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
Wainsflet Bishop of Winchester builded Magdalen Colledge hee builded also a great parte of Eaton Colledge before begunne by king Henry the sixt William Smith Bishop of Lincolne during the raigne of king Henry the seauenth layed the foundation of Brasen nose in the yeare 1513. the which hath beene lately by that reuerende olde man Alexander Nowel Deane of S. Paules Church in London much helped increased During the raigne of the saide king Henry the seauenth Richarde Foxe Bishop of Winchester founded Corpus Christi Colledge himselfe hauing before beene a fellow of Pembrooke hall in Cambridge the which colledge of his in the yeare 1516. hee endowed with forty pound eight shillinges two pence yearely rent for euer In the time of king Henry the eight Thomas Wolsey Cardinall of Rome Archbishoppe of Yorke and Lorde high Chancelor of England beganne in sumptuous manner to lay the foundation of a most ample and spatious Colledge but falling into the kinges heauie displeasure before the same could bee brought to perfection the king after his decease enriched the same with many goodly reuenewes annexing thereunto Canterburie colledge which had beene before erected in the time of Edward the 3. by Simon Islep Archbishop of Canterburie This worthy King of famous memory the more to grace adorne the citie erected therein a Bishops sea and out of his treasurie appointed yearely to be paid certaine annuities for the perpetuall maintenance of publique readers in each seuerall schoole In the raigne of Queene Mary Sir Thomas Pope reedified Duresme Colledge which was in former ages erected by Thomas of Hatfield Bishop of Duresme and now by continuance of time exceedingly decayed by which knight the name therof being altered it is now called Trinitie Colledge Not long since Hugh Prise Doctor of the ciuill law hath founded a new colledge which in honour of our Sauiour is knowne by the name of Iesu colledge Many other rare and excellent ornamentes there are wherewith this famous and farre renowned Academie exceedingly is beautified as churches libraries publique schooles and many sumptuous priuate edifices the which to auoid prolixitie I will omit imagining that such triuiall things must of necessitie bee famialiarly knowne to euery learned reader wherefore with this assertion I will finally conclude that more pietie in religion more profoundnesse in learning more strictnes in discipline more integritie in life is not to be found in any one vniuersitie in whatsoeuer part or region of the world Cambridge COncerning the first originall and foundation of the cittie and vniuersitie of Cambridge among the learned searchers of antique lustories two seuerall and discrepant opinions strongly are maintained Iohn Caius in his booke of the antiquity of Cambridge with many arguments laboureth to proue the foundation thereof to haue beene laide and the name deriued from one Cantabar a Prince of Spaine brother to Partholinus King of Ireland and sonne in law to Gurguntius king of Britaine in the yeare 4317. after the worlds first creation which was 539. yeares before our Sauiours natiuitie For proofe of which opinion hee alleadgeth the authoritie of Iohn Lidgat Monke of Berriâ— and scholler to that famous Poet and onely Homer of our English nation Geffrey Chaucer whose verses in old English as I found them written I haue here vnderneath set downe By true record of the Doctor Bede That sometime wrote so mickle with his hand And specially remembring as I reade In his Chronicles made of England Among other things as we shall vnderstand Whom for mine author I dare alleadge Sith the translation and building of Cambridge With him according Aâ—fred the chronicler Seriously who list his bookes for to see Made in the time when he was Thresurer Of Beuerley an old famous cittie Affirme and saine the vniuersitie Of Cambridge and studie first began By their writing as I report can He rehearsing first for commendation By their writing how that old cittie Was strongly walled with towers many one Built and finished with great libertie Notable and famous of great authoritie As their authors according saine the same Of Cantabar taking first his name Like as I find report I can none other This Cantaber time of his liuing To Partholine he was Germane brother Duke in those daies in Ireland a great king Chiefe and principall cause of that building The wall about and towers as they stood Was set and built vpon a large floud Named Cantebro a large broad riuer And after Cante called Cantebro This famous citie this write the Chronicler Was called Cambridge rehearsing eke also In their booke these authors both two Touching the date as I rehearse can Fro thilke time that the world began Foure thousand complete by account cleare And three hundred by computation Ioyned thereto eight and fortie yeare When Cantebro gaue the foundation Of this Cittie and this famous towne And of this noble vniuersitie Set on this riuer which is called Cante And fro the great transmigration Of Kings reckoned in the Bible old Fro Ierusalem to Babilon Two hundred winter thirtie yeares told Thus to write mine author maketh me bold Then Cantebro as it well knoweth At Athens schooled in his youth All wits greatly did apply To haue acquaintance by great affection With folke expert in Philosophie From Athens he brought with him downe Philosophers most soueraigne of renowne Vnto Cambridge plainely this is the cause Anaximander and Anaxagoras With many other mine authors doth fare To Cambridge fast can him speed With Philosophers and let for no cost spare In the schooles to studie and to reede Of whose teaching great profit that gan spread And great increase rose of his doctine Thus of Cambridge the name gan