King Sigurt the Hierosolomites Brother being then but 5 year old went over with his Mother Gonild and his Father in Law Vnas to Bishop Roar in Feroe who was his Father in Laws Brother and stayed there till he should be ordained Priest But hearing then of his Mother that he was the â—on of King Sigurd Haroldson he said he would not change the Kingdom of Norway for a Priests living in Feroe and therewith threw aside his Gown and went to Norway to take in the Hereditary Kingdome of his Fore-fathers After this King Suerre a man of Feroe called Erling raised up himself giving out that he was this King Suerre's Son and went to Norway on the Ship of Hiner a districts man whereof see further the Chron. of Norway in the 589 page From which example it appeareth plainly that not only Bishops but also districts men that should take care of the Kings affairs and gather his contributions were constituted in Feroe by the Kings of Norway and therefore Feroe hath since that time been subject to the Kings of Norway with contributions and all other duties but it cannot be known in what year this begun neither is it much worth enquiring after For as this Bishop Roar is not found in the description of Norway amongst the Bishops of Feroe in the Catalogue and the Historian hath neither mentioned that this Bishop was the first nor when or by whom he was established so the Author hath neither cared for when Feroe was laid under the Crown of Norway as a thing which did not properly belong to the scope of his Treatise Feroe having ever since the time mentioned been a Province subject to the Kingdom of Norway it hath not only happened that the principal men thereof as Members of that Kingdom have been made use of in businesses of great importance as we read in the Chronicle of Norway pag 635. that in King Hagen Hagensens time who was King Suerres Grandchild Swerke Bishop of Feroe was with others in the Assembly of the States in the year of Christ 1223. when King Hagen Hagenson was by all the States sworn and judged to be the true Heir of the Kingdom of Norway but they have also as faithful subjects received Justice from the Kings of Norway in doubtful causes as appeareth by a particular Law called Soide-Breffvet or an ordinance about Sheep declaring how one must deal therewith that the one may not wrong the other There is a great errour in the date thereof mentioning it to be given at Opsloâ— in the year of Christ 1040. which time is but a short while after Charles the Tender was kill'd in Feroe whereas it hath been proved that Feroe was not then under the Kings of Norway And this error is not only proved hereby but also by these arguments First it is mentioned in the Sheep Ordinance that it was Hagen Duke of Norway King Magnus the Crowned Son that gave it out and there is found no King Magnas before then till the time of King Magnus Oluffson The first King Magnus that was Crowned was King Magnus Erlingson who reigned in the year of Christ 1164. and had one Son called Hagen neither did any of his Children rule in Norway being himself kill'd by Suerre and all his Progeny driven out and destroyed Secondly there is named in the Sheep-Ordinance Bishop Erlander who in the Catalogue of the Bishops of Feroe is the third after Suerquire of whom is said above that he was in the year 1223. in the general Assembly of the States whence it plainly appeareth that there is a great errour in the time it was given out But that we may come to some certainty about the date of this Sheep-Ordinance we find in History that King Magnus Hagenson Lagebetter who Reigned over Norway in the year 1263. had two Sons Erick and Hagen Erick became King after his Father and was called Erick Priesthater who reigned 19 years and died in the year 1299. In this King Ericks 19 years reign his Brother Hagen was as a Duke in Norway though History doth not speak plainly of it yet it can be easily concluded by the circumstances for antiently since the time of Harolds Pulchricomus the Kings of Norway's Sons were called Graves or Earls but Hagen Hagenson the Father of King Magnus the Crowned brought first the Title of Duke over into Norway making his Queen's Father who was before an Earl or Count to be a Duke After which the Title of Duke was ever given to the Kings Sons whence it appeareth that this Sheep Ordinance was given out in the 19 year of that Duke when his Brother Erick dyed and he became King that is in the year 1299. The circumstances of History does much confirm this opinion in other manner for as Duke Hagen calls himself for Honors sake the son of King Magnus the Crowned so there are none of the former Kings so remarkable by their Coronation as this King Magnus who was Crowned during his Fathers Life without any contradiction but rather with the desire of all which never happened before for which reason it may be he was called King Magnus the Crowned This King Magnus bettered the Law wherefore he was called Law-betterer He writ also a particular law for those of Island as also the Ordinance of Christianity which was sent over to those of Feroe whereupon it seems they found something to complain of as appeareth by the Proeme to the Sheep-Ordinance of which it seems those of Feroe took then occasion to desire of his Son that particular ordinance concerning Sheep much misdemeanour being used therein which had in that long space crept amongst the commonalty of which law we will further speak in the sixth Chapter when we treat of their Policy This ordinance concerning Sheep was confirmed by Christian the IV. King of Denmark of happy Memory and Printed upon the humble desires of the Inhabitants of Feroe though this fault was left uncorrected but this must be imputed to the simple negligence of the Inhabitants who have had a Copy of that Law kept by them during so long time the original having been robb'd away As they have received Laws and particular ordinances from the Kings of Norway so they have from time to time sworn Allegiance to the said Kings for one readeth in the Chronicle of Norway pag. 707. that in the year of Christ 1240. the Inhabitants of Norway Orkeny Hetland Feroe and Island swore Allegiance and Fidelity to young King Hagen Hagenson which custome may well have been followed as well in regard of the succeeding Kings of Norway as of those of Denmark though nothing of it be noted in the Annals The same duty being also performed in our days for in the year 1649. the high and mighty Prince Frederick the Third King of Denmark Norway of the Gothes and Vandalis now Deceased sent to Island and Feroe the Right Honourable Lord Henry Bialk Lord of Elling-Guard Knight Governour of Island his Majesties Rix
Persons The Provincial Judge giveth the sentence having under him 36 men established by Law six for every division and the sworn Recorder that Registreth what is done and judged as long as the Court is kept all the Clergy being there also the Service of God is celebrated every day in the forenoon with Preaching and Singing in the Church and in the afternoon when the Bell rings the Court is kept The first day they sit all the Priests are called together and when the Court is sate there is only considered that day of what concerns the common good in general and all causes and other controversies being the other days brought to an end and the Court being then ready to be dissolv'd the Clergy is called again into the Court to know if any general matter is yet to be considered of and when all things are come to an end the Provost of the Churches doth declare on which day St. Michael's days of Prayers begin to be observ'd as also if there be any other particular day of prayers appointed by his Majesty as also what space there is between Christmas and Shrovetide After all this the Provincial Judge ariseth and dismisseth the Court pronouncing peace upon all them that go from the Court to their houses declaring also a peaceable possession of all proprieties and freeholds in the Land promising our Gracious Lord and King Tribute as antiently and then for a sign of consent every boby that is present clap their hands the Bell being afterwards rung that every body may know the Court is dissolv'd The same day in the evening both Ecclesiastical and Civil gather themselves in the Sessions-house to Feast