A compendious history of the Goths, Svvedes, & Vandals, and other northern nations written by Olaus Magnus.

Olaus Magnus, the Goth, Arch-Bishop of UPSAL: OF Wars upon the Ice. (Book 11)

An Epitome of the Eleventh Book. (Book 11)

CHAP. I. Of the Bloody Wars in the Northern Countries.

VVEE find in the Chronicles of the North Countries, both of old, as of later time, that oft-times most cruel Fights have been fought between the Russians or Muscovites, and the Swedes or Finlanders, for divers very weighty causes, both by Sea and Land, and the plain Ice, and thick deep Snowes; and sometimes as it hapned, now one, then another got a notable Victory, as Fortune changed; and this again was a lamentable affliction to the Conquered. The cause of this dif∣ference is from the Circumstances of Time, Places, and Commanders, that in such cases hasten a speedy occasion: Wherefore there are two most strange Castles, the one whereof, a deep Gulph being between, belongs to the Dominion of the great Mr. of Livonia, (for so is the Prince of that great Province called) the other belongs to the great Duke of Moscovie. But one called Narven is subject to the Government of the Christian Livonians, and another to the Schismatical Mos∣covites. The Fort that is subject to the Moscovites, is so fortified by Nature, by the Waters that run round it, and the Forces there, and thinks it self so safe, that it fears the Assaults of no Enemies, be they never so mighty.

But this madnesse as it proved false, so it felt an inevitable calamity. For the most illustrious Princes of the Swedes and Goths, Steno that was before Stur, and Suanto, being provoked by many great injuries and frauds of the Moscovites, after most high wars and damages by the Moscovites, brought upon potent provinces, and people, setting upon an army of 50000. armed men, and the foresaid Fort of the Muscovites, with fire and sword (whilest their friends in the Castles of the Livonians looked on) they won with incredib••e fury, that the Moscovites being cruelly wounded, and many slain and burnt, could scarse save themselves by running away. And this Fort being taken, the Princes of the Swedes and Goths aforesaid and their Souldiers got an inestimable spoil of Silver, and costly Sabel skins, that from thence they ever gloried, that for the great troubles they had sustain'd in fights, as well in hot as cold weather, they now triumphed, loaded with great plunder. But these rich booties, as they were to the conquered enemies an inrecoverable losse and grief, so they caused such discords amongst the foresaid Princes, and their friends and peo∣ple, and such a pernicious and implacable hatred, that from thence afterwards arose the ruine of the Kingdomes. Wherefore this fort, taken from the enemies by force of Arms, when as the great Mr. having it freely given to him for a gift, by the conquering Swedes, feared to annex it to his dominions, the con∣quering army left it, putting fire to it, first having taken out all the rich spoil that was in it, and returned by Finland, Sweden and Gothland: yet there was such abundance of Wax left in the said Castle (whereof the Eastern factors make a vast gain, and it is a rich tribute for the Governours) because they could not carry it away with them, it being so heavy, that it melted in the flames and made such a steem that one might have sailed a great way with it.

CHAP. II. Of Fights upon the Ice.

NOr do the Swedes and Goths fight against the Moscovites or Russians that break their leagues with a hot desire of Rapin on the borders of the Finland Sea, with lesse eagernesse on the brittle Ice, than they do on the most firm Land: and as I said before, where they fought in Summer most fierce navall battails, in the very same places, when the Ice is frozen, they set their armies in battail array, and place their Canons, and fight horribly. So firm is the Ice to bear troops of horsemen at a distance or drawn up close in a body. Nor let it seem strange or incredible to any, especially to any Italian, how the hor∣ses hoofs can stand fast upon the slippetry Ice, nor onely to run with the great∣est violence, but also to wheele about, and run round to fight with an armed enemy. For the horses are made fit for it by having their feet shood with crooked Irons, and sharp nails, that the rider need never fear falling, be the Ice never so smooth, also such pieces of Ice are cut up with the horses shoos, when they run away, and are cast into the face of him that follows, that he is knocked down dead with them, or wounded not easy to be cu∣red.

CHAP. III. Of the breaking forth of the Moscovites or Russians.

The Moscovites for the most part go forth not so much to war as to plun∣der, keeping either very little or no military order at all; especially those that enter the borders of the Kingdome of Sweden, and of the great Dukedone of Finland to fight or pillage; as it is recorded in the Annals of the same Kingdome, especially in the year of our Lord 1495. when they came

with 60000 men. The cause of their inrode they made to be, their demand again of 3. parishes adjoyning namely Egrebpe, Lasche, and Savalox, as if they did rather belong to them than to the Kingdome of Sweden. But the truth is ••o great a flood came in by the provocation of John King of Denmark, that a mighty Province of Sweden being subdued, he might bring part of it under the Dominion of the Moscovites, and part of it should be joyned to the terri∣tories of the said King of Denmark; as afterwards, a few years being past, Anno 1500. in the Kingly City Holm, the Moscovites Embassadours propounded it to the same King John in the Lent, affirming that this Leauge was confirmed between both Princes by kissing the holy Crosse solemnly to humble and sub∣due the Crown of Sweden. But both parts became vain suddenly in their Im∣aginations, that King John was forced to sly in haste into his Denmark (lea∣ving Queen Christina a Gallant woman descending of the Dukes of Misnia) and the great tumultuous forces of the Moscovites were humbled by force and were driven away like Thiefs; and compelled to get them gone to their habitations at home, receiving such a notable defeat, that he never durst any more, by the Danes perswasion, or of his own presumption attempt to come upon the Do∣minions of the Kingdome of Sweden. How ever it is, since the Kingdome of Denmark, as Saxo saith, is contain'd in a very narrow Land, he useth impor∣tunely, and craftily to provide that he may Usurp the vast Dominions of Sweden, Gothland, Finland, that are near him, by the confederacy, and assistances he ob∣taines from many Princes, especially of Russia, or Moscovia, from the East; and from the West of the Scots or French, and Germans from the South: all these Nations joyning together and coming into Sweden to subdue it, sooner find a grave than a victory.

