CHAP. XI. The relation of GALEOTTO PERERA, a Gentleman of good credit, that lay Prisoner in China.

THis Land of China is parted into thirteene * Shires, which sometimes were each one a Kingdome by it selfe, but these many yeeres they haue beene all subiect vnto one King.

The King maketh alwayes his abode in the great Citie Pachin, as much to say [ 10] in our language (as by the name thereof I am aduertised,) the * Towne of the Kingdome. This Kingdome is so large, that vnder fiue moneths you are not a∣ble to trauell from the Townes by the Sea side, to the Court and backe againe, no not vnder three moneths in Poste at your vrgent businesse. The Post-horses in this Countrey are little of bodie, but swift of foote. Many doe trauell the greater part of this iourney by water in certaine light Barkes, for the multitude of Riuers, commodious for passage from one Citie to another.

The King, notwithstanding the hugenesse of his Kingdome, hath such a care thereof, that eue∣rie Moone (by the Moones they reckon their moneths) he is aduertised fully of whatsoeuer thing happeneth therein. Before that wee doe come to Cinceo, we haue to passe through many places, and some of great importance. For this Countrey is so well inhabited neere the Sea side, that [ 20] you cannot goe one myle but you shall see some Towne, Borough, or Hostrie, the which are so a∣bundantly prouided of all things, that in the Cities and Townes they liue ciuilly. Neuerthelesse, such as dwell abroad are very poore, for the multitude of them euery where so great, that out of a Tree you shall see many times swarme a number of Children, where a man would not haue thought to haue found any one at all.

From these places in number infinite, you shall come vnto two Cities very populous, and be∣ing compared with Cinceo, not possibly to bee discerned which is the greater of them. These Cities are as well walled as any Cities in all the world. As you come into either of them, stan∣deth so great and mightie a Bridge, that the like thereof I haue neuer seene in Portugall, nor else [ 30] where. I heard one of my fellowes say, that he told in one Bridge fortie Arches. The occasion wherefore these Bridges are made so great, is for that the Country is toward the Sea very plaine and low, and ouerwhelmed euer as the Sea-water encreaseth. The breadth of the Bridges, al∣though it be well proportioned vnto the length thereof, yet are they equally built, no higher in the middle than at either end, in such wise that you may directly see from the one end to the o∣ther, the sides are wonderfully well engraued after the manner of Rome workes.* But that wee did most maruell at, was therewithall the hugenesse of the stones, the like whereof, as we came in∣to the City, we did see many set vp in places dishabited by the way, to no small charges of theirs, howbeit to little purpose, whereas no body seeth them but such as do come by. The Arches are not made after our fashion, vaulted with sundry stones set together: but paued, as it were, whole stones [ 40] reaching from one Pillar to another, in such wise that they lie both for the Arches heads, & gal∣lantly serue also for the high-way. I haue been astonied to behold the hugenesse of these aforesaid stones, some of them are twelue paces long and vpward, the least eleuen good paces long, and an halfe. The wayes each where are gallantly paued with foure-square Stone, except it be where for want of Stone they vse to lay Bricke: in this voyage we trauelled ouer certaine Hills,* where the wayes were pitched, and in many places no worse paued than in the plaine ground.

The Countrey is so well inhabited, that no one foot of ground is left vntilled:* small store of cattell haue we seene this way, we saw onely certaine Oxen wherewithall the countrey-men doe plough their ground. One Oxe draweth the Plough alone, not onely in this Shire, but in o∣ther places also, wherein is greater store of cattell. These countrey-men by art doe that in til∣lage, which we are constrained to doe by force. Here be sold the voydings of Close-stooles, al∣though [ 50] there wanteth not the dung of beasts: and the excrements of man are good marchan∣dise throughout all China. The Dung-fermers seeke in euery street by exchange to buy their dur∣tie ware for Hearbs and Wood. The custome is very good for keeping the Citie cleane. There is great abundance of Hennes, Geese, Duckes, Swine, and Goates, Wethers haue they none: the Hennes are sold by weight, and so are all other things. Two pound of Hennes flesh, Goose, or Ducke, is worth two Foi of their money, that is, three halfe pence. Swines flesh is sold at a peny the pound. Beefe beareth the same price, for the scarcitie thereof, howbeit Northward from Fuquico, and further from the Sea coast, there is Beefe more plentie, and sold better cheape, Beefe onely excepted, great aboundance of all these Viands wee haue had in all the Cities wee passed [ 60] through. And if this Countrey were like vnto India, the Inhabitants whereof eate neither Hen, Beefe, nor Porke, but keepe that onely for the Portugals and Moores, they would bee sold here for nothing. But it so falling out that the Chineans are the greatest eaters in all the world, they doe feed vpon all things, specially vpon Porke, the fatter that is vnto them, the lesse lothsome. The highest price of these things aforesaid, I haue set downe, better cheape shall you sometimes Page  200 buy them for the great plentie thereof in this Countrey. Frogs are sold at the same price that is made of Hennes, and are good meat amongst them, as also Dogs, Cats, Rats, Snakes, and all other vncleane meates.

*The Cities be very gallant, specially neere vnto the Gates, the which are maruellously great, and couered with Iron. The Gate-houses built on high with Towers, the lower part thereof is made of Bricke and Stone, proportionally with the walls, from the walls vpward, the building is of Timber, and many stories in it one aboue the other. The strength of their Townes is in the mightie Walls and Ditches;* Artillery haue they none. The streets in Cinceo, and in all the rest of the Cities wee haue seene are very faire, so large and so straight that it is wonderfull to be∣hold. Their houses are built with Timber, the foundations onely excepted, the which are laid with Stone, in each side of the streets are painteses, 〈◊〉 continuall Porches for the Marchants to [ 10] walke vnder: the breadth of the street is neuerthelesse such, that in them fifteene men may ride commodiously side by side. As they ride they must needes passe vnder many high Arches of tri∣umph,* that crosse ouer the streets made of Timber, and carued diuersly, couered with Tile of fine Clay: vnder these arches the Mercers do vtter their smaller wares, and such as lift to stand there are defenced from raine, and the heat of the Sunne. The greater Gentlemen haue these Arches at their doores: although some of them be not so mightily built as the rest.

