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.

§. I. Of the reigne of IVAN, PHEODOR•• his sonne; and of BORIS.

REader, I here present thee not what I would of Russian affaires, but what I could. We Englishmen vnder the gouernment of his Maiestie, haue enioyed such a Sun∣shine of peace,* 1.1 that our Summers day to many hath beene tedious; they haue loathed their Manna, and lenged for I know not what Egyptians flesh pots. For what else are Warres but pots set ouer the fire of Anger (how often of Furie, yea of Hell, the Furies or Deuils blowing the coales) and boyling mans flesh? whole [ 30] Families, Villages, Townes, Cities, Shires, Prouinces, not onely hurried thereby in confusions of State, harried and enflamed with combustions of goods and goodnesse, but the flesh of Men, Women, and Children, but chered and as it were boyled beyond the manifold shapes of Death, vnto the bones, into the Vapors, Froth, Scumme, Chaos, nothing and lesse then nothing of Hu∣manitie! Such is the inhumanitie, the immanitie, the inanitie of Warres! And such Warres haue made impressions into all our Neighbour Countries (whiles wee sit vnder the shadow of Beati Pacifici) haue lightened on Turkie and blasted the Seraglio; haue thunder-stricken Barbarie, haue torne the Atlas there, and rent the Grison Alpes in Europe; haue shaken France with earth∣quakes; haue raysed Belgian stormes, Bohemian broyles, Hungarian gusts, Germanian whirlewinds (these selfe-diuided in Ciuill, that is, the vilest, vnciuillest massacres and worst of Warres) that I mention not the inundations and exundations of Poland; the Snowes and Mists of Sweden, [ 40] the Danish Hailes and Frosts. But all these and more then all these Tempests, Turnado's, Tuf∣fons haue combined in Russia, and there made their Hell-mouth centre, there pitching the Tents of Destruction, there erecting the Thrones of Desolation.

* 1.2Pestilence and Famine had gone two yeeres before as direful Heralds, to denounce these dread∣full warres and mutations of State: the Pestilence possessing the Northerne parts of the World, and dispossesing it of many thousands: the Famine in Russia wanting necessaries to eate, necessarily deuoured all things, not onely Cats, Mice, and impure Creatures, but mens flesh also, and that in neerest necessitude, Parents reuoking to their wombes by vnnaturall passage the dea∣rest pledges of Nature, which hauing euen now dyed with hunger, were made preseruatiues from like death to those which first had giuen them life. The Mightier made sale of the Poorer, [ 50] yea, Fathers and Mothers of their Sonnes and Daughters, and Husbands of their Wiues, that price might bee had to buy Corne, which was now beyond all names of whatsoeuer price cre∣dible. But these things must be further searched.

Bloudinesse is a slipperie foundation of Greatnesse, and the Mercifull haue the promise to finde mercy:* 1.3 other wisedome (how euer seeming politike) is earthly, sensuall, deuillish; yea, ruine to the foole-wise Consultors, as appeareth in Pharaohs working wisely, that is, cruelly, to preuent the multiplying Israelites.* 1.4 The greatest of Creatures on Sea and Land, the Elephant and Whale, liue on grasse, weeds, and simpler diet, not on rapine and flesh or fish-deuouring prey: Thunders and all tempestuous stormes trouble not the higher aiery Regions, but the lower and those next the baser earthy dregs, the sediment and sinke of the World: nor doth ancient Philosophie rec∣kon [ 60] Comets other then Meteors, or falling Starres to be Starres indeed, but excludes both from the heauenly Sphaeres. Had Alexander followed this rule, and sought Greatnesse in Goodnesse (like him which is Optimus Maximus, the Great God, the great Good of the World) and in him∣selfe

rather then others, in being Master of himselfe then Lord of large Territories; he neither had sighed after the conquests of other Worlds which F••ol••sophie had created before he had seene the t••nth part of this; nor had dyed by poyson in a forraine Countrie, forced to content himselfe with possessing, nay, being possessed of a few feet of earth: then had he beene in very deed (now but in Title) GREAT Alexander. Great Goodnesse is the true and good Greatnesse.

I know not how fit a Preface this may seeme to the ensuing Russian Relation; this I am sure, that they which write of Iuan Vasilowich, the Great Great Muscouite, doe lay heauie asper∣sions on his Father and Grand-father, but on himselfe supersuperlatiues of crueltie (that I men∣tion not other vices) both for Matter and Forme. These things are deliuered particularly in the Histories of Alexander Gwagninus, Tilmannus Bredenbachius, Paulus Oderbornius, Reinoldus [ 10] Heidensten and others, in large Tractates written thereof purposely. His merits of the English might procure a silence of his euils (wee of all men being in regard of respect to our Nation vn∣worthy to speake, that which hee, if those Authours haue not beene malicious, was worthy to heare) if so dreadfull effects did not force an Historian (that is, the Register of the execution of Acts of Gods bountie and iustice decreed in the Court of Diuine Prouidence) to looke to the direfull Cause in foregoing sinnes, that after Ages may heare and feare.

