Daughter of Charles the 7. and dying without issue left his Dukedome to his younger Brother Peter Peter the second Duke of Burbon of this name had by Anne the Daughter of Ludovick the eleventh Susan the Inheritrix of Burbon who was wife to the aforesaid Charles the younger Sonne of Gilbert who also was the younger Sonne of the abovenamed Ludovick Earle of Montpenser and Brother to Charles Duke of Burbon But he having no issue the Line of the eldest Sonne of Ludovick who was the first Duke of Burbon was extinguisht Iames of Ponthium the younger Son of Ludovick the first Duke of Borton aforesaid had Iohn Earle of March by Ioane the Daughter of the Earle S. Paul After him succeeded Ludovick Iohn Vendemensis the second of this name Francis Charles created Duke of Vendomium by King Francis the first and also Antonius who was afterward King of Navarre He had by Ioane Albretane Queene of Navarre the Daughter of Henry the second King of Navarre and Margaret Valesia Cosin-germane to Francis the first King of France Henry the first of this name King of France by his Fathers right and the third King of Navarre of that name by the right of his Mother the Father of Ludovick the 13. Let us returne to Claramont which is a Towne fortified with a Castle and here the Lord de la Rocque a famous French Poet was borne There is also the Towne Belmontium or Bellus Mons that is the faire Mount commonly called Beaumont which lyeth neere the River Aesia commonly called Oyse The County is commonly call'd la Comté de Beaumont sur Oysâ— being an ancient Praefectureship under which are Persang and Metu The County of Belmontius hath Princes of the Royall Stock of Vendomium which are Lords thereof Neere to this Towne beyond the River Aesia or Oyse the Country of Bellovacum beginneth P. Merula supposeth that Beaumont was the same with that which Antonius calleth Augustomagum and Ptolemy corruptly moveth Ratomagus Some thinke it to be that Towne which Caesar describeth Lib. 2. Belli Gal. being well fortified by nature as having high Rocks round about it and on one side away into it somewhat steepe And so much concerning the Country of Bellovacum I passe to Bolonia THE COVNTIE OF BOVLONGNE VVherein are these Countries Guines Ardres and the Baronry of Fiennes Also the Bishoprick of Tarvania and Morinea by which the other Countries in spirituall matters are subject The Meridians thereof are placed at the Parallels 50. and 45. THE Country of Bolonia or as some call it of Bononia in French Conté de Boulogne is very large All this Country is Sandy having a kinde of Sande which they call burning Sand whence some doe judicially thinke that it was called Bolonia from Boullir whereas indeed it was so named from the Towne of Bulloigne which is now devided into the Higher and the Lower The County of Bononia beginneth at the Mountaines of S. Ingelbert and runneth forth to the River Cancha which is the length thereof and to the Wood Tournoth which is the breadth thereof Bolonia was made a County in the time of Carolus Calvus King of France at what time S. Paul Oye Guines and Artesia were honored with the same Title It hath many Townes and Villages and amongst the rest there is Bulloigne which is twofold the Higher and the Lower The former is seated on a high ground on which was onely a Burrough Towne before the English besieged it The latter being seated in a plainer soyle is washed with the Sea and they are distant from each other an hundred paces or there abouts And a certaine Panegyrick written by an unknowne Author and spoken before the Emperour Constantine calleth it Bononiense opidum or the Towne of Bononia Now it is commonly called Boulogne and the Low-Countrymen comming neerer to the ancient appella tion doe call it Beunen Ioseph Scaliger in his Letters to Merula Papiriut Massorius Leland Ortelius and others doe think that it was anciently called Gessoriacum Also Peutingers Table doth confirme the same in which Gessoriacum is put for Bononia Antoninus calleth it Gessoriacum and doth place there the 15. Legion and otherwheres he calleth it Gessoriacensis Portus or the Haven of Gessoriacum or Gessoriagum Ptolemy calls it Gessoriacum a Haven of the Moriakans Iohn Talbot thinketh it should bee named Galesium and others that it should bee called Saint Audâ—mar Turnebus calleth it the Towne of Soacum and Boetius Slusa Hermolaus Barbarus calleth it Brugas and Bilibaldus Gandâ—vum Robert Caenalis distinguisheth Gessorlacum Portum and Gessoriacum Navale and thinketh the one to be Bâ—nâ—nia and the other Cassell Hence came that Godfrey of Boulogne the Sonne of Eustathius Earle of Boulogue who was Duke of Lotharingia and the first King of the Christian Solonians Neere to Boulogne was the Haven Itius which some thought to be the Towne of Calis whom Ptolemy easily confuteth who first placeth the Promontory of Itius behinde the mouth of the River Seyn and afterward Gesoriacum a Haven of the Morinnians from which the Towne of Calis is above tweenty Miles distant M. Velserus is perswaded that Gessoriacum is the same with Itium Some thinke the Haven Itius to be S. Andomar enduced thereunto both because this City was in ancient times called Sitieu as it were the Bay of Itium and also by the situation thereof which being very low yet by the high shores which lie round about the City it seemes it was a great Bay of the Sea Camden in his Brittannia sheweth that the Haven Itius was long accounted to bee in that place which they now call Withsan neere Blanestum But we leave these things to be decided by others Next to the County of Bononia is Guisnes which is parted from the County of Oye by a great Channell which making the Territory impregnable and glideth by the chiefe Towne called Guisnes being devided into two parts one whereof is seated in the Marish ground the other on the Continent and is naturally strong and well fortified King Henry the second tooke it Francis Lotharingeus Duke of Guise being sent thither in the yeere 1558. Concerning the Danes right heretofore to the Country of Guise Meyerus writeth much in the Annals of Flanders and concerning this Country other Historiographers do write other things which are not now to be mentioned There are also other Townes as Hartincourt Peuplinge Conquelle the Nievelletian Haven This Country hath under it the Baronies of Ardres and Courtembrone which are so called from these two Townes Ardres and Courtembrone and also the Barony of Fiennes Two miles from Ardres towards the Ocean is Calis a Towne well fortified both by nature and Art esteemed alwayes to be the Key and Gate of France which Philip of Boulogne Unkle to S. Ludovick as they report first walled about it having a Castle with a strong Tower which commands the entrance into the Haven Edward the fifth King of England tooke it the day before the Nones
other Birdes which they call Marinetae lesse than a Blackbird being short like a Starling yet differing from him by the whitenesse of the belly and the blacknesse of the back It is a wonderfull thing which was reported concerning these Birdes for if when they are dead they be kept in a dry place they will not putrifie or corrupt and being placed among garments and other things it will preserve them from moathes That which is more worthy of admiration is that if being dead they be hanged up in some drie place they will every yeare renew and change their feathers as if they were alive Ireland contayneth all kindes of wilde beasts It hath Harts that are so fat that they can hardly runne and by how much they are lesser in body by so much the larger are their hornes There are great store of Bores many Hares c. but the bodies of all the wilde beasts and birds are lesser here than in other places It hath many Badgers and Weesils It hath few or no Goates fallow Deere Hedghogs Moles but infinite store of Mice It hath also Wolves and Foxes But enough of these things I returne to other matters Heretofore Ireland was ruled by many Earles now it is subject to England and is governed by the Kings Substitute who is called the Lord Deputie It came to be under the dominion IRELAND IRLANDIA of the Kings of England about the yeare 1175 at which time Roderick King of Connaught stiled himselfe King of all Ireland and striving to subject the whole Kingdome to himselfe waged continuall warre with the other Earles by whose sedition it came to passe that the other Earles of their owne accord and without any effusion of blood did put themselves under the obedience of Henry the second King of England from whom all the Kings of England were called Lords of Ireland untill the time of Henry the eigth who by the Nobles of Ireland was declared King of Ireland because the name of Lord grew hatefull to some seditious people There are foure speciall Cities in this Island First Dublin the Metropolis or Mother-Citie of Ireland being the royall Archiepiscopall Seat giving name to a County The next in dignity is Waterford the third Limbrick the fourth Corke There are many other very great Townes of which wee will speake more largely in the particular Descriptions of Ireland This Country hath many Lakes and standing waters among which there is a Lake in Vlster twenty miles distant from the Lake Erne of which wee will speake more largely hereafter There is a little Lake beyond the Citie Armack in which if you stick a Speare up some moneths that part which stuck in the mudde will bee iron that which is in the water stony and that which is out of the water will remaine wood There is also the Lake Erne which is thirty miles long and fifteene miles broad being compassed about with thick woods and so full of Fish that the Fisher-men often breake their nets by taking too many at one time This Island is divided and watered with many faire Rivers whose names are these Avenliffe running through Dublin Boandus through Methe Banna through Vltonia Linuâ— through Connack and Moadus through Kenel cunillia Slicheia and Samaira Besides Modarnus and Furnus through Keneleonia and many other But of all the Rivers of Ireland the River Synnenus is the chiefe both for the breadth and length of its course and for the plenty of Fish which is in it But in generall the Rivers and Lakes are full of fish bred in them This Countrie is unequall and mountainous soft and waterish you shall finde Lakes and standing waters on the top of the Mountaines The Mountaines abound with Cattell the woods with wilde beasts Solinus writeth thus concerning the Sea which floweth between Ireland and England The Sea betweene Ireland and England is rough and unquiet all the yeare and is scarce navigable but in some part of the Summer But hee erres for it is quiet enough unlesse it bee stirred up with windes And not onely in Summer but also in Winter passengers doe sayle to and fro All the Sea shores doe abound sufficiently with Fish Ireland hath in all three and thirty Counties and foure Archbishops The Bishop of Armach Primate of all Ireland the Bishop of Dublin the Bishops of Cassil and Toam and these foure have nine and twenty Suffragans or Vicegorents Ireland from the manners of the Inhabitants is divided into two parts For those who refuse to obey the Lawes and live more uncivilly are called Irishrie and commonly Wild Irish But those who are willing to obey the Lawes and appeare before the Judges are called the English-Irish and their Country the English Pale they speake English naturally and uncorruptly yet they understand Irish in regard of their daily commerce with the Irish-men The Irish-men have some certaine Lords under whose command the most of them are but they live under the jurisdiction of the English but counterfeitly and as long as the English Souldiers doe waste their Territories yet they appoint Sessions to be kept at certaine times and places to restraine and punish robberies and theft committed by night There those that are accused if they be convicted have certaine Arbitratours to judge of the cause whom they call Brehoni these are all of one familie and although they have no knowledge in the Law yet for their wisdome honestie of life they are accounted divine Their warre is partly on horsback and partly on foote The Gentrie have horses well managed so that without any advantage they will mount them in their armour and taking a Javelin or dart of great weight by the middle they will throw or brandish it against their enemie with much ease Among the footmen some are Souldiers in Cassocks very strong whom they call Galeglacii having Cuttle-axes as sharpe as razors and they are the chiefe strength of the Irish warres The next are Footmen wearing a light armour with swords in their hands and these are called Karnes and they thinke a man is not dead untill they have cut off his head In the third place are footmen whom they call Daltines who going unarmed attend upon the horsmen The footmen as well as horsmen as oft as they come to fight with their enemies doe crie with a great voyce Pharro Pharro and they use a Bagpipe in stead of a Trumpet The Irish doe fare sumptuously and magnificently for though they have no delicate dishes nor great service in their banquets yet their Tables according to the season of the yeare are well furnished with Beefe and Porke and other meate In their Feasts they lye upon Beds the first place at the Table belongs to the Mother of the Family who weares a long Gowne or Mantell reaching to her ancles often dyed and also sleeved THE SECOND TABLE OF IRELAND IN WHICH ARE VLTONIA CONNACIA MEDIA AND PART OF
shaded with woods on the East it is raised with high hills The chiefe Citie is Durovernum which Ptolemie calls Darvernum and in English is called Canterbury There are also the Townes of Dover anciently called Durbis and by the Saxons Dufra Hith or Hide Rumney anciently called Rumenal Sandwich or Sondwic Gravesend c. The Rivers are Thames Darent Medway anciently called Medwege Stoure called by Bede Wantsome c. Sussex toward the South bordereth upon the Brittish Ocean and that part of the Country which is toward the Sea is full of high white hills which because they consist of a fat kinde of Chalke are very fruitfull the middle of it hath goodly meddowes pastures fields and many pleasant groves The hither part hath many woods and it hath many veines of Iron The Townes here are Chichester or rightly Cissanceaster so called from one Cissa a Saxon that built it Arundal so called because it stands upon the River Arun and other It hath many Rivers and 312 Parishes THE SEVENTH TABLE OF ENGLAND CONTAINETH THESE FOVRE ILANDS which belong to England Anglesey Wight Gersey and Garnsey THe seventh and last Table of England containeth these foure Islands which belong to England the former two whereof namely Anglesey and Wight do lye neare the English shoare the latter Garsey neare the French shoare The first is Anglesey which the Brittaines call Mon Tirmon and Ynis Dowyl that is the darke Island the Saxons call it Moneza being divided by a slender Bay from the Brittish Continent It is a brave Island and the ancient seat of the Druides the length whereof 22 English miles the breadth 17 and the whole compasse of it 60 miles This Island although Giraldus saith it was in his time drie stonie unpleasant and deformed yet now it is delectable and being tilled yeeldeth so much wheat that it is commonly called the Mother of Wales It hath milstones and in some places aluminous earth out of which they have lately begun to make Alum It is also rich in cattell It was first subjected to the Romane Empire by Paulinus Suetonius and Iulius Agricola as Camden out of Tacitus a learned Writer Many yeares after being conquered by the English it came to be called Anglesey as it were the English Island Camden addeth that when the Romane Empire in Brittaine began to decrease the Scots crept out of Ireland into this Island For besides the hills which are entrenched round and called the Irish cottages there is a place which the Irish call Y◠Hericy Guidil where being lead by their Captain Sirigi they gave the Brittaines a great overthrow as it is mentioned in the booke of Triads Neither hath this Island beene invaded by the English but likewise by the Norwegians For in the yeare 1000. The navie of Aethelred sailing about it did wast it in hostile manner Afterward two Norman Hughs one Earle of Cheshire the other of Shropshire did most grievously afflict it and built the Castle Aber-Lienioc to restraine the Inhabitants but Magnus a Norwegian arriving at this Island kild Hugh Earle of Cheshire with an arrow and having tooke bootie on the Island departed Afterward also the English often attempted it untill Edward the first reduced it into his power Heretofore it had 363 Villages and at this day it is full of Inhabitants but the chiefe Towne is Bellus Mariscus commonly called Beaumarish which Edward the first built in the East part of that Island in a moorish place and in regard of the Situation he gave it this name and fortified it with a Castle The second Towne to this is Newburge in Welch Ressur because it was THE SEVENTH TABLE OF ENGLAND ANGLESEY INS WIGHT ol Vectis INS GARNESEY INS IARSEY much troubled with the sands which were continually cast upon it Here is also Aberfraw heretofore the chiefe Citie of Wales Also the holy Promontorie which the English call Holyhead the Inhabitants call it Caer Guby from Kibius a holy man who was Scholler to Hilarius Pictavensis The Inhabitants are very rich and strong and they use the Brittish language having no skill in English albeit they together with the rest of Wales have beene subject to the Kings of England these three hundred yeares Now followeth Vecta or Vectis the Isle of Wight which the Brittains call Guith It is broken off frō the Continent of Brittaine by so small an Euripus running betweene called heretofore Solent that it seemeth to cleave unto it and hence that Brittish name Guith which signifies a separation seemes to be derived even as Sicilie being divided from Italie tooke his name as learned Iulius Scaliger pleaseth to derive it à secando that is from cutting From this vicinitie of situation and affinitie of the name wee may conjecture that this Vecta was that Icta which when the Sea Flow'd did seeme an Island but when it Ebd againe the shoare being almost drie the ancient Brittaines were wont to carrie Tinne thither in Carts to be transported thence into France I suppose it cannot be that Mictis of Pliny which joyneth close to Vecta because out of that there came white lead and in this saith Camden there is no mettall veine so farre as I know This Island betweene East and West lyeth twentie miles in length in an ovall figure the breadth thereof in the middle where it is broadest is twelve miles over the one side lyeth toward the North the other toward the South It hath a fruitfull soyle and very profitable to the husbandman so that it exporteth and sendeth forth divers commodities it is every where full of Cunnies Hares Partridges and Pheasants it hath also a Forrest and two Parkes full of Deere for hunting Through the middle of this Island there runneth a long ridge of hils on which flockes of sheepe securely graze whose fleeces are held to be the best wooll except that of Lemster and Cotteswold and therefore being chiefly bought up by Clothiers the Inhabitants do make a great gaine and commoditie thereby The Northerne part hath greene medowes fields and woods the Southerne part is all corne-fields enclosed every where with ditches and hedges At either end the Sea on the North side doth so penetrate and winde into it that it maketh almost two Islands and the Inhabitants do call them Islands namely that which looketh toward the West the Fresh-water Isle that which lyeth toward the East Binbrydge Isle Vespasian serving under the Emperour Claudius did first reduce this Island to the obedience of the Romans as Suetonius writeth in the life of Vespasian The first Saxon that made it his owne was Cerdicius which gave it to Stuffa and Whitgarus who carried away the Brittish Inhabitants to Caresbrok and put them to death afterward Wolpherus being of the Mercians brought Vecta or Wight under his power and gave it to Edelwalch King of the South Saxons After that Caedwalla King of the
not pronounce the name thereof for they pronouâ—ced it â—equeny in stead of Pequigny The Geographers that describe 〈◊〉 doe note that Veromandois doth containe under it the Territories of â—issenois Laâ—nnâ—is and â—artencis and the Cities Nâ—yon and S. Quintins The City of Soissâ—ns is subject to Themes the chiefe City of Calaa Belgica and was honoured by Caesar with the title of a Royall City It was in the power of the Romanes but was taken from them by Cladoveus after whose decease his Sonnes restored it to that former honour which it enjoyed in Caesars time The Inhabitants are a warlike people In this City in the raigne of Philip Augustus there was a Consell held by the Clergie of England and France for that the King of England having thrust the Bishops out of their Seates had kept the Churches goods in his owne hands for 6. yeeres and afterward had banisht the Bishops into Franâ—e In this Couâ—sell he had excommuâ—ication and warres denounced against him as an enemy to the Church upon which he was overcome in Battell and all his auxiliary Forces which he had out of Planders were overthrowne the Suessâ—nes among the rest behaving themselves very valiantly against him The Temple and Monastery of the blessed Virgin in the City Soissâ—ms was built by Ebroynus the Tyrant who was Master of the Palace of â—rauce The Bishops of Soissons from Sixtus to Mathew Paris were 79. The Country of Laonois so called from the City Laon which iâ— situated betweene the Rivers Ayne and Oysa on a Hill and â—gisbertus saith that â—lâ—doveus in the yeere 500. did honour this City with a Dukedome and a Bishoprick Hee constituted Genebaldus to bee the first Bishop thereof and after him unto Iohannes Buâ—â—erius there are reckoned 72. Bishops It is also a Bayliwick under which are these Cities Soissons Noviomagus or Noyon S. Quintins Ribuaria or Ribemont Câ—uâ—y Chauâ—y Guise Perona Mondidier and Roia Next adjacent unto Laon is â—â—mpendium called by the French Compiegne and by others Parâ—pâ—â—is from Carolus Calvus who in the yeere 896. did enlarge and fortifie it like Constantinople erecting there also a Monastery to Saint Cornelius The Church of Compiegne and the Monastery of the Dominicans and Franciscans were built by S. Ludovicus King of France The Metropolis of Tartenois is Fera commonly called La Fere being a City well fortified and commodiously seated at the confluence and meeting of the Rivers Oysa and Serva and having a strong Castle Concerning the Cities Noyon and S. Quintins there is enough spoken in the Description of a former Table So much therefore concerning true Picardie There are divers parts of the lower Picardie called Le Basse As Sancterra Pontium Bolonesium Guâ—naeum and Oyum. Sancterra or Sancterre lyeth betweene Mons S. Desiderij Perona Roye and Nesla Mons S. Desiderij or Mondidier is a strong Place or Hold. Perona is situated at the River Somona here Herebert Earle of Veromandois kept Chaâ—les the Simple King of France Captive where he died and left the Kingdome much troubled Roye is a faire Towne fortified with a Castle Antoninus calleth it Caesaremagnus as also the Itinerary Tables â—essa is a strong Fortresse as many other places are in this part of the Kingdome In Sancterra have many famous men beene borne and the ancient Lords thereof being Marquesses formerly joyned in affinity and allyed to the Family of the Courtneys which descended from the Kings of France Pontium or in French Le Conté Ponthieu is so named from the great company of Bridges and Marishes which discharge and empty themselves into the Sea neere to S. Valeri The chiefe Towne of the County is Abatisvilla commonly called Abbeville neere the River Oyse being a Bailiwick and the Seate of a President from whence Causes and Suites in Law are brought to Paris The other Townes are Crâ—toy Rua Treport and S. Richeri besides Cressiacum or the little Towne of Cressi famous for the slaughter of 36000. Frenchmen under the conduct of Philip of Valots in the yeere 1346. This Country also doth containe two other under it to wit the Counties of Mâ—â—streul and S. Paul some thinke the former was so called quasi Mâ—rs Reguis that is the Royall Mountaine but others imagine it to bee so named from a Monster which had his dwelling house here Lower Picardie containeth the County of Bononia commanly call'd Coâ—â—â— de Boleigne and the County of Guisne of which we will speake in the Description of Bononia The chiefe Rivers of Picardie are Somona neere to which lye the Towne Ambianum or Amiens and Abbe-Villa Oyse or Esia Scaldis Escault or Sceldt and those which are commonly call'd Aâ—â—â— and Scarpe I come to their manners The Picardians are of a good disposition well set courteous Officious valiant and prone to anger whence they are called hot heads they are so soone assuredly given and addicted to wine so that a man can hardly obtaine any thing of them unlesse he will beare them company in drinking Yet they agree so well among themselves that if you offend one of them all the rest will be your enemies The Nobles are warlike and doe most of all delight in military affaires So much concerning Picardy CAMPANIA THE STATE ECCLESIASTICK Here is the Archbishop of Rhemes under whom are eight suffragan Bishops as the Bishop of Laon a Duke and Peere of France the Bishop of Chalon an Earle and Peere of France the Bishop of Suesson the Bishop of Terwaen whose Seate was translated to Boulogne the Bishop of Amiens the Bishop of Noviomagum or Noion an Earle and Peere of France the Bishop of Senlis and the Bishop of Beauvais an Earle and Peere of France Here is also the Archbishop of Sens under whom are seven Bishops to wit the Bishop of Paris of Chartres of Orleans of Nivers of Auxerre of Trois en Champaigne and of Meaux CAMPANIA CAMPANIA called in French Comté de Champaigne is derived as I have said before if we shall beleeve Graegorius â—uronensis from the great and spacious Field wherof it consisteth For it is a very plaine and Champion Country The Territories of Brie Burgundie Carolois and Lotharingia doe encompasse it on every side The Tricasses Lingones the Râ—mi the Catalaunians the Meldae the Senones and others who are now worne out of memory were heretofore seated in this Country The Tricasses nominated in Plinies chiefest Bookes Ptolemy calls Trikasstoi and Ammianus Tricassini as also in certaine Panegyricks and in the Inscription of an ancient Stone Hericus calleth the Trecae in the life of S. Germane and others call them by contraction Tresses Their City is called Tricassium and commonly Trois en Champaigne Those which Caesar Pliny and others doe call Lingâ—nes Ptolemy calls Doâ—gones and the same Pliny Faederati That Province which containes their City which is Langres is now called La Duché Patre and Evesche de Langres Those which Caesar calleth Râ—mi Ptolemy calleth Rhemâ—i Pliny Faederati and the
Pictaviensis Lussonensis Mallacensis Petragoricensis Serlacensit Condomiensis Agimensis And as this City is large so it is beautified with divers Churches for there are two Collegiate Churches one of which is Metropolitan 12. Parish Churches 8. Frieries one Nunnery and a Colledge of Jesuites There is a faire Church-yard of S. Severine without Iupiters Gate neere the Amphitheater which is worthy to bee seene both because it is more ancient then the rest in which S. Amandus and S Severinus were buried and divers other Monuments are shewed and also because there hollow stones laide on Sepulchers which are full of water or empty according to the increase or decrease of the Moone Many Knights are here interr'd who were slaine in the time of Charles the great by the treachery of Ganelen The University is an Ornament unto it the Professors whereof doe instruct Youth in all Arts and Sciences In which both heretofore and of late Tiberius Victor and Minervius a Rhetorician whom D. Ieromimus mentioneth in his Chronicle and maketh another Quintilian And Attius Celphidius whom Ammianus Marcellinus calleth a vehement Orator were Latine and Greeke Professors And also Pomponius Maximus Hirculanus and many others of whom Ausonius maketh a Catalogue with severall Eulogies The most noted in our age were Andr. Goveanus Ioannes Gelâ—da M. Ant. Muretus Ioannes Costanus Georg. Buchanan Nicolaus Grachius Withelmus Guerentaeus and of late Elias Vinetus a learned man and a light to his Country This University had many priviledges honors and liberties granted unto it by the Princes of Aquitaine the Kings of France and the Popes of Rome and at last it was beautified by the Aquitaine Colledge from whence many learned men as Lights of France have successively come forth But let vs speake somewhat of the Parliament which is the ancientest seate of Justice in France whither the Burdigalians the Valatensians the Aginnensians the Condomiensians the Armeniacensians the Cardurcians the Lenâ—ovicensians the Petrocorensians the Angelismensians the Santons and Ruxellensians have recourse by way of suite But afterward the Provinces of Armenium of Santome of Ruxelles and the greatest part of Cadurcium did withdraw themselves and came to the Parliament of Paris and Tolouse But when King Ludovick had granted Aquitania which was now circumscribed with new bounds to his Brother Charles to hold of him by Fealty the Parliament was translated to the Picts but after Charles his decease in the yeere 1472. and all Aquitaine returning to Ludovick it was brought back againe and not long after Charles the 8. by his Edict dared in the 〈…〉 it to consist of three Preâ—â—dents and â—â— Counsellors 〈…〉 in the yeere 1519. in the moneth of oâ— May added to the 〈◊〉 D. â—ie of new Counsellors to judge of criminall matters which they call â—ornell But when by sedition the Parliament in the yeere 1â—4â— was chaâ—gâ—d againe King Henry the 2. restored the former ample dignity of the Senate to Buâ—digala and received the Citizens iâ— to â—avour Here the Prefect of the Province of Aquiâ—aine hath his 〈◊〉 who is called the Marshall and also the Admirall There is also in the same City a Colledge of Qâ—estors or Auditors of accounts The govâ—rnment of the Common-wealth of Burdeaux as it is at this day began in the raigne of Henry King of England who in the yeere 117â— granted that the Citizens should freely decree a Prince of the Senate whom they call the Maior of the City but at first the Maiorâ— held thâ—ir office continually and â—id yeerely chuse a Substitute out of the sworne men whom in his absence was to be Governour of the Colledge of sworne men Henry the 2. did change this custome so that the Maiors office should not be perpetuall but for two yeeres After him the sworne men as they call them should succeede Who being fifty at the beginning were reduced to 24 and in the yeare 1378. they were contracted to 12. according to the number of the parts of the Citie But at last they came to be sixe and those to rule two yeares so that three were changed every yeare and they continued in their Mairoalty for two whole yeares To this Colledge of the Maior and the swornemen there were added 30. chosened Citizens to assist them in counsell above three hundred more were added if a matter of consequence were handled It hath a fruitfull Soile for Wines which is transported from thence into other parrs of Europe the praise whereof is celebrated by the ancients as also Pliny and Columâ—lla and it hath abundance of all other necessaries Besides it hath convenient Rivers the greatest whereof are Garumna and Dordona There are many Townes subject to Burdeaus as these neere to the Sea Esparâ—um or Caput S. Mariae in which place Ptolemy seateth Nevioparrum which is now not to be knowne also the Fane of Maâ—arium Laâ—mâ—nt Carbonaria also Liburrium which is a pretty small Towne sâ—arcâ—laâ— the mouth of Dâ—rdona and others But it is most famous because Iuâ—â—nius was borne here who celebrateth the praise of his Country in these verses My too long silence I doe now condemne That thee O Countrie fam'd for witty men And for thy pleasant Rivers and thy Wine And Senate art not here amongst the prime Mentiond by mee as if thou wert a small Citie and didst deserve no praise at all Burdigala is my native Country where The mild ayre makes the earth much fruite to beare The Spring is long the Winter short belowe The leavy Mountaines shadowed Rivers flowe Whose hasty course doe imitate the Seas Then the wayes within and houses you may please To admire and that the streetes doe still retaine Though they are large and broade their former name And yet through the Citie a fresh streame doth glide Which when the Ocean filleth with his tide You shall behold when as the Sea doth come How by the Ships which ride there it doth runne THE COVNTY OF PERTICA THE Country of Pertica confineth on the Carnutensians and dependeth also on their diocesse and hath beene a long time a famous County First it came by marriage to the familie of the Druides and afterward to the Alenconians For Robert a Frensh man Earle of the Druides marryed the widdow of Rotrocus Earle of Pertica who was slaine at the seige of the Castle of Rotomagum After him Robert Alenconius the sonne of Charles and brother to Phillip Valesius who died without issue being slaine in the Battell of Crâ—ssy in the yeare 1346. was Earle of Perâ—â—ca It is divided into two parts the lower which is called Peâ—â—tica Goveti is as it were inserted into Carnutum the head Towne whereof is Nogâ—ntum of Rotrocus which in the yeare 1428. was taken by the Earle rf Salisbury an Englsh man and all that were found in it were hangd But afterward in the yeare 1449. Charles the 7. recoverd it againe This Towne is called Nâ—gentum of Rotâ—oâ— from the Earle thereof above mentioned who marched in the yeare 1120. with his
with skinne and haire It hath feete like a Whelpe and it is as hairy as a Goate and it hath a hayrie skin full of black and white spots as Isodorus witnesseth Isidorus calleth the Sea Calfe Boâ—pin from the greatnesse of his eyes because they are like Oxe eyes Albertus writeth that he hath shining eyes Aristotle saith that he hath no eares but hollow holes to heare withall Pliny saith that it doth give suck to her young ones It is hard to be kill'd unlesse it be strooke on the temples of the Head For all the body of it is fleshy as Pliny and Aristotle doe write They breed on the Land and engender like Dogges It roareth aloud when it sleepeth and it sleepeth alwayes on the Land But the Sea which we come into after we have passed these Straites Magellan called the Pacifick Sea because hee had there for the most part a faire calme winde or else in regard of the vast spaciousnesse of the Sea hee was not troubled with any whirle windes now Mariners doe commonly call it Mar del Zur or the Southerne Sea This Sea albeit it were unknowne to the ancients yet it had a name for Pliny and Orosius call it the Orientall or Easterne Sea Ptolemy falsely calls it the great Bay when he should have call'd it rather the great Sea For it is the greatest Sea in the World Paulus Wenetus describeth it by the name of the Sea â—in and Haithomus Armenus whom Ortelius otherwheres calleth Antonius Curchinus calleth it the Sea Cathai And though ancient Writers doe name it yet it was not well knowne or discoverd before Ferdinand Magellan sayled thorow it Vascus Nunnius in the yeere 1513. had a view of it from the Coast of Peruvia But Magillan in the yeere of Christ 1520. having passed the Straites which we described before archieved an Herculean enterprize in discovering this Sea which whether any Ship had sayld on before it is uncertaine Those that have described the new World doe say that this Sea is deepest about the unfortunate Ilands which are now knowne by the name of Tuberones and St. Peters Ilands and that it hath Pearles on the Coast of Peruvia and that there are in it 7440. Ilands so that some doe not undeservedly call the Westerne part of it the Archipelagus because this is full of Ilands like the Aegean Sea which containe the Ciclades the Sporades and many other scattering Ilands and it is commonly call'd the Italian Archipelagus Francis Vlloa and Antonius Pigiafelta doe relate that there groweth in the Sea a certaine kinde of Hearbe which is 14. or 1â— Cabits high and that it groweth about the Sea 4. or 5. Cubits high so that it seemeth not to grow in the Sea but in a greene Meddow I with Ortelius doe suppose this to be that which Pliny and Antigonus doe mention out of Megasthenes namely that all the Easterne Ocean or Indian Sea is coverd with Woods And that place in Aristotle is agreeable hereunto who writeth that the Phoenicians who inhabited Gadyra when they had sayled beyond Hercules Pillars arrived at certaine Countries which were full of weedes and Reedes Polibius writeth that the Sea which washeth Portugall hath Oakes in it Adde to this that which Theophrastus hath 4. Histor Plantar Cap. 7.8 9. and that which Aelianus hath 13. Animal cap. 3. and Arrianus concerning the Indies also Strabo 16. and Plin. 11. cap. 103. and the same 6. cap. 22. 13. cap. 25. Plutarch in his naturall Questions and concerning the face of the Moone But of these things enough The Southerne people are of a lowe stature but the Northerne people are of a great large stature so that they are commonly 11. or 13. foote high they are of a white colour as our Northerne people but have such loude horrible voices so that it is more like the lowing of an Oxe or the braying of an Elephant than a humane sound And they are so agill and nimble that they will out-runne and overtake Deere so that they are hardly wounded with a Musket shot unlesse they goe in troopes together or at unawares And this is an Argument of their strength the one of them will take up an Hogshead of Wine and bring it a Ship-boord and 3. or foure will hale a Ship from the shoare which 30. of our men can hardly doe The cause of their whitenesse and largenesse of stature is attributed to the coldnesse and humidity or moistnesse of the Country because the Country being alwaies loaden with Snow maketh it continuall Winter It is a very barbarous and cruell Nation and hath no knowledge of humanity but are onely ledde by the instinct of nature like beasts to any object that is before them But the Southerne people are thought to be more inhumane who living under the Anâ—arrick Circle are voide of all humanity When they would shew a stranger some token of friendship or goodwill which they doe very seldome among their Songs and Dances they cast dust upon their Heads or if they see others doe it they esteeme it as a rare complement of friendship When they goe to Warre they chuse a Captaine unto whom they are all obedient the most of them are so cunning and skilfull in their Bowes that they will hit whatsoever they ayme at and when an Arrow sticketh in a Planck of a Ship it can hardly be pulled forth againe They have great Bowes and they make their Bowstrings of wilde beasts guts and as bigge as ones Thumb they are armed also with great woodden swords and they use the sling with which they will hit any thing they ayme at within their reach And thus they defend their liberty though to no purpose for no man will take the paines to goe unto those cold Countries and there to fight with these bloody Giants for no reward The Inhabitants doe clothe themselves with the skins of wilde beasts and Sea-wolves which they hunt every day There are also Estriches with whose feathers they adorne and deck themselves and they make holes thorow their faces in which they put a greene kinde of Marble they get their food and cloathing by hunting And they desire to take Sea-wolves not so much for their flesh as for their skinnes for they have found by often experience that their flesh is hard and unsavory There are also great store of Whales with the bones thereof they build them Cottages In the first entrance into the Magellan Sea there is a new Castle which Philip the second King of Spaine commanded to be built there for the defence of these â—traites in the yeere 1582. after that Francis Dâ—ake an English Knight having passed these Straites came into the Paciffick Sea and sayled even to Quivira to finde a passage by the Northerne Straites into England But the cold was so intolerable that when he came to 62. degrees of Altitude in the yeere 1581. on the Noâ—es of June he turn'd his course toward the Aequinoctiall and having spoiled Iava
And least they should place the foundation of so great a building upon unfirme ground they strewed it over with coales trodden downe and on it they laid fleeces of wooll The length of the Temple was 425. feet the breadth 220. The Pillars in it were an hundred and seaven and twenty all made by severall Kings of which 36. were carved Ctesiphon was the overseer of the worke There was also a Monument which Artemesia Queene of Caria did erect in memory of her deceased husband which is to bee counted among the wonders of the World it being 25. Cubits high and compassed about with thirty Pillars it was sixe and thirty foote wide Northward and Southward Lastly there was that magnificent Temple which Salomon began to build in the fourth yeare of his raigne not unfit to be reckoned with the seaven wonders of the World First of all thirty thousand men were set to cut trees as Cedars and Cypresse in Lebanon and there were fourescore thousand stone-cutters The bredth of the Temple was twenty Cubits the length sixtie and the height an hundred and twenty The matter of the nethermost building was of white stone the largenesse of the Porch was ten Cubits there were twenty secret chambers passing one into another and others placed under these The beames were of Cedar the roofes of Cedar guilded over and the walls in like manner The Sanctuary of the Holy place was distinguished from the body of the Temple with a wall in which were carved gates with drawing Curtaines enterwoven with many flowers and winding borders besides two Cherubins of pure gold the pavement under foot was beset with studdes of gold the gates were twenty Cubits in height and twelve in compasse There was a brazen vessell of so great a bignesse that it was fitly called the Sea round about which stood twelve Calves three together and looking severally toward the foure corners of the World This vessell did hold three thousand measures containing 72. Sextaries There were also other figures which it would be too long to rehearse There was a brazen Altar of ten foot height double as much in length Also one golden Table and ten thousand golden Pots and Dishes c. But let these things suffice which have beene spoken of this part of the Word I come now to America the fourth part of the World AMERICA WHen Christophorus Columbus had found out this fourth part of the World unknowne to the Ancients some call it India others for the largenesse of it Novus Orbis or the new World for it is as great and bigge as all our World that is Europe Africke and Asia being joyned together as it may appeare by viewing our generall Table It is called also America from Americus Vesputius a Florentine who next after Columbus discovered the Easterne part of the Southerne America in which are the Countries of Paria and Brasilia but it is uncertaine when America began first to be inhabited certaine it is that for many ages it lay unknowne AMERICA AMERICAE DESCRIP for that which some suppose concerning the Romans is more easily said then proved and that fiction is accurately refuted by Gasparus Varrerius Some suppose that Seneca by Poeticall inspiration did sing some raptures concerning it in his Medea but it is madnesse to suppose that these parts in that age were knowne either to him or any other Christophorus Columbus of Genoa after it had beene many ages unknown unto us did first finde it out being employed by the King of Castile after hee had learnt it out as some beleeve that would detract from the glory of so famous an enterprise from a certain Spanish Marriner who had long endured foule weather on the Atlanticke Sea it was performed in the yeare 1492. After him Americus Vesputius did attempt the same for the King of Portugall and brought backe the reward of his enterprise because as we said the whole Continent is called from his name America The whole Country from the North to the South is stretched out in the forme of two great Peninsulaes which are joyned together by a slender Isthmus the one of them is called Northerne America the other Southerne America The Longitude thereof is extended betweene the Meridionall degree 190 and the Meridionall degree 67. The terme of its Latitude towards the South is the Straits of Magellane that is under the degree 52. and towards the North it is not knowne higher then 67. It hath therefore on the East the Atlanticke Sea which they commonly call Del Nort on the South the Southerne Land of Magellane disjoyned from it by a narrow Sea flowing betweene on the West Mare Pacificum or the Peaceable Sea called Mare Del Zur and on the North it is doubtfull whether there bee Land or Sea The whole compasse in sayling round about it is about 32000 miles as the most approved thinke For it hath beene sayled round about except that Country which lyeth Northward whose coasts are not yet discovered The whole Country is changeable and full of varietie at first it wanted both Corne and Wine but instead thereof it bringeth forth Maiz. a kinde of pulse for so they call it as they call Wine Chichia boates Canoas their Princes Cacicos They do not plough the ground to reape but having digged trenches of a small depth they put three or foure granes in one of them and so cover them with earth The severall stalkes doe beare three or foure eares and every one of the eares doe beare three or foure hundred graines and more The stalke of Mayz doth exceed the height of a man and in some Countries it is gathered twice in a yeare They have also another kinde of bread beside that which they make of Maiz which they call Cazabi This is made of Iucca which is a roote of the bignesse of a Turnep which sendeth forth no seed but certaine knottie hard stalkes cloathed with greene leaves like Hempe Those stalkes when they are ripe they cut into peeces of two hands length which they bury in heapes under the earth and as oft as they would make that kinde of bread they digge up of them as much as they thinke good because they will soone be corrupted and grow naught Moreover there are two other kindes of rootes the one they call the Battata the other the Haia almost alike in shape but that the Haiae are lesse and more savory they eaâ—e the fruite of them within sixe Moneths after they are planted which though they have a kinde of sweet taste yet such as will soone cloy one beside they have but little juyce and doe procure winde in the stomacke Those Countries have also a great number of trees which doe bring forth wilde Grapes Their Grapes are like Sloes which grow upon thornes and bushes and are covered with blacke leaves but because they are more woody then juycie therefore the inhabitants doe not make wine of them There are
the Grammarian Crantzius Milius Ionius and Peucerus are of a contrary opinion unto them But of this enough I returne againe to Iseland It is situated not under the first Meridian as one hath noted but in the eigth Degree from thence The length of it is an hundred German miles as the common Writers have it and Ionas addeth to these foure and fortie The Latitude or breadth is sixe and fiftie German miles It hath an ungentle ayre and for the most part it is unhabited especially towards the North by reason of the vehement Westerne windes which will not suffer the shrubs as Olaus writeth to rise up The Land is unfit for tillage neither doth it beare any graine but all that have written of this Isle doe report that it hath such abundance of grasse that unlesse the Cattell were somtime driven from the pasture they would be in danger to die and be choak't with their owne fatnesse Ionas himselfe confesseth that they have no labouring beasts but Horses and Oxen and here all the Oxen and Kine have no hornes nor their Sheepe likewise They have little white Dogs which they very much esteeme They have abundance of white Faulcones and white Crowes which prey upon the young Lambes and Hogges Also there are white Beares and Hares Also as Islandus witnesseth there are Eagles with white traines which Pliny as he saith called Pygargos Velleius reporteth that this Island beareth no tree but the Birch and Iuniper trees so that there is great scarcitie of wood through the whole Island unlesse by chance which somtimes happens some great trees being rooted up by the violence of the winde are brought out of the Northerne parts and like wracks cast upon these moores which the Inhabitants use in building houses and ships It hath beene subject to the King of Norwey as Ionas reporteth from the yeare 1260. in which they first did homage to him In regard whereof the King of Denmarke and Norwey doth yearely send thither a Governour who keepes his residence in the Castle called Bestede whom they now obey as heretofore they did their Bishops by whom they were converted to the Christian Faith under the reigne of Edelbert In the time of Harald the Faire-haired the first Monarch of Norwey some thinke it began to be inhabited for when hee had expell'd a great company of Noble men out of Norwey they forsaking their owne Countrie came with their whole Families and dwelt here It is likely that these things happened a thousand yeares after Christ but as Islandus Ionas writeth about the yeare 874 who declareth the succession and names of these Bishops Crantzius nameth Islephus to be the first Bishop But it seemeth as we may collect out of the Eâ—logues of Nicolas Zenius that it was under the command of the Norwegians two hundred yeares before where we reade that Zichmus King of Frisland did attempt to get this Island by force of Armes but was repuls'd by the King of Norwey's Garrison Souldiers placed in this Island The whole Island is divided into foure parts The Easterne part they call Ausilendingasiordung the Westerne Westlendingasiordung the Northerne Nortendingasiordung the Southerne Suydlendingasiordung They have no Cities but Mountaines in stead thereof Here is a Fountaine the exhalations whereof will change any thing into stone and yet the shape thereof shall still remaine And there is a Fountaine of pestilent water which will poyson any one that tastes of it There is water that tastes like beere The Northerne Ocean in which this Island is situate doth afford such great plenty of fish and is so commodious to the Common-wealth of Iseland that all the Inhabitants doe live and maintaine their Families by it I should want time to reckon up the severall kindes of Fish that are in the Sea yet it will not be amisse to remember some of the rarest Among which there is a kind of Fish called Nahual whereof if any one eate he dieth presently and he hath a tooth in the innermost part of his head which standeth forth 7 cubits in length which some have sold for an Vnicornes horne and it is beleev'd to have a great vertue against poyson This Monster is fortie yards long The Royder is an hundred and thirty Elles long and hath no teeth his flesh is most sweet and pleasant in eating and his fat doth heale many diseases There is the Brittish Whale which is thirty Elles long having no teeth but a tongue seven Elles in length And there is a kinde of a great Whale which is seldome seene being rather like an Island it selfe than a Fish In regard of the hugenesse of his body hee cannot follow the lesser fishes yet hee takes them by cunning and craftinesse There is also an other Fish called Stantus Valur all grisly and something like a Thornback but much greater when he appeareth he seemes like an Island and overturneth Ships with his Fins There are also Sea-Oxen called Seenaut of a grisly colour and divers other fishes I come now to the Mountaines In Iseland saith Georgius Agricola there are three very high Mountaines whose tops are alwayes white with continuall Snow the bottomes doe burne with continuall Fire The first is called Hecla or Hecklfort the second the Mountaine of the Crosse and the third Helga that is the holy Mountaine Not farre from Hecla there are Mynes of Brimstone which is the onely commodity of traffique that belongs to the Inhabitants of Iseland For Merchants doe fraight and loade their ships with it The Mountaine when it rageth doth send forth a ISELAND ISLAND noise like thunder casteth forth great stones vomiteth out Brimstone and sils all the ground with ashes round about it so that the Countrie cannot be inhabited for two entire miles round about it They which draw neere to this Mountaine to consider and view more curiously the causes why it burnes are somtime swallowed up alive by some hidden breach in the Mountaine for there are many and those covered so with ashes that no man can beware of them therefore they call this place Carcer sordidarum animarum the prison-house of uncleane soules Besides it happeneth that the yee being loosed doth in great peeces for 8 moneths together beat against the shore and maketh such an horrible sound that the Inhabitants say it is the crying and howling of those soules There is an other Mountaine of the same nature called Helga this Mountaine in the yeare 1581 as Ionas witnesseth did cast forth fire and stones with such a thundering noise that foure score miles from thence they thought some great pieces of Ordnance had beene shot off In one part hereof strange Spirits are seene in the liknesse of men so that those who doe not know them to bee dead before would thinke they were alive nor doe they finde their errour before the ghosts doe vanish away But these things Ionas thinkes are fabulous or else the delusions of the Devill Crantzius and Olaus
cornerd and it runneth forth into three severall Angles The first Promontorie towards the West the Englishmen doe call the Cape of Cornewall The second in Kent which looketh towards the East the English call it North-forland The third is Orcas or Tarvisium which lyeth farre North the Scots call it Dâ—ngisbehead Livius and Fabius Rusticus have likened it to a Cheesell On the West side whereon Ireland lyeth the Vergivian Sea breaketh in on the North it is beaten with the wide and great Northerne Ocean on the East where it lyeth against Germany with the Germane Sea on the South where it butteth upon France it is beaten with the Brittish Sea Diodorus in his sixt booke writeth that the compasse of it is two and forty thousand furlongs Martian saith that Brittaine is eight hundred miles long and three hundred broad and in compasse 6000. miles The learned and accurate Writer Camden doth thus account it from the Promontorie Tarvisium to Belerium following the winding of the shoare is eight hundred and twelve miles from thence to Kent 320. miles Lastly from Kent to Tarvisium seaven hundred and foure miles the whole summe is 1836. miles This Iland formerly was divided into two parts as Ptolomie witnesseth in his second Booke where he parts the whole Iland into Great Brittaine and Little Brittaine The Great he calls the Hither part towards the South the Lesser the Farther toward the North. But the Romans neglecting the farther part because as Appian saith it could not be commodious to them the hither part being reduced into a Province they at first divided into the Lower and Higher as it is gathered out of Dion For the hither part of England with Wales he calleth the Higher the farther and Northerne he calleth the Lower Afterward they divided it into three parts as appeares by Sextus Rufus into Maxima Caesariensis Brittania Prima and Brittania Secunda Afterward when the forme of the Common-wealth was daily changed they divided Brittaine in five parts the First Second Maxima Caesariensis Valentia and Flavia Caesariensis And these were divisions of Brittaine when it was under the Romans Some have written that the whole Iland was heretofore divided into three parts Leogria Cambria and Albania but Camden beleeveth that this was a later division which seemeth to arise from those three People the Englishmen Welch and Scots who last of all divided this Iland among themselves Afterward the Iland was divided into two Kingdomes namely England and Scotland but at last under the happy raigne of Iames the sixt King of Scotland these two Kingdomes were united and the whole Iland called Great Brittaine Brittaine as we said before is every where environed with the great and wide Ocean which S. Basil saith is a great Sea and very terrible for those that sayle on it Now it floweth farre into the Land and then it returneth backe againe and leaveth the Sands naked it feeleth the efficacy of the encreasing Moone very powerfully and doth flow in with so great a force that it doth not only drive backe Rivers but it sometimes sweepes off cattle from the Land casts forth the fishes on the shoare and at the ebbe leaveth them there In a word so great a matter it was held to sayle upon this Sea that Iulius Firmicus in his Booke concerning the errours of prophane Religions cryeth out thus to Constantine the Emperour In Winter which was never heretofore done nor shall bee done you have passed over the swelling raging waters of the Brittish Ocean the waves of a Sea almost unknowne to us have trembled under our Oares and the Brittaines have beene afraid at the unlookt-for presence of the Emperour What would you more The Elements themselves were conquered by your valour It doth not belong unto us to speake here of the commodities which this Sea yeeldeth of the time when it cherishes the Earth of the vapours with which it nourishes the Aire and bedewes the fields of the divers kindes of Fish as Salmons Playces Crabfishes Codfishes Herrings c. of which it bringeth forth infinite numbers Yet the Pearles are not to bee passed over in silence which in a round shape doe swimme in great shoales as it were following one Leader like Bees so that Iubas calleth it the Sea of Bees and also Marcellus makes mention of it Suetonius doth report that Caesar did first attempt Brittaine in hope of getting these Pearles and so much concerning Albion or England now let us passe over to the rost Among all of them Ireland doth farre excell of which wee will speake nothing here intending to speake of it in particular Tables The Orcades doe follow now called the Iles of Orkney which are about thirty in number and doe lie a little way distant one from another which a certaine ancient record doth so call as if it were Argath which is there expounded as much as supra Getas above the Getes Camden would rather have it above Cath for it lyeth over against Cath a Country of Scotland which in regard of the Promontorie they now call Cathnesse whose Inhabitants Ptolomy though wrongfully doth call Carini instead of Cathini In the time of Solinus they were not inhabited being overgrowne with Reedes and Bullrushes but now they are tilled and bring forth Barley enough though they want both wheat and trees there is no Serpent or poysonous Creature in them They have great numbers of living Creatures in them as Hares Cunnies Cranes and many Swans There is good fishing in them of which the inhabitants make great profit Iulius Agricola first sayling in a Shippe round about Brittaine did finde out and conquer the Orcades at that time unknowne and therefore it is unlikely that Claudius did first overcome them as Hierom affirmeth in his Chronicle Afterward when the Romans were Commanders over Brittaine they were the seats of the Picts and after that they came under the power of the Norwegians and Danes whence the Inhabitants doe speake the Gothicke tongue Last of all Christiernus King of Denmarke in consideration of a summe of money in the yeare 1474. did passe over all his right unto the King of Scotland The chiefe of these is Pomonia famous in regard it is the seate of a Bishop which was called by Solinus for the continuall length of the day Pomona diutina now it is called by the Inhabitants Mainland as if it were a Continent It hath abundance of Tinne and Lead and is adorned with a Bishops See in the Towne Kirkwale and with two Castles Among these Ptolomie also reckoneth Ocetis which Camden supposes should now be called Hethy And saith the same Camden I am not yet resolved whether I should call Hey which is among these Plinies Dumna If it bee not so I had rather thinke Faire I le which hath onely one Towne called Dume to bee that Dumna than with Becanus to thinke that it is Wardhuys in Lappland Iohn Major doth also call one of these
and Vicountships of Scotland the Dukedome of Rotsay and Albania and the Dukedome of Lennox the Countie of Carnes Sutherlant Rosse Murray Buchquhan Garmach Garmoran Mar Mernis Angus Gowry Frisse Marche Athole Stratherne Menteith Wagion Douglasse Carrike Crawford Annandale Ourmonth and Huntley The Vicountships are Berwich alias North-Berwyk Roxburgh Selkirk Twedale Dunfrise Niddisdale Wigton Are Lanarke Dunbretton Sterueling Louthean Lauden Clacmanan Kiuros Fisse Perth Angus Mernis Aberdone Bamph Fores and Inuernes There are the Universities of Saint Andrew and Aberdone the later was adorned with many priviledges by King Alexander and his Sister Isabel about the yeare 1240. The former was begun to be established under King Iames in the yeare 1411. To which is added the University of Glasgo founded by Bishop Turnbul anno 1554 and Edenburgh The disposition of the Scots is lively stirring fierie hot and very capable of wisdome THE SECOND TABLE OF SCOTLAND I Have ended that which I purposed to speake of Scotland in generall our method requireth that we should run through the parts of it in speciall Scotland is divided by the Mountaine Grampius cutting it in the midst into the Southerne or Higher part and into the Northerne or Lower part It is divided from England by the River Tweede by the high Mountaine Cheviota and where the Mountaine faileth by a trench made not long agoe and lastly by the Rivers Eske and Solway Beyond these bounds the Countries even from the Scottish Sea to the Irish doe lie in this manner The first is Marcia Merchia or March so called because it is the limits and lies on the Marches of Scotland this reacheth to the left side of Tweede on the East it is bounded with the Forth Aestuarium and on the South with England In March is the Towne of Berwyke Borwick or Borcovicum which the English hold Here is also the Castle of Hume the ancient possession of the Lords of Hume who being descended from the Earles of March became at last a great and renowned Familie Neare to this Castle lyeth Kelso famous by a certaine Monasterie and the ancient habitation of the Hepburni who a long time by Hereditary right were Earles of Bothwell and Admiralls of Scotland which honours by the Sister of Iames Earle of Bothwell married to Iohn the lawfull Sonne of King Iames the fift did descend to Francis his Son From thence we may see Coldingham or Childingham which Beda calls the Citie Coldana and Vrbs Coludi and Ptolemie perchance calls Colania On the West side of March on either side of Tweede is Tifedale being so called from the River Tyfie It is divided from England by the Mountaine Cheviota After this are three small Countries Lidesdale Eusedale and Eskedale so named from three Rivers of like name Lide Eue and Eske The last is Annandale which is so called from the River of Annan dividing it in the midst which runnes along by Solway into the Irish Sea Now that wee may returne againe to the Forth or Scottish Fyrth it doth bound Lothiana or Lauden on the East side the Cochurmian Woods and the Lamirian Mountaines doe seperate it from Marcia And then a little toward the West it toucheth upon Lauderia Twedia the one so called froÌ„ the Town Laudera the other froÌ„ the River Tweede cutting through the middle of that Country On the South and West Lidesdale Nithesdale and Clidesdall doe touch upon Tweede the name of Nithesdale was given unto it from the River Nyth called by Ptolemie Nobios which glideth through it into the Irish Sea Lothiaria was so called from Lothius King of the Scots On the East side it is bounded with the Forth or Scottish Sea and on the West it looketh toward the Vale of Clide This Country both for curtesie and plenty of all things necessary for mans life doth farre excell the rest It is watered with five Rivers Tiâ—â— both the Eskes who before they fall into the Sea doe joyne together in one channell Letha and Almone These rising partly out of the Lamirian Mountaines partly out of the Pictland Mountaines doe runne into the Forth It hath these Townes Dunbarr Hadinia commonly called Hadington Dalneth Edenburrough Leth and Lemnuch Somewhat more towards the West lyeth Clydesdale on either side of the River Clide or Glotta which in regard of the length is divided into two Provinces In the former Province is a hill not very high from whence three Rivers doe discharge themselves into three divers Seas Tweede into the Scotch Sea Annand into the Irish and Clide into the Deucalidon Sea The chiefest Cities in it are Lanarick and Glasco The latter the River Coila or Coyil runneth by on the West beyond Coila is Gallovidia or Galloway It is seperated from Nithesdale with the River Claudanus almost enclining toward the South whose bankes doe hemme in the other side of Scotland The whole Country is more fruitfull in Cattle then in Corne. It hath many Rivers which runne into the Irish Sea as Vrus Dee Kennus Cray and Lowys It is no where raised into Mountaines but yet it swells with little Hills Among which the water setling doth make innumerable Lakes which by the first raine which falls before the Autumnall Aequinox doe make the Rivers rise whence there commeth downe an incredible multitude of Eeles which the Inhabitants having tooke up with wickar-weeles doe salt up and make a great commoditie of In this Country is the Lake of Myrton part of whose Waters doe congeale in Winter the other is never frozen The farthest part on this side is the Promontorie Novantum under which in the mouth of the River Lowys is the Bay which Ptolemy calls Regrionius On the other side there flowes into it the Bay of Glotta commonly called the Lake Rian which Ptolemy calls Vidogara That Land which runneth betweene these two Bayes the Inhabitants call Rine that is the Eye of Galloway they call it also the Mule of Galloway or the Mules nocke The whole Country is called Galloway or Gallovid which in the language of the Ancient Scots signifies a French-man Beneath Vidogara on the backside of Galloway Caricta gently bendeth toward the estuarie of Glotta Two Rivers doe cut through it one called Stinsianus and the other Grevanus on both of which many pleasant Townes are seated Between the Rivers in those places where it swells into little hills it is fruitfull in pasturage and hath some Corne. The whole Country hath not onely a sufficiency of all things for the maintenance of men both by Sea and Land but also doth furnish the neighbour Countries with many commodities The River Dun doth seperate it from Coila arising out of a Lake of the same name which hath an Island in it with a small Castle There are in the Countrie of Caricta very exceeding great Oxen whose flesh is tender and sweet in taste and whose fat being once melted never hardneth againe but alwayes runneth abroad
