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.

CHAP. IX.

Collections out of diuers Mahumetan Authors in their Arabicke Bookes, by the said Maronites, GABRIEL and IOHN, touching the most remarkable things in the East, especially of the Mosleman superstitions and rites, and the places of chiefe note.

ARabia hath not her name of I know not what Arabus, sonne of Apollo and Baby∣lonia, but of the Region Araba, not farre from Medina, where Ismael Sonne of * 1.1 Abraham dwelt: and that of Iaarob, sonne of Cuhh••an or Iectan, sonne of He∣ber [ 10] (and not as Iusef Ben-Abdillatif saith, the great grand-child of Abel) who (as Mohanied Ben-Iacub Sirazita, Author of the Arabick Dictionarie, aff••rmeth) was first Inuentor of the Arabicke tongue; which Ismael after did bring to more elegance and perfection, and is therefore called, the Father of Arabicke eloquence. Some of the Arabians dwell in Cities, some in the Desarts; those better ciuillized, and fit for Arts: these which inhabite the Desarts, are called Be〈…〉〈…〉uyae, or Beduois, that is, the people of the Desart; ex∣ceed in numbers, and wander without houses, vsing Tents made of Cotton Wooll, or of Goats * 1.2 and Camels haire, alway mouing and remouing, as water and pasture moue them, carrying their Wiues, Children, and Vtensils on their Camels. Their Horses are leane, little, swift, laborious, bold; and the Horsemen actiue beyond beliefe, darting and catching with their hand, the same [ 20] Dart in the Horses swiftest race before it commeth at the ground, and auoiding a Dart throwne at them, by sleightie winding vnder the Horses sides or belly: also taking vp Weapons lying on the ground whiles the Horse is running, & in like swift race hit the smallest mark with Arrow or sling. Their armes are arrowes, Iauelings with Iron heads, Swords (which they vse not to thrusts but strokes) Daggers, Slings, and vse the same in aduerse fight, or in auerse flight. They lye in waite for Carauans, pray vpon Trauellers, liue on rapine and spoile, and often make themselues the great Turks Receiuers and Treasurers, and raise new Imposts on all such as they can enforce, whether Trauellers or Cities; obeying neither the Ottoman, nor any other Soueraigne, but being diuided in innumerable families, obey the heads of their owne Families or Tribes. These Tribes * 1.3 are distinguished by the names of their first Parents, as Abi-helal, Abi-Risce, Abi-Zaid, and [ 30] sixe hundred others, all esteemed and saluted Gentle, and equall in rights. Their food is browne * 1.4 Bread, new and sowre Milke, Cheese, Goats and Camels flesh, Pulse, Hony, Oyle and Butter. Rice is esteemed a great delicacie, by reason of their Tradition, that it came of Mahomets sweat. For, say they, when Mahomet compassed the Throne of God in Paradise, God turned and loo∣ked * 1.5 on him, which made the modest Prophet sweate, and wiping it off with his finger, sixe drops fell out of Paradise: one whereof produced the Rose; the second, Rice; the other foure, his foure Associats. They vse a certaine Hodge-podge, or Frumentie of boyled Wheat, laid after a drying in the Sun, then beaten and boyled with fat flesh, till the flesh be consumed. This they call Herise, and say that Gabriel the Angell taught it Mahomet for strengthning his reines; [ 40] whereby one night he fought against fortie men, and in another had fortie times carnall dealing with Women. These might seeme calumnies deuised by some Mahumetan aduersarie, if the former Author (both learned in, and zealous of the Law of Mohamed) had not related the same in a Chapiter of the choise of meats. Mohamed or Mahomet, commended also the eating of Gourds, and of the Melongenae, affirming, that he had seene this Plant in Paradise, and measu∣red * 1.6 the quantitie of mens wits, by their eating store hereof. When he was once in prison (saith Ben-sidi Aali) the Angell Gabriel came downe from heauen, and carried him into Gennet Elena∣am, or the Garden of pleasures, where amongst others he saw this shrub, and he asking why it grew there, the Angell answered, because it hath confessed the Vnitie of God, and that thou art a true Prophet. Their garments are base, a Cotten shirt with very wide sleeues, an vpper * 1.7 garment of Wooll, wouen with white and blacke lines of Goats or Camels haire; their feet are [ 50] bare. Their Nobler sort go better cloathed, and vse shooes, a red leather girdle, a white Tulipan of Cotton or Linnen of few folds. Their Women go almost naked, in a blew smock of Cotton, Linnen head-tire, and face vailed. They vse Eare-rings, Chaines, Brooches, and Rings of Glasse, or other base matter, and Dye or Paint with blew markes made with a needle, their cheekes, armes and lips. Thus much of the Beduines.