I will touch a few of those which Gwagninus alone relates.* 1.5 His owne brother being accused An. 1570. by Wiskonati, is said without leaue granted to cleare himselfe, to bee put to exqui∣site tortures first, and after to death; his wife stripped and set naked to the eyes of all, and then by one on horse-backe drawne with a rope into the Riuer and drowned. Iohn Pi••trowich, a man [ 20] of principall command accused of treason, presenting himselfe to him, not admitted to make a∣ny purgation, was set in Princely accoutrements on a Throne, the Emperour standing bare-hea∣ded before him and bowing to him, but soone after with a knife thrusting him to the heart, the Attendants adding other Furies till his bowels fell out; his body dragged forth, his seruants slaine, three hundred others in his Castle executed, his Boiarens all gathered into one house and blowne vp with poulder; their Wiues and Daughters rauished before his face by his followers, and then cut in pieces, and no liuing thing left in their houses or grounds; the husbandmens wiues stripped naked as they were borne and driuen into a Wood, where were Executioners purposely set to giue them their fatall entertainment. His Chancellor Dubrowsti sitting at table with his two Sonnes, were also vpon accusation without answere cut in pieces, and the third [ 30] sonne quartered aliue with foure wheeles, each drawne a diuers way by fifteene men. Miessoie∣dowyschly, supreme Notarie, displeasing him, his wife was taken from him, and after some weeks detayning was with her hand-maid hanged ouer her husbands doore, and so continued a fort∣night, he being driuen to goe in and out by her all that time. Another Notaries wife was rauish∣ed and then sent home and hanged ouer her husbands table, whereat he was forced daily to eate. In trauelling if he met any woman whose husband he liked not, he caused her to stand with her nakednesse disclosed till all his retinue were passed. Cutting out tongues, cutting off hands and feet of his complayning Subiects, and other diuersified tortures I omit; as also the guarding his father in lawes doores with Beares tyed there, that none might goe in or out, hanging his ser∣uants [ 40] at his doores, torturing him for treasure; casting hundreds of men * 1.6 at once into the wa∣ter vnder the Ice; two thousand seuen hundred and seuentie thus and by other tortures execu∣ted at Nouogr••d An. 1569. besides women, and the poorer persons which Famine forced, did eate the bodies of the slaine, and were after slaine themselues; the Archbishop also set on a Mare with his feet tyed vnder the belly, and made to play on Bag-pipes thorow the Citie; the Monks spoyled and slaine; Theodore Sirconij, the Founder of twelue Monasteries, tortured to shew his treasure and then slaine: Wiazinsky his Secretarie, by many dayes renewed tortures dying; hee recreating himselfe with letting Beares loose in throngs of people; Iohn Michalowich Wiskewati the Chancellor, his eares, lips, and other members one after another cut off * 1.7 by piece-meale, notwithstanding all protestations of his innocency; aboue two hundred other Nobles at the same time variously executed, one his Treasurer, two other Secretaries; the Treasurers wife set [ 50] on a rope and forcibly dragged to and fro thereon (by that torturing her naked flesh, to learne her husbands treasures) whereof soone after shee dyed in a Monasterie, into which shee was thrust. All these are but a little of that which Gwagninus alone hath written. A taste and touch is too much of bloud, and in such immanities. He is also said in a famine to haue gathered many people, in expectation of almes, on a bridge, and there guarded the bridge being cut to drowne them, as the readiest way for cheapnesse of corne. But I lothe such crudities. His last crueltie was on him∣selfe, dying with griefe, as was thought, for the death of his eldest sonne Iuan, whom falsly ac∣cused he struck with a staffe wrought with Iron, whereof he dyed in few dayes after. Hee was a man accused for communicating in disposition with his father, and as a ioyfull Spectator of his [ 60] tragicall executions.

But if any delight to reade the terrible and bloudie Acts of Iuan Basilowich, he may glut, if not drowne himselfe in bloud, in that Historie which Paul Oderborne hath written of his life, and both there and in others take view of other his vniust Acts. I will not depose for their truth, though I cannot disproue it: aduersaries perhaps make the worst. For my selfe I list not to take

sinkes against him, and would speake in his defence, if I found not an vniuersall conspiracy of all Historie and Reports against him. I honour his other good parts, his wit, his learning (perhaps better then almost any other Russe in his time) his exemplarie seuerity on vniust Magistrates, his Martiall skill, industrie, fortune, wherby he subdued the Kingdoms of Casan and Astracan (which also the Turke sending from Constantinople an Armie of three hundred thousand to dispossesse him of, A. 1569. besides his hopes and helpes from the Tartars, few returned to tell their disasters, and the destructions of their fellowes) besides what hee got in Siberia and from the Pole, Sweden, Prussian, extending his Conquests East, West, North, and South: yea, his memorie is sauourie still to the Russians, which (either of their seruile disposition needing such a bridle and whip; or for his long and prosperous reigne, or out of distaste of later tragedies) hold him in little lesse re∣putation (as some haue out of their experience instructed me) then a Saint. [ 10]

His loue to our Nation is magnified by our Countrimen with all thankfulnesse, whose gaine•• there begun by him, haue made them also in some sort seeme to turne Russe (in I know what loues or feares, as if they were still shut vp in Russia, & to conceale whatsoeuer they know of Russian occurrents) that I haue sustayned no small torture with great paines of body, vexation of minde, and triall of potent interceding friends to get but neglect and silence from some, yea almost con∣tempt and scorne. They alledge their thankfulnesse for benefits receiued from that Nation, and their feare of the Dutch, readie to take aduantage thereof, and by calumniations from hence to interuert their Trade. This for loue to my Nation I haue inserted against any Cauillers of our Russe Merchants: though I must needs professe that I distaste, and almost detest that (call it [ 20] what you will) of Merchants to neglect Gods glorie in his prouidence, and the Worlds instru∣ction from their knowledge; who while they will conceale the Russians Faults, will tell no∣thing of their Facts; and whiles they will be silent in mysteries of State, will reueale nothing of the histories of Fact, and that in so perplexed, diuersified chances and changes as seldome the World hath in so short a space seene on one Scene. Whiles therefore they which seeme to know most, will in these Russian Relations helpe me little or nothing (except to labour and frustrated hopes) I haue (besides much conference with eye witnesses) made bold with others in such books as in diuers languages I haue read, and in such Letters and written Tractates as I could procure of my friends, or found with Master Hakluyt (as in other parts of our storie) not seeking any whit to disgrace that Nation or their Princes, but onely desiring that truth of things done may bee [ 30] knowne, and such memorable alterations may not passe as a dreame, or bee buried with the Doers. Sir Ierome Horsey shall leade you from Iuans Graue to Pheodores Coronation.

* 1.8The most solemne and magnificent coronation of PHEODOR IVANOVVICH, Emperour of Russia, &c. the tenth of Iune, in the yeare 1584. seene and obserued by Master IEROM HORSEY Gen∣tleman,* 1.9 and seruant to her Maiestie.

