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

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CHAP. IX. The late changes and manifold alterations in Russia since IVAN VASI∣LOWICH to this present, gathered out of many Letters and Obser∣uations of English Embassadors and other Tra∣uellers in those parts.

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§. 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.

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* 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]

§. II. Occurrents of principall Note which happened in Russia, in the time while the Honourable Sir THOMAS SMITH remayned there Embassador from his Maiestie.

SIr Thomas Smith Knight, accompanied with Sir T. Challenor and Sir W. Wray Knights, diuers Gentlemen and his owne Attendants, repayred to the Court on the tenth of Iune 1604. then lying at Greenwich, where by the Right Honourable the Earle of Salisburie he was brought to His Majestis presence, kissed his Hand, &c. The next day [ 10] he tooke leaue of the Prince, and on the twelfth being furnished with his Commission, he came to Grauesend, and next morning went aboord the Iohn and Francis Admirall: and the two and twentieth of Iuly anchored within a mile of the Archangell. The sixteenth of September, hee came to Vologda: the fiue and twentieth to Perislawe, and there staid three dayes, and then de∣parted to Troites, (that faire and rich Monasterie) so to Brattesheen and Rostouekin, fiue versts from the great Citie of Musco. The fourth of October, the Prestaue came and declared the Emperours pleasure that hee should come into the Mosco that forenoone: presently after came Master I. Mericke Agent, with some twentie Horses to attend his Lordship, which forth-with [ 20] was performed. Then we did ride, til we came within a little mile of the many thousands of No∣blemen and Gentlemen on both sides the way, attended on horsebacke to receiue his Lordship. Where the Embassadour alighted from his Coach, and mounted on his foot-cloth Horse, and so rode on with his Trumpets sounding. A quarter of a mile farther, met him a proper and gallant Gentleman a-foot of the Emperours stable, who with Cap in hand, declared to the Embassa∣dour, that the Emperour, the young Prince, and the Master of the Horse, had so farre fauoured him, as to send him a Iennet, very gorgeously trapped with Gold, Pearle, and Precious Stone: and particularly, a great Chaine of plated Gold about his necke, to ride vpon. Whereupon the Embassador alighted, imbraced the Gentleman, returned humble thankes to them all, and pre∣sently mounted. Then he declared that they likewise had sent horses for the Kings Gentlemen, which likewise were very richly adorned, then for all his followers: which Ceremonie or State performed, and all being horsed, he departed, we riding orderly forward, till wee were met by [ 30] three great Noblemen, seuered from the rest of the multitude, and the Emperours Tolmache or Interpreter with them.

They being within speech, thus began that Oration they could neuer well conclude: Which was, That from their Lord and Master the mightie Emperour of Russia, &c. they had a message to deliuer his Lordship. The Embassadour then thinking they would be tedious and troublesome with their vsuall Ceremonies; preuented their farther speech with this (to them a Spell) That it was vnfitting for Subiects to hold discourse in that kind of complement, of two such mightie and renow∣med Potentates on horsebacke. They (hereby not only put by their Ceremonious Saddle-sitting, but out of their Paper instructions) allighted suddenly, as men fearing they were halfe vnhor∣sed, [ 40] and the Embassadour presently after them, comming very courteously all three, saluting the Embassadour and the Kings Gentlemen, taking them by the hands. Thus like a Scholer, too old to learne by rote (the Duke named King Volladamur Euanywich Mawsolskoy) with his Lesson before him, declared his message; which was, that he with the other two Noblemen, were sent from the Great Lord, Emperour and great Duke Boris Phedorowich, selfe-vpholder, great Lord Em∣perour, and great Duke of all Russia, Volademer, Moskoe and Nouogrode,* 1.41 King of Casan and Astracan, Lord of Vobskoe, great Duke of Smolenskoe, Tuer, Huder, Vghory, Perme, Viatsky, Bolgory, &c. Lord and great Duke of Nouogrod in the Low Countreyes, of Chernigo, Rezan, Po∣lotskey, Rostoue, Geraslaue, Bealozera, Leifland, Oudorskey, Obdorskey, Condingskey. King of all Syberia and the North Coasts, Commander of the Countreyes of Iuersky, Grysinsky, and Emperour of Kabardiuskey, of Chirkasky, and of the whole Countrey of Garskey, and of many other [ 50] Countreyes and Kingdomes Lord and Emperour, to know of his Maiesties health of England, the Queene and Princes. The second, being a Captayne of Gunners (the Emperours Guard) named Kazri••e Dauydowich Beaheetchoue, pronouncing the Emperour and Princes Title, said hee was sent from them to know his Lordships health and vsage, with the Kings Gentlemen. The third, was one of the Secretaries, named Pheodor Boulteene, obseruing the former order did deliuer what he had in command from the Emperor, Prince and Empresse, to informe the Embassador of their much fauour towards him, and the Kings Gentlemen, in prouiding for his Honourable enter∣tayne and ease, a faire large house to lodge in: Also that they three were sent from the Empe∣rour, Prince, and Empresse, to be his Prestaues, to supply the Emperours goodnesse toward him, to prouide his necessaries, and deliuer any sute it pleased the Ambassadour to make to the Empe∣rour. [ 60] To all which the Embassadour very wisely gaue answere (as they made report vnto the Emperour.)

So we all presently mounted againe, the Prestaues on either hand of the Ambassadour his Horse and Foot-cloth being led by his Page, some small distance, his Coach behind that, and

some sixe thousand Gallants after behind all: who at the Embassadors riding through the guard, that was made for him, very courteously bowed himselfe. Thus was he followed by thousands, and within the three wals of the Citie, many hundreds of young Noblemen, Gentlemen, and rich Merchants well mounted, begirt the wayes on euery side: diuers on foot also, euen to the gate of the house where the Embassadour was to be lodged, which was some two miles. Whe∣ther being come, he was brought into his Bed-chamber by the Noblemen his Prestaues, where with many thankes for their honourable paines; they were dismist, betaking themselues to their further affaires. The next morning came three other Prestaues with the former, to know of his Lordships health, and how he had rested the night past: withall, that if his Lordship wanted any thing, they all, or any one of them, were as commanded, so readie to obey therein. These, [ 10] with the Interpreter and sixe Gentlemen were most within the walls, lodged in a house ouer the gate, besides we had fiftie Gunners to attend, and guard vs in our going abroad.

The eight of October being the fourth day after our comming to Musco, the Prestaues came to his Lordship to let him vnderstand,* 1.42 they heard he should goe vp the next day: wherefore they desired his speech and Embassage to the Emperour: and the rather, that the Interpreter might (as they pretended) translate it. To this purpose, very earnestly at seuerall times they made demand. The Embassadour answered, that he was sent from a mightie Prince, to bee his Embassadour to their Emperour, and being sent to their Master, he deemed it, not only a disho∣nour to him, but a weaknesse in them, to require that at his hands.

* 1.43The ••leuenth of October, his Lordship being sent for by his Prestaues there wayting, hauing [ 20] excellent Iennets for himselfe, the Kings Gentlemen, and good horses for the rest: as likewise two gallant white Palfreis to carrie or draw a rich Chariot, one parcell of the great Present, with his followers and the Emperours guard, carrying the rest: on each side the streets standing the Emperours guard with Peeces in their hands well apparelled, to the number of two thousand by esteeme, many Messengers posting betwixt the Court and our Prestaues. Thus with much state, softly riding, till we came vnto the vtmost gate of the Court (hauing passed through the great Castle before) there his Lordship dismounted. Then met him a great Duke (named Knase Andriay Metowich Soomederoue) with certayne Gentlemen, to bring him vp. So in order as we rode, we ascended the staires and a stone Gallerie, whereon each side stood many Nobles and Courtiers, in faire Coates of Persian Stuffe, Veluet, Damaske, &c. At the entry to the great [ 30] Chamber, two Counsellors encountred the Embassadour, to conduct him through that Roome, round about which sat many graue and richly apparrelled Personages. Then we entred the Pre∣sence, whether being come, and making obeysance, we staid to heare, but not vnderstand, a very gallant Nobleman, named Peter Basman, deliuer the Emperours Title: Then the particular of the Presents,* 1.44 and some other Ceremonies: which performed, the Embassadour hauing libertie, deliuered so much of his Embassage, as the time and occasion then affoorded: After which the Emperour arising from his Throne, demanded of the King of Englands health, the Princes, and Queenes: then of the Embassadors and the Kings Gentlemen, and how they had beene vsed since they entred within his Dominions: to all which with obeysance wee answered as was meete. Then the young Prince demanded the very same. [ 40]

The Embassador hauing taken the Kings Letter of his Gentleman Vsher, went vp after his obeysance to deliuer it, which the Lord Chancellor would haue intercepted. But the Embassa∣dour gaue it to the Emperours owne hands, and his Majestie afterwards deliuered it to the Lord Chancellor: who tooke it, and shewing the superscription to the Emperour and Prince, held it in his hand openly with the Seale towards them. Then the Emperour called the Embassadour to kisse his hand, which he did, as likewise the Princes, and with his face towards them returned. Then did hee call for the Kings Gentlemen to kisse his hand, and the Princes, which they af∣ter obeysance made, did accordingly. Afterwards, his Majestie inuited his Lordship, the Kings Gentlemen and the rest to dine with him, as likewise Master I. Mericke Agent by name, who gaue his attendance there on the Embassadour, and was now (as diuers times) very graciously v∣sed [ 50] of the Emperour and Prince: no stranger (that I euer heard off) like him in all respects.

* 1.45Being entred the Presence, we might behold the excellent Majestie of a mightie Emperour, seated in a Chaire of Gold, richly embroydered with Persian Stuffe: in his right hand hee held a golden Scepter, a Crowne of pure Gold vpon his head, a Coller of rich stones and Pearles a∣bout his necke, his outward Garments of Crimson Veluet, embroydered very faire, with Pearles, Precious stones and Gold: On his right side, (on equall height to his Throne) standing a very faire Globe of beaten Gold, on a Pyramis, with a faire Crosse vpon it, vnto which before hee spake, he turned a little and crost himselfe. Nigh that, stood a faire Bason and Ewer, which the Emperour often vseth daily.

* 1.46Close by him in another Throne sat the Prince, in an outward Garment like his Fathers, but [ 60] not so rich, a high blacke Foxe Cap on his head, worth in those Countreyes fiue hundred pound, a Golden Staffe like a Friers, with the likenesse of a Crosse at the top. On the right hand of the Emperour, stood two gallant Noblemen in cloth of Siluer Garments, high blacke Foxe Cappes, great and long chaines of Gold hanging to their feet,* 1.47 with Pollaxes on their shoulders of Gold.

And on the left hand of the Prince two other such, but with Siluer Pollaxes. Round about the benches sat the Councell and Nobilitie, in Golden and Persian Coats, and high blacke Foxe Caps,* 1.48 to the number of two hundred, the ground being couered with Cloth of Arrasse, or Tapistrie: The Presents standing all the while in the Roome, within little distance of his Majestie, where he and the Prince often viewed them. Being now by our Prestaues and others come for to Din∣ner, who led vs through much presse and many Chambers to one very faire and rich Roome, where was infinite store of mas••e Plate of all sorts; Towards the other end stood the Emperours Vncle, named Stephean Vaselewich God••noue, Lord High Steward, being attended with many Noblemen and Gentlemen, whom my Lord in his passage saluted,* 1.49 which with an extraordinary [ 10] countenance of aged Ioy, he receiued, making one of their honourable Nods. The Embassador en∣tred the dining Roome, where we againe viewed the Emperour and Prince, seated vnder two Chaires of State, readie to dine, each hauing a Scull of Pearle on their bare heads,* 1.50 but the Princes was but a Coronet. Also their Vestments were changed.

The former Duke, that for that day was the Embassadours Prestaue, came,* 1.51 as commanded from the Emperor, and placed the Embassador at a Table, on the bench side, some twentie foot from the Emperour. Then the Kings Gentlemen, Master Meri••ke, Master Edward Ch••rrie, and all the rest were placed, so that our eyes were halfe opposite to the Emperour. Ouer against the Embassadour sat his Prestaues vppermost. Also in this large place sat the Priuie Couns••ll, to the number of two hundred Nobles at seuerall Tables.* 1.52 In the midst of this Hall might seeme to [ 20] stand a great Pillar, round about which, a great heigth stood wonderfull great pieces of Plate, very curiously wrought with all manner of Beasts, Fishes and Fowles, besides some other ordi∣narie pieces of seruiceable Plate.

Being thus set (some quarter of an houre as it were,* 1.53 feeding our eyes with that faire Piller of Plate) we beheld the Emperours Table serued by two hundred Noblemen, all in Coats of cloth of Gold. The Princes Table serued with one hundred young Dukes and Princes of Cassan, A∣strican, Syberia, Tartaria, Chercasses and Russes, none aboue twentie yeeres old.

Then the Emperour sent from his Table by his Noble Seruitors, to my Lord and the Kings Gentlemen, thirtie Dishes of meate, and to each a loafe of extraordinary fine bread. Then fol∣lowed a great number of strange and rare Dishes, some in Siluer, but most of massie Gold; with boyled, baked, and rosted, being piled vp on one another by halfe dozens. To make you a par∣ticular [ 30] Relation, I should doe the entertaynment wrong, consisting almost of innumerable Di∣shes: Also, I should ouer-charge my memory, as then I did mine eyes and stomacke, little de∣lighting the Reader, because Garlicke and Onions, must besawce many of my words,* 1.54 as then it did the most part of their Dishes.

For our Drinkes, they consisted of many excellent kinds of Meades, besides all sorts of Wine and Beere. Diuers times by name, the Emperor sent vs D••shes: but in the midst of Dinner hee called the Embassadour vp to him, and dranke our Kings health, where the Emperour held some discourse of our King and State. But at one time (striking his hand aduisedly on his brest) Oh, said hee, my deere Sister Queene Elizabeth, whom I loued as mine owne heart,* 1.55 expressing this his great affection almost in a weeping passion. The Embassador receiuing the Cup from his Prince∣ly [ 40] hand, returned againe to his owne place, where all of vs standing, dranke the same health out of the same Cup, being of faire Christall, as the Emperour had commanded, the Wine (as farre as my judgement gaue leaue) being Alligant.

Thus passing some foure houres in banquetting, and refreshing our selues too plentifully, all being taken away, we did arise. The Embassadour and the Kings Gentlemen beeing called by name to receiue from his Emperiall hands, a Cup (or rather as they call it a Yendouer) of excel∣lent red Mead; a fauour among them neuer obserued before, which Cups for they were great and the Mead very strong, we often sipped at, but without hurting our memories, we could not say Amen vnto: which the Emperour perceiuing, commanded them to be taken away, saying, Hee was best pleased with what was most for our healths.

[ 50] Thus after our low courtesies performed, wee departed from his presence, riding home with the same former guard and attendance to our Lodings; where our Prestaues for that instant left vs, but shortly after they came againe, to accompany a great and gallant Duke, one of them that held the Emperours golden Pollaxes, named Knes Romana Phedorowich Troya Naroue, who was sent from his Majestie to make the Embassadour and the Kings Gentlemen merrie: likewise ha∣uing instructions to drinke their Emperours, our Kings, and both the Princes healths, and diuers Princes else, which hee did himselfe very freely and some of vs, as many of them as wee could with our owne healths, there being such plentie of Meades and other Drinkes, as might well haue made fortie Russes haue stumbled to sleepe. Thus light-headed, and well laded especi∣ally [ 60] if you take knowledge of the thirtie yards of cloth of Gold,* 1.56 and the two standing Cups with couers, which the Embassadour rewarded him withall, before he departed.

But vnwelcome newes within foure dayes after our audience so vnhappily came, as not only our Affaires, but any else, except counsell against present danger, was not regarded. For this was held for currant, that one who named himselfe Demetrie Euanowich Beala,* 1.57 as the Sonne of their

late Emperor Iuan Vasillowich; hee that in the reigne of Pheodor Euanowich his brother was in his infancie, as was thought, murthered at Ougleets) is now reuiued againe, and vp in armes for his right and inheritance: whereupon presently was sent an Armie of two hundred thousand Souldiers, either to take or slay him. But he was so strengthened with Poles, Cossacks, &c. that a number of Russes yeelded to his obedience.

Vpon the one and twentieth of Nouember, the young Prince of an ancient custome going to a Church within Mosco, the Kings Gentlemen vpon knowledge thereof (the Ambassador being vnwilling to be seene publike, as also for that the Emperor himselfe did not goe as hee was accu∣stomed) went and attended where his Excellency might see them, and they safely behold him, who rode in a very faire and rich sled,* 1.58 hauing a gallant Palfrey lead by two Groomes to draw it, [ 10] many hundreds running before to sweepe the snowe away where he should passe, and were said to bee slaues, which I verily beleeue, because certainly they were his Subiects. Then came the Prince richly apparelled with two Tartar Princes standing before on his sled, and two young Dukes behind, with two hundred sleds following him.

The eight of Februarie, the Emperor sent vs sleds to ride abroad, and this day the rather, that we might behold a reported victorie, against the reputed Rebell Demetrie, &c. So we the Kings Gentlemen did behold three hundred poore Prisoners, seuenteene Ensignes, and eleuen Drums brought in,* 1.59 with more glorie then victorie. About this time returned Peter Basman, one of the Generals, who had performed very honourable seruice, and certainly, he was the man of greatest hope and expectation in the whole Empire, who was brought into the Mosco, with all [ 20] the Counsell, Nobles, Gentlemen, and Merchants, a grace neuer performed before to any Sub∣iect. But not without suspition of some extraordinarie secret herein, and ••••••ides particular fa∣uours, bountifull rewards, and a promise he should neuer goe againe vntill the Emperor himselfe went, he was, being but a young man, made a Priuie Counsellor. Forth with one thing I will you shall obserue the Emperors fauour, and his then noble Spirit, he making diuers times sute (as was thought) because they were in great danger, to goe againe to the warres, once prostrated himselfe to obtayne his desire, but falling downe too humbly, hee could not easily rise againe, whereby the Emperor vnderstanding of his many and great wounds, was said to weepe, rising himselfe vp to raise and helpe him vp, but extraordinarie Causes haue the like Effects, as here∣after you shall vnderstand. [ 30]

We were lodged in the same house where the young Prince Iohn of Denmarke, brother to that King and our now Queene of England, did lodge, (who would haue married the young Princesse Oucksinia, the Emperors only daughter, but that he vnhappily there died) but not in any of those lodgings:* 1.60 for it is a custome there, that where a Prince dyes (especially a stranger) not of long time after to let any other lodge there.

Now the Ambassador vnderstanding of the conuenience of his passage downe by sled-way, also fearing (as wise men had cause) what the issue of these warres would be, knowing the state here vsed in any sutes, bethought himselfe aduisedly that it was high time, being the middest of Februarie, to desire a second audience for his sooner dispatch, which he forthwith requested, and wrote a letter to that purpose vnto the Lord Chancellor. [ 40]

Vpon the tenth of March, the Ambassador with the Kings Gentlemen all richly apparelled, and all his followers decently attending,* 1.61 very honourably (as before) and with the like recourse of beholders, and guard of Gunners (but that they were said to bee Citizens by reason of their warres, but in like apparell) was attended to the Court, being receiued with the former grace, or more,* 1.62 he ascended the Presence: the Emperour and Prince holding their wonted state, one∣ly changing their Vestments with the season, but for the riches nothing inferior.

So soone as the Ambassador and the Kings Gentlemen were come opposite to his Throne, hee commanded seates that they might sit downe: then with a Maiestick countenance, representing rather constraint then former cheerfulnesse, he declared, that He, his Sonne and Councell, had considered his Maiesties Letter, the Maiestie of King Iames of England, as also on whatsoeuer [ 50] else was desired, and in token of his ioyfull receiued am••tie with the renowmed King of Eng∣land, as with his Predecessor, he had wrote his Princely Letters to that purpose. Herewith the Chancellor from the Emperour deliuered the Ambassadors his Highnesse Letters to his excel∣lent Maiestie. Withall vnderstanding by the Chancellor hee had some farther matter to intreat of, then in his Briefe to his Maiestie was remembred: therefore hee had appointed foure princi∣pall Councellors to consult with him of his Requests, which was done. After, the Ambassador yeelding courteous thanks for his Maiesties fauour, his Lordship attended by many Nobles, proceeded to the Councell Chamber, whither presently after came foure Councellors, and the Emperours Tolmach: who after salutations, we withdrew to the next chamber, where wee pas∣sed away an houre in discourse, among many young Nobles, hauing the Ambassadors Interpreter. [ 60] In the end, after three or foure goings and returnes of the Chancellor from the Emperour, wee went againe before him (where after hee had commanded vs to sit downe as before) by the mouth of the Chancellor was openly deliuered a Briefe of the whole Embassie (and that dayes particular desire, according to the Ambassadors request, confirmed.) Also in good and pleasing

language, was declared the great desire that the Emperour had, for the continuance of peace and amitie with the renowmed Iames King of England, as with the late Queene Elizabeth, withall that in due time (all accidents well ended) he would send an honourable Ambassador for further affaires, as likewise to congratulate with our King of his happinesse in so plausible comming to his Right and Inheritance. Likewise, a Gran•• of a new Priuiledge for the Companie, which he said should be vnder the golden Seale, &c.

Which ceremonious speech ended, the Emperor called for the Ambassador and the Kings Gentlemen to kisse his hand, and the Princes▪ which done,* 1.63 with the Emperors nod or bowing to vs, as likewise the Princes, desiring the remembrance of his and the Princes commendations [ 10] to his Maiestie, the Prince, and Queene of England, we were dismissed, but not before the Em∣peror said he would send home to vs. Thus we tooke our last leaue of the Emperors Court, be∣ing more graciously and especially entertayned then before, or then euer any would take know∣ledge Ambassadors were vsed withall: we are honorably attended home, and a Duke of great ac∣count, named Knas Euan Eua••••owich Courl••te••▪ was attended with many of the Emperors ser∣uants within our Gates: following him a dinner,* 1.64 sent from the Emperor by some two hundred persons, consisting of three hundred seuerall dishes of Fish (for it was now Lent) of such strange∣nesse, greatnesse, and goodnesse (for their number) as it were not to bee beleeued by any report, but by a mans owne eye-sight, with infinite store of Meades, and Beere, in massie plate, &c.

The eighteenth of March, the Emperor sent by Vassilly ••r••g••r••wich T••l••pno••e, the Roll where∣in was the Demands of the Ambassador, and the particulars of the whole negotiation, as there [ 20] at large appeares. The nineteenth, his Maiestie sent 〈◊〉〈◊〉 M••nshoy Buld••co••e, vnder Treasurer, a royall Present to the Ambassador of many particulars, also to each of the Kings Gentlemen, be∣ing rewarded, he departed.

The twentieth of March,* 1.65 being honourably accompanyed with thousands of Gallants of each side the streets all along as we passed, the Ambassador departed from the Citie of Mosco, with the whole numbers of horse-men still becking vs, till we came a shore mile on this side the Citie where we made a stand, and after some complement betweene the Ambassador and his kinde and honourable Prestaue, the Duke Vollagdemor, with almost weeping on his part, the Ambassador went from the Emperors sled to his coach set vpon a sled,* 1.66 and wee ••lighted from the Emperors [ 30] horses, and betooke our selues to our easie and pleasant passage in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, such a passage as this part of the World would wonder at, in which a man though hee goe a ••••••ckney pace, may as easily reade as sleepe.

Thus accompanyed with Master Io•••• Moricke, Master William Russel, sometimes Agent for the Dutch, and many other Merchants, we easily rode that night to Bra••teshi••, thirtie miles from the Mosco. The next morrow taking leaue of them all, we continued our iourney fiftie and six∣tie versts a day easily.

Within few dayes after wee heard newes certainly of the Emperors sudden and vntimely death: which, considering neither the Presta••e, the Gouernour, or Bishop,* 1.67 had not or would not of ten dayes after take knowledge of, we might in the meane time haue doubted of, but that his Lordship had it from Master Iohn Mericke by Letter particularly. His death was very sudden, [ 40] and as it was in it selfe, very strange: for within some two houres after dinner, hauing (as hee vsually had) his Doctors with him, who left him in their iudgements in health, as the good meale he made could witnesse, for hee dined well, and fed plentifully, though presently af∣ter as may be thought, feeding ouer-much, hee felt himselfe not onely heauie, but also payned in his stomacke: presently went into his chamber, laid himselfe vpon his bed, sent for his Doctors (which alwayes speeded) yet before they came, hee was past, being speechlesse and soone after dying. Before his death (as speedie as it was) hee would bee shorne, and new christned: what the cause was otherwise then the griefe, inward sorrow,* 1.68 with diuers distractions about the warres, and their bad successe, fearing the worst on his part, onely God knowes: yet who so remembers Gods iudgements, or Princes policies for Kingdomes, with [ 50] mans sinfulnesse, and considereth the one with the other, may bee satisfied, if not con∣tented.

For the Emperours person, he was tall and well bodied,* 1.69 teaching out of his authoritie o∣bedience, of an excellent presence, black and thin ha••red, well faced, round and close shaued, strong limmed. A Prince framed betweene Thought and Resolution, as being euer in labour, but neuer till death deliuered: neuer acting (though euer plotting) but in his Closet or Councel Chamber. One rather obeyed then loued, being feared where hee was not serued: doubtlesse, vpholding a true Maiestie and gouernment in euery part, but in his owne minde: that it is a question, whether he were more kinde to Strangers, or seuere and iust to his Subiects, or hate∣full [ 60] and terrible to his Enemies. A father and a Prince, whose wordes, counsels, obseruations,* 1.70 policies, resolutions, and experiments, were but the life of his deare Sonne, neuer aduising, entertayning, no not praying without him. In all Ambassies and Negotiations, remembring his sonnes name with his owne, louing him (being louely) for that himselfe would bee loued, vn∣willing to spare his presence, desirous to haue him at all occasions before his eyes▪ I shall not doe

amisse, to giue a taste of the fruit sprung from so stately a Tree. Being by a learned and well tra∣uailed Gentleman diuers times particularly aduised, to let the Prince take some more (then no recreation) by which meanes he might aswell prolong his life, as instruct his iudgement and de∣light his minde: Oh, would the Emperour answere, one sonne is no sonne: nay, I am perswa∣ded, three sonnes to me is but halfe a sonne. But had I sixe sonnes, then I might safely say I had one, how then should I part with that at any time, I know not to bee mine for any time▪ This may giue satisfaction to any vnderstanding both of his feares and ielousies: his great loue, and much care. It was an vsuall speech with the Emperour vpon good reason to say, hee was the Lord and father of his sonne, yet withall, That he was not onely his seruant, but his very * 1.71 slaue.

Two policies of the said Emperour I shall willingly acquaint you with, for diuers reasons. [ 10] One was, when hee caused fire to bee kindled in foure parts of Mosco••; whereat himselfe was noted to be very diligent, with all his Nobles and Courtiers: and after it was quenched▪ he sent his bountie to them all, that builded anew their houses, and repaid all their losses. And this was but to stop the rumour, then so common, of his strange gayning the Empire by which stra∣tagem of his, when his people were readie to mutinie, they were created anew good Subiects; yet did admire his not onely care, but goodnesse towards them all.

A second, was at that time the Land was visited with a mightie famine, and as great a plague (some foure yeeres since) whereof a third of the whole Nation is rated to haue died: and the murmuring multitude said the cause was, their electing of a murderer to the Empire; wherefore God did thus visit them: Whereupon, hee caused Galleries to bee builded round about the vt∣most [ 20] wall of the great Citie of Mosco; and there appointed daily to bee giuen to the poore, twentie thousand pounds sterling: which was accordingly performed for one moneth, where∣upon the common peoples mouthes and bellies were well stopped.

Here wee lodged till the sixt of May, being wearied with the inconstancie and ill-come newes of flying reports, whereupon the time of the yeere requiring, the Ambassador resol∣ued to passe downe the Riuer to Colmogro, as well that hee might the sooner haue newes from England, as happily to bee out of feare of any disaster, the rumours being innumerable and vncertaine.

After the suspicious death of the old Emperour Boris Pheodorowich, &c. by the appointment of the Prince (then their expected Emperour) and the Counsell,* 1.72 Peter Basman (that noble [ 30] Sparke) was speedily dispatched and sent as Generall vnto their ill succeeding warres, as their last hope (indeed hee prooued so in a contrarie sense) and the onely refuge to the Commons: whi••her being come, hee with himselfe presented most of his command, as many as freely would offer themselues: Vnder which were all the English, Scots, French, Dutch and Flem∣mings, whatsoeuer: and with him, or rather before him (as least suspected) Ries Vasili E∣uanch Goleeche, the other Generall, a man of great birth, and in the prioritie of place, to bee receiued before Peter Basman. All which, the now well knowne newly opinionated Empe∣rour very graciously receiued, happily not without some ielousie of many particulars.

Demetrius now sent Messengers with Letters which entred the Suburbs, where the Com∣mons in infinite numbers brought them safe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the spacious Plaine before the Castle gate: within which, as daily they did vse, so now were all the Counsellors in consultation; but [ 40] happily not in a secret Counsaile; also wherein was the Emperiall Court.

* 1.73There these Boyerens made demand for many of the Counsellors, especially for the Godono∣ues, to come to heare their right King D••metrius Euanowich speaking vnto them by Letters: Who yet after refusall (and I cannot condemne all) many came; the Commons being resol∣ued, else to fetch them out. Then, by the Boyeren•• aloud was read the Emperours Letters, to this effect.

* 1.74That hee much wondred at that time, wherein expedition was to bee accounted safest policie, hauing sent many Letters and Messengers to them, concerning their approouing him to bee their lawfull Prince, as being the sonne of Euan Vas••lowich their late Emperour, and the onely brother of Pheo∣dor Euanowich selfe-vpholder, of happy memorie, both with inuincible Arguments and direct [ 50] Reasons to the manifesting thereof, they (notwithstanding his long patience and gracious remisnesse) were not onely so proud as not to answere his Princely Letters, but so presumptuous as to retayne his Messengers, whereby they made themselues apparantly to bee no lesse Vipers to the State in obscuring him, then Traytors to himselfe the true and right Emperour, by defrauding them: yet giuing him a strong Argument by their Silence, of their guiltinesse; also allowing thereby, time and opportunitie (if hee had not beene their true-borne Emperour, and with the naturall Mother, tendered the life of her deare Children) to haue conquered and destroyed the whole Nation.

All which notwithstanding, hee (being confident in his owne conscience, of his iust Title, made the Prince of patience and humilitie from his former many great miseries and dangers) had in his Princely wisedome and clemency againe wrote these (but certainly his last Peace-requiring, and Grace-offering [ 60] Letters: yea, was content to desire them he might) and doubted not shortly but he should com∣mand, onely ayming at the good of the Commonwealth and State in generall; as he that without much shedding of his Subiects bloud, desired the Kingdome.