Baghdad (which is also called Dar-assalam, that is, The Citie of peace * 1.8) receiued that name * 1.9 of a Monke called Baghdad, who as Ben-Casen writeth, serued a Church builded in that Medow. But Abu-Giaphar Almansur the second Abassaean Chalifa, who wanne it, A. Heg. 150. named it Dar-assalam. It is the Citie Royall of Mesopotamia, now called Diarbecr, which the said Al∣mansur, [ 60] placed in a large Plaine vpon Tigris, and diuided by the Riuer into two Cities, ioyned by a Bridge of Boats. This Citie built in this place, Almansur ruled many yeeres, and after him other Chalifas till the 339. yeere of the Hegira, in which King Aadhd-eddaule and Saif-eddaule took it, who with their Successors enioyed it till Solymus the Ottoman Emperour subdued, and is

now ruled by a Bascia, with many Ianizaries. But hereof Ahmad Abi Bacr of Baghdad, in his Annuals, will shew you more. This Citie is famous for Schooles of all Sciences, both in former and the present time. Here Ahmad Assalami a famous Poet wrote his Verses. Here Alpha∣rabius the renowmed Philosopher and Physician, borne at Farab in Turcomannia, professed these studies publikely with great applause, and leauing many of his Scholers in this Citie, went to Harran of Mesopotamia, where ••inding Aristotles Booke, De Auditu, hee read it fortie times, and * 1.10 wrote vpon the Booke, that hee was willing againe to reade it. Hence hee went to Damascus, and there died, A. H. * 1.11 339. Thus Ben-Casem in his Booke, De viridario Electorum.

Bochara is an ancient Citie vpon Euphrates, in a Village belonging whereto Honain Ali Ben∣sina (whom the Latines call, Auicenna) was borne, A. H. 370. Hee gaue himselfe to Physicke very young, and was the first which became Physician to Kings and Princes, who before in that [ 10] Countrey vsed y 1.12 no Physicians. He published neere an hundred books, many of Physick, some of Philosophie, a Dictionarie of Herbs and Stones, Verses of the Soule, &c. He liued eight and fiftie yeeres, and died in Hamadan. Hee had runne thorow all Arts, at eighteene. Thus Ben-Casem. But others affirme, that a certaine Physician flourishing of great note, vpon whom no praying nor paying could fasten a Disciple, lest the secrets of his Art should bee made common: the mother of Auicenna offers her sonne to doe him seruice in decoctions, and other meaner of∣fices, which he could not doe himselfe; nor was there feare of danger from him whom nature * 1.13 had made deafe, and therefore dumbe. He made trials, and found Auicenna deafe, as he thought, and entertayned him, who watched his times, and transcribed his bookes and notes, sending [ 20] them closely to his mother, which after his mothers death he published in his owne name.

Damascus is called of the Arabians, Sciam, and Demasc, of the Syrians Darmsuc. It is luxu∣rious * 1.14 in fruits of all kinds, rich in Oliues and Iron of excellent temper by nature, and so bet∣tered by arte, that no Helme or Shield can withstand it. It is seated in a large Plaine at the roots of Libanus, there called Hermon, sixe miles in compasse, double walled, with a strong square Tower in the midst, built by a Florentine, beautified with Springs, Market places, Publike buil∣dings, Meskits, Bathes, Canes, and all sorts of silke-weauing, and in all ancient times with learning and learned men. Here flourished Saint Damascen: and here Almotannabbi excelled * 1.15 in Arts and Armes, emulous of Mahomet, but not with like successe. He was called Nabion, that is, The Prophet; this Motannabbi, that is, Prophecying: he wrote the Alcoran elegantly and eloquently; this excelled in Prose and Verse: both had Followers, but this mans Disciples af∣ter [ 30] his death were disperst, which happened, A. H. 354. Ben-Casem also relates, that Moha∣med Abi Abdillah professed Philosophie in this Citie, and to dispute with all commers, and wrote * 1.16 a huge Booke, De vnitate existendi principiorum. He died there, A. H. 638.

Aleppo is called of the Inhabitants, Haleb, the chiefe Mart of all the East, frequented by * 1.17 Persians, Indians, Armenians, and all Europaans. The Port is Scanderone, called by the Inhabi∣tants Escanderuneh. The soyle is very fertile, and nourisheth abundance of Silke-wormes. A. H. 922. Sultan Selim tooke it, and found therein infinite wealth. Sciarfeddin which wrote the * 1.18 Victories of the Othomans in two Tomes, sayth, that it had of Gold and siluer coyned 1150000. and a mightie masse vncoyned; Vests of cloth of Gold, tissued or wrought with Gold, Silke, and Scarlet aboue 300000. besides abundance of Gems and Pearles. And besides other wealth [ 40] innumerable, it had eight Armories well furnished. It now flourisheth in the next place to Constantinople and Cairo, and may be called, Queene of the East: Here are store of Gems, Am∣bar, Bengeoin, Lignum Aloes, and Muske, which is taken from a little reddish beast, beaten with * 1.19 many blowes on one place that the bloud may all come thither. Then is the skin so swolne and full of bloud bound straight that the bloud may not issue: and put into one or more bladders, is dried on a beasts backe till the bladder fall off of it selfe, and that bloud after a moneth be∣comes excellent Muske. At Aleppo was borne that great Grammarian Othoman Abu Homar, surnamed Ben-ellhhageb, which wrote Cafia and Sciafia of Grammer, and died, A. H. 672.