[ 40]

* 1.10WHen the old Emperor Iuan Vasilowich died (being about the eighteeenth of April, 1584. after our computation) in the Citie of Mosco, hauing raigned fiftie foure yeares, there was some tumult & vprore among some of the Nobilitie and Comminaltie, which notwithstan∣ding was quickly pacified. Immediately the same night, the Prince Boris Pheodorowich Godonoua, Knez Iuon Pheodorowich, Mesthis Slafsky, Knez Iuan Petrowich Susky, Mekita Romanowich and Bo∣dan Iacoulewich Belskoy,* 1.11 being all noble men, and chiefest in the Emperours Will, especially the Lord Boris, whom he adopted as his third son, and was brother to the Empresse, who was a man very well liked of all estates, as no lesse worthy for his valour and wisedome: all these were ap∣pointed to dispose, and settle his Sonne Pheodor Iuanowich, hauing one sworne another, and all the Nobilitie and Officers whosoeuer. In the morning the dead Emperour was laid into the Church of Michael the Archangell, into a hewen Sepulchre, very richly decked with Vestures fit [ 50] for such a purpose: and present Proclamation was made (Emperour Pheodor Iuanowich of all Rus∣sia, &c.) Throughout all the Citie of Mosco was great watch and ward, with Souldiors, and Gun∣ners, good orders established, and Officers placed to subdue the tumulters, and maintaine quiet∣nesse: to see what speede and policie was in this case vsed, was a thing worth the beholding. This being done in Mosco, great men of birth and accompt were also presently sent to the bor∣dering Townes, as Smolensko, Vobsko, Kasan, Nouogorod, &c. with fresh garrison, and the old sent vp. As vpon the fourth of May a Parliament was held, wherein were assembled the Metropoli∣tane, Archbishops, Bishops, Priors, and chiefe Clergie men, and all the Nobility whatsoeuer: where many matters were determined not pertinent to my purpose, yet all tended to a new re∣formation in the gouernement: but especially the terme, and time was agreed vpon for the [ 60] solemnizing of the new Emperours coronation. In the meane time the Empresse, wife to the old Emperour, was with her childe the Emperours son, Charlewich Demetrie Iuanowich, of one yeares age or there abouts, sent with her Father Pheodor Pheodorowich Nagay, and that kindred, being

fiue brothers, to a towne called Ouglets, which was giuen vnto her, and the yong Prince her sonne, with all the Lands belonging to it in the shire, with officers of all sorts appointed, hauing allowance of apparell, iewels, diet, horse,* 1.12 &c. in ample manner belonging to the estate of a Prin∣cesse. The time of mourning after their vse being expired, called Sorachyn, or fortie orderly dayes, the day of the solemnizing of this coronation, with great preparations, was come, being vpon the tenth day of Iune, 1584. and that day then Sunday, he being of the age of twenty fiue years: at which time, Master Ierom Horsey was orderly sent for, and placed in a fit roome to see all the solemnity. The Emperour comming out of his Pallace, there went before him, the Metropoli∣tane, Archbishops, Bishops, and chiefest Monkes, and Clergie men, with very rich Coapes and Priests garments vpon them, carrying pictures of our Lady, &c. with the Emperors Angell, ban∣ners, [ 10] censers, and many other such ceremonious things, singing all the way. The Emperour with his nobility in order entred the Church named Blaueshina or Blessednes, where prayers and seruice were vsed, according to the manner of their Church: that done, they went thence to the Church called Michael the Archangell, and there also vsed the like prayers, and seruice: and from thence to our Lady Church, Prechista, being their Cathedrall Church. In the middest thereof was a chaire of maiestie placed, wherein his Ancestors vsed to sit at such extraordinary times: his roabes were then changed, and most rich and vnualuable garments put on him: being placed in this Princely seate, his nobilitie standing round about them in their degrees, his imperiall Crowne was set vp∣on his head by the Metropolitane, his Scepter globe in his right hand, his sword of Iustice in his [ 30] left of great riches: his six crowns also, by which he holdeth his Kingdomes were set before him, and the Lord Boris Pheodorowich was placed at his right hand: then the Metropolitan read open∣ly a booke of a small volume, with exhortations to the Emperour to minister true Iustice, to in∣ioy with tranquility the Crowne of his ancestours, which God had giuen him, and vsed these words following:

Through the will of the almightie and without beginning God, which was before this world, whom we glorifie in the Trinitie, one onely God, the Father, the Sonne, and the holy Ghost, maker of all things, wor∣ker of all in all euery where, fulfiller of all things, by which will, and working, he both liueth, and giueth life to man: that our onely God which enspireth euerie one of vs his onely children with his word to discerne God through our Lord Iesus Christ, and the holy quickning spirit of life, now in these perillous times esta∣blished vs to keepe the right Scepter, and suffer vs to raigne of our selues to the good profit of the land, to [ 30] the subduing of the people, together with the enemies, and the maintenance of vertue. And so the Me∣tropolitan blessed and laid his crosse vpon him. After this, he was taken out of his chaire of Ma∣iesty, hauing vpon him an vpper roabe adorned with precious stones of all sorts, orient pearles of great quantity, but alwayes augmented in riches: it was in weight two hundred pounds, the traine and parts thereof borne vp by six Dukes, his chiefe imperiall Crowne vpon his head very precious: his staffe imperiall in his right hand of an Vnicornes horne of three foote and a halfe in length beset with rich stones, bought of Merchants of Ausburge by the old Emperour, in Anno 1581. and cost him 7000. Markes sterling. This Iewel Master Horsey kept sometimes, before the Emperour had it. His Scepter globe was carried before him by the Prince Boris Pheodorowich: his [ 40] rich cap beset with rich stones and pearles, was carried before him by a Duke: his sixe Crownes also were carried by Demetrius Iuanowich Godonoua, the Emperours vnckle, Mekita Romanowich th•• Emperors vnckle, Stephen Vasiliwich, Gregorie Vasiliwich, Iuan Vasiliwich brothers of the bloud royall. Thus at last the Emperour came to the great Churchdoore, and the people cried, God saue our Emperour Pheodor Iuanowich of all Russia. His Horse was there ready most richly adorned, with a couering of imbrodered pearle and precious stones, saddle, and all furniture agreeable to it, reported to be worth 300000. markes sterling.

