Purchas his pilgrimes. part 3 In fiue bookes. The first, contayning the voyages and peregrinations made by ancient kings, patriarkes, apostles, philosophers, and others, to and thorow the remoter parts of the knowne world: enquiries also of languages and religions, especially of the moderne diuersified professions of Christianitie. The second, a description of all the circum-nauigations of the globe. The third, nauigations and voyages of English-men, alongst the coasts of Africa ... The fourth, English voyages beyond the East Indies, to the ilands of Iapan, China, Cauchinchina, the Philippinæ with others ... The fifth, nauigations, voyages, traffiques, discoueries, of the English nation in the easterne parts of the world ... The first part.

CHAP. XXII. DITHMAR BLEFKENS his Voyages, and Historie of Island and Groenland.

[ 30]

IN the yeere 1563. m 1.1 two Hamburg Merchants ships determined to sayle to Island, the Mariners, by an ancient custome, desirous to haue a Minister of Gods Word with them, commend this care to the Ministers of the Church of Ham∣burg, and intreat them to prouide them a Minister. One Doctor Paulus ab Etzen was then Superintendent of the Church of Hamburg. While therefore I stayd at Hamburg, expecting my Library from Rostoch, I entred into some familiaritie with Paulus, and the rest of the Ministers. This Office was bestowed vpon me, which I vndertooke the more willingly, because I had a longing desire to know strange things, and diuers Countries, yeelding to their perswasion. Taking ship therefore the tenth of Aprill, wee sayled vpon the Coast of England and Scotland, and passing beyond the Ilands Orcades, in number fifteene, whereof the [ 40] most part lye vnmanured for the barrenesse; Ferow and Hitland are inhabited: Here wee saw a very high Rocke, which in the top representeth the head of a cooled Monke, where also there is a safe Harbour against all winds, and this Monke deliuereth many from present dangers. The fourteenth of Iune we descryed Island, which seemes afarre off, like winter clouds. The next day we attayned the Land and Hauen of Haffenefordt toward the South.

Iseland is a rough, hilly and snowie Land, which is supposed to bee twice bigger then Sicilia: it is thought to be a hundred leagues in length, which also Olaus Magnus testifieth in his eleuenth Booke. It hath the name of the perpetuall Ice, and coldnesse of the Ayre, which is there most sharpe: for eight whole moneths it is troubled with Ice: It burneth notwithstanding with heat and inward fire in many places. The extremitie of cold increaseth this heate in the bowels of [ 50] the earth, which cold continueth the greater part of the yeere (a few Summer moneths excep∣ted) and so bindeth the pores in the vpper part of the Earth, that it can haue no free vent. And this Iland hath so great a Latitude from the Aequator, that the Arctick Circle diuides it in the middest, that is to say, sixtie fiue degrees and a halfe. The Ilands called Ebudae, are obiect to the North part of this Iland. But whether that be of these, which Ptolemie, and ancient Writers call Thule, or rather Iseland, that great Iland, I dare neither affirme, nor altogether denie, because there is no Iland found where Ptolemie set Thule. Now, the later Writers make another manner of longitude about Scotland, and the bordering Ilands, then Ptolemie euer thought.

I will draw the Descent of this Nation from their first originall, following the truth of the Iseland Chronicles. In the yeere of Christ 900. in the time of Alebrand Bishop of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, cer∣tayne [ 60] of the Nobilitie of East Frisia, and of the Countrey of Breme, desirous to discouer strange Countries toward the North, set sayle from Weser, and passing beyond the Orcad••s, found this Iland almost in the vtmost skirts of Europe, yet habitable, but full of Snow: which they called Iseland, for the coldnesse and roughnesse thereof. And when they had sayled further to∣wards the North about two hundred leagues, they found another Iland, which (by contraries)

[illustration]

[illustration] map of Iceland

HONDIVS his Map of ISLAND.

ISLAND

they named Groneland. Endeauouring to sayle further towards the North, through the frozen or congealed Sea,* 1.2 being long hindred by the Ice, at length with great labour getting out, they fell into whirle-pooles of the Sea, and thicke darkenesse.

In these whirle-pooles and darknesse, this Fleet (one onely Ship excepted) perished. They [ 40] that were preserued,* 1.3 after many long labours and perils, sayling through the Tartarian Sea, came into a very hote Countrey, and entring into a large Bay, they went on shoare vpon the next Land. And when the Inhabitants had hid themselues in secret places, by reason of the great heate and scorching of the Sunne, they saw Gold, and other precious things set heere and there, without a guard. And when they had carryed away asmuch as they would, and hasted to the Ship, they saw some pursue them with Dogs of strange bignesse. One, who was hindred and la∣den with a prey that hee could not escape, was torne in peeces of the Dogges. The rest, after long sayling, shunning these Whirle-pooles, arriued in Muscouia, thence by the Balticke Sea returning vnto Breme, they brought backe these tidings to Alebrand the Bishop, with part [ 50] of the prey.

Much about this time, the Noruegians, by example of the Heluetians in Iulius Caesars time, are supposed to haue come out of Norway, who then long time possessed that part of France, which now also is call Normandie. And when they had performed great attempts by Sea and Land a∣gainst the Britaines, they did not onely scoure the Sea by hostile incursions, but also expelled the Saracens, who at that time came into Italy, and sought to seat themselues in Calabria and Apulia. After they brought Colonies Northward into Hitland, Ferow, and Island: which way, they learned of the Bremians, by meanes of the Nobilitie of Frisia aforesaid. And euen the very pro∣prietie of their speech doth testifie, that they came out of Norway: for the pronunciation of the Iselanders doth agree with the antient Inhabitants of Norway. For vpon the Sea coast of Nor∣way, especially where the famous Hauen and Citie of Bergen is, by reason of the resort and fami∣liaritie [ 60] with the Germaines and Danes, the Language is changed.

Of the Iselanders Religion.

IN the yeere of Christ 1398. Woldemarus, the second of that name gouerned the Danish King∣dome, whereunto Norway was added, whose posteritie held it, vntill Ericus Duke of Pome∣rania, and Christopher Banar. Vnto this Waldemarus all the Arctoian Colonies obeyed, so that now, vnder that Woldemarus, the Iselanders were first instructed in the Christian Religion, when before they had worshipped strange Gods. And when almost all Christian people, in that la∣mentable darkenesse and title of a Church, as it were by Witchcraft deceiued, were detayned in most deepe bonds of superstition; it could not bee but they, who were furthest remoued from the [ 10] societie of Learned men, and dwelling vnder an vnciuill and barbarous Climate, should fall into most foule Idolatrie, when sometimes (as hereafter shall bee declared) they had Deuils to serue them, as familiar as domesticall seruants. But after Luther began to bee knowne,* 1.4 Christianus the King of Denmarke procured purer Doctrine to himselfe, and purged the Churches in the King∣dome of Denmarke, Norway, and all the Ilands subiect vnto him; sending Ministers into Iseland, to sow the seede of the Gospell there. Hee sent a Printer also out of Denmarke, to set forth the Bible, the common places of Philip Melancthon, the Workes of Vrbanus Regius and others, in the vulgar Tongue, to the Pastors who were ignorant of the Latine, as at that time al∣most all of them were. And also sent for fit and apt young men out of Iseland, whom hee maintayned in the Haff••ian Vniuersitie at his owne costs, and gaue them charge ouer Churches [ 30] and Schooles.

