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.

[ 10]

§. I. Of Island, the Situation, Discouerie, Plantation and Language.

ISland is an Iland of the North, compassed about with the huge Ocean: whose Gosmographicall latitude towards the North, to wit, at Hola, the Episcopall Seat of North Island, is 65. degrees, and 44. minutes: and the longitude 13. de∣grees and 30. minutes, or thereabouts: for I will not precisely affirme the same, by reason of that scruple, arising from the Paralaxis of the Moone in the obser∣uation of the Eclipses to be doubted: which only way of finding out the longitude, that most [ 20] famous man, Gudbrandus Thorlacius, now Bishop of North Island, hath hitherto shewed: who hath imparted vnto vs this longitude and latitude of his Sea: and was the first, that I know, among our Countreymen, who hath deliuered any certaintie in Writing, concerning this matter.

And surely, that which at this day, and so from the first entrance of Inhabitants, beareth the name of Island, (while as yet it remayned barren and desolate) had diuers names allotted or gi∣uen vnto it from diuers Discouerers: whereof three are mentioned.

For first of all it was called Snaelandia. For a certaine Pyrate called Naddocus, going towards the Fareusian Ilands (commonly called Faerenar, for the multitude of Egges) was brought vnto the shoares of East Island, through a Tempest, not farre from the Mountayne Reidarfiall, (so cal∣led afterward) to the Bay Reidarfiard: who ascending the Mountayne, and beholding the bor∣dering Countrey farre and neere, found it all Desert. And departing from the Coast about Au∣tumne, [ 30] he perceiued the higher tops of the Mountaynes to bee couered with exceeding much Snow; and therefore, as the present case required, he called the Iland Snaelandia, that is to say, The Snowie Countrey.

Another following him, one Gardarus the sonne of Suanarus a Suecian borne, perswaded through the report which Naddocus had brought concerning Snaelande,* 1.1 went to seeke it: he found it, who arriued also neere the Easterne shoare, and from thence being carried about the Iland, he abode in the Bay of North Island called Skialfanda, and wintered there in the yeere of Christ 864. and called the name of the Hauen, Husawich, from the wintering places, or houses built there.* 1.2 But the Spring beginning, Gardarus being about to depart into Norway, the ship Boat was driuen away by a tempest, into an Hauen neere vnto the former, and in the same Boat [ 40] there was a certayne Mariner called Natrare: from whom also this hauen had the name of Narfa∣rawicke. Moreouer, Gardarus returning to his friends, called that new Countrey Gardarsholme, as it were,* 1.3 the Iland of Gardarus, neglecting the name of Snaelandae.

Moreouer, the desire also of visiting a Countrey newly discouered, possessed many. For the third also,* 1.4 one Floco, and he a most famous Pirate purposing to visit Gardarsholme, set sayle out of an Hauen of Norway, which lyeth neere the watch-towre or rather Pharus Flokawarda, situate in the limits of the Prouinces of Hordaslandia, and Rogaelandia: and passing by Hietlandia, (mis∣named by some Schetlandia) called a certayne Hauen by the name of Flokawogur, and there the deepest part of the Sea (where Geirhilda the daughter of Floco by chance was drowned) was caled Geirhildarwata, from her: no otherwise then that Sea was called Hellespontus, wherein by [ 50] misfortune Phryxus lost his sister Helle. There was yet no vse of the Mariners Compasse: where∣fore Floco leauing Hietlandia, tooke certayne Rauens vnto him: and when hee thought hee had sayled a great way, he sent forth one Rauen, which flying aloft, went backe againe to Hietlande, which she saw behind. Whereupon Floco perceiuing that he was yet neerer to Hietland then o∣ther Countryes,* 1.5 and therefore couragiously going forward, he sent forth another Rauen: which because she could see no Land, neither before nor behind, light into the ship again. But lastly, the third Rauen was sent forth by Floco, and hauing for the most part performed his Voyage, through the sharpnesse of her quicke sight attayning the Land, which the Mariners desired, she speedily flew thither: whose direction Floco following, beheld first the Easterne side of the Iland, as his Predecessors did: and from thence directing his course to the South, found a very wide and open [ 60] Bay twelue Islandish miles broad, betweene the two Promontories or high Lands, afterwards called Renkanes, and Snaefelsnes. And hearing by a certayne Mariner (whom he had with him) a Scot borne, named Faxa, that the Bay they now met with, was the huge mouth of a Riuer or

Floud; Floco to reproue the folly of Faxa, supposing so huge a Bay of the Sea to be the mouth of a Riuer, called the name of the Bay inclosed betweene the foresaid Promontories, Faxaos, which signifieth the mouth of Faxa. This Bay, by reason of the multitude of Hauens, was afterwads cal∣led Hafnafiordur: which name Hafnafiordur at this day is more specially vsed of a most safe Ha∣uen of the same Bay.

