order of priesthood into this societie can no man be admitted that is not a gentleman or a Doctor or licentiate In this Church of Saint Lambert among diuers other rich iewels and reliques is to be seene a great image of Saint George on horsebacke all of pure gold which Charles Duke of Burgundie gaue for amendes of his rough handling this citie when he wan it by force Also in this towne are foure rich Abbeyes hauing euerie one a goodly librarie the principall whereof is the Abbey of S. Laurence there are three Nunneries and all the foure orders of Fryers some of the which haue two couentes There are 32. parish churches so many other chappels monasteries and hospitals within and without the towne that the whole number of Churches amounteth in all to one hundred Further in this citie are 32. companies which haue so great authoritie in the gouernment of the state that without their consent nothing can bee concluded or agreed on Ernestus Duke of Bauaria and Archbishop of Colen is at this day Bishop of that Sea The Bishopricke of Leige was first erected by Hubert sonne to Bertrand Duke of Aquitaine who being at Rome was made by the Pope Bishop of Maestricht in the place of Saint Lambert whome the people of Maestricht had murthered in the yeare 710. But he being come to take possession of this citie so much detested the inhabitants thereof for the foresaid impious and most haynous murther that he transported his Episcopall Sea to Liege and there built the Church of Saint Lambert and the Colledge afore mentioned all which he did with Pope Constantines consent about the yeare 713. and here at Liege he died and was after canonized for a Saint Since whome are numbred 57. Bishops of Leige The Bishop is chosen by the Chapter of S. Lambert confirmed by the people and lastly approued by the Pope He is not onely a Bishop but also a Prince of the Empire Duke of Buillon Marquesse of Francimont and Earle of Lootes and Hasbaine The reuenews of this Bishopricke are aboue 30000. Duckats by the yeare besides the beneuolence of his sâ—biectes which is a matter of no small importance if he vse them well and his spirituall iurisdiction and an infinite number of Prebends benefices and offices which he bestoweth at his pleasure Leiden LEiden is one of the sixe capitall Townes of Holland and chiefe of Rheineland situate in a flat and low countrey full of ditches and channels is beautified with many pleafant medows gardens arbors walks round about it Within it are enclosed 31. Ilands from one of the which to the other men go by boates and ouer and aboue these there are nine or ten other Ilands from the one of the which to the other bridges are built to passe ouer so that in this Towne are 145. bridges whereof 104. are of stone and the rest of wood In this Citie was erected an vniuersitie about the yeare 1564. by William late Prince of Orenge who was in the yeare 1584. suddenly slaine with a pistoll This Academie doth at this day exceedingly flourish and therein are with liberall stipendes maintained sundry learned professors of the liberall sciences In Leiden is a strong Castle which was said to bee founded by Hengist returning from the conquest of England and therein is a notable Well from whence the ancient family of Wassenar taketh name This Cittie hath vnder it 49. Boroughes and villages the most part whereof once a weeke bring all their good victuailes to sell in the towne which causeth it to abound with all thinges arising of the earth It hath also great plentie of fish both sea fish and fresh water fish and of water fowle beyonde all measure The women are excellently faire and the aire passing holsome But a little league from Leiden is the famous abbey of Reinsburge consisting of Nunnes all of noble houses the Abbesse whereof hath iurisdiction spirituall and temporall and the Abbey is endowed with so great reuenewes that euerie day aboue 2000. persons come thither to receiue reliefe Another such like Abbey of Ladies is also neere to Leiden called Terlee In all these Monasteries of Ladies and gentlewomen they may vntill they be entred into profession come forth and marrie and ordinarily they liue there many yeares before they professe themselues obseruing notwithstanding in the meane time their rules and orders very duely soberly and religiously Copenhagen in Denmarke IN the mouth or entrance of the Sounde called by Latine writers Sâ—nus Venedicus which diuideth the two kingdomes of Denmarke and Sweden lyeth an Iland named Selandia wherein are many strong townes and Castles and among the rest Coppenhagen the feare of the King and Metropolis of the Realme In this Citie was erected an vniuersitie by Christian Earle of Oldenburge in the yeare of saluation 1478. after he had gained the Regall Diademe For the which he obtained at the hands of Pope Sixtus the 4. the priuiledges of Bonònia This Academie was afterward augmented and enlarged by King Christian the third in the yeare 1498. and after him Fredericke the second in the yeare 1549. We reade that in the time of King Erec the sonne of Siwardus Anscharius Bishop of Hamburge caused the Gospell to be preached in Denmarke which the inhabitants for a short time seemed willingly to embrace but their King deceasing they againe returned as a dogge to his vomit to their infideâ—ity and Paganisme wherein they liued vntill the raigne of Swenotto father to Canutus the great so called because hee vanquished held in subiection fiue kingdomes namely Sweden Norway England Denmarke and Normandie About those times Poppo a religious man comming into the Countrey againe instructed them in the principles and rudiments of Christian religion which from that time vntill this day they haue retained The Vniuersities of Italie Rome ALllearned historiographers do with one common consent agree that Rome was so named from Romulus the sonne of Numitor Rhea Siluia who layed thereof the first foundation How the inhabitants thereof in processe of time by warlike chiualry dilated their Empire dominion ouer al the westerne world whosoeuer is desirous to know I must refer him to the learned Decades of Titus Liuius and sundry other ancient writers who haue alreadie filled the world with whole volumes of Romaine histories It being a matter of greater import then wel can be conteined in the breuitie of my vndertaken taske Wherefore although I find recorded in auncient hystories that the Romaines foreseeing the great vtilitie that would ensue by nourishing the artes receiued into their citie in the first infancie of their greatnesse with singular admiration the profession of learned sciences and that therein hath flourished a renowned Academie of long continuance erected 700. yeares before our Sauiours incarnation yet mine onely intent and purpose is to write of such patrones and benefactors as haue promoted and furthered the same and such priuiledges as haue thereunto beene graunted since it