King Woldemare, as soone as they should professe Christian Religion in Iseland, ordayned them two Bishops, one in Scalholden in the East part, and another in Hollen in the West,* 1.5 whose Suc∣cessours at this day retayne nothing but a shadow, and a bare Title, for they haue no other reue∣nues but Butter and Fish. But when that reformation (whereof I spake) was made by King Christian in the Churches of Iseland, one of the Bishops in Scalholden, conspiring with the peo∣ple, reiects the Doctrine of the Gospell, and making a rebellion they kill the Kings Lieutenant. The yeere following, which was 1535. the King sent a Noble man of the Order of Knight∣hood, one Paul Hitfelt (whom I saw an old man in Denmarke) furnished with a Fleet, Souldiers, and Munition into the Iland. The seditious being slaine, hee renueth the reformation of the [ 30] Doctrine of the Gospell, and returneth into Denmarke, leauing a certayne Noble man to take charge of the Church and Iland.

The greatest man in Iseland at that time was one Tadde Bonde. Hee, after the Kings Armie was departed,* 1.6 conspiring with the principall men (whom by his Authoritie hee drew to take his part) reuolted from his Allegiance, and perswaded the rest of the Ilanders to follow. They meete together in a place called Waloe, and conspiring to rebell, and cast off the Kings subiection,* 1.7 they impart their counsels together, and Tadde had his poss••ssions not in one place, and many re∣tayners, and for these causes hee thought they could not easily bee suppressed. The Bishop who dwelt in the East, had a speciall care to acquaint the Kings Lieutenant with all that was done (for the Lieutenant was absent in the West part of that Iland) and the Bishop hated Tadde a long [ 40] time. For in that first Rebellion, hee had falsly accused him to the Lieutenant as guiltie, and au∣thor of the Rebellion. This accusation onely brought great and extreame calamitie vpon him.

The Lieutenant being certified what was done, hee perswadeth by fit instruments, some of the Complices of the faction, to continue in their Allegiance, propounding rewards and punish∣ments. Then many of them when they saw the greatnesse of the danger, leauing him, came hum∣bly to the Lieutenant, and begge pardon, and obtayne it. Tadde therefore is adiudged an Ene∣mie, both of the King and of his Countrey, they promise therefore by an Oath and giuing of their Faith, that they will pursue him.

Then hee, through feare of the danger, with a few of his Domestickes which hee had gathe∣red together, kept himselfe at the foote of Hekelueld, but being circumuented they were all [ 50] slaine, and hee taken. They that tooke him, brought him to the Bishop, to commit him to Pri∣son, but hee refused to receiue him. Therefore they draw him to another certaine man▪ of those who had the chiefe place in Iustice, neither would hee receiue him, fearing the hatred of the people. There was at that time there a certayne Iselander, Ionas by name, a man of courage. I know (sayth hee) to whom I will commit him, that will diligently keepe him, and foorthwith hee slew him and buryed him. And so the Sedition was appeased. And from that time vntill this day, the Word of God is taught amongst Barbarous men, after the manner of the Confession of Augusta.

[ 60] The Life and Manners of the Iselanders.

IN the whole Iland, there are three sorts of men, who are held in any reckoning and account:* 1.8 for the common people, by reason of the scarcitie of Ships wherewith they fish, make them∣selues slaues to the richer. Of those three sorts, the first is of them whom they call Loshmaders,

that is to say, Men of Iustice: for Loch in their language, signifieth Law. These men administer Iustice, and there are many of them, but twelue of them onely haue the yeerely charge of Iustice. All men obey their Iudgement and Decrees.* 1.9 Another sort is of them, who are called Bonden: They are in the place of Nobles, and as euery one of them is richest in Shipping, and Cattle, so hee hath most Fishers, and followers. This onely power they know. The third sort is of Bi∣shops and Ministers of the word of God, of the which many are found euery where throughout the whole Iland.

There are many of the Iselanders very proud and high minded, especially by reason of the strength of body which they haue.* 1.10 I saw an Iselander, who easily put an Hamburg Tunne full of Ale to his mouth, drinking off it as if hee had had but one small measure.

Both Sexes in Iseland haue the same habite, so that by the garments you shall not easily di∣scerne [ 10] whether it bee Man or Woman. They want Flaxe, except it bee brought vnto them by our Countrey-men.* 1.11 The Women-kinde there are very beautifull, but ornaments are wanting.

The whole Nation of the Islanders is much giuen to Superstitions, and they haue Spirits fami∣liarly seruing them.* 1.12 For they onely are fortunate in Fishing, who are raised vp by night of the Deuill to goe a fishing.

And although the Ministers of the Gospell vse all diligence in disswading them from this im∣pietie;* 1.13 yet this wickednesse hath taken roote, and sticketh so deepely in their mindes, and they are so bewitched of Sathan, that they can admit no sound Doctrine and Dehortation. Yea, by the Deuils meanes, if you offer them money, they promise a prosperous wind and performe it, which [ 20] I know, as hereafter shall bee spoken. The like Olaus Magnus writeth of the Finlanders in his third Booke. They hold Ships also by inchantment almost immoueable, and that in a prosperous wind. And truely it is a wonder that Sathan so sporteth with them.* 1.14 For hee hath shewed them a re∣medie in staying of their Ships, to wit, the Excrements of a Maide being a Virgin: if they an∣noynt the Prow, and certaine planckes of the Ship, hee hath taught them that the Spirit is put to flight, and driuen away with this stinke.

In the rest of the carriage of their life, they thus behaue themselues. The Parents teach their male Children (euen from their child-hood) letters and the Law of that Iland, so that very few men are found throughout the whole Iland, but they know Letters, and many Women vse our letters,* 1.15 and haue also other characters, with the which they expresse some whole words of [ 30] theirs, which words can hardly bee written with our letters. They giue themselues to hardnesse, and fishing from their Infancie; for all their life consists in Fishing. They exercise not Husban∣drie, because they haue no Fields, and the greatest part of their foode consisteth in Fish, vnsauerie Butter,* 1.16 Milke and Cheese. In stead of Bread they haue Fish bruised with a Stone. Their Drinke is Water or Whay.* 1.17 So they liue many yeeres, without medicine or Physitian. Many of them liue till they bee one hundred and fiftie yeeres old. And I saw an old man who sayd hee had then liued two hundred yeeres.* 1.18 Nay, Olaus Magnus in his twentieth Booke sayth, that the Iselanders liue three hundred yeeres.