Also to this end hee had sent men of great birth, viz. Rues Pheodor, Euanowich Methith∣sosky, and Rues Demetre, Euanowich Suskey; and giuen them Commission to displace his E∣nemies, and Prestaue the Godonoues, and others, till his further pleasure were knowne, consu∣ming those monstrous bloud suckers and Traytors, with returne of the Commons answere thereunto: Likewise to demand his Messengers, and they to bee brought before the Commons, whom hee had rea∣son to beleeue were ill-intreated, if not murthered; withall, that if they did submit themselues now to him, as to their lawfull Prince and Soueraigne, (which hee was truely resolued their consciences were guiltie of) that yet they should finde him a gracious and mercifull Lord; if otherwise, a se∣uere and iust Reuenger of them, and their many misdeedes towards him, as hee that had his Sword euer vnsheathed to execute his vengeance on them all: and was easily perswaded they were not ignorant [ 10] of the many Victories hee had obtayned formerly against them, when they would seeme able and wil∣ling to fight with his Souldiers: and how afflicted and troubled herewith they all were: But that now, he had their chiefe and strongest Heads and Armes in his owne hand, the whole World might not be∣treth him they durst once speake openly against him, as assured that all (excepting a very few, and they of the worst) in heart were his loyall Subiects, &c.

But before this Letter was halfe read, the Hearts and Hands of the multitude were strange∣ly combined together, not one speaking, but all confusedly like fettered and chayned Horses stamping; being indeed without any feare▪ but of not doing mischiefe enough, all (as one) running violently into the Castle, where (meeting two of the pitifully tormented Messengers) they pawsed to heare them as sufficiently as their insufficiencie would permit them, deliuer the [ 20] vilde manner of their torturing, whipping, and roasting, which was in deede a Whip and Spurre to driue them, without wit or humanitie, as if they had beene fired like Gun-powder with the very sparkes of heate: Such barbarous crueltie, beastly actions, and inhumane spe∣ctacles, as without the great Deuill had beene their Generall, no particular could haue a∣cted; laying violent hands on all they met: but not killing (the great mercy of God) any man of account.

Thus the whole Citie was in an vproare, all the Counsellors houses, sellers, and studies ransacked, beginning with the Godonoues; spoyling, renting, and stealing all they met vvith; but carrying little away but drinke, which they could not carry away.

[ 30] The Commons (no doubt) would haue made this day little inferiour to the massacre of Pa∣ris, so violent and deuillish were their sudden resolutions; but that the Nobles (best beloued and obeyed) intreated, where none could command: others perswading, all wishing an end to this most miserable and neuer exampled mischiefe. But the multitude did what they would and could; especially on the greatest, which certainly were the worst: So as the Empresse fly∣ing to a safer lodging, had her coller of Pearle pluckt from her necke.

Then the Prince, Empresse, and Princesse, were prestaued (a second command being come from the Campe) with the Godonoues, and many others that were suspected most: The Nobles ioyning in one counsell for the present ordering of these sudden accidents, and for an∣swere to the Prince Demetrius Euanowich, who suddenly was by generall consent concluded [ 40] (by the particular knowledge of Bodan Belskey a great Counsellor, that was priuie to his de∣parture, and some others) to bee their right and lawfull Emperour, onely a few excepted. So as the young Prince was by many (but particularly by his mother) counselled to leaue the Kingdome vtterly, before it forsooke him; to follow his Fathers example in murdering him∣selfe, and herein his mother (that Map of miseries, that Cradle of crueltie) and his onely deare sister would associate him.

Letters were deuised, and Messengers framed to effect this desperate treacherie on his in∣nocent life; so as in very few dayes (for Mischiefe hath the wings of Thought and Resolution) they three did consent (an vnhappy coniunction) to destroy themselues; and rather to lay violent hands vpon their hatefull liues, then make an Enemie seeme cruell in executing Iu∣stice on them: which * 1.75 yet certainly this Emperour neuer dreamt of, but determined the [ 50] Prince should be within himselfe, not lesse then Absolute, and in a very great Dukedome. The Princely Mother began the health of Death to her noble Sonne, who pledged her with a heartie draught, therein so much strength did hee adde to his vile wicked obedience, that hee prooued a banquerout presently, and hand in hand embracing each other, they fell, and died as one, the Mother counselling and acting, whilest the child bethought and suffered: yet see Pro∣uidence and Commiseration, Constancy and Obedience: the Princesse dranke, but like a Vir∣gin temperately: so as modestie (the want of which was the death of the Mother) now prooued the life of the Daughter.

Howeuer it was with Boris for other things, I thought it not amisse to adde this testimonie of his [ 60] respect to the English Nation and Merchants in Priuiledges granted them, as followeth.

* 2.1ONe Almightie God without and before the Beginning, the Father, the Sonne, and the Holy Ghost, whom we glorifie in the Trinitie, our onely God, Creator and Preseruer of all things euery∣where, by which Will and Working, be liueth and giueth life vnto Man; Our onely God which inspi∣reth euery one of vs his Children with his holy Word, through our Lord Iesus Christ, the Spirit of Life, now in this latter times, establish vs to hold the right Scepter, and suffer vs of our selues to reigne, for the good of the Land, and the happinesse of the People, together with our Enemies, and to the doing of good.

We the great Lord Emperour and great Duke Boris Pheodorowich of all Russia, sole Comman∣der of Volodemer, Mosco, Nouogrod, Emperour of Cazan, King of Astracan, Lord of Vobsko, and [ 10] great Duke of Smolensko, of Twersko, Vhorskoy, Permskoy, Vatskoy, Bolharskay, and of o∣thers, Lord and great Duke of Nouagrod in the low Country of Chernego, Rezan, Polotskay, Ro∣stouskoy, Yeraslauskoy, Belozerskoy, Leeflanskoy, Owdorskoy, Obdorskoy, Condinskoy, and all Siberia, and the North parts; Lord and Commander of Euerskoy Land, and Cabardinskoy Country, and of Cherces, and Igarskoy Land, as also of many others Lord and Commander, with our Sonne Prince Phedar Borisowich of all Russia. We haue bestowed on the Merchants of England, viz. Sir Iohn Hart, Knight; Sir William Webb, Knight; Richard Saltanitall, Alderman; Nicolas Moshley, Alderman; Robert Doue, William Garaway, Iohn Harbey, Robert Chamberlin, Henrie Anderson, Iohn Audwart, Francis Cherie, Iohn Merick, Anthony Marlar; Wee haue granted and licenced them to come with their ships into our Dominion the Country of Dwina, with all [ 20] manner of Commodities, to trade freely from the Sea side and within our Dominions, to the Citie of our Empire of Mosco. Also there made sute vnto vs Sir Iohn Hart, Knight, and his Companie, to grati∣fie them to trade to our Citie of Mosco, and to our Heritage of great Nouogrod and Vobsko, and to all parts of our Empire, with their Commodities, and to Trade freely without custome: vpon which Wee the great Lord Emperour and great Duke Boris Pheodorowich of all Russia, with our Sonne Prince Pheodor Borisowich of all Russia, haue granted vnto the English Merchants, Sir Iohn Hart, Knight, and his fellowes, for our Sisters sake Queene Elizabeth, free passage to come into our Kingdome of Mosco, and into all the rest of our Dominions, with all manner of Commodities to trade and traffick free∣ly at their pleasure. Also we haue commanded, not to take any kinde of Custome for their goods, nor any other Customes whatsoeuer, viz. for passing by any place by Land, nor for passing by any place by Water; [ 30] nor for Custome of their Boats or Head money, nor for passing ouer Bridges and Ferries, nor for any en∣trie of Wares: as also all manner of other Customes or Duties whatsoeuer wee command shall not bee taken of them: But they shall not bring other mens goods into our Dominions, nor likewise recarry out of our Kingdome any other mens goods as their owne: nor to sell or barter for other men. Neither shall our Subiects buy and sell for them or from them: neither shall they keepe any of our peoples goods or pawnes by them to owne or colour them. Likewise they shall not send any of our Subiects to any Towne or Citie to buy Commodities. But what Citie they come into themselues they shall sell their owne Com∣modities, and buy our Commodities. And when they shall come to our Heritage to great Vobsko and Nouagrod, or to any other Citie within our Dominions with their Commodities, that then our Gentle∣men and Gouernours, and all other officers shall suffer and let them passe according to this our Letter, and to take no manner of Custome of them whatsoeuer for any of their Commodities for passing by, nor [ 40] for passage ouer any Bridges: neither shall they take any other Custom whatsoeuer in all our Dominions. And wheresoeuer they happen to come, and doe proceed to buy and sell; as also wheresoeuer they shall passe through with goods not buying of any Commoditie nor selling their owne, then in those Cities they shall take of them no manner of Custome whatsoeuer as aforesaid: and wee haue gratified and giuen them leaue to trade in all parts of our Dominions with their goods freely without Custome. And like∣wise whensoeuer the English Merchants shall bee desirous to buy or sell or barter their wares with our Merchants wares for wares, then shall they sell their wares whole sale and not by retaile, Cloth by the pack and by Clothes and by remnants; and Damasks and Veluets by the Piece and not by the Yard, or asheene, and such Commodities as is to be sold by waight, not to sell them by the small waights, that is to say, by the Zolotnick. Also they shall sell Wines by the Pipe and the Hogshead, but by the Gallon, [ 50] Quart or Pot or Charke they shall not sell: moreouer, they shall buy, sell and exchange their owne Commodities themselues, and the Russe Merchants shall not sell or exchange for them or from them their Commodities, neither shall they carry any mans goods to no manner of place vnder colour of their owne, and which of the English Merchants would at any time sell his Commodities at Colmogro on the Dwina, or at Vologda and at Yeraslauly they may, and of all their Commodities throughout all our Cities and Dominion, our Gentlemen, Gouernours, and all other Officers shall take no manner of Cu∣stome according to this our Imperiall Letter of fauour. Also through all our Dominions, Cities, and Townes they shall hire Carriers, Boats, and men to labour or rowe in the said Boats at their owne cost. Likewise when as the English Merchants shall desire to goe out of our Dominion into any other King∣dome, or into their owne Land, and that we thinke it good for them to take with them from our Treasure [ 60] any Commodities to sell or exchange them for vs, for such Commodities as shall be sitting to our King∣dome, and to deliuer them to our Treasurer: and with those their and our goods, our Gentlemen and Go∣uernours shall suffer them to passe through all Cities and Townes within our Dominions without Cu∣stome

as before. And when they haue ended their Market, and doe desire to goe from the Mosko, then they shall appeare in the Chancerie to the Keeper of our Seale, the Secretarie Vassily Yacolo∣wich Schellcalou. Likewise, if there happen to the English Merchants any extremitie by Sea, or that a ship be broken, and that it be neere any place of our Kingdome, then we command that all those goods shall bee brought out iustly, and bee giuen to the English people that shall at that time bee in our Land, or if they be not here, then to lay them vp all together in one place, and when the English∣men come into our Land, then to deliuer those goods to them Also wee haue bestowed on the English Merchants the House of Yourya, in the Mosko by a Church of Saint Maxims neere the Marget, to dwell in it as in former time, keeping one House-keeper a Russe, or one of their owne strangers: but other Russe folkes they shall not keepe any. Likewise these Merchants haue Houses in diuers our Cities [ 10] as followeth: A House at Yeres, a House at Vologda, a House at Colmogro, and a House at Michael the Archangell, being the shipping place: these said Houses they shall keepe as in former time according to this our Imperiall Letter of fauour, or gratified without paying any manner of Rent or any other duties whatsoeuer, either at Mosko, Yereslaue, Vologda, Colmogro, or at the Castle of the Archangell, neither shall they pay any taxe. Also at those Houses at Yereslaue, Vologda, Colmogro, and at Archangell they shall haue House-keepers of their owne Countrey-men, or Russes of a meane sort that are not Merchants, a man or two in a House: to lay vp their goods in those Houses, and to make sale of their goods out of those Houses, to whom they will according to this our Imperiall Letter of fauour, but their Russe House-keepers in their absence shall not sell any of their Commodities. And the English Merchants shal come with their ship to their Port, as in former times they haue done to vnlade their goods [ 30] out of their ships, and likewise to lade them againe with our Russia Commodities, at their owne charges of Boates and hire of men, and ferrying ouer the said goods from their ships to their House at the Castle of Archangell. Likewise our Officers, Customers, and Swornemen shall take a iust note of all such goods as they haue both of Russia and English Commodities, and the note to passe vnder the Mer∣chants Firma, because it may be knowne what goods passeth of the strangers and of the Russes. But they shall not looke ouer their goods, neither vnbind any packs in any place, and when they doe send their owne Englishmen from Archangell to our Citie of Mosko, or doe send Russia Commodities into their owne Land, Then all our Officers and Customers shall let them passe without delay, according to this our Let∣ter of fauour. And whensoeuer the Merchants shall be desirous to send any of their owne Countreymen into their owne Land, or into any other Kingdome ouer Land: they shall doe it freely with our Imperiall [ 30] Maiesties order, without carrying any Commoditie ouer with them, and they shall haue their Letters of Passe giuen them in the Embassdours Office. And concerning any matters of debate or controuersie in Merchandize, or iniurie, then they shall be iudged by the Keeper of the Seale, and Secretarie Vassily Yacolowich Shelcolou, doing right and Iustice to both parties with equitie and truth▪ and what can∣not be found out by Law, or Inquisition, there shall be vsed Lots. His Lot that is taken forth,* 2.2 shall haue right done vnto him. Likewise, in what place else in all our Kingdome there doe happen any matter of discord in Merchandize or by iniurie, then our men of authoritie, or Gouernours, and all manner of our Officers shall doe true Iustice betweene them: and what cannot be sought out by Law shall be sought out by Lot: his Lot that is taken out shall haue right done vnto him as before mentioned, as also they shall not take any custome or dutie of them for any Law matter, not in any place in our Kingdome. Moreouer, [ 40] this our Imperiall Letter in all our Realme and Dominion, our Officers, and all manner of our subiects shall not disobey or breake it in any point whatsoeuer, but if there bee any that doth disobey this our Im∣periall Letter of fauour, that then those people shall bee in our high displeasure, and executed to death. This our Imperiall Letter of gratitude, is giuen at our Imperiall Palace and House in our Citie of Mosko, from the yeere of the beginning of the World 7107. in the month of Nouember: being vnder∣written as followeth.

By the great Lord Emperour and great Duke Boris Pheodorowich of all Russia, selfe-vpholder: his Keeper of the Seale, and Secretarie by name Vassily Yacolowich Sheallcaloue.

[ 50]

§. III. One pretending himselfe to be DEMETRIVS, with the Popes and Poles helpes attayneth the Russian Empire: his Arts, Acts, Mar∣riage, fauour to the English, and mi∣serable end.

HAuing thus presented you Boris his Tragedie out of that printed Author, and his [ 60] Grant to the English from a written Copie; it shall not bee amisse to take more lei∣surely and mature view of this Pretender, against whom Boris his desire of secre∣cie (permitting none guiltie of the murther to suruiue) had vnfurnished him of Ar∣guments. He produced a Purse giuen him by his Mother; with the Historie of his life after that sending him away and acknowledging another whom she was more willing to act that bloudy

Scene then her own Son: with other particulars which bred strong confidence in such as (weary of Boris) were desirous it should be so. But for the death of the yong Emperor, & his mother, it is by most ascribed to Demetrius, who seeing the people of Musco his friends, and the Emperour and his Mother in hold, pretended he could not come thither whiles his enemies liued, where∣vpon they in a mutinie slue them; to auert the enuie whereof, it is probable that it was made to be their owne act, and their Keepers therefore by him imprisoned. Boris his daughter was thrust into a Nunnerie, and so made dead also to the succession. But as I haue before deliuered out of that diligent, learned and sincere Historian Thuanus, Boris his attayning the Scepter, I shall likewise intreat your patience out of him to receiue these Relations of Demetrius.

* 2.3Thuanus writeth that after the murther of that (true or false) Demetrius, some yeeres after in the borders of Polonia and Muscouia, appeared one which called himselfe Demetrius, and in [ 10] testimonie thereof, shewed a Wart in his face, and one arme shorter then the other (noted before in the true Demetrius) a man of sharpe wit, bold courage, liberall mind, gentle behauiour, and of parts composed to a Scepter-worthinesse.* 2.4 First, was he made knowne to the Iesuites of princi∣pall note in Poland, to whom he promised if he might receiue helpe for the recouery of his just Inheritance, his first care should be to reduce the Russians to the Vnion of the Romish Church. This thing was commended to the Pope as conducing to the enlarging of the holy See, by his ayde, and furtherance with the Polish King and Nobilitie, to be promoted; which also was done by the Iesuites themselues, who brought him to George Miecinsy Palatine of Sendomir a man po∣tent in that Kingdome, with whom he couenanted also to marrie his Daughter if hee succeeded [ 20] in his Russian Enterprize. He had lurked awhile in Liefland, casting off his Cowle, and had there learned to speake and write the Latine Tongue: and had written to Pope Clement the Eighth, with his owne hand not inelegantly. And being by the said Palatine, and Visnouitzi his Sonne in Law,* 2.5 brought before King Sigismund, he made a pithy and Masculine speech, that he should re∣member that himselfe had beene borne in Prison and Captiuitie, whence Gods mercie had de∣liuered him, to learne him to succour others afflicted with like disastre.

Thus by the Kings fauour, the Palatines money, the Iesuites industrie (not to mention the Popes Sanctitie) he procured an Armie of ten thousand Souldiers in Poland well furnished, and in his Russian March,* 2.6 winneth to his partie the Cossaks a kind of men which follow forreigne Warres and prey, and leades with him tenne thousands of them. Passing Boristhenes hee first [ 30] charged vpon Zerniga, & summoned them to yeeld to the true heire Demetrius, which was done by Iuan Takmeuy,* 2.7 who had before conceiued dislike against Boris. Corelas commanded the Cos∣saks, a notorious Sorcerer. He was the Author of the siege of Putinna a populous Citie, which Michelowich Soltekoui held with eight thousand Cossaks,* 2.8 whom also he wrought with, that hee admitted and followed Demetrius. Hereupon Boris sends an Army of an hundred thousand men against him. He also sends Ambassadors into Poland, to put them in minde of the league betwixt both Nations, and earnestly desired this counterfeit Demetrius, a Priests Bastard and notable Sorcerer, to bee deliuered vnto him aliue or dead, adding threats if they persisted, and withall working vnder-hand with the Nobles to deterre the King from his ayde. But by the Popes and Iesuites preuayling power nothing was effected, the King and the Poles resoluing to assist him, [ 40] as thinking it the best course to accord both Nations.

Both Armies met at Nouogrod, where Palatine Sendomir the Generall, in the end of Ianuarie 1605. thinking to find a reuolt in the Russian Armie,* 2.9 gaue a rash on-set, & was put to flight, and after returned to Poland. Demetrius retyred himselfe to Rilskie Castle (in the borders) with a few, and forsaken of others, he forsooke not himselfe. Hee had brought with him two Diuines of the Cistercian Order which returned home: two Iesuites also, Nicolas Cherracoui and Andrew Louitzi,* 2.10 which had beene Authors of the Expedition, and now encouraged him by their exhor∣tations and examples of patience. He confident (as hee made shew) in the justice of his cause, when he was to begin battell or skirmish, vsed to call vpon God, so as he might bee heard of all, with his hands stretched forth, and his eyes lifted vp to heauen, in such like words. O most iust Iudge▪* 2.11 kill me first with a Thunderbolt, destroy me first, and spare this Christian bloud, if vniustly, if [ 50] couetously, if wickedly I goe about this Enterprize which thou seest. Thou seest mine innocencie, helpe the iust cause. To thee O Queene of Heauen I commend my selfe and these my Souldiers. Which if they be truly related, and he not the true Demetrius, he was either an impudent Iugler, or exceeding∣ly gulled with fortunes daliance and prosperous successe, which conclud••d in a Tragicall period.

Part of Boris his Armie was now comne to Rilsky, where in a battle betwixt the horsemen of both parts,* 2.12 Demetrius got the better, and the lately conquered, and presently fewer, became Vi∣ctors; at the first encounter a thousand being slaine, two hundred taken, and the rest put to flight, leauing their footmen to the slaughter, and the baggage to the spoyle. Hereupon fiue neighbou∣ring Castles with their seuerall Territories,* 2.13 yeelded to Demetrius, one of which, Bialogrod yeel∣ded him a hundred and fiftie Peeces of Ordnance. The Captaynes were deliuered into his [ 60] hands. Soone after Ialeka and Leptina yeelded, in which Hinsko Otiopelus that famous Sorce∣rer was taken:* 2.14 after which all Seueria, a large Principalitie, came in, and eight Castles; Deme∣trius vsing great modestie in this vnexpected victorie. Boris meanewhile sent some with large

promises to murther him, and the Patriarke excommunicated all which fauoured him. Deme∣trius writ hereof modestly to the Patriarke, and to Boris also, offering faire conditions to his Fa∣mily, if he would resigne his vsurped Empire, which he with indignation rejected. That hap∣pened when the Embassadors of Denmarke and Sweden were in his Court to joyne league with him against the Pole. In that consultation Boris is said to haue beene in such a chafe,* 2.15 that hee fell downe suddenly, much bloud passing from his mouth, nosthrils and eares; and in the end of A∣prill hee dyed; some say of an Apoplexie, others, of poyson which hee drunke: after hee had reigned seuen yeeres. His Wife with her Sonne were aduanced to the Throne after him, and the Nobilitie sworne to them. The dead bodie was buried without any pompe. Constantine Fidler a Lieflander of Rie made an elegant Oration in his prayse, whose brother Gaspar serued Boris.

[ 10] Presently Peter Basman was sent away with an Armie. * 2.16 Hodunius (a neere Kinsman of Bo∣ris) besieged Crom, to rayse whom, Demetrius vsed this policie. Hee sent a simple man thither, which being deceiued himselfe might deceiue others, with Letters that fortie thousand were comming to ayde the besieged. He being taken (sent by a way which he could not escape) and examined with tortures confesseth the same with his Letter••: which caused a tumult in the Campe; and in the end, the besieged taking aduantage of the rumour still increased by some sent purposely with reports that they had seen the new auxiliaries issued with a counterfeit shew of great numbers, and caused the Russians to consult of yeelding▪* 2.17 Basman also the new Generall yeelded and cried out with a loud voyce, that Demetrius was the true heire, and therefore all true hearted Muscouites should follow his example; which the most followed. Hodunius was taken, [ 20] and refusing to acknowledge Demetrius was cast in Prison. In the Tents were huge Ordnance fo••nd. After this Campe-alteration, followed the like in Mosco, the people resounding the name of Demetrius. The Empresse and her sonne were committed to ward, where some write that they poysoned themselues, some that Demetrius commanded it▪ The Germanes flying out of the Borissian Campe to Demetrius drew many with them.

From Crom do••h Demetrius now march towards Mosco, the people all the way flocking to see their new Prince, who in twentie remoues came thither on the 19. of Iune,* 2.18 and entred with pompous procession of Souldiers & Priests, the Russian Priests hauing Banners with the Pictures of the blessed Virgin and their Tut••lare Saint Nicolas, in the end of al the Patriarch, and after him Demetrius by himselfe on a white Palfray with a gallant trayne of attendants. Thus hee goeth [ 30] to the Temple of our Ladie, and after Prayers, from thence to Saint Michaels Church in which his Father lay buried, and hearing that Boris lay there interred, he presently commanded his bo∣dy to be taken vp and to be remoued to a meaner Chappell without the Citie. Passing by Boris his peculiar House, he could not endure the sight, but sent workemen presently to race the same; saying, they were infamous with Sorceries, and that an image was said to be placed vnder the ground, holding in the hand a burning Lampe, hauing vnderneath store of Gunpouder buried; things so disposed, that the Oyle failing, and the Lampe breaking, the fire should (had it not beene before spied and remoued) blow vp that, and the houses adioyning. Thus had Boris impea∣ched him, and he now Boris of Magicall arts, which are vsuall accusations in those parts.

Thence he went to the Imperiall Pallace, and beganne to gouerne the Empire, more inclining [ 40] to the Poles and forreiners, then to the Russes: which vntimely expressing himselfe,* 2.19 hastned his ruine. Seuentie noble Families of Boris his kindred or faction were exiled, that their Goods might be ••hared amongst strangers, and new Colonies of men planted, brought into Russia. His clemency was remarkable to Suisky, who being condemned for not onely refusing to acknow∣ledge this Emperour, but vttering also reproachfull speeches of him (as being of base Parentage,* 2.20 and one which had conspired with the Poles to ouerthrow the Russian Temples, & Nobility) and now his prayers ended, and the fatall stroake on his knees expected, on the seauenth of Iuly, by vnexpected mercy, euen then receiued his pardon. The last which yeelded to him were the Plescouites. Some tell of exceeding Treasures also which hee found laid vp for other purposes, which through his profusenesse soone vanished. The first of September, was designed to his in∣auguration [ 50] (being New yeeres day to the Russes, as sometimes to the Iewes) but for other cau∣ses it was hastned, and his Mother was sent for out of a Monasterie (into which Boris had thrust her) far••e from the Court. An honorable Conuoy was herein employed, and himselfe with great shew of Pietie went to meet her, embraced her with teares, and bare-headed, on foot,* 2.21 at∣tended her Chariot to the Castle; whence afterwards she remoued with her women into a Mo∣nasterie where the Noblest Virgins and Widdowes of Russia vse to sequester themselues from the World. His Mother was noted to answere with like affection to him, whether true or dissembled on both parts. At his entrance to the Kingdome, after Ceremonies ended, Nicolas Cnermacouius a Iesuite made him a goodly Oration: the like was done by the Senate. To the Ie∣suits [ 60] was alotted a faire place of entertaynment not far from the Castle,* 2.22 wherein to obserue the Romish Rites and Holies: and euen then by their meanes he had declared himselfe in that point, but for feare of Suiskie hee stayed till fitter oportunitie.

Hauing thus setled things, his care was to recompence the Poles, to enter league with that Na∣tion, and to consummate the Marriage.* 2.23 For which purpose hee sent three hundred Horsemen

with Athanasius the Treasurer, who in Nouember came to Cracouia, had audience of King Sigismund, where he with all thankfulnesse acknowledged the Kings forwardnesse with his No∣bles to recouer his right, whereto God had giuen answerable successe beyond expectation; that he deplored the Turkish insolencies in Hungary and other parts: to vindicate which, he would willingly joyne with the Pole, and other Christian Princes: meane whiles hee was willing to make an euerlasting league with him, and to that end entreated his good leaue to take vnto him∣selfe a Wife out of Poland, namely, Anna Maria, the Daughter of George Miecinsie the Palatine of Sendomir, to whom for money, men, and endangering of his owne life, hee was so much en∣gaged. The eight day after, the Contract was solemnely made by the Cardinall, Bishop of Cra∣couia, and the Embassadour with her Parents feasted by the King. Demetrius had sent her and her Father, Iewels worth 200000. Crownes. [ 10]

Thus farre haue wee followed Thuanus, and hee Iacobus Margaretus a French Captayne of Demetrius guard of Partisans, which published a Booke hereof. Now let vs present you a little English Intelligence touching this Demetrius and his respect to men of our Nation in those parts, and first his Letter to Sir Iohn Mericke.

The Copie of a Letter sent from the Emperor DEMETRY EVANOWICH, other∣wise called GRISHCO OTREAPYOV: the which Letter was sent to Master IOHN MERRICK Agent, out of the Campe, as Master MERRICK was ta∣king [ 20] his Iournie to the Sea-side, the eighth of Iune, Anno 1605.

FRom the great Lord Emperour and great Duke Demetry Euanowich of all Russia. To the Eng∣lish Marchant Iohn Merrick, wee giue to vnderstand, that by the iust iudgement of God and his strong power, we are raised to our Fathers throne of Vladedmer, Mosko, and of all the Empire of Rus∣sia; as great Duke and sole commander: likewise we calling to memorie the loue and amitie of our Fa∣ther, the great Lord Emperour and great Duke Euan Vassilywich of all Russia, and our Brother Theo∣dor Euanowich of all Russia, which was held, and kept by them and other great Christian Princes, in the same forme and manner doe we likewise intend, and purpose to hold and keepe Loue and amitie: but espe∣cially, and aboue all others, doe we intend to send and to haue loue and friendship with your King Iames, [ 30] and all you his English Merchants, we will fauour more then before. Further, as soone as this our Letter doth come to your hand, and as soone as you haue ended your Markets at the shipping place of Michael the Archangell, then to come vp to Mosco to behold our Maiesties presence. And for your poste Horse I haue commanded shall be giuen you; and at your comming to Mosco, then to make your appearance in our Chancery, to our Secretarie Ofanasy Vlassou. Written in our Maiesties Campe at Tooly, in the yeare of the world Anno seauen thousand one hundred and thirteene.

The Copie of the translation of a Passe giuen to Master IOHN MERRICK, which was giuen him in the time of his being in the Campe at Molodoue with the Em∣perour [ 40] DEMETRY EVANOWICH, otherwise called GRISHCO OTREAPYOVE.

FRom the great Lord Emperour and great Duke Demetry Euanowich of all Russia, from Mosco to our Cities and Castles, as also to the Castle of Archangell at the Shipping place and hauen to our Generals, Secretaries, and all other our Officers, &c.

There did make suite vnto vs the English Marchant Iohn Merricke and his Company, that we would gratifie them to be suffered to passe to the new Castle of Archangell, or to the shipping place or hauen, in regard of trafficke of Merchandise. [ 50]

Also, that if he doe send home any of his fellowes and seruants from the shipping place, being of the English, that then they might be suffered to passe into England. Also that to whatsoeuer Citie of ours the English Marchant Iohn Mericke, and his fellowes, doth or shall come vnto; then all yee our Gene∣rals, Secretaries, and oll other our Officers, shall suffer them to passe euery where, without all delay. And as for our Customes, as for passing by or for head mony, our custome of goods, you shall not take any of them nor of their seruants. Likewise, when the English Merchants Iohn Merricke with his fellowes and seruants, shall come to the Castle of Archangell, then Timophey Matphewich Lazaroue, and our Secretary Rohmaneum Mocaryoued, Voronoue, at the foresaid Castle of Archangell, shall suffer and permit the English Merchant, Iohn and his companie to trade freely. Moreouer, when at the shipping place they haue ended and finished their Markets, and that then the said Iohn Merricke shall desire to [ 60] send into England any of his fellowes or seruants with goods, then likewise they shall be suffered to passe. But Russ•• people, and other strangers of Mosco shall not be suffered to passe further: that if Iohn Mer∣ricke with his fellowes and seruants doe not goe for England: but after their Market is ended doe pur∣pose to come backe againe to Mosco; that then at the Castle of Archangell Timophey Matphewich

Lazaroue, and our Secretarie Rohmaneeu Voronaue; as also at all other our Castels and Cities, our Generals, Secretaries, and all other our Officers shall let passe the English Merchant Iohn Merricke with his fellowes and seruants, without all stay or hinderance, and as for custome of them, their goods, or their seruants, there shall not be any taken.

And after the Reading of this our Letter and Passe, you shall keepe the Copie of it by you: but this you shall deliuer backe againe to the said Iohn, and his companie. Written at our Campe at Molodone, the yeare from the beginning of the World 7113. the eighteenth of Iune.

