Purchas his pilgrimes. part 2 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.

§. V.

The most remarkable things in IOHN LEO his fifth Booke of the Historie of Africa, and a description of the Kingdomes of Bugia and Tunis.

BVgia was subiect to the King of Tunis, and albeit, for certaine yeares the King of Telensin was Lord thereof, yet was it at length recouered againe by the King of Tunis, who committed the Gouernment of the Citie vn∣to [ 10] one of his Sonnes, both for the tranquillitie of Bugia, and also that no discord might happen among his Sonnes after his decease. Hee left behind him three Sonnes, the eldest whereof was called Habdulhaziz, and vnto him he bequeathed the Kingdome of Bugia, as is aforesaid: vnto the second, whose name was Hutmen, hee left the Kingdome of Tunis: and the third, called Hammare, he made Gouernour of the Region of Dates. This Ham∣mare began forth-with to wage warre against his Brother Hutmen, by whom beeing at length taken in the Towne of Asfacos, and depriued of both his eyes, hee was carryed Captiue vnto Tunis, where he liued many yeares blind: but his Brother Hutmen gouerned the Kingdome of Tunis full forty yeares. The Prince of Bugia beeing most louing and dutifull to his Brother, raigned for many yeares with great tranquillitie, till at length hee was by King Ferdinand of [ 20] Spaine, and by the meanes of one Pedro de Nauarra, cast out of his Kingdome.

This ancient Citie of Bugia was built (as some think) by the Romans, vpon the side of an high * 1.1 Mountayne, neere vnto the Mediterran Sea, is enuironed with wals of great height, and most stately in regard of their Antiquitie. The part thereof now peopled contayneth aboue eight thousand Families: but if it were all replenished with buildings, it were capeable of more then foure and twentie thousand Housholds, for it is of a great length. The Houses, Temples, and Colledges of this Citie are most sumptuously built. Professors of liberall Sciences heere are great store, whereof some teach matters pertayning to the Law, and others professe naturall * 1.2 Philosophie. Neyther Monasteries, Innes, nor Hospitals erected after their manner are heere wan∣ting: and their Market place is very large and fayre: their streetes either descend or ascend, [ 30] which is very troublesome to them that haue any businesse in the Towne. In that part of the Citie next vnto the top of the Mountayne standeth a strong Castle, most sumptuously and beau∣tifully walled: and there are such notable Letters and Pictures most artificially carued vpon the Playster-worke and Timber, that they are thought to haue cost much more then the building of the wall it selfe.

The Citizens were exceeding rich, and vsed with their Warlike Gallies continually to mo∣lest the Coasts of Spaine; which was the occasion of the vtter ouerthrow of their Citie. For Pedro de Nauarra was sent against them with a Fleet of fourteene Sayles onely. The Citizens being addicted wholy to pleasure and ease, and being terrified with the rumour of Warre, be∣cause they were neuer exercised therein, were no sooner aduertised of Pedro de Nauarra his ap∣proch, [ 40] * 1.3 but all of them together with their King betooke themselues to flight, and left their Ci∣tie abounding with all kind of riches and wealth, to be spoyled by the Spaniards, so that it was easily taken, in the yeere of Mahumet his Hegeira 917. Soone after Pedro de Nauarra hauing sacked the Citie, built a strong Fort vpon the Sea shoare, and repayred another which had lien a long time waste, furnishing them both with Souldiers and Munition.

The Inhabitants of Gegel, haue in despight of the Kings of Bugia and Tunis continued al∣wayes * 1.4 free from Tribute: for that impregnable Mountayne can be surprized by no siege nor en∣counter of the Enemy. At length they yeelded themselues vnto Barbarossa, who demanded none other Tribute of them, but onely the tenths of certaine Fruits and Corne.

The Inhabitants of Necaus are very rich, liberall, and curious in their apparell. Heere is an Hospitall maintayned at the common charges of the Towne, to entertayne Strangers that passe [ 50] by. Here is a Colledge also, the Students whereof are allowed their Dyet and apparell. Nei∣ther is this Towne destitute of a most stately and wel-furnished Temple. Their women are white, hauing blacke haires and a most delicate skinne, because they frequent the Bath-stoues so often. Most of their houses are but of one story high, yet are they very decent, and haue each one a Garden thereto belonging, replenished with Damaske Roses, Myrtles, Cammomill, and other herbs and flowers, and beeing watred with most pleasant Fountaines. In these Gardens likewise there are most stately Arbours and Bowres, the coole shaddow whereof in Summer time is most acceptable.