The greater part of Iselanders hath neuer seene Bread, much lesse tasted it. If our men at any time sell them Meale or Corne,* 1.19 they mingle it with Milke, and lay it vp for a long time, as de∣licates [ 40] for Nobles. They call this sauce or mixture, Drabbell.

The Germaines that trade in Iseland haue a place in the Hauen of Haffenefordt fenced by Na∣ture, where vnder Tents they set their Mercbandise to sale, as Shooes, Garments, Glasses, Kniues, and such kinde of Merchandise of no price. The Iselanders haue Oyle molten out of the bowels of Fishes,* 1.20 knowne to our Tanners and Shoomakers: they haue Fish, Brimstone, white Foxe skinnes, Butter and other things. They barter all these for our Commodities, nor is the bargaine ratified, before they bee well stuffed with our Meat, Wine or Beere, together with their Wiues and Children whom they bring with them, how many soeuer they haue.

Comming into the Hauen, they haue their Daughters with them which are marriage-able: they after they haue inquired of our companie,* 1.21 whether they haue Wiues at home, or not, they promise a nights lodging for Bread, Bisket, or any other trifling things. Sometimes the Parents [ 50] yeeld their Daughters freely, euen for a whole moneth, or as long as they stay. If shee prooue with Child by that lying with her, the parents loue their Daughter better then before, and the Child being borne, they bring it vp some yeeres, while either the Father returne, or they giue it to their Sonne in law that shall bee, for a Dowrie with their Daughter, who doth not despise it, because it is borne of the Germaine blood. If any Virgin haue familiaritie with a Germaine, shee is honoured among them, and therefore shee is sought of many Suiters. And the time was before this, that Whoordome, which was without the degrees of Consanguinitie and Affinitie, had no Infamie. And although Preachers crie out against it, and the offenders are seuerely puni∣shed, yet they hardly abstaine.

* 1.22They lay not vp Wine and Beere which they buy of our Countrey-men, but quaffe it vp [ 60] house by house by course one with another, and that freely or for nothing. While they drinke, they sing the heroicall acts of their ancestors, not with any certaine composed order or melodie, but as it commeth in euery mans head. Neither is it lawfull for any one to rise from the Table to

make water, but for this purpose the daughter of the house, or another maid or woman atten∣deth alwayes at the Table, watchfull if any becken; to him that beckeneth shee giues the cham∣ber-pot vnder the Table with her owne hands; the rest in the meane while grunt like Swine, least any noise bee heard. The water being powred out, hee washeth the Bason, and offereth his seruice to him that is willing, and hee is accounted vnciuill who abhorreth this fashion.* 1.23 They entertaine them that come vnto them with a kisse, and they behold and looke each on other, if paraduenture they may see Lice creeping on their garments, which greatly trouble them for want of linnen: if thy see any, each taketh them from the other, and as often as he taketh away one, so often doth he thanke him, with his head discouered, and this they doe one to the other, as long as they see one.

[ 10] By night the Master of the house, with all his family, his wife and children lye in one roome,* 1.24 couered with a cloth made of Wooll which they make. And the like clothes they lap vnder them, without straw or hay put vnder. All of them make water in one chamber-pot, with the which in the morning they wash their face, mouth, teeth, and hands; they alledge many reasons thereof, to wit, that this makes a faire face, maintaineth the strength, confirmeth the sin∣newes in the hands, and preserueth the teeth from putrifaction. If Cat••le perish in the waters or snow (which often commeth to passe) they say, they are killed of God, and are accounted a∣mong the delicates. And it happened in the yeere 1564. in a place called Ackermisse, that in the [ 20] month of Ianuary some Kine strayed in the darke, and the fogge was so great, and the depth of snow, that they could not be found. In the moneth of April they were first found vntainted, and without any euill smell, and being distributed among the neighbours, some part was brought to the Gouernour, with whom I liued at that time, which was not lawfull for him to despise, yet he commanded it to bee giuen to the poore.

In the Winter time, before and after the Solstitium, when the Sunne declineth, and being in Sagitarius, Capricornus, and Aquarius, it departeth from them,* 1.25 neither doth it ascend aboue the Horizon, while it touch Pisces, therefore they haue no light but of the Moone and Starres. In like manner about the Summer Solstitium, when the Sunne ascendeth to Gemini, Cancer, and Leo, it neuer goeth downe vnder the Horizon, therefore at that time they haue no Night. In the Winter time, they keepe their Beds many dayes, and exercise themselues in the game of Chesse,* 1.26 the inuention wherof is due to Xerxes the Philosopher: the meane while the seruants bring them [ 30] their meate dressed to their beds. They keepe Lampes of the oyle of Fish continually burning, others burne Tallow candles.

In the moneth of Februarie, as soone as the Sunne ascends aboue the Horizon, by little and lit∣tle the dayes grow longer, then they begin to Fish, whereof there is so great plentie, that it is scarce credible, for the Fishes which for three whole moneths swamme in the darke, as soone as they see a fish of Tinne fastened to an Iron, they ranne to it in schoales, that they are not onely drawne vp by the jawes, but wheresoeuer the Iron toucheth them. Hauing taken them, they plucke out the bones, and lay vp their bowels, and make Fat or Oyle of them. They heape vp their Fish in the open ayre, and the puritie of the ayre is such there, that they are hardened one∣ly with the winde and Sunne, without Salt, better surely then if they were corned with salt.* 1.27 [ 40] And if they kill any Beasts, they preserue the flesh without stinke or putrifaction, without salt, hardened onely with the winde.

Of the wonderfull standing Pooles, Lakes and Fountaynes in Iseland.

IN diuers places almost throughout the wh••le Iland are Bathes and scalding Fountaynes,* 1.28 which flow out in great abundance. This water as soone as it begins to coole, hath a Sulphurie sub∣stance in the top thereof. In these scalding waters, wherein I could scarse dippe my finger, red Diue-doppers are seene afarre off, if you come neerer, they vanish, if you depart, they appeare a∣gaine, so all day long (if any please) they play boe-peepe with men.* 1.29 Whether they bee Diue-doppers [ 50] indeed, I leaue it to others to decide.

At the West of this Iland, there is a huge smoakie Lake, and very cold, which turneth all things that are cast into it into stones, and that in few dayes,* 1.30 and (which is worthy of great ad∣miration) if you put a sticke vpright into the bottome, the lower part which is stucke into the earth, hath the resemblance and hardnesse of Iron after two dayes, that which was in the water hath the hardnesse and shew of a Stone, the vpper part which remayned aboue the water, kee∣peth his wonted forme: And I twice proued the truth of this thing,* 1.31 but when I put the lower part (which represented Iron) to the fire that it might melt, it burned like a Coale.