and be merry together where according to an antient custome they drink the healths of his Majesty of the Queen and of the Prince the Counsels their Governours and other principal healths with the following particular Ceremony and Speech First one of the eldest Priests begins a verse of a Psalm which they sing out together after which the same Priest alone sings it in Latine according to the antient manner and the guests answer singing in Latine as followeth The Priest sings 1. Omnis Speritus 2. Benedicamus Dominâ— 3. Benedicite The people answers 1. Laudet Dominum 2. Deo gratias 3. Domino Afterwards the Elder of the company ariseth and mentions the health that is to be drunk with the following Speech which being old Language and very remarkable the Interpreter hath thought fit to put it here both in Danish and English Gud vere med vor allernaadigsie Nerre oc Ronning Presium oc Alerctum Leigum oc Lerdum for sin Blessen-Sang oc fauffver formaale baade her oc huert â—itne Ner er Nederligt Minde begyndt som er vor allernaadigsie Nerris oc Ronnings c. Stuble veer saa fare med samme Minde som det sommer oc se der allumgodum Mannum veer stullum helle aâ—munne dricte giore vel oc icte biude dem som stiencte for end vel er affdructen den stal veere Gud fierisi som meest driâ—â—er oc mindst sparer See! det er Billie min Nerre Rongis At Biâ—â—â—n Jogden Laugmaâ—d Presier â—ldermend Gild-Brodre oc Gild-Sostre Gicster oc Neime-mend sâ—ulle alle vere Gud oc velâ—ommene Thus Englished God be with our most Gracious Lord and King Priests and Clerks Layes and Learned for his blessed sake and fair promise now and for ever Here is begun an honourable health which is that of our most Gracious Lord and King c. one must proceed as far with the said health as suits and becomes every good-man every one must 〈◊〉 it to his mouth drink 〈…〉 give it again to him 〈…〉 till it be drunk out he â—hall â—e best beloved of God that drinketh most and spareth teast behold it is the will of the King my Master that the Bishop the Bayliff the provincial Judge the Aldermen the Brothers and Sisters of the Feast the Guests and Hosts should be all welcome thereupon they all arise and drink the health of one another This ceremony is used at every remarkable health that is drunk when every one is satisfied with drink they return to their Lodgings and the next day to their houses not seeing one another together again till the same time the next year They have no particular law as in Island but govern themselves after the law of Norway Those of Feroe have a particular Law that determines how one must deal with sheep called Soid-Brevet or Sheep Ordinance and having made some mention of it above to the Histories better explanation for the satisfaction of the curious Reader and profit of the Inhabitants I have thought fit to insert here the said Ordinance word by word which is thus CHristian the Fourth by the Grace of God King of Deamark and Norway of the Vandals and Gothes Duke of Sleswig Holstein Stormarn and Dytmersk Count of Oldenburgh and Delmanhorst c. Be it known unto all men That whereas many of our beloved Subjects of our Land of Feroe have humbly desired that we would graciously confirm and ratifie unto them an Ordinance concerning their sheep which the late King of Norway gave them the tenor of which is word for word as followeth HAgen by the Grace of God Duke of Norway Son to King Magnus Crowned sends all men that shall see or hear this Patent the blessing of God and also our spiritual and dear friend Mr. Eliender Bishop of Feroe and Mr. Sifvort Provincial Judge of Hetland which we have sent you to end the Controversie amongst the commonalty about the Points which they wanted in the Ordinance for profitable Houskeeping and therefore we have let stitch together these four leaves concerning the Affair and the Sheep business which we have with the counsel of our Principal men prepared as we know shall be most profitable for the Commonalty But for the Ordinance of Christianity we cannot for the present alter it but it must remain as our Lord and Father the Crowned caused it to be collected and delivered it in the hands of Mr. Ellender the Bishop as the Country Records themselves do manifest It is our absclute Command and true will that every one do exactly and well observe this Ordinance about sheep that neither we nor our Successors come in disrespect for it till with the counsel of our principal men we make another Ordinance which God grant may be for the best advantage of the Commonalty In witnesâ— whereof we have sealed this Ordinance Given in Opslo on Saturday next after St. John's week last past from the hour of Jesus Christ's birth One Thousand and Forty Winters that is in the year 1040. and of our Dukedom the 19th Lord Achis the Chancellor sealed Sr. Theyter dictated this Law and Baardue Peterson the Notary writ the Patent ARTICLE I. To know Sheep WE have been informed of a bad custom that hath been in the Land more than it should about sheep neither ought we to have suffered it so but
that hath also a felling Club to strike with when the Seals lying on dry ground begin to see the Light and men they will flee to Sea wherefore the old ones rise themselves on their paws with their Jaws open directly against the man specially if it be a He for then he will not flee from the man but the man must avoid him and when he strikes at him he meeteth the blow with his jaws snatching the Club from the mans hands and casting it on that side where there is no body Then comes the other man with his Club and strikes him over the neck but if it be a Shee she is not so fierce and fleeth from the man if she can When they hit them right over the head they fall down in a sound and then the men are presently ready so cut their throats When they have done so with all the old they come to the young ones that lye all still far from the water and never take notice of men nor light till they come and kill them when the slaughter is finish'd they hale the dead Kobs to the Water side and tye them fast to the Rope wherewith those in the Boat without pull them to them Last of all the men get out with the Boat that is within but if the waves be great the said Boat and men are also haled out In this manner they get sometimes many Seals often half a hundred in one Cave the old Kobs are as big as an Ox or Cow and so fat that one can get three Loads of Fat from them they use their skins for Shooes and eat the flesh of them they melt the Fat into Train Oyle and salt a part thereof to eat There are found several sorts of Whales under this Land amongst which there cometh one sort called Grind-Whale Grind according to the explication of Mr. Peter Clauson signifieth all sort of grates or Trellices either of Iron or Wood and because this sort of Whale swimmeth side to side by one another when they go on coupling such a Flock of Whales is called a Whales Grind. These Grind-Whales are not great the biggest being but five ells long and the young ones an ell and a half they come in great Flocks under the Land when it is dark or foggy weather so that they cannot see it which is therefore called Grind-weather When the Inhabitants are out about their Fishing and see a Flock of Whales those that see them first call and make signs to the other Boats that are about them who leaving their fishing come presently together and go to the Whales to drive them in towards the Land but when the Whales will turn back towards the Sea they cry out and make the most noise they can in the Boat throwing stones and what else they can find at them till the Whales turn again and then when God giveth his blessing they can drive them where they please as if it were a Flock of Sheep or Cattle When they come to Land they send a man or two to give notice every where and this messenger must go speedily day and night and is called Grind-message Those then that get notice of it presently kindle a brand on a certain place that they on the next Island where the message is not come may get timely notice of it who can know by the place whence the Fire or Smoak ariseth what it signifieth whereupon there cometh speedily a great number of Folks together some by Land and some by Water having their Whale Spears with them When they have then brought as