CHAP. IV. Of a fearfull sounding Cave, the Common people call Smellen.

WE have shewed in the former Chapter that the Ice is so strong that it can easily bear troops of armed horse and foot. And now I shall shew that there is a cave under the Earth near Viburgus a City near the shore, which is a close neighbour to the same Lands of the Moscovites, that hath such a secret force, that if a living Creature be cast into it, it will make such a horrible noise, that such as are near to it, according to the greatnesse of it, can neither hear nor speak nor stand; by which vehemency it kills more in a moment than the greatest Cannon, or else it debilitates them. Nor doth this workmanship of Nature seem to be idle. For when any enemy comes on, the Governour of the Land bids all men to stop their ears with wax, and to hide themselves in caves and dens that they may live, and then fortifying himself, he casts in some living creature headlong into the mouth of the cave, or bound with a cord, whence there ariseth such a horrid noise, that the enemies that are besieging round about, fall down like sheep to the slaughter; and when they are fallen, if the Inhabitants will, they stay so, for a long space to be spoil'd by them. But the Conquerours find no pleasure to revenge themselves on them, when the enemies seem to be so strongly oppressed by the power of na∣ture, who as soon as they come to themselves, have no mind to fight but to run away, least if this noise should be heard again, and they should dy of it, or having got some mortall disease thereby, they should live but in a short time though they did fly. In which case it happeneth that they who cannot be subdued and repressed by arms from their warlike fury, are daunted by the only noise of nature, roring; and seldom or never recover their former strength.

CHAP. V. Of the same.

A More miserable and unhappy example of this calamity was once left to posterity by the Moscovites or Russians, above all other enemies, losing many thousands of their men, that they may learn not to proceed to oppresse their neighbour Nations by proud multitudes especially the Finlanders, giving them no cause so to do. For these Finlanders are wont to keep firmly them∣selves and their Country, by mutuall help, and by the Arms of Goths and Swedes, by Magicall Arts and the secret force of the Elements. But what∣soever is the reason of this cave it must be alwayes held and governed by a pro∣vident Man, and that with many walls built round about it, because there is great power in the secret nature of it, as there is in other things.

CHAP. VI. Of the battail of the Finlanders against the Moscovites.

AS the principallity of the great Duke of Moscovia, and of Russia is most la••ge and most potent; so also he enlargeth and extendeth the Title of his Government, as his last Letters testifie that were sent by one Deme∣trius to Pope Clement the 7th. after this Style. The great Lord Basilius, by the grace of God Emperour and Governour of all Russia, and great Duke of Volodemaria, Moscovia, Norvogrodia, Permia, Vetcha, Bolgaria, &c. the Lord and great Prince of Novogrodia the lower, Cernigovia, Razania, Valot∣chia, Rozeria, Belchia, Roschovia, Jaroslavia, Belozeria, Vdoria, Obdoria, and Cordinia, &c. Given in our City of Moscovia in the year from the beginning of the world 1307. April the 3d. But this so great and large Title is more admired by neighbour Nations, than feared by reason of his forces, especi∣ally the Finlanders, who often being provoked, do not leave off to beleaguer his mighty forces and to conspire against his Potent Titles. Yet not so frequently in the field (unlesse the winter be extream sharp,) as in waters that are di∣vided into many Rivers and Lakes. But for the most part they are Robbers on both sides, who fight, as I said in heat of plunder. And for this small occasion the Princes of the North will not fall to open war.

CHAP. VII. Of the Moscovites way of Stealing.

THe Russians or Moscovites have a most pernicious craft and subtilty in pira∣cy, and robbing; as we shall shew briefly. For when they purpose to invade, like theeves the Careli or other neighbour Nations, they gather their men together, and instruct them by certain laws and agreements, and they make long light firr tree barks that will carry 20. or 25. men, and these are made in the desarts with plain and thin cloven boords, namely in this order, that some of them hew them hollow with axes, others boyl pitch in holes underground (that they may not be discovered by the smoke) from pine tree boughs, or pieces of them: some burn the points of their darts that they may be hard; others make ready their bows and strings and arrows. For they have most fit matter for all such Instruments in their desarts. These Barks being made rea∣dy, they Theevishly Lanch them into the waters like a Navy of Ships, and fur∣nish them with arms; and then they set upon Villages, Farms, Castles, and Marchants Ships, in the white lake or Venedick Gulph, or the Livonian Sea, as they ly at anchor, to rob them. Nor are they content to pillage them and spoil them of their goods, but also by an imbred cruelty, without any difference or

discretion, all they can thus master, they cast into the sea, and drown them.

CHAP. VIII. Of the same.

ANd relying upon such prosperity, they grow so insolent, that they will not fear to set upon and molest men of war, that are wind bound, and bore holes in their planks next the waters; for with their arrows they fight fiercely to hinder them that are above that they may not defend their Ships, yet they seldome get the victory by their great presumption and boldnesse, because they are frequently repulsed with Guns, Crosse-bows and throwing of stones at them. Then when they consider that they cannot stay long in security among men distressed by them, when they have used violence and Rapine, or, by any further mischief to all, exercise their publick piracy any longer, they take their barks on their shoulders, and carry them back into some secret pla∣ces of the woods, for they know the most secret places of them: that they may another time make use of them to prey abroad as they did, upon more fit occa∣sions; setting guards in the woods that there they may live as in the most private places of the wildernesse by the abundance of their spoils, and defend themselves by arms. But as their wickednesse is horrid and pernicious, so it suddenly finds some men to revenge it. For by the diligence and skill of hunters they first search out these Theives that hold guards in the woods, then the people go forth in troops putting on black armour, and utterly destroy these enemies, yet they cannot do it but by a bloody victory, for these Theives being conscious of their wickednesse, will strive and fight stoutly for their lives. But at last being over∣powred, some run into caves in the mountains, others to hollow places in the earth, and some climb up into thick trees to hide themselves thinking themselves the more safe, as they had in the vast desart made choice of those most private pla∣ces to conceal themselves in before they did their robberies. But God's revenge following them, they deserve not to enjoy their lives or liberties, by that means or in that place, who are wont with so cruell torments to oppresse the Innocent. For they put them all into their barks and houses of defence, and so without any mercy burn them alive. But those that lie hid in Caves and Dens, are kept in with great stones and planks and Stakes of wood, that they may dy with hunger a more lamentable death. They that think themselves safe amongst the thick boughs are discovered by the barking of Dogs; and unlesse they do Compound for their lives, they shoot at them with arrows, and make them fall down dead. And they have no more powerfull and effectuall course to find out these Rogues and Theifs, than by the scent and cry of hunting Dogs.

