CHAP. XXVI. Of the punishment of unfaithfull Servants, that is inflicted on them by cold frozen water.
PAulus Jovius Bishop of Nucerum, and a curious searcher and writer of the actions of other Nations, supposed that it was a most bitter punishment of Theeves and Robbers, and such like villany, to have cold water dropt upon their necks, to make them confesse their wicked actions. For so he testifies in his Sarmatia. The Muscovites examine Theeves, Cutters, Murderers, asking them questions, after this manner; letting cold water fall by degrees from a high place upon their heads; and this they hold to be an intolerable Torment. These are his words. But the truth is, that good Prelate was thus informed by mockery, by the crafty Embassadour of the Emperour of Moscovia, called De∣metrius, in the time of Pope Clement the 7th, at Rome; or else being intent upon some other curious matters, he did not fully understand him, who related the Customs of his Country, that this should be held for a most intollerable tor∣ture in that hard Country, where fire and the Rack being put to them, they will hardly confesse any thing. Yet the Swedes and Goths are stronger than the Moscovites, who onely in January inflict these punishments upon Rebels diso∣bedient, and insolent people, especially for that cause, that they did not fol∣low and wait upon their Princes and Lords coming to the solemnities of Christs Nativity, first by Night, next by Day: and whoever in a private house or fami∣ly doth not do the same, or speak ill words, or commit scandalous actions, those their fellows, witnesses, accusers, and Judges, with the sound of Trumpet and Bells, bring forth with a long train, to the waters that are frozen, and make them kneel down, and make their neck bare, holding their faces toward their knees, and they drop cold water on their necks, all shouting when they do it. But those that they intend to punish in a compendious way, (who promise to mend their errours) to them they grant this favour, that all at once, their whole heads being naked, a whole pitcher of water is poured upon them. Onely the Egyptians because of their extream bald crowns tremble at this pun∣nishment, who though they seldome come to the Northern Countries, yet they come sometimes amongst the auxiliary Souldiers that were sent from the French King to the King of Denmark, to fight against Sweden and Gothland. Oft-times therefore when these Ethiopians, as well as the Danes fight with ill successe, they are not punished with cold water, but with hard bondage, and inevitable death.