Libanus is called by the Arabians Lobnan, Lebnon by the Syrians, so called of the Syriake word * 1.20 Lbunto, which signifieth, Frankincense. It contayneth about sixe hundred miles compasse, rich [ 50] in Soyle, Waters, Groues, Vines (the Wine whereof is very wholsome, not windie; and here in a Village, called Sardania, they say, Noa planted a Vineyard) and hence runne Pharphar, Abana, and the Riuer of Tripolis. On this Mountaine grow Cypresses, Pines, Boxes, and other * 1.21 trees plentie: especially Cedars; the forme whereof from our owne eyes wee will here relate. It groweth on the top of the Mount, higher then the Pine, so thicke as foure or fiue men can ioyntly fadome: the boughs not eleuated vpwards, but stretched out acrosse largely disfused and striking on each other, thickly enfolded as is were by wonderfull Art, insomuch as we haue seene many both sit and lie along on the boughs. The leaues are thicke and frequent, narrow and hard, prickly and alway greene. The wood is knotty and somewhat wreathed, hard, incor∣ruptible [ 60] and sweet-smelling. The fruit like the Cones of Cypresse, gummie and maruellous fragrant. On this Mountaine dwell the Maronites, deriued from Saint Maron the holy Ab∣bot, * 1.22 and his Disciples, or as others thinke from the Land Maronia: vncertaine whether, but most certaine, from no Heretike so called, as some will haue it. These possesse all the Mountaine,

and besides other ordinary tributes, pay great summes yeerely to the Lord of the Land, that no man of other Religion be permitted to dwell with them, and that no tribute children (as a∣mongst the Greekes) be taken from them. They onely vse Bells, which are prohibited other * 1.23 Nations, because in the beginning of Mahumetisme, by the sound of a Bell, the Christians had assembled and done the Moslemans great mischiefe. The Patriarch of the Maronites (which is also of Antiochia) is much reuerenced of the people, and with his Clergie acknowledgeth the Roman Bishop. Their Liturgie is in the Syriake Tongue.

Mecca chiefe Citie of Arabia Deserta, is called also in the Alcoran, Becca, the holy Citie of the Moslemans, both for Mahomeds reuelations there had, and for the Temple especial∣ly, * 1.24 called by them Kabe, or, The square House, which they fable, was first built by Angels, [ 10] and often visited by Adam himselfe: and lest it should be destroyed by the Floud, was lifted vp to the sixth Heauen, called Dar-assalam (The habitation of peace) after the Floud Abraham built another house like to the former, by the shadow thereof sent from heauen to him. Thus writeth Iaacub Ben-Sidi Aali. This is a Chappell, not very large, of square figure, open with foure Gates, by one of which the Ministers haue accesse; the other are opened but once in the yeere. It glittereth all with Gold, and is couered with vests of Gold, and encompassed with e∣legant Iron-worke to keepe off neere commers. No man may enter it but certaine Elders, which haue long beards to their breasts, and remayne there night and day. Neere to this Chapell is a large marble Floore adorned about with eight huge Lights, and sixe and thirtie Lamps of Gold, perpetually burning. Three pathes leade thereto whereon men and women goe bare-foot to the [ 20] Chapell, which they compasse seuen times with great reuerence, mumbling their deuotions; kisse the corners, sigh and implore the ayde of Abraham and Mohamed. Round about all this space is a stately building of very elegant structure, as it were a wall; in which are numbred sixteene principall Gates to goe in and out, where hang innumerable Lamps and Lights of in∣credible greatnesse. Within this space betwixt the rowes of Pillars are shops of Sellers of Gemmes, Spices, Silkes, in incredible store from India, Arabia, Aethiopia: that it seemes ra∣ther the Mart of the World then a Temple. Here doe men kisse and embrace with great zeale a certaine stone which they call Hagiar Alasuad, or, The blacke stone, which they say, is a Mar∣garite * 1.25 of Paradise, the light whereof gaue lustre to all the Territorie of Mecca. Before this, sayth Iacub Ben-Sidi Aali, Mohamed commanded to weepe, to aske God pardon for sinnes, and to crie [ 30] with sighs and teares for ayde against their enemies. After they haue visited that Chappell and the stone, they goe to another large Chappell within the Temple, where is the Well, called Zam Zam; which is (sayth the said Author) the Well which flowed from the feet of Ismael when * 1.26 he was thirstie and wept: which Hagar first seeing, cried out Zam Zam, in the Coptite or old Egyptian Tongue; that is, Stay, stay. There are many which draw water thence and giue to the Pilgrims, who are commanded to wash therewith their bodie and head three times, to drinke thereof, and if they can, to carrie some of it with them, and to pray God for health and pardon of sinnes. To this building is added a Noble Schoole or Vniuersitie, A. H. 949. by Solyman who adorned it by his costs by maruellous structure, and endowed it with reuenues.

After these visitations, all the Pilgrims goe to a certaine Temple on a Hill, ten miles from the [ 40] Citie, and flocking in great numbers buy according to their abilitie, one or more Rammes for sa∣crifice. And because some are of opinion, that the Mohamedans haue no sacrifices, we will re∣late * 1.27 what Iacub Ben-Sidi Aali hath written of their Ceremonies. Dhahhia (so the Arabs call a Sacrifice) is a killing of beasts in the worship, and for the offering of God, and they are Lambs of sixe or seuen moneths at least; Camels of fiue yeeres, Bullockes of two yeeres. The males are to be chosen be∣fore females, and those cleane, white, infected by no naturall or violent defect, fat, corpulent, horned. E∣uery man must kill his owne Sacrifices, and rippe them with his owne hands, except in vrgent necessities, and then he may substitute others to doe it for him. For euery one before they eate any thing, are bound to eate some piece of the Sacrifices; the rest, if they can, to giue cheerfully to the poore. They which are admitted to these Oblations, let them offer one Ramme for themselues, another for the soules of the Dead, [ 50] another for Mohamed, that in the day of Iudgement he deliuer them from calamities. These Sacrifices * 1.28 are offered to God in imitation of Abraham, which would haue offered his sonne Ismael to God; who going out of the Citie with him to a certaine Hill, called Mena, where he would haue offered him to God: but when the sword could not cut his necke, a white Ramme appeared betwixt his hands, fat, and hor∣ned, which he sacrificed to God in stead of his sonne.