Hils on which flocks of sheep doe graze which are esteemed not onely for their flesh which is very sweete and pleasant but also for the finenesse of their wooll and these flocks of sheepe doe prosper and increase through the wholsomnesse of the Ayre and goodnesse of the Soyle as also by reason of the scarcitie of trees on the Hils and the freenesse of the whole Countrie from Wolves This Countrie aboundeth with all kinde of Cattell living Creatures except Asses Mules Camels Elephants and a few other There are no where better or fiercer Mastiffes no where greater store of Crowes or greater plenty of Kites that prey upon young Chickens than here The Romans did command the better part of Brittaine almost five hundred yeares namely from the time of Caius Iulius Caesar to the time of Theodosius the younger when the Legions and Garrisons of Rome being called to defend France they left the Isle of Brittaine whereby it came to passe that the Southerne parts thereof were invaded by the Picts and Scots whose violence when the Brittaines could no longer sustaine they called the Saxones out of Germanie men accustomed to warre for their Ayde These Saxons assisted them in the beginning but afterward being allured with the temperature of the Ayre or perswaded by the friendship and familiarity of the Picts or stirred up by their owne treacherous mindes they made a league with the Picts against the Brittaines and having driven out their Hosts they themselves possessed their places England containeth many Cities and faire Townes among which the chiefe are London Yorke Canterbury Bristoll Glocester Shrewsbury Winchester Bathe Cambridge Oxford Norwich Sandwich with many other which wee will delineate in our particular Descriptions The chiefe Rivers are Thames Humber Trent Ouse and Severne of which in their places The Ocean which washeth this Isle doth abound with plenty of all kindes of Fish among which is the Pike which with the Inhabitants is in great esteem so that some times they take him out of moorish Lakes into fish-ponds where after hee hath scoured himselfe being fed with Eeles and little fishes hee growes wonderfull fat Moreover there are no where more delicate Oysters or greater plenty of them than heere The especiall Havens of England are these first Davernas commonly called Dover which is the farthest part of the Countie of Kent it is fortified with a Castle seated on a Hill and well furnished with all kinde of Armour secondly Muntsbay of a great breadth in Cornewall where there is a safe harbour for ships There is also Volemouth or Falemouth Torbay South-hampton and many others The King of England hath supreame power and acknowledgeth no superiour but God his Subjects are either the Laiety or the Clergie the Laiety are either Nobles or Commons The Nobles are either of the greater ranke as Dukes Marquesses Earles Vicounts Barons and Bannerets who have these Titles by inheritance or else are conferr'd upon them by the King for their vertues The lesser Nobles are Baronets Knights Esquires and those which commonly are called Gentlemen the Gentlemen are those who are honoured by their birth or those whose vertue or fortune doe lift them up and distinguish them from the meaner sort of men The Citizens or Burgesses are those who in their severall Cities doe beare publick Offices and have their places in the Parliaments of England The Yeomen are those whom the Law calleth legall men and doe receive out of the Lands which they hold at the least forty shillings yearely The Tradesmen ENGLAND ANGLIA are those who worke for wages or hire All England is divided into nine and thirty Shires and these Shires are divided into Hundreds and Tithings In each of these Counties is one man placed called the Kings Praefect or Lievtenant whose office is to take care for the security of the Common-wealth in times of danger and every yeare there is one chosen whom they call the Sheriffe that is the Provost of the Shire who may bee rightly called the Questor of the Countie or Province For it is his office to collect publick money to distraine for trespasses and to bring the money into the Exchequer to assist the Judges to execute their commands to empannell the Jurie who are to enquire concerning matters of fact bring in their verdict to the Judges for the Judges in England are Judges of the Right not of the Fact to bring the condemned to execution to decide of thēselves small controversies But in great matters those Judges do administer right whom they call Itinerarie Judges Judges of Assise who twice every year do visite most of these Shires to determine and end matters of difference and also to give judgement upon Prisoners For asmuch as concernes Ecclesiasticall Jurisdiction England hath now two Provinces and also two Archbishops the Archb. of Canterbury Primate of all England and the Archb. of Yorke Under these are seven and twenty Bishops two twenty under Canterbury and the other five under Yorke The Tribunals or Courts of Justice in England are of three sorts for some are Spirituall some Temporall and one mixt which they call the Parliament consisting of the three Orders of England and it representeth the body of the whole Kingdome This Parliament the King cals and appoints according to his pleasure Hee hath the chiefe authority in making confirming abrogating and interpreting of Lawes and in all things that belong to the good of the Common-wealth The temporall Courts are two-fold namely of Law and of equity The Courts of Law are the Kings Bench the Starre-Chamber the Common Pleas the Exchequer the Court of Wards and Liveries the Court of the Admiraltie and Assises wee omit others which are obscure The Kings Bench is so called because the King is wont to sit in it and it handleth Pleas of the Crowne The Starre-Chamber or rather the Court of the Kings Counsell is that in which criminall matters are handled as perjuries impostures deceits and the like The Common Pleas is so called because common pleas are tried there betweene the Subjects by the Law of England which they call the Common Law The Exchequer deriveth its name from a foure square Table covered with a Chequer-Cloth at which the Barons sit in it all causes are heard which belong to the Exchequer The Court of Wards hath his name from Wards whose causes it handleth The Admirals Court handleth Sea-matters Those which wee call the Assises are held twice in a yeare in most Shires in which two Judges of Assise appointed for it with the Justices of peace doe enquire and determine of civill and criminall matters The Courts of Equity are the Chancerie the Court of Requests and the Councell in the Marshes of Wales The Chancerie draweth its name from the Chancellour who sitteth there This Court gives judgement according to equitie and the extreame rigour of the Law is thereby tempered The Court of Requests heareth the causes
on the West the Sea on the East Sweth-land and it is bounded on the North with Lapland from which it is parted with high and rugged Mountaines covered over with continuall snow All the Countrie toward the West is unpassable by reason of rocks and sharpe cliffes and it is also stony toward the South especially in that part which lyeth against the Cimbrick Chersonesus from whence it is 250 miles distant But all the Countrie both toward the West and South hath a gentle Ayre for the Sea is not frozen neither doe the Snowes lye long And though the Countrie it selfe bee not so fertile that it is able to furnish the Inhabitants with foode yet it aboundeth with cattell and wilde beasts as white Beares of an unusuall bignesse Beavers and innumerable other Norwey was somtime a very flourishing Kingdome under the jurisdiction whereof were Denmarke and the Isles of the Sea untill it came to be govern'd by hereditarie succession Afterward in the Interregnum it was agreed upon by the consent of the Nobles that the Kings should bee chosen by election From Suthdager the second to Christierne the last there were 45 Kings Now it is under the command of Denmarke There are at this time in it five royall Castles and so many speciall Provinces whereof the first and farthest toward the South is Bahusia or Bay The Townes subject unto it are Marstand seated on a rocky Peninsula and famous for herring-fishing and the Townes of lesser note are Koengeef or Congel neere Bahus and Oddewold otherwise called Odwad The second Castle is Aggerhusia out of the Province whereof high Masts of ships oaken and maple plankes and wood fit for building houses is yearely carried into Spaine and other Countries The Townes subject unto it are Astoia the Seat of a Bishop to which strangers doe chiefly resort because there is held the Court whither causes are brought for triall out of all parts of Norwey Also Tonsberg or Konningsberg Fridrichstad Saltzburgh and Schin or Schon where there are Mynes of Coppresse and Iron also Hammaria the Greater and the Lesser heretofore being Bishopricks but now committed to the care of the Asloian Bishop and divided by the Bay of Mosian gliding betweene them The third is the Castle Bergerhusia under which are the Cities of Bergen or Berga and Staffanger But Berga is the most famous Citie of all Norwey for traffique and as it were the Barne thereof heere resideth the Kings Lievtenant and a Bishop and heere that delicate fish is sold which being taken neere the shore of Norwey is called the fish of Bergen being transported from hence by Merchants into divers Countries Heere lye the Factors of the Vandals the Sea Townes who continuing heere all the yeare for traffique sake doe take up one part of the Citie which the Inhabitants call the Bridge Heere is also an excellent and safe Haven The Citie Staffanger although it have the same Governour with Bergen yet it hath a Bishop peculiar to it selfe and living therein The fourth Castle is Nidrosia called so from the River Nideros Rosa which is the name of a Temple commonly called Trundtheim and heretofore Trondon it is the Metropolis of all Norwey and now reduced into the forme of a Towne It was the chiefe seat heretofore of the Archbishop and of the whole Kingdome It hath a large Jurisdiction in which much fish and pretious skins are gotten and afterward carried to Bergen to be sold And heere is at this day a Cathedrall Church and such a one as there is scarce an other like it in the Christian world both for the largenesse of the stones and for the carved worke The Border and ground-worke about the Altar in this Church was burnt with fire in the yeare 1530 and the losse redounding thereby was valued at seven thousand Crownes The fifth and last Towre toward the North of Norwey is Wardbuise standing on the little Island Ward it is now very small and almost decayed having neither castle nor munition yet hath it a little Towne adjoyning unto it which consists all of fisher-mens houses In this Towre or rather Cottage the Kings Praefect liveth in Summer and governeth this cold Northerne part of Norwey even to the borders of Russia Moreover the Westerne shore of Norwey because it is of an unsearchable depth in the Spring time is much troubled with Whales to prevent whose violence the ship-men use a kinde of Oyle made of Beavers stone which is a present remedie for assoone as it is cast into the Sea and mingled with the water straight-way that great Sea-monster maketh away and hideth himselfe in the deepe Heere is good fishing in the neighbouring seas especially of Stock-fish which being dried and hardened in the cold and hung up upon poles they send into other Kingdomes of Europe The best taking of them is in the Moneth of Ianuary for as then in regard of the cold they are more easily dried so the sea doth yeeld more plenty of them and fatter The commodities of this countrie in generall are pretious Skins Tallow Butter Hides the fat of Whales Tarre Oake timber Masts and Planks and Boards of all sort to the great commoditie of those who sell them The Inhabitants are honest loving and hospitable to strangers neither NORWEY AND SWETHLAND SVECIA ET Norwegia etc have they robbers theeves or Pirates among them The Kingdome of Swethland is an ancient Kingdome as Pliny witnesseth It hath on the West Norwey on the North Lapland and Botnia on the East â—â—â—land seperated from it by the Botnian Bay or Finnish Sea Lâ—â—onia 〈◊〉 Lâ—sland disjoyned from it by the Baltick Sea called by Taâ—â—â—us Marâ— pâ—grum by the Sucâ—ians Mare Suâ—vicum and on the South Gothia It is a comâ—â—â— the most fruitfull of all the North parts it hath a plentifull soyle and seas lakes and rivers abounding with fish of divers â—â—ndes it hath also Mettals as Lead Iron Brasse and Silver which is digged up in very pâ—â—e oaâ—e neere Slâ—burg and likewise woods full of wilde beasts and honey It is thought that it doth doubly exceede Norwey both in largenesse fruitfulnesse and goodnesse of soyle yet in some places it is â—ugged and moorish This Countrie being for some ages valiantly and happily defended enlarged by the native Kings thereof afterward came to the Kings of Denmarke and having beene subject to them more than an hundred yeares at last did shake them off under colour that the Lawes wh\ich they were sworne unto at their Coronation were not observ'd and hence it stood a while in a very uncertaine condition But now it is returned againe to the natives out of which it chooseth it selfe a King There are divers Provinces of this â—ingdome some belonging to the Gothes as Ostgothia whereof Lincop is the Metropolis Westgothia seperated with an ancient Lake from Ostgothia whereof Scara is the Bishops seate Also Southerne Gothia or Sâ—â—alandia
of a Kingdome in Italie the Normans seating themselves in France the erecting of the Kingdome of Naples and Sicilie and the attempt of Godfride upon Freseland against Charles the Great Canutus the Great his holding five Kingdomes a long time For he was King of Denmarke Swethland Norwey England and Normandy and sonne in law to Henry the third Emperour of whom these verses are yet extant Desine mirari quos garrula laudibus effert Graecia quos jactat Roma superba duces c. Cease thou to wonder at those Captaines bold Of which both Greece and Rome did boast of old For now the Danish Land hath brought forth one That is in vertue second unto none By my atchievements I much fame attain'd Five Kingdomes subject were to my command And me he chose his sonne in Law to be Who was third Emperour of Germanie My Iustice famous was I shew'd the way How powerfull Kings should their owne Lawes obey By which it appeares as also by the following warres which divers Kings of the Familie of the Oldenburgs happily waged that it is a warlike Nation and fortunate in vanquishing their enemies both by Land and Sea The Noble men and Senatours of the Kingdome have a free power to elect the Kings but for the most part they chuse the Kings eldest sonne unlesse there be some sufficient cause for the contrary However they alwayes chuse one of the Royall bloud and they doe not suffer the Kingdome to be divided unlesse they be compelled thereunto by civill warres They send the younger sonnes or brothers into other Countries seeing they cannot participate in the government of the Kingdome and hence it is that so many expeditions are undertaken by them Moreover seeing all the Nobles and Common-people cannot live conveniently in their owne Countrie therefore they seeke out to get themselves a more fit seate For the Northerne people have abundance of children in regard of their abundance of bloud and heate they are quarrellers and fighters they drinke and eate much for the cold Ayre excites their appetite and yet digest it well whence it is that they live long they are faire complexioned of great stature crafty and faithfull And an argument that they are long liv'd is that their Kings have raigned very long many of them thirty yeares some forty and some longer The Politicall government THere are five States or Orders in the Common-wealth of Denmarke The first is of the Kings Familie the second of the Nobles among which there are neither Earles nor Barons yet all of them can shew how their Nobilitie descended to them by a long pedigree of Ancestours They carry Bucklers which they will not change nor alter because they anciently used them There are some Families yet living whose Ancestors were present at the Parley between Charles the Great Hemmingus King of Denmarke upon the River Egidora or Eider as the Familie of Vren and others These hold their goods and lands in Capite and they have free liberty to hawke and hunt in their owne lands as the Counts have in Germany Their goods are not feudatory but hereditary All the Castles lands and goods as well moveable as immoveable left them by their parents are equally divided among the brethren and the sisters by a speciall priviledge have a share also yet so that the brother hath two parts with the Castles and places of strength and the sister but one By this meanes the eldest sonnes have not much lands yet some of them comming of a good Familie and being endued with vertue through the Kings favour doe advance themselves to great possessions by marriage Out of this order the Senatours of the Kingdome are chosen who are seldome more then 28. These Senatours have a certain allowance from the King and Kingdome for they have Castles so long as they bee Senatours for which they pay no rent to the King but are charged to keepe certaine horses both in peace and warre and whensoever the King calls them they are to be ready at the proper charge of the Kingdome If they be sent on any Embassage out of the Kingdome they have allowance out of the Exchequer that they may performe their journey in a Princely manner as becommeth a Kings Embassadours The other Nobles also have sufficient maintenance from the King whether they live at Court or not For the King hath lands which in the Danish speech are called Verleghninge or Benefices and out of these hee giveth maintenance either for terme of life or for yeares to those who have done him or the Kingdome any service And those who hold these Benefices of the King are charged to keepe certaine horses and to pay yearely a certaine summe of money into the Exchequer yet so as they may gaine something in reward of their labour and service There is also a good Law Institution in the Kingdome of Denmarke whereby the King is prohibited and restrained from buying any immoveable goods of the Nobles least any dissention should arise betweene the King and them For otherwise the King might by violence take into his hands those lands which the Nobles would not sell yet the King may change any immoveable goods with the Nobles though on the contrary the Nobles cannot buy any of them of the Kings Farmers many of which have hereditarie and as it were free lands Here followes the names of the speciall Families of the Nobility in the Kingdome of DENMARKE THe Lords of Kaas the L. Guldensteen the Lords of Munc of Rosencrantz of Grubbe of VValkendorp of Brahe of Schram of Pasberg of Hardenberg of Vlstant of Bing of Below of VVepfert of Goce of Schefeldt of Ranzow of Schelen of Frese of Iul of Bilde of Dresselberg of Green of Brockenhusen of Holke of Trolle of Knutzen of Biorn Schested of Iensen of Steuge of Mattiesse of Lunge of Banner of Luc of Rastorp of Krusen of Fassi of Lindeman of Suvon of Stantbeke of Quitrowe of Lange of Gelschut of Glambeke of Krabbe of Marizer of Kragge of Achsel of Beâ— of Ruthede of Negel of VVirfelt of Split of Ofren of Appelgard of Iuenam of Poldessen of Reuter of Podebussen who were all in times past Barons in the Dukedome of Pomerania and some of whose Familie are still remaining there Also the Lords of Vren who lived in the time of Charles the great Also the Lords of Bliâ— of Galle of VVogersen of Bassi of Solle of Daac of Bax of Basclich of VVensterman of Hoken of Lindow of Bille of Reutem of Hundertmarâ— of Heiderstorper of VVolde of Papenhaimb of Spar of Falster of Narbu of VVorm of Bilde of Bocholt of Budde of Swaben of Santbarch of Gram of Lutken of Vhrup of Spegel of Bammelberg of Rosenspart of Duve of Hube of Schaungard of Must of Gris of Falcke of Brune of Laxman of Duram of Baggen of Norman of Goss of Matre of Rosengard of Tollen of Ronnoun of Krimpen Out of this Nobilitie is chosen the Praefect
or Master of the Court which is such an office as the Governour of the Kings House in France Hee dwelleth for the most part at Haffnia being as it were the Kings Substitute and doth dispatch matters as hee is directed by the King Next to him is the Marshall which in the time of warre and peace doth provide those things which appertaine to expedition In the third place is the Admirall which doth build new ships repaire the old and every year order the seaâ—matters for the securing of the coasts He hath under him an other Admirall appointed and in every ship a Captaine who must bee borne a Gentleman There is also the Chancellour of the Kingdome to whom out of all the Provinces and Isles they appeale and make suite unto and from whom appeale is also made to the King and the Senate of the Kingdome All the Provinces are divided into Haeret as they call them or into Dioceses under which are many Parishes heere if there be any controversies matters are first tried And from hence they appeale to the Judge of the Haeret. Afterward to the Chancellour and last of all to the King and Senatours where it hath a determinate and finall Judgement They have a written Law composed by Woldemare the first together with the Bishops and Senators which is very agreeable to the law of Nature and not much differing from the Roman Lawes and that causes and suites may sooner have an end and judgement be given and put in execution It is provided that Judges if they doe any wrong or give false judgement are condemned to lose halfe their goods whereof the King hath the one part and the injured partie the other Woldemare the first except I be deceiv'd added the Bishops to the Senators whom Christianus the third for rebellion and certaine other causes did put out againe The Kings Chancellour who for the most part followeth the King in the Court hath seven or eight Noble men adjoyned unto him as Assistants besides Secretaries and Clerkes and all businesses are dispatch'd by the King himselfe But if it be some matter of consequence as concerning peace or warre entring into league with forraine Nations or into consultation concerning the defending of their owne Territories then the King calleth a Councell of Senators Neither can the King impose any taxe upon the Kingdome or Countrie without their consent and the consent of the Nobles There is also in this Kingdome a Master of the Exchequer who collecteth and gathereth all the Revenues of the whole Kingdome both of Castles Farmes and Customes as well by Sea as by Land Hee taketh account of them enquireth into them and giveth acquittances for the receit of them Hee hath two Assistants of the Nobilitie and many Clerkes under him and for his office hath a yearely stipend or pension The third State is of the Clergie in which there are seven Bishops as the Bishop of Lunden the Bishop of Roâ—schild the Bishop of Otthon of Rip of Wiburg of Arhuse and the Bishop of Sleswich to whom the other Canonicall persons have relation These have the Tenths of the Kingdome which in divers Countries are divided in a divers manner for the Bishops have an halfe part of the Tenths and the King an halfe part the Canonists and Preachers have a part and a part is contributed toward the building and repairing of Churches And as concerning the Popes authoritie in this Kingdome as also in France the ordination of Prelates and Bishops have beene alwayes in the Kings power as may appeare by the answer of Woldemare the first King of Denmarke which heere I have annexed When the Pope required these and the like priviledges from the King it is reported that the King writ back unto him Wee have our Kingdome from our Subjects our life from our Parents our Reliligion from the Romish Church which if you will take from us I send it you by these presents And as the wise Decree of Charles the fifth is praised prohibiting Ecclesiasticall persons from buying any immoveable thing without the consent of the King so Christian the third as wisely did ordaine that the Clergie should not sell any thing without the Kings expresse commandement In other matters the Clergie-men through the whole kingdome are well provided for by Christian the third of famous memorie and many Schooles erected in many places as also two in Iseland where they have likewise a Printing-House There is but one Universitie in the whole kingdome called the Universitie of Haffen or Hafnia founded by Christerne the first by permission of Pope Sixtus in the yeare of Christ 1470 which Frederick the second although hee were seven yeares incumbred with the Swethish warres did so enrich that the yearely revenues thereof are very much The fourth State is of the Citizens and Merchants dwelling in Cities and Townes These have proper and peculiar priviledges which they enjoy besides certaine fields and woods that belong to them and these doe traffique both by Sea and Land in all parts of Europe Out of these as also out of the Countrey-people the Bishops the Canonists the Preachers and Senators of Cities the Clerkes of Bands the Lievtenants of Towres and the Masters of Ships are chosen and some of them are Masters of the Customes or Tributes lastly of these all lesser Councels of Justice doe consist one of the Nobility for the most part sitting as President The fifth State is of the Rustick or Countrey-people and there are two sorts of them the first they call Freibunden that is Free-holders These doe hold Lands of Inheritance yet paying for the same some little free-rent every yeare These doe also use merchandise and fishing They are not opprest with doing services neither doe they pay any taxes unlesse the Senators of the kingdome doe grant it as a subsidie The other sort is of those who doe not possesse goods of inheritance but doe farme them of the King the Nobles or Ecclesiasticall persons and are constrained to doe many services for their Lords in such manner as they shall covenant with their Land-lord These are the chiefe things which I thought good to declare concerning the State politick of Denmarke whereby it appeareth that the Danish Monarchie was for the most part well framed for the free election of the Kings being in the hands of the Nobilitie and yet notwithstanding out of the royall Progenie as wee said before it followeth that the Danes have no civill warres or dissentions unlesse those which are betweene such as bee of the Blood Royall which are quickly composed by the mediation and helpe of the Nobles but especially seeing the Kings younger Sonnes can have no part of the kingdome Moreover as they are all stiled but Nobles and know not the titles and names of Barons Earles and Dukes so there are none that have so much wealth and power as that reposing trust therein they dare oppose themselves against the Royall Familie because the Fathers Inheritance is alwayes
here first invented by a Monke THE THIRD TABLE OF DENMARKE Jn which are part of the Dukedome of SLESWICH and HOLSATIA SO much concerning Northerne Iutia the Southerne followeth which the Ancients did call Nordalbingia because it is seperated and parted toward the North from the rest of Germanie by the river Albis It containeth the two Dukedomes of Sleswick and Holsatia of which wee will speake in order The Dukedome of Sleswick taketh his name from the Metropolis and ancient Mart Towne of Sleswick Heretofore this Countrie was called the Dukedome of Iutia which Woldemare Nephew to Abel King of Denmark received to hold in fee of King Ericus about the yeare 1280. But the Royall Line of the Kings and Dukes being extinct and the Dukedome of Sleswick being thereby fallen to the Crowne Margaret Queen of three Kingdomes gave it to Gerard Earle of Holsatia on this condition that hee should acknowledge to hold it of the King of Denmarke The Cities which are subject to this Dukedome because they have the same priviledge with other parts of Denmarke therefore they have the same Lawes with them The Subjects may appeale from the Sentence of the Magistrates of any place to the Princes and their Senators and not farther as it is provided by their priviledges But the generall government of both these Dukedomes belongeth to the King of Denmarke and the Duke of Holsatia by turnes When it is devolved and doth fall to the King it is governed by his Substitute in his name The chiefe Towne of this Dukedome is Slesvicum commonly called Schleswick It hath its name from a German word in regard it is situated neere Slia in the Bay of the Baltick Sea for Wick signifies in the Saxon language both a Towne and a crooked winding or Bay of the Sea as Becanus hath observed in his Bookes of Gothish Danish matters Crantzius and those who have writ the Saxon Histories doe give it an other appellation besides Sleswick which is still in use with the Danes Freeslanders for they call this Towne in their language Heidebui or Heideba because they say it was first built by a certaine Queene of Denmarke whose name was Heth. It hath a convenient situation for traffick and a convenient Haven for commerce and trading Not farre from this Towne is seated the Castle Gotorpi Heere is a famous Custome or Toll for it hath beene observed that in plentifull yeares fifty thousand Oxen being driven out of Denmarke into Germanie have heere beene paid toll for There is also in this Dukedome Flensburg a famous Towne lying among the high Mountaines neere the shore of the Easterne Sea It HOLSATIA THE THIRD TABLE OF NORWEY hath a Haven so convenient deepe and safe that many of the Citizens may loade and unloade ships even at their owne doores And heere are the Townes Husenum or Hussum and Haderslebia This Dukedome hath onely one Bishoprick two Chapters three Monasteries and divers Castles belonging to the Prince and his Nobles The order of Senators whereof I have heretofore made mention doth consist of the number of 24 persons of the Gentry to whom is joyned a generall Chancellour and two Doctors of the Law The Dukedome of HOLSATIA SOme doe suppose that Holsatia was so called from the many Woods and Forrests which are in it for the Cimbrians and Low Germans doe call a wood holt and some doe derive the Etymologie of the word from a hollow stone because the Dukes of Holsatia were formerly called Dukes of the hollow Stone It is bounded on the East with the River Bilena on the West with Stora or Steur on the South with Albis and on the North with Eider The Countrie it selfe is woody and full of Forrests whence they have such store of fuell that they are able to supplie Freesland with wood when they themselves also doe keepe great fires But although their woods are very spatious so that they seeme to have no end yet they seldome have any great Oakes in them but are full of Beech-trees with whose waste an innumerable sort of Hogges are fatted The Land for the most part doth afford them every three yeares great store of fishing and a very rich and plentifull harvest For three yeares together it is tilled sow'd and mow'd and three yeares afterward the Lakes are let in to feede the fish and grasse thereby a certaine fat and slimie matter is brought in which doth fertilize the fields This place beares neither Vines nor Olives but there is much hunting of wilde beasts And this Countrie doth breede a great number of horses Holsatia is divided into foure parts Dithmarsh Holsatia Stormaria and Wagria These were heretofore Counties and afterward chang'd into a Dukedome by Frederick the third Emperour at the suite and request of Christierne the first who now is charged to maintaine 40 horsemen and fourescore foot for the use of the Roman Empire Dithmarsh at the first enjoy'd freedome and libertie for some hundred yeares and albeit it were granted by the Emperour Frederick to Christierne the first in fee yet it was not at that time subjected Afterward his Sonnes King Iohn and Duke Frederick did undertake to make an expedition against it in the yeare of our Lord 1500 but the Dithmarsians having overthrowne their Armie defended their owne libertie untill they were conquer'd overcome by the Nephews of Christierne the first namely Duke Iohn Adolphus and Frederick the second King of Denmarke in the yeare of our Lord 1559. In Holsatia are these Cities first Segeberg in Wagria a Countrie of Holsatia 16 miles from Lubeck 2 Itzohoa a faire Towne in regard of the nature and situation of the place and the resort of ships unto it 3 Stormaria is encompassed and as it were embraced in the armes of a fishie and navigable River which arising in the inner parts of Holsatia doth wash the wals of certaine Townes and the noble Ranzovian House of Bredenberg and afterward doth discharge it selfe into the River Albis Heere is in this Countrie Chilonium commonly called Kile which is an ancient Towne and hath a large Haven in which to the great commoditie of the Holsatians divers sorts of merchandize are brought out of Germanie Livonia Denmarke and Swethland Also Krempe and Reinholdsburg or Rensburg the former taketh his name from the River gliding by it the later from the first builder Here are moreover Meldorp Heiningsted or Henste and Tellingsted in Dithmars and Hamburg the Metropolis of Stormaria a renowned Mart-Towne neere the River Albis which after many devastations and calamities suffered in the warres was at last reedified and in the time of Henry the fourth Emperour it began to be encompassed with wals and to be beautified with three Gates and twelve watch-towres In this Citie Albertus Crantzius an eloquent and true Historian lived and was buried This Countrie is full of Lakes and especially Dithmars whose Inhabitants trusting to the benefite of their Lakes
or Cortemund The chiefe royall castles are Newburg Hagenschow Hinsgagel Eschburg and the Court of Rugard Here are many Villages and not a few Noble-mens houses For this Island in regard of the pleasantnesse of the Climate and fertilitie of the soyle is much esteemed by the Nobles The sea doth yeeld great plentie of fish and every Bay is so full thereof that ships or boats being over set with them can hardly saile or row against them which yet they do not take with any fishing engines but with their hands Those who dwell by the Sea side besides tillage and husbandrie doe use fishing both which do furnish theÌ„ with all things necessarie for house-keeping There are some places in this Island famous for warlike atchievements done not many yeares past For there is a certaine mountaine called Ochenberg not farre from the Castle Hagenschow in which Iohn Rantzovius Knight and Generall of the field for King Christian the third in a great battle did overthrow Christopher Count of Oldenburg in the yeare of Christ 1530 on the eleventh day of June in which conflict were slaine two Counts the one being the Count of Hage the other of Tecklenburg whose bodies being afterward taken up out of the field were brought to Ottonia and buried in Canutus his Church about the same time also on the Mountaine Fauchburg which is 4 mile distant from the Towne Ascens some thousands of the Rebels were slaine and put to slight This Countrie is adorned with many woods in which are great store of wild beasts In the citie of Ottonium there are two famous Temples or Churches one consecrated to Canutus the other to Saint Francis In this latter Iohn King of Denmarke and his sonne Christierne when they had spent 37 yeares in banishment and captivitie were buried in the yeare 1559 about the other is a large and spacious court-yard in which the King of Denmarke did renew his ancient league of friendship with the Dukes of Holsatia and Sleswicke An. 1580 they report also that the mother of King Christian the second did place up a certaine Altar here belonging to the Minorite Friars a wonderfull curious piece of worke carved in wood the like whereof is not to be found in Europe Out of this Island from the Towne Ascenâ— it is eight miles into Iuitland or Iutia and from Nyburge into Zeland is a passage of sixteene miles long through the Baltieke Sea which is very dangerous especially if the Sea be rough for when the East Sea being increased by the receit of many rivers is thrust forward with a violent course it often happens that contrarie windes do raise such mightie waves make the sea so unquiet that Mariners are many times to great danger drawne in with these gulphlike windings of the waters sometimes swallowed up by them And so much concerning Fionia now let us passe to the other Islands Under Fionia are contained ninety Islands situated toward the South and the most of them habitable the chiefe whereof are these Langeland Lawland Falstre Aria or Arr Alsen Tosing and Aroe Langeland is 28 miles in length In it there is a Towne called Rudkeping and Traneker a royall Castle beside many villages Parishes and Noble-mens houses Lawland is separated by the strait of Gronesand from Zeland and by a small arme of the Sea from Falstre It is so fruitfull in corne and filberd Nuts that ship-loads are brought from thence into other Countries It hath five townes which are these Nistadt Nasco Togrop Roth and Marib besides royall Castles Noble-mens houses many Parishes and Villages Falstre is 16 miles long and hath these two Cities THE FOVRTH TABLE OF DENMARKE FIONIA Stubecopen and Nicopen which in regard of the pleasantlesse and beautie thereof is called the Naples of Denmarke Out of this Island neare a royall Pallace there is a frequent passage into Germany namely to Warnemund which is 28 miles long It furnishes neighbour countries every yeare with much corn Arta being distant 6 miles froÌ„ Elysia is cloathed with woods and therefore assordeth much recreation for hunters it hath three Parishes and some Noble-mens houses with the Towne Castle of Coping It belongs together with Elysia to the Dukedome of Sleswiâ—ke and is under the government of the Duke thereof Elisia or Alsa commonly called Alsen is an Island of a reasonable bignesse for it is 16 miles in length and 8 in breadth being not farre distant from the Dukedome of Sleswicke and looking toward the Bay die Flensburger Wick it is parted by it from the first seat of the English The Rantzovian Musaeum tells us that the Romans did call these Islanders Elisians As also those who inhabit the next Island Arians which appellation or name they still retaine to this day Ptolomie relateth that the English were the ancient inhabitants of the Northerne Countries by the Sea side to which Tacitus addeth the Elisit Arit and the Mommy whose names also are still used in the Islands Alsen Arr and Moen There is a Towne in Alsen or Elisia called Sunderburg and a Castle of the same name with other Townes as Norborch Osternholm Die Holle and Gammelgard It hath thirteene populous Parishes whence it can set forth many thousands of Souldiers It is very wooddy by reason whereof it affordeth Harts and many kindes of wild beasts for hunting It hath great store of Sea-fish and fresh-fish and much wheat and it is every where fit for feeding and pasturing of cattle Tussing or Tosinga being the chiefe Isle among all the other Islands lyeth neare unto a towne of Fionia called Swineburg and is foure miles in length In this Island besides Parishes there is the Pallace of Kettrop belonging to the Rosenkransians and Rantzovians Aroe is situated neare the Dukedome of Sleswicke where they passe to the Towne Alcens in Fionia by the Arsensian Bay and hath foure Villages There are also these Islands Ramso Endelo Ebilo Fenno Boko Brando Toroe Aggerins Hellenis Iordo Birkholm c. Let so much suffice to have beene spoken concerning Fionia and the Islands lying round about it And now to conclude I will here rather then no where adde unto the rest a Description of Huena or Ween seated in the Sound in which is the Castle of Vraniburg filled with many accurate and elaborate Astronomicall instruments The middle of this Island where this Castle standeth hath the Pole elevated about 56 Degrees and 55 and is situate from the West 55 Degrees It is in compasse 8160 paces every pace being 5 foote so that the whole circuit of it is equall unto two common German 18 English miles This Island being placed in the most famous strait of the whole Kingdome through which many ships saile out of the Easterne into the Westerne Sea and on the contrarie with a gooly prospect hath in view many chiefe Townes of this Kingdome which stands as it were round about it in Zeland Hasnia 12 miles distant from it South
Southwest also Helsinger where those ships that saile or passe by do pay custome or tribute and the Castle Cronaburg both distant from it on the Northwest 8 miles Helsingburg which lies on the shoare of Scania is as farre distant from it toward the North and on the same shoare is Landskrone being foure miles from it toward the East lyeth Lunda or Londen which although it be not a Sea-towne yet is but 16 miles distant from hence And although the Island be not very great yet no part of it is barren or unfruitfull but produceth great store of fruit and aboundeth with cattell it bringeth forth Does Hares Cunnies and Partridges in great plentie and is very convenient for fishing It hath a wood of Hasell trees which are never worme-eaten but hath no Dormise Heretofore it was remarkable for foure Castles whose names do yet remaine Synderburg which was seated on the Southerne shoare Norburg on the opposite Northerne shoare Karheside which stood toward the East side of the Island and Hamer toward the West the foundation of these foure Castles may be yet seene but there are no ruines thereof remaining This Island lyes very deepe in the Salt-sea and yet it hath many fresh Rivers and Springs among which there is one Spring that never freezeth with the violence of the Winters cold a strange thing in these Countries BORVSSIA OR PRVSSIA BORVSSIA being the farthest coast of Germany taketh its name from the people called Borussians as Erasmus Stella witnesseth These as Ptolemy affirmeth placed themselves by the Riphaean Hills where they runne out Northward not far from the head of Tanais arising out of them and weary of their owne habitations with a strong head and violent force they seated themselves in these places and called the whole Country from their owne name Borussia which now by wiping out one letter and pronouncing another more softly is called Prussia Borussia beginning from the River Vistula which boundeth it on the West and running to the Balticke Sea which compasseth the Northerne side thereof hath the Alani or Lituanians on the East and on the South the Hamaxobij i. the Scythians inhabiting the European Sarmatia It hath a pleasant ayre but somewhat cold All the Country is more fruitfull than the neighbour Provinces The ground is very fertile in bearing of corne and such as farre excells the corne of Poland and Lithuania It hath as great store of Bees and Honey as any of the other Northerne Countries There is also in it much cattle and great store of game for hunting The great and vast woods bring forth many kindes of wild beasts as Beares Boares with which they abound yeelding a sort of Beares very strong and swift called Bubali They bring forth Buffons being a wilde kinde of Oxen and wilde Horses whose flesh the Inhabitants do eate They bring forth Alces which they commonly call Elandes and white Weesels or Ferrets The Borussians for the most part were Idolaters untill the time of the Emperour Fredericke the second in whose raigne and in the yeare 1215. some Knights of the Dutch order or the order of the Crosse did overcome them and taught them the Christian Religion After the Provinces and Cities of Borussia An. 1419. being mooved thereunto by the covetousnesse and cruelty of those of the order of the Crosse did revolt to Casimirus King of Polonia And 30 yeares after the first defection revolting againe they sold Mariburg with other Castles and Cities to the King for 476000 Florens But the Marians refusing to yeeld obedience to the King they a long while contended by a doubtfull and uncertaine warre untill at last the whole Country came into the hands of Albert Marquesse of Brandenburg the last Governour of that Order who afterward at Cacrovia was made a Duke and a secular Prince by Sigismund King of Polonia They report that Prince Venedusus did divide Borussia into twelve Dukedomes whereof these are the names Sudavia Sambia Natangia Nadravia Slavonia Bartonia Galinda Warmia Hoâ—kerlandia Culmigeria Pomesania and Michlovia BORVSSIA OR PRVSSIA PRUSSIA Sudavia was so wasted by those of the order of the Crosse that now of a Noble Dukedome at this day there are scarce seven Townes remaining and those very meane In Sambia are many Cities as Lebenicht built in the yeare 1256 Kneyback built in the yeare 1380. Regimount called by the Germans Keningsberg and built in the year 1260 by Duke Albert Fischusen built in the yeare 1269 lastly Lechstet built in the yeare 1289. In Natangia there are these Cities Valdonia Girania Zinten Crentzburg Heiligenbeil Fridland Shippenbeil Brandenburg In Nadravia there are a few Cottages onely remaining but all the Townes of note wasted In Slavonia are these Cities Ragnet Tilse Renum Liccow Salaw Labia Tapia Vintburg Christaderder Baytia Cestia Norbeitia Vensdorfe Angerbury and Dringford In Bartonia are these Townes Nordenburg Iabansburg Iurgburg Insterburg Richtenerder Barton and Rhenum In Galindia are these Towns Ortleburg Rastenburg Neyburg Passenhume Dreschdow and Luzenburg In Warmia are Ressen Seburg Bitstein Wartenburg Allensteyn Melsak Heilsberg Werinedit and Gustat In Hockerlandia are Brunsburg Tolkemit Munhuse Scorpow and Elbing the greatest of them all being built on the Sea shoare and famous for the wealth of the Citizens and frequencie of Merchants In Culmigeria are Turuma or Thorn a famous Marti Towne built neare the River Vistula or Weisel in the yeare 1235. Also Culmina or Culine Wentslaw Althasis Graudentz Gilgehburg Schonsee Strasburg Bretchen Neumarckt Pappaw Fridech Leippe Lesen Golb Reden Berglaw and Lantenburg In Pomerania is Marienburg a large City built in the yeare 1402. Also Newtich Stum Christburg Preusmarck Salfeld Merine Holand Lichstad Osterod Rosenburg Mariemweder Garnesie Lebmul Hohenstein Schonenberg Culenburg Neunburg and Salaw In Michlovia all is wasted and destroyed except Straburg onely Prussia is a Country in regard of the navigable Rivers Bayes and Havens fit for the importation or exportation of divers commodities and merchandises The chiefe Rivers are Vistula Nemeni Cronon Nogent Elbing Vusera Passerg Alla Pregel Ossa Vreibnitz Lua and Lavia In which as in the Lakes there are great store of fish Moreover on the shoares of Borussta neare the Balticke Sea a certaine kinde of Amber is gathered which the Inhabitants call Barstein from burning and Augstein because it is very good for the Eyes The Greeks call it Electrum because the Sunne is called Elector having recourse as it were to the fable of Phaethon Servius upon the eighth Aeneid saith that there are three kindes of Amber one of which commeth out of trees another which is found in the earth a third which is made of three parts gold and one part silver Plinie writeth that the Germanes called it Glessum or Glesse because it is not unlike unto it seeing both of them are perspicuous and transparent and from thence the Romans did call this Country Glessaria There are many kindes of it the white
hath the best smell which was cheape at the first the next are the yellow and waxe-colour the yellow is the best of all having a translucent shining colour like flames of fire There is some which is as soft as boyled or decocted Honey and therefore is called Honey-Amber there is much used of this Amber in many things being heated with rubbing it draweth unto it chaffe and drie leaves as the Load-stone doth Iron Borussia hath also woods which were never cut whence great store of wood is carryed away for the building of shippes and houses they have streight trees to make Mastes for Shippes which are carried from thence into farre Countries and lastly they have other riches of their owne from which the Inhabitants receive great profit as Bees and wilde Beasts of which wee spoke before The Country is divided at this day into Russia Regis and Russia Ducalis The King of Poland doth immediatly possesse either banke of the River Vistula even to the mouth therof Also the Island which is enclosed with Vistula and Nogo the Towns and Castles to the new Bay as Elbing Tolkenit Frawenberg and Brunsberg even to the mouth of Passaria and the whole Diocese of Warmia being large toward the South and adorned with Townes and fields hanging like a Bladder in the middle part of Borussia But although Borussia be immediatly subject to the King and is but one Kingdome with Poland yet it hath a publike Councell Lawes and Judgements an Exchequer and the management of warres peculiar to it selfe There are two Bishops in it one of Warmia who hath his residence at Brunsburg and the other at Culmes There are three Palatines as the Palatine of Culmes of Marienburg and of Pomeran Three Castles as the Castle of Culmes Elbing and Gedane commonly called Dantzick and so many Under-chamberlaines There are three chiefe and prime Cities Turuma Elbing Dantzick These assemble themselves together to deliberate and give Judgement in matters of controversie twice every yeare in the moneth of May at Margenburg and at Michaelmas at Graudents There are eighteene Captaines or Prefects of the Kings Castles and revenues As in the Palatinate of Marienburg the Captaine of Stuma Gneva Meva Stargardia In Pomeran the Captaine of Slochovia above Tuchol neare the River Bro the Captaine of Sueza Tuchol Dernias and Puske In the Palatinate of Culmes the Captaines of Brodnicke Graudents Radine or Reden Colba Rogosna Rogenhausen and three others The Dukedome of Borussia belonged heretofore to the Germane Order or the order of the Crosse being converted into an hereditary Dukedome by Albert of Brandenburg Master of the Order and being rent away from the Germane Empire it came into the protection and obedience of the King of Poland in the yeare 1525. The Prince thereof taking his place in all Counsells meetings and assemblies next to the King If any contention arise betweene the King and the Duke it is decided at Marienburg or Elbing by the Kings Counsell who are sworne by a new oath to Judge rightly But the Nobles or others having an action against the Duke doe commence it before the Dukes Vassalls being deputed and appointed by the Duke to give judgement and from them an appeale is permitted to the Kings and the Dukes Counsell residing at Martenburg Every one ought there to be called into judgement where his goods are or where hee dwelleth neither can he be compelled to stand to forraine tryalls and so be kept from his right The Judges are so placed in the Provinces that out of three named by every Province the Duke chuseth one to judge according to the Law of Culmes and the Institutions of the Province But if the Duke doe any thing against then Priviledges Lawes or customes and upon suite made doe not heare their grievances it is in the choice of the chiefe men in the Province without being thought to be rebellious and seditious to flie unto the protection of the Kings Majestie of Poland and by the vertue of some covenants and agreements betweene the King and the Duke may request him to defend their Priviledges There are in the Dukedome of Borussia two Bishops one of Sambia who hath his residence at Kings Mount commonly called Konningsperg the other of Pomesania whose seat is at Marienwender and these have all Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction in their owne power Concerning the Religion and Rites of the ancient Borussians Meletius telleth wonderfull things in his tenth Epistle to Georgius Sabinus They worshipped Divells saith he instead of Gods and now also in many places doe secretly worship them They Religiously worshipped severall uncleane creatures namely Serpents and Snakes as if they had beene the servants and messengers of the Gods for these they kept within their houses and sacrific'd unto them as unto their houshold Gods They held that the Gods did dwell in Woods and Groves and that they were to please them by sacrificing unto them in those places and to pray unto them to send them raine or faire weather They held that all wilde Beasts especially the Alces living in these Woods were to be reverenced as the servants of the Gods and therefore they were to abstain from injuring of them They beleeved that the Sunne and Moone were the chiefest of all the Gods They did worship Thunder and Lightning according to the opinion of the Heathens and were of opinion that they might by prayers raise or calme stormes and tempests They used a Goate for their sacrifice in regard of the generative and fruitfull nature of that creature They said that the Gods did inhabite in excellent faire trees as Oakes and the like wherefore they would not cut downe such trees but did religiously worship them as the houses and seates of the Gods In such account also was the Elder tree and many others They were heretofore barbarous ignorant of Learning so that they would have thought it an incredible thing if any one should have told them that men could make knowne their mindes one to another by the sending of letters But of these things enough hee that desireth to know more let him have recourse to Erasmus Stella his antiquities of Borussia in his second booke thereof LIVONIA OR LIEFLAND IN my method Livonia or Levonia commonly called Liefland doth follow concerning the originall of whose name I dare affirme no certainty But Althamerus writeth thus of it It may be saith hee that the Livonians the farthest people of Germanie toward the Venedick shore dwelling under the Parallel of the Island Scandinavia which is called Gothland were derived from the Lemovians but I had rather derive them from the Efflui for that they are commonly called Eyslenders Ptolemie also mentioneth the Levonians in his second Booke cap. 11. And a litle after speaking of the Aestii hee saith that Beatus Rhenanus did correct the corrupt reading of Tacitus and did againe rightly set downe the Nation of the Aestii In as much as Rhenanus saith
it did appeare that it was in the first copie Aestui in stead of Aestii the ancient Writers of Bookes putting U for I. And Althamerus saith if it were in the ancient copie the Efflui hee durst affirme that the Eyslanders were so called from them by a litle alteration of the word These people also are called Sudini and their Countrie Sudina joyning to Prussia Some doe place the Lectunni hereabouts from whom it may be that their name was derived Livonia is stretched toward the Balthick Sea or the Venedick Bay being 500 miles in length and 160 in breadth Borussia Lithuania and Russia doe encompasse most part of it the rest the Livonian Bay doth hemme in The Countrie is plaine and very fertile it bringeth forth corne in such abundance that in deare times and yeares of scarcity it supplieth the wants of other Countries It aboundeth also with the best flaxe and breedeth store of cattell Besides there are in the woods of this Countrie many Beares Alces Foxes Leopards Cats of the mountaines and here are many Hares which according to the season of the yeare doe change their colour in like manner as they doe in Helvetia upon the Alpes in the Winter they are white in Summer of an Ash colour And heere is such plentifull hunting of wild beasts that the Countrie people though they be cruelly used by the Nobles are not prohibited from it In briefe Livonia wanteth none of those things which are necessarie for the preservation and sustentation of mans life except wine oyle and some other things granted by the divine bountie to other Countries as being under a more warme and gentle Climate which yet are brought hither in great abundance Livonia being Anno 1200 by the industrie and labour of the Merchants of Bremes and especially by the Knights of the Dutch order brought and converted to the Christian Faith when it had a long time suffered the miseries of forreine and civill warres and had beene made as it were a prey to the neighbour Kings and Princes at length in the yeare 1559 being under Gothardus Keâ—lerus the last Governour of the Dutch Oder it was received into the protection and government of Sigismundus the King of Poland as a member of his Kingdome and of the great Dukedome of Lithuania But Gothardus resigning his Order on the fifth day of March Anno 1562 in the Castle of Riga before Nicholas Radziwilus the King of Polands Commissarie and Palatine of Vilna as first the Crosse afterward the Seale then his Letters Patents and all Charters which the Order had received from the Emperours and Popes besides the keyes of the Castle of Riga and of the gates of the Citie the office of Commendator the priviledge and power of coyning money the custome of fish and all other rights belonging to him hee was presently proclaimed by the aforesaid Palatine in the Kings Majesties name Duke of Curland and Semigallia and straightway the Nobilitie of Curland and Semigallia did take their oath of allegeance before him as to their lawfull and hereditary Lord. The next day the Duke of Curland sitting in estate was proclaimed in the Court of Riga Governour of Livonia and received the keyes of the castle and the gates of the Citie after which the Nobility and the Citizens had all their rights and priviledges restored and confirmed unto them Livonia is divided into three parts distinguished both by situation and language namely into Estia Lettea and Curlandia The Provinces of Estia or Eastland are Harria or Harland the chiefe Citie whereof is Revalia or Revel being situated toward the North neere unto the Balthick Sea and nothing inferiour unto Riga it was built by Voldemata and hath a famous Haven The Citizens use the Lubeck Law and doe coyne foure-square money Also the Province of Viria Virland or Wirland in which are Weisenburg Tolsberg and Borcholm the Seate of the Bishop of Revalia In the third place is Allantika where is the Towne Nerva or Nerve by a River of the same name over against which is the Castle called Ivanow Gorod belonging to the Moscovites for the river that runnes between these townes doth part Livonia from Moscovia also Nyschlot or Neuschlos In the fourth place is Odenpoa in which is Derpt or Topatum an Episcopall Citie Wernebes Helmet and Ringen In the fifth place is Iervia or Ierven in which are Weâ—ssenslein Lais Overpolen or Ober Paln and Vellin or Fellin In the sixth place is Wichia or Wicke wherein is Abseel or Hapsel Leal Lode and Pernaw Neere to the Estians lye the Islands Osilia or Osel Dageden or Dachden Mona Wormse or Worist Wrangen Kien and many others in which they use partly the Estian language and partly the Swedish The Cities of Lettea or Letten are Riga Kokenhusen Wenden and Wolmar Riga is the chiefe citie of Livonia neere the River Duina which doth discharge it selfe into the Venedick Bay This citie is fortified with a strong Wall with strong Towres and pieces of Ordnance against any assault and is strengthned or fenced with double ditches and sharpe stakes round about it It hath a Castle well provided in which heretofore the Governour of Livonia being of the Teutonick or Dutch Order kept his residence and this Castle though Gothardus Ketlerus aforesaid did governe in the King of Polands right yet hee did usurpe no authoritie over the Citie for the Citizens being strong and defenders of their libertie cannot endure to have any Governour or Captaine over them They doe onely pay tribute and yeeld obedience LIVONIA OR LIEFLAND LIVONIA to the King of Poland in other things they have Lawes peculiar to themselves Besides heere is a Market of all Northerne commodities as of Pitch Hemp Waxe Timber and such other things The Townes and Castles of Curland are Goldingen Candaw Windaw which the Polanders call Kies and the Germans Wenden this Towne was famous heretofore for that the Master of the Teutonick Order did keepe his Court heere Parliaments were here wont to be held now it is defended by a Garrison of Polanders There are also the Cities Durbin Srunden Grubin Pilten Ambâ—tâ—n and Haseâ—â—ot The Cities of Semigallia are Mitovia commonly called Mitaw where the Duke of Curland kept his Court also Seleburg â—aâ—â—â—burg Doblin and Dalem The River Duina doth divide Semiâ—allia and Curland from Lettea and the rest of Livonia In Livonia there are many Lakes the chiefest is Beibus which is 45 miles long and doth abound with divers kindes of fish The Rivers are Duina Winda Beca and some others Duina or Duna which Ptolemie cals Turuntus and Peâ—cerus Rubo running out of Russia a great way through Lithuania and Livonia at length eight miles below Regia powreth it selfe into the â—avorick Bay and the Balthick Sea Winda in like manner dischargeth it selfe into the Balthick Sea which neere unto the mouth thereof is very deepe and dangerous The River Beca which the Inhabitants call â—â—â—â—â—â—k is carried in
Wolodomiriensian and Cremenecensian and there are three Provinciall Cities Lucko Wolodomiria and Kerzemenec which have many Townes and places of Defence under them Here are many Lakes and standing waters full of fish and woods full of wilde beasts There is also in this Table Podolia situated by the River Tyras It is a most fertile Country being sowed once and reaped thrice the meddowes are so proud and ranke that the Oxens hornes as they graze can scarce bee seene above the grasse The chiefe Cities are Camienies Bar Medziboz Brezania and Braslaw But let these things which have beene spoken hitherto suffice concerning this table we passe now to Transylvania TRANSYLVANIA OR SIEBENBVRGEN TRANSYLVANIA is the mediterranean part of ancient Dacia which the Romans called Dacia Ripensis and it taketh its name from the woods and mountaines wherewith it is encompassed as the Hercynian woods and the Carpathian hils It is called commonly Septem castra by a name borrowed from the German word Siebenburgen and the Hungarians call it Herdel On the West it is bounded with Pannonia on the North with Polonia on the South with Walachia and on the East with Moldavia Transylvania is very fruitfull hath great plenty of corne through the whole Countrie which besides daily experience that coyne of Trajans doth witnesse in which Ceres stood holding in her right hand the horne of the goate Amalthaea which signifieth plenty and in her left hand a Table with this inscription or motto Abundantia Daciae i. the abundance of Dacia It bringeth forth excellent wine about Alba Iulia Deva Egmedine Birthilbine and Fenuscine It hath also great store of fruite among which to omit the rest it hath most excellent Damaske Prunes Quinces sweet Cherries which may be compar'd with those that grow in Italie and Mellons Heere are also excellent choyse hearbs which grow in every place as Rhubarbe the greater Centory Gentiana with a yellow and purple flowre Sea-wormewood the herbe called Libanotis saffron and many others There are many famous Mynes of Mettall in this Country as Mynes of Gold at Sculattin which the Hungarians call Zalakna and at Rimili Dominurdz which signifies the River or Rivulet of Lords In these places great wedges or pieces of gold are cut forth which as soone as they are digged out they can presently make use of without any accurate refining The Roman pieces of golden coyne which are oft digged up in these places doe witnesse this plentie for they have on the one side the image of a man with a broade hat and with this inscription on it C. Cato and on the other side Dacia in the forme of a Goddesse holding a Booke in her right hand with this inscription AVR PVR. Moreover there are silver Mynes at Offera and Radna Copper is digged out of the same Mountaines out of which the gold and silver commeth Steele is digged and found at Cyk Iron at Thorosco and Vaidahuntada and lastly Sulphure and Antimonie are found in the Copper Mynes There is such great store of salt-pits in Transylvania that it sendeth abundance of salt to other Countries And there is such a great company of Oxen in it that the largest and fairest ones are often sold for a Floren. What shall I speake of the excellent metall'd horses which it breedeth which amble and pace naturally What should I mention the divers kindes of Birdes as Eagles Faulcones Pheasants Partridges Peacocks Woodcocks Snipes And what should I reckon the water-fowle as Swans Bustards and Bitternes c. I passe from these to the wilde beasts for this Countrie hath great Forrests and spacious woods in which are Beares Buffes or wilde Oxen Elkes Harts of a large stature Leopards Martins Does and white Hares Divers Nations heretofore inhabited this Countrie of whom there is yet a remnant in Hungaria as the â—azyges called by Pliny Metanastae beside the Getes Bastarnians Sarmatians Grecians Romans Scythians Saxons and Hungarians The Romans did conquer it when the Emperour Trajan overcame Decebalus King of Dacia and reduced it into the forme of a Province calling the Citie Zarmizegethusa after his owne name Vlpia Trajana but Galienus lost it two hundred yeares after and from that time the Inhabitants having laid aside the Roman humanitie speech and eloquence began to resume their former wildenesse and barbarisme calling themselves Walachians After the Romans the Scythians under the conduct of their Captaine Artilas seated themselves in this place and built seven free Townes The Saxons succeeded the Scythians in the time of Charles the great who forsaking their Countrie seated themselves likewise in these parts built themselves seven free Cities following the example of the Scythians The Hungarians came last who partly allured with the vicinity and neernesse of the place mingled themselves with the Dacians and afterward being provoked by injuries they conquered the whole countrey in the reigne of Stephen King of Pannonia whom they stiled the holy By them some Townes were also built The mountainous part of Transylvania was lately subdued by Matthias Huniades whose surname was Corvinus and afterward by Stephen King of Hungary This Matthias tooke alive one Dracula a Vaivode or Prince of the mountainous Transylvania a man of unheard of cruelty and after ten yeares imprisonment restored him to his former place Transylvania is now divided into three Nations differing both in manners and lawes and inhabiting severall parts of the Countrie namely into the Saxons the Ciculi and Hungarians The Saxon Transylvanians as all other German Nations have a peculiar dialect or language unto themselves they inhabite the strongest cities and castles and doe excell the other Nations They have seven Seates namely Zarwaria Zabesia Millenbach Rensmarke Segesburg or Sâ—hesburg Ollezna Schenkerstall and Reps all which have some villages under them The Ciculi neere to Moldavia being descended from the Scythians doe live after their owne lawes and customes and doe distribute their offices by lot They are divided into seven Regions which they call Seates the names whereof are Sepsi Orbai Kysdi Czyk Gyrgio Marcus Zeek and Aranyas Zeek The Hungarians and Transylvanian Nobles being mingled with the Saxons and the Ciculi doe for the most part agree with them both in speech habite and armour All Transylvania is able to set forth ninety thousand armed men and more There are seven chief Cities in Transylvania having a reasonable distance one from an other among which Cibinium is the Metropolis or Mother-citie is now called Hermanstat It is seated on a plaine not shut up with mountaines but spread into a great breadth It is not much lesse than Vienna in Austria but it is farre stronger both by Art and Nature for in regard of the many Fish-ponds and Lakes round about it no Armie TRANSYLVANIA OR SIEBENBVRGEN TRANS SYLVANIA can come unto it 2 Brasso or Corona which the Germans call Cronstat and is somtimes called Stephanopolis being seated amongst pleasant
as Africke nor troubled with daily windes as France but lying between them both it hath a temperate Winter and Summer Hence it is as Iustine witnesseth that Spaine hath a very wholesome aire the equall temper thereof being never infected with Moorish fogges Beside the coole blasts of winde which come from the Sea and doe as it were search all parts of the Country doe drive away all earthly vapours and so make it very healthfull Yet all parts of Spaine are not of one qualitie for toward the North as it is something cold and obnoxious to the Sea so it wanteth fresh water and therefore affordeth no convenient habitation especially seeing the most parts of it are full of Rocks Forrests woody places Towards the South where it extendeth it selfe in a continued ridge of Mountaines it hath a happy good soyle being watered with many great Rivers and refreshed with seasonable raine so that it bringeth forth fruits of all kindes It is not onely a bountifull mother but also a nourisher and breeder of living Creatures It is very fruitfull not onely in producing those things which doe grow out of the earth but also those things which are generated and hidden in the bowells thereof who can reckon up the excellent living creatures which are bred on the Land and in the Sea There is great plenty of fruits through all Spaine and most of the fields are so fertile that they returne unto the husbandmen thirtie bushels for one that is sowed and oftentimes forty It produceth many hearbs as well unsowed as sowed which have soveraigne vertues in them especially in mountanous places where differing from the other parts it bringeth forth Hempe and hath more store of fruit and fairer There are two sorts of apples in this Country which THE DESCRIPTION OF SPAINE HISPANIA are chiefe note the wrinckled apple and the King apple Also there are foure speciall sorts of Peares sweet both in tast and smell the Apian and honey-peares the peare called Muscatum being the least of all kind of peares the wine-peare and the peare called by some Pintum and by the Spaniards Sine Regula What should I mention the Olives that are here amongst which those are the best which come from Hispalis and are farre bigger than any Wallnuts What should I speake of other fruits The Lemmons and Orenges that grow here are commended by all men the Quince-peare which they commonly call Membrillos and Pomegranats that are good for medicine are here in great abundance What should I speake of the Wines of this Country having an excellent taste and smell and being made in all parts yet in some places better than in other Spaine was heretofore as now also rich in mines of Gold Brasse Iron Leade and other mettals and it doth not onely boyle and make salt but in some parts thereof it is digged out of the Earth For as it is made in many places in Spaine of pit or Well-water as at Seguntia and elsewhere insomuch that the King setteth a great custome thereon so there are Mountaines if we may beleeve Marineus Siculus which have native salt in them Besides Spaine is rich and plentifull in all kinde of Cattle so that the Woods Mountaines Meddowes Fields and Forrests doe resound with their bleating and lowing It breedeth the best horses Baetica breedeth more than other parts Asturia breedeth the strongest and Spanish Gennets are called Asturcones In some parts of Spaine there are bred those that are of such swiftnesse and and agilitie that antiquity did fabulously beleeve that they were begotten by the winde It hath no Lyons Camells or Elephants except those that be brought from other places but there are great store of Does Harts Boares Beares Hares and Cunnies which do afford them much game and sport in hunting of them Haec sanè docet versiculus Catulli Cuniculesae Celtiberiae sili These things Catullus verse Doth unto thee declare O sonne of Celtiberia where So many Cunnies are There are in Spaine besides other birdes which invite them to fowling Eagles Hernes Hawkes and the bird called Atta first brought out of Sicilie also Cranes Geese Partridges ring-Doves wilde and tame Ducks c. But of these things enough I come now to the Government which is the next point to bee spoken of according to the order of our method I doe not purpose heere to weary the Reader by reckoning up out of Iustine Diodorus Iosephus Eusebius Hierome Berosus and his Translatour Annius Viterbiensis the ancient Kings of Spaine their atchievements both at home and abroad Tubal never was in Spaine nor in Europe but liv'd in Asia Neither are Iberus Iubalda Brygus Tagus Baetus and others to be accounted as Kings therof unlesse we will grant that Kings in ancient time were borne of Rivers and other inanimate things Againe the Catalogue of the Kings succeeding them is no better than fabulous as also those things be which the Lydians the Thracians Rhodians Phrygians Cyprians Phoenicians Aegyptians Milesians Carians Lesbians and Chaldaeans are reported to have performed successively in this countrey But those things are more certaine which Writers have recorded were heretofore atchieved by the Carthaginians Roman◠Gothes Vandals Alani Swethlanders Huns and their Kings for that the Writers of them were either present at those actions or else came to the knowledge of them by the faithfull relation of others Of these things therefore I will speake briefly and thus it was When the Carthaginians did rule all Spaine and had all things under their owne command the Senate and people of Rome did send first of all the two Scipioes against them with an army of Souldiers in the beginning of the second Punick warre who were slaine in the seventh yeare of that war Q. Fulvius Flaccus and Ap. Claudius Pulcher being Consuls The next year P. Cornelius Scipio Africanus being sent next to his Father Uncle did performe many things very prosperously and first of all made a Province of it Q. Caecilius Metellus and L. Veturius Philo being Consuls First Asdrubal and Mago Carthaginian Captaines being overthrown and put to flight in the battell neere to the Citie Baetula which is supposed to have been in that place where now Baeca and Vbeda are seated and the Spanish Armies beaten out of Spaine hee established a league of friendship with Syphax King of the Massilians who is now called Biledulgerid a litle after hee compelled the rebellious people of Spaine to yeeld themselves unto him and having made a league with Massanissa King of the Masaesulians and the Gaditanes hee committed the government of the Province to L. Lentulus and L. Manlius Acidinus and returned to Rome After Scipio L. Cornelius Lentulus the Proconsul did governe Spaine and after many prosperous acts and atchievements entred the Citie in triumph Three yeares after C. Cornelius Cethegus and Minucius Rufus being Consuls the two Spaines were first bounded and two new Pretors sent into them C. Sempronius Tuditanus into the