[ 10]

The last of Iuly 1605. at Archangell. The Copie of the translation of a Commission that was sent from the Mosko, from the Emperour DEMETRY EVANOWICH, alias GRYSHCA OTREAPYOVE by a Cour∣tier named GAVARYLA SAMOYLOWICH SALMANOVE, who was sent downe to the Castle of Archangell, to Sir THOMAS SMITH, then Lord Em∣bassadour: as followeth.

[ 20]

THe great Lord Emperour, and great Duke Demetry Euanowich of all Russia, hath commanded Gauareela Samoylowich Salmanoue, to goe to Vologda, and from Vologda to the new Castle of Archangell, or wheresoeuer he shall ouertake the English Ambassadour Sir Thomas Smith. Also when he hath ouertooke the Ambassadour, then Gauareele shall send the Ambassadour his Interpreter Ri∣chard Finch, willing him to certifie vnto the Ambassadour, that the great Lord Emperour and great Duke Demetry Euanowich, sole commander of Russia, hath sent vnto him one of his Courtiers, in re∣gard of his Maiesties affaires: and after some two houres respite, Gauareela himselfe shall ride to the Ambassadour, and deliuer vnto him his Maiesties speeches, as followeth.

THe great Lord Emperour and great Duke Demetry Euanowich of all Russia, and of many King∣domes Lord and commander, Hath commanded thee, Thomas the English Ambassadour, to [ 30] certifie vnto Iames, King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, that by the iust iudgement of God, and his strange power, we are come and succeeded into the place of our Father and predecessours: as also we are come to the throne of the great and famous Kingdome of Vlodemer Mosco, and to the Empire of Cazan, Astaracan and Siberia, and of all the Kingdomes of the Empire of Russia; being an Empire belonging to the great Lords, Emperours, and great Dukes of all Russia. Moreouer, we calling to me∣morie the sending, loue and amitie betwixt our Father, the great Lord and Emperour, and great Duke Euan Vasilywich of all Russia, of famous memorie: as also our Brother, the great Lord and Emperour and great Duke Feoder Euanowich of all Russia, sole commander, with their sister Elizabeth, Queene of England: in the like manner doe we purpose to haue sendings, and to be in loue with your Lord King [ 40] Iames, and more then hath bin in former time. And in token of our said loue and amitie, we doe intend to fauour all his subiects in our Land, and to giue vnto them freer libertie then they haue had heretofore; and you his Ambassadour, we haue commanded to dispatch without all delay or hindrance. Therefore we would haue you to make knowne vnto your Lord King Iames, our Maiesties loue. And as soone as God shall grant the time of our Coronation to be finished, and that we are crowned with the Emperiall crowne of our predecessours, according to our manner and worthinesse; then we the great Lord Emperor, and great Duke Demeetry Euanowich of all Russia sole Commander, will send our messenger to salute each other, according to the former manner. And concerning those Letters which were sent by you from Borris Go∣denoue, we would haue you deliuer them backe againe to our Courtier Gauareela, and after the deli∣uerie of our speeches to returne him to the Emperour, vnder written by the Chancellour Ofanasy Eua∣nowich Vlaseou.

[ 50]

The Copie of the Translation of a new Priuiledge that was giuen to the Company, by the Emperour DEMEETRY EVANOWICH, otherwise called GRYSHCA OTREAPYOVE, the which Priuiledge was sent into England ouer-land by OLYVER LYSSET Marchant, and seruant to the foresaid Company.

GOD, the Trenitie, before, and without the beginning, the Father, the Sonne, and the holy Ghost, [ 60] establish vs to hold and keepe our Scepter and Realme for the good of our Land, and the happinesse of our people. Wee the resplendant and manifest, and not the miserable vpholder, but sole commander, the great Duke Demetry Euanowich, by the mercy of God, Casar and great Duke of Russia, and of all the Empire of Tartaria, and many other Kingdomes; as also of the great Monarchie of Mosco, Lord Emperour and Commander, Haue bestowed, and gratified vnto the English Merchants, viz. Sir

Thomas Smith, Knight, Sir Iohn Spencer, Knight, Sir Humfrey Wild, Knight, Robert Doue, Ro∣bert Chamberline, William Garaway, Iohn Haruey, Richard Stapers, Iohn Merricke, Richard Wryght, Richard Cocks, Thomas Farrington, Richard Wych, George Bowles. Bartholomew Barnes, Richard Bowldra, Iohn Casten, Edward Chery, Thomas, the sonne of Alexander alias Hicks: we haue giuen them free liberty to come with their ships into our Realme and Dominion, and to the Country of Dwina, & to the Castle of Archangel, and to Colmogro, with all maner of commodities, and to trade freely, as also to come from the sea side by land or by water, to our great dominion and Caesars City of Mosco, & great Nouogrod and Vobsko, and all other cities within our dominions, to trade with all manner of commodities, in the same forme and manner, as heretofore was bestowed on the English Mer∣chants, in the time of our father of famous memory, the great Lord and Caesar, and great Duke Euan [ 10] Vassilywich of all Russia, sole Commander, and as was granted vnto them in the time of our Brother the great Duke Theodor Euanowich of all Russia sole Commander. And as for custome of their goods, or for passing by, as also for the custome of their boates, or for Head-money, or for going ouer bridges or Fer∣ryes, or for entrie of goods, As also all manner of Custome whatsoeuer, we command shall not bee taken of them: Also the English Merchants shall not bring nor sell other mens goods in our Dominion, as their owne: neither shall our Subiects buy, or sell, or traffique for. Also our Subiects pawnes they shall not keep by them, nor send others about the Cities to buy goods: but what Cities they come into themselues they shall trafficke and sell their owne commodities, and buy Russe commodities freely: And when they come into our Dominion of great Nouogrod and Vobsko, or to any other Cities within our Realme to trafficke with their goods, and that after the market is past, they shall bee desirous to passe for Mosco, or for Eng∣land, [ 20] then our Gentlemen and Gouernours, and all people shall according to this our Caesars Letter, let them passe without delay, and as for Customes for them and their goods they shall not take any. And whithersoeuer they passe with their goods, without buying any commodities, or selling their owne; Then likewise in those Cities they shall passe, and not take of them any manner of Custome whatsoeuer as before: also the English Merchants shall trafficke as followeth; They shall barter their owne goods, by the whole Salecloth: by the Packe, and by the Clothes: Damaske and Veluet not by the piece, but by the are shine and by retaile and retaile weights they shall not barter or sell. Also goods, which is sold by weight, by retaile, or by the zolotnicke they shall likewise not sell. And Claret wine they shall sell by the piece, but by retaile, as by the Veader stop, or Pot and Charck they shall not sell. Likewise they shall buy and sell, and barter their goods themselues: but the Russe Merchant shall not sell nor barter their goods for them; neither [ 30] shall they carry other mens goods in colour of their owne, not to any place whatsoeuer. Also if the Eng∣lish Merchants bee minded to make sale of their commodities at Colmogro, or on the Dwina, or at Vologda, or at Yeraslaue, then they shall doe it freely. And for their said goods in all our Cities within our Realme, our Gentlemen and Gouernors, and all manner of our Officers shall not of them take any Tole or custome, according to this our Caesars Letter of Fauor. And in all our Cities within our dominion, they shall hyre Carryers Boats, and men to row them freely as before. And as the order is of the Merchants within our Realme: so likewise if the English Merchants be desirous to goe out of our Realme, into any other Kingdome, or into their owne Countrey: as also if they bee desirous in our Realme to buy any Sta∣ple commoditie, and to carry it into their owne Land, then shall they likewise buy and trafficke freely at pleasure, and those Staple commodities which are fitting for our Caesars Treasure, they shall likewise bring [ 40] it to our Treasure freely at pleasure, and for the said Staple commodities in all our Cities, our Officers shall not take any manner of Custome: but they shall suffer them to passe without any staying of them. Also when the English Merchants haue ended their market, and shall desire to goe from the Mosco, then they shall appeare in the Embassadours Office, to our Chancellour and Secretarie Euan Cowrba∣tou Hramoteenop. Moreouer, if that by the prouidence of God, the English Merchants haue any ship∣wracke, and that the said ship bee brought or driuen to any place within our Realme, then our Caesars com∣mandement to those places where the ship is brought in, that our men in office doe seeke out the English Merchants goods iustly, and to giue them to the English people that shall bee at that time in our Land. But if at that time there bee none of them in our Realme, then to gather them together, and to lay them vp in one place: and so when the English Merchants doe come there, by our Caesars Order, to deliuer [ 50] those goods to the said Merchants. And whereas the English Merchants according to their former Letters of Fauor had a house in the Mosco by the Church of the holy Maxim by the market, which was granted vnto them by our predecessour the great Lord and Caesar of Russia, the said English Merchants shall dwell in the said house as heretofore they haue done: Keeping one house-keeper a Russe, or one of their owne strangers, but any other Russes they shall not keepe. Moreouer the said English Merchants haue houses in other Cities, a house at Yeraslaue, a house at Vologda, a house at Colmogro, and a house at the shipping place at the Castle of the Archangell: and those houses they shall keepe and hold by them, according to our Caesars Fauour or Gratitude, as in former time they haue done, and for any subsidie, rent, dutie, or any custome whatsoeuer for the said houses there shall not be any taken of them: and their o∣ther houses, as at Yeraslaue, Vologda, Colmogro and Archangell, they shall haue house-keepers of [ 60] their owne countrie-men or Russes, but the Russes shall bee meane men▪ a man or two at a house: And they shall lay their goods in those houses, and likewise shall make sale of their goods out of their houses, to whom they will, according to this our Caesars Letter of Fauour, and their house-keepers being Russes shall not buy or sell any manner of commodities in their absence. Also they shall come with their ships to

the shipping place, as before with their Commodities, and to vnlade out of the shippe their goods, and to lade their shippe with Russe goods, with their owne hired labourers, as also to carry their owne goods ouer in their owne Boats and Vessels, to their owne house at the Castle of Archangell. And whatsoeuer goods they haue, our chiefe Customer, and Officers, and sworne men, shall take a note of the goods vnder their owne firme, both of goods they bring in, and also of goods they carry out. But they shall not looke ouer, neither vnpacke their packes in any place; as also they shall suffer them to passe in all places, without all stay or delay, according to this our Caesars priuiledge and Letter of fauour. Also whensoeuer the English Merchants shall be desirous to send out of our Realme into their owne Land any of their seruants ouerland, or into other Kingdomes, then they shall likewise send their people ouer land with our Caesars or∣der freely, but without carying any Commodities, and their passe shall be giuen them in the Embassadours [ 10] office. Further, concerning any matter of controuersie that any man shall haue to doe with them either in bargaining, or in iniury, according to this our Caesars order, they shall be iudged by our Counsellor and Se∣cretary E••an Cowroaton Hramoteeu. Therefore, as before, wheresoeuer they, or any of their seruants, in all our Realme, in what Citie soeuer, haue any matter of controuersie in Bargaining, or in Iniurie a∣gainst any man, or that any man haue any matter against any of them, then in all our Cities, our Gentle∣men, and Gouernours, and all other our Officers, shall iudge them, doing iustice betwixt either of them with equitie and truth. This priuiledge or letter of fauour was giuen at our Caesars Pallace of Mosco. [ 20] From the world Anno 7113. in the moneth of December.

The Copie of the Translation of a Contract, made by the Emperour DEMETRY EVANOWICH, otherwise called GRYSHCA OTREAPYOVE, and the daugh∣ter of the Palatine SENDAMERSKO, chiefe Generall of Poland, in the time of DEMETRY his being in Poland, the which was sent ouer by Master IOHN MERRICK, and translated out of Russe into English for the Kings Maiestie, as fol∣loweth.

[ 30]

A True Translation of a writing out of Polish into Russe, giuen by a Monke who left his habit, called by the name of Gryshca O••reapyoue, supposed to be the Son of the Emperour Euan Vassiliwich, named Demeetry Euanowich, who gaue this assurance vnder his firme, to the Palatine Senda∣mersko, as also hath beene auouched by one Bewcheesko, principall Secretary vnto the said Deme∣try, before all the Nobilitie of Russia, that this said writing was written by the Generall his owne hand, as followeth.

Wee Demetry Euanowich, by the mercy of God, Prince of all Russia, of Owgleets Demetry∣uskoy, and Lord of all the Empire of Mosco, and being of the stocke of Preatroue; Calling to memorie our former life, being not in that forme and manner, as is in other great Monarchies, as was in the time [ 40] of our Predecessours, and other Christian people. Neuerthelesse, by the prouidence of God almightie; from whom proceedeth a beginning and an end, and from whom commeth life and death▪ We haue by him espied and made choise vnto our selfe, with good liking, in the time of our being in the Kingdome of Poland, of a Companion, of great and honorable birth, and of godly education, and is such a companion, with whom we shall by the mercie of God, liue peaceably: which is the resplendent and Noble Lady Marina, daugh∣ter to the great Palatine Sendemersko. And vpon this occasion haue taken him for our Father, and hauing requested of him to giue vnto vs his Daughter Maryna in mariage, and in regard that wee are not yet in our owne Kingdome, therefore doe we purpose hereafter to take order for her comming vnto vs with the Generall Sendamersko. Likewise, when I doe c••me to liue in my owne Kingdome, then shall the Palatine Sendamersko remember his faithfull and true promise with his Daughter, the Lady Maryna her vow, my selfe remembring my owne vow, and so both of vs to hold it faithfully with loue and affecti∣on, [ 50] and to that end doe we binde our selues by our writings. Likewise, first and principally, in the name of the holy Trinitie, I doe giue my faithfull and true princely promise, that I will take in marriage the Lady Maryna. If on the contrary, I doe not, then, I wish that I might giue this as a curse vpon my selfe: also so soone as I shall make entrance into our Kingdome, and heritage of Mosco, then will I giue the Palatine, the Lord her Father, a reward of tenne thousand peeces of Polish gold. And to the Lady Maryna our wife, in consideration of her great and long Iourney, as also for the prouiding and furnish∣ing of her selfe, I will giue out of my Treasure Veluets wrought with Siluer and Gold. And the Mes∣sengers that shall be sent to me from the Lord her Father, or from the Lady her selfe, I shall not hold or keepe, but shall let them passe, and will reward them with gifts, which shall be a token of our Princely fa∣uour; and thereunto doe we giue this our Princely promise. Secondly, as soone as we shall come to the Im∣periall [ 60] throne of our Father, then presently will we send our Embassadour to the resplendant King of Po∣land to certifie vnto him, as also to intreate him to take knowledge of this businesse now passed betwixt vs. and withall, that he would be pleased to suffer vs to conclude and effect this our said businesse, without losse or hindrance. Also vnto the forenamed Lady Maryna our wife, we giue two Lordships, viz. Nouogrod

the great, and Vobsko, with all the Prouinces belonging to the same, with Counsellors, Gentlemen, and Yeoman, and Priests, fitting for a Congregation, to rule and gouerne freely with full authority in the same forme and manner, as if we ruled. And my selfe to haue no more right or title nor authoritie in the said two Cities of Nouogrod and Vobsko: and thereunto doe I binde my selfe with this writing, and doe wholly giue and bestow all on the said Lady Maryna that is contained in this writing, as soone as by Gods helpe we shall be maried together, and thereunto haue giuen this our writing, sealed with our princely Seale. But if by chance our wife hath not by vs any children, then in those two Lordships before specified, shee shall place men in authoritie of her owne, to gouerne and to doe Iustice: and also it shall be free for the said men in authoritie, to giue Lands and Inheritance to their owne Souldiers, and to trade freely at pleasure, as shall be best liking to them, and as though it were in their owne true and lawfull domini∣on, and to build Monasteries, and to set vp the Romish Religion, and to haue Latine or Romish Priests, [ 10] and Schooles.* 3.1 But she her selfe to abide and remaine with vs. And concerning her Priest, to haue as many as shall be needefull to be kept for her owne godly Romish Religion, without all le•• or hindrance: and as wee our selfe by the mercy of God are already inclined to the same, so will wee likewise with earnest care, seeke by all meanes to bring all the Kingdome of Mosco to the knowledge of the Romish Religion, and to set vp the Church of Rome. Also, if God should not grant vnto vs good successe, whereby this be performed within a yeare; then it shall be at the pleasure of our Father to separate mee and his daughter Maryna. But if it please him to forbeare till another yeare, then doe I passe this my Bill, with my owne hand writing, and thereunto I haue sworne my selfe, and giuen a vow according to the holy order, and all in this Bill to hold and keepe carefully: as also that I shall bring all the Russe people to the Latine Religi∣on. [ 20] Written at Sambore the fiue and twentieth of May, in Anno 1604. Vnderneath was his firme, to all this foresaid as appeareth: Prince Demetry of Owglets.

NOw let vs returne with Thuanus into Poland, where with his Historical eies we see this glo∣rious Spouse, her Father, Vncle, & trayne of women accompanying the Russian Embassador in his returne; whom many Merchants out of Italie and Germanie followed in hope of gaine. In this lingring journey,* 3.2 they continued from the end of Ianuary to the sixe and twentieth of A∣prill, before they entred Mosco. And the seuenth day after, Peter Basman with a great troupe of Courtiers and Nobles, attended the Spouse to the Court, where shee was solemnely enter∣tayned by her Husband, and thence conueighed to the Monasterie where his Mother abode. The [ 30] fourth day after,* 3.3 all things being prepared, shee was brought into the Palace, and the next day married to him by the Patriarch after Euening Prayer. Both of them also, solemnely crowned, re∣turned with sound of Musick and Ordnance into the Castle, and the night passed with great Iu∣bilee,* 3.4 Demetrius his mind being filled notwithstanding with cares. For a conspiracie which had beene hatching sixe moneths, now growing to ripenesse, terrified him: against which hee had armed himselfe with forreigne aides. At first hee had brought a guard of Germanes out of Po∣land, which being without example of his Predecessors, and seeing it disliked of his subjects, hee dismissed, together with all forren Souldiers. They being thus sent away without pay, retur∣ned with the casheered Polanders to the borders, where they committed many out rages to the greater discontent of the Russes. Many of them found grieuances notwithstanding, in his too [ 40] much respect to the Poles: and many made question of his birth. Many were suspected of con∣spiracie, and diuers tortured, which was but quenching fire with Oyle, the ••••ame growing greater. And now beganne▪ Demetrius to repent of his ha••tie dismissing his guards, and began a new Check-roll of Lieflanders and Germanes, to which hee added an hundred English Halber∣diers and as many Scots (their Captaynes hee calleth Matthias C••o••senius and * 3.5 Albert Lant) and an hundred French vnder Iaques Margeret armed with Partisan••. Then also he inlarged his pay, but too late.

Alexander Gosenskie Coruinus was sent Embassadour from Poland with rich Presents and Let∣ters from King Sigismund to Demetrius, which because they expressed not the Title of Emperour were not receiued not opened. In excuse where of the Embassadour vsed words vnsufferable to Russian patience, that he should goe and depriue the great Turke of those Titles. Demetrius dis∣sembled [ 50] notwithstanding, in regard of his past experience, and hoped helpes from the Pole. The dayes following were spent in pastimes and sloth. Saturday was solemne to the Russians, a Feast then happening which they preferre before Easter. The Emperour and Empresse ••ate crowned in the Hall, and made a great Feast to their owne and to strangers; in which the Pole Embassa∣dour refused to be present, except he might sit at the Princes Table, as the Russian Embassadour had beene honoured at Craco••ia. The Russes denied stiffely, but Demetrius at length yeelded. Many peremptorie and licentious passages happened, the Poles carrying themselues domineering∣ly to the Russes, as Victors to the conquered. Demetrius at first ouer-bold, now beganne to feare, and warned the Poles to bee warie, and sent for all his guards. On Friday, the Russes preparing for offence, and the Poles for their defence (for they and not the Prince, seemed to bee then in [ 60] danger) in the Euening the Nobles command the people to arme against the next day. The Em∣presse was this while secure, and made ready a magnificent Feast against Sunday. But on Satur∣day (the sixteenth of the Kalends of Iune) the Conspirators assemble early,* 3.6 and a great cry is

raysed to kill the Poles and Demetrius. Some greedie of spoyle runne presently to the Poles Lodgings, assault them and embroyle all with slaughters. Others runne to the Castle. Few of the guard were there, delay hauing bred securitie in Demetrius, nor were any of their Captaynes seene. Margaret then lay sicke as he after told me (Thuanus) which disease saued his life. Things were done with such furie and celeritie, that many Russes in Polish attire were slaine before they were knowne.

Peter Basman came running forth halfe naked, & was killed by one of his own seruants. Suiskie their Leader, carrying a Sword in one hand, a Crosse in the other,* 3.7 caused the great Bel to be rung in token of fire that Demetrius might be raised & come forth of his Parlor. He awakned with the noyse, now seeing a greater danger then fire, taketh a Turkish Sword, and suddenly slips downe [ 10] out of a window, breaking his legge with the fall, whereby he was easily taken by the people, and by Suiskoys command carried into the greater Hall, where Embassadours haue audience.* 3.8 There some vpbrayding his impostures, he with his sword layd one on the ground: and then de∣sired the Nobilitie to permit him to speake to the people, which was denyed. Some say that he obtayned of Suiskey, that he might be tryed by the testimonie of Vasilowich his Wife; which being brought out of the Nunnery, affirmed before the Nobles on her oath, that her Sonne Deme∣trius was many yeeres before murthered by Boris his perfidies, which she at first seeing the peo∣ples fauour, and iust reuenge on Boris, willingly dissembled, whereupon they ranne vpon him, and with many wounds slue him. Thus writeth Peter Paterson of Vpsal which then was in Russia. When they had slaine him, they thrust a rope thorow his secret parts,* 3.9 and drew him [ 20] thorow the myre into the Market place, where he remayned foure dayes lying all gorie and my∣rie on a boord, with Peter Basman vnder it, and an vgly Vizar ouer it, a Bag-pipe in his mouth, with other lasciuious cruelties exercised on his dead body.

The Palatine Sendomir (or Sandamersko) was blocked vp in his House,* 3.10 and other Poles Hou∣ses rifled, many of which died not vnreuenged, howsoeuer by numbers ouercomne. Viteneskie after much slaughter of the assayling Russes, when he saw Ordnance brought, set forth a white flagge in token of yeelding, bidding his Seruants cast abroad his money; which whiles the people were gathering, he and his made way with their Swords with great slaughter, & yeelded to the Boiarens which came from the Castle. The miserable Bride was not only spoyled of in∣estimable Treasure, but of all her Apparell, and Iewels, carefull only of her Father and Vncle,* 3.11 [ 30] and thinking it a happy purchase, if she might saue her life and recouer her Countrey. Meane∣while, without her Garment to couer her, without Bed to lye on, without securitie of life, shee expected in poore Weeds the issue of the peoples furie.

Many Merchants endured like fates. Ambrose Cellar, besides the losse of thirtie thousand Crownes, lost his life. Ianies Win was with his own Sword beheaded:* 3.12 Nathan lost one hundred and fiftie thousand Florens: Nicola•• Limborough fiftie thousand. Two of Auspurg had lent two hundred thousand Crownes to Demetrius, which now was not to pay them. Marcellius lost an hundred thousand Florens. Twelue hundred Poles lost their liues;* 3.13 many were saued by the Boia∣rens. Foure hundred Russes were slayne. At night the tumult ceased. Scarsly would the peo∣ple giue leaue to bury the bodies after three dayes wallowing in the durt, in the Germane [ 40] Church-yard.

After this tempest was calmed, the Boiarens assembled in counsell about a new Election, where Suiskey made speech to them, professing himselfe sorrowfull for that had passed, in the execution of a iust zeale to the Imperiall Family and his Countrey,* 3.14 and in hatred of a cruell Tyrant: that Iuan Vasilowich, how euer injuriously taxed by some, had left Kingdomes annexed to his Inheritance as Monuments of his great spirit; by whom he had beene sent to Stephen King of Poland to treate of peace, and euer since had so carried himselfe in the State, that none could justly blame him: that Iohn being dead, Theodore succeeded, but another ruled, who murthered the yonger brother, and as was thought, after that poysoned the other; so attayning the Empire, which how miserable was it all his time? that Demetrius therefore (whosoeuer he was) found [ 50] friends, himselfe amongst others, but when their Religion was endangered, Forreiners aduanced, Lawes violated, Exotike fashions brought in, liberties suppressed, he withstood with the peril of his life; which it grieued him to haue enjoyed, as a Theeues benefit, by his grant which had no right to take it: yet seeing their forwardnesse in a cause so just (would God it had not beene so bloudy) more regarding his Countreyes safety then rumours and reports, hee had beene their Captayne to doe that which God the disposer of Kingdomes by the successe had approoued, so that now they were freed from a cruel Tyrant, nor had they any Sorcerer or Impostor to mock them: that it remayned now, seeing the Imperiall Family was extinct, they should now seeke one of noblest bloud, of wisest experience, of most religious zeale, who might esteeme his peo∣ples [ 60] hearts his strongest Forts, such an one as either is, or is thought to bee the best man to be∣come their Prince. Thus was himselfe chosen Emperour the thirteenth of the Kalends of Iune. A writing was published to justifie the killing of Demetrius, a runnagate Fryer called Grishkae,* 3.15 or Gregorie Strepy, professed in the Monasterie in the Castle (which therefore hee would neuer en∣ter lest hee should bee knowne) with other aspersions of Heresie, Sorcerie, affectation of indu∣cing

Popery (the Popes Letters also challenging his promise produced) to giue the Ie∣suites Temples, Colledges, and other necessaries; with other ouer-tures to the Palatine Sand••∣mersko, for Smolensko, and Nouogrod; his bringing in Poles in Russian Roomes, his luxurie, riot, pompe,* 3.16 reseruing Boris his Daughter in a Nunnerie with intent of incestuous lust, hauing mur∣thered her Mother and Brother; making a siluer Throne with sixe Lions on each side, and other pride; abusing Nunneries to lust and lasciuiousnesse, &c. But wee shall giue you hereof more au∣thenticke testimonie then this of Thuanus in Suiskeys Imperiall Letter to His Majestie. Meane∣while touching this Demetrius we will produce a few English Testimonies extracted out of their Letters and Relations: wherein if some circumstantiall discrepance appeare (in things done both so farre and so foule in tumultuous furie, where men had rather hide themselues then be∣come [ 10] witnesses, lest whiles they would bee Spectators, they should bee forced to bee Actors, and haue their parts acted in that bloudie Tragedy) it is no maruell. I produce all Witnesses I can, in a cause of so remarkeable consequence, and choose rather to bee prolixe then negligent, that the Reader out of so much euidence may better weigh and examine the truth.

* 3.17THe late Emperour of Russia called by the name of Demetry Euanowich, is now credibly said (as some of them say) to haue beene the Sonne of a Russe Gentleman, named Gregorie Peu∣poloy, and that in his younger yeeres he was shorne a Frier into a Monasterie: from whence hee afterwards priuily got away, trauelled into Germanie and other Countreyes, but had his most a∣biding in Poland, in which time he attayned to good perfection in Armes and Military know∣ledge; [ 20] with other abilities of sufficiencie; Afterwards finding a conceit taken by the Russes of a secret conueying away of Demetry Euanowich, brother and heire to Pheodore Euanowich Empe∣rour; and that some other should be made away in his steed: And finding also the generall distaste of the gouernment of Boris then Emperour, who after a faire beginning, did in his latter yeeres vphold himselfe, and his house with oppression and crueltie: And hauing also many circumstan∣ces and oportunities of time and age, and such other likelihoods, to aduantage and second his pretence, began first to broach his Title (as before) and by degrees found such a generall accepta∣tion of all sorts of people, that it so daunted Boris, that (as it was then rumoured about) hee, first, and afterwards his Wife, and his Sonne succeeding him, made themselues away by Poyson. Though now it goeth for certayne,* 3.18 that the poysoning of them was procured by the Pretender, [ 30] to make the easier way to the Empire, which thereby he obtayned, entring and continuing the same with all the State, and greatnesse that such a place required: Vntill at length the Russes moued rather by other certainties, then by any thing discouered by himselfe, the sixt day after his marriage (which was kept with very great pompe and solemnitie) being the seuenteenth of May last past,* 3.19 taking a time when the Poles stood least on Guard; came to the Court with one con∣sent of Nobilitie and Commons about three of the clocke in the morning, and mastring the Guards, drew the Emperour out of his bed from the Empresse, and charging him that hee was not the true Demetry Euanowich, but a false Pretender, he confessed the Deceit, and was forth∣with hewed in pieces by the multitude: Peter Basman resisting was likewise slaine; and both brought into the Market place, where their bodies lay for a time to bee viewed of euery man. The old Queene denied him to bee her Sonne, excusing her former acknowledgement to haue [ 40] proceeded from feare and the generall acceptance which he found amongst the people. As many Poles as made resistance, were slaine to the number of seuenteene hundred. The new Empresse, her Father, his brother with the other Poles were committed to safe keeping, to the number of eight or nine thousand.

* 3.20And then proceeding to a new Election they chose Emperour Vassiloe Euanowich Shoskey, who not long before was at the Blocke to haue beene beheaded, for reporting that hee had seene the true Demetry Euanowich after he was dead, and did helpe to burie him. But the Emperour did recall him, and afterwards aduanced him to the chiefest place of dignitie about his person. He is the next of bloud * 3.21 liuing, descended of the Race of the old Emperour Iuan Vasilowich, of the age of fiftie yeeres or thereabouts, neuer married, but kept vnder during Boris time, a Prince of [ 50] great wisdome, and a great fauourer of our Nation, as did specially appeare by the care hee had to guard the English House from rifling, when the late Demetry was brought in by the Poles.

The late Pretender was o•• stature low, but well set, hard fauoured and of no presence; how∣soeuer otherwise of a Princely disposition, executing Iustice without partialitie; And not re∣mitting the insolencie euen of the Poles; well seene in martiall practises, and trayning his No∣bilitie to the Discipline of warre, to make them the readier against the Tartar, not giuen either to women or drinke, but very liberall and bountifull, which occasioned some grieuous Exactions to maintayne the same. And to conclude, a man in the opinion of such as knew him, not vnwor∣thy of a better gotten, and longer continued Empire, which hee lost chiefly through the great∣nesse of his minde, supposing that none of his Subjects durst attempt any such matter against [ 60] his person, when as in the meane time the practice went on with such a generall Conjuration, that the Russes were summoned by the ringing of a Bell to bee readie to enter the Court. And

to shake off that Gouernment which would haue made them a more noble Nation then former∣ly they haue beene.

IT is reported by some of Ours, that hee the rather was inclinable to our Nation in the respect he bare to his Majestie, hauing read that his worthy Worke dedicated to Prince Henrie. Hee is said also to haue beene a resolute man of his hands, to haue delighted in fighting with the Beare; actiue and strong. I haue likewise heard that hee gaue the command of his Guard consi∣sting of strangers to Captayne Gilbert a Scot;* 3.22 to haue made one Buchenskoy (a Learned and Reli∣gious Protestant) his Secretarie; and otherwise to haue beene so alienated from Russian manners, [ 10] and so well affected to Strangers, that they conspired as aforesaid. The people are said to haue entred the Castle (which was a quadrant, hauing a high bricke wall of seuen stories, and another of stone,* 3.23 and a Market place) with stones in their pockets (which are rare thereabouts) and some with weapons.

