Africa being an accurate description of the regions of Ægypt, Barbary, Lybia, and Billedulgerid, the land of Negroes, Guinee, Æthiopia and the Abyssines : with all the adjacent islands, either in the Mediterranean, Atlantick, Southern or Oriental Sea, belonging thereunto : with the several denominations fo their coasts, harbors, creeks, rivers, lakes, cities, towns, castles, and villages, their customs, modes and manners, languages, religions and inexhaustible treasure : with their governments and policy, variety of trade and barter : and also of their wonderful plants, beasts, birds and serpents : collected and translated from most authentick authors and augmented with later observations : illustrated with notes and adorn'd with peculiar maps and proper sculptures / by John Ogilby, Esq. ...

The Kingdom of CONGO.

IN the description hereof great differences arise among Geographers; * 1.1 some make it begin in the East, at the Territories of Lovoto and Quilango, in six Degrees and a half South Latitude, and to extend thirty or forty miles in∣to the Countrey, as far as the * 1.2 Dukedom of Sonho: bordering the Western part with the before-nam'd Sonho, and spreading in the North to the River Zair. Pigafet and Linschot conterminate it in the North with Lovango and Ansiko; in the South, with Angola and Malemba; on the East, setting the Crystal, Salt-Petre, and Silver Mountains, with the Rivers Verbele, (and Cakongo, saith Jarrik) and the People Giagnas, or Galas, deadly Enemies to Congo; and in the West, with the Ocean. Marmol places for Boundaries in the North, Benyn; on the East, the Islands of the Azzinguis, or Anzigos and Mondequestes, which dwell about the Lake Zambea, (out of which 'tis said the River Zair taketh its original) the People of Pangudingos, Quilos, Bambos, Condongos, Sonnos, Libros, Bankares, Zakilos, and Maria; * 1.3 on the South, the Mountains of the Moon, which divide it from Abyssiny and Kaffrari, or the Region of the Kaffers. Some reckon the great∣est breadth to a hundred and twenty Leagues, and its length by the Coast seventy two.

The common Division of it is into six Dukedoms, * 1.4 viz. Bamba, Songo, or Sonho, Sundo, Pango, Batta, and Pombo.

The Dukedom of Bamba, lying in the North, reaches Westward, to the Coast of the Rivers Amaois and Dantis; in the South, to Angola; and hath for Borders in the East, according to Pigafet, by the Lake Chelande, or Aquilonde, the Territory of Sissina.

On the Sea-Coast of this Territory Pigafet places divers Lordships, as Lem∣bo, Dondi, Bengo, Koanza, Kazzansi; and to the In-land, Angazi, Chingengo, Motello, Chabonda, and many other of smaller note.

Others, who seem to have been diligent searchers herein, intermix with the aforenam'd these following, being (say they) Govern'd by several Lords in the Name of the King of Congo, which the Portuguese call Sabos, or Sovasen. Such are Vamma, Roansa, Hany, Kalle, Kovangongo, Engombia, Muchama, Kahonde, or Cabonda, Motemmo, Kanvangongo, Moffoula, or Mussula, Motemma, Quingongo, Oanda, Quina, Bamba, Bumby, Ensala, Lovoto, Quitungo.

The Dominion of Vamma, * 1.5 coasting the River Danda, lieth at the Sea-Coast. Next this up the River, are seven or eight small Provinces, but of so little Power and Command, that the Names thereof are not mention'd.

Further up the River you come to Koansa, * 1.6 under which, and the foremen∣tion'd Manivamma, stand all the other little Sovasen.

Then follows the Jurisdiction of Kalle, * 1.7 situate a little to the South, and Commanding over some small Tracts of Land.

Kanvangongo neighbors this; * 1.8 and somewhat Southerly lieth Engombia, Mu∣chama; or according to others, Engombia, Cabonda, giving Laws to divers petty Lordships adjoyning.

[illustration]

REGNA CONGO et ANGOLA.

From the foremention'd River Danda Northward, * 1.9 appears Motemmo Kanvan∣gongo; as at the West, on the Sea-Coast, lieth the * 1.10 Earldom of Mussula, compre∣hending within it the Provinces of Pumbo and Bamba, and holding under his Obedience, all the Countreys from Danda to the River Loze, along the Sea-Coast. The Sovas of Mossulo is very strong, but nevertheless not so powerful as the Konvangongo. Here grow some Nutmegs.

Eastward of Motemmo Konvangongo comes Motemmo Quingengo; and about the South-East, Kahende, formerly one of the most potent in this Tract, but at pre∣sent very much weakned.

This Jurisdiction of Kahende, as also that of Quingengo, * 1.11 lieth six or eight days Journey from Konvangongo, shooting to the East: to these two all the Coun∣trey Eastward from Konvangongo, begins the Territory of Ambuela, or Amboille; a distinct Government of it self, without relation to Congo.

South and South-West of Ambuela you come to Oanda, * 1.12 divided from the for∣mer by the River Loze, and borders in the West upon Bamba. It is a great and mighty Countrey, subject to Congo, but was in the Year Sixteen hundred forty six, over-run and laid waste by the King of Gingo, and the People carried away for Slaves.

Next Oanda Eastward follows Quina, containing a small compass of Ground, * 1.13 and less Power.

On the West of Oanda, going down to the Sea-Coast, Bamba touches; be∣tween shoots a corner of Pembo.

Then come you to the Dukedom of Bamba; to the South or South-West of which lieth the Province of Bumby, inconsiderable for Strength or People: bordering in the West upon Mussulo.

Between Pembo and Quina lieth Ensala, whose Governor hath the Title of Mansala; in the Year Sixteen hundred forty three he opposed the King of Congo; who requesting aid from the Hollanders, they sent him a Company of fifty Soldiers, that helpt him to harrase and spoil the Countrey.

Beyond the River Loze you pass to Lovato and Quintingo, * 1.14 extending along the Sea-Coast, and about thirty or forty miles into the Countrey as far as Sonho, or Binda.

All these Dominions have in certain places their Boundaries and distinct Divisions, strictly observed by the Sovasen, or Lords; * 1.15 which Limits for the most part are divers Mountains, in the Kongoasch Tongue call'd Quibambis: near which stand several Frontier Towns, the usual Residences of the Sovasen; by which means there seldom arise any differences among them concerning Bounds.

At the River Onza, near the Sea-Coast stand three Villages Triangular-wise; the first the South-side, call'd Mongonendoin; the second, two miles more In∣land, Jagado; and the third, Lengo.

Not far distant from these appears Mussula, or Mossola, a Place of Trade, fre∣quented by the Hollanders.

The chief City bears the Name of Panga, seated about five and twenty, * 1.16 or as some say, six and thirty miles up into the Countrey, six days Journey from Lovando St. Paulo in Angola, and about the mid-way between the Dukedoms of Sonho and Pembo in the Mountains. This Town takes up a great compass of Ground, lying very straglingly built after the manner of Lovango and Cakongo, and divided in the middle by two small Rivulets, or Brooks.

This Dukedom hath the Command over many Villages, * 1.17 and some pretence

to the two Ondans, lying to the Southward of Danda; but it proves a bare Claim without any Possession.

This Lord of Bamba is very Puissant, bearing the highest Command at the Congian Court, being Captain General of all the Forces there; yet holds the Place ad placitum Regis, and is disposable by the Successor to whom he thinks fit.

The Inhabitants are Christians for the generality, and keep among them for their Instruction, and to perform sacred Offices, divers Jesuits, Mulatto's, and Black Priests.

Songo, * 1.18 or Sonho, the second Principality of Congo, butts upon the River Zair and Lebunde, on the South-side surrounded almost with a Wood, call'd Finden∣guolla. Some enlarge it from the River Ambois, in seven Degrees and a half South Latitude, to the red Mountains, which border upon Lovango; so that ac∣cording to this last Description, it conterminates in the North, upon Ansiko; in the South, on the River Ambris; and in the West, upon the Sea.

This Territory comprehends many petty Lordships, heretofore absolute, but now made Tributaries to Congo. The chief City Songo stands near a pretty large River.

A quarter of a mile distant forward comes the Village Pinde, which the Duke hath lent the Portuguese for a Place to Trade in.

Sundo, * 1.19 beginning about eight miles from St. Salvador, the Metropolis of the whole Kingdom, spreads it self beyond the Cataracts of Zair, by both its Shores to Ansiko, towards the North. On the East-side it runs to the place where Zair unites it self with Baranka; and from thence to the Foot of the Crystal Mountains; and in the South touches upon Pango. The chief City, also call'd Sundo, the Residence of the Governor, hath its Situation on the Borders of Pongo, by the Water-falls of Zair.

The fourth Province stil'd Pango, * 1.20 hath Sundo in the North; Batta in the South; Pombo, the Dwelling-place of the King, in the West; and the Moun∣tains of the Sun in the East. The Head City, seated on the Westerly Shore of the River Barbele, was formerly call'd Panguelongos, but at present, Pango; heretofore free, but now acknowledging the King of Congo; whose Protection they crav'd against the Incursions and Inroads of their Neighbors.

Batta, * 1.21 formerly call'd Aghirimba, to the North-East, or rather full North of Pango, about a hundred * 1.22 miles into the Countrey, reaches Eastward above the River Barbele, to the Mountains of the Sun, and the Salt-Petre Hill; and on the South dilates to the Burning Mountains, by the Portuguese call'd Montes Quemados: it's eminentest City also Batta. This Tract between Pango and Batta are fruitful, and yield all sorts of Provision for the support of life.

All along the Way from St. Salvadore to Batta, stand Huts, the Dwelling∣places of the Inhabitants.