After this, Floco sayling along the West side of the Iland, entred somewhat within the Bay Breidafiord, remaining in a certaine Hauen of the Prouince Bardestraund, called Watnsfiordur (for I vse the names giuen them afterwards) and there preparing wintering places, he liued very commodiously and well with fish of diuers kindes, wherewith that Bay doth abound. But ha∣uing the Spring time here very vntemperate through cold, hee found a Bay (which entreth this [ 10] part of the Land on the North) to be filled with Ice of the Sea, which wee call Gronelandish Ice. From which Ice, Floco deuised the third name for the Iland, and called it Island.* 1.6 Moreouer also Floco turning to the South side, passed another Winter in Island: and returning into Norway (from the Rauens, which hee vsed in stead of the Mariners Compasse) he allotted it the surname of Rafnafloke.

And Island surely obtained these names consequently from the finders, or discouerers thereof.* 1.7 For as touching the fourth, Thule, imposed vpon this Land by some, I cannot bee perswaded to beleeue, it is true; chiefly by this argument; That Thyle, or Thule among the ancient Writers, [ 20] was often in the mouth and writings not onely of Pliny in his second booke of Naturall Histo∣ries 75. Chapter and fourth booke, and sixteenth Chapter (and Pliny flourished about the eigh∣tieth yeere of Christ) and of him who was more ancient then Pliny, Pythias Massiliensis: bu•• also of Pub. Virgilius, who liued not aboue fourteene yeeres after Christ: but Island, till the yeere of Christ 874. remained altogether desert, as hereafter I shall speake. Thule therefore, which Vir∣gil said should serue Augustus (Geor. 1. tibi seruiat vltima Thule: where euen euery child knoweth that Thule is Synecdochically spoken, for the Inhabitanes of Thule) not onely inhabited in the times of Augustus and Virgil, but also knowne to the Romanes, is not Island, which many ages af∣ter began first to be inhabited. Besides, Plinie himselfe seemeth in the later place recited to reckon Thule with the Ilands of Britaine: for, saith hee, Vltima omnium quae memorantur est Thule:* 1.8 to wit, of the Brittish Ilands, for hee speaketh of them. It is likely also that Virgil meant the same, who said Thule was the last, in the place before recited: and likewise, Penitus toto diuisos orbe [ 30] Britannos: that is to say, the last. Let me yet vrge the same argument further, from the age of Claudianus Alexandrinus, and Pub. Papinius Statius, farre more ancient then he. For Claudianus about the yeere of Christ 390. writeth thus concerning the successe of the Getick Wars atchieued by Theodosius.

Famaque ingrantes succincta panoribus alas, Secum cuncta trahens, à Gadibus vsque Brita••••um Terruit Oceanum: & nostro procul axe remotam Insolito Belli, tremefecit murmure Thulen.

Then blackwing'd Fame Feare girt, frights all the World with Warre. [ 40] From Cades to Britaine, from Our World shakes Thule farre.

But did Report and Fame cause Island not inhabited, and desert to tremble? And Statius more ancient by three hundred yeeres then Claudian, in his third Booke Sylua, writeth thus.

Quanquam etsi gelidas irem mansurus ad Ar••tos, Velsuper Hesperia vada caligantia Thules.

Though I should dwel in Artike frosts, Or mystie shelues of Thules West coasts.

You heare, not onely a slight report of Thule came to Statius eares, but that the shallow places, quicke sand, or shelues found in approching to the Iland were sufficiently knowne vnto him, by [ 50] the often relation of Nauigators: of which sort in the circuit of Island, there are none that I know,* 1.9 which experience speaketh: but in comming to the Ilands of Britaine they are very ordinarie and common, as they say.