There are two Fountaynes of most different qualitie, in a place vpon the Sea coast, which is called Turlocks Hauen, the one cold, the other hot; these Fountaynes by pipes are drawne into [ 60] one place, and tempered for bathing, they make a most wholesome Bath. Not farre from these Fountaynes, there is a certaine other Fountayne, which bubbles foorth liquor like Wax,* 1.32 which notably cureth the French disease, which is very common there.

Not farre from the Hauen Haffnefordt, there is a cleft in a Rocke like to a Fountayne of vn∣measurable

depth. If you looke into it, you cannot see the water, but if you cast in a stone, halfe an houre after you shall heare it falling, as if it fell into brazen Vessels, and forthwith the water ariseth, and it is filled to the top of the Wels brimme, and it is a most cleere water, which not∣withstanding no man dare touch, nor taste, neither doth it flow out, but so long after, as the stone which is cast in, sinketh to the bottome. There is another Lake in the middle of the Iland, which casteth forth a pestiferous fume, insomuch as it killeth Birds flying ouer it with the poy∣son thereof.

Of the wonderfull Mountaynes in Island.

[ 10]

THere are three Mountaynes in Island very admirable, the one is called the Mountayne of the Crosse, the other Sneuelsiockell. These two pierce the cloudes with their heigth, whose heads, or tops no man euer saw, nor are they euer seene without Ice and Snow; in those, Light∣nings and horrible Thunders are daily heard, when neuerthelesse, in the neighbouring Valleyes the Aire is faire and cleere, as in Summer time. The third Mountayne lyeth on the North of the Iland, and not very high, but it hath burned very many yeeres; with what fire or matter, it is vnknowne; but seeing Brimstone is digged out of the Earth throughout the whole Land, it see∣meth, that the Sulphurie matter is sometime inflamed. This Mountayne is not farre from the Sea, and the Sea on one side beates vpon it: it is called Hecla, sometimes it casteth forth flame, sometimes fierie water,* 1.33 then blacke ashes and Pumis stones, in so great abundance, that it darke∣neth [ 20] the Sunne. No man also can dwell neere it by sixe mile, neither are there any pastures a∣bout it. Sometimes bold men, and such as regard not their liues, cast stones into the hollow pla∣ces; for sometimes there is a wonderfull calme in the Mountayne; especially when the Westerne wind blowes,* 1.34 it casteth backe the stones flung into it with an horrible noyse and sound: the common people thinke the soules of the damned to be tormented heere: it is certayne that di∣uers and horrible spirits are obserued in this Mountayne and about it; for if a Battaile be fought in any place, the Islanders, especially they that sayle and fish in the Sea neere to Hecla, know the day of the Battaile fought, although they know not where it be done: for they see (as they re∣port) wicked spirits going forth, and returning, and bringing soules with them. And such a sto∣rie is rep••rted all Island ouer. [ 30]

A Fisherman sayling by Hecla, met with another ship, both had a prosperous wind, and when (after the manner of Saylers) he was demanded who hee was and of what place, hee answered, that hee had the Bishop of Breme in his ship,* 1.35 whom hee would conuay to Hecla: and it was knowne that the Bishop dyed the same day, which notwithstanding, I would not set downe for truth. If any perish by Sea, or otherwise dye, sometimes leauing their Friends and Acquain∣tance, they appeare very heauie, being demanded whither they goe, and from whence, they answere they are brought to Hecla, vnder a cruell Master the Deuill, and so vanish. And they are so bewitched of Satan, that they thinke them the soules of the departed.

But because no man that is well in his wits, will thinke that Hell is in this Mountayne, yet it may be demanded, whence the Hill hath this matter, whereby it should bring forth so many [ 40] yeeres flames, so many ashes, and such abundance of Pumis stones? For wee see the most sollid and firme bodies, and all things to be consumed by fire: and for that cause some thinke, that it shall come to passe that these flames shall once be extingished? for the cause fayling, they deny that any effects can follow. But heere (what I thinke) I will freely speake, yet sauing other mens judgements. It is manifest by watry Meteors, that there is a continuall generation of water, by the vapours gathered together in the cauities of the Earth; which issueth forth by Fountayns; but the efficient and materiall causes abiding perpetually, the effects also continually remayne: so also in the bowels of the Earth, there are certayne places, which by their owne nature draw vn∣to them a hote and dry exhalation, and that it resolues it into flames, ashes, and Pumis stones, which may easily be done in this Mountayne, by reason of the Sulphur matter, which is found in [ 50] Island throughout the whole Land. And as Fountaynes send forth more abundance of water in the Winter time, then in the Summer, nay, some of them are dry, because matter failes; so is it with this Mountayne: for sometimes matter failing, it hath neither flames, nor smoke, and all is quiet, whereby it appeareth that the matter and efficient cause faile. Howeuer it bee, I know this, that no man may come to the foot of the Mountayne without danger and feare, as hereafter shall be declared.

* 1.36The same yeere I was in Island, the nine and twentieth of Nouember, about midnight in the Sea, neere Hecla, there appeared a flame, which gaue light to the whole Iland, so that all of vs astonished, wondred, and carefully expected the issue thereof: the elder sort and such as were skilfull in this matter, said, that this light came from Hecla: an houre after, the whole Iland [ 60] trembled, as it should haue beene moued out of the place: after the Earthquake followed a hor∣rible cracke, that if all warlike Ordnance had beene discharged, it had beene nothing to this ter∣rour. It cannot be thought, much lesse expressed by word, how horrible it was. Wee thought that the whole frame of the World would fall, and that the last Day was at hand: but it was

knowne afterwards that the Sea went backe two leagues in that place, and remayned dry.

About the beginning of Iuly, at a certayn time of the yeere great store of Ice suddenly floteth to the Iland about Hecla, and there goes a rumour through the whole Iland, nay it is beleeued, that the damned soules are tormented in this Ice by course, in the Flame, in the Mountayne, and after in the Ice. This Ice for three whole moneths swimmeth only about Hecla.* 1.37 If you take a∣ny part of this Ice out of the Sea, and wrap it in a linnen cloth, and lay it vp in a Chest, it re∣mayneth so long vnmelted, as it swimmeth in the Sea; but if the Ice in the Sea vanish, which suddenly in one night happeneth, this appeareth not, nor leaueth any signe of moysture in the linnen cloth, which is not a hard thing for Satan to doe, to take away the Ice without moysture, [ 10] to increase their incredulitie. Olaus Magnus maketh mention of this Ice in his eleuenth Booke. But because I determined to search out all things diligently, I sayled not without great feare vnto this Ice, and I obserued, that this Ice was violently cast against the Rockes by force of the winds, and so made a mournfull sound afarre off, as if miserable howlings were heard there. Hereupon the Islanders thinke the soules of the damned are tormented in this Ice.

Of the Riches of the Islanders.

