THe Kingdom of Bena and Sousos, deriving its Name from the Inhabi∣tants of its principal Town, which is named Sousos, stands scituate about nine days Journey from the Way that leads to the Kingom of Torra and Serre-Lions, but more Northerly of those, and Southerly from Man∣dinga.
¶ THis Countrey is very Hilly and Mountainous, all whose sides are plentifully furnish'd with shady Groves of green-leaved Trees, and here and there scattered some Valleys, veined with cleer and purling Brooks.
From the colour of the Earth in the Mountain, they conjecture that the Iron Mines inclosed within their bowels, are of finer Ore than most in Europe.
Within the covert of the Woods lurk many Serpents, curiously spotted with so many lively colours as are scarce to be found in any other Creatures: The King, whom the Inhabitants stile King of Serpents, keeps commonly one of them in his Arms, which he stroaks and fosters as it were a young Child, and so highly esteemed, that none dare hurt or kill it.
¶ WHen any one dies, the nearest Relations of the Deceased, and next Neighbors have notice of it, whereupon they immediately begin to make a howling noise, so hideous, as to Strangers is terrible; afterwards the Friends and Kindred go to accompany the Funeral howling, and crying as they pass on, which is redoubled by the frightful shreeks of such as go forth to meet and receive them. They bring with them Cloth, Gold, and other things, for a Present, to the Grave, which they divide into three equal parts, one for the King, the other for the nearest Relations to whose care the Funeral is left, but the third part is buried with the Corps; for they believe, as we said before,