I shall haue occasion to speake of a certaine order of Gentlemen, that are called Loutea, I will first therefore expound what this word signifieth.* Loutea, is as much to say in our language as Sir, and when any of them calleth his name, he answereth, Sir. The manner how Gentlemen are created Louteas, & do come to that honour and title, is by giuing a broad Girdle not like to the [ 20] rest, and a Cap, at the commandement of the King. The name Loutea is more generall and com∣mon vnto moe, than equalitie of honour thereby signified, agreeth withall. Such Louteas that doe serue their Prince in weightie matters for iustice, are created after triall made of their lear∣ning: but the other which serue in smaller affaires, as Capitaines, Constables, Sergeants by Land and Sea, Receiuers, and such like, whereof there be in euery Citie, as also in this, very many are made for fauour: the chiefe Louteas are serued kneeling.

The whole Prouince China is diuided, as I haue said, into thirteene Shires, in euery Shire at the least is one Gouernour,* called there Tutan, in some Shires there be two. Chiefe in office next vn∣to them be certaine other named Chians, that is, high Commissioners, as you would say, or Visi∣ters, with full authoritie in such wise, that they doe call vnto an account the Tutanes themselues, [ 30] but their authoritie lasteth not in any Shire longer than one yeere. Neuerthelesse, in euery Shire, being at the least seuen Cities, yea, in some of them fifteene or sixteene, besides other Boroughs and Townes, not well to be numbred, these Visiters where they come, are so honoured and fea∣red, as though they were some great Princes. At the yeeres end their circuit done, they come vnto that City which is chiefe of others in the Shire, to doe Iustice there: finally, busying them∣selues in the searching out of such as are to receiue the order of Louteas, whereof more shall be said in another place.

Ouer and besides these officers in the chiefe Citie of each one of these aforesaid thirteene Pro∣uinces, is resident one Ponchiassi,* Captaine thereof, and Treasurer of all the Kings reuenues. This Magistrate maketh his abode in one of the foure greatest houses that be in all these head Cities. [ 40] In the second great house dwelleth another Magistrate,* called Anchiassi, a great officer also, for he hath dealings in all matters of Iustice. Tuzi, another officer so called, lieth in the third house, a Ma∣gistrate of importance, specially in things belonging vnto warfare, for thereof hath hee charge. There is resident in the fourth house a fourth Officer,* bearing name Taissu. In this house is the principall prison of all the Citie. Each one of these Magistrates aforesaid may both lay euill doers in prison,* and deliuer them out againe, except the fact bee heynous and of importance: in such a case they can doe nothing, except they doe meet altogether. And if the deed deserue death, all they together cannot determine thereof, without recourse made vnto the Chian wheresoeuer he be, or to the Tutan: and eftsoones it falleth out, that the case be referred vnto higher power. [ 50]

In all Cities, not onely chiefe in each Shire, but in the rest also are meanes found to make Louteas.* Many of them doe studie at the Prince his charges, wherefore at the yeeres end they resort vnto the head Cities, whither the Chians doe come, as it hath beene earst said, as well to giue these degrees, as to sit in iudgement ouer the prisoners.

The Chians goe in circuit euery yeere, but such as are to be chosen to the greatest off•ces, meet not but from three yeeres to three yeeres, and that in certain large halls appointed for them to be examined in. Many things are asked them, whereunto if they doe answere accordingly, and be found sufficient to take their degree, the Chian by and by granteth it them: but the Cap and Girdle whereby they are knowne to the Louteas, they weare not before that they bee confirmed by the King. Their examination done, and triall made of them, such as haue taken their degree [ 60] wont to be giuen them with all Ceremonies, vse to banquet and feast many daies together (as the Chineans fashion is to end all their pleasures with eating and drinking) and so remaine cho∣sen to doe the King seruice in matters of learning. The other examinates found insufficient to proceed, are sent backe to their studie againe. Whose ignorance is perceiued to come of negli∣gence Page  201 and default, such a one is whipped, and sometimes sent to prison, where wee lying that yeere when this kinde of Act was, wee found many thus punished, and demanding the cause thereof, they said it was for that they knew not how to answere vnto certaine things asked them.

It is a world to see how these Louteas are serued and feared, in such wise,* that in publike as∣semblies at one shrike they giue, all the seruitors belonging vnto Iustice, tremble thereat. At their being in these places, when they lift to moue, be it but euen to the gate, these Seruitors doe take them vp, and carry them in seats of beaten Gold. After this sort are they borne when they goe in the Citie, either for their owne businesse abroad, or to see each other at home. For the dig∣nitie [ 10] they haue, and office they doe beare, they be all accompanied: the very meanest of them all that goeth in these seats is vshered by two men at the least, that cry vnto the people to giue place, howbeit they need it not, for that reuerence the common people hath vnto them. They haue also in their company certaine Sergeants, with their Maces, either siluered, or altogether Siluer, some two, some foure, other six, other eight, conueniently for each one his degree. The more principall and chiefe Louteas haue going orderly before these Sergeants, many other with Staues, and a great many Catch-poles with Rods of Indian Canes dragged to the ground, so that the streets being paued, you may here a farre off, as well the noise of the Rods, as the voyce of the cryers. These fellowes serue also to apprehend others, and the better to be knowne, they weare liuerie-red Girdles, and in their Caps Pecocks Feathers. Behinde these Louteas come [ 20] such as doe beare certaine Tables hanged at staues ends, wherein is written in Siluer letters the name, degree, and office of that Loutea, whom they follow. In like manner they haue borne af∣ter them Hats agreeable vnto their titles: if the Loutea bee meane, then hath be brought after him but one Hat, and that may not be yellow: but if hee be of better sort, then may hee haue two, three, or foure: the principall and chiefe Louteas, may haue all their Hats yellow, the which among them is accounted great honour. The Loutea for warres, although hee bee but meane, may notwithstanding haue yellow Hats. The Tutanes and Chians, when they goe abroad, haue besides all this before them led three or foure Horses, with their Guard in Armour.

Furthermore, the Louteas, yea, and all the people in China, are wont to eat their meat sit∣ting on Stooles at high Tables as wee doe, and that very cleanly,* although they vse neither Ta∣ble-clothes [ 30] nor Napkins. Whatsoeuer is set downe vpon the boord is first carued, before that it be brought in: they feed with two Sticks, refraining from touching their meat with their hands, euen as we do with Forkes, for the which respect, they lesse doe need any Table-clothes. Neither is the Nation onely ciuill at meat,* but also in conuersation and in courtesie they seeme to exceed all other. Likewise in their dealings, after their manner they are so readie, that they farre passe all other Gentiles and Moores: the greater States are so vaine, that they line their clothes with the best silke that may be found. The Louteas are an idle generation, without all manner of exercises and pastimes, except it be eating and drinking. Sometimes they walke abroad in the fields, to make the Souldiers shoot at Pricks with their Bowes, but their eating passeth: they [ 40] will stand eating euen when the other doe draw to shoot. The Pricke is a great Blanket spread on certaine long Poles, he that striketh it,* hath of the best man there standing a piece of Crimson Taffata, the which is knit about his head: in this sort the winner is honoured, and the Louteas with their bellies full, returne home againe.