CHAP. IX. Of the way of receiving Embassadours amongst the Moscovites.

SOme old Histories of the Northern Kingdomes relate, that some Princes of Moscovy did receive the Embassadours of Kings and Princes with wonderfull delusions & they do the same yet. For they chose then, & so they do now, for that occasion many common people that were very tall men, & very ancient, & grave, & graceful, with grey long beards, in gallant cloths (for the Prince cloths them for it) that being set in the ample company of the Nobles scattered here and there a∣mongst them, and saying nothing, they may with the Splendour of their Orna∣ments, and great multitudes, ravish the eyes of the Embassadours that come in: who being charmed or terrified with so great state, may propound nothing that is harsh; or if they do propound, they may consent to have it ended by

the common votes of them all. But that state as it is but counterfeit magni∣ficence, so it is supposed that it grows contemptible in the end of it. For they are far from that esteem they thought to win. For the more perfect Embassa∣dours, who have gone into the world upon great affairs, despise and are asham∣ed of all that counterfeit state and false pomp. Moreover it is a custome amongst the Tartars that the Embassadours before they propound their Em∣bassage to their Emperour shall be forced to passe between two fires, especially for this reason, that if they carry any poyson to destroy the Prince, it may first kill those that carry it, being dissolved by the heat of the fire. And they will not otherwise hear those Embassadours, unlesse they bring presents, and deli∣ver their Embasse, on their knees, and give such honour to a mortall man that is due to Saints and Angels in heaven: and they that refuse to do this are scarse absolved without danger of their lives. But that this custome of enter∣taining Embassadours amongst the Moscovites, may appear by more clear ex∣amples, I shall insert the Embassage of the most illustrious King of Poland, Anno Domini 1551. which was directed to the great Duke of Mosco in the order that here follows. The Embassadour of the King of Poland Matthaeus Barthlomievicza Kneze, Gedroitzhi, a very noble man, coming 200 German miles, from the famous City Vilna, of Lithuania, to Mosco, the Metropolis of Moscovia, when he was to have his entrance, after he had gone the foresaid journey, he was entertain'd by some Knights, that were appointed by the great Duke for this purpose: and afterwards a few dayes being past, he was brought into the Castle in great solemnity (such as the Moscovites thought fit) to deliver the King's Letters, & he passed through two portals, where very tall men that had huge long beards, (w^ch are most commonly of the baser sort of people) sat round upon seats, and were clothed in very glorious clothing, that belong'd to the great Duke, that so he might boast of the glory of his court to men that came from far Countries, at last he was brought into the Palace, where the great Duke with his Princes all cloth'd as the other were, stay'd for him. But the great Duke sate upon a seat, that was farr off from the other Princes, and was clothed with a long robe down to his heels, of piled velvet and the outward skirts of it were Embroidered with perls and Jewels: and he held in his hand a Scepter or staffe, guilded on the upper part, but it was Silver'd over on the lower part, that he leaned upon: Lastly he had on his head a Miter, which they in their Language call, Kalpak, which was made of the best black fox skins, which are of a huge price in that Country, and far dearer than Sabels. But when the Embassadour entered into the Palace, presently they that brought him in, and presented him to the great Duke, cast themselves down upon the pavement before him, and they knocked their heads against the ground 3 or 4 times, as the custome of the Moscovites is, to shew their reverence to their supreme Lord. But when the Embassadour was come to the doors 50 foot off from the Duke, together with his 12 servants that came with him, he was commanded by an Ad∣vocate with him, (which they call Przistaw,) to stand still, and this was done by order from the great Duke, nor was he suffered to come any nearer to him: and there he stood untill he had made his speech to the great Duke, and delivered his Kings Letters to the Dukes Secretary appointed to receive them. The Em∣bassadour of the great Duke had on a time when he was in Poland refused to receive the Letters of this King, because he had not stiled his Lord Czar Ruzki, (that is Emperour of Russia as he was created by the Metropolitan of that Land, and for this reason the same Duke had sent his own Embassadour. After this the said Embassadour of the King of Poland was brought back again by the Ad∣vocate in great state to his Lodging for Ostentation sake. And let this suffice concerning the manner of entertaining Embassadours amongst the Moscovi∣tes.

CHAP. X. Of the Italian Embassadour cruelly slain.

MOreover Albertus Cranztius, a famous German Historian, affirms in his Vandalia, that an embassadour of Italie was most miserably murthered, because he did not uncover his head when he was to deliver his message before the Prince of Moscovia. For when the Embassadour alleadged the custome of his Country (so that no majesty nor power could be supposed to be offended for the Embassadours head being covered) the cruell Prince scoffing, said, That his hat should be nailed to his head with an iron pin; and that he would not violate such a custome but confirm it the more.

CHAP. XI. Of the Ingenuity of the Merchants of Moscovia.