There was a bridge made of a hundred & fiftie fadomes in length, three manner of waies, three foot aboue ground, and two fadome broad, for him to goe from one Church to the other with his Princes and nobles from the presse of the people, which were in number infinite, and some at that [ 50] time pressed to death with the throng. As the Emperor returned out of the Churches, they were spred vnder foot with cloth of Gold, the porches of the Churches with red Veluet, the Bridges with Scarlet, & stammelled cloth from one Church to another: and as soone as the Emperor was passed by, the cloth of gold, veluet and scarlet was cut, & taken of those that could come by it, eue∣ry man desirous to haue a piece, to reserue it for a monument: siluer and gold coine, then minted of purpose was cast among the people in great quantitie. The Lord Boris Pheodorowich was sumptuously and richly attired, with his garments decked with great orient pearle, beset with all sorts of precious stones. In like rich manner were apparelled all the family of the Godonouaes in their degrees, with the rest of the Princes and nobilitie, whereof one named Knez Iuan Micha∣lowich Glynsky, whose roabe, horse and furniture, was in register found worth one hundred thou∣sand [ 60] markes sterling, being of great antiquitie. The Embresse being in her Pallace, was placed in her chaire of Maiesty also before a great open window: most precious, and rich were her robes, and shining to behold, with rich stones, and orient Pearles beset, her crowne was placed vpon her head, accompanied with her Princesses, and Ladies of estate: then cried out the people, God preserue our noble Empresse Irenia. After all this, the Emperour came into the Parliament

house, which was richly decked: there he was placed in his royall seat adorned as before: his sixe crownes were set before him vpon a Table: the Bason and Ewre royall of gold held by his knight of gard, with his men standing two on each side in white apparell of cloth of siluer, called Kindry with scepters and battle-axes of gold in their hands, the Princes and nobility were all placed ac∣cording to their degrees all in their rich roabes.

The Emperour after a short Oration, permitted euery man in order to kisse his hand: which being done, he remoued to a princely seate prepared for him at the table: where he was serued by his Nobles in very princely order. The three out roomes being very great and large were beset with plate of gold and siluer round, from the ground vp to the vauts one vpon the other: among which plate were many barrels of siluer and gold: this solemnitie and triumph lasted a whole [ 10] weeke, wherein many royall pastimes were shewed and vsed: after which, the chiefest men of the Nobilitie were elected to their places of office and dignitie, as the Prince Boris Pheodorowich was made chiefe Counsellour to the Emperour, Master of the Horse, had the charge of his person, Lieutenant of the Empire, and warlike engins, Gouernor or Lieutenant of the Empire of Cazan, and Astracan, and others: to this dignitie were by Parliament, and gift of the Emperour giuen him many reuenewes and rich lands, as there was giuen him, and his for euer to inherite a Pro∣uince called Vaga, of three hundred English miles in length, and two hundred and fiftie in bredth, with many Townes and great Villages populous and wealthy: his yearely Reuenew out of that Prouince, is fiue and thirtie thousand Markes sterling, being not the fifth part of his yeare Reue∣nue. Further, he and his house be of such authoritie and power, that in forty dayes warning, they [ 20] are able to bring into the field a hundred thousand Souldiours well furnished.

The conclusion of the Emperours Coronation was a peale of Ordnance, called a Peale royall, two miles without the Citie, being a hundred and seuenty great pieces of brasse of all sorts, as faire as any can be made; these pieces were all discharged with shot against bulwarkes made of purpose: twentie thousand hargubusers standing in eight ranks two miles in length, apparelled all in vel∣uet, coloured silke and stammels, discharged their shot also twise ouer in good order: and so the Emperour accompanied with all his Princes and Nobles, at the least fiftie thousand horse, depar∣ted through the Citie to his palace. This royall coronation would aske much time, and many leaues of paper to be described particularly as it was performed: it shall suffice, to vnderstand that the like magnificence was neuer seene in Russia. [ 30]

The Coronation, and other triumphs ended, all the Nobilitie, officers, and Merchants, according to an accustomed order euery one in his place and degree, brought rich presents vnto the Empe∣rour, wishing him long life, and ioy in his kingdome.

The same time also Master Ierom Horsey aforesaid, remaining as seruant in Russia for the Queens most excellent Maiestie, was called for to the Emperour, as he sate in his Imperiall seat, and the-also a famous Merchant of Netherland being newly come to Mosco (who gaue him selfe out to be the King of Spaines subiect) called Iohn de Wale,* 1.13 was in like sort called for. Some of the Nobi∣litie would haue preferred this subiect of the Spaniard before Master Horsey seruant to the Queen of England, whereunto Master Horsey would in no case agree, saying, hee would haue his legges cut off by the knees, before hee would yeelde to such an indignitie offered to his Soueraigne the Queenes Maiestie of England, to bring the Emperour a present, in course after the King of Spaines [ 40] subiect, or any other whatsoeuer. The Emperour, and the Prince Boris Pheodorowich perceuing the controuersie, sent the Lord Treasurer Peter Iuanowich Galauyn, and Vasili Shalkan, both of the Counsell, to them, who deliuered the Emperour backe Master Horseys speech: whereupon he was first in order (as good reason) admitted and presented the Emperour in the behalfe of the Eng∣lish Merchants trading thither, a present, wishing him ioy, and long to raigne in tranquilitie, and so kissed the Emperours hand, he accepting the present with good liking, and auouching, that for his Sisters sake, Queene Elizabeth of England, he would be a gracious Lord to her Merchants, in as ample manner as euer his Father had beene: and being dismissed, he had the same day sent him, seauentie dishes of sundry kinds of meats, with three carts laden with al sorts of drinks very bountifully. After him was the foresaid subiect of the Spanish King admitted with his present, [ 50] whom the Emperor willed to be no lesse faithfull & seruiceable vnto him, then the Queen of Eng∣lands subiects were & had been, & then the King of Spains subiects shold receiue fauor accordingly.