The Inhabitants of China, bee very Idolaters, all generally doe worship the heauens: and as we are wont to say, God knoweth it: so say they at euery word, Tien Tautee, that is to say,* The Heauens doe know it. Some doe worship the Sunne, and some the Moone, as they thinke good, for none are bound more to one then to another. In their Temples, the which they doe call Meani, they haue a great Altar in the same place as we haue, true it is, that one may goe round about it. There set they vp the Image of a certaine Loutea of that Countrey, whom they haue in great reuerence for certaine notable things he did. At the right hand standeth the Deuill, much [ 50] more vgly painted then we doe vse to set him out, whereunto great homage is done by such as come into the Temple to aske counsell, or to draw lots: this opinion they haue of him, that he is malicious and able to doe euill. If you aske them what they doe thinke of the soules departed, they will answer, that they be immortall, and that as soone as any one departeth out of this life, he becommeth a deuil, if he haue liued well in this world, if otherwise, that the same deuil chan∣geth him into a Bufle, Oxe, or Dog. Wherefore to this Deuill doe they much honour, to him do they sacrifice, praying him that he will make them like vnto himselfe, and not like other beasts. They haue moreouer another sort of Temples, wherein both vpon the Altars, and also on the walls doe stand many Idols well proportioned, but bare headed: These beare name Omithofon, accounted of them spirits, but such as in heauen doe neither good nor euill, thought to bee such [ 60] men and women, as haue chastely liued in this world in abstinence from Fish and Flesh,* fed on∣ly with Rice and Salates. Of that Deuill they make some account, for these spirits they care lit∣tle or nothing at all. Againe, they hold opinion, that if a man doe well in this life, the heauens will giue him many temporall blessings, but if he doe euill, then shall he haue infirmities, diseases, Page  202 troubles, and penurie, and all this without any knowledge of God. Finally, this people know∣eth no other thing then to liue and die, yet because they be reasonable creatures, all seemed good vnto them we spake in our language, though it were not very sufficient.

Our manner of praying so well liked them, that in prison importunately they besought vs to write for them somewhat as concerning heauen, the which we did to their contentation, with such reasons as we knew,* howbeit not very cunningly. As they doe their Idolatry they laugh at themselues. The greatest fault we doe finde in them is Sodomie, a vice very common in the meaner sort, and nothing strange amongst the best. Furthermore the Louteas, withall the people of China, are wont to solemnize the daies of the new and full Moones in visiting one each other, and making great banquets, for to that end, as I haue said, doe tend all their pastimes and spen∣ding [ 10] their daies in pleasure.* They are wont also to solemnize each one his birth day, whereunto their kindred and friends doe resort of custome, with presents of Iewells or Money, receiuing againe for their reward good cheere. They keepe in like manner a generall Feast, with great Banquets that day their King was borne.* But their most principall and greatest Feast of all, and best cheare, is the first day of their new yeere, namely, the first day of the New Moone of Februarie, so that their first moneth is March, and they reckon the times ac∣cordingly, respect being had vnto the reigne of their Princes: as when any deed is written, they date it thus; Made such a day of such a Moone, and such a yeere of the raigne of such a King.

*Now will I speake of the manner the which the Chineans doe obserue in doing Iustice. Be∣cause [ 20] the Chinish King maketh his abode continually in the City Pachin, his Kingdome so great, the shires so many, as before it hath beene said: in it therefore the Gouernours and Rulers, much like vnto our Sheriffes be so appointed suddenly, and speedily discharged againe, that they haue no time to grow nought. Furthermore, to keepe the State in more securitie, the Louteas that gouerne one shire, are chosen out of some other shire distant farre off, where they must leaue their Wiues, Children, and Goods, carrying nothing with them but themselues. True it is, that at their comming thither they doe find in a readinesse all things necessarie, their House, Furni∣ture, Seruants, and all other things in such perfection and plentie, that they want nothing. Thus King is well serued without all feare of Treason.

In the principall Cities of the shires be foure chiefe Louteas, before whom are brought all [ 30] matters of the inferiour Townes, throughout the whole Realme. Diuers other Louteas haue the managing of Iustice, and receiuing of Rents, bound to yeeld an account thereof vnto the greater Officers. Other doe see that there be no euill rule kept in the Citie: each one as it behoueth him. Generally all these doe imprison Malefactors, cause them to be whipped and racked, hoy∣sing them vp and downe by the armes with a cord, a thing very vsuall there, and accounted no shame. These Louteas doe vse great diligence in the apprehending of the Theeues, so that it is a wonder to see a Thiefe escape away in any Towne,* Citie, or Village. Vpon the Sea neere vn∣to the shoare many are taken, and looke euen as they are taken, so be they first whipped, and af∣terward laid in Prison, where shortly after they all dye for hunger and cold. At that time, when we were in Prison, there dyed of them aboue threescore and ten. Their whips be certaine pie∣ces [ 40] of Canes, cleft in the middle, in such sort that they seeme rather plaine then sharpe. He that is to bee whipped lyeth groueling on the ground. Vpon his thighes the Hangman layeth on blowes mightily with these Canes, that the standers by tremble at their crueltie. Tenne stripes draw a great deale of bloud, twentie or thirtie spoyle the flesh altogether, fiftie or threescore will require long time to be healed, and if they come to the number of one hundred, then are they incurable.