About a hundred and fifty miles from Batta Easterly, * 1.23 lieth the Territory of Conde, or Pembo de Okango; through which the strong-running, and deep River Coango makes its way, till meeting and intermingling with the larger Waters of Zair, it loses both Name and Current.

This Countrey, from the prevalency of an antient Custom, always hath a Woman to Rule it, who pays Tribute to Mani-Batta, or The Prince of Batta, who receives it in the Name of the King of Congo, although he reap no benefit thereof. To the East beyond the River Congo, according to the relation of the Condians, are found white People, with long Hair, but not altogether so white as the Europeans.

[illustration]

BANSA oste de Stadt SALVADOR Hoost-stadt van het Rijk CONGO. BANSA or SAS••••DOR the Chief City of y^e. Kingdom of CONGO.

The Lordship of Pembo stands as it were in the middle of the whole, * 1.24 en∣compassed by all the rest, and contains the head City of the Kingdom, for∣merly by the Blacks call'd Banza, that is, Head; but at present by the Portuguese, St. Salvadore; and by Marmol, Ambos Congo. It stands about the middle of Congo, on a very high Quarr-Mountain, eight and thirty Dutch miles, or as others Write, fifty Italian miles from the Sea, South-East from the Mouth of the River Zair, and delightfully shaded with Palm, Tamarinde, Bakovens, Kolas, Lemons and Orange-Trees.

The top of the Mountain Otreiro yields a curious prospect of all the adja∣cent Places, at great distance both to West and North, without any interpo∣sing stop to the Eye.

This Town hath neither Inclosure nor Wall, except a little on the South∣side, which the first King built, and afterwards gave that part to the Portuguese to inhabit for their conveniency. Here also his Royal Palace shews it self, which he surrounded with Walls, in such manner, that between it and the Town remain'd a great Plain, in the middle whereof they have erected a beau∣tiful Church; besides these, Noble-mens Houses and others fill up the top of the Mountain: for every Grandee settles his Dwelling as near the Court as he may be permitted, and with his Retinue takes up as much Ground as an ordi∣nary Town may be builded on.

The common Houses stand in good order, and appear very uniform; * 1.25 most of them large, well contriv'd and fenced about, but generally Thatcht, except a few belonging to the Portuguese.

The King's Palace is exceeding large, surrounded with four Walls, * 1.26 whereof that towards the Portuguese part consists of Chalk and Stone, but all the rest of Straw, very neatly wrought: the Lodgings, Dining-Rooms, Galleries, and other Apartments, are Hang'd after the European manner with Hangings of Mats, made with exquisite curiosity: within the innermost Fence are some Gar∣dens, plenteously stor'd with variety of Herbs, and Planted with several sorts of Trees: within these are some Banquetting-houses, whose Building, though mean and sleight, yet they esteem rich and costly.

The City boasts ten or eleven Churches, that is, one great one, * 1.27 being the chief of all; then the Seven Lamps Church, the Church of the Conception, the Church of the Victory, or Triumph; a fifth, dedicated to St. James; a sixth, to St. Anthony; and a seventh, to St. John: the other three stand within the Court-Walls, viz. the Church of the Holy Ghost, of St. Michael and St. Joseph.

The Jesuits have here a Cloyster, * 1.28 where they Teach and Instruct every day the Blacks in the Christian Faith, in an easie and winning method.

Here are also Schools, * 1.29 where Youths are brought up and taught the Latine and Portuguese Tongues.

All these Churches, and other publick Erections, except the Jesuits Cloy∣ster, have the Foundations of Stone, but cover'd with Straw, and very mean∣ly provided with Utensils for celebrating Divine Offices.

There are also two Fountains, one in St. James Street, * 1.30 and the other within the Walls of the Court, both yielding good and sweet Fountains of Water.

A small River, or rather a Branch of Lelunde, call'd Vese, * 1.31 affording very good and well tasted Water, flows in the East at the Foot of the Mountain close by the City, to the great benefit of the Inhabitants; for from thence the Slaves, both Men and Women, fetch Water daily to serve the Town. The adjacent Fields by this River are made very pleasant and fruitful, and therefore the Ci∣tizens

have all their Gardens upon its Banks. What Cattel they have, are Pastur'd and kept for the most part in the City, as Hogs and Goats, a few Sheep, but no Cows, which lie in the Nights closed in with Fences joyning to their Houses.

Rivers which water this Kingdom, * 1.32 descending from North to South, are first Rio de las Borrenas Roxas, that is, The River of red Sand; another, at whose Mouth lieth a Street call'd in Portuguese, Bacas de las Almadias, that is, The Gulf of Canoos.

Here lie three Islands, the greatest and middlemost of them inhabited, and provided with a convenient Haven for small Barques; but the other without People, harbouring onely Beasts.

After these, * 1.33 Southwards you may see the great River of Zair, which, ac∣cording to Pigafet, derives its Head out of three Lakes; the first, by the same Pigafet and others, entituled Zambre; the second, Zair; and the third, a great Lake from whence the Nyle is supposed to draw his Original, as out of the second Rise; out of which the Lelunde and Coanze run: but Zambre is the princi∣pal Head that feeds the River Zair, being set as it were in the middle Point of Africa, and spreading it self with broad Streams into the North, whither, ac∣cording to common Opinion, it sends forth Nylus; to the East, the great River Cuama and Coavo; to the South, those of Zeila, Manice, or Manhessen; and lastly to the West, this of Zair; which dividing it self into several Branches, moisten and pinguifies the Western part of South-Africa, Congo, Angola, Monopotapo, Mata∣mam, Bagamadiri, Agasymba, and so to the Cape of Good Hope; whereas the Nyle, Cuama, Coavo, Zeila, Manice, spread over the whole Abyssine Countreys, and all others on the Sea-Coast, from the Mouth of the Red-Sea, to the River Cuama; and therein the Kingdoms of Melinda, Barnacassus, Quilor, Mombaza, Mozimba, Mombara, Membaca, Mozambico, and other strange Lands.

The River of Zair breaks forth with an opening above three Leagues in breadth, in the Elevation of five Degrees and forty Minutes, and with so great force and abundance of Water runs into the Sea, that the fresh Stream coming out West-North-west, and North-east and by North, makes an impression therein above twelve Leagues, and when you are out of sight of Land, yet the Water appears black, and full of heaps of Reeds, and other things, like little floating Islands, which the force of the Stream, pouring from high Cliffs, tears out of the Countrey and throws into the Ocean, so that the Sea-men, without a stiff Gale of Wind, can hardly Sail through it, to get into the Road within Padron, on the South-side of the River. This violent and precipitate descent carries the Stream against you fourteen or fifteen miles. It sends forth on both sides many Branches or Rivers, to the great convenience both of the Inha∣bitants and foreign Tradesmen, who thereby in Boats and Canoos pass from one Town to another. In the Towns seated on these out-stretched Arms, dwell People small of Stature, probably Pigmies.

The Islands Bomma and Quintalla lie in the Mouth of this River, * 1.34 and others higher upwards, exceeding full of People, who rebelling against the King of Congo, set up peculiar Lords of their own.

That of Bomma has Mynes of Iron; * 1.35 and though boasting many Inhabitants, yet shews few or no Houses, because of the Morassness of the Countrey, which for the most part lieth under Water; so that the Blacks with Canos go from Tree to Tree; among which they have raised some places, made of Leaves and Boughs, on which they reside and rest themselves, without any Coverture.

These Islanders appear strong, yet well set, live very beastially, * 1.36 are great Sor∣cerers, speak ore tenus with the Devil; in doing of which at first they come to∣gether all on a heap, and afterwards one of them runs about with a Vizard on: this continues three days, which expir'd, they use another Ceremony, and then the Fiend speaks through the vizarded Man. They live in peaceable Times by bartering; in time of Wars they deal in nothing but Weapons, Arrows, Bowes, and Assagays, or Lances.

They have no Marriages or Betrothing, * 1.37 but from their Youth up go one to another, as their Affections or Lusts lead them, commixing meerly like Beasts, without any Solemnity; for they know Laws of no Chastity, but take as many Concubines as they please: nevertheless, the first, being the eldest, hath the command and supervising over all the rest.

In the Island Quuntalla is an Idol made of Money, which none dare approach, * 1.38 but the Servants or Minister appointed to attend, and take care to secure the Way to it from being discover'd, themselves being obliged as often as they go thither, to take a peculiar Path that no other may find. Many Kings and People sacrifice to this Idol, especially in Sickness, several of their most costly and highest priz'd Goods, which none are permitted to make use of, but by length of time decay and rot: for as soon as they are dedicated, the Attendant carries them into a great Plain, where the Idol stands, surrounded with a Wall of Elephants-Teeth in stead of Stone, and there hanging upon Poles, remain till they be quite rotten.

These Islanders also have particular Heads, and chief Officers, * 1.39 chosen by most Voices.

Several other Rivers pay their tributary Waters to increase the swelling Current of Zair, the most eminent are Umbre, Brankare and Barbale.

Umbre, by Sanutus call'd Vambere, rises in the North, out of a Mountain in Negro-Land, and loseth it self on the East-side in the Zair.

Brankare, as Pigafet, or Bankare, as Sanutus calleth it, taketh the original out of the same Mountain, and after a long course, discharging his Meandring Stream into the Sea, saith the same Sanutus; but Pigafet, from the information of Edward Lopez, averrs it mingleth with Zair, on the Easterly Borders of Pango, not far from the Foot of the Crystal Mountain.

The River Barbele, so call'd by Linschot; or Verbele by Pigafet, springs out of the same Lake which the same Author makes the Head-Source of Nylus to flow from; after which it shooteth through the Lake Aquilumde, and visiting the City of Pango, it enlargeth the Zair with the addition of its Water.