first shine As chiefe schoole and Vniuersitie Vnto this time fro the day it began By cleare report in many a far countrey Vnto the raigne of Cassibelan A worthy prince and full knightly man As saine chronicles who with mighty hand Let Iulius Caesar to arriue in this land Fiue hundreth yeare ful thirty yere twenty Fro Babilons transmigration That Cassibelan raigned in Britaine Which by his notable royall discreation To encrease that studie of great affection I meane of Cambridge the Vniuersitie Franchised with many a libertie By meane of his royall fauor From countries about many a one Diuers schollers by diligent labour Made their resort of great affection To that studie great plentie there came downe To gather fruites of wisedome and science And sundrie flowers of sugred eloquence And as it is put eke in memorie How Iulius Caesar entring this region One Cassibelan after his victorie Tooke with him Clearkes of famous renowne FroÌ„ Cambridge led them â—â— Rome towne Thus by processe remembred heretoforne Cambridge was founded long ere Christ was borne Fiue hundred yere thirty eke nine In this matter ye get no more of me Rehearse I will no more at this time These remembrances haue great authority To be preferd of long antiquitie
the Iesuites which with great labour industry and diligence doe there professe the Arts. The manners of the inhabitantes are for the most parte sower and seuere their complexion inclining to Melancholy whereof Ausonius writeth among many other thinges in commendation of the Treuiri in this manner Quin etiam moreâ— laetum fronte seuera Ingenium natura suis concessit alumnis The ayre hereabout is commonly cloudy and often subiect to rayne wherefore the city in derision is vsually called Cloaca Planetarum Heidelberge HEidelberge is the metropolis of the Phaltes or Palatinacy of Rheine wherein the Phalsgraues or Countes Palatines continually holde their courtes and residence Some are of opinion that this cittie receiued his name from the colony of the Gentiles which in the German tongue are called Heyden Others there are which affirme that it should be written EÃ elberge that is to say a noble hill from the situation thereof which is on the side of a pleasant mountain from whence the Neccar springing descendeth into the playn and champion countries the land therabout is exceeding fruitfull and bringeth forth great store and plenty of wine oyle corne chestnuts and such like fruites This city together with the whole country adioyning is gouerned by the Rheingraues or Countes Palatines of Rheine who by succession doe hold the first chiefest place among the secular Electors of the Empire The first of the Palatines that aspired to that dignity was Sifridus who liued in the raigne of Otho the third this Emperour being well striken in yeares and hauing no issue to inherite the Emperiall Diademe after his decease desiring before his death to establish the Empire which he foresaw wold after his departure by the ambition of many competitors be much molested and endamaged by Ambassadors made earnest suite vnto the Pope that certaine princes might be ordayned constituted which should haue full power and absolute authority to elect the Roman Emperour vnto which his so lawfull and reasonable request the Pope condescending there were nominated 7. princes 3. spirituall that is to say the Archbishops of Ments Colen Trier and 4. temporall the king of Bohemia the Phaltsgraue of Rheine the Marquesse of Brandeburge the Duke of â—axony Sifridus therefore the Palatine being chosen amongst the rest liued not long after but deceased before he could make any benefite of his new authority In his place succeeded Henry his son by whose meanes Henry after called the holy the husband of his sister S. Kunegundis was chosen Emperour in the yeare of our Lord 1003. Rupertus the 10. Palatine of Rheine after the separation of the Dukedome of Bauaria from the Palatinacie receyuing the administration of the gouernment from his brother Adolphus a man of too small iudgement and weake vnderstanding to direct the helme of so great a charge erected in this citie an Vniuersity which in succession of time grew to be reckoned among the most worthy and famous Nurseries of the arts At the same time also that is to say in the year 1346. was by the same Earle founded a Church and Colledge of priestes in the newe towne wherein he lyeth buried The Abbot of Spanheyme discoursing of ecclesiasticall writers maketh mention of one Marsilius de Ingen whome some imagine to haue beene an Englishman as the first planter of this Academy Pope Vrban the sixt confirmed the same with the priueledges prerogatiues of Parise Many learned men hath this Academy fostered in our age sent into the world as Iohannes Dalburgius Rudolphus Agricola Iohannes Virdungus with many others which left behinde them sondrie monumentes of their greate wisedome and learning Also in this Vniuersity did that iudustrious and excellently learned scholler Sebastian Munster publikely professe the Hebrew tongue Tubinge TVbinge is a small citty in the Dukedome of Wirtenberge situated on the higher side of the Necchar and was in times past the principall seate and habitation of the Countes Palatines of Tubinge which now for the most parte reside in Leichtenecke a strong and goodly castell in Brisgewe not farre from Kentzigen In the yeare 1477. at the instance and most earnest entreaty of Eberhard the elder Earle of Wirtenberge and Mompelgard and his mother Mechâ—ildis the Pope licensed and authorized in this citty a generall profession of the liberall arts which Academy yet maintayneth well his place and dignity among the most learned and florishing Vniuersities of Germany Many excellent learned schollers haue issued from this Vniuersitie among