hither Spaine and M. Helvetius Blasio into the farther Two yeares being scarcely past so great a warre began in Spaine that it was necessarie that a Consul should be sent out with an Army Marcus Portius Cato Consul being allotted to goe into the hither part did so appease and quiet rebellion that the Proconsul in regard thereof triumphed This is that Cato who as Livie writeth and others by a wonderfull stratagem did throw downe the wals of many Spanish Cities in one day After Cato's victorie Spaine was diversly possessed and many times lost and regained againe so that there were above 30 triumphs for victories obtained heere They did not begin to pay any taxe before the time of Augustus Caesar who having by long continuance of warres tamed all Spaine and overthrowne the Cantabrians and Asturians that had longest of all made resistance divided the whole Countrie into three Provinces Baetica so called from the River Batis Lusitania and Tarraconensis so called from its citie Tarracon and every one of these have their Diocesses or Circles of jurisdiction In Baetica there are foure Diocesses Gaditana Cordubensis Astigitana and Hispalensis Lusitania hath three Diocesses Emeritensis Pacensis and Scalibitana Lastly Tarraconensis hath seven Carthaginensis Tarraconensis Caesar Augustana Cluniensis Astura Lucensis and Bracarensis See Pliny lib. 3. Strab. lib. 3. and others Thus things by degrees being changed the chiefest Provinces were under the Romans command even untill the Consulship of Honorius the third and Theodosius the third At which time the Vandals Suevi and Alani being called into France by Stilico when once having passed the Rhene they had set foote in France being in a barbarous manner spoyled by the Gothes and the Kings Adolphus and Vallia whom the Emperour Honorius had sent to ayde and set France at libertie they passed at last over the Pyrenaean Hils Afterward the Gothes inhabiting France for many yeares possessed Spaine having taken it from the Romans for being assailed by the Frankes they againe made warre upon the Vandals The Frankes drove the Gothes out of France and the Gothes drove the Vandals and Alani out of Spaine At which time the Vandals and Alani being called by Boniface into Africk which hee governed for the Emperour left Spaine to the possession of the Gothes When the Gothes having driven out the Roman Garrisons had made Spaine their owne and had a long time Kings of their owne who ruled in it at length they were overthrowne in a great battell by the Arabian Saracens and King Roderick being kill'd they lost almost all Spaine Those that survived after the battell when they had fortified themselves in the Mountaines of the Astures Cantabrians and Galicians by litle and litle they began to recover the Countries Cities and Castles which they had lost At last the Saracens partie growing weake in Baetica Hispania and the Gothes having recovered all Spaine they againe were overcome by Ferdinand Catholick King of Aragon and thrust out of Spaine so that the whole Countrie returned and came againe into the hands of the ancient Lords thereof But whereas in the times of the Moores five Kings namely of Castile of Aragon of Portugall of Granada Navarre did possesse Spaine at this day Philip the fourth sonne unto Philip the third who was Nephew unto the Emperour Charles the fifth is sole King thereof It was heretofore diversly divided The Romans first divided it into the Hither and Farther Spaine They called that the Hither part which was neerest unto the chiefe Citie and the principall Countries of the Empire being situated betweene the River Iberus and the Pyrenaean Mountaines they called that the Farther part which lay more remote being stretched out beyond Iberus even to the Ocean In following times wee reade that Spaine was divided into sixe parts Tarraconensis Carthaginensis Lusitania Galicia Baetica and Tingitana beyond the narrow Sea in Africk In the time of the Moores there were many Kingdomes in Spaine which were afterward divided into five as the Kingdome of Castile of Aragon of Portugall of Granada and Navarre But now by a new distribution the whole Empire is divided into three Kingdomes namely of Aragon Castile and Portugall Under the Kingdome of Aragon is contained besides Aragon Catalonia Valentia Majorica Under the Kingdome of Castile are comprehended Biscay Leon Asturia Galicia Estremadura Andalusia Granada Murcia and both the Castiles with the Canarie-Ilands Under the Kingdome of Portugall is comprehended besides Portugall Algarbia The Cities which are in the whole Kingdome are almost innumerable The chiefe of them are Hispalis Madrid Tarraco Lisbon Granada Pampilona Valentia Barcino commonly called Barzelona The seventh German Legion now called Leon S. Lucar Corduba Nebrissa Compostella Toledo Salamanca Complutum Pintia Caesar-Augusta now Saragossa Asturica Augusta and many others Heere are admirable Lakes neere the towne Beiara is a commodious and wonderfull Lake which breedeth Turtles being a black kinde of Fish but excellent in taste and as Marineus Siculus witnesseth prognosticating and foretelling of raine and stormes to come by the great noyse which they make so that the sound thereof is heard like the roaring of a Bull eighteene miles thence There is a certaine Lake on the very top of the Mountain Stella as Vasaeus writeth in which fragments and pieces of Ships are found when notwithstanding it is more than 12 leagues distant from the Sea and the same Author noteth that the Inhabitants doe affirme that it boyleth and is tempestuous as often as the Sea is rough or unquiet The most diligent Writer Suetonius saith in his Description of the life of Galba that thunder fell downe into the Lake of Cantabria and that afterward twelve axes were found therein There is also the pleasant Lake which Pliny mentioneth lib. 3. Natur. histor cap. 3. not farre from Valentia at this day it is called Albuâ—era The Rivers follow Spaine is watered every where with many Rivers there are some who reckon an hundred and fiftie and over them 700 Bridges the chiefe whereof is the Bridge of Segovia and Alcantara There is in this Kingdome the River which Ptolemie cals Iberus and now is called Ebro it breaketh forth in Cantabria out of the Mountaine Idubeda with two fountaines or spring-heads that on the right hand in the Aucensian wood called Monte d'Oca the other on the left hand neere a Towne which the Inhabitants call Fuentibre and so increasing with the receit of great Rivers being first entertained in the fields of Calaguris it runneth unto and visiteth Iuliobriga and Tudella two Townes of Navarre and then it watereth Iulia Bolsa and Caesar-Augusta Departing thence it glideth Southward and by and by Northeastward by the people of Laletania now called Galetani and the rich Citie Toriosa At last being enlarged with many Rivers flowing into it and having runne almost foure hundred miles forward in length it entreth so violently with two mouthes into the Mediterranean Sea that having thrust it selfe 50 paces thereinto yet the
Seneca Nonatus and Mela Lucius Iunius Moderatus Columella C. Iulius Hyginus Sotion and Iohannes Vives Valentinus If wee search for Mathematicians behold Pomponius Mela Abrahamus Cacutius Alphonsus King of Castile Henricus the Infanta of Portugall Henricus Marquesse of Villena Arnoldus Villanovanus and his Scholler Raimundus Lullius If we enquire for Orators we shall finde beside Seneca Portius Latro and M. Fabius Quintilianus Lastly if we would reckon up some Poets borne here we may make account of Sextilius Hena L. Annaeus Seneca and Lucan who were Cosins M. Valerius Martialis Rufus Festus Avienus Aurelius Prudentius Pope Damasus Caelius Sedulius and many others I omit for brevities sake the later moderne Poets The Spaniards are by nature hot and drie swarthe-coloured to helpe which the women use a kinde of painting they are well limb'd and strong set They are the most superstitious of all people so that other people doe learne from them both ceremonies complements and large titles They have a great dexteritie in concealing their thoughts both by silence and dissimulation They have a kinde of an affected gravitie which maketh them incurre the hatred of all other Nations which as Marianus sheweth is an individuall concomitant or companion to great Kingdomes The women are not very fruitfull in bearing children they abstaine much from wine and are seldome seene abroade as imitating therein the Roman Matrons They use strangers discurteously and in forraine Countries they will reverence prayse and extoll one another They are great observers of Justice so that Justice is administred to all even from the highest to the lowest and so great is the painfull industrie of Magistrates that there are few or no robberies committed Beside they keepe their hands free from bloud and other wicked acts and whosoever offendeth the Lawes or doth trespasse against any one though never so meane is punished for it They are still attempting some greate matter for having supprest their enemies at home and overthrowne the Saracens they seeke for to discover and get for their King the most potent parts of the world When two or three meete together of what place or condition soever they alwayes discourse of the Common-wealth and serious affaires they seeke wayes how to weaken their enemies force they devise stratagems and invent a thousand engines which they open and make knowne to the Captaines In the field they can endure both hunger thirst and labour In battle and matters of warre they are more politick than stout they are of a light body and being lightly armed they not onely easily pursue their enemies but when they are put to it they can easily save themselves by flight alwayes meditating on some militarie or warlike designe In their feastes and banquets at home they are frugall sober and content with a little but abroade they have more delicate fare They use handsome convenient garments well made fashioned Spaine doth affoord to the neighbour Countries and also to remote Nations Silke-wooll Cloath of all kindes Salt Sugar Honey Orenges Pome-Granats Lemmons pickled Olives Capers Grapes Figges Pruines Almonds Chesnuts Anny-seed Cumming-seed Coriander-seed Rice Saffron Oyle Waxe Alume Vermilion Purple Saltfish Bay-berries preserv'd Fruits of all sorts Alablaster Corall Gold Silver Iron Steele Tinne Copper Leade Dying Oade Quick-silver Gotten pretious stones Aromatickes and sweet Spices which are brought from the Indies and other places And in exchange for these the Europaeans the Africans the Asiatians and the Americans doe give the Spaniards such commodities as their owne Country doth not affoord PORTVGALL AND ALGARBIA HItherto wee have described Spaine in generall now our Method requireth that wee should decipher it in particular and by parts Wee said in our generall Description that it was diversly divided But wee will make a faithfull Description of the parts of Spaine in such order as it is delineated by Hondius Hee describeth it in sixe Tables in this order In the first Portugall is described in the second Biscay Guipuscoa and Legio in the third the New and Old Castiles in the fourth Andalusia in which is the Countrey of Hispalis and Gades in the fifth is Valentia and in the sixth is Aragon and Catalonia Portugall which offers it selfe in the first place was anciently called Lusitania and M. Varro and Plinte doe affirme that it received this name from Lusus the Sonne of Liber and Lysa who was drunke with him for it was called Lusitania as it were the Countrey of Lusus Marcianus thinketh it was called Lusitania from a River which is now called Tagus Some suppose it was called Portugall à Portu Gallorum which is as much to say as the Frenchmens Haven But Andraeas Resendius whose opinion other learned men doe follow doth observe that the name of Portugall is derived â Portu Cale This Countrie if wee consider the breadth thereof from the South Northward is greater than Old Lusitania but if wee consider the length from the West Eastward it is lesser Portugall at this day runneth forth Northward beyond the meeting of the two Rivers Minius and Avia even to the Towne Ribadania seated on that banke of Avia which looketh toward Gallicia and a straight line being drawne from thence Eastward it reacheth even to Miranda seated upon the River Durius and from thence toward the South to the Mouth of the River Ana on that side where it bordereth on Castile Estremadura and Andaluzia on the Northwest it looketh toward the Atlantick Ocean so that the whole compasse thereof is thought to bee 879 miles This countrie hath an excellent sweete and temperate Ayre and a cleere and fruitfull Climate It aboundeth with Wine Oyle Oranges Pome-citernes Almonds Honey and Waxe The fruite of this Countrie doth excell that which growes in others neere unto it And though the Inhabitants have not out of their fields sufficient store of corne to sustaine them with foode yet there is much transported thither out of France and Germanie This Countrie doth breede many living creatures especially great store of Horses and those so swift of foote that they imagin'd them to bee begotten by the winde The Kingdome of Portugall began about the yeare 1100 for at that time it became a part of Spaine Chronicles doe mention that the first of the Line of the Kings of Portugall was Henry Duke of Lotharingia Earle of Limburg a man of a great courage and ready of hand who removing into Spaine married Tyresia the Daughter of Alphonsus the sixth King of Castile and Legio and tooke for a Dowrie that part of Gallicia and Lusitania which is now called Portugall and which not long before by his owne valour hee recovered and got from the Saracens and Moores Hee dying about the yeare 1112 there succeeded him his Sonne Alphonsus who calling himselfe Dake of Portugall was enstiled King thereof by his whole Armie in the yeare 1139 having obtained a victory against Ismarius and foure other Kings of the Siracens and Moores leaving to posteritie five
Scutcheons for their Armes in remembrance of that atchievement There succeeded him almost in a right line Sanctius Alphonsus the 2 Sanctius the 3 Alphonsus the 3 Dionysius who first began to usurpe the title of the King of the Algarbians also Alphonsus the fourth Peter Ferdinand Iohn Edward Alphonsus the fifth surnamed Africanus Iohn the 2 Emanuel Iohn the 3 Sebastian slaine in Africk Henry the Cardinall and Antonius who because hee was a Bastard was expell'd Philip the second King of Spaine Nephew to Emanuel by Isabel his eldest Daughter and Father to Philip the 3 whose Sonne Philip the 4 doth now reigne The Metropolis of Portugall is Olisippo as it is called in the ancient faithfull copies of M. Varro Pliny Antoninus and Mela. For in vulgar writings it is written sometimes Olysippo and sometimes Vlysippo and divers other wayes now it is called Lisbone or as the Inhabitants doe pronounce it Lisboa It is a great Towne of traffique abounding with riches and it is a famous store-house of forraine commodities which are brought thither out of Asia Africk and America It hath a pleasant and commodious situation almost at the mouth of the River Tagus it is now very large being built on five Hils and as many Vales or descents but heretofore it was lesse being seated onely on one hill as some doe report On that side which is toward the Sea it hath two and twentie Gates and on that side which is toward the Continent it hath sixteene It hath threescore and seventeene watch-Towres upon the wals The Parish-churches are twenty five besides many Chappels and Churches belonging to the Monkes the Anachorets and the Nunnes The Cities beyond Tagus doe acknowledge Lisbone to be the Mother-citie as Ebora called by Ptolemie Ebura and now commonly Evora Begia commonly called Bega or Beia and heretofore Pax Iulia by Antoninus and Ptolemie Setubal heretofore named as Clusius supposeth Salacia Also Alcasar de sal in the Countrie of Algarbia and Almada which Ptolemie cals Caetobrix and Antoninus Caetobriga Beyond Tagus not farre from Lisbone Northward the Towne of Cascala is seated and as you come a litle neerer to the Citie you meete with a litle Towne called Bethleem There are also Leria Tomar and Guarda all Townes of note Not farre from Tomar lyeth Ceice which Antoninus calleth Celium Also Alanguera by the River Tagus which Damianus à Goes being his owne native Towne thinketh to be so called quasi Alankerke that is the Temple of the Alanes It was heretofore called Ierabrica but now Coimbra and it was heretofore the head Citie of the Kingdome of Portugall There is also the Towne Viseum commonly called Viseo Plinie calleth it Vacca but now it is called Ponte Fouga The third Councell of Toledo doth PORTVGALL AND ALGARBIA PORTUGALLIA OLIM LUSITANIA mention Lameca commonly called Lamego Lastly Braga which lyeth betweene the Rivers Durius and Minius it is now so called though Ptolemie calleth it Bracar Augusta Antoninus Braccara Augusta and Plinie Augusta Bracarum It is reported that it was built by the Gaules surnamed Braccati in the yeare before Christs birth 290 and the Romans having conquered it gave it the surname of Augusta It was heretofore so famous that here were the seven great Assemblies or Parliaments which were kept and held in the hithermost Spaine so that foure and twentie Cities as Plinie reporteth did bring their suits and causes hither to have them tried The Rivers of this Countrie are Anas and Guadiana Tagus or Taio Mondego or Monda Durius or Duero and Minius or Mino two of these being famous to wit Tagus and Durius Portugall on the West and South looketh toward the Atlantick Ocean which besides fish which it yeeldeth in great abundance doth afford many other commodities This Countrey is indebted unto and receiveth all her plenty from the Sea which she acknowledgeth in so much that it may more worthily be called the golden Sea than golden flowing Nilus because by the helpe hereof they have commodities imported and brought in from all parts of the earth so that it standeth in need of nothing and againe those commodities wherewith it aboundeth it exporteth by shipping to traffique with forraine Countries There is also besides the Havens which wee mentioned before the Haven of Setubal Dubal or Tubal which lieth Southward from Olisippo or Lisbone Heere are few Mountaines and those not very great as namely those which the Inhabitants call Sierra de Monchiquo de Chaldecatao de Sordedas called heretofore the Mountaines of the Moone c. And these for the most part are full of woods and thickets There are also very great and thick woods in which the Princes of Spaine are wont to hunt In the litle Towne of Bethleëm there is a Temple dedicated to the holy Virgin Mary and built very costly also the Monument of Emanuel King of Portugall whiche hee appointed to bee built in his owne life-time yet was it afterward enriched and beautified by Iohn the third the Sonne of Emanuel There are moreover in that part of Portugall which lyeth betweene Tagus Durius as Vasaeus writeth besides the Metropolitan Church of Bracara the Cathedrall Church in Portugall and five other Collegiate Churches more than an hundred and thirty Monasteries the most of which have most large revenues and about 1460 Parish-Churches In that part which belongeth to the Church of Bracara there are reckoned eight hundred Parish-Curches whereby you may easily collect and know the fertility of this Countrie I doe not mention the Hospitals for strangers for the diseased and for Orphanes the Towre the faire houses the pleasant gardens and Universities which are in this Kingdome as namely Ebora and Coimbra or Conimbrica the first was lately instituted by Henry Cardinall of Portugall and President of the same Citie the other also was lately instituted by Iohn the second King of Portugall The Portugals are the strongest of all the Spaniards the quickest the most nimble and light of body so that they can easily pursue or retire from the enemie Their disposition is to be proud and selfe-conceited of themselves and their owne affaires and they say themselves that they live by opinion and conceit that is they sustaine themselves more with that which they thinke themselves to be than with that which they truly are They are skilfull in sea-matters and are famous for their Navigations to unkowne parts of the world where they grow rich by trading and merchandizing Under Portugall at this time is the Kingdome of Algarbia It taketh its name from the Arabick tongue and doth signifie a happie and plentifull Field or Medow in which are all things necessarie for traffique A straight line drawne from the River Anas betweene the Rivers which are commonly called Vataon and Carei-vas to the litle Towne Odeseiza that is from the East Westward doth separate from Portugall this Kingdome of Algarbia which is the least and unnoted'st
Kingdome of all Spaine There are carried hither out of divers parts of Spaine downe the River Anas all sorts of Wines Sacks Bastards Roman Wine and others of the like sorts which being shipped are transported into France the Low-Countries and other parts It hath in it the Townes of Balsa so called by Ptolemie Plinie Antoninus and Pomponius Mela but now Tavila as Coquus supposeth and Ossonoba so called by Plinie Antoninus it is called also by Pliny Lusturia by Ptolemy Ossonaba by Pinetus Gibraleon by Clusius Exuba by Varrerius Estombar as also by Moralis and it is thought to bee the same which is now called Silvis or Selves There was also in the same place neere the Holy Promontory the Citie which Pomponius calleth Lacobriga the ruines whereof are yet to be seene neere the Sea-Towne Lagos at a Village which is called in the Portugall language Lagoa as Vasaeus writeth Algarbia at the first was given in dowry by Alphonsus the 10 King of Legio or Leon as ancient Annals doe report unto Alphonsus the third King of Portugall when hee married his daughter Beatrice which hee begate on a whore Dionysius was derived from this marriage who first of all began to usurpe the title of King of Algarbia But thus much shall suffice concerning Portugall Algarbia I passe to the other parts of Spaine GALLICIA LEON AND ASTVRIA DE OVIEDO GALLICIA which is also written Galecia or Gallaecia and taketh its name from an ancient people called Callaâ—â—i hath on the North and West the Ocean on the South Portugall with the River Durius flowing betweene them and on the East Asturia This Countrie in regard it hath many rugged mountaines and wanteth water is but thinly inhabited It aboundeth so with Horses that they are supposed to be begotten by the winde Pliny noteth that here are rich mines of Gold Niger writeth that the rivers hereof do bring downe earth mingled with gold silver and tinne and that the soyle it selfe is full of gold brasse and lead so that golden clods are oftentimes ploughed up The mountaines afford great store of wood for building of ships Gallicia doth exceedingly abound with fish especially with Salmons Congers a kinde of fish which they call Pescades and many other daintie fishes which being salted are carried into divers parts of Spaine In the moneth of November and December a great number of those fish are taken which they commonly call Vesugos being two or three pound weight they are carried fresh and sweete into Castile and are sold there for the cold doth easily preserve them they have an excellent taste yet those are best tasted which are taken in the Ocean and not in the Meditterranean Sea For the coldnes of the Ocean doth fatten the fish and therefore those which are taken most Northward are the best The most part of the Inhabitants doe live in mountaines on which they build convenient houses Concerning the name and originall of the Callaicians let the Reader have recourse to Iohannes Bishop of Gerunda Lib. 2 Paralipomenorum Hispaniae Roderieus Toletanus Lib. 10. de rebus Hispanicis cap. 4. and others The Metropolis of Gallicia is Compostella where is worshipped S. Iames the Apostle who together with the Universitie making the Citie famous giveth unto it the name of S. Iago it was heretofore called Briantia as Franciscus â—arapha Ambrosius Moralis and Villanovanus do thinke Orosius calleth it Brigantia who saith that there is in it a very high watch-towre Ptolemie calleth it Flavium Brigantum Beuterus Câ—qâ—us and Iohannes Mariana do call it Betancos Florianus and Gomectus call it Coruna and Iohannes Bishop of Gerunda Lib. 1. calleth it Compostella saying it was so called quasi Compos Stella for so the evening starre was called which maketh these countries wholsome There is extant at Salamantica in the Library of the Colledge of our Saviour the Historie of Compostella the growth and increase of the Church of Compostella described in two volumes written by the command of Didacus the first Archbishop thereof concerning which you may also read Lucius Marineus Siculus in his fift Booke and in GALLICIA LEGIO GALLICIA Chapter concerning religious houses in Spaine and the wonderfull miracles done therein The Lesser Townes are Orensium a Citie neare the River Minius and called by Ptolemie Thermae Calidae as Gomecius thinketh in the life of Franciscus Zimenius where hee addeth that the Swedish people of Germany who heretofore did subdue these parts in their native language did call it Warense though Ortelius saith it should rather be written Warmsee which signifies the Warme Lake Also a Town called in Latine Lucus and by the Inhabitants Lugo Pomponius calleth it Turris Augusti Pliny Aresti and Arae Sextianae and Ptolemie Promontonum Arae Sestii neare to the Cantabricke Ocean in Artabria Also Pons vetus Ponte Vedra and Ribalaeum commonly called Ribadeo Other towns Marinaeus Siculus mentions in the beginning of his third Booke Gallicia got the title of a Kingdome a thousand and sixtie yeares after Christ For that yeare Ferdinand the sonne of Sanctius Major King of Navarre being King of Castile when hee had married Sanctia the daughter of Alphonsus the fift and so united the Kingdome of Castile and Legio having three sonnes hee made by his will Sanctius King of Castile Alphonsus King of Legion and Asturia and Garcia King of Gallicia which hee enjoying in the right of his wife was till then but an Earledome and Portugall Sanctius being not content with this division which his father made thrust his brother Alphonsus out of his Kingdome and slew Garcia his other brother Now when Sanctius had ruled about sixe yeares and was at last beheaded by Vellidus through trecherie Alphonsus who lived as a banisht man with the King of the Moores at Toledo did not onely recover the Kingdome of Legio which his father gave him by Will but also got the Kingdome of Castile Gallicia and Portugall Alphonsus had three children lawfully begot on three wives by Isabell Queen of France hee had Sanctia who was married to the Earle Rodoricke who brought new Colonies into the Citie which is commonly called Ciudad-Rodrigo by Zaida a Moore daughter to the King of Sevill he had Sanctius who was slaine in a battell against the Saracens and lastly by Constantia he had Vrraca who out living Sanctius and Sanctia who dyed without issue after shee had beene wife to Raimundus Berengarius Earle of Tolosa married Alphonsus King of Aragon and had an heire by him who was afterward Alphonsus the seventh the most powerfull King of all his predecessours and one that deserved to be called Emperour of Spaine From that time Gallicia Castile and Legio have alwaies but one King Neare to Legio bounding thereon on the North is Asturia on the West Gallicia and on the South and East old Castile It taketh its name from the seventh German Legion which was seated and placed here under the command of the Emperour Nerva as some
suppose The Metropolis hereof is that famous Citie which taketh its name from the Countrie and is called by Ptolemie Legio septima Germanica Antoninus calleth it Legio Gemina but it is now commonly called Leon which name I cannot see why Franciscus Tarapha should rather derive from Leonigildus King of the Gothes than from the Legion it selfe Moralis doth deliver also that it was heretofore called Sublantia and writeth that some evidences of that name are extant in a place but a little distant from Legio called Sollanco L. Marinaeus Siculus writeth thus concerning the Church of Legio in his third Booke of Spaine Although the Church which the Citie of Hispalis hath built in our age doth exceed all the rest for greatnesse although the Church of Toledo surpasse the rest for treasure ornaments and glasse windowes and the Church of Compostella for strong building for the miracles of Saint Iames other things yet the Church of Legio in my judgement is to be preferred before them all for admirable structure and building which hath a Chappell joyning to it in which lye buried seven and thirtie Kings and one Emperour of Spaine It is worthy of memorie that this Citie was the first from which about the yeare 716. the recoverie of Spaine which formerly the Moores and Saracens almost wholly possessed was begun For as also Rodericus Toletanus in his sixt Booke of Spanish matters for many Chapters together and Roderick Sanctius in the first part of his Spanish Historie cap. 11. do relate Pelagius the sonne of Fafila Duke of Cantabria and descended of the royall blood of the Gothes being made King by the remainder of the Christians who fled into the mountaines made a great slaughter on the Moores and being scarcely entred into his Kingdome tooke Legio from the enemies This man afterwards making it the Seate of his Principalitie built a new Castle there as a Fort and defence against the violence of their incursions And laying aside the armes of the Kings of the Gothes gave the Lion Rampant Gules in a field Argent which the Kings of Legio do use at this day Fafila the sonne of Pelagius succeeded him in the Kingdome and he dying issuelesse there succeeded him Alphonsus Catholicus the sonne of Peter Duke of Cantabria being descended from the stocke of Ricaredus Catholick King of the Gothes who married Ormisenda the onely sister and heire of Fafila The government of Legion remained in the hands of Alphonsus his familie even to Veremundus the 24 King of Legio who dying in the yeare 1020. without a Successour his sister Sanctia married Ferdinando of Navarre King of Castile and brought the Kingdome of Legio to be joyned and united to his kingdome Asturia hath on the North the Ocean on the East Biscay on the South old Castile and on the West Gallicia It produceth and bringeth forth gold divers sorts of colours otherwise it is but little tilled and thinly inhabited except it be in those places which are next to the Sea Here was the Seat of the ancient Astures who were so called as Isidore writeth lib. 9. Etymolog cap. 2. from the River Asturia whereof Florus maketh mention in the fourth Book of his Roman Histories and others From whom Ptolemie calls the Countrie it selfe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the Latines Asturia as also Astyria as is evident by what I have read in ancient marbles At Rome in the pavement of the Chappell which is in the Temple of Saint Gregorie in the mountaine Caelius there is a broken marble-table engraved with these words Acontit L. Ranio Optato V. C. Cos Curatori Reip. Mediolanensium Curat Reip. Nolanorum Procos Provincia Narbonensium Legato Aug. Et Iuridico Astyriae Et. Galaecia Curatori Viae Salariae c. Moreover I see it called Asturica in a marble-Table which is at Rome beyond Tiber in a private Roman-citizens house I will set downe the words in the Description of Italie where I shall speake of the Alpes joyning to the Sea And it is called at this day Asturias Pliny lib. 3. cap. 3. doth divide the Astures into the Augustini and Transmontani The one being on the hither side of the mountaines toward the South and the other beyond the mountaines Northward neare the Ocean Concerning the Astures Silius the Italian Poet writeth thus lib. 1. Astur avarus Visceribus lacerae Telluris mergitur imis Et redit infelix effosso concolor Auro The covetous Asturian will goe Into the bowels of the earth below Whence he returnes in colour like gold Oare Which hee unhappily digg'd up before The Metropolis of the Province is Oviedo of which Rodericus Toletanus writeth much lib. 4. de rebus Hisp cap. 14. where among other things he giveth the reason wherefore it was called the Bishops Citie Here is also Astorga called anciently Asturica Augusta and some other small Townes BISCAY GVIPVSCOA NAVARRE and Asturia de Santillana BISCAY as Iohannes Bishop of Gerunda affirmeth taketh its name from the Bastuli the ancient Inhabitants of Baetica for they comming from Lybia into that part of Spaine which is called Baetica and being beaten and expulsed thence by the Moores they fled into the Mountaines of Galaecia and so building themselves houses the whole Countrie was called from that time Bastulia which is now called Biscay Some doe call Biscay Viscaia which word hath some affinity with the name of the Vascones Biscay is a Countrie of Spaine lying neere the Ocean and very full of hils out of which arise 150 Rivers It hath a more temperate Climate than other parts of Spaine For being environ'd with great Mountaines it is not troubled with too much cold nor burnt with too much heate The Countrie is full of trees fit for the building of Ships which not onely Spaine doth acknowledge but other Countries whither whole ship-loades are often transported Heere are abundance of Chesse-Nuts Hasel-Nuts Oranges Raizins and all kind of Mettals especially Iron and Black-lead besides other commodities Where they want wine they have a kinde of drinke made of prest Apples which hath an excellent taste Heere are also store of beasts fish fowle and all things which are convenient and necessarie for the sustaining of mans life The Cantabrians did heretofore inhabite that Countrie which wee now call Biscay but it was larger than Biscay is now and contained Guipuscoa and Navarre These Cantabrians were a famous people and much celebrated by many Writers They thought that was no life which was without warres and when all the people of Spaine were subjected and reduced to the obedience of Rome they alone with the Asturians and some others who joyned with them could not be overcome untill at last C. Caesar Octavianus Augustus did subdue this stout Nation being broken wearied by a warre of almost five yeares continuance hee himselfe going against them and the rest that were not obedient to the Romans by the industrie and valour of Vispanius
to the Romans When Caius Iulius the Dictator being kill'd at Rome Octavianus Augustus succeeded him For Augustus sent foure Legions against them who entring the Province did waste it with fire and sword When therefore they saw that they were unable to resist the Roman forces the most of them fled to the mountaines which were very steepe and inaccessible and are now called Navaia lying length-wayes betweene Mescua and Eulates Heere when they had dwelt a long time they were called from those Mountains Navinii and afterwards the Moores possessing Spaine did corruptly call them Navarri But being opprest by the Tyrannie of the Moores and compelled to forsake their owne habitations they betooke themselves to the Pyrenaean Mountaines where they chose themselves a King and for many successions of Kings lived according to their owne Lawes even till the yeare a thousand five hundred and thirteene when Pope Iulius the second did by the sentence of Excommunication deprive Iohannes Albretus King of Navarre of his Kingdome as a Schismatick adhering to Lewis the 12 King of France and gave a faire pretext occasion to Ferdinand the Catholick K. to invade Navarre which hee long gaped for he therefore sending Duke Alban did drive King Iohn out of his Kingdome and left it to his Successours The chiefe Citie of Navarre is now commonly called Pampelona some call it Pompeiopolis as if it were built by Pompeius Magnus It is situated under the sixteenth Degree and eleven Minutes of Longitude and the 44 Degree and 43 Minutes of Latitude There are besides these chiefe Cities Sanctus Iohannes Pedis Portus Mons Regalis Amaya Estella Olyta Taffala and Tudela THE OLD AND NEW CASTILE CASTILIA or Castella which taketh its name from the Castle that King Pelagius having recovered Legion from the Moores did build was heretofore called Bardulia The describers of Spaine doe make it twofold the Old and the New Asturia and Biscay doe compasse the Old Castile on the North on the West Portugall on the South New Castile the Mountaines which runne through the length of Spaine lying betweene them and on the East Aragon and Navarre The Country is very fertile full of wine and all kinde of Fruits Saffron and all kinde of living Creatures and this was the beginning of the Kingdome Pelagius having taken againe Legio from the Moores built a Castle as a defence against the violence of the Barbarians the Governours wherof were called Earles of Castile and did acknowledge the King of Legio a long time as their Prince even to Ordonius the second the fourteenth King of Asturia and Legio who having called the Earles and Nobles of Castile unto him under the colour of parley beheaded them This wicked act the Castilians stomacking and having cast off their obedience to the Kings of Legio they choose two Judges out of themselves Nunius Rasura and Lainus Calvus one to give Judgement and the other to oversee matters of warre whose children and posteritie were afterward called Earles of Castile even to Sanctius Major King of Navarre who when by his warlike valour hee had taken Corduba and Toledo from the Saracens and had thrust out all the Moores out of Navarre Aragon Castile 〈◊〉 Portugall and other parts of Spaine restored all Spaine to the Christians and having married Eluira the daughter of Sanctius Earle of Caâ— and sister to the last Earle of Garsia writ himselfe in the right of her dâ—â—y not Earle but King of Castile and left the Kingdome to his Son 〈◊〉 who was enriched with the Kingdome of Legio by his wife 〈◊〉 Sanctius the sonne did succeed Ferdinand and after him his brother 〈◊〉 whose daughter Vâ—raca for the heire male died when after the decease of Raâ—mundus Berengarius Earle of Tolosa her former husband shee had married Alphonsus King of Aragon the Kingdomes of â—â—raâ—on Castile and Legio came to be united The Metropolis of 〈◊〉 Castile is the Citie of Burges commonly called Burgos Ptolemie thinketh it should bee called Bravum It is an ancient Citie famous for many things and deserveth to be accounted one of the chiefe Cities of Spaine for it hath an hundred and fiftie lesser Townes under it every where beautified with great faire and convenient houses adorned with market places streetes bridges Temples Friaries and Rivers and is very notable for the incredible diligence of the Inhabitants of whatsoever age sexe or condition Round about the Metropolis divers Towns are pleasantly and commodiously seated as Palentia situated THE OLD AND NEW CASTILE CASTILIA VETUS et Nova on the banke of Carion Pliny calls it Palantia as also Mela Ptolemy and Appianus Strabo calls it Pallantia and Antoninus corruptly Peralantia Also the Towne Valdoletum heretofore a Royall Seate and one of the seven Ancient Universities of Spaine It is the fairest and most delightfull place not onely in Spaine but also in all Europe as being seated on the most pleasant banke of Pesuerga neither is there any Citie which can be preferr'd before it for the fertilenesse of the soyle round about it It hath a faire and large market-place the circuit wereof is seven hundred paces and whereas this Towne is very famous for many respects yet it is especially honoured by the birth of Philip the second King of Spaine It is commonly called Valladolid which some doe interpret the Vale of Oletus Ptolemie calls it Pintia and Antoninus Pinâ—â—a as Cusius thinketh Also Simanca called by Antoninus Septimanca and Camora which Ptolemy calls Sarabris as Clusius thinketh but Antoninus corruptly Sabaria Yet Florianus del Campo and Gomerâ—us doe thinke that Sarabris was that Town which is commonly called Tora and in Latine Taurus neare to the River Durius Salmantica is not the last in account which Pylaenus calls Salmatis but is commonly called Salamanca Not farre from hence neare the River which is commonly called Gada is the Citie of Count Rodoricke called anciently Ciudad Rodrigo which as Vasaeus and Clusius thinke Ptolemy would have to bee Myrobriga From hence Southward is Coria heretofore called Caurita as Clusius writeth Andraeas Schottus doth affirme that by the Moderne Latine Writers it was called Cauria About nine leagues on the East from Cauria is Placentia a faire Citie whose Cittrons and other Fruites as also their white bread are chiefly commended and desired it is commoâ—â—â— called Plazentia Placentia hath many pleasant Townes undâ— jurisdiction among which is Xavahicium proud of her woods and lying in a Valley like an Altar as Marinaeus noteth in the innermost part of a Church The Mountaines adjacent and lying neare to Placentia are named from the Citie Verade Placentiae Also Avila called by Ptolemie Olbula as Clusius would have it Not farre from the Fountaines of Areva lyeth Segobia which Pliny and Antoninus call Segovia and Ptolemie Segubia it is a Citie famous for Cloath-making and wherein as Vasaeus writeth this is memorable that no man is seene idle neither are there any beggars unlesse it
which is called Magistratus S. Iacobi And the other part toward the South is enclosed with Gades and the Mediterranean Sea It is in a temperate and flourishing Climate and is miraculously fertile in bringing forth Corne Wine Oyle and all kindes of fruits with which it replenishes forraine Countries Spaine in these parts that are encompassed with the Sea as Pliny saith may be compared with Italy which commendations wee suppose may be chiefly understood of that part which looketh toward Hispalis as being exposed to the Sea and the gentle Westerne gales of winde And indeed this Countrie so aboundeth with all kind of things therein so farre excells all the Provinces of the World that Pliny had worthily preferred it before Italie but that he being an Italian would not disgrace his owne Countrie Here is great store of all kindes of Cattell and especially of Cunnies Wee said before that Andaluzia tooke that name from the Vandalls because they being driven out by the Gothes seated themselves in this place though afterward being thrust out from hence they went into Africke Thus it was Rodericke the 25 King of the Gothes in whom the line of the Kings of the Gothes was extinguisht did send one Iulianus an Earle to Mauritania Tingitana as Governour thereof and in his absence did violate his daughters chastitie making a whore of her which when her father heard he called the Saracens out of Africke thinking thereby to ease his just sorrow by revenging it on the King who was the cause thereof These Saracens comming in by the Straits of Hercules in the yeare of Christ 714. under the conduct of their Captaine Muzamissus in two yeares space got possession of all Spaine except Asturia which was fortified by the naturall situation of the place In this little time there were slaine on both sides 700000 men The Saracens having gotten the Empire and having rooted out the Christian Religion as much as they could they divided the Kingdomes among themselves The first Kingdome that they instituted was at Corduba which they called Abenalibeticum The other was at Hispalis and the third at New Carthage But at last being driven out of these parts by Ferdinand the third they went unto Granada in the yeare 1216. and afterward by Ferdinand the sixt were quite thrust out of Spaine in the yeare 1494. The Metropolis of this Countrie is that which Pliny calls Hispalis Ptolemie Ispalis Silius Hispal Gratianus Spalis and which now is called Sevill Arius Montanus thinketh that Hispalis is a Carthaginian name derived from Spila or Spala which signifies a plain or greene country Some among whom is F. Tarapha do referre the name thereof to Hispalis the son of Lybian Hercules but Isidorus as in many other things is ridiculous in this matter for when he had noted that this Citie was built by Iulius Caesar and so called from his name and the Citie of Rome Iulia Romula he saith that it was so named Hispalis from Piles or Stakes upon which hee supposed either all or part of the Citie to be built as being situate in a moorish place It is a Citie neare Baetis pleasantly seated great in compasse round in forme beautifull and adorned with Temples and many houses So many things may be declared concerning it that there is an ancient Proverbe of it Quien no ha Visto Sevilla no ha visto Maravilla It hath beene the mother and fosterer of many happie wits among which was Benedictus Arias Montanus a great Divine and very skilfull in divers languages as his workes set forth by him do witnesse Having spoken something of the Metropolis I will describe some of the other Cities not keeping any certaine order yet so as that which is nearest to the Metropolis shall be placed first Five leagves from Hispalis is Palatium or Palantia which is commonly called Palacios from an ancient Castle that standeth on one side of it It is seated in the way which leadeth to S. Lucar and the Gaditane Straits Next unto this is Cabaca a little Town seated in the entrance of the mountaines which do extend themselves Southward toward Malaga and Cabecis three leagves off toward the North-East commonly called Lebrixa by Ptolemie Nebrissa and by Pliny Veneria The builder thereof is supposed to be Liber Pater It is a pleasant and a prettie little Towne with an ancient Castle encompassed round about with pleasant fields and is famous by reason of Aelius Antonius once a citizen thereof and an ornament and honour to all Spaine Moreover the Towne which is commonly called Carmona by Strabo Carmon by Antoninus Carme and by Ptolemie Chermenia and Marchena heretofore as saith Onuphrius called Martia this Towne is seated on a little hill which hath a plaine on every side for its prospect There are also these townes Loja on the right hand banke of Baetis Axalita built of old stone as Clusius witnesseth and called Flavium Axalitanum as appeareth by an ancient inscription Moron heretofore called by Clusius Arucci Ossuna called by Appianus Orsona by Strabo Orson by Pliny Vrso and Genua or Gemina Vrbanorum by ancient Inscriptions Vrsaon and by Hirtius Vâ—sao The towne Eceja by the river Singulis Xenil or Chenil called by Ptolemie Astygis and by Pliny Augusta Firma is a little Towne 13 leagues from Hispalis Penastor in the mid way betweene Hispalis and Corduba on the right hand banke of Baetis which Ptolemie thinketh to be Illipula magna but Pliny Ilpa Italica in the Iurisdiction of Hispalis and not ANDALVZIA ANDALUZIA many miles hence on the banke of the same River Corduba commonly called Cordova Pliny saith it was named Colonia Patricia and Moralis doth also prove the same by inscription on an ancient marble Iohannes Gerundensis saith that it was called Corduba quasi Cor Batis that is the heart of Baetis It hath bred famous Souldiers and great Schollers And it is happie in her fruitfull fields pleasant gardens and beside many other gifts in her wholesome waters Silius the Italian Poët lib. 3. calleth the soile of Corduba a golden soile when he saith Nec decus auriferae cessavit Corduba terrae Corduba's soile is of so rich a mould It will not yeeld to that which beareth gold Five leagues from Corduba Southward is Mons Major commonly called Monte Major Ptolemie thinketh it to be Vlia a Citie in Hispania Baetica and so doth Antoninus Some few leagues from Corduba is Montoro Antoninus supposeth it to be Epora Ptolemie erroneously calleth it Ebura instead of Epora when notwithstanding the former is not a Towne of Baetica but of Lusitania but worst of all Pliny who nameth it Ripepora Foederatorum Not farre from Lucar is the Towne which the Spaniards call Xeres de la Frontera as though it were the beginning and bound of Spaine on that side where it standeth This towne Navagierus thinketh to be the same with that which Livie and others call Asta Antoninus with an asperation calleth it Hasta Moralis
writeth that it doth still retaine the name of Asta and thinketh it to be that place neare the river Guadalet which is commonly called Masa de Asta But Ortelius supposeth that it was drowned with the Island Tartessus in the mouth of Baetis An hundred furlongs from the mouth of Baetis standeth the Towne Chipiona which Strabo lib. 3. calleth Capionis Turris At the mouth of the River Lethes which is now called Guadelet or in the Arabian language Bedalac there is a Towne which is called Portus S. Mariae and commonly El puerto de S. Maria. Having passed over Lethes the next towne you shall meet withall is Medina Sidonia and somewhat more Southward toward the Sea-shoare is Conilium a famous towne of Spaine sixe leagues distant from the Citie Gadiz and subject to the Duke of S. Lucar and Medina Sidonia There is also Carteja called commonly Tariffa and not far from thence is the Towne Vegelium commonly called Vegel It is indeed a litle Towne but yet famous for the situation and beautie of it for it is seated on a hill which is environed round about with a large plaine so that it hath a faire prospect as farre as the eye can reach not onely upon the plaines and greene medowes toward the East as also the Mountaines of Africke and the Southerne coast but likewise upon the great troublesome Ocean toward the North and West Lastly from hence toward the Northwest lyeth the towne Munda for so Pliny nameth this towne which now is called Monda though some do thinke that to be old Munda which now is called Ronda veja There are in the Diocese of Hispalis an innumerable company of Monasteries and Nunneries It would be a tedious thing to reckon up the Hospitalls for strangers that are in this country seing there are in Hispalis it selfe an hundred and twenty which are richly endowed some of them having eight thousand Crownes and some fifteene thousand Crownes yearely revenue Hispalis is the most beautifull of all the Cities of Spaine in regard of the Religious houses and Churches which are therein among many Churches the chiefest is the Church dedicated to Saint Mary than which the Christian world cannot shew a better if you consider either the greatnesse and majestie of the worke which carrieth with it an excellent beauty or if you behold the heigth of the Towre wrought with admirable workmanship from whence there is a pleasant prospect over all the City and the fields that lye round about it What shall I describe the royall furniture of the Kings Castle in this Citie than which the Kings of Spaine have none more fairely or curiously built What should I mention the Pallaces here belonging to Dukes Earles and other Nobles Or why should I speake of the Citizens houses adorned with pleasant Fountaines and Gardens I passe by the ancient Aquaeducts by which water is convey'd into severall parts of the Citie and those later which were brought with great cost and labour to the Pillars commonly called Hercules Pillars and dedicated to publick delight besides many other ornaments of this Citie since I feare lest I be tedious VALENTIA AND MVRCIA VALENTIA taketh its name from the Metropolis thereof being a faire Mart-Towne and of great antiquitie On the South it looketh toward Murcia on the West toward both the Castiles on the North toward Aragon and on the East the Sea beateth on it It hath a more temperate Ayre and a more pleasant Climate than any other part of Spaine yea the Kingdome of Valentia hath such a gentle Climate the warme Westerne windes breathing upon it that at any time even at Christmas and in the Moneth of Ianuarie the Inhabitants may carrie Posies of flowres in their hands as they doe in other places in April and May. It is an excellent Country having plenty of all things as Sugar Wine Oyle Corne and divers other fruites It hath Mynes of Silver in a place which they call Buriel betweene Valentia and Dertosa And there are stones found which have as it were golden veines and lines running through them in a place which is called Aioder At the Promontorie Finistratum there are Iron Mynes and neere to Segorbia there are some signes remaining of a Quarrie out of which Marble was heretofore digged and carried to Rome In some places Alablaster is digged up but Alume Tinne Marking-stone and Chalke is found every where The Moores by a long succession of Dukes held the Citie of Valentia for a long time though it had beene often besieged by the Kings of Aragon untill Iames the first King of Aragon by a long siege obtained it and enforced their Captaine Zaen Maure together with fiftie thousand Moores to depart the Citie and to flie unto Denia carrying with them their Gold Silver Armour and Houshold-stuffe Valentia being thus forsaken King Iames sent a Colonie to replenish it againe The Colony consisted of Catalonians and Aragonians their Captaine being Berengarius Palatiol Bishop of Barcelona Vidalus Cavelia Bishop of Ossa Peter Ferdinandes d' Acagra and Simon de Vrrea Knights they distributed the whole Citie among the new Inhabitants which were 384 families according to their severall dignities and adorn'd the Common-wealth with new Lawes This Countrie obtained the title of a Kingdome in the yeare of Christ 788 as Ortelius writeth out of Petrus Metinensis Petrus Antoninus Beuterus The Historie hath it thus Hisen King of Corduba being dead there succeeded him in the yeare of Christ 788 his sonne Alca whose uncle Aodala Lord of Valentia called to him his Brother whose name was Culema and had beene disinherited out of Taviar these two Brethren uniting their forces came to Corduba and endeavouring to expell their Nephew out of his Kingdome were overcome in battell so that Aodala fled for his safety and returned to Valentia VALENTIA AND MVRCIA REGNI VALENTIAE TYPUS But the chiefe of the Moores interposing themselves betweene the Uncles and the Nephew they brought them to that agreement that Aodala should write himselfe King of Valentia and that Culema should receive every moneth out of the revenues of Valentia a thousand of Moradines which was a kinde of money for the maintenance of his table and five thousand Moradines more for the provision of other necessaries To which agreement when Aodala had consented hee first stiled himselfe the King of Valentia The ancient Inhabitants of Valentia were the Hedetani which as Ptolemie thinketh were the same with the Sedentani Secondly the Biscargitani whose Metropolis was Biscargis whereof there is some mention made in the Inscription of Caesars coyne as Hub. Goltzius witnesseth and these seeme to have beene of the Heditanians seeing Ptolemie names Biscargis to be amongst them Thirdly the Leonicenses whose Metropolis Ptolemie cals Leonica and placeth it also among the Heditanians Fourthly the Coâ—â—stani from whom Pliny nameth the Countrie of Contestania in Tarraconia Their memory is preserved by the Towne Contayna or as some pronounce it
government of the Common-wealth doth excell all the Cities in Spaine The Countrey wherein this Citie is seated is inhabited for the most part by a Nation which are descended from the Moores and therefore they doe yet retaine their Ancestours speech and manner of life That is not to bee omitted which M. Tully doth speake in his last Oration against Verres in the praise of Valentia Valentinorum saith hee hominum honestissimorum testimonio that is by the testimonie of the Valentians who are most honest men Much silke is made in this Kingdome Valentia as Olivarius Valentinus writeth hath great store of traffique and trading for divers sorts of wares are exported from thence as silke-thread of all colours and raw silke as it comes from the Silke-worme the best cloth also is carried from thence into the Isles called Baleares and into Sicilie and Sardinia Besides there is exported from thence Rice Wheate Sugar Raizins Figges and preserv'd fruites into many Countries in Europe ARAGON AND CATALONIA ARAGON tooke its name either from the Autrigonians a people of Spaine as Laurentius Valla witnesseth or from Tarracone an ancient Citie as it pleaseth Antonius Nebrissensis and Vasaeus Some suppose it was so called from the River Aragon which rising there doth flow into Iberus Some doe derive it from the the Altar of Hercules called in Latine Ara and his sports called Agonalia which if it be true it is a wonder that Ancient Writers are so silent concerning Aragon Navarre cleaveth to this Kingdome on the Northwest Calatrava toward the Southeast On the Southwest it looketh towards Castile and on the North it hath the Pyrenaean Mountaines The Country is for the most part rugged drie towards the Pyraenean hills so that you shall not meete with a house for many dayes journeys yet here are some fruitfull Valleyes abounding with the best corne and other fruits and it is refreshed with sweet Rivers All Writers do report that Ranimirus was the first King of this Kingdome He was made King of Aragon in the yeare 1016. But concerning the Kingdome and the Kings of Aragon as also Valentia and Catalonia how and from whom they had their beginnings and of their union you may reade Rodericus Sanctius in the first part of his Spanish Historie cap. 13. Also Lucius Marinaeus Siculus de Regibus Hispaniae lib. 8. and others The Metropolis and head Citie of the Kingdome Pliny and others doe call Caesar-Augusta Ptolemy Caesarea-Augusta It is now called Sarragosa and is a famous Universitie They report that the builder thereof was Iuba King of Mauritania who called it Saldyba that is the house of Iuba but afterward the former name being left off it was called Caesar-Augusta It is seated on the banke of Iberus in a plaine place and hath a long stone bridge which serveth the Inhabitants to passe over the River as Strabo speakes in his third booke The Citie lyeth in the forme and shape of a shoo-soale It hath foure gates looking to the foure quarters of the world It is encompassed with strong walls and well fortified with many Towres In this Citie the Kings of Aragon were wont to be crowned by the Archbishop Primate of the whole Kingdome The other Cities are these first that which Ptolemy and Plutarch doe call in Latine Osca and is now called Huesca but Velleius Paterculus fabulously calleth it Eteosca where he writeth that Sertorius was slaine Secondly the Citie Tyriassona neere the Mountaine Cacus which some doe suppose was built by the Tyrians and Ausonians Thirdly Iacca lying in a valley heretofore the Seate of the Iaccetani Fourthly Calatajut standing in a Plaine and built out of the ruines of Bilbilis which together with many other Monuments of Antiquitie are to be seene a mile and an halfe from the Towne on a Hill which is commonly called Bambola or Banbola This Mountaine is enriched almost on every side with the River Salon or Xalon where Valerius Martialis lib. 10. Epigram 103. doth place Bilbilis being borne a Citizen of it Paulinus calleth it Bilbilis hanging on the rock Ptolemie corruptly calleth it Bilbis and Martiall calleth it Augusta Bilbilis as also doe the Inscriptions of ancient coyne Fifthly Barbastrum famous for Iron Crosse-bowes which Ptolemie cals Burtina and Antoninus Bortina as some thinke Sixthly Monsonium seated in the midle or navell of the Kingdome not farre from the Banke of the River Cinga neere which there is a hill from whence the Towne taketh its name It is a Towne that is famous by reason of the meeting and convention of the Kingdomes of Aragon and Valentia and the Principality of Catalonia where it standeth It is commonly called Moncon and hath not onely a fruitfull Soyle but a sweete and open Ayre Seventhly Fraga between Ilerda and Caesar-Augusta Ptolemie cals it Gallica Flavia and Antoninus Gallicum as Varronius thinketh though some doe place Gallicum there where now stands Zuera Eigthly Gurrea heretofore called Forum Gallorum which Antoninus placeth betweene Caesar-Augusta and the Pyrenaean Hils Ninthly Ajerbium where it is thought that Ebellinum sometime stood which Antoninus and others doe mention 10ly Vrgella which Aimonius calleth Orgellum and Ptolemie Orgia It is a Towne not farre from the Fountaines of Sicoris or Segre There were also other Townes which are now so ruinated that there remaines nothing of them among which was the Towne Calagurris Nassica being an other besides that in Navarre The Citizens thereof are called Calagurritani by Caesar in his first Booke of Commentaries and Suetonius noteth that Augustus had a Guarde of them in the life of Augustus cap. 49. Pliny nameth them Nassici The Rivers heere are Iberus or Ebro and Gallego or Gallicum with others ARAGON AND CATALONIA Arragonia et Catalonia Aut fugies Vticam aut unctus mitteris Ilerdam From Utica thou either now shalt flee Or else sent to Ilerda thou shalt bee Heere Pope Calixtus the third taught publickly the knowledge of the Law as Platina witnesseth These things may suffice which have beene spoken hitherto concerning Spaine But yet I thinke it fit to adde by way of conclusion the excellent testimonie of a French-man concerning this Kingdome wherein whatsoever wee have hitherto said in praise and commendation thereof is briefly and pithily repeated by way of recapitulation This French-man whom I mentioned was called in Latine Pacatus who writ a most learned Panegyrick to Theodosius the Emperour being a Spaniard in which hee speaketh to this purpose Now it will appeare that hee is declared Prince who ought to bee chosen of all men and out of all men For first Spaine is thy Mother a Land more happie than all other Countries the great Fabricator and Maker of all things hath beene more favourable in enriching and adorning this Countrie than the Countries of others Nations for it is neither obnoxious to the Summers heate nor subject to the Northerne cold but is seated in the temperate Climate and by the witty diligence of
doe most clearely appeare A Knight saith this author or a Chevalier shall be thus created of one that was a Squire before and bore armes in his Escutcheon If hee having long followed the warres exercised armes beene present at many conflicts hath sufficient meanes to maintaine the state of his degree and commeth of a great noble and rich Familie then in any skirmish hee shall make knowne his request to the Generall of the Army or to some valiant generous Knight and when the battell is ended hee shall come unto the said Generall or Knight and entreate him in the name of God and S. George to give him the Order of Knighthood Whereupon hee shall draw out his Sword and strike him thrice with it saying I make thee a Knight or Chevalier in the name of God and S. George faithfully to defend the Faith Iustice the Church Widowes and Orphanes But if the supplicant although he be valiant yet be poore hee shall not bee admitted unlesse so much yearely revenues be assigned and given unto him as is necessarie to preserve and maintaine the honour and dignitie of his Order And this is the first degree of Nobility arising from the lowest A militarie Tribune called een Bander-heer shall be made of a Knight if having long followed the warres hee hath lands and revenues enough to keepe and maintaine fiftie Gentle-men in pay that is one Band of horse men which shall follow his colours in the war For no man can set up a Colours or standerd of his owne unlesse hee can bring into the field at his owne charge a Troupe or Band at the least of fiftie Gentlemen who receive pay from him A Baron may bee created of a Knight or also of a Noble Squire which hath foure Castles in his dominion and all power within himselfe for then the King may conferre a Baronrie upon him yet hee cannot give him this honour unlesse he hath behaved himselfe valiantly in the warres Therefore after the first conflict or battell he is made a Knight after the second a militarie Tribune and after the third a Baron The degree of an Earle is the next and first an Earle of the Marches whom wee call a Marquesse that is Marcgrave And hee may be created one who hath two or three Baronies included in one Dukedome and that by the Duke in whose precincts they lye Hee may be made a Provinciall Earle that is a Landgrave who hath foure Baronies in one Dukedome by the Duke or the King by the instance or permission of the Duke Hee may bee made a Vicount who hath five Counties or more within one Dukedome or which are joyned together by vicinitie of situation And by the Kings permission he may be created by the Duke with great solemnitie But if the King himselfe be present the Principality is more honourable The Duke who is to be made of an Earle must first possesse in the Kingdome wherein hee is to bee crowned foure principall Counties and must have in every one of them foure other Counties or Baronies which must bee bound to doe fealtie and service to them But he must be crowned by the King or Emperour whose subject hee is his Hatt being adorned with pearles and pretious Stones in the most flourishing Citie of his territories and that in a great assembly of Princes Dukes Earles and Barons a solemne festivall being also held as it is the custome as the Coronation of Kings Hee that is to bee King must have foure Dukedomes lying neere together subject unto him and in every Dukedome foure Cities which hee alone governeth in every one of these foure Cities one Archbishop and under euery one of these againe ten Provinciall Bishops Hee being endowed and adorned with these dominions and dignities shall come unto the Emperours Majestie as to his superiour or shall invite him by an honourable Embassage to come unto him and so desire to be crowned by him But this seemes to be a later manner of electing the Kings and other Princes for as long as those wandring Nations of the Gothes Vandals Longobardes and many others did bring in their Kings with them they did not measure the royall dignitie by large possession of lands but by the multitude and strength of the people which they brought in Neither was there any other choise of Dukes who first began to bee instituted by Longinus Governour of Ravenna in the yeare 569 and afterward by the Longobards than for their valour and wise atchievements Adde to this that which Paulus Aemilius witnesseth namely that Dukes and Earles were in the beginning made Prefects by the King over Nations and Cities on this condition onely that as often as there was occasion they should bee dismissed or changed Now how could the afore said Lawes of creating Princes which are measured by and doe claime the hereditarie possession of Lands be in force at that time seeing Dukedomes and Counties were conferr'd by Kings and Emperours as a temporary bountie Therefore though the precise time of the Institution of them cannot be shewed for that French Booke doth mention nothing of it yet it is very likely that under Otto the second Emperour or about the yeare one thousand or a litle after that manner of constituting and confirming dignities was ordained by the Monarches For even untill Otto the second every Prince according to his power and ambition did aspire to greater dignitie and royall Majestie So out of one Kingdome of Lotharingia or Lorreine which being extended from the Rhene even to the River Scaldis was bounded with the Friesland Sea and belonged to Lotharius the Sonne of Lodovicus Pius more Kingdomes did afterward arise namely the transjurane Burgundie which being extended from the Mountaine Jura even to the Alpes did containe all Helvetia the Rauraci the Allobroges and the transjurane Burgundians and the Kingdome of Provence which did certaine some part of Burgundie and Sabaudia and was afterward called the Kingdome of Arelatum of which at this day the Elector of Trevers is called the Archchanâ—â—liour It did also containe the Kingdome of Lotharingia now also called Lotharingia and other Kingdomes betweene the Rhene and Scaldis even to the Friesland Sea and heretofore it was called the Kingdome of Austrasia Againe this Kingdome of Lotharingia Charles the bald and his Brother Lodovick did part betweene them both of them preserving the title of a King in all places I omit the other Kingdomes which sprung up in that agely the desire and asseciation of Soveraignty But the Emperour Otto the second did divide Lotharingia having tooke away the name of a Kingdome into nine Dukedomes and Earledomes as it were into members pulled and separated from the body as Cuspinian hath it and having made a division thereof Anno 981 be first made Charles the Brother of Lotharius King of France Duke of that Countrie which is now called Lotharingia aâ— Richardus Wissenburgius doth speake more at large It seemeth that after that time the arâ—itrarie