No man can deny the Romanes to haue beene Founders of this Citie, that shall consider the [ 60] great strength, height and antiquitie of the wals, and how curiously they are beset and adorned * 1.5 with blacke stones. This Citie standeth vpon the South side of an exceeding high Mountayne, and is enuironed with steepe Rockes, vnder which Rockes and within the compasse whereof runneth the Riuer called Sufegmare, so that the said deepe Riuer with the Rockes on either side,

serueth in stead of a Towne-ditch to Constantina. The North part is compassed with a wall of great thicknesse: and there are two extreme narrow passages onely to enter into the Citie, one on the East part, and another on the West. The Citie gates are very large and stately. The Citie it selfe contayneth aboue eight thousand Families. Buildings it hath very sumptuous, as namely, the Chiefe Temple, two Colledges, three or foure Monasteries, and other such like. Here e∣uery Trade and Occupation hath a seuerall place assigned: and the Inhabitants are right honest and valiant people. Here is likewise a great Company of Merchants, whereof some sell Cloth and Wooll, others send Oyle and Silke into Numidia, and the residue exchange Linnen-cloth and other Wares for Slaues and Dates. Neyther are Dates so cheape in any Region of all Bar∣barie besides. The Kings of Tunis vsually commit the Gouernment of Constantina vnto their [ 10] eldest Sonnes.

Also without the Citie stand many fayre and ancient buildings. About a mile and a halfe from the Citie standeth a ceraine triumphall Arch, like vnto the triumphall Arches at Rome, which the grosse common people thinke to haue beene a Castle, where innumerable Deuils re∣mayned, * 1.6 which (they say) were expelled by the Mahumetans, when they came first to inhabit Constantina. From the Citie to the Riuer they descend by certaine staires hewen out of the Rocke: and neere vnto the Riuer standeth a little house so artificially cut out of the mayne Rock, that the Roofe, Pillars and Wals are all of one continued substance, and here the women of Con∣stantina wash their Linnen. Neere vnto the Citie likewise there is a certaine Bath of hot wa∣ter * 1.7 dispersing it selfe among the Rockes: in this Bath are great store of Snailes, which the fond [ 20] women of the Citie call Deuils: and when any one falleth into a Feuer or any other Disease, they suppose the Snailes to be the Authours thereof. And the onely remedie that they can ap∣ply * 1.8 vpon such an occasion, is this: first, they kill a white Hen, putting her into a Platter with her feathers on, and then very solemnely with Wax-candles they carry her to the Bath, and there leaue her: and many good fellowes there are, which so soone as the silly women haue set downe their Hens at the Bath, will come secretly thither, and conuay away the Hens to their owne Kitchins. Somewhat farther from the Citie Eastward, there is a Fountayne of extreme cold water, and neere vnto it standeth a certaine building of Marble adorned with sundry Hie∣roglyphicall Pictures or Emblemes, such as I haue seene at Rome, and at many other places of Europe. But the common people imagine that it was in times past a Grammar Schoole, and be∣cause [ 30] both the Masters and Schollers thereof were most vicious, they were transformed (say they) into Marble.

Bona, was in ancient times called Hippo, where the Reuerend Father Saint Augustine was once * 1.9 Bishop. It was in processe of time subdued by the Gothes, and was afterward surprized and burnt to ashes by Hutmen the third Patriarke after Mahumet. And many yeeres after they built a new Towne within two miles, of the stones that were brought from the ruines of Bona: which new Towne they called Beld Elhuneb, that is, the Citie of the fruit called Ziziphus or Iuiuba, by reason of the great abundance of that fruit: the which they vse to dry in the Sunne, and to keepe till Winter. It contayneth almost three hundred Families, and all the houses and buildings thereof are very base, saue one onely Temple which standeth next the Sea. The In∣habitants [ 40] are all of an ingenuous disposition, some of them being Merchants, and the residue Artizans. Here is great store of Linnen-cloth wouen, the greatest part whereof is carryed to Numidia.

Euery Friday they haue neere vnto the Towne wals a Market, which is well frequented euen * 1.10 till night. Not farre from hence there is a certaine place in the Sea, abounding with great store of Corall: and because the Townesmen know not how 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fish for the same, the King of Tnnis li∣censed certaine Merchants of Genoa to fish for it: who in regard of the continuall assaults of Pirates, because they could not speed of their purpose, they obtayned leaue also of the King to build a Castle neere vnto the place: but that the Townesmen would in no case permit, saying, that the Genoueses in times past tooke their Towne by such a wile, and that it was afterward re∣couered [ 50] againe by the King of Tunis.

Tebessa, compassed with an high wall made of such stones, as are to be seene vpon the Colosso * 1.11 at Rome: neither saw I, to my remembrance, any such wals in all Africa or Europe; and yet the houses and other buildings are very base. Through part of this Citie runneth a great Riuer: and in the Market, and diuers other places stand certaine Marble Pillars, hauing Epigrams and Sentences with Latine Letters engrauen vpon them: there are also other square Pillars of Mar∣ble couered with Roofes. The Plaines adiacent, albeit, very dry, yet are they most fruitfull for Corne. Fiue miles from hence, grow such abundance of Wall-nut-trees, as you would take them to be some thicke Forrest. Neere vnto this Towne standeth a certaine hill full of mighty Caues, wherein the common people say, that Giants inhabited of old: but it is most euident, that those Caues were digged by the Romanes at the same time, when they built the Citie: for [ 60] certaine it is that the stones whereof the Citie wals consist, were taken out of those Rockes. The Inhabitants are people of a couetous, inhumane, and beastly disposition; neither will they vouchsafe to looke vpon a stranger: insomuch, that Eldabag a famous Poet of the Citie of Malaga * 1.12

in Granada, hauing in his trauell this way receiued some discourtesie, wrote in disgrace of Tebessa certaine Satyricall Verses, which my selfe likewise haue thought good here to set downe in the dispraise thereof.