Whiles the Pilgrims are here busied in their sacrifices, Beduine Arabs assault the Carauans, and robbing them, flee to the Hils, and inaccessible refuges, so swift as if they did flie. And al∣though all armes are forbiden in the territorie of Mecca (which containeth on the East six miles, * 1.29 on the North twelue, on the West eighteene, on the South foure and twentie, in which respect Mecca and Medina are called Atharamain) yet they cease not to infest, and Pilgrims are here [ 60] often forced to armes. This Territorie is barren for want of water, and raine, hath very few * 1.30 Herbs and Plants, or other pleasures of Groues, Gardens, Vines, or greene obiects; but is roa∣sted with the Sunne, both land and people. And this haply is the cause that no man may breake a bough if they find any Tree. Onely the shrubs of Balsam, brought hither from Cairo thriue

well, and are now so propagated, that all the sweet liquor of Balsam is carried onely from this Citie, thorow all Regions in great plentie. Here are store of Pigeons, which because they are of the stocke of that which came to Mohameds eare (as the Moslemans fable) no man may take or scarre them. A certaine Scerif enioyeth the dominion of this Citie, and all the Land of Me∣dina by inheritance, called Alamam-Alhascemi, that is, the Captaine or chiefe Hascemeo, descen∣ded of Hascem great Grandfather of Mohamed; Who were neuer depriued of their dominion * 1.31 by the Ottoman or Soldan. Yea, the Ottoman calls not himselfe the Lord of Mecca and Medina, but the humble seruant. Yet this Scerif notwithstanding his reuenues and gifts by Pilgrims and Princes, through the Beduines spoiles, and his kindreds quarrels seeking the Soueraigntie, is alway poore. Therefore doth the Ottoman bestow the third part of the reuenues of Egypt, and to [ 10] protect the Pilgrims from the inuasions of the Arabs.

Medina is called the Citie by Antonomasia, and Medina Alnabi, that is, the Citie of the prophet: * 1.32 because Mohamed, when he was forced to forsake his Countrey Mecca, betooke himselfe to this Citie, then called Iathreb, and was made Lord thereof. It is an error that he was borne here, for * 1.33 he was borne and brought vp at Mecca; and in the fourth yeere of his age, and as Ben-Casem hath, in the nine hundred thirtie three of Alexander the Great, he began to vtter his Doctrine, first priuily, after that publikely; whereupon he was banished the Citie in the two and fiftieth of his life; or according to Abdilatif Ben-Iusof, the three and fiftieth, and fled to Iathreb, from which flight, which they call Hegeraton or Hegera, which happened, An. Dom. 622. or therea∣bouts. * 1.34 And although this yeere 1623. be to them 1032. Yet because they reckon according to the yeeres of the Moone, which they say, consist of three hundred fiftie foure daies, the Moones [ 20] * 1.35 course hath in this space exceeded that of the Sunne, some Moneths aboue one and thirtie yeers. Whereupon their Moneths are vncertaine. In this Citie by subtill hypocrisies, Mohamed became Politicall and Ecclesiasticall Prince; and began to procure the friendship of many, and to pro∣mulgate his Lawes by degrees. In the second yeere of his flight, he enacted his Lawes of fasting; in the third, forbad Wine and Swines-flesh; and so proceeded with the rest, that within eight yeeres, he brought into subiection Mecca (whence hee had beene expulsed) and Muna, and went forward with his Law and Conquest. As concerning his Wiues, Ben-Casem saith, hee had foure: he is also reported to haue many Harlots and Concubines: and in his Chapiter, Surato∣lbaqra or de vacca, he bids them marry one, two, three, or foure wiues a man, and to take as many * 1.36 Concubines as they are able to keepe. Ben-Sidi Aali saith, that he gloried that he had the power of [ 30] ten Prophets in copulation giuen him by God: Yea, he ascribed all his villanies to God, by mi∣nisterie of the Angel Gabriel. His first wife was named Codaige, by whom he had two sonnes, and foure daughters, Zainab, Fatema, (whom Aali married) Om Kalthum the third, and Rakia * 1.37 the fourth (both which Abu-becr married.) His second wife was Aisce Daughter of Abu-Becr, the first Califa, which was but six yeeres old (Ben-Casem is our author) when Mohamed tooke her to wife: the Moslemans call her the mother of the faithfull: who besides the knowledge of tongues, perused diligently the Arabike Histories, loued exceedingly and alway praised Mohamed. The third was named Mary, which brought forth to Mohamed, Ebrahim, surnamed Casem (whence Mohamed is often called Abulcasem) though Ban- Abdilatif will haue Ebrahim to be one, and Ca∣sem [ 40] another; but Ben-Casem saith, he had but three sons, of which Ebrahim Casem dyed at eigh∣teene Moneths, and Taiheb and Taher his sonnes by Codaige, dyed both in their Cradles. Mo∣hameds last wife was Zainab, whom also they call the mother of the faithfull, before the wife of Zaidi Ben-Harteh, Mohameds Master, who diuorced her, whereupon Mohamed gladly tooke her to wife.