voide of mountaines or vallies Pole in their language signifyeth smooth or playne here the saide prince commaunded his armie to stay and to builde for themselues and their children townes and villages whereby hee established vnto himselfe a principality But the people in succession of time daylie more and more encreasing and multiplying after the lyne of Lecus fayled beganne to wax wearie of a monarchie wherefore they made choice of twelue Magistrates which they named Woyuuods that is Countes Palatines to haue the administration of their lawes and gouernment of their common wealth which Magistrates or Earles doe vnto this day retayne their auncient name and dignitie though they enjoy not fully so gieat authoritie but not long after the wauering and vnconstant multitude neuer contented with their present estate but desirous of change and alteration waxed weary of this oligarchie gouernment of their Woyuuods and with one consent named one Gracchus a principall leader amongst them to bee their prince and gouernour This Gracchus about 400. years after the natiuitie of our Sauiour gouerning this barbarous nation builded on the banke of the riuer Vistula a goodly cittie which after his owne name hee called Graccouia and for the better defence thereof hee erected a strong castel or fortresse on the mount Vaeuel Many ages after namely in the yeare 1320. Vladislaus Lokoâ—k praesiding sent his Embassadors vnto the Pope being then at Auignion in France with request that hee might be crowned king of Polonia which suite of his being obtayned he receyued the Diademe and regall ornamentes in the Cathedrall church of Graccouia which city was then by the kinges praerogatiue made the Metro polis of the kingdome An Academie was in this Citie instituted by Casimire the second in the yeare of saluation 1361. which afterwarde namelie in the yeare 1400. was by Vladislaus at the instant and importune intercession of Heduigis his Queene ratified and confirmed with the Popes authority The Vniuersity is not in the principall cittie but in that parte which lyeth on the other side of the riuer is named from the first founder therof Cazimiria therin are two goodly Colledges in the one is professed Philosophy and Diuinity in the other Phisicke the Ciuil law the other inferior studies are there also learnedly taught with great diligence of the Readers In this Cittie haue I seene the bones of Stanislaus once Bishop thereof since canonized for a Saint carried about the towne in procession enclosed in a fayre siluer coffin with great reuerence and veneration of the beholders This Bishop was impiously martyred by Boleslaus a most dissolute and libidinous king because hee was by him once reproued with greater austerity then his patience could endure for his inordinate and adulterous life but the iust iudgement of God suffered him not long to remaine vnpunished for being shortly after by his owne subiectes the Pope first absoluing them from their obedience expelled his kingdome hee fell into a rauening Lunacy and so miserablie ended his dayes The moderne Archbishop of that cittie is a Cardinall of the Familie of the Radziuilles the principall and most noble race of Polonia the Palatine of this Cittie is next vnto the king in degree and authority who is therein most commonlie resident Posnania POsne is a cittie of no great circumference but exceedingly beautified with fayre sumptuous aedifices it is situated in the vpper Polonia and contayneth a Palinacie An Vniuersity was in this Cittie of late yeares erected by Sigismonde the present king of that nation and confirmed by Pope ClemeÌ„t the eight now presidinge The Iesuites enioy there in a goodly Colledge wherin they professe Theology Philosophy and the other inferior studies Koningsperge MOns Regius commonly called Koningsperge is the Metropolis of the great Dukedome of Prussia It was so called by the first founder thereof Ottocharus king of Prussia who being continually molested with the often inuasions of the princes of Germany for the defence of himself the confine of his kingdome hee erected this cittie on the highest toppe of a mountaine in Samogitia in the yeare of saluation 1255. This region was conuerted vnto the christian faith in the yeare 1000. by Adlobertus Bishoppe of Prage but afterwarde falling into a relapse they were againe reduced thereunto by the knightes of the Dutch order in the yeare 1220. who with licence of the Emperour Fredericke the second inuaded vanquished e and a long time possessed that countrie these knights were in the yeare 1525. expelled by Sigismonde king of Polonia who annexed it to his owne kingdome George Marquesse of Brandeburge then great maister of that order being contented to holde the same as Furdotarie from the king who beganne his warre in the time of Albertus Marquesse of Brandeburge This Albertus first erected in Roningsberge the Vniuersitie which hath euer since euen vntill this present time continually flourished Neare vnto that cittie is the Isle of Glessaria now knowne by the name of Sudaw where when the sea is troubled and tempestuous it casteth vppe Amber in great aboundance which from thence the inhabitants who by reason their countrie was so many yeares by the Germans possessed speake natiuely Dutch call at this day Glesse some imagine it to proceede from the gumme of firre trees where with all those Ilands of the Sounde are replenished others there bee which affirme that it groweth as Corall doth on the rockes which being by the violence of winde and weather washed from them by the often reuerberation of the waues congealeth and waxeth hard so is gathered of the Borderers I haue neare vnto this citty seene in the desertes and forrestes consisting all of mighty firre trees great store of wilde Bores Ours which is a kinde of wilde Oxe Alxes not vnlike vnto our fallowe Deere but thrice so big there are also great plentie of Beares Vilna VIlna commonly called the Wilde is a large and opulent Cittie in the great Dukedome of Lithuania or Littow whereof it is the Metropolis It lyeth 57. degrees from the eleuation of the North pole it is seated on the banke of the riuer Vilias in a valley betweene many mountaines and mightie forrests of Firre trees The Lithuanians in the yeare 1386. first embraced Christian religion in the dayes of Iagello great Duke who ioyning himself in mariage with Heduigis daughter to the King of Polonia annexed vnto that kingdom the Dukedome of Lithuania In former times the Lithuanians worshipped trees aspes and serpentes and especially holy fire for which they erected in the suburbes of Vilna a goodly temple of free stone which was by Iagello when he had obtained the Crowne of Polonia conuerted vnto a Cathedrall Church and is now consecrated vnto S. Stanislaus whose name I had occasion before to mention in the description of Craccouia Neere vnto the Church of S. Iohn Baptist was lately erected a goodly and spacious Colledge possessed by the Iesuites
his birth and education S. Iago GAllicia is a region lying on the northwest side of Spaine and maketh a headland or promontarie farre out into the sea commonlie called Capo de finisterre or the north Cape which seemeth in a manner violentlie to seperate the sea of Bisca from the Isles of Bayona neare to the promontary standeth the cittie of Compostella vulgarly called S. Iago more noble and famous by reason of many pilgrimages made thether by persons of great place and qualitie then for any other matter worth the obseruing therin contayned We read in ancient histories of the church that S. Iames after theascention of our Sauior trauelled into Spain preached the Gospel to the inhabitaÌ„ts therof being as yet Pagans infidels But reaping there smal fruit of his excessiue labour paines by reason of the iniquitie and naughtinesse of those times he returned againe to Hierusalem where at the commandement of Herode being slaine he obtained a glorious crowne of martirdomes Vnto this Saint the Spaniards ascribing their first conuersion caused in honor and remembrance of him a rich and sumptuous temple to be erected in Compostella where his reliques are at this day visited with a wonderfull concourse of people and worshipped with incredible deuotion This Church was by Pope Calixtus the second highly aduanced and honored in the yeare of our Lord 1122. whence it proceedeth that this Church is immediately subiect vnto the Pope and to no other prelate or gouernor The Emperour Charles the great founded herein a goodly Colledge now gruerned after the rule of S. Isidore He also caused this Church to bee accounted among the seates Apostolique where is to bee vnderstood that in Christendome are three seates called Apostolique which before all other places of the worlde