Southward of the Mouth of the River Zair shoots out a Promontory, * 1.40 call'd in Portuguese, Cabo de Padron, who above a hundred years since erected a small Chappel, and set up a Cross; and about five miles from Padron is the Residence of the Earl of Sonho, where the Netherlanders Trade. A little way within Pa∣dron lieth St. Pauls Point, affording a convenient Road for Ships.

A mile and a half from thence lieth a Creek call'd Pampus Rock. * 1.41

More on Southwards you come to the Rivers Lelunde, or Lolongo, Ambris, En∣kekoquematari, Loze, Onza, Libonge, Danda, and Bengo.

Lelunde, running between Zair and Ambris, * 1.42 hath its Head-Spring in the same Lake with Coanza, or Quanza, so passing close by the Foot of the Mountain, where the Royal City St. Salvadore stands, runs down from thence, with many windings West-North-west to the Sea; into which it falls with a strong Cur∣rent: but in the Summer so shallow, that 'tis not passable with Vessels of

any Burden: The Blacks frequent it with Canoos, notwithstanding the hazard of Crocodiles, which in great abundance breed there.

Next you come to Ambris, * 1.43 lying in six Degrees South Latitude, a great Ri∣ver, and full of Fish, but Rocky at the entrance, yet passable enough for small Boats. It hath the same original with Lelonde, taking likewise its course not far from St. Salvadore; the Water seems muddy caused by the swiftness of the Stream: at whose Edges begins the Dukedom of Bamba.

Thirty miles up this River is a Ferry, * 1.44 where every Traveller for his passage over, must pay a certain Toll to the King of Congo. On the South Banks of it many people inhabit, who get their Living by making Salt, boyl'd of Sea∣water in Earthen Pots, and proves gray and sandy; yet they carry it to Pambo, and several other Places, and drive a great Trade therewith.

Enkokoquematari is the next, * 1.45 whose beginning lies undiscover'd to the Europe∣ans, and the whole in a manner of no use, great Flats and Sands stopping up the Mouth, so that it will not bear a small Boat, and within so scanty of Wa∣ter, that a Canoo can hardly make way.

Loze, * 1.46 another mean Brook, yet up in the Countrey passable for a Boat.

About twenty miles upward you must pass a Ferry, where all Travellers for going over must pay Custom to the Duke of Bamba.

Onza, or, as Pigafet, Onzoni, is Fordable, and not to be Sail'd by any Vessels, because of its shallowness.

Lihongo, * 1.47 by some call'd Lemba, can boast neither greater depth, or better qualities.

Danda, * 1.48 a little more Southward, hath at the Mouth five or six Foot Water: 'tis full of Fish, and feeds many Crocodiles and Sea-Horses, and affords on each side fruitful Grounds; somewhat high on the South-side, but on the North, for half a mile low Grounds.

Bengo, * 1.49 by some taken for a Branch of Danda, with Quanza another, lying makes the Island Lovando: it affords good Sailing with Sloops, about fourteen miles upward, and in the Mouth sometimes seven or eight Foot Water, not∣withstanding the Flats of Sand. It comes a great distance out of the Coun∣trey, and so inundates in the time of Rain, viz. March, April, and May, that with the violence of its Stream it sometimes carrieth away much of the Earth on one side, which either joyns again on the other, or else driven into the Sea.

The Winter there bears almost an equal temper with our Summer, * 1.50 so that the People alter nothing of their Apparel, nor require the warmth of Fire at that Season of the Year; for the difference between Winter and Summer is scarely discernable, onely the Air, so long as it Rains, is a little Cooler; but the wet Season once past, the Heat is almost intolerable, especially two hours be∣fore and after Noon.

The Winter commences in mid-March, * 1.51 and the Summer in September: in the former the great Rains begin, and continue March, April, May, June, July, and August, during which time they have scarce a clear day; the lesser Rain, in September and November. The Summer on the other side is exceeding hot and dry.

This Countrey, * 1.52 from the several Rivers, hath great store of Water; so that the Inhabitants are very curious in their choice of it: for they will not drink the usual, and every where to be had, but take care for the freshest and best, as appears by them of St. Salvadore, who make not use of such as the adjoyning

Plains afford them, but cause their Slaves to fetch other, more sound and heal∣thy (as they suppose) out of Fountains, a little lower on the North-side.

The Lands in the time of Rain, by the muddiness of the water, * 1.53 are made exceeding fruitful, and fit to bring forth all manner of things.

The Dukedom of Batta, and other lying round about, hath fat and fertile ground, affording all manner of Provision.

The Territory of Pembo, especially about Saint Salvadore, because of the fresh and serene Air, abounds with rich Pastures, * 1.54 and produceth many flourishing and thriving Trees.

Here grows a kind of Grain, by the Inhabitants call'd Luko, * 1.55 not unlike our Rye, but smaller: this they Grind into Meal, by a Hand-Mill, and make Bread of it.

Abundance also of Mille, which the Natives call Mazza, Manputo, * 1.56 or Portuguese Corn; as also Mais, or Turky-Wheat, wherewith they fat their Hogs; and Rice in such plenty, that it hardly bears any price.

Lemmons, Oranges, and Pome-Citron-Trees grow in every corner, bear∣ing fruit of a pleasant, yet brisk taste; also Bananasses, Dates, Coco-Nuts, and Palm-Trees; besides others producing Colas, which the Inhabitants chaw, as the Indians, Betel. The Trees call'd Ozeghes, yields Fruit like yellow Plums, de∣lightful in smell, and delicious in taste; and with the Branches make Fences, Pallizadoes, and Arbors, to shelter them from the scorching Beams of the Sun. Nor do they want Melons, Cucumbers, and Citrons, of an extraordinary big∣ness, and pleasant taste.

The Shore of the River Lelunde, going to Saint Salvadore, stands beautifi'd with abundance of Cedars, which the ignorance of the people make no other ac∣count of them, than to make Canoos, and Fuel.

Cassia Fistula and other Drugs, fit for the use of Apothecaries; as Tama∣rinds in Europe, grow plentifully, and have the repute of a good remedy in Feavers.

In the Towns near the Sea, they have store of Beans, Mille, and Poultrey, which the English, Netherlanders, and other Traders, buy with Panos, Simbos, little Looking-Glasses, and other Trifles.

In Bamba, a Province of Congo, * 1.57 and there especially they have good stocks of Cattel, viz. Cows, Oxen, Swine, and Goats: Besides plenty of Fowl, as Tur∣kies, Hens, Ducks and Geese. * 1.58 The Elephants breeding here in numerous droves, grow to an extraordinary bigness; insomuch, that some of their Teeth have weigh'd above two hundred weight: in Congoish Language, such a Tooth they call Mene-Manzo, and a young Elephant, Moane-Manzo.

The Elephant (if the Blacks report true) casteth not his Teeth, having in∣deed but onely two. But they Hunt and Shoot them with Lances and Darts, making from them a double advantage, both of Merchandize and Victuals. There are many scurfed or hollow Teeth found in the Wilderness, which by lying many years in rain and wind become so. This Commodity, from the in∣finite abundance brought thence, within these fifty or sixty years, begins to abate much, because they are compell'd to fetch them further out of the Countrey.

The Elephant being struck with a Lance or Assagay, will use all means to assault and kill the person that wounded him; but as if teaching humanity to the beastial Blacks, neither eats the body nor insults over it, but making a hole with his Teeth in the ground, puts the dead body thereinto, and covers the

[illustration]

place again with earth and boughs of Trees: therefore such as go to hunt af∣ter a wound given, hide themselves at first, and afterwards following afar off, till loss of blood bringing faintness, they dare approach nearer, and add more fatal wounds, to accelerate his death: For these Blacks have no knowledge how to take the Elephant alive, as they in the East-Indies: Some of these beasts have in their head a sort of Bezar-stone of a purple colour, which divers have sup∣pos'd to have a Medicinal quality.

The Buffle, in the language of the Countrey, call'd Empakasse, hath a red Skin, and black Horns, of which the Inhabitants make musical Instruments. It is a mischievous beast, and dangerous to be hunted, especially after they are shot, if not right struck; wherefore the Huntsmen, who mean to shoot a Buffle, first choose out a secure place, where they may not fear the furious assaults of the enrag'd Creature. They say, that if a Cow happen to eat where a Buffle Pastures, it will instantly die; for that the breath of the Buffle proves mortal poyson to other Cattel: The flesh of it is very gross and slimy, yet the Slaves eat freely of it, cut in slices and dry'd.

Here breeds in the Woods another Creature, * 1.59 seldom to be found elsewhere; they stile it Zebro, or Zebra, in shape like a Mule, with a Skin strip'd, on the head, and over the whole body, with colours of white, black, and blewish. They are very wild and swift, hard to be taken alive, and if taken, more dif∣ficult to be tam'd, though the Portuguese say, that some years since they sent four of these Azebras to Portugal, for a Present to the King, who us'd them for a Caroch, and rewarded the person who brought them over, with the No∣taryship of Angola, to him and his Heirs.

Empalanga, * 1.60 is a great Beast like an Ox, having two Horns, and very savoury; they are of several colours, some brown, others red, and some white.

Envoeri, * 1.61 also a great Beast like a Stag, with two Horns.

The Makoko, * 1.62 differs little from a Horse in bigness, but hath long and slender Legs, a long and gray Neck, with many white small stripes, and upon his

head long sharp Horns, wreath'd below: the Dung of this Creature resembles that of a Sheep.

Tygers, in the Congoish language call'd Engri, never hurt the Whites; * 1.63 so that when he meets a White and a Black together, he will assail the Black, and let the White pass unmedled with; therefore the King of Congo hath appointed a re∣ward for those, that can make appear by bringing of a Tygers Skin, that he hath kill'd one; with this proviso, that the hair of the Lips remain upon it, be∣cause they account them a venomous and mortal poyson.

