defraud our industrious Coun∣trymen in their merchandizing mysterie, wherein some perhaps would hence seeke occasion of vndermi∣ning. For like cause I haue giuen the next place to Captaine Edge, (the one our gowned Generall by Land, the other in his generall Historie also by Sea) as deserued by his ten yeeres Voyages, and his other Merits. As for the question of Willoughbies Land, I list not to dispute it; but I thinke, neither Hollander (as is also confessed by the French Booke, called, The Historie of Spitsberghe a 1.279 on the Dutch behalfe) nor any other haue found any such Lands as his Storie describes, but some part of those which now with a generall name wee call, Greenland (howsoeuer the makers of Maps and Globes may create Lands and Ilands at pleasure, especially in vnknowne places) and the first setled, ordinary, and or∣derly Voyages for the Whale-killing, and the most for discouerie in those parts haue beene made by the [ 20] English, their gaynes awakening the Hollander to that enterprise, and that also (as elsewhere in the World) by English guides. That which I most grieue at in this contention, is the detention of further discouery to the Pole and beyond (where it is not likely to be colder then here, and at the Arctike circle: as in the Red Sea, Ormus, and the Countrey about Balsara on this side the Tropike, is found greater heat then vnder the Line it selfe) the desire of gayne euery where causing debate, and consequently losse of the best gaine both in Earth and Heauen. Merchants might get the World, and giue vs the World better, if Charitie were their Needle; Grace, their Compas; Heauen their Hauen, and if they would take their height by obseruing the Sunne of Righteousnesse in the Scripture-astrolabe, and soun∣ding their depth by a Leading Faith, and not by a Leadden bottomlesse Couetousnesse: that is, if they would seeke the Kingdome of Heauen first, all things should bee added; they should finde [ 30] World enough in the Indian, and Polare Worlds, and wee and they should arriue at better knowledge of the Creator and Creatures. And of all men (that I may a little further answere that Historie of Spits∣berghe) I would be glad to see agreement betwixt the English, and Dutch, both because I honour that Nation, as hath appeared in this whole worke of Voyages, in which and of which the Dutch are so great a part: and because in Region, Religion, Originall Nation, ingenious and ingenuous disposition, and (that which here brings both on our Stage) the glory of Nauigation, they are so neere vs, and worthie to be honored. It is true that euery where the English hath beene the elder Brother, a Doctor, and Ductor, to the Hollanders, in their Martiall feats at home, and Neptunian exploits abroad, (that I mention not their permitted wealthie fishing on the English shoare) whom had they followed with as true and due respect, as with happie successe; quarrels had not so distracted and distorted both sides. I appeale to [ 40] Dutch ingenuitie, if euer they did any thing wholly New (but giue names) in remotest Nauigations, without English lights. Columbus an Italian had the honour of finding America, and the Spaniards the happinesse. But for the North America, and the whole Northern New World, Cabota b 1.280 borne or bred at least in England, was either Actor or Author. For the Dutch, I haue shewed, for the compassing of the World, and for the East Indies before, that our Drake, Candish, Mellis, Dauis, Adams, &c. were their Fore-runners, Pilots, and Guides: Yea, their New-found Land Voyages, and all the Nor∣therne coast of America were discouered by Sebastian Cabota, and other Englishmen. I adde their New Straights Southwards from those of Magelane were discouered before by Drake, as in the Map of Sir Francis Drakes Voyage presented to Queene Elizabeth, still hanging in His Maiesties Gallerie at White Hall, neere the Priuie Chamber, and by that Map wherein is Cabotas Picture, the first and [ 50] great Columbus for the Northerne World) may be seene. In which Map, the South of the Magelane Straits is not a Continent, but many Ilands, and the very same which they haue stiled in their Straits. Barneuels Ilands had long before beene named by the most auspicate of Earthly Names, (and let them∣selues be Iudges, with which the other is as little worthie to be mentioned, as a kind Mother, and an vn∣kind Traitor. The Name Elizabeth c 1.281 is expressed in golden Letters, with a golden Crowne, Garter, and Armes affixed: The words ascribed thereunto are these, Cum omnes ferè hanc partem A••stra∣lem Continentem esse putent, pro certo sciant Insulas esse Nauigantibus peruias, earum{que} au∣stralissimam ELIZABETHAM à D. Francisco Draco Inuentore dictam esse. The same height of 57. degrees, and South-easterly situation from the Magelan Westerne Mouth giue further euidence. [ 60] And my learned friend Master Brigges told me, that he hath seene this plot of Drakes Voyage cut in * 1.282