All these things thus in order performed, prayses were sung in all the Churches. The Empe∣rour and Empresse very deuoutly resorted on foote to many principal Churches in the Citie, and vpon Trinitie Sunday betooke themselues to a progresse in order of procession, to a famous Mo∣nasterie called Sergius and the Trinitie, sixtie miles distant from the Citie of Mosco, accompa∣nied with a huge armie of Noblemen, Gentlemen, and others, mounted vpon goodly Horses with furniture accordingly,

The Empresse of deuotion tooke this iourney on foote all the way, accompanyed with her Princesses and Ladies, no small number: her Guard and Gunners were in number twentie thou∣sand: [ 60] her chiefe Counsellor or Attendant, was a noble man of the bloud Royall her Vncle of great authoritie, called Demetri Iuanowich Godonoua. All this progresse ended, both the Empe∣rour and Empresse returned to Mosco: shortly after, the Emperour by the direction of the Prince

Boris Pheodorowich, sent a power into the Land of Siberia, where all the rich Sables and Furres are gotten. This power conquered in one yeere and a halfe one thousand miles. In the perfor∣mance of this warre, there was taken prisoner the Emperour of the Country, called Chare Si∣bersky, and with him many other Dukes and Noble men, which were brought to Mosco,* 1.14 with a guard of Souldiers and Gunners, who were receiued into the Citie in very honourable manner, and doe there remaine to this day.

Hereupon the corrupt Officers, Iudges, Iustices, Captaines and Lieutenants through the whole Kingdome were remooued, and more honest men substituted in their places, with expresse com∣mandement, vnder seuere punishment to surcease their old bribing and extortion which they had vsed in the old Emperours time, and now to execute true iustice without respect of persons: [ 10] and to the end that this might be the better done, their lands and yeerly stipends were augmen∣ted: the great taskes, customes, and duties, which were before laid vpon the people in the old Emperours time, were now abated, and some wholly remitted, and no punishments comman∣ded to be vsed, without sufficient and due proofe, although the crime were capitall, deseruing death: many Dukes and Noble men of great Houses, that were vnder displeasure, and impriso∣ned twentie yeeres by the old Emperour, were now set at libertie and restored to their lands: all prisoners were set at libertie, and their trespasses forgiuen. In summe, a great alteration v∣niuersally in the gouernment followed, and yet all was done quietly, ciuilly, peaceably, without trouble to the Prince, or offence to the Subiect: and this bred great assurance and ho∣nour to the Kingdome, and all was accomplished by the wisedome especially of Irenia the [ 30] Empresse.

These things being reported and carried to the eares of the Kings and Princes that were bor∣derers vpon Russia, they grew so fearfull and terrible to them, that the Monarch of all the Scythians called the Crim Tartar or great Can himselfe, named Sophet Keri Alli, came out of his owne Countrie to the Emperour of Russia,* 1.15 accompanied with a great number of his Nobi∣litie well horsed, although to them that were Christians they seemed rude, yet they were personable men, and valiant: their comming was gratefull to the Emperour, and their enter∣tainment was honourable: the Tartar Prince hauing brought with him his wiues also, recei∣ued of the Russe Emperour entertainment, and Princely welcome according to their estates.

Not long after, one thousand and two hundred Polish Gentlemen, valiant Souldiers, and [ 30] proper men came to Mosco, offering their seruice to the Emperour, who were all entertayned: and in like sort many Chirkasses, and people of other Nations came and offered seruice. And as soone as the report of this new created Emperour was spred ouer other Kingdomes of Europe, there were sent to him sundrie Ambassadors, to wish him ioy and prosperitie in his Kingdome: thither came Ambassadors from the Turke, from the Persian, the Bogharian, the Crim, the Geor∣gian, and many other Tartar Princes. There came also Ambassadors from the Emperour of Al∣maine, the Pole, the Swethen, the Dane, &c. And since his Coronation no enemie of his hath preuailed in his attempts.

It fell out not long after,* 1.16 that the Emperour was desirous to send a message to the most ex∣cellent Queene of England, for which seruice he thought no man fitter then Master Ierome Hor∣sey, [ 40] supposing that one of the Queenes owne men and subiects would bee the more acceptable to her. The summe of which message was, That the Emperor desired a continuance of that league, friendship, amitie and intercourse of traffique which was betweene his Father and the Queenes Maiestie and her Subiects, with other priuate affaires besides, which are not to bee made common.

Master Horsey hauing receiued the Letters and Requests of the Emperour, prouided for his iourney ouer Land, and departed from Mosco the fift day of September, thence vnto Otuer,* 1.17 to Torshook, to great Nouogrod, to Vobskie, and thence to Nyhouse in Liuonia, to Wenden, and so to Riga: (where he was beset, and brought forthwith before a Cardinall, called Rageuil, but yet suffered to passe in the end:) From thence to Mito, to Golden, and Libou in Curland, to Memel, [ 50] to Koningsburgh in Prussia, to Elbing, to Dantzike, to Stetine in Pomerland, to Rostock, to Lubeck to Hamborough, to Breme, to Emden, and by Sea to London. Being arriued at her Maiesties Royal Court, and hauing deliuered the Emperours Letters with good fauour, and gracious acceptance, he was forthwith againe commanded to repasse into Russia, with other Letters from her Maie∣stie to the Emperour, and Prince Boris Pheodorowich, answering the Emperours Letters, and withall requesting the fauour and friendship, which his Father had yeelded to the English Mer∣chants: and hereunto was he earnestly also solicited by the Merchants of London themselues of that Companie, to deale in their behalfe. Being thus dispatched from London by Sea, he arriued in Mosco, the twentieth of Aprill, 1586. and was very honourably welcommed,* 1.18 and for the [ 60] Merchants behoofe, obtayned all his Requests, being therein specially fauoured by the Noble Prince Boris Pheodorowich, who alwayes affected Master Horsey with speciall liking. And ha∣uing obtayned priuiledges for the Merchants, he was recommended from the Emperour againe, to the Queene of England his Mistresse, by whom the Prince Boris, in token of his honou∣rable and good op••nion of the Queenes Maiestie, sent her Highnesse a Royall present of Sables,

Luzarns, cloth of Gold and other rich things. So that the Companie of English Merchants, next to their thankfulnesse to her Maiestie, are to account Master Horseys paines their speciall benefit, who obtayned for them those priuiledges, which in twentie yeeres before would not be granted.