many Boats together as they think needful they drive the Whales into an Inlet or Creek where they know there are good Whale-banks and flat sandy grounds whereon they drive the Whales with great crying noise and casting of Stones driving them as fast as they can upon the Sands then if it be necessary the Boats divide themselves into two companies the one lying below in the form of a half Moon to meet the Whale if it wou d flee away during the slaughter the other advancing into the midst of the Whale Flock thrusting their Whale Spears into their bodies in the mean time some of the people lye in an ambush on the Land till the Whales are come on ground and wade to them as deep as they can and then kill them chiefly with their Weapons with such fury on both sides that the water becometh as red as blood whereby the Whale is also blinded so that it cannot see to run away it is a strange thing to see that these strong creatures make no resistance but only plunge as well as they can before the boats and people till death cometh upon them and then they strike terribly about with their Tayles so that they beat sometimes the boats to pieces and the men come in danger if they do not know how to have a care of them Some of them get again loose from the Sands and carry sometimes the boats a great way with them on their backs over-turning them here and there and striking them full of water yet those that are below drive them in again but if they are not able to force them thereunto the rest come to their help so make them return though it happeneth also sometimes that they will at last suffer themselves to be driven in no more plunging and diving so much and a long way under the water that they must let them go the same happeneth also at Sea when they see them first and will drive them to Land for then they plunge sometimes so much that they must give them over whence one may conclude that this work doth only consist in a blessing of God When they have killed as many as they can get which lasteth well a whole day or longer they hale them on Land and those that are killed at Sea float up the next day and are also driven thither When all the Whales are thus brought on dry ground and are toll'd first the Tithes are taken of them then the Finding-Whale for him that saw them first the rest being divided into two parts the one whereof belongs to the people that took them and the other part to the owner of the Land under which they are taken whether it be the Kings some Noblemans or belongs to some Free-holders son sometimes the whole Flock of Whales cometh into the Inlets of it self in foggy weather no body driving them sometimes they come in with the Tide in a dark night running on the Sands where they lye dry when it is low water so that when folks come out in the morning they see sometimes the Sand covered with dead Whales which happened also for few years since in Tiorneviig In antient time there came greater multitudes of Whales and oftner then in our days though it happened that in the year 1664 there were taken in two places about a thousand Wherefore the Lord as also for his other benefits be
their possessions to the King by committing Murthers and other misdeeds as one might prove by example almost within the remembrance of man some in the Popish times forfeited their estates to the Bishops for eating of flesh as many can yet relate for the Bishops forbad their hearers to eat flesh in Lent and they being us d thereunto and desiâ—ous to eat it as a meat that was plentiful in the Country could not observe such interdictions wherefore those that were discovered were forced to give their Estates as a Mulet except they would fall under Excommunication some also gave away their possessions willingly in that time of superstition for the saving of their souls to Bishops Sees and Churches and those Bishops being removed at the time of the Reformation all such goods came under the Crown so that now the King is Proprietor of most part of the Country What Lands the owners did keep have since been divided by their heirs in so many small parcels that they cannot live thereof so that it seems those that were in the beginning the richest and most powerful are now grown the poorest and most indigent of the Country for the Inhabitants born to Land as they call them or freeholders are the poorest people those that possess the Kings Lands being the principallest and richest men Here are nevertheless found some noble mens Lands as the Benckestockers the Resencranthel and the Lady Adeluzies whether they are come to them by inheritance of these Chiefetaines or they have purchased them is uncertain Here are also certain Lands called Rytter's Lands that were purchased here in the Country by one Mathias Rytter It seems nevertheless that some of the Nobles Lands are possessions bought of others there being some that reckon themselves born heirs thereunto The said chiefs of the Land enjoy'd the Government of Feroe till they were reduced by the Kings of Norway There is nothing found in History of their orderly succession the first that is read of being Trund of Gote who was an old Chiefetaine during the Reign of some Kings ruling over the North and Eastern Islands Those that were Rulers with him were Breste and Beine two Brothers and Kinsmen of Trund that governed other Islands It is possible they may have been the first Chiefs that have both taken the Land in possession and governed it or else their next successors since they liv'd in Harald Greybeards time for they liv'd then long in the Land as some do yet But the aforesaid Trund being an infamous bad and deceitful man caused his Cousins and Fellow Rulers Breaste and Berne to be treacherously kill'd that he alone might have the Supreme Government In the mean time he took to himself their Sons Sigismund Breaste's Son and Torgild Berne's Son under preteuce of breeding them up but sold them afterwards privately as two Slaves out of the Country of whose remarkable History we will hereafter make further mention and so he governed the Country alone till the time of King Oluff Tryggeson That Sigismund Breastes Son came again to Feroe to revenge his Fathers death and killed Trund of Gote remaining so only Chiefetain over Feroe a long time till he was murthered by Turgrine Ilde and his Sons in Suderoe after which the Son of Trund of Gote ruied over the Land being also called Trund like unto his Father in name and deeâ—s though he ruled but over the North and East Islands Leiff Asseâ—son being Chieftain over all the Southern lived in King Oluff Haraldson the Holy's time they also having then a Pâ—â—vincial Judge called Gilke see the Chronicle of Norway p. 269. It is not known who succeeded them afterwards though the Country hath a long time after had its own Governours Though the Inhabitants have not been very powerful to resist the mighty absolute King of Norway they kept nevertheless their liberties under these their chiefetains by reason of the great division and civil war between the Sons of Harald Pulchrycomus and their Successors specially between the Sons of Erick Softear and Hagan Jarle the good that reduc'd the whole Kingdom of Norway to his obedience till King Oluff Harald Son the Holy's time who took care not only to amplifie the Kingdom of Christ but also his own wherefore he undertook to reduce the Feroes under his obedience but he durst not venture to do it by force fearing it may be the courage of the Inhabitors as also the dangerous access of the places wherefore he endeavoured to do it by good deeds and made many friends in Feroe whereby they gave themselves under his power But putting afterwards burthens upon them whereunto they were not accustomed they fell off from him presently again wherefore the King sent a message to Feroe that the best men of the Land should come to him in Norway Gille the Provincial Judge Lieffe Asserson Torrulff of great Diemen and many other Countrymens Sons made themselves ready to go into Norway but that cunning Fox Trund of Gote pretended sickness and went not with them When all these came to the King they were obliged to take their oath they would remain his subjects and promised they would send him a Tribute and that the Folks of the Land should be his Subjects And the King made