The Leopards generally prey upon Cattel, so do the Lions, but they are not so cruel as the Tygers, nor so much dreaded.

The Quumbengo, or Wolves, here very numerous, have a thick head and neck, almost like the Wolfs in Europe, but much bigger, gray headed, speckl'd with black spots like the Tyger, but much more ill-favour'd: Foxes, Stags, Deer, Conies, and Hares, swarm in incredible multitudes, because they are never hunted as here with us.

Civet-Cats, the Blacks catch and make tame, for their perfume.

The Territory of Batta affords many Beavers, * 1.64 whose Skins are of great va∣lue, one of them being as dear as a Sheep; so that none is suffer'd to wear them without the King's Licence.

Moreover, Apes and wild Cats grow troublesome by their numbers, especi∣ally in Songo, by the River of Zaire.

Wild Boars, by them call'd Emgalo, may be seen here with two great Tusks, * 1.65 with which he tears violently; the Blacks stand more in fear of this, than any other Beast, and if they do but hear him, will make away with all speed possi∣ble. The filings of their Teeth (which the Portuguese highly esteem, and are very seldom gotten) taken in some Liquor, are reputed for a powerful Medi∣cine against Poyson; and Teeth themselves rubb'd against a stone, and admi∣nistred in a little Water, proves an infallible Cure against an Ague. They say, this Beast finding himself sick, regains his health by such rubbing of his Teeth upon a stone, and likewise with his Tongue.

Roebucks, call'd Golungo, breed here abundantly, but no bigger than Sheep, * 1.66 of a brown colour, with some white specks, and two sharp little Horns: seve∣ral of the Blacks kill and eat them, but the Congoians, * 1.67 and Ambondes will by no means taste their flesh; nay they bear such an antipithy to it, that they will not touch any thing out of that Pot, where their flesh hath been boyl'd, nor come into the place where the fire was that dress'd it, nor lay their hands on ought wherewith it was slain: But of this niceness can give no other rea∣son, but that the flesh is their Quistilla, that is, a food prohibited to them by Authority, and antient Custom, by Traditions deliver'd from hand to hand by their Fore-fathers; for they firmly and undoubtedly believe, that if they should do the contrary, they should not onely be lame in their bodies, but their fingers and toes would rot off.

Lastly, Bears, Foxes, and poysonous Serpents, frequent the Woods, and infinitely damage the people.

Besides these varieties of Quadrupeds, they shew many sorts of Wing'd Ani∣mals; as

First Peacocks, which none but the King onely may have, * 1.68 and he keeps them with great care in inclos'd Woods, upon the borders of Angola.

Of Partridges they have two sorts, tame and wild; as also Pheasants, Pi∣geons, Turtle-Doves; Eagles, Falcons, Merlins, Sparrow-Hawks, Pellicans,

green and red Parakitoes, Cranes, Storks, with red Bills and red Legs, and half white and half black Feathers.

There are also Owls, which they call Carjampemba, that is, Devils, because their appearing presages ill luck.

This Region produces two sorts of Bees; * 1.69 one that Hive in the Woods, in hollow Trees; and the other in the Roofs of Houses.

The Pismires, * 1.70 by them styl'd Ingingie, are of four sorts; the biggest have sharp stings, with which they raise swellings upon men; the other three are somewhat smaller.

Ensingie, * 1.71 is a little Beast, with a Skin speckled black and grey.

The Entiengio, a small Creature, very curiously streak'd, slender body'd, with a fine Tail and Legs, never comes upon the earth, for the very touch thereof proves mortal to it, therefore keeps in the Trees, and hath always twenty black Hair'd Creatures call'd Embis attending, that is, ten before it, and ten behind it. This they take in Snares, and when the ten first are taken, the ten behind be∣take themselves to flight; by which means the Animal bereav'd of its Life∣guard, at last is also taken.

The Skin of this little Beast bears such a value, that the King onely may wear it, unless perhaps by particular favour, some great Lords may be admitted; among which the Kings of Lovango, Cakongo, and Goy, are taken in.

Some have reported, * 1.72 that about Saint Salvadore there are Gold-Mines; but without any ground of probability, because the Portuguese are greedy of Gold, having convers'd so long in the Countrey, would not have left them un∣discover'd.

But they find many Copper-Mines in several places, * 1.73 especially in Pembo, near the before-nam'd City, whose Mettal shews so deep a tincture of yellow, that reasonable Artists have mistaken for Gold; but upon proof, the errour becomes quickly rectifi'd.

The like Mines are found in Songo, yielding better Copper than that of Pem∣bo; whereof in Lovando the Purple Armlets are commonly made, which the Portuguese carry to Calabare, Rio de Rey, and other places.

In Bamba, * 1.74 saith Linschot, there are Mines of Silver, and other Mettals; and in Sundo, to the East-side, of Crystal, and Iron; the last bearing the highest value, because it makes Knives, Swords, and other Weapons.

Quarries of Stone they meet with frequently; * 1.75 as also Rocks of red Mar∣ble, besides many precious Gemms; as Jasper, Porphirie, Jacinth, and the like.

The Inhabitants of Congo, * 1.76 known by the name of Macikongen, are very black; yet some few differ, being onely a kind of Olive-Colour: their Hair black, curl'd; their Bodies of a middle stature, and well Set; the whites of their Eyes of a Sea-green, and their Lips not so thick as other Blacks; wherein those of Congo differ from the other Blacks, especially from those of Nubia and Guinee.

Although some of them be surly and proud, * 1.77 yet in general they carry them∣selves very friendly towards strangers, being of a mild conversation, courte∣ous, affable, and easie to be overcome with reason; yet inclin'd to drink, espe∣cially Spanish-Wine and Brandy: Such as converse much with them, discern a quickness of reason and understanding, ordering their conceits and discourses so rationally, that the most knowing Persons take great delight in their facetious humor.

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In the Wars they shew little Courage, for the most part going by the lose, if the Portuguese give them no assistance; for twenty Whites will put to flight a thou∣sand Congoians.

These of Sango, are a proud, lazy, and luxurious people; but have a winning behavior and volubility of speech, beyond those that dwell on the Northside of the River Zaire.

These of Bamba have the repute of the most Warlike and strongest of all in these parts, for they are such men, that can cut a Slave in two in the midst, with a Sword; or strike off the head of an Ox at a blow: And which is more, seem∣ing incredible, that one of their strongest men can with one Arm, hold up a vessel of Wine, which weighs three hundred and five and twenty pound weight, till the Wine be drawn out at the Spigget.

They have all a native propensity to Stealing; and what they so get, * 1.78 they drink out instantly with their best Companions in Wine; one of which goes before the maker of this Feast, and other Friends crying aloud, Behold the King of Congo! doing him that honour, for the good Chear and Courtesie receiv'd from him that day.

In the ways from the Cities Saint Salvadore, and Lovando Saint Paulo, many discarded Noblemen, fall'n into disfavor with the King, keep in great Troops and Companies, Robbing and Plundering all Travellers, till restor'd again into the Princes Grace.

They much practice the villanous Art of Poysoning, * 1.79 whereby for the small∣est trifle, they execute a fatal revenge: * 1.80 But those that use it had need have a care, for if the Author or Contriver be detected, he must die without mercy; which severity they abate nothing of at present: and for discovery, so strict inquiry is made, that it is very difficult to pass unknown; by which means this inhumane Custom begins to decay.

Eminent People, especially in Cities, go richly habited, * 1.81 in great and long Mantles, of fine Cloth or black Bais; under which white Shirts appearing on the

[illustration]

upper-parts of their Bodies; and upon the lower, wide and long Coats, of Sat∣tin, or Damask, Border'd or Embroyder'd about the edges: Some wear Clothes made of Peelings of Matombe-Trees, and Leaves of Palm, colour'd black and red; but all bare-legg'd, and upon their Heads onely white Cotton Caps, but adorn their Necks and Arms with Gold and Silver Chains, or Strings of the best red Coral.

Those of Sango wear Coats from the Navel to the Ankles, and Mantles over the rest; but the Women cover their Breasts.

They play at Cards for Pastime, * 1.82 Staking little Horns or Shells, reckon'd among them as current Money.

The Citizens of Congo maintain themselves chiefly by Merchandize; * 1.83 but the Countrey people, by Tilling of Land, and keeping of Cattel. Those about the River Zaire live by Fishing; others by drawing of Tombe-Wine; and some by Weaving.

When they travel from one place to another, * 1.84 they ride not, but are carry'd by men in Hammacks, as the foregoing Plate sets forth; or else sitting upon a kind of Biers, made fast with a Cord to a Pole, upon the shoulders of their Slaves, or by hir'd people; with an Umbrella overhead, to prevent the scorch∣ing of the Sun: wherefore those that will go speedily, take with them many Slaves for their Journey, that when the first grow weary, he may be carry'd by the other.

They Marry and Betroth in Congo after the manner of the Christians; but will not be circumscrib'd thereby from keeping every one as many Concu∣bines, as they can provide Clothes and Expences for.

When the young Maids in Congo dispose themselves for a double Estate, they go into a dark house, and Paint themselves red with Oyl and Takoel, Wood of Majumba, staying therein about a moneth; and then chooseth out her eldest Free-man, that hath been most diligent and serviceable to her, and takes him to Husband.

When any Man or Woman among them dies, they blame the Survivor, * 1.85 firmly believing such Persons cannot die by being called: to explain which, we must tell you, That they conceit, that none die either by Poyson, Violence, or otherwise, until their Friends in the other World call them; whereupon the Relations of the Deceased take away all things from the Survivor, and for eight Days afflict him with divers Pains and Torments, as shaving his Skin, and the like, saying, Thus must you bear the Punishment, if guilty, or having a hand in the Death of our Friends. The eight days ended, they bring him or her to a new Tryal, by Pleading; and if upon that quitted, they dwell still in the House, as before; but if found guilty, are banish'd thence.