the which most worthily may bee numbred Iohn Stoflerus a sage and profound Mathematician who did write a learned Treatise of Astronomy This cittie as I saide bordereth on the Necchar and lyeth in the middest of a most pleasant and fertile soyle which yeeldeth vnto the inhabitants wine corn and other necessarie prouisions in great plenty and aboundance The towne being before the erection of the Vniuersity therein in great want and pouerty and the houses meanely builded without eyther cost or curiousnes is now growne to that wealth and opulencie that for artificiall and well proportioned aedifices it may and not vnworthily be compared to the proudest cittie of the Germans It contayneth a magnificent most sumptuous Castell standing on the toppe of a mountayne strongly sortified beyond all credite and comparison Ingolestate INgolestate is a strong citty in the Dukedome of Bauaria lying neare vnto the Danon the greatest swiftest and most famous riuer of Christendome which passing with a violent current through Germany Hungary and Moldauia finally disgorgeth it selfe into the Euxine sea This cittie earst belonged to the Monastery of Altach and was by free gift deliuered vnto Lewes the last king of Bauaria since whose time it hath alwaies beene gouerned by his successors the Dukes of Bauaria and by little and little hath beene by them so mightily encreased that within those fifty yeares last passed what with the magnificence of the Dukes and priuiledges of the Popes it is become the most excellent and renowned Vniuersity of the vpper partes of Germany The Vniuersity was first instituted by Lewes the D. in the yeare of saluation 1471. and is at this day fauoured defended and mightily enriched by Aâ—bertus the moderne Duke thereof who hath builte therein not onely a peculiar colledge for the publique profession of Diuinity but also a fayre and goodly schoole for the education of youth wherein the Iesuites professe Rhetorique Philosophy and the Liberall Artes. Pope Pius the second adorned the same with many priuiledges and prerogatiues Straâ—o writeth that Bauaria is a region sterill desert and vnfruitfull which perchance in his time was so for want of being well inhabited assuredly at this day it is one of the most happie and plentifullest prouinces of Germany whence it commeth to passe that the studentes of Ingolestate are better accommodated and do liue with lesse expence then they well coulde in any other place of Christendome that
disputations of religion there handled by Martin Luther and his adherentes the Doctors thereof are at this day the greatest propugnators of the confession of Ausburge and retaine in vse the meere Lutherane religion Many worthy writers haue in this learned seminary of the artes receiued their education as Hennigus Schurfius Clingius and Oldendorpius famous professors of the ciuill law and in our latter age Martin Luther and Phillip Melancthon there haue florished Frankford vpon Oder THere are in Germany two Frankfords both cities of great fame and worth the one lyeth in Franconia vpon the Meine well knowne to all Marchants trauellers by reason of two rich and famous Marts yearely held therein The other is situated neere to the Oder a goodly riuer passing through the Marke or dominion of the Marquesse of Brandeburge one of the seuen Electors This is that Franckford which I now intend to speake of This citie as some thinke was built and named by the Franckes about the yeare 146. at which time wee reade a nation so named to haue inhabited neere vnto the Rheine But in their owne Chronicles we find that this citie was first founded extructed by Gedinus of Hertzberge in the yeare 1253. by the commission licence of Iohn the first of that name Marquesse of Brandeburge as a storehouse for such marchandise as should be brought thither as well ouer land as vp the riuer Ioachime Marques of Brandeburge to his euerlasting praise first founded in this place an Vniuersitie in the yeare of grace 1506. and bountifully prouided for the maintenance thereof enduing the same with large reuenewes and rich possessions it was afterwarde authorised by Pope Alexander the 6. and by Pope Iulius the 2. and Maximilian the first of that name Emperour enfranchised with many priuiledges The first Chancelor thereof is said to haue beene Theodorus de Bulan the first Rector Conrade Wippina a learned Diuine and subtill Philosopher the first Deane of Artes therein created was Iohn Lindholtz In the yeare 1344. Rudolph Duke of Saxony the Bishop of Magdeburge Barnaim Duke of Pomerland and the Duke of Anhalt conspiring in armes against Lewes created Marquesse of Brandoburge by the Emperour Lewes of Bauaria his father besieged Franckford but the citizens doing homage vnto Lewes quickly caused them to dislodge and withdraw their forces The Hussites also attempting the siege therof in the yeare 1432. were in like sort repulsed so strongly fortified is their Cittie In this Citie the three tongues are with great and profound learning professed also the Ciuill law Phisicke the Mathematiques are there publikely taught with much wisedome and excellencie Rostoche ROstoche is a maritine Citie bordering on Saxonie populous and opulent the aire thereabout is pure and healthie and the land fertile from whence arise great cheapnesse and plentie of victuailes In the yeare of Christes natiuitie 1415. the Princes of Meckleburge and the citizens of Rostoche obtained licence to erect in this Citie an vniuersitie wherein the artes in generall haue euer since beene learnedly professed they are in religion partly Lutheranes partly Caluinistes Gripswalde GRipswalde is a towne in the Dukedome of Wolgaste subiected to the D. of Pomerland which by long ciuil discord impouerished is now grown obscure About the yere