The Louteas obserue moreouer this: when any man is brought before them to bee examined, they aske him openly in the hearing of as many as be present,* be the offence neuer so great. Thus did they also behaue themselus with vs. For this cause amongst them can there be no false witnes as daily amongst vs it falleth out. This good commeth thereof that many being alwayes about [ 50] the Iudge to heare the Euidence, and beare witnesse, the Processe cannot be falsified, as it hapneth sometimes with vs. The Moores, Gentiles, and Iewes, haue all their sundry Oathes, the Moores doe sweare by their Mossafos,* the Brachmans by their Fili, the rest likewise by the things they doe worship. The Chineans, though they be wont to sweare by Heauen, by the Moone, by the Sunne, and by all their Idols, in judgement neuerthelesse they sweare not at all. If for some of∣fence an Oath be vsed of any one, by and by with the least euidence hee is tormented; so be the Witnesses he bringeth, if they tell not the truth, or doe in any point disagree, except they bee men of worship and credit, who are beleeued without any farther matter: the rest are made to confesse the truth by force of Torments and Whips. Besides this order obserued of them in Ex∣aminations, they doe feare so much their King, and he where he maketh his abode keepeth them [ 60] so low, that they dare not once stirre. Againe, these Louteas as great as they bee, notwithstan∣ding the multitude of Notaries they haue, not trusting any others, doe write all great Processes and matters of importance themselues.* Moreouer, one vertue they haue worthy of great praise, and that is, being men so well regarded and accounted of as though they were Princes, they bee Page  203 patient aboue measure in giuing audience. Wee poore strangers brought before them might say what we would, as all to be Lyes and Falaces that they did write, nor did we stand before them with the vsuall Ceremonies of that Countrey, yet did they beare with vs so patiently, that they caused vs to wonder, knowing specially how little any Aduocate or Iudge is wont in our Coun∣trey to beare with vs. For wheresoeuer in any Towne of Christendome should bee accused vn∣knowne men as we were, I know not what end the very Innocents cause would haue: but wee in a Heathen Countrey, hauing our great Enemies two of the chiefest men in a whole Towne, wanting an Interpreter, ignorant of that Countrey Language,* did in the end see our great Ad∣uersaries cast into Prison for our sake, and depriued of their Offices and Honour for not doing [ 10] Iustice; yea, not to escape death, for as the rumour goeth, they shall bee beheaded.

Somewhat is now to be said of the Lawes that I haue beene able to know in this Countrey,* and first, no Theft or Murther, is at any time pardoned: Adulterers are put in Prison, and the fact once proued, condemned to dye, the womans Husband must accuse them: this order is kept with men and women found in that fault, but Theeues and Murtherers are imprisoned as I haue said, where they shortly dye for hunger and cold. If any one haply escape by bribing the Iay∣lor to giue him meate, his Processe goeth farther, and commeth to the Court where hee is con∣demned to dye. Sentence being giuen,* the Prisoner is brought in publike with a terrible band of men that lay him in Irons hand and foot, with a board at his necke one handfull broad, in length reaching downe to his knees, cleft in two parts, and with a hole one handfull downe-ward in the Table fit for his necke, the which they enclose vp therein, nayling the board fast together, [ 20] one handfull of the board standeth vp behind in the necke: the sentence and cause wherefore the fellon was condemned to dye, is written in that part of the Table that standeth before. This Ceremonie ended, he is laid in a great Prison in the company of some other condemned persons, the which are found by the King as long as they doe liue. The board aforesaid so made tormen∣teth the Prisoners very much, keeping them both from the rest, and eke letting them to eate commodiously, their hands being manicled in Irons vnder that board, so that in fine there is no remedie but death. In the chiefe Cities of euery shire, as we haue beforesaid, there be foure prin∣cipall Houses, in each of them a Prisoner: but in one of them where the Taissu maketh his abode, there a greater and a more principall Prison then in any of the rest: and although in euery Ci∣tie there be many, neuerthelesse in three of them remayne onely such as bee condemned to dye. [ 30] Their death is much prolonged, for that ordinarily there is no execution done but once a yeere, though many dye for hunger and cold, as we haue seene in this Prison.* Execution is done in this manner The Chian, to wit the high Commissioner or Lord Chiefe Iustice, at the yeares end goeth to the head Citie, where hee heareth againe the causes of such as bee condemned. Many times he deliuereth some of them, declaring that board to haue beene wrongfully put about their neckes: the visitation ended, he chooseth out seuen or eight, not many more or lesse, of the greatest Malefactors, the which, to feare and keepe in awe the people, are brought into a great Market place, where all the great Louteas meete together, and after many Ceremonies and Su∣perstitions, as the vse of the Countrey is, are beheaded. This is done once a yeare: who so escapeth that day, may be sure that he shall not be put to death all that yeare following, and so [ 40] remayneth at the Kings charges in the greater Prison. In that Prison where wee lay were al∣wayes one hundred and moe of these condemned persons, besides them that lay in other Prisons.

These Prisons wherein the condemned captiues doe remayne are so strong, that it hath not beene heard, that any Prisoner in all China hath escaped out of Prison, for, indeed,* it is a thing impossible. The Prisons are thus builded. First, all the place is mightily walled about, the wals be very strong and high, the gate of no lesse force: within it three other gates, before you come where the Prisoners doe lye, there many great Lodgings are to be seene of the Louteas, Notaries, Parthions, that is, such as doe there keepe watch and ward day and night, the Court large and paued, on the one side whereof standeth a Prison, with two mighty gates, wherein are kept [ 50] such Prisoners as haue committed enormious offences. This Prison is so great, that in it are streets and Market places wherein all things necessary are sold. Yea, some Prisoners liue by that kind of Trade, buying and selling, and letting out beds to hire: some are daily sent to Prison, some daily deliuered,* wherefore this place is neuer voyd of seuen or eight hundred men that goe at libertie.

Into one other Prison of condemned persons shall you goe at three Iron gates, the Court pa∣ued and vaulted round about, and open aboue as it were a Cloyster. In this Cloyster bee eight Roomes with I•on Doores, and in each of them a large Gallerie, wherein euery night the Pri∣soners doe lye at length, their feet in the stockes, their bodies hampered in huge woodden grates that keepe them from sitting so that they lye as it were in a Cage, sleepe if they can: in the mor∣ning [ 60] they are loosed againe that they may goe into the Court. Notwithstanding the strength of this Prison, it is kept with a Garrison of men, part whereof watch within the House, part of them in the Court, some keepe about the Prison with Lanthornes, and Watch-bels, answering one another fiue times euery night, and giuing warning so lowde, that the Loutea resting in a Chamber not neere thereunto may heare them. In these Prisons of condemned persons remayne Page  204 some fifteene, other twentie yeares imprisoned, not executed, for the loue of their honourable Friends that seeke to prolong their liues. Many of these Prisoners bee Shoomakers, and haue from the King a certayne allowance of Rice: some of them worke for the Keeper, who suffe∣reth them to goe at libertie without fetters and boards, the better to worke. Howbeit when the Loutea calleth his Checke Roll, and with the Keeper vieweth them, they all weare their Liueries, that is, boards at their neckes, Ironed hand and foote. When any of these Prisoners dyeth, he is to bee seene of the Loutea and Notaries, brought out at a gate so narrow, that there can but one be drawne out there at once. The Prisoner beeing brought forth, one of the afore∣said Parthians, striketh him thrice on the head with an Iron fledge, that done, hee is deliuered vnto his friends, if hee haue any, otherwise the King hireth men to carrie him to his buriall in [ 10] the fields.