speedie way to notifie it unto the Countries round about and that is by acclamations and shouting with the voyce for from them the others receive it and they againe by the same meanes make it knowne to their neighbours They doe not suffer their Children saith Caesar when they are growne to ripenesse of yeares to come unto them openly because they should not neglect the service of the warres and they thinke it an unseemely thing for the Sonne in his Childehood to sit in publick in the sight of his Father The men doe make their wives a dowrie according to the portion which they receive with them both which are put into one stock so as that which ariseth from it is kept to their use and which soever of the parties doth out-live the other he or shee hath both parts with the use and profit which hath arisen from thence The French women are beautifull and like men for strength and stature as Diodorus saith they are fruitfull and when they bring forth children they give them good education Servitude was usuall in France according to the manner of other Nations And Caesar saith lib. 6. that the most of them when they are oppressed either with debt or by great taxes or by the power of great men they betake themselves to the service of Noble-men who have as much power over them as Masters have over their Servants yet they use them with more humanity and curtesie than the Romans did For the French Lords had these Servants or as Caesar calleth them by a French word Ambacti who attended on them to increase their traine and they us'd them in service of warre Moreover they commonly used as Diodorus witnesseth thicke earthen Cups and wrought with flowres on them They did all suppe sitting not on seates but on the ground upon the skins of wolves and dogges spread thereon the younger youths serving them at meate And neere unto them there was a fire made and pots of flesh set thereon especially with Swines flesh both fresh and salt But for the most part as Strabo writeth their meate was Milke Athenaeus thus delivereth his minde out of Posidonius concerning this Nation The French use to drinke upon a litle hay spread under them having litle woodden Tables before them Bread which as Plinie noteth they make light with leaven is there a common foode They use much rosted and broyled flesh and they take up whole joynts in both hands like Lions tearing them in pieces with their teeth and that which they cannot pull in pieces they cut it with a litle knife Those that live neere Rivers or the Sea-coasts have fish as a common service at their Table which they broyle on fire with salt vineger and cummin which they put also in the drinke And a litle afterward he saith The rich and wealthy men doe drinke wine which is brought out of Italie or out of Massilia and that either pure by it selfe or sometimes mingled with a litle water But Plinie reporteth lib. 22. cap. ult that they make a kinde of drunken drinke of fruite Diodorus saith that they made a drinke of Barley which they called Zythum and an other of water and honey Concerning their habit they wore a kinde of Cassock as Strabo noteth woven of thick wooll this Garment they called Laena by which is meant as Ioseph Scaliger doth note those garments which the French-men doe now call Lansanguies quasi Laurangiae from the figure of a Laurell or Bay-leafe which is like unto a Rhombus The French did use loose or straite Breeches which Tacitus cals a barbarous covering Strabo saith that the French in stead of Cloakes used to weare short Coates that reached downe but to the buttocks the shape of which Garment may be seene in that which Germans commonly call Pallatrock or by contraction Palt rock Diodorus saith that they use to weare Rings on all their fingers and without distinction Plinie in his naturall Historie lib. 33. cap. 1. saith that they wore them onely on their middle finger But of these things enough I come to the particular parts of France BRITANY NORMANDIE and BELSIA BRITANNIA commonly called Bretaigne did receive both name Lawes and Inhabitants from the Brittaines who being driven out of their Countrie by the Saxons seated themselves there in the reigne of Vortigerne by whom they were called from thence to ayde him against the Scots It may bee that before this time there were some Colonies of Brittaines in this part of France which being then increased by the exiles banished men of Brittaine they used the same violence to the Aremoricans which they had suffered at home and expulsed them as Scaliger saith in his Description of Cities Vicit Aremoricas animosa Britannia Gentes Et dedit imposito nomina prisca jugo The Brittaines the Aremoricans orâ—came And gave unto the Countrie their owne name From these Armoricans the Countrie was heretofore called Armorica especially that part of it which lyeth toward the Sea and is now called Lower-Brittany For as Camden witnesseth Armor doth signifie in the ancient Brittish Speech that which lyeth neere or upon the Sea On the East it hath Normandie and the Cenomani Inhabitants of Le Maine the Andegavenses Inhabitants of Aniou and on the South it hath Poicton the other sides are enclosed with the Brittish Sea It runneth forth into the Sea farre beyond all the other Provinces like a Peninsula whence it is not unfitly called the Horne of France and doth resemble the shape of a shooe-sole the exterior part whereof being round looketh toward the Sea the inward part toward the Mediterranean The length thereof is sixe dayes journey and the breadth thereof three It is a pleasant and fruitfull Countrie It hath many faire medowes and Pastures for Cattell to graze in and also veines of Silver Iron and Lead The Brittaines grew on a suddaine so powerfull that they opposed the Gothes and hindered them from taking possession of all France for their King Riothimus brought 12 thousand Brittaines to ayde the Romans against the Gothes as Iornandes reporteth Callimachus also witnesseth that they were at the Battell against Attila And a weighty argument to prove the power of the Brittaines is that the Kings of France granted this Countrie of the conquest whereof they despaired to the Normans as being more accustomed to warre to subdue and conquer it Neither did this counsell want good successe for the fiercenesse of the Brittaines was taken off by the Normans sword and so it became to bee obedient to them whereas it was subject before to the Kings of France Afterwards it had Dukes of its owne the last of them was Duke Francis who dying in the yeare 1490 left one onely Daughter to bee the inheritrix thereof Shee being betroathed to Maximilian Archduke of Austria and King of the Romans passing through France was taken away by Charles the eigth who afterward maried her by which marriage Brittaine was
bee invented or used And on the besieged side you might have seene men women and children with great courage of minde sustaine the furious assaults of their enemies and with constancie and cheerfulnesse repaire the ruines of the wals keepe down those that would have ascended up drive back their enemies to their trenches pursue them and at last fight it out for the most part with good successe Moreover you might have beheld them wearying the besiegers with daily sallying out upon them and lastly subsisting after nine assaults in which though their enemies did fight valiantly yet they were enforced to retire with great losse At length the Ambassadours of Polonia comming the 15 of Iune that they might bring with them Henry Duke of Anjou whom the States of the Kingdome had chosen for King God used this as a meanes to free Rochelle being now exhausted and drawne drie of Corne and being weakned in warlike fortifications besides the losse of many thousand men for now the King by Articles of peace confirmed by his royall solemne edicts did grant that Rochelle Montalban Nemansum and other Cities which did defend themselves should bee free to use their owne Religion such an event had this grievous siege which endured almost for seven moneths In which time more than twentie thousand men perished in conflicts sallies besieges by wounds hunger and sicknesse Rochelle is a constant Seate for presidiall Senatours and other Lawyers The other Cities Townes of note in Santonia are commonly called S. â—ean d' Angely Ponts or Pont l' Oubleze Blaye Taillebourg Borbesieux Brovage and Iosac S. Iean d' Angely otherwise called Angeliacum and S. Ioannes de Angeria is a new Citie although it be one of the speciallest and greatest of all Santonia It renewed its name from an Abbey which was built in that place to the honour of S. Iohn the Baptist the foundation whereof happened to be in the reigne of King Pipin who kept his Court in the Pallace of Angeria neere the River commonly called Boutonne in the Countrie of Alnia for hither as they say came certaine Monkes out of the Holy Land who brought with them the head of S. Iohn Baptist by whose comming the King obtained a famous victorie over his enemies and therefore in remembrance thereof hee built in that place where was the Pallace of Angeria the Abbey of Saint Iohn there placing religious men and endowing them with great revenues that they might there devote themselves to the service of God now by this meanes people flocking thither and building round about the Abbey by degrees it began to be a Citie as it is now at this day and was called by the name of S. Iohn All these things happened about the yeare of our Lord seven hundred sixtie eight while Pipin waged warre against Gaifer King of Aquitania whom hee overcame as it may bee read in the Historie of the Foundation of this Abbey This Citie the Duke of Andegavium or Aniou did besiege in the yeare 1569 and it was yeelded to him after 50 dayes siege the King granting the Citizens thâ—se conditions That they should march forth of the Citie with their Armour Horses and Colours displayed Santonia raiseth great store of money by its Corne which the Spaniards every yeare doe transport from thence or Merchants which fell it unto them And the Citie of Rochelle is very rich in regard of its neerenesse to the Sea and especially because of the traffick of the English and Dutch whose shipping doe often arrive there AQVITANIA AQVITANIA whose Southerne part is delineated in this Table some would have so called from the waters wherewith it doth abound and some derive it from the Towne Aquis or Aqs. It was extended according to Ptolemie from the Pyrenaean Mountaines even to Liger But now as Ortelius witnesseth from the River Garumna to the Ocean and the Pyrenaean Hils Towards the North-West it hath the Ocean which is called the Aquitanick Bay on the West Spaine on the North Gallia Lugdunensis and on the South Gallia Narbonensis In it according to Mercators account there are five Dukedomes twentie Counties and sixe Seigniories The Dukedomes are Vasconia or Guienna Avernia the Countrie of Engoulesme Berrie and Turonia Vasconia or Guienna being situated neere the Sea betweene Bayon and Burdeaux yeeldeth great store of wine which is transported from thence into other parts of Europe The chiefe Citie in it is Burdigala or Burdeaux the other Cities as Nerac Condom Mirande Nogerat Orthes Bazes and Dax are of no great note yet Dax is famous for her hot Fountaines Salt-pits and Iron-mettle Burdigala so called by Ptolemie is situated in a marsh which the overflowing of Garumna maketh and is adorned both with a Parliament and an University in which the Professours of all Arts and Sciences doe instruct Youth Avernia or the Dutchie of Avergne is partly a plaine and partly a mountainous Countrie It hath on the East Forest on the South Languedock on the West Quercy Perigort and Lemosin and on the North Berry and Bourbon Avernia is two-fold the Higher and the Lower The Higher which is called Le hault pays d' Avergne and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Avernia hath one prime Citie in it called S. Flour being seated on a high Rock the other Townes are commonly called Orillac Carlatum Muratum Buillons le Puy c. There is also in it the Territorie and Bayliwick of Beaucaire The Lower is rich and very fertile being full of excellent Wine Fruit Honey Saffron Cattell Wooll Medowes and Woods The Metropolis of it is Clarimontium commonly called Clermont It is proude of her Castle and is a Bishops Seate The other Cities or Townes are 13 in number of which Rion Monferrat and Isoire doe excell the rest Engoulesme on the North joyneth to Poictou on the West to Santonia on the South to Perigort and on the East to Lemosin It hath abundance of very good Wine fruit and Hempe The Metropolis of it is Inculisma now called Engoulesme being an ancient Citie It is seated on a hill which hangeth over the River Charente in a remote place from the Kings high way The lesser Towns are those which are commonly called Marton Chasteau Neuff Blaisac Chabannes Confollant Cuffec Aigres Gourville la Roche-Foucault Marveil Lanzac Villebois Momberon and Bouteville Concerning the Countrie of Berry wee will speake in a Table by it selfe Turonia commonly called Touraine beginneth somewhat beyond the Citie Amboise towards Belsia and endeth at the towne which is commonly called la Chapelle Blanche AQVITANIA AQUITANIA being subject in spirituall matters to the Bishops of Anjou and Chousai For they appoint and set downe limits betweene the Turonians and Andigavians The sweetnesse of the Ayre doth make this pleasant country more delightfull so that it is called the Garden and Orchard of France It is fruitfull in Wine and Corne and hath woods convenient to hunt in The Metropolis or
placeth it on the right hand where now stands Languedocke Ausonius affirmeth that Arelatum is divided with the River Rhodanus flowing betweene Whence hee maketh it twofold in his booke of Cities because Rhodanus divideth and cutteth it into two parts But now the forme and face thereof being changed it standeth wholly upon that banke of Rhodanus which lyeth towards Italie and is environed on all sides with Marishes in which fierce Oxen are bred Hence it is thought that it was once farre greater some beleeve that the other part of the Citie which flourished heretofore was wasted by the Gothes It appeares in Ausonius that it was a Towne of traffique And wee reade that the Kings of Burgundy did formerly keepe their residence therein and afterward the Earles of Provence D. Trophinus was the first Bishop thereof who was the Apostle Pauls Disciple and in the second yeare of Neroes raigne came into France From this man as from a Fountaine as Sosimus writeth the Christian faith was diffused and dispersed through all France It hath now a strong Castle and is famous for its two Prelates heretofore Honoratus and Hilarius So much concerning the Archiepiscopall Cities of Provence the Episcopall are eleven amongst the which the chiefe is Massiliae the Latines and also some of the Graecians doe call it Masilia Strabo Stephanus and ancient coynes do call it Massalia Ptol. Masalia but now it is commonly called Marseille It was once a Colonie of the Graecian Phocoeans and was built in the 45 Olympiad as Solinus witnesseth in the dayes of King Tarquine as Iustine noteth Lib. 43. Plutarch in the life of Solon writeth that it was built by Protus otherwise Protis Strabo sheweth that it is seated on a rockie place neare the mouth of the River Rhodanus and in a remote part of the Bay as it were in the corner of the Sea as Iustine saith out of Trogus Moreover M. Tullius doth so praise the Common-wealth of the Massilians that speaking in defence of Fontejus before the people of Rome hee durst say that their Citie did exceed not onely Greece but almost all other Nations for discipline and gravitie They reckon and begin the number of their Bishops from Lazarus whom Christ raised from death So much concerning Massilia the other Episcopall Cities are Dine which Ptolemy calls Dinia Grasse Glandeue or Glanate which learned Latine Writers doe call the Citie of Glannatica and some Authors Glamnatena They are deceived who make Mela's and Antoninus his Glanum to be the same with Glannate For Antoninus placeth Glanum betweene Cabellio and Arles from which Glanata is farre distant so that this Glanum is not now knowne Also Sanas or Sanitium a Towne in the Maritime Alpes Vintium a Town not farre from Senas called by Dion Ventiar Apta Iulia which Antoninus calleth corruptly Avia Iulia and Abte-julia for in the Itinerarie table it is called Apta Iulia and is now called Apte Ries or Reius which in the Itinerarie table is written Reis Apolinaris Feriuls which Plancus writing to Cicero calleth Forum Iulij Ptolemy Forum Iulium Augustus coyne Col. Iul. Octav. It is now a Sea or Haven Towne Cisteron which Antoninus and the Itinerarie table calleth Segustero Iosephus Scaliger in his Letters to Merula Cestro and Pliny Cessero But Merula thinketh that Plinyes Cessero is the same with Ptolemies Cessero now called Castres Lastly Tolon which the learned Latine Writers doe call Telonium and Antoninus Telo Martius being a Towne seated within a Bay of the Sea nine leagues from Massilia so much concerning the Episcopall Townes There are also other Townes no lesse famous and ancient as Antibe which Ptolemy calls Antipolis a Towne of Deciati Pliny calls it Oppidum Latinum and it is called a Colonie in the coyne of the Emperour Titus Olbia which is now thought to be that which is called Yeres or Hieres neare the Sea almost three leagues from Telon Over against the Towne lye those famous Ilands which Ptolemy calleth Staechades and Stephanus Ligustidae They are now called the Iles of Yeres or Hieres and the best sort of Corall is gathered there even as good as that in the Ligustick Sea Also S. Maximin which Antoninus in his Itinerarie thinketh to be Tecolata being sixe leagues from Massilia toward the North. Tarascon which Ptolemy calls Taruscon being seated on the left banke of Rhodanus and over against it on the right hand banke Belloquadra commonly called Beaucarie The Townes which have the dignitie of a Countie are Sault S. Gilles and others PICARDIE AND CAMPANIA ALthough the name of Picardie is not very ancient yet no certaine reason can be rendred for it some conjecturing one thing some another Cenalis professes that hee knowes not whether the Picardians borrowed this name from the Bigardian Hereticks however it is manifest saith he that they were of greater antiquitie than the Inhabitants of this Country Some suppose that they were called Picardians because they were the first that used those Lances which are commonly called Pikes On the West that I may make a plain description of the bounds thereof is the Brittish Ocean with some part of Normandie on the North lie those Countries of ancient Belgia which are now called Artesia or Artois and Hannonia or Henegouâ— on the East lyeth Luxenburg oâ— Lorraine and lastly on the South Campania and that Country which by a more speciall name is called France It is a most fruitfull Countrie and the Store-house or Granarie of Paris and most parts of France It hath but little wine which proceedeth rather from the sloathfull idlenesse of the Inhabitants than from any defect of the Soyle or Climate Picardie is divided into three parts the true Picardie the Lower and the Higher I will onely speake here of the True Picardie called in French La vraye Picardie It doth containe in it the jurisdictions of Ambiana Corbia and Pequignya the Counties of Veramandois and Retelois and the Dukedome of Tirascha Ambiana or Visdamie d' Amiens was so named from the Citie Ambianum commonly called Amiens Heretofore as the Learned doe thinke it was named Samarobrina and by Ptolemie Samarobriga Antoninus in some of his bookes calls it Samarbaâ—iva and in others Samarabriga Briga in the ancient Spanish language and Bria in the Thracian speech doe signifie a Citie yet some doe write that it was called Somonobriga from its bridge in Dutch called Brug which standeth on the River Somona Ambianum is situated at Somona which divideth it into severall parts whence some suppose that the Emperour Gratian did name it Ambianum quòd aquis ambiatur because it is encompassed with water It is thought to be one of the strongest Townes in all France both for the naturall situation and artificiall fortification thereof it is entrenched with deepe broad ditches and is the key of that part of the Kingdome There is a faire Church in it The Inhabitants are reputed to be very honest and faithfull The Countie of Corduba
branches to the Stocke of the Valesiaâ— Earles The Dukedome of Valois doth extend it selfe even to Picardy The chiefe Towne besides Crespy is Sentis called by the FRANCE L'Isle de FraÌ„ce Parisiensis Aget 〈◊〉 as some suppose Silvanâ—â—tum because it is joyned to a Wood. 〈◊〉 an ancient Towne having besides a Bishop a Provost and a Baily 〈◊〉 The Prâ—fectureship of â—iâ—vanâ—â—tum hath enriched the Dukedome of Valois with the Lordships which are commonly called â—ierrâ—sens Bethisi and Vâ—â—bâ—â—ie and the Townes Argâ— lâ— Pent. S. Maxenâ—â— which is encompast with Maâ—â—shâ—s and is the bounds betweene France and Picardie 〈◊〉 Bâ—nville c. The same Praefectureship doth also conâ—aine 〈…〉 a Princes Sâ— some call it Carâ—lâ—p◠〈…〉 who enlarged the Prâ—â—inâ—ts thereof and fortified it 〈…〉 are the Townes Magâ— Thorâ—â—â—e and Creâ—l 〈◊〉 doth also containe the â—wickâ— â—ureship and Vicounty of 〈…〉 commonly call'd 〈◊〉 and by some Perâ—â—sâ—urâ— under which 〈…〉 Beside 〈…〉 is under Silvanâ— being an ancient Provostship under which are Peâ—â—â—ng and Metu Lastly under Siâ—â—anâ—ctum and the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 there is the County of Bellovaâ—um which the 〈…〉 or Beauâ—â—sin The Metropolis thereof 〈…〉 commonly called Beauâ— Caesaâ— as 〈…〉 to 〈…〉 and the same 〈◊〉 faith that the 〈◊〉 did nominatâ—â— and call iâ— â—â—â—aromagrum But 〈◊〉 to speak the truth 〈…〉 thinketh to bee the Towne which is now called Graâ—viâ—lâ—â— or Gâ—aâ—â—â—â—â—nâ—e â— some call it 〈◊〉 and Vigenâ—â—â— Beaumâ—nâ—â—n Oâ—se The City of 〈…〉 pleasant situation and fruitfull Mountaineâ— adioyning to it which are noâ— very high but fit for Tillage It hath also good 〈◊〉 of Wines 〈…〉 King of â—â—an in the yeer â—4â—◠〈◊〉 great priviledges to the Inhabitants thereof special 〈…〉 men becauâ—â— they 〈…〉 Duke of 〈…〉 without doing any thing No◠〈…〉 Towne 〈…〉 â—ortifiâ—â— with a 〈◊〉 So 〈…〉 third part of 〈◊〉 followes called 〈…〉 and â—o 〈◊〉 the little Bridge of 〈…〉 River to 〈…〉 and 〈◊〉 where the River 〈◊〉 do â—â—parate it from Gaâ—â—inâ—â—â— It cleaveth to â—ayâ— toward 〈…〉 the Meloâ—â—â—ersian Viâ—â—ounty and Bayliwick 〈◊〉 Metropolis thereof is Meâ—â—dunum called 〈…〉 of the Commentariâ—s of the French weâ—â— Metiâ—scaum but 〈…〉 The Towne is â—eated 〈◊〉 an Iland in Sâ—â—â— like Paris and 〈…〉 strong Castle The Towne â—ow commonly called Corbuâ— and 〈◊〉 the life of S. Pepâ—s Taranâ—asius Corbâ—lium a place famous for Fish but â—â—â—â—ciall for sweete Crabs and hath a strong Castle There is in Heuâ— Towne called Ponâ— Bellae-Aquae in French Fountaine Belleaâ— whâ—â—â— the King hath a pleasant Palace Heretofore it was the Mans◠〈◊〉 Ludoviâ—us afterward of Philip and lastly of Francis o◠〈…〉 are many varieties in it I have given the fourth place 〈…〉 Country of the Gastiâ—ensians commonly called â—asâ—â—n◠〈…〉 from Heureâ—â—â— by the River Verina Iâ— on 〈…〉 the Dukedomeâ— of â—â—siampes and Nemousâ— the Couâ—ty 〈…〉 and others The Towne of Stampae commonly calâ—led 〈◊〉 in the mid-war betweene Paris and â—â—rcâ—â—anâ—nsium or 〈…〉 the River Iunna or Iuâ—â—â— which as Câ—râ—oâ—â—um dischargeth 〈…〉 was heretofore a County but now a Dukedome The Towne Nâ—mâ— is seated neere the River â—â—niuâ— which ranneth into Seane little below Mâ—â—ctum It is one of the chiefe Dukedomes of Fraâ—ce Rupâ—S â—ertis called by the French Robeâ—â—eâ—â— hath the 〈◊〉 of a County In the Territory of Gastinâ— besides Milly and Mâ—â—er which is the bounds betweene Gastinâ— and Heurepâ—â— there is Mâ—nâ—â—gium so called quasi Mens agâ—â— that is the Mountaine of the Field as some doe argue because it hath a faire prospect round about it It was wasted by fire 1518. and afterward as re-edified There are Castles in the two former Townes and there is also in this in which there is painted a Story concerning a Hound that revenged his Masters death by killing him that had slaine him PICARDIE THE ECCLESIASTICALL STATE That part of Picardie which is subject to the King of France hath 7. Bishopricks under the Archbishoprick of Rhemes the Bishops of Suesson Silvanectum Beavais which is in France Noyon Laon Amiens and the Bishoprick of Bouloygne This Bishoprick was formerly at Ternaen but being suppressed it was agreed that the Bishops Seate should be translated to Bouloygne Anno 1559. PICARDIE PICARDIE as I said before some thinke to be so called because the Inhabitants thereof were the first that used Lances which is not probable Some say Picardy was so called from the Towne Pequigny or from a famous Souldier called Pignon the first Founder of the Pequignians and Ambianians who after the death of Alexander being made Captaine of the Warre after he had conquerd many Nations arrived with a Fleete of Ships at Neustria now called Normandies and harrasing those places hee gave them afterward his owne name On the West lyeth the Brittish Ocean with some part of Normandy on the North lye the Countries of ancient Belgia Artesia and Hannonia on the East Luxenburg and Lotharingia and on the South Campania and that Country which is called by a more speciall name France Picardie as I have said also before is devided into three parts The true Picardy the lower and the higher The true Picardy doth containe Vidamates of Ambianum Corbie and Pequigny the County of Veromandois and the Dukedomes of Tirasche and Retelois Ambianum hath its name from a Towne so called situate at the River Samona This Towne hath a very faire Church built with great Art graced and adorned with Images farre exceeding all the curious pieces of Europe and in it as they fabulously report S. Iohn Baptists head is kept whole It hath a PICARDIE· PICARDIA title of a Bayliwick but yet the Civill government as the ordering of the municipall Court and the power to appoint watches which 〈◊〉 to be chosen out of the Citizens belongeth to a Consul appointed for that purpose The first Bishop thereof was Fâ—â—minus the 〈◊〉 after whom 〈◊〉 Bishops succeeded orderly the last of which was Iohn Creâ—itus of the Canaplensian Family The Inhabitants are repured to bâ— very honest and faithfull and therefore have many priviledges and immunities as being exempted from serving in Forraigne warres and from paying of Subsidies Here the most learned Phisitians Silvius and Feâ—nelius were borne and also the excellent Orator Silvius who with grâ—at commendations imitated many Bookes of Câ—â—eâ—oâ—â— This City as we have said before 〈◊〉 built by Pigâ— a Souldier of Alexanders the great if wee will beleeve many Writers In the yeere 1597. the Spaniards treacherously invading it made it their owne but Henry the 4. King of France by siege and force of Armes compell'd them to render it up againe The Vidamaâ—â—e of Corbie is so called from Corbia which is a Towne 〈…〉 the River â—omona 〈…〉 The Vidamate of Pequigny is so callâ—d from Pequigny built as I have before expressed by one Pigneâ— a Souldier of â—lâ—xander the great French Writers doe testifie that those of the English which surviv'd after a certaine victory obtaind against them were all slaine at this Towne who could
Country in which is their City of Rhemes is called Duché Pairie and Archenesché de Râ—ims as wee have before mentioned The Learned doe thinke that the Cathelaum mentioned in Amianus Marcellinus should bee written Catalauni And so they are nominated CAMPANIA CHAMPAGNE comitatus CAMPANIA in Eutropius his Bookes Their City is now called la Evesché de Challon In the Catalannian Fields Atilla King of the Hunnes in the yeere from the building of the City of Rome 1203. and after the birth of Christ 450. was overcome by the Romanes Gothes and Frenchmen under the conduct of their Captaines Actius Patricius Theodoricus and Merovaeus there being slaine on both sides 162000. except 90000. Gepidaans and Frenchmen who were slaine before Iornandes cap. 36. doth delmeate and set forth these Fields and the place of the Battell The Meldae Pliny calleth Liberi Strabo Meldoi Ptolemie Meldai and an Inscription engraven on an ancient Stone Meldi Strabo precisely maketh them and the Leuxovians to bee the Parokeanitae which are in the middle of the Country where there is now the Towne Meaulx neere the River Matrona The Senones which are celebrated by Caesar Pliny and others Ptolemy calleth by the same name and placeth them in Gallia Lugdunensis Strabo thinketh that there are other Senones neere to the Nerviais towards the West The former of them did make those horrible incursions into Italy so much spoke of and they did moreover wage a most fierce warre against the Romanes in the yeere from the building of the City 364. which they called The Senonick French warre Their Captaine was Brannus an Nobleman of France After the Fight or Battell they entred the City of Allia and there having slaine all they met and wasted all with fire they besieged for many moneths the Capitall into which the Romane youth had fled for their safegard but at last having made a peace with them for a certaine summe of money contrary to faith and promise they were partly slaine and partly put to flight by M. Furius Camillus the Dictator who entred the City with an Army All these things Livie Lib. 5. Florus Lib. 1. cap 13. and many other Writers doe delineate in their proper colours Campania is honoured with the title of a County and was once the Inheritance of Eudo Nephew to Gerlo the Norman by his Sonne Theobaldus This Gerlo was he that accompanied into France Rudulphus or Rollo the Norman to whom Charles the Simple granted Neustria which was afterward called Normandie After Eudo there succeeded in a right Line Stephen Theobaldus the 2. whose sonne Theobaldus the third dying without issue there succeeded him his Cosin germane Henry surnamed the large the sonne of Stephen King of England who was Brother to Theobaldus the second Henry had a sonne who was Earle of Campania and the other Territories but he dying without issue his Brother Theobaldus invaded the County and writ himselfe Count Palatine of Campania This Theobaldus being afterward made King of Navarre upon the death of Grandfather by the Mothers side brought the County to belong to the Crowne and left Henry his Successor both in Campania and in that Kingdome Lastly Ioane Daughter and Heir to this Henry being married to Philip the Faire King of France Campania and the other Provinces were united to the Crowne of France from which they were never after separated Campania as I have already spoken is usually now describ'd both by it selfe and with the Principalities adjacent and lying round about it As it is considered properly and by it selfe it is twofold the Lower and the Higher In the Lower is Tricassium and the Territories which are commonly called Ivigny â—assgâ—y and Vallage Moderne Writers doe call that Tricassium which is now called 〈◊〉 Thâ—se who were heretofore Earles of Campania from this City were called Earlâ—s of Tricassium It is one of the greatest and fairest Cities in this Kingdome The Latitude thereof is 47. degrees and some few minutes towards the North. It is a Bishops Seate and Bellesâ—â—rrâ—tius reckons 83. Bishops thereof Among these was that famous Luâ—â—â— whom Sidonius Apollinaris praiseth for his vertues Lib. 6. Ep. 1.4 〈◊〉 9. as also Paulus Diaconus in Marciano Bede Lib. 1. Histor cap. 17. and others This City hath a large Jurisdiction and it is the seate of a President of Counsellors of Judges and others of the Kings Officers The Townes have reference to it namely Bar Sur Seine Mussil â—â—â—tique La ferté Sur Auge Nâ—gent Pent Sur Seine Fruille Chastel and S. Florentin being all Townes of Campania The Territory of Ivigny separateth â—ampania from Burgundie The chiefe Towne thereof is Ivigny which is under the Jurisdiction of the Bayliwick of Tricassium Bassigny is so named because it is the better part of Lower Campania as we have before declared The Metropolis thereof is named from the bald Mountaine which Ivonus mentioneth Ep. 105 commonly call'd Chaumâ—nt on Bassâ—gny It hath an ancient Castle seated on a Rock and well fortified the Tower on the West side whereof is called in French Donyon and La haulte fueille This Castle the Earles of Campania did heretofore make their Palace No River runneth by it nor affordeth water unto it but that which Cesternes doe yeeld and a Fountaine at the foote of the Tower There are also in Bassigny the Townes of Montigny Goâ—ssy Nâ—gent le Roy Monteclar Andelot Bisnay Châ—iseul Visnorry and Clismont being all strong Townes and the most of them well fortified with Castles besides Andomatunum Lingonum commonly called Langres of which we shall speake in an other place The Territory of Vallage is supposed to be so called from the Valleys in it which are both faire and fruitfull The Townes of chiefest note in Vallage are first Vasscium or Vassy neere Blois in the Country of Guise Francis Duke of Guise comming hither in the yeere 1562. was the Author of that Vasseian Massacre mentioned by the French Historiagraphers wherein many that professed the reformed Religion were slaine on the Kalends of March Not farre from thence there is a kind of earth found of which Bâ—le Armenack is made The second Towne of not is S. Dâ—â—â—re or Deduâ—â— which was taken by the Emperour Charles the fifth and afterward a peace being concluded was restored againe to the French It hath a strong Castle The third is the Towne of Ianâ—â—â—ille or as some write is â—oâ—â—t ville which some doe fabulously report was so called from Ianus It belongeth to the Families of the Guises Prye so called from a Towne commonly named Brye or Bray Counte Robert is reckoned by some with Campania The Country of Brye although it were heretofore and also now is very wooddy yet in fertility and fruitfulnesse it is not inferior to any part of Campania For it hath a cleare skie and a sweete and temperate ayre It is watered with great wholesome and fruitfull Rivers The Cities of Brye are Castellum Theodorici Iatinum Medorum or Meldarum
of August 11. moneths after that cruell Battell fought against Philip the sixth King of France neere to Cressy in the yeere 1347. which Paulus Aemilius lib. 9. lively delineateth The English did possesse it 211. yeeres for Philippus Bonus a Burgundian did in vaine besiege it in the yeere 1431. his Flandrians forsaking him and did keepe it as the English were wont to say as the Key of France the Duke of Guises afterward tooke it and the Frenchmen regain'd it in the yeere 1558. in the moneth of February In the mid-way betweene Calis and Bononia towards the Mediterranean Sea is Teroane which still retaineth that name although Charles the fifth passed it and call it Terrennerbereâ— Antenâ—â—â—â— nameth it Tervanna or Tarvenna the Itinerary Tables Tervanna and Ptolemy Tarvanna Bovillus affirmeth that some doe call it Tarubaâ—um Tâ—â—themius in his History of France mentioneth the Terrabaniaâ—â— BOVLONGNE· BOLONIA Some call it Tervana as it were Terra-vana in regard of the meanenesse of the Territory In the Register of the Provinces where the Cities of Belgia are reckoned up it is called the City of the Morinneans that is l' Evesché de Teroane In the Inscription of an ancient Stone which in former time was found in Gilderland it is called the Morineans Colony The Territory of Oyana or Terre de Oye doth reach even to Dunkerk a Towne of Flanders There are also beside Oya some other smal Towns I returne now to Boulogne which is watered with stremes and Rivulets which running by the Towne Arque and S. Audomare doe come to Graveling Not farre from thence is the Bay of Scales flowing even to the Castle of Ardera There are also two other Rivulets namely one in Marquisia the other in Bolonia There is also the River Hantia or Hesdin which doth impart his name to the Towne Hesdin There is also in this Country the Moorish streames of the Pontinians and the River Cauchia Some of these Rivers doe make Lakes and Fish-pits which are full of Fish and are denominated from the neighbouring Townes as those which they call in French le Vivier d' Hames d' Andre d' Arbres All this Country toward the Sea is environd with sundry Hills and in the inner part thereof there are those Hills which they call in French les Mons de S. Ingelvert and les Mons de neuf Castel and Dannes All the Country is interlaced with many Woods as the Woods les Bois de Surene Celles c. The Inhabitants are accounted to be froward and too much conceited of themselves ANIOV THE DVKEDOME OF ANDEGAVIA The Dukedome of Anjou containeth Counties Baronnies and Seigniories as Câ—aon 1856. 4743 c. which I have not yet found out nor can distinguish these foure Counties Maine Vendosme Beaufort and La Val doe hold of it by Homage and Fealty THE IVRISDICTION The Praesidiall Seate of the whole Kingdome is Angiers under which are these particular Juridicall Seates Angiers Samur Bauge 1945. 4725. and Beaufort en Valleé 1940. 4716. The State Ecclesiastick Angiers hath one Bishop of Andegauja who is subject to the Archbishop of Turone The Meridians are placed according to the Proportion of the 47. and 15. Parallels to the greatest Circle The Dukedome of ANIOU THE Dukedome of Anjou followes in our Method or la Ducké d' Anjou C. Caesar calleth the people of this Province Andes and Pliny nameth them Andegavi It beginneth at the Village Towne Chousay and endeth betweene Moncontour and Herrant where the Territory of the Picts beginneth lying South of it on the East the Turonians and Vindocinians doe border on it on the North the County commonly called Maine and lâ— Val and lastly on the West it joyneth to Brittaine The Country is more fruitfull and pleasant than large having every where Hills planted with Vines and Valleies crowned with greene Woods flourishing Meddowes excellent Pastures for Cattell Here are good white Wines commonly called Vins d' Aniou In briefe this Country doth afford all things necessary for life In some parts also of this Province they digge forth those blue kind of Stones with which being cleft in pieces they do slate their Churches and Houses to keep off the weather and in French they call them Ardoises King iâ—ecâ—â—us after the Earle Paul was slaine got the City of Indegâ—â—â—a and left it to his Posterity who were Kings of France among whom â—arolus Calvus gave the higher part of the Province to Iorquatus retaining still the Royalty thereof to himselfe and the lower part to Eudâ—â— Earle of Paris whose Nephew Hugo magnus by his Brother Rupert Earle of Andegavia and Duke of Celtica gave it to Fulco the Nephew of Iorquatuâ— After Fulco there succeeded in order Fulco the 2. and Gotefridus commonly called Grisgonella Fulco the 3. Gotâ—fridus the 2. Fulco the 4. Fulco the 5. who was King of Hierusalem after Baldwin whose Daughter he being a Widdower had married and lastly Godfridus Barvatus the 6. who was married to Machtildis the Daughter of Henry the first King of England His Sonnes were Henry who was the second King of England of that name and Gotefridus the sixth and William were Earles of Anjou whom when their Brother the King had overcome by warre and droven them out of their Country his eldest Sonnes did succeed him in the Kingdome of England and Gotefridus the 8. in the County of Anjou The Unckle â—ohn King of England did wage warre against the Earle Arthur the Sonne of Gotefrid and Duke of Bâ—ittaine by the Mothers side Arthur had now done Homage and Fealty to Philip Augustus King of France for his Principality which he had of him by whose instigation leaving to take away Picardy from his Unckle the King and having passed his Army over the River and Ligoris the King comming upon him on a sudden tooke him prisoner and brought him to â—otomagum where not long after he was put to death The Mother of Arthur Constantia by name the Daughter and Heire of Conan Prince of Brittaine did accuse King Iohn of Parricide before the King of France aforesaid who being summoned and not appearing the Peares of France did condemne him of parricide and those Provinces which he had in France they confiscated to the King which sentence the King exâ—cuting he tooke Anjou into his owne hands and left iâ— to his Sonne Ludovick the 8 King of France After whom succeeded his Son Ludovick the 9. surnamed the Holy who granted this Province to his Brother Charles by right After him followed Charles the 2. who marrying hâ—s Daughter Clemeâ—tia to Charles Valesius he gave this Province with her for her Dowry After whom succeeded Philip Valesius the Sonne and after him his Nephew Iohn who gave the greatest part of this Country which was honourd with the Title of a Dukedome in the yeere 1350. to his Sonne Ludovick After him there follow'd in a direct Line Ludovick the 2. and Ludovick the 3. who dying without an Heire the
and the house of the Burbons that so the title thereof might remaine to posteritie Which being done Robert the sonne of Ludorick the ninth who was canonized for a Saint did propagate and enlarge the name of the Borbons For his sonnes were Ludorick surnamed the greate who succeeded his Father Iohn Clarâ—mâ—nt Lord of the Towne of the Fane of Iustine in Campania Peter Archdeacon of Paris and two daughters This Ludorick Philip Valesius the sixt created the first Duke of Burbon in the yeare 1339. or thereabout who had by his wife Mary the daughter of Iohn Earle of Hannonia Peter the first who succeeded him and Iames the Father of the Earles of March and Vendosme Philip Lord of Belloâ—â—â— Mary and Beatrix This Peter was created the second Duke of Burbon and Lord of Molin Hee was slaine in a Battell fought betweene the Picts and the English Hee had by Isabell the daughter of Charles Earle of Valence Ludorick the 2. who succeeded his Father Iames the Lord of March and seven daughters Ludorick surnamed the good married Anna. the daughter of Peralâ—us the Dolphine of Avercia who was called Duke Sâ—mus and of Ione Forresâ—aria who brought him Iohn who succeeded his Father Ludovick and Iames Lord of Pransium Iohn the first of that name marrying Mary the daughter of Iohn Duke of the Biturigians was Duke of Burbon and Avernia Earle of Claromont Mâ—mpensper Forrest and Lord of Bellyocum and the Castle of Chinon From him issued Charles who succeeded his Father Iudorick Earle of Montpenser from whom the Dukes came of Montpenser and Iames. Charles tooke the part of King Charles the 7. and Philip the good Duke of Burgundie with whome at last by the meditation and perswasion of his wife Agnes a Burgundian sister to Philip hee made a peace with him Agnes brought him Iohn who succeeded after him Ludovick Peter who was afterward a Duke Charles a Cardinall and Archbishop of Lions Ludâ—â—ick Bishop of Leâ—dium Iames and five daughters Iohn the second was Duke of Borbon and Avernia Earle of Claromont of Forrest the Iland and March Lord of Belliocum and of the Castell of Chinon a â—eere and Constable of the Kingdome of France Hee marryed thrice but dyed without issue Peter the 2. succeeded his brother John who was high Chamberlaine of the Kingdome of France and hee had by Anne daughter of King Ludorick the 11. one onely daughter called Susan who succeeded her Father Shee marrying Charles Burbon Earle of Montpenser the sonne of Gilbert Burbon Nephew to Iohn Ludorick the first aforesaid Duke of Burbon Earle of Montpenser and Dolphine of Avernia by her marriage made her Husband Duke of Burbon This was that Charles who being Constable of France revolting from his Prince Francis King of France tooke part and sided with the Emperour Charles the fifth and besieged Rome where being shot with a bullet in the yeare 1527. the day before the Nones of May he dyed having obtained no victorie nor left no children After the death of his wife Susan the King getting Burbon to himselfe the Dukes of Vendâ—sme kept onely their armes and their bare title by the right of affinitie The Earles of Flanders did first lineally descend from the familie of the Burbons and many great Kings and Princes have sought to bee linkt in affinitie with this royall and Princely house Moreover the French Geogrophars doe make two parts of the Dukedome of Burbon the lower and the higher The lower containeth divers Cities and two Countries Concerning the Cities The Metropolis of the whole Dukedome is Molirum or Malins a Towne by the River which Caesar calls Elaver now Alâ—ieâ— it was the ancient Seate of Dukes afterward it was a house of pleasure and a pleasant retyring place for the Kings of France Some thinke that that which Caesar calls Gergobina was a Towne among the Celta whom Caesar in the Helvetian Warre placed there The Marshall of Burbon hath his Presidiall Seate here which was erected by King Francis the first of that name Molins hath a very faire Castle and a curious Garden adjoyning to it in which there are great store of Oranges and Citernes In the Castle Xystum you may see the lively Pictures of the Dukes of Burbon and their Genealogies Here is also a faire Fountaine THE DVKEDOME OF BVRBON BORBONIUM Ducatus The other Cities and Townes are Burbon famous for antiquity and which heretofore did name the whole Province Caesar in his 7. Booke calleth it Boia This City is situated betweene the Rivers Elaveres and Caris commonly called Cher well knowne and famous in the time of Charles the great It hath a strong Castle and Baths also L'Archimont Montmerant And Cosne surnamed en Burbonnois neere the River Lotre having a Castle and in regard that the Territory is fitt for Pasturage it exceedeth other parts also Montlusson and S. Porcin whose Fields doe bring forth excellent Wines yet some doe ascribe it to â—vernia also Cusset Chancelle Charroux Vernueil famous for Wines also Varennes a famous Towne by the River Elaveres Gannat confining upon Avernia also Le Mont aux Moines Souvigni le Comte ou aux Mâ—ines la Palisse having a stately Castle also Erisson Sancoings the Fane of S. Peter commonly called S. Pierre le Monstier which is not very ancient It hath a President under whom are the Baylies of the same Towne and the Townes which are commonly called Douziois Xaincoâ—â—usset and others one part whereof are seated in Avernia and anothâ—◠〈◊〉 Nervernesium there is also Ainayla Chasteau so named from the Caâ— S. Amand and others So much concerning the Cities and Townes The Counties are two which are commonly called Beaujolois and Fâ—â—est The former Bello Iolesius containeth all that lyeth betweene the River Ligeris and Araris being situated towards the East betweene the Forestians and Burgundians being the Patrimony of the ancient Burbons The chiefe City is called in French Beau-jea The other is named not from the Woods and Forrests as the word doth seeme to intimate but from the Forensians for so I name those people on the North lyeth Burbon on the West Avernia on the South the Lugdunians confine upon it on the East the Bello-Jolesians Heretofore it had Earles from whose Stock did arise the noble of Bello-Iolesius A certaine Earle of Forrest and Bello-Iolesius is celebrated by French Historians who had three Sonnes Arthauldus Earle of Lugdunum Stephen Earle of Forrest and Emfrid Earle of Bello-Iolesius When thus the Counties of Forrest and Bello-Iolesius had beene for a long time distracted they were united againe by the death of Guicaâ—d Earle of Bello-Iolesius who was Master of the horse in the time of Philip the 2. King of France for his Sister Isabel Countesse of Bello-Iolesius was married to Reginaldus Earle of Fortest who was discended of the stocke of Arthauld aforesaid as shee from the ofspring of Stephan who was brother to Arthauld as is mentioned before From this marriage there proceeded Guido who was
English troupes into Syria against â—ulco Earle of the Andians and King of Hierusalem and Yvo Carnutensis doth name it in his Epistle to Pope Pascall thereby to difference it from the other Noâ—entum Sigebert about the yeare 1170. doth mention Godefride Earle of Pertâ—ce who by rebellion lost his Earledome There are also other Townes besides Nogentum as Basochium Govetum Alugium mâ—ns Mirallij Brevium Anthovium Maulbesium the Towne of red Maillard and Condatum seated by the River Huisâ—e The higher part of Pertiâ—a is called the County and it hath the Towne Mortenium with a Castle seated on a Hill in which the Praefect whom they call the Bayly hath his residence also the Townes Peniletum and Belesmia a Towne with a Castle Whence the ancient and famous families of the Belemies is descended out of which came Robert â—elemy who sided with Robertus intending to make warre against his brother King of England concerning whom see Thomas Walsingam in his description or patterne of Neustriae on the frontiers thereof toward Normandy are Vernolium and Memertium towards Cenâ—mania Some would seate the Vnelly here a people once of France whom Caesar mentioneth Lib. 3. de bello Gallico in these words While these things were done at Venice Q. Titurius Sapinus came with his army which Caesar had given him into the Country of thf Vnelly Viridovix was Captaine thereof and did governe all those Cities which had revolted out of which he levyed a great army And a little before at the end of the second Booke at the same time came P. Crassus whom hee had sent with one Legion to the Venetians the Vnelli the Osismi the Curiosilitae the Sâ—suriij the Aulerij the THE COVNTIE of PERTICA PERCHENSIS Comitatus LA PERCHE COMTE Rhedones which are maritine Cities neere to the Ocâ—â—â— c. Blaâ—â—us Vignerius in his Frensh translation for Vnelli doth put 〈◊〉 the â—uparche and Renal Chopinus Concerning the Municipiall Lawes of the Audians doth in like manner calling them ceux de perâ—he which hee ranslateth the Vnâ—li But when Caesar maketh them to be neere unto the Armorican Cities which is a Maritaine Nation some thinke that this name belongeth to the Lavallij but I leave these things to more curious inquisiters In this Country the learned and Noble Poet Anaâ—reon was borne who was worthily called the Remigium Bellaqutum of his age who in his Pastoralls did lively expresse and paint forth that elegant fiction of the Arcadia of Zamazaus which exceedeth all the rest His Poeme concerning Gemmes and pretious stones doth deserve the lawreth wreath to which â—onsaâ—d the Prince of French Poets hath alluded in an Epitaph which bee made on him which is to be read at Paris which I have rudely heere translated into Latine BEILAQUIO artifices quid splendida saxa paratis Ex gemmu tutulum condidit ipse sibi Artificers why doe you now provide Faire shining stones that may Anacreon hide For hee a Tombe of pretious stones compos'd Wherein his pretious body is enclos'd THE DVKEDOME OF TVRONE THE Province of Turene in regard of the incomparable pleasantnesse of the place and the abundance of all kind of fruites is worthily called the Garden of France Which the Princes thereof have alwayes much delighted in and honoured it both as I said for the conveniency of the situation and for the overflowing plenty of all things necessary The Country is large and hath round about it the Bellovacians the Andegavians the Pictavians and the Biturigians it hath many faire Cities and Townes it maketh also a part of the Parliament of Paris as they call it and it is honoured with a Seate of Judgement The Metropolis and Mother City thereof is Turon commonly called Tours being seated at the confluence and meeting of the Rivers Ligeris and Carus Ptolemy calls it Caesâ—rodunum concerning the name and antiquity whereof there are many reports but not credible and therefore we omit them Let it suffice that the great Romane Emperour â—ulius â—aesar doth reckon the Turones among the chiefe people of France who joyned themselves to the Romanes and in his 2. Booke de bello Gallico about the end thereof are these words He having brought his Legions to Winter at Carnutes Andes and Turones which were Cities neere unto these places where hee waged warre went into Italy as also Lib. 7. Hee speedily joyneth to himselfe the Senous the Parisians the Pictones the Cadurcians the Turones the Aulercians and others which dwell neere the Sea Also Lucan mentioneth them in this Verse Iustabiles Turones circumsita costra coercent Round pitched Tents doe keepe in there The Turones who unconstant were It is a neate City having long cleane streets and very faire houses It had heretofore divers Bishops famous for Sanctitie and Learning as Maâ—tinus Bricius Perpetuus Volusianas and others and almost all the Bishops of Brittaine of the Andians and Cemonians noted by others are Suffragans unto him The chiefe Seate of Justice when the Parisians rebelled was translated hither by King Henry the third Traffique in Silkes and also Cloth is much used in Toures both which doe enrich the Merchants And the Inhabitants have revenues out of their Lands on which they live gallantly The City 〈◊〉 adorned with faire magnificent Temples among which is that which was dedicated to D. Gratian built by the English with a Clock-dyall on it And another consecrated to D. Martinus in which his bones and ashes doe rest which the By-dwellers doe honour with religions worship Here Gregory who from his Country was called Iuâ—orersis was borne who flourished about the yeere of Christ 600. whose Writings for the History of those times are much esteemed by posterity It containeth the ashes of that great Poet P. Ronsard who they call the French Homer and â—inaaâ— It was sometimes governed by Faâ—les afterward by the Dukes of Brittaine but when Iohn his Nephew Arthuâ— being slaine possessed the County the Province was confiscate to the King by the sentence of the highest Senate of France After which the Kings of France did make it a Dukedome and gave it for a time to the Minorite Friers Here foure chiefe French Counsels were kept Here is also a Money Mint famous for the antiquity thereof It is governed by an ordinary Magistrate and hath two Prefects besides a Maior and Auditors to maintaine the rights privildges and liberties of the Inhabitants There is also a Court of the Quaestors Auditors and Receivers of the publike customes and impositions But to conclude we will set downe an elegant description of this place being taken out of Brittons Philipeides Thence to the City of Turone they goe Round about which two shining streames doe flowe Here the River Ligaris there Caurus and It in the middle betweene both doth stand Well seated and faire streames doe it adorne Being full of Trees and having store of Corne Proud of her Citizens and Clergie who Are very powerfull besides she can shew Great store of people and
And the three Cities aforesaid have Counties belonging to them THE DVKEDOME OF LOTARINGIA The Southerne part OUR order and Method doth now require that we should reckon up the chiefe Rivers of Lotaringia but first wee will speake concerning the Lakes It hath many Pooles and Lakes which are full of fish Among which there is one that is 14. Miles in compasse in which there are great Carpes of three foote long which are so pleasant in taste that they farre exceede the Carpes in other Countries for sweetnesse The Duke of Lotaringia receaveth 16000. Franks every third yeare for fish taken in this Lake It is watered with these famous Rivers Mosa Mosella Saravo Voloia Mortana Muâ—ta Sella Hidia and others Concerning Mosa it appertaineth to lower Germanie The other Rivers doe properly belong to this Dukedome the better part of Mosella and Saravus the rest wholy Mosella riseth in the Mountaine Vogâ—sus not farre from the Springhead of Araris a little above the Towne which is commonly called Bussan and so gliding downe from Vulturnum to the West having view'd those Townes which are call'd in French l' Estrate Remiremont Espinal Charmes Baton it bendeth his course from the East westward and runneth straite forward to Tullum an Episcopall Citie whence running againe Eastward it bendeth Northward even to Fruardum and having visited the Mediomatricians the Treverians and other people it runneth into the River of Rhene That which the Germanes call Mosel the French call Moselle It is thought that Rhenanus Ptolemie Lib. 11. Cap. 9. and others did call it Obriâ—gos But Iohn Herold noteth that Obringen so called by Ptolemie is not a River but a part of Land neere the River Rhâ—me which is now called Ober Rhingham also Clemens Trolaeus Mosellanus witnesseth as Abraham Ortelius writeth that a certaine Country of â—and neere Mosella is yet called Obrincum Ausonius Eidyll 3. doth celebrate the praise of Mosella in learned verses both for the clearenesse of the water and easy sayling thereon and for the Townes and Pallaces which beautified the bankes thereof and also for the fish therein as the Mullet the Trout the Barbell the Salmon the â—amprey the Perch the Tench the Bleake and the Gudgeon of which iâ— hath great store and lastly for the Rivers which runne into it as Pronaea Nemesa â—ura Gelbi Erubro Lesura Drahona Salmona Saranus and Alisontia L. Vetus in the Raigne of Domitius Nero the Emperour attempted to joyne Mosella and Araris by making a channell beâ—weene them that the armies being convey'd out of Italie by Sea and afterward on the Rivers Rhodanus and Arar by that channell and so passing by the River Mosella into the Rhene might at last be brought againe to the Ocean that so the jouney might bee more easie and the westerne and northerne shoares betweene them might be made navigable as Cornelius Tacitus writeth Lib. 18. Of which Ausonius Te foutes vivique lacus te caerula noscent Flumina te veteres pagorum gloria luci Te Druna te sparsis incerta Druentia ripis Alpinique colent Fluvij dupitemque per Vrbem Qui meat dextrae Rhodanus dat nomina ripa Te stagnis ego caruleis magnumque sonoris Amnibus aquorea te commendabo Garumnae The Fountaines Lakes and blew streames shal know thee And woods which of Villages the glorie be Thee Druna thee Druentia that doth glide With winding course betweene his bancks so wide And all the Rivers on the Alpine hill Shall thee adore and reverence thee still And Rhodanus that doth through the Citie flow Naming the right hand banck as it doth goe With the blew Lakes and streames that greatest are And Sea-like Garumne I will thee compare Saravus rising not farre from the Salmensians is the greatest of all those Rivers which runne into Mosella it is navigable and famous for the receipt of other Rivers and after it hath view'd the Cities and Townes which are commonly called Sar-Burg Fenestrange Sar-Vberden Sar-Abben Guemund Sar-Pruck Walderfing Sar-Brug and others at length it meeteth with Mosella neere the walls of Augusta of the Treverians not farre from Kontherbruck Ausonius mentioneth it in praysing Mosella It retaineth that name still For the Inhabitants call it Sar. And the ancients did call it Sarta as appeareth by an inscription which was brought to Trevers from a Towne seated by that River which is now called Sarpruck that is Sarrae Pons or Sarra Brigde CAES RO. EXER IMP. P. P. S.C. Au. TREVE INGR. ESSUM H. CASTRA SARRAE FLU PRO. MIL. CUSTODIA BIENN POTITUS EST. THE DVKEDOME OF LOTHORINGIA Lotharingia Meridiona THE DVKEDOME OF BVRGVNDIE· LET so much according to our Method suffice concerning Lotharingia The Dukedome of Burgundie followes or lower Burgundie The name of Burgundie commeth from the Burgundians who being a people of Germanie descended of the Vandalls and so called from the word Burgis that is from the Townes of Garrison being disturbed by the Almaines who violently seated themselves in their Countrie which is now cal'd the Palatinate under the conduct of Theodisius the sonne of Arcadius the younger they drove out the Sequeans and Aedians and possest themselves of this part of ancient France with the Nuithons whom Tacitus mentioneth Peter Sancto-Iulianus deriveth the Etymologie of Burgundie from a certaine place commonly call'd Burg-ogne in the Countrie of Langrenia It was heretofore a Kingdome about the yeare 1034. and afterward it was divided into a Dukedome and Countie the former toward the East called the lower and royall Burgundie the latter toward the East called the higher and Imperiall Burgundie Wee will entreate of the Dukedome in this Description and of the Countie in the next The Dukedome is encompas'd on the East side with the Counties of Sabaudia and Burgundie having the River Rhodanus flowing betweene them on the South is the Territorie of Lions on the West the faire fields of the Nevernians and Borbonians on the North lies Campania It is a Champion Countrie and inferiour unto none for fertilitie and fruitfullnesse for here is plenteous stoare of Wine and Corne so that Bacchus and Ceres seeme to contend who should exceede the other in bestowing their guifts most liberally upon this Country Richard Earle of Augustodunum a stoute man and well experienced in warlike matters was created Duke of all Burgundie beyond Araris by Odon King of France who was afterward Duke of Burgundie 32. yeeres Hee left Burgundy to his Sonne Rudolphus who was afterward chosen King of France and Hugo Niger his Brother succeeded him in his Dukedome After him succeeded Odo his Brother or his Sonne for I finde Authors of both opinions After whom followed Henry his Brother who dying without Issue Robert King of France got the Dukedome of Burgundy Henry having left it him as they say by his last Will and Testament After him succeeded his Sonne Robert and after Robert Hugo his Nephew After him followed Otho and after Otho Hugo the third And after Hugo the â—â—
bought their liberty of the House of Austria So that it is now under the Jurisdiction of Helvetia And on the wall of Friburg there is such an Epitaph found Dum bis sexceâ—tis ter senis jungitur annus In Friburg moritur Berchtoldus Dux Alemannus Unto sixe hundred and eighteene If thou doe adde a yeere Then Berchtold Duke of Almaine In Friburg dyed here The Towne it selfe is wonderfully well seated for part of it standeth on a Mountaine and part of it in a Vale and the River â—anâ— doth flow about the Mountaine at the bottome of the Citie The Iudgement Hall is situated on a high Rock where there was formerly a Castle from whâ—ch in processe of time the Citie grew large both above aâ—d beneath Two opposite Mountaines doe beare the Walls although on the Easterne Mountaine there are almost no houses but Munition and fortifications Wheresoever you goe in the Citie you must either ascend or descend The Country round about it bringeth forâ—h all things necessary except Wine of which they have none but that which is imported and brought in And so much concerning the Cities of this tract now we will adde something concerning the Civill government of these Cities The manner of the Common wealth in these Cities is the same with that which is in the Cities of Helvetia which are not divided into certaine Tribes out of which the Magistrates are equally chosen But in these Cities they cal the chiefe Magistrate and Head of the publike Counsell Ein Schuldthessen This Germane word is used in the Lawes of the Longobardians and it is written Schuldahis but the Etymologie of the word seemeth to be derived from Debito a debt for so Schuld signifies and from commanding because the Schuldahis doth command the Debtors to satisfie his Creditors This Schuldahis hath great authority and power in these Cities Here are also two publike Counsels the greater and the lesse The greater Counsell of Berne and â—igurum is called the Counsell of two hundred men although there are more than two hundred in it But the lesser Counsell of Berne consisteth of sixe and twenty men The manner of chusing the Senate at Berne is thus The foure Standard-bearer of the City doe chuse out of the Citizens sixteene honest sufficient men to joyne with themselves and those twenty men together with the Consull doe chuse the greater Senate and afterward also the lesse But the Consuls who have the chiefe dignity are chosen out of either Counsell by common Suffrages and voices In like manner the greater Counsell at Friburg consisteth of two hundred men and the lesse of foure and twenty The lesser Senate doth looke to the affaires of the City and doth heare the Subjects appeales except it bee those Sabaudian Countries which were last taken in warre but those matters which appertaine to the whole Common-wealth and are of greatest moment are referred to the two hundred men or the greater Counsell The Consul who is President in both Counsels is chosen by the people The Earles in this part are Nuenberg Niâ—dow Arberg and the Barony of Balm THE CHOROGRAPHICALL DEscription of the Lake Lemann and the adjacent places By James Goulart IN this Table you may at the first view behold the Lake Lemann in the confines of the Dukedome of Sabaudia the County of Burgundie the Baronnie or Lordship of Helvetia and the Bishopricke of Valesia About the Lake there are many Regions Praefectureships Baronnies Iurisdictions High-wayes Rivers Mountaines Citties Townes Castells and Fortresses The People on this side the Alpes which inhabite Sabaudia doe speake French who heretofore as Iulius Caesar witnesseth in the beginning of his Commentaries were called Allobrogians from Allobroges a King of France who flourished about the yere 2433. And afterward as the most famous Prelate Fauchetis witnesseth they were called Bagaudae and at length Sabaudians in French Savoysiens in the Sabaudian speech Savoyarde Earles have hitherto governed this Country from the yere of our Lord 1126. and from the yere 420 to this time it hath bin under the government of Dukes It is reported that this Country was at first a long time inhabited by a company of theeves But now intimes of peace the wayes there are safe and secure The inhabitants doe complaine of the temper of the ayre sometimes for cold and sometimes for heate And yet the Lake and the River Rhodanus are almost never frozen over Moreover the heate is not so violent as in the Delphinate nor the cold so sharpe as in the low Countries where Rivers are usually frozen over The soile is fit for tillage and fruitfull for it hath abundance of Grapes Wheate Pease Rapes Cauly-flowres French-beanes Melons Leekes Onions Lentills Also Barley Hay Oates and other graines These fruites are common heere Nuttes Apples Peares of divers sorts sweete and sowre cherries blacke and white Mulberries Chesnuts Almonds but Figs are more rare There is also great variety of Fowle Fish Beasts The Vvandalian Helvetians who inhabite Lausanna and other places nere unto are under the governement of the most illustrious Lords of Berne Vnder whom certaine praefects for five yeares space doe hold the Helme of the Commonwealth According to ancient Chronicles Arpentinus Hercules Centenarius layd the foundation of Lausanna in the yeare of the world 2790 from whom Carprentres the auncient name thereof was derived which was changed when the Cittie was translated unto the Mountaine in the time of Martin Bishop of Lausanna in the yeare of our Lord 593. The Citie of Nevidunum heretofore commonly called Benevis being desolate and ruinate before the comming of Iulius Caesar was restored and reëdified in the time of the Emperour Flavius Vespasian by a Centurion of his dwelling in it called Nyon Cassonex was built in the yeare of our Lord 442. And Abona was built in the yeare 456 and some yeares afterward Geneva a free Imperiall Cittie in which white and blacke money is coyned was at first called Geneura as some suppose because it is seated on a hill amongst Iuniper trees which seate Lemannus gave it the Father of the Almaines or Germaines the Nephew of Priam the sonne of Paris in the yeare of the world 2994. Afterward it was called Aurelia by Aurelianus the Emperour because he was the repairer of this Cittie which in the time of Heliogabalus was burnt downe to the ground Iulius Caesar and the Latines call it Geneva and the Poets for their verse sake call it Gebenna and also by the Registers The Germaines call it Genf the Frenchmen Geneve to which Vengee is a fit Anagram for it hath beene oftentimes miraculously preserved from enemies and Traitors and especially on the 12 or 22 of December in the yeere 1602. The Castell Morgiarum was built by the Emperor Clottarius in the yeare of our Lord 1135. Aquianum commonly called Evâ—â—n was built by Peter brother and Deputy to Amades Earle of Sabaudia in the yeare 1237. But this Lake of Geneva on that side which lyeth toward Helvetia