them gifts and presents and dismissed them bountifully which the courteous Reader can find more largely exprest in the Chronicle of Norway pag. 246 247 248 c. But what loyalty the Inhabitants intended to have for King Oluff appeared in time presently afterwards see the Chronicle of Norway pag. 249. for when the King sent a Ship to Feroe to fetch his Tribute the Ship was lost so that he could never come certainly to know what was become of the Ship or men But having the next year had some relation that they were lost at Sea he sent again another Ship with men but it happened to them in the like manner and there were many opinions what might be become of the Kings Ships for in the Chronicle of Norway pag. 268. King Oluff keeping often his Court with his Chiefs in Sundmor gave out that he would send to fetch from Feroe the Tribute which they had promised him complaining for the men he had lost on that Voyage and named out some men that should Sail thither but they said all nay and refused to undertake the voyage Then rose up a great man well armed having a red Coat on a Helmet on his Head his Loins girt with a Sword and a great Halbert in his hand saying you have a good King but your selves are cowardly men that you dare refuse the voyage which he commands you having received so much honour and benefit of him I have not hitherto been the Kings Servant neither hath he been a gracious Lord unto me but I will now proffer my self to go to Feroe if there be no other remedy The King asked who he was and what was his name that answered him so undauntedly for he knew him not The
man answered my name is not considerable though I think you have heard it named before I am called Charles the Tender The King answared it is true Charles that I have heard thy name before and a time hath been that if we had met thou shouldst not have carried the news of it abroad but I will pardon thee altogether since thou wilt undertake this voyage for me and thou shalt be my guest to day that we may speak further about it This Charles see the Chronicle of Norway pag. 269 had been a cruell Robber by Sea and Land and the King had often sent out his men to kill him but he escaped always he was of a great Family and very couragious valiant and expert in all things he made himself ready for his Voyage to Feroe and had about 20 men with him he got a good wind and when he came to Feroe he arrived at Thors haven in Stremoe and let summon all the people to a Court. There came Trund of Gote with many Folks as also Leiff Aserson and Gille the Provincial Judge the Kings sworn men with many people When they had pitched their Tents they came to Charles and embraced him Charles saluted them from the King and expounded then his friendly commands to raise and pay in the Tribute shewing them a token from the King they promised to promote his errand amongst the people and to give him their best assistance Then came Trund of Gote that base Traitor and Saluted Charles inviting him to a winters meal Charles excus'd himself because he had taken his lodgings by Leiff Aserson but he desired that Trund would gather the Tribute of the East and Northern Islands Trund promised he would do so In the winter Leiff raised the Tribute of the South Islands of Feroe The next Spring Trund grew very sick and amongst other diseases was much troubled with pain in his eyes he came nevertheless to the Assembly as he was wont and incamped under a black Tent and when Leiff and Charles came to him to receive what Tribute he had gathered he could not come out to them by reason of the weakness of his sight wherefore Leiff went into him in his black Tent and Trund gave him a bag with mony which he carried out to Charles and cast the mony in his Shield stirring them about and Leiff ask'd Charles what he thought of it who answered I believe that all the false mony that could be found in the Northern Islands is come hither Trund heard this and asked Leiff if it was not good Silver Leiff said it was false mony Trund put the fault upon his Servant that had gathered the Tribute whilest he was himself sick Leiff went in and took another purse of mony from him for Charles and when they viewed them they were neither so good that Leiff would receive them for the Kings Tribute Trund's Cousin Gautt the Red arose on the Bench whereon he laid and said it is an old Proverb The older a man grows the worse he is It is now so with thee Trund that sufferest Charles the Tender to search in thy mony so often this day Trund sprung up and was angry at Gaute's words and bad Leiff come in and take another bag saying my own Tenants have brought me this though I can see little yet the Shirt is nearer then the Doublet and he desired Leiff to go out to Charles and weigh the mony for him for he could not be present himself Leiff and Charles went out into the Fields and all their Folks were in arms as if they had gone to a war Charles took his Helmet from his head and cast the mony in it and they found 't was good Silver but as they were sitting they saw a man coming to them that had a Pole Ax in his hand this was Gaute the Red he stuck his Pole Ax in the ground and said have a care thou Tender Charles thou doest not get a mischief to day of my Pole Ax there came at the very same time a man running calling to Leiff Aserson and desiring him to come straight ways to Gills the Provincial Judges Tent for there had rushed in Siugurt Tolakson Trunds Kinsman and had deadly wounded one of the Judges men Lieff went presently thither and all his folks with him and Charles remained sitting with his people standing round about him Then came Gaute the Red and Thoer the Short and Gaute struck over a mans Shoulder and hit Charles on the head though it hurted him not much but Thoer struck presently with the Pole Ax that stood in the ground so that the Ax struck in his Brains and there came many people out of Trunds Tent. Trund shewed as if this action had much displeased him and paid the mulct for his Cozen but Leiff and Gille banished Sigurt for the Judges man whom he had killed and Gaute and Thoer for Charles whose men return'd to King Oluff and told him the news The King grew very angry and protested he would revenge it but he was hindered of it by the wars which were made against him and there were great disputes between Trund and Leiff ever since that day Thus far Snow Sturleson Thus Charles the Tender got to know what men were those of Feroe whereby they shewed sufficiently what was become of the two other Ships though it may be also they perished King Oluff Haroldson the Holy having thus been hindered by the defection of his Subjects and the oppression of Canulus the Great King of Denmark that took the Kingdom from him those of Feroe were for a time their own Masters not only under King Canuius the Great that had more weighty affairs to think on but also under King Magnus the Son of Oluff the Holy that was disturb'd with wars in Denmark against King Swenoe Estredson till the day of his death as also during the time of King Harold Redhair who during his Reign was troubled with foreign wars till he was discomfited in England His son King Kyrre lived in quiet and was contented with what he had but his son King Magnus Barefoot sought much forreign Countreys and thereby lost his Life in Ireland It seems also that he did not then forget Feroe though History maketh no mention of it and Feroe having not been reduced by him because he made many forreign wars and reigned but ten years it seems it was put under the Crown of Norway in King Sigurd the Hierosolomite's time or in the Century of years 1100. since in this Century there were not only Bishops constituted in Feroe but districts men that had the power of these Chieftains For it is related in the Chronicle of N way p ag 500. that when Erling Shack with his Son King Magnus Erlingson who ruled 30 years after Kiug Sigurt the Hierosolomite's death in the year of Christs Nativity 1163. did endeavour to destroy all the Kings line Male Suerre Sigurtson who was the Grand child of Harold Gilde