Some report from Captayne Gilberts Relation, that lying on his bed not long before his death (as hee thought▪ awake) an aged man came to him,* 3.24 which sight caused him to arise and come to Captayne Gilbert, and his guard that watched, but none of them had seene any thing. Hereupon he returned to his Bed, but within an houre after he againe troubled with like appa∣rition [ 20] called, and sent for Buchinskie: telling him that he had now twice seene an aged man, who at the second comming told him, that though for his owne person he was a good Prince, yet the injustice and oppressions of his inferiour Ministers must bee punished, and his Empire should bee taken from him. In this perplexitie his Secretarie gaue him good and holy counsell, saying till true Religion were there planted, his Officers would bee lewd, the people oppressed, and God Almightie offended, who perhaps by that Dreame or Vision had admonished him of his dutie. The Emperour seemed much moued, and to intend that good which that Countrey was not so happy to receiue. For a few dayes after (as that Relation auerreth) his Russe Secretarie came to him with a Sword, at which the Emperour jested,* 3.25 and hee suddenly after sawcie speeches assaulted him, with many other Grandes of that Conspiracie, and (like another Caesar) slue him, crying Libertie, before his guards could apprehend the danger; of which some were slaine, but the most with Gilbert their Captayne, got to a place called Coluga, which with [ 30] the helpe of some Russes they fortified and held for their defence. Buchinskie the Secretarie was taken and imprisoned, the strangers murthered, the English except, who haue in all changes been well beloued of the Russians; as indeed they deserue, hauing alway done good seruice to the Empe∣rours. And their interest saued the life of that worthy man Buchinskey, which they requited with much obseruance to the succeeding Emperour Suiskey, who comes next to be spoken of; and first you shall haue his Letter to our Gracious Souereigne.

§. IIII. [ 40] SVISKEY the Successour his Letter to our King, describing the former DEMETRIVS his Acts and Tragedie.

The Copie of the Translation of a Letter sent from the new Emperour Vassily Euanowich Shoskey to the Kings Maiestie by Master Iohn Mericke.* 3.26

The loue and mercie of God that guideth vs in the wayes of peace, we glorifie with the Trinitie.

[ 50]

FRom the great Lord Emperour and great Duke Vassily Euanowich of all Russia, sole Commander of Voladomer, Mosko, Nouogrod, King of Cazan and Astracan, of Sy∣beria, Lord of Vobsko, and great Duke of Smolensko, Twerskoy, Yauharskoy, Pearmskoy, Vatskoy, Bollharskoy, and of other: Lord and great Duke of Nouogro∣da of the Low Countrey of Cherneego, Rezanskoy, Polotskoy, Rostouskoy, Yereslaueskoy, Bea∣lozerskoy, Leeflanskoy, Owdorskoy, Obdorskoy, Condinskoy, and Commander of all the North parts: also Lord of the Land of Eeuerskoy, Cartalinskoy, and ouer the Empire of the Gor∣gians of the Land of Cabardinskoy, and Eeharskoy Land, likewise of many other Lordships Lord and Commander.

[ 60] To our beloued Brother Iames King of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, Wee giue to vn∣derstand that Sigismund King of Poland, and great Duke of Letto, in Anno 7109. did send vnto the late Emperour Boris, his Embassadour named Lewis Sapeago, being Chancelor of the great Duke∣dome of Poland, requesting the said Emperour Boris, that the former league and peace made and concluded vpon by the great Lord Emperour and great Duke Theodore Euanowich of all Russia, and

him Sigismond King of Poland, might be stedfastly holden and continued till the time of that league were expired.* 4.1 As also that the Emperour Boris would inlarge the said league for thirtie yeeres more, whereupon the Emperour Boris yeelded thus farre vnto the request of the King of Poland, that hee would continue the old league till the full time were expired, and assent to a new league for twentie yeeres more; and to that effect he tooke an Oath, to hold and keepe all the contents faithfully, mentioned in the said Writing, touching the same league: and instead of the King of Poland, his Embassadour Lewis Sapeagoe was sworne in the presence of the Emperour Boris. And after the Polish Embassadour was departed from the Mosko, the Emperour Boris sent vnto Sigismund King of Poland his Embassa∣dour, being one of the Priuie Councell, called Michailo Zleabowich Sallteecoue, with some others to end and finish the aforesaid league, to the which league the King of Poland himselfe was sworne in the presence of the Emperours Embassadour to hold and keepe the said league faithfully, according to the te∣nour [ 10] of their Writing.

* 4.2But not long after Sigismund King of Poland, with one Pauarade, entred into such a practise, as be therein falsified his Oath, and made way to the shedding of much Christian bloud: First, by retayning and vpholding one Gryshca Otreapyoue, a Runnagate, a Coniurer, and one that left his profession being a Monke, and ran away out of Russia into Poland, and being come thither, tooke vpon him to be the Son of the great Emperour Euan Vassilawich of famous memorie, and by name Demetry Euanowich: when as it was well knowne in our Kingdome, that before he was shorne a Monke, he was commonly called Yowshco, Son to one Bowghdan Otreapyoue, dwelling at a place called Galitts: and when hee had committed much villanie,* 4.3 to saue his life he shoare himselfe a Frier, and so runne from one Monasterie [ 20] to another, and lastly, came into a Monasterie called Chowdo, where hee was made one of the Clearkes; being so placed there by the Patriarke of Mosko himselfe: But he did not leaue off his former life; for he continued still in his most Deuillish actions, as he did before he was shorne, committing villany, forsaking God and falling to the studie of the Blacke Arte, and to many such like euils he was inclined. Also there was found by him a Writing which shewed how he was falne from God,* 4.4 and the same was made well knowne to the holy Patriarch of Mosko, and of all Russia, and to the Metropolitanes, Archbishops, and Bishops, and to all the holy Cleargie: whereupon the said Rulers of our true Christian Faith, which is from the Grecian Law,* 4.5 for these his most vngodly works, consulted to send him to perpetuall Prison, there to end his life. Whereupon this notorious Instrument of Satan, perceiuing this his ouerthrow, and that his vile pra∣ctises were discouered,* 4.6 ran away out of the Kingdome of Mosko, beyond the borders, and into Letto to a [ 30] place called Keeyeue: thus according to the Deuils instructing of him, as one forsaken of God, he made this his doing manifestly known to all people, leauing off his Monks Habit, and withall by the counsell and aduice of our Enemie the Polish King, and one of his Palatines named Sandamersko Yourya, m 4.7 with Duke Constantine, and Duke Veshneuetskoy and his Brethren with other Polish Lords that were of his Councell, began to call him the Son of the great Lord, Emperour and great Duke Euan Vassilywich, by name Prince Demetry of Owglitts.

As also by his villanous treacherie and the Deuills perswading of him, he made much trouble in our Land, by sending abroad many of his intising and prouoking Letters, to diuers places vpon the borders of our Countrey: that is, to a place called Done, and to the Volgoe, to our Cossacks and Souldiers, na∣ming himselfe to be the Prince Demetry of Owglitts. Moreouer, there came to our Kingdome of [ 40] Mosko many Polish Spies, which brought and dispersed Libels both in Citie and Townes, and in the high-wayes, practising to rayse dissention in the Kingdome of Mosko. Also it is well knowne, not only to them in the Empire of Mosko, but likewise in other Kingdomes, that the great Lord Emperour, and great Duke Euan Vassilywich of famous memory, had a Sonne called by the name of Prince Deme∣try, and after his Fathers decease, there was giuen vnto him and his Mother the Citie of Owglitts. But in the yeere 7095. being in the Reigne of the great Lord, Emperour and great Duke Theodore E∣uanowich of all Russia, this foresaid Demetry was murthered by the order and appointment of Boris Godenoue. And at his Funerall was his Mother now called the Empresse Martha, with her owne Bre∣thren by name Michaila and Greegory the Sonnes of Theodore Nahouo.* 4.8 Likewise to his burying, there was sent from the Mosko Metropolitanes, and Archimandreets, and Abbots: and the great Lord Emperour, and great Duke Theodore Euanowich sent to his Funerall many Nobles and Cour∣tiers [ 50] of the Land which saw him buried in the chiefest and principall Church of Owglitts. Moreouer. Martha the Dutches and Empresse his Mother is yet liuing, and many of her Brothers and Vnckles, which doe at this present time serue vs the great Lord Emperour,* 4.9 and great Duke Vassily Euanowich, of all Russia sole Commander: Likewise in these last yeeres past, as in Anno 7111. and in Anno 7112. and 7113. concerning that foresaid Traytour and Hereticke, the forsaken of God Gryshca Otreapyo∣ue, many of our Gentlemen, Captaynes and others our Officers did many times write from the North parts of the borders of our Kingdome into Poland and Letto, and to others their inferiour Cities, to the Rulers and Gouernours of the same; as also our spirituall people: the Patriarke, the Metropolitans, Arch∣bishops, and Bishops wrote vnto the spirituall people of Poland, declaring vnto them what that Heretick and Traytor was,* 4.10 likewise from whence he came and what manner of person he was; as also of his demea∣nour, [ 60] and likewise of the occasion why hee runne away to them out of the Land, as also the manner of the making away of the Prince Demetry, and withall requested the Rulers and Spirituall people of Poland, that they knowing what Runnagate this was, would not giue credit vnto him, nor to make a breach of the late league concluded vpon.

But the Gouernours of the Dukedome of Poland and Letto, as also the spirituall men, according to the King of Poland his commandment, gaue no credit vnto our writings, but began, more then be∣fore to intice and perswade men to vphold the Traitor, and to aide him. Moreouer, to make trouble and dissention in our Land, they tooke this forsaken of God, Greeshca vnto them, and cald him by the name of Prince Demetry of Owglits: likewise the King gaue vnto him a chaine of gold, with many thousand peeces of Polish gold, to the defraying of his charges;* 4.11 as also sent in armes to our borders with one of his Lords, the Palatine Sendamersko, and another of his chiefest Lords, with many troopes of Poles. But when the Emperour Boris vnderstood how that this Gryshca Otreapyoue was called, by the name of Prince Demetry Euanowich of Owglits, and withall, that they did aide and helpe him against the Kingdome of Russia: he caused his Counsell to send a messenger, as from themselues, to the [ 10] Polish Lord Panameerada, which Messenger was named Smeernay Otreapyoue,* 4.12 being Vnckle to the said Gryshca Otreopyoue being the Son of one Iamateen Otrepayou, onely to declare vnto them what this Gryshca was; but that Polish Lord Panameerada would not suffer him, and his Vnckle to be brought face to face. But he made answer to the said Messenger Smeernay, that they did not aide him, neither did they stand for him in any sort.

So after he had sent away the Messenger Smeernay, the King of Poland, and the Lord Panamee∣rada did aide Gryshca Otreapyoue with men and treasure more liberally then before, purposing to make great strife and trouble, and to shed much bloud in the Kingdome of Mosco. Also at the same time Si∣gismund, King of Poland, requested the aide of one of the Princes of Crim in Tartaria, named Caza∣teera; and to that end he should aide Gryshca with his forces, against the Kingdome of Mosko;* 4.13 and [ 20] he in consideration, did promise to giue vnto the foresaid Crim, Prince, what hee would demand. Then the Emperour Boris vnderstanding what practises were in hand, being altogether contrary to the league; thereupon purposely he sent to Sigismund King of Poland, another speciall Messenger, one named Pos∣nicke Agareoue; likewise at the same time, the holy Patriarke of Mosco, and all Russia, with the Me∣tropolitans, Archbishops, and Bishops, with all the rest of the holy Clergie,* 4.14 sent their Messengers with Letters to the State of Poland, and so the great Dukedome of Letto, to the Archbishops, and Bishops, and to all the Spiritualtie. Moreouer, in the said Letters, the Emperour Boris with the Patriarke, and all the holy assembly, wrote vnto the Lord Panameerada concerning Gryshca, making it knowne vnto them what he was, and wherefore he ranne away into Poland, and likewise that the Sonne of the great Lord Emperour, and great Duke Euan Vasiliwich, the Prince Demetry was dead: And to that [ 30] intent, that the King Sigismund should not giue credit to the said Gryshca, and that they should not spill Christian bloud nor violate the league.

Hereupon Sigismund King of Poland writ vnto the Emperour Boris, and further, by word of mouth, both he and Panameerada deliuered to the said messenger in his message, that hee did hold and keepe their League, and moreouer, did not violate or breake his oath no manner of way: and likewise did write, that he did not ayde that foresaid Gryshca, neither did giue credit vnto him: withall deny∣ing that he was with him in his Kingdome: and further he did write, that if there were any out of Poland or Letto that did aide or assist him, that then they should be executed. But after he had dispatched a∣way the messenger of Boris, not regarding his oath, still more and more did aide and helpe this Grysh∣ca Otreapyoue. Also the Palatine Sendamersko, and Myhala Ratanisko came into the King∣dome [ 40] of Mosco, to a place called the Land of Seeuersko, putting the people of that Land in feare, and perswading them there, this Gryshca was the true Prince, and that the King of Poland and Pana∣meerada, had found out the certaintie thereof: and therefore they will haue Poland and Letto stand for him. Also from out of many other Kingdomes they goe to aide and assist him: likewise other infe∣riour Kingdomes are willing to stand for him: moreouer, that Gryshca in the foresaid Land of Seeuersko, and in other places of our Borders, by the meanes of his diuellish practises and coniurations did intise and tempt them to fall to him: likewise the people of those foresaid places of the Land of Seeuersko, and on the Borders, being simple people, and resorting seldome to the Citie of Mosco, and being intised by Gryshca, and the rest of the Gouernours, could not withstand, but yeelded them vnto them. Where∣upon against those Polonians and Lettoes, and other enemies that were already entred the Kingdome of [ 50] Mosco, the Emperour sent his Nobles with a great Armie: but by the appointment of God, the Em∣perour Boris deceased; vpon whose death, the chiefest of the Nobles departed the Campe. And after their departure, the Armie hearing of the death of the Emperour, and being drawne thereto by feare and otherwise, at last yeelded themselues ouer vnto Gryshca, as the Borderers had done before.

Also the foresaid Gryshca, by the helpe of the Diuell, and King Sigismund, and Panameerada, came into the Citie and Kingdome of Mosco, to the great disquietnesse and trouble of the whole Land; by whom the Religion was corrupted, and by him were many true Christians put to exile, for denying his right and interest to the Kingdome of Mosco. And shortly after he was setled in the Kingdome, and he tooke to wife the daughter of one Sandamersko, as was appointed by the King of Poland and Pana∣meerada: the which wife of his was in Mosco with her Father and Brother Senatskoy, and with one [ 60] Veshneuetskoy, with their Polish and Letto Lords, and other people, by whom Religion was propha∣ned: as also we were forced and driuen to receiue many wrongs and iniuries, which the people of the King∣dome of Mosco could not indure. Also, at last this Greeshca, by the counsell of the Palatine Sanda∣mersko his Father in Law, and by the counsell of Veshneuetskoy, and other Polish and Letto people,* 4.15

which he brought in with him, was purposed, by a secret politicke deuise to haue put to death the Me∣tropolitans, Archbishops, and Bishops, and all the holy and spirituall assembly, with the Nobles, and Cour∣tiers, and diuers others which were of the better people▪ and so to haue sent others into Poland and Letto; withall to haue changed the Religion, and to haue established the Romish Religion, for which purpose he brought with him many Iesuites.* 4.16

The which we the great Lord and great Duke Vasily Euanowich, of all Russia, with the Metropo∣litans, Archbishops, and Bishops, and with all the holy spirituall assembly, and with the Nobles, Courti∣ers, and Commons of the Kingdome of Mosco, well considering, and perceiuing what an alteration this would be to our Christian faith, with the ouerthrow and vtter vndoing to our whole Kingdome: we then earnestly bewail'd and lamented, and withall hartily prayed to the almightie Trinitie our onely Lord God, that liueth and defendeth mankinde, that it would please him to deliuer vs, and the Common-wealth [ 10] from those vile, cruell, diuellish attempts, and deuises of theirs. Thus desiring the mercy of God, we all re∣turned and stood stedfast to our former vnspotted and true Christian faith, against that vsurper and counterfeit Gryshca and his Counsell, with a resolution to stand in the same manfully, and euen to the death, hoping and longing for the time that all people, and warlik men and Souldiors and many others of the Empire of Mosco might come to gather themselues together, & that they might likewise perceiue and dis∣cern this vsurping Heretick, and his diuellish courses, by which he did decline from the true Christian faith of our Religion. The largenesse of the Kingdome of Mosco cannot be vnknowne vnto you our louing Bro∣ther,* 4.17 how farre it extendeth it selfe both to the South, and to the West, as also to other places, that in halfe a yeares space they could not gather themselues together. But when as the power and warlike Soul∣diours, [ 20] and all other people were gathered together, then through the mercie and fauour of God, this ene∣my of Gods Commonwealth was discouered to all what he was. And the Empresse Martha, being Mo∣ther of the true Prince Demetry Euonowich, did certifie vnto vs before the Metropolitans, Arch∣bishoppes, and Bishoppes, and before all the holy assembly, as also to the Nobles and Courtiers, and other Officers, and men of worth within our Empire, did shee deliuer, that her Sonne the Prince Demetry was murthered beyond reason, at a place cald Owglits, by appointment of Boris Godenoue, and that he dyed in her armes; yet did this Gryshca falsely call himselfe by the name of him that was murthered.

Also we found in the custody of this Gryshca, the Copie of a writing, which was the contract and agreement that he made betwixt him and the Palatine, before his comming out of Poland; in which [ 30] was written,* 4.18 that as soone as he did come to the Kingdome of Mosco, that then he would take to wife the daughter of the Palatine, and would giue her two Prouinces, called great Nouogrod and Vobsko, with counsell, Courtiers, Gentlemen, and Priests, fitting to a Congregation, with inferior Castles and Lands, freely in those foresaid, to build and set vp Monasteries, and also to set vp the Romish Religion; And when he came to the Kingdome of Mosco, that then he should giue vnto the Palatine tenne thou∣sand pieces of Polish Gold, which is by our Russia account, three hundred thousand Markes: and to his wife, in consideration of her long Iourney, he promised to giue cloth of Gold, and cloth of Siluer, and of all the best things that was in the Treasurie of the Kingdome of Mosco. Likewise, that hee the said Gryshca, at his comming to Mosco, would take order to bring these things to passe with all diligence, whereby he might draw all the Dominion of Mosco from our true Grecian Religion, and so to haue tur∣ned [ 40] vs into the Romish Religion, and to haue destroyed the holy Church ouer all the Empire of Mosco, and so to haue built vp the Religion of the Church of Rome: and for the performing of all this, the said Gryshca was sworne to the Palatine Sandamersko, in the presence of the Teachers of the Land, as beforesaid; that he according to his owne hand writing, would hold all the said couenants with all di∣ligence, as likewise to bring all the Empire of Mosco to the Romish Religion. The which couenants and agreements the Generall Sandamersko himselfe hath confessed to our Maiestie, and Nobles, that the foresaid agreements and couenants betwixt him and the foresaid Gryshca were true, and how that they trusted one to another: moreouer, the Palatine did certifie vnto our Nobles, how Gryshca sent him a Letter vnder his owne hand and Seale, in which he promised to giue him Smolensko, with all the Prouin∣ces belonging thereto, and another place called Seeuerow, as also gaue him liberty to set vp Monaste∣ries, [ 50] and the Religion of the Church of Rome. Further, there was found by him Letters which were sent to him from the Pope of Rome,* 4.19 and the Cardinals, and Priests, to that effect, that he should re∣member and withall be mindefull to take in hand speedily those matters and businesse vpon which he had giuen to Sigismund, and the Cardinals his troth and vow, the which was, as beforesaid, to be himselfe of the Romish Religion, as also to bring all the people of the Kingdome of Russia into the same Romish Re∣ligion, not onely them that of themselues were willing thereto, but also others by compulsion, and to put them to death that fought to contrary the same. And not onely them of the Kingdome of Russia, but like∣wise other godly people of seuerall Religion: and that doe serue in the Kingdome of Mosco, as the Ca∣tholicks, and the Caluinists, them likewise he should seeke to bring into the Romish Religion with all per∣swasions. Moreouer, Gryshca himselfe, before vs, and our Nobles, and Courtiers, and before our Com∣mons, [ 60] did acknowledge as much, and thereupon yeelded himselfe to be in fault: as also that he did all with helpe of the Diuell, hauing forsaken God.

For which these his vile actions, this Gryshca, according to the true iustice, receiued an end to his life, and was by abundance of people slain in the Mosco, where he lay three dayes in the midst of the Citie, to the

view of all such like vsurpers, and disturbers. And because his body was loathsome vnto vs,* 4.20 we caused it to be carried out of the Citie, and there to be burnt.

This Enemie thus hauing ended his life, then the Kings sonnes of diuers Countries, now dwelling within our Kingdome, with the Patriarke, Metropolitanes, Archbishops, and Bishops, with the Nobles, Courtiers, and the Commons, made entreaty vnto vs Vasili Euanowich,* 4.21 to raigne and gouerne ouer them and ouer all the Kingdome of Mosco, as their Lord, Emperour, and great Duke of all Russia. Ac∣cording to which entreatie made vnto vs by the said Kings sons of diuers Countries, as likewise by our No∣bles, Courtiers, Merchants, and all the rest of the Commons of all the Kingdome of Mosco, Wee are come to the great Kingdomes of Volodemar, Mosco, Nouogrod, and as also of the Kingdomes of Ca∣zan, Astracan, and Siberia, and ouer all the Prouinces of the Empire of Mosco: as also wee the great [ 10] Lord Emperour, and great Duke of all Russia, are crowned with our Imperiall Crown: and for the said Kings sonnes of diuers Religions, and our Nobles, Courtiers, and Souldiers, and all manner of Peo∣ple, doe serue our Imperiall Maiesty with desire and good liking voluntarily, and not by delusions and coniurations, as the Poles and Lettoes were bewitched by Grishca. But we the great Lord Emperour and great Duke Vasili Euanowich, with great care stayed and restrayned our People from the spoyle of the Poles and the Lettoes, defending them from death; and withall haue commanded to let goe ma∣ny of them into Poland and Letto: but the chiefest of them that were of the Councell, and that practi∣sed to bring trouble and dissention in the Kingdome of Mosco, are now taken. And we to doe an honour vnto the dead body of the true Demetrie, haue (vpon conference with our Metropolitanes, Archbishops, [ 20] and Bishops, and all the holy Assembly, our Nobles and Courtiers, and all the Kingdome of Mosco) sent to the Citie of Owglets a Metropolitan, named Filareta, of Rostoue and Yeraslaue, who was called before he was made Metropolitan, Theodor Neekete, which being one of the Nobles in times past, and with him the Archbishops of Astracan, called Feodosia, and our Nobles the Duke Euan Michalowich Vorotinskoy, with the rest of his fellowes, commanding them to bring vp with them the body of the Prince Demetrie Euanowich, who was murthered by the appointment of Boris Godonoue, and to bring it vp to our Citie of Mosco with great honour, which body shall be buried in the principall Church of Mosco, called Michael the Archangel, neare to his father the great Lord Emperour and great Duke Euan Vasilowich of famous memorie, and by Gods power his body shall not be touched or abused any manner of way. Likewise will we, by the fauour of God, honour the Funerall of Demetrie Euanowich with spe∣ciall solemnitie, which body performeth many cures, and worketh miraculously vnto them,* 4.22 that come to [ 30] him with Faith to be cured of their diseases.

And now most louing and deare brother, wee calling well to minde the great amitie and friendship that was betwixt the great Lord Emperour, and great Duke Euan Vasilywich, and his Sonne Theodor Euanowich, the Emperour Boris, and the great Lady Queene Elizabeth: the like brotherly loue doe we desire to haue with you, most louing and deare brother, to be established and continued betwixt vs, as it was with them, during our liues. Therefore may it please you, our louing brother Iames, King of Eng∣land, after the hearing of these great and strange dangers past, to reioyce with vs, that he hath deliuered from such a vile enemy, and that he, our mercifull God, hath diuided and scattered that wicked coun∣sell, and that he hath turned their cruelty vpon their owne head, to their shame and confusion. And con∣cerning your Merchants that were in our Kingdome, Iohn Merricke with his fellowes, we haue graced [ 40] them with our Emperiall presence; as also haue giuen vnto the said Iohn Merricke and his fellowes,* 4.23 a new priuiledge, and Letters of fauour, by which they shall come into our Kingdome, and to traficke with all manner of goods freely, without paying any Custome whatsoeuer, and as to them was gran∣ted in former time, and this fauour we haue giuen them to manifest vnto you our louing Brother, our Bro∣therly loue. And the reason that we haue not sent to you, louing brother, our Embassadour, is, because we had not time, in regard of many our Emperiall affaires, but hereafter doe purpose to send, to visite you in your Kingdome. Written at our Emperiall palace and Citie of Mosco, from the beginning of the World Anno 7114. the fourth day of Iune.* 4.24

Thus is Demetrius painted out by his Enemies, which perhaps were not altogether led with [ 50] simplicitie of truth, but in many things made him worse,* 4.25 that they might make their owne cause (bad enough) to appeare better. They tell also of great outrages committed by the Poles,* 4.26 (like those sometimes here in England by the Danes) their proud insulting ouer the men, rauish∣ments of women, fetching them out of their houses and husbands bosomes to serue their lusts: neither did Demetrius, as they say, punish them; one onely being sentenced, and hee violently rescued from execution by the Poles. They say also that Demetrius his body was plucked out of the graue and burnt, the ashes throwne into the aire, the seeds, as the sequele seemed to shew, of many Demetrij after.

Suiskey is also by some reported to haue beene chosen by lot in this manner. The Nobles cast [ 60] lots foure times to receiue a Successor, as it were, by diuine sentence in lot-oracle:* 4.27 in euery of which times the lot fell vpon Suiskey (for as some say, there were three or foure neerer then hee) he modestly refusing and enforced by constancy of the various lot to accept that Scepter; where∣of others thinke him as ambitious, as was modest Boris before him. Howeuer, he hath left his name and memorie written in as blacke inke as either Boris or Demetrius, if Reports bee true,

which say that he proued a wicked Prince, partly by poison, partly by the Tartars, making away all,* 4.28 whose bloud might by Nobilitie threaten a probabilitie of their prouing his Corriuals. Yea, he is said to haue sent for Witches and Sorcerers, Laps, Samoeds, Tartars, or whatsoeuer other Nation yeelded such Hell-hags, incarnate Fiends, the Deuils blacke guard, to consult about his Empire and succession; and (the Deuill is a murtherer) to haue sealed their predictions with bloud. Thus being told that one Michalowich should succeed, he is said presently to haue plot∣ted the death of three Grandes of that name,* 4.29 his best seruants: yet the superstitious people ob∣serue (after much chopping and changing) that in little time the State was settled on one of that Name, which still swaieth the Scepter; Who then being a youth of no State-terror, was his attendant in Court, and bare an Axe (after their custome) before him. [ 10]

One of his first Acts, was to send into Poland an Embassage, which could not bee admitted audience till Ianuarie. Hee thereby complayned of Sandomerskos artes which obtruded that Changeling on Russia, whereby aboue two hundred of principall Nobilitie had lost their liues: demanding restitution of the moneys which that Impostor had caused to bee transported into Poland, and restitution of goods; otherwise hee would with Charles of Sweden Duke of Suder∣man, enter Poland with an Armie to bee reuenged for the league (which they had sworne) bro∣ken, &c. Sigismund answered modestly, with excuse of their helping the right Heire in their conceits, and that his desire was that peace should continue (being loth in times then tumultuous at home, to prouoke a forreine enemie, so neere in dwelling, so remote in affection) Sandomersko still remayned prisoner in Russia. But things being better setled in Poland, and growing worse in [ 20] Russia, by the dislike conceiued against Suiskey, a double danger grew to him both from another reuiued Demetrius (yea many pretending that Name and Title did after arise, as out of his di∣spersed ashes) within Russia; and from the Poles without, willing both to assist him vnder co∣lour of Reuenge, and with hope of Conquest also, to inuade and fish for themselues in troubled waters.

As for that Demetrius new risen from the dead (not to mention the others of inferiour note) I shall relate Captaine Gilberts reports which knew him and was by him entertayned, as I recei∣ued them of a iudicious friend of mine, which had them from his owne mouth. Hee being at Coluga (as before is said) receiued a Letter from this new Demetrius * 4.30, so written that it appea∣red to bee of the former Demetrius his owne hand: and thus also he vsed to doe to others being [ 30] able to counterfeit his writing, and to relate such other particulars as seemed impossible to any but Demetrius to doe. Hereupon Captaine Gilbert went with his Guard of Souldiers to meete him and the Polake Generall which came with him. And whiles he was yet a good distance off, Ah (this Demetrius called to him) my true seruant, where were you and my Guard, when the vil∣laines hurt me? but if I had followed the counsell which you gaue me such a time in such a place (re∣lating the particulars) I had preuented them. This circumstance had moued him to beleeue this to be the former Demetrius, had not he differed from this in person, as night from day. Thus also he said he affirmed to the Pole Generall,* 4.31 asking him how he liked this Demetrius, that This and That were as like as Night and Day (for the former was of goodly personage, and this a very de∣formed wretch.) The Pole replyed, It is no matter, Captaine, this Demetrius shall serue our [ 40] turne to bee reuenged of the perfidious and bloudie Russe. And this Demetrius acted the other so neerly, and could so cunningly and confidently relate particular passages of past occurrents, that the Lady of Demetrius was by him bedded. Thus was miserable Russia ground betwixt these two Mill-stones, the pretending Demetrius and the super-intending Pole. Suiskey is helped not a little by the English,* 4.32 which brought him strangely and aduenturously powder and munition to his Castle to Mosco, which yet at last by reuolt of the Citizens deliuers vp it selfe and him to the Poles. And as for that pretending Demetrius, he was afterwards murthered in his Campe by a Tartar. But it is meet to take hereof larger view.

* 4.33Sigismund King of Poland layeth claime to Sweden, as sonne to King Iohn (who is said to haue vniustly depriued Ericus of his life and Kingdome) whose yonger brother Duke Charles first re∣ceiued [ 50] his Nephew King Sigismund (then also elected and still continuing King of Poland) but vpon warres which after arose betwixt them, the issue was, that the Pole holds the Title; but Charles obtayned both Regall Title and Power, wherein his Sonne hath succeeded. Suiskey takes hold of this difference, and Charles assists him with an Armie sent vnder the command of Pontus de la Gard a French Coronell, consisting of English, French, and Scots. These march to Mosco, which the new Demetrius and Poles held besieged, and put Demetrius into such feare, that not trusting the Pole, and fearing his Aduersaries on both sides, he stole away by night with a small retinue:* 4.34 and the Poles obtayned Articles of composition and departed. But miserable were the distresses by famine, fire, sword, rapes, and other outrages in other parts of Russia, caused by o∣ther Poles; and yet these but as a beginning and prelude to other following. For the King of [ 60] Poland entred with a huge Armie (some say of an hundred thousand men) inuaded the Musco∣uite, and especially laid siege to Smolensko. He is reported thence to haue sent twentie thousand to besiege Mosco.