Within this place here's nought of any worth, Saue worthlesse Nuts, which Tebessa affoords. Soft, I mistake, the Marble walles are worth Your earnest view, so are the Christall Foords: But hence are banisht vertues all diuine, The place is Hell, the People worse then Swine.

This Eldabag was a most learned and elegant Poet in the Arabian Tongue, and out of measure [ 10] Satyricall, and bitter in his inuectiues. But to returne to our former purpose, these Tebessians haue alwaies rebelled against the King of Tunis, and haue slaine all the Gouernours that he hath sent. Wherefore the King that now is, trauelling vpon a time towards Numidia, sent certaine Am∣bassadours into the Citie, to know how the Citizens stood affected towards him: vnto whom they (in stead of God saue the King) made answere; God saue our Citie walles. Whereat the King waxing wroth, sacked the Citie forthwith, beheaded and hanged diuers of the inhabitants, and made such hauock, that euer since it hath remained desolate. This was done in the yeare of the Hegeira 915.

In the Towne of Vrbs, are to be seene sundry Monuments of the Romans, as namely, Images of * 1.13 Marble, and euery where vpon the Walles are sentences in Latin letters engrauen: the Towne [ 20] Walles are most artificially and sumptuously built. This Towne the Gothes, being assisted by the Moores, surprised, when as it contained the chiefe treasure and wealth that the Romans enioyed in all Africa. Afterward, it remained for certaine yeares desolate, being at length notwithstan∣ding inhabited anew; yet so, that it deserueth rather the name of a Village, then of a Towne.

We haue here giuen the Reader, with a small generall Map of Barbary and Egypt, a description of the Ruines of Carthage, with the Goletta and Bay of Tunis.

[illustration] map of Barbary

HONDIVS his Map of Barbarie and Egypt.

BARBARIA

[illustration] map of the Carthaginian coastline

CARTAGINENSIS SINUS

[illustration] map of Egypt

AEGYP∣TUS

The famous and ancient City Carthage was built at the first by a certaine people that came * 1.14 out of Syria. But others say that it was founded by a * 1.15 Queene. The African Chronicler Ibnu Rachich is of opinion, that it was built by a certaine people that came from Barca. Tripolis of Barbaria and Capis being taken by the Mahumetans, the Inhabitants of them hoth went vnto Carthage, whither the principall Romans and Gothes had retired themselues, who endeauored by all meanes to withstand the Mahumetans: and after many skirmishes the Romans fled to Bona, and the Goths left Carthage for a pray vnto the Mahumetans; so that it remained deselate many yeares after, till a certaine Mahumetan Patriarke, called Elmahdi brought in new Colonies: how∣beit * 1.16 he could scarce furnish the twentith part with Inhabitants. There are to be seene at this day certaine ruines of the Citie walls, till you come to a deepe and large Cisterne. And there re∣maineth as yet also a certaine Conduit, which conueyeth water to the Citie from a Mountaine [ 10] thirtie miles distant, being like vnto the Conduit of the great Palace at Rome. Neere vnto Car∣thage likewise are certaine great and ancient buildings, the description whereof is out of my re∣membrance. On the West and South part of this Citie, are diuers Gardens replenished with all kind of fruits, which are carried from thence to Tunis in great abundance. The plaines adioyning to this Citie are exceeding fruitfull, though not very large: for vpon the North part thereof lieth a Mountaine, the Sea, and the Gulfe of Tunis: on the East and South parts it ioyneth to the Plaines of Bensart. But * 1.17 now this Citie is fallen into extreme decay and misery: Merchants Shops there are not aboue twenty or fiue and twenty at the most: and all the houses of the Towne being scarce fiue hundred, are most base and beggerly. In my time here was a stately Temple, and a faire Colledge also, but no Students were therein. The Townesman, though ve∣rie [ 20] miserable, yet are they exceeding proud withall, and seeme to pretend a great shew of Religi∣on. And the greater part of them are either Gardiners or Husbandmen, and are grieuously op∣pressed with the Kings daily exactions.