the Christian religion hath alwaies held in greater esteeme that is to say S. Peters at Rome S. Iohns at Ephesus and S. Iames at Ceâ—postella This cittie of ancient historiographers was called in time passed Brigantium from whence the Irish nation the Scots in Galloway our Northerne Yorkeshire men called in old authors Brigantes glory boast that they haue receiued the first originall of their race Valladolit ON the East side of Gallicia bordereth the kingdome of Legio which endured the cruell and heauie yoke of seruitude vnder the Sarracens aboue three hundred yeares and was restored vnto libertie in the yeare of grace 1216. by the kinges of Arragon Castile Portugall and Nauarre who assembling a mightie and puissant armie made here against Hilminolmius the king of the Moores returning from Auinion in Fraunce whither hee passed before as a conquerour harrying and spoiling the countrey as hee went with fire and sword and after a sharpe and bloudy battell vanquished his armie and recouered this kingdome In this realme is Valladolit named in olde authors Pintia a cittie though of no great circuite nor spaciousnesse yet of much and long antiquitie It was wont to be numbred among the seuen most auncient vniuersities of Spaine It hath beene long drowned in obscuritie euen vntill the dayes of king Phillip late deceased who because he was there borne did restore vnto it the antique priuiledges and prerogatiues thereto belonging and did his vttermost endeuors to raise it to his former dignitie He there hath lately erected a Colledge for the institution of yong English Gentlemen which haue abandoned their countrey Alcala de Henares VNto the kingdome of Legio is adioyned Caslile an Earledome which was by Ferdinand the third sonne to the Earle of Castile raised to a kingdome in the yeare 1017. vnited to the realme of Legio Among many great and goodly cities in that kingdome Complute which of the Spaniard is commonly called Alcala de Henares is not the meanest An vniuersitie was herein erected and instituted by an Archbishop of Toledo named Franciscus Xinerieâ—sis who was by profession a Franciscan Frier in the yeare 1317. Salamanca IN this kingdome of Castile lyeth that worthy and famous cittie Salamanca situated on the banke of the Riuer Thormes which falleth into the maine Riuer Duero in Portingall Although concerning the first erection and institution of this vniuersitie few writers as saith Sarabellus affirme any thing for certainetie yet are there not wanting some which hold for vndoubted truth that it first was founded in the yeare of Christs in carnation 1404. which in these our daies hath gotten great fame and credite and is well knowne throughout Christendome by reason of diuers and sundry priuiledges wherewith many kings and high Bishoppes of Rome haue liberally adorned the same Pope Clement the sift in a councell held at Vienna made a decree that the Hebrewe Arabicke and Chaldie tongus should in this Academie be continually taught Iohn Goropius affirmeth that for magnificent and sumptuously builded colledges scarce any vniuersitie of Europe may therewith worthely be paragond The which Pope hauing in his court certaine young Gentlemen of Spaine which he desired should bee trained vp in some place where they most might profit in vertue and good literature thought no Academie in Christendome so fit for that purpose as Salamanca because all kind of learning was there by most excellent men with incredible industrie professed In this Academie Pope Adrian the sixt before his Papacie liuing in Spaine tooke great pleasure and delight and after his election he held it in great price and estimation adorning amplifying and authorizing the same with many great and vnusuall prerogatiues Ignatius Loyola first founder of the societie of Iesu was in this vniuersitie a student Saragossa IN the extreamest confines of this kingdome of Castile euen on the banke or shore of the riuer Ebro wherewith it is diuided from Nauarre and Aragon standeth an auncient Cittie called of the Romaines Caesaraugustana or Augusta Caesariae which of the inhabitants is named Saragossa wherein the kings of Arragon are vsually accustomed to be crowned This Church was by Pope Iohn the 22. who was alwaies thereunto exceedingly well affected eleuared to the dignitie of an Archbishopricke by him also were the priuiledges of the vniuersitie restored and ratified Because in this Cittie had beene shed the bloud of many holy Martirs which suffered for the constant profession of the Christian faith during the raigne of those bloudie vnmercifull and impiously tirannous idolaters Datian and Richiouarus whose inexpleble thirst was neuer satiated with the bloude of innocent Christians it is at this day commonly entituled Saragossa the holy Siguença SIguença is also a cittie of Castile lying three daies iourney from Saragossa and three leagues from Medinacoeli wherein is an vniuersitie much frequented but concerning the foundation thereof or donation of the priuiledges thereto I haue not in any author read ought which I dare set downe for certainty Lerida ARragone is that part of Spaine which lyeth at the foote of the Pyraenean mountaine betweene Nauarre and Catallonia and is separated
as those of the other Colledge are called Thomists for religiously obseruing the doctrine of Saint Thomas of Aquine The third Colledge in times passed was called Cucanum but is now named Nouum Coronarum gymnasium wherein the Iesuites are placed The Artists haue also a godly Colledge in S. Gereons streete called Rubra Porta There is also in Colen another faire well adorned Colledge called Schola trilinguis wherein the three sacred tongues Hebrew Greeke Latine together with the artes Rhetorique and the Mathematikes are taught with great industrie and elegancie Three things there are in Colin whereby the Citie is especially beautified namely the Senate the Clergie and the Vniuersitie The Senate of this place for grauitie opâ—lencie and maiestie farre surmounteth all other Cities in the world In no place of Christendome may be found a better adorned or more flourishing estate of Clergie men whether you consider their nobility of birth their profoundnes in learning their pietie in manners or their opulence and aboundant riches In the Cathedrall Church a place most sumptuous magnificent are enshrined the bodies of the three Kings which by the direction of a star were led from out the East to Bethleem where they did worship adore our sauiour immediatly after his hatiuity Therein also are reserued the reliques of 11000. virgines which for the constant confession of their faith did in the time of persecution suffer martyrdome Besides this place there are other Collegiat Churches of Canons There are moreouer 19. parish Churches besides many Cloisters Monasteries and Nunneries The Archbishop of Colen is a Prince elector of the Romaine Empire Chancelor of Italie Duke of Westphalia and Angaria which Sea since the reuolt of Truchses late Archbishop thereof hath beene gouerned by Ernestus Duke of Bauaria and Palatine of Rhene which Prelate by reason of the amplenes and great circuite of his diocesse being himselfe not able to discharge all matters belonging to his function hee hath his Vicar or Suffragane the Bishop of Gyâ—ene Many intestine seditions and ciuill discordes did long hinder the prosperitie of this famous citie As for example in the yeare 1074. the Bishop vsurping in the cittie too much secular authoritie seemed to diminish abrogate the libertie of the citizens wherefore they betaking themselues to armes expulsed him thence and recouered their libertie Which indignitie the Bishop desirous to reuenge gathered immediately a puissant armie of countrey pesants in the territories adioyning thereunto and set forth vpon the citizens vnawares who suspecting no such