There is a prevailing Custom among them, That if there be three Brothers, * 1.86 and one of them die, the two that survive, share his Concubines between them: And when either of the two remaining die, the longest Liver takes all: Af∣ter whose Decease, all the Concubines stay in the House, and become his due that happens to dwell therein afterwards.

Those of Congo reckon the Year by the Cossionoes, or Winter-seasons, * 1.87 which there begin upon the fifteenth of May, and end the fifteenth of November; The Months by the Full Moon, and the Days of the Week by their Markets; be∣cause they have every Day one in a several Place; but know not how to par∣cel out Time into Hours, or less Spaces.

These People, before the Arrival of the Portuguese, who instructed them in the Christian Faith, had no particular or proper Appellations; for the Com∣mon People call'd themselves by the Names of Herbs, Plants, Stones, Fowls, Beasts, and Living Creatures. The Lords bare the Title of the Lordship they commanded, as the Lord of Songo was call'd Mani-Songo, that is to say, Lord of Songo; Mani signifying Lord, and Songo the Countrey. But at this day, both Men and Women, Persons high and low, even the King himself, commonly re∣ceives a Name in Baptism.

They seem well experienc'd in several Handicrafts, but yet will not take upon them any Works of hard Labor.

Congo, Songo, and Bamba, vent few Slaves, and those the meanest of all; be∣cause being us'd to live idly, when they are brought to Labor they quickly die. The best come thither out of Amboille, Gingos, Jages, Caseudas, Quilax, Lem∣bo, and other Territories thereabouts, above Massignan in Angola.

The Europeans also drive a little Trade with Simboes: But the chief Dealing in Songo, consists in Pannos Sambos, Oyl of Palm, Palmito-Nuts, and such like. Heretofore they brought thence many, and those very large Elephants-Teeth; but of late fall'n to nothing.

The City Saint Salvadore is the Staple for the Portuguese Merchants in those Countreys, of whom the Natives desire chiefly to buy Cypress Clothes, or painted Table-clothes, call'd Capes de Verdura, blue Cans, Biramks, or Surats, Copper Basons, English Cloth, great Simbas of Lovando, Baesier, and other incon∣siderable Trifles, as Rings, Beads, and such like.

They use no Measure or Weight, except among the Portuguese; * 1.88 nor have any Housholdstuff, save onely Swords, Shields, and a few Slaves.

Their Wealth consists chiefly in Elephants-Teeth and Simbos, or little Shells, * 1.89 which pass in stead of Money.

The Citizens of Saint Salvadore amount to near forty thousand, of which most are Gentlemen and Nobles; yet wretchedly poor: For among them all, you shall scarce find ten or twelve that have a Gold Chain, or small Jewel.

The Revenues of the King consist especially in yearly Tributes, * 1.90 paid him by the Dukes of Bamba, Batta, Sundo, Nambanganga, Bumby, Mussulo, Oando, Quin∣gengo, and others under the Titles of Earldoms, as those of Pembo, Pango, and many others, which falls out on St. James his day, when the King rewards them with some small Trifle, as a Mark of his Favor. Some have not doubted to aver, That the whole Income of the King amounts not to above one hundred and twenty French Crowns, besides some small Presents made by every Lord above his Tribute, the greatest whereof rises but to a couple of Goats, the most onely giving Fruits, as Bacovens, Wine, Nuts, and Oyl of Palm.

They have no Coyn'd Money, * 1.91 either of Gold, Silver, or Copper; but, as we have often mention'd, make all their Markets with little Shells, call'd Sim∣boes, which pass here as Current, but in other Countreys of no esteem or va∣lue: And the Portuguese use them in their Passage, when they or their Pombe∣roes, that is Slaves, are sent with Merchandise to Pombo, and other Places lying up the Countrey, out of Angola, Lovando, Sante Paulo, through Congo.

Apothecaries or Doctors they have none, * 1.92 nor any Physick but what them∣selves make of Plants, Barks of Trees, Roots, Stones, Waters, and Oyl, which they administer for Agues, Fevers, and almost all other Maladies.

Fevers, * 1.93 the most common Distemper of this Climate, they cure with the beaten Root of Zandel-wood, * 1.94 mixt with the Oyl of Dates, anointing there∣with the Body of the Sick two or three times from Head to Foot. Pain in the Head, by letting Blood in the Temples, with little Shells sharpned; where∣with opening the Skin, they suck with the Mouth till they draw the Bloud.

The Pox, or Venerial Distemper call'd Chirangas, rages among them ex∣tremely, which they cure with red Wood call'd Tavilla.

The King appoints a Judge in every particular Province, * 1.95 to hear and deter∣mine Civil Causes, and Differences that happen; who, though there be no settled Laws or Statutes, may Imprison and Release, or impose a Pecuniary Mulct or Fine upon them. But in more weighty Matters every one may ap∣peal to the King; before whom also Criminal Causes come, wherein as Su∣preme Head he giveth Sentence.

In Matters of State, * 1.96 and such as concern Peace and War, the King takes ad∣vice of ten or twelve Councellors, his Favorites, who conclude for the Well∣fare of the Kingdom, and set forth and publish the Decrees, by his Order, and in his Name.

These punish Witchcraft and Idolatry openly, * 1.97 with great Severity con∣demning the least Sorcerer to the Fire. Whosoever killeth a Man, first having his Offence openly read before him, and then convicted by Witnesses, is con∣demn'd to die.

When an Offender suffers Death by Judgment of the King, * 1.98 he forfeits all his Goods and Slaves; so that none of his Relations enjoy ought that was his: And sometimes, to supply the King's Coffers, others are for small cause, or if but suspected, though the Witnesses fall short in the proof of the Fact, Banished, and their Goods Confiscate, and seized to the King's Use.

When they march out with an Army to incounter their Enemies, * 1.99 the Com∣manders wear Square Caps or Bonnets, trimm'd with Ostriches, Peacocks, and other Feathers; partly to make the greater shew, and partly to seem the more terrible. The upper part of their Bodies are naked, onely over the Shoulders they have Iron Chains hanging, with Links as big as ones little Finger.

The Common Souldiers use great and broad Swords, which they buy of the

[illustration]

Portuguese, Ponyards with Hafts like Knives, Bowes six Handfuls long, Ar∣rows, Muskets, Pistols, and Shields, made of Barks of Trees, and cover'd with a Buffles Hide. The whole Strength of their Battel consists in the Infan∣try or Foot-Souldiers; for they have very few or no Horse.

In the Onset and Retreat they use little Discipline or Order; * 1.100 but upon the Word of Command, the Drums beating, and Horns blowing, they march for∣ward far distant from one another, and in that Motion give the first Charge with a Flight of Arrows, which done, they very dexterously wheel about, and leap from one place to another, to avoid the Enemies Arrows. In the Van commonly some sturdy Youths draw out, who with the ringing of Bells that hang at their Girdles, incourage and animate the other. After the first have fought till they be weary, upon the sound of one of their Horns, directed by the Commander in Chief, they Retreat, and others instantly supply their Places; and this continues so long, till one of the Armies proves Victorious.

If it chance that the General of the Army be kill'd, they instantly betake themselves to Flight, and leave the Field, no Force or Authority being able to make them Rally.

In going out to War, they take little care to be furnished with Provision; so that many times when they come into a Countrey with their Army, they are forced for very hunger to leave the Enemy, though half Conquer'd, and Retreat into their own Countrey. But now at length they begin to take notice of these Miscarriages, and by the Instructions of the Portuguese, to alter and amend their evil Discipline.

Most of the Territories and Lordships of Congo, * 1.101 have peculiar Governors or Provincials, entituled Mani, that is, Lord; whereto they add the Name of the Province, as Mani-Vamma, that is, Lord of Vamma, Mani-Coansa, Mani-Hany, Mani-Kelle, and many others: But Bamba, Pembo, Pango, and Batta have the Ti∣tles of (a) 1.102 Dukedoms, and others of Earldoms; wherein the Blacks imitate the Portuguese, as their Apes: But the Portuguese stile themselves all Sovasen. When

they shew themselves openly before the People, they appear very Stately, sit∣ting upon great Velvet Chairs, with Velvet Cushions, and spreading upon the Ground before them costly Tapestries; and this also the Portuguese taught them, to strike an awful Reverence into their Subjects, of their Grandezza.

The Titles that the King uses to manifest his Greatness, * 1.103 are these: Mani-Congo, by the Grace of God, King of Congo, Angola, Makamba, Okanga, Cumba, Lulla, Zouza; Lord of the Dukedoms of Batta, Sunda, Bamba, Amboille, and the Territories thereof; Lord of the Earldoms of Songo, Angoy, Cacongo, and of the Monarchy of Ambon∣des; Ruler of the great and wonderful River of Zaire.

He rules with absolute Power and Sovereignty over his Subjects, * 1.104 who never approach near him, but with the most humble Postures of Reverence; and whoever fails to tender their due Respects and Obedience, he punishes with Perpetual Slavery.

But the Pomp of his Majesty and Greatness he shews especially when he Treats his Nobility, * 1.105 that are serviceable to him. This himself in Person deals out in the following manner.

At Noon the King causeth all the Noble-men, then in the Bounds of the Palace, to be numbred: Whereupon all the Pots are brought before them, one with boyl'd Beans, another with Flesh, and a third with Mille, without any Spicery but Salt, and some Oyl of Palm. To the greatest Lords he sends every one his Part, in a Wooden Platter, together with a small Flask of Palm-Wine: But those of less Quality are by Name call'd up, and Accommodated by six, seven, or eight together, to whom the King directs such a great Pot of Mille, Beans, or Flesh, according to their Number.