Suiskey had sent to King Charles for more aide, which he procured out of England, and other

Countries, of which I had rather let you heare an eye-witnesse speake of this, as elsewhere other English men haue related their owne voyages. This indeed deserueth relation, as a tragedie of meaner persons with manifold vicissitudes of miseries (attending voluntarie Souldiers) as before you haue seene tragedies of Princes and Grandes. And first you may reade King Charles his com∣pact and promised stipend to such voluntaries, which for the more vnderstanding Readers de∣light I haue here inserted.

NOs Carolus No••us, Dei gratia Suecorum, Gothorum, Wandalorum, Finnonum, Corelio∣rum, Lapporum, Conanorum, Esthonum{que} in Liuonia, &c. Rex. Notum facimus quod il∣lustrem [ 10] & generosum nobis syncere dilectum Dominum Iacobum Spentzium, Baronem Wolmerscho∣nium in ministrorum nostrorum numerum clementer receptum, omnium qui nostris nunc militant, aut in posterum militaturi sunt auspicijs, Anglorum, Scotorum{que} ducem & praefectum constituimus, ea condi∣tione vt in nostrum, Regni{que} nostri vsum, ped••tes mille, & equites quingentos, spectatae virtutis milites conscribat, adductos{que} ••••unte vere ad 12. scilicet Maij sequentis Anni 1609. in Regno sistat. Cu•• nos ad dictos milites tam colligendos quàm in regnum traducendos, in pedites quidem nouem, in equites vero quatu••r thalerorum imperialium millia & quingintos assigna••i••••••. Cum autem in regnum praefatus militum numerus appulerit, illis si equos & arma subministra••erimus, ea peditum quidem singulorum dimidij equitum vero duorum de cuius{que} stipendio menstruo thalerorum singulis mensibus donec pro ar∣mis & equis nobis satisfiat, detractione soluentur. Ipsi duci primario Peditum vero singulis cohortibus [ 20] (quarum quaeuis ducentis Capitaneo caeteris{que} officiarijs vna comprehensis constabat) mille septingentos thaleros in mensem dabimus. Equidem autem cohors quaelibet centum equites continebit. Quod si pau∣ciores fuerint, quot personae in prima lustratione defecerint, totidem thalero menstruo Capitaneorum, E∣quicum{que} Magistrorum stipendio detrahentur: In sequentibus vero lustrationibus quae singulis mensibus semel institui debent, si qui forte inter••a ex hac vita decesserint, aut alio quocun{que} modo, militum nume∣rus fuerit ita diminutus, vt pedites cuius{que} cohortis ducentis pauciores sint (non tamen in eam paucitatem redactus vt ad tuendum, ornandum{que} vexillum modo militari pedites ••••pares inueniantur▪) Capitane•• nihilomi••us stipendium integrum ad sex menses persoluetur, quod si postea defectum non suppleuerit, ipse officio Capitanei carebit & pedites ipsius per caeteras cohortes, ad earum supplementum distribuentur. E∣quites vero cohortis cuius{que}, si centum pauciores fuerint, Magister equitum nihilominus donec nume∣rus sexagenario maior fuerit stipendium integrum consequetur, id{que} ad sex menses duntaxat. His autem [ 30] exactis, nisi praestitutum, centum equitum numerum suppleuerit, ips•• munere suo priuabitur, & equites per caeteras cohortes distribuentur. Magistro equitum centum, Vicario seu locum tenenti quadragin∣ta, Signifero triginta, Decurioni viginti, singulis ductoribus viginti, cui{que} buccinatori sex, Equitibus ve∣ro singulis duodecem thaleri, in singulos menses munerabuntur. Dicto autem duci generali, vt sequentes officiarios sibi adiungeret clementer ••ermisimus: Vicarium generalem, cui quadringintos, praefectum vi∣giliarum, cui nonaginta, Secretarium cui octoginta, Praetorem cui sexaginta, Praefectum a••nonae cui sexaginta, Pastorem cui sexaginta, Chirurgum cui quadraginta, Archicustodem cui quadraginta, In∣spectorem armorum cui quadraginta, Tympanistam cui sedecim florenos in singulos menses promissi∣mus. Primus autem stipendij mensis intra decimum quintum diem à militum in regnum aduentu in∣choabitur. Liberam quo{que} habebit praefatus dux Primarius plenam{que} i••statiae exercendae potestatem in [ 40] omnes suo imperio subiectos, id{que} in omni criminis genere excepto 〈◊〉〈◊〉 las•• Maiestatis; Peditum cui∣que subsidij loco thalerum vnum; Capitaneis autem & reliqu••s officiarijs stipendij singulis designati di∣midium; Magistro militum duodecim; Eius Vicario octo, signifero sex, cui{que} Decurioni quatuor singulis ex tribus ordinum ductoribus tres, Buccinatori vnum cum dimidio, singulis vero equitibus duos in sep∣timanam thaleros dabimus; Semestri quolibet exacto habita{que}, ••ccurata supputatione, quod de menstruo stipendio reliquum est, eis persoluetur, habita tamen ratione numeri quem in singulis delectibus seu mili∣tum lustrationibus Capitanei equitum{que} Magistri exhibuerint. Quod si dux militibus suis secundum aliquod praelium fecerit, aut arcem vrbem{que} aliquam vi expug••auerit, eo ipso die quo id contigerst priore finito nouus mens••s inchoabitur. Liberum quo{que} erit Ducibus singulis, quoties necesse erit ••••cohortium supplementum adducendum aliquem mittere, qui dum absens erit stipendium sicum nihilominus conseque∣tur, [ 50] pro singulis autem qui in supplementum adducti fuerint decem thaler•• numerabuntur. Quod si in praelijs, velitationibus, excubijs aut alio quouis casu quenquam ducum, aut militum in hostium potesta∣tem venire contigerit, id{que} non spontanea deditione aut alia ratione subdola & fraudulenta accidisse com∣pertum fuerit, is alius suae conditionis status{que} captiui permutatione liberab••tur. Hostium vero aliquis si captiuus ad nos nostriue exercitus Ducem à quoquam eorum perductus fuerit, quod pro su•• liberatione captiuus praetium spoponderit, id ei, qui captiuum duxerit, numerabitur. Quod▪ si quisquam horum mi∣litum pila ictus tormentaria, aut alio quouis modo mutilus, aut mancus euadit, ita vt ipse s•• alere vi∣ctum{que} quaerere nequeat, illi à nobis pro vt cuius{que} requirit status & conditio, honestum stipendium per omnem vitam suppeditabitur: sin vero diutius in hoc Regno nostro commorari noluerit, tum vnius mensis [ 60] accepto stipendio integrum ei erit, quo libuerit commigrare. Cum cohortes, siue simul, siue seperatim ex∣auctorabuntur, singulis officiarijs & militibus mensis vnius numerabitur stipendium. Si aut praefat••••s pri∣marius aut alius inferiorum Ducum vel Officiariorum à S. R. M. Britanniae accersetur, persoluto quod tunc forte restabit stipendio, ipso{que} duce remunerato, libera dabitur discedendi facultas. In quorum eui∣dentiorem

fidem manus propria subscriptione Regiae{que} nostri sigilli appensione praesentes muniuimus.

Ex Regia nostra Stocholmensi die 7. Octobris, Anni Millesimi sexcentesimi octaui.

Subscript. CAROLVS.

* 5.1ABout a fortnight before Midsummer, which was A. 1609. a companie of Voluntaries, to the number of a thousand and two hundred Souldiers, were at seuerall times shipped from Eng∣land to passe into Sweden, to aide the King of that Countrie in his warres against the King of Po∣land. To which aide diuers other Nations did likewise resort, as French, high Dutch, &c. Of the English Companies that went thither,* 5.2 the first was commanded by one Caluine a Scot; who [ 10] by appointment was made Lieutenant Colonell, and chiefe of the other Captaines ouer the footmen.

After the first Companie was gone, a second number of three hundred men (of which I the Relator of this, was one) were put into one ship belonging to Sweden, and came from thence for vs. We were assaulted with a great tempest, and were tossed so long, that all our victuals were almost spent: the miserie of which, threw vs into more desperate feares: now were wee assaul∣ted by double deaths (Famine and Shipwrack) what course to take for our reliefe no man pre∣sently knew.* 5.3 Continue without foode it was impossible, and as impossible was i•• for vs to reco∣uer the Land in any short time, without the assured destruction of vs all. At this season, our Commanders were these; Lieutenant Benson, Lieutenant Walton, who was Prouost Martiall of [ 20] the field; and an Ancient of the Colonels companie. The common Souldiers vowed and resol∣ued to compell the Mariners (seeing the present miseries, and no hopes promising better) to set vs all on shoare vpon the first Land that could be discouered.* 5.4 Our Commanders did what they could by dis••wasion to alter this generall resolution, because they feared it would bee the losse of the greatest part of our Companies, if they came once to bee scattered: and besides, they knew that it would redound to their dishonour and shame, if they should not discharge the trust impo∣sed vpon them by our Captaines, which trust was to conduct vs and land vs before, whilest our Chieftaines remayned a while behinde in England, to take vp the rest of our Companies. Yet all this notwithstanding, Land being discouered, there was no eloquence in the world able to keep vs aboord our ship, but euery man swore if the Master of the ship would not set vs on the shoare, [ 30] the sailes should be taken into our owne hands, and what was resolued vpon (touching present landing) should in despite of danger be effected. Vpon this the Master of the ship and the Mari∣ners told vs, that if we put to land in that place, we should all either perish for want of victuals, which were not to bee had in that Countrie, or else should haue our throats cut by the people. Wee resolued rather to trie our bad fortunes on the land, and to famish there (if that kind of death must needes attend vpon vs) then to perish on the Seas, which we knew could affoord vs no such mercy: and on shoare wee went, as fast as possibly we could. When our Officers saw, that there was no remedie, nor force to detayne vs aboord, they then disheartned vs no longer, but to our great comforts told it, that the Master of the ship (which thing hee himselfe likewise openly confessed) knew both the Land and Gouernour thereof (as indeed we proued afterwards he did:* 5.5) and therefore desired they all our companies not to misse-behaue themselues toward [ 40] the people, for that it was an Iland called Iuthland, vnder the Dominion of the King of Den∣marke, but subiect to the command of a Lord, who vnder the King (as his Substitute) was the Gouernour.

And that we might be the better drawne to a ciuill behauiour towards the Inhabitants, our Officers further told vs, that they would repaire to the Lord Gouernour of the Countrie, and ac∣quaint him with the cause of our vnexpected landing there; vpon which we all promised to of∣fer no violence to the people; neither was that promise violated, because we found the Inhabi∣tants tractable, and as quiet towards vs, as we to them: yet the greater numbers of them ran a∣way with feare, at the first sight of vs, because (as afterward they reported) it could not bee re∣membred by any of them, that they euer either beheld themselues, or euer heard any of their an∣cestors [ 50] report, that any strange people had landed in those places and parts of the Iland: for they thought it impossible (as they told vs) that any ship should ride so ne••ee the shoare, as ours did, by reason of the dangerous Sands.

Our Officers so soone as they were at land, went to the Gouernour of the Iland, whilest the Souldiers (who stayed behind them) ran to the houses of the Ilanders, of purpose to talke with the people, and at their hands to buy victuals for a present reliefe: but when wee came among them, they could neither vnderstand vs nor we them; so that the Market was spoiled, and wee could get nothing for our money, yet by such signes as wee could make, they vnderstood our wants pitied them, and bestowed vpon vs, freely, a little of such things as they had. In the end, a happy meanes of our reliefe was found out by a Souldier amongst vs who was a Dane by birth, [ 60] but his education haui••g beene in England, no man knew him to be other then an English man.

This Dane made vse of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 owne natiue language, to the good both of himselfe and vs, certi∣fying

the people (who the rather beleeued him because he spake in their knowne tongue) of the cause that compelled vs to land vpon their Coast, and that we intended no mischiefe, violence, or money: to which report of his they giuing credit, stood in lesse feare of vs then before, and thereupon furnished vs with all such necessaries, as the Countrie affoorded to sustaine our wants. The foode which wee bought of them was onely fish, and a kinde of course bread, exceeding cheape. Of which foode there was such plentie,* 5.6 that for the value of three pence wee had as much fish as twentie men could eate at a meale, and yet none of the worst sorts of fish, but euen of the very best and daintiest, as Mackrels and Lobsters, and such like. In which our trading with the poore simple people, we found them so ignorant, that many, yea most of them regar∣ded [ 10] not whether you gaue them a Counter, or a Shilling: for the bigger the piece was,* 5.7 the more fish they would giue for it: but besides fish wee could get no other sustenance from them, or at least, could not vnderstand that they had any other. But obserue what happened in the meane time that we were thus in traffique with the Ilanders for victuals, our Officers (as before is said) being gone to the Lord Gouernour, who lay about twelue English miles from the Sea side, the Master of our ship on a sudden hoysed vp sailes, and away he went, leauing one of his owne men at shoare, who accompanied our Officers as their guide, through the Iland. The cause of the ships departure, did so much the more amaze vs, by reason it was so vnexpected, and the reason there∣of vnknowne to vs: But wee imagined the Master of the ship and Mariners fea••ed to receiue vs into the Vessell againe, because some of our men at their being at Sea, threatned the Saylers, and [ 20] offered them abuses before they could be brought to set vs on land.

On the next day following, the Lord Gouernour of the Iland came to vs, bringing our Offi∣cers along with him, yet not being so confident of vs, but that (for auoyding of any dangers that might happen) he came strongly guarded with a troupe of Horse-men well armed. And (vpon his first approc••) demanding where our ship was, it was told him in what strange manner it stole away and forsooke vs: he then asked what we intended to doe, to which we all answered, that we would be ruled by our Officers: hereupon hee inquired of them, what they would haue him to doe in their behalfes: they requested nothing else at his hands, but onely his fauourable Passe through the Countrie, and a ship to carry vs forward into Sweden: to which request hee made answere, that he could grant no such licence vntill he had made the King of Denmarke acquain∣ted with our being there, for the Iland belonged to the King, he said, and he was no more but [ 30] an Officer or Substitute vnder him. Yet in consideration that our ship had so left vs in a strange Land, he promised to doe all that lay in his power to effect our good: but withall told vs, that the people had inward feares, and were possest with suspitions, that our intents of landing vp∣on such a Coast, were not, as we our selues affirmed, only to get foode, but rather to make spoile of the poore Inhabitants. And therefore, to remooue all such feares and iealousies out of the peoples hearts, he held it most conuenient for the generall safeties of both parties, to separate our numbers, and to spreade vs abroad in the Countrie, one and one in a house, where it was agreed that we should receiue both a lodging, and meate, and drinke, vntill hee had sent to the King of Denmarke some of his owne men with our Officers, to vnderstand his Maiesties pleasure, and [ 40] what should become of vs.

To this we all agreed, and accordingly for that purpose, were by the Lord Gouernour, safely by these armed horse-men which were his guard, conducted to his owne house. To that place were al the people of the Iland summoned together, they came at the appointed day to the num∣ber of fiue or six hundred, circling vs round with Bils, Holbards, two-hand Swords, and diuers o∣ther weapons: And at the first sight of vs grew into such rage, that presently they would haue cut all our throats, and hewed vs to pieces, but that the authoritie of the Gouernor kept them from offering violence, yet was hee faine to vse the fairest meanes of perswasion to allay their furie. For they would not beleeue but that our arriuall there was to destroy them. Yet the Gouernour shewed vnto them all our number, which was but three hundred men, and those all vnweapo∣ned, and so consequently, neither likely nor able to vndertake any mischiefe against them: [ 50] Charging the vnruly multitude, vpon paine of death, not to touch the least finger of vs, but to diuide vs equally into seuerall Villages, as it should seeme best vnto them, and so bestow kinde and louing entertainment vpon vs till they heard further from him, which command of his they accordingly performed.

Immediately vpon this setling of them and vs in quietnesse, one of our Officers with two of the Gouernours men, were sent away to the King of Denmarke, to vnderstand his Highnesse pleasure, which Messengers were no sooner dispatched about the businesse, but the Ilanders grow∣ing more and more suspitious, came againe to the Gouernour,* 5.8 and neuer would cease or giue ouer troubling him, vntill they had gotten him to make Proclamation (in hearing of vs all.) That if any of vs would freely discouer the true cause of our landing vpon that Coast, and reueale the [ 60] plots of any dangerous enterprise intended against them, he should not onely be rewarded with great store of money, and haue new apparell to his backe, but also should without tortures, im∣prisonment, or death be set free, and sent backe againe into his owne Countrie. This Proclama∣tion strucke vs all with feare and astonishment, because albeit we to our selues were not guiltie of

any plot, or villany intended to the place or people, yet wee knew this might be a meanes to endanger all our liues,* 5.9 how innocent soeuer. Our suspition of danger fell out according to our feares: for one Thomas Griffyn a Welch man, one of our owne company, went and kneeled be∣fore the Gouernour, and with a face counterfeiting a guiltinesse and fearefull destruction, told him that we came thither onely, and for no other purpose, then to surprise the Iland, kill the In∣habitants, make spoile of their wiues and goods, and hauing set fire of their Townes and Villages, to flye to Sea againe. Yet for all this would not the Gouernour beleeue him, telling him it was a matter very vnlikely,* 5.10 that so small a number, so distressed for want of foode, so weather-beaten and so disarmed, should venture vpon an enterprise so full of dangerous euents; but the villaine replyed, that all those complaints of want, were but songs to beguile the people, for that vpon [ 10] the least Allarum giuen, other ships that lay houering at Sea, and furnished both with men and ar∣mour, would on the sudaine, and that very shortly land for the same desire of spoyle, as these their fellowes had done, and therefore counselled the Gouernour to preuent such imminent mis∣chiefes betimes.

The Gouernour being thus farre vrged, presently called before him Lieutenant Walton, whose lodging was appointed in his house, and hauing related to him all that Griffin had discouered, and withall, demanding of Lieutenant Walton what he could say to this matter of treason and con∣spiracie: the Lieutenant at the first stood amazed, and vtterly denied any such intended villany, protesting by the faith of a Souldiour, that this report of the Welch-man proceeded from the rancour of a vile traitors heart, and therefore on his knees intreated the Gouernour, not to giue [ 20] credit to so base a villaine, who for the greedinesse of a little money, went about to sell all their liues, and to make all the inhabitants of the Iland become murderers: The rest lay scattered about and knew nothing of the matter. Now soone after, iust as the traitor had told the Gouernour, that more ships were not farre off, but were ready to second vs vpon our arriuall, it chanced that in the very heat of this businesse,* 5.11 and their feares of danger where none was, two other shippes full of armed Souldiers came to the same place of the Iland where our shippe put in: These two ships had brought Souldiours out of the low Countries (a cessation of warres being there) and were going into Swethland, as we were, but by crosse windes and fowle weather, lay so long at Sea, that wanting victuals, they were driuen in hither for succour. Whose sudaine approach and ariuall being signified to the Lord Gouernor, the Welch-mans words were then thought true; all [ 30] the Iland was presently vp in Armes to resist the strength and furie of a most dangerous supposed enemy: and so secretly did the Inhabitants put on Armes, that we who were kept like priso∣ners amongst them, knew not of these vproares. But night approaching, the Generall gaue spe∣ciall charge that secret watch should be set and kept ouer euery Souldior that lodged in any mans house: which by the common people was as narrowly performed, for they did not onely watch vs as the Gouernor commanded, but amongst themselues a secret conspiracie was made, that in the dead of night,* 5.12 when wee should be fast asleepe, they should come and take vs in our beds, and there to binde vs with cords: it being an easie thing to doe so, when our company were di∣uided one from another ouer the whole Iland. At the houre agreed vpon, the plot was put in force, for they entred our Chambers, and bound euery Souldier as he lay, making them all rea∣dy [ 40] like so many sheepe marked out for the slaughter. For mine owne part, I had fiue men and three women to binde me, who so cunningly tyed me fast with cords, whilst I slept, and felt no∣thing, nor deampt of any such matter, that with a twitch onely I was plucked starke naked out of my bed, and laid vpon the cold earth vnderneath a Table, with my armes bound behinde me, so extreamely hard, as foure men could draw them together, my feete tyed to the foote of the Table, and my necke bound to the vpper part or bord of the Table.

In these miserable tortures lay I, and all the rest (in seuerall houses) all that night, and the most part of the next day, our armes and legges being pinched and wrung together in such pitti∣lesse manner, that the very bloud gushed out at the fingers ends of many. The enduring of which torments was so much the more grieuous, because none knew what we had done that could in∣cense [ 50] them to this so strange and spitefull cruelty, neither could we, albeit we inquired, learne of our tormenters the cause, because we vnderstood not their language.

Whilest thus the whole Iland was full of the cries of wretched men, and that euery house see∣med a shambles, ready to haue Innocents there butchered the next day, and that euery Ilander had the office of a common cut-throate or executioner; Gods wonderfull working turned the streame of all their cruelty: For the two ships that came out of the low Countries, and whose arriuall draue so many miserable soules almost vpon the rocks of destruction, hauing in that dole∣full and ruinous night, gotten some prouision aboord, weighed Anchor, and departed towards Swethland. Which happy newes being serued vp at breakfast to the Lord Gouernour betimes in the morning, and that the Shippes had offerd no violence to the Countrey, but had paid for [ 60] what they tooke: About eleauen of the clocke the very same day at noone, wee were all like vnto so many dead men cut downe, and bidden to stand vpon our legges, although very few had scarce legges that could stand.

Of one accident more that befell, I thinke it not amisse to take note, which began merrily, but

ended tragically, and in bloud; and that was this: Foure of our company being lodged in one Village, and they being bound to the peace, as you may perceiue the rest were; it happened that an Hoast, where one of them lay, had ••••pled hard, and gotten a Horses disease,* 5.13 called the Stag∣gers: In comes he stumbling, to the roome where the poore Englishman was bound to the Table hand and foote: which thing the drunken Sot beholding▪ drew his Hatchet, which he wore at his girdle, according to the fashion of the Country, and because hee would be sure his prisoner should not escape, with his Hatchet he cleft his head. And thinking in that drunken murderous humour, he had done a glorious act, away he re••les out of his owne house to that house where the other three Souldiours lay bound, where beating at the doores and windowes, and the Hoast [ 10] asking what he meant to make such a damnable noyse; he told him so well as he could s••amme•• it out, that the Lord Gouernour had sent him thither to put the three English-men to death. Vp∣on this, the diuell and he (hand in hand) were let in, the one standing so close at the others elbow, that he neuer left him till he had cleft two of their heads, that lay bound▪ and being then wea∣ry (it should seeme) with playing the butcher, he neuer ceased swearing and staring, and flou∣rishing with his bloudy Axe about their heads, till the people of the house had hung the third man vpon a beame in the roome. But they hauing lesse cunning in the Hang-mans trade, then will to practise it, eyed not the halter so fast about his necke, as to strangle him: so that after hee had hung an houre, hee was cut downe, reuiued againe, was well, and afterwards was slaine in Russia.

[ 20] This bloudy feast being thus ended, and all stormes as we well hoped, being now blowne o∣uer to our freedome, and sitting at liberty from our tormentors▪ on the necke of these former miseries fell a mischiefe more dangerous to vs then all the rest: for tidings were brought to the Gouernour, that our Auncient, who trauailed with the Gouernours two men to the King, had trayterously murdered those his guides, and then ranne away himselfe▪ vpon this rumour, nothing but thundring and lightning flew from the common peoples mouthes: there was no way now with vs but one, and that one was, to haue all our throats cut, or our heads cleft with their Axes.* 5.14 But the Gouernor pittying our misfortunes, laboured both by his authority, & by faire speeches, to keepe that many-headed dogge (the multitude) from barking. And in the end, when he saw nothing but the bloud of vs poore Englishmen would satisfie their thirst, because they still held [ 30] vs in suspition and feare; he most nobly, and like a vertuous Magistrate, pawned to the inhu∣mane Rascals (to my knowledge) his honour, all that euer he was worth▪ yea, his very life vnto them, that within three dayes the messengers sent to the King, should returne home, and that during those three dayes we should be of good behauiour to the Ilanders: and besides that, if they did not returne in such a time, that then he would deliuer vs vp into their hands. Our Aunci∣ent with the Gouernours two men, came home vpon the third day, to the Gouernours house, and brought from the King of Denmarke his licence,* 5.15 to carry vs not onely through the Coun∣try, but commanding that we should be allowed shipping also at conuenient place, to carry vs to Sweueland, whither we were to goe: And according to this Licence the Gouernour caused vs to be called all together the very next day; at which time, Thomas Griffin the Welch I••das, who had [ 40] all this while lyen feasting in the house of the Lord Gouernour, began to tremble and repent him of his villanie, begging most base forgiuenesse on his knees, both from the Gouernour, and vs his Countrimen and fellow Souldiours, protesting that what he did, came out of his feare to saue his owne life. But our Officers (vpon hearing him speake thus) had much adoe to keepe the compa∣nies from pulling downe the house where Griffin lay, because they would in that rage haue hewed the villaine in peeces.

But leauing him and all such betrayers of mens bloud to the hell of their owne consciences, let vs set forward out of this infortunate Iland, and not stay in any place else, till in small Boates wee come by water to Elzinore in Denmarke, where wee ioyfully got aboard once more;* 5.16 and are hoysing vp sailes for Sweueland. Yet euen in this sun-shine day a storme fals vpon vs [ 50] too: for our Officers not hauing sufficient money to furnish vs with victuals, wee were enfor∣ced to pawne our Auncient and Lieutenant Walton, for the safe returne of the Shippe, with condition, that they should not be released vntill a sufficient summe of money was sent to de∣fray all charges. So that we left our Officers behinde vs; but the King of Sweueland did after∣wards release them, and then they came to vs. But before their comming, wee hauing a good winde, landed at a place called Newleas in Sweue:* 5.17 and from thence were carried to Stockholme (the Kings seate) and there was the King at the same time; betweene which two places, it was a daies march on horsebacke.

Vpon this our arriuall at Stockholme, wee met with the rest that had gone before vs, and with diuers others of our Countrimen, that came out of the Low-countries, as before is re∣lated. [ 60] In this place we lay so long, and had such poore meanes, that wanting money to buy foode, wee wanted foode to maintaine life, and so a number of vs were readie to statue: till in the end, our miseries making vs desperate, we fell together by the eares with the Burgers of the Towne: in which scambling confusion and mutinie,* 5.18 euery man got one thing or other, of which he made present money to relieue his body withall: yet lay wee at the

walles of the Citie, crying out continually for money, money, till our throates grew hoarse with bauling, but the stones of the walles gaue more comfort to vs, then the In∣habitants. One day (aboue all the rest) wee heard, that the King was to ride a Hun∣ting; and wee imagining that all the abuses, wrongs, and miseries, which wee endured, proceeded from some vnder-hand hard d••aling, and packing of our Captaines and Offi∣cers, resolued to gather about the King at his comming forth, and to cry out for money: but the King being angry (as wee supposed) came riding amongst vs, drawing his Pistoll from the Saddle-bow, as if hee purposed to haue shot some of vs: but seeing none of vs to shrinke from him, nor to be dismayed, hee rode backe againe, wee following him, and desiring, hee would either giue vs money, or else to kill vs out-right; one amongst the rest (whose name was William Attane) spake to the King aloud, thus: I hold it honour to dye by [ 10] the hands of a King, but basely to starue to death, I will neuer suffer it. Vpon these our clamours, the King looking better vpon our necessities, sent money the next day, and immediate∣ly after gaue vs a moneths meanes in money, and two moneths meanes in cloath, to make vs apparrell.

* 5.19Of the cloath wee receiued some part, but the money being payed, was by our Captaines sent into England to their wiues; no part of it euer comming to the poore common Soul∣diours hands: for presently vpon this, wee were commanded aboord the Ships, with promise that when wee were aboord, wee should haue our money. But being in the Shippes vnder hatches, away were wee carried with prouision onely of one moneths victuals; when by rea∣son [ 20] of the weather, wee were forced to lye eight weekes at Sea: in all which time, wee had nothing but pickelled Herrings, and salt Stremlings, with some small quantitie of hard dryed meates: by which ill dyet, many of our men fell sicke, and dyed. In the Shippe wherein I was, wee liued foureteene dayes without bread, all our best foode being salt Herrings, which wee were glad to eate raw; the best of vs all hauing no better su∣stenance.

At the last, it pleased God to send vs to a place called Vfrasound in Fynland, where wee lan∣ded,* 5.20 (Fynland being subiect to the King of Sweueland.) From Vfrasound wee were to goe to Weyborough, a chiefe Towne in the Countrie of Fynland: where wee no sooner arriued, but our Souldiors ranne some one way, and some another, so long that the Captaines were left alone [ 30] with the Shippes: This running away of them, being done onely to seeke foode, so great was their hunger.

By this carelesse dispersing themselues, they lost the command of the whole Countrey, which they might easily haue had,* 5.21 if they had beene vnited together: and not onely were depriued of that benefit, but of Horses also, which were allowed by the King for them to ride vpon. So that, what by the reason of the tedious Iourney (which wee were to tra∣uell, being fourescore leagues) and what by reason of the extreame cold, being a moneth be∣fore Christmas, at which time the Snow fell, and neuer went off the ground vntill Whitson∣tide following;* 5.22 but all the Raine, and all the Snow that fell, freezing continually, diuers of our men were starued to death with the Frost. Some lost their fingers, some their toes, some [ 40] their noses, many their liues: insomuch, that when wee all met at Weyborough, wee could make no more but one thousand and foure hundred able men; and yet when we were landed at Vfra∣sound, wee were two thousand strong; the extremity of the cold Countrey hauing killed so ma∣ny of our Souldiours in so little time.

At our landing at Weyborough wee had good hopes to receiue better comforts, both of mo∣ney and victuals: for the Inhabitants told vs, the King had allowed it vs, and in that report they spake truth: yet contrary to our expectation, wee lay there about foureteene dayes, and had nothing but a little Rice, of which we made bread, and a little butter, which was our best reliefe. Drinke had we none, nor money: our Captaines gaue vs certaine letherne pelches, onely made of Sheeps skins, to keepe vs from the cold.

At this place we receiued armes to defend vs against the enemy, and six Companies that were [ 50] allowed by the King for Horsemen,* 5.23 receiued Horses there. From thence wee were to march into Russia, where our enemies continued. But the iourney was long and vncomfortable: for wee marched from Newyeares day vntill Whitsontide, continually in Snow, hauing no rest, but onely a little in the nights. So that the miseries and misfortunes which wee endured vpon the borders of Fynland, were almost insufferable, by reason the number of them seemed infinite. For all the people had forsaken their houses long before wee came, because they were euermore oppressed by Souldiours: by which meanes we could get neither meate nor drinke, but were glad to hunt Cats, and to kill them, or any beasts wee could lay hold on, and this wee baked, and made them serue for daily sustenance. The greatest calamitie of all was, wee could get no Water to drinke,* 5.24 it had beene so long frozen vp, and the Snow so deepe, that [ 60] it was hard to say, whether wee marched ouer Water, or vpon Land. So that wee were compelled to digge vp Snow, and with stones redde hot, to melt in tubbes, and then to drinke it.