I Haue said that Island was a rough and snowie Countrey, and besides, it is full of Rockes and stones; and so truly, that there is not a field in the whole Iland: they haue not so much as [ 20] Gardens, wherein they may haue Pot-herbes or Pulse: they know no kinde of Corne nor Ap∣ples, Peares, nor Cheries, nor any fruit of Trees. And, which is almost incredible, they neither vse Bread nor Salt, yet they are well liking, and strong. There is no Citie in the whole Iland:* 1.38 they seldome haue two or three dwellings together. They haue their Cottages on the Sea side for fishing, and vnder ground by reason of the fierce windes.

There is no lone of money among them, for wares are changed for wares. Brimstone groweth on the South part, and almost throughout the whole Iland,* 1.39 which is digged out in great abun∣dance: they sell this stuffe purged for a small price. Mines of Gold or Siluer, nor of any other mettall they haue none. They vse Iron, but such as is brought vnto them. You shall scarse finde a man, who hath not Iron Nayles in a Bagge, wherewith Horse-shooes are fastened.

All their houses are vnder ground, for they haue no matter for building. There is not a [ 30] tree in the whole Iland, except the Birch-tree, and that in one place,* 1.40 which also excee∣deth not the stature of a man in length, and that by reason of the vehemencie of the winds, that it cannot grow higher. This Birch-tree after the Summer Solstitium beginnes first to bud, the leaues haue a most sweet smell, and of so fragrant a sauour, that the Germanes put them in their Tents, and vpon their meats for a singular delight. Yet sometimes great abundance of Firre-trees from Tartaria, or else-where carried by force of the waues and the Ice, arriued in Island. The chiefe vse of them is in building Cabbins vnder the ground: you shall scarsly find a house out of the earth, by reason of the strong winds, which sometimes ouerthrow Horses and their Ri∣ders. They haue great plentie of Butter, for the fatnes of the grasse: for the Island gras••e is so fat,* 1.41 [ 40] that Oxen after a certaine time are to be driuen from the Pastures, lest they burst. And it is of so pleasing a sent, that our men lay it vp in their Chests with singular care for their garments.* 1.42 The most part (for scarcitie of Vessels) lay their Butter aside in the corners of their Houses, (as we doe Lime or other matter) and that without Salt. They haue domesticall cattle, as kine; but many of them are without hornes. Al their Horses are amblers & very fit for carrying of burdens.* 1.43 They haue very great sheepe, they keepe not a Hogge nor a Hen, for want of graine, if fodder or hay faile them in the Winter, they feed their cattle with fish. They haue rough Dogs bred with∣out tayle and eares for their pleasure, which they sell deere and greatly esteeme, when notwith∣standing they offer their children to any that will aske them, and that freely. Besides, this Iland hath white Foxes, and huge Beares of the same colour. They haue no Birds but water-fowle, whereof there are diuers kinds and sorts found there, vnknowne vnto vs. Crowes sometimes [ 50] are changed white; and excellent Falcons, and some among them white, which being taken and gotten, with the great cost of the Spaniards and Portugals, are also carried away in great number, which thing was done, while I was in Island, to my great profit. Island also hath white Par∣tridges. There are also euery where through the whole Iland most pleasant Riuers,* 1.44 which yeeld the Inhabitants fish in great plentie, Salmon Trowts, and Sturgeons. There is one only bridge in all the Iland, made of the bones of a Whale.* 1.45 They that goe from one part of the Iland to another by the Continent, haue no way which they may follow, for the solitarinesse thereof: but as Say∣lers in the Sea, so they by the helpe of the Load-stone performe their journeyes. The depth of the Sea neere Island is very exceeding. In these gulfs there are Whales of wonderful bignes, and many [ 60] Sea-monsters which cannot bee killed or taken of men, the Ice only through the force of the winds dasheth them against the Rockes, and killeth them. I saw such a Monster cast vpon the shoare dead, whose length was thirty ells, his heigth more then a very long Warlike Pike.

A Whale being dead or killed, the Inhabitants make Buildings and Dwellings of the bones thereof with great dexteritie and skill, they make also seates, benches, tables,* 1.46 and other

vtensils, smoothing them so that they seeme like Iuory. They that sleepe in these houses, are said alwayes to dreame of shipwrack.* 1.47 And although it bee a huge and fearfull creature, and haue great strength, yet notwithstanding oftentimes he is not onely withstood, but ouercome of his capitall enemie (not so great) which is called Orca;* 1.48 this fish hath the shape of a ship turned vp∣side-downe, and vpon his backe very sharpe and long finnes, wherewith hee woundeth the soft of the belly of the Whale, and killeth him, and the Whale so feareth this fish, that in shunning him, he often dasheth himselfe against the shoare.

The Iseland Sea hath a Monster also, whose name is vnknowne. They iudge it a kinde of Whale at the first sight, when hee shewes his head out of the Sea, hee so scarreth men that they fall downe almost dead.* 1.49 His square head hath flaming eyes, on both sides fenced with long [ 10] hornes, his body is blacke, and beset with blacke quills; if he be seene by night, his eyes are fie∣ry, which lighten his whole head, which he putteth out of the Sea, nothing can either bee pain∣ted or imagined more fearfull. Olaus Magnus maketh mention of this Monster in his twentieth Booke, and saith, that it is twelue cubits long. Such a Monster at that time tore in pieces with his teeth a Fisher-boate, wherein there were three Fisher-men, so that they were drowned, one of them, who held in his hand a little cord, wherewith hee vsed to draw the hooke, and the fishes, laid hold of the boord which floted in the Sea; so he was saued getting out of the bottom vpon the planke and swam foorth, and declared this to the Kings Gouernour in my presence, adding moreouer that he was saued from heauen, that he might get maintenance for his children, who otherwise were readie to perish with hunger, when the other two though married, yet were [ 20] without children.

Another Monster also is often there seene and taken, of ten or twelue elles long, it is cal∣led Hacfal,* 1.50 it is all fat; it is taken after a wonderfull manner: they haue a very long pike wher∣unto they fasten an Iron with a forked point, that it cannot goe backe, vnto the staffe a cord of a maruailous length is fastned; they sticke this speare in the Monster, which swimmeth vnto it for prey, perceiuing a man in the little boates; as soone as the Monster feeles himselfe stroo∣ken and wounded, forthwith he hides himselfe in the Deepe, and there (his bloud being pow∣red out) dyes, afterward the Fishers draw him to the land by the long cords fastned to the speare.

* 1.51Besides, it hath diuers Sea Monsters: a Dogge fish, which putting his head out of the Sea bar∣keth, and receiueth his whelps sporting in the Sea againe into his belly, while they come to more growth. It hath Horses and Kine, and what not? and it is a maruell, how skilfull Nature sports, [ 30] in expressing the shape of all earthly Creatures and Fowles in the Sea. Neither should any man perswade me that these things are true,* 1.52 although ten Aristotles should affirme them vnto me, vn∣lesse I had seene most of them with mine eyes. Let no man therefore presently cry out, that what he knowes not is fabulous.