After the Feast is ended, they come all into the King's Presence, and falling upon their Knees, clap their Hands, and bow their Heads, in token of Thanks and Submission, and so depart to their own Homes; onely some Favorites stay all the day long, and drink so much Tobacco and Wine of Palm, that every one, as well the King as Nobles, are so highly fluster'd, that they cannot go from the Place.

When the King goes abroad, * 1.106 not only the Nobility, but also those that dwell about the Court, or by occasion are found there at that time, attend him; some going before, others following; but all dancing and tumbling with an∣tick Postures, to the Musick of certain ill-tun'd Drums, and long Ivory Flutes like Cornets, until the King be within his House.

At the King's going to Church, presently, as soon as he is come without the Palace, not onely his own Grandees, which at all times are ready, but also the Portuguese, as well Temporality as Clergy, must wait upon him, and again from the Church to his Palace; but at no other time are the Portuguese oblig'd to such Attendance.

When he sheweth himself openly to the People, he is always attired in his richest Robes, that is, a great long Mantle or Cloak, of Silk, Velvet, or fine Cloth, most splendidly beautifi'd: On his Fingers he hath some Gold Chains, intermixt with fine Coral; and upon his Head, a bordered and preciously adorned Cap.

He hath in his Palace about a hundred Waiters, who all have Lodgings in the Court. He eats his Meat after the manner of Europe, at a high Table, where he always sits alone, with some few Pieces of Plate for his use. All his Waiters go cloathed in black Mantles of Bais.

The Chair upon which he sits hath Covers of red or green Velvet, fastned

[illustration]

on with great gilt Nails, and costly Tapestry spread before him, and Cushi∣ons for his Foot-stool.

When the Hollanders in the Year Sixteen hundred forty two, * 1.107 came the first time to the King, as Ambassadors from Lovando Sante Paulo, immediately after they had forced it from the Portuguese, they got Audience at the Evening, in the Dark, passing through a Gallery two hundred Paces long, set on both sides with two Ranks of Men, with Wax Candles in their Hands burning.

The King sate in a small Chappel, hang'd with Rush Mats, * 1.108 from the top of which a Branch hung with Wax Candles; Habited in a Cloth of Gold Coat and Drawers, and about his neck three heavy Gold Chains: He had on his right Thumb a very large Granate or Ruby Ring, and on his left Hand two great Emeraulds; upon the left Sleeve of his Coat, a Gold Cross was fastned, richly enclos'd in a piece of well-polish'd Crystal: On his Head a fine white Cap, and on his Legs a pair of Russet Boots. At his right side stood an Officer, that sometime gently fanned the Air with a Handkerchief; and at his left side another, holding a Tin Bowe, and a Tin Scepter, cover'd with fine strip'd Cloth in his Hand. His Seat a red Velvet Spanish Chair, aloft above which, upon a Border, was embroider'd in Letters, Don Alvarez King of Congo. Right before him lay spread a great Turkey Carpet, and over his Head hung a Canopy of white Sattin, set with Gold, and trimm'd about with a deep Fringe. A little on the right side kneeled before him Don Bernardo de Menzos, his Interpreter and Secretary.

The King's Apparel is very glorious and rich, * 1.109 being for the most part Cloth of Gold or Silver, with a long Velvet Mantle.

This King wears commonly a white Cap upon his Head; * 1.110 so do his Fidal∣goes, or Nobility, in his Favour: And this is indeed so eminent a token thereof, that if the King be displeased with any of them, he onely causes his Cap to be taken off from his Head: For this white Cap is a Cognizance of Nobility or Knighthood here, as in Europe every Order hath a peculiar Badge to distinguish it.

When the King goeth abroad with all his Nobles adorn'd with white Caps on their Heads, * 1.111 he sometimes puts on a Hat, and at pleasure lays that aside, and resumes his Cap, which he then puts very loosely on, upon set purpose that the Wind should blow it off the easier; which according to design hap∣ning, his Fidalgoes run to take it up, and bring it to the King again: but the King as offended at the Disgrace, will not receive the same, but goeth home very much troubled; the next day he sends two or three hundred Blacks abroad to gather in Taxes; so punishing his whole Kingdom, for the offence of the Wind in blowing off his Cap, which he caused of set purpose.

He hath one Married Wife, * 1.112 which they call Mani-Mombada, that is Queen; all the rest, * 1.113 being no small number, are Concubines. For this Wife a Yearly Tax is gathered through the whole Kingdom, by them call'd Pintelso; every House paying a Rate for their Beds, viz. a Slave for every Spans breadth: so that if it be three Spans broad, they pay three Slaves.

The Queen hath her Lodgings in the Palace, * 1.114 apart, with her Ladies of Ho∣nor, which have little Courtship or Art to set them forth; yet they go almost every night abroad to take their pleasure, and to satisfie their wanton desires; onely some stay according to their turns to wait upon the Queen, who will her self, if she finds a convenient opportunity, and a Person that dares venture to come in the Night over the Straw Walls into the Court, to her private Lodg∣ings, not be backward to receive their proffer'd Kindness: But this she doth with great circumspection; for if the King should hear of it, it would endan∣ger both their Lives.

The King, on the contrary, keeps as many Concubines as he pleases; as well of the Ladies of Honor belonging to the Queen, as of others, without check: but the Priests spare not to reprove him for it openly in their Preach∣ing.

When the King dies, his Relations put him into the Grave in a Sitting Po∣sture, to whom formerly a dozen young Maids leap'd out of free choice, and were buried alive, to serve him in the other Life, as believing, That he should not remain dead, but go into that other World, and live there. These Maids were then so earnest and desirous of this Service to their deceased Prince, that for eagerness to be first, they kill'd one another. And their Parents and Friends gather together all sorts of stately Clothes, and put them into the Grave, to the intent that when they arrive in that strange Countrey, they may buy such things as they have occasion for therewith.

The Funeral of the King, in stead of other Mourning, is celebrated eight days together with continual Eating and Drinking; and this kind of Mourn∣ing they call Malala, and every Year after Solemnize it with an Anniversary-Meeting in the same manner.

This Custom is not only us'd for the King, but also for the Nobility, ac∣cording to their Quality, and continues to this day; but by the progress of Christianity, teaching better things, they have laid aside totally the burying of People alive.

In the Succession to the Crown they observe no Order; * 1.115 neither Legitimati∣on nor Seniority taking place further than the Ruling Grandees please; they, according to the humor of barbarous Nations, esteeming all alike Honorable: For which reason the Nobles chuse one out of the King's Sons (whether Legi∣timate or Illegitimate it matters not) for whom they have the most respect, or think the fittest; or else perhaps sometimes sway'd by extravagant Fan∣cies,

relinquish all the Children, and give the Crown to a Brother or Nephew.

The Coronation of the King they Solemnize after this manner. * 1.116 All the Nobles and Portuguese assemble before the Palace, in a four-square open Court, built for that purpose of old, encompass'd with a slight Stone Wall about five Yards high; in the middle of which stands a great Velvet Chair and a Cushion, with a stately Carpet spread before it, and a Crown wrought of Gold, Silk and Silver-Wyre laid thereon; as also three Gold Armlets, about the thickness of a Finger, and a Velvet Purse, wherein is the Pope's Bull, or Letters of Confirmation to the new King.

The intended King after some time comes into this Congregation, by in∣vitation of the Nobless concern'd primarily in the Election; where all things prepared, there stands one up, which in the nature of a Herald proclaims these words:

You that shall be King, be no Thief, neither covetous nor revengeful; but be a friend of the Poor: You shall bestow the Alms for the releasement of Prisoners or Slaves, and help the Needy, and be charitable to the Church, and always endeavour to keep this Kingdom in Peace and Quietness, and fully observe and keep the same without breach of League with your Brother the King of Portugal.

After this Speech ended, the Musick begins to play with excellent Melody; which having continued a convenient season, the last two Fidalgo's go seeming∣ly to seek him amongst the People, the remaining part of them sitting upon the Ground. These two in a short time find him they sought for, and bring∣ing him one by the right Arm, and the other by the left, place him upon the foremention'd Royal Chair, and put the Crown upon his Head, on his Arms the Gold Armlets, and the usual black Cloth, or Bayze-Cloak, upon his Body; then he lays his Hand upon a Mass-Book and the Evangelists, which the Priest holds to him, Clothed in a white Garment, hung with white Tassels, and the King swears to do and keep all that he hath been forewarned of, by him the formention'd Herald. After the ending of these Solemnities, the twelve Noble∣men and the King go to the Palace, accompanied with all those that were pre∣sent at the Coronation, who cast Earth and Sand upon him, for a Token of rejoycing, and for an Admonition, that though he be now King, he shall be Dust and Ashes.

The King after his Crowning remains eight days in his Palace, never going forth; in which time all the Black Nobility, none excepted, and all the Portu∣guese come to visit and wish him good success: the Blacks do him a kind of Homage, lying down upon both Knees, clapping their hands, and kissing the King's Hand: the Portuguese sit kneeling upon one Knee, and so the Priests and Clergy, by that humble posture acknowledging his Soveraignty.

After the eight days past the King appears in the Market, and makes a Speech to the People, expressing his readiness for the performing of that which was propounded to him, with assurance to them, that he will seek nothing more than the quiet and welfare of his Kingdoms and Subjects, and the propa∣gating of the Christian Faith.

The People of Congo, take the Oath of Fidelity to their King, like other Christians, but forget it quickly, Murdering him upon any sleight occasion, ei∣ther by Insurrections or Treason; so that within these forty or fifty years they have had many Kings: for if all things go not to their minds, or if it Rains too much or too little, or if any other accident happens, the King bears the blame.