The manner of Master Horseys last dispatch from the Emperour, because it was very hono∣rable, I thought good to record. Hee was freely allowed post-horses for him and his seruants, victuals and all other necessaries for his long iourney: at euery Towne that he came vnto from Mosco to Vologda, which is by Land fiue hundred miles, he receiued the like free and bounti∣full allowances, at the Emperours charge. New victuall and prouision were giuen him vpon the Riuer Dwina at euery Towne by the Kings Officers, being one thousand miles in length. When he came to the new Castle, called Archangel, he was receiued of the Duke Knez Vasili Andre∣wich [ 10] Isu••nogorodsky by the Emperours Commission into the Castle, Gunners being set in rankes after their vse, where he was sumptuously feasted: from thence he was dispatched with boun∣tifull prouision and allowance in the Dukes Boat, with one hundred men to rowe him, and one hundred Gunners in other Boats to conduct him, with a Gentleman Captaine of the Gunners. Comming to the Road where the English, Dutch, and French ships rode, the Gunners discharged, and the shippes shot in like manner fortie sixe pieces of their Ordnance, and so hee was brought to his lodging at the English house vpon Rose Iland.

And, that which was the full and complete conclusion of the fauour of the Emperour and Bo∣ris Pheodorowich toward Master Horsey, there were the next day sent him for his further proui∣sion vpon the Sea by a Gentleman and a Captaine, the things following. Sixteene liue Oxen, [ 20] seuentie Sheepe, six hundred Hens, fiue and twentie flitches of Bacon, eightie bushels of Meale, six hundred loaues of bread, two thousand Egges, ten Geese, two Cranes, two Swannes, sixtie fiue gallons of Meade, fortie gallons of Aquavitae, sixtie gallons of Beere, three young Beares, foure Hawkes, store of Onions and Garleeke, ten fresh Salmons, a wilde Boare.

All these things were brought him downe by a Gentleman of the Emperours, and another of Prince Boris Pheodorowich, and were receiued in order by Iohn Frese seruant to Master Hor∣sey, together with an honourable present and reward from the Prince Boris, sent him by Master Francis Cherry an English man: which present was a whole very rich piece of cloth of Gold, and a faire paire of Sables.

[ 30]

IVan Vasilowich is reported to haue had seauen Wiues, and of them to haue left three children suruiuing, Theodore or Pheodore and Demetrius a yongling by his last wife, and a Daughter, which was the wife of L. Boris aforesaid,* 1.19 whose sister Pheodore had married in his Fathers life time, who would haue caused her diuorse for her barrennesse (as he had caused Iuan his el∣dest sonne diuers times to doe and his refusing it at last, was the occasion of that angry, last, and fatall blow, before mentioned) but being protracted by faire excuses for a time, the diuorse of soule and body in the Father preuented that in the marriage bed of the Sonne. Yet by his Te∣stament he ordained, that if within two yeares she proued not fruitfull, hee should marrie ano∣ther. The executers vrged this after that terme expired; but Gernia or Irenia, so wrought with her husband,* 1.20 that their counsels were frustrate: wherein she was assisted by the politicke wisdome of [ 40] her brother Boris, who was now become chiefe Pilot, though not the Master in that Russian ship: and is said formerly to haue beene no small doer in those cruel designes of Iuan his deceassed Master; yet had he cunningly cast the blame on him now dead, and wisely insinuated into the people fa∣uour, by mitigating the seueritie of his Decrees. You haue read before of his great Reuenues and wealth, recorded by eye witnesses. Thuanus saith, that three hundred of the Knazeys and Boiarens, whereof the Senate of the Empire consisted,* 1.21 by aduise of the Executors, had subscribed. Boris made the simpler Emperor beleeue,* 1.22 that it was a conspiracie against him: whereupon they were all committed, ten of which (whom he thought his most dangerous aduersaries) were suddainly and priuily executed: to the rest, he procured the Emperours pardon and fauour, seeming very [ 50] sorrowfull that this clemency had beene so much foreslowed: and that the hastie execution had preuented his officious indeuors for their deliuerance. And that he might seem serious, he got their goods to be restored to their heires: so working himselfe into the good liking of all degrees.

But soone after, yong Demetrius the Emperours brother was slaine, as hee was going to Church betwixt two Boiarens, by a mad man (as he seemed) who was thereupon suddenly slaine▪ but the author which set him on worke,* 1.23 could not be found: whereupon Boris was suspected to affect the soueraigntie. Thuanus elsewhere telleth, that hee corrupted those which were about Demetrius: and the great Bell being rung as is vsuall in cases of fire to bring the people together, Demetrius at that noise running forth, some were set in that tumult to kil him, which accordingly was effected, as he was comming downe a Ladder: the rumour whereof, caused the tumultuous people (making no curious search for the doers) to kil those of the Family which they met in their [ 60] furie, to put the suspition thereof from themselues: which notwithstanding, Boris exercised se∣uerer tortures and terrible executions vpon them, and as one which hartily execrated the fact, burned the fort to expiate the parricide. This place being farre remote from * 1.24 the Court, whi∣ther

he was thought purposely to haue sent him, could not admit so open euidence of manifold testimony; but that it gaue occasion of other Tragedies, by another supposed Demetrius, as shall anon appeare. Meane while, Boris could not escape aspersion of the fact past, and suspition of like intended to the present Prince, and therefore was forced to coniure vp his best wits to worke him into better reputation. He did hereof either take occasion, or make occasion by di∣uers fires in * 1.25 diuers Cities of the Kingdome, the Houses being of wood, and easily consumed: which losse (made, as some deliuer by his own incendiaries, he seemed much to commiserate, and by affected bountie, repaired those ruines out of the publique Treasure: others say, out of his pri∣uate purse:) thus, not onely raising so many Phoenixes out of those ashes; but making deuouring fire, become fuell to his magnificence, and raking reputation out of the flames and cinders: thence [ 10] erecting a Theatricall scene whereon to acte in popular spectacles, his many parts of c••re, in∣dustry, alacrity, wisedome, power, bounty, and whatsoeuer might fether his nest in the peoples hearts, thus easily stoln and entertained in affection to him, whiles Theodore liued, which was not long: he dying in the yeare 1598. on twelfe day, hauing liued thirty sixe yeares, and reigned neere foureteene. His impotency of body and minde, you haue read before in part.* 1.26 Thuanus affir∣meth, that Iuan Vasilowich his Father said, he was fitter to ring Bels in Churches, then to go∣uerne an Empire;* 1.27 aluding therein to his superexceeding deuotion and most deuout superstiti∣on. His death caused a new aspersion on Boris as procured, in some mens conceits (and reports) by poyson.