Siluer by a Dutchman (Michael Mercator, Nephew to Gerardus) many yeeres before Scouten or Maire intended that Voyage. As for Noua Zemla by Stephen Burrough, and others, long before discouered, they also haue giuen new names, which I enuie not: onely I feare a vae soli, and hate ingra∣titude both ours and theirs. But too much of this. Next to this more generall Discourse shall follow the Dutch Northerne Voyages, and the English North-easterne: after which wee will take a more com∣plementall leaue of that Continent, and from thence visite the Northerly and North-westerne Discoue∣ries; at once hunting for a New World and a New passage to This.

Notes

• * 1.1

  I haue in some places contracted, in others mollifi∣ed the biting or more bitter stile, which the Author v∣seth of the Rus∣sian Gouern∣ments that I might doe good at home, without harme abroad.
• * 1.2

  Chap. 1. The descripti∣on of the Countrey of Russia, with the bredth, length, and Names of the Shires.
• * 1.3

  Strabo in his 7. booke of Geoge.
• * 1.4

  Gen. 10. Ioseph. l. 1. c. 14▪
• * 1.5

  The borders of Russia.
• * 1.6

  The Shires of Russia.
• * 1.7

  The Prouinces or Countries got by Con∣quest.
• * 1.8

  The breadth and length of the Countrey.
• * 1.9

  Chap. ••.
• * 1.10

  Of the Soyle and Climate▪
• * 1.11

  Difference of Russia in diffe∣rent seasons.
• * 1.12

  The Cold of Russia.
• * 1.13

  M. Cole Mini∣ster to Sir Ie∣rome Bowes told me of a lickorish fel∣low, which ta∣king a Pewter dish of some sweet sawce from his Ma∣sters Table in the next room, licked it, and payd the skin of his tongue for that sweet taste: a sower sawce to sweet sawcinesse. The case alte∣red.

  Effect of snow.
• * 1.14

  Russia well wa∣tered.
• * 1.15

  The chiefe Ri∣uers of Russia.
• * 1.16

  Chap. 3. The Natiue Commodities of the Coun∣trey.
• * 1.17

  Rye.
• * 1.18

  The chiefe commodities of the Coun∣trey.
• * 1.19

  1▪ Furre.
• * 1.20

  3. Waxe.
• * 1.21

  ••. Honey.
• * 1.22

  4. Tallow.
• * 1.23

  5. Hide.
• * 1.24

  6. Trane Oyle. The manner of hunting the Seale-fish.
• * 1.25

  7. Ickary.
• * 1.26

  8. Hempe and flaxe.
• * 1.27

  9. Salt.
• * 1.28

  10. Tarre.
• * 1.29

  11. Ribazuba.
• * 1.30

  12. Slude.
• * 1.31

  13. Salt peeter and Brimstone
• * 1.32

  14. Iron.
• * 1.33

  The strange beasts, fish, foule &c. that breed in Russia
• * 1.34

  Deare Horses:
• * 1.35

  Sheepe. I haue seene some of them in Eng∣land breed twice a yeere; the Ram hath foure hornes, &c.
• * 1.36

  Fresh-water fish.
• * 1.37

  Chap. 4. The chiefe Ci∣ties of Russia.
• * 1.38

  Mosko.
• * 1.39

  Berosus, a su∣spected author, or rather that which now beareth his name.
• * 1.40

  Mosko ••red.
• * 1.41

  Nouograd.
• * 1.42

  Pleasant Hi∣storie.
• * 1.43

  Like lips, like lettice.
• * 1.44

  Iaruslaue▪
• * 1.45

  The manner of Russe buil∣ding.
• * 1.46

  Chap. 5. Of the house or stocke of the Russe Em∣perour.
• * 1.47

  The house Bea∣la not naturall Russe. See sup. 56. where the Tartars de∣stroyed these Countreyes then called Bulgaria maior, many fled into Hungarie: and after Ba••hus death, bo••h Hungarie and this Bulgaria had better meanes to recouer themselues, and perhaps either by Hungarian affinitie with their Princes, or taking a Prince from Hungar••e th••n assisted with Germans, they began to recouer of that Tartarian disease, whereof still some Symtomes remayne.
• * 1.48

  The aduance∣ment of the house of Beala.
• * 1.49

  Viz. A. D. 1588.