The Longitude thereof from the East vnto the West, hath not hitherto beene expressed by a∣ny certaine or assured measure that I know, nor yet the Latitude from North to South; saue that in an ancient Codicall or Writing I found that the Longitude was twentie dayes iour∣ney: and the Latitude (where it is broadest) foure dayes, but the iourneyes, as elsewhere, so also with vs are not alike, (yet here I vnderstand Pyngmanualeid twentie, in the Authors owne hand-writing it is Dagleider) nor is it expressed whether of Horse-men or Foot-men. But the [ 60] Latitude it selfe is not euery where the same; by reason of Bayes on both sides, to wit, from the Sotth and North entring the Land it selfe with vnequall distances. The Easterly bound is Austurhorn: the Westerne Randesandur (for the Promontory Sua-felloues lyeth more toward

the South-west) but the North bound is Langanes, and the South Reikranes. The Iland also from the foure quarters of the World, is diuided into North, South, East and West, and the Promon∣torie Langanes diuideth North Island from East Island; from West Island, the Bay Rutafiordur: from South Island, the vast and huge deserts of rough, and inaccessable places extended the whole length of the Iland. But Sout•• Island, opposite to the North, through these rough and inaccessable places lying betweene the Riuer Ioculsu, running through the deserts of Solseimasande, diuideth from East Island: from West Island also, a famous Riuer, named Albis, emptying it selfe into the Bay Borgarfiord: So that, if it pleased me to represent the Iland in humane shape, East Island should haue the proportion of the head. The two more famous Promontories Langanes and Reikranes, or bounds; the one Northerly, the other Southerly (as hath been said) should serue in stead of armes. And the deserts extended the whole length of the Iland should make the backe, or backe bone: [ 10] then North and South Island, the shoulders with the sides; the two opposite Bayes Borgarfiord••, and Ratafiordar, the one on the South, the other on the North, should diuide the forepart about the short ribs, from both the thighes or hips. But West Island should resemble the rest of the parts of a mans bodie, from the forepart about the short ribbes: which the Bay Breidifiordur comming in from the West, should contract and straighten into the right and left foot.

The circuit also of the Iland, is no more certainely knowne; yet an ancient rumour and opinion (as in another place where it is noted) reckoneth one hundred and fortie foure Noruegian miles (as I thinke) that is to say,* 1.10 two hundred eightie eight Germane miles, Chytraeus accounting the Noruegian mile, to equall two Germane miles, sayling from one Promontorie to the other, not by [ 20] the Bayes: whereof North Island is esteemed to haue eleuen, East Island, twentie one, South Island sixe, and West Island seuentie.

Haraldus Pulcricomus * 1.11 swaying the Scepter in Norway, much neglected the chiefe Nobilitie of Norway: which the Noruegian Historie setteth downe at large, yet particular Histories of noble Families expulsed by Pulcricomus, more largely prosecute the same, as hereafter wee pur∣pose to write. For Pulcricomus not contented with Kingly authoritie, or chiefe soueraignetie, that is to say, with the right of Lawes, Magistracie, and appeale of Warre and Peace, challenged all vnto himselfe, by the right of a proprietarie. Insomuch, as very many chose rather to leaue their Countrey and rich inheritances, then to exchange their Generositie for slauerie and tri∣butes: for they thought it altogether vnworthy and ill beseeming their owne valour and their [ 30] ancestours. Hence, for the most part arose mutuall iniuries against the King, or the Kings par∣takers; as murdering of the Kings friends, allyes, or faction; then the exercises both at Sea and Land were rapines and robberies. From these noble Families therefore, refusing the violence of Harald, this our Island, with the neighbouring Ilands began first to be inhabited, and that almost by these steps and voyages.