He had foure Counsellers or Companions; the first, Abdollah, or Abu-Bacr, his sincerest and * 1.38 most in ward friend, a man very rich and releeuer of Mohameds necessities, his successor after his death. He dyed the thirteenth yeere of the Hegira, and sixtie three of his age, and was buri∣ed in the same graue with Mohamed. The second was Homar the sonne of Chattab, surna∣med Faru{que} who succeeded Abi-Bacr, and ruled ten yeeres and six moneths. He was the first which was called King of the faithfull, and writ the Annals of the Moslemans, and brought the [ 50] * 1.39 Alcoran into a Volume, and caused the Ramadam fast to be obserued. He was slaine the three and twentieth of the Hegira, and buried by Abi- Bacr. The third was Othman, who in his twelue yeeres raigne subdued Cyprus, Naisabur, Maru, Sarchas, and Maritania, and died A. H. 35. and * 1.40 was buried in the buriall place of the Citie. Aali was the fourth, who is called also Emir El∣mumenin, that is, King of the faithfull; he was slaine A. H. 40. in the three and sixtieth of his age, and was buried in the Citie Kerbelai. He was his Vncles sonne, or Cousin-german to Moha∣med and his sonne in law, and deare familiar from his youth, and receiued the Mosleman Law together with Mohamed; whereupon he was wont to say, I am the first Mosleman. And there∣fore the Persians detest the other three Chalifas, as Heretikes; burne their Writings whereso∣euer [ 60] they finde them, and persecute their Followers, because forsooth they were so impudent, to preferre themselues before Aali, and spoyled him of the right due by Testament. Hence are Warres and hostile cruelties betwixt them and the Turkes, and Arabs. Mohamed the false Pro∣phet, in the eleuenth yeere after his Hegira or flight, and the three and sixtieth of his age, dyed

at Medina and was buried there in the Graue of Anisee his wife. Heere is a stately Temple and huge, erected with elegant and munificent structure, daily increased and adorned by the * 1.41 costs of the Othomans, and gifts of other Princes. Within this building is a Chappell not per∣fectly square, couered with a goodly Roofe, vnder which is the Vine of stone, called Hagiar Monauar, sometimes belonging to Aaisce aforesaid. This is all couered with Gold and Silke, and compassed about with Iron grates gilded. Within this, which shineth with Gold and Gemmes, Mohameds carkasse was placed, and not lifted vp by force of Load-stone or other Art; but that stone-Vrne lyeth on the ground.

The Mosleman Pilgrimes after their returne from Mecca, visit this Temple, because Mo∣hamed yet liuing was wont to say, that he would for him which should visit his Tombe, aswell [ 10] as if he had visited him liuing, intercede with God for a life full of pleasures. Therefore doe they throng hither, and with great Veneration kisse and embrace the grates (for none haue accesse to the Vrne of stone) and many for loue of this place leaue their Countrey, yea, some madly put out their, eyes to see no worldly thing after, and there spend the rest of their dayes.

The compasse of Medina is two miles, and is the circuit of the wall, which Aadha Addaule King of Baghdad built, A. H. 364. The Territorie is barren scorched Sands; bringing forth no∣thing but a few Dates and Herbs.

Metsr is the name of Cairo, and all Egypt, so called of Mesraim the Sonne of Noa, as saith * 1.42 Mohamed Sarazita. This Citie is gouerned by a Bascia, and fiue and twentie thousand Spa••ies [ 20] and Ianizaries. It is rich in Cassia Trees, Sugar-canes and Corne, many Lands adioyning yeelding Haruest twice a yeare, Hay foure times, Herbs and Pulse in manner alway greene. Adde store of Salt very white, the water of Nilus inclosed in Pits and by the only heate of the Sunne in three dayes beeing turned into it. In former times it was famous for Balsam * 1.43 Plants now remooued to Mecca by command of the Othomans; and none are found in all Egypt, but seuen shrubs * 1.44 in the Bassas Garden, kept with great diligence. The leaues are like to wild Marioram, the iuyce is taken by a little incision in the trunke or branch.

Abu-Chalil-Ben-Aali writes, that from the fifteenth to the two & twentieth of Rabij Athani (Iune) there fals a dew which leaues no token thereof in the earth, yet by vulgar * 1.45 experience is found by weighing the sand or earth of Nilus bankes, and is an euident token of the increase [ 30] of Nilus. The Aire also is then made more wholsome; Plagues and Feuers cease, and those which were sicke * 1.46 of them recouer.