Admiral President in the Councel of Admiralty and Assessor in that of State with Gabriel Ackelâ—ye Knudson Secretary to take the Oath of Allegiance to his Majesty of all the Inhabitants which was done by the Inhabitants of Feroe with what Solemnity that Country could afford in Thors-Haven the third of August in the year aforesaid as Jens Lauritson describes in his Norrigia Illustrata In the year 1662. the States of Denmark having chosen his said Majesty King Frederick the third and his Successors to be Soveraign Hereditary Lord of Denmark and Norway arrived the second time the 14 of August his aforesaid Excellency the Lord Rix Admiral Henry Bialke to take of the inhabitants of Feroe the Oath of their Hereditary Allegiance to his Majesty whose Hereditary Throne the King of Kings establish for ever and continue his seed till the end of the World which they presently with greatest devotion performed When it pleased the great Lord of Heaven to call the said high and mighty Prince Frederick the third first Soveraign Hereditary Lord and King of Denmark and Norway from this Temporary to his Eternal and Heavenly Kingdom in the year 1670. the 9. of Feb. and his beloved Son The great and Mighty Hereditary Prince Christian the Fifth sate on his late Fathers Royal Throne to be Soveraign King over Denmark and Norway and the Subjects and States of Denmark had sworn Loyal Fidelity and Obedience to his Majesties absolute Government his Majesty the same year the 23. of April graciously dispatch't his Commissary the Honourable Jens Rodsteen Hereditary Lord of Leer Beck his Majesties Vice Admiral and Assessor in the Councel of Admiralty to Island and Feroe with full power in the name of his Majesty to take the Oath of the subjects and Inhabitants thereof where the said Commissary Jens Rodsteen arrived from Island and put into Thors haven in Feroe on Tuesday the 16 of August and on Friday the 19. of the same moneth all the Deputies or Inhabitants of Feroe themselves were gathered together and after the Service of God was performed took their ready and submissive Oath first together in a body and afterwards every one particularly under his Hand and Seal according to every ones State and quality Neither must we here omit to his Royal Majesty our most Gracious Hereditary Lord and King King Christian the Fifth's Immortal Praise and Clory and to the subjects of the Land both that now live and will hereafter succeed their admonition and remembrance to keep exactly the Oath they have taken in all its points and clauses not out of compulsion and fear but by an humble free and loving devotion till Death that his Majesty was graciously pleased to prevent the Inhabitants in giving them notice by his Patent that whatsoever either the States or any private man for himself had to petition and sollicite his Majesty for they or he should deliver it to his Royal Commissary and he receive it to carry unto his Majesty with a most gracious assurance that his Royal Majesty with a particular care and favour would be concern'd in what could be judged beneficial to them according to the time and occasion The wise King Solomon in the 19. chap. 12. verse of the book of Proverbs compareth admirably such Royal grace to the Dew that falleth on-Grass for as Dew vivifieth withered and down-fallen Grass so that it riseth again and groweth bravely up so hath this his Royal Majesties Grace reviv'd the hearts of the Inhabitants of Feroe which were almost fainting away for one cause or another and therefore the Subjects both Ecclesiastical and Temporal delivered the said Royal Commissary several Petitions concerning some of their grievances wherewith the said Commissary on Sunday the 21 of August after the Service of God departed from Feroe for Denmark Thereupon in the year 16-2 three deputies were sent over with full power humbly to represent the Lands necessities and his Majesty was graciously pleased to give the Inhabitants a very profitable Ordinance to prevent and take away all damage and ruine from the Land Whilest the Inhabitants of Feroe were under the subjection of the Kings of Norway and Denmark or before that time one doth not find much that any have been famous for their valiant actions though they have been a hard nation from the beginning except two namely Sigismund Bretteson and Magnus Heirson whose Histories excepted the one out of Snore Sturleson and Mr. Peter Clauson's Writings the other out of Jens Lawritson's Norrigia illustrata and a credible Manuscript of Feroe are for the Readers sake worthy to be here inserted After Trund of Gote of whom we have made mention before had treacherously let murther his fellow Governours of Feroe and his Kinsmen Breste and Beine sâ—lling their Sons Sigismund Bresteson and Fâ—rgill Beinson privately out of the Country to perpetual Slavery it happened that he that bought them was bâ— stâ—rm and bad weather set from 〈◊〉 course with his Ship to the East of Norway there ran the two boyes away from him and got up into the Country â—ow there had been in the Country some time before a young mâ—n whose name was Torkild that waâ— an excellent Huntsman and Shooter and lay usually out on Snow and Ice in the night seeking to kill Wild Beasts caring neither for cold nor frost whence he got the name of Torkild endure Frost he fell in love with a considerable man's daughter called Ingeborrig whose Parents refusing to give her unto him he took her in the Wild Woods but her Father Brothers and Kinsmen sought her out and took her back again Torkild came to her the second time and she went away with him but considering that he could not be in quiet for her kindred on that side of Dorfields he went therefore over the Mountain and setled his habitation close at the North of it in a great Wilderness and savage Forrest where no body came through there being a great way from thence to Towns where people lived and his Servants went into the district of Trundhein to sell skins and hides of wild beasts buying therewith what he had need of and he lived there many years having changed his name Sigismund Bresteson and Torgild Beinson being fled from their Master as aforesaid went up into the Country intending to go into the North of the District of Trund heim but when they came on Dor fields they lost their way and wandered some days â—â—ill at last they came down to the place where Torkild Endure Frost liv'd and went in His Wife received them well giving them meat and desired them to tarry there the night over When Torkild came home from the Woods she went to meet him and told him there were come to them two beautiful Boyes desiring him that he would do them no harm he grew angry because he had forbidden her to receive any body in the house or shew any one the way from thence saying we shall doubtless be found out and taken
at last losing our lives for such thy foolish humanity He was nevertheless perswaded and received friendly the two Children entertaining them some years and loving them dearly he taught them to Shoot to Fence and Swim and all other exercises specially those that are serviceable in war and Sigismund surpassed always his Cozen in all things When they were at last grown to mens stature he forbad them going any time in the Forrest that lay North of the house and they wondered wherefore he did so once as Torkild was gone on Shooting Sigismund took an Ax in his hand and went with his Cozen into the Forrest at North where they presently perceived a terrible great Bear that came right against them Torgild ran away but Sigismund retired behind a Tree and when the Bear came up to him he struck at him with his Ax and cleft his head Afterwards they took the Bear and raised him with props against the Tree and so returned home presently came their Foster-father towards them coming with his Bow and Arrows to seek them out for he was afraid the Bears would have hurt them He was very glad when he found them and they incited him to go with them against the Bear though they told him not that it was dead Torkild shot an arrow into the Bear which not falling he wondered very much at it and being ready to shoot again Sigismund began to laugh and said it was no wonder he was so afraid of Bears when they lived since he feared this now being dead Torkild rejoyced and perceived well what man Sigismund would be therefore he sent him to Hagen Lade Jave the Rich or Good who was Earl of the District of Trund heim ruling then over all Norway and he 〈◊〉 iâ— great favour with Count Hagen 〈◊〉 peace