This Citie is called by the Latines, Tunetum, and by the Arabians Tunus, which name they thinke to be corrupt, because it signifieth nought in their language: but in old time it was cal∣led * 1.18 Tarsis, after the name of a Citie in Asia. At the first it was a small Towne built by the Afri∣cans vpon a certaine Lake, about twelue miles distant from the Mediterran Sea. And vpon the decay of Carthage, Tunis began to increase both in buildings and inhabitants: for the inhabitants of Carthage were loth to remaine any longer in their owne Towne, fearing least some Armie would haue been sent out of Europe: wherefore they repaired vnto Tunis, and greatly enlarged [ 30] the buildings thereof. Afterward came thither one Hucba Vimen, the fourth Mahumetan Pa∣triarke, * 1.19 who perswaded the Citizens, that no Armie or Garrison ought to remaine in any Sea Townes; wherefore he built another Citie, called Cairaoan, being distant from the Mediterran Sea thirtie, and from Tunis almost an hundred miles: vnto which Citie the Armie marched from Tunis, and in the roome thereof other people were sent to inhabite. About an hundred and fiftie yeares after, Cairaoan being sacked by the Arabians, the Prince thereof was expelled, and became Gouernour of the Kingdome of Bugia: howbeit, he left certaine Kinsmen of his at Tunis, who gouerned that Citie. And ten yeares after, Bugia was taken by Ioseph, the sonne of Tesfin, who seeing the humanitie of the foresaid Prince, would not expell him out of his Kingdome: but so long as it remained to the said Prince and his posteritie, Ioseph caused it to be free from all mole∣station. [ 40] Afterward, Abdul Mumen, King of Maroco, hauing recouered Mahdia from the Chri∣stians, marched toward Tunis, and got possession thereof also. And so Tunis remained peaceably * 1.20 vnder the Dominion of the Kings of Maroco, so long as the Kingdome was gouerned by the said Abdul, and his sonne Ioseph, and their successors Iacob and Mansor. But after the decease of Mansor, his sonne Mahumet Ennasir made warre against the King of Spaine, by whom being van∣qui••hed, he fled to Maroco, and there within few yeares ended his life. After him succeeded his brother Ioseph, who was slaine by certaine souldiers of the King of Telensin. An so vpon the death of Mahumet, and of his brother Ioseph, the Arabians began to inhabite the Territorie of Tunis, and to make often siedges and assaults against the Citie it selfe: whereupon the Gouernour of Tunis aduertised the King of Maroco, that vnlesse present aide were sent, he must be constrained [ 50] to yeeld Tunis vnto the Arabians. The King therefore sent a certaine valiant Captaine, called Habduluahidi, and borne in Siuill, a Citie of Granada, with a Fleete of twentie Sayles vnto Tunis, * 1.21 which he found halfe destroyed by the Arabians: but so great was his eloquence and wis∣dome, that he restored all things to their former estate, and receiued the yearely tribute. After Habduluahidi succeeded his sonne Abu Zachheria, who in learning and dexteritie of wit, excel∣led his father. This Abu built a Castle vpon a certaine high place of the West part of Tunis, which he adorned with faire buildings, and with a most beautifull Temple. Afterward, taking his iourney vnto the Kingdome of Tripolis, and returning home by the Southerne regions, he ga∣thered tribute in all those places: so that after his decease, he left great treasure vnto his sonne. [ 60] And after Abu succeeded his sonne, who grew so insolent, that hee would not be subiect to the King of Maroco, because hee perceiued his Kingdome to decay: at the same time also had the Marin Family gotten possession of the Kingdome of Fez, and so was the Familie of Beni Zeijen possessed of the Kingdomes of Telensin and Granada. And so while all those Regions were