Thus Adulterers and Theeues are vsed. Such as be imprisoned for Debt once knowne, lye there vntill it be paid.* The Taissu or Loutea calleth them many times before him by the vertue of his Office, who vnderstanding the cause wherefore they doe not pay their Debts, appointeth them a certaine time to doe it, within the compasse whereof if they discharge not their Debts beeing Debters indeed, then they be whipped and condemned to perpetuall Imprisonment: if the Cre∣ditors be many, and one is to be paid before another, they doe, contrary to our manner, pay him first, of whom they last borrowed, and so ordinarily the rest, in such sort that the first Len∣der be the last Receiuer. The same order is kept in paying Legacies: the last named, receiueth his portion first. [ 20]

When I said that such as be committed to Prison for Theft, and Murther, were judged by the Court, I meant not them that were apprehended in the deed doing, for they need no tryall, but are brought immediately before the Tutan, who out of hand giueth sentence. Other not taken so openly, and doe need tryall, are the Malefactors put to execution once a yeare in the chiefe Cities, to keepe in awe the people: or condemned, doe remayne in Prison, looking for their day. Theeues being taken, are carried to Prison from one place to another in a Chest vpon mens shoul∣ders, hired therefore by the King, the Chest is sixe handfuls high, the Prisoner sitteth therein vpon a bench, the couer of the Chest is two boards; amidst them both a Pillory-like hole, for the Prisoner his necke, there sitteth he with his head without the Chest, and the rest of his bodie within, not able to moue or turne his head this way or that way, nor to plucke it in: the necessi∣ties [ 30] of nature he voideth at a hole in the bottome of the Chest, the meate he eateth is put into his mouth by others. There abideth he day and night during his whole Iourney: if happily his Porters stumble, or the Chest doe jogge, or be set downe carelesly, it turneth to his great paines that sitteth therein, all such motions being vnto him hanging as it were. Thus were our compa∣nions carried from Cinceo, seuen dayes journey, neuer taking any rest as afterward they told vs, and their greatest griefe was to stay by the way: as soone as they came beeing taken out of the Chests, they were not able to stand on their feet, and two of them dyed shortly after.

*When we lay in prison at Fuquico, we came many times abroad, and were brought to the Palaces of Noble men, to be seene of them and their wiues, for that they had neuer seene any Portugall before. Many things they asked vs of our Countrey, and our fashions, and did [ 40] write euery thing, for they be curious in nouelties aboue measure. The Gentlemen shew great curtesie vnto strangers, and so did we finde at their hands, and because that many times we were brought abroad into the Citie, somwhat will I say of such things as I did see therein, being a gallant Citie, and chiefe in one of the thirteene shires afore-said. The Citie Fuquico, is very great and mightly walled with square stone both within and without, and as it may seeme by the breadth thereof, filled vp in the middle with Earth, laid ouer with Bricke, and couered with Tyle, and after the manner of Porches or Galleries, that one might dwell therein. The stayres they vse, are so easily made, that one may goe them vp and downe a Horse-backe, as eftsoones they doe: the streets are paued, as alreadie it hath beene said: there bee a great number of Mer∣chants, euery one hath written in a great Table at his doore such things as hee hath to sell. In [ 50] like manner euery Artizan painteth out his craft: the Market places be large, great abundance of all things there be to be sold. The Citie standeth vpon water, many streames runne through it, the bankes pitched, and so broad that they serue for streets to the Cities vse. Ouer the streames are sundry Bridges both of Timber and Stone, that being made leuell with the streets, hinder not the passage of the Barges to and fro, the Chanels are so deepe. Where the streames come in and goe out of the Citie,* be certayne Arches in the Wall, there goe in and out their Pa∣rai, that is a kind of Barges they haue, and this onely in the day time: at night these Arches are closed vp with gates,* so doe they shut vp all the gates of the Citie. These streames and Barges doe embellish much the Citie, and make it as it were to seeme another Venice. The buildings are euen, well made, high not lofted, except it be some wherein Merchandize is laid. It is a World [ 60] to see how great these Cities are, and the cause is, for that the houses are built euen, as I haue said, and doe take a great deale of roome. One thing we saw in this Citie that made vs all to wonder, and is worthy to be noted: Namely, ouer a Porch at the comming into one of the afore-said foure Houses, the which the King hath in euery share for his Gouernours as I haue before said, Page  205 standeth a Towre built vpon fortie Pillars, each one whereof is but one stone, each one fortie handfuls or spans long: in breadth or compasse twelue, as many of vs did measure them.* Besides this, their greatnesse such in one piece, that it might seeme impossible to worke them: they bee moreouer couered, and in colour, length, and breath so like, that the one nothing differeth from the other.

Wee are wont to call this Countrey China, and the people Chineans,* but as long as wee were Prisoners, not hearing amongst them at any time that name, I determined to learne how they were called: and asked sometimes by them thereof, for that they vnderstood vs not when wee called them Chineans, I answered them, that all the Inhabitants of India named them Chineans, wherefore I prayed them that they would tell me, for what occasion they are so called, whither [ 10] peraduenture any Citie of theirs bare that name. Hereunto they alwayes answered me, to haue no such name, nor euer to haue had. Then did I aske them what name the whole Countrey bea∣reth, and what they would answer being asked of other Nations what Countrey-men they were? It was told me, that of ancient time in this Countrey had beene many Kings, and though presently it were all vnder one, each Kingdome neuerthelesse enioyed that name it first had, these Kingdomes are the Prouinces I spake of before. In conclusion, they sayd, that the whole Countrey is called Tamen, and the Inhabitants Tamegines, so that this name China or Chineans,* is not heard of in that Countrey. I doe thinke that the nearenesse of another Prouince therea∣bout called Cochinchina, and the inhabitants thereof Cochinesses, first discouered before that Chi∣na was, lying not farre from Malacca, did giue occasion both to the one Nation and to the o∣ther [ 20] of that name Chineans, as also the whole Countrey to bee named China. But their proper name is that aforesaid.

I haue heard moreouer, that in the Citie Nanquim, remayneth a Table of gold, and in it writ∣ten a Kings name, as a memorie of that residence the Kings were wont to keepe there. This ta∣ble standeth in a great Palace, couered alwayes, except it bee in some of their festiuall dayes,* at what time they are wont to let it bee seene: couered neuerthelesse as it is, all the Nobilitie of the Citie goeth of dutie to doe it euery day reuerence. The like is done in the head Cities of all the other Shires, in the Palaces of the Ponchiassini, wherein these aforesaid tables doe stand with the Kings name written in them, although no reuerence bee done thereunto but in [ 30] solemne Feasts.