for Torkild from Hagan and all the Kinsmen of Ingeboâ—ig Afterwards Sigismund Married the Daughter of Torkild called Thone He was with Count Hagan and Erick in the Battle of Jornsviking which the Champions and Chieftains of Julin and other Danish Lords gave them and it is writien that Sigismund Bresteson out off with a back blow both hands â—n the joynts oâ— Boedigree who presently put the stumps in two Chests of his and cast himself therewith over-board Sigismund was afterwards converted to the Christian Religion by King Oluff Tryggeson and by his command went to Feroe and caused all the Folks of Hâ—tland and Feroe to be Baptized as also those that were not yet Christned in Orekney Sigismund was a great while on that voyage and revenged the death of his Father by killing Trund of Gote here is sung in Feroe an old Song of the actions of Sigismund wherein it is said that Sigismund found much difficulty and was in great danger ere he could take Land in Feroe For Trund of Gote by Sorcery and Witchcraft had raised great Storms against him King Oluff Tryggeson gave Sigismund all Feroe to rule over but after his death it came again under the Son of Trund of Gote that was also called Trund whereof is made mention before in the History of St. Oluff Sigismund Bresteson sailed back to King Oluff to Trund heim after he had caused all these people to be Baptized and practiced all exercises with the â—ing for Oluff Tryggeson was very expert in Swimming and Shooting either with a Bow or Hand-dart he could run about on the brinks of a Ship he Fenced equally well with both hands and could play with three hand-shears at once they were short Weapons to dart with so that there were always two in the air he could cast two darts at once and could climb upon a hill before any other none being able to follow the King so near as Sigismund Bresteson See the Chronicle of Norway pag. 166. and 167. It happened as Sigismund would return again to Feroe and spoke with the King that he had a thick Gold Ring on his Finger which Count Hagen had given him the King would try how much Sigismund loved the Earle and therefore desired the Ring of him but Sigismund said that he would not give it him for Count Hagans sake The King grew angry at it and prophesied him that this Ring would be the cause of his death Sigismund was afterwards murthered in Feroe in Sandvijgge in the Island of Suderoe by Torgrim Ilde and his Sons for that Rings sake Sigismund being then weary and weakned by Swimming for he had then swum about a League over an arm of the Sea Thus far Mr. Peter Clauson and Snore Sturleson This Sigismund must have been a very strong man for those of Feroe say that he swam over from Skuoe to Suderoe as far as Porckeroe which is above two Leagues off the Sea where there are several streams and currents Sandviig is not in Suderoe but according to old Tradition he swimm'd to Porcheroe where Torgrim which those of Feroe call Thore dog lived and when he came thither he lay on the Sea Weeds for weakness when Thore and his Sons came to him and seeing the Golden Ring he bad give it him and that then he would help him but as Sigismund would not do it Thore out of couetousness for the Gold killed him and because he had no Weapon he bit out his Throat wherefore he was ever since ealled Thorre-dog The other Champion of Feroe was Magnus Heinsen of whom Jens Lawritson writes that he was born in Norway It seems that as the Subjects of Haldâ—n the Black disputed to know where his dead body should be buried and not being able to agree about it divided his Corps into four parts each taking his and burying them in four places of Norway so those of Norway and Feroe dispute after the death of Magnus Heinson whose Country man he was All those of Feroe unanimously maintain that he was born in that Country his Father having lived there and his Brothers and Sisters having liv'd and being dead there also his Cozens and Kinsmen living there to this day his half brother Jonas Heinson dwelling in Lammehaufve was Provincial Judge of Feroe Magnus had also a natural Son living here in the Country dead not long since whose name was Erasmus Magnusson his Fathers Name was Mr. Hoine Hauffregster Curate of Osteroe of whom it is truly related that Heine with six other Students were in a Boat about their pleasure in Norway when a contrary wind drove them from the Land carrying them far at Sea out of sight thereof and at last drove them under Feroe the six Students returned straight to Norway by the first Ship Heire alone remaining who was first the Bishop of Feroes Servitor and afterwards Parish Priest of Osteroe he married a Woman of Feroe which being dead he went into Norway and Married a Norway Woman named Gery with whom he lived a good while here in Feroe begetting of her Magnus Heineson It is said besides that the said Mr. Heine returned into Norway where he got another living by reason
in the Countrey taking away without exception whosoever came before them It happened the same time that the Priest of that place called Mr. Paul Erasmuson fled upon a Rock with a little child the Turks pursued him and took first the Child which he had laid down and afterwards pursued the Priest wherefore he leaped down from a very high promontory under which many people had hidden themselves from the enemy and God made it come to pass so wonderfully that he stopped upon a Turffe of Earth that was soft and well overgrown with Grass there being round about nothing but Clifts and Stones yet though his body was not endamaged his mind was nevertheless very much distracted by that high fall Wherefore his Majesty of Denmark King Christian the IV. rig'd out a Ship commanded by the Honourable George Daa who likewise did his utmost to destroy such a company of Thieves Amongst other he surpriz'd an Irish Pyrate in Westmans-haven in Stremoe A part of the Pyrates crew run presently over the Land and took one of the Inhabitants Boats wherewith they fled from Feroe to Hetland those that were left behind were taken and hanged After the said Daa his said Majesty commanded other Ships to cruise under Feroe which harboured usually in Skaale fiord in Osteroe whence it is that the harbour hath gotten the name of Kings haven But there going more charges yearly to fit out such Ships then the revenue which the King received of the Land could import King Christian the IV. was pleased to cause to build a Fort in Thors-haven against the unexpected invasion of all enemies There being not only kept the Kings contributions but also all Merchandize for the maintenance of the whole Country which was done after the Turks falling into Suderoe and since that time they have in some manner been free from such Sea-robbers except when there hath been war between Denmark and the neighbouring Kingdoms for tâ—â—n as is probable they have often been disturb'd by neighbouring enemies It is not heard or read of any civil war or inward tumult in Feroe as in Island though there be an old tale of some troubles in the Country and there hath been shewed me a valley in Calsoe above the village of Migledal where two armies of the Inhabitants have fought together and two hills under which they say the dead are buried though they know not the true ground thereof I am almost of opinion that this happened in the time of King Ingi Baard's son in the year of Christ 1211. by Erling Suerrison of whom the Hystory of Norway pag. 581. maketh mention in this manner There was a man in Feroe called Erling that gave himself out for King Suerreson his Mother was Astride Rois Daughter He march'd about in the Islands with some gathered men doing great violence and oppression he had 7 Children and went since for Norway in the Ship of Einar the Sheriff ren â—ring himself to Philip and the Lady Christina she received him very well and acknowledged him for her Brother he dyed some years after of an effusion of blood after blood letting It may be that he as an heir to the Crown of Norway would reduce Feroe to obedience but that he was discomsited and forc'd to go out of the Country to seek the assistance of his Sister Christina and that his design vanished by his death Here is also spoken of another uproar that happened for a good while since by some few that gathered themselves together