at mutuall dissention, the Dominions of Tunis began mightily to encrease; insomuch, that the King of Tunis marched vnto Telensin, and demanded tribute of the inhabitants. Wherefore the King of Fez, who as then laid siege against Maroco, craued by his Ambassadors the King of Tunis his friendship, and with great gifts obtained the same. Then the King of Tunis returning home Conquerour from Telensin, was receiued with great triumph, and was saluted King of all Africa, because indeed there was no Prince of Africa at the same time comparable vnto him. Where∣fore he began to ordaine a Royall Court, and to choose Secretaries, Counsellors, Captaines, and other Officers appertaining to a King; after the very same manner that was vsed in the Court of Maroco. And from the time of this King euen till our times, the Kingdome of Tunis hath so prospered, that now it is accounted the richest Kingdome in all Africa. The said Kings so ••ne * 1.22 [ 10] reigning after his fathers death, enlarged the Suburbs of Tunis with most stately buildings. Without the Gate called Bed Suvaica he built a streete, containing to the number of three hua∣dred Families: and he built another street at the Gate, called Bed el Manera, consisting of more then a thousand Families. In both of these streetes dwell great store of Artificers, and in the street last mentioned, all the Christians of Tunis, which are of the Kings Guard, haue their abode. Likewise, there is a third streete built at the Gate next vnto the Sea, called Beb el Ba∣har, and being but halfe a mile distant from the Gulfe of Tunis. Hither doe the Genoueses, Venetians, and all other Christian Merchants resort, and here they repose themselues out of the tumult and concourse of the Moores: and this street is of so great bignesse, that it contai∣neth three hundred Families of Christians and Moores; but the houses are very low, and of small receit. The Families of the Citie, together with them of the Suburbs, amount almost to the number of ten thousand. This stately and populous Citie hath a peculiar place assigned for [ 20] each Trade and Occupation. Here dwell great store of Linnen-weauers, and the Linnen that they weaue is exceeding fine, and sold at a great price ouer all Africa. The women of this Towne vse a strange kind of spinning: for standing vpon an high place, or on the vpper part of the house, they let downe their Spindles at a window, or through a hole of the plancher into a lower * 1.23 roome, so that the weight of the Spindle makes the thread very equall and euen. The apparell of their Merchants, Priests, and Doctors is very decent. Vpon their heads they were a Dulipan, which is couered with a great Linnen-cloath: the Courtiers likewise and the Souldiers weare all of them Dulipans, but not couered with Linnen. Rich men here are but few, by reason of the exceeding scarcitie of all kind of graine: for a man cannot till a piece of ground, be it neuer so neere the Citie, in regard of the manifold inuasions of the Arabians. Corne is brought vnto them [ 30] from other Regions and Cities, as namely, from Vrbs, from Beggi, and from Bona. Some of the Citizens of Tunis haue certaine Fields in the Suburbs walled round about, where they sow some quantitie of Barley, and of other Corne: howbeit, the soyle is marueilous dry, and standeth in need of much watring: for which purpose euery man hath a pit, whereout with a certaine wheele turned about by a Mule or a Camell, and through certaine conueyances and passages made for the nonce, they water all the vpper part of their ground. Now consider (I pray you) what great crop of Corne can be reaped out of so little a Field, walled round about, and watred by such cunning and industrie. Bread they make very excellent, albeit they leaue the Bran still among the Flower, and they bake their Loaues in certaine Mortars, such as the Egyptians vse to beate Flaxe in. In this Citie they haue no Fountaines, Riuers, nor Wells of fresh water: but they all vse raine water taken out of Cisterns, sauing that there is a Fountaine in the Suburbs, [ 40] from whence certaine Porters bring salt water into the Citie to sell, which they thinke to bee more whole some and fit for drinke then raine water. Other Wells there are that affoord most excellent water, which is reserued only for the King and his Courtiers. In this Citie there is one most stately Temple, furnished with sufficient number of Priests, and with rich reuenues. Other Temples there be also, but not endowed with so ample reuenues: here are Colledges likewise and Monasteries built after their manner, all which are maintained vpon the common beneuo∣lence of the Citie. There are certaine people in this Citie, whom a man would take to bee di∣stracted, * 1.24 which goe bare-headed and bare-footed, carrying stones about with them, and these are reuerenced by the common people for men of singular holinesse. Moreouer, on the behalfe of [ 50] one of these mad fellowes, called Sidi el Dahi; and for the residue of his fond Societie, the King of Tunis built one of the foresaid Monasteries, and endowed the same with most ample reuenues. All the houses of this Citie are indifferently beautifull, being built of excellent stones, and ador∣ned with much painting and caruing. They haue very artificiall pargettings or plaister-works, which they beautifie with Orient colours; for Wood to carue vpon is very scarce at Tunis. The floores of their Chambers are paued with certaine shining and faire stones: and most of their houses are but of one storie high: and almost euery house hath two Gates or entrances; one to∣wards the street, and another towards the Kitchin and other back-roomes, betweene which Gates they haue a faire Court, where they may walke and conferre with their friends. Po∣uertie [ 60] constraineth some of their women to leade a•• vnchast life: they are decently apparelled, and going foorth of the house, they weare vailes or maskes before their faces, like vnto the wo∣men of Fez: for with one Linnen-cloth they couer their fore-heads, and ioyne thereto another

which they call Setfari: but about their heads they lap such fardels of Linnen, as they seeme comparable to the heads of Giants. Most part of their substance and labour they bestow vpon Perfumes and other such vanities. They haue here a Compound, called Lhasis, whereof whosoe∣uer eateth but one Ounce, falleth a laughing, disporting, and dallying, as if he were halfe drunken, and is by the said Confection maruellously prouoked vnto lust.

So soone as the King of Tunis hath by inheritance attained to his Kingdome, all his Nobles, * 1.25 Doctors, Priests, and Iudges, bind themselues by solemne Oath vnto him. Immediatly after any Kings death, his sonne and heire apparent succeedeth in the Kingdome: then the chiefe Officer of the Court (called the Munafid, because he is the Kings Vice-Roy or High Deputie) presenteth himselfe forthwith vnto the new King, and giueth vp an account of all things which hee did [ 10] while the old King liued: and then at the Kings appointment, euerie of the Nobles receiue Of∣fices from the Munafid according to their feuerall places of dignitie. Another principall Officer there is, called the Mesuare, that is, the Great Commander and Gouernour of the warlike forces: who hath authority to increase or diminish the number of Souldiers, to giue them their pay, to leuie Armies, and to conduct the same whither he thinketh good. The third Officer in dignitie, is the Castellan, who with his Souldiers taketh charge of the Castle, and looketh to the safeguard of the Kings owne person: and he allotteth punishments vnto such prisoners, as are brought into the said Castle, as if he were the King himselfe. The fourth Officer, is the Gouernour of the Citie, whose dutie is to administer Iustice in the Common-wealth, and to punish Malefactors. The fifth Officer, is the Kings Secretarie, who hath authoritie to write, and to giue answere in the Kings [ 20] name: he may open also, and reade any Letters whatsoeuer, except such as are sent vnto the Ca∣stellan and Gouernour of the Citie. The sixth, is the Kings Chiefe Chamberlaine, who is to fur∣nish the Walles with Hangings, to appoint vnto euery man his place, and by a Messenger to as∣semble the Kings Counsellors; and this man hath great familiaritie with the King, and hath ac∣cesse to speake with him, as often as he pleaseth. The seuenth in dignitie, is the Kings Treasurer, who receiueth all Customes, Tributes, and yearely reuenues, and payeth them, with the Kings consent, vnto the Munafid. These are the chiefe Officers vnder the King; of the residue (lest I should seeme tedious to the Reader) I haue of purpose omitted to intreate of. I could here make a large discourse of the Kings vices that now reigneth (at whose hands I confesse my selfe to haue receiued great benefits) but that is not my purpose at this present: this one thing I can af∣firme, [ 30] that he is maruellous cunning to procure money out of his subiects purses. But he himselfe liueth sometimes in his Palace, and sometimes in Gardens, in the company of his Concu∣bines, Musicians, Stage-plaiers, and such like. When he calleth for any Musician, he is brought * 1.26 in blindfold or hoodwinked in manner of a Hawke.