Touching the Easterne Customes. Bensidi Aali hath written of the structure of Mescuites. Before them is a large floore paued with Marble, in the midst is a square Lauer, where they which come to pray vse to wash themselues. After this is a great Hall without Images or Pi∣ctures, the Walls bare, not shining with Gold or Gemmes: the Pauement matted, on which the vulgar sit; the Rich vse Carpets spred for them by their Slaues. From the Roofe hang ma∣ny Lampes, which are lighted in Prayer time, and that beeing ended, are put out. These Churches are for the most part round and couered with lead; and haue adioyned high Towers which serue for Steeples with foure Windowes open to the foure winds; whereon the Priests at [ 40] set-times ascend, and with a strong voyce call men to Prayers. Which being ended, and their Legall washing being done, all of them leauing their Shooes on a rew at the threshold of the Gate or Porch, they enter with great silence. The Priest beginneth the Prayer and all follow, and whiles hee kneeleth they doe so, and rise when hee stands vp, and imitate him in the ele∣uation or depression of the voyce. None yanneth, cougheth, walketh or talketh, but in great silence after Prayers they resume their Shooes and depart. No women may come to the Mescuites at these set houres, if there bee any men, nor may haue any societie of men except the Priest, which directeth and goeth before them with his voyce in their manner of praying, as saith the said Author. * 1.47

They are permitted, not to enter the Mescuites, but to stand at the doore, and must bee gone quickly before the men haue done their Prayers. Hee addes that the womens Church [ 50] is the inner part of their owne house. Such is their dis-repect of women, notwithstanding Mo∣hameds promises in his Alcoran, that many say they enter not Paradise but may stand at the doore with Christians, and see the glorie of the men.

The Garments of the East are commonly long, some slit on the right and left hand, some whole. The vpper Garment hath wide sleeues. Their head-tire is a Tulipant but differing, of Princes white and fine, artificially wreathen, rather long then round: of their Cadies and Mu∣feis very large of fiftie or sixtie els of Calico round and wreathed; of Citizens lesse, of Serifs or Mohameds posteritie greene: of Souldiers and Seruants long and white. Christians vse not white nor round ones: the Maronite Patriarke and his Suffragan Bishops weare a huge Tulipant, round and blue, with a blacke hood vnder it: other Priests lesse and no hood. The women are [ 60] pompous, but comming abroad weare a couering made of Horse-haire before their face, that they may see and not be knowne, not if their owne Husbands meete them; neither if they did know, would they salute, it being a shame for a woman to be seene speaking with a man. Their Chaines,

Brooches and other Ornaments and Paintings of their eyes, browes, and fingers ends, I omit. Both men and women are so addicted to neatnesse, that they are very carefull lest any drop of vrine spot their clothes in making water or going to stoole, and would then thinke themselues vncleane. They therefore then sit downe (like women) and wash; or if no water may be had, * 1.48 wipe with three stones, or a three cornered stone, as Ben-Sidi Aali in his Chapiter of washing warneth. They thinke it vnlawfull to spit or pisie on a brute creature. In food they abstaine from strangled and bloud; and Moslelmans, from Swines flesh. They loue Iunckets: they breake bread and cut it not. Their Table is a round piece of Leather, to which they come with washing and Prayers promised. They vse not Forkes but Spoones of wood of diuers coulours, and where they need not them, three fingers as Ben-Sidi Aali warneth. Pewter and Porcelane is in much [ 10] vse, but other Vessels of plate or Gold, saith hee, Mohamed forbade, saying, the Deuill vsed such, the common drinke is water; the better fort adde Sugar, sometimes Amber and Muske, &c.

There are in the East eight principall Languages, the Arabi••••, Persian, Turkish, Hebrew, Chal∣dee, Syriake (which little differs from Chaldees) Greeke, and Armenian. The Arabike is most noble * 1.49 and vsuall, and is extended as farre as Mohameds name as their sacred Language, knowne to all Moslelmans of better fashion. In this is their Alcoran and their publike Prayers, and most of their Lawes. Yea, saith Zaheri, the blessed in Paradise vse it. In this also are written their Bookes of Physicke, Astrologie, Rhetorike. The Persian hath little but Poets and Historians, the Turkish almost nothing; the Chaldee and Syriake are nigh lost, as the Greeke. But Auerroes, Algazeles, Abu-Becer, Alfarabius (called of the Moslelmans the second Philosopher) Mohamed Ben-Isaac, [ 20] * 1.50 and Mohamed Ben-Abdillah adorned the Arabike: besides very many Astrologers, Mathemati∣cians, Physicians, and Historians. Ben-Sidi Aali reckons one hundred and fiftie, which haue written on their Law; Ben-Case••••, innumerable Grammarians and Rhetoricians.

Now for the Moselmans Religion, Ben-Sidi Aali expresseth it to consist herein, that they be∣leeue all the speeches made by Gabriel the Angell to our Prophet, when hee questioned him of the * 1.51 things to be beleeued and done: which are these, to beleeue in one God to whom none is equall (this a∣gainst Christians) and that the Angels are the Seruants of God, to beleeue in the Scripture sent to the Apostles, diuided in their opinion into one hundred and foure Bookes, of which ten were sent to Adam, fiftie to Set, thirtie to Enoc (called Edris) ten to Abraham, the Law to Moses, the Psalmes to Dauid, [ 30] the Gospell to Isa, or Iesus Christ; lastly, the Alcoran to Mohamed. That they hold these sent for mens good; and beleeue in the Resurrection after death, and that some are predestinate to fire, some to Paradis•• according to the will of God (for it is said in the Alcoran; there is none of you which hath not his place in Paradise, and a place determined in Hell) that they beleeue also the reward of the good and punishment of the bad; and the intercession of the Saints. Also this is of the things to bee holden, that they firmely beleeue in the Diuine Pen, which was created by the finger of God. This Pen was made of Pearles, of that lenghth and space that a swift Horse could scarcely passe in fiue hundred yeares. It performeth that office, that it writes all things past, present and to come: the Inke with which it writes is of light; the tongue by which it writes none vnderstandeth but the Archangell Seraphael. That they beleeue also the punishment of the Sepulchres; for the dead are vsed often to be punished in their Graues, as happened in [ 40] a certaine Sepulcher betwixt Mecca and Medina.