thing were suddenly surprised and their citie miserably ransacked After in the yeare 1236. Engelbertus Archbishop of Colen exercised the censure of the church against a certaine Earle called Frederike for many wrongs and violences by him offered to the clergie which Earle being enflamed with the desire of some bitter reuenge one day as the Bishop came into the countrey to consecrate a certaine church he with many of his followers armed set vpon him and with 28. mortall wounds murdered him in the place For which impious murther Henry his successor tooke of this Earle a most sharpe and bloudy reuenge for raysing a great power he made vpon him fierce and cruell warre ouerthrew his holds and fortresses and in fine tooke his person which he carried prisoner to Colen and there put him to a most shamefull death breaking all his bones a sunder and casting his dead carkase on a wheele there to bee deuoured by the fowles of the aire The brothers of this Earle ceased not to vse the vttermost of their endeuours in reuenge of their brothers death This hatred and enmitie continued betweene the elergie and 〈◊〉 implacable vntill the time of 〈◊〉 their Archbishoppe who entreated of the Emperour the restitution of the citie which if the citizens would denie he desired they might bring the keyes thereof two miles from the towne where hee would bee contented to make triall of his title by dint of sword Which condition the townes men willingly accepting brought the keyes thereof in a wagon to a little village called Woringen where by their prowesse and manhood they recouered quiet possession of this Citie which vnto this day is free and gouerned by the Senate In Colen as we reade was held a councell about the yeare 34â— vnder Constantius the Emperour and Pope Iulius against Euphrata an Arrian heretike who denied the diuinitie of Christ. There were in this councell twentie holy and learned Bishops and fathers among whom was S. Seruatius by whose sentence iudgement the said heretike Euphrata was condemned and depriued of his bishopricke which was afterward giuen to S. Seuerine Basile BAsile is a mightie cittie of great note fame situated on both sides of the Rhene which maketh therof as it were two seueral townes the one lying in a valley betweene two hils is watered with a little brooke called Byrseca and is named great Basile the other called little Basile lyeth on the South side of the riuer in a plaine champion Concerning the originall thereof some are of opinion that it was first builded in the yeare after Christ 382. during the raignes of the Emperours Gratian and Valentinian But Annianus Marcellinus who seruing vnder Iulian the Apostata in his warres wrote with great diligence whatsoeuer hee saw and obserued proueth this to be a meere imagination of men for in his 30. booke of histories he maketh mention of a certaine fortresse erected by Gratian against the Germaines not farre from Basile Whereby it may appeare that in Germany was a cittie so called before Gratians time Concerning the name thereof some write but without either proof or authoritie that it was deriued from a Basiliske which haunting the woods deserts thereabout did much annoy the countrey before the citie was there erected Other imagine that it was first called Passell from the passages that were in that place ouer the Rhene But Annianus Marcellinus plainely sheweth the name thereof to be deriued from the Greeke word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifieth a kingdome because it is in deed a royall citie seated in a princely place Some affirme that Panthalus was the first Bishop of Basile about the same time that the 11000. virgines suffered martyrdome but of the truth of this history many doubt For certaine wee find that in the yeare 740. in the time of Pipin father to Charles the great Walanus was possessed of this bishopricke In the yeare 897. was this cittie by the Hunnes vtterly destroyed at what time they passed with a puissant armie through Almaigne into Burgundie and Fraunce it was againe restored by Henrie the holy Emperour of the Romaines who also reedified the cathedrall Church and gaue vnto the same goodly tenements and possessions Although concerning the erection of this vniuersitie as for the most parte of all others historiographers doe among themselues exceedingly disagree yet in
professed with great sinceritie and profoundnesse there are also continuall dayly exercises of Philosophie Phisicke and the Ciuill law Caen. AN Vniuersitie was erected at Caen in Normandie vpon this occasion Henry the fift king of England who subdued the kingdome of France and left the title to his posterity after many great and glorious conquests atchieued against the French king hee at last bereaued him of Normandy in the yeare 1418. In token and memorie of which victorie as an eternal trophie and monument of his glorie he caused to be laid in Caen the foundation of this vniuersitie Rhemes RHemes is a goodly cittie and the Metropolis of Champaigne wherein not long since was erected an Vniuersitie by the Prince Charles Guise Cardinall of Lorraine Archbishop Duke of Rhemes whose glorie and renowne dayly more and more encreaseth by reason of the arâ—s so learnedly there professed Of this citie was Bishop S. Remigius a man of most holy conuersation and excellently learned as by the Commentaries which he wrote vpon the old new Testament it euidently appeareth He baptized Clodouaeus a mightie and puissant king of Fraunce together with Chrâ—tildis his wife daughter to the king of Burgundie he died in his venerable old age in the yeare 498. Burdeux BVrdeux is the principall or head cittie of Aquitane called by the French men Guienne seated at the mouth of Garomne a mightie riuer issuing out of Languedoc It is a place of incredible antiquitie strongly fortified and beautified with many sumptuous edifices In this citie hath long flourished a most renowned vniuersity commonly called the schoole of Aquitaine where the Artes are publikely taught and professed from whence issued those mirrors of holinesse and learning Seuerinus Maximinus the one Bishop of Colen the other of Tryer both after their deathes canonized for Saintes Vnto this citie also resteth the worlde indebted for the birth education of Ausonius the Homer of these latter times Neere vnto this Citie on the waters side standeth a castle inexpugnable fortified beyond all credite comparison Tholouse IN the extreamest confines of Languedoâ— not farre distant from the Pyrenaean mountaines standeth Tholouse called by antique writers Teotosagum an auncient and goodly cittie built neere to the Riuer Garomne The first foundation whereof is referred to a certaine Trotane It was afterward amplified and enlarged by the Romaines Wee reade that Theodericus King of the Gothes and Thorismonde his sonne finding about this cittie a happie fertile soile enuironed with a sweete and holesome ayre chose the same for their habitation as the place of all France most pleasant and most opulent most fit for the preseruation and augmentation of their Empire whose posterity was afterwarde expelled of the Frenchmen with great difficultie It was raised to an Archbishopricke by Pope Iohn the 22. who also was the first institutor of the Vniuersity therein which as yet was erected not long after Paris so doth it enioy the same priuiledges that heretofore haue beene to Paris granted Saint Saturnine was the first Bishop thereof who afterward being with vnsufferable torments excruciated by the Pagans yeelded his soule into the hands of his Redeemer was in this cittie buried the reliques of whose body are by the inhabitantes often visited with great reuerence and deuotion There was sayde in times past to haue beene in this cittie a Temple wherein was continually reserued in secret vaultes and dungeons vnder