  Since the Sce∣pter hath been in diuers Fa∣milies, with manifold com∣bustions.
• * 1.50

  The Emperor vnfortunatly killed his son.
• * 1.51

  We haue since had two which haue assumed to be this De∣metrius, and haue obtayned the State; thereof and of their liues dis∣possessed as Counterfeits.
• * 1.52

  Chap. 6. Of the man∣ner of crow∣ning or inau∣guration of the Russe Empe∣rours.
• * 1.53

  Chap. 7. The State or forme of their Gouernment. The Russe Go∣uernment ty∣rannicall.
• * 1.54

  Gauill-kind giue-all-kind tenure.

  Absolute So∣uereigntie.
• * 1.55

  Magistracies.
• * 1.56

  He succeeded him.

  Iurisdiction.
• * 1.57

  Iuan Vasilowich cruell.
• * 1.58

  Appeales and Pardons.
• * 1.59

  Ancient No∣bilitie.
• * 1.60

  Chap. 8. The manner of holding the Parlia∣ments.

  The States of Parliament.
• * 1.61

  The order of the summons or assembling.
• * 1.62

  Friday respect.
• * 1.63

  Their discourse at Parliament.
• * 1.64

  Chap. 9. Of the Nobili∣tie, and by what meanes it is kept in an vnder propor∣tion agreeable to that State. The Vdelney Knazey chiefe of the Nobi∣litie.
• * 1.65

  The faction of Oppressini and Zempskey deui∣sed by the Em∣perour
• * 1.66

  Pomestnoy tenure
• * 1.67

  Names of the greatest Hou∣ses of the Russe Nobilitie.
• * 1.68

  The second degree of No∣bilitie.
• * 1.69

  Lord Borris af∣ter this Empe∣rour.
• * 1.70

  The third sort of Nobilitie.
• * 1.71

  Title Vich.
• * 1.72

  The second degree of per∣sons.
• * 1.73

  The third de∣gree.
• * 1.74

  Chap. 10. Of the Go∣uernment of their Prouin∣ces and Shires.
• * 1.75

  The Commis∣sion of the Dukes or Pre∣sidents of Shires.
• * 1.76

  Dukes and Dy∣acks: many of them vniust oppressors, and Spunges pres∣sed againe.
• * 1.77

  The gouern∣ment of Mosko.
• * 1.78

  An hard mat∣ter to alter the State of Russia.
• * 1.79

  Chap. 11. Of the Empe∣rours Counsel.
• * 1.80

  The number and names of the Councel∣lours of State.
• * 1.81

  Foure Secre∣taries.
• * 1.82

  Chap. 12. Of the Empe∣rors Customs and other Re∣uenues.

  The Offices of Receit.

  The Steward Receiuer of the Crowne-land Rents.
• * 1.83

  The Office of Chetfird.
• * 1.84

  Tagla and Po∣dat.
• * 1.85

  Yeere begins with Septem∣ber.

  The Office of Bulsha Prechod or great In∣come.
• * 1.86

  The Emperors Custome.
• * 1.87

  The whole re∣ceit of the Bul∣sha Prechod or great Income.
• * 1.88

  Rents out of the Iudiciall Offices.

  Mulcts or fines.
• * 1.89

  The Emperors treasure house within his Ca∣stle of Mosko.
• * 1.90

  The sum of the Emperors rent money.
• * 1.91

  Vnderstand these politike courses of the times when the Author writ. Gods chastise∣ment hath since beene heauy to sweep such ills from among them.
• * 1.92

  A strange prac∣tice to get mo∣ney.
• * 1.93

  Chap. 13. Of the state of th•• Common∣naltie, or vul∣gar sort of the people in the Countrey of Russia.