[illustration]

The Earl of Songo, the most Potent in all Congo, was subject to this King; but considering the Woods of Findemguolla, which surrounds his Countrey like a Bulwark, he fortifi'd it, and made it almost impregnable; so casting off the Yoke, he will not acknowledge the King of Congo for his Soveraign, but onely as a Friend of Songo.

Formerly this Earl, before the taking of the City Lovando St. Paulo by the Netherlanders, in the Year Fifteen hundred forty and three, by instigation of the Portuguese, would have burnt their Ware-houses, but that he was afterwards prevented, and his anger aswaged.

This Province of Songo yields Copper, * 1.117 much better than that of Congo, and some Cotton, but they Vend little of it.

In the Year sixteen hundred thirty six, * 1.118 the King of Congo, Don Alvares, the se∣cond of that Name, for some cause given by the foremention'd Earl, with a great Company of Men, and the assistance of a Company of eighty Portuguese Soldiers of Lovando St. Paulo, drew into the Field: But the Songo's, by a sudden Sallying out of the Wood, * 1.119 routed the King's Army, and took him Prisoner; so that for his release and restoration to his Kingdom, he was forced to give to the Earl two Territories, the one a Principality, call'd Mokata, a great Land of Tillage, lying where the River Zair bordereth nearest to Songo. Yet after∣wards the Quarrel was renew'd, and Forces on both sides drawn into the Field, * 1.120 and the Controversie coming to be decided by the Sword, the King lost the Day, and together with it many Slaves. These two Victories exceedingly puffed up the Earl. It was imputed to the King as a great miscarriage, that this last he drew into the Field with a small Force, whereas he hath innumera∣ble People under his Command: but this oversight he quickly amended, and hath taken severe revenge of the Songo's for the Losses formerly received. But this kept them not long quiet, * 1.121 for the old Earl being dead, in the Year Sixteen hundred forty and one, there arose a new and bloody War between the King and the Earl Don Daniel du Silva, arising upon this ground: When after the

Decease of Don Michael, who Rul'd about the Year Sixteen hundred and six, his Son, the foremention'd Don Daniel du Silva, could not come to succeed, be∣cause a Faction rais'd against him was too strong, he fled to the Duke of Bamba; in whose Court he remain'd a long time: but at last, by the help of his Confe∣derates, got the possession of his Inheritance, and burning with revenge for his sufferings and disgrace, he gave occasion of Quarrel, by refusing to request of the King of Congo, according to the old Custom, the confirmation of his Possessi∣ons, first accusing him as one that had a hand in his long Expulsion, and there∣withall adding, that the Election of his Subjects did enough confirm him in his Government, and therefore he needed no other. The King of Congo enra∣ged hereat, and accounting it a great dis-reputation and diminution to his Royal Authority, to be so Bearded, as a manifestation of his high displeasure, placed his Son, the Prince Don Alphonso, in the Principality of Makata, former∣ly given, as we have said, to the Earl of Songo, for releasing of the King Don Alvarez, giving him in charge not onely to keep it, but from thence to make War upon the Earl. Hereupon Discontents daily growing on, the King of Congo raised a great Army, which he gave to Don Alphonso, who therewith invaded Son∣go, and using all the extremities of War both against his Countrey and Subjects: But the Songo's, a very Warlike People, in the Year Sixteen hundred forty and five, the nine and twentiteth of April, in a Pitch'd Battel, defeated and put to flight the King's Army, and took the fore-mention'd Prince of Mokata, toge∣ther with many Grandees, Prisoners, and according to the Custom of the Countrey, chopt off all their Heads; onely he kept Alphonso Prisoner, being his Cousin, and would not suffer him to depart from him.

The King by this overthrow provoked more than ever to take revenge, raised in the following Year so great a Force, that he doubted not therewith to over-run the whole Earldom at once: Of this Army, consisting of almost all the Nobility, together with three or four hundred Moulatto's, the Duke of Bamba was made General, and therewith drew near to the Borders of Songo; but was unawares fall'n upon by an Ambuscade out of the Wood Emtinda Guola, on the last of July, and his Army not onely totally defeated, * 1.122 but the Duke himself necessitated to yield to the Earl some Places and Countreys, * 1.123 before wrested from him, for the release of Prince Alphonso his Son. Who was no sooner come, home in safety, but the Congo's, inclin'd to the old revenge, and not being able to digest the disgrace, began new Quarrels, which quickly broke forth into a great flame.

During this War the King sent Ambassadors with Letters to Brazile to Grave Maurice, * 1.124 who had the Government of that Countrey for the States of Holland, together with many Slaves for a Present to the Council, and two hun∣dred more, with a Gold Chain, to Grave Maurice himself. Not long after their ar∣rival came thither also three Ambassadors from the Earl; one of which was Shipt from thence to Holland to the States; the two other required of Grave Maurice, that he would give no Assistance to the King of Congo; which in some manner he hearkned to, and to that end wrote Letters to their Governors in Congo and Angola, not to intermeddle in the Wars of these two Princes, for that they were both in League with the Hollanders.

The Ambassadors having been treated with all Civility, * 1.125 and receiv'd their Dispatch, return'd with Letters and Gifts: to the King was sent a long scarlet Mantle, border'd with Gold and Silver Lace, a Silk Coat, and a Beaver Hat, with a Hat-band about it, wrought all over with Gold and Silver; and to the

[illustration]

Earl, a Sedan, cover'd with red Silk, edg'd with Gold and Silver, a long Mantle, and a Beaver Hat; besides, in particular from Grave Maurice, a Sword, with a Girdle richly embroider'd with Silver.

Afterwards the King and the Duke of Bamba the second time sent Ambassa∣dors to Grave Maurice, * 1.126 which he receiv'd and entertain'd sumptuously, desiring his favour, that they might go into the Netherlands; which being granted, and they arrived in Holland, they shew to that State, and to the Prince of Orange, their Credentials from the King, and other Letters to the Governors of the West-India Company; to whom, among other things, they declared many Cu∣stoms of their Countrey, and in particular, how their Kings sits upon his Throne, causing his Greatness to appear by long silence; As also how the Inhabitants, after the manner of the Heathens, did worship and adore him.

Before the coming of the Portuguese into these Countreys, * 1.127 and their con∣verting them to Christianity, the People of Congo had several sorts of Idols; for every one according to his pleasure, without any rule or reason, chose him∣self a god which seemed most for his advantage. Some worshipped Dragons, Serpents, Goats, Tygers, and many other living Creatures; others adored Fowls, Plants, Trees, yea, the very Skins of these Beasts stuffed with Straw. To these Idols they used several Ceremonies, which chiefly consisted in humi∣lity, as bending of Knees, laying their Faces on the Earth, and daubing them with Dirt, and sacrificing, or offering to them all their best and dearest things; but at last they were brought to light out of this Idolatry, in which they had for many Ages lay'n drown'd, by the endeavors of the Portuguese; the manner and occasion whereof happen'd thus:

When Don John, the second of that Name, King of Portuguese, was bent up∣on the discovery of the East-Coast and Countrey of Africa and the East-Indies, in the Year Fourteen hundred and eighty four, he equipped a Fleet to that purpose under the Command of Johan Cano, who being come before the River Zair, sent Agents to the King of Congo; but they not returning, he took four

Congo's that came to see the Ships, and after some time spent in Coasting re∣turn'd, carrying them with him, whom the King receiv'd with great courtesie, and immediately dispatched Cano back to Congo with great Presents; who being come upon the Coast, sent one of these four Natives to the King of Congo, en∣treating the return of the Portuguese, whereto easily consenting, Cano sent home the three remaining Congo's.

The fore-mention'd Portuguese, during the time of their stay and detention in Congo, became so intimately acquainted with the Duke of Songo, Unckle to the then King, and a Man of a noble spirit, that they instructed him in the Christian Religion, and demonstrated so plainly the errour of their Idolatrous Ways, that the Duke went himself to the King in Person to relate it to him, and advise with him about the change of their Religion; whereupon the King after many perswasions and arguments, at length condescended to send an Embassy to Portugal, requesting the King to send some Priests for their in∣struction; and accordingly Zakuten that had been there before, was sent with Instructions, Letters, and a noble Retinue, who arriving there, first learn'd the Portuguese Tongue, and soon after he, with all that belong'd to him, received Baptism: This gave such encouragement to King John, that according to de∣sire he dispatcht away Zakuten, with some Priests, and all sorts of Church-Ornaments, where both Prince and People received them with inexpressible joy.

The first that publickly received Baptism was the Duke of Songo, * 1.128 with his Son, in the Year Fourteen hundred ninety one, himself being named Emanuel, and his Son, Anthony: afterwards the King himself follow'd the steps of the good Earl, taking the Name of John; the Queen, Eleanor; and his youngest Son, Alphonso. This good example prevailed with many, not of the Nobles onely, but of the Commonalty of all sorts, and each succeeding day increased their number; since which time the Portuguese have not spared any hazards, labour or pains, both to increase and confirm the new planted Religion, which hath been answered with a suitable success.

Amongst these are many Schoolmasters, who besides Reading and Writing, teach the Catechism, wherein they make their Scholars perfect; who in gene∣ral follow and obey the Commands and Canons of the Holy Catholick Church.

But although most of them at this day in some measure profess the Christian Religion, many still retain Idolatry according to their antient Use; * 1.129 and others who boast themselves Christians, practice nothing agreeable thereto, except in the presence of the Whites, and in a place where it may redound to their Profit, and then they will cunningly play the Hypocrites: and at best intermingling their vain Idolatry therewith.

The Churches there are built after the manner of their Houses, wherein are always attending many Priests, both Mullato's and Blacks, which oftentimes ce∣lebrate Mass.