ground as Poss donius sayeth 15000. talents of golde which if any man by chance had touched he shortlie after came to some vnfortunate end which was verified in Caepio other Roman captaines from whence proceedeth the prouerbe applyed commonlie to those whose attemptes are euer vnfortunate and without successe Aurum habet Tolosanum The Earle of Tholous is one of the twelue Peeres of France Nismes NIsmes called by Ptolomye Pomponius Mela trabo and other learned searchers of antiquities Nemansus is an antient Citty in Dolphine wherein was lately erected an Vniuersity The soyle in this prouince is of such incredible fertilitie that being with neuer so little labour mannured it bringeth forth sondry kinds of excellent fruites It hath such plentie of figge-trees and bringeth such aboundance of grapes that a greate parte of Europe is with figges and raisins from thence accommodated Mompehers MOns Pessulanus called of Pomponius Mela Mesua of Ptolomye Agathopolis and now vulgarly named Mompeliers is a cittie in Dolphinie not far distant from the Mediterranesea An Vniuersity was therein erected as some writers affirm in the yeare of our Lord 1196. which afterwarde was endued with many priuiledges by Pope Vrban the fift who layed the foundation of a goodlie house called Popes Colledge In times past the profession of Phisicke was there in greatest request but now the schooles of the ciuil law are most vsually frequented much was the Vniuersity augmented and promoted by the bounty and liberality of Henry the second king of France so great is the Rectors authority in this Vniuersity that whensoeuer he hath occasion to walke into the towne the studentes are bound to follow and attend him Henry the first granted to this Academic many royall praerogatiues and founded therein the Kings colledge here also is an other sayre and sumptuous colledge called Duuergier wherein sondry ingenious youthes are ten yeares trayned vp in letters and good discipline Bisanson NEare to the side of Doux or Doubis a small riuer passing through the French Counte and falling into the Sone standeth Bisanson a great goodly and well munited citcie a towne imperial and the Metropolis of eyther Burgundy In the yeare of saluation 1540. by the authority of Pope Iulâ—us the third and the Emperour Charles the 5. a new Vniuersity was therein erected which hath exceedingly since flourished and sent forth many learned and godly labourers into the Church The reuerend father Anthony Peronotus Archbishop of Mechlin was a great benefactor to this Academie who so desireth to know more particularities of this Cittie let him reade the workes of George Bruno and Gilbertus Cognatus Paradinus in whose bookes he shall finde the same at large described Dole IN Burgundy also on the banke of the said riuer Dubis is to bee seene Dola a cittie for strength opulencie and sumptuousnes of buildinges to bee preferred before all other places of Burgundy An Vniuersity is therin of great continuance wherin among many other sciences the ciuill law is most learnedly reade and professed The Vniuersities of Polonia Prussia and Lituania Cracouia WEe reade in the historie of Polonia that Lechus and Zechus two sons of Iauan going to seeke a place of habitation for themselues their posterity Zechus with his people remayned in those territories which now are knowne by the names of Bohemia and Morauia but Lechus proceeding further to the northeast some twelue dayes iorney there seated himselfe and called the region Polonia by reason of the playnenes of the continent being altogether
in the base courtwherof are 6 schooles faire and large the first for Grammer the second for Poetrie the third for Rhetorique the fourth for Philosophie the fift for Diuinitie the sixt for cases of conscience named of schoolemen Positiua Theologia Therein also are many faire and spacious roomes purposely prouided for publike disputations This cittie containeth many goodly Monasteries especially one belonging to the Friers Bernardines of most curious and excellent Architecture Therein also is allowed one church for the Protestants because the Woywod or Count Palatine thereof the noblest of the Radziuilli professeth if any that religion An other church in like manner is granted vnto the professors of Luther anisme with a peculiar place of buriall The religion in this citie generally professed is that of the Russes who haue there many sumptuous temples They hold in all points the religion of the Grecians which because in some few articles it differeth from the Romaine faith is by the Catholiques helde as schismaticall The Iewes also are here permitted to haue their Sinagogue wherein weekely they solemnize their Sabbothes Neere vnto this cittie namely in the suburbs thereof and villages neere vnto adioyning dwel great multitudes of Tartars which vse their natiue Tartarian language and the Mahumetane religion They serue as cariers for the inhabitants Marchants of the countrey to transport wares from one cittie vnto another and from one kingdome to another In one of these Tartars sleddes which are wagons without wheeles I trauelled from Reuell in Leifland vnto this citie where hauing spent fiue weekes in my iourney I arriued about the latter end of October and stayed there vntill the Easter following The reason that I trauelled in winter was because the countrey is in the spring and summer time so full of fennes and marishes proceeding from the dissolution of the snow which all the winter long couereth the grounde that the passages through the same are then most difficile laborious but in the depth of winter the riuers the marishes as also the snow is by the cold Northerne wind so harde congealed that the cariages most heauily laden haue then their easiest passages the grounde at that season being all white with snow is not vnlike to the Ocean wherein the trauellers are constrained to vse the sunne by day and obserue the stars by night for their direction There are in Vilna two castles at the Northeast end of the towne the one old and â—uinous standing on the top of a hill the other new lying in the plaine at the foot thereof where is also the kings pallace The Lithuanians Polonians Russians and Muscouites vse all one manner of attire and armes though in language they all differ the one from the other their apparrell is like vnto the Turkes which vse altogether long robes their armes are launces and short semitares their armies consist altogether of horsemen footmen in that countrey being able to performe smal seruice They vse in their dyet immoderate gluttonie and drunkennesse though the whole countrey is voide of wine their drink is an excellent kind of meade wherewith euery priuate mans house is plenteously furnished The reason why this countrey yeeldeth such plenty therof proceedeth from the innumerable multitudes of Bees which of themselues breed in the forrests of Fyrretrees in so much that I haue seene aboue 1000. trees in one place burnt to ashes onely for the honie which they contained THE VNIVERSITIES of Bohemia and Morauia Prage PRage is a great and renowned citie lying in the middle or center of Bohemia whilome a Dukedome exalted to a kingdome by the Emperous Henry the fourth in a dyet or generall assembly of the Princes of Germany at Ments where Vladislaus was declared King This Citie containeth foure seuerall townes euery Towne hauing their peculiar market places prisons Magistrates lawes and customes The chiefe and principall is that which they call the old towne a place adorned with many ancient and goodly edifices a faire and spacious market place with a stately and sumptuous Senate house whereunto is annexed a clocke of curious and costly workemanship which Clocke hath on the top this inscription in great Romaine letters PRAGA CAPVT REGNI And vnderneath Hoc monumentum