* 1.12In the yeere of our Redemption 874. a certaine Inhabitant of Norway, one Ingulfus, going out of his Countrey, following the steps of Naddocus, Gardarus, and Floco mentioned before, was made Standard-bearer of the Inhabitants which were to bee conueyed into Island, and that vpon this occasion. Ingulfus was famous for his parentage and riches, whose father, called Orne, which signifieth an Eagle, was Duke of Fyrdafylce in Norway; the sister of Ingulfus was [ 40] Helga, a Virgin indued with all womanly ornaments, and his cousin germaine Leifus; who for a notable sword, which through his singular warlike prowesse he got in Ireland, was named Hior∣leifus. For Hir is a Sword. Moreouer, at that time among the Nobilitie of Norway, there were three naturall brothers, Hallstenn, Holmsten, and Herstenn; the sonnes of Atlas, or Atlantes, a certaine Baron of Norway: who bore certaine priuie grudges to the foresaid Ingulfus and Hiorlei∣fus; which presently after brake forth into cruell and bloudie slaughters. For when by chance they feasted together, after the manner of that age, they inioyned euery one to make some so∣lemne Vow. Herstenus therefore first vowed, that he would take Helga, Ingulfus sister to wife, or marrie none. Then presently Ingulfus vowed, that hee would admit none into his Fathers Inheritance with him, saue only Hiorleifus: meaning thereby that his sister Helga, by his consent should marry none but Hiorleifus (contrary to the vow of Herstenus for the marrying of her on∣ly.) [ 50] After that Helmstenus vowed, that if he were chosen Arbitrator betweene the aduerse par∣ties, he would by no meanes be compelled, to suffer an vniust sentence. And so the rest after them. Not long after succeeded the Vow of Ingulfus, for Hiorleifus tooke his Cousin Germane Helga to wife. For at that time the Marriages of Cousin Germanes were lawfull. From hence arose the extreame hatred, and enmitie of Herstenus, against the foresaid Hiorleifus, and Ingul∣fus:* 1.13 who therefore joyning with his Brother Holmstenn, with sixe ships filled with Souldiers, set vpon Hiorleifus vnawares, hauing but three ships only, preparing his Voyage into forreine Countreyes. Whose violence Hiorleifus a long time, and stoutly sustayning, holpen by a certayne friend comming in the meane-while, hauing slaine Herstenus got the vpper hand. But Holmste∣nus prouiding for himselfe by flight, and not a little exasperated and grieued through the violent [ 60] death of his Brother, after some few monethes, came with an armed power to Ingulfus and Hiorleifus to surprize them suddenly at home. Whereof they being certified by Spies, receiue him with an armed force, and kill him. Halstenus the third brother, wiser then the rest, who

consorted not with the vnjust routes of his Brethren, remayned yet aliue; to whose arbitrement Ingulfus with Hiorleifus commit the whole matter to be determined, holding him mindfull of his Vow, concerning equitie not so be violated. Halstenus therefore pronounceth his brother Her∣stenus to be iustly slaine: But not Hol••stenus who compelled through bitter griefe, desired to re∣uenge the death of his brother, by any slaughter whatsoeuer. For killing therefore of him, he com∣manded them both to be banished out of the Prouince of Fyrdafilse. They readily obey his award, to whom they willingly committed the censure, & with a purpose to leaue their Countrey, they sell their Lands and Possessions for mony and Merchandizes, and conceiue in their minds a worthy attempt of planting a strange people in a strange Country: and that not to gratifie Halstenus (with whom through this agreement they returned into fauour; with whom they might otherwise [ 10] easily haue contended in strength) but also for feare of Pulcricomus himselfe, raging against his Countrey, and innocent Countreymen, for the obtayning (as hath beene said) not only of the Monarchie, but Pampesia, of all their Possessions: nor was that to bee doubted, concerning the violence and oppression of Harald: for in the Historie of Haquinus Adalstenius his succeeding Sonne it is expresly read, that he was contented with Kingly authoritie, and restored to euery one their owne, which his Father vnjustly challenged vnto himselfe.

It was the yeere of Christ 870. wherein Ingulfus with Hiorleifus first visit Island, but they in∣habit it not presently, but foure yeeres after, in the yeere 874. as hath beene said:* 1.14 bringing ma∣ny Families thither.