  The seruile and miserable estate of the Russe people.
• * 1.94

  Miserie of those times, manners and men.
• * 1.95

  Rich Russian Merchants.
• * 1.96

  Russes not per∣mitted to tra∣uell.
• * 1.97

  The iealousie of the Empe∣rour concer∣ning his state.
• * 1.98

  Sclauonia and the Language.
• * 1.99

  Chap. 14. Of their pub∣like Iustice, and manner of proceeding in Ciuill, and Criminall matters.

  Courts of Ci∣uill Iustice three.

  The Dukes and Dyacks Court.

  The high Court of Mosko.
• * 1.100

  Their manner of proceeding in Ciuill mat∣ters.
• * 1.101

  Ending of controuersies by kissing the Crosse.
• * 1.102

  Iudgement by lot.
• * 1.103

  Shi••-beating.
• * 1.104

  Terrible terms
• * 1.105

  The forme of Russe Bills or Bonds.
• * 1.106

  Proceeding in Criminall matters.
• * 1.107

  Pudkey whip∣ping.
• * 1.108

  Rosting.
• * 1.109

  Executions.
• * 1.110

  Rituall (not right-all) Booke.
• * 1.111

  Chap. 15. Their forces for the warres, with the chiefe Officers and salaries.

  The onely Gentlemen. Souldiers by birth and inhe∣ritance.
• * 1.112

  Emperours Guard.
• * 1.113

  Degrees of Horsemen. 1. Pretoriani, or such as attend the Emperors person, 15000▪
• * 1.114

  Two other troupes to the number of 65000.
• * 1.115

  Horsemen in continuall pay 80000.
• * 1.116

  Footmen in continuall pay 12000.
• * 1.117

  Strangers mercenaries in pay 4300.
• * 1.118

  The chiefe Captaines or Leaders.
• * 1.119

  1. The Voiauod or Generall.
• * 1.120

  2. Lieutenant generall.
• * 1.121

  3. Marshals of the field, foure.
• * 1.122

  4. Marshal•• Deputies 8.
• * 1.123

  5. Coronels Vnder-cap∣taines.
• * 1.124

  6. Masters of the Artillerie.
• * 1.125

  The walking Captayne.
• * 1.126

  Chap. 16. Of their mu∣stering, and le∣uying of for∣ces, manner of Armour, and prouision of victuall for the Warres.

  Their order for mustering.
• * 1.127

  The Horse-mans Furni∣ture.
• * 1.128

  Shooting for∣ward and backward.

  The footmans Furniture. Prouision of victuall.
• * 1.129

  Prouisions.
• * 1.130

  Honos alit artes.
• * 1.131

  Chap. 17. Of their mar∣ching char∣ging, and other Martiall Dis∣cipline.

  George-ensigne, Horse-mens Drummes.
• * 1.132

  The horsemans manner of charging.
• * 1.133

  The footmans charge.
• * 1.134

  The walking Castle.
• * 1.135

  Store of Mu∣nition.
• * 1.136

  Reward for valour.
• * 1.137

  Chap. 18. Of their Colo∣nies, an main∣tayning of their conquests or purchases by force.
• * 1.138

  Lituania.
• * 1.139

  Narue.
• * 1.140

  The Deuillie was.
• * 1.141

  Permia and Pe∣chora.
• * 1.142

  Chap. 19. Of the Tartars and other bor∣derers to the countrey of Russia, with whom they haue most to doe in war and peace.

  Th•• Polonians called Laches by the Russe. The Chrim Tartar.

  The firing of Mosko by the Chrim Tartar, in the yeere 1575.
• * 1.143

  Homage done by the Russe to the Chrim Tar∣tar.

  See the first booke of Ba∣thay and of the Tartars Con∣quests.
• * 1.144

  The manner of the Tartars fight, and Ar∣mour.
• * 1.145

  Apparell.
• * 1.146

  Mirzohs or Morseis.
• * 1.147

  The subtiltie of the Tartar.
• * 1.148

  Tartars resolu∣tion.
• * 1.149

  Captiues.
• * 1.150

  The Tartars Religion.
• * 1.151

  Idols.
• * 1.152

  Sorcerie.
• * 1.153

  Marriage.
• * 1.154

  The Tartar Nobilitie.
• * 1.155

  The Tartar dyet.
• * 1.156

  The Tartars dwelling.
• * 1.157

  Moueable Ci∣tie and Court.
• * 1.158

  Tartars per∣sons described.
• * 1.159

  Speach. Song. Shooting.
• * 1.160

  Diuers kindes of Tartars.
• * 1.161

  The Nagay Tartar the cru∣ellest.