Paefects did not live as they listed neither did create magistrates out of their owne number but they received them from the Senate or the Emperour But the Canton of Vnderwaldia is divided by the wood Kernwald into two parts namely the higher and the lower yet all the Country neverthelesse is comprehended under the name of Vnderwaldia There remaines Glarona commonly called Glaris a Country of the Helvetian confederacy neere the River Limagus not very large being three Germane miles long and taketh its name from the speciall Towne in this Countrie being three parts of it encompassed with the high Alpes on the South and North it joyneth to the Rhetians on the West to the Vrians and Suitians on the North to a Country called Castra Rhetica or the Rhetian Tents where the River Limagus entereth into the Vale. The jurisdiction of this Countrey and the revennewes thereof was given in the time of S. Fridoline by a certaine Earle to the Monasterie of Seekingense namely in the time of Clodovius the first Christian King of France in the yeare of our Lord 500 who was the first King of France that raigned and governed Rhetia Almania and Helvetia This Land afterward obtained her liberty and her owne jurisdiction and did joyne it selfe in confederacy with the Helvetians in the yeare of our Lord 1252. The Inhabitants doe now live upon milke Cheese butter and flesh Among the straites of the Mountaines there is little ground sowed and few Vines are planted They have Orchards full of fruit and flourishing Meddowes Wine and corne are brought in from other parts The Lakes afford fish and the wooddy Mountaines doe furnish them with fowle and flesh of wild beasts Henry Glareanus and Aegidius Yscudus two learned men were borne in this Countrie To these is joyned the Countie of Hamburg and the Baronie of Humbert and Ringenbereg But Glarona is distributed into 15. parts which they call Tagwan Werdenbergen doth command the Country which they bought Anno 1517. They and the Suâ—tians doe by turnes send praefects to Vzenacum or Vâ—snâ—â— and into the Rhetian Tents at Wesome But so much hitherto let us now adde something in generall concerning this part of Helvetia and here the Lakes are first to be considered among which is the miraculous Lake called Pilates Lake which is situated on the broken Mountaine as they call it not farre from Lucerna almost on the top of the Mountaine it standeth solitarily being encompassed on every side with Woods so that none can stirre or provoke it For they report that if any thing be purposely cast into it it will stirre up a great tempest and make it over-flow as many have found by experience but those things that fall in by accident doe occasion no danger at all It is a place fearefull to behold and the water standeth still in the channell of it neither hath it any vent neither doth it receive any River into it neither is it encreased by snow or raine water It is scarsely mooved with the winde but the waters thereof are alwayes blacke and strangers are not permitted to come unto it least they should rashly cast any thing thereinto whereby the neighbouring Country may be endangered Among the other Rivers which doe water this Country there is one called Lamagus which riseth in Glarina and in the middle of the Country it receiveth Sermphius another River which runneth out of another Valley Afterward beneath Vrna which is the name of two Townes above the Laterician bridge for so they call it having borrowed some water out of the Lake Vesenius it parteth and divideth Marcha which was heretofore the boundes betweene the Helvetians and the Rhetians for so the Helvetians call a bound and the Tents of the Rhetians Afterward entring into the Lake Tigurinum at the mouth thereof it divides Tigurum a large Cittie of the Helvetians and from thence it slideth to those waters which the Graecians call Bathes which are so famous for their hot waters And not farre from thence it mingleth it selfe with the two Rivers Vrsa and Arola The River Vrsa which by transposition of the two former letters they commonly call Rusa ariseth on the top of the Alpes which are now called Saint Gotharas Alpes and so runneth straite North-ward when on the other side Tâ—einus arising out of the same Mountaine runneth by the Lepontians Southward first through Vrsula or Vrsella a Rhetian Valley and afterward it commeth to Vria of the Tauriscians the remainder of the French Nation where it mingleth it selfe with the Lake where it watereth the Vrians the Suizians the Silvanians and Lucerinians foure Citties of the Wood for so they call them now Afterward having received the Rivers of Tuginum it glideth by Bremgarte and Mâ—llâ—ge which are Townes of Helvetia and so beneath Bruges mingleth it selfe with Arola And at their consluence or meeting together three Rivers of Helvetia Limagus Vrsa and Arola doe discharge themselves into the Rhene But let so much suffice concerning Helvetia and the parts thereof we passe to the Low Countries or lower Germany THE RHETIANS novv called the GRISONES THe Rhetians are accounted an auncient people by the consent of all men For some ages before Christs birth the Tuscians being beaten by the French out of their owne habitations under the conduct of their Captaine Rhetus seated themselves in an Alpine Country which was called from their Captaine Rhetia and they themselves Rhetians But whereas this Countrie was heretofore very large and that the name of the Rhetians for warlike matters grew famous amongst their neighbours so that they were a terrour unto many which Ovid declareth in this verse Rhaetica nunc praebent Thracia ij arma metum The Thracian armes now every where And the Rhaetian doe put us in feare At length being conquered by the Romanes they made two Provinces of it namely the first and the second Rhetia which did not onely containe the Alpine Countries but a great part of Suevia and Bavaria Now by this name we understand those people whom they call Grisones for their grisely habit which was made of their owne Countrie cloth but the Germains at this day doe call them Grauwbuntner who doe inhabite the ancient Alpine Rhaetia neere to the Spring-heads of the River Rhene and Oenus who are perpetually joyned together by a threesold tye of amitie and confaederacie The first confaederacie which is called the higher hath eighteene assemblies in it among which the chiefe heretofore were Disentinus the Abbot the Barons of Rhetia and the Earles of Misâ—uicium but those families are long since worne out and extinguished Although they that now possesse the Castle of Rhaetia doe challenge that title from the Plantinian familie The severall conventions or assemblies have one chiefe annual Magistrate whom they cal Ammanus he together with the Iudges chosen by the same assembly judgeth of controversies doth lay mulcts and fines upon offenders The second confaederacy is called the house of God or
the Dolphin for the Duke of Orleance with whom he alwayes lived in continual enmitie and hostilitie He left these children Philip Margaret Isabell and Catharine Philip surnamed the good or godly succeeded his Father in the three and twentyeth yeere of his age in the Dukedome of Burgundie the County of Flanders Burgundie Artesia in the Marquiship of the Empire of Salina and Mechlin He at Atrebatum made a league with Charles the 7 and with the Duke of Orleance and freed him out of prison having beene five and twenty yeares prisoner in England and payd his ransome and gave him his sister Mary to wife He after the death of Theodericke Earle of Murcium was made heyre of this Countie and after the death of Philip he had the Dukedome of Brabant Lotaringia and Limburg and after the death of Iacoba he had the Counties of Hannonia Holland Zeland and Friesland And also the Dukedome of Lutzenburg came to him by his wife Elizabeth the widdow of his Vncle Antonius so that it came to passe that the large and rich Provinces of both Burgundies of Brabant of Limburg of Lutzenburg of Flanders of Artesia of Hannonia of Holland of Zeland of Namurcium of Friesland of Mechlin and the Marquiship of the Empire were all subject to Phillip the good Hee had to wife Isabell daughter to the King of Portugall he lived seaventy two yeares and dyed in the yeare 1457 leaving one sonne called Charles the Bold to be heyre unto so many Provinces who did not onely keepe his fathers Empire but also enlarged it by joyning unto it Gelderland Zutphania and the Iuliacensian Dukedome And this is that Charles who was the Grandfather of Charles the fifth who was borne in the yeare 1500 of Ioane the daughter of Ferdinand King of Arragon the wife of Philip of Austria which Phillip was the sonne of Maximilian of Austria by his mother Mary the daughter of Charles the bold under whom these Provinces which before had many Lords being united grew to be one body and now they are commonly called the Low Countries Long since the Low Countrimen were accounted brave souldiers And Caesar Lib. 1. Commentaries concerning the French warre doth call them the valiantest of all the Gaulls For he writeth thus The valiantest of all the Gauls are the Low Countriemen because they care not for trimnesse of attire and merchants have not frequent recourse unto them and therefore those commodities are not brought to them which doe effeminate the minde and they are neere to the Germaines who live beyond the Rhene with whom they wage continuall warre by which reason also the Helvetians doe exceede the other French-men for valour because they have dayly skirmishes and fights with the Germaines when either they drive them forth out of their borders or they doe make inroades into their Territories And hence wee may collect their strength and courage in defending their liberties that in the time of C. Caesar they endeavoured to shake off the Romaine yoke of subjection And so they mustred joyned armies to contend with them The Bellovacians set forth 6000 souldiers the Suessones 5000 the Nervians who were then so wilde and uncivill that they would not suffer Merchants at that time to bring them wine or other commodities did set forth 5000. The Atrebatians and Ambianians did set forth 10000 the Morineans five and twentie thousand The Menapians 60 thousand The Caletians 10 thousand the Velocassians and Veromanduans did set forth 10 thousand a piece the Advaticians 18 thousand the Condrusians Eburonians and Caemanians 40 thousand So that the whole summe of choyse Souldiers was 273 thousand as Orosius witnesseth or as Caesar himselfe delivers their number was 368 thousand whereby it appeareth that the Low Countrie men were alwayes noble Souldiers And Caesar in the second of his Commentaries saith that it was they alone who in our fathers time did vexe all France and did keepe out the Teutomanes and Cimbrians out of their Territories whereby it came to passe that the memorie of their atchiuements did make them valiant and full of courage in Militarie affaires And forreine armies have found it in our age who being fresh souldiers and joyning battell with the old souldiers they found that the Citizens Countrymen and Sea-men were al stout of courage There are 17 Provinces in the low Countries all of which the Emperour Charles the fifth did possesse in which there are 4 Dukedomes the Dukedome of Brabant and Limburg which together with the Countie of Dale and the Lordships of Valckenburg and Rode le Duc is joyned to Brabant and it dependeth on the Chancerie of Brabant also the Dukedomes of Lutzenburg and Gelderland There are 7 Counties Flanders Artesia Hannonia Holland Zeland Namurcium and Zutphania also the Marquiship of the holy empire which hath foure principall Citties Nivella Lovanium Bruxelis and the Metropolis Antwerpe it is now a part of Brabant There are five Lordships or Signiories of West-Friesland of Mechlin of Vltrajectum of Trans-Isaliana and Groneland There are many Citties in the Low Countries which are well fortified the number whereof as also of the Townes and villages you may finde in Mercator But the chiefe Citties are Lovaine Bruxells Antuerpe Silva Ducis Gandavum Bruges Hipra Mechlinia Cameracum Atrebatum Tornacum Valencena Insulae Dort Harlem Amsterdam Lugdunum Battavorum Namurcum Neomagum Trajectum and others There is a great company of Lakes Pooles and Marshies in the Low Countries which doe not onely hold great store of fish but doe also fortifie those Countries against the invasion of enemies Few Rivers doe rise in this Country but many Rivers which have their spring head farther off doe glide through it and doe much enrich it The chiefest are Rhene Mosa Scaldis Amisis the lesser are Mosella Lisa Aa Sambra Dela and many others Wee will speake of Rhene and Amasis in Germany and wee have spoken of Mosella in Germanie now we will describe the rest Mosa doth flow out of the Mountaine Vogesus which is situate on the borders of the Lingonians not farre from the Fountaines of Araris and Matrona and so running Northward it glideth by the Church of Saint Theobald or Saint Tibaut where it beginnes to be navigable from thence it slideth to Virdunum and from thence bending towards Caecia it runnes straite forward to Mosa and Maseriacum From thence turning Northward it visiteth Carolomont Boviniacum Dinantum and Namurcum and there growing wider by the receipt of the River Sabis it turneth it selfe Westward and so having viewed Hoium and Leodium and glided by Trajectum and Stochemum it passeth by Ruremunda and Venloium where turning West-ward it warreth Cuicka Ravestienum and Megena afterward being received into the Rhene neere the Towne of Herwerd and so afterward mingleth it selfe with Vahalus and straiteway they part againe yet still keeping their owne names and so they fall in two divided streames into the River Lovesteâ—num where they doe encircle the Bomelian Island and so joyne together againe and
Zeland seeing not onely one Citty but many Citties doe wholy depend and live on it and the Citty and Country get their food by it pay their debts maintaine families and doe get wealth by it There is another speciall kind of fish which they use to salt called in Latine Asâ—llus Major or Cod-fish thereby to difference it from that which is commonly ealled Caballian It is a great fish so that some of them are threescore pound weight It is taken at many times of the yeare but especially in Lent time and chiefely in the Friesland Sea and great store of it is usually salted up whereby the whole country reapeth yeerely great profit The third kind of salt fish is Salmon being very good when it is fresh as well as salted Holland and Zeland have store of this kind of fish in all moneths but most plentie in Aprill May and Iune of which there is such great store salted up that the gaine which is made of them amounteth to 200000 crownes But of these things enough let us proceede to the rest The Low Countries are plaine and levell there are few Hills in it and fewer Mountaines unlesse it be in Lutzenburg Namurcum and some parts of Hannonia where they are very thicke and there are many also in Leodium It is every where beautified with Forrests and Woods which both grace the Countrie and afford much pleasure in hunting The Forrest of Arden in Iulius Caesars time as he himselfe writeth was the greatest of all France running betweene the Treverians from the River Rhene to the Nervians and the Rhenicans being above fifty miles long And now at this time no wood in all France can be compared with it but now there is a great part of it converted into arrable ground so that it is farre lesser than it was and that part which remaineth hath many glades made in it which the husband men doe till and call it by another name but the greatest part of it is from Theonis Villa even to Leodium which is thirty miles in length In the middle of it is the Citty of S. Hubert which as Gemma Frisius witnesseth lyeth under 26 degrees of Longitude and forty minutes and 50 degrees of Latitude and 4. minutes This Wood hath all kindes of pleasant trees which are very high and broad-spreading which afford both pleasure and profit Strabo calleth it Arduenna the Inhabitants Arddenna Rhenanus Luitticherwald which signifies the Leodiensian Wood. Mormavia or Morman is a faire wood in Hannonia which beginneth neere to Quesnoy and so runneth out Southward toward the Veromanduans and hath many Townes in it and Villages and many cleare springs and pleasant Fountaines Here is great store of Charecoale made whence some supposed that it is a Part of the wood Carbonaria but some affirme that the wood Carboina did lye more Eastward betweene the Rivers Mosa and Sabis and that the pleasant wood Archia is a part of it in which there is a Towne of the same name fortified with a strong Castell and there the Lords of Berlaymont were wont to reside There is also in Hannonia the pleasant wood of Saint Amand which is also called the Ramensian wood because it is neere unto it It beginneth on the edge of Flanders neere the towne of Saint Amand whence it receiveth his name and so runneth forth Eastward toward the Valesians with a great breadth The Ramensian wood belongeth to the Lord of Emerie who is the chiefe ranger of Hannonia which title belongeth unto him onely Silva Faignensis or le bois de Faigne beginneth in Hannonia neere Avenna and reacheth even to Masieris which is sixteene miles though heretofore it were farre larger It seemeth that it was so called from the Fawnes and Satires whom perhaps the Poets did therefore faine to have hornes and Goates feete because the first inhabitants of this Wood were so rude and savage that they were like beasts The Soniensian wood is three or foure flight shots off from Bruxells and it runneth Southward toward Brenna even to Alleuda and the Castle of Brenna for three miles in length It is a great spacious Wood so that it is seaven miles compasse round about and there are very may Citties Towes Abbies and Monasteries in it so that in Summer time many of the Nobles and wealthier Cittizens doe goe thither with their whole families for recreation sake and tarry three or foure weekes Saventerloo is enclosed with Lovanium Bruxells and Vilvordia It is a pleasant wood and receiveth his name from Saventria a Towne lying neere unto it Also Grootenhout is a Wood in Brabant which standeth not farre from Turneholt in which the River Ada riseth which doth afterward discharge it self into the River Natha It is a great Wood in which Queene Mary to whom Turnholt did belong was wont to hunt much There is also Marlaigne a Wood in Namurcum which beginneth neere the Cittie Namurcum and runneth Southward toward Phillipolis and so reacheth even to Mosa Niepa is a chiefe Wood in Flanders not farre from the confines of Artesia it is two miles distant from the River Lisa from the Castell of the Morineans and Baliolum it is a pleasant spacious and ancient Wood having a strong Castle in it Also Nonnen is situate in Flanders and extending it selfe Northward in a great breadth it doth containe many Villages some Abbies Poodsbergia is a great wood between Flanders Hannonia not far from Gerardimontium and Lessina and is pleasant in regard of the roundnes of it Gulielmi Silva or Williams Wood is situate in Artesia nere Rentiacum where the Emperour joyned battell with the King of France in the yere 1554. Engelerwallia is a pleasant wood in Gelderland nere Arnhemum The 7 woods are 7 great woods which are nere unto the Transilanians from whence one part of Fiesland is denominated which is now called Sevenwolden that is to say 7 Woods every one of them is very spacious hath many faire towns in them But so much concerning the woods I come now to the publick works There are in these Countries innumerable magnificent Temples and Churches many Abbies infinite numbers of Monasteries Friaries many Hospitalls for strangers for the sick for the poore for Orphans Truly in Antwerp only there are 42 such like buildings the chiefe of which is the Cathedral Church of S. Mary which is very spacious having a Tower Steeple which is 400 20 foote high being built of white Marble from the top whereof you may view the Cittie the River covered with ships and the Countrie round about which is full of Townes and Citties What should I describe the other Temples Monasteries and such like places of which there are great store both heere and in other Citties and Townes What should I reckon up the sumptuous Pallaces belonging to Dukes Earles and Noblemen Or what should I mention the other publicke or private buildings for if I should endeavour to reckon them up I should sooner want time than
given to the Vice of drinking in which they take great delight so that oftentimes they never give over drinking day nor night and thereby besides other inconveniences they do much wrong their bodyes and witts and without doubt it is oftentimes the cause of their untimely death according to that of Propertius Vino forma perit vino corrumpitur aetas Wine maketh beautie fade And strength by Wine is decay'd And they themselves doe know it and confesse it and condemne themselves for it but in vaine for the evill custome doth prevaile over them Albeit they may be partly excused For seeing the ayre is alwayes moyst and melancholy they have no other meanes whereby to cure their hatefull and unwholsome Melancholy which Horace seemeth to intimate saying Vino pellite curas that is With wine drive cares away Which haunt us every day But it were to be wished that they would observe that noble saying of Terence Ne quid nimis Doe nothing too much which now the civiller sort doe begin to observe The inhabitants doe goe in good apparrell and are well complexioned Lastly they use much trading and traffique in which they are very skilfull And all the Low Countries for the most part doth subsist by Merchandising and Maechanicke Arts. THE COVNTIE OF FLANDERS FLanders although it be not of any great antiquitie yet no reason can be given for the name of it Some derive it from a Cittie of that name situated there where Ardenburg is now Others derive it from Flandbertus the sonne of Blesinda who was sister to Clodion King of France Flandbertus lived in the yeare of Christ 445. Some suppose that this Countrey was so named from Flandrina the wife of Lydericke the first Earle thereof Some derive it a flatu and fluctibus that is from the winde and waves which in regard of the neere Vicinitie of the Ocean doe beate upon this Countrie So that even to the yeare 1340. it was a caution used in selling or conveying of land that if the Sea broake into it within ten yeares afterward the contract and bargaine should be then voyde and of none effect The bounds of it now are on the South Artesia with Hannonia part of Picardie on the East Hannonia Brabant on the North the Ocean with Honta or the mouth of Scaldis which parteth Flanders from Zeland on the West the Brittish Ocean or Germaine Sea It is three dayes journey in length namely from Scaldis on the other side of Antwerp even to the new ditch which is 30 miles The breadth of it is twenty miles The ayre of the Country is temperate the soyle fertile especially that part which is neere the Ocean and France There are faire Meddowes which may appeare from hence in regard that Horse-riders doe yearely bring Colts out of other neghbour Countries into Franders which through the goodnesse of the pasture and sweetnesse of the ayre being leane before doe quickely grow fat and plumpe It breedeth also diverse sorts of tame Cattell very pleasant and delicate in taste and also an incredible sort of wilde beasts There are also divers kindes of fowles as Pheasants Partridges Peacockes Hernes and Storkes The inhabitants of this Country were heretofore so addicted to warre that they never scarsely lived quietly or peaceably so that their armies have invaded Syria and the holy Land and Hierusalem There are 30 walled Citties in Flanders Gandauum Bruges Ypra Insula Duacum Tornacum Cortracum Aldenarda Alostum Hulsta Teneramunda Birsletum Newporte Sluse Dunkerck Graveling Burburg Dammum Dixmuda Furna Ardenburgum Ninova Berga Gerardmontium Castâ—llum Donza Orchianum Lanoyum Axella and Ostend Besides these there are also free Townes which are not inferiour unto Citties neither for nobilitie or Priviledges nor magnificent structures or populousnesse as Bella Poperinga Hondtscota Eccloa Gistella Middleburrough and twenty others There are in all 1556 villages so that it is a usuall Proverbe that Flanders doth exceed all the Countries in the world and when the Spaniards came into this province with King Phillip they thought that all Flanders was but one Cittie It is now divided into three parts the Dutch the French and the Imperiall part The chiefe is Gandavum which was built by C. Iulius Caesar when he stayed in Morinium it is called in Dutch Gendt the Italians call it Guanto the French Gand. It is situate foure miles from the Sea and is watered with foure pleasant Rivers For Scaldis commeth to it out of Hannonia Lisa out of Artesia Livia out of the Haven or Sluce and Moero from the Ambactae It is ten miles distant from Antwerpe and as many from Bruxells Mechlin and Middleburrough The compasse of it within the walls is 45640 Romaine feete that is seaven Italian miles It hath 26. Islands and two hundred and eight Bridges and foure water mills And an infinite number of hand-mills And an hundred wind mills It hath five and fifty Churches and five Abbies The Citizens of this Citty are famous for Nobility wealth and courage Here the Emperour Charles the fifth was borne It also brought forth these learned men Iudocus Badius Iohannes Cornarius Laevinus Brechtus and the other Lavinus Torrentius Baldvinus Ronsaeus Vtenhovious and many others There are two and fiftie kindes of trades in this Cittie And seaven and twenty sorts of Weavers which were first instituted by the Earle Baldwin the sonne of Arnold the Great in the yeere 865. Brugae or Brugges taketh its name either from the many bridges belonging to it or from the bridge Brug-stocke neere Oldenburg and Ardenburg out of the ruines of which Cittie eight hundred yeeres before the Castell of Brugges was first built it is situated three miles from the Sea in a plaine place The compasse of it within the wall 26600 Romane feete that is foure Italian Miles and an halfe It is the pleasantest Cittie not onely in all Flanders but also in all the Low Countries it hath threescore Churches the chiefe and fairest whereof is Saint Domatians Church which was heretofore consecrated to the blessed Virgin it was built by Lidericke the first Earle of Flanders in the yeere 621. There are threescore and eight kindes of trades in it Ypra is so called from the little River Ypra that floweth by it commonly called Yperen it was built in the yeere 1060. The foundation of this Citty is sayd to be of Lead and that in regard of the many leaden pipes which doe convey water through the whole Cittie And these are the chiefe Citties The Havens follow Sluce is named from the Catarracts or falling of waters which the Flandrians doe call Sluys it is a Sea Towne it hath a great Haven wherein fifty ships may conveniently ride Over against it is the Isle Cadsant where George Cassander was borne Ostend is situated neere the Ocean being famous for that grievous seige which the Arch Duke Albert layd against it which it valiantly sustained and held out three yeares and some monethes with great
Iohn Beningus a counseller of the Court of Holland as Guicciardine reporteth doth finde by certaine observation and computation that Assendelph only and foure neighbouring Townes have as much milke from their Kine as there is Rhenish wine sent out of high Germany to Dordretch Out of this great plenty of milke they make butter which is an excellent daintie dish not onely for barbarous Nations as Pliny would have it but also for Kings and Princes They make Cheeses also which are not inferiour unto those of Parma and Placentia The chiefe are the Tessalican and Gravesandican Cheeses the next to them are the Edammensian which are best when they are old It breedeth THE COVNTIE OF HOLLAND HOLLANDIA also excellent horses On the sandie hills there are an infinite number of Conies Also great store of Harts Does Hares and in the Hagiensian wood there are heards of Goates and great store of fowle especially Duckes Also Geese and in harvest time Woodcockes which we call Snipes There are excellent turfes which being digged out of the earth and drawne out of the water and so dryed in the wind and sunne doe make very good fuell There were heretofore Kings of Holland of which Suetonius maketh mention in Caligula cap. 44 But in the yeare of Christ 868 Charles the bald King of France reduced it into a Countie and Theodore being descended of the royall stocke was governour thereof After Theodore the father there succeeded Theodore the sonne and after him Arnold and after Arnold Theodoricke and others after him of whom you may have a Catalogue in Munster and others They were heretofore very famous for matters of warre so that the Batavians were joyned in fraternitie and amitie with the Romaine Empire And heereby they got the goodwill of other Princes Now wee are to describe the Citties which are Dordretch Harlem Delpth Leyden Amsterdam Gouda â—aâ—rdâ—â—um Muda Wâ—sopum Edamam Monachodamum Purmerenda â—lmâ—â—â—a Euâ—huysa Horna c. Dordretch is the chiefe Cittie of Holland The figure of it is long like a Gallie it is very rich and plentifulâ— and a Granarie or Storehouse for corne and all other provision It hath outlandish commodities brought up the River unto it and there layd in warehouses untill they be solde and are carryed from thence againe in Hoyes This Priviledge of storing of goods they call a staple Harlem is a noble Towne both for the largenesse of the Cittie the fairenesse of the houses and the pleasantnesse of the situation It hath the fairest Church in all Holland being built on strong Pillars by the marketh place The River Sparnus glideth by the Cittie It is thought it was built by the Prisians about the yeare 506. In this Cittie the Art of Printing was invented Another honour of this Cittie was the taking of Pelusium by a new device which they call Damiata and in remembrance thereof they have two â—acring bells of brasse which they call aerae Damiatae Next followes Delpth which is famous not for Apolloâ—s Tripos or Trevet but for plenty of wine and corne For the best beere is brew'd in this Cittie except it be English beere It is so called from a Ditch which the Batavians call Delph which is brought from Mosa even to the Cittie In the yeere a thousand five hundred 36 on the Nones of May the beauty of it was much blemished by fire and the better part of the Cittie was burnt down but afterward it was built up againe more faire than before Leyden which Ptolomie calls Lugdunum Batavorum is a Cittie situate at the middle of the mouth of the River Rhene It sustain'd and held out in the yere 1574 a grievous seige but at last it was freed and the enemies were enforced by the overflowing of the waters to raise their seige Amsterdam is the noblest Mart Towne in all the world it is so named from the River Amstela as the learned Poet Nicolas Cannius hath noted being a Cittizen of Amsterdam in these verses Haec illa est Batavae non ultima gloria gentis Amnis cui nomen cui cataracta dedit Dicta prius Damum rarisque habitata colonis Cum contenta casis rustica vita fuit Hinc Amsterdamum jam facta celebrior atque Fortunae crevit tempore nomen item Vrbs benè not a propè atque procul distantibus oris Dotibus innumeris suspicienda bonis Dives agri dives pretiosae vestis auri Vt pleno cornu copia larga beet Quod Tagus atque Hermus vehit Pactolus in unum Verè huc congestum dixeris esse locum This Cittie Hollands glory whose name From the River and the falling waters came It was called Damum first and inhabited With Rurall Cottages which here were spred But growing famous t' was call'd Amsterdam And so increas'd in fortune and in name It is a Cittie knowne both farre and neere And is admir'd for many gifts are here T is rich in soyle in garments and in gold Plenty doth blesse her with guifts manifold What Pagus Hermus Pactolus doth beare You may truely say that it is stoard up heere It consisted at the first of a few fishermens houses and was under the jurisdiction of the Lords of Amstelium After Gilbert Amstelius about two hundred fourescore yeares since fortified this Cittie with Bulwarkes gates and Towers which being burnt by the envious neighbours it was walled about in the yeare 2482. And afterward it was still enlarged and belonged unto Holland But now it is a place of refuge not onely for Holland but all the neighbour countries even to the Sarmatians and Gothes and Cimbrians For there are in this Cittie not onely Italians Spaniards Portugalls Brittaines Scots French Sarmatians Cimbrians Suevians Norwegians Livonians and Germains but also East-Indians Americans Moores and others out of all parts of the world Gouda is so named from the Cimbricke word â—â—w which signifies a Ditch and a Trench against it it is situate neere Isela being a plentifull Cittie and abounding with all things There are also some free Townes the chiefe whereof is the Hage in which the Councell of the States and Princes doe sit and there is Court for deciding of suites and controversies Concerning the Politicke state of this Countrie it doth consist of three orders the first are the Knights called Ridderheren the chiefe whereof are the Earles Egmond and Ligne under whom are these Dominions Wassenar Valkenborch and the Viccountship of the Cittie of Leyden I finde also these Counties in Holland Maeslant Texel Goylandt Kennemerlant Steenberge The Lords and Barons are Brederode under whom is the Lordship of Vianen and the Barony of Lijfelt I finde also in the Chronicle of Holland that these Lordships are reckoned among the Baronies Leâ—ke Sevenbergen Voorn Isselstein Stryen Teylingen Puttem Harlem Leerdam Asperen Arckel Altena Bottersloâ—â— The second order is the Lords the chiefe whereof that are wont to appeare at Hage are these the Lords of Poelgeest of Polanen of Lochorst of Assendelfi Warmont Sparwoude
the chiefe Cittie in all Zeland being also a famous Towne of traffique Heere Paul of Middleburrough THE COVNTIE OF ZELAND ZEELANDIA was borne who was the chiefe Mathematician of his time And also Nicolas Everhard who was first Paesident of the Court of Holland and afterward of Mechlin in which office he dyed in the yeere 1532. He had sonnes that were singular learned men Peter Everhard Doctor of Divinitie Nicolas Everhard Praesident of the Court of Friesland and afterward of Mechlin Adrian Marius and Iohn a Poet. Veria or Campoveria is so called from the passage over which the Zelanders call Veer It was first walled about in the yeere 1357. Afterward it began to be a Mart towne for Scotch merchandize Flushing hath his name and armes from a Flaggon which the Countrimen call een Flessche It is a new Cittie but powerfull and commandeth the Sea and it is full of excellent shipmasters and Pilots Arnemuda is a free Towne belonging to Middleburrough and a safe roade for shippes The second Isle to Wallachria is Zuidbevelandia which some suppose was so called from the trembling and shaking of it we suppose that it was so called from the Bavarians whose arms may be yet seene in the Scutchions of the Island It extendeth it self in a large and pleasant tract towards the coast of Flanders Brabant albeit some few yers ago a great part of it being lost it is now lesser by halfe than it was There is a pretty Citty that stands off the Land called Romerswalia that hath no tilled fields round about it noâ— no garden places but the sea doth wash it on every side so it subsisteth onely by trading in salt In this Cittie the Earles of Zeland take a solemne oath which when Philip King of Spaine was to doe according to the usuall custome in the yeare 1549. Nicolas de Conflilte in whose house the Prince was entertayned caused these verses to be written over his gate Vidimus adsueto privatum lumine Solem Pallida turbato vidimus astra die Vidimus undantis horrendos aequoris aestus Nos miseros Belgas quum obruit Oceanus Vidimus ast post quam te Gloria nostra Philippe Caesarea proles Semideûmque decus Cuncta refutamus transacti tristia saecli Quod praesens nostrum testificatur opus Sit licet exiguum sit pro ratione voluntas Nil facit ad nostrum parva carina fretum We have seene when as the suns cleere light did faile And in the day time seene the starres looke pale We have seene the fearefull sea tides rising so Till the Oceans did us Belgians overflow But Philip when thee our glory we espy'd Of Caesars stocke and halfe a god beside We made up all our former rents againe And this present worke doth testifie the same Though it be small yet to accept it please For no small ship can sayle upon our Seas Moreover in the Westerne part of this Island the Cittie Goesa is situated at one of the mouths of Scaldis which they call Schenge It is a Cittie not very large but pleasant and rich being the onely Cittie in the Island It hath very civill and curteous Cittizens and a prudent Senate The third Island of Zeland on this side Scaldis toward the West is Northevelandia in which is the Cittie Cortgreene and very many Townes but this Citty was all drowned with water in the yeare 1532 but now it is a little reedified The fourth Island is Wolferdijc as if you should say Wolfords ditch it is very small having onely two Townes in it There are tenne Citties in Zeland and more townes they being about an hundred and more The inhabitants are wittie craftie and provident and of a middle stature But the Annalls doe report that Withelme Bonus Earle of Holland at the solemnity of the marriage of Charles the faire King of France did bring a woman of an unusuall great stature borne in Zeland in comparison of whom the greatest men did seeme but boyes for she was so strong that she would carry two hoggsheads full of wine in both hands and drinke of them which hogsheads did weigh foure hundred Italian pounds and she would carry a beame or piece of timber up and downe which eight men could not lift They are very skifull in the Art of Navigation They boyle blacke course salt which is brought out of the Westerne Countries in great large cauldrons untill they have made it as white as snow They powre salt water on the rude Spanish and Armorican salt and so boyle it and doe make of a hundred weight of Spanish salt an hundred and five and forty weight of pure salt And they sell this salt in France England Denmarke and other parts of Eurpe Besides they reape much profit by their corne and choyse wheate also by their Madder Salt-fish and great plenty of cattell and especially sheepe They keepe their houses very neate and well furnished they are provident and very painfull in merchandising and also bountifull and liberall to the poore The politicke state of Zeland was wont to consist of three members the one whereof was the Prelate who stood for the whole Clergie which was the Abbot of S. Nicolas in Middleburrough and one noble man who was the Marquesse Veria and also of the generalitie of the Citties the chiefe whereof were those above mentioned namely Middleburrough Zirizaea Veria Flushing Tola Martinsdijk Romerswalia and Goesa But let so much suffice concerning Zeland THE DVKEDOME OF GELDERLAND Containing the Countie of ZVTPHANIA and the Lordship of TRANSISILANIA GElderland was so called from the Castell of Gelre which Wichard of Ponthe together with his brother are reported to have built though many doe suppose that it was so called from the Towne Gelduba which Tacitus mentioneth Others doe bring other reasons for this name It hath on the North Friesland and a Bay of the Germaine Sea commonly called Zuyderzeâ— on the East the Dukedome of Cleveland on the South Iuliacum and on the West Brabant and Holland The ayre of this Countrie is pure and wholesome the soyle fruitefull and fit for tillage and especially it hath abundance of Corne it hath fruitefull meddoweâ— which doe breed up all sorts of Cattell and great droves of Cattell are brought out of the farthest part of Denmarke to be fatted here for there are many faire and flourishing meddowes especially about the bankes of Rhenâ— Vahalis and Mosa At the first Gelderland was ruled and governed by Praefects and afterward by Princes For Leopold Nephew to Martin governour of Austria or Guidus as some report was governour of these parts After the time of Charles the Great the Lords of Ponthe governed it Afterward Otto Nassovius was Prince thereof in the yeare 1079. if we may credit Labius After whom followed Gerard Henry Otto Reinald who was in such gâ—eat favour with the Emperour that at Frankfort in the yeare 1339 on the foureteenth day of Aprill Ludovicke Caesar Augustus did make him Duke of
there refresh themselves and make merry and at evening come home This is a great Cittie pleasant and powerfull having many stately publicke and private aedifices it hath a faire strong Castell built by the Emperour Charles the fifth and called in their speech Vredenburch The Churches thereof are very magnificent and especially these five which belonged heretofore to so many auncient Colledges of Cannons Namely our Saviours Church S. Martines Church S. Peters S. Iohns and S. Maries But the sumptuous and faire Church of Saint Martine doth exceede all the rest which is a Bishops seate The Bishop Adelboldus caused this Church to be pulled downe and afterward to be built up againe more fairely it was reëdified in the yeare 1023 and twelve Bishops did consecrate it in the presence of the Emperour Henry the first as these verses doe declare Tempore Francorum Dagoberti Regis in isto Praesenti fundo conditur ecce decens Primitus Ecclesia Sancti Thomae prope Castrum Trajectum quam gens Frisica fregit atrox Sed prior Antistes Dominus Clemens ob honorem Sancti Martini post renovavit eam Desidis Henrici sub tempore Regis at illam Praesul Adelboldus fregit ab inde novam Ecclesiam fundans Henrici tempore primi Caesaris electi quem duodena cohors Pontificum pariter benedixit denique Praesul Henricus caepit hanc renovare suam Ecclesiam Regis Gulielmi tempore qvi tum Hollandensis erat inlytus ecce Comes When Dagobert was King of France they did sound Saint Thomas Church upon this present ground Even by the Castell of Trajectum placed But by the Friesland Nation it was raced Then the reverend Praelate Clemens call'd by name In honour of S. Martine built it up againe Even in the time of Henries slothfull raigne But Adelbolde puld it downe unto the ground And afterward a new Church he did found In the first Henries time which with great state Twelve Bishops solemnely did consecrate Lastly the Bishop Henery began For to reëdifie this Church againe Even when King William this same land did guide Who was then Earle of Holland too beside This Saint Maries Church is very faire and beautifull and was built by the Emperour Fredericke as a mulct and charge imposed on him by the Pope of Rome for wasting the famous Cittie of Mediolanum and destroying the Churches therein It was strange that at the laying of the foundation of this Church there was a quicksand found on which they could not build but that it would still sincke at length they cast Oxe hides into it which made the ground sollid and firme so that they built this Church on it in remembrance whereof these verses are extant in Vltrajectum Accipe Posteritas quod post tua secula narres Taurinis Cutibus fundo solidata columna est THE CITTIE AND PROVINCE OF MACHLIN MAchlin is situated almost in the middle of Brabant and is as it were enclosed within it neere the River Dilia which cutteth through the middle of it being equally distant from Antwerp Bruxells and Lovanium in a Champion Countrie and fertile soyle having a light and sandie ground the Cittie is very faire conspicuous both in regard of the pleasantnesse of the situation the cleanenesse and breadth of the streetes the largenesse and curiousnesse of the houses some reckon it as a part of Brabant but yet truely it is a distinct country from it There are divers uncertaine conjectures concerning the originall thereof but this is manifest that in one of the letters Pattents of Pepin King of France dated in the yeare 753 there is mention made of it and that it is there called Mâ—slinas as it were the line of the Sea because the Sea doth flow and ebbe before it which Etymologie pleaseth some better than to call it Machel from one Michael who possessed these parts as Orteâ—â—us doth deliver in his Itinerarie of the Low Countries Others doe deduce the name from other derivations But as we sayd Machlin after the yeare 753 had Adon to be Earle thereof which he held by fealty and service But who were his Praedecessors or successors is not yet knowne Long time afterward there follow'd the Bertoldi who denyed fealty and homage to Godfrey Barbatus Duke of Brabant which occasioned warres betweene them After the Berltoldi Machlin had various fortunes and divers Lords at length it recovered libertie and was not subject unto any in the yeare 1336. And afterward it came to the Burgundian family in the yeare 138â— And lastly unto the Austrian family in the yeare 1477. And it is now one of the 17 Provinces of the Low countries where the chiefe Counsell doth sit whither the last appeale in the Low Countries is made instituted by Charles of Burgundie Prince of the Low Countries and at length in our time it was made an Archbishopricke the chiefe Metropolitan seate whereof is Saint Rumolds Church Besides there is an Armorie in it which in the yeare of Christ 1546. in the moneth of August the Gunpowder being set on fire by lightning was burnt downe and the Cittie much defaced thereby Here Nicasius of Woerden a most learned Lawyer although hee THE CITTIE AND Province of MACHLIN MECHLINIA DOMINIVM were blinde was borne also Christopher Longolius Rombert Dodonaus the Emperours Phisitian and professor of Phisicke at Leyden and also Philibert of Bruxells an excellent Lawyer It doth also produce many excellent artificers and workemen especiall stone-cutters and carvers of Images He that desireth to know more concerning this Cittie and the antiquitie of this Province let him have recourse to Iohn Bapt. Gremajus his large description of Machlin and he shall finde very good satisfaction therein THE LORDSHIP OF GRONINGA GROENINGA DominÌ„i GRoninga is the head Cittie of the Province of Groninga and the fairest Cittie in Friesland Some thinke it to bee that which Ptolemie calls Phileum They derive the name from Grano a certaine Trojan or Friesland Prince but Vbbo Emmius rejecting other opinions which are grounded on fabulous reports supposeth that it was so called from the greene Meddowes and tufts of trees therein It is distinguished from the other parts of Friesland in the middle whereof this Province is seated by the River Amasus and the Lavician Bay and now since the yeare 1536 it is counted one of the seventeene Provinces at what time the Groningians did put themselves into the protection of Charles the fifth Heretofore this Lordship did doe homage and fealtie to the Bishop of Vltrajectum being given him by the Emperour Henry the third and afterward by the Emperour Maximilian the first in the yeare 1494. And also he gave the Government of Groninga and all Friesland to Albert Duke of Saxonie the Groningians refusing the governement of the Saxons who having made many treaties of peace but in vaine they committed themselves in the yeare 1506 into the Protection of Edzard Earle of East Friesland and afterward dismissing Edzard because he was not able to resist
it is bounded with Picardie on the East with Flanders and Camâ—racum The ayre is cleare and sweeâ—e the Countrie fruitfull and especially of corne of which it hath not onely sufficient plentie for it self but also it furnisheth Flanders Brabant and other Countries It is the barne and Granarie for Antwerp and Mechlin It hath no wine rather by slothfulnesse of the inhabitants than the unfruitfulnesse of the soyle or climate This Countrie heeretofore belonged to Flanders for Charles the Bald gave it to Baldwin Arduennatus for a Dowry with his wife Iudith Afterward Philip Alsasius when he marryed his Nephew Isabella to Philip son of Ludovicke the seaventh King of France he gave her all West Flanders for her dowry that is all that tract of ground which lyeth from the new Ditch even to Picardie Afterward Philip in the yeare 1195 made it a County and gave it to his sonne Ludovicke who was first Earle of Artesia afterward King of France and the father of Ludovicke the holy But in the yeare 1382 Ludovicke Malanus Earle of Flanders after the decease of his Mother was made Earle of Artesia and so both the Counties were united againe But after the decease of Charles the Bold Duke of Burgundie Ludovick the eleventh King of France did regaine Artesia which afterward by an agreement and covenant made betweene Charles the eighth King Maximilian the Emperour was passed over Anno 1492 to Phâ—lip of Austria the son of Maximilian the father of Charles the fifth The chiefe Citties are Atrebatum the Church of S. Audomare Bethunia Aria and Bapalma the others are lesse Atrebatum commonly called Arras or Atrecht is situated neere the River Scarpa it is a great Towne well fortified with ditches and Bulwarkes it doth resemble two Citties one of which they call la Cité which belongeth to the Bishop and the other la Vâ—lle which belongeth to the Prince The former part is lesser but very pleasant and hath a Cathedrall Church dedicated to the Virgin Mary Heere a certaine kinde of Manna was religiously kept as a relique which Saint Hierome in his Epistles doth report did raine downe in his time in this Country This part is larger and hath faire houses and streetes and a great Market place besides it hath a Library in which are all kind of written manuscripts especially of Divine Heere Francis Baldvin a famous Lawyer was borne upon whose Monument at Paris there is this inscription Cujaci Balduinus hic jacet Hoc tecum reputa vale Mortuis nobis juris prudentiam gravis corripi sopor Franc. Bald Iurise ob anno aet 54. November 11. a partu Virgiuis 1563. Papirius Massonus Balduini auditor P that is Whose monument is this Baulduine lyeth here Thinke on that and so farewell Franc. Bald a Lawyer dyed in the yeare of his age 54. on the 11. of November and after the birth of Christ 1563. Papirius Massonus an hearer of Baldvini did place this monument In this Cittie the most learned and eloquent Charles Clusius was borne who after he had travelled through many Countries he spent his old yeares in this Athens and Batavia and there he finished those his famous workes which deserve immortall fame The Citty is populous enough because there are some merchants and some trades men The Church of S. Audomare was heretofore called Sithin as Meyerus witnesseth afterward it was called S. Omer from S. Audomar This Audomar was bishop of the Morineans about the yeare 1570 and built a Monasterie there neere the River Aa This Cittie excelleth both for beautie and populousnesse of the Cittizens Some thinke it to be Itius Portus as wee have sayd in the description of Bononia Three miles hence neere the River Lisa there was also the auncient Metropolis of the Morineans called Teroana concerning which I have spoken in the same description Bethunia also is a faire Towne in Atribatum being a Granarie for wheate It flourisheth with all kinde of commodities as corne and other things which are necessary to sustaine mans life and fit to be transported Aria is seated by the River Lisa which runneth through the middle of it it is two miles distant from Teroana being a faire Towne and well fortified It hath an auncient Castell and neate buldings There is also Hesdinunt which is a strong fortresse against France which Caesar after he had raced the Towne which was of the same name builded by occasion of the warre that was betweene the most powerfull Princes of Europe It is conveniently seated on the banke of the River Canchia one mile neerer towards France being foure miles distant from Monstrolium and 5 from S. Paul It is watered also with another River commonly called Blangis from the place where it springeth So that in regard of the convenient situation thereof it is accounted a strong Fortresse and in regard of the lawes and Priviledges which auncient Hesdinum did enjoy it was soone replenished with inhabitants Neere to S. Omers there is a Lake full of fish in which there are floating Islands which with a rope tyde to the trees growing thereon or with long poles may be shou'd and drawne up and down like those which Plinie mentioneth to be in Lycia called the Calaminae Neither are there small pieces of Land for Oxen other Cattle THE COVNTIE OF ARTESIA ARTESIA may feede and graze upon them Vnder these Islands in the Winter and Summer time great store of fish doe hide themselves to avoyde both the cold and heate The chiefe Rivers are Lisa Scarpa Aa Canchia and Anthia besides other navigable Rivers There is also not farre from Teroana a great Channell which they call the new ditch some thinke it was digd in the time of the Earle Baldwin either to hinder the enemies excursions or to distinguish and set limits betweene the confines of Flanders and Artesia others thinke it to be a bay of the Sea Virgill truely doth acknowledge that the Morians were neere unto the Sea when he calleth them the farthest inhabitants But now Teroana is eight miles from the Sea Besides out of the bottome of the new ditch there are oftentimes peeces of Anchors drawne up which is a certaine argument that the Sea was neere unto it It hath also some woods especially Westward and Southward The Politicke state of Artesia doth consist of three orders the Clergie the Nobles and the speciall Citties the first member is the clergie in which there are 2 Bishops the Bishop of Atrebatum and S. Omers 2 Provosts Bethuniensis and Ariensis 20 Abbots to whom belong these Monasteries of the order of S. Benedict 8 namely Atrebatense Aquicinctense Ausâ—in S. Omers Blangâ—acense Montense Hamense or Hames and Alsiacense Of the order of S. Augustine 7 as Auriacense S. Eloy of Choques of Hennin of Lietard of Rasellâ— vâ—lla of Marâ—ul Aquicurtense in Eaucourt Of the Cistertian order there are the Abbots of the Monasteries of Cherchamp and Clommeres Of the Praemonstratensian order Damartin Santandreanum Auguatianum There are
10 Colledges of Cannons Atrebaâ—â—â—se Audomarense Bethuniense Arience Hesdinense Lensiense Sanpaulitanum â—alleriense Falkoburgense Douriense The second member is the Nobles among whom there is one Prince of Espinoy one Marquesse of Rentinium 7 Earles S. Pol Falquenberch Harliensis Busquetensis Henniensis Arquensis and lastly Blangiacensis But these two last Earledomes did fall of late to the Abbey of Saint Bertin and foure chiefe Earles are not called or summoned to this meeting as Atrebatensis Audomarensis Bapalmensis and Lensiensis The families of the Gentrie counting them by an Alphabeticall order are these Aussi Averdom Aubigni Aix Annequin Anvezin Aneroult Avion Allenes Anvin Bailleul Beaufort Beaumez Beauraines Beausart Bellone Berles Billy Bofles Boisleux Bonnieres Boncourt Boubers Bours Brias Buissi Caumont Conroy Contes Coupigny Croisilles Cunchy Divion Douvrin Enne Erin Esquerdes Estree Fosseux Frevin Fleshin Gomiecount Gouy Greboval Geulesin Habarcque Hachicourt Hamelaincourt Helfault Houchin Houdin la Viesville la Plancque Liguereul Licques Longastre Malanoy Maisnil Mammez Marles Mes en Contire Mingoual Moiry Nedoncelles Neufville Nojelle Noircarmes Ococh Olham Oignies Oresmaux Plancques Plovicke Pronville Querecques Ranchicourt Ransart Recouet Rebecque Regnauville Rely Rolancourt Rumenghien Sains S. Aldegonde S. Venant Sombrein Sovastre Tieuloie Tramerie Vaulx Villers Vrolant Wancourt Warluzelle Waurans Willerval The third member is the especiall Citties 7 Royall Citties as Atrebatum Saint Omers Bethunia Aria Hesdinum Lens and Bapalina private Lordships as S. Pol Perne Lillers and also these Townes which have the praerogative of Citties and called to the assembly of the States and there be 28 of them Arques Aubigny Avesnes Aussi Benurains Blangij en Ternois Busquoy Carwin Caumont Choques Dourier Franquenberghe Fressin Fleurbay Frevene Frages Gorgue Hennin Lietard Huchin Hosdaine Labroy Libourg Oisy Pas Richebourg Tornehem Ventie Vitry The Provinciall Counsell is held at Atrebatum from whence all appeales are brought to the Parlament at Mechlin But the Bishop of Atrebatum hath all power in spirituall matters and is subject to the Bishop of Rhemes This Table also containes true Picardie and the Dukedome of Cambresi which is a Principallitie of the Empire and is governed both in temporall and spirituall matters by the Bishop of Cambresi But yet sometimes in spirituall matters it is subject to the Bishop of Rhemes and in temporall matters it is under the protection of the King of Spaine And so much may suffice concerning Artesia Let us proceede to Hannonia THE COVNTIE OF HANNONIA unto which is joyned the Countie of NAMVRCIVM THE COVNTIE OF HANNONIA HAÌ„NONIA The Politicke state of Hannonia doth consist of five members which are first the 12 Peeres namely Longueville Lens Filly Chievre Auâ—sne Chimay Levreux Barbanson Baudour Rebaux Walecourt 2. Ecclesiasticall Prâ—lates namely the Abbot and Earle of S. Waldrut 26 Abbots S. Guislaine Marchennes Cambron Hasnon Marville Anein Haultmot â—â—essy S. Denys Vicogne â—eullien Crespin Bâ—nne Esperance S. Iean S. Aldegonde Geilenghien Spinleu At h Fontenelle Beaumont Denain Quesnoy Watâ—â—braine Lolive Bâ—lliay Leture besides the Colledges of Cannons Thirdly Noble men and one principality of Chimay 10 Counties as Laâ—ain Beaumont Ostervant the chiefe Cittie whereof is Bouchin also Barbanson Auesne Barlaymont Bossu Montigni Reux Terrache 22 Baronies as Enghâ—â—n Leuze Havre Lâ—agne Aâ—â—oing Vuerchin Fontaine Havaide Kinrain Barlaymont Ville Gomegnie S. Aldegonde Seâ—zelle Condet Haurdain Belleule Fagneille Bousie Roesin Frusne Harchies One Marshall one Steward one great Ranger one Chamberlaine And foure ordinary Officers The Countie of Namuâ—â—â—â—m remaineth It is seated betweene Brabant Hannonia and the Dioecesse of Leodium it is a small mountainous Territorie but pleasant having a sweete and temperate ayre The soyle is fruitfull yeelding all things which are necessary for the sustentation of mans life It hath also Mines of Iron and Lead and stone Quarries out of which divers kinds of stones are cut and especially blacke Marble and stones like Iasper And not long since those stones were digged forth which were good to burne we may call them Iathantracas of which we spoke in the aforesayd description Moreover this Countrie at first was governed by a Marquesse and afterward it changed often her Lord. Philip the brother of Balduin Earle of Flanders was Marquesse hereof in the yeare 1200. And Theodorus was Earle of it after whose decease the whole Country came to Philip Bonus Duke of Burgundie as we have declared in the description of the Low Countries There are foure walled Citties in this Country Namurcum Bovina Carlomontium and Valenâ—ourâ—ium And 182 Villages Namurcum or Namur is the chiefe Cittie whence the name thereof is derived is uncertaine some suppose from Nanus a God of the Heathens who being used formerly to deliver Oracles yet at Christs comming grew dombe and spake no more And therefore from this dumbe mute god Nanus it was called Namurcium some think it was so called from a new wall which was built there by the Romanâ—s The Cittie is situate betweene two Mountaines on the left hand bancke of the River Mosa where it receiveth Sambra It is eight miles distant from Lovanium 10 from Leodium and as many from Bruxells It is rich and hath many faire publicke and private buildings and it is fortified with a strong Castell Foure miles from Namurcium is Bouvinae a small towne which was often wasted by the warres and last of all it was for the most part ruinated by Henry the second King of France in the yeare 1555. Afterward the Cittizens did reedifie it Charlemont was built by Charles the fifth in the yeare 1555 against the French-men who then possessed Marâ—enburg Valencourtium is a town of good noate being distant from Namurcium 7 miles This Country hath many Rivers which are full of fish the chiefe whereof are Mosa and Sambra it hath also faire fresh springs It hath also woods for pleasure and hunting which are full of wilde beasts There are many Churches in this Country famous Monasteries which were built heretofore at the costs and charges of the Earles of Namurcium and endowed with great revennewes Three miles from Namurcium there is the rich Towne Audennas in which there is an auncient Nunneâ—ie for noble women built by Begga daughter of Pepin from whom they were first called Baggine Vestalls The politicke state of the County of Namurcium doth consist of three members which are the Clergie the Nobility and the chiefe Citties The Clergie are the Abbots of Floref Granpre Anden Bonef Wassore Hastieis The Nobility are the Vicount Done c. The chiefe Citties are Namur Bovinae Charlemont Valencourt or Walencourt In the Cittie of Namurcum there is a Royall Counsell from whence appeales are brought to the Court of Mechlin There is also a Bishops seate whose Cathedrall Church is consecrate to S. Albine The Cittizens are used to armes and martiall discipline they speake French but corruptly There are few merchants and Tradesmen but a great company of Nobles but such as be either the Princes Bastards or comming
strong Town but at last Henry the second King of France begirt it round with an Armie in the yeare 1552. and tooke it but afterward a peace being made it was restored backe againe to Philip the second King of Spaine but the walls were ruinated as at Teroana and a law was made that it should not be walled in againe Chinium is 12. miles from Lutzenburg which is unwalled but by degrees it is reedified It hath a County belonging to it although it be subject to the Archdukes and hath a large jurisdiction over some townes and Villages neither is it subject to the Dukedome of Lutzenburg but is joyned unto it Twelve miles from Lutzenburg standeth the Towne la Ferte neere the River Chirsus being heretofore a pleasant Cittie and now also it flourisheth although it be unwalled and a great part of the Castell be fallen downe but so much concerning these things Let us passe to Limburg THE DVKEDOME OF LIMBVRG with the Appendances thereunto THe Dukedome of Limburg which this Table doth exhibit and present being so called from Limburg the Metropolis thereof is bounded on the West with Leodium and Trajectum which are two famous Citties by the River Mosa on the North with the Dukedome of Iulâ—acum on the East with the Emperiall Cittie Aquisgranum and the Monastery of S. Cornelius on the South with the Countries of Francimont and Aqua Spadana All this tract as it is pleasant in Summer so in winter it is unpleasant in regard it is covered all that time with snow which is so deepe that it lyeth in many places a great part of Summer The soyle is fruitfull and hath abundant stoare of all things except wine For it beareth excellent Barly and wheate of which they make very white bread There are good pastures for feeding of Cattell and for making of Cheese And it yeeldeth many wholesome Hearbes both for Sallets and Physicke There is also great stoare of Sulphure through the hollow crannyes whereof it is likely that the hot fountaines at Aqua Spadana so famous for many ages doe runne As of late there is found in those parts a Mine of Lead and Tinne and it is probable that a Veine of gold and silver may be found hereafter in those places Moreover betweene Walhormus and Montzius there is a Mine found of that ash colour stone of which brasse is made which is also medicinall which Plinye calls Cadmia and the brasen stone being not much unlike the stone Pyritos The words of Pliny Lib. 34. cap. 1. are these Fit aes è Lapide aeroso quem vocant Cadmiam That is And there is brasse made of a brasen stone which they call Cadmia The Germaines call it Covaltum and the Shops call it Climia and Cathimia It seemeth that the like stone was found in the I le of Cyprus but on this side the Alpes there is none sound but this in Limburg The Countrie of Limburg was heretofore a Countie but it was made a Dukedome in the yere 1172 by the Emperour Frederick surnamed Barbarossa the Princes of this Countrie were heretofore also Duks of Lotaringia At length Henry the last Duke of Limburg dying without issue Iohn the first of that name Duke of Brabant did succeede him in the yeare 1293. He albeit he had lawfully before bought this Dukedome yet he got and purchased it by the sword and overthrew Raymund Earle of Gelderland who then possessed it in which battell the Earle of Gelderland and the Bishop of Gelderland were taken There were slaine Henry Prince of Luxenburg and his three brothers who did ioyne themselves with the Earle of Gelderland Duke Iohn having gotten this Victory did race and demolish the Castell commonly called Woronc and leveld it with the ground and so from that time the Dukedome of Limburg came to be governed by the Dukes of Brabant Out of this Dukedome and from the Prince thereof which came of the Lotharingian family the first King of Portugall was descended namely Henry Duke of Lotharingia and Earle of Limburg a man of a great courage and ready in matter of armes as the Annalls of Spaine doe more fully and plainely deliver and we our selves have mentioned it before in the description of Portugall The Metropolis or mother Cittie of the whole Dukedome is Limburg being situated on a high rocke and fortified with a rugged deepe valley it is inaccessible rather by the naturall situation of the place than by humaine industrie unlesse it be on the South where the ground rising somewhat higher descendeth by degrees from the Cittie untill it openeth into a faire plaine In the lower part of this Cittie on the Northside there is a Castell built of pure Marble being a kind of Common Iasper of which this Country yeeldeth great store both neere the Towne of Hevermont and also in other places It is no wonder that the Cittie was seated on so high a rocke especially if you behold the suburbs thereof which were heretofore twice as bigge as the Cittie Whereby it came to passe that the Castell was built in the middle that so it might command the Cittie and the suburbs But Gastonius Spinola Earle of Bruacum is now governour of this Dukedome and of all the Country beyond Mosa and to prevent all violent attempts hath made two new Gates in this Citty to represse the violence and treacherie of enemies The Cittie is watered with the River Wesius which is full of excellent Trouts that are as bigge as any Salmons and great store of Crab-fishes which the aforesayd River or Rivulet for sometimes the Channell is very small doth feede fat while they live betweene stones and clefts of rockes Iohn Fleming a Cittizen of Antwerpe a learned man and a famous Poet was borne in this Citty and Remaclius Fuschtâ—â— a great Scholler who published many books and divers workes was borne here also The Townsemen for the most part doe follow cloathing and doe make every yeare great store of cloath and doe transport it into divers parts of the Low Countries Neere the Cittie there is much Iron made in a fornace and worke-house ordained for the same purpose so that 6000 Caroli doe not defray the yearely charge thereof But the Cittie hath no beautifull buildings in it For it is but small and hath onely two Gates and the ascent unto it is very steepe It hath one Church consecrated to S. George which hath a provost This Cittie was yeelded to Iohn of Austria when he brought his armie thither a certaine Captaine having betrayed the Castell of Hende unto him before He that was governour of the place desired the States to furnish him with provision and munition assoone as he heard that Iohn of Austria was comming with an armie to beseige the Cittie and promised the States that if he were furnished with the aforesayd munition he would easily suppresse the enemies violence All things were sent which hee desired but he did not performe that which