IT is the fashion of the Merchants of Moscovia, to build new Ships, because there are so many Lakes and Rivers, and to carry their goods in them. For in the North Countries they trafique at least 300 or 400 Leagues off: and since in so long a journey many woods and long Rivers and Lakes are found, they use these ships ready made, or else they make new ones to transport their Mer∣chandise. And there is no man that complains of Injury for the cutting down of woods, or for fishing by these Merchants, so they usurp nothing else besides these benefits of Nature, the Patrons being ignorant of it, against their wills, or either to use their cattle to draw their Ships, or to feed on their sheep, but instead of them, they kill wild deer abundantly with their arrows as they travell on the way. Their Merchandise are precious skins, of all sorts, as Sabel skins, Mardure skins, and Varolinae, which are called vulgarly in Italian Dossi, whereof both before and after something is observed, and is to be observed fur∣ther.

CHAP. XII. Of the divers wayes of the Finlanders making war.

BEcause amongst the Finlanders, a Northern people, by reason of their too great fiercenesse, it is published under severe punishments and their Kings Censure, that they shall not use military Arms, at hand to destroy one the other; namely Lances, Spears, Darts, Swords or long daggers: yet they are suffered to have hatchets and axes, to use on all occasions for the necessity of their houses: wherewith also they will build admirable buildings. But that they may not seem to want arms to defend themselves from the thieving Moscovites, that live too near them, when they have occasion, they repulse and keep off their first assaults with slings like Spears; then when they come to fight near hand they defend themselves with Stones tied to their girdles that they can throw at them. For they have very strong Arms, and are very cunning in throwing stones, that they will never misse. They have also very long firr-tree Spears, that are dried in the Sun: and they sharpen the points of them with nails, or burn the ends of them sharp, and with these they first repulse the force of the light horsemen. Some use cords that they can cast on high, and draw them in again, as nets for wild beasts. For when they fight with their enemy hand to fist, they cast these cords as snares over their enemies heads, and will draw a horse or a man to them.

Some also bind a stone as big as a man's fist to a cord, that is a foot long, to a staff, (those that have no iron nor leaden bullets, nor chains,) and with these they involve the rider's arms, or horse's legs, and draw them to

make them fall suddenly. And the same Finlanders have no less help from their huge biting Mastives; which the Muscovian horses are as much afraid of, and run from, as the Persian horses do from Camels. For these dogs, as they are taught, fall on with leaping, and biting upon the horses noses, and therefore they being fearfull of it, will suddenly rise upon their hinder feet, and cast the Rider, who is presently taken prisoner, or slain.

CHAP. XIII. More of their Arms and Ammunition.

THe same Finlanders use also, for to defend their bodies, partly corslets of Sea Calves skin, tanned with lime; and some use Elks skins with the hair on: and this they suffer to freeze, if they war in Winter, by pouring cold wa∣ter on it; nor will that Ice that sticks to the hairs without, melt by the sweating of him that carrieth it, when it is once frozen: Some of them use Helmets, like the skales of Fishes, made of the hoofs of Elks, or ranged Deer, or Oxen, ingeniously framed together: some use the skins of certain birds fastned on the inside with iron wier curiously. Some use Helmets of skins, that are moyst, thick, and green, boyl'd in lime, drawn upon wood after the form of the head, and drying this by degrees in the Ayr, it proves a safe-guard for the head. But that these Helmets may not flag, when their heads wax hot, they fortifie them with∣in with fish-lime and thin bark of the poplar Tree, which resist all moysture.

CHAP. XIV. Of the Northern Governours, or the King of Sweden.

AS I said before of the Officers of Iceland, that is, of the Land of Ice, how, by the Edict of the King of Norway, dispencing of Laws, they might put an end to controversies that are moved in the harbours of that Country, or amongst the German Merchants falling out, that they might punish justly those that sail there, that the Merchants might not be deprived of their lawful gain, or the Inhabitants of their profit, or the Treasury of the due tribute, and all of the pleasant society of peaceable traffique; so in these Finlanders Countries, that are most populous and rich, the Officers of the King of Sweden are appoint∣ed, that are prudent and knowing men, valiant and courteous, that they may remove quarrels as well of the Inhabitants as of strangers by a right rule of Justice, and may settle every one in peace: For the more fierce and sharp the people under that Climate are found to be, (as they are so indeed) the more need have they of the more prudent men, who can better perswade, (saving Ju∣stice) than rigidly compell, spoil, or torment them: and in this case they are most ready to make them obey them, if they refuse to pay their tribute as they ought, or do what they command them, though it be joyn'd with mortall dan∣gers. The Northern Kingdoms alwaies flourished with such Officers that were just and prudent, and moderate, with their Kings and Princes, as I can sweetly remember Old Steno Sture, who for 24 years Ruled valiantly and peace∣ably, this rigid people, so wide as 2000 Italian miles: and again, King Charls, who was banished 7 years, because of his covetous, reproachfull violent Offi∣cers set over all his Provinces.

CHAP. XV. Of burning the Forts of violent Governours.

THe Commonalty when they feel that they are vexed by implacable vio∣lence of wicked Governours, besides all right, being provoked to anger, they come all as one man with their Troops and Companies, and encompasse their Forts that are largely surrounded with Ice, and encamp against them to beat them down, in the manner that followes: For as oft as in these Northern Kingdoms intolerable burdens are laid on the people, when there is no necessi∣ty, or any other cruel oppressions used, so often they rise together with arms to infringe and break off all such heavy burdens; namely so, that the Inhabi∣tants or Peasants (who are alwayes potent, and united together in that place) striving to demolish those Forts, at a set time many thousands of them meet in the Woods, and upon the Ice of that Territory, near to those Forts, and by a common severity, they suddenly advise what to do, and conclude upon it. Amongst these, men of the sharpest understanding, by first making a short speech to the multitude to stirre them up, concerning the burdens they have suffered, and are like to suffer, assign and appoint the duties to every Company under severe Commanders; To some, that they shall forthwith build Engines of wood that are very strong and high, upon the Ice: To others, that they shall cut many thousands of fagots in the woods, and carry them along. To some, that they shall defend the Masters of the work with their crosse bowes and wea∣pons, by keeping watch against their Tyrannicall Incursions; untill they are all ready, and fall on upon the businesse decreed on together. Hence it is that they first securely thrust before them upon the slippery Ice such Engins or fences, that may keep off the Guns and Arrows of their Enemies; and they have by files as they march infinite numbers of faggots carried in Carts and on their shoulders, which they cast about the walls untill they are as high, or higher then the walls, and to these they put fire and consume the besieged with flame and smoke; who are neither able to turn away this danger, nor yet to defend themselves by reason of the vaste heap of combustible matter; nor yet can they make any conditions with the furious people that will not hear them, or be in∣treated by them: nor can they flie away, because the multitudes are all over, ready to destroy them, and to kill all; and these Forts are burnt as with burning towe: if they can be burnt. For, for the most part they are not built of burnt brick or stones out of the fields; but, of beams fastned together, cut out of the thick woods, they build their houses that are vaulted (to keep off the cold) as I shall say underneath concerning the houses of the Northern Countries.