El Mahdia, founded in our time by Mahdi the first Patriarke of Cairaoan vpon the Mediter∣ran * 1.27 sea, and fortified with strong Walls, Towers, and Gates, hath a most noble Hauen belonging thereto. Mahdi when he first entred into this Region, fained himselfe in an vnknowne habite to be descended of the linage of Mahumet, whereby growing into great fauour of the people, hee was by their assistance made Prince of Cairaon, and was called El Mahdi Califa: afterward tra∣uelling fortie dayes iourney Westward into Numidia to receiue tribute due vnto him, he was ta∣was [ 40] by the Prince of Segelmesse, and put in prison; howbeit, the said Prince of Segelmesse be∣ing presently moued with compassion toward him, restored him to his former libertie, and was for his good will not long after slaine by him: afterward tyrannizing ouer the people, and per∣ceiuing some to conspire against him, he erected this Towne of Mahdia, to the end hee might there find safe refuge when need required. At length one Beiezid, a Mahumetan Prelate (whom they called the Caualleir, or Knight of the Asse, because that riding continually vpon an Asse, hee conducted an Armie of fortie thousand men) came vnto Cairaoan: but Mahdi fled vnto his new Towne, where with thirtie Sayle of ships, sent him by a Mahumetan Prince of Cordoua, he so valiantly encountred the Enemie, that Beiezid and his sonne were both slaine in that battell afterward returning to Carraoan, hee grew in league and amitie with the Citizens, and so the [ 50] gouernment remained vnto his posteritie for many yeares.

The famous Citie of Cairaoan, otherwise called Caroen, was founded by Hucba, who was sent * 1.28 generall of an Armie cut of Arabia Desarta by Hutmen, the third Muhumetan Califa. From the Mediterran Sea, this Citie is distant sixe and thirtie, and from Tunis almost an hundred miles: neither was it built (they say) for any other purpose, but onely that the Arabian Armie might securely rest therein with all such spoiles, as they wonne from the Barbarians, and the Numidi∣ans. He enuironed it with most impregnable Walls, and built therein a sumptuous Temple, supported with stately Pillars. The said Hucba after the death of Hutmen was ordained Prince of Muchauia, and gouerned the same till the time of Qualid Califa, the sonne of Habdul Malic, who as then reigned in Damasco. This Qualid sent a certaine Captaine, called Muse, the sonne of Nosair, with an huge Armie vnto Cairaoan; who hauing staied a few dayes with his Ar∣mie [ 60] not farre from Cairaoan, marched Westward, sacking and spoyling Townes and Cities, till hee came to the Ocean Sea shore, and then hee returned towards Cairaoan againe. From whence hee sent as his Deputie a certaine Captaine into Mauritania, who there also conquered