and would possess themselves of Feroe putting to death all those that would not be of their Faction which company they call to this day the Flock men from their thus flocking and being gathered together The Inhabitants of Feroe having thus continually been as well free from civil as from foreign wars except what oppression the Sea-robbers and those of their party did them they have during their long tranquility taken great care to cultivate the ground having not only till'd Planted aud built the places that are now inhabited but other places besides that are now left untill'd and are seldome renewed They devide the ground which they till into acres the acre being subdivided into ells so that by an acre of ground is understood 320 Hamborough Ells four square whereunto belongeth also a part of the ground that is without the Inclosure yet there is a great difference in the greatness of the divisions though every acre of Land be reckoned for 320 ells And the Acres consisting in that sort of measure the poor free-holders know to divide it after their deceased Parents in many small parts namely in 80 60 40 20 and 10 ells and an acre of ground costing according to the ancient price of Land sixteen Gylders of Feroe they call usually such small parts a Gylder namely 80 Ells about 4 Gylders 40 Ells 2 Gylders and so forth till it comes to be so little that it amounteth but to five Skins of earth which is Land for 10 pence This division being very damageable to the Country for it maketh many poor people they do not plow their ground but dig it making deep furrows laing the earth which they dig out of them on the ground close together the dung being laid under it before Neither is each Field above 3 ells broad usually with a ridge on the one side that water may always have its fall into the furrow and continually flow away there falling here very much rain afterwards they break the Earth that was laid over with a spade instead of harrowing it and when they have sowed their Seed they clap the earth over with flat pieces of Wood instead of rowling it over So that they have a great deal of labour and pain in the Tillage of their ground which cannot otherwise be because of the Lands propriety The ground which they thus Till they let rest 8 or 10 years for it will not bear fruit every year but in the mean time it yields excellent Grass for Hay which they only mow and not that which groweth in Moorish grounds as they do in other Countreys As they have a great deal of labour in the Tillage of their ground so they have no less about their Corn for they cut it off with an ordinary Knife and puck every Ear from the Straw drying them afterwards in a Kilne the Corn not coming here to perfect Maturity Afterwards instead of Thrashing Women tread the Ears of Corn with their bare feet all this labour about their Corn taking up a great deal of time almost unprofitably which might well be remedied but they are so minded in general that they will not change their old customes no more in this then in many other things CHAP. V. Of the Qualities of the Inhabitants IT is so ordered in nature alas that Tares will commonly grow amongst Wheat It is here even as in other places where there are bad and good and since the bad ones cannot be much praised for their vertue we
have been clean or no. I have also an example that the Father hath been unclean and yet the Children healthful It has also been taken notice of that two living together in Marriage though the one be found infected they live together as before as long as one doth but murmur of it till the Magistrate doth separate them and yet the sound remaineth uninfected whereas another is often taken with the Disease by a very little conversation Here are examples yet before our eyes that poor Cripples clean but helpless have been put among the sick in the Hospital eat with them converse dayly with them and are not infected in the whole time of their lives what is this but that God confirms the truth of his word taking pleasure in them that live in a just Wedlock and wander in Lawful ways putting their hopes in him that neither fire nor Water contagious disease nor dangerous Pestilence shall hurt them CHAP. VII Of Religion And first of Teachers SOmething above 100 years after Feroe was inhabited with people it pleased God out of his Grace according to his Divine Providence and Promise in the 66th of Isaiah I will send some of them that are delivered to the Heathens a long the Sea and far out to the Islands where none hath heard of me nor seen my glory c. to settle his Domicil and build his Tabernacle here in Feroe For King Oluff Trygeson in the fourth year of his Reign and in the 1000 year of Grace when the word of God was Preached in Denmark did send Sigismund Brosteson a man of Feroâ— of whom is said before that the King caused him to be Baptized to Feroe who Baptized all the people there Though the Inhabitants of Feroe did not after the Death of Sigismund break the contract of their Baptisme with Christ as is perceived and concluded by the History of King Olaus the Holy who not only acquired friends in Feroe but also called them to him and made them take their oath which he had not done if they had not confessed themselves to be Christians having continual work with those of Island that came to him to be converted to the Christian Faith as the Chronicle of Norway plainly teacheth Nevertheless one may well perceive that the beginnings of Religion were very mean the Inhabitants in a long time refusing to acknowledge the Kings of Norway for their Soveraigns Whence we find also that it was long before they got any Bishops in the Country for Bishop Sarquir that is the fifth in the Catalogue of Bishops which Mr. Peter Clauson reckoneth lived 200 years after Sigismund Bresteson for he was Bishop in the time of King Hagen Hagenson in the year 1223. as is said before in the 4th chapter Wherefore if the Preaching of the Gospel had continued without interruption there would needs have been more then four Bishops in two ages though there may be an errour in the Catalogue since we find that there has been a Bishop in Feroe in the time of King Magnus Erlingson in the year 1277. whose name was Roar by whom King Suere was brought up whose name though the most renowned amongst them is left out of the Bishops Catalogue it might therefore more probably be that some of their names are left out of whom we find nothing in History yet howsoever it be all beginnings being difficult specially the light of the word being obstructed by the Prince of darkness it may very well have been so in matters of Religion here in Feroe till at last there came Bishops into the Country but we cannot find when that was possible in King Sigurd the Hierosolumites time in the age 1100. when the Kings of Norway were well setled wherewith the Catalogue of Bishops doth best agree When the said Bishops came first higher they had their residence at Kircke boe in Stremoe where there hath been formerly many stone buildings that are now ruin'd there only remaining a stone house with a great Parlour of Timber built after the antient fashion The Church which they had then in that place is yet standing and is made use of it is built of free-stone but of a very poor and low structure There stands besides another new Church-wall which one of the last Bishops called Hillarius did build it is a curious Edifice of even stone and the frames of the Windows are of Stone purposely cut for that use The Wall is yet in some manner unhurt and one might yet build a Church of it if the hearers would not spare their pains The Bishops in those days here as in other places have had great revenues of the Country but the Priests have fared very meanly It is not certainly known how many Bishops have been in Feroe Mr. Peter Clauson in his Description of Norway reckoneth up the following Sudmunds Mathias Kroll Suein or Swerke Peter Gauti Serquir Erland or Ellendar Loden Sigvar Giaffvard Hanard besides these there is found Bishop Roar in the History of King Suerre who it seems should be the third in order and besides the said Bishop Hillarius that built the new Church wall Arrild Huitfield in the Chronicle of King Frederick the I. in the year 1532. writes that Amund Oluffson was chosen Bishop