CHAP. XVI. Of their Engines for the Ice.

ALso the Goths and Swedes use, when they set upon and spoil the most strong Forts, Castles, and Cities, oblique Engines, and fences, that are made most strongly of fir-beams, and these Engines they set against the walls, that are ea∣sily driven upon the Ice by violence of their hands; and being fenced by these, they avoid all stones or logs that are cast upon them directly, either from above or beneath, that they can do them no hurt. For nothing by force from above, or by the weight of it falling, how violently soever it be let down, can break or dissolve those Engins, because they are made overthwart, nor can they be burnt by casting fire upon them from the besieged: because in violent cold weather they alwaies cast water on them, which freezeth very thick, and they

continually thrust them nearer to the gates and walls, by their armed violence; and they fasten them with Troops of Souldiers, u••••ng almost the same commo∣dity under their Engins, and guards in their Camps, that Travellers, use to en∣joy in houses of Ice, where they have wood enough to keep off the cold, and provision sufficient, and pay enough for their Souldiers, and by this means they put the besieged to greater difficulty. When they see this, the trembling Souldiers that are besieged, are forced to keep themselves with more trouble within the Walls and Forts; untill such time as no place is left free for to hurt or repulse the enemy, that hath beleaguer'd them round. For they cannot burn their Engins because of the Ice upon them, nor can they break forth by digging mines under-ground, because the Earth is frozen as hard as a stone; nor is there the least place for them to kill the Enemy with their Guns or Can∣non, or to b••at them off with arrows and slings, nor can they safely resist them in open fight, nor can they leave their Forts and run into the woods to hide themselves, the cold being so sharp; yet they that are beleaguer'd defend them∣selves with great courage and with their Arms, untill such time as the besiegers fearing lest the Ice should melt, do either willingly set the Engins on fire; or going farther off carry them to the shores with them back again. Yet the be∣sieged are not so freed from their fierce besieging them. For they presently turn the same Engines into most broad Ships, and easily make them ride on the same waters where they stood on the firm Ice before, or else they make them larger than they were, and let them swim on the Ice that is thawed, and they joyn barks and kinds of small vessels to them, whereby the most skillfull Archers can defend these Ships, and keep night-watches, that none of the besieged can escape. And the same is done by all that have the command of their Bull-warks in the fields. For they prosecute the besieged with the same cruelty, by whose wicked cruelty they were provoked to so great a fury to revenge them∣selves. Hence it is, that most commonly they that are thus straightly belea∣guer'd begin to bethink themselves, Whether they shall hang or drown'd, or burn, or cast themselves down headlong, or poyson themselves, or one kill the other.

CHAP. XVII. Of Fiery Chariots.

VVHen a fight upon the Ice is threatned either with Horse or Foot by the Danes, Moscovites, or Germans, or other internal enemies, against the Goths and Swedes; and those Enemies to offer violence, hide their Engins in the hollow places of the Mountains or Valleys, whereby they may break forth up∣on the Inhabitants, who are gathered in Arms for the same purpose to defend themselves; that they may afford them no time or place of robbing, they use all the skill and force they have, and they fill long Chariots with dry boughes and other combustible matter, that they may oppose against their Enemies a most black smoke and intolerable stinck, when fire is put to them by those bold guides, and is drawn on by wild and furious horses: and this is done the soon∣er, when the mad Horses standing side by side are forced to run, perceiving the fire in the Carts behind them; and they never leave running, till they have dis∣ordered the Enemies Army, that in that place, or elsewhere, they are forced to yield to the furious enemies that came on collaterally with all their forces, or else they pursue them, who counterfeit as though they ran away from them, and so being drawn forth or dispersed, they may be destroyed in the secret gulphs in the Ice, rather than by the snares of armed men. And if need be, more company breaks forth of the Woods and joyns with them, with their crosse-bows and weapons to joyn in battail, and to oppose the Enemy, and

they never leave following till they have driven the Enemy away, and most ••e∣verely re••enged themselves. But where these Battails on the Ice use to be fought, or on what Lakes and other places, I shall shew more at large in the following Chapters.

CHAP. XVIII. Of Canons and Bullets to be carried forth, and of the manner of shooting.

HEre I shall shew clearly, what crafts and Arts the Northern people use in making Battail either in the fields, or upon the Ice, and undauntedly fight against their Enemies when they are injured by them. They have also Chariots (for so they call their winter or Ice ploughs) that are long before, and for their better agility in turning, they are made wedge fashion, or bended in; the commodity and firmness of them is so great, that against the risings o•• waies, or hills of Ice and Snow that swell up, with one or more horses to draw them, they will carry more burden than 5. or 6. Carts with wheels can upon plain and firm grounds. Yet they choose rather to go with one horse upon the glib Ice, or beaten Snow, than with two; that when Waggons meet them in nar∣row waies, they may the better passe, by declining a little; also by reason of the depth of the Snow, they are enjoyn'd, by a penall Law, not to drive a crook∣ed Chariot, or more heavy Waggons. But on the Ice, because there is breadth enough, they find no rubs, unlesse it be in some certain places, where the Ice is broken, that is caused by the violence of Exhalations coming from beneath, as by force of Thunder, by reason of the fatnesse of the ground. I say as it were by force of Thunder, because there is heard such a horrible noise and roaring under the Ice for a long way, as on the sides of thick clowds here and there that of necessity this crack must come, as by the violence of Thunder, that is, 2. 3. or 6. foot broad according as the Exhalation is, and the spirit that riseth from the bottom.