The men of Lubeck, Hamburg, and Breme, were often wont to goe to this Iland, and leaue their seruants in the winter lodgings; but now it is prouided by the Kings authoritie, that no Germaine, either by reason of trading or learning of the language, leaue his seruants there in the winter; but vpon what occasion this came to passe, the matter standeth thus. In the yeere of Christ 1561. there was a Citizen of Hamburg, one Conradus Bloem, left by an other in Iseland in the winter lodgings with the Bishop in Scalholden, for trading and learning of the tongue: the [ 40] Bishops fishers find a whole Vnicornes horne in the Ice, brought out of Groneland (as it is thought) where yet at this day Vnicorns are said to be,* 1.53 & thinking it to be a Whales tooth, nor did the Bi∣shop beleeue otherwise, they bring it to their Master, who gaue it to Conradus begging it; he being somewhat craftie, sold it after at Antwerp for some thousands of Florins. When this thing came to the King of Denmarks eares, he forbad that no Germaine should winter in Iseland in any cause.

Of the iudgement of the Iselanders.

THere is a most pleasant place almost in the midst of the Iland, you would say it were a Para∣dise in the Spring time, where sometimes there was a high Mountaine, which burned with inward fire, as Hecla doth at this day; which matter after it was consumed, made a Plaine, but [ 50] the Rocks which were erected about the Mountaine, stand yet, therefore this place is so fenced by Nature, that they that enter it, must goe one by one. This place is famous for two great falls of water, where two Riuers from the highest Rocks cast themselues steepe downe one against the other, with an astonishing and horrible dashing of the waters against the Rocks. These Ri∣uers meete together in the middle of the field, and by a great whirlepoole are swallowed vp into the ground.

Heere yeerely the nine and twentieth of Iune, the Inhabitants who haue any controuersie, meete together:* 1.54 for in no other place or time Iustice is administred: after they are entred, stan∣dings are placed by the Gouernours guard, who admit all that desire to come in, no man hath li∣bertie to goe out, without the consent and authoritie of the Gouernour. When they are come [ 60] thither, the Gouernour offreth his Charter to bee publikely read, whereby hee procureth credit to his Office, and hauing spoken before somewhat of the Kings goodwill, and his owne towards the Ilanders, he exhorteth them to communicate Iustice vnto all, without respect of persons, hee

after departeth, and keepes himselfe in his Tent, hauing heard a godly Sermon, the twelue men, whom they call Lochmaders, as it were men of Iustice, sit downe on the ground,* 1.55 each of them hath a Booke in his hand, contayning the Law of that Iland, written in the vulgar tongue. Ac∣cusation and answer being made, they goe apart into seuerall places, euery one reades ouer his Booke diligently, going afterwards againe to his place, without Scribe, without replication or doubling, and iuglings of such brabling Lawyers, they conferre of the sentence and pronounce it: If any thing bee worthy of deliberation, it is brought to the Gouernour for consultation and for his honours sake, when notwithstanding they leaue no power of deciding it to him.

There are many accusations of Theft and Adulteries, they make no question of their Bonds, of their Fees, their Hereditarie fields, or any summe of money: there are no controuersies there. [ 10] These twelue men, ouer which one is chiefe, are greatly honoured amongst them. These doe de∣termine, and diligently inquire of all publike Controuersies. If there bee any wicked Act com∣mitted that yeere, if Murther bee committed any where, if Theft, if Adulterie, if Cattle be stol∣len away (which vseth oft to bee done) then these men set downe the punishment.* 1.56 They that are condemned to dye, are beheaded: the rest, who are any way to bee punished, they burne with a marke, this punishment with them is most grieuous: for they are marked in the forehead: they that are so marked are accounted in the number of wicked men: others are beaten with roddes: and I saw when the Father and the Sonne for theft (for they were Cattell stealers) were held Captiues, that the Father was compelled to beate his Sonne with roddes, and hee after∣wards beheaded.

[ 20]

Of Groneland.

ISeland by Nature is somewhat long, it hath Norway on the East, the Orcades and Scotland on the South, Groneland on the West, and the Hyperborean or Congealed Sea vpon the North. Although I purposed to passe ouer Groneland with silence, yet seeing I touched vpon the Land, and saw some few things, I thought it was to bee added. There was in a certaine Monasterie in Iseland called Helgafiel, a certayne blinde Monke left (for the Abbot of the Monasterie had con∣uerted the Reuenues to the Kings vse) who liued miserably there: hee was borne in Groneland, of [ 30] a darke complexion and broad face. The Gouernour commanded him to bee brought vnto him, that hee might know some certaintie of the state of Groneland. Hee sayd, there was a Monaste∣rie of Saint Thomas in Groneland, into the which his Parents thrust him when he was but young, and after that, hee was taken out by the Bishop of Groneland, when hee was thirtie yeeres of age, to saile with him into Norway, to the Archbishop to Nidrosia (or Dronten) to whom the Ise∣land Bishops are subiect: in his returne hee was left in a Monasterie by the Bishop, whose Coun∣trey Groneland was: this was done (as hee sayd) 1546. Hee said, that Iland was called Grone∣land, Antiphrastically. For that it seldome or neuer waxeth greene, and that there is so great cold there throughout the whole yeere, except Iune, Iuly and August, that being clothed and couered with Furres, they could scarse bee warme; and that they had at home certayne round [ 40] peeces of wood, which being continually mooued with the feete, kept their feet warme. Hee sayd, it aboundeth as Iseland doth with Fishes, and that they had Beares and white Foxes, nay Pigmies, and Vnicornes, and that day did not appeare, till the Sunne had runne through Pisces.* 1.57

This Monke told vs maruellous strange things: that there was in the Monasterie of Saint Tho∣mas (where hee liued) a Fountayne▪ which sent forth burning and flaming water, that this wa∣ter was conueyed through pipes of stone, to the seuerall Cells of the Monkes, and that it made them warme, as Stoaues doe with vs; and that all kinde of meates might bee boyled in this Fountayne and fierie water, no otherwise, then if it had beene fire indeed. Hee added moreo∣uer, that the walls of the Monasterie were made of Pumice stones, out of a certayne Mountayne (not farre from the Monasterie) like to Hecla: for if yee powre these burning Waters vpon the Pumice stones, there will follow a slimie matter, which in stead of Lime they vse for Morter.