The Precepts of the Moslemans are, first Circumsion, not on the eight day as to the Iewes, but * 1.52 at the eight, ninth, tenth, eleuenth, twelfth yeare that they may know what they doe, and may professe their Faith with vnderstanding. And although most hold women free therefrom, yet in Egypt they circumcise women at thirteene, fourteene, or fifteene yeares old (many of them till then goe starke naked) and Sidi-Ben Aali saith, that it was commanded to men, but is vsed to women for honour.

The second Commandement is Prayers hourely, which in the Church, at home, or abroad, they are bound to perform, fiue times in the day and night: first at break of day; the second about noon; the third in the afternoon; the fourth after Sun-set, when the stars begin to appeare: the last in the first watch, or before mid-night (for after, it is vnlawfull saith Ben-Sidi Aali) neither may any [ 50] transgresse these houres without sinne; yea, saith hee, if one were cast into the Sea and knew the houre of Prayer, if he be able he ought to doe it; as also women in trauell must hide the Infants head as they can and doe it. Trauellers when they perceiue that houre is come, goe out of the way and wash; or if they haue no water; lightly digge the Earth and make shew of washing, and goe not thence till they haue finished their Deuotion. Thirdly Almes is also commanded; * 1.53 and they which are so poore that they cannot giue to Orphans and the poore, must helpe in Ho∣spitals, and high-wayes, by such seruice to satisfie God. Fourthly, Ramahdan Fast of thirtie dayes is commanded from morning to Sun-set and the Starres appearing: for then after euening Prayer they eate any food (except Wine) with Bacchanall cheere and tumults. Fiftly, Pil∣grimage * 1.54 once in their liues to Mecca and Medina is also commended; and sixtly, to fight against [ 60] the enemies of their Faith is no lesse commanded; not to preach by the Word and Meekenesse, as Christ, but by the Sword and Warre, to inuade and reuenge. And if by their persons and bloud they cannot, they must (saith our Author) by their purse and goods helpe the Prince herein. And

if they die in Warre, the sensuall pleasures of Paradise, Riuers of Milke and Honey, beautifull women and the like are their present purchase. Therefore doe they giue to Apostataes, which become Moslemans, an Arrow borne vp by their fore-finger; the Arrow signifying Warre, and * 1.55 that one Finger the Vnitie of the Deitie. Their last Commandement is washing with water, which is three-fold, one before Prayers, handled in three Chapiters by Ben-Sidi Aali, thus performed; * 1.56 the armes stripped naked to the elbow, they wash the right hand and arme, then the left, after the Nose, Eares, Face, Necke, Crowne, Feet to the ioynts, if they be bare, or else their shooe∣tops, lastly their Priuities; mean-while mumbling their Deuotions. These washings they thinke to wash away their Veniall and lighter sinnes; for their greater they vse Bathes, and say all the bodie must be washed to wash away Crimes. The third washing is of their secrets by themselues [ 10] or their Seruants after the Offices of Nature, deliuered by him in two Chapiters, too foolish and filthy to be related. Adde the prohibition of Images painted or carued, Thefts, Homicides, Rob∣beries, Adulteries, Swines flesh, Wine, strangled bloud, and things dying of themselues, and all vncleane Creatures.

Hee also instructs at large of their Testaments and Funerals. The Moslemans beeing sicke pre∣sently send for an Abed, Religious man or Santone to strengthen them in the Faith and propound * 1.57 heauenly things to him, reciting somewhat out of the Alcoran. And if the Disease bee very dangerous, they wash and make their Testament; and are bound to restore all ill-gotten goods, gi∣uing the Creditors a Bill of their hand. And if they know not to whom to restore, they must bequeath a summe of money to publike vses, Hospitals, Mescuits, Bathes, the poore and Religi∣ous [ 20] persons: yea, for that respect they set Captiues at libertie, as is read that Auicenna did; some giue Bookes to publike vses; some, other things. Ben-Sidi Aali saith, it is Mohameds precept that the third part of mens goods be bestowed on publike vses. And if a man die intestate, they say other dead men will chide him. When they are dead, the bodie is washed, the Nose, Eyes, Mouth, and Eares stopped with Cotton; better apparell is put on, white shirts and Tulipants. Then is the bodie carryed to the buriall place without the Citie with a great troupe; the San∣tones or Religious going before then the men promiscuously, after the Corps; followed by wo∣men howling, lamenting, shrieking, till they come to the Graue. There are those Garments ta∣ken away, and the Corps shrowded in a white sheet, and put into the Graue with the face to the South. After the couering with Earth, many Prayers are made, and much Almes is giuen to [ 30] the poore to doe the same.