S. P. Q. Pragensis aeternitati dicauit The second part they name the new Towne which is diuided from the old with a ditch of great depth widenesse it hath also a market place of huge and incredible largenesse called the Oxe market at the west ende thereof is also a strong and well builded Senate house with a clocke curiously wrought yet not so full of cost nor cunning as the former At the West end is a monasterie of incredible antiquitie called Emaus contayning many goodly pictures most artificially limmed in this Cloister the people are by the Popes indulgence permitted to receiue the Sacrament of the Altar vnder both kindes The third part because in magnitude and spaciousnes it is inferior vnto the two former though in sumptuousnes of buildings it exceedeth both of them is called the little towne which diuideth it selfe from the old towne with a costly and magnificent bridge of free stone ouer the Multaue containing 24. arches which was erected at the cost and charges of Vladislaus before mentioned on the South side of this bridge lyeth a small Iland called by the inhabitants little Venice wherein the citizens on Sundaies holidaies for their recreation vse all manner of pastimes gaming This riuer in winter season though it bee fully as broade or broader then the Thames at London is yearely so hard frozen that carts loden do dayly passe ouer the same at which time the citizens do fill their sellers with the ice thereof which in summer time they drinke mingled with their wines This part of the towne hath also his peculiar lawes customes magistrates prisons market place and Senate house and is inuironed on all partes saue on that side which with the riuer is sufficiently defended with a wall of great circumference contayning within the same many waste grounds and vineyardes This part of the Cittie lyeth at the foote of a hill called the Rachine whereon are many faire and beautifull pallaces of sundry noble men On the top thereof standeth the castle wherein the Emperour is continually resident ouer looking with great maiestie the whole cittie lying vnderneath Vnto this Castle adioyneth the Cathedrall church consecrated to S. Vite wherein is to bee seene the shrine of the said Saint together with the tombes and sepultures of many Kinges and Emperours At the westerne end of this church is erected a little Chappell built of rich Iasper stone with most curious and costly workemanship wherein is enshrined the bodie of S. Vinceslaus before whose sepulcher diuine seruice is dayly celebrated The memory of this Saint is to this day among the Bohemians held in great regard and estimation He was sonne to Vladislaus the second Christian Duke after whose
decease hee was by his mother Drahomitia and his brother Boleslaus inuited to a banket where on the sodaine hee was by them most impiously murthered His bodie being afterwarde conueâ—ed to Prage there to bee enterred in a carte drawen with sixe Oxen which cart passing through the market place of the lesser Towne the Oxen could not by any meanes bee enforced to passe beyond a little round Tower wherein were imprisoned many capitall offenders vntill all the said prisoners were set at libertie Wherevpon this prison was presently conuerted to a chappell wherein once a yeare in memory of the Saint diuine seruice is wont to be celebrated In this cittie was borne Charles the great Emperour of the Romaines and King of Bohemia who therefore vsing all his endeuors to beautifie and adorne the same in the yeare of grace 1360. erected there an Vniuersitie Martin Cromer in the 12. booke of his Polonian historie affirmeth that when Cazimier King of Polonia founded the Academie of Cracouia in the yeare 1361. Prage was then a knowne vniuersitie This schoole by reason of the accesse of the Germains thither grew to bee exceedingly frequented and so flourished vntil the springing vp of Wicklisse who amongst them being fauoured of the Bohemians made his partie so strong that aboue 2000. Germaines were in one day constrained to depart to Lipsike three daies iourney fioÌ„ thence where they obtained licence priuiledges for an vniuersity Not long after Wickliffe arose amongst them Hierome of Prage and Iohn Hus so named from a little village wherein he was borne called Hus which in the Bohemian language signifieth a Goose they were after condemned for Heretickes by the counsell of Constance and in that cittie openly burned Their errors you may reade in Munster fol. Sor. After these schismes and sectes among them the vniuersitie dayly more and more decayed and was almost vtterly extinguished had it not by the liberality of Ferdinand the first and Maximilian the 2. Emperours who are there in the cathedâ—all church both enterred been againe raised and restored There is now a goodly colledge newly builded not far from the cast end of the bridge containing 3. churches though of no great capacity yet exceeding beautiful the one for Bohemians the other for Germains the 3. for Italians In this colledge are by the Iesuits lernedly professed Theologie the other inferior artes The 4. and last towne contained in this citie is that of the Iewes who within themselues haue their peculiar lawes and liberties they haue 5. sinagogues therein in the which they celebrate their sabbathes The Bishopricke of Prage did many yeares sithence belong to the Archbishop of Mentz but after it was by Charles the great separated and raised to the degree of an Archbishopricke Neere vnto the Cathedrall church Milada sister to Boleslaus the 4. Christian Duke of Bohemia by the permission authoritie of the Pope builded S. George his church and adioyned thereunto a Nunnerie wherein she her selfe became a votarie As well in this cittie as neere about in the bordering regions are to be seene the ruines of many goodly monasteries ouerthrowne by Ziska because a Monk of S. August order rauished his sister whose portrayture I haue often seene at Prage with this subscription Iohannes Ziska superbiae auaritiae clericoruÌ„ seuer us vltor Olmuts OLmuts is a faire and ample cittie in Morauia a Dukedome whilome free now annexed to the Crowne of Bohemia In the yeare nine hundred Zuantocopius Prince thereof had vnder his dominion Polonia Silesia and Bohemia who moued with the greatnesse of his power to an intollerable pride denyed the tributes which he was accustomed to pay vnto Lewes the Emperour vpon which occasion offered the said Emperor inuaded his dominion with fire and sworde but finding greater resistance then heeexpected hee was constrained to call the Turke to his aide by whose assistance the Morauites were easily vanquished and the race of Zuartocopius vtterly extinguished About these times came Gyrullus the Apostle of the Sclauonians into this countrie accompanied with Melodius who first layed there the foundation of Christian religion and crected a cathedrall church in Tielagrade which since was transferred to this cittie Olmuts The people and inhabitantes of this cittie entertaine strangers with incredible humanity of which I my self had good experience at my being among theÌ„ The language as well of the countrie people as of the citizens is a kind of corrupt and barbarous Dutch The ayre is healthy and the land very fruitfull I imagine the Vniuersity therein not to haue been of any long continuance because I doe not remember that I euer haue reade or heardany mention made of the same in any antique author it seemeth therefore to haue bin erected lately since the comming thether of the Iesuites for whome there was builded a magnificent and sumptuous Colledge at the Popes charges for the resorming of Lutheranisme in those territories generally professed The Monastery of the prouince like as we saide of Bohemia were all by Zusca defaced and ruinated THE VNIVERSITIES of Spaine Toledo CArpetana regio now called the kingdome