Moreouer Ingulfus comming within view of the Iland, casteth the postes of the houses which [ 30] he had in Norway into the water, after the manner of Ethnickes accounting it for an Oracle, that that place was fatally chosen for his Habitation,* 1.15 which the postes cast out vpon the shoare should note or signifie. That custome many of the Norwegians retayned by turning vp the ground. But Ingulfus arriued not where he cast in the postes, but at the Promontorie of the South shoare (else-where erroniously, the West shoare) called by his name Ingulfhofde. Yet notwithstanding wanting the postes of the houses three whole yeers, at length he found them in that place, which is named Reychiarwich, and there he erected his Habitation. But Hiorleifus more estranged from Ethnick superstition, seated himselfe in the Promontorie Hirleifshofda; so called likewise from his name. There he built great houses: one of one hundred twentie six,* 1.16 and another of one hundred thirtie fiue feet long: who, the first yeere being ended, began to till the ground and sow seed. [ 30] In which worke, when he had exercised ten seruants or slaues, which hee brought with him out of Island, they fayned that Hiorleifus his labouring beast was slaine by a wilde Beare (for it was afterwards manifestly knowne, that Island hath no Beares, but such as came thither by chance) which when Hiorleifus (with a purpose of reuenge) sought in the next neighbouring Wood, he was deceitfully slaine by these slaues lying in ambush: together with some other companions which he tooke with him: the Seruants aswell rauishing the Wiues as spoyling the goods of the slaine; and flying into the Ilands not very farre distant from the shoare: which after of the same slaues, were called Westmafyar, because they were of Ireland. The Norwegians call the Irish, English, and Scots Westmen, that is, men of the West: seeing those Countries are distant from Norway, to the West. Ingulfus pursuing these Murtherers, set vpon them suddenly, and de∣stroyed [ 40] them euery man in the same Ilands, being much grieued in minde for the vntimely and cruell death of his deere friend and allyes.

But Ingulfus found and possessed Island altogether barren and desolate; on euery side beset with very thicke Woods, and scarsly fertile of any but Birches,* 1.17 so that hee was faine euery∣where to open the Woods with the Axe, for journeyes and habitation. Yet in the meane space, we might gather by certayne signes, I know not what Mariners had sometimes touched vpon certayne shoares of the Countrey, but not inhabited them. For Ingulfus found little sacring Bels and wooden Crosses,* 1.18 and other things made by the workmanship and arte of the Irish and Britaynes: but no tokens of culture, or habitation. Whereupon it is likely, that Irish, or Scottish Fishermen (as also the English at this day) accustomed to fish neere Island▪ as sometimes it com∣meth [ 50] to passe, went ashoare, and so by chance left sacring Bells and Crosses, the Vtensils of Chri∣stian Religion. For at that time the Irish were instructed in Christianisme as they sa••. And those whosoeuer were the ancient Islanders, they called Papa, or Papas: from whom, as seemeth probable to me, the Iland of East Island called Papey, deriued the name; because they were of∣ten wont to touch there: or their Monuments (such as I sayd) were chiefly found there.

This side of Island, to such as sayle from England, Ireland, and Scotland, is most exposed to∣wards the North-west. Moreouer, what and from whence these Papae, or Pappae came, I cannot sufficiently speake: vnlesse peraduenture from the Ilands of Scotland, whereof one is named Pappa, and another Westrapappa▪ as we may see in the Mappes: vnto which conjecture let euery [ 60] one giue what credit he pleaseth. Furthermore, very many of the Norwegians, afterwards bold∣ly following the steps of Ingulfus going into Island, with their wiues and children, and great mul∣titudes of their Kindred and friends, restored themselues to libertie. Whose names and large Families are recited in the Chronicles; as by the second Booke is vnderstood. Besides, it is there recounted what coasts, what shoares, what middle-land places euery one possessed: and at what

time: and also how the first Inhabitants gaue name to Straights, Bayes, Hauens, narrow straights of Land, Ferryes, Clyffes, Rockes, Mountaines, Hills, Vallies, rough and inaccessi∣ble Places, Fountaines, Flouds, Riuers, Villages, Farmes or Habitations: whereof at this day many are yet retained and in vse. Which Topography, supposing it would bee tedious, especial∣ly to a forraine Reader, I haue here omitted; applying my selfe rather to the description of the Inhabitants, who in sixtie yeeres space so replenished with their multitudes, the habitable parts of Island now possessed.

* 1.19Concerning the language of the Islanders, the matter it selfe speaketh, that it is the Norue∣gian; I say, that old and naturall speech, deriued from the ancient Gothish, which onely the Islanders now vse vncorrupted: and therefore we call it Islandish. Of the letters of which tongue [ 10] we will first speake somewhat: and afterwards in the Chapter following there shall be a short discourse of the originall thereof.