reckon up C. Iulius Caesar writeth that many kindes of wilde beasts are bred in the Wood Hercynia which are not seene in any other place of which saith hee those that differ most from the rest and are most worthy of remembrance are these there is a kinde of Oxe which is like a Hart which hath in the middle of his forehead one high horne and more straite than usuall from the toppe whereof large Antletts or Tines doe spread forth the male and femall are of one shape and have one as bigge hornes as the other There is also a beast called Alcis which is like unto a â—â—ate but it is somewhat bigger and having no hornes at all and their legges are without joynts so that they cannot by any meanes lye downe to their rest or if they fall downe by chance they cannot rise up againe therefore they leane against trees and so they take their rest and when the hunters have found by their footing where they usually haunt they either stub up all the trees or else they cut them halfe downe and so leave them standing So that when the beasts rest against them according to their usuall manner they overthrow the trees with their weight and so fall downe with them The third kind of beasts are those which are called Vri which are almost as bigge as Elephants and like Bulls in shape and colour they are very strong and swift and will prey on men and beasts these they usually take in trappes and so kill them But now I come to the auncient government The sacred Romaine Empire which being divided into the West and Easterne part was much weakned by the excursions of divers Nations and rent by civill dissentions was ready to be ruined by its owne weight having forsooke Italie did seeke defence and strength in no other Countrie but Germanie and chose Charles the Great King of France to be Emperour who as they report was borne at Ingelheimij which is a village Towne two miles from Moguntiacum and built there a famous Pallace whose ruines may be yet seene The Empire remained in Charles his line an hundred yeares and above which afterward failing it was translated to Conrade Duke of Franconia after whom followed Henry Fowler after him the three Ottoes the last whereof when he understood that the Romaines Crescentius being consull did affect and desire the title of the Empire he raysed an army and tooke Rome and obtayned of Pope Gregorie that the Germaines should have right and power to elect the Romaine Emperours But they obtayned it on this condition that he which was elected should be called Caesar and King of the Romaines and afterward having received a Crowne from the Pope he hath the title of Emperour Augustus There are 7 Electors ordained of which three are Archbishops and foure are saecular Princes as they call them where after the decease of Otto the first that was chosen Emperour was Henry surnamed the holy Afterward in processe of time there were divers officers constituted and ordained in Germany for the honour of the Empire concerning which see Mercator Tacitus who was governour of the Belgianâ— under Vespasian doth commend the Germaines in this short Elogiâ— thus Nemo bellum Germanis inquit intulit impuné None made warre upon the Germaines but they came by the losse Which three of Augustus Legions found being overcome and beaten by them Also Carbo Cassius Scaurus Aurelius Servilius Coepio Manlius all great Commanders who were slaine and put to flight And there are these auncient verses Welcher im Krieg wil ungluck han Der fang es mit den Deutschen an Iosephus calleth them valiant Dionysius Martiall Arrianus warlike The Germane is couragious fierce at an onset and desirous of warres as Seneca witnesseth in his booke de Ira. Moreover the Country of Germany is now so pleasant and so adorned with faire Citties Castells and Villages that it is not inferior to Italie France and Spaine There are 84 free Citties in it as Colonia Agrippina Wirtemberg Lubek Luneburg Franckfort Breme Lipsick Spires Argentine Friburg Augusta Vindelicorum Tubinga Heidelburg Ratisbone Vienna Prague Buda c. of which hereafter Germany also is watered with so many great Rivers beside Lakes and Marishes of which it hath great stoare that in this respect also it may compare with the chiefest Countries Seneca in his third booke of naturall questions sheweth the cause why it hath so many Rivers At contra ait constat Germaniam Galliamque proximè ab his Italiam abundare Râ—vis fluminibus quia coelo humido utuntur ne aestate quidem imbribus carent That is But on the contrary saith he it is manifest that Germany and France and Italy which is next unto them have great stoare of Rivers because they have a moyst aye and have often raine in Summer But these Rivers of Germiny are more famous as Danubius Rhene Amasis Moenus Necarus Albis Suevus Visurgis and Vistula That which Ptolomie and others doe call Danubius Plinny and Strabo doe call Ister the one saith that it changeth his name neere the Cataracts thereof the other where it washeth Illyrium Ptolemie saith that it changeth his name neere the Cittie Axipolis Appian neere the confluence and meeting of the River Savus so that the higher part is called Danubius and the lower part Ister Stephanus heretofore called it Matoas also Danubis and Danusis Festus calleth it Addubanus Ancient coynes doe name it Daunvius it is now called Done and Donaw from the noyse and sound of the waters as Althamerus saith Salust writeth that this is the greatest River next to Nile which floweth into the Mediterranian Sea and Arrianus lib. 1. of the acts of Alexander calleth it the greatest River It riseth in the wood Hercynia in the village Don Eschingen where it springeth out of the bowells of the Earth The auncients doe call the Mountaine out of which it riseth Abnoba although as Munster an eye-witnesse writeth there is no mountaine nere it but it falleth with a continual running streame from a little hill which is scarse 15 or 16 foote high He addeth that Tiberius had a desire to see the spring head thereof Herodotus beleeved that it rose out of the Pyrenaean Mountaines whose opinion Aristotle also followed 2. Meteorologicor Maginus placeth those Pyrenaean hills in Germany thereby to excuse the errour of grave writers As soone as it glideth from the fountaine it runneth abroad through Moarish places and afterward it gathers it selfe into a Channell and so being encreased by receiving other Rivers it runneth through many countries as Sucuia Pannonia Dacia Bulgaria untill at last having received 6 navigable Rivers it rowleth into the Sea with five streames or mouthes as Dionysius Strabo and Herodotus doe mention Plinny saith with sixe and Amianus and Solinus with seaven and with such violence so that it runneth with fresh water 40 miles into the sea And as Amian saith Et constat ab ultimis nostri finibus maris agminaum
thereof it was called Sutatum as it were ein Zusatz It hath also many neighbouring Villages which are subject to it which they commonly call Die Burden This Cittie is now under the Duke of Clevelands protection but before it was subject to the Bishop of Colen Wesel is a faire rich Cittie famous for traffique and Merchandising It is called the lower Wesell to difference and distinguish it from the higher which is situate also on the left side of the Rhene The River Lâ—â— bringeth up many Commodities unto it which running by the left side thereof doth straightway associate and joyne it selfe with the Rhene There is at Wesell a memorable Altar of mercy which the auncestors of the most illustrious Lord Henry Oliserius surnamed Baers Lord Chancellor of Cleueland c. did place heere and consecrate being an hospitall for aged people where they have all things necessary provided for them and the sonne following his fathers example hath enlarged the yeerely revennewes of it Osnaburg or Ossenburg is a famous Cittie built by the Earles of Engerne as Hermannus testifieth Others doe suppose that this Cittie was begun by Iulius Caesar as the Saxons Annalls doe mention They report that it was so named from the Oxe-hides with which this Cittie was encompassed It is situated in a pleasant Valley and it is watered with the River Hasa they brew good fat drinke in it which they call Buse Charles the Great when after 30 yeares warres hee had conquered the Saxons and had tooke the Castell of Widekind which was neere unto this Cittie and had put a strong garrison in it hee instituted twelve Bishoprickes in Saxonie and made the Bishopricke of Osnaburg the chiefest For hee esteemed this Cittie above all the rest and granted them the priviledge of a free Schoole for the teaching of the Greeke and Latine tongues as Munster Hamelmann and the Chronicles of Argentine doe also mention Minda commonly called Minden is a pleasant strong Cittie and the River Visurgis yeeldeth it great store of fish and bringeth up many commodities unto it it breweth good drinke which is much esteemed and venteth great store of commodities by way of traffique Concerning the beginning hereof Munster writeth thus When Wildekindus the first Duke of Saxonie was converted to the Christian faith hee gave the Emperour Charles his Castell neere the River Wesera on condition that the Bishoppe should have part of it for it was able to receive them both so that the Bishop might say This Castle shall bee mine and thine for both of us have right unto it and from hence it was so called in the Saxon Language Myndyn But in the processe of time the letty â— was changed into an e and now that same Cittie is called Mynden THE SECOND TABLE OF VVESTPHALIA Westphaliae tabula II. THE BISHOPRICK OF MVNSTER THe Bishopricke of Munster is situated in a fertile soyle abounding with all kindes of fruites on the North it hath the Countie Benthemium on the East the Bishopricke of Padelbrum on the South the Counties of Zutphan and Marcan Charles the Great Emperour of Rome and King of France which conquered lower Saxonie which is now called Westphalia did institute this Bishopricke and called it Mimingerodensis or Mimingardevorensis Afterward hee called it Munster from a Monastery which he built there in the honour of the blessed Virgin Mary Hermannus was the first Bishop thereof The Cittie is strongly fortified both by nature and Art especially since the faction of the Anabaptists ceased it is situated on a plaine having five faire Canonicall Colledges and a schoole famous for learning and Arts. The inhabitants are laborious and industrious and doe transport their commodities into forraine Countries But after that the Spaniards had warres with the Low Countries they were prohibited and forbidden to trade and traffique with the united Provinces And after the reigne of Ferdinand the first all that were not of the Romaine religion were enforced to leave the Cittie to their great losse and dammage It was governed formerly and now also by Bishops their Catalogue followeth The first Bishop was Ludgerus Frisius brother to Hildegrine Bishop of Halberstadt who dyed in the yeere of Christ 809. after whom there followed Godfry Alfrid Lubbertus and Bertoldus in the reigne of the Emperour Arnulph and in the yeare 895 and afterward William Richard Reinolds Hildebald Dodo Suederus Theodore Sigefride and Hermann the first who built a Monastery beyond the water whence the Towne was called Munster in the yeare 1025 whose successors were called the Bishops of Munster namely Robert Fredericke the brother of the Marquesse of Misnia Erpo Theodoricke of Wintzenburg Henry Egbert Wernerus Henry Ludovicke Godescal a Saxon who dyed in the yeare 1200. Hermann the second Count of Catznelbogen Otto Count of Bâ—nthâ—m Theodoricke Ludolphus Count of Holte Otto the second Count of Lippe William the second Baron of Holte Gerard Count of Marca Everhard Count of Deest Otto the third Count of Retberge Conradus Ludovicke Count of Hassia Adolphus Count of Marca in the yeere 13â—5 Iohn Count of Virnenburch translated to Vltrajectum Florentius Count of Vevelichoven Paro Bohemus THE BISHOPRICKE OF MVNSTER MONASTERIENSIS Episcopatus Henry Wulf Otto the fourth Count of Hoya Henry Count of Mursium Walramus brother to Henry Iohn Bavarus Henry Bishop of Bremes Conrade Count of Retberg Eric elected Duke of Saxonie in the yeare 1508. Fredericke Count of Weda Eric Count of Grubenhager Franciscus Count of Waldeck in whose reigne the Anabaptists did make a great tumult or faction having one Iohn of Leiden for their Captaine who would needes bee called King of Israel After Waldeck there were William Ketler Bernard Raesvelt and Iohn Comes of Hoya who dyed in the yeare 1574. Iohn William Duke of Cleveland who resigned to Ernest Duke of Bavaria and Bishop of Colen after whose decease his Nephew Ferdinand succeeded THE THIRD TABLE OF WESTPHALIA THe third Table of Westphalia as the Title sheweth doth lively delineare describe three parts The Dukdome of Bergen the Countie of March and the Dioecese of Colen Which we will runne over in the same order as they are propounded The first is the Dukedome Bergen which is so called from the Towne Bergen it beginneth at low Wesel and so runneth up a great way toward Rhene But concerning the originall of this Dukedome Munster writeth thus In the time of Henry Auceps King of the Romaines namely in the yeare 724 there were two brothers unto whom for their former service King Henry gave a certaine part of Westphalia in which the elder namely Adolphus built a Castell neere the Countie of Arnsperg and called it Volvesheg and afterward he brought all the Countrie to Civilitie and adorned it with many Townes and Villages The other brother called Eberhard did also build a Castle and called it Aldenburg But these brothers encreasing both in power and wealth the King made Adolphus a Count and the Countrie a Countie which was called the
Countie of Altenna Also he made Eberhards land the Countie of Bergen A little after Eberhard being made a Monke passed over his territories to his brother and builded a monastery neere the River Dune and was made Abbot thereof After Adolphus and his posteritie there succeeded these Counts Engelbert Adolphus Engelprechtus and Adolphus But Adolphus dying without issue the Countie of Bergen came to his Sisters sonne namely Gerard Earle of Iuliacum After whom his sonne Wilhelmus governed both Countries and after him succeded his sonne Wilhelmus the first Duke of Iuliacum and Duke of Bergen and Gelderland After him there succeeded in these Dukedomes his brother Rainold who dyed in the yeare of Christ 1433. some say that the Countie Montensis was errected and established at that time when Henry the proud was deposed by Fredericke the first But yet in the yeare of Christ 1336. Charles the fourth made this Countie a Marquiship and made his sonne Wentceslaus Duke thereof Here is the Imperiall Towne Essendia in which Alfrid the fourth Bishop Hildesheymen builded a Nunnery for 52 Virgins and an Abbatesse and likewise a Colledge for twentie Cannonists and a Deane The Countrie yeeldeth great stoare of wheate and corne so that the white bread of Essendia is much estemed The Townesmen are Merchants or Weavers or Smiths so that there is much armour made here It hath many wels and a blacke kinde of stone coales which the Countrie neere unto it yeeldeth but chiefely by Steltium a Towne by the River Rura There is also Dusseldorp the Metropolis of this Dukdome so named from the river Dussela which runneth through the middle of it The Countie of Marck followes It seemeth that the Vbians did heretofore inhabit this Country and the Dukedome of Bergen But the Counts of Altena were formerly contented with this title untill Count Frederickes sonne having gotten Marck writ himselfe Earle of Marck and Altena and boare the armes of it about the yeare 1004. in the time of Wichman the thirteenth Earle of Cleveland Marck is a large Countie of Westphalia having many flourishing Townes on the bancke of the River Lippia as Hammon Vnna Susaâ—â— Tremonia Werdena and others We have formerly spoken concerning Susatum and Tremonia Werdena in the entrance to Westphalia is a Towne neere the River Rura it was built by William de Hardenburg the 42 Abbot of the Monastery built by S. Lutgerus in the yeare 1317 and Engelbert Earle of Marck did give it many priviledges which it still enjoyes The Townesmen live for the most part by feeding and grazing of cattell They have pleasant fields and pastures and very high wooddy Mountaines in which there are great stoare of hogges and little Rivulets with a murmuring sound to runne downe the mountaines Besides the river Rura yeeldeth them many commodities besides great stoare of fish and fat Eeles there is a stone bridge over the River Rura for passengers to goe over There is also the Towne Chamen which David Chytraeus supposeth that it was so called from the Chamavians who came hither in Trajans time THE THIRD TABLE OF VVESTPHALIA Westphaliae tabula tertia Bonna is seated on a pleasant plaine where the Mountaines of Rhene doe descend and become levell ground There is also Sontâ—na a faire Towne and the Village Brula Also on the Coasts of the Vbians there was Tolbâ—acum as Tacitus reporteth Lib. 5. Histor I cannot omit the publicke workes Heere is the great Church of Colonia built with free stone curiously wrought and carved which is consecrated to Saint Peter which if it had beene finished it would have exceeded all the Churches in Germanie for building and largenesse and it might worthily have beene counted one of the wonders of Europe What should I mention the faire Church of the Machabees Or what should I speake of the other Churches and Monasteries What should I mention the Guesthouses the Hospitalls for the sicke the Hospitalls for the poore and for Orphans Besides the Praetors house doth much beautifie this Cittie I passe by other things Moreover the Politicke government of this Cittie doth represent the flourishing government of the Romaine Commonwealth For if you consider the dignitie of the Consuls Proconsuls Censors Tribunes Quaestors and the Praefects of the Corne or the inflexible staffe of Iustice which is carried insteed of the knitch or bundle of roddes or if you observe the order of the companies or the civill authority of the Senators you shall see that this Commonwealth of Agrippina is as 't were the Effigies and lively Picture of Rome so that it deserveth to bee called the Romaine Colonie But so much hitherto let us passe to other matters THE ARCHBISHOPRICK OF COLEN by RHENE THe Vbians in Caesars time were seated on that bank of the river Rhene which is toward Germany and had a flourishing Citie but they being vexed by the Suevians who were the most potent people of Germanie sent Embassadors unto Caesar and made a league with him leaving pledges and desiring ayde of him against their enemies who being then suppressed yet afterward the Suevians assailed them againe Whereupon that they might live in more security hereafter M Agrippa son in law to the Emperour Augustus brought them over the Rhene to a place which they now call Vpen And also Agrippina wise to Agrippa N. Claudius afterward Emperour the sonne of Germanicus brought thither in the reigne of Tiberius a Colonie because she was borne there and so as Tacitus saith it was called after her name so that afterward they would not bee called Vbians but Agrippinians This Cittie grew so bigge that Zosimus calleth it the greatest Cittie and Ammianus calleth it a well fortified Cittie and it is manifest that it was the head Cittie and Metropolis of Germanie and a Dukes seate so that Vitellius as Suetâ—nius witnesseth sent the Dagger hither with which Otto stab'd himselfe and in the same Cittie Trajan received the ensignes of the Empire being sent unto him from Nerva It continued faithfull unto the Romaines untill in the yeare 462 their strength being weakned and spent the Frenchmen under the conduct of King Childericke by force got possession of it and held it untill Ottoes time For he having tooke it from the Frenchmen restored it to the Romaine Empire and set it at liberty But before Fredericke the seconds time about the yeare of Christ 1201 it was associated and joyned to Hansa It is now fortified with 38 Towers and with a double ditch and a wall on both sides whereof there are rowes of trees It hath in many things some affinitie with Rome in the Magistracie there are Consuls Proconsuls Praetors Censors Tribunes Questors and Aediles As for sacred buildings it hath many faire Churches and for civill buildings it hath a Court a Market place a Porch or an Exchange The Court hath a high Tower of curious workemanship of free square stone which is every were adorned with curious artificiall statues The River Rhene glideth
and afterward to the Prince Palatine and dyed without isâ—ue After that the Emperour Maximilian created Eberhard the Nephew of Eberhard Duke of Wirtemberg But hee was droven out of his Country in the yeare 1519 by the Swedlanders Christopher succeeded his father Vlricke and Ludovicke his sonne succeeded after Christopher And Ludovicke was succeeded by Fredericke the sonne of George Earle of Mount Vellicard The Intcurgians were formerly seated heere but Rhenanus called them the Vuithungians This Dukedome is as it were circular and round and doth containe many Citties and Townes The chiefe Citties are Tubinga Stutgardia Tubinga is commonly called Tubingen which is situate neere the River Neccarus being a very neate Cittie having store of bread and Wine which is transported to Swethland and it hath a stone Bridge over the River Neccarus It hath also a Castle and a hill planted with Vines a Colledge of Câ—nnons and an Vniversitie In this Cittie besides Iohn Stoffler and others Leonard Fuchsius did professe Physicke And the most famous and learned Martin Crusius was the Rhetoricke professor in the same Academy It was instituted by Eberhard Earle of Wirtemberg whom Maximilian as we sayd before created a Duke in the yeere 1477. Iohn Herold in his booke of the Germaine antiquities sheweth by an inscription engraven there that Augustus had a Mansion house at Tubinga Which Peter Appianus in his booke of auncient inscriptions doth set downe thus MAX. IN AVâ— EM GER MAX. DAâ— MAX. ARM. MAX. TRIB P. COS. ET But Heroldus setteth downe the whole inscription as the Emperour was usually enstiled at Rome Imp. Caes. Divi. L. Sept. Sever. Pert. Aug. Parth. Tarah Adiab F. M. Aurel. Antonin Aug. Sarmat Max. Ger. Max. Dac Max. Armen Max. Britan. Max. Arab. Max. Aleman Max. Parth. Max. P. E. Pont. Max. Trib. Pote vi Cos. Procos Perpet Leg. 8. Ant. Aug. P. E. Ejus Num. Devot Prin. Opt. Fortis THE COVNTIE OF WIRTEMBERG WIRTENBERG THE LOWER ALSATIA ALsatia commonly called Elsasz was so called as some suppose as it were Edelsalz that is a Noble and famous seate others thinke it was so named from the River Illa by changing a into i as it were a seate by the River Illa whence some doe affirme that it was called the Country of Illesass and not Alsas It is as fruitfull a Country as any that lyeth by the side of the Rhene on the East it hath Helvetia which parteth it from Rhene on the West Lotharingia where the Mountaine Vosagus is the bordering limit betweene Lotharingia and Germanie on the South it hath part of Helvetia Burgundie on the North it is boundred with the Dukedom of Wiriemberg It is nine Germaine miles long and from Rhene to the Mountaines it is three Germaine miles broad but towards Haganoa it groweth broader betweene the Mountaines But this Country is so fruitfull and there is such great plenty of all things especially of Wine and Corne in this little tract of Land that it doth not onely serve the inhabitants but other people also of Germanie both farre and neere Therefore Iames Wimphelingus in his Epitomy of Germany doth call it the Store house and Nurse of Germanie For excellent Wines are continually brought out of this Country in Carts and sometimes are convayd by shipping into Helvetia Swethland Bavaria Lotharingia and the Low Countries and sometimes into England In Sungoja there is great store of corne and all over the plaine ground of Alsatia even to Argentina there is every where great store of corne so that the inhabitants of the Mountaines of Lotharingia the Burgundians and a good part of Helvetia are sustained by it It hath Mountaines which yeeld excellâ—nt good Wines and in the plaine ground it hath Corne and divers kindes of fruite trees It hath also on the Mountaines Woods of Chesnuts and Mines of Silver Brasse and Lead especially in the valâ— Leberthal Iâ— hath also faire pastures both upon the Mountaines and valleyes as appeareth by those excellent fat cheeses which are made in Munsterthall so that there are great store of Kine and cattle bred in this Country And it hath in some parts many wilde horses also Leopards Beares Martines and Harts and innumerable other wilde beasts Alsatia was heretofore under the Dominion of the Kings of France as also a part of the Kingdome of Austria Alsatia was held to be the chiefest Dukedome which Hâ—ldericke King of France did honour with that title and gave it to his Cosen Etico in the yeare â—84 After Etico there succeeded his sonne Adelprechtus who being slaine with an arrow left two sonnes Linfrid and Eberhard who were governours of Alsatia Afterward their familie was expelled forth of Alsatia by Charles Martell Palatine and Master of the Court in the Kingdome of France But in the time of Otto the first the Earles of Kyburg who where allyed by consanguinitie to the Emperour did governe Alsatia Some say that they were made Landgraves of Alsatia others say that Otto the third did divide it into Landgraveships and that the higher Landgraveship which contayneth the Towne Einsheim and the adjacent Townes did fall to the Earles of Habsburg The other to the Earles of Ottingen to whom it descended from Henry Landgrave of Lower Alsatia who dying without issue did sell it to the Bishop of Argentine But this small Country is so fruitfull and pleasant that it hath 46 Citties and Townes in it which are walled about Fiftie Castels which are situated on Mountaines and Plaines and an innumerable sort of Villages Alsatia is two fold the Lower which is described in this present Chart and the higher which is painted forth in the Table following the Tribocians did possesse them both The chiefe Cittie is called by moderne writers Argentina Sextus Aurelius and Ptolomie doe call it Argentoratum Reginus nameth it Strasburg who writ five hundred yeeres before and more Rob. Constantinus supposeth it to be the same with that which Aurelius Victor and Diacâ—nus doe call Angentaria It is commonly called Strasburg from the number and capacity of the streetes This Cittie is situated in a fertile soyle and hath great store of Wine and Corne. And Munster writeth that there are in this Cittie above an hundred Gardiners who make a great gaine out of Turnips Onions Radishes Cabigges and the like An arme of the River Rhene and three other Rivers doe run through this Cittie and the severall Channells doe glide through the streetes as at Venice It is well governed and it hath a famous schoole and a Church On the West there are the Tabernae celebrated by Antoninus Simler calleth them Zaborn Frodoard nameth it Zabreni Ortelius calleth them tres Tabernae Concerning which Antoninus saith thus Riguasque perenni Fonte Tabernas THE LOWER ALSATIA ALSATIA INFERIOR The Country is partly Mountainous and partly plaine and it is every where adorned with Woods and Forrests some of which are full of Chesnuts Almonds and Nutts The Country people lives very miserably for they spend
Vistula to Visurgis and from Odera to Holsatia did obey he had his Pallace at Meckelburg But his two sonnes Mizilaus and Mislevus degenerating from their fathers piety and goodnesse began to persecute the Christians But concerning these and other Princes of Meckelburg you may reade Munster The first inhabitants of this Country Authors doe call Herulians or Obotritians and by a generall word Vandalians It is a Country well replenished with citties townes castles and villages In this Dukedome there is the auncient cittie Surinum which was built before Lubecke Sundius and Wismaria The figure thereof is fouresquare and so as if it were foure citties it hath foure names The first is called Senerinus the second Neapolis the third is named from the Cataract the fourth from the Marshes The Village Fichela which standeth by the Lake Suerinus is but 5 miles distant from the Balticke Sea the vicinitie whereof made them bestow much labour in vaine to make a ditch out of the Lake into the Balticke sea as in like manner there was an attempt made to cut through the Peloponnesian Isthmus Rostochium commonly called Rostocke and heretofore Lacinium and corruptly Rhodopholis and Laciburg is a sea cittie it was first a castle after Godscall the sonne of Endo did change it into a cittie and afterward it was enlarged by Primislaus the second the sonne of Nicolottus It hath now a flourishing Vniversitie which the Princes of Meckelburg did erect and constitute in the yeere 1415. The ayre here is wholesome and there is great plenty of provision for food and very cheape There is also Wismaria which some imagine was so called from Wismarus King of the Vandalls in the flourishing reigne of Constantine the Great some doe affirme that a Colonie of the Gothes was brought thither out of Visbina the Metropolis of Gothland But Crantzius Antiquities and Charters of the commonwealth dated after the yeare 1250 doe shew that it was built before the yeare 1240 out of the ruines of the great auncient Cittie Mecklenburg which gave the name to the whole Countrie by Gunzelinus Earle of Suerinus But in a short time this Cittie did wonderfully encrease by the traffike and trading of other Nations having a convenient Haven on the Balticke shore to receive shippes of great burden where they may lye safely without letting fall any anchors whence it is likely that the Cittie was named from the safety and conveiance of the Haven It is compassed round about with small townes who doe bring plentie of provision thither and doe furnish themselves againe from thence Moreover this ninth circle of the Empire called Nider Saxon doth consist of three orders the first whereof is the Clergie the second are the Princes and Secular Lords the third are the free Citties In the first there are the Archbishops of Bremes and Magdeburg the Bishops of Hildesheim of Lubeck of Suerinus of Ratzenburg and Schleswick the second containeth the Princes and saecular Lords as the Dukes of Lauwenburg of Brunswicke of Luneburg of Mecklenburg and of Holstein the Earles of Roffain and Delmenhorst In the third there are the free Citties as Lubeck Hamburg Mulhausen in Duringen and Northhausen Goslaria and Gottinga THE DVKEDOME OF BRVNSWICK THe Dukedome of Brunswick was so called from the chièfe Cittie Brunswick And the Cittie it selfe was denominated from Bruno the Sonne of Ludolphus Duke of Saxonie For he left his name to the Towne which he had begun and so from him it was called Brunons Towne which in the Saxon Language they call Wyc but now it is called Brunsvicum or Brunsweich The Country of Brunswicke is very large for it reaches from the boarders of the Dioeceses of Magdeburg and Halberstad and from the wood Hercynia even to the River Albis But about the yeare of Christ 1230 the Emperour Frederick did change the Earldome of Brunswick into a Dukedome and made Otto Duke of Brunswicke and Luneburg who succeeded Henry Leon who was Lord of all Saxonie Frederick the second made Otto Nephew to Leon Duke of Brunswick and Luneburg and gave him those Armes which his Vncle had brought out of England namely two Lions Or for the Country of Brunswick and another Lion Azure with Ermines for the Countie of Luneburg which armes did heretofore belong to Duke Herman and his posteritie with the Dukedome of Saxonie Concerning the other Dukes see Munster Lib. 3. of his Cosmographie Brunswick is now not onely the Metropolis and mother Cittie of this Dukedome but also of all Saxonie which heeretofore from the builder thereof was called Brunopolis Ptolomie calls it Tubisurgium according to the opinion of Francis Irenicus It is a large Cittie being foure square and adorned with many faire and beatifull buildings very populous and well fortified with double rampires and ditches by which there are divers sorts of trees planted it hath fiue Praetorian Halls and as many Magistrates It was built by two brothers Bruno and Theodore otherwise called Theomar the sonnes of Ludolphus Duke of Saxonie in the yeare 961 as Hermann their owne Historian doth witnesse The River Onacra glideth by this cittie which rising in the Hartonican wood doth divide the Cittie into two parts and carrieth away all the filth of the Cittie with it having many bridges built over it and at last it joyneth with Visurgis This Cittie hath no good water to drinke and therefore they have a kind of made drinke but they have little or no wine This Cittie rising from small beginnings yet in processe of time encreased very much both in strength and wealth so that the Princes thereof were stiled Dukes of Brunswick I will heere briefely make mention of those words which are praefixt and written upon the Court of this Cittie in regard of the frequent suites in law which are commenc'd in this contentious age In controversijs causarum capitales inimicitiae oriuntur fit amissio expensarum corpus THE DVKEDOME OF BRVNSWICKE Braūswik et Meydburg cum 〈◊〉 quotidie defatigatur labor animi exercetur Multa inhonesta crimina consequuntur Bona utilia opera post ponuntur qui saepè credunt obtinere frequenter succumbunt Et si obtinent computatis laboribus expensis nihil acquirunt That is sutes in Law are the occasion of much enmitie they put men to much charges they weary the body and trouble the minde they learne craft by following them they neglect their owne callings and more profitable employments and those who are confident that they shall have the better are oftentimes overthrowne by oppression And if they get the better yet labour and charges being reckoned they get nothing Among other Citties of this Dukedome Gostaria is not the last being an Emperiall Cittie which Henry the first the father of Otto the great did build and found in the yeare 1051 and the Emperour Henry the third did wonderfully adorne this Cittie which the aforesaid Henrie did build and augment untill of a Keepers lodge it became a great Cittie as it
is now at this day in which the Emperour builded a royall and magnificent Pallace The Towne Helmstad is in the middle way betweene Brunswicke and Magdeburg which William Duke of Brunswicke redeemed from the Abbot of Werden with a certaine summe of money payd unto the said Abbot and so reduc'd it into his owne power Halberstad is an Episcopall Cittie by which glideth the River Oltemia In the middle of this Cittie there is a hill which is two furlongs in length and on the top of it there is a large plaine at the two farthest Corners whereof there are two Churches In the middle there is a Market place which is encompassed round with Religious houses but that part which is situate on the Mountaine is called the Cittie and that part which lyeth at the foote of the hill is called the Suburbs The soyle round about this Cittie is very good having standing Corne which is higher than a man on horsebacke Quedelimberg is an auncient Cittie and not farre distant from Magdeburg which was built by the Emperour Henry Auceps There is also the Towne Hannovera by the bancke of the River Leine over against an ancient Castell belonging to the Earles of Lauwenrod but now in the time of Henry Leen about the yeare of Christ 1056 it was subject to this Castell which because it stood on the other side of the River the Courtiers called it Hannover It is now a flourishing Cittie in Saxonie For it is well fortified with ditches and very populous Hildesheimum or Hildesium which Ptolomie and Irenicus call Ascalingium is an auncient Cittie being at first divided into two parts but afterward it was united It hath a very faire Church and the steeple is gilded It is a pleasant Cittie and Ludolphus of Colen an excellent Mathematician was borne heere being a Bishops seate Irenicus doth reckon up the bishops thereof which Crantzius also doth in his Metropolis and Antonius Monchâ—acinus more accurately Lib. 2. of the first beginning of Christian religion But the Bishopricke of Hildesheim was first founded and instituted in Saxonie by Charles the Great King of France and Empeperour of Germanie Northausen is an Emperiall Cittie There are also contained in this Table the Dukedome of Grubenhagen which is a member of the Empire and also the Principalitie of Anhalt also Mansfielde and auncient Countie of auncient Saxonie by the river Sala so that Hegenus who lived in the time of King Arthur of Brittaine was Earle of Mansfeld in the yeare 542 it was so called from Mannus the sonne of Thuiscon The chiefe Citties are Mansfeld neere the River Wiperus also Eislebia and Wypra Eâ—slebia is the Metropolis betweene the Rivers Sala and Wiperus which was so called from Isis who as Tacitus reporteth did wander after her husbands death through the coasts of Suevia Neere unto it there are mettall Mines in the Mountaines Melliboci It is supposed that the Tubantians did inhabit these parts This Countie hath under it these foure Counties Wippra Arnslein Wâ—tin and Quernfurt Also the Counties of Barby Stolberg Hohenstein Regenstein and Plesse There are also these Ecclesiasticall principalities Meydburg the Archbishoprick of Germanie and primate of Germanie the Bishoprick of Hildesheim and Halberstat Also the Bishopricke of Quedelborg and Gernroade and Stifien which are in the eight circle of the Empire There remaineth in this Table the Bishopricke of Magdeburg The Bishopricke of Magdeburg commonly called Meydburg is so called from the cheefe Cittie Charles the Great having reformed all Saxonie did institute twelve Bishoprickes in it the chiefe whereof was the Bishopricke of Magdeburg whose seate was at the first in Styde afterward it was translated to Valersleve and thirdly to Vrese And afterward in the yeere 1130 Otto did translate it to Magdeburg who made it the primate of Germanie as it appeareth by a great booke of Chronicles which hath no Authors name set to it Albeit the Archbishop of Saltzburg and other Archbishops that are Electors doe not yeeld priority or supremacy to the Bishop of Magdeburg as Crantzius delivers iâ— his Metropolis But Otto the first did make the Burggrave of Magdeburg that he might sit in publike judgement in the Emperours steede both in this Country and Bishopricke and in the adjacent Countries Gero Marquesse of Lusatia was the first that bore this office by the ordination and appointment of Otto whose memory is preserved by a Monument which is in the Friary of Geroden After him they reckon some others who followed successively in this order Hermann Duke of Saxonie Lotharius Earle of Waldeck Fredericke the sonne of Lotharius Conradus his Nephew Manfred halfe brother by the mother side to Conradus He being slaine in the warres Dittericus Earle of Plocensium had his honors whose Daughter Vdo Marquesse of Brandenburg having married and thereby got the Burgaviate he left his sonne Henry his successor After whose decease Lotharius did leave the same office to Burchard of the house of the Lords of Quetfort from whom the Earles of Manifeld are originally descended After whom there were the Lords of Schrapela after whom the Emperour did translate it to the Dukes of Saxonie Electors for the Empire The chiefe Cittie is Magdeburg heeretofore called Parthenopolis from Venus Parthenia who was worshipped there situated by the River Albis Iohn Capniâ— calleth it Domadum Pyrgum Aeneas Silvius calleth it Magdeburg and writeth that Virginopolis was a famous Metropolitan Cittie in Saxonie memorable both for wealth and strength Ligurinus calleth it the Virgin Cittie and the habitation of Virgins and Ptolomie calls it Mesovion Otto builded this Cittie as Lupoldus writeth Otto Frisingensis did enlarge it and was buried there This is a famous Emperiall Cittie it is divided into three parts and fortified with walls and Bulwarkes having strong Towers and Rampiers also faire houses large beautifull streetes and magnificent Churches especially the great Church of Saint Maurice being built by the Ottoes of square free stone The Magistrate doth keepe the civill law of the Romanes written in the Saxon language which was confirmed and established by Charles the Great so that the neighbour Nations doe thereby decide controversies and this law is much reverenced and esteemed And let so much suffice concerning the Bishopricke of Magdeburg And now to conclude this description let us set downe the Rivers which are in the Countries contained in this Table which are Albis Onacra Oltemia Sala Wiperus Inderst Struma Roide Ruma Vker Fues and others It hath also the Mountaines der Ramelberg Meliborus and others and also divers woods as Auff dem Hartz-waldt Solingerwaldt and others which you may behold in the Table or Chart. HASSIA or the Landgraviate of HESSEN Hassia hath great store of Nobilitie and Noble places which it would be convenient to know but I could discover nothing hitherto of them nor of the state of the government I have onely found out that there are two Counties Solms 30.15.50.35 and Witgenstein 30.17.50.50 The Meridians are distant according to the proportion of
Prince of Franconia was Genebaldus who was governour thereof thirtie yeares After him there succeeded Marcomirus Dagobert Ludovicke the first Marcomirus the second Waramund alias Pharamund who being made King of France left his Dukedome to his brother Marcomer also Prunmesser Genebald the second Suno Luitemarus Hugbalaus Helmericus Gotefrid Genebald the third Ludovick the third after whom there followed Erebarâ— Ludovicke the fourth Gospert the second and Hetacus the last Duke who dying without an heyre he left the Dukedome to Wituninus King of France who was also called Pepin which afterward his sonne Charles the Great gave to Burchard the first Bishop of Viceburg and to his successors after him and so bestowed it on the Church in the yeare 752. It is now a Dukedome which tittle the Bishop of Herbipolis assumeth to himselfe Yet all Francâ—nia is not subject unto him For Kitzinga and Bristadium are subject to the Marquesse of Brandenburg and Gralingiacum to the Bishop of Babenberg Also Chronacum Forchimium Staphelsteinium â—ochstadium are under the bishop of Herbipolis Koningspergum Oxenfordia Carolastadium Hasfordia and Bischofsheim Alderburg Middleburg and some other townes are subject to the Bishop of Moguntinum Colburg belongeth to the Duke of Saxonie Wirceburg which Conradus Corta calleth Erebipolis Ligurinus Herbipolis Spanhemius Marcopolis Ptolemaeus Artaunum and the inhabitants Wirtzburg from a sweete kinde of wort or drinke which the Countrie of Herbipolis doth yeeld is the Metropolis and Mother Cittie of East France in which Boniface Archbishop of Moguntinum in the yeare of Christ 751 erected a Bishopricke It is situated on a plaine being encompassed on every side with faire hills pleasant gardens and fruitefull Meddowes and also well fortified with ditches rampires walls Towers and Bulwarkes It is full of Cittizens and hath many faire buildings On the West Moenus runneth by it which is a navigable River and it hath a stone bridge standing over it which is built on strong piles Neere the River Moenus there is a Castell seated on the Mountaine which hath held out many seiges and therefore seemes to be imprâ—gnable At the foote of the Mountaine there is a Monasterie which was built by Burchard at the cost and charges of Cumbert King of France in honour of the great confessor But it would not bee much from our present purpose to know the forme and order of the inauguration and consecration of the Bishops and Dukes of Wirceburg After the decease of the former Bishop the Bishop that is designed entreth into the Cittie with a great troupe of horse Being come into the Cittie he alighteth from his horse and having put off his richest roabe foure Earles doe bring him into our Saviours Church or house bare headed and barefooted in a poore weede or habit girt about with a little cord The officiall Earles are the Lords of Hennenbergh Castel Werthein and Reineck Then the Deane together with the Clergie goeth forth to meete him and asketh him what he seekes or what hee desireth And then he answereth very submissively That though unworthy he is now ready to take upon him that office unto which he was chosen and to discharge it faithfully Then the Deane saith In the name of the Chapter I doe here commit unto thy charge the house of the Saviour of the world and the Dukedome annexed to it in the Name of the Father the Sonne and the Holy Ghost Afterward he followeth the Clergie into our Saviours house and having put on the Pontificall roabe he first heares Masse and afterward hath a banket but first the body of the Bishop deceased is emboweld and set downe in the Chappell of the Castle and his heart being tooke out is put in a glasse vessell The next day he is brought out of the Castle into Saint Iames his Monasterie holding in his right hand a Crozier and in his left a sword the third day they goe againe to our Saviours house where after Dirges and prayer he is at last buried with a Crozier and a sword The other Citties are that which Ptolemie calls Bamberg Peter Appianus calleth it Granionarium and Granionarion in a Greeke booke it was at first called Balemberg that is the Mountaine of Baba from Baba the daughter of Otto Duke of Saxome and wife to Albert Earle of Babemberg others doe call this Cittie Psawenberg it is a very pleasant Cittie situated by the River Regnuz It hath many Mountaines Hills and Gardens and a very fruitfull soyle where great store of Musmillians and Liquerize doe grow It is an Episcopall Seate and as it hath bread many happy wits so it glorieth chiefely in Ioachim Camerarius a man famous for all kind of learning as appeareth by his workes set out by him which are read with much admiration There is also Francosort or Francoford by the River Moene which is commonly called Franck Furtam Mayn to distinguish it from the other Franckofort which is situated by Odera Munster writeth that it was heretofore called Helenopolis but he doth not shew when or from whence it was so called Henry Stephanus calleth it in his Emconion of this Cittie the Academie of the Muses the Athens of Franckford the Muses Mercuriall Faires and the Compendium or Epitome of all the Marts of the world This Cittie is divided into two parts by the River Moenus and joyned together againe with a stone Bridge It is now an Emperiall Cittie and famous through the whole world for two Marts or Faires Heere the Electors doe chuse the Romaine Emperours and if there be competitors that stand for the Empire they doe here sight for it and try it by battell There is also Moguntia commonly called Mentz some call it Moguntiacum Ptolomie Lib. 2. cap. 8. tab 3. calls it Neomagum Moguntia is so called from the River Maenus which some doe call Moganus and others Mogus It is an Episcopall and Metropolitan Cittie It hath a fruitefull soyle on either side of the River Rhene which yeeldeth great store of wine It is large and well fortified and very populous on that side which is toward Rheâ—â— but on the other side it hath few inhabitants it is very long but narrow There are faire houses built after the Romane fashion and magnificent Collegiate Churches with the Bishops Castle Here was an Vniversity erected by Bishop Theodoricke and it is thought that the Art of Printing was invented here It is subject to the Archbishop who is elector and Chanceller of the Empire There is also Mons Regius commonly called Conigsperg where Iohn de Monte Regio a great Mathematician was borne whose Commentaries upon Ptolomies Almagest are yet extant Schweinfordia is situated by the River Moene in the middle almost of Franconia There are also Kitzinga and Fridberg an Imperiall Cittie and others Moreover the first Circle of the Empire is in Franconia in which these are called to Councell first the Clergie as the Bishops of Bamberg of Hâ—rbipolis of Wirtzburg Duke of Franconia of Eichstett der Teutsch Ordens Master the Provost
THE MARQVISHIP and Electorship of BRANDENBVRG MARCA BRANDENBURGENSIS POMERANIA Pâ—merania was called by the first inhabitants in the Vandall speech Pamortza now it is a Dukedome which lyeth by the Balthick sea and it is stretched in a long tract of ground from the borders of Holsatia to the consines of Livonia The Countrie is every where very fruitfull having pleasant Medowes and greene pastures It hath such abundance of Corne Butter Honey Wax Flax Hempe and other such like commodities that the inhabitants make a great benefit of them by transporting them to other Countries The inhabitants also doe gather up Amber by the Sea side but in lesser quantitie than the Borussians There are divers kindes of tame cattell and heards of wilde beasts which runne up and downe in the woods This Countrie had always Lord and inhabitants of its owne which were never conquered nor driven out of their Countrie Heere are many faire Citties The chiefe is Stetimum by the river Viadrus which was heretofore a long fisher Towne seated on the bancke of the River and after it had received the Christian faith the Mart being translated thither it began to encrease so that it is now the Metropolis of Pomerania Gripswaldâ—n is a famous towne for learning and good Arts there was an Vniversitie built there in the yeare 1546. Iulinum accounted heretofore the greatest towne in all Europe was a Mart towne of the Vandalls Stralsundia is a faire Towne on the shore of the Balthick sea having heretofore a Duke thereof Wineta is a very rich sea-faring Towne but it was ruinated by Conradus King of Denmarke There are also other Citties as Neugardia Lemburga Stargardia Bergradum Câ—menez Publina Grifenburga and by the shoare side there are Colberga Caminum Collinum Sunda Pucka Revecol Lovensburg and Hechel And so much briefely concerning Pomerania Also Mecklenburg or the Dukedome of Magnopolis is contained in this Table There are also in the same Table these Ecclesiastickes the Bishop of Magdeburg Primate of Germanie under whom are the Bishops of Brandenburg in the Marquiship of Brandenburg and the Bishop of Havelburg in Mecklenburg also the Bishop of Swerinium under the Bishop of Bremes in Pomerania there is the Bishop of Camin THE DVKEDOME OF POMERANIA POMERANIA is now a Dukedome it lyeth by the Balthick Sea and reacheth from the confines of Holsatia even to Livonia This Country was called by the first Inhabitants in the Vandals Language Pamorzi and it had alwayes a peculiar people who were never conquered and as Bertius witnesseth unto whom wee are beholden for this discription they were beaten or expulsed out of their owne Country The Country is plaine and hath few Hills but euery where fruitfull and watered with Riuers and Springs having pleasant Meddowes and greene Pastures shadie Woods in which there are divers kinde of wilde Beasts It hath abundance of Cattell as also great store of Corne Butter Honey Waxe Cotten Hempe and other Commodities so that the Inhabitants doe gaine much by transporting them There are many faire Citties in Pomerania The chiefe Citty is Stettinum which is situate by the River Viadrus which is now called Odera it was heretofore a long Fisher Towne by the bancke of the River but now it is the chiefe Metrapolis and Mother Citty of Pomerania Gripswaldum is a Towne famous for learning and humane Arts an University was built here in the yeere of Christ 1556. Here is also the Towne Iulinum which was heretofore the most famous Towne of all Europe and a Mart Towne of the Vandals unto which the Russians the Danes the Sâ—rabians the Saxones the Sarmatians and the Suevians did bring their Commodities and Merchandise The Inhabitants when they perceived that the Christian Religion began to flourish and encrease would not suffer any stranger to mention the new Religion and this was the cause that they received the Christian faith so lately But at last by compulsion they received this Religion about the yeere of Christ 1000. but they reuolting often from their faith and having made a great massacre and slaughter of the Christians in the yeere 1066. did returne to Paganisme untill Otto Bishop of Bamberg began againe to preach the Gospell of Salvation in Pomerania with such good successe that three Brothers who were Princes namely Ratisborus Bugislaus and Suantepolcus were baptized and received the Christian Religion The first Bishop of Iulium was Adelbert but in regard the Citty was still infested by the Danes hee thought good thirty yeeres afterward to translate his seate to Caminum and so the other Citty fell to the ground Stralzâ—naâ—a is a faire Towne on the shore of the Balthick Sea which had heretofore a Duke of its owne but now it is subject to the Duke of Pomerania it is supposed to have beene built by the Frenchmen and reedified by Waldemar King of Denmarke about the yeere of Christ 1209. but now it is a strong Towne and is a defence to Denmark and Swethland Wineta is the richest of all the Sea Citties being situate betweene the River Suenus and the Iland Rugia and it was ruinated by Conrado King of Denmarke in the yeere 1030. There are also other Citties as Neugardia Stargardia Camenez Grifenburga and by the shore Colberga Caminum Collinum Sunda Lovensburg and many other THE DVKEDOME OF POMERANIA Brandeburg et Pomerania RVGIA RVGIA is an Iland in that part of the Easterne or Swevian Sea which is properly call'd the Balthick Sea On the North it hath Denmarke and the Chaulkie Iland Mona On the West and South it hath the Citties Pomeranta Bardus Stralesundius Gryphiswaldus and Walgastus This Iland was heretofore farre larger then it is now insomuch that the Iland Ruden was so conjoyned with it that it had nothing but a small Ditch which a man might leap over with a staffe to part it But in the yeere 1309. all that part of it which lyeth betweene Rugia and Ruden was swallowed up and washed away by a violent tempest which did blow downe and overthrow Towers and Houses so that there is now a Channell of halfe a mile breadth which will beare Ships of great burthen and it is now called the new passage Das Neure Siâ—f oder Shiffart For heretofore great Ships were wont to fall downe to Sea by another way or passage not Eastward but Westward which they call Dan Bellen This Iland is encompassed round about with the Sea and is seven Germane miles both in length and breadth The circumference whereof if it were round according to the rules of the Mathematicks should bee 21. miles But now the circumference of it is not onely distinguished with many Ilands and Peninsulaes some greater and some lesser but also hee that shall diligently note the windings of the Sea into the middle parts of the Iland also the Ilands Isthmusses Peninsula'es the Bayes turnings and windings of the shore shall finde that the circumference of this Iland is not much lesse then 70. miles And
have also tythe Cattell and tythe Corne. There are great store of Nobility in this Country who are discended from ancient Families of which some are more hospitalious and bountifull and some more sparing some doe addict themselves to the warres and some to study and most of them doe travell to forraine Princes and Kings Courts and doe goe to Universities and to the Warres And so are chosen to be Governours both in forraine Countries and Provinces and also in their owne Country in times of parre and weace not onely in Politick but also in Ecclesiastick affaires The Country people also doe live well in this Principality who doe onely pay the Magistrates a certaine summe of money and doe certaine services and some of them doe none at all And let so much suffice concerning the Iland and Principality of Rugia THE KINGDOME AND ELECTORSHIP OF BOHEMIA BOHEMIA Boemia or Bojemia as some would have it was so called from the Wood Hercynia For in the Germane language Baum and in Dutch Boom signifies a tree the Graecians call it Baemia and Ptolomy calls the Inhabitants Baemi and Strabo Lib. 7. calleth them Kolduli Some would have it so named from the Bojans who fled and transmigrated thither which seeme to bee so called from Bois that is from Wood. Ptol. lib. 2. cap. 11. in his description of Germany doth place the Baemians under the Wood Harcynia being a great Nation spreading even to Danubius Strabo calleth it Bubiemium for so Rhenanus Aventine and others doe read it but yet in the Graecian printed Copies it is called Boviasmon but Rhenanus thinketh this to be a corrupt reading of it and Causabon noteth that in ancient Bookes it is called Boviaâ—mon Tacitus calleth it Bojemum On the East it hath the Marcomannians and Quadians on the West the Noricians on the South the higher Pamonia now called Austria and on the North it is bounded with Saxonie and Misnia The Wood Hercynia doth encompasse it round about and encloseth it in manner of a Romane Amphitheater So that the length and breadth is all one being above two hundred mile broad and as many long The ayre in regard the Country standeth Northward is cold and sharpe but yet wholesome But the soyle yeeldeth such great store of Barly and Wheate so that it furnishes and supplies other Countries But it hath but little Wine and that which growes there is very tart and sharpe It hath excellent Saffron both for colour and sent This Country also yeeldeth very rich Drugs yet it hath no Oyle nor any other parts of Germany It hath many rich mines the chiefe whereof are in the Countries of Cromelaw Budeveisz and Kuttenberg Also neere the Towne Beraun there are Iron Mines And in other parts it hath Tinne Leade and Brasse And moreover it hath Carbuncles and Amethists which are taken out of the Oare Moreover there are great store of wilde Beasts for hunting as Foxes Beares Harts and wilde Oxen which they call in their language Lomi And they report that this wilde Beast Lomi when hee is hunted filleth a Bladder which hee hath beneath his necke with hot water and therewithall hee sprinckles the Dogs that follow him which burneth whatsoever it toucheth like scalding water so that it will make the hayre and skin come of This Country was governed at first by a Duke The first Duke was Zechus who comming out of Crotia did first establish this Country of Bohemia After him succeeded Crocus and his Daughter Labussa with her Husband Primislaus after him Nimislaus and his Nephew Mnato and Vrislaus the Sonne of Mnato also Necla Noctericus and Borsinous In whose time Bohemia received the Christian faith in the yeere 900. in the time of THE KINGDOME AND ELECTORSHIP OF BOHEMIA BOHEMIA the Emperour Arnulph but in the yeere of our Lord 1086. Bohemia was made a Kingdome and in the Counsell at Moguntine Vratisslaus the first was created King by the Emperour Henry the fourth and Gilbert Bishop of Trevers was sent to Prague to annoynt the King in the presence of the people and to invest him with the Royall ornaments his wife also Swatana was crowned Queene But afterward it fell to bee a Dukedome againe when it came to Vratislaus the fourth who for his service in the Mediolanian expedition was created by the Emperour Frederick King of Bohemia and an associate in the Empire and had given him for his armes a red Lyon with a forked tayle in a white Field from whom some Emperours discended after that Bisâ—tislaus had carried away Iutha the Daughter of the Emperour Otho the II. whence they began to bee a kinne to the Emperours The King of Bohemia is one of the seven Electors Bohemia hath some Citties which are subject to the King and some to the Lords and Nobles The chiefe Citty is Prague which was walled about by Primistaus the third Duke of Bohemia and his wife Libusla It hath the Castle Vâ—segradum or Herschin which is seated on a Mountaine The whole Citty is divided into three Citties the Higher the New and the Lesse The River Muldavia doth seperate old Prague from the new in which there is a Castle and the Cathedrall Church of Saint Vitus and these two parts of the Citty are joyned together with a stone Bridge of 24. Arches which was built by King Vladislaus The Emperour â—harles the IV. and the King of Bohemia did much adorne and enlarge this Citty The Castle standeth on a very steepe Hill In the Church of the Castle there is an Alablaster Monument wrought with curious workmanship in which divers Princes and Emperours have beene buryed Ptolomy would have it call'd Casurges Aventinus Maâ—â—budum and Strabo Bubienum In the yeere 1370. King Charles erected here an Academy or Vniversity which continued untill the yeere 1308. And afterward by reason of a faction which arose it was translated to Lapsia The Citty Egra is situated in the first entrance into Bohemia which was so named from the River Egra by which it was seated It was heretofore subject to the Romane Empire but now to the Kingdome of Bohemia It is faire and beautifull within it hath faire houses and civill courteous and magnificent Citizens And without it hath pleasant Orchards and fruitfull Fields and a River full of Fish This Citty is famous for a kinde of drinke called Mede which is made of Honey The chiefe Townes of Bohemia towards Moravia are Mutha Chrudima Hradecium Pardubitium Litomossium and from thence toward Noricia there are Glatovia Dornazlicium Misa and Tacovia On the South side the chiefe Townes are Budvicium Crumâ—â—via Trebonia Hadrecium Hencici and on that side which is toward Misma it hath these Townes Pons Cadana Chomutavia and Austio And these Townes are neere the confines of Slâ—â—ia Hiaromirium Glaâ—â—um Curta and some others The Inland Townes are Cuthna Colen Belsina Verena Zateâ—â—um Launa Slana â—â—tomericum Tabortum The chiefe Rivers are 〈◊〉 which they call Labe it breaketh forth of the
Mountaine neere the Citty Aust and hath great store of Salmons There is also Multavia which Ptolemy calleth Cassurgis and the Germanes Molea and the Inhabitants Vltauva there are also the Rivers Egra â—assava Gisera Misa and others some whereof have fine sands of gold and some of them have shells out of which they get Pearles The Mountaines Sudâ—ta doe encompasse Bohemia on the South and West The Mountaine Pinifer which is so called from the abundance of Pines growing there which riseth in the Mountaines of the Maraniship of Brandenburg betweene Franconia Voitlandia and Bohemia in the compasse of two miles doth send forth foure famous Rivers towards the foure parts of the World namely Moenus in Francia Sala i◠〈◊〉 Nabus in Bavaria and Egra in Bohemia This Mountaine also hath Gold Silver Quick-silver Iron and Brimstone It hath also 〈◊〉 of Precious-stones The whole Country is as it were walled 〈◊〉 with Woods of which that part which lyeth between 〈…〉 West and the North Strabo calleth the Wood Gabreta and Ptolem◠〈…〉 that part which streteheth from the South to Danubius Ptolemy calleth the Moones Wood but now it is called Passavica Silva or Deâ— Passawerwaldt on the West where it joyneth to Moravia it is called Der Scheib The Emperour Charles in the yeere 1361. did devide the Kingdome of Bohemia into 12. Countries which are governed by Captaines and Barons who doe first decide small controversies and secondly if there bee any theeves they may call the Nobility to ayde them in suppressing of those Robbers and at last in time of warres every one repaireth to his owne Captaine I finde that the Burpaviate of Carlstein is in this Kingdome where the Crowne of the Kingdome is kept There are these Countries Lobâ—â—wits Hassenstain Litzkaw Camethaw Passau Melnis Rosenberg Hadretz Dominia Hasenburg Leip Perstain Dobitschaw Walstain Râ—schatec Dachaw Totsnick Wartenberg Schellenberg Kost Schmirits Lissaw Kunewaldt Dessaw Schonpeck Slawa Grossen Bora Liebenstain Ioppendorff Gradetz and Colourat some of which are Counties also the Baronies of Trachenberg and Millusch Prague was made an Archbishops seate by Charles King of Bohemia and Emperour of Germany and the Bishop of Litomisliens was made his Suffragan I come unto their manners concerning which Iohn Dubravius writeth thus The Bohemians in their manners and habit doe shew a kinde of Lion-like courage under which signe Bohemia lyeth whether you consider the great stature of the Bohemians or their strong broad breasts or neckes coverd with stiffe yellow hayre or their great voice or glistering eyes or their courage and strength Moreover the Lion is wont to swell in contempt of other beasts and cannot be disarmed especially if you set upon him by force Neither doth the Bohemian degenerate from him in this also for he contemneth others both in word deed and sheweth much pride and arrogancy both in his gate and gesture And he is most fierce when he is roughly entreated Moreover he is as bold as a Lion in any enterprise and stout and hardy in the Execution but yet he is ambitious and vaine-glorious And besides he is as hungry and sharpe as a Lion and immoderate in his Dier THE MARQVISHIP OF MORAVIA MORAVIA commonly called Marnhern doth confine on Polonia Westward It is so called from the River Moravia which runneth thorow this Country The Ancients did call it Marcomannia because it did border Germany on that part where Danubiuâ— glideth towards Pannonia For in the Germane language Marck signifies a limmit or bound and those which dwelt there were called Marcomanni the Inhabitants of the Frontiers or Marches as Dubravius thinketh But Arrianus saith thus The last saith he of these Nations are the Quadians Marcomannians after them the Iazyges or Sarmatians then the Getes and lastly a great part of the Sarmatians And it appeareth manifestly that this Moravia was the Seate of the Marcomannians because neere the River Hana the Husbandmen as they were ploughing did often finde certaine coynes of the ancient Romane Emperours as of M. Antoninus who as Histories doe witnesse did conquer and subdue this Nation There was also mony taken from the enemy as a booty with this Inscription De Marcomannis There are some doe conjecture by the Etymologie of the word that the Marcomannians did possesse that Province of Germany which is commonly called Die Marck or the Marquiship of Brandenburg beyond Albis toward the Ocean for the Inhabitants thereof are called Die Marcker that is Marcomannians as it were Marcmenner some say the Marcomannians were so named from Horses as we call Mareschalcus a Praefect of the Horse and Mar-staller a Master of the Horse for Marrha and Merrhen doe signifie in the Germane language a Horse and a Mare whence they translate Merrhenlandt the Country of Mares But the former reason is more probable Moravia as it is now is bounded on three parts of it with Mountaines Woods Forrests or Rivers on the East from Huâ—garia on the West from Bohemia on the North from Silesia For on the South towards Austria it is plaine ground and in some places it is parted from it by the River Thaysa and in other places by a small River The ayre of this Country is gentle and warme and so more subject to corruption And as this Country is populous so it yeeldeth great store of Corne and Wine and all things necessary for mans use It hath also great store of Saffron The inward part of the Country is Champion ground the Fields are of a fat and fruitfull soyle and therefore good for tillage there are Hills crowned with Vineyards and in regard it hath a better soyle for Vines than Bohemia therefore THE MARQVISHIP OF MORAVIA MORAVIA it excelleth it for goodnesse and plenty of Wine It is all tilled so that there is no part left for feeding of Flocks and Cattell unlesse it bee in the Woods and Desarts The Mountaines Sudetae neere the Citty Igla are thought to bee full of Mines Moreover it is wonderfull that there is Frankincense and Myrrh in Moravia which doth not distill out of a sweating Tree as in other parts but is digged out of the ground especially in one place called Gradisco in which there is both male and female Frankincense But of late Venceslaus a Nobleman as he was laying the foundation of the head of a Fish-pond in his owne grounds at Sterenberg found the whole body of a man which was nothing but Myrrhe This Country was heretofore adorned with the title of a Kingdome and it had formerly Kings who governed all Bohemia and Poleland and it was a very large and potent Kingdome About the yeere of Christ 700. Zuantocopius did possesse Moravia Bohemia Silesia and Poleland and the Dukes thereof were subject unto him But hee being proud of his large Territories did deny to pay the Emperour that tribute which hee had sometime paid to Lodovick King of Germany So that the King made warres upon him but hee drew up great forces to defend