[ 50] After the Gouernours conference with the Monke, I came priuatly vnto him, to demand certayne particular things touching the Pigmies and other things; hee had little skill in the La∣tine tongue, hee vnderstood mee speaking Latine, but answered by an Interpreter. Hee sayd, the Pigmies represent the most perfect shape of Man,* 1.58 that they are hairy to the vttermost joynts of the fingers, and that the Males haue beards downe to the knees. But although they haue the shape of men, yet they haue little sense or vnderstanding, nor distinct speech, but make shew of a kinde of hissing, after the manner of Geese; that his Abbot kept two of them in his Mona∣sterie, male and female, but they liued not long, and that they were vnreasonable Crea∣tures, and liue in perpetuall darknesse. That some say, they haue warre with the Cranes, that [ 60] hee knew not.* 1.59

He affirmed, that the same maner of food was in Groneland, as in Island, to wit, of fish but not of cattle, because they haue no cattle, & that the country is not populous. Forth with from Island be∣gins the Hyperborean Sea, which beats vpon Groneland, and the Country of the Pigmies, which at this day is called Noua Zembla, & there the frozen Sea hath a Bay which is called the White Sea,

or Mare Album, and there are there certayne passages whereby they sayle into the Schythian O∣cean, if they can for Ice. And the Gouernour had the King of Denmarkes Ship, furnished with all necessaries: but when hee heard (by the Monke) of these passages, and short cut into the Kingdome of China, hee affected this commendation, that hee might open these passages and Ice vnto the Kingdome of China by the Tartarian Sea, which had often beene attempted by o∣thers, but in vaine.

The last day therefore of March, in the yeere 1564. hee commanded that Ship to sayle to those places,* 1.60 and mee also together with them, being willing of mine owne accord: and enioyned me to marke diligently the scituation of the places, and whatsoeuer wee met with worthy of sight or report. Wee were in the Ship threescore and foure men, as well Danes as Iselanders, and the twentieth day of Aprill wee arriued at a certayne Promontorie of Groneland, and when wee [ 10] found no Hauen, to the which wee might safely commit our selues, and letting downe the lead, wee had sounded the depth of the Sea, it was such as wee could not anchor there, and the abun∣dance of Ice was so great, that it was neither safe nor possible to sayle neerer to the Rocks; foure and twentie therefore of vs armed, with great labour and danger went on shoare in our Skiffes among whom I also was) to trie whether wee could finde a harbour, and what kinde of men Groneland had. In the meane time, the great Ship floated in the Sea and Ice, in a great calme, halfe of our companie abode in the shoare to keepe the Skiffe; another part (and I with them) ranne abroad to discouer: they that were left on shoare to keepe the Skiffe, going hither and thither, found a little man dead with a long beard, with a little Boate, and a crooked Hooke of [ 20] the bone of a Fish, and a leather cord: foure fish Bladders were bound vnto the Boate (as is sup∣posed) that it should not bee drowned, whereof three were sunke and fallen flat: This Boate (because it was very vnlike ours) the Gouernour sent to the King of Denmarke.

Olaus Magnus in his first Booke writeth, that there is a Rocke in the middest of Iseland and Grone∣land, called Hutisocke, which wee sayled by, and that there they haue Ships of leather, which hee testifi∣eth hee saw, but it was not such an one: but Petrus Bembus in his seuenth Booke, in the Venetian Hi∣storie,* 1.61 describeth a Ship, which was like vnto this, where hee writeth thus: While a French Ship kept her course not farre from Britaine, shee tooke a Boate built of Osiers the middest beeing cut out, and the so∣lid barke of Trees ioyned together, wherein there were seuen men of a middle stature, somewhat darke co∣loured, of a large and broad face, marked with strange scarres and violet colour; these had their gar∣ments [ 30] of Fishes skinnes▪ full of spots, they bore a painted Crowne of reede wouen in, as it were with seuen eares; they did eate raw Flesh, and drunke Blood, as wee doe Wine; their speech could not bee vnderstood, sixe of them dyed,* 1.62 one young man was brought aliue to the Aulercos, where the King was.

It is not vnlikely to bee true, that this Ship with these seuen men, were driuen out of Grone∣land, into the Britaine Ocean: seeing the description of Bembus his Ship agreeth with that found in Groneland.

Wee wandred in the meane season, in a Land vnknowne vnto vs, which was couered with Snow and Ice, wee found neither footing of men, not any habitation, nor fit Port, but the Sea was closed and fenced on euery side with craggie Rockes. Yet we met with a great white Beare, which neither feared vs,* 1.63 nor could bee driuen away with our cryes, but came full vpon vs, as to [ 40] his certaine prey, and when hee came neere vnto vs, being twice shot through with a Gunne, hee stood bolt vpright with his fore-feet as a man standeth, till hee was shot through the third time, and so fell downe dead: his Skinne was sent to the King of Denmarke. We agreed amongst our selues before wee went on shoare, if wee found a fit Harbour, or else had need of their helpe, that wee should plucke vp our standerd, which wee carried out with vs for that purpose, and that they, if they would call vs backe, should signifie the same with their Ordnance. A tem∣pest arising in the meane while, the Master of the Ship giues vs a signe to returne, by the dis∣charging of a piece of Ordnance, and calls vs backe vnto the Ship: all of vs therefore returned with great labour after three dayes vnto the Ship with the Beares skinne; wee sayled therefore to the other side of the Iland toward the North, to the Countrey of the Pigmies or Noua Zem∣bla, [ 50] that by the mouth of the White Sea, wee might come into the Scythian, or Tartarian Sea, from whence (they say) there is a passage to the Kingdome of China, and Cathay; but beeing hindred by the Ice, wee could not passe the mouth of that Sea: therefore without doing any thing, wee returned into Iseland the sixteenth of Iune.

* 1.64I sayd before, that the Iselanders the nine and twentieth of Iune yeerely came together almost in the middle of the Iland to Iudgement, and after our returne, the Gouernour went thither, and I with him. Some of the next inhabitants of Hecla then came to Iudgement, whom the Gouernour inuited twice or thrice to dinner and supper. These men while they were at supper, reported wonderfull things of the Mountayne Hecla, and other things; I was foorthwith in∣flamed with a desire to see and heare all. Wherefore the Gouernour commended mee to these [ 60] men, that they should bring mee thither, and commanded all things should bee shewed me, which they knew there worthy to bee seene. This Gouernour was a Dane, a Noble man, and excellent∣ly well learned: to this man surely I am much bound for his great liberalitie towards m••e, in

that he caused me to be conueighed at his charge to diuers places of the Iland, where any notable thing was to be seene. I accompanied with two Islanders, and a certaine Dane, who carried pro∣uision, and a Tent on Horse-backe, spent foure whole dayes, while we go through rough places, Hilly and desolate vnto this Mountayne. For some Miles about Hecla, all was full of blacke ashes and Pumis stones. The Islanders aduised me that I should goe no neerer, leading away the Horse, which they had lent me.