I haue likewise vnderstood that the Citie Pachin, where the King maketh his abode, is so great, that to goe from one side to the other, besides the Suburbs, (which are greater then the Citie it selfe) it requireth one whole day a horsebacke, going hackney pace. In the Suburbs bee many wealthy Merchants of all sorts. They told me furthermore, that it was Moted about, and in the Motes great store of Fish, whereof the King maketh great gaynes. It was also told mee that the King of China had no King to wage battell withall, besides the Tartars,* with whom hee had concluded a peace more then fourescore yeeres agoe.

There bee Hospitals in all their Cities, alwayes full of people, wee neuer saw any poore bodie beg. We therefore asked the cause of this: answered it was, that in euery Citie there is a great [ 40] circuit, wherein bee many houses for poore people, for Blinde, Lame, Old folke, not able to tra∣uell for age, nor hauing any other meanes to liue. These folke haue in the aforesaid houses, euer plentie of Rice during their liues, but nothing else. Such as bee receiued into these houses, come in after this manner. When one is sicke, blinde, or lame, hee maketh a supplication to the Pon∣chiassi, and prouing that to bee true he writeth, hee remaineth in the aforesaid great lodging as long as he liueth: besides this, they keepe in these places Swine and Hennes, whereby the poore bee releeued without going a begging.

I sayd before that China was full of Riuers, but now I minde to confirme the same anew: for the farther wee went into the Countrey, the greater we found the riuers.* Sometimes we were so farre off from the Sea, that where wee came no Sea-fish had beene seene, and Salt was there very deare, of fresh-water Fish yet was there great abundance, and that fish very good: they [ 50] keepe it good after this manner. Where the Riuers doe meete, and so passe into the Sea, there lyeth great store of Boates, specially where no salt-water commeth, and that in March and A∣prill. These Boates are so many that it seemeth wonderfull, neither serue they for other then to take small fish. By the riuers sides they make leyres of fine and strong Nets,* that lye three handfuls vnder water, and one aboue, to keepe and nourish their Fish in, vntill such time as o∣ther fishers doe come with Boates, bringing for that purpose certaine great Chests lyned with paper, able to hold water, wherein they carrie their fish vp and downe the riuer, euery day re∣newing the chest with fresh-water, and selling their fish in euery Citie, Towne, and Village, where they passe, vnto the people as they need it: most of them haue Net-leyres to keepe Fish in alwayes for their prouision. Where the greater Boates cannot passe any farther forward, [ 60] they take lesser, and because the whole Countrey is very well watred, there is so great plen∣tie of diuers sorts of Fish, that it is wonderfull to see: assuredly, wee were amazed to be∣hold the manner of their prouision. Their Fish is chiefly nourished with the dung of Bufles and Oxen, that greatly fatteth it. Although I sayd their fishing to bee in March and Aprill, Page  206 at what time wee saw them doe it, neuerthelesse they told vs that they fished at all times, for that vsually they doe feed on Fish, wherefore it behooueth them to make their proui∣sion continually.

*When wee had passed Fuquien, we went into Quicen-shire, where the fine Clay vessell is made, as I sayd before: and we came to a Citie, the one side whereof is built vpon the foote of a hill, whereby passeth a Riuer nauigable: there we tooke Boate, and went by water toward the Sea: on each side of the Riuer we found many Cities, Townes, and Villages, wherein we saw great store of Merchandise, but specially of fine clay: there did we land by the way to buy vi∣ctuals and other necessaries. Going downe this riuer Southward, wee were glad that we drew neere vnto a warmer Countrey, from whence we had beene farre distant: this Countrey wee [ 10] passed through in eight dayes, for our iourney lay downe the streame. Before that I doe say any thing of that Shire wee came into, I will first speake of the great Citie of Quicin, wherein al∣wayes remayneth a Tutan, that is a Gouernour, as you haue seene, though some Tutans doe go∣uerne two or three Shires.

That Tutan that was condemned for our cause, of whom I spake before, was borne in this Countrey, but hee gouerned Fuquien-Shire: nothing it auayled him to bee so great an Officer. This Countrey is so great, that in many places where wee went, there had beene as yet no talke of his death,* although he were executed a whole yeere before. At the Citie Quanche whi∣ther wee came, the riuer was so great that it seemed a sea, though it were so little where we tooke water, that wee needed small Boates. One day about nine of the clocke, beginning to [ 20] row neare the walls with the streame, wee came at noone to a bridge made of many Barges, o∣uer-linked all together with two mightie chaynes. There stayed we vntill it was late, but wee saw not one goe either vp thereon or downe, except two Louthia's that about the going downe of the Sunne, came and set them downe there, the one in one side, the other on the other side. Then was the bridge opened in many places, and Barges both great and small to the number of sixe hundred began to passe: those that went vp the streame, at one place, such as came downe, at an other. When all had thus shot the Bridge, then was it shut vp againe. Wee heard say that euery day they take this order in all principall places of Merchandise, for paying of the custome vnto the King, specially for Salt, whereof the greatest reuenues are made that the King hath in this Countrey. The passages of the bridge where it is opened, bee so neere the shore, that no∣thing [ 30] can passe without touching the same. To stay the Barges at their pleasure, that they goe no farther forward,* are vsed certaine yron instruments. The Bridge consisteth of one hundred and twelue Barges, there stayed we vntill the Eeuening that they were opened, lothsomly oppressed by the multitude of people that came to see vs, so many in number, that we were enforced to goe aside from the banke vntill such time as the bridge was opened: howbeit, wee were neuer∣thelesse thronged about with many Boates full of people. And though in other Cities and places where we went, the people came so importunate vpon vs, that it was needfull to withdraw our selues: yet were wee heere much more molested for the number of people, and this bridge, the principall way out of the Citie vnto another place so well inhabited, that were it walled about, it might bee compared to the Citie. When we had shot the bridge, we kept along the Citie vn∣till [ 40] that it was night, then met wee with another riuer that ioyned with this, we rowed vp that by the walls,* vntill we came to another bridge gallantly made of Barges, but lesser a great deale then that other bridge ouer the greater streame: heere stayed we that night, and other two dayes with more quiet, being out of the prease of the people. These riuers doe meete without at one corner-point of the Citie. In either of them were so many Barges great and small, that wee all thought them at the least to bee aboue three thousand: the greater number thereof was in the lesser riuer, where we were. Amongst the rest, heere lay certaine greater vessels, called in their language Parai,* that serue for the Tutan, when hee taketh his voyage by other riuers that ioyne with this, towards Pachin, where the King maketh his abode. Desirous to see those Parai we got into some of them, where we found some chambers set foorth with gilded Beds very richly, [ 50] other furnished with tables and seates, and all other things so neate and in perfection, that it was wonderfull.