Taury The Country is full of woods which are parts of the wood Hercinia But so much hitherto The Politick state of the Kingdome of Poland hath 2. Members The first are the Clergie in which are the two Archbishopricks of Gnesna and Leopolis The Bishops of Cracovia of Ploczko of Chelma Vladislavia Pomesania Varmia Culma and Sambiensis Posnonia Proemislia Cavenez Vilna Medincque Luceoria In Livonia the Bishops of Riga Dirpta Absel and Revalia Secondly the Nobles in which there are Castellanus Cracowvia the Palatine of Cracovia Posnania Sandomiria Kalischy Siradia Lancisa Brezeste Inowladislavia Russia Podalia Lublin Belze Plocense Mozavia Rava Also in Lithuania the Palatines of Vilna of Trochy Poletsho Novogrod and Vitellia Also in Prussia the Palitnes of Culma Marienbourg Pomerania The Counts are of Pâ—snania Sand miria Kalische Voinice Gnesne Siradiâ— Lancise Brizeste Inowladeslavia Leopolis Camenezia Lublin Belze Plocense Geine Ravense Sandecia Myedzeris Visâ—icie Biece Rogostia Radom Zawichost Landâ—nse Streme Zarnowe Mologost Viâ—lune Premisâ—ia Haine Saâ—â—e Chelme Dobrine Polaneâ—ce Premetense Criswinense Czecovia Nacle Rospirie Byechovâ—a Bydgostia Brezezine Crininice Osvecimense Camenetz Spicimirie Inowlodense Revalia Zavoloo Sachazonia Vasovia Gostine Visne Raciez Sieprecense Wisogrod Riprin Zabrochzinense Circhanouia Livense In Lithuania there are old Palatines of Vilna and Trochi In Prussia of Culma Elbingen and Pomerania There are many Captaines in the Kingdome of Poland And two Mars-halls of the Kingdome and the Court. The Ecclesiastick doth consist of these Archbishops Bishops aforesaid The Noble men are very sharpe witted and they doe travell into forraigne Countries to get knowledge and languages They are couragious and doe not feare the stoutest Enemie and if the Nobles doe wrong them all their kinsfolkes and friends doe joyne with them to revenge it and doe never cease untill they have revengd it or lost their owne lives Lastly they are not so liberal as Prodigall both in Banqueting and imoderate guifts and also in keeping a great retinew or number of Servants whom they cloth and feede SILESIA ANd so much concerning the Kingdome of Poland Silesia remaineth which I will briefely unfold It was so called from a River of the same name as Conradus Celtes witnesseth Others have other derivations It is bounderd on the North and East with Polonia on the South with Moravia and the Wood Hercynia on the West with part of Lusitia and Bohemia It is 200. Mile long and 80. broade Though the ayre be somewhat cold yet it is milde and gentle The Country in regard it is watered with many Brookes and Rivers is very fruitfull in most places and it hath in some parts Veines of Gold Silver Lead and Iron it yeeldeth also clothing for it selfe and many other Countries beside The Citties are well inhabited and adorned with Lawes and good Arts. The Metropolis thereof is Vratislavia some would have it to be that which Ptolomie cals Budorchis it is comonly call'd Breslaw Duglossus writeth that it was built by Mieslaus Duke of Polonia a little before the yeere of Christ 1000. And 40. yeeres afterward it was adorned with a Bishoprick by Casimirus King of Poland and it encreased so much that the Bishops of this Citty were called the golden Bishops in regard of their wealth and riches In the yeere 1341. it was burnt downe But the Emperour Charles the third made it in stead of Brick of Gold On the Steeple of St. Elizabeths Church there is this Inscription Mirabilis in altis Dominus The Situation the beauty of the Houses Towers and Churches the faire Bridges and large Streets doe much set forth this Citty Nissa is an Episcopall Citty There are besides in this Country 15. Dukes Lignicensis Bregensis Teschinensis Monsterbergensis Olsvicensis and Beoustadiensis and three ancient Families namely Ligvicensis Teschinensis and Monsterbergensis Tropaviensis Opeliensis Nissensis Vratislavensis or Breslauw Swidnisensis Hurensis Glagoviensis Ratibonensis and Sagonensis But these latter honours the Kings of Bohemia since the decease of their Lords have gotten There are three Baronyes namely of Trachenberg of Vertenberg and Plessensis The Kings high Court in Silesia is kept at Vratislavia where there is a Bishops seate as also at Kissa Viadrus runneth thorow this Country into which many Rivers and Streames doe flow as Elsa Ola Bobrus Barusins and others POLAND POLAND which is situate in the Europian Sarmatia is both long and wide and doth take up a great part of it it was so called from the Fields and plaine ground for Pole signifies as much as Plaine it is a very great Country having on the North Borussia and Pomerania on the East Massovia and Lithuania on the South Russia and the Mountaines of Hungaria on the West Lusatia Silesia and Moravia It is devided into the greater and lesser Poland The greater is more Northward and the River Varta runneth thorow the middle of it The lesser is Southward and the River Vistula glideth thorow it The Polanders are descended from the Sclavonians as Neugebaverus witnesseth Lib. Rer. Polonicar and their Kingdome was never so large as it is now because the great Dukedome of Lituania Livonia are joyned unto it albeit the King of Swethland hath lately gotten a great part of these Provinces It reacheth from the River Notes Obrá which doe devide it from Marchia and from the River Odera which doth part it from Silesia even to Beresaia and Borysthenes which seperateth it from Moscovia and so it extendeth West and East 120. Germane miles and as much from the farthest part of Livonia to the confines of Hungarie And so being of a round forme it is very wide and capacious There are in the greater Poland these principall Citties Posnavia built by the Rivers Varta and Prosna betweene the Hills with a double wall it hath faire slated Houses and great Suburbs by the farther banke of the River Varta being encompassed with a great Lake and Marshes and having two famous Faires every yeere it is a Bishops seate and hath many Townes under it Calisia is a walled Citty among the Marshes by which the River Prosna runneth It had sometime a strong well fortified Castle as the ruines doe testifie there are other Townes also subject unto it Gnesna is walled about being situate in a Plaine betweene Lakes and Hills and it is an Archbishops seate This Citty was first built by Lechus in which Boleslaus Chabri Prince of Polonia received the royall Diadem from the Emperor Otto the III. when before that time Poland was onely a Dukedome Siradia is a woodden Citty walled and seated on a Plaine it hath a strong Castle by the River Varta This Citty was honoured with the title of a Dukedome which dignity belonged to the Kings second Sonne It hath also many Townes under it among which is Petricovia which was heretofore of great note where the Sessions for the whole Kingdome were wont to bee held which are now translated to Warsavia Lancicia is a pleasant Citty seated on a Plaine and walled about having a
him even untill our times Hungary did professe the Christian Religion Hungary doth containe all the whole Country of Iazigus Metanastarum which Ptolemy circumscribeth or boundeth with Danubius â—ibiscus and the Sarmatian Mountaines There are some ruines yet remaining which by contracting the word are commonly called â—az But they inhabit those parts which Plâ—â— describeth and their speech differs from the Hungarian language The first King of Hungary after the Christian Religion was established therein was Stephen surnamed the Holy after whom there followâ—d his Coâ—â—a Peter his Kinsman Andreas also Bela Salomon Geysa Ladislaus Almus Stephanus the II. Bela Caecus Geysa the II. Stephen the III. Bela the III Emericus Ladislaus the II. and others even untill the time of the Emperour Rudolphus King of Hungary The King of Hungary doth governe his Kingdome by two Magistrates the higher is devided into three Magistrates the first of which governeth the Kingdome in the Kings name in which are the Palatine of the Kingdome who is next to the King and judgeth the King if he be accus'd whom the people of the Kingdome doe chuse neither is it an heriditary office Also the Judge of the Court who is one of the ordinary Judges of the Kingdome The Chancellor who is the Metropolitan of Strigonium who is called the Primate and Secretary of the Kingdome and he hath power to annoynt the King that is chosen and he keepeth the Privie Seale The Master of the Court doth follow the Kings and is one of his Privie Counsell The Master of the Regallities doth judge of all matters concerning Mines of Gold and Saltpits and lastly all matters which appertaine to the Exchequer Secondly those which sit in Judgement of which there are certaine Officials three of greater authority as the Vice-Palatine of the Kingdom the Judge of Personall Presence The Vice-Palatines Protonotary or chiefe Clarke the Vice-Judges Protonotary They are all called Masters and have these assistants or associates joyned to them the Archbishop of Strigoniums Secretary who is called the Secretary of the Exchequer twelve Assistants and some sworne Clarkes Thirdly those that serve the King as the Treasurer the Master of the Bed-chamber the Cup-bearer the Master of the Pantry the Master Porter and other lesser offices Moreover because the Country is large there are severall Judges appointed thorow the Provinces which the Hungarians call Counties And they are these beyond Danubius on the West of the River Tibiscus Posoniensis Nitriensis Cepusiensis Gewinariensis Posthiensis Semliniensis Comariensis Leptoniensis Novigradiensis Abavivariensis Bathiensis Vâ—gensis Traachimensis Barsiensis Hontensis Borsodiensis Bodroghtensis Peregriensis Turoezensis Omuzolis Tornensis Heweciensis Zolnocensis Moramarusiensis Above Danubius on the East of Tibiscus there are Vgoghiensis Bihoriensis Zatmariensis Oradiensis Zabolciensis Temesiensis Betweene the Rivers Danubius and Dravus there are Musunensis Zaladiensis Tolnensis Rhab or Iauriensis Vespriniensis Strigoniensis Soponiensis Albensis Sinigiensis Castriferrensis Pelisiensis Waranlensis Betweene Dravus and the River Savus there are Valkonensis Rifiensis Syrimiensis Warasdiensis Prosegiensis and Zagrabiensis The Ecclesiasticall government belongeth to the two Archbishops of Gran or Strigonia the Popes Legate and Primate of the Kingdome It hath under it Agriensis Vaciensis Nitriensis Quinque Ecclesiensis Vespriniensis who is the Queenes Chancellor and crowneth her and the Bishop Iauriensis commonly called Rab Colosensis or Colotz under whom are Sagabriensis Transilvaniensis Voceadrensis Visemburgensis Sulniensis Cenadiensis or Chonad and Bosnensis All Hungary is devided into the hither-most and the farther The hither-most Hungary doth containe all that Country which is on this side Danubius the farther-most doth containe that Country which is beyond Danubius and Tibiscus THE KINGDOME OF HVNGARY HUNGARIA glideth thorow the middle of it The Metropolis and Mother Citty of this Kingdome is Buda which was so denominated as the most doe suppose from Buda the builder of it who was Brother to King Artila or as others write from the Budines a People of Scythia of whom Herodotus maketh mention If you consider the Situation of this Citty it is seated partly on a Mountaine and fortified with strong Bulwarkes so that it is the strongest and pleasantest Citty in all Hungaria it hath many faire buildings both publike and private It standeth in a fruitfull soyle Soliman the Turkish Emperour tooke it from the Christians in the yeere 1526. on the 20. day of August The Next is Posonium commonly called Prezborgh which is a noble Citty Here the River Leyta deviding the higher Pannonia from the lower doth mingle it selfe with the River Istrus It is an ancient faire Citty having a pleasant ayre and situation and doth therein excell all the Citties of Pannonia It hath Mountaines planted with Vines which are also full of Wood. In the Suburbs it hath a Castle seated on the top of a high Rocke There is also Belgâ—ad at the meeting or confluence of the Rivers Savus and Danubius it is commonly called Alba Graeca the ancients called it Taurunum and the Germanes Griechs Weissenburgh Soliman the Turke tooke it in the yeere 1520. and having beene before a Towne of defence against the cruell enemy of Christianity now it is the Turkish Emperours seat A little lower downe the River Danubius there is Singidunum which was taken by the Turke in the yeere 1439. In the midst betweene these two Citties there is a Field famous for the victory of Hunniadus against Mâ—homet the Turkish Emperour they call this Field Maxons This Battle was fought in the yeere 1456. Downe the River there are many places where the Christians have received many fatall overthrowes The Citty Valpo was taken in the yeere 1543. Quinque Ecclesiae by Dravus in the yeere 1543. Zigetha was taken in the yeere 1566. Buda wee have mentioned before Strigonium by Danubius commonly called Gran was heretofore an Archbishops seat but it is now in the Turkes hands Alba Regalis or Stulweyssenburg is famous in regard the Kings are crowned and buried here it was taken in the yeere 1543. In the same Country there is Stridon where Saint Hierom was borne There is also the Citty Comara in an Iland of the same name which the Turkes in vaine attempted Iaurinum commonly called Raab is an impregnable Citty by the River Danubius I passe by the other Townes There are also in Hungaria many famous Lakes the chiefe whereof is Balaton which the Germanes call Platze being 40. Italian miles broad and 8. Hungarian miles The chiefest Rivers are Danubius Savus Dravus and Tibiscus the three former are common to other Countries but Tibiscus runneth onely thorow Hungary It riseth in Maramusia in the high cliffes of Carpatus and for plenty of Fish it exceedeth all the Rivers in Hungary for it hath abundance of all kindes of Fish as great Pikes Lampreys and Sturgeons There are also other Rivers besides these which have great store of excellent Fish as Trowts Salmons Perches Lampreys Barbels and others and those Rivers have gold veines in them The chiefe Woods and Mountaines beyond
Senum Italiae in which if a Pitchforke bee left the day before the grasse will cover it over in one nights growth Varro speaking of the endowments of Italy saith that it produceth all things necessary for food Campania doth yeeld Corne Falernus wine Cassinas Oyle Tusculan Figges Tarrentine Honey and Tiber Fish Moreover Pliny witnesseth that Italy is the Mother of all kindes of Trees I will not mention the Vulgar common sort For here are great store of Orange Trees Lemmon Trees and Quince Trees All the Coast as for example Liguria and that which belongeth to Genoa is adorned and beautified with faire Trees and great high Palme Trees which are full of sweet smelling fruit so that it is pleasant both in sight and scent and it hath every where pleasant Gardens to recreate sad mindes and drive away Melancholy And the same may be said of a thousand other places The same Pliny sheweth that there are Pepper trees in Italy The Hydruntine Country hath abundance of Olives so that he that hath not seene the great Woods of Olive trees which are in these parts would thinke it incredible The Barian Fields in Apulia Peucetia doe bring forth great store of Oyle Wine Corne Almonds and Cotton and other fruits The Valley of Onâ—lia in Liguria hath such great store of Oyle that sometimes it yeeldeth 32. and 22. thousand Jarres which the Inhabitants call Barilas There is also Manna in Italy For Manna is gathered neere Altomontium in Brutia which falleth downe like dew by night especially when the skie is serene and cleare after raine It is gathered from the Leaves of certaine Trees Pliny reporteth that it hath the choisest and best Vines so that it excelleth the most odoriferous Nations of the world for there is no scent to be compared with the delicious smell of the sweet budding Vines As the excellent Wines which are so celebrated and praised by ancient Writers doe testifie Pliny doth devide the Wines of Italy into foure sorts He preferreth the Setine Wines before all others which was so called from Setia a Towne of Latium The next he accounteth to be the Falerne Wine The third he reckneth to be the Albanian the Surrentinian the Massuan the Stanonian the Calenian the Fundanian the Vilitertian the Privernatian and the Signinian Wines The fourth sort are the Pretutian the Anconian and the Palmesian Wines But of these things others doe report I passe to the other gifts of Italy and will describe them briefly It is very fruitfull in producing all kinde of hearbes What should I speake of the Mettals Stones and other gifts Pliny saith that it is inferiour unto no Country for Mettals In Forum Iulium there is the River Hydra and not farre from thence a Mine of Quicksilver Great store of Allom was found heretofore among the Etruscians in the Territory of Masla In Campania there are Mines of Brimstone Three miles from Volaterris toward the River Caecina there are some Hills in which there are Salt-pits At Brutia also there are Salt Mines which are hollowed into the inner parts of the Mountaine with digging forth of Salt I omit the Stone Quarries out of which divers Stones are cut I doe not mention the Marble the Alablaster Chrystall and divers sorts of precious Stones nor the Saffron Blue and Rosen And that I may not be tedious in reckoning up the variety of living creatures Aulus Gellius Lib. 11. Noct. Atticar Cap. 1. Timaeus in his History and M. Terentius Varro in Antiquit. doe report that there are great store of Oxen in Italy and that there are many Buffons bred in this Country Lucillius witnesseth that the great strong Lucanian hearbs did graxe here Quem neque Lucanis oriundi montibus Tauri Ducere pro telo validis cervicibus possent Italy besides other Fowle hath Eagles and Vultures which are so often mentioned in the ancient Romane Histories I come now to the ancient Government There is no indubitable certainty concerning the ancient Government of Italie Annius of Viterbium doth speake of Comer who came first into this Country as a stranger also of Chamus Ianus Sabatius Sagus Cranus Aurunus Malotte Tages Ofrides Hercules Tuscus Alteus Ritis Italus Morgetes Roma Romanessus Iasius and others but approoved Historians doe make no mention of them But if we read Dionysius Halicarnassaeus Pompeus Trogus Solinus Polyhistor and other Greeke and Latine Writers that many yeeres before the building of Rome wee shall finde that Italie was governed by divers people as Sicilians the Aboriginians the Ligurians the Umbrians and the Etrurians which at last were all reduced under the government of the Romane Empire Rome at the first was governed by Kings for 245. yeeres together as Dionysius and Livie doe witnesse whom in the Romane History it is best to follow In whom wee may read the order and progresse of their atchievements and it is to be considered that their power did encrease abroad by military Discipline and at home by moderation and Justice and by the order of government Afterward the Kings for their tyranny and lust were expelled which many times had caused many changes and mutations in the Empire The names of the Kings are these Romulus who raigned 38. yeeres Numa who raigned 43. yeeres Tullus Hostilius who raigned 32. yeeres Aneus Martius who raigned 24. yeeres Tarquinius Priscus who raigned 37. yeeres Servius Tullius who raigned 44. yeeres Tarquâ—nius Superbus who raigned 25. yeeres He was expelled the Kingdome for his Sons wicked act who ravished Lucretia But when the Kings were expelled the government became Annuall and two Consuls were created The first of which was L. Iunius Brutus unto whom was joyned Sp. Lucretius Tricipitinus and after him M. Horatius Pulvillus Thus Italie was governed by Consuls untill the time of the Emperour Caesar Fl. Momyllus Augustulus whom Odoacer Herulus King of the Gothes did depose and subverted the Country to himselfe and afterward being slaine he left it to Theoderick his Successors I need not set downe a Catalogue of the Romane Consuls and Emperours which are well knowne And we may read in Histories the forme of the first royall government the changes of Lawes and Magistrates the Romanes valour their warres and their many civill dissentions untill Rome had got the Monarchie of the World and how by luxury civill warres and the fatall vicissitude and change of things it lost againe both vertue and Empire I proceed to other matters Italie hath many faire flourishing rich Citties many famous populous Townes and many Villages adorned with Noblemens houses It will not therefore be impertinent to set downe what Thomas Edwards an Englishman hath written concerning the most famous Citties of Italie Rome's holy by the blood of Saints there shed Rich Venice with the Sea 's encompassed Parthenope doth Captaines stout beget Mediolanum pleasant is and great Bononia doth for study much excell Many Citizens in shining Florence dwell Ferraria doth yeeld much Iron Oare Verona hath of all things wondrous store For Law and
Eastward and Westward but on one North side the ground riseth a little like a Romane Theater It is fortified and encompased round about with the River Athesis There are divers Monuments of antiquity which doe testifie the ancient magnificence and riches of this Citty It hath straite large streets paved with stone and about 35. Churches the chiefe whereof is the ancient Cathedrall Church and the Church of S. Anastasius it hath 10. Monasteries On the top of a rock there are two famous Castles of S. Peter and S. Faelix Also an ancient Castle which is commonly called Citadella There is also a great Amphitheater in the middle of the Citty This Citty is a Bishoprick The Inhabitants are magnificent beautifull comely very witty and prone to learning I cannot omit this one thing that when the Venetians did fortifie this Citty they found certaine hollow Caves and when they digged in the Mountaines they found Vrchins or hedghoggs of stone also Oisters Birds bills and starre fishes which were as hard as any Stones The Territory of VICENTIA THe Country of Vicentia followeth the soyle whereof as it is pleasant so it is fruitfull yeelding greate store of Wine and other fruites especially Mulberries on whose leaves Silke-wormes doe feede Not farre from the Citty there are two famous stone Quarries in the Mountaine which the Latines call Cornelius it is commonly called Covelo There are also Marble Mines in the Valdanian streete This Citty was built by the Tuscans or as Trogus writeth by the Frenchmen afterward it continued faithfull to the Romanes untill Attilas time who wasted it and afterward it was subject to the Goths the Langbards and lastly to the Kings of Italie They being expulsed it was subject to the Roman Empire untill the raigne of the Emperour Frederick the second by whom being sacked and burnt it had afterward divers Lords as the Carrasieni of Patavini the Scaligers of Verona and the Galâ—atians of Millan and also the Venetians At length being infested and vexed by the forces of the Emperour Maximilian the 1. it was restored at last to the Venetians This Citty Trogus Pomponius Tacitus others doe call Vicentia Plin. and Antoninus doe call it Vicetia Aelianus Bisetia and Bitetia Ptol. calls it Ovikenta and it is commonly called Vicenza It is seated neere the foote of a Hill being divided into unequall partes by the two navigable Rivers Rerone and Bachilione It is not very faire or beautifull but populous and abounding with plenty There are foure things here worthy of noting the Praetors magnificent Pallace a Bridge of one Arch the greate Altar stone in S. Laurences Church which is of a wonderfull length and lastly the Theater which is commonly calld L. Academia There is also the Monasterie of St. Corona where there is also a famous Librarie The Inhabitants are of a lively disposition prone and apt to learning warfare or merchandising and Industrious they live bravely and goe decently in apparrell It is a Bishoprick Moreover in the Territory of Vicentia there are these Townes Morostica which is a famous rich Towne Also Brendulum which is rich and populous Also Leâ—cium both for wealth populousnesse and largenesse may compare with many Citties of Italie There is also six Miles about Vicentia toward THE PRINCIPALITY OF VERONA· VERONAE VICENTIAE ET PATAVIAE DIT the South the Towne and Castle Custodia which was so called because delinquents and loose persons were kept there at worke in greate Quarries of stone to digge stones for building of houses The Territory of PATAVIUM THe Territorie of Patavium followeth which wee are to describe in this Table which is thus bounderd by Bernardinus Scardeomus on the South the River Athesis runneth on the North the little River Mâ—so glideth on the East the gulfe of Venice on the West the Euganian hills and the Country of Vicentia The compasse and circumference of this Country is 180. Miles in which there are six hundred and seaven and forty Villages Caelius Rhodiginus writeth that Constantinus Palaeologus was wont to say nisi secreta sanctissimis viris affirmari in Oriente Paradisum esse arbitrari se non alibi eum reperiri posse quam in persuavi Patavina amaenitate That is if holy men had not affirmed that Paradise was in the East hee should thinke that it could not be found any where else but in sweet and pleasant Patavium The soyle is fruitefull yeelding corne fruite and rich Wines whence Martiall Pictaque Pompineis Euganea arva jugis The Euganean fields which painted are With hills that purple Vines doe beare It affoordeth also great store of Hunting Fowling and Fishing The Inhabitants have a Proverb concerning the incredible Plenty of this Country Bologna la grassa Padova la Passa This Citty was alwayes joyned in friendship and amity with the Romanes as appeareth in Livie Lib. 41. and in M. Tullius his Phillippicks The Colonie brought hither was better conditioned than other Colonies For the Patavians had power to give their voice and suffrage as the Romane Cittizens It was taken and sackt with other Citties by Attila King of the Huns and an hundred yeeres afterward by the Langbards who burnt it when in the raigne of Charles the great it began to be partly under the Kings of Italy and the French King partly under the Berengarians but afterward it became free in the raigne of the Emperour Otho the first The forme of this Common-wealth lasted untill Frederick the second by whose command and authority Actiolinus Romaninus possessed this Citty after whom it had these Lords the Carrariensians the Scaligerians and the Galeatians and about the yeere of Christ 1404. the Venetians whom it still obeyeth and like a good Mother finding her selfe weake and infirme through age shee yeeldeth all her right to her Daughter for the Venetians were a Colonie of the Patavines not to bee governed but rather sustained and helped by her Patavium is a most ancient Citty the flower and honour of all the Citties in Italie Ptolemy calls it Patavium it is now called Padua Ptolemy also in another place calleth it Baetobium Some suppose it was so named in regard of the Vicinity and neerenesse thereof unto the River Po and the Marshes and so called as it were Padaveum some derive it a petendo or from hitting because Antenor the builder of this Citty Avem telo petiverit did there shoote a Bird with an Arrow But Antenor is reported to have built it as he came from Troy Thit Citty is situate in a fruitfull levell soyle and it hath a gentle temperate ayre it is happy both for the goodnesse of the soyle the pleasantnesse of the Euganian Mountaines and the vicinity of the Alpes and the Sea The River Brenta floweth by it The compasse of it is now twofold and heretofore threefold the outward compasse or circumference doth containe 6200. paces with 6. magnificent Gates The inward circumference 3000. paces having a long walke round about it It is also faire and magnificent
and strong and adorned with many faire aedifices and buildings the inhabitants whereof are almost all Tarraconians Sardinia hath also other Citties and Townes which for brevitie sake wee omit It hath many pleasant Rivers which are not deepe so that in sommer time you may passe over the bards There are many Magistrates in Sardinia The chiefe is the Viceroy who hath al the Kings authority and according to their ancient lawes none but a Spaniard can beare this office The King doth assigne and appoint him one assistant who is Doctor of both Lawes whom they call there the Regent Moreover hee hath other Counsellors who dispose and order all matters and this Court is called the Kings audience Heretofore it was a priviledge of the Kingdome that no man could beare this office longer than three yeres and then another succeedeth in his place But now one continueth in that office as long as the King pleaseth Concerning the manners and dispositions of the Sadinians they are strong of body and inured to labour except it be some few who are given to effeminacy and wantonesse Many of them doe keepe Cattell and are contented with poore fare and water Those that dwell in the Townes and Villages doe live peaceably and quietly together They love strangers and doe use them kindly They live from hand to mouth and goe in a poore habbit And which is strange there is not one Artificer in all the Iland that can make either Swords Daggers or other weapons so that they fetch them out of Spaine and Italy Mercator mentioneth these Bishops The Archbishop Claritanensis under whom are these Bishops Sulcitanus or Sulciensis Doliensis Suellensis The Archbishop Turitanus under whome are these Bishops Sorrensis Plotanensis Ampuriensis Gifacensis or Girardensis Castrensis Othanensis or Othricensis Bosanensis or Bossa The Archbishop Alborensis under whom are the Bishops of Vssellensis S. Iustia Terra Alba Civitatensis and Gastelliensis are excepted THE KINGDOME OF SICILIE· SICILIE is next to bee described which excelleth all the Ilands of the Mediterranean Sea Thucidides calleth it Sicania from Sicanus who as Solinus and Capella doe write came with a band of Iberians into that Country before the Trojan warres Many doe call it Trinacria and especially the Poets in regard it hath 3. Promontories Or else because it resembleth a Triangle or three cornerd figure for it runneth forth divers wayes with three Promontories and so is like the greeke letter Delta which beareth this shape Δ. These three Promontories are Pelorus Pachynus and Lilybaum The Graecians did call it Sicelia But some suppose Trinacria quondam Mutavere situm rupit confinia Nereus Italiae pars una fuit sed pontus aestus Victor abscissos interluit aequore monteis Trimacria hath her situation chang'd And now the Sea their borders hath estrang'd Heretofore it was a part of Italie From whence 't is now divided by the Sea And hence Rhegium is so called in Italie because Sicilie is there divided from Italie On the North it hath the Tyrrhene Sea on the East the Hadriatick and Ionian Sea on the South the Affrick Sea and on the West the Sardinian Sea Thycydides writeth Lib. 6. that the compasse of Sicile is about 8. dayes journey and yet it lyeth but 20. furlongs from the maine land or continent of Italy Moreover this Iland doth excell for the wholesomenesse of the ayre the fruitfullnesse of the soyle and plenty of all fruite and other things which are necessary for the use of man For it lyeth in the 4. Climate which for the gentlenesse and temperatenesse of the ayre doth exceede the sixe others So that Sicilie produceth the best fruites So that Marcus Cato calleth it the Stoarehouse of the Commonwealth and the Nurse of the Romane People and Strabo the Barne of Rome In the Sunensian fields where the ancients doe faine that Proserpine was tooke away violently which they call the Navell of Italie the Corne yeeldeth so great an increase insomuch that one bushell of Wheate sowed yeeldeth an hundred which field they call therefore Campe dallo cento Salme The Leontine fielde is not inferiour unto this concerning which Cicero saith in his third Oration against Verres Quid Vina commorabo optimi saporis adorisque What should I mention the fragrant pleasant Wines Pliny who was most diligent and curious in reckoning the best sorts of Wines doth affirme that there is excellent good Wine made in Sicilie And hee saith that there is the Balincian Wine in Sicilie which tasteth like Methegling or Wine mingled with honey So that they suppose the Balincian Wine is that which they call Muskadine which is very sweete For both Alpes Muskadine whence so called that is Bees and Muscae that is flies doe haunt these Grapes which are therefore called Muskadine Grapes out of which a sweet pleasant wine is pressed which they call Muskadine though some suppose that it was so called because it smelleth like Muske So that the Wine of Sicilie may be rightly esteemed the best for it is as good as the Italian Wine and as pleasing to the Pallat and will keepe as long Moreover Sicilie hath great store of Oyle Suger Saffron Honey Salt all sorts of fruites and excellent Silke Besides Sicilie is rich in Mettalls for it hath Gold Silver Iron and Allom. It produceth also Pretious stones as the Emerald the Achates the Berill the red Marble stone the Iasper and it hath great heards and flocks of Oxen and Cattell There is excellent hunting of Does and Boares and Hauking at Partridges and Quailes which they commonly call Francolinas And Falcons who are enimies to all flying fowle are taken heere The fierce Lestrigonians did first possesse this Country afterward the Sieanians a Colonie of Spaniards and lastly the Trojans and Cretensians came hither Afterward the Graecians did invade it then the Romanes and after the division of the Easterne and Westerne Empire it was subject to Constantinople almost 200. yeares But in the raigne of the Emperour Iustinian the Gothes invaded this Iland who 17. yeares afterward were expelled and droven out by Belisarius Afterward the Saracens did possesse it under Michael Balbus and held it 400. yeares The Normans succeeded them and afterward the Langbards Suevians and Germanes but they being droven out by Clement the 4. the Frenchmen possessed it 16. yeares Afterward it was subject to the Aragonians untill the raigne of King Ferdinand after whose decease the Kings of Spaine were also Kings of Aragon and Sicilie Pliny reckoneth that there are 72. Citties in it But now there are 173. Citties and Townes as Maginus witnesseth The Metropolis or mother Citty of the Kingdome is Panormus which Ptolomy and others doe call Palernum it is now called Palermo It is an ancient Citty and a Colony of the Phoenicians as appeareth by some Epitaphs written in Caldean letters It is thought that it was built in Abrahams time being seated in a pleasant fruitfull soyle It looketh Northward and is washed
Hungary sent his Sonne to governe his Country but hee living loosely and having laid intolerable taxes and taxations on the Stirians was droven out and Ottocarus the King of Bohemias Son was called in who did usurpe the Dukedome of Austria and got Carinthia in the yeere of Christ 1269. but he could not keepe it long For he grew so arrogant that hee contemned the Emperour and would not doe homage for the STIRIA OR STIRMARCK STIRIA Lands which he held in Bohemia unto the Emperour Rudolphus Habsburgius the Emperour at Augusta called a Counsell of the Princes of Germany and citeth Ottacarus to appeare at his perill and to answere concerning those Provinces of the Empire which he unjustly possessed as also concerning his contempt against the Emperours Majesty Ottacarus laughs at the Citation and sends no body to the Counsell to answer for him In the meane time Embassadours being sent from the States of Austria came to Augusta to the Emperour and the Counsell of Princes there assembled and there having grievously complained before Caesar and the Princes of Ottocarus his injury and cruelty they shewed that he had gotten Austria by an unjust Title and that he had repudiated and divorced his lawfull wife Margarite the Inheretrix of Austria and kept a Whore and at length poysond his owne wife and that he tooke away the lawfull Inheritance of Austria from Agnes Badensis and her Daughter Elizabeth with her Brother Henry and that he had murderd many of the Noblemen in the Citty of Vienna and had butcherd many innocent people and that hee had secretly devided Austria Stiria Carniola and the Marquiship of the Vindorians which were in the Emperours gift and that hee might hold Austria by the ayde of a forraine power and lay the yoke of servitude on the people he did therefore revolt from the Empire and Caesar c. It was hereupon decreed by the Princes that Embassadors should be sent to Bohemia But they in stead of an answere giving reproachfull speeches to Caesar and the Princes of the Empire they decreed and agreed that Caesar should make warres against them and should have their ayde therein Hee having levied a great Army goeth into Austria On the other side Ottocarus marcheth forth with no lesse forces but he doubting the event of the warre and fearing Caesars wisedome and force by the intercession of two Noblemen made a peace with him and restored back Austria and did homage unto Caesar for Bohemia and the other Provinces which he held of him and while he did his homage he kneeled before the Emperour and the whole Army which matter being taken in dudgeon by his wife and some factious spirits they violated the peace and entred Austria with a great Army On the other side the Emperour Rodolphus marcheth forth with his Army of Germanes and his auxiliarie Hungarian forces and so joyning battle with Ottocarus not farre from the Towne Marcheccus he overcame him and slew him afterward hee invaded Bohemia and with fire and sword enforced the young man Wenceslaus the Sonne of the deceased Ottocarus to seeke peace and prescribed him conditions according to his Imperiall pleasure But hee made his eldest Sonne Albert Duke of Austria and afterward by the common consent of the Princes of the Empire hee was made Duke of Austria and Stiria Stiria is distinguisht into the higher by the turning of the River Mura and the lower neere the confluence and meeting of Dravus and Mura which is next unto the second Pannonia or Hungarie whence that place is called am Hungerischen The chiefe Citties of Stiria are Bruga by the River Mura and also Grazium Viana commonly called Voytsperg by the River Kaynacha Also Wolspergum by the River Lavandus Marchpurg is a Metropolitan Citty on the left banke of the River Dravus and on the same side there is Petovia or the Petovian Colonie where the Romane Legions were seated Beyond the River is Warasinuns which they call the Varian Castle there is also Rachelspurg seated on the left banke of the River Mura where the Country of Savaria beginneth In this Country also there is Cilia on the banke of the River Savus which seemeth to be an ancient Citty for there are many Inscriptions of Romane names in it The Townesmen say that it was built by Sulla and that it was called Sullaces but on no ground as Volaterrarus saith For perhaps it was that Citty or built out of the ruines thereof which Ptolemy placeth not farre from home and calleth Celia In the Dukedome of Styria there are more Counties among which are Warasden by the River Dravus and also Lebnau by the River Mura Stiria is watered with these Rivers Dravo Lavanda Sackan Sulmo Raynacho Mura Martza Arrabone Veystritza Lausintio and infinite many Torrents and Rivulets which at length doe all runne into Danubius Here are no particular Mountaines for they are all called by one generall name the Norician Alpes whence they are called by the name of Alpes as Rauch Alben Subalben Saw Alben Schwaberger Alben In the confines of Austria Carinthia and Stiria there is the Mountaine Taurus The Mountaine Gesacus doth hang over the River Mura which is now commonly called Der Schockel and Sattli Mansenperg Wemsperg and neere unto the River Salzis it is called Ina Sawrussel that is os porcinum or Hogs mouth and Deifelsteig that is the Devils Praecipisse Below the River Mura it is called in Gaistal Stainperg and Kainacher Alben and somewhat lower are the Mountaines Kreiczpergus and toward the East Radel and Plaitzperg Beyond Dravus Southward is the Mountaine Claudius which is now called Dracimperg Vadianus relateth that it was a current report at Vienna in Austria that a Mountaine began to burne in Stiria whereupon the Emperour Maximilian sent Messengers who found it to bee true And it is probable that this hapned about the yeere of Christ 1520. at what time Vadianus writ thus much Moreover the aforesaid Mountaines are every where clothed and crowned with woods The Stirians are a rustick people and some of them have such swellings about their necks that it hindereth their speech and women that give sucke doe cast it behinde their back that it may not hinder their Children from sucking Ortelius doth report that he saw at Frisachium while he traveld from Vienna to Venice in the yeere 1558. a man that had a Chin that was as broad as his shoulders and it hung downe upon his breast The Inhabitants doe thinke that the ayre and water are the cause of this swelling The Stirians doe use the Germane speech and habit except it be those that dwell by the River Dravus SCLAVONIA CROATIA BOSNIA VVITH PART of DALMATIA AMONG the Countries which are presented in this Table Sclavonia is the first which was so called from the Sclavonian Nation who did heretofore inhabit by the Maeotick Lake Pliny calld it Illyricum from Illyricus the Sonne of Cadmus or as some thinke of Poliphemus Ptolemy calls it Illyis and Stephen Illyrâ—a Ptolemy doth
especially in the Moneths of June and July but in Autumne it is somewhat cooler in the Winter the cold is somewhat sharpe especially about December and January but it is but in the morning onely so that no man is compelled thorow cold to come to the fire The end of Autumne and all the Winter and a good part of the Spring hath great store of impetuoâ—s and violent windes and stormes And sometimes they are troubled with Hayle Lightning and fearefull Thunder and in some placeâ— there is thick Snow This Country yeeldeth greaâ— store of Dares and Pomegrants but it hath but little Wheate so that the Inhabitants for the most part doe make Barley bread It hath also great store of other fruit as Cherries Figges Apples Peares Prunes Peaches Apricotts Quinces Olives and the like It hath abundance of Oyle Honey and Sugar and great store of Heards of Cattell and wilde beasts For this Country doth breed Dragons Elephants Goats Bulls or wild Oxen and the like also Lyons and Libbards it hath also Wesils which are as bigge as Cats but that they have not such great jawes and great store of Apes The Phaenicians and others who came out of Asia or Aegypt did first inhabit this Country afterward it was subject to the Romanes then to the Graecian Emperous and afterward to the Vandals Sarazens and Arabians now it is partly subject to the Turke and partly to a Sâ—ritiâ— of itâ— owne also the King of Spaine hath some Castles BARBARY· BARBARIA in it There are foure Kingdomes in Barbary the Kingdome of Morocco of Fesse of Teleusinum and Tunis unto which some doe adde Barca We will entreate of the two former namely Morocco and Fesse in the following Tables but of the other we will entreate here The Kingdome of Teleusinum which they call Tremisen is Mauritania Caesariensis The length of it from the West to the East is 380. miles The breadth of it is narrower being 25. miles namely from the Desarts of Numidia even to the Mediterranean Sea The most part of this Country is unhabited dry and rugged especially Southward But the Coasts by the Sea side are somewhat more fruitfull and fertile There are few Citties or Castles in it The Metropolis is Teleusina which was heretofore a great Citty but now it is for the most part ruinated In the same Country there is also Algiers a great Citty and well fortified This Citty did first revolt from the King of Telusiaâ—um and paide tribute to the King of Bugia afterward it revolted from him and received Ferdinand King of Spaine to be their King And at last it was taken by Barbarossa and added to the Ottoman Empire it is famous for the Shipwrack of Charles the 5. for the sad captivity and slavery of the Christians and the excursions of the Turkish Pirates It is now so fortified that it is thought to be impregnable Castaldus supposeth that Ptolemy did call this Salden but Ortelius and our Mercator doe thinke that that which Ptolemy called Salden is now called Tadelis â—ovius thinketh it to be Iulia Caesarea and others Crita There are also the Citties Mersalcabir Messagran Mustaganin and others This Kingdome hath two famous Havens the one the Haven of Horamus or Orania with a strong Castle the other of Marsa Eltabirus whether great store of Merchants Ships doe resort especially from Italy both which the King of Spaine got some yeeres agoe to the great detriment and losse of this Kingdome The Kingdome Tunitanum doth containe Affrick the lesse and a great part of Numidia For it reacheth from the River Major which Maginus supposeth to be that which Ptolemy calls Audum even to the River of the Country of Mesrata AEGYPT· AEGYPT is a noble ancient Country which was first inhabited by Misraim the Sonne of Chus Nephew to Cham and Nephew once remoov'd to Noah Wherefore in Osiris sacred rights it was called from Cham Chemia in stead of Chamia as from the other Misraim for the Arabians doe still call it Mesre The Turkes call it Elquibet or Elchebit The bounds of it on the West beyond Nilus are the Desarts of Barch Libya and Numidia with the Kingdome of Nubia On the South it is enclosed with the Bugiensian Country and Nilus where Nilus bendeth his course from the West Eastward Pliny doth bounder it with the Citty Syene which is now called Asna On the East it hath the Desarts of Arabia which lye betweene Aegypt and the red Sea On the North it is enclosed with the Mediterranean Sea which is there called the Aegyptian Sea It seldome raineth in Aegypt and Plato saith that it was never seene to raine in Aegypt so that the ayre is continually serene and cleare whence happily it was formerly called Aâ—ria The Country is wonderfull fruitfull being full of men and all kinde of creatures The River Nilus which runneth thorow the middle of it and doth overflow it every yeere doth so moisten and fatten it so that it is wonderfull fertile and fruitfull Writers have left many Elogies in praise of the fruitfulnesse of this Country Iustine affirmeth that there is no Country more fruitfull than it For saith he there is in Aegypt great store of Wheate Pulse Barly Oates Beanes and other kinde of Graine and also excellent Wine It hath also pleasant Pastures but hath but little Oyle and Wood. Besides wilde beasts of which this Country hath abundance it doth breed great store of tame Cattell as Buffes Oxen Camels Horses Asses Rammes and Goates all which are of a great size as Bâ—lâ—â—iâ—s witnesseth in regard of the temper of the ayre the abundance of Fother and the sweet Grasse which groweth there by the overflowing of Nilus among the rest there are very fatt great Rams which have a great thick taile that hangeth downe to the very ground and dewe lappes hanging downe under their neck as Oxen have and their wooll is black Moreover all Aegypt did heretofore flourish under divers Kings of divers names even to the Ptolemies for there were few Phaâ—â—es But the Ptolemies raigned a long time even to the Romane Empire which declining Aegypt was governd by the Agarenes of Arab a felix the Prince whereof was called the Sultan and those that followed him were also called Sultanes being all Mahometans they raigned many yeeres untill they were expulsed by the Turkes But now Soliman the great Turke doth possesse all Aegypt and leaveth there a President who is called the Bâ—xa of Aegypt Alexander of Macedon did devide it into Praefectureships of Townes whereof Herodâ—tus reckoneth 18. Strabo one more and Ptolemy 46. Pliny 50. who also addeth that some of them had changed their names so that it is not to be imagined that there were heretofore so many Praefectureships of Aegypt as are nominated in Historians seeing there might bee many names of one and the same Praefectureship Leo Africanus saith that the Mahometans did devide it into three Provinces Sahid the higher or Thebâ—â—s from the borders of
not how to boyle and refine the Sugar Here are many Vines but they use no Wine except it be in the Kings or the great Patriarks Court It hath also great store of Oranges and Lemmons and also great store of Honey For Bees doe breed even in their houses So that they make such store of Waxe as serveth all the Country to make Candles without Tallow or Suet. This Country hath also Hempe and Flaxe but the Inhabitants have not the Art to make Linnen THE DVKEDOME OF THE ABISSINES· ABISSINORUM REGNUÌ„ cloth of it and therefore they make their cloth of Cotton wooll of which there is great store here They have Mettals as Gold Silver and Brasse but they have not the art to refine it Moreover this Country hath all kindes of Beasts and Birds as Elephants Lions Tigers Leopards Rhinocerites Apes and Harts which is against the opinion of the ancients who deny that Affrick hath any Harts also Oxen Sheepe Goates Asses Cammels Horses and they are oftentimes much troubled with Locusts This Country was heretofore governd onely by Queenes So that wee read in the Old Testament that the Queene of Sheba of the South came to King Salomon to heare his admirable wisedome about the yeere of the world 2954. This Queenes name was Maqueda The Aethiopian Kings doe beleeve that they are descended of the Stock of David and the Family of Salomon And therefore they are wont to stile themselves the Sonnes of David and Salomon and of the holy Patriarcks because they are come of their Seed For they doe faine that the aforesaid Queene Maqueda had a Sonne by Salomon whom they called Meilech And afterward he was called David He according to their fiction when he had attained to 20. yeeres of age was sent by his Mother to his Father Salomon that he might instruct him in all profitable and wholesome learning and wisdome Which as soone as Meilech or David had attained unto he chose many Priests and Earles out of every one of the 12. Tribes and so returning back to the Kingdome of Aethiope he tooke upon him the government thereof And hee brought in with him the old Law and Circumcision These were the first beginnings of the Jewes Religion in Aethiopia and they say that untill this day there are none admitted to any Office in Court or Canonicall place unlesse he be descended from the Jewes And by them the knowledge of God was propagated in Aethiopia and tooke roote and so was derived and spred abroad by succeeding ages For the Aethiopians had the Bookes of the Prophets and went to Hierusalem to adore and worship the true God of Israel Which may bee understood by the story of Queene Iudiths Eunuch who is properly called Iudith For hee 10. yeeres after the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ came 240. miles journey to Ierusalem And when he had there worshipped God and was returning home sitting in his Chariot he read the Prophet Esaiah And so Philip one of Christs Disciples by Gods command was sent unto him And when they came both to the Citty Bethzur three Miles from Ierusalem there the Eunuch spyed a Spring or Well at the foote of the Mountaine with the water whereof he was baptized by Philip. But as soone as the Eunuch returned into Aethiopia he baptized the Queene and a great part of her houshold and people From which time the Aethiopians began to be Christians and alwaies afterward profest the Christian Faith There are few Citties in all this Empire so that they dwell in Villages The chiefe Kingdomes belonging to the higher Aethiopia which are for the most part subject to Prester Iohn are these following The Kingdome of Barnagues which is enclosed with the River Abanthus and the red Sea the chiefe Citty is Beroae or Barnae which Ptolemy calls Colone here the Viceroy liveth who payeth yeerely to the King of the Abissines an 150. Horses for a tribâ—te with silke and other commodities and 1000. Ounces of Gold to the Turkes Bashaw Tigremaon which is next unto the River Marabus and the red Sea doth pay yeerely to the King 200. Horses which are brought out of Arabia Unto this Kingdome the Kingdome of Tigrai is subject in which there is the Citty Caxumo or Cassume which was heretofore the Seate as appeareth by their Annalls of the Queene of Sheba and afterward of Queene Candaces The Kingdome of Angote hath no money and therefore they use in stead thereof pieces of Salt and Iron Amara is so called from the Mountaine in which the Emperours Sonnes are kept with a strong Garrison that after the Emperours decease the Heire may be brought out There are two memorable Rivers in this Kingdome which doe glide thorow Aethiopia Abanhi which Ptolemy calls Astapus and Tacassi which Ptolemy calls Astraboras into which many other Rivers doe runne The Fountaine of Abanhi is the great Lake of Barcena lying under the Aequinoctiall in which there are many Ilands This Lake Ptolemy calls Coloe Palus or the Lake Coloe The Inhabitants doe professe the Christian Religion and the chiefe Articles of their Faith are these They beleeve in one God Creator of Heaven and Earth distinguisht into three Persons God the Sonne begotten of the Father from all Aeternity who for our sakes tooke flesh upon him was dead and rose againe and God the Holy Ghost proceeding from the Father and the Sonne This is the summe of their Religion They doe joyne the Old Testament with â—he New so that they follow some Judaicall and some Christian Rites and Ceremonies On the eight day they circumcise all their Infants both Male and Female But they thinke that Circumcision availeth nothing to salvation but onely Faith in Christ Jesus But they baptize their Male children on the 40. day and their Females on the 80. day unlesse the weakenesse of the childe doe require haste They every yeere baptize them anew both those that are come to ripenesse of yeeres and also Infants saying these words Ego te baptizo in nomine Patris Filij Spiritus Sancti That is I baptize thee in the Name of the Father the Sonne and the Holy Ghost And they doe religiously keepe this custome from their Ancestors not to extenuate or weaken the first baptisme but that they may have absolution from their sinnes every yeere They receive the Lords Supper sub utraque specie or in both kindes both the Lay-people and the Clergie They doe not esteeme or use Confirmation and extreme Unction as a Sacrament They keepe the Sabbath and the Lords day without doing any worke according to the ancient manner of the Christians They hold that the chiefe use of the Law is to shew us our sinnes and they beleeve that wee can bee saved by no other but Jesus Christ who fulfilled and satisfied the Law for us They love and reverence Saints but make no Invocation unto them They doe much honour Mary the Mother of Christ but yet they doe not worship her nor
Promise or the promised Land because God promised it to our Fathers Abraham Isaac and Iacob This Country when the ancient Inhabitants were beaten out and the Israelites came in their place began to be called Israel and Iudaea Ptolemy and others doe call it Palaestina from the Palaestines a people of great note who in the sacred Scriptures are called Philistins the Christians doe call it the Holy Land This Country is situate in the middle of the world betweene the Mediterranean Sea and Arabia on which side beyond the River Iordan it is encompassed with a continued ridge of Mountaines and so it reacheth from Aegypt as Herodotus will have it or as others from the Lake Sirbon even to Phaenitia The bounds thereof are these it hath on the East Syria and Arabia on the South the Desert of Pharan and Aegypt on the West the Mediterranean Sea on the North the Mountaine libanon The length of it reacheth on the North to the Citty of Dan seated at the foot of the Mountaine Libanon which was afterward called Caesarea Philippi and Paneas so on the South to the Citty Bearsebach situate in the Tribe of Simeon over against the great Desert which is about 67. miles every mile being an houres journey But the breadth which is to be taken from the Mediterranean Sea on the West to Iordan on the East side doth containe in some places 16. and in other places 18. miles Of all Countries it is chiefly commended for the wholesomnesse of the Ayre and temperature of the Climate for the Winter is not too cold nor the Summer too hot And all Writers both sacred and prophane doe praise it for the fruitfulnesse of the Soyle the abundance of all kindes of fruits and the plenty of all things necessary for the sustentation and delectation of mans life Moyses concerning this Country prophesi'd thus to the Israelites Deut. Cap. 8. Vers 7. For the Lord thy God bringeth thee into a good Land a Land of Brookes of Water of Fountaines and depths that spring out of Valleys and Hills a Land of Wheate and Barley and Vines and Fig-trees and Pomegranates a Land of Oyle Olive and Hony a Land wherein thou shalt eate Bread without scarcenesse thou shalt not lack any thing in it a Land whose Stones are Iron and out of whose Hills thou mayest digge Brasse a Land flowing with Milke and Honey Iosephus also and Pliny doe praise the fertility of this Country But of all those things which serve either for delight or medicinable use the Balsame is especially commended which God heretofore gave to this part of the World but now it wanteth it also the Aromatick sweet Spices and Mastix and two kindes of Nuts the one called Almonds and the other Pistack Nuts In the Mountaines also there is Iron and Brasse It hath abundance of sweet Springs and pleasant Meddowes which are cloathed with Flocks and Heards of Cattell which doe yeeld great store of Milke And here is good hunting of Boares Goates Hares and Hawking after Partridges Stares and other Birds Moreover the Land of Chanaan had 31. Kings which were Philistins but after Israelites entred into this Country the most part of the Philistins and ancient Kings were slaine and droven out And the Children of Israel were governd by Captaines about 450. yeeres untill the Prophet Samuel Neither did they rule by Succession or Election but it was a kinde of Aristocracy where the Seniors in every Tribe did governe but afterward at the request of the people God changed this forme of government into a Kingdome and this government continued many yeeres For in processe of time the Israelites suffered many calamities untill at length they lost their Kingdome For both sacred and prophane Histories doe witnesse that this Nation had beene subject to divers changes and had beene vexed continually with warres either through the disposition of the people who could neither endure their own nor others government or through their sinnes which provoked Gods anger toward them or through the felicity and happinesse of this Country which tempted Strangers to invade them Sometimes they were overcome sometime carried away into captivity so that they were unfit to live either in prosperity or adversity Sometimes they were under the yoke of servitude and in bondage to their neighbours and sometimes to remote people farre off as the Aegyptians Chaldaeans Medes Persians Macedons and Romanes and they never ceased to tread downe and overthrow themselves and their Common-wealth by their evill counsell untill at length they fastned and nayled the Sonne of God and the Saviour of mankinde with their wicked hands to the Crosse than which there could bee no greater sinne or impiety After that there ensued new calamities and miseries For Titus Vespasian having conquerd Iudaea tooke Ierusalem and carried away many thousand Jewes into Captivity and many of them being slaine by famine pestilence fire and sword he wasted and destroyed the Temple and all the sacred and prophane buildings in the yeere from the birth of Christ 73. which Christ himselfe while hee lived here on Earth had foretold Aelius Adrianus did re-edifie the Citty but hee changed the Situation thereof And the old Temple of Salomon lay ruinate and wasted even untill the yeere 363. when Iulian the Apostata gave the Jewes leave to re-edifie it who being dismaid by a miracle desisted from their enterprise and left it off againe In the yeere 615. Chosrâ—es King of Persia tooke the Citty and put 90000. men to the sword but he being overcome and taken by Heraclius was punisht for his cruelty In the yeere 636. Haumer Prince of the Sarazens subdued all Iudaea THE HOLY LAND· PEREGRINATIO ISRAELITARUÌ„ IN DESERTO and it continued 450. yeeres under the power and dominion of the Sarazens But in the yeere 1097. when it was decreed in the Counsell of Clarimont in the time of Pope Vrban the second that a Voyage should be made to recover the Holy Land Godfrâ—y of Boloyne having raised a great Army of Christians which consisted of 300000. Foote and 100000. Horse did beat out the Sarazens In the yeere 1185. Saladine King of Persia did restore the Sarazens to their first estate But not long after the Christians invaded them againe And the Sarazens invaded them againe in the yeere 1217. untill at length after divers muâ—ations and changes the Turkes got possession of it in the yeere 1517. This Country containeth Idumaea Iudaea Samaria and Galiley Idumaea beginneth from the Mountaine Cassius or according to others from the Lake Sirbon and stretcheâ—h Eastward even to Iudaea There are these Citties in it Maresa Rhinocorurâ— Raphia Anthedon Ascalon Asotus and Gaza Iudaea is the most famous part of Palestine being situate betweene the Mediterranean Seas and the Lake Asphaltites and betweene Samaria and â—dumaea It was so called from Iudah which was the chiefe Tribe in which there were many Citties and Townes but the fairest of them all was Hierusalem the Metropolis of Iudaea
drinke of the water of the other River their hide and haire groweth black There is an arme of the Sea which Livie calleth the Euborian Bay which is a violent Sea and floweth and ebbâ—th 7. times by day and 7. times by night with such a violent course that no Ship can sayle against it There is also the Mountaine â—aphaâ—â—us famous for the Shipwrack of the Graecians as they returned from Trâ—y and for the death of Paâ—amedes at Troy the Sonne of Eâ—ripides Nâ—â—plius King of the Eubaean Iland CERIGO PTOLEMIE calls it Cythera Pliny heretofore called it Porpyris and â—uâ—â—a hius calleth it Pâ—rphyrusa from the great store of Porphirie Marbles which iâ— in the Mountaines It is now called Cerigâ—â—â— is thâ— first Iland of the Aegaean Sea on the West over-against the Laâ—onick 〈◊〉 It 〈◊〉 it from the shoare of Peloponnesus 5. miles and it is 60. miles in compaâ—se It hath a Towne of the same name and many Havens which are not safe and secure for there are many Rocks which lye scatteringly round about this Iland RHODES· THERE remaineth in this Table the Iland of Rhodes This as Pliny witnesseth was heretofore called Ophtusa Asteria Aethraea Trinâ—â—hia Corimbia Aâ—abiria and Macarta It is distant from the continent of Asia 20. miles The compasse of it is 140. miles It hath a temperate and gentle Ayre and it was consecrate to the Sunne because there is no day wherein the Sunne doth not shine upon it The soyle is fruitfull and the Meddowes fertile and it hath great store of fruit Trees of which many are alwayes greene It hath now but one strong Citty of the same name which is situate in the Easterne part of the Iland partly on a steepe Hill and partly on the Sea Coast It hath a faire and safe Haven and it is well fortified with a double Wall thirteene high Towers five Castles and other Forts and Bulwarkes And it hath an University which heretofore was as famous as that at Massils Athens Alexandria and â—arsus and it had a brazen Colossus of the Sunne which was seventy Cubits high which after it had stood 56. yeeres it was throwne downe by an Earthquake and when it lay on the ground it was a wonderfull sight to behold For a man of a good stature could not fathome or embrace his Thumb And the Fingers were greater than most Statues and when it was broke his Belly did gape like a great Cave This Colossus was making twelve yeeres and three hundred Talents of Brasse went to the making of it and within there were great stones layd that might make the worke stand firme The Sultan laded 700. Camels with the Brasse of this Statue THE KINGDOME OF PERSIA OR THE EMPIRE OF THE SOPHI THE Persian or Sophian Empire as it was renowned heretofore so now also it is very famous The Inhabitants are Persians They are called also Ayami or Azamij from the Kingdome of Azamia which some thinke was heretofore called Assyria they were called Persians from Persides and Cheselbas from the red Cap or Hatt which they used to weare They were called Sophians from Prince Sophos The Kingdome of Persia is situate betweene the Turkish Empire the Tartarians the Zagatheans the Kingdome of Cambaia and betweene the Hircanian or Caspian Sea and the Persian Bay It hath thereof on the East the Indies and the Kingdome of Cambaja from which it is separated and parted by the Mountaines and Desarts on the North are the Tartars neere the River Albianus or Oxus the rest is enclosed with the Caspian Sea on the West are the Turkes neere the River Tigris and the Lake Giocho on the South it is washed with the Persian Bay and the Indian Sea which is a large space of ground for it containeth 38. degrees of longitude from the East to the West And from the South to the North 20. degrees Concerning the temper of the ayre of Persia Q. Curtius Lib. 5. writeth thus There is no whole-sommer Country in all Asia for the ayre is temperate here a continued shady Mountaine doth qualifie the heate thereof and there it is joyned to the Sea which doth cherish it with a temperate warmth But this Country is not all of one quality nor of one soyle That part which lyeth toward the Persian Bay in regard it is watered with Rivers and also that part toward the Caspian Sea having pleasant Rivers a milde gentle Ayre are both happy and fruitfull and doe yeeld all kindes of fruits and doe breed all kindes of living creatures It hath abundance of Wheate Barley Millet and the like Graine and also Mettals and Pretious Stones and Paulus Venetus witnesseth that it hath great plenty of Wine The other parts are desolate by reason of the heate and drynesse Moreover the Persians were at first an obscure Nation but they grew famous afterward by their King Cyrus who having gotten the Empire Media and Lydia joyned it to Persia and so having conquerd Asia and subdued all the East he left it a faire and flourishing Kingdome Cambyses succeeded his Father who added Aegypt to the Empire after whom Persia continued in one Estate untill Daâ—ius raigned who being conquerd by Alexaâ—der of Macedâ—n lost his life together with his Kingdome It was governed by Kings 230. yeeres as Q. Curtius affirmeth Lib. 4. and the Prophet Ieremiah doth assent unto him at the 9. Chapter of Daniel But now the Persian Empire which is subject to the great â—ophy is accounted one of the most potent Empires of all the East which though it were sometimes oppressed by the Sarazens and sometimes by the Tartars yet it grew up againe in the raigne of King Ismael The Countries which are subject to the Persian Empire are these Media Assyria Susiana Mesopotamia Persis Parthia Hyrcania Margâ—aâ—a Bactriana Parâ—pamissus Aria Drangiana Gedrosia and Carmania Media is now called Servan which is situate betweene Persia and the Hyrcanian Sea it hath on the East Hyrcania and Parthia on the West the greater Armenia and Assyria It is devided into the greater or the Southerne and the Northerne Atropatia The latter is colder and therefore lesse inhabited The chiefe Citty is Smâ—chia there are moreover these Citties Derbâ—nt Ere 's Sechi and Giavot The greater is more inhabited it hath also the Citty Tauris which is placed at the foote of Oâ—ontis being 8. dayes journey distant from the Caspian Sea The compasse of it is almost 16. miles in which it is supposed that there are 200000. Citizens The Ancients did call it Eâ—batana where the Kings of Persia doe dwell in Summer In the same Country there are Turcomian â—aru Susâ—an Nassiva Ardavil and Marant Assyria which is now called Arzerum hath on the East Media on the West Mesopotamia on the North Armenia on the South â—usiana It had heretofore these Provinces Arrapachâ—tes Adiabena and Sittacena the Citty Ninive is by Tigris which is 60. miles in compasse Susiana is now called Chus or Cusistan it was so named
containing a mile It hath a very thick wall which is 10. paces high The outward superficies of it is white and red In the foure corners of the wall there is a faire great Palace which is in stead of a Castle And so likewise in the middle of the fore walls there is a faire Palace built so that there are 8. Palaces in all In these they keepe their Armour their warlike Furniture their Ordnance their Bowes Arrowes Quivers Spurres Bridles Launces Bowstrings and other things necessary in warre and every severall kinde of Armour is laid up and kept in severall Palaces But in the middle of them or the innermost Court is the Kings Palace in which the King dwelleth This Palace hath no Chambers but the lower Pavement thereof is raised 10. hand breadths from the ground The roofe is very high and adorned with Pictures the walls of the Court yards and dining-roomes doe glister with Gold and Silver At the first entrance there are faire Pictures to entertaine the eye and warlike Histories drawne foorth with gold and lively colours The great Cham hath twelve Barons in his Court who are Governours of his 34. Provinces and it is their Office to appoint two Rectors or Governours in every Province and they are to provide things necessary for the Kings Army wheresoever it be and they acquaint the King with their purposes who by his authority confirmeth their determinations Malefactors are punisht in Tartary after this manner If any one hath stolne some small matter which doth not deserve death he is beaten 7. times with a Staffe or Cudgell and hath 17. blowes or strokes given him at a time or 27. blowes or 47. according to the quality of his offence untill at last they come to an hundred and 10. stripes or strokes And some doe die upon this beating But if any one have stolne a Horse or any other thing that deserveth death hee hath a Sword thrust thorow him But hee that will buy out his life hee must restore nine times as much as that which he stole was worth If any man or woman be taken in adultery they are put to death by the Law The Tartarians are devided into Hordes which words signifies amongst them a Tribe or Company And as they live in severall Provinces farre distant one from another so they are as farre distant and different one from another in their manners and kinde of life The men are of a strong square set stature having broad fat faces darke hollow eyes having great rough Beards but the rest of their haire is shaven they are strong of body and bold in courage and can endure want and labour when they are on Horseback if they chance to bee hungry or thirsty they cut their Horses veines and so drinke his blood It is a prophane ard barbarous Nation who make warre their right and strength and power their law Many of them have no houses but doe live in Carts And because they wander from place to place they doe usually direct their course by the Starres and especially by the North Pole They doe not tarry long in one place for they thinke it a great unhappinesse to continue long in the same place They have on use of money and therefore they exchange one thing for another They say that they are Ismaelites and received the law of Mahomet in the yeere 1246. The Tartars doe feed on grosse meat and especially on flesh and that raw or halfe sod and on Milke and Cheese but they abstaine from Hogs-flesh They drinke Mares Milke which they doe so temper that it is like white wine and is a savory well-tasted drinke They feed very sluttishly for they neither use Table-clothes or Napkins neither doe they wash their hands bodies or Garments They drinke also Water and Milke and a kinde of Beere made of Millet THE KINGDOME OF CHINA· CHINA is a large and potent Kingdome The Inhabitants doe call it Tame and themselves Tangis Ptolomy calleth them Sinas which Ortelius liketh of whom the most doe follow or their neighbours the Cathajans which Mercator doth more approve of All this Country is situate by the Easterne Ocean and it is thought to bee the farthest Country Eastward The bounds thereof on the East are the Easterne Sea on the South the Province of Cauchinchina on the West Brachmana on the North the Tartarians a warlike Nation from whom they are devided by the Mountaines and a long Wall which doe reach 500. miles The Historians of China doe report that this Wall was built long since by a King whose name was Tzinzous after that by his wisedome he had freed the Inhabitants of this Country from the Tyranny of the Tartars which they had endured 93. yeeres This Country by reason of the goodnesse of the ayre and soyle and the industry of the people is very fruitfull For the men are not slothfull but laborious so that they scorne to live idlely Whence it comes to passe that every corner of this Country doth produce and bring forth something They sow the dry ground with Wheate and Barley The plaine wet moorish places with Rice which they sow foure times every yeere The Hills and Mountaines have abundance of Pine-trees betweene which they sow Millet and Pulse So that every place and field beareth some fruit and there are every where Gardens full of Roses and divers kindes of flowers and fruits They have great store of Hempe and Flaxe and Woods of Mulberry Trees for keeping of Silke-wormes Moreover there is great store of Gold Silver Brasse Iron and other Mettals also Pretious Stones Pearles Muske Sugar and Rheubarb and that is thought to bee the best which is brought from thence thorow Persia by Land for some think that the Sea doth take away much vertue from it This Kingdome also doth produce and yeeld a medicinable kinde of wood which the people of China doe call Lampala and we Radix Chinae or the China Roote and it is commonly us'd thorow all the Indies against Impostumes the Palsie and the French disease The Roote of it is hard and heavy and of a white colour There are infinite store of Cattell on the Mountaines and in the Medowes The Woods are full of Boares Foxes Hares Cunnies Sables Martines and other beasts of the same kinde whose skins are much used for lining of Garments So that it is both pleasant and profitable hunting of them There are also great plenty of Birds especially water Fowle and such great store of Ducks that in Canton which is one of the least Citties of this Kingdome 10. or 12. thousand Duckes are spent in one day And though this Country have great store of Fowle yet they make them increase by this meanes In the Spring time they lay two or three thousand Egges in the Sand by the heate and warmth whereof young Duckes are hatched And they doe the same in the Winter time but then they doe not lay their Egges in the Sand but under a Wicker