of Feroe being a Canon of Bergen and gave the King 1000 Gilders of Feroe for his confirmation for Kings took then that pretended due which the Popes of Rome received of Bishops pro pallio or the Investiture having at last better discovered the covetousness of the Pope This Amund was the last Roman Catholick Bishop of Feroe King Fredâ—rick dying the year after his Son Christian the III. as soon as he was settled in his Kingdom removed all his Lord Bishops in all his Kingdoms and Provinces Since which time here hath been but one Evangelical Bishop called Mr. Jens Riber that lived here during some years till at last he was several times rob'd by French Pyrates and being an antient man he returned from hence to Copenhagen from whence he was sent to Stawanger in Norway and was there Bishop in the year 1556. after whom his Majesty of happy Memory King Christian the third Ordained that there should always be a Provost over the Churches there who was under the Bishops of Bergen as long as the Trade of Feroe was established there afterwards he was subjected to the Bishop of Copenhagen when the Comerce of Feroe was removed from Bergen to the Burghers of that City which the conveniency for travelling by Sea hath been the cause of His Majesty hath been Graciously pleased to grant a Mannor in Andesâ—â—rd in Osteroe called Gaard Hodcle to the said place of Provost the first whereof was Mr. Heine Haugregster as we have said above in the History of Magnus Heineson after whom was Provost Mr. Oiden in Osteroe Mr. Tolle Priest of Feroe in Osteroe Mr. Christian Marsing Parish Priest of Thors haven Mr. Jens Skrwe Parish Priest of Sundoe Mr. John Rasmussâ—n Feroe Parish Priest of
desiring never theless the courteous Reader to take all in the best meaning and not judge or condemn before he understands it perfectly It happened for a good while since when the Burgers of Bergen had the commerce of Feroe that there was a man in this Country in Servaag called Jonas Soideman who was kept by spirits in a mountain during the space of seven years and at last came out but lived afterwards in great distress and fear lest they should again take him away wherefore people were obliged to watch over him in the night and at last for fear of that he returned from hence to Bergen in Norway Whilest Mr. Taalle was Priest in Osteroe it happened that one of his Hearers was carried away and though returned again at last the said young man being to be married and every thing prepared and the Priest being arrived the Saturday before at the Parish the Bridegroom was carried away wherefore they sent folks to look after him but he could not be found the Priest desired his friends to have good courage and that he would come again which he did at last and related that the spirit that led him away was in the shape of a most beautiful woman and very richly cloathed who desired him to forsake her whom he was now to marry and consider how ugly his Mistress was in comparison of her and what fine apparel she had he said also that he saw the men that sought after him and that they went close by him but could not see him and that he heard their calling and yet could not answer them but that when he would not be perswaded he was again left at liberty Mr. Erasmus Ganting Parish-Priest in Waagoe whose Son Mr. John Erasmussan was my Predecessor in Thors-haven his daughter called Christine being young went once in Summer in the absence of her Father to play in the fields with her other young Brothers and Sisters and as they were playing there came to them a Duck running in the grass fluttering with her wings and the Children running after the Duck this Girl ran before them and coming behind a house after the Duck they saw her no more and knew not what became of her Whereupon her father being come home and hearing this was very much troubled and seeking after the child but could find her no where At last he sought the assistance of God by prayers and invocation and going once into the field did seek as far as he could and it being eight days after her loss he found her unhurt and warm sleeping and wrapt with her head-cloth about her head lying on a high rock above a hundred fathoms high just at the brink of it He took her so home along with him but the child could relate nothing of the business saying that a great man carried her away whom she thought had been her Father When she came to years she was of a weak understanding and was nevertheless married in the Country having many children she died a few years since her Mother and three sisters being yet living For thirty years since it happened that a woman of Westmans-haven in Stremoe was carried away and by common prayers in the congregation was found again on the eighth day but dead and yet warm lying in the midd'st of a high way In the year 1668 the second of August Domin 2. Trinit the daughter of Olluff Hanson of Velberstat was mist on the way as she was returning from Church having the same day received the Sacrament of me whereupon in the evening as well as two days after they sought for her every where but could not find her at last her father complained unto me and the next Sunday being the 9th of August in the Congregation of Kalbach which I then visited I earnestly admonish'd them to fall down with me before God for the deliverance of that poor creature The Lord also heard our prayers and intercession for the next day at three a clock in the afternoon she was found by some Milk-maids in the next Hamlet to Volberstat namely â—uderdal lying between two stones at the higher part of the close having her cloth wrapt abaut her head she would speak to no body that went by neither durst the Milk-maids speak to her but went and discovered it to the man of the house who went and spoke to her desiring her to rise which she did then first speaking to him and the man asking her how she was come thither she shewed him beyond them a pretty high clift whence she had glided down though the man assures it was impossible for any man to come down from thence without hurt besides her linnen and clothes were as clean and her shoes as new as the day she was miss'd though there had been during some days and nights great storms and rainy weather neither did she according to her own confession eat any thing during these nine days and yet being come home was well disposed to receive and digest whatsoever meat they gave her I have endeavoured by all means to make her confess 〈◊〉 whole business unto me but in vain for she said always that she lost her self in the mountain which cannot be the ground lying high and being but a League broad from the top whereof one may see the Sea on both sides whereby one may easily find the r ght way and from Kirkeboe to Velberstat the way is along the Sea-side and over the high mountain so that a Beast cannot lose it self much less a reasonable creature except one does it put posely and yet it would be great labour to climb up that great mountain but I have found also by other Examples that would be too prolix to insert that most of such people are not only seduced in their bodies but also in their minds so that they will by no means discover that business and there are others that do not know well themselves how it was nevertheless if there has been a natural wandering by the fancie of that simple Creature as the Reader will possibly imagine I doubt whether the party could live nine days without the least hurt or damage of nature Hippocrates telling us 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 That is a man cannot live above seven days without meat whereunto all Physitians and Naturalists do agree it being dayly confirmed by experience Levinus Lemnius writes that a man can live seven or nine days without meat but then nature is already indammaged and the forces of the body weakned Arild Heuitfield writes upon the relation of others in the History of King Erick Menveds that Duke Woldemur who with Duke Erick his Brother was east in the Tower of New Kiobing by their Brother King Byrge of Sueden that they might dye of hunger lived 11 days without meat or drink and his Brother but 3 days But this seems to be guess'd by the discourse of the common people and giveth no certainty for the History sayes that the Tower was well