CHAP. XIX. Again, of the same, and of the manner how to passe over these ruptures in the Ice.

THat Travellers may passe over these broken places, they presently take pie∣ces of Ice they find lying by, and hew them with their axes, and hewing tools, and square them fit, as if they made bridges with stone. But if an Oxe not seeing the breach were drown'd there in a dark night, then presently is he drawn forth with cords and small pieces of wood they ever carry about with them, by their usual nimbleness. But if men, as it oft happens, fall in, they are straight pulled forth again, and those that help to pull them out, are a plea∣sure to them to think on. And they are not any waies frighted thereby, though their cloaths are frozen about them; for by running and stirring they soon grow hot again. Wherefore in these Chariots, when a battail is to be fought on the Ice, provision, bullet, powder, and other things necessary for Wars, at a certain price are easily carried by the Inhabitants, as in Summer by use of Ships, in the same windings of the Sea or waters, or in Carts with wheels, by Carters or Marriners they are wont to do: also these Chariots growing to great numbers are set as Forts and Bull-warks against the enemy, (as Carts are in the Wars of the Cimbrians) and arrows for Bows or Guns are easily shot from them against the Foe, untill they make an agreement and depart, or are forced to hasten away for fear the Ice should melt; or continuing obstinate, they sink to the bottom like lead.

CHAP. XX. Of their hindring the Waters to freeze.

THe most fenced Cities and Forts in Winter time, when all places, passable and unpassable, are bound up with Ice, are oft closely besieged, which other∣wise in Summer seem to be invincible, and cannot be approached unto: Wherefore I shall here shew how they that are subject to dangers and streights defend themselves. When therefore any publick or private Hostility is neer hand, if the places stand in the middle of Rivers or Pools, they that are shut up are exceeding careful to keep the Ice open with their Hatchets and Spades, and make it like Ditches round about, at the least 24. or 30. Foot broad, drawing the pieces of Ice unto them, that being left upon the Ice, as the Cold increaseth they may freeze in heaps; and having made such an open place, they presently pour in the fat of Whales, or Sea-Calves, and with their Spears they dilate and spread about what they poured in in great quantity. Thus the Waters that were fro∣zen deprive the Enemy of his hopes, because he cannot come neer to enjoy the Victory he so long looked for; and it is more frequent for them to slip in and be drowned, that boldly venture to come on, than they can come to the sight of the Besieged; not because the Ice it self is weak in a deep Lake or River, but per∣haps the bold Enemy enters there, where the Rivers run in from the Banks of the Lakes, and where the Ice is suddenly weakned and cut away.

CHAP. XXI. Of Walls of Ice.

THere is also another way observed, or to be observed in fortifying when there is a siege upon the Ice: Namely this, that when a stubborn Enemy, sending his horses away, or that they are drowned in the Gulph of Waters, will pass over that open place, that is filled as I said with the fat of the Sea-Calf, that it may not freeze, using very long Beams, and laying Boards or Shingles upon them joyned together, like to a broad Ladder especially in the night, and thrusts in with what violence he can, to pass over the Waters, toward those that are or shall be besieged, that he may pass over the Frontier of Ice. Against this vio∣lence, where the Enemy being exceeding fierce, and making extream hast regards not the resistance made with Guns and Bows: Then the Besieged pour Water upon the Walls, and on every side; which being suddenly increased more and more, the bitter Cold co-operating with them, all along the streets they appear as Looking-Glasses, and these Walls are bound up with the Winter Cold and Ice, weak Women Boys, and young men coming together, and bringing Pitchers of Water: so whilest the Cold lasts, they fear not to endure the shooting of any Cano••-B••llets with undanted valour. Also Women tucking their Coats above their knees, take up full Pitchers of Water between the frozen Waters, and deli∣ver them up. So in this straight they are in, necessity of invention makes them to dare and attempt any thing. But whilest men fight by such stratagems one against another, one side or other at last shall win the Victory as God pleaseth, a new difficulty arising, but it is not a Victory without blood which is usually won with as many Funerals as Trophies, that Army being not wearied that is hembed in with Warlike men: Wherefore hanging their Engines upon the Ice, those that are without, and those that are within, do for many days, weeks, or moneths, fight one against the other, until such time as the Ice, ready to melt, forceth the Besiegers (if they mean to save their own lives) to be gone sud∣denly as they came before.

It is worth laughing at to see it, (if any man can laugh upon such an occasion) and should take pleasure to behold the danger and shame of others) especially when they must hold a fight more against the Waters, than Weapons, which also is percei••ed to be more terrible and near hand, when a sudden Tempest ariseth, and the Ice breaks, and they seem all to sink as low as Hell, where but a few days before they went on, and made their approaches continually like Trium∣phant Conquerours.

CHAP. XXII. Of Watches kept on the Ice, and in the Night.

THe Northern Souldiers bring in Arms, both the Horse and Foot, when Forts, Cities, or Castles are besieged, keep diligent Watch, either in the Fields, or upon the hard frozen Waters, all the long nights that are 20. hours long almost, and they divide the Night into two; and they change their Centinels, not with Horns, or ringing of Bells, as though they were asleep, but by secret Signs, that in the Night, if any man come from any other place, they can understand by the Word who and whence they are: If any man should forget the Word, which is the Sign, he deserves to be condemned for his life or goods by the Prince, as a Traytor, if Military Law be taken upon him: and this falls out so seldome, that it is held monstrous if any man be found guilty of that fault. But the greater force is in the impatience of the horses, by reason of the Cold, for they make a conti∣nual noise by trampling upon the Ice, when they carry their armed Riders wrapt up in Skins, in this extream Cold: yet the••e Sentinels keep themselves awake, & stay they where they are appointed to stand; and that with more care and dili∣gence as the morning comes on: about which time the most violent Wyles are practised, when mens Forces are bound up with astonishment and sleep: and then are all that lay snares above other times, as if they were tyed to do it, more intentive about their business.