former Seria But wee reade in Marius that the Inhabitants doe call it Macyn or Magin others that follow Mercator doe call it Mangi and China Iohn Barrius affirmeth that the Inhabitants doe call the former â—ndostan It is the largest Country of all the world Pomponius writeth that a ship may sayle 60. dayes and nights along the coast of it But it is bounderd according to Pliny and Strabo on the West with the River Indus which divideth Persia from India on the North is the Mountaine Taurus on the East it is encompassed with the Easterne Ocean on the South with the Indian Ocean The Country hath a wholsome gentle ayre yet it is so great that it hath a different climate in many places for in some places it is hott namely toward the Aequator and in other places temperate enough and rather cold towards the North. But the Countrey it selfe in generall both for the Situation the ayre and the fertility of the Soyle doth farre exceede other parts of the world Here new Starres doe rise and set and here are two Harvests in a yeare and two Summers and the Winter is in the middle betweene them and the Estesian or East windes doe coole and qualifie the heate Although this Countrey for the most part hath no Wheate yet it yeeldeth plenty of Pulse and other graines and especially of Barley and Rice It doth also bring forth divers other fruits as Pepper Franckincense Myrrhe Ginger and in the most Southerne parts Cinnamon Spicknard and other Aromaticks and sweet spices as Arabia and AEthiopia There are also Honey or Sugar Canes Besides it hath many Druggs and rootes of trees some of which are wholsome and some hurtfull What should I speake of their Mettalls stones and Mineralls For there is great store of gold and silver in the Countrey as also of Brasse Iron and Copper as Diadorus witnesseth But Plinny saith that it hath neither Brasse nor Leade but instead thereof Precious stones and Pearles which the Sea casteth up upon the shoare For it hath abundance of Berills Adamants Carbuncles and Pearles Here is silke enough to furnish all the world Here are greater beasts than in others parts of the world as Oxen Cammels Lions Dogs and Elephants There are great store of Elephants And great Dragons in the Wildernesse that are as bigge as Elephants and doe fight continually with them And Dogs as fierce as Lions And great store of Serpents which the Inhabitants doe roast and eate and a kind of THE EAST INDIES· INDIA Orientalis Ants which they eate with Pepper as we doe Crabfishes Here are white Apes and Cameleons which were heretofore thought to live by aire Moreover there are divers sorts of Birds not knowne to other Nations besides great store of Hens Pheasants and Partridges and also Parrets of divers colours Plinny writeth thus of the Indies The Indians alone of all nations were never droven out of their Countrey they had from Bacchus to Alexander the great 153. Kings in 6402. yeares and 3. monethes And Strabo writeth that never any but Bacchus Hercules and Alexander got the victory against them although Cirus and Sâ—miramiâ— assailed them often But leaving these matters let us passe to the Citties The companions of Alexander the great doe write that there were 5000. Townes in that part of India which they conquer'd and every one as bigge as Co whence you may easily collect the vast largenesse of this Countrey The chiefe Citty is Calechut which is the famous Mart of all the East There are also other Citttes as Cambaja Decâ—n Batticalla Canonor and many others There are also many great Lakes In the history of Alexander there is a mention made of a Lake which hath great old wood in it here Alexanders army was like to perish for thirst But the greatest Lake of all is Chiamy which is 400. Miles in compasse and is 600 Miles distant from the Sea Hence many chiefe Rivers doe issue the next unto this Lake is â—incuthay and others Here are many great Rivers It is reported that Alexander the great did sayle every day 600. Furlongs in the River Indus yet he could but sayle over it in 5. moneths and odde dayes and yet it is lesser than Ganges It riseth out of the Mountaine Caâ—sasus which is called Paropamissus and now Naugocrot and so having runne 900. miles it dischargeth it selfe into the Southerne or Indian Ocean In which compasse of ground it receiveth 20. Rivers but the famousest are Hydaspes which bringeth 4. others with it and Cantabra which bringeth three with it Some say that the Rivers Ganges doe issue from unknowne Springs as Nilus and that it watereth the Country round about as Nilus doth some say that it riseth out of the Scythian Mountaines and that 19. Rivers doe runne into it Some say that the Springs thereof doe breake forth with great violence and so rowling down thorow the Rocks it runneth first thorow the Plaines and from thence glideth gently forward and that it is 8. miles broad in the narrowest part of it and in other places 100. Furlongs broad and is no where lesse then 20. yards deepe This River in the Scriptures is called Phison But now Geographers doe seeke for it For some suppose it is that River which floweth into the Bay of Bengala perhaps in regard of the affinity betweene their names for the Inhabitants doe call it Guengua But our Mercator sheweth by good probable reasons that Ganges is that River which is called Rio de Cantaon Next to these Rivers there are the Rivers Mandona Chaberis Ava Campumo Menam Menon and many others Megasthenes reporteth that there are 60. Rivers in the Indies many of which doe overflow their bankes in the Summer like Nilus which is the chiefe cause of the fruitfulnesse and fertility of this Country It is said that Ganges hath Crocodiles as well as Nilus also Dolphins and Eeles 30. foote long as Pliny witnesseth Moreover the chiefest part of the East-Indies lieth over against the Southerne or Indian Ocean by the Shore or Sea Coast which although for the most part it hath Havens yet in many places it is so environd with Ilands Rocks and Sands that it is dangerous sayling that way Solinus saith that the Indian Seas have Whales as bigge as 4. Acres of ground There is also a kinde of Fish called a Whirle-poole which are very great and will lift themselves above the Hatches of a Ship and will so spout Sea-water out of their spouts that the waight of it falling downe againe is ready to overset Ships Here are many Mountaines so that it would bee troublesome to reckon them many of which have no greene things on them Imaus Emodus Parâ—pamissus doe joyne together being parts of Caucasus The Woods in the Indies as Solinus writeth are so thick that you cannot shoote an Arrow into them their Orchards have Figge-trees which are 60. yards about And the shadow of their boughs doe reach two Furlongs Their
Montferrat Redonda Saba S. Crucis Sombrera All-Saints S. Vincent the Virgins Iland and also the Ilands called the Bermudas from their first Discoverer which lye in 33. degrees of Northerne Latitude and are 3300. English miles in length they have abundance of Cedar and the English of late have begun to plant Tobacco in them THE ILANDS CVBA HISPANIOLA JAMAICA S. Johns Iland and Margarita THE Ilands Cuba Hispaniola Iamâ—ica S. Iohns and Saint Margarites are next to be unfolded and described according to the order of our method The Iland Cuba was so called by the Inhabitants and the Spaniards doe call it Fernandina and Ioanna also Alpha and Omega if we beleeve Peter Martyr On the West it is parted with the Sea from Iucatana on the East with the Sea from Hispaniola on the South is Iamaica The length of it from the East to the West is 300. miles or rather Spanish leagues and it is 15. and in some places 20. in breadth The Tropick of Cancer cutteth thorow the midst of it Those that have seene Cuba doe liken it and resemble it to a Willow leafe because it is longer than broad The Country is very temperate but in some places coulder and it hath a kinde of course Gold and it is very rich in Brasse It bringeth forth great store of Madder for Dyers Also great store of Sugar Wheate Corne and other fruits and Hearbes Moreover it beareth Cassia Ginger Mastick Aloes and Cinamon Serpents of which there are a great number are counted great dainties And the woods doe breed and feed great store of Hogs and Oxen. It hath 6. Citties the chiefe whereof are S Iames Towne and Havana the former was built by Iames Valasius and is a Bishops seate It is the Mart Towne and Haven for the whole Iland here the Kings Ships doe usually ride untill the time of the yeere and the winde standing faire doe promise them a good voyage for Spaine There are now some Galleyes in it which defend all the Coast from Enemies This Iland hath many Gold-bearing Rivers the water whereof is sweet and pleasant to drinke It hath also many sweet and salt Lakes so that there is plenty of Salt here The Country is rugged high and Mountainous And the Mountaines have veines of Gold in them There is also in the same Iland a Mountaine not farre from the Sea out of which there runneth good Pitch for Ships Gonzalus Ovetanus doth describe another strange thing in this Iland That there is a Valley between the Mountaines that is two or three Spanish miles long the ancients did call it the Stone field as that in Gallia Narbonensis which hath such a number of round stones that many Ships might be loaden with them being naturally made in such a Sphaericall round forme that nothing can be made rounder with a paire of Compasses The people of this Country are content with the bounty of nature neither doe they know what belongs to mine or thine or money but have all things in common even as nature bestoweth the light of the Sunne and water on all men equally therefore their Gardens are open and unfenced and nature teacheth them that which is right without lawes They went commonly naked And in their marriages they observed a strange kinde of custome for the Bridegroome did not lye with his Bride the first night but if he were a Gentleman a Gentleman did supply his place but if the Bridegoome were a Merchant or Country-man than a Mercbant or Country-man did supply their places The men did repudiate and put away their Wives for any light cause But the Women could not put away their Husbands for any cause the men were very lustfull and obscene The Spaniards found it well inhabited with people but now it is inhabited onely by Spaniards because the native Inhabitants are all dead partly by famine and labour and the veneriall disease and besides after that Cortes had subdued and planted himselfe in this Iland they carried the most part of the Inhabitants into new Spaine so that there is scarcely one Indian now upon the whole Iland HISPANIOLA THe Inhabitants did heretofore call this Iland Haity and Quisqueja and afterward also it was called Cipangi The Spaniards called it after their owne name Spaniola or Hispaniola and from Dominick St. Domingo or St. Dominicks Ile and built a Citty in honour of him which is the chiefest Citty of the Iland The compasse of this Iland is 1300. miles or 350. leagues The length is 500. miles the breadth of it in respect of the many Bayes and Promontories is various and different Peter Martyr calleth it the Mother of all other Ilands The middle of the Iland is distant from the Aequinoctiall Line almost 19. degrees It is long Northward and the breadth of it is from East to West It hath a temperate ayre so that the trees are continually greene and it is more pleasant and fruitfull than the rest They say that here are Sugar Canes that are higher and thicker than any where else Besides this is an Argument of the fertility thereof for wheate being sowed yeeldeth an hundred fold increase At Valentia in Spaine one Cane will scarcely fill 7. Pots but in Hispaniola one Cane will fill 20. or 30. Moreover this Country doth yeeld Cassia Ginger Mastick Aloes and Cinamon It hath also great store of Salt There are rich Mines of Gold and Silver and other Mineralls especially of a blue kinde of colour Before the Spaniards comming there were onely three kindes of beasts but now it is so stored with beasts that have beene brought thither so that great store of Hides and Skins are yeerely transported from thence into Spaine There are many Citties in this Iland the chiefe is St. Dominico at the mouth of the River Ozama where the Bishop and the Vice-Roy are resident There are other lesse Citties as St. Iohns Meguma Portus Platae the Kings Porte Canana Xaragua and others For there are in this Iland many Rivers Lakes and Springs very full of Fish But there are 7. great Rivers which affoord most pleasure and commodity to the Inhabitants CVBA HISPANIOLA c. HAVANA PORTUS IAMAICA I. S. IOANNIS I. MARGARETA CUBA INSUL HISPANIOLA which running out of the high Rocks which are in the middle of the Iland doe spread abroad divers wayes Iuna runneth to the East Attibunicus to the West Iacchus to the North Natabus to the South and that the Iland is devided into foure parts Moreover there is in Bainoa a great Lake the Indians doe call it Hagveigabon and we the Caspian Sea which is enlarged every where with infinite Rivers yet it never emptieth it selfe but is devoured in its hollow Channell it is conjectured that the spongie Rocks doe receive and let in the Sea-water by Subterranean passages because many Sea Fishes are found there and the water tasteth salt Moreover there are other lesser salt Lakes in this Iland
Hostility Wherefore when Captaine Newport came thither with a new supply he would needs goe visit Poâ—hatan at his house at Weromoco who being courteously entertain'd he found him sitting on a Straw Mart and resting his head after his Country manner on a faire Pillow and Maydes as faire as the place could afford did sitt at his head and feete and 20. Concubines did watch at each side of the Palace But hee himselfe having his head and breast painted red wore a chaire of white Corrall And when the Captaine had given him one of his Boyes hee gave him back in exchange one of his Servants call'd Wamotack with Corall and some Corne which served well for the reliefe of his men and afterward he furnished the Captaine with all things necessary Hee as also Captaine Smith had a great desire to finde out veines of Gold and Silver but both he and those that came after him were frustrated in their desire Yet he sent a Ship loaden with Cedar to England In the meane time Ponuhatan labourd to get some armes and munition from the English which the Governours did very much suspect as if the King with those armes intended to kill the English or drive them out of the Country But Captaine Smiths vigilance and watchfulnesse prevented him so that he could effect nothing and the English Colonie living here are now in a good estate increased to many thousands and Kine and Hogs and Turkies aboundance and all things plentifull and no want but of good women thick sowne but thin come up NEVV SPAINE HISPANIA NOVA Tecoanteper a Country of new Spaine There raigned in the Citty of Mexico 9. Kings in a 130. yeeres being 619. yeeres after that the Chichimeicians did possesse the Country of Mexico The last of these was Motezunâ—a who was slaine in a certaine sedition and in him the family of the Mexican Kings was extinct Moreover this part is inhabited by the Spaniards who have many Colonies in it namely Compâ—stella Colima Purificatio Guadalajara Mechoaca Cacatula Mexico and others There are also in New Spaine divers famous Countries namely new Galitia Mechawcan Mexico and Guastecan Nova Galitia was first called by the Inhabitants Xalisce which Nunus Gusmannus first sought out and discoverd who built some Citties in it namely Compostella where there is a Bishops Seate and a Royall Counsell also Spiritus S. Conceptionis S. Michaels and Gaudalajara which is the chiefe Citty of the whole Kingdome There belongeth to Nova Galitia that Country which is called Culicana from a Citty of that name It lyeth betweene the River Piasala and the River S. Sebastian which runneth under ground before it discharge it selfe into the Sea The Metropolis is the Citty Culiacan where the Spaniards planted the Colony of Michaels House The Country Methaucan is 40. leagues in compasse and it is one of the richest and fruitfullest Kingdomes of new Spaine for it hath ripe Maiz three times a yeere and also other fruits This Country doth containe two principall Citties in which the Spaniards live call'd Pasâ—uar and Valadolid which is a Bishops Seate besides other Townes of lesse note The Country of Mexico doth not onely exceed the other Countries of New Spaine but of all America It was so named from the Citty Mexico which is called also Temistitan It is the Metropolis of the Province of Mexico It was seated in the middle of a great Lake before Cortes did possesse it who remov'd it to the banke of the same Lake it is now well built and it is 6. Italian miles in compasse one part whereof the Spaniards doe inhabit the other part the Indians Mexico signifies a Fountaine and it was so called by the first Founders in regard of the many Springs and Fountaines which doe encompasse this Citty This was the fairest and chiefest Citty of the Indies yea of the whole World when Ferdinand Cortesius tooke it and wonne it by assault in the yeere 1521. For this being the chiefe Citty of the whole Kingdome of Mexico contained 70000. Houses The Kings and Noblemens Houses were very large and conveniently built but the Common peoples Houses were meaner and lower There are in this Citty a Bishop a Vice-roy and the high Tribunall or Court of New Spaine There is also a Mount in it for coyning of money Moreover there are in the Mexican Lakes and about their bankes 50. Townes every one of which doth containe about 10000. Houses Next after Mexico is the Citty Tescura by the banke of the same Lake which is as bigge as Mexico There is also in this Province the Citty Angelorum which was first called Vâ—â—sitaâ—â— that is the Land Serpents which is famous for dressing of Wâ—oâ—â— which hath Vales and Plaines round about it in which great Flocks and Heards of Cattell doe graze and great store of Corne and 〈◊〉 are gotten and gathered here The Country of Guastecan in THE DESCRIPTION OF NEVV SPAINE HISPANIA NOVA NEW SPAINE NEW Spaine is the greatest Province of America being more inhabited more populous and more pleasant than the rest It is a great tract of Land reaching from Tavascus or the River Grialvus Westward to the Land of Saint Michael and the Culiacans Country On the North it is bounderd with new Granada and other Countries of the Kingdome of new Mexico The South shoare is washed with the Pacifque Sea It lyeth betweene the Aequinoctiall LineÌ„ and the Tropick of Cancer so that there is little difference betweene the length of the dayes and nights and it is almost alwaies Spring In the moneths of June July August and September the daily raine and the gentle breeses of winde that come from the Sea doe temper and mittigate the heate of the day which is the true reason why it is convenient living under the Summer Tropick contrary to the opinion of ancient Philosophers Therefore it hath a temperate ayre although it lye under the Torrid Zone This Country hath abundance of rich Mines of Gold Silver Iron and Brasse it hath also Cassia and a certaine kind of fruit which the Inhabitants call Cacao which is like Almonds of which they make a drinke which is very much desired It hath abundance of Cotton and all other kindes of fruits which we have in Europe as Wheate Barley and all kinde of Pulse also Sallets Lettice Colworts Cabbages Radishes Onions Leekes wilde Alexander Rape Rootes Parsnips and Carrets Turnips Beete Spinnage Pease Beanes Lentills and the like There are also great store of Oranges Lemmons Citrons Pomegranats Here are also Apples and Peares but not very bigge Prunes are rare but there are abundance of Figs. But there are great store of Cotton Apples but Cherries doe not yet thrive there There are Vines also that beare Grapes but no Wine is made of them Moreover it hath Oyle Sugar and Mulberries And it hath many other fruits which are unknowne to us especially a kinde of Graine call'd Maiz which is like Pepper of which they make Bread It yeeldeth also
for the most part of the yeere are white with Snow but yet they are full of Gold Brasse and Lead This Country also hath Cattell and divers wilde beasts as Tigers Lions and the like it hath abundance also of Citterus and Mellons The Province Popajana is annexed and joyned to this which from the North to the South is 220. leagues in length but the most part of it is barren and unhabited and therefore it bringeth forth little Corne but yet it is rich in Gold It hath no peculiar Governour but the Vice-roy of the Kingdome because the most of the Courts of this Citty are subject to the Quito The chiefe Citty is called after the name of the Province being situate two degrees from the Line it hath a temperate constant climate the day and nights are all the yeere equall it hath seldome any raine but it is often troubled with Lightning and Thunder The soyle affordeth two Harvests of Corne every yeere and this Country breedeth great store of Cattell The Inhabitants are courteous the Citty is adorned with a Cathedrall Church and a Monastery of Friers It hath a great Jurisdiction and many Townes round about are subject unto it The Gold which is gotten here is accounted purer than other Gold Not farre from hence the most famous Rivers in this Country doe rise which are called la Magdalena and la Martha which doe water all the Country THE DESCRIPTION OF THE FIRME LAND TERRA FIRMA et NOVUM REGNUM GRANATENSE et POPAIAN THE DESCRIPTION OF PERVVIA PERUVIA is the noblest Country of all the New World it is now devided into three parts namely the Plaine the Mountaines and the Andes The Plaine of Peruvia reacheth 500. leagues by the Sea-coast and is 10. or 15. leagues broad but this part is sandy and full of desarts and for the most part barren for it hath no Springs nor Lakes neither is it watered with any showers but as it is moistned with a kinde of humour or dew which the Inhabitants call Garva But yet there are greene fruitfull meddowes which lye by the bankes of the Rivers which in the Winter time doe overflow them which maketh them yeeld both store of Cotton and all kinde of Corne. The Inhabitants of this Country are poore living under Trees and among Reedes and doe feed on Fish and raw flesh The mountainous is extended in a long space of ground some hundred leagues from the North to the South These Mountaines are very cold neither doe they beare any Trees so that the Inhabitants are faine to burne a kinde of pitchie Turfe Here are Lions Wolves black Beares Goates and a kinde of beast like a Cammell of the Wooll whereof they make Cotton Garments in the Valleys of these Mountaines there liveth a populous Nation who are more witty and civill than the former The Andes also are Mountaines which runne along with a continued ridge without any Valleys and they are chiefly two commonly call'd Cordeleras which are almost 1000. leagues long and equally distant one from another in which there are great store of Goates wilde Sheepe Apes and Parrots the soyle also is very fruitfull and doth yeeld all kinde of Pulse and divers Sallet hearbs And especially there is the hearbe Coca of which there are many fabulous reports whose leaves are like a Shrub which the Graecians call Rhus the Latines call it Tanners hearb which as it is found by experience if it be carryed in ones mouth it takes away the appetite from meate and drinke but it encreaseth valour and strength There is a Vice-roy that governeth all this Province under whose jurisdiction are the Chilenses also Salomons Ilands and toward the West the Country of the Silver River It hath three Seats of Judgement Quito Limam and Las Charcas The first whereof Quito doth containe more Countries as Pogaya Quixos Cavelas Iuan de Salinas Pocomoros and it is 24. leagues in length neere the Aequinoctiall Line even to the Seate of Justice at Lima. Many poisonous hearbes THE DESCRIPTION OF PERVVIA· PERV doe grow in this Country and they doe get Gold out of the Cordillerian Mountaines but afterward it was prohibited they doe also digge Salt-peter from thence The second Seate of Judgement is at Lima which reacheth from the North Southward from the 6. degree of Altitude to the 16. or 17. and so runneth forward 120. leagues The chiefe Citty hereof is Lima built in a Plaine 2. leagues from the Southerne Sea by a River which is a small streame in Summer but in Winter it hath store of water The third Provinciall Seate of Judgement is at a place call'd Charcas it is situate in 17. degrees of latitude by the River Lambopulla and it containeth many Regions and Countries which are amply describ'd in Authors A DESCRIPTION OF THE SVMMER ILANDS VVHICH THEY CALL BERMVDAS WEE have mentioned these Ilands in our former descriptions but now seeing they have gotten a peculiar table of their owne it will not be impertinent to adde this narration thereunto Authors doe report that the chiefest of these Ilands is small and lowe but that it groweth somewhat bigger in the middle There are great store of Birds in it but it is subject to stormes and tempests and it hath great store of Cedar Trees and Hogges Some Englishmen suffring shipwrack neere unto it planted a Colony there in a Semicircular forme and called it after their Captaines name Summers Colony But afterward when the English had got the Kings Letters Patents to erect a Company for the governing these Ilands they sent in the yeere 1612. to the aforesaid Ilands 60. men with Captaine Richard Mone and so the Colony or Plantation began to encrease The Captaine lived in these parts three yeeres and raised every where many Forts and Defences and furnisht them with Ordnance that the Colony might the better defend it selfe from any invasion of the enemy After Captaine Mone there succeeded Captaine Tuckher who caused many Trees which were brought out of the West-Indies to be planted there and the Country to be devided among the Colony that every one might have a greater care of his owne part After whom Captaine Butler with 4. Ships and 5. hundred men sayled thither and so all the Country was replenisht with Inhabitants On the East side Warwicks Forte was built on the North-West Sands Fort on the Prormontory toward Affrick Danes-fort Also two Fortresses were raised in a small Iland the one called Cavendish Fort the other Pagets Fort. There is also an Iland which lyeth to the South which is called Coupers I le At the Promontory call'd Gurnets head there is Pembrooks Fort. A little farther Westward there is Nonsuch a little Iland and Moores Iland with a Fort. The next is Charles his Fort and more to the North is Kings Castle over-against the Easterne Promontory of the greatest Iland Neere which there are many other Ilands to which the English have given severall names And that they might not want fresh
North and South every one lengthens the day halfe an houre afterward they encrease by Weekes and Moneths till it comes to the length of halfe a yeare u See Ortelius in his Theatrum orbis terrarum The temperatenesse of the Aire The fertility of the Soyle The governmeÌ„t of the Ancients and their successours w See Ortelius in his booke before cited The Lakes and Rivers The Seas The publique private workes The Lawes Institutions x It is observable that there is no part of Europe whether Continent or Island that hath not long since beene Christened The company of Senators The Vniversities y Who number it no lesse then â—8 The manners of the people The name by whom why given z And a privativum a The Tropicks are two nominate Circles that be Parallel to the Aequator froÌ„ which the Northerne Tropicke called the Tropicke of Cancer is distant 23. degrees â— 2 and the Southerne called the Tropick of Capricorne as much b So called from Cham the sonne of Noah who inhabited this Country See Psal 105.23 c So stiled because when the Sunne is under that Aequinoctiall Circle in the Heaven which answers to this on the Earth the daies and nights be of one length 〈…〉 d 〈◊〉 Habassia 〈◊〉 the higher Aethiopia The 〈◊〉 e O RIâ—e of India who stealeth into the Crocodiles mouth when he gâ—p thâ— and aâ—â—ng his bowels killeth him f Hence came the old proverbe Africa semper aliquid apportat monstâ—i The Division g Barcha now called but that it was anâ—ly called Barca is evident â—on of Virgil when hee saith Lateque 〈…〉 h Abusively so called but rightly Preste Iohan or Gyam which in the Aethiopian tongue signifies Great or Mightie Prince i So called froÌ„ the rednesse of the sands The Lakes Rivers Mountaines k So called froÌ„ Atlas in times past â— K. of the Moores whom the Poets same to have beene Metamorphosed into this Mountaine this hill is now called Anchisa the inhabitants that dwell about it name it Adiris Solinus Duris others call it Astrixis or Astreâ—xis but Dioscorider calleth it Tmolus l This Mountaine is called by Ptolomie Pliny and others Deorum cursus m So named either froÌ„ tâ—â—n fruitfulness or goodnesse of Aâ—e as Stephanus thinketh The name by whom why â—â—â—n n Daughter to â—â—â—anus and Tethâ—â— o 〈…〉 p From the Greeke woâ—d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 whaâ—h signifieth the East because it lyeth Eastward of Asia the Great q From â—â—m the â—â—me of Noah The Situation The temperatenesse of the Aire The fertilitie of the Soâ—le The various kindes of liâ—ing Creatures The government of thâ— Ancients r Cap. 10. vers 8.9.10 Å¿ Seâ— Iustâ—n lib. 1. and Diodoâ—us Siculus lib. 2. cap. 7. t Whom Iunius saith the Scripture calles Ahasuerus Either 1.4 u This is meant of Darius the son of Histaspiâ— w Herodotus reckons all his forces by Sea and Land to be 2641610 men besides Conâ—uoines Eunuchs women bakers 〈…〉 an 〈…〉 The Cities Lakes Rivers Mountaines x Eustathius affirmeth that this Mountain was so called by the reason of its magnitude for saith he among the Ancients all great strong things were called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and as it is called Taurus many other names by humane Writers so the Scripture calleth it Ararath if we shall beleeve Aâ—â—aâ— Montanus and Becanus y Heylin saith that reckoning its severall bendings in out it is 6250. miles long 375. miles broad p. 519. The publicke workes z See Iustin Hist lib. 1. a Read 1. King chap. 5. and 6. America whence so called b In the yeare 1492. c But improperly for the true India is a part of Asia deriveth its name from the River Indus which this Country canâ—ot * Venient anâ—â— sâ—â—â—la seris quibus occanus vinâ—ula rerum laxet ingens pateat tellus nec sit terris ultima â—hule d Borne at Nervi in the Countrie of Genoa The Situation e Read Heylin pag 770. f Or Cassader g Or Potatoes The Lakes Rivers The Mountaines h So called for its nearnesse to a constellation in the North Hemisphere called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifieth a Beare i So called because it is opposite to the Articke Pole Greenland whence so called k The London Marchants call this Island K. Iames his new Land The qualitie of the Aire and Soyle Freezland n Heyling saies almost as bigge as Ireland p And therefore now subject to the King of Denmarke Nova Zembla q Pigmies are here supposed to inhabit r Iason and his Companions who sayled to Colcheâ— to fetch the golden fleece of whom reade Valerius Flaâ—cuâ— Lib. 1 The name by whom and why given See Heylin p 8 The Situation Å¿ Which is a great circle rounding the Earth from Pole to Pole and passeth through the Islands called Azores See marg pag. 10. The quality of the Soyle and Ayre The varietie of living Crâ—â—tures The Fountaines The Sea The Mountaines t The Papists thinke that here is thâ—â—â— feined Purgatorie The mannerâ— of the Inhabitants Their foode Thâ—â— Trâ—â—fick o◠〈◊〉 The name by whom why given x If this bee true then did it not receive its denomination from Brutus See Heylin pag. 455. The temper of the Aire The fertilitie of the Soyle The varietie of living Creatures The I le of Albion y Verstegan affirmeth it was so called ab albis rupibus the white rocks towards France The figure z Which the English and French call the channell of S. George a This division was made by Severus the Emperor saith Camden p. 98. b The Romans saith Camden called those Provinces of any Country they conquered which were next unto theÌ„ Primas superiore the more remote secundas â—â—seâ— oâ—es p 99. c What Countries these five parts contained and why they were so denominated See in Camden pag. 98. 99. d They were first united in in the yeare of grace 1603. The Sea The commodities e See Camden pag. 640 and 595. The Orcades f Hâ—yler saith they are 3â— pag 51â— The fertility of the Soyle The names of the Hebrides g Stephanus calleth them the Hebrides others Ebonia â—nsulae h This Iland is 24. miles long and 16. miles broad The new and ancient names by whom and why given i Isacius calleth this Kingdome Britannia Occidentalis or Westerne Brittaine and Isidorus and others call it Scotia because the Scots coming from Spaine dwelt here the Irish Baâ—di call it Baâ—â— whence Festus Avâ—enus calleth it Insula sacra See Camden pag. 643. k pag. 642. The Situation The temper of the Ayre The Government l Camden saith it was in the yeare 1172. p 649. The Cities m This Town was built by Harald Harfager the first King of Norway Lakes The Rivers n or the River Liffie o or Shennin is some interpret it tho ancient River p It runneth saith Heylin a course of 200 miles to the Vergician Sea and
of Portugall and confirmed by Pope Iohn the 22th Aunt 1321. The names and whence so called The Situation The temper of the Ayre The fertilitie of thâ— Soyle The ancient Government Å¿ A people of â—â—usitaâ—â— called also Turdecans t So called because as some say Vlysses in his ten yeares travels comming hither built it The Rivers The commodities of the Sea The Havens The Mountaines The publick sacred workes The Universities u The Masters of this Vniversitie made the Commentarie upon most part of Aristotle called Schoks Commbricensis Their manners Their traffick Algarbia whence so called The Situation The Towneâ— The ancient Government The Situation The 〈…〉 of the Soyle The Cities Leon. The Situation Asturia a This Citie is called by Moletius Asturum Lucus and by Tarapha Brâ—gentium The Countrie whence so called The Situation The temper of the Aire The fruitfulnes of the Soyle The varietie of living creatures r Whence the Country was called Cantabria The ancient Government The Townes The traffick The Countrie The names The Situation The temper of the Ayre The fertilitie of the Soyle y This is also called Testosages by Ptolemy and by Martialis Palladia The River Chalybs The Havens The Mountaines z Some suppose that Navarre had its name from a Towne among the Mountains called Navarrin The Country whence so called 〈…〉 The fertility of the 〈◊〉 The 〈…〉 Government The Câ—â—â—es Thâ—◠〈…〉 is built 〈…〉 rather â—â—part by Nugno Bâ—lidâ—â—a German 〈◊〉 contendeth with Toledo 〈◊〉 the Pâ—â—maâ—â—ship of Spaine b This is a famous Universitie and instituted by Ferdinand the second of Castile Anno 1240. c Here Tostatus was Bishop New Castile The Situation The fertilitie of the Soyle The Cities The publick seates d Quade reporteth that it hath eleven severall Quadrangles and every one incloystered The Universities The Trades Mechanicke Arts. The name and whence derived The Situation The temper of the aire and fertilitie of the Soyle The Ancient Government e It is â— miles in compasse f Here likewise studied Avicen Pope Silvester the second and Leâ—nder g From hence comes our Cordoâ—an leather h Here was borne Lucan the Poet the two Seneca's i Whose Duke was Captainâ— Generall of the Invincible Aâ—madâ— A. 1â—â—8 k So called bâ—cause Tariffa the Lâ—â—dâ— of the Moâ—â—nto Spaine here landed l Hard by this Towne was fought the notable battle betweene Caesar and the sonnes of Pompey The Countrie whence so called The Situation The temper of the Ayre The fertility of the Soyle The ancient Government m Heâ—â—e â— Dominick Father of the Dominican Friars studied The Rivers The Mountaines The publick workes The Trades The traffick The Countrie whence so called The Situation The qualitie of the Soyle The Cities The ancient Government The names The Situation The temper of the Aire The fertilitie of the Soyle The varietie of living Creatures The ancient Inhabitants Their ancient valour and vertue The Rivers The Mountaines The publick private workes The manner of government The Schooles The Trades a It was called Austrasia either from one Austrasius a President whoÌ„ Iustinian the Emperour let ovâ—â— this couâ—trey or from the world Ausâ—â—â— because it is moâ—â— Eastward thâ—n â—nâ— other part of France How by the Mappe to finde out the Longitude and Latitude t A River breaking out of the Alpeâ— and now called Dâ—â—nia u Nine navigable streames saith Heylin p. 84. w Which now they also call Isara x On this River stand the Citie Orleans Nantes and many others y That is the Inhabitants of Gallia Narbonensis which comprehends the Provinces of Languedock Provence and Daulphine and this Countrie was so called from Narbone a Citie in Languedock z This River is called by Marcellinus Sangona or Saugonna by Polybius Scoraâ— and anciently Brigulus as some have written a Lib. 26. 30 b Lib. 43. c A people of Gallia Lugdunensis d A people of Gallia Lugdunensis The publick workes The manner of Government e So called from the words Sâ— Aliqua so often mentioned therein f Some also say that these Paâ—rries were erected by Hugh Capet but others more truly think theÌ„ to be instituted by Lewis le Ieune Anno 1171 to ayde and assist the King in his Councell The Universities The 〈◊〉 Their manners Their Habit. The Countrie whence so called The Situation The fruitfulnesse of the Soyle The ancient Government The Cities g This Citie is by some called also Corbilum The Rivers The Sea The Havens Their manners The fertility of the Soyle The Situation The Citâ—â—â— i It was anciently called Genabum but in these times Aurelia for that in the year 276. The Emperour Aurelius built it out of the ruines of old Genabum The names whence so called The Situation k It is called Limosin quasi in â—imo sâ—a The qualitie of the Soyle The ancient Government The Cities The Families The Nobles Their manners The Countrey whence so called The Situation The fruitfulnesse of the Soyle l This River is called by Ptolemie Canentelum m This Citie is called by some Maluasoâ— n Then freedome is now lost for they were lately compelled by the now King of France to receive a Garrison of Souldiers in the City and to undergoe the voake of subjection o Now the Rochellers are compell'd by the now King of France to exercise their Religion without the Citie The Countrie whence so called Vasconia The Situation The fruitfulnesse of the Soyle The Cities Avernia The Situatioâ— The Cities and Townes p This Citie is called by Ptolomie Râ—â—esâ—â—m and 〈◊〉 and by Merâ—aâ—eâ— Riâ—â—â— q This Citie was anciently called Arverna and Gergobia r Called by Antoninus Sâ—rion and by others Serion Engoulesme The Situation The fruitfulnesse of the Soyle The Cities Townes Turonia The Situation The Cities The State Ecclesiastick Sabaudia whence so called The Situation The fertility of the Soyle Å¿ This Citie is in compasse about two English miles and is supposed to containe about 17000 Soules Daulphine whence so called t Some say it had its name from Dolphine wise to Guâ—gne the second Prince of this Province The Situation The Cities The Countrie whence so called The Sâ—tuation The tempâ—â— of the Ayre The fruitfulnesse of the Soyle The ancient Government u In this town was called a Councell by Constantine An. 313. for the quiet establishing of the Church w This Towne is now called Venza The Countrie whence so calâ—led 〈…〉 The fertilitie of the Soyle 〈…〉 〈…〉 In this Church Edward the â— King of England did homage to Philip de Valâ—â— for the Dutchie of Guienna y Oâ—telius thinkes it probable that this is that Citie which Caesar in his Commentaries calls Noviodunum The Coâ—â—â—â— whence so called The Situation The temper of the aire The fertilitie of the Soyle The Cities z This Citie is also called by Gregorius Turonensis â— Trecaâ— a This Citie was called Rhemes from the Rhemag◠〈◊〉 a potent Nâ—tion of these parts See Hâ—ylen pag. 120. The
Countrie of Pecerra doth plentifully yeeld they kill not onely Pheasants and Ducks with them but also Swannes and Cranes The Countries of Russia or Moscovia are very large All the Cities Townes Castles Villages Woods fields Lakes and Rivers are under the command and government of one Prince whom RVSSIA OR MVSCOVIA Russia cum Confinijs the Inhabitants do call the great Czar that is King or Emperour and all the revenues that arise from them are brought into the Princes exchequer There are no Dukes or Counts which can possesse any thing by a Tenure of Freehold or can passe the same unto their heires Hee doth bestow some villages and Townes upon some but yet hee useth the labour of the husbandman and when he list taketh them away againe So that hee hath absolute command over his Subjects and againe his Subjects honour and reverence him as a God and do shew obedience to him in all things without any refusall The chiefe Metropolis or mother Citie of the whole Kingdome is Moscovia commonly called Moschwa being conveniently situated as it is thought in the middle of the Countrie It is a famous Citie as for the many Rivers which meete there so for the largenesse and number of the houses and for the strength of the Castle For it lyeth neere the River Moschus with a long row of houses The houses are all of wood and divided into Parlers Kitchings and Bed-chambers all of them have private gardens both for profit and for pleasure The severall parts of the Citie have severall Churches It hath two Castles one called Kataigorod the other Bolsigorod both which are washed with the Rivers Moschus and Neglinna Moreover in Russia there are many Countries as first the Dukedome of Volodimiria which title the Great Duke doth assume to himselfe it is named fom the chiefe citie Volodomire being seated on the bankes of the River Desma which runneth into Volga This Province is of so fruitfull a soile that the increase of one bushell of wheat being sowne is oftentimes twentie bushells Secondly Novogrodia which though it be inferiour unto the aforenamed Countrie in pasturage yet not in the fruitfulnes of the soile It hath a woodden citie called by the same name with the whole Dukedome Novogrod being seated where the Rivers Volga and Occa do flow one into another This citie had alwaies the chiefe preheminence in regard of the incredible number of houses for the commoditie of a broad and fishie Lake and in regard of an ancient Temple much reverenced by that Nation which about five hundred yeares agoe was dedicated to S. Sophia Here is a memorable Castle built of stone upon a rocke at the great Charge of the Duke Basilius This Citie is distant from the Citie Moscovia an hundred Polish miles and from Riga the next haven towne it is little lesse than five hundred Thirdly Rhezan which is a Province betweene the River Occa and Tanais having store of Corne Honey Fish and Fowle it hath these Cities built of wood Rhezan seated on the banke of Occa Corsira Colluga and Tulla neare to which are the Spring-heads of the River Tanais Fourthly the Dukedome of Worotinia which hath a Citie and a Castle of the same name Fifthly Severia which is a great Dukedome abounding with all things it hath great desart fields and many Towns among which the chiefe are these Starodub Stewiarkser and Czernigow The bees in the woods do yeeld them great store of honey The Nation in regard of their continuall warres with the Tartarians is accustowed to armes and ready of hands Sixthly the Dukedome of Smolenâ—â—o which being seated neare the River Borysthenes hath a Citie of the same name watered on the one side with Borysthenes and on the other side environed with deepe ditches and rampiers armed A MORE PARTICVLAR DESCRIPTION OF SOME PROVINCES OF MOSCOVIA MOSCOVIA with sharpe stakes There are also these Dukedomes and Provinces Mosatâ—kia Bâ—elskia Rescovia Tweria Pleskovia Vodzka Correllia Bieleâ—zioro Wolochda Vstiuga Iarosâ—avia Rostow Dwina Susdali Wrathka Permia Sibior Iugra Petzora and Novogrodia the Greater which they call Novogrod Wiâ—lki in which is a very great Citie of the same name bigger than Rome it selfe Petzora taketh its name from the River which the mountaines and rockes do hemme in on both sides There are spacious countries which pay Tribute to the great Duke lying northward in a great space of Land as Obdora in which is the Idoll called Zolota Baba that 〈…〉 Golden old woman also Condora Lucomoria and Lappia There are many great Lakes in Moscovia as Ilmen or Ilmer also Ladoga and the White Lake which the Inhabitants call Bieleâ—ezioro There are also many lane Rivers as first Borâ—sthenes or Pripetus commonly called Nioper and Nestâ—r oâ— by the addition of a letter Dnieper Dnester Secondly Tuâ—â—â—tâ—â— which is that same with Ptolemie which Herbersterntus calleth Rubo but the Inhabitants Duina and Oby Thirdly the River Rha which Ptolemie mentions and is now called Volga and Edel. There is in this countrie the River Ianais which the Italians call Tana the Inhabitants Don. Beside the river Occa and the lesser Duina called likewise Onega c. Here are the Moates Hyperboret or Riphaean mountaines mentioned by Pliny in his 4 Booke Chap. 12. and by Mela in his 3 Booke which are impassable because they are cover'd over with continuall snow and ice The wood Hercyma which Isidorus calleth the Riphaean wood taketh up a great part of Moscovia it is inhabited having some few scattering houses in it now by long labour is made so thinne that it cannot as most suppose shew such thick woods impenetrable forrests as heretofore Moscovia hath innumerable costly Temples or Churches and very many Monasteries The Duke lookes to matters of government and administration of Justice by the helpe and assistance of twelve Counsellors who are daily present in the Court. Among them the Preâ—ecâ—uâ—e ships of all the Castles and Cities are distributed and they receive the letters and Petitions which are directed to the Prince and do answer them in his name For the Prince himselfe receiveth no letters neither doth hee set his hand to any that are written to his Subjects or any forraine Prince The Bishops are chosen out of the Friars as men of a sanctimonious and holy life There are many Monasteries of these Friars in the Kingdome of Moscovia and yet all of the same habit and Order of which they say that S. Basil was the first founder There are in the whole Kingdome of Moscovia eleven Bishops which they call Wladdicks that is in their language Stewards or Dispensers They call their Priests Poppes or Aâ—â—hipoppes The Metropolitan Bishop liveth in Moscovia who was heretofore confirmed by the Patriarch of Constantinople but now being chosen by the great Duke onely he is consecrated by two or three Bishops and is displaced at the Kings pleasure Under this Metropolitan are two Archbishops the one at Nâ—vogarais
the Greater neare the River Lowâ—a the other at Rodovia There are no Universities or Colledges in all the Empire of Mâ—â—â—otia The Moscoviâ—es are of the Greek religion which they received in the yeare of our Lord 987. They suppose that the Holy Spirit being the third person in the Trinitie doth proceed from the Father alone They tooke the Sacrament of the Eucharist with leavened bread and permit the people to use the Cuppe They beleeve not that Priests Dirges or the pietie or godlinesse of kindred or friends can be avaleable to the dead and they beleeve that there is no Purgatorie They read the Scripture in their owne language and do not deny the people the use thereof They have Saint Ambrose Augustine Hierome and Gregorie translated into the Illyrian tongue and out of these as also out of Chrysostome Basil and Nazianzenus the Priests do publikely read Homilies instead of Sermons for they hold it not convenient as Iovius saith to admit of those hooded Orators who are wont to Preach too curiously subtlely to the people concerning divine matters because they thinke that the rude mindes of the ignorant may sooner attaine to holinesse and sanctitie of life by plaine Doctrine than by deepe interpretations and disputations of things secret They make matrimoniall contracts and do permit Bigamie but they scarcely suppose it to be lawfull marriage They do not call it adulterie unlesse one take and keepe another mans wife They are a craftie and deceitfull Nation and delighting more in servitude than libertie For all do professe themselves to be the Dukes servants The Moscovite line rather prodigally than bountifully for their tables are furnished with all kinde of luxurious meats that can be desired and yet not costly For they sell a Cocke and a Duck oftentimes for one little single piece of silver Their more delicate provision is gotten by hunting and hawking as with us They have no wine made in the Countrie and therefore they drinke that which is brought thither and that onely at Feasts and Bankets They have also a kinde of Beere which they coole in Summer by casting in pieces of ice And some delight in the juice prest out of sowre cherries which hath as cleare and pure a colour and as pleasant a tast as any wine The Moscovites do send into all parts of Europe excellent Hempe and Flaxe for rope-making many Oxe-hides and great store of Waxe THE DVKEDOME OF LITHVANIA Samogitia Blacke-Russia and Volhinia SOME would have Lithuania so called from the Latine word Lituus that is a Hunters horne because that Country doth use much hanting Which opinion Mathias a Michou rejecteth and delivers another concerning the Etymologie thereof for he saith that certaine Italians forsaking Italy in regard of the Roman dissentions entred into Lithuania calling the Country Italie and the Nation Italians and that the sheepheards began first to call it Litalia and the Nation Litalians by prefixing one letter But the Ruthenians or Russians and the Polonians their neighbours changing the word more at this day doe call the Country Lithuania and the people Lithuanians It is a very large Country and next to Moschovia It hath on the East that part of Russia which is subject to the great Duke of Moscovy on the West it hath Podlassia Masovia Poland and somewhat towards the North it bounds on Borussia but full North it looketh toward Livonia and Samogitia and on the South toward Podolia and Volâ—â—nia The aire here is cold and the winter sharpe Here is much waxe and honey which the wilde Bees doe make in the Woods and also much Pitch This Country also affordeth abundance of corne but the harvest seldome comes to maturity and ripenesse It hath no wine but that which is brought hither from forraine Countries nor salt but such as they buy and fetch out of Brittaine It bringeth forth living creatures of all kindes but small of growth In the Woods of this Country there are Beastes called by the Latines Vri and others called Alces besides Buffes wilde Horses wilde Asses Hartes Does Goates Boares Beares and a great number of such other Here is great plenty of Birds and especially of Linnets Besides in this Country and Moscovia there is a ravenous devouring beast called Rossemaka of the bignesse of a Dogge in face like a Cat in the body and tayle resembling a Foxe and being of a black colour The Nation of the Lithuanians in former yeares was so unknowne and despised by the Russians that the Princes of Kiovia did require nothing from them but Corke-trees and certaine garments as a signe of their subjection in regard of their poverty and the barrennesse of their soyle untill Vithenes Captaine of the Lithuanians growing strong did not onely deny tribute but having brought the Princes of Russia into subjection compelled them to pay tribute His successors did invade the neighbour Nations and by hostile and suddaine incursions did spoyle them untill the Teutonick order of the Crosse began to warre against them and to oppresse them which THE DVKEDOME OF LITHVANIA LITHUANIA they did even to the dayes of Olgerdus and Keystutus Captains of the Lithuanians But at last â—agello who afterward was called Vlaâ—â—slaus was made great Duke of Lithuania This man being oftentimes oppressed by those of the order of the Crosse and by Christian Armies did at last encline to the Polanders and having embraced the Christian Religion and married Hedingiâ— the Queene of Polonia hee was made King of Polonia committing the government of the Country of Lithuania to his Cozen German Skirgellon as to the supreame Duke of Lithuania The great Dukedome of Lithuania is now divided into ten speciall Palatinates or Provinces the first whereof is the Palatinate of the Metropolis or chiefe Citie Vilna which the Inhabitants call Vilenski but the Germans commonly Die Wilde it was built at the confluence or meeting of Vilia and Vilna by Duke Gediminus in the yeare 1305 and is the Seat of a Bishop subject to the Archbishop of Leopolis and also of the Metropolitan of Russia who hath seven Bishops under him that bee of the Greeke Religion as the Bishop of Polocia Volodomiria Luca in Volhinia Luckzo Pinsca neare to the River Pripetus Kiovia Praemislia and Lepolus Vilna or Wilna is a populous large and famous Citie being encompassed with a wall and gates which are never shut The Churches thereof for the most part are built of stone and some of wood there is in it a curious Monasterie of the Bernardines being a famous structure of squared stone as also the Hall of the Ruthenians in which they sell their commodities which are brought out of Moscovia The second Palatinate is the Procensian the Townes whereof are Grodna by the River Cronus where Stephen King of Poland dyed And Lawna at the confluence of Cronus and Villia or Willia also Kowno Iada and Vpita The third Palatinate is the Minscensian wherein is the Citie
with Scipio but that he addeth that this Iland being populous and abounding with all things necessary was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is abounding with people and well stored with food Plutarch in the life of Ainnbal doth deliver the like but more plainely and calleth it Liâ—ns whose words according to the Translation of Acciarolus He remov'd his Tents and marching by the banke of Rhodanus up against the streame in few dayes he came to that place which the French men call the Iland which the Rivers Rhodanus and Aâ—ar flowing out of diver Mountaines doe encircle where there is the City of Lions the most famous City of all France which long time afterward was built by Plancus Muâ—â—atius Some call it the City of Sequanians and Maxima Sequanorum which appeareth by an ancient Inscription on S. Peters Church which is this JOVI OPT. MAX. Q. ADGINNIUS URBICI FIL. MARTINUS SEQ. SACERDOS ROMAE ET AUG AD ARAM AD CONFLUENTES ARARIS ET RHODANI FLAMEN II. VIR IN CIVITATE SEQUANORUM And Seneca doth celebrate the praise of this place in his Verses concerning the death of Claudian I sawe a Hill that hangeth or'e two streames Which Phaebus rising glideth wiâ—h his beames Where the great River Rhodanus doth flowe And Arar doubtfull whether he should goe Thorow quiet Foords his course along doth guide Washing the Bankes as he along doth glide THE PROVINCE AND CITIE OF LIONS LYONNOIS Forest et Beaujolois LANGVEDOC A PART OF AQVITAINE THE Occitane Country of France commonly called Languedec is a part of Aquitane and is so named as some conceive from the Gothes the Possessions thereof as if you should say Land-Got That is the Gothes Province Some derive it from the word Lingua a tongue and the word Oâ— I suppose that these conjectures are more vaine than Sicilian toyes and are but meere vulgar trifles The ancients tooke it for the Province of Narbon neere the Pyrenaean Mountaines Strabo calleth it Tectosages the Metropolis whereof Tolouse is accounted one of the chiefe Cities of France having an Archprelate a Senate and a University Some derive the name thereof from those which fled from Tâ—oy Caesa mentioneth it in his first Booke of Commentaries where he speaketh thus It was told Caesar that the Helvetians purposed to travell thorow the Sequans and Aeduans Country unto the borders of the Santones which are not farre from Tolouse which is a City in Province and also Lib. 3. concerning P. Crassus Moreover valiant men being levied out of Tolouse Carcasson and Narbon which are Cities of France neere to Province c. Ammianus Marcellinus giveth it the prerogative above all the neighbour Cities Neither can we omit that worthy Elogie of the ancient magnificence and power thereof written by Ausâ—nius a most famous Poet and a Consull of Rome in praise of his Nurse and Foster-mother in these Verses Non unquam altricem nostri reticebo TOLOSAM Coctilibus muris quam circuit ambitus ingens Perque latus pulâ—ro perlabitur amne Garumna Innumeris cultam populis cenfinia propter Nirgida Pyrenes Pinea Gabennarum Inter AQUITANAS gentes nomen Iberum Quae modo quadruplices ex se cum effuderit urbes Non ulla exhaustae sentit dispendia plebis Quos genuit cunctos gremio complexa colonas My Nurse Tolasaes praises I will sound Which with a Brick wall is encompas'd round And faire Garumna runneth by her side And many people doe in her reside Cause the Pyrenean Ningide confines Upon it and the Pinean Gabinines Betweene the Country of faire AQUITAINE And Iberus which now is called SPAINE· LANGVEDOC A â—T OF AQVITAINE LA PARTIE Septentrionale du LANGUEDOC And having yeelded people unto four Large Cities out of her abundant score Yet in her no want of people doth appeare Which done within her bosome nourisht were Whence the Viâ—i-Gâ—thâ— having droveâ— out the Romaneâ— from thence did make this City the royall Seate of the Kingdome untill they were quite expulsed by the French in the raigne of 〈◊〉 the first Christian King at what time all that Province was subjected to France Concerning the State Ecclesiastick the Tolousians were instructed in the Christian faith by Maâ—tiall who was their first Prelate after whom succeeded Saturninus Honoratus Silvius Hilarius Exâ—perâ—uâ— and many others even to Ludâ—vâ—â— Stâ—ulus the Sonne of Charles 〈◊〉 King of Sicily in whose time this Bishoprick was translated 〈◊〉 to an Archbishoprick under whom are these Suffragan Bishopâ—â— the bishop of Mâ—nta ban 〈…〉 of S. 〈…〉 created by Pope 〈◊〉 the â—2 An has this City is largâ— and populâ—uâ— to it hath many 〈◊〉 built Churches and also Colledâ—â—s 〈◊〉 Moâ—â—â—â—â—ries The chiefe Church belonging to the Bishop 〈…〉 crâ—ted to S. 〈◊〉 It hath also an University famous for 〈…〉 and for the great number of Students which study there Here â—omerly Playeâ— iâ— hoâ—our of 〈◊〉 the Goddesse oâ— Flowers were â—â—brated of which there doe yet remaine some toâ—â—â—s But the Famiâ—â— of the Eâ—â—â—â—ingling with the Royall Stock this Couâ—try waâ—â—â—ted to the Kingdome of 〈◊〉 It will be hâ—â—â— convenient to nominate some of them aâ— namely 〈…〉 others â—â—metus reckonâ—tâ— the Earles of 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 France who enjoyed that dignity uâ—to 〈…〉 Theâ—â—â—ly who after the decease of his Brother â—â—phonsus did unite 〈◊〉 County unto his Kingdome There are also among others these Townes in Languedoc Narbon Mons â—essusanus Carcassona Nemansus Vzes THE DELPHINATE OF FRANCE ON the South Province is neere to the Delphinate and on the North it hath the Bressians who are parted from it by the River Rhodanus flowing betweene them on the West is the County of Venusinum and lastly on the East the Pedemontian and Sabaudians doe encompasse it Caesar by one common name calleth those of the Delphinate and the Sabaudians Allobrogians who were then confederate with the Romanes The Country is now devided into the higher part the chiefe City whereof is Ebrodunum and the lower part in which the prime Cities are Gratianâ—polis and Vienna Those of the Delphinate who dwelt beyond Rhodanus were hertofore a part of the Kingdome of Burgundy and then of Orleans and afterward of Burgundy the head City whereof was then Arelate which afterward from that City was called the Kingdome of Arelatum but when that Kingdome came to the Emperour Conradus the 2. after the decease of Rodolfus the first the last King thereof there arose one Guigno a man of base birth who was called afterward the fat Earle Grinmand hee through his owne industry and the confusion of the times obtained most of the chiefest Cities of this Country so that at last he possessed Gratianopolis and made himselfe Lord of the whole Province which to honour his Sonne who had married Delphina the Daughter of the Earle of Albon and Vienna he called it the Delphinate After this the Province of the Delphinate became subject to Provinces who ruled it untill the time of Philip Valerius King of France who annexed it to
his Crowne about the yeere of Christ 1348. which was the cause that Humbert Delphine of Vienna having lost his eldest Sonne in the Battell of Cressey and his yonger Sonne dying by sicknesse when hee was provoked to warre and set upon by Amades the 6. of that name he determined to put himselfe into the Kings protection and to leave him Heire to his Dominions on this condition that from thenceforth the eldest Sonnes of the Kings of France during their Fathers life time should beare the Armes and Title of the Delphinate And so this Country came into the Kings hands who thought fit to annex so noble a Prince neighbouring on Italy for ever to his Kingdome The Delphinate therefore being one of the chiefe Countries of France is devided as I said before into the higher and lower part and hath many faire Cities and Townes in it In the higher there are Ebrodunum which hath a Prelate also Valence Dium and S. Pauls Church In the lower is Vienna which was formerly the Metropolis and Mother City of the whole Delphinate which is now Gratianopolis there are also Romanium Brianconium Mons-Limartium upon Rhodanus a Towne much frequented by Merchants where there are also many Monuments of Antiquity also S. Antonies Church Valerians Church and the Monastery Gratianopolis was so called from the Emperour Gratian who reedified it and beautified it with many Buildings now it hath a Parliament and a President with Senators and other Officers belonging thereunto and it hath a Prelate who is one of the chiefe men of the Province under the Metropolitan of Vienna But Vienna venerable for Antiquity hath a long time had a Metropolitan Bishop Valence is converted and raised to a Dukedome and hath a Bishop and a University in which the Romane Lawes are read and declared in which Iames Cuyacius taught who was the Prince of all those Lawyers which flourished in former times whose name shall live as long as Lawes continue in the world Here are found Romane Inscriptions and other ancient Romane Monuments King Francis intended to have newly fortified Gratianopolis against the invasion of enemies but hee left it undone THE DELPHINATE OF FRANCE DAVPHINE Par IEAN de BEINS THE DVKEDOME OF LOTHARINGIA THE SOVTHERNE PART whereof is painted forth in this Table AFter Pictavia according to my method the Dukedom of Lothariâ—gia followeth Lothoringia according to the Latines was so called from Lotarius the Sonne or Nephew of the Emperour Ludovick King of France Truely Ludovick Pius had foure Son who warring like Parracides against their Father having shut him up into a Monastery among the Suesâ—ons they devided his Principalities amongst themselvs so made it a Tetrarchie Afterward by the meditation of the Nobles of the Empire the matter came to that passe that Lotarâ—us the eldest Sonne should enjoy the Title of the Empire with Italy Gallia Narbâ—nensis and those Territories which were called by the name of Lotharingia and that Ludovick should possesse Germany Charles should have France from the River Mosa to the Ocean and lastly Pipin or his Sonne should have Aquitaine Lotarius had besides Ludovick who succeeded him in the Empire a Sonne named Lotarius King of Lotaringia And as the Germanes as first called it Lotar-rijck or Lot-reych that is the Kingdome of Lotarius so the Latines afterward called it Lâ—tharingia The Inhabitants and the other French doe call it Loraine as it were Lotregne The French Writers doe report that the bounds of Lotaringia were heretofore larger and that it was heretofore called Austrasia or Austria or Oost-reych having Westrasia or Westria now called West-reych and corruptly Neustria a Westerne Kingdome lying over against it and that being devided into the higher and the lower and contained betweene the Rivers Rhene Scaldis and Mosa the lower part hath divers names and is subject to divers Princes and that the higher part which is called Mossellanica and Tullingia is all except some parts thereof under ones command so that on the East of Lotaringia there lyeth Alsatia and Westrasia on the South Burgundy on the West Campania on the North it is bounded with the Wood Arduenna the Leuceburgians Treverians and other people bordering thereon which were heretofore the chiefest parts of Lotharingia Lotaringia although it be full of high Mountaines and thick Woods yet it needeth not the supplies of forraigne Countries for it hath good store of Corne and Wine It hath divers kinde of Mettalls as Silver Brasse Iron Tinne and Lead It hath also Pearles for which there THE DVKEDOME OF LOTHORINGIA LOTHARINGIA is excellent fishing at the foote of Vâ—gesus There are also certain Stones found which the Inhabitants in regard of their â—â—lac colour doe call Lazuli and doe make great benefit of them There is also a certain substance of which they make Looking-glasses the like wherof is not found in other Provinces of â—urâ—â—â— Here are also Calâ—iâ—â—nes of great bignesse so that great cups are made of small pieces thereof It produceth divers kindes of living Creatures especially excellent Horses like to Neapolitan and Turkish Horses Lotaringia was heretofore a Kingdome as appeareth in the French Writers But there are not mentioned above two or three Kings thereof For Câ—arâ—â—s the Bald presently after the decease of his Unckle Lotarius invaded his Territories and joyned them to his Principalities And not long after it was made a Dukedome The first Dukes are scattringly mentioned by Historians and divers Writers In the raigne of Henry the 4. â—â—tâ—fridus held Lotariâ—gia hee who afterward having sold his Dukedome â—â—uâ—â—gnâ— together with his Brothers Baldwin and Eustathius made a memorable expedition to the Holy Land and carried his conquering Army thorow Asia and Syria even to the City of Hierusalem and was created King of Hierusalem After him succeeded Baldwin and after Baldwin Eustathius Afterward King Henry the fifth gave the Dukedome to William Earle of â—â—vaniâ— after whom Theodore Theoâ—â—â—â— Frederick others were created Princes of Lotariâ—gia whom from the â—â—â—â—edome was passed to Frederick Earle of Vadimomium from whom the Dukes of Lotaringia are descended Mercator doth plainely dâ—scrâ—be be it in two Tables in one whereof he painteth out the Northerne part in the other the Southerne part Heretofore the Medâ—â—maâ—â—ices and Leuâ—â— did inhabit Lâ—taringia Lib. 4. Tacitus Pliny Strabâ— and Ptolemy doe call them Medâ—â—maâ—â—ices and Caesar also Lib. â— calleth them Medâ—â—matriâ—â— whose Metropolis is called Dâ—vodurum and â—ow Mâ—tz In the Register Booke of the Provinces of Belgia it is called â—vâ—â—as Medâ—â—â—aâ—riâ—um or le Evesâ—he de Metz le Pays Mâ—ssin Caeâ—â—◠〈◊〉 Lu an lib. 1. and Pliâ—y doe call the Leuâ—tâ—â—beri Ptolemy also calls them Leuâ—â— and maketh their Metropolis to be â—uâ—â—um And so 〈◊〉 called in the Register Booke of the Provinces of Belgia Civitas Lâ—rum that is Tullum or lâ— Evesche de â—â—ul also Antoninus his Itineraâ—e doth acknowledge Tullum or Leuâ—â—â— Some also doe referre that which Caesar calleth Tulinges to Lotaringia