When the Duke goes to those sacred Duties, he puts on his most costly Ap∣parel, adorn'd with many Gold Chains, or Strings of pure Corral, Usher'd by Musick, attended with a Guard of Musquetiers, and follow'd by a great throng of People.

In the Year Sixteen hundred and four, and again in One thousand six hun∣dred forty seven, by order of the Pope, at the entreaty of the Congian King, Don Alvares the second, fourteen Capuchins from Sicily and Cadiz Landed in Songo,

from whence with Licence they travel'd to Congo, onely leaving some of their number to propagate and Preach there.

Those of Oando say they are Christians, * 1.130 and if they listed, might be so re vera, having such excellent Instructions daily inculcated to them.

In the Reign of Alvarez the first of Congo, the Christians received not onely a Check, but underwent heavy Persecution, when Patience onely used Arma Ec∣clesiae, Preces & Lacrymae; but Providence never suffering such raging impiety to go unpunisht, for Sequitur impius, ulter a tergo Deus, the Jages, who had long possessed the Kingdom of Ansiko; a savage People, residing in Huts and Woods, without Prince or Government, like the wild Arabs, fell into the Kingdom of Congo like an irresistible inundation, * 1.131 ruining the same with Fire and Sword. The Province of Batta lay first in their way, where, on a certain Plain before the City of St. Salvadore, the King gave them Battel, but with the loss of many People, insomuch that he was forced to retreat into the City; from whence, not after driven, he fled for safety, together with many Portuguese and chief Lords of the Realm, to Ilhas das Cavallus, that is, Horse-Island, leaving the City to the Jages for a Prize, who burnt it, together with the Churches, laying waste the whole, and carrying away the Inhabitants, whom they kill'd and eat: The Husbandmen fled to the Woods and Wildernesses, chusing rather to die there of Hunger, than to fall into the hands of such inhumane Cannibals: Nor did that necessity onely follow the Woods, but the Famine spread over the inhabit∣ed Parts, so that for a little Meat a Slave was given, at that time worth at least ten Crowns; nay more, thousands sold themselves for Slaves to the Portuguese of the Island of St. Thomas, to preserve themselves from starving; amongst which were some of the Royal Blood, and many of the chief Lords.

The Congo's King finding himself too weak to withstand his Enemies, by the Counsel of the Portuguese sent an Agent to Don Sebastian, then King of Portugal, praying his Aid; who immediately sent him a Supply by Shipping of six hun∣dred Soldiers: In which Expedition many Nobles and Reformado's put them∣selves into the Service, under the Command of Don Francis de Govea, a Man who had often been in Asia and Africa; who after a fortunate Voyage arriving at St. Thomas Isle, where by Order they put in for Recruits of Ammunition, and to Victual and refresh, they went over to Congo, and Landed at Horse-Island, where the King of Congo then had his abode; where the General having received new Supplies of Portuguese and Congo's, went over to the Main Land, and Fought the Jages, beating them in divers Battels; insomuch that Alvarez, after a year and a halfs exile, was restor'd to his Realm.

The King being thus re-setled in his Throne, required for the establishing of the Christian Religion, that Priests might be sent thither; and as an acknow∣ledgment of this Aid and Assistance, he obliged himself by a Written Obliga∣tion, to send yearly a Present of Slaves, and withall to own him as his Lord: The King of Portugal refused the same, modestly returning, That he acknowledged the King of Congo for his Brother at Arms; but answer'd his Desire for establish∣ing the Christian Religion. At length after four years the General departed, onely leaving behind many Portuguese, as a Guard to secure the Peace of Congo for the future. Thus far we have proceeded in the Affairs of Congo: But Eastward of Lovango, and North-east of Goy and Cakongo, lie divers unknown Countreys, as Bokke, or Bukkemeale, Ukango, Sondy, Pombo, Fungeno, Makoko, Giri∣tuma, Combo, d' Okango, Amboille; of which we shall give you some particulars.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Borders of the Kingdom of Congo.
• * 1.2

  a So we render it in En∣glish.
• * 1.3

  Bigness.
• * 1.4

  Division.
• * 1.5

  Dominion.
• * 1.6

  Koansa.
• * 1.7

  Kalle.
• * 1.8

  Kanvangongo
• * 1.9

  Motemmo Kanvangong.
• * 1.10

  a So we may call them
• * 1.11

  Kahende.
• * 1.12

  Oanda.
• * 1.13

  Quina.
• * 1.14

  Lovato and Quintingo.
• * 1.15

  The dividing of the Do∣minions.
• * 1.16

  The Head City Panga.
• * 1.17

  Government.
• * 1.18

  The Teritory of Congo.
• * 1.19

  Sundo.
• * 1.20

  The Territory of Pango.
• * 1.21

  The Territory of Batta.
• * 1.22

  a Spanish Miles.
• * 1.23

  The Territory of Conde.
• * 1.24

  The Territory of Pembo.
• * 1.25

  The King's Court.
• * 1.26

  Houses.
• * 1.27

  Churcher.
• * 1.28

  Cloyster.
• * 1.29

  Schools.
• * 1.30

  Fountains.
• * 1.31

  The River Vese.
• * 1.32

  Rivers.
• * 1.33

  The River Zair.
• * 1.34

  In Zair Le several Islands
• * 1.35

  The Island of Bommo.
• * 1.36

  The Manners of the Islan∣ders.
• * 1.37

  Marriage.
• * 1.38

  An Idol of Money in Quuntalla.
• * 1.39

  Government.
• * 1.40

  The Cape of Padron.
• * 1.41

  Pampus Rock.
• * 1.42

  The River Lelunde.
• * 1.43

  Ambris.
• * 1.44

  A Ferry.
• * 1.45

  Enkokoquematari.
• * 1.46

  Loze.
• * 1.47

  Lihongo.
• * 1.48

  The River Danda.
• * 1.49

  The River Bengo.
• * 1.50

  The Climate of Air.
• * 1.51

  The Seasons of Rain.
• * 1.52

  Congo is watry.
• * 1.53

  The King of the Land.
• * 1.54

  Plants.
• * 1.55

  Luko.
• * 1.56

  Mille, or Mazza.
• * 1.57

  Beasts.
• * 1.58

  Elephants.
• * 1.59

  Azebro.
• * 1.60

  Empalanga.
• * 1.61

  Envoeri.
• * 1.62

  Makoko.
• * 1.63

  Engri, or Tygers.
• * 1.64

  Beavers.
• * 1.65

  Emgola, or Wild-Boars.
• * 1.66

  Rocbucks.
• * 1.67

  They are by those of Con∣go and Ambonde, a forbid∣den food.
• * 1.68

  Peacocks.
• * 1.69

  Bees.
• * 1.70

  Pismires.
• * 1.71

  Eusingie.
• * 1.72

  In Congo are no Gold-Mines.
• * 1.73

  But of Copper.
• * 1.74

  Silver-Mines and other.
• * 1.75

  Stones.
• * 1.76

  The kind of the Inhabi∣tants.
• * 1.77

  Their condition.
• * 1.78

  They are inclin'd to steal∣ing.
• * 1.79

  They are given to poyson one another.
• * 1.80

  They are severely pu∣nish'd.
• * 1.81

  Apparel.
• * 1.82

  Their Play.
• * 1.83

  Their maintainance.
• * 1.84

  The Congoians do not ride on horseback, but are carry∣ed by men.
• * 1.85

  The cause of the death of Man or Woman is laid upon the Survivor.
• * 1.86

  Inheritance.
• * 1.87

  The Accompt of their Year.
• * 1.88

  Housholdstuff.
• * 1.89

  Riches.
• * 1.90

  The Revenue of the King.
• * 1.91

  Simboes or Horn Shells are their Money.
• * 1.92

  Medicines for Cure.
• * 1.93

  Sicknesses.
• * 1.94

  Zandel-wood.
• * 1.95

  Government.
• * 1.96

  Council of State.
• * 1.97

  Punishment of Offenders.
• * 1.98

  The punishment of Death is also with Confiscation of all his Goods.
• * 1.99

  Arms.
• * 1.100

  Confused disorder in fight∣ing.
• * 1.101

  Government.
• (a) 1.102

  As was said before, so we call them.
• * 1.103

  The King's Titles.
• * 1.104

  His Dominion.
• * 1.105

  His Feeding of the Nobi∣lity, glorious.
• * 1.106

  With what State he goes abroad.
• * 1.107

  Hollanders sent to the King in Embassy.
• * 1.108

  The State of the King.
• * 1.109

  His Cloathing.
• * 1.110

  He wears a white Cap.
• * 1.111

  When the King is desirous to have Taxes, he lets his Cop blow off.
• * 1.112

  The Queen is call'd Ma∣ni-mombada.
• * 1.113

  Taxes for the Queen, how rais'd.
• * 1.114

  Her place of aboad.
• * 1.115

  Inheritance of the Crown
• * 1.116

  The manner of the King's Coronation.
• * 1.117

  There is Copper in Sougo.
• * 1.118

  Wars between the King of Songo and the Earl of Souho.
• * 1.119

  The Overthrow of the King of Congo.
• * 1.120

  A second Overthrow.
• * 1.121

  A new War.
• * 1.122

  A third Overthrow.
• * 1.123

  The Duke of Bamba ta∣ken Prisoner.
• * 1.124

  Ambassadors sent both from Congo and Songo to Brazile.
• * 1.125

  Presents.
• * 1.126

  The Congo's Ambassa∣dors come into the Mether∣lands.
• * 1.127

  Their Religion.
• * 1.128

  The Duke of Songo is Baptiz'd.
• * 1.129

  There are many Idola∣ters found amongst the Congians, but more Hy∣pocrites.
• * 1.130

  Those of Oando call themselves Christians.
• * 1.131

  The Jages overcome the Kingdom of Congo.