  The Chircasce the ciuillest Tartars.

  The Cheremis∣sen Tartar.
• * 1.162

  The Mordwit Tartar the most barba∣rous of the rest.
• * 1.163

  Shalcan.
• * 1.164

  Derbent.
• * 1.165

  Tartars gene∣rall Rules.
• * 1.166

  Chap. 20. Of the Permi∣ans, Samoits, and Lappes. The Permians.
• * 1.167

  The Samoits.
• * 1.168

  The Samoits Religion. Slata Baba or the Golden Hag.
• * 1.169

  The Samoits habite and be∣hauiour.
• * 1.170

  The Lappes.
• * 1.171

  No Bread.
• * 1.172

  Wilde Lappes.
• * 1.173

  Witches.
• * 1.174

  Wardhuyse.
• * 1.175

  Cola.
• * 1.176

  Sleds drawne with Deere.
• * 1.177

  Chap. 21. Of their Ec∣clesiasticall state, with their Church Offices.
• * 1.178

  The Church Officers.
• * 1.179

  The Patriarch.
• * 1.180

  Patriarch of Sio, or Chio.
• * 1.181

  The translati∣on of the Pa∣triarchicall sea from Constanti∣nople or Sio, to Mosko.
• * 1.182

  The Patriarch∣ship of Constan∣tinople transla∣ted to Mosko.
• * 1.183

  As they doe and euer since haue done.
• * 1.184

  Kalender pre∣tence.
• * 1.185

  The Patri∣archs Iurisdi∣ctition.
• * 1.186

  Two Metropo∣lites.
• * 1.187

  Foure Arch∣bishiops.
• * 1.188

  Sixe Bishops.
• * 1.189

  Ecclesiasticall Iurisdiction.
• * 1.190

  Their Gentle∣men commis∣saries.
• * 1.191

  The Church reuenues.
• * 1.192

  The Election of Bishops.
• * 1.193

  The learning and exercise of the Russe Clergie.
• * 1.194

  Priests.
• * 1.195

  The Russe Priests can marry but once.
• * 1.196

  The Priests maintenance.
• * 1.197

  Their Priests attyre.
• * 1.198

  Friers.
• * 1.199

  Their manner of shiring Friers.
• * 1.200

  The Friers Learning.
• * 1.201

  Nunneries▪
• * 1.202

  Eremites.
• * 1.203

  Strange hardi∣nesse.
• * 1.204

  Basileo the Ere∣mite.
• * 1.205

  Lame Miracle▪
• * 1.206

  Nichola the Eremite▪
• * 1.207

  Chap. 22. Of their Ly∣turgie, or form of Church-seruice, and their manner of admini¦string the Sa∣craments. Their mor∣ning Seruice.
• * 1.208

  Legend.
• * 1.209

  Candles.
• * 1.210

  Compline.
• * 1.211

  Their euening Seruice.
• * 1.212

  The manner of the Russe Baptisme.
• * 1.213

  Oyle and Salt.
• * 1.214

  Presented.
• * 1.215

  Cutting off haire.
• * 1.216

  Proselyte-paines.
• * 1.217

  Tartars choose to die rather then turne Christians.
• * 1.218

  Rebaptising.
• * 1.219

  The admini∣string of the Lords Supper. Confession.
• * 1.220

  Communion in both kinds.
• * 1.221

  Chap. 23. Of the Do∣ctrine of the Russe Church, & what errors it holdeth.
• * 1.222