This affection continued about twelue or foureteene dayes, till we came into Russia. Vpon our very first entrance into which Kingdome, we marched ouer an arme of the Sea, that was eight leagues ouer, many of vs staruing to death in that passage, by the cold freezing windes that blew the same day. In which frosty iourney, I saw so much bread as a man might buy for twelue pence, sold away in little bits, for the value of fortie shillings. But this misery ended the next day, at our setting foot into Russia, where we found plenty both of corne and cattle;* 5.25 onely the people of the Countrey ranne away, leauing all their goods behinde them, but so cunningly hidden, that the best pollicie of ours could hardly finde them out. By this meanes of the peoples running away, we were glad to play the Millers, and to grinde all our corne our selues, to bake our bread, and to dresse our owne victuals. Then marched wee vp to Nouogrod (a [ 10] chiefe Citie in Russia) where wee were to receiue all our meanes that rested behinde vn∣payed: but our Captaines beguiled vs, and kept it for themselues:* 5.26 yet to stoppe our mouthes, they told vs wee should goe into Muscouy, and there all reckonings should be made euen.

Wee had scarce marched aboue three dayes towards Muscouy, but that newes came, how a certaine number of our enemies lay in a sconce by the way; the strength of them was not perfectly knowne, but it was thought they were not aboue seuen hundred, and that we must vse some stratagem to expell them from thence: vpon which relation,* 5.27 our Captaines drew forth to the number of three hundred English horsemen, and two hundred French horsemen: so that in all we were about fiue hundred that were appointed to set vpon the supposed seuen hun∣dred [ 20] Polanders, (our enemies) that so lay insconsed: vpon whom we went. Our chiefe Com∣mander in that seruice was Monsier la Veite, a French man, who so valiantly led vs on, that the enemy hearing of our comming, fled ouer a water that was by the sconce;* 5.28 yet not with such speede, but that wee slue to the number of foure hundred of their side, and lost onely three men of our owne: but we tooke the sconce. About the sconce stood a faire Towne called A∣rioua, with a riuer called the Volga, running through the middle, but no bridge ouer it;* 5.29 onely a few Boates and Sloates (made and cut out of trees) were there, to carry the people ouer from the one halfe of the Towne to the other. This sconce furnished vs not onely with great store of riches, but also with a number of Polish Horses, and as many armes as serued to arme fiue hun∣dred men; our want of that commoditie being as much as of any thing besides: for of those fiue [ 30] hundred men that went vpon the seruice, there were not three hundred fixed armes; yet through the hand of him that deales victories, or ouerthrowes, as it pleaseth him best, the day was ours.

Ouer this riuer Volga the enemies were neuer driuen before, either by the Emperor of Russia, or by the King of Swethland: for which cause (as afterward wee heard) the next day when they departed from the other side of the Riuer, they burnt that halfe of the Towne on which side they were themselues, and in most bloudy, barbarous, and cruell manner, made hauocke both of men, women and children,* 5.30 albeit (not aboue halfe a yeare before) the Inhabitants on that side had reuolted from their owne Emperour, and turned to them. In which tyrannicall vprore, their custome was, to fill a house full of people, and then (the doores being locked vpon [ 40] them, that none might issue forth) the house was fired about their eares: and oftentimes were yong children taken by the heeles, and cast into the middest of the flames: This inhumane ty∣rannie being practised not onely by the Poles, that were our enemies, but euen by those Russes that were traitors to their owne Emperour, and serued vnder the Poles, and were called Cossakes, whose cruelty farre exceeded the Polish.

The Towne being thus burnt to the earth, all the sixe thousand (which as I said before, fled ouer the Riuer, out of the sconce, and were by vs supposed to be but seuen hundred) came downe in full battalion to the Riuers side with such fiercenesse, as if presently they and their horses would haue swom ouer, to fight with vs, which being perceiued, our poore fiue hundred stood ready to resist them. But whether they feared our numbers to be greater then they were, and [ 50] that wee had some other secret forces, I know not: but away they marched, the selfe same day in which they came downe in that braue••y, not doing any thing of which, wee for our parts, were not much sorry; because if the battailes had ioyned▪ wee knew our selues farre vnable to withstand them. And this was the seruice of the most noate, that wee went vpon.

Two or three other sconces and Townes we tooke from our enemies, they not once daring to resist vs, because they knew nothing of our numbers and force.* 5.31 But the dishonest dealings of our Captaines, made the whole Armie discontent; insomuch, that our Souldiors would of∣tentimes deny to goe forth vpon seruice, because they had beene almost a yeare in the Land, [ 60] and had receiued no more but one Rubble (amounting to the value of ten shillings English.) So that vpon these discontents, fiftie of our men ranne away to the enemy at one time▪ and disco∣uered to them our strength. After which, we durst not be so bold as before we had beene.* 5.32 The fire of a new conspiracie was likewise kindling, but it was perceiued, and quenched with the bloud of the conspirators, of which, the chiefe were hanged. On therefore we went: when

[illustration]

[illustration] map of Muscovy

HONDIVS his Map of Muscouia.

MOSCO¦VIA

we came within fortie leagues of Muscouie, newes was brought, that the enemy had beleaguard seuen thousand Russes that were our friends, and that vnlesse wee forced the siedge to breake [ 40] vp, the seuen thousand Russes would euery man be starued where they lay. This sad report, (albeit we had resolued neuer to goe vpon any more seruice, vntill wee had our pay) so wrought in our hearts, that wee much pittied the miseries of others, because wee our selues had tasted of the like.

Our Generall (whose name was Euer••or••e) was a Fynlander, and with a company of Fynland blades (as they tearme them) well appointed on Horsebacke, was by the King of Sweueland, sent after vs, as our Conuoy, vntill wee should come to Pontus le Guard, who was chiefe Ge∣nerall ouer the whole armie of strangers that came into the Land:* 5.33 so that according as he was sent and charged by the King, hee ouertooke vs before we came to Ario••a. By the intreatie therefore of this Fynlander, and the flattering promises of our owne Captaines, we were con∣tented [ 50] to goe vpon this seruice, and to deliuer the Russes, or to dye our selues in the action. Yet with condition, that (as they promised to vs) we should by the way meete our chiefe Gene∣rall, Pontus le Guard, who with certaine numbers of English, French and Dutch (which the yeare before were come into the Land) was vpon a march out of Muscouy, not onely to meete vs, but to ioyne with vs, and pay vs all our money which remained good to vs; pro∣uided likewise, that so soone as euer wee should release the seuen thousand Russes, our money should be payed downe. On these conditions (I say) wee yeelded to goe vpon the businesse.

* 5.34At length Pontus le Guard met vs (according to the promise) and with him was money brought to pay vs, and his word giuen that presently wee should receiue it. But the lamen∣table [ 60] estate, in which the poore besiedged Russes were (within the sconce) being at the point of death for want of foode, required rather speedy execution, then deliberation▪ so that the necessities of their hard fortunes crauing haste, on wee went, hauing about ninteene or twenty

thousand Russes, that were people of the same Countrey, ioyned to our Armie, to aide them in this enterprize. But as we all were vpon a march, the enemy hauing receiued Intelligence of our approaching, set forward, to the number of eight thousand Lanciers and more, to intercept vs by the way: and being within one dayes march of the place to which wee were likewise go∣ing, they set fire vpon three or foure Villages hard by the place where we lay at Grasse with our Horses, for a token that they were comming.* 5.35 And ••his was done vpon Midsummer day last in the morning, by breake of day. Then came they thundring wich shouts and cries to set vpon vs: but no sooner was the Alarum giuen, when the greatest part of those nineteene or twenty thousand Russes, that were ioyned to vs as our aide,* 5.36 fled most basely before any blow was gi∣uen. This sudden cowardize of theirs somewhat amazed vs: but the houre being now come, [ 10] wherein we were not to talke of dangers, but to goe meete them, with our sixe companies of English horse, we brauely resisted the Polanders, and with great hurt to them, but with little losse vpon our part, charged them three seuerall times.

At last Pontus le Guard (our chiefe Generall) tooke his heeles and fled too,* 5.37 leauing vs vtterly destitute of all direction: which much astonished vs, as not well vnderstanding what to doe: for our greatest strength (being by their slight) taken from vs, none but wee strangers were left in the field, and of vs there was not in all, aboue two thousand, and of that number there were aboue six hundred French horsemen, who seeing both the Generall gone, and the Russes fled,* 5.38 turned their backs vpon vs, and ranne away too most valiantly, yet not out of the field, but to the enemy.

[ 20] Then were wee not aboue twelue or foureteene hundred at the most left to resist eight thou∣sand at the least: vpon whom notwithstanding, our six companies of English horsemen, charged three seuerall times, without any great lo••se, but with much honor: And at the fourth time,* 5.39 for want of powers to second them (which the French should haue done) all our six companies were scattered and ouerthrowne with the losse of few of our colours. The Captaines ouer these sixe Companies of Horse, were these:

Captaine Crale, of whose company I was. Captaine Kendricke, Captaine Benson, Captaine Carre, Captaine Colbron, Captaine Creyton.

Which six Captaines had not in all their companies aboue fiue hundred men. In this battaile, Captaine Creyton was slaine in the field; Captaine Crale was shot in the knee, and within a short [ 30] time after dyed of that wound; not aboue twelue of his companie escaping. Captaine Kendrick was wounded in diuers places of the head, and dyed. Captaine Benson was shot in the hand, and wounded in the head, and yet escaped, and liued: onely Captaine Carre and his Cornet escaped, but all his companie scattered and lost. Diuers other Officers were slaine, whose names I can∣not remember.

Thus were all our English horse-men dispersed and ouerthrowne, to the number of fiue hun∣dred and vpwards. Ou•• Generall Euerhorne with his companies of Finland, or Finsc•• blades, were also put to retrait: so that there was not left in the field aboue sixe or seuen hundred, which were foot-men. And of these, one halfe was English, one halfe Dutch, who kept onely a cer∣taine place by a wood side, barricadoed about with wagons, hauing with them foure field pieces, [ 40] with which they did great spoile to the Enemie. But their number being but few, neither durst they venture on the Enemie, nor durst the Enemie enter vpon them, but kept them still (as it were besieged) in that place onely, because they could no wayes escape. The inconuenience of which cooping vp in so narrow a roome, being looked into, and the dangers on euery side well considered, it was held fittest for safetie, to summon the Enemie to a parley. In which parley, the Enemie offered, that if they would yeeld, and fall to their sides, they should haue good quar∣ter kept. And if any man had desire to goe for his owne Countrie, hee should haue libertie to goe with a Paspor•• from the King of Poland. Or if any would serue the King of Poland, hee should haue the allowance of very good meanes duly paid him. Vpon these compositions they all yeelded, and went to the Enemie; onely Captaine Yorke and his Officers, with some few of [ 50] their Souldiers, went backe into the Countrie, and came not to the Enemie, as the rest had done: who from thence marched vp to the Polish Leaguer, being ten miles distant from the place, and there they continued. But such as desired to trauell to their owne Countries, were sent to the King of Polands Leaguer, which lay at that time at a place called Smolensko, and there accordingly had their Passe, to the number of one hundred, of which number I my selfe was one. What became of the rest I know not: but I with fiue more held together in trauell, vntill we came to Dantzicke, a great Towne in Prussia, being distant from Smolensko one hun∣dred leagues▪

To make an end of this Storie of the Foxe and the Beare, the pretending Demetrius and con∣tending Suiskey; it is reported, that Demetrius seeing these perplexities of Suiskey, raysed a great [ 60] Armie of such Russes as voluntarily * 5.40 fell to him (the Pole hauing now reiected him, except some Voluntaries) and againe laid siege to Mosco; Zolkiewsky for Sigismund, beleagred another part thereof with fortie thousand men, whereof one thousand and fiue hundred were English, Scottish, and French. Suiskey seeing no hope to withstand them, his Empire renouncing him, hee would

seeme to renounce the Empire first, betaking himselfe to a Monasterie. But not the sanctitie of the place,* 5.41 nor sacred name of an Emperour might protect or secure him. The Muscouites yeel∣ded vp their Citie and his Person to the Pole, and the Castle was manned for Sigismund. All ioyne against Demetrius, who betaketh him to his heeles, and by a Tartar (as before is said) was slaine in his campe.* 5.42 Charles King of Sweden dyed Octob. 30. 1611. and Gustanus his sonne suc∣ceeded. Sigismund obtayneth Smolensko also after two yeeres siege and more: in which time the Defendants had held out so resolutely, that the Polish Peeres and States (which in that Kingdom beare great sway) had called the King to their Parliament, the rather in regard of the King of Denmarke warring vpon Sweden (in which warre diuers thousands of our English voluntaries * 5.43 assisted the Dane) but he first desiring to trie his fortune, carried the Citie with two hundred pieces of Ordnance and other rich spoile. Many were slaine, and diuers great persons taken, of [ 10] which was the Archbishop. Many were blowne vp (as was thought) by their owne voluntarie act, by fire cast into the store-house, in which is said to haue beene (if our Author mistake not) fifteene thousand vessels of poulder;* 5.44 whereupon seemed to returne the very Chaos, or in stead thereof a Hell into the World. It is accounted one of the strongest Forts in Christendome, the walls able to beare two Carts meeting in the breadth. It was taken the twelfth of Iuly, 1610.

Suiskey was carried into Poland and there imprisoned in Waringborough Castle, and after the l••sse of libertie and his Empire,* 5.45 exposed to scorne and manifold miseries, hee dyed in a forraine countrie. But before that Tragedie, the Poles are said to haue more then acted others. For when they held him prisoner before his departure from Moscouia, they sent for many Grandes in Suis∣keys [ 20] name, as if he had much desired to see them before his fatall farewell, to take a friendly and honourable leaue of them.* 5.46 They come, are entertayned, and in a priuate place knocked on the head and throwne into the Riuer: and thus was most of the chiefe remayning Nobilitie destroy∣ed. The Poles fortified two of the Forts at Mosco, and burnt two others, as not able to man them. But the Muscouite also there held them besieged till famine forced them to yeeld: the Russians finding there sixtie barrels of pouldred mans flesh (it seemeth of such as had dyed,* 5.47 or were slaine,* 5.48 that their death might giue life to the Suruiuers) a iust, but miserable and tragicall spectacle. We shall conclude this Discourse with giuing you two Letters, the one taken out of a Letter written from Colmogro Sept. 7. (the yeere is not dated) amidst these broiles; the other from Captaine Margaret before mentioned by Thuanus: and after them, for further illustra∣tion [ 30] and profitable vse of this storie, is added part of a Letter of Doctor Halls.

ON Thursday morning came George Brighouse from Mosco, he hath beene three weekes on the way, but by reason of his small staying here, I can learne but small occurrents, which is, still Mosco holdeth out, of late some of the Nobilitie issued out and gaue the Enemie a small skirmish, slue neere foure thousand of them, tooke prisoners one hundred and seuentie, whereof eleuen Polish Gentle∣men gallant men, are almost starued in prison. Sandomirsky * 6.1 is entred the borders with a new supply of Souldiers, the which Demetrie his sonne in Law hath long since expected.

The Crim Tartar is returned from thence into his owne Country, hath taken more then twentie thou∣sand [ 40] prisoners captiues out of Resan and thereabouts: Knez Scopin * 6.2 is two nineties from Yeraslaue, he meanes to march from thence to Mosco, but by Georges speeches he makes no great haste.

Bouginsky that was Secretarie to Demetrie, is still vnder prestaue with an Officer, was almost starued with hunger, but Master Brewster doth daily releeue him to his great comfort.

George Brighouse came Poste by Volodemer: the Princesse, wife to Euan Euanowich, that was eldest sonne to the a 6.3 old Emperour (shee to whom you gaue the good intertainment to) is there at his going vp and comming backe, made very much of him; he dined in her Presence: after dinner sent him a great Present of many dishes and drinkes for your sake, and often remembred you and your great kind∣nesse to her and hers; still remembring T. La. and kept him so a long time in her owne Cell.

There is a great conspiracy still in the Mosco against the Emperour Vasili Euanowich, onely the Muscouites stand with him, and very few of the Nobilitie. Daily there issueth out by force or stealth [ 50] diuers of the Gentrie, most of the Dutch c 6.4, specially the Women are gone out of the Mosco to the Tartar. It is supposed that the Emperour cannot long hold out, and * 6.5 Demetrie Euanowich is reported to bee a very wise Prince.

Captaine MARGARETS Letter to Master MERICK from Hamborough, Ian. 29. * 7.1 1612.

RIght worshipfull Sir, I could not omit this commoditie without commending my seruice to your [ 60] Worship, and also briefly to aduertise you of the State of Mosco, which is not as I could wish. Also I left Master Brewster in good health at my departure: but three dayes after the Towne within the red wall was burnt with certaine fire Bals shot in by the Russes, so that there is but three houses left whole,

the English house also being burnt. Master Brewster is constrained to haue his dwelling in a Seller vn∣der the Palace, without great friends except Misslofsqui. The Generall Cotqueuilsh is arriued there,* 7.2 and left a sufficient number of men to keepe the Castle, and the red Wall, hee himselfe with his Armie is gone towards Resan, and he hath sent with much to doe, and vpon certaine conditions, to the Riuer of Sagia towards the Volga, to bring victuals to maintayne them that are in the Castle besieged of the Mus∣couites. The King of Poland is altogether resolued to goe there in person this summer, and if the Russes haue no forraine helpe, as there is no appearance, no question it will come to passe as I writ last to your Worship, that they will be forced to yeeld. I write briefly to your Worship, because I hope to take my voy∣age to France through England, and there to meet with your Worship; intreating your Worship to ac∣cept [ 10] these few lines as a testimony of the seruice I haue vowed to your Worship, &c. and so I end in haste.

Thus haue we finished foure Acts of this Tragedie: the first, ending with the end of Bealas fa∣mily; the second, with the ruine of that of Boris; the third, with that (whatsoeuer) Deme∣trius; the fourth, with this Suiskey, attended with that shadow or ghost of another Demetrius. Now as I haue seene sometimes the Spectators of Tragedies whiled with discourse of a Chorus, or (as in our vulgar) entertayned with musicke, to remit for a time those bloudie impressions fix∣ed in attentiue mindes▪ so haue we represented Pheod••res Coronation added to the first; Boris his Charter to the English to conclude the second; that of Demetrius to the third, and for this fourth I haue here made bold with a Letter of my worthy friend (so am I bold to call that good Man, zealous Protestant, elegant Writer, industrious Preacher, learned Doctor, and Reuerend [ 20] Deane Doctor Hall▪ a Hall adorned with so rich Arras, and with all the ground, light, life, the All of these, Christian humilitie) which may serue as a Letter of commendation to my intent, as it was intended to another worke, which had it beene publike, might haue preuented the greatest part of this: A worke of Master Samuel Southeby, in Sir Th. Smiths Voyage mentioned, touching those Russian occurrents which he in part saw. As a Traueller he deserueth place here.* 7.3 And howsoeuer I haue neither beene so happy to see the Worke nor the Workman, yet this E∣pistle tells what we haue lost, and my worke easily proclaimes the defect of such a Wardrobe, being (as you see) like a Beggars cloke, all of diuersifyed patches; so much more labour to mee, in both getting and stitching them, though so much lesse satisfaction to thee. Once, as I haue [ 30] placed this long Russian storie in the midst of Marine Discoueries, to refresh the Reader a while on Land: so amidst these tragicall, harsh Relations, I thus seeke to recreate thy wearie spirits with this chat of mine, and after these Minda gates, more really, with this Letter so vsefull to the present subiect, so pleasing in the stile. The whole, and the next following to Buchinski, the Reader may finde in his so oft published Decades of Epistles.

TRauell perfiteth wisedome; and obseruation giues perfection to trauell: without which, a man may please his eyes, not feede his braine; and after much earth measured, shall returne with a weary body, and an empty minde. Home is more safe, more pleasant, but lesse fruitfull of experience: But, to a minde not working and discursiue, all heauens, all earths are alike. And, as the end of trauell is obserua∣tion; so, the end of obseruation is the informing of others: for, what is our knowledge if smothered in [ 40] our selues, so as it is not knowne to more? Such secret delight can content none but an enuious nature. You haue breathed many and cold aires, gone farre, seene much, heard more, obserued all. These two yeares you haue spent in imitation of Nabuchadnezzars seuen; conuersing with such creatures as Paul fought with at Ephesus. Alas! what a face, yea what a backe of a Church haue you seene? what man∣ners? what people? Amongst whom, ignorant Superstition striues with close Atheisme, Treachery with Cruelty, one Deuill with another; while Truth and Vertue doe not so much as giue any challenge of resi∣stance. Returning once to our England after this experience, I imagine you doubted whether you were on Earth, or in Heauen. Now then (if you will heare mee, whom you were wont) as you haue obserued what you haue seene, and written what you haue obserued; so, publish what you haue written: It shall be a gratefull labour, to vs, to Posteritie. I am deceiued, if the ficklenesse of the Russian State, haue not [ 50] yeelded more memorable matter of Historie then any other in our Age, or perhaps many Centuries of our Predecessors. How shall I thinke, but that God sent you thither before these broiles, to bee the witnesse, the Register of so famous mutations? He loues to haue those iust euils which hee doth in one part of the World, knowne to the whole, and those euils, which men doe in the night of their secresie, brought forth into the Theater of the World; that the euill of mens sinne being compared with the euill of his punishment, may iustifie his proceedings, and condemne theirs. Your worke shall thus honour him▪ besides your second seruice, in the benefit of the Church. For, whiles you discourse of the open Tyra••nie of that Russian Nero, Iohn Basilius; the more secret, no lesse bloudy plots of Boris; the ill successe of a stolne Crowne, though set vpon the head of an harmelesse Sonne; the bold attempts and miserable end of a false, yet aspiring [ 60] challenge; the perfidiousnesse of a seruile people, vnworthy of better Gouernours; the misse-carriage of wicked Gouernours, vnworthy of better Subiects; the vniust vsurpations of men, iust (though late) reuenges of God; crueltie rewarded with bloud, wrong claimes with ouerthrow, treachery with bondage; the Reader, with some secret horror, shall draw-in delight, and with delight instruction: Neither kn••w I any Relation whence hee shall take out a more easie Lesson of Iustice, of Loyaltie, of Thanke∣fulnesse.

But aboue all, let the World see and commiserate the hard estate of that worthy and noble Secretarie, Buchinsky. Poore Gentleman! his distresse recalls euer to my thoughts Aesops Storke, taken amongst the Cranes: He now nourishes his haire, vnder the displeasure of a forreigne Prince; At once in du∣rance, and banishment. Hee serued an ill Master; but, with an honest heart, with cleane hands. The Masters iniustice doth no more infect a good Seruant, than the truth of the Seruant can iustifie his ill Master. A bad Worke man may vse a good Instrument: and oft-times a cleane Napkin wipeth a foule mouth. It ioyes me yet to thinke, that his pietie, as it euer held friendship in Heauen, so now it winnes him friends in this our other World: Lo, euen from our Iland vnexpected deliuerance takes a long flight, and blesseth him beyond hope; yea rather, from Heauen, by vs. That God, whom hee serues, will bee knowne to those rude and scarce humane Christians, for a protector of innocence, a fauourer of truth, a [ 10] rewarder of pietie. The mercy of our gracious King, the compassion of an honourable Counsellour, the loue of a true friend, and (which wrought all, and set all on worke) the grace of our good God, shall now lose those bonds, and giue a glad welcome to his libertie, and a willng farell to his distresse. He shall (I hope) liue to acknowledge this; in the meane time, I doe for him. Those Russian Affaires are not more worthy of your Records, than your loue to this frend is worthy of mine. For neither could this large Seâ drowne or quench it, nor time and absence (which are w••nt to breed a lingring consumption of friendship) abate the heate of that affection, which his kindnesse bred, religion nourished. Both rarenesse, and worth shall commend this true loue; which (to say true) hath beene now long out of fashion. Neuer times yeel∣ded more loue; but, not more subtle. For euery man loues himselfe in another, loues the estate in the person: Hope of aduantage is the Load-stone that drawes the yron hearts of men; not vertue, not [ 20] dese••t. No Age affoorded more Parasites, fewer friends: The most are friendly in si••ht▪ seruiceable in expectation, hollow in loue, trustlesse in experience. Yet now, Buchinsky, see and confesse thou h••st found one friend, which hath made thee many, &c.

§. V. Of the miserable estate of Russia after SWISKEYS deportation, their election of the King of Polands Sonne, their Interregnum and popular estate, and chusing at last of the present [ 30] Emperour, with some remarkabe acci∣dents in his time.

THus haue we seene the Russian sinnes vtterly rooting vp so many Russian Imperiall Fa∣milies and persons: the whole Family of Iuan extirpate, that of Boris succeeding, annihilate; two pretending Demetrij and Suiskie extinct: and yet haue wee greater abhominations to shew you. No Tyrant, no Serpent, no Dragon is so exorbitant and prodigious as that which hath many heads▪ and therefore in diuine Visions Monarchies (how euer excessiue and tyrannical) haue beene resembled by simpler and more vniforme beasts, but the [ 40] Deuill in a great red Dragon with seuen heads and ten hornes,* 8.1 and the Beast likewise to which hee gaue his power and his seat and great authoritie, which opened his mouth in blasphemie against God, &c. On which sate the great Whore, the Antichristian Babylon. There was no King in Israel, is both Alpha and Omega, Preface and Conclusion, Diuine Writ to some misery in Israel; as if all Kings and no King, were the Circumference of all the lines proceeding from Mischiefes Centre. And now was Russia a Monster of many heads, that is, a bodie fallen into many pieces. One man possessed of the Wife of that double Demetrius, got to Astracan, there seating himselfe to set vp an vsurped shop of Rule; the Southerne parts chose Prince Vladislaus, Son of K. Sigismund of Po∣land;* 8.2 ••hose of the North thought of other Princes; and at last when neither the Fig-trees sweet∣nesse nor Oliues fatnesse, nor cheering Wine from the Vine could take place in their inconstancie, the [ 50] Brambles conceiued a fire which deuoured the Cedars of Libanus: a popular gouernment happened, or if you will, a Confusion of the multitude bare sway, which killed and murthered euery Great Man, whom any Rascall would accuse to be a friend to the Poles, or to any of the dead Empe∣rours, whom those popular injudicious Iudges fancied not. And now Russia blushed with im∣pudencie, that is with shamelesse sight of the daily effusion and profusion of her best bloud; now euery man was an Actor: and oh had they beene but Actors! too really did they present (not represent) bloudie Tragedies, of which their whole Countrey was becomne the Theatre; the Deuill the Choragus (a Murtherer from the beginning) and the whole World Spectator, stupid with admiration, quaking with horrour of so vncouth a sight!

Now for the ouertures betwixt the Muscouites, and Stanislaus Stanislawich Zolkiewskie, Ge∣nerall [ 60] of the Polakes, touching their Election of Vladislaus Sonne of King Sigismund, and the Articles propounded: also the answere of Prince Vladislaus to the same Articles, Anno 1612. I haue here expressed in Latine as I found them: fearing I should be ouer-tedious to translate them, especially seeing the businesse came not to effect: and the English Articles following of the

Russian Embassage to the King of Poland, doth lay open that and other passages of the Russian Confusions.

Pacta inter Primarium Ducem Exercituum Regni Poloniae, & in∣ter Heroes Moscouiae.