The Christians in those part in like case take the Sacrament, hauing before confessed and made their wils. The Priest ceaseth not to exort them to hopes of a better life by Faith in Christ. * 1.58 Being dead Perfumes are burned in the Chamber, the Corps is wrapped in a white sheet, and on a Herse carried by foure to the buriall place, men accompanying and women following. The neerer Kindred lament, cast ashes on their head and face, rent their Garments, pull of their haire, smite their cheekes, and lift vp horrible cries to Heauen without ceasing. When they are comne to the Graue, they bury them with their faces to the East. But Priests and specially Bi∣shops are attyred in their Priestly Habits, set in a Chaire, and the mouthes of the Sepulchers closed with a stone. Then vpon the Graues they burne Frankincense and make many Prayers. [ 40] After this the women goe round about the Graue in a ranke with mournfull laments, strikes, plaints, and piteous Songs in prayse of the dead partie. Seruice is after celebrated for the dead; which ended, the Priests, many Clerkes and Lay-men by the Heires are inuited to Dinner. Whiles they are set, the neerest Kinsman often warnes them to pray for rest to the deceased, and they with a loud voice answere, God haue mercy on him, for whose sake we eate these meates. After Dinner they comfort the Heires, and praying for rest to the deceased, depart.

As concerning the Moslemans Beliefe of God and Christ, the Reader may reade the Dialogue, published by my learned Friend Master Bedwell, called Mohameds imposture, as also my Pilgrimage and the quotations there, out of the Alcoran. [ 50] [ 60]

Notes

• * 1.1

  Of Ar••bia, and the Arabians. Gen. 10. 25. Ierah or Iaarob first Arabian: so before Ben. Tudel. cals thē the sonnes of Ghereb.
• * 1.2

  Beduois or Be∣duines actiuity.
• * 1.3

  Their Tribes or Families.
• * 1.4

  Their food.
• * 1.5

  Foolish and blasphemous Traditions.
• * 1.6

  Melongenae.
• * 1.7

  Their apparell.
• * 1.8

  The Deuils Ierusalem See my Pilg•• 3. c. 2. §. 3. The Tartarian conquest is here omitted.
• * 1.9

  Baghdad or Bagdat.
• * 1.10

  Aristotles books of Physicks ad∣mired.
• * 1.11

  This number seemeth false. Bochara the Ci∣tie of Auicenna: some say in Bo∣chara neere Samercand.
• y 1.12

  This seemed to arise of their opinion of Fate.
• * 1.13

  Auicenna. His dissimula∣tion.
• * 1.14

  Damascus.
• * 1.15

  Comparison of Mah. and Almotannabbi.
• * 1.16

  M. Abi Abdillah
• * 1.17

  Aleppo.
• * 1.18

  Sciarfeddin a Turkish Histo∣rian.
• * 1.19

  Muske how made.
• * 1.20

  Mount Libanus
• * 1.21

  Cedar descri∣bed.
• * 1.22

  Maronites.
• * 1.23

  Bells why for∣bidden to all Christi••ns vn∣der the Mahu∣metans. The Patriarch.
• * 1.24

  Mecca and the Temple. Kabe like to the House at Lo∣retto in Angel∣legends.
• * 1.25

  The blacke stone.
• * 1.26

  Zam Zam, Is∣maels Well.
• * 1.27

  Mahumetan. Sacrifices.
• * 1.28

  Lying Tradi∣tion.
• * 1.29

  Territorie of Mecca.
• * 1.30

  Balsam brought from Gi••ead to Cairo, thence to Mecca.
• * 1.31

  Scerif of Mec∣ca.
• * 1.32

  Medina.
• * 1.33

  Mohameds birth and life.
• * 1.34

  Computation of their Hegira.
• * 1.35

  Not for recon ciliation ther∣of, with Chri∣stian account
• * 1.36

  Mahomeds fil∣thinesse.
• * 1.37

  His foure wiues and his children. Mother of the Moslemans.
• * 1.38

  His foure Asso∣ciates or Counsellors, Abi-Bacr.
• * 1.39

  Homar.
• * 1.40

  Othman. Aali.
• * 1.41

  Mohemed; death and S••∣pulcher,
• * 1.42

  Ca••ro,
• * 1.43

  Salt of Nil••••. Balsam.
• * 1.44

  M. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 saith there is now but one, l. 6. c. 8 §. 2.
• * 1.45

  Vid. sup. p. 897
• * 1.46

  This is in Syri•• and ascribed to the Suns entrance into Leo. Mescuites, or Moschees, and their Ceremo∣nies in them.
• * 1.47

  Mosleman wo∣men dis repe∣cted. Hence some ascribe to the Turkes falsly, that women haue no soule. Easterne attire
• * 1.48

  A note for ••ra∣uellersin these parts, not to prouoke them with our liber∣tie in vrine, &c a cause of quarrell often to Christians.
• * 1.49

  Easterne Lan∣guages.
• * 1.50

  Arabike Au∣thours.
• * 1.51

  Moslemans Creed.
• * 1.52

  Mosleman Pre∣cepts are; Circumcision. Fiue houres Prayers.
• * 1.53

  Almes. Fast.
• * 1.54

  P••••rimage. Fighing.
• * 1.55

  No〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.56

  Washings.
• * 1.57

  Order of visi∣ting the sick, of Wils, Restitu∣tions, and Bu∣rials.
• * 1.58

  Christians in the East their death & burial.