His dead body was buried with his ancestors, in Saint Michaels Temple in the Castle, and [ 20] Souldiours were presently sent to the borders, to prohibite ingresse or egresse. Theodores will was read, and therein Gernia (or Irenia) his wife, and the Patriarch, entrusted with the administrati∣on of the State. Hereupon a generall State assembly was assembled at Mosco,* 1.28 and their oathes giuen to the Empresse. After this the Empresse went into a Nunnery, to passe there the fortie dayes destined to publique sorrow: in which time (whether of her owne or with her brothers accord) making shew of vnspeakable sorrow for her deceased Lord, she renounced the world,* 1.29 and transferred the Imperiall gouernment vpon the Knazeys and Boiarens, which her Husband had bequeathed to her; that they, according to their wisdome, and loue to their Countrie, might take care thereof. This was done by her brothers counsell, to try what the people would doe: who were so moued therewith, that they came thronging to the Nunnerie gates, lamentably implo∣ring [ 30] her care in so perillous a time, whom onely they were bound to serue. And when she bad them goe to the Knazeys and Boiarens; they protested against them, saying, they had sworne to her, and would be ordered by L. Boris, her brother. Hereupon Boris Pheodorowich goeth out to appease their tumult, and vndertaketh for the fortie dayes of mourning, together with the Knazeys and Boiarens to administer the Empire. In which time, the Empresse renounced se∣cular cares, and prof••ssed her selfe a Nunne;* 1.30 changing her name from Gernia to Alex∣andrina.

The time of mourning being past, the people were called into the Castle, and the Chancellour made an Oration, perswading them to sweare obedience to the Knazeys and Boiarens, which they with out-cryes disclaymed, offering to doe it to the Queene and L. Boris. The Coun∣cell [ 40] sitting to consider hereof, the Chancellor came forth againe; and commanded them to sweare to the Knazeys and Boiarens; the Queene hauing now become a Nunne. Whereupon they all na∣med Boris her Brother, as one worthy of the State, to whom they were readie to sweare. Hee being present, rose vp and modestly excused himselfe,* 1.31 protesting his vnwillingnesse and vnwor∣thinesse, and bidding them chuse some other more worthy. And going withall into the Church, they laid in manner forceable hands on him, with loud cryes and lamentations, beseeching him not to forsake them. Whereat he wept and still refused, alleaging his insufficiencie: and to kindle greater desire in the people and Nobles, absented and hid himselfe with his Sister in the Nun∣nerie the space of a moneth. In which space the people fearing his flight, besieged the place, and with continuall clamours vrged the Queene, to perswade her Brother to accept of the Empire [ 50] which she had refused. Shee againe sends them to the Knazeys and Boiarens, the mention of whose names seemed to cast them into a fit of mutinie and sedition. Boris then commeth forth and tels them, if they were no quieter, he also would take Sack-cloth, and (as his Sister had done) enter into a Monasterie. They made so much greater stirres, casting out some desperate threats of looking to themselues, where the Common-wealth was desperately neglected. The Queene then wonne by their importunitie perswadeth her brother no longer to resist Gods will, which had put this constancie into the peoples mindes, and to accept that which thus God seemed to command, praying for his blessing therein.

Boris after new excuses, at last seeming ouercome by his Sisters intreaties, and to haue held out sufficiently to remoue enuie, assenteth to her, and shee signifieth as much to the people, to whom [ 60] she presents him, praying them to be as loyall to him, as they had beene earnest for him. Boris also spake vnto them: Forasmuch as it seemeth good to the Diuine Grace and Prouidence,* 1.32 whereby all things are gouerned, that by common consent and continuall Prayers intreated, I take on mee the Prin∣cipalitie ouer you, and all the Prouinces of Russia, I will no longer resist, how heauie soeuer I conceiue

this burthen to my shoulders, but haue determined to vndertake your protection with greatest fidelitie, being readie to sway the Russian Scepter and Gouernment, as farre as Gods grace shall enable mee. On the other side bee you faithfull to mee and to my command, as God may you helpe. I am your most gentle King.

Ioyfull acclamations followed, with all protestation of their fidelitie and future obedience. He entring into the Monasterie, after Prayers, receiued the first Benediction. The people retur∣ned full of joy, and the Bels (of which are numbred in Mosco, three thousand) resounded the publike Festiuitie.* 1.33 All the Magistrates and Officers, & such as receiued Salarie of the King, go pre∣sently to the Monasterie and carrie Gold, Siluer, Precious Stones, Pearles, Bread, and Salt, (after the solemne custome) with wishes of long life & al happines, and desiring to accept in good worth [ 10] their Presents. He with thankes rendred, accepts only the Bread and Salt, saying, these were his; the rest they should take to themselues. Then doth hee bid them to a Feast, and presently with Mary his Wife, Theodore his Sonne of ten yeeres old, and Arsenica his Daughter being six∣teene,* 1.34 he goeth out of the Monasterie with pompeous Procession to the Castle. Like Presents were offered to his Wife and Children, which accepted only the Bread and Salt, remitting the rest to the Presenters. When he was comne to the Castle, he chose his Sisters Lodging; for that of the Prince deceased, as offensiue by his death was destroyed, and after new built.