  1. Their disal∣lowing of cer∣taine parts of the Canonical Scriptures.
• * 1.223

  2. Traditions equall to the holy Scripture.
• * 1.224

  3. The Church to haue soue∣raigne autho∣ritie in inter∣preting the Scriptures.
• * 1.225

  4. The holy Ghost to pro∣ceed from the Father onely.
• * 1.226

  5. Christ not sole Mediator of intercession Saint Nicolas his 300. Angels
• * 1.227

  Images.
• * 1.228

  6. Iustification by workes.
• * 1.229

  7. Saluation vncertaine.
• * 1.230

  8. Auricular confession.
• * 1.231

  9. Three Sa∣craments.
• * 1.232

  10. All damned that die with∣out Baptisme.
• * 1.233

  11. Anabap∣tisme.
• * 1.234

  12. Difference of meates.
• * 1.235

  13. Marriage for some per∣sons vnlawfull.
• * 1.236

  Inquisition.
• * 1.237

  Chap. 24. Of the manner of solemni∣zing their Marriages.
• * 1.238

  The manner of indowment for Wiues.
• * 1.239

  Ceremonies in Marriages.
• * 1.240

  Ring.
• * 1.241

  Loafe.
• * 1.242

  Mead.
• * 1.243

  Corne.
• * 1.244

  Silence▪
• * 1.245

  Chap. 25. Of the other Ceremonies o•• the Russe Church.

  The signe of the Crosse how it crosseth out other deuoti∣ons.
• * 1.246

  Holy-water.
• * 1.247

  Hallowing of Riuers.
• * 1.248

  Drinking of Holy-water.
• * 1.249

  Cruell blind∣nesse of ••uper∣stition.
• * 1.250

  Brewing with Holy-water.
• * 1.251

  Palm-sunday.
• * 1.252

  Fasts.
• * 1.253

  Vigils.
• * 1.254

  Burialls.
• * 1.255

  Mon••hs minds
• * 1.256

  Chap. 26. Of the Empe∣rours dome∣sticke, or pri∣uate behauior.
• * 1.257

  His priuate Prayer.
• * 1.258

  The Emperour giueth pre∣sence euery morning.
• * 1.259

  The Emperors Seruice at his Table.
• * 1.260

  Beare bay••ing.
• * 1.261

  Emperour Theodore de∣scribed.
• * 1.262

  Pilgrimage.
• * 1.263

  Chap. 27. Of the Empe∣rors priuate, or houshold Of∣ficers.

  Master of the Horse.
• * 1.264

  The Lord Steward. The Lord Treasurer. Comptroller. Chamberlaine Tasters. Harbengers.
• * 1.265

  Gentlemen of the Chamber. The Guard.
• * 1.266

  Groomes.
• * 1.267

  Chap. 28. Or the priuate behauiour, or qualitie of the Russe people. Constitution of their bodies.
• * 1.268

  Their Dyet.
• * 1.269

  Drinking and kissing. Sleeping.
• * 1.270

  Bath-stoues▪
• * 1.271

  Extremities.
• * 1.272

  Women-daw∣bers.
• * 1.273

  The Noble∣mans attyre.
• * 1.274

  The Gentle∣mans apparell. The Noble∣womans at∣tire.
• * 1.275

  The Mousicks or common mans attire.
• * 1.276

  Their wits and capacities.
• * 1.277

  Crueltie of the Russe people.
• * 1.278

  Intemperancy.
• a 1.279

  H. G. A. in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the En••••••sh as∣sertion ••or W••l∣loughby, sayth, Il est ••ien v••ay que nos Mari∣niers n'ont trou∣ve au die lieu de 72. degrees aul∣cun Pays.

  72. in Sir Hugh Willoughbies Booke perhaps was mistaken for 77. their fi∣gure of 7. and that of 2. in old writing, being very like each other, ••o that the last 7. with a little touch of the running Pen might appeare. 2. His hand, I am sure, is of the old fashion of that time, as appeares by a Will I haue with his hand, and perhaps all of his hand. Some Engl••sh Maps haue made an Iland in that height where none is: and the Dutch Willeb••rd Iles (which they say are eight in 73.) haue small like••i∣hood: perhaps Sir Hugh Wil∣loughbie might misreckon, by not knowing the variation of the Compas and Sea ••ules: which I take to be most lik••ly, and H. G. A. confesseth also.
• b 1.280

  Sebastian Cabota the English Columbus, sonne of Iohn a Venetian, bred heere, and Discouerer for Henry the Seuenth, of America; and first Gouernour of the Moscouie Companie.
• c 1.281

  In the said Map is Queene Elizabeths Picture, with Neptune yeelding his Trident, and Triton sounding her Fame, with these Verses, Te Deus aequoreusdonat Regina Tridente, Et Triton laudes efflat vbique tuas.
• * 1.282

  Sir F. Drake first finder of the S. Sreights, cal∣led Maires.