Quiacim-Shire, as farre as I can perceiue, lyeth vpon the South. On that side we kept at our first entrie thereinto, trauelling not farre from the high mountaines we saw there. Asking what people dwelleth beyond those mountaines, it was told me that they bee Theeues, and men of a strange language. And because that vnto sundry places neere this Riuer, the mountaines doe ap∣proach, whence the people issuing downe, doe many times great harme, this order is taken at the entrie into Quiacim-Shire. To guard this Riuer whereon continually goe to and fro Parai great and small fraught with Salt, Fish powdered with pepper, and other necessaries for that Countrey: they doe lay in diuers places certaine Parai, and great Barges armed, wherein [ 60] watch and ward is kept day and night in both sides of the Riuer, for the safetie of the passage, and securitie of such Parai as doe remayne there, though the trauellers neuer goe but many in company. In euery rode there bee at the least thirtie, in some two hundred men, as the passage requireth.

Page  207This guard is kept vsually, vntill you come to the Citie Onchio, where continually the Tutan of this Shire, and eke of Cantan, maketh his abode. From that Citie vpward, where the riuer waxeth more narrow, and the passage more dangerous, there be alwayes armed one hundred and fiftie Parai, to accompany other vessels fraught with merchandise, and all this at the Kings char∣ges. This seemed vnto me one of the strangest things I did see in this Countrey.

When wee lay at Fuquien, we did see certaine Moores, who knew so little of their sect, that they could say nothing else, but that Mahomet was a Moore, my father was a Moore,* and I am a Moore, with some other words of their Alcoran, wherewithall, in abstinence from Swines flesh, they liue vntill the Deuill take them all. This when I saw, and being sure, that in many Chinish Cities the reliques of Mahomet are kept, as soone as wee came to the Citie where these [ 10] fellowes bee, I informed my selfe of them, and learned the truth. These Moores, as they told me, in times past came in great Ships fraught with merchandise from Pachin ward, to a Port gran∣ted vnto them by the King, as hee is wont to all them that trafficke into this Countrey, where they being arriued at a little Towne standing in the hauens mouth, in time conuerted vnto their Sect the greatest Loutea there. When that Loutea with all his family was become Moorish, the rest began likewise to doe the same. In this part of China the people bee at li∣bertie, euery one to worship and follow what him liketh best. Wherefore no bodie tooke heed thereto, vntill such time as the Moores perceiuing that many followed them in superstition, and that the Loutea fauoured them, they began to forbid wholly the eating of Swines-flesh. But all this Countrey men and women, choosing rather to forsake Father and Mother, then [ 20] to leaue off eating of Porke, by no meanes would yeeld to that proclamation. For besides the great desire they all haue to eate that kind of meate, many of them doe hue thereby: and there∣fore the people complained vnto the Magistrates, accusing the Moores of a conspiracie pre∣tended betwixt them and the Loutea, against their King. In this Countrey, as no suspition, no not one trayterous word is long borne withall: so was the King speedily aduertised there∣of, who gaue commandement out of hand that the aforesaid Loutea should bee put to death, and with him the Moores of most importance: the other to be layd first in Prison, and afterward to bee sent abroad into certaine Cities, where they remayned perpetuall slaues vnto the King. To this Citie came by hap men and women threescore and odde, who at this day are brought to fiue men and foure women, for it is now twentie yeeres agoe this happened. Their off∣spring [ 30] passeth the number of two hundred, and they in this Citie, as the rest in other Cities, whither they were sent, haue their Moscheas,* whereunto they all resort euery Friday to keepe their Holiday. But, as I thinke, that will no longer endure, then whiles they doe liue, that came from thence, for their posteritie is so confused, that they haue nothing of a Moore in them, but abstinence from Swines-flesh, and yet many of them doe eate thereof priuily. They tell me that their natiue Countrey hath name Camarian, a firme land, wherein bee many Kings, and the Indish Countrey well knowne vnto them. It may so be: for as soone as they did see our seruants (our seruants were Preuzaretes) they iudged them to bee Indians: many of their words sounded vpon the Persicke tongue, but none of vs could vnderstand them. I asked them, [ 40] whither they conuerted any of the Chinish Nation vnto their Sect: they answered me, that with much adoe, they conuerted the women with whom they doe marrie, yeelding me no o∣ther cause thereof, but the difficultie they finde in them to bee brought from eating Swines-flesh, and drinking of Wine. I haue learned mor•ouer, that the Sea whereby these Moores that came to China were wont to trauell, is a very great gulfe,* that falleth into this Countrey out from Tartaria and Persia, leauing on the other side all the Countrey of China, and land of the Mogorites, drawing alwayes toward the South: and of all likelyhood it is euen so, because that these Moores, the which wee haue seene, bee rather browne then white, whereby they shew themselues to come from some warmer Countrey then China is, neere to Pachin, where the Riuers are frozen in the winter for cold, and many of them so vehemently, that Carts may passe o•er them.

[ 50] Wee did see in this Citie many Tartars, Mogorites, Bremes, and Laoynes,* both men and women. The Tartars are men very white, good Horse-men, and Archers, confining with China on that side where Pachin standeth, separated from thence by great Mountaines that are betwixt these Kingdomes. Ouer them bee certaine wayes to passe, and for both sides,* Ca∣stles continually k•pt with Souldiers: in time past, the Tartars were wont alwayes to haue warres with the Chineans, but these fourescore yeeres past they were quiet, vntill the second yeere of our Imprisonment.

The Mogores bee in like manner white,* and Heathen wee are aduertised that of one side they border vpon these Tartars, and confine with the Persicke Tartares on the other side, where∣of wee saw in them some tokens, as their manner of cloathes, and that kinde of Hat the Sa∣racens [ 60] doe weare. The Moores •ffirmed, that where the King lyeth, there bee many Tartars and Mogorites, •hat brought into China certaine Blewes of great value.