And surely that language seemeth to haue double letters: to wit, the Old, and New. The New, which commonly wee vse at this day, are common almost to all Europe together with vs. Which, when they first began to bee vsed is not certainely knowne. Surely as yet, some crosses written in ancient letters,* 1.20 are yet seene among our Country-men, which letters also ma∣ny yet know, and both reade, and write: and this naturall language it selfe is contained in the same, nothing at all changed. Moreouer it seemed good to mee, thus to present the name and shape of the ancient Characters, such surely as was offered vnto mee, placing the New or Com∣mon ouer against them, expressing the validitie thereof, adding also the agreement and discre∣pancie [ 20] of ours, with those of Vlphila, the Bishop of the Gothes: whom Iohannes Theodorus, and Iohannes Israel, brethren and Citizens of Francofurt, report to haue inuented these letters: by whose relation hee agreeth with vs in all things, saue where the disagreement shall bee noted here. Moreouer also, I thought it not amisse to set downe in writing the letters of certaine other Nations, to some of our Country letters, out of the same Francofurt copie, which the Types or Fi∣gure subscribed will demonstrate.

A	Ar	〈☐〉〈☐〉
b	Biarkan	〈☐〉〈☐〉
z	Knesol	〈☐〉〈☐〉 [ 30]
d	Stunginntyr	〈☐〉〈☐〉 or 〈☐〉〈☐〉 and Vlphila thus 〈☐〉〈☐〉.
e	Stunginn Is	〈☐〉〈☐〉
f	Fe	〈☐〉〈☐〉
g	Stunginn kaun	〈☐〉〈☐〉
h	Hagall	〈☐〉〈☐〉
i	Is	〈☐〉〈☐〉
k	Kaun	〈☐〉〈☐〉 [ 40]
l	Langur	〈☐〉〈☐〉 or 〈☐〉〈☐〉: Vlphila thus 〈☐〉〈☐〉: it is also 〈☐〉〈☐〉, the Moscouit L.
m	Madur	〈☐〉〈☐〉
n	Nand	〈☐〉〈☐〉 Vlphila thus 〈☐〉〈☐〉
o	Os	〈☐〉〈☐〉
p	Plastur	〈☐〉〈☐〉 Vlphila thus 〈☐〉〈☐〉
r	Reid	〈☐〉〈☐〉
s	Sol	〈☐〉〈☐〉 Vlphila thus 〈☐〉〈☐〉 [ 50]
t	Tyr	〈☐〉〈☐〉 Vlphila thus 〈☐〉〈☐〉
u	Vr	〈☐〉〈☐〉 Vlphila thus 〈☐〉〈☐〉
y	Yr	〈☐〉〈☐〉 Vlphila thus 〈☐☐〉〈☐☐〉 th. tha. of the Arabians
p	Puss	〈☐☐〉〈☐☐〉 the aethiopian 〈☐〉〈☐〉 d. dha. of the Arabians

Here wee see twentie one Characters, but the ancient numbred onely sixteene. And the third 〈☐〉〈☐〉, they would not acknowledge for theirs: because z. of the Greekes, that is to [ 60] say ts. or ds. (as they would haue it) they might write it in their language with distinct let∣ters. But the fourth 〈☐〉〈☐〉 from the eighteenth, they distinguish with some point, or an ouer∣thwart line, almost thus 〈☐〉〈☐〉: otherwise it is altogether the same in shape and name, Tyr, but d. Stungiun tyr, that is to say, pointed Tyr, as P▪ kaun. k. and pointed kaun P. g. So Is pointed for e.

but Plastur resembleth B. with both the bellies open aboue and beneath. Besides these, the rest are numbred sixteene, as I said. For they reckoned the Diphthongs to the Syllables.

Moreouer, it retained the last new Consonant of the old Alphabet, changed in name, but not in shape: which is p. This being set after a vowell in the same syllable, hath the sound of d. as Blap for Blad, which is a leafe: which kind of writing was more vsuall with the ancient, but at this day is almost growne out of vse: but being set before a vowell, it hath a peculiar force and pronunciation, not altogether Th▪ but sounding somewhat more grosly, as it were Tzh. putting forth the tongue almost between the fore-teeth: as pa, that is to say, then. In times past it had the name of Puss: at this day it is called Porn, or Thorn, if you put p. for th: and therefore it can∣not [ 10] be written or pronounced at all, but by it selfe.