of Toledo lyeth in the hearte and center of Spaine the Metropolis where of is Toledo froÌ„ whence the whole kingdom hath taken his name This Cittie is situated on the banke of the riuer Tagus now known by the name of Tay. It was recouered from the Saracens in the yeare of our Lord 1216. by Ferdinand the third who caused them to fiie to Granada and Malaga where they remayned vntill the yeare 1480. aboute which time Ferdinande king of Spaine grandfather to Charles the fift by the mothers side beganne to make fierce and cruell warres vppon them by the vertue of which valiant and renowned Prince their name was in Spaine vtterlie extinguished This is a citty beautified with many pallaces of rare and excellent architecture fenced about and munited with an hundred and fifty towers the concourse of people hether is exceeding great it hath continually within the walles many troupes of horsemen for defence a great parte of the Nobility of Spaine for pleasure and an infinite multitude of Marchantes as well forraine as inhabitantes for traffique and commoditie It is also enriched with great store of venerable and learned men and adorned with the profession of all attes and sciences aswell Mechanicall as liberall In this Cittie was the Vniuersity first erected by a certaine Bishoppe of the same Sea and was afterward confirmed by the priuiledges and praerogatiues of many Popes and kinges of Spaine The chiefe sciences therein professed are the Canon and ciuill law which are there taught with so exquisite diligence and learning that whosoeuer shall remaine but some few monethes among them if hee bee not altogether stupide and voide of capacity hee cannot chuse but returne much amended in knowledge and learning In this Vniuersity was S. Alphonsus a student of Diuinity who
as they say receiued a peculiar cope or holy vestment which in the celebration of Masse he was accustomed to weare from the handes of our blessed Ladie because hee had with great learning defended her perpetuall virginitie against the Heluedian Heretiques which did oppugne the same The Archbishoppe of this Cittie is Chancelor of Castile the Metropolitane and chief of al the ecclesiasticall persons in Spaine the reuenewes of this church amounteth to the summe of 200000. Duckats whereof the Archbishop receyueth 80000. Siuille ANdolusia is that parte of Spaine which lyeth betweene Portugale and the streytes of Gibralter it is in latine called Wandolicia from the Wandales which long time possessed that countrie It was in former ages called Baetica from the riuer Betis which to the Spaniardes at this day is knowne by the name of Guadalquiuer neare to the side of this riuer is situated that famous and renowned cittie Siuille vnto the which for neatenesse and magnificence of aedifices both diuines and prophanes for profession and exercises of the liberall sciences for infinite aboundance of wealth and coÌ„modiousnes of liuing no one citty that euer I haue heard or read of scarse Rome herself flourishing in the height of her glory may worthily bee paragonde it excelleth all other citties of Spaine in fertility of the soyle which bringeth forth all kindes of grayne and Oliues in great aboundance and is enuironed and hedged about with trees greene and fruitfull In this Cittie are alwayes maintayned 30000. Genettes for seruice of the king The riuer Guadalquiuer running thorough the same deuideth it into two partes that part which lyeth on the west side thereof is called Triana which is a suburbe contayning three thousand Cittizens and is ioyned to the maine Cittie with a fayre goodly bridge on this side standeth a castell of greate strength and Maiesty This Cittie contayneth 24000. Citizens euery one hauing his priuate peculiar house which are al diuided into eight tribes whereof the first and chiefest is S. Maries tribe wherein is a church of so rare and admirable workemanship and such venerable Maiesty that our christian world can hardly shew the like This church hath a tower erected in forme of a Pyramis of most incredible height with much laborious arte and industry from whence all the coast and country adioyning may easily bee seene Out of this citty the king receyueth yearely by way of custome 500000. crownes A prouinciall councell was held in this citty in the yeare of our Lord 584. in the time of Mauritius the Emperour and Pope Pelagius the second An other councell was here assembled vnder Heraclius Pope Honorius the first in the yeare 636. The Archbishoppe of Siuill is in decree next vnto the Archbishop of Toledo and hath vnder him three Bishoppes suffragans that is to say the Bishoppe of Cales Malaga and the fortunate slandes he receyueth yearly out of the Church reuenewes 24000. Duckats The Vniuersity herein is of great antiquity hath sent forth into the world many learned and excellent men as Pope Siluester the second Auiccn a profounde Philosopher and most excellently learned Phisition and Leander who by their industry and wisedome reclamed Hermigilde and Richarde kinges of the Gothes from Arianisme to the catholike faith herein also flourished Isidorus a man much renowned for sincerity profoundnes in learning In this Vniuersity is a rich and most renowned library neare to the fryers predicants Valentia VAlentia is a Region of Spaine confined on the east side therof with the Mediterrane Sea on the North with Arragon on the South with Nurcia and on the West with Castile through this kingdome runneth a Riuer called by Salust Priscian Pomponius Mela other ancient writers Turia or Durias which since of the Moores which inhabited that country was called Guetalabiar neare to the mouth of which Riuer is situated that noble and famous citty Valentia the chief and principall Cittie of that kingdome a place of maruailous antiquity wherein are reserued euen vnto this day many auncient marbles with Roman inscriptions on them among the which there is one with this inscription Colonia Iulia Valentia wherby it most euidentlie appeareth that it hath in former ages been a Colony of the Romans Some there bee which affirme that this Citty was first called Roma vntill being by the Romans vanquished they called it by a worde in their owne language of the same signification Valentia In this Citty is an Vniuersity which in the yeare of grace 1470. did admirably flourish Herein Saint Dominicke the first founder of the Fryers praedicantes did absolue the courses of Philosophy and Theology Herein also did S. Vincent a Fryer of the same order in his youth study and in his elder yeares publikely teach Diuinity Wee read that in Valentia was assembled a generall councell in the yeare of saluation 466. The yearely Reuenewes of the Bishopricke in this cittie amount to 1â—000 Duckats In this countrie are made those porceline dishes which for pure temper of the mettall and exquisite artifice and workemanship so much desired in forrain nations The inhabitants of this kingdome retain yet a smacke or taste of the ancient Arabique tongue and some spices of the Mahumetane religion Granada THe kingdom of Granada is on the south side thereof limitted with the Mediterran sea it hath on the east side the kingdome of Murcia and on the West Andolusia in the middest of this kingdome standeth the Metropolis and chiefe and principal cittie thereof Granada from whence the realm hath deriued his name This Cittie and Countrie was possessed of the Moores and Saracins 800. yeares and were at last by the great and singular vertue of Ferdinand grandfather to Charles the fift together with their king Melis expulsed not onelie out of this kingdome but out of Spaine Since which time they neuer attempted any matter of great moment against the christians neyther durst they insinuate themselues into any one parte or corner of their dominions which wee haue spoken of before in the description of Toledo The greatest happinesse of this place consisteth in the fruitfulnesse and faecundity of the soile The houses of the cittie are builte all of free stone with curious and artificiall masonrie shewing great magnificence It is within replenished with many springes waters exceeding cold and most profitable for the coÌ„seruation of health without it is enuironed with a large statelie wall contayning in the circumference thereof twelue gates and a hundred and thirty turrets or towers By the great bounty and liberality of the king of Spaine in this Cittie was founded and erected a most sumptuous and magnificent Colledge to the vse of the Iesuites who are authorized therein to professe Philosophy Diuinity and the other triuiall and inferior studies In this place had that mirror of Christendome Lewes of Granada whome all men haue admired but no one euer could imitate