After Festiuall entertaynment of innumerable people, solemne Oath was taken of all the Gouernours;* 1.35 those things being in action till May. Then came newes that the Crim Tartars had entred the borders thinking to find all things troubled with an interregne; whereupon he assem∣bled [ 20] an Armie of three hundred thousand, and went in person against them. But the Tartars hearing how things went, returned home and sent Embassadors to the Emperours Tents. Hee returned with them to Mosco, where the next September (which is the beginning of the Rus∣sian New yeere,* 1.36 which enters in other places with Ianuary following) hee was publikely bles∣sed by the Patriarke, carrying a golden Crosse in his hand, and on the fourteenth of September, before the Knazeys,* 1.37 Boiarens, Bishops and other Orders, had the Crowne set on his head by the Patriarke, and the Scepter put in his hand, with the Solemnitie in such cases accustomed.

Twelue dayes together all Orders were feasted in the Castle, and the Magistrates and Officers had a yeeres pay giuen them. Merchants also of other Countries had Immunities and Priuiled∣ges granted. The Rustickes had their payments to their Boiarens reasonably rated, and their [ 30] persons made more free. Germane Merchants had moneyes lent them to repay seuen yeeres after without Vsurie. Widdowes, and Orphans, and poorer persons receiued much Almes. Pheodo∣res Obsequies were solemnely performed, and the Priests richly rewarded; and that Empire which seemed dead with the death of the house of Beala, now was as it were reuiued, and re∣ceiued a glorious Resurrection.

Thus haue we deliuered you Thuanas his report touching Boris manner of acquiring the Em∣pire without publike enuie, and cunning wiping off the aspersions of Pheodore and Demetrius their deaths. And as euery bodie is nourished by Aliments correspondent to the Principles of the Generation, so did hee seeke by politike wisdome to establish that which by wise Policies he had gotten. Wherein his care was not little to multiply Treasure, and as at first hee had see∣med [ 40] popularly prodigall,* 1.38 so after a small time of his Reigne▪ hee became prouidently penurious, the wonted allowances of the Court being much shortened from that which had beene in for∣mer times, as I haue receiued from eye-witnesses. Likewise he was carefull to hold good tearmes with his Neighbouring Princes, and aswell by plots at home, as by forreigne Aliance indeuou∣red to settle on his Race this new gotten Empire. He is said for this end to haue sought a Wife for his sonne out of England, and a Husband for his Daughter out of Denmarke. His Wife was a woman of haughtie spirit, who thought her too good for any Hollop (so they call a slaue, and such she esteemed all the subjects) and on such tearmes she is said to haue beene denied to a great man his best Souldier and Commander of his Armie.* 1.39

But while his Sunne shined now in the height of his course, and with brightest and war∣mest [ 50] beames of prosperitie, there arose grosse vapours out of Demetrius his graue, which grew quickly into a blacke darke cloud, and not only eclipsed that Imperiall glorie, but soone engen∣dred a blondie storme, which with a floud swept away that whole Family, and ouer-whelmed also the whole Empire. Contraries set together cause the greater lustre; for which cause I will bring on the stage a Gentleman, which attended Sir Thomas Smith employed in Honourable Embassage from his Maiestie of Great Brittaine to the then flourishing Emperor Boris: and out of his large Relations deliuer you this which followeth in his owne words (omitting the most part * 1.40 to our purpose not so pertinent) in the Booke printed, Anno 1605.

[ 60]

Notes

• * 1.1

  Gods mercy to England whiles warres haue infested th•• rest of the World.
• * 1.2

  A. Thuan-bister. l. 135.
• * 1.3

  Iam. 3.
• * 1.4

  Exod. 1.
• * 1.5

  Al. Gwagnin•• descript. Mosc. George brother to the Empe∣ror done to death. Hee addes principal Nobles, here omitted.
• * 1.6

  700. women at one time; 378. prisoners at another, 500. Matrons and Virgins of noble bloud exposed to be rauished by the Tartars in his sight at ano∣ther time &c.
• * 1.7

  A Secretarie cutting off his priuities he died presently; which the Em∣perour con∣struing to be done purpose∣ly, caused him there instantly to eate wh••t he had cut off.
• * 1.8

  Or Theodor
• * 1.9

  Sir Ierom Hor∣sey.
• * 1.10

  The death of Iuan Vasiliwich 1584. April 18.
• * 1.11

  Lord Boris a∣dopted as the Emperors third sonne.
• * 1.12

  The day of Pheodor his co∣ronation.
• * 1.13

  Iohn de Wale.
• * 1.14

  Chare Sibersky Prince of Sibe∣ria taken priso∣ner & brought to Mosco.
• * 1.15

  Sophet Keri Alli King of the Crims arriuall at Mosco.
• * 1.16

  The new Em∣peror Pheodore Iuanowich his L••tters and Requests to the Queene.
• * 1.17

  Master Horseys voyage from Mosco to Eng∣land ouer land.
• * 1.18

  1586.
• * 1.19

  Thuan. hist. lib. 120.
• * 1.20

  Diuorce vrged
• * 1.21

  D. Fl. & S.I.H.
• * 1.22

  Boris his plot.
• * 1.23

  Thuan. hist. lib. 135. sec.

  Demetrius slain some tell that one pretended his col••er stood awry▪ in men∣ding it, cut his throate.
• * 1.24

  It was in the Northern parts at Duglets.
• * 1.25

  Some write that he caused diuers places in Mosco to be fi∣••red, and then afterwards out of his owne cost repaired them.
• * 1.26

  D. Flet.
• * 1.27

  Death of Theo∣dore.
• * 1.28

  The Empresse succeedeth.
• * 1.29

  Russians vse of fortie dayes mourning for an Emperours death.
• * 1.30

  The Queene turneth Nun.
• * 1.31

  Boris his willing vnwillingnesse.
• * 1.32

  Boris his speech
• * 1.33

  Boris Emperor.
• * 1.34

  His Wife, Son, & Daughter.
• * 1.35

  Tartars.
• * 1.36

  Russian New yeere.
• * 1.37

  Boris crowned.
• * 1.38

  His policies.
• * 1.39

  P. Basman.
• * 1.40

  Where the censorious bit∣ternesse also seemeth too much to insult on B••ris his d••sasters.