As for the Bremes, wee haue seene •n this Citie Chenchi certaine men and women,* amongst whom, there was one that came not long since, hauing as yet her hayre tyed vp after the Pe∣gues Page  208 fashion: this woman, and other moe with whom a blacke Moore damosell in our com∣pany had conference, and did vnderstand them well enough, had dwelt in Peghu. This new come woman, imagining that wee meant to make our abode in that Citie, bid vs to bee of good comfort, for that her Countrey was not distant from thence aboue fiue dayes iourney, and that out of her Countrey, there lay a high way for vs home into our owne. Being asked the way, shee answered that the first three dayes the way lyeth ouer certaine great mountaines and wildernesse, afterward people to bee met withall againe. Thence two dayes iourney more to the Bremes Countrey.* Wherefore I doe conclude, that Chenchi is one of the confines of this Kingdome, separated by certaine huge Mountaines, as it hath beene already sayd, that lye out towards the South. In the residue of these mountaines standeth the Prouince Sian, the Laoyns Countrey,* Cambaia, Chinapa, and Cochinchina. [ 10]

This Citie, chiefe of other sixteene, is situated in a pleasant Playne, abounding in things ne∣cessarie,* Sea-fish onely excepted, for it standeth farre from the Sea: of fresh Fish so much store, that the Market-places are neuer emptie. The walls of this Citie are very strong and high: one day did I see the Louteas thereof goe vpon the walls, to take the view thereof, borne in their seates I spake of before, accompanied with a troupe of Horse-men, that went two and two: It was told me they might haue gone three and three. Wee haue seene moreouer, that within this aforesaid Citie the King hath more than a thousand of his kindred lodged in great Palaces, in diuers parts of the Citie: their gates bee red, and the entrie into their houses, that they may be knowne, for that is the Kings colour. These Gentlemen, according to their nearnesse in bloud vnto the King, as soone as they bee married, receiue their place in Honour: [ 20] this place neither encreaseth nor diminisheth in any respect, as long as the King liueth, the King appointeth them their Wiues and Familie, allowing them by the moneth all things ne∣cessarie abundantly, as hee doth to his Gouernours of Shires and Cities, howbeit, not one of these hath as long as hee liueth, any charge or gouernment at all. They giue themselues to ea∣ting and drinking, and bee for the most part burley men of bodie, insomuch that espying any one of them, whom wee had not seene before, wee might know him to bee the Kings Cou∣sin. They bee neuerthelesse very pleasant, courteous, and fayre conditioned: neither did wee finde, all the time we were in that Citie, so much honour and good entertainment any where, as at their hands. They bid vs to their houses, to eate and drinke, and when they found vs not, or wee were not willing to goe with them, they bid our seruants, and slaues, causing [ 30] them to sit downe with the first. Notwithstanding the good lodging these Gentlemen haue so commodious that they want nothing, yet are they in this bondage, that during life they neuer goe abroad. The cause, as I did vnderstand, wherefore the King so vseth his Cou∣sins, is that none of them at any time may rebell against him: and thus bee shutteth them vp in three or foure other Cities. Most of them can play on the Lute: and to make that kinde of pastime peculiar vnto them onely, all other in the Cities where they doe liue, bee forbid∣den that Instrument, the Curtizans and blinde folke onely excepted, who bee Musicians, and can play.

This King furthermore, for the greater securitie of his Realme, and the auoyding of tumults, letteth not one in all his Countrey to bee called Lord,* except hee be of his bloud. Many great [ 40] Estates and Gouernours there be, that during their office are lodged Lord-like, and doe beare the port of mightie Princes: but they bee so many times displaced, and other placed anew, that they haue not the while to become corrupt. True it is, that during their Office they be well prouided for, as afterward, also lodged at the Kings charges, and in pension as long as they liue, payed them monethly in the Cities where they dwell, by certaine officers appoin∣ted for that purpose. The King then is a Lord onely, not one besides him as you haue seene, ex∣cept it bee such as be of his bloud. A Nephew likewise of the King, the Kings Sisters sonne, ly∣eth continually within the walls of the Citie, in a strong Palace built Castle-wise, euen as his others Cousins doe, remayning alwayes within doores, serued by Eunuches, neuer dealing with [ 50] any matters. Their festiuall dayes, new Moones, and full Moones, the Magistrates make great banquets, and so doe such as bee of the Kings bloud. The King his Nephew, hath name Van∣fuli, his Palace is walled about, the wall is not high, but foure square, and in circuit nothing in∣feriour to the walls of Goa, the out-side is painted red, in euery square a Gate, and ouer each gate a Tower, made of timber excellently well wrought: before the principall Gate of the foure, that openeth into the high-street, no Loutea, bee he neuer so great, may passe on horse∣backe, or carried in his seate. Amidst this quadrangle, standeth the Palace where that Gentle∣man lyeth, doubtlesse, worth the sight, although wee came not in to see it. By report the roofes of the towers and house, are glased greene, the greater part of the Quadrangle set with sauage Trees, as Oakes, Chesnuts, Cypresse, Pine-apples, Cedars, and other such like that wee [ 60] doe want, after the manner of a Wood, wherein are kept Stagges, Oxen, and other beasts, for that Lord his recreation neuer going abroad, as I haue said.

One preheminence this Citie hath aboue the rest where wee haue beene, and it of right as we doe thinke, that besides the multitude of Market-places, wherein all things are to bee Page  209 sold, through euery streete continually are cryed all things necessarie, as Flesh of all sorts, fresh-Fish, Hearbes, Oyle, Vineger, Meale, Rice, In summa, all things so plentifully, that many houses need no seruants, euerie thing being brought to their doores. Most part of the Mer∣chants remayne in the Suburbs, for that the Cities are shut vp euery night, as I haue sayd. The Merchants therefore, the better to attend their businesse, doe choose rather to make their abode without in the Suburbs, then within the Citie.* I haue seene in this Riuer a pretie kinde of Fishing, not to bee omitted in my opinion, and therefore will I set it downe. The King hath in many riuers good store of Barges full of Sea-crowes, that breed, are fed, and doe dye therein, in certaine Cages, allowed monethly a certaine prouision of Rice. These Barges the [ 10] King bestoweth vpon his greatest Magistrates, giuing to some two, to some three of them, as hee thinketh good, to Fish therewithall after this manner. At the houre appointed to Fish, all the Barges are brought together in a circle, where the Riuer is shallow, and the Crowes tyed together vnder the wings, are let leape downe into the water, some vnder, some a∣boue, worth the looking vpon: each one as hee hath filled his bagge, goeth to his owne Barge and emptieth it, which done, hee returneth to fish againe. Thus hauing taken good store of Fish, they set the Crowes at libertie, and doe suffer them to fish for their owne pleasure. There were in that Citie, where I was, twentie Barges at the least, of these aforesaid Crowes. I went almost [ 20] euery day to see them, yet could I neuer bee throughly satisfied to see so strange a kinde of Fishing.

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