many Regions and Cities: insomuch that Muse being mooued with a iealous emulation, com∣manded him to stay till himselfe came. His said Deputie therefore, called Tarich, encamped himselfe not farre from Andaluzia, whither Muse within foure moneths came vnto him with an huge Armie; from whence both of them with their Armies crossing the Seas, arriued in Granada, and so marched by land against the Gothes. Against whom Theodoricus, the King of Goths, opposing himselfe in battaile, was miserably vanquished. Then the foresaid two Captaines with all good successe proceeded euen to Castilia, and sacked the Citie of Toledo, where amongst much other treasure, they found many Reliques of the Saints, and the very same Table whereat Christ sate with his blessed Apostles; which being couered with pure Gold, and * 1.29 adorned with great store of precious stones, was esteemed to bee worth halfe a million of Ducats, [ 10] and this Table, Muse carrying with him, as if it had been all the Treasure in Spaine, returned with his Armie ouer the Sea, and bent his course toward Cairaoan. And being in the meane space sent for by the Letters of Qualid Califa, hee sayled into Egypt: but arriuing at Alexan∣dria, it was told him by one Hescian, brother vnto the said Califa, that the Califa his brother was fallen into a most dangerous disease: wherefore hee wished him not to goe presently vn∣to Damasco, for feare least if the Califa died in the meane season, those rich and sumptuous Spoyles should be wasted and dispersed to no end. But Muse little regarding this counsell, pro∣ceeded on to Damasco, and presented all his Spoyles to the Califa, who within fiue dayes af∣ter deceased. After whom his brother succeeding Califa, depriued Muse of his dignitie, and substituted one Iezul into his roome, whose sonne, brother, and nephewes succeeding, gouerned [ 20] the Citie of Cairaoan, till such time as the Familie of Qualid was depriued of that dignitie, and one Elagleb was appointed Lieutenant, who gouerned not the Towne as a Califa: from that time the Mahumetan Califas leauing Damasco, remoued vnto Bagad••d, as wee find recorded in a certaine Chronicle. After the decease of Elagleb, succeeded his sonne, and the gouern∣ment remained vnto his posteritie for an hundred threescore and tenne yeares, till such time as they were depriued thereof by one Mahdi Califa. But at the same time when Elagleb was Go∣uernour, the Citie of Cairaoan was so increased, both with inhabitants and buildings, that a Towne, called Recheda, was built next vnto it, where the Prince with his Nobles vsed to re∣maine. In his time also the Ile of Sicilia was wonne: for Elagleb sent thither a certaine Cap∣taine, * 1.30 called Halcama, who built vpon the said Iland a Towne in stead of a Fort, calling it ac∣cording [ 30] to his owne name, Halcama; which name is vsed by the Sicilians euen till this pre∣sent. Afterward this new Towne was besieged by certaine people that came to aide the Sici∣lians. Whereupon one Ased was sent with an Armie, and so the Moores Forces being augmented, they conquered the residue of Sicilia, by which meanes the Dominions of Cairaoan began wonderfully to increase. The Citie of Cairaoan standeth vpon a Sandie and Desart Plaine, which beareth no Trees, nor yet any Corne at all. In this Citie for certaine yeares the studie of the Mahumetan Law mightily flourished, so that here were the most famous Law∣yers in all Africa. It was at length destroyed, and replanted againe with new inhabitants, but it could neuer attaine vnto the former estate. At this present it is inhabited by none but Leather∣dressers, who send their Leather vnto the Cities of Numidia, and exchange it also for Cloath [ 40] of Europe.

A mile and a half to the South of El Hamma beginneth a certain Riuer of hot water to Spring, * 1.31 which being brought through the midst of the Citie by certaine Chanels, is so deepe that it will reach vp to a mans nauell: howbeit, by reason of the extreme heate of the water, there are but few that wil enter thereinto. And yet the inhabitants vse it for drinke, hauing set it a cooling al∣most an whole day. At length this Riuer not far from the Towne maketh a certain Lake, which * 1.32 is called the Lake of Leapers: for it is of wonderfull force to heale the disease of leprosie, and to cure leprous sores: wherefore neere vnto it are diuers Cottages of Leapers, some of whom are restored to their health. The said water tasteth in a manner like Brimstone, so that it will no∣thing at all quench a mans thirst, whereof I my selfe haue had often triall. [ 50]

Gerbi being neere vnto the firme land of Africa, and consisting of a Plaine and Sandy ground, * 1.33 aboundeth exceedingly with Dates, Vines, Oliues, and other fruits, and containeth about eigh∣teene miles in compasse.

Old Tripolis built also by the Romans, was after wonne by the Goths, and lastly by the Ma∣humetans, in the time of Califa Homar the second. Which Mahumetans hauing besieged the Go∣uernour of Tripoli sixe moneths together, compelled him at length to flee vnto Carthage. The Citizens were partly slaine, and partly carried captiue into Egypt and Arabia, as the most famous African Historiographer, Ibnu Rachich reporteth.

After the destruction of old Tripolis, there was built another Citie of that name: which Ci∣tie being inuironed with most high and beautifull walls, but not very strong, is situate vpon a Sandy Plaine, which yeeldeth great store of Dates. The houses of this City are most stately, in [ 60] respect of the Houses of Tunis; and here also euery trade and occupation hath a seuerall place. Weauers here are many. They haue no Wells nor Fountaines; but all their water is taken out of Cisterns. Corne in this Citie is at an exceeding rate; for all the Fields of Tripoli are