I, because I purposed to see, and search out all things diligently; accompanied with the Dane, came neerer, as though I went to climbe the Hill, and although at the first sight we were afraid, yet I would not leaue off my purpose, and by reason of my young yeeres, not vnderstanding [ 10] the danger, I went through the ashes and Pumis stones alone to Hecla, leauing the Dane. There was there at that time a wonderfull calme, so that I saw neither fire nor smoke. But behold, sud∣denly in the bowels of the Earth, a great noyse was heard, after this, followed flames of a greene colour, which had almost killed me with their Sulphurie and filthy stinke, so that I scarse es∣caped to my forsaken horses and companions. Vpon that sudden astonishment I fell into a sick∣nesse, and vehement cogitation, seeing these horrible flames were alwayes present before mine eyes: insomuch that my Island companions were compelled to carry me away vnto their house, with whom I lay sicke two whole monethes: while in the meane time the Dane returned to the Gouernour, and to the Hamburgers, and acquainted them with my state. I liued miserably amongst the Barbarians, sicke and vnknowne; they had Bisket which I steeped in Milke, and [ 20] and so for that time, I indured hunger, while (being stronger) I might returne to the Gouernour.

The Hamburgers, by reason of the time of the yeere, least they should loose the opportunitie of sayling, despairing now of my returne, set sayle (for they depart before the foure and twentieth of August, lest being hindered after by the Ice, they cannot get out) yet with speciall care com∣mended me to the Gouernour (if at any time I did returne) leauing Bisket, Wine, and Beere. The Gouernour hath a dwelling fit enough for the manner and fashion of this Countrey, on the South of this Iland, not farre from the Hauen of Hafnefordt, the place is called Bestede.* 1.65 I was brought hither of the Islanders, to the Gouernour, who, for our common studies, entertayned me willingly and honorably. But although wee were plentifully furnished with all necessaries, yet being very wearie of that life in such darknesse, I expected the ships out of Germany the [ 30] next yeere with great desire.

There grew then warre betweene Ericus of Suetia, and Fredericke the Second King of Den∣marke; which was continued with great courage for ten yeeres after. The Lubekers were Con∣sorts and Confederates of Warre vnto the Dane. So most part of the Cities on the Sea-coast, vpon the Balthicke Sea, hindred or intangled with this Warre, intermitted their sayling into Island this yeere, therefore wayting in vaine, I must stay. The yeere following, when I had wayted till the end of Iune, all hope of returning into Germany that yeere was taken away, and which was worse, the yeerely ship came not from Denmarke: and bread and Wine failed vs al∣most foure monethes.

There lay Portugals at anchor at that time in Island in a small ship; who came thither to fowle, [ 40] they caried away excellent Falcons, and white ones among them, in great number. I thought good rather to crosse ouer into Portugall with them, then to wayte another yeere, either for Danes or Germanes. And when they gaue the Gouernour his Custome, he dealt with them in my behalfe concerning the charge, that I might passe with them, and he liberally paid the charges, and honorably sent me away with a worthy Present. Not far from the Kings house, there was a certayn Minister, Ionas by name, he familiarly saluted me before I departed: for the time I was in Island, I had some familiaritie with him, to whom also I left my Bookes when I departed: he for friendships sake, knit three knots in a handkerchiefe, and promised me a prosperous wind, say¦ing, if by chance the winds at any time grow contrary at Sea, open these knots, and then remem∣ber me. When therfore about the twentieth of September we had sayled,* 1.66 and now Spaine was in [ 50] our view, there was so great a calme, that we felt not a breath of wind, and that for three whole dayes. In this calme my friends promise came into my minde, and I desired to proue it. I loosed the first knot, by and by, after one houre, there arose a very prosperous winde, but blowing very gently, I vntye the second and the third, forthwith a Tempest beganne more and more to grow, so truly that after two dayes we ridde in the Riuer Tagus, which beateth vpon Lisbone.

[ 60]

Notes

• m 1.1

  He publi∣shed this Book Anno 1607.
• * 1.2

  Groneland. Mists ordinary in those Seas.
• * 1.3

  See of Island originall the next Chapter. Antiquities are often my∣stical, or mythi∣cal & fabulous
• * 1.4

  The Christian care of King Christian.
• * 1.5

  Two Bishops in Iseland.
• * 1.6

  Tadde Bonde.
• * 1.7

  Waloe.
• * 1.8

  Three sorts of people.
• * 1.9

  Twelue Iusti∣ces each yeere
• * 1.10

  Strength.
• * 1.11

  H••bite.
• * 1.12

  Superstition and Witch∣craft.
• * 1.13

  Night Rauens.
• * 1.14

  Sweet sacrifice for the Deuill, letice sutable his lips.
• * 1.15

  Learning▪
• * 1.16

  Fiwing & fish.
• * 1.17

  Drinke.
• * 1.18

  An old man or a loud lie.
• * 1.19

  Bread.
• * 1.20

  Commodities.
• * 1.21

  Whoores.
• * 1.22

  Drinking and singing.
• * 1.23

  Louing wormes. Lousie loue.
• * 1.24

  Lodging.
• * 1.25

  Long night.
• * 1.26

  Chesse.
• * 1.27

  Dryed Fish.
• * 1.28

  Hot Bathes.
• * 1.29

  Diue-doppers.
• * 1.30

  Stone-making water.
• * 1.31

  Note.
• * 1.32

  French disease.
• * 1.33

  Hecla a bur∣ning Hill.
• * 1.34

  Conceit of Purgatorie.
• * 1.35

  Collusions of men, or Illusi∣ons of Deuils. A••ngim Ionas an Islander scoffes at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as fabu∣lous.
• * 1.36

  Strange Story.
• * 1.37

  Another won∣der.
• * 1.38

  No fruits.
• * 1.39

  Bartar. Brimstone▪
• * 1.40

  Birch-tree.
• * 1.41

  Great winds.
• * 1.42

  Fat grasse.
• * 1.43

  Their kine, horses, and sheepe.

  Dogs of more price then children. Beares and Foxes.

  White Crowes
• * 1.44

  Riuers.
• * 1.45

  Whale-bone-bridge.

  Trauell by compasse. Whales.
• * 1.46

  Hug•• Whal••
• * 1.47

  Note.
• * 1.48

  Orca.
• * 1.49

  A Sea-mon∣ster.
• * 1.50

  Hacfal another Monster.
• * 1.51

  Dog-fish.
• * 1.52

  Note.
• * 1.53

  Horne of a Sea-fish. See Ionas Poole and Baffin, l. 4.
• * 1.54

  Islanders terme
• * 1.55

  Manner of trials and suites.
• * 1.56

  Sentence and execution.
• * 1.57

  Their Pigmies are Beasts and Vnicornes▪ Fishes.
• * 1.58

  Pigmies, our men haue no•• seene such.
• * 1.59

  Of this the English Disco∣u••ri••s in this and the next Booke wi••l giue bett••r light▪
• * 1.60

  The Authors Voyage for Discouerie.
• * 1.61

  In Sir Thomas Smiths Hall in London is a kind of Boate somwhat like, of Barke sowed
• * 1.62

  Seales skins.
• * 1.63

  A Beare.
• * 1.64

  The Authors Iourney to Mount Hecla.
• * 1.65

  Hafnefordt. His abiding there two win∣ters.
• * 1.66

  His Nauigati∣ons on the Coast of Afri∣ca, &c. hee mentions in his Preface, which I haue for breuitie omitted.