They also of later time write the Consonant f. after this manner β. The Moderne Writers also doe sometimes aspirate L. N. R. the ancient very seldome, and almost neuer: as Hlutur in old time Lutur, that is, a thing. H••ijfur in times past (as also sometimes at this day) Kuijfur; that is to say, a Knife. Hru••ur▪ in old time Rutur, that is to say a Ram. In like manner sometimes Iod, and Vaf, or I. and n▪ Consonants: as Hiel, that is, a Wheele: Hualur, that is, a Whale: which also I thinke the ancient did concerning Iod, and Vaf.

In Vowels and Diphthongs, as also abbreuiations proper to this language, the varietie is farre [ 20] greater, which I purpose not to touch. Moreouer also, the due handling of the letters, as of the rest of the Etymologie and Syntaxis of this tongue, would bee the copious matter of a peculiar worke, especially if any would adde the Poetrie, purposing to write the Grammer of the Islandish tongue, which would bee no more difficult, then that wee haue seene done, concerning the Germane and French tongue, besides others.

About the yeere of the Lord 1216. one of our Country-men wrote in his Countrey language,* 1.21 concerning the letters of the proper, or mother tongue: where hee affirmeth these ancient Cha∣racters to be peculiar to this language, and handleth them both, as well new as old after a legiti∣mate and due manner of tractation, by his definitions and diuisions of the letters into Vowels and Consonants, and of the fiue Latine Vowels, maketh eighteene of his language, distinguished in sound and pronunciation: He diuideth the Consonants naturally into halfe Vowels, and Mutes, and those into Liquids and Firmes, these into open and shut; performing the part of a pretie Lo∣gician. And in deliuering the force and pronunciation of the letters, hee artificially assumeth for [ 30] euery definition all the Instruments of framing the voyce, as well the lungs and throat, as the auxiliary parts of the mouth and tongue. The letter p. also, he calleth the, peraduenture in imi∣tation of the Greeke Theta (which almost, as we said, although not altogether it expresseth) or Tau of the Hebrewes, which Hebrew letter, if th. or t. of the Latines rightly expresse, as is reported by some, Thau shall come nothing neerer to our p. then Theta. The same Country-man of ours, from absolute letters, proceedeth to set downe in writing, the figures of the word and sentence in the Mother tongue, and illustrate them with examples of our language, retaining the Greeke titles of the Figures, or names of Epizeusis, Anadiplosis, &c.

And from this Writer of our Countrey, we receiued the Types of the old Alphabet:* 1.22 for there [ 40] are Historicall fragments yet extant, concerning Norus the Name-giuer of Norway, and founder of the Kingdome, and those Toparchi, or little Kings, whom hee vanquished before hee obtained the Monarchie.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Gardar second Discouerer.
• * 1.2

  A.D. 864.
• * 1.3

  Gardarsholme.
• * 1.4

  Floco third Discouerer.
• * 1.5

  Rauen Guides.
• * 1.6

  The name Island of Ice.
• * 1.7

  Island is not Thule.
• * 1.8

  Thule furthest of the Brittish Iles.
• * 1.9

  The Author proceedeth in this disputati∣on, further then our Rea∣der perhaps would permit vs. The lear∣ned and curi∣ous may there find enough: and more yet in Ortelius his both▪ Thesaurus and Theatrum, who proueth out of Pompenius, Ptolemaeus, and Procopius, that Island is not Thule but (as the name sounds) Tylemarke, a Region in Norway, or all Scandia, of which that is a part, still retaining the name.
• * 1.10

  The Circuit.
• * 1.11

  Harald Hare∣fagre finding many p••ttie Princes made an absolute Monarchy of Norway, wher∣upon some sought to free themselues by new discoue∣ries: and hence arose the plan∣tation of Island
• * 1.12

  A.D. 874. Ingulfus.
• * 1.13

  Rash vowes and bloudie quarrells en∣suing.
• * 1.14

  Island first in∣habited, A 874
• * 1.15

  Superstition.
• * 1.16

  First houses. Island had an∣ciently fairer houses then now; (hauing Timber from Norway, &c.) & likewise Til∣lage was then in vse.

  Hiorleifus slain. Westmafrar and Westmen.
• * 1.17

  Woods.
• * 1.18

  Bels and Crosses.
• * 1.19

  Chap. 3. Of the lan∣guage of the Nation.

  Islanders only retaine the ancient Gottish
• * 1.20

  Two kindes of letters.
• * 1.21

  Island Gram∣marian.
• * 1.22

  Norus of whom Norway is named.