as sandy and barren as the fields of Numidia. In this Citie were many faire Temples and Col∣ledges built, and an Hospitall also for the maintenance of their owne poore people, and for the entertainment of strangers. Their fare is very base and homely, being onely Be••••s or Dump∣lings made of Barley meale: for that Region affoordeth so small quantitie euen of Barley, that he is accounted a wealthy man that hath a bushell or two of corne in store. The Citizens are most of them Merchants; for Tripolis standeth neere vnto Numidia and Tunis, neither is there any Citie or Towne of account betweene it and Alexandria: neither is it farre distant from the Iles of Sicilia and Malta: and vnto the Port of Tripolis Venetian Ships yeerely resort, and bring thither great store of Merchandize. This Citie hath alwayes beene subiect vnto the King of Tunis: but when Abulhasen the King of Fez besieged Tunis, the King of Tunis was constrained [ 10] with his Arabians to flee into the Desarts. Howbeit, when Abulhasen was conquered, the King of Tunis returned to his Kingdome: but his subiects began to oppose themselues against him: and so that Common-wealth was afterward grieuously turmoyled with ciuill dissensions and warres. Whereof the King of Fez hauing intelligence, marched the fifth yeere of the said ciuill warre with an armie against the Citie of Tunis, and hauing vanquished the King thereof, and constrained him to flee vnto Constantina, he so straitly besieged him, that the Citizens of Constantina seeing themselues not able to withstand the King of Fez, opened their Citie gates to him and to all his armie. Whereupon the King of Tunis was carried captiue vnto Fez, and was afterward kept a while prisoner in the Castle of Septa. In the meane season Tripolis was * 1.34 by a Genouese Fleete of twenty sailes surprised and sacked, and the Inhabitants carried a∣way [ 20] captiue. Whereof the King of Fez being aduertised, gaue the Genoueses fiftie thousand Ducats, vpon condition, that he might enioy the Towne in peace. But the Genoueses hauing surrendred the Towne, perceiued after their departure, that most part of their Ducats were counterfeit. Afterward, the King of Tunis beeing restored vnto his former libertie by A∣buselim King of Fez, returned home vnto his Kingdome, and so the gouernement thereof re∣mained vnto him and his posteritie, till Abubar the sonne of Hutmen together with his young sonne was slaine in the Castle of Tripolis by a nephew of his, who afterward vsurped the King∣dome: but he was slaine in a battell which he fought against Habdul Mumen, who presently thereupon became Lord of Tripolis. After him succeeded his sonne Zacharias, who within a few moneths dyed of the pestilence. After Zacharias, Mucamen the sonne of Hesen, and cou∣sin [ 30] to Zacharias was chosen King; who beginning to tyrannize ouer the Citizens was by them expelled out of his Kingdome: and afterward a certaine Citizen was aduanced vnto the Royall Throne, who gouerned very modestly. But the King which was before expelled, sent an army of Souldiers against Tripolis, who loosing the field, were all of them put to flight. Afterward, the King that began to Raigne so modestly, prooued a very tyrant, and being murthered by his kinsmen, the people made choise of a certaine Nobleman, leading as then a Heremits life, and in a manner against his will appointed him their Gouernour: and so the gouernment of the Citie of Tripolis remained vnto him and his posteritie, till such time as King Ferdinando sent Don Pedro de Nauarra against it: who on the sudden encountring this City, carried away ma∣ny * 1.35 captiues with him. The Gouernour of Tripolis and his sonne in-law were sent prisoners vn∣to M••ssina. Where, after certaine yeeres imprisonment, they were restored by the Emperour [ 40] Charles the fift, vnto their former liberty, and returned vnto Tripolis, which Towne was after∣ward destroyed by the Christians. The Castle of Tripolis being enuironed with most strong * 1.36 walles, begin (as I vnderstand) to be replanted with new Inhabitants.

Notes

• * 1.1

  A description of the great Citie of Bugia.
• * 1.2

  Scholers. Lawyers. Philosopher••.
• * 1.3

  The Citie of Bugia taken by Pedro de Na∣uarra.
• * 1.4

  Necaus.
• * 1.5

  The Citie of Constantina.
• * 1.6

  Triumphall Arch.
• * 1.7

  Hot Baths. Snaile Deuils.
• * 1.8

  A fond and senselesse Su∣perstition.
• * 1.9

  The ancient Towne of Bona. Saint Augustine in times past Bishop of Hippo.
• * 1.10

  Great store of Corall.
• * 1.11

  The Citie of Tebessa.
• * 1.12

  Eldabag.
• * 1.13

  The Towne called Urbs. Vrbs full of Ro∣man antiqui∣ties.
• * 1.14

  The g••eat Ci∣tie of Carthage.
• * 1.15

  Both may ••e true of Queen D••••o, wh••ch came from Phoenicia in Syria.
• * 1.16

  R••ines of Carthage.
• * 1.17

  1526.
• * 1.18

  A description of the mighty Citie of Tunis.
• * 1.19

  The building of Cairaoan.
• * 1.20

  Tunis subiect vnto Abdul-Mumen and othet Kings of Maroco.
• * 1.21

  Or perhaps Andaluzia.
• * 1.22

  1526.
• * 1.23

  A strange kind of spin∣ning.
• * 1.24

  Mad men, re∣uerence mad men.
• * 1.25

  Of the King of Tunis his Court, and of the Rites and Ceremonies there vsed.
• * 1.26

  Musician blindfold.
• * 1.27

  The Towne of El Mahdia, otherwise cal∣led Africa.
• * 1.28

  Of the great Citie of Cairaoan.
• * 1.29

  Reliques.
• * 1.30

  The Ile of Si∣cilie subdued by the Gouer∣nour of Cai∣raoan.
• * 1.31

  A Riuer of hot water.
• * 1.32

  The Lake of Lepers.
• * 1.33

  Of the Ile of Gerbi o•• Z••••bi, where Iohn Leo the Author of this Historie was taken by Italian Pirates, and carried thence to Rome. The old Citie of Tripolis. The new Citie of Tripolis in 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Plenty of 〈◊〉〈◊〉,
• * 1.34

  Tripolis taken by a Fleete of Genowai••s.
• * 1.35

  Tripolis surpri∣zed by Pedro de Nauarra.
• * 1.36

  The Moun∣taines are o∣mitted.