CHAP. XXIII. Of the more fortunate Battails in the Morning.

VVHerefore it is the fashion of the most valiant souldiers to ride about early in the morning, or to fight with their ships, and not to fear Hail, Clouds, Dew, Snow, Cold, or Enemies, that may hurt them. And this is done not onely for love of the Prince, but in imitation of valiant men, to endure all hardness, and to confirm it by an Oath, that they will not for any fear forsake their station; and there is also a penalty annexed. If a Horseman forsake his standing, he is disarmed and his horse is taken from him, nor is that all, for he is deprived of his Fame, Honour, and faithful Estimation, and the circumstances be∣ing weighed, he is also punished severely. If he be a Foot Souldier, he receives so many stripes, all the rest looking on; yet the punishment of perpetual Infamy lyes on them both, as a scar that cannot be taken away. But if he be not weary with fighting bravely, or constant keeping of his station, in the bitter cold Wea∣ther, then is there a liberal stipend appointed him out of the Exchequer, accor∣ding to his quality and honour, whereby he may live handsomely for the time to come, which was the Custome of the Wars in old time: and this is favourably augmented by the Kings magnificence. But for a special remedy of their body scorched with Cold, they use the Ashes of a Hare skin burnt, and this is an excel∣lent remedy to asswage the infirmity of their feet. Of which also I shall say some∣thing underneath, when I speak of the more simple Medicaments used by the Northern people.

CHAP. XXIV. Of the besieging of Forts fenced with Ice.

THere is also another very common and usuall way of fighting upon the Ice. When in Summer the Enemy cannot come near because of deep waters: so soon as mighty Frosts come, and the Ice grows hard, and the people desire to be revenged on their cruel Governour, they can upon the slip∣pery Ice set up their Engines, and easily make their approaches. And thus they shoot as fast into the Fort and against the enemy, as if they had their Bull-warks made in the most firm field. But where the Fort is in an Island, they place their Engines to it, they fight continually against on all sides; and the besiegers proceed the more violently as they are united and agree together, being people of one Religion, and one manner of Ceremonies. Because an Army levied of divers kinds of men, that cannot understand one the others language or manner of living, they one distrust the other, and are not fit to ef∣fect their business; and from thence discord arising, they go on faintly, or fly openly, or prove treacherous: and chiefly, because such forraign Souldiers not used to the cold, cannot endure it, to draw off or on, to sight far off or near hand. For it is far another thing to fight upon the Ice or Snow, (as I shall shew elsewhere) than upon Mountains, in Woods, Fields, or Valleys. A bat∣tail upon the Ice is fought with woollen socks on their feet, not with skins, or hides greased. For the force of the cold turns what ever is oyly into an Icy slip∣perinesse. But the custome of the Souldiers is to use cuttrops or triangle irons, or 3. points, that they may run and stand the faster. But some purposing to make an assault at midnight, strew ashes upon the Ice, and so they can run and stand securely.

CHAP. XXV. Of assaulting the Enemies Ships that are frozen in.

IT often happens on the shores of the Gothick Sea, that the Enemies Ships, as well those that have hooks on their stems, as those that have grapples and other terrible ammunition and weapons to do hurt, being long vexed with a contrary wind, a sudden Frost coming on, they are shut up as within walls by the Ice that freezeth so strongly; nor can they get out, or get help from beyond Sea, or stay for it, or obtain it, nor can they receive provision by their compa∣ny, whose Ships are shut in as well as theirs by the Frost. Wherefore in the most sharp Winter, they being held with these and such like difficulties, chiefly by the dearth of wood, deadly necessity forcing them, they either yield them∣selves, or run the hazard of present death. Moreover, by reason of their hor∣rid wickednesse, (whereby they had raged in murders and slaughters, and cru∣elly spoiled the Nations round about, beyond all humanity) they often run to extremity, and work indefatigably in the dark nights, trying to break the Ice, that if they can cut the Ice for ten or more German miles; they may come to the wide Sea. Yet in the mean while, the Inhabitants coming to subdue or spoil them, shoot arrows at them as thick as hail, which falling upon their ships, puts them all in danger of their lives. And oft-times kill'd with cold, they are put in a Coffin by their fellows, and buried in the Ice, because they cannot well be carried to Land. But if they be Nobles, or men of great qua∣lity and repute, they are kept without any great stink, as green wood that is frozen as hard as a stone, by their fellows that escape the danger, for a more honourable buriall, that they may not be left in an Enemies Country. But

intreating and obtain••ng a truce, if they desire to bury their dead on the Land, it is never denyed them: and the most noble and best men of the Inhabitants will honour them with their presence at their Funerals: which is also observed with great Ceremony when they fight on land in an Enemies Country. As we had an example lately of a most potent Knight, D. Acho Hanson a Western Goth, Anno 1510, who was slain at Schoningia, and was run through with a Lance of his old acquaintance that was a Dane: and all the Nobility of the Land came to his buriall, where he was honourably interred.

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.

CHAP. XXVII. Of the same Punishments.