SErenissimi Potentissimi{que} Imperatoris Sigismundi tertij Dei gratia Regis Poloniae, Magni{que} Ducis Lithuaniae, Russ••ae, Prussiae, Samogitiae, Kieuiae, Volhoniae, Podoliae, Po••lachiae, Suecorum, [ 10] Oestonorum, aliorum{que} nec non haereditarij Regis Suecorum, Gottorum, Vandalorum, Finlandiae∣que Principis. Palatinus Kijeuiensis, Primarius Dux Exercituum Regni Poloniae Capitaneus Ro∣hatiuensis, Camaenacensis, Ka••usciensis. Ego Stanislaus Stanislaides Zolkiewsky de Zolkwia, Manifestum facio praes••ntibus pactis, & confirmatis meis literis. Quòd Omnipotentis in Trinitate ado∣randi Dei gratia, & voluntate, tum & benedictione venerabilis Hermogenis, Moscouitarum, totius{que} Russiae Patriarchae, Metropolitarum, Archiepiscoporum, Episcoporum, Archimandrytarum, Humaeno∣rum totius{que} venerabilis Cleri. Et post pacta omnium Heroum, Comitum, Capitaneorum, Primario∣rum Dapiferorum, Aulicorum, Tenutariorum, Aulicorum arcibus Praefectorum, & Decurionum Sclo∣petariorum, necnon quorumnis Moscouiae haeredum, Heroum{que} liberorum, Aduenarum, Mercaturam exercentium, Iaculatorum, velitum Fabrorum tormentariorum, & reliquorum in colarum magni Impe∣rij [ 20] Moscouitarum. Heroes, vtpoie Comes Albertus Iuanouiz Micislawskij, Dux Venceslaus Ven∣cesl••••des Gali••z••ja, Albertus Iuanouiz Seremetij, Dux Venceslaus Mieliechij, & Primarij Depu∣tati Venceslaus Telepnieuij, & Thomas Lugowskij, & vniuersi totius Moscouiae Primates, Ege∣runt, deliberauerunt{que} mecum, de eligendo Imperatore, in Wlodijmi••iense vniuersum{que} Moscouita∣rum Imperium, ac tradiderunt mihi suam confirmatam figillatam{que} obligationem & sacrosanctum viui∣ficum baptisma sicrae Regiae Maiestatis exosculati sunt 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tantum Prim••rij Comites, sed etiam He∣roes, incolentes Aulici, Capitanei, Primarij Dapiferi, Aulici, Cubicularij, Structores, Tenutarij, & Decuriones Sclopetarior••m, om••••s{que} dignitatis homines, Iaculatores, velites, Fabri Tormentarij, varijs{que} statu•• seruiles, & liberi homines Imperij Moscouitici, Hunc s••••modum: Quod venerabilis Hermoge∣nes Moscouiae, & vniuersae Russiae Patriarcha, Metropolitae, Archiepiscopi, Episcopi, Archimandrytae, [ 30] Humaeni singuli & vniuersi venerabiles Heroes, Capitanei, Primarij Dapiferi, Aulici, Cubicularij, Structores, & Decuriones Sclopetariorum, Tenutarij, haeredes Heroum, Aduenae, homines Mercatu∣ram exercentes, Iaculatores, Velites, F••britorimentarij, omnis sortis seruiles, & haereditarij Imperij Moscouitici, constituunt Legatos mittere, at{que} supplicare magno Imperatori, Serenissimo Sigismundo Regi Poloniae, & Serenissimo sacrae eius Maiestatis Regiae filio Vladis••ao Sigismundi, vt Serenissimus Imperator Sigismundus Rex, commisereri eorum velit, constituat{que} Vlodijmitiensis ••otius{que} Imperij Moscouitici Imperatorem Vladislaum Sigismundi sacrae suae Regiae Maiestatis filium. Quod vt fiat, venerabilis Hermogenes totius Moscouiae Patriarcha, Metropolitae, Archiepiscopi, Episcopi, Archi∣mandrytae, Humaeni, totu•• deni{que} venerabilis Clerus, Deum ter optimum maximum rogat, & Impera∣torem Serenissimum Vladislaum Sigismundi filium sacrae Regiae Maiestatis Imperio totius Moscouiae [ 40] co••stitui laeto exoptant animo. Omnes etiam Heroes, Aulici Imperatorij. Capitanei, Primarij Dapife∣ri, Equites▪ Cubicularij, Structores, Decuriones Sclopetariorum, Tenutarij, in arcibus Praefecti, Di∣sp••usatores, liberi Heroum, Aduenae, Mercat••ram exercentes, Iaculatores, velites, Fabri tormentarij, om••••s{que} conditionis seruiles, & liberi incolae Imperij Moscouiae, Serenissimi Imperatoris; filij Serenissimi Regis Po••oniae Vladishi Sigismuntouiz, & posteritatis (si quae ipsius futura) exosculati sunt sacro∣sanctum vi••ificum baptismae, hoc signo indicantes, se cùm ipsi Imperatori, tùm omni ipsius posteritati ae∣ternis temporibus seruituros, omnia{que} prosperima exoptantes, in omnibus non secus vt superioribus haere∣ditarijs màgnis Imperatoribus, & Caesaribus, Magnis item Ducibus vniuersi Imperij Moscouitici, nec vllum malu•••• ipsi, & eius posteritati o••inaturos, machinatu••os, cogitaturos, aut alium quempiam ex Moscouito Imperio, vici••is{que} Imperijs, in Imperatorem Moscouiae, praeter Serenissimum Vladislaum Sigmuntouiz filium▪ Serenissimi Regis Poloniae introductores, adoptaturosue. Quibus verò cum condi∣tionibus [ 50] in Imperatorem Moscouitici Imperij eum sint suscepturi, hac de re Heroes Dux Albertus I∣uanouiz Mscissawskij cum Collegis suis tradidere mihi obligatorium pactum. Ego verò Primarius dux Regni Poloniae, post pactum••st••d in scriptis mihi traditum; de omnibus punctis cum Heroibus certam conclusionem constituimus, & approbanimus. Harum{que} conditionum approbandarum gratia tradidi Heroibus Duci Alberto Iuanouiz cum Collegis eius obligationem, & confirmaui meae manili subscrip∣tione, & sigilli appo••itione, & sacrosanctum vtu••sicum Baptisma exosculatus sum ego Primarius Dux exercituum Regni Poloniae & omnes Primipili, Centuriones sese obligando, pro Magno Imperatore nostro Serenissimo Sigismundo Rege Poloniae▪ ••psinsque filio Serenissimo Vladisl••o, Sigmuntouiz, & pro magnis Imperijs, vniuerso{que} magno Regno Poloniae, Magno{que} Ducatu Lithuaniae, & pro nobis∣metipsis, [ 60] tot••{que} exercitis, qui••st penes sacrosanctam Regiam Maiestatem, & penes me Primarium suum. Eum in modum. Quòd benedictione castissimae Deiparae, & Sanctorum, qui magna miracula in Moscouia praestitere, vtpote Sancti Petri Alexij & Anthonij omnium{que} Sanctorum, Serenissimus Sigismundu Rex noster Poloniae miserebitur Imperij Mosco••itici, & creabit Imperatorem Wldij ni∣••••ensem, omniū{que} magnorum Imperiorum, totius Mu••coviae filium sacrae suae Regiae Maiestaris Vladis∣laum

Sigmuntouiz. Cum veròiam Serenissimus Vladislaus Sigmuntouiz filius Serenissimi Regis Po∣loniae aduenerit ad Arcem Sedis Imperatoriae Moscouiticae, tùm coronabitur in Imperatorem Wlodi••∣miriensem, omnium{que}, totius Moscouiae Imperiorum, ipsi{que} Imperatoria Corona, & Diadema impone∣tur à venerabil•• Hermogene Patriarcha totius Moscouiae, & ab vniuerso venerabili Clero Graecae Re∣ligionis, secundum pristinum morem & dignitatem. Factus verò Serenissimus S.R. Maiestatis fili••s Vladislaus Sigmuntouiz Imperator Moscouiae, Templa Dei in Moscouia per omnes Arces, Vicos, v∣niuersum{que} Imperium Moscouiae repur gabit, & augebit in omnibus ad pristinam consuetudinem, & ab omni incommodo tutabitur, tum Sanctis Dei, & Diuorum imaginibus, & castissimae Deiparae, om∣nibus ossibus Sanctorum, quae magna prodigia in Moscouia faciunt, debitum cultum flexis gen••••us praestare, illa{que} adorare tenebitur. Et Politica, nec non Spirituali vtrius{que} sexus Christianitati, [ 10] omnibus{que} vere Christianis, vt sint verae Christianae legis Graecae Religionis non proh••bebit. Ro∣manae Religionis aliarum{que} diuersarum Sectarum Religionis Templa, aut Synagogas, in Moscouiti∣ci Imperij Arcibus, & pagis, nullibi aedificare debet vt nihilominus in Arce Moscouia praefata, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Romanum Templum esse possit, propter homines Polonos, & Lithuanos, qui penes Imperator••m fi∣lium Serenissimi R. Polo. sunt futuri, ea de re cum sacra R. Maiestate, & venerabili Hermogene Patriarcha Moscouiae, omnibus spiritualibus, tum Heroibus, & Capitaneis collatio instituenda.

Religio autem sacrosancta Graeca nullo in puncto violanda, aut perturbanda, vel alia quaepiam inu∣sitata introducenda est, in id{que} danda opera, vt sancta, vera, Christiana Graeca Religio, suam integrita∣tem, & cultum retineat, iuxta morem antiquum, nec Imperium Moscouiticum, eius{que} incolae veri Chri∣stiani, à Graeca Religione ad Romanam, aut aliam quampiam, vi, se•• robore, & seruitute, alijs{que} his si∣milibus [ 20] modis abducaniur.

Iudaei in vniuersum Moscouiae Imperium causa Mercaturae, aut alterius cuiuspiam rei proficisci n•• permittantur. Venerabilia & ossa Sanctorum, ab Imperatore filio Serenissimi R. Pol. Vladislao Sig∣muntouiz sancta cum veneratione debent venerari. Et venerabilem Hermogenem Patriarcham Moscouiae, Metropolitas, Archiepiscopos, Episcopos, Arch mandrytas, Humaenos, Praesbyteros, Diacono••, & praesentes spirituales, vniuersum{que} Clerum Christianae sacrosanctae Religionis Graecae, debito afficere ho∣nore, in omnibus{que} tutar••, spiritualibus negotijs sese immiscendo, alienas sectas praeter Graecam religionem introducere nullas debet. Quod autem Templis, Monasterijsue non Patrum dicatur, de varijs prouentibus, & qui dabantur antiquorm tempore Imperatorum Moscouiae, vtpotè sacrati panes, legumina, summae pecuniales, & his de varijs reditibus similia: bos prouentus Ecclesiae dicatos, & omnium Imperatorum [ 30] antiquorum Moscouiae, nec Herorum, aut aliorum bominum donationes, siquas Templis, aut Monaste∣rijs Dei dica••erunt, aut dicaturi sunt, adimere debet, nulla secundum antiquum morem constituta vio∣lando. Spirituales, & Regulares status nullo modo infringendo, Dimensarijs omnia pensa spiritualia, & Regularia, quibus antiquitus dabantur ex fisco Imperatorio omnia reddendo, vt solitum fuit, & ex Im∣peratorio Thesauro in Templa & Monasteria, stipem variorum redituum augendo. Heroes, Imperatorij A••lici, Capitanei, Primarij Dapiferi, Cubicularij, & cuiusuis generis Ten••tarij, in omnibus negotijs, in omnibus Imperialibus, Castrensibu••, & terr••stribus causis, in Arcibus Palatini, Capitanei, sine Ten••∣tarij & Telonarij, aut alij cuiusmodi Praefecti, & omnis conditionis homines, vt antiqua retineant Priuilegia prout constitutum est in Moscouitico Imperio, ab antiquis magnis Imperatoribus, in id Se∣renissimus Imperator incumbet seriò

Poloni verò & Lithuani, in Moscouia nullis in terrestribus, forensibus negotijs, aut Arcibus [ 40] Palatinorum, Capitaneorum••e esse debent, nec successiones Praefecturae, aut dignitatis in Arcibus illi•• tribuendae sunt.

Quia autem Poloni, & Lithuani ex vtro{que} Imperio videtur consultum, vt praeficiantur confinibus Arcibus ad absolutum leuamen huius Imperij, ea de re Serenissimus Imperator cum Heroibus collatio∣nem instituet suo tempore.

Iam vero vniuersa Respublica supplex S••renissimum Imperatorem precatur, ne ad executionem per∣ducat hanc conditionem, antequam fuerit hac in parte vtrin{que} deliberatum.

Qui verò Poloni & Lithuani penes Serenissimum Imperatorem Vladislaum Sigmuntouiz sunt fu∣turi, eos non solum honoraturi, sed etiam contentaturi pec••niali numeratione, & promoturi secundum [ 50] vniuscuius{que} merita sumus.

Moscovitici Imperij Heroes, Aulicos, Imperatorios, Capitaneos, Primari••s Dapiferos, Cubi∣cularios, Praefectos, Structores, Tenutarios, Arcium Praefectos Sclopetariorum, omnis{que} ad Aulam Imperatoriam pertinentes homines, & liberos Heroum, Aduenas, Mercatores, Iaculator••s, velites, Fa∣bros tormentarios, & omnis conditiones bellicosos homines, alios{que} haeredes Imperij Moscovitici, Sere∣nissimus Imperator debet habere in dignitate, honore, gratia, & amore, vt fuit antiquitus apud pri∣mos magnos Moscoviae Imperatores; Nec antiquos mores & status qui erant in Imperio Mosco∣viae immutare, vel Moscoviae Ducum, Heroum{que} viduas Aduenis in patria, vel Tenutis ••locar••, aut deprimere.

Tributa pecunialia, stipendia reddere, & haereditates quas aliquis possidebat ad haec vs{que} tempora, is etiamnum, & in posterum possid••r•• debet. [ 60]

Haereditaria bona à nemine abalienare, sed semper omnibus hominibus Moscovitici Imperij proui∣dere perpendendo seruitia eorum, prout aliquis de Republica meritus est.

Aduenis omnibus qui vocati fuerant ex varijs Nationibus, à primis Imperatoribus Moscoviae,

necessarijs prouidere, prout antea solitum fuit: nec stipendia, Tenutas, & possessiones eorum ab ijs abalienare.

Heroibus, Aulicis, Cubicularijs, Dapiferis, & liberis Heroum, omnibus{que} Aulae Imperatoriae in∣seruientibus, Imperatoriam beneuolentiam commonstrare, & salaria debita, secundum antiquum mo∣rem reddere, Serenissimus Imperator tenebitur.

Quod si verò alicui salaria multiplicabuntur, possessiones{que} aut tenutae, supra eius dignitatem, vel contra alicui minuentur, praeter culpam ipsius, ea de re Serenissimus Imperator conferre, & consultare debet cum Heroibus Primarijs: & prout vnanimes decreuerint, id{que} secundum aequitatem, ita sit facturus.

[ 10] Qui vero Aulici, aut liberi Heroum sumunt beneficio Imperatoris, ex Arcibus omnibus stipendiarijs, quibus benefici•• tempore praeteritorum Magnorum Imperatorum Moscoviae ob merita ipsorum dabantur, illis quo{que} iam & stipendia pecunialia, & alimentaria, ex Mandato Imperatoris danda sunt.

In Arce dicta Moscovia, alijs{que} Arcibus, Iudicia exequi debent, & obseruari vt solitum, secun∣dum statuta Moscovitici Imperij. Quod si verò aliqua essent corrigenda, ad corroborationem Iudicio∣rum, conceditur Serenissimo Imperators, sed cum consensu omniam Heroum Vniuersitatis Moscoviae, ita tamen, vt respondeant aequitati.

Magnus autem Imperator Serenissimus Rex Poloniae, Magnus Dux Lithuaniae, eui••s{que} totius Regni Poloni••, Imperia, necnon Magnus Ducatus Lithuaniae, cum Magno Imperatore filio Regis Po∣lon ae [ 20] Vla••islao, Sigmuntoviz, cum omnibus Imperijs Moscoviae, in amicitia, soci••tate, amore, aeter∣nis temporibus inuiolabiliter, nec contra se inuicem exercitus colligere, & bella concitare nullis modis debent.

Quod si autem aliquis hostium tentarit impetus facere in Imperium Moscoviae, siue etiam in Reg∣num Poloniae, & Magnum Ducatum Lithuaniae: contra istiusmodi omnes hostes iunctis viribus in∣surgere vtrum{que} Imperium tenebitur.

Caeterum, in Tartarorum finibus quod si necessum fuerit seruare vtri••s{que} Imperij milites, cum iam coronatus fuerit filius Serenissimi Regis Poloniae, Imperator Imperij Moscovitarum: hac de re, collatio cum Heroibus instituenda, & cum magno Imperatore Serenissimo Sigismundo Rege Poloniae, id{que} de∣center, animo sincero, abs{que} vlla machinatione dāmni alicuius, aut Tyrannidis illationis in homines Mos∣couitici Imperij: honorem, vitam, aut aliud quippiam istiusmodi nemini adimendo, cuiuscun{que} conditio∣nis [ 30] ille fuerit: Aut si in Poloniam, vel Lithuaniam, alia{que} Imperia Moscouitici Imperij homines transmittendo, aut ex Lithuania in locum eorum alicuius alterius generis homines supponendo: Vxores, aut liberos alicuius dolose corrumpendo, vel sobolis procreandae gratia sumendo, & ad exteras Nationes parentes cum liberis transmittendo.

Qui autem ex quocun{que} Imperio istiusmodi facinoris reus, & poena dignus inveniretu••: Is in Impera∣torijs & terrestribus iudicibus prou•• meruit, puniendus est: & decretum per Imperatorem aut Heroes, vel Capitaneos de illo ferendum.

Vxores autem eorum & liberi, fraetres, & qui istud facinus nec perpetrarunt, nec ipsis fuit cognitum, ••ut illud perpetrandum consentiêre. Illi ••edum puniendi, sed secundum aequitatem Priuilegiorum suo∣rum, patrimonia, tenutas, vitam,, aulas, retinere debent.

[ 40] Sin verò reus non possit explorari, nemo tum Iudicio Imperatoris, at Heroum iudicari, puniri, pro∣scribi, vel incarcerari, aut ad alienos transmitti debet: sed vnusquis{que} in suis Tenutis & A••lis conseruari.

Steriles autem, quia ex hac decesserint vita, bona ab illis relicta, vel consanguineis ipsorum, siue cui∣eun{que} ipsi legauerint, tradenda: id tamen non abs{que} mutua collatione, & consilio esse debet.

Porro quoniam tempore praesentis seditionis multi perire, & multos ex Moscovitis prostratos constat à Polonis, & Lithuanis, & contra Polonos & Lithuanos à Moscovitis: istud factum, & nunc, & imposterum, nec commemorandum, nec vlla vindicta vtrin{que} pensandum esse debet.

Qui autem Poloni, & Lithuani Primipoli, Centuriones, alij{que} diuersae sortis homines duxère capti∣uitatem in Imperio Moscoviae, quorum aliqui adhuc in vinculis tenentur, illi ex Moscoviae Imperio red∣dendi, [ 50] sine vlla pecuniali liberatione. Tum quoque vice versa Aulici, liberi Heroum, Iaculatores, Ve∣lites, Fabri tormentarij, omnes{que} seruiles & liberi homines, Aulicorum liberi, Iaculatorum, Fabrorum tormentariorum, Sclopetariorum, & horum similium. Item Matres, Vxores, Liberi, & his similes, ex Imperio Moscovitarum, virilis aut muliebris sexus, in praesentem seruitutem praesente primo Moscovi∣tarum, virilis aut muliebris sexus, in praesentem seruitutem praesente primo Moscouitarum Imperatore Venceslao accepti in Poloniam vel Lithuaniam, illi ab Imperatore Serenissimo Rege Poloniae, restitu∣••••di à minimis ad maximos vs{que} abs{que} pecuniali redemptione. Prouentus Imperatorios ex Aroibus, alijs{que} possessionibus, tum ex tenutis & arendis census, omnes{que} reditus, debet Serenissimus Imperator exigere, vt antea fecere Primi Imperatores, & prioris Magistratus mores, & statuta abs{que} consensu in [ 60] nullis immutare.

Arces, aut Ciuitates, quae bello vastatae, ad eas mittere debet Serenissimus Imperator, & praecipere, vt conscribantur Registra eorum, quae per vastationem periere: vt vicissim sumptis prouentibus al••und••, secundum conscripta registra possint resarciri.

Quorum verò Haereditates, Possessiones, vel Tenutae spoliatae, ijs leuamen dandum, sed non abs{que}

consensu Heroum. Et quae recens vastatae A••ces, illas quamprimum restaurare, confilio mito cum He∣roibus, & Nobilibus.

Mercatores Moscouitici Imperij omnium Ciuitatum, in Polonia, & Lithuania, sic Poloni, Lithua∣ni, in Moscouia, Polonia, Lithuania, merces coemere debent more vsi••ato, vt antea: I st••d tamen ca∣uendum, ne inuicem sibi facessent negotia Mercatores, & alij Christiani in Lithuaniam ex Russia, & ex Lithuania in Russiam, sese transportando cum mercibus Heroes, & Aulici omnes, mancipia debent in seruitute detinere, prout solitum.

In Volda, Dona, & Tekier Arcibus, velites, si illis opus fuerit, seruari debent: do quibus Serenis∣simus Imperator conferre debet cum Heroibus, & Nobilibus, postquam coronabitur.

Arces Moscouitici Imperij, ad Imperatorem pertinentes, tum illae, quae in tenuta•• Polonis, & Li∣thuanis [ 10] traditae sunt, vel quas iam Vor praefatus sub potestatem suam subiecit: Ego Primarius Dux exercituum Regni Poloniae, constitui cum Heroibus Moscouiae, quod Serenissimus Rex Poloniae, Filio sacrae suae Regiae Maiestatis Serenissimo Vladislao Sigmuntouiz, has arces, cum omnibus qu•• sunt vastatae, Moscouitico Imperio restituere debet. Illustres vero Legati Moscouienses, hoc in nego∣tio tractaturi sunt cum sacra Regia Maiestate de sumptibus, & expensis sacr•• Regia Maiestatis in milites expositis, & de persoluendis Polonis, & Lithuanis, sunt quoque consultaturi, quomodo absolu•• possint.

* 8.3Vor autem praefatus, qui sese Caesaridem Moscouitici Imperij, Demetrium Euanouiz appellat: de illo, mihi Primo Duci Regni Poloniae consilium meundum, & omnis cura habenda, vt capi, vel penitus è vita tolli possit. [ 20]

Qui postquam captus, vel occisus fuerit, Ego Primarius Dux Exercituum Regni Poloni••, cum exercitu sacrae Maiestatis à primaria Arce, sedis Imperatoriae, Moscouia praefata discedere ad Arcem Mozaisko, vel vbi fuerit opus, post collationem cum Heroibus institutam, ibi{que} Legatos Moscouiae, & mandatum sacrae Regiae Maiestatis, praestolari tenebor. Quod si nihilominus Vor praefatus contra Im∣peratoriam arcem Moscouiam sic dictam tentauerit insidiari, aut seditiones aliquas excitare; Ego Pri∣marius Dux Regni Poloniae, illum profligare, & armis persequi tenebor.

Dominum vero Sapieza, qui se Vor praefato adiunxit, ab illo & exercitum Polonicum, & Lithua∣nicum abducere; Quod si idem Vor praefatus, ex Moscouia cum Ruthenis disc••sserit, militum autem Polonorum, & Lithuanorum quosdam apud se detinuerit; Ego Primarius Dux Regni Poloniae, cum exercitu sacrae Regiae Maiestatis, vna cum Heroibus Moscouiae, ne sanguicidium imposterum ex∣ordiatur, [ 30] sed Imperium pace publica assecuratum stabiliatur, dabimus operam.

* 8.4Mulier verò, quae cum eodem Vor praefato per Moscouiticum Imperium, cum exercitu passim grassatur, Imperatricem Moscouiae sese ventilando; illi prohibendum, ne eandem se imposterum cogno∣minare, vel quippiam istiusmodi, aut aliquas difficultates, contra Imperium Moscouiticum moliri au∣deat: sed, quamprimum in Poloniam reducenda est. Imperator verò Serenissimus, filius Regis Polo∣niae Vladislaus Sigmuntouiz in omnibus antiquitus, iura sancita, & pacta Magnorum Legatorum Moscouiae, cum Serenissimo Sigismundo Rege Poloniae, & confirmata priuilegia imitari debet.

Ciuitatem & Arcem Smolinsk praefatum quod attinet; Ego Dux Primarius exercituum regni Poloniae supplicabo apud S.R. Maiestatem, vt prohibeat, ne milites in Ciuitate tanta homicidia exer∣ceant, & Arcem spolient. [ 40]

De ba••tismate verò, vt illud Imperator Vladislaus Sigmuntouiz, filius sacrae Regiae Maiestatis suscipiat,* 8.5 & baptizetur in illorum Sacrosancta legis Graecae religione, in illa{que} perseueret, vt & de alijs nonaum contractis actis, & conditionibus, & reliquis circumstantijs antiquitus in Imperio Moscouitico, ad praesentem vs{que} expeditionem bellicam obseruatis: Inter Serenissimos Imperatores & Imperia om∣nium, con••ilium & collatio institui debet, vt amor, & amicitia, vtrin{que} augeri, & conseruari possit. Qua de re, Ego Primarius Dux militiae, cum iam à S.R. Maiestate commissa, & mandata nulla habeam, contuli cum Heroibus, quid ipsis responsi sum daturus: sed primùm cum sacrae Regia Maiestate hoc in negotio, tum etiam cum Serenissimo Imperatore Vladislao Sigmuntouiz filio sacrae Regiae Maiestatis, conferam.

Insuper, Ego Primarius Dux exercituum regni Poloniae, in Arcem Moscouiam praefatam, Po∣lonos, [ 50] Lithuanos, Germanos, & omnis generis bellicosos, qui sunt mecum, & cum Domino Sapieza, abs{que} permissu Heroum, vel ipsa necessitate, intromittere non debeo. In Arcem Moscouiam praefatam, Mercatorum Polonorum, & Lithuanorum, mercium coemendarum gratia, ex omnibus Prouincijs regni Poloniae, cum meis Imperialibus testimonialibus literis, non vltra viginti, vel paulo plures sunt intromittendi: abs{que} literis à me datis testimonialibus, in Arcem Moscouiam praefatam, aut alibi, nemo proficisci debet.

Ob maius verò robur, & confirmationem Pactorum istorum, Ego Primarius regni Poloniae Dux exercituum, Stanislaus Stanislaides, Zolkiewsky de Zolkwia sigillum meum apposui, & manum propriam subscripsi. Sic etiam Domini Primipoli, & Centuriones exercitus, qui tum temporis mihi ad∣erant, ad haec mea scripta nomina sua subscripsere. Datum in Castris, apud Arcem sedis Imperatoriae [ 60] Moscouitici Imperatoris. Anno 1610. Augusti 27. die.

Responsum ad Pacta inter Primarium Ducem Exercituum Regni Poloniae, & He∣roes Moscouiae, Serenissimi Regis Poloniae, & Serenissimi VLA∣DISLAI SIGMVNTOVIS Filij Sacrae Regiae Majestatis.

MAgnus Dei gratia Imperator Vladislaus Sigmuntouiz, Filius Serenissimi Regis Poloniae, Sue∣ciae, &c. Amplissimi Molcouitarum ••mperij vniuerso venerabili Clero, Ministris Dei vi∣gilantissimis, Heroibus, Capitaneis, Liberis Heroum, Aduocatis velitum, Iaculatoribus, & Velitibus, [ 10] Adue••is, Mercatoribus, omnibus seruilibus, & liberis hominibus significamus, Nos quandoquidem v••∣bis Imperatorem totius Imperij Moscouitici, Caesarem, & Magnum Principem Wlodymiriensem, necnon vniuersarum Moscouitici Imperij Prouinciarum coronari petijstis: Nos quo{que} post Legato••um vestrorum supplicationem, pro vobis intercessimus apud Serenissimum Tertium Regem Poloniae, Mag∣num{que} Duc••m Lithuaniae, Dominum parentem nostrum, vt secundum suae sacrae Regia Maiestatis mi∣sericordiam, consuetudinem, vestrae subueniat calamitati, & prout caepit, ad finem vs{que} vos, & totum Moscouiticum Imperium restauret, & pace confirmet: & sanguinem Christianum qui per malos quos∣dam pacis publicae violatores, & periuros effunditur, coerce••t: Serenissimus ita{que} Rex Poloniae, Domi∣nus Parens noster, post vestr••m Legatorum supplicationem, & nostram filij sui intercessionem, Decre∣uit nobiscum filio suo, in Moscouiticum Imperi••m, iter quamprimum suscipere: vt confirmetur Impe∣rium, [ 20] & sanguicidium sanguinis vestri cohibeatur, vobis vero pax, & Pairia, ex integra restituatur. Et vobis venerabili Clero, Heroibus, Incolis, Capitaneis, & vniuersis cuiuscun{que} sortis hominibus, Spi∣ritualibus, & Politicis, istud necessariò sciendum est. Vos autem, qui Serenissimo Regi Poloniae, Do∣mino Parenti nostro, & nobis, ad hoc vs{que} temp••s fidem inuiolatam conseruastis, iam quo{que} ••obis Mag∣nis Imperatoribus vestris officia vestra, & promp••••••udinem animi conseruabitis, aduentum{que} nostrum in Imperium Moscouiticum, cum gaudio in pace expectabitis. Qui verò malâ de nobis opinione, contu∣macia, & seductione Vo•• praefiti, repulsam fecere, ijs ne amplius ••ergiuer sentur, promittendo illis nostram beneuolentiam, & amorem, persuadere debetis, & ad nos Imperatores conuertere, vt sint quo{que} vobiscum vnanimes, Et supremi Cancellarij Exercitus, Serenissimi{que} Regis Poloniae, Domini Parentes nostri, nostris{que} sese ad••••ngant: Et cum supremo Cancellario, de nostris Imperatorijs, & terrestribus negotijs [ 30] consultent, commoda{que} Patriae curent, vt quamprimum possit Imperium Moscouiticum, ad pr••stinum statum reduci, & paci, ac tranquillitati antiquae restitui •• ac nos, do••ec venerimus, laeti praestolentur. Se∣ditiosis, ac male de nobis opinantibus, nullam fidem habeant, nec vllis obediant, qui secundum animi sui praesumptionem falsam, se suam{que} posteritatem Imperatoribus Moscouiticis successuram arbitrantur. Et qui de sacra Regia Maiestate, Domino Parente nostro, nobis{que} metipsis, rumores nefarios, scriptis ad Arcium Praefectos literis sparsere, & disseminarunt, verba{que} dolosè excogitata, inter homines dimisere, & iam disseminant: atque hac tyrannide, & malitia sua, recentes seditiones in Moscouia concitauerunt, quibus multam copiam sanguinis Christiani frustra effundi passi sunt, & totum Imperium diuiserunt, & hac pertinacia, atque malitia sua, Dei ter Opt. Max. castissimae{que} Deipar•• voluntati, necnon Se∣renissimi Sigismundi Dei gratia Regis Poloniae misericordiae, & ipsius beneuolo erga se animo aduer∣santur, [ 40] Nobis{que} Serenissimo Imperatori iuramentum exosculatione vinifici Baptismatis praestitum vio∣lant. Quare quosdam eorum iam etiam propterea Deus Omnipotens, iusto suo iudicio, ex hac vita su∣stulit, & punijt: quosdam verò, eius atrocissima vindicta expectat, nisi à sua contumacia conuersi, apud nos, Magnos Imperatores suos, culpam quamprimum supplices deprecentur. Insuper, omnibus vobis in vniuersum sciendum est, quod ij, qui ad nos Magnos Imperatores suos, & nostram misericordiam, a∣sylum{que} confugerint, ijs secundum magnum affectum nostrum Imperatorium, miserebimur: paenis re∣missis condonabimus omnia, & in tutelam eosdem nostrum recipiemus.

Sacrosanctam quo{que} Religionem vestram Legis Gracae permittimus, earum{que} secundum constitutiones Patrum Sanctorum, tuebimur, in nullo puncto violandam, & immutandam. Et vniuersam vener abi∣lium Patrum, Ministror••m Dei Confessariorum vestrorum Coronam, debito in honore sumus habituri. [ 50] Heroes, Aulicos, & cuiuscun{que} sortis alios deligere, promouere, patriam possessionem, pecunialem, aliam∣que omnem prouisionem, à nemine abalienando: sed suum vnicuique attribuere promittimus, secundum antiquam consuetudinem: & insuper nostra Imperatoria prouisione, vnumquem{que} secundum ipsius digni∣tatem, & merita promouere. Qui autem in malitia, & cont••macia sua perseuerare non cessabunt, ij, Deum Opt. Max. & ••astissiman eius Genitricem, strictissimo illos glad••o punituros certo sciant: & nostrum Imperatorium beneuolum, animum, in iram, & vindictam mutatum experientur. Non vult e∣nim Deus Omnipotens, vt, ob▪ malitiam, & contumaciam Rebellium, innocentium vlterius sanguis ef∣fundatur, Templa Dei spolientur, & gloria sancti Nominis e••us, magis, ac magis deprimatur. Vos omnes, apud animum vestrum diligentius perpendite, & his, qui adhus nobis tergiuer santur renunciate, vt animo mutato, ad veritatis agnitionem redeant, & seditiosos, & pacis publicae diremptores re∣liquant.

[ 60]

Iam vero, ad quas Arces, & Ciuitates, hae literae nostrae peruenerint, Mandamus, vt eorum Capita∣nei, & Tenutarij, omnia ad victum necessaria, & pecuniam colligant, in paratis{que} habeant, ad nostrum aduentum. Interea Exercitus sacrae Regiae Maiestatis, Domini Parentis nostri, nostri{que} proprij, ne vl∣lum detrimentum patiantur, sed vna in fraterno amore, quoad venerimus, viuatis, Et donec Opt. Max.

ex mera gratia sua, nostra{que} Imperatorium cura, & diligentia, toto Imperio Moscouitico fir∣mato, & restaurato, vobis petiri concesserit.

Dabantur Varsourae, Anno Domini 1612. 9. die Martij.

The points of the Embassage of the Russian Messenger sent to his sacred Maiestie, briefly collected.