from the continent of Castile Valentia with the riuer Ebro In this kingdome are to be seene many faire and well fortified citties among the which is Larida a beautifull towne situated on Cinga a small riuer which keeping his course through this realme disburdeneth himselfe into the Ebra In this cittie flourisheth an Academie of maruellous antiquitie wherein Pope Calixtus the third before hee obtained the Papacie proceeded Doctor of either law who afterward became a publike professor of the ciuill law in the same place Also S. Vincent a Dominican Frier which for his religious and holy life was after his death canonized for a Saint was there made Doctor of Diuinitie We reade of a prouincial counsell of eight Bishops assembled in this citie vnder Anastatius the Emperour Pope Gelasius the first in the yeare of our Lord 494. Huesca OSca or Isca called in the vulgar tongue Huesca is an other goodly cittie of Arragon containing an vniuersitie of most admirable antiquitie which is said to haue beene erected before the comming of Christ as a Nurserie for the institution of noble mens children Lisbone THat part of the continent which coasteth along the Westerne shore betweene the Iles of Bayone and the Promontorie or Cape of Saint Vincent is knowne to vs by the name of Portugall numbred amongst the most wealthie and opulent kingdomes of Europe Through the middest of this region passeth the riuer Tagus or Tayo neere vnto the mouth whereof is seated Lisbone the most faire and flourishing emporie of Portingall the Metropolis of the kingdome the most beautifull and best adorned cittie in the West We reade that Henry Earle of Lorraine a man renowned in feates of armes had in guerdon of many conquestes by him atchieued against the Moores giuen him to wife Tyresia daughter of Alphonsus the 6. king of Castile vnto whome was assigned for her dowrie all that part of Gallicia which now is subiect to the crowne of Portingal Of these princes was borne Alphonsus who first named himselfe king of Portingall This young king nothing degenerating from the vertue of his auncestors ceased not to vexe and wearie out the Moores with continuall warres so that he vanquished and subdued siue kinges of them in memorie whereof the Kings of Portingall beare in their coate of armes euen vntill this day fiue shieldes Azure in field argent He also recouered from them Lisbone and restored it to libertie about the yeare 1110. Since that time what with the fauor munificency of their kinges who haue for the most parte therein continually kept their courts what by the incredible accesse of marchants thither from all nations of the world This cittie is growen to that height of glorie maiestie that she easily surmounteth all other citties whatsoeuer contained in this westerne world A most renowned vniuersitie was by the bountie of their kinges in this citie erected where euen vntill this day the liberall sciences are professed with great sinceritie and profoundnes to the incredible benefite of Christendome There are in this cittie 26. parishes and 20000. mansion houses In the yeare 1531. the 7. Kalendes of Februarie there was a most strange and admirable earthquake throughout all places in Portingall whereby were cast downe to the ground 1050. houses and sixe hundred were there withall so rent and shaken that their fall and ruine dayly was expected This earthquake continued the space of eight dayes causing the ground to shake and tremble at least three or foure times a day in such sort that the inhabitantes were therewith so affrighted and terrified that they were glad to forsake their houses and lie on tops of mountaines in the open aire Coimbra COimbra is also a most pleasant and goodly cittie in Portingall seated neere vnto the riuer Mondego An vniuersitie was therein founded in these latter daies by Iohn the seconde King of Portingall Iacobus Payua Andradius in the Preface of his booke entituled Liber orthodoxarum explicationum writeth of this vniuersitie in this manner Coimbricensis Academia est loci natura amaenissima omni literarum genere clarissima est inqua ipse ab eunte aetate literarum studijâ— incubui non insoeliciter Euora EVora is an ather Cittie of Portugall not to bee contemned it is illustrated with the dignity of a Bishops Sea An Vniuersity was herein lately erected by Henry Cardinal of Portugall a Prelate of worthy memory who was Bishop of that place he was a man endued with aboundant wealth exceedingly affected tothe Muses Maiorica THe Isles of Maiorica and Minorica adioyning so neare to the continent of Spaine that one may with great facility saile from the one to the other in foure or at the most in fiue howers and also being parcelles of the kings dominion I thought it not amisse to annexe this cittie to the other Vniuersities of Spaine Maiorica is the greatest Islande of the two and hath lying on the East side thereof a goodly cittie which is the Metropolis of both Islandes and hath neare adioyning vnto it an ample and most commodious porte The inhabitantes hereof are constrayned to endure many iniurious outrages and most misetable calamities at the handes of the Moores and Saracens their opposite neighbours on the coast of Africa who oftentimes making incursions into this Isle do in an euening fire many of their houses standing neare to the sea and carry away the owners thereof as prisoners to bee for money of their friendes and the kindred redeemed for whose ransome there are continually on all sondayes and holydayes publike collections in their churches The land of these Ilands neare vnto the sea is sweet pleasant and fertile but vp further within â—is sterill ful of craggy rockes vnpleasant and vnprofitable In this Cittie is an antient priuiledged and authorised Vniuersitie where the artes Vniuersall are publikely with great learning professed Among the students of this Academy the memory of Raimundus Lullius is with great admiratioÌ„ retayned because he receyued therein his birth and education insomuch that euen vntill this present time a learned man is there with liberall exhibition entertayned to maintain and teach the doctrine in times passed by Lullius professed I would that the learned Reader should vnderstaÌ„d that although the Spanish Academies are by me briefly runne ouer yet are there not more goodly more opulent nor more in all kindes of learning flourishing Vniuersities in any region of Europe which I am constrayned to setdowne without any exact descriptioÌ„ of them because I neuer could find though I haue therefore made great search and enquiry any author which discourseth of that subiect THE VNIVERSITIES of England Oxford Oxsorde is a fayre and beautifull citty whose situation is in a playne Champion neare to the side of the Thames being enuironed with many pleasing groues wooddy mountains from whence as some writers affirme it was in times passed named Bellositum concerning the Etymologye of the name thereof there