THere is also another way of punishing obstinate and stubborn people, ap∣pointed by the Antients for all other times in Winter, namely, that boring holes in the Ice 20 or 30 foot asunder, they should have a cord tied under their Arms, and put into one hole under the Ice, and be drawn forth by the cord at the other hole of the Ice. If this be done quickly, they thank their friends for doing it so suddenly: but if they be long about it, as may be the stubborn offen∣der deserves it, when he is drawn out, he finds that he had severe Censurers and Judges, because he was in great danger of being drown'd. It is not to be ad∣mired, that these things can be done upon the Ice that is as slippery as Glasse; because by 3. points of Iron onely, or else made fast to their shoos, they can use themselves not onely to do this, but any other action upon the Ice, as I shall say underneath concerning their fishing upon the Ice. But this ducking them in the waters is appointed for the Schismaticall Moscovites upon point of Re∣ligion, because they dipping their young Children under the Ice that is perfora∣ted, they baptize them after their manner, and if they be carried away with the swift stream, they think that they are gone to the gods presently.

CHAP. XXVIII. Of a Horse-race for a Cloke, or a prize.

WHen their Chariots are filled with many men, (for so the Nation calls the Winter Waggons or Coaches) with one horse alone before them, they will run five or six Italian miles so swiftly, that you would think they did not run but fly; especially because the horses are frost-nail'd, and have iron points in their shoos. The prize (as I said, lib. 1. upon the like race) is a garment, or the horse beaten, at a certain measure of Salt, or Corn to be sow∣ed, and this is tax't to be paid at a set time; and if he that is bound pay it not, he is never dismissed.

CHAP. XXIX. Of the wild Asses or Elks running on the Snowy Ice.

THe wild Asses or Elks will run most swiftly on the snowy Ice amongst the Northern Swedes, especially beyond the Kingly City Holm, toward the upper Ports Northerly, but lower toward the South: which though there be great multitudes of them in the vast Woods, yet by the Kings Decree they are not to be used, lest by their swift running, which is far beyond horses, Tray∣tors might have an opportunity to reveal suddenly to the Enemy, the secrets of the Nation. For this beast can exceedingly endure hunger, thirst, and labour, that night and day running 200 Italian miles, which is a great way, he will do it, and eat nothing. The other vertues of this Creature shall be shewed in the book that followes concerning living Creatures.

CHAP. XXX. Of the Ranged Deer running in the Snow.

ALso there is a great multitude of another kind of ranged Deer in the Nor∣thern Countries, who are used not onely to draw their Chariots, (as I shall shew underneath, speaking of living Creatures) but to draw loaded Carts over the tops of snowy Mountains. And these ranged Deer (so called from the Instruments they draw with) are forbid by the Kings Decree to be made use of by the South part of the Country, for they are wonderful swift as the Elks are, that they will soon run a long and hard journey. But their Chariots differ from the forms in other Countries, because before they are made wedge-fashion like shoos to penetrate into the Snow, or like Ships at Sea to divide the floods and waters.

CHAP. XXXI. Of the drowning of the Enemies in the Snowy Valleys.

VVHen the Swedes and Goths greatly provoked by injuries are forced to prepare for a Winter-battail against the Germans, Danes, or Mos∣covites, they use all means to find out how great Forces the Enemy marcheth with, be they Hors or Foot. And finding that they came with great Hors for War, and armed men from top to toe, for the most part, with an invincible number almost, and strength, and that they will cast down by their force all that resist them, the Inhabitants go forth to meet them, man by man, not so much armed with weapons, as with courage, especially that they may ki•••• and spoil su••h cruel enemies, who are beaten and wasted with the difficulty of the waies, and his own Forces: For they know by certain experience, that it is no hard matter to conquer such an Enemy who is entangled and shut in between the deep Snowes, dark Woods, secret precipices, and gulphs of Snow and Ice, and loaded with his Armour of proof; for were there no man to defend the Coun∣try and stop him, he must needs fail by the nature of the place: and the sooner do these Enemies come to ruine, as they have been finely bred, and are ignorant of the places and dangers, whilest the Northern people who are used to the hardnesse of the Climate, are not afraid to march through Mountains and Desarts, that in the coldest Winter are deep with Snow, and to fight with their Enemies in the way. And when the battail is near to begin, they seem to run away, and draw the proud Enemy after them, either into places full of Snow, where they are drown'd by the weight of their Arms, as if they were in a gulph of mud, and like beasts taken in nets, they are killed by the Country people that are unarmed, or else they draw them forth into Lakes, Pools, and Rivers, because the water lies under the Snow, and so they fall continually and are drown'd. The Snow indeed seems firm on the top, but underneath where the waters run and eat it, it is so weak that it will hardly bear a Wolf, much lesse a Man, and he in his Armour.

CHAP. XXXII. Of Snow-balls sticking in the Horses hoofs.

MOreover, there is another danger for Enemies on horseback, and it is to be feared as being inevitable; that under the hoofs of the horses being shod with iron, by reason of the cold Snow, water being under it, or dew above

it, Snow-balls will stick like to Tennis balls, as big as Childrens heads; and these stick so round, and hard frozen, that it is impossible but the Rider must fall off from the horse, or with the horse, and so be killed or taken prisoner; for he cannot bound above four or six times either right forward or obliquely, by reason of the Snow-balls sticking to his feet, but he will presently fall: and the more he spurs his horse to make him run or bound, the sooner he falls, and falling suddenly he is bruised and dies of it, or else falls into other misery, may be, worse than death. But they that fight to defend their Country, so soon as they are entring battail pull off their horses shoos, that those Snow-balls not sticking, they may the better assault the enemy. The Enemy dares not use this convenience and safe way, because they have no place to retreat unto as the In∣habitants have, and friends to help them. Nor is there any lesse danger for the Foe, when he is constrain'd to ride up or come down the sides of Valleys and Mountains, that are as glib as glasse; and this danger is the more when this Ice is covered with thin Snow, that is blown thither by the wind, and fills up all the concaves and hollow places and deep pits, making them to appear like to plain champion ground. These places the Germans, and Danes, and Muscovites fall into, because they know them not, and in their rash passage they are mi∣serably destroyed; and many most warlike Souldiers who with sword and fire made the World to tremble, were here easily drown'd in the Snows.

The End of the Eleventh Book.