[ 10]

* 8.6BY what manner their naturall Lords ruled ouer them, they alleaged, to wit, beginning from Bor••k, who was of the bloud of Augustus Caesar, Emperour of Rome, euen vnto the last Lord and Emperour Pheodor Euanowich,* 8.7 in whom their Race ceased.

That Boris Godonoue abiding with Pheodor Euanowich, was created (by his owne force and power) Emperour or Lord: but after a little time, the pleasure of God so working, being thrust∣out of the Imperiall seate, departed this life shamefully, and by violent death, together with his Wife and Children.

* 8.8That Christophorus Otropitij the Rostrige, being of base descent, vnder the Name which he did beare of Emperour, otherwise Demetrij Euanowich, slaine at Owglets, did fraudulently and by de∣ceit (wherewith he deceiued the common people, and others that beleeued them) obtaine the Imperiall Seate by force, without the consent of the Spiritualtie, and all the chiefe Bishops and Lords, and great men of the Kingdome, who durst not withstand the same, seeing the Com∣mons [ 20] to yeeld thereunto.

* 8.9How the excellent Lord Palatin of Sandomire, gaue his daughter in marriage to the Rostrige, and himselfe (many Gentlemen both of the Kingdome of Poland, and great Duchy of Litow, ac∣companying him) came into Moscouia.

* 8.10Then, that Vasili Euanowich Suiskey, with his brethren, and many others associated to this at∣tempt, and stirring vp other great men of the Land, did kill the Rostrige, with many Gentle∣men of Poland, and the great Duchy of Litow, and put the rest into diuers Castles. And himselfe was made Emperour, although he were not elected by all the States. Whereupon many of our sort did not willingly acknowledge him Emperour, and many would not obey him. [ 30]

* 8.11How another named the Wor, did rise vp at Kalusia, and caused himselfe to bee named Deme∣trij, and so accounted. Whereof when many (both Russes and Poles) heard, they assembled vnto him, thinking him to be the true Demetrij: and the Russes did so much the more willingly draw vnto him, because of the murtherers.

* 8.12How others called Wors, did name and call themselues sonnes of the slaine Emperour, as Iuan, Peter, Pheodor, and by many and diuers other names: and vnder the same names, did consume the State, and shead much bloud.

How the Kings sacred Maiestie, comming to S••olensko, sent his Messengers the Lord of Prae∣mislaue,* 8.13 and other noble men, who comming vnto the Campe, the forenamed Wors fled away: but diuers of the Russes came vnto his Maiestie. And taking counsell with the Boiarins, at that [ 40] time remayning with Suiskey in the chiefe Citie, we sent our Messengers to his Maiestie at that time, being at Smolensko, viz. Michael Salticoue, and others, requesting that his Maiestie would grant vs his Sonne to be our Lord.* 8.14

How they were dispatched away, and what answere they brought from his Maiestie, with conditions engrossed, and signed with his hand and seale.

* 8.15How that after the deposing of Suiskey, the noble Lord Generall of the Kingdome, comming into Moscouia, concluded all the said businesses and treaties: and confirmed them with the oath of himselfe, and his fellow Souldiers. And that they after that oath, likewise made their oath for the same. Then, that for the greater defence of the said principall Citie from the Wors, they sent Souldiers into the Citie, and sent also their Messengers from the whole Countrie Fidareta, [ 50] the Metropolitan and Vasili Galichin,* 8.16 with others, vnto the Kings Maiestie, and required an oath in his Maiesties behalfe, of all the seuerall Prouinces.

How that his Maiesties Souldiers dwelled and behaued themselues in this capitall Citie of Mosco, before the troubles began, without iniuring any man, punishing the euill according to their deserts.

How the Boiarins handled other Gentlemen, and principall persons of the Russe Religion, although more inclined vnto them: but especially the Officers and Seruants of the Wors, as also such as had fled ouer.

It followeth, how they often sent word vnto the Citie of Smolensko, and willed them to de∣liuer vp the Citie vnto his Maiestie, to bee vnder his prosperous gouernment and power. As for the secret plots of their Messengers,* 8.17 Galechin and others, they said, they were ignorant, as also [ 60] of some vnknowne practises, handled with the Wor called Halusin. But they said, that they had written very often to the Citie of Smolensko,* 8.18 and commanded them to doe whatsoeuer stood with his Maiesties pleasure, and liked him, without further effusion of bloud.

How also it befell in the chiefe Citie to Lepun, and Sa••usky, and the other Rebels,* 8.19 when they violated their fidelitie.

That they certified his Maiesties Souldiers thereof, and that they, with them, did rise a∣gainst the Rebels, and that euen to this present, they doe keepe, and will keepe their oath once made, and their due obedience vnto their Lord.

And, in that Lepun was punished of God for his treacherie, and departed this life with so shamefull a death, wee thinke it to bee for the good example of others, to reduce them into their former estate, to reuoke others vnto their fidelitie, and for keeping their oath alrea∣die giuen.

Therefore, after many circumstances, they inferred, that they would presently send their [ 10] Messengers to the generall Parliament: but mooued with the perswasion of the honorable Lord Generall, to wit, that his Maiestie would bee contented with their fidelitie once made, and performed vnder oath, and with their griefe for the same cause, and will cheerefully forgiue them: and doth not refuse to giue his Sonne to raigne ouer them. Adding withall, that many Kingdomes, to wit, the Kingdome of Hungarie, the Kingdome of Bohemia, and a great part of Russia, doe earnestly request, that he would receiue them vnder the happy gouernment of his Maiestie: that they might enioy the priuiledges of Poland, and Litow, to which, none in the whole world can be compared.

But, because his Excellent Maiestie, as a Christian Lord, reiecting all other Kingdomes, and Dominions, will graciously receiue vnder his Rule and gouernment the said Dominions, [ 20] and that he is sorry for their destruction: he therefore now admonisheth them, if they will bee vnder his prosperous Rule, and enter into an vnion together with the Kingdome of Poland, and the great Duchy of Litow, and liue friendly with them: if they will performe, and consent there∣vnto, His Excellent Maiestie promiseth to remit their offence, and to receiue them vnder his happy gouernment and authoritie, and refuseth,* 8.20 and by no meanes will alter or change their faith and conscience, or places dedicated vnto God, or builded for deuotion: neither will impose on them any other Religion, or alter their ancient Manners, or Customes, but will bestow on them priuiledges and offices: and that the Rights and Priuiledges, which the Poles, with the great Duchy of Litow doe enioy, shall be conferred on them: and that they shall be equalled with the [ 30] Kingdome and great Duchy of Litow, &c. which iurisdictions and priuiledges, in former times, their Predecessors wanted.

For this perswasion therefore of the honourable Lord Generall, which he had in charge from his Maiestie to make, they yeeld all thankes: but notwithstanding they propound, and plainly adde, that their oath shall be so, that his Maiesties sonne shall succeed in their gouernment, with certaine additions, to wit, that they will haue none other ouer them but onely his Maiesties sonne, and that the whole Land doth make it knowne, and propound their iudgement and sen∣tence, by way of denunciation, that by no meanes, but by offering his Maiesties sonne, these troubles of Moscouia can be extinguished. Adding withall, that at that time, in the first trou∣bles, when the honourable Lord Generall came into the Country of Moscouia, and required the [ 40] oath for the Kings Maiesties sonne: if his Maiestie had made any mention thereof, it is certaine, that the Commons and all the Nobilitie, would not haue consented thereunto by any meanes, and that greater effusion of bloud had risen thereupon: And that they had taken for their Prince Klutzinsky, called the Wor, to whom all were not assembled, who also at that time had a great power of men, as well of Poles, as Russes and Litowes.* 8.21 They therefore seeing the great discord amongst the people, taking counsell, did freely choose for their Lord and Emperour his Excel∣lent Maiesties sonne, vnto whom they had a great affection, and who had a long time before layen in their hearts: assuring themselues also, that by this election of his Maiesties sonne, many troubles and dissentions would be pacified, and so reiected the aforesaid Wor Klutzinsky: As al∣so they receiued into their chiefe Citie the chiefe Generall. But, when it was heard that his Ex∣cellent Maiestie, would by no meanes giue vnto them his sonne for their Lord, and to rule ouer [ 50] them, they fell into such effusion of bloud and insurrections, As also the same time, the whole Country of Moscouia looked and expected nothing else then his Maiesties sonne. Calling to memorie, for their better aduice, that it was to be feared, least whilest his Maiestie came too late with his sonne, diuers parts of the Land should choose vnto themselues seuerall Lords. As to the Southward the Castles Strachen and others, to the King of Persia;* 8.22 part of Pomerland and Si∣beria, to the Kings of Denmarke and England; Nouogrod, Plesco▪ Iuanogrod, and others, to the King of Sweden: and that the other Cities would choose to themselues other Lords separate from the rest. In the meane season, they desire his Excellent Maiestie, to make a speedy end of these warres, according to his Obligation and promise ratified by the oath of the honorable Lord Ge∣nerall, [ 60] and the whole Armie: and that his Maiestie himselfe, with his sonne, would come into Moscouia. They request also, that his Excellent Maiestie would retayne with himselfe and his Sonne, Counsellors, and Messengers of their Commonwealth, for the ordayning and concluding of perpetuall Conditions. They request also, that his Maiestie, in the name of his Sonne, would send vnto all the Inhabitants of the Townes, and write vnto the seuerall Cities, signifying his

comming into their Dominions, and willing, that out of the seuerall Prouinces, all sorts of men send their Messengers, to treate and conclude of the affaires of all sorts of People, and of pe••petuall tranquillitie. Promising after the said Charge and Letters to all people in generall, and notifying from their said Lord, that (by Gods grace) there may bee throughout the whole Land of Moscouia, tranquillitie, peace, and securitie.

To conclude, they pray heartily vnto the Lord God, to grant vnto his Maiestie in this busi∣nesse begun, a prosperous and speedy end.

* 8.23Thus haue wee seene dissolute resolutions, or resolute dissolutenesse, men onely constant in inconstancy, resolued vpon irresolution. As we often see sicke persons turning euery way, and no way eased; in the night time longing for day, and in the day for night; such was now the Russian sicknesse, they would and they would not, and yet would againe, and againe would [ 10] not, they scarsly knew what or why; fluctuating in an inward storme of diuersifyed hopes, feares, desires, distracted affections, no lesse then in that outward broile of State. For it was not long that they looked toward Poland, whether for breach of conditions of that part, or out of inueterate hate to the Pole, or their Nationall iealousie and distrust of Strangers, or a naturall inconstancy; they fell off from that Prince: and their Chancellor (Father to the now raign∣ing Emperour) employed there with others in Embassage) were detayned thereupon priso∣ners. It is also reported that they made secret ouertures to His Maiestie of Great Britaine, and that Sir Iohn Merick and Sir Willam Russel were therein employed: but the strong conuulsions and sharpe agues and agonies of that State could not, or would not endure the lingring of such [ 20] remote p••isicke; the wheele of Things being whirled about before such a Treatie might ad∣mit a passage of Messengers to and fro. Once that Russian Head grew so heady and giddy, that at last it bred innumerable Heads,* 8.24 yea the whole Body became Heads in the worst of tyran∣nies, a popular (gouernment shall I say? or) confusion. Neither were Hydras heads (mon∣strously multiplying two for each cut off) like this: for besides so many Wor's after the first and second Demetrius (which might make vp that comparison) each limbe, nay almost each haire of this Hydra (not the Nobles alone, but the basest which had nothing but themselues, and were nothing but Numbers) became so many prodigious Heads; they also like Pharaohs leane kine deuouring the fat, and vpon light pretences beheading themselues in cutting off the heads and nobler Persons amongst them. [ 30]

* 8.25When they had thus made away almost all the Grandes, and left the South parts to the spoile of the Poles, which once againe were drawing neere to Mosco to besiege it; the Poles also suf∣fered some disaster, their Souldiers mutinying for want of pay, and banding themselues to re∣turne into Poland, there inuaded the Mints and Custome-houses, and some gouernments, de∣tayning them for their pay; sending also threatning Letters to diuers Cities and Townes, for∣ced diuers Nobles and Plebeians to composition. The Turkes and Tartars brake likewise into Walachia, Moldauia and Polonia, so that Zolkiewsky or Sulcosky the Generall was forced to goe against them, of whom he made so great a slaughter, that the Great Turke committed the Po∣lake Embassadour at Constantinople to Ward, and threatned the Poles with inuasion. These mu∣tinous Souldiers continued meane while that and the next yeere to spoile Poland, doing much [ 40] damage to the King and the Bishops, challenging many millions due, as they said, for pay. Yea they passed further into Prussia, and made spoile in euery place, on the eight of Nouember 1613. passing with a great prey to Thorn, being parted into three Bands, the Sapians, the Sbo∣rouians, and Smolenskians. Another companie of them terrified Silesia. The Tartars likewise made impression and committed great spoile in Podolia.

* 8.26Thus an Armie diuided could not conquer, nor so vtterly exterminate Russia as otherwise op∣portunity was offered: the Pole Souldiers being herein like angry Elephants which sometime recoyle vpon their owne troupes and doe more spoyle then the enemy could either haue effected or expected. But whiles the Inuaders were thus inuaded, the Russes were forward to worke those executions on themselues, which their enemies could haue wished to them; till at last a∣wakened with the horrour of their owne euils, some began to thinke of a better course. In the [ 50] North about the Dwina, a bold fellow, a Butcher, rayling at the Nobilities basenesse, and the Officers corruptions,* 8.27 said, if they would choose a good Treasurer and pay Souldiers well, they might haue those which would fight and expell the Poles their Enemies: prouided, that they would first choose a worthy Generall, for which place he recommended to them a poore may∣med Gentleman, called Pozarsky, who had done good seruice, but being neglected, now had re∣tyred himselfe not farre off.* 8.28 The multitude approued the Butchers counsell, and chose Pozars∣ky for their Leader, and that Butcher for a Treasurer, deliuering into his hands what money they had, which he so faithfully disbursed, Pozarsky also discharging so well the trust reposed, that a great Army was gathered, and the siege of Musco thereby raysed. And joyning with Knes Demetry Mastroukswich (a kind of Tartar which commanded an Army of Cossaks in ser∣uice [ 60] of the Russe) they ••ell in consultation with Boris Liciu,* 8.29 the third Great Souldier of that Countrey, vpon choice of an Emperour. Their mindes herein disagreeing (some naming one, some another) some named Mastroukswich himselfe, other for further securitie against the Poles,

and to recompence the sufferings and imprisonment of the Russian Chancellor in Poland, named his young Sonne Micallowich,* 8.30 vnder whose Empire (hauing a good Councell appointed) they might liue happily. This was first approued by the Cossaks, and then by the other Armies, the Butcher also was taken to become a Counsellor, and those three Leaders aforesaid were made Militarie Commanders for the present Emperour against the Poles. Embassadours also were sent to diuers Princes to mediate betwixt them and the Pole, and betwixt them and the Sweden; and by his Majestie of Great Brittaine (whom God long preserue to reigne ouer vs) his counte∣nance and intercession, there hath beene some agreement,* 8.31 and the young Emperour hath setled his Domm••ons in peace, making at last a truce for fourteene yeeres with the Poles, obtayning [ 10] also in that Treatie his Father the Chancellour his libertie and returne out of Poland, who since is consecrated Patriarke of Russia.

His Embassadour to the Emperour came to Lintz in December 1613. and thence was con∣ueighed by the Emperours Officers to the Court, where hee had solemne audience, where after rich presents of Furres and his Letters, he deliuered his speech,* 8.32 that Michael Phedorowich was now by vnanimous consent aduanced to the Russian Empire, and willing to entertayne and con∣tinue the ancient confederacie betwixt both Empires: desiring the Imperiall Majestie to dehort the Pole from his vniust attempts, to deliuer the Russe Captiues, and not againe to infest the reco∣uered Musco, but to enter into peace, and abstayne from Christian bloudshed. Likewise to send an Embassadour to his Court, &c. This mediation Caesar promised, and gaue the Embassadour [ 20] liberall entertainment, and gentle dispatch.

Not long after in May 1614. the Russian Embassadour had audience with the States of the Vnited Prouinces at Hage; and before that in England. I was present both at his arriuall at Grauesend, and his honourable entertaynment into London, and saw him also presently after the running at Tilt and White-hall, the foure and twentieth of March, admitted to his Maie∣sties presence, performing that Russian Rite of bowing with his face downe to or neere the ground, &c.

Anno 1615. The Turkish Embassador treated with the Caesarean Majestie about the mediati∣on betwixt the Pole and the Muscouite, who employed to that purpose Erasmus Heidel and the Baron of Dohn. The Pole notwithstanding sent an Army in his Sonnes challenge (who was [ 30] shortly to follow to Smolensko) into Muscouia; Pontus Tellagard the Sweden Commander infe∣sting also the Russians at the same time. But the next yeere 1616. Sir Iohn Merike Knight,* 8.33 a man of great experience in those Northerne parts, was employed his Majesties Embassadour to negotiate betwixt those two Great Princes, the Moscouite and the Sweden, the Articles of whose composition I obtayned by the mediation of Sir Thomas Smith (my ancient Benefactor in this kind) and haue here communicated to thee, but in another Chapiter as being now past our Tra∣gicke Thunders: as also the following Russe-China Newes, that you may see not only the face of Russia washed from her bloudy pollutions, but her hands further then euer extended (fortunate in treaty of Commerce) as far as China: likewise the Russe Patent to the English. Sweet is the name of Peace, and the thing it selfe a Heauen vpon Earth. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMA∣KERS [ 40] (His Maiesties word else-where, here his deed) for they shall be called (said the only begot∣ten Son) the Children of God; euen the God of peace will make them his heires of Heauen, which (models of Deity) seeke to establish the peace of God vpon Earth. And let it not seeme tedious here to present these His Majesties Trauels, amongst our other Trauellers, but in a more glorious manner (l••ker to God vnmoueable which moueth all things) who hath not only been our Sunne, and with lightsome heate and influence filled our Brittish Hemisphere, but hath dispersed his bright rayes of Light, and warmed with sweet quickning beames of heat, those remoter frozen Climates of Sweden and Russia, (not to mention, or but to mention the quarrels of Denmarke and Sweden) and after their long frostie Night (such is the nature, such was the state of those States) to reduce the faire day-light of Peace, the warmth whereof hath thawed the Icie hardned hearts [ 50] of Enmity, and filled all things with sweets, and cheere of a returning Spring. Nulla salus bello, pacem te poscimus omnes.

[ 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.
• * 1.41

  Tedious Title▪
• * 1.42

  Strange re∣quest.
• * 1.43

  His audience.
• * 1.44

  P. Basman.
• * 1.45

  Emperours glorie.
• * 1.46

  Princes splen∣dour.
• * 1.47

  Pollaxes.
• * 1.48

  Counsell and Nobilitie.
• * 1.49

  Plate.
• * 1.50

  Dining room••
• * 1.51

  Change of Rayment.
• * 1.52

  Two hundred Nobles guests.
• * 1.53

  Three hun∣dred noble Seruitors.
• * 1.54

  Garlike and Onions. Drinkes. Meads.
• * 1.55

  Memory of Q. Elizabeth.
• * 1.56

  Gifts.
• * 1.57

  Newes of De∣metrius▪
• * 1.58

  Princes pomp.
• * 1.59

  Peter Basman.
• * 1.60

  Oucsinia the Princesse.
• * 1.61

  Second au∣dience.
• * 1.62

  Citizens Soul∣diers.
• * 1.63

  Golden Seale.
• * 1.64

  Great dinner.
• * 1.65

  Ambassadors departure.
• * 1.66

  Sled-passage.
• * 1.67

  Emperor Bori•• his death.
• * 1.68

  New christe∣ned.
• * 1.69

  Emperors per∣son.
• * 1.70

  His respect to his sonne.
• * 1.71

  Because he had done more for him, then might lawfully be comman∣ded.
• * 1.72

  Peter Basman sent against Demetrius, re∣uolteth.
• * 1.73

  Tumult of the Commons.
• * 1.74

  Demetrius his Letter.
• * 1.75

  Thus he•• but others ascribe this murther to Demetrius his command, and this selfe-murther was pretended to auoid enuy of the fact.

  Death of Mo∣ther & Sonne.
• * 2.1

  Emperor Boris his Mosco Pa∣tent translated whiles Sir Th. Smith was there.
• * 2.2

  Lot Law.
• * 2.3

  Thu. li. 135.
• * 2.4

  The Iesuites first authors, or f••ut••rs at least of this Deme∣trius.
• * 2.5

  Sigismunds fa∣the•• Iohn was impri••oned by King Ericus 1564.
• * 2.6

  Cossaks.
• * 2.7

  Zerniga.
• * 2.8

  Putinna yeel∣ded.
• * 2.9

  The Palatine defeated.
• * 2.10

  Cistercians and Ie••uits.
• * 2.11

  Demetrius his confi••ent Prayer.
• * 2.12

  Demetrius his victorie.
• * 2.13

  Bialogrod.
• * 2.14

  Leptina. Seueria yeelds.
• * 2.15

  Boris dyeth. Some say, that hee had vsed with Aqua vitae to poyson o∣thers.

  Neque enim lex iustio•• vlla est, quam necis ar∣tifices arte pe∣rire sua.
• * 2.16

  Some say of 60000. men.
• * 2.17

  Basman yeel∣deth.
• * 2.18

  Demetrius com∣meth to Mosco, his pompous entrance.
• * 2.19

  Poles aduan∣ced.
• * 2.20

  Clemencie to Suiskey.
• * 2.21

  Respect to his Mother.
• * 2.22

  Iesuits.
• * 2.23

  Emb••ssage ••o Poland.
• * 3.1

  Promise of Ro∣mish Religion.
• * 3.2

  Demetrius his Marriage.
• * 3.3

  Both crowned.
• * 3.4

  Conspiracie.
• * 3.5

  I suppose this should bee Gilbert: for one Captayne Gil∣bert I haue of∣ten he••rd of in that place of seruice, which writ also commentaries o•• these af∣faires which I haue much sought to little purpose in our Merchants hands.
• * 3.6

  Bloudie day.
• * 3.7

  P. Basman slain.
• * 3.8

  Demetrius ta∣ken and slaine.
• * 3.9

  Con••umelious vsage.
• * 3.10

  Poles slaine.
• * 3.11

  The Queene.
• * 3.12

  Merchants spoyled.
• * 3.13

  Russes slaine.
• * 3.14

  Suiskeys speech.
• * 3.15

  He is chosen Emperour.
• * 3.16

  The Deuill is often slande∣red: and by ill willers, bad is made worse. And so per∣haps by Suis∣keys faction was this Deme∣trius.
• * 3.17

  The former part of this in∣telligence I found in Ma∣ster Hackluyts Papers; the la∣ter by confe∣rence, &c. Son o•• Gregory Peu∣poloy. See Suis∣keys Letter fol∣lowing.

  Occasion of ambition. Boris ill go∣uernment.
• * 3.18

  Demetrius Em∣perour.
• * 3.19

  He is slaine.
• * 3.20

  Suiskey Empe∣rour.
• * 3.21

  This might be rumoured: Others say hee was not of that but of very no∣ble bloud. See sup. in Fletcher and Thuanus. Demetrius his person descri∣bed.

  Some say that he was not like Demetrius and that he seemed a dozen yeeres elder: but perhaps they mistake this for an other after Pretender, calling himselfe the same Demetrius, &c. as after shall appeare, a deformed man.
• * 3.22

  Captayne Gil∣bert. Buchenskoy.
• * 3.23

  Stones rare a∣bout Mosco.
• * 3.24

  Captaine Gil∣berts report of a Vision.
• * 3.25

  Another man∣ner of his death repor∣ted. Coluga.
• * 3.26

  I find him cal∣led Shoskey, Suiskey, Ziska, &c. the iust translation and pronuncia••ion being hard.
• * 4.1

  League with the Pole.
• * 4.2

  He taxeth the King of Poland. Allegations a∣gainst the pre∣tending De∣metrius.
• * 4.3

  A Frier. A Clearke.
• * 4.4

  Magician.
• * 4.5

  Greeke Church
• * 4.6

  Flight to Letto.
• m 4.7

  George.
• * 4.8

  Demetry of Owglits. His murther.
• * 4.9

  Buriall.
• * 4.10

  Letters to Po∣land.
• * 4.11

  Polish aides.
• * 4.12

  Smeernoy sent.
• * 4.13

  Crim Tartar.
• * 4.14

  Another Mes∣senger.
• * 4.15

  Mutation of Religion.
• * 4.16

  Romish Religi∣on and Iesuites
• * 4.17

  Large Empire of Russia.
• * 4.18

  See before.
• * 4.19

  Popes Letter.
• * 4.20

  Slaine & burnt.
• * 4.21

  Election of Swisky.
• * 4.22

  Miracles.
• * 4.23

  Sir Iohn Mer∣ricke.

  New Parent.
• * 4.24

  1606.
• * 4.25

  Thu. l. 135.
• * 4.26

  Polish insolen∣cies.
• * 4.27

  Choosing by lot.
• * 4.28

  Suiskeys vices.
• * 4.29

  The like is told of K. Edward the fourth▪ that vpon predicti∣on of one to succeed, whose name began with G, he put to death George Duke of Cla∣rence his bro∣ther, and yet Gloster succee∣ded.

  A printed book 1614. tels of a great man, na∣med Tragus, which betraied by one Glasco was arrayned, and to preuent the furie of Suiskey stabbed himselfe, &c. Cap. Gilbert.
• * 4.30

  Thuan tels that fourteene horses were missing in the Kings stable on the massacre day, and hence was occasio∣ned a suspicion of escape, &c.
• * 4.31

  A strange Iug∣gler.
• * 4.32

  English aide.
• * 4.33

  Sweden Title.
• * 4.34

  Forraine aides to the Russes.
• * 5.1

  1200. Souldiers shipped from England.
• * 5.2

  Colonel Cal∣uine.
• * 5.3

  A tempest.
• * 5.4

  Another tem∣pest of the mu∣tinous vulgar.
• * 5.5

  They land in P••tland.
• * 5.6

  Fish cheape.
• * 5.7

  Ignorant Bores.
• * 5.8

  Iealousie of th•• people.
• * 5.9

  Griffin a base coward and traitor to his fellowes.
• * 5.10

  A wise Gouer∣nour.
• * 5.11

  Two Ships.
• * 5.12

  Hard vsage.
• * 5.13

  Effects of drunkennesse▪
• * 5.14

  Cruell cowar∣dise and base iealousie.
• * 5.15

  King of Den∣marks bounty▪
• * 5.16

  Elzinore.
• * 5.17

  Stockholme.
• * 5.18

  Misery after misery.
• * 5.19

  Captaines cozenage.
• * 5.20

  Finland.
• * 5.21

  Dispersing.
• * 5.22

  Distresse by Frost.
• * 5.23

  Their misera∣ble march into Russia.
• * 5.24

  Want of meate and of Water.
• * 5.25

  Russians runne away.
• * 5.26

  Nouogrod.
• * 5.27

  Polake ene∣mies.
• * 5.28

  They fled.
• * 5.29

  Sconce taken with store of Armes.
• * 5.30

  Poles cruelties most execrabl••
• * 5.31

  Caytiffe Cap∣taines.
• * 5.32

  Fugitiues.
• * 5.33

  Pontus le Guard
• * 5.34

  They meet.
• * 5.35

  An. 1610.
• * 5.36

  Base Russe flight.
• * 5.37

  P. le Guard fleeth.
• * 5.38

  French flee.
• * 5.39

  English honour.
• * 5.40

  Some say he had 100000. which is sca••sly credible.
• * 5.41

  Mosco yeelded.
• * 5.42

  Second Deme∣trius slaine.
• * 5.43

  Vnder the Lord Will••ugh∣by Gen. Sir Iohn Poole, &c.
• * 5.44

  A. Iansonius, quindecies m••lle vasorum pul sul.
• * 5.45

  Suiskeys impri∣sonment and death.
• * 5.46

  Po••ish crueltie.
• * 5.47

  Their reward.
• * 5.48

  Eaters of mans flesh forced to eate mans fl••sh.
• * 6.1

  The Polish Va••u••d whose daughter mar∣ried Demetrie that was slaine; who now had recouered li∣bertie.

  Russia ••poyled by Tartars.
• * 6.2

  The Polish Vaiu••d whose daughter mar∣ried Demetrie that was slaine; who now had recouered li∣bertie.

  Russia ••poyled by Tartars.
• a 6.3

  Generall of the forces of Suiskey in the field.

  A Dane borne, see Doct. Halls Epistles. Euan Vasilo∣wi••h.

  Suiskey now raigning.

  Tho••e of the Citie ••n••ly.
• c 6.4

  Lie••••••nders that inhabit there.
• * 6.5

  The second Demetrius, which was soone after slaine by a Tartar.
• * 7.1

  161••. in En∣glish account. The Poles in Mosco ••esieged by the Russes.
• * 7.2

  English house burnt▪
• * 7.3

  Master S••. Southeby.
• * 8.1

  Dan. 2. & 7. & 8 Ap. 12.3. & 13.1, 2. & 17.1. Iud. 17.6. & 18.1. & 19.1. & 21.25.
• * 8.2

  Iud. 9. Popular go∣u••••nment in Russia.
• * 8.3

  Demetrius supposititius secundus.
• * 8.4

  Demetrij primi 〈…〉〈…〉. Pala∣••••••filia.
• * 8.5

  De Baptismo repetendo.
• * 8.6

  Ru••eck.
• * 8.7

  Pheodor Euano∣wich. Boris Godonoue.
• * 8.8

  Gregorij Eutro∣pio, Rostrige. Demetrij Eua∣nowich. Primates.
• * 8.9

  Lord Palatin of Sandomire.
• * 8.10

  Vasili Euano∣wich Suiskey.
• * 8.11

  The Wor. Coluga.
• * 8.12

  Other Wors, or pretenders, I∣uan, Peter, Pheodor.
• * 8.13

  The King of Poland.

  The Lord of Praemislaue.
• * 8.14

  Michael Salti∣coue.
• * 8.15

  The Articles are before in Latin.
• * 8.16

  Vasili Galichin.
• * 8.17

  Galechin.
• * 8.18

  Halusia a Wor or Pretender.
• * 8.19

  Lepun. Saruski.
• * 8.20

  The King as∣sents.
• * 8.21

  Klutzinsky a Wor or Preten∣der, acknow∣ledged Empe∣rour.
• * 8.22

  Astracan. Lapland••
• * 8.23

  Russian incon∣stancy.
• * 8.24

  Many-headed body.
• * 8.25

  Ianson. A. 1612.
• * 8.26

  Gods proui∣dence permits not the vtter ruine of Russia.
• * 8.27

  Strange altera∣tion of affaires by a Butcher.
• * 8.28

  Pozarsky cho∣sen Generall, and a Butcher Treasurer.
• * 8.29

  Boris Liciu.
• * 8.30

  Micalowich Son to the Chancellor chosen.
• * 8.31

  Our Kings me∣diation.

  His Fathers returne and Patriarkship.
• * 8.32

  Ianson.
• * 8.33

  Sir I. Merikes negotiation. Sir Dudley Digs was also sent Embassador in a troublesome time, when he could not with safetie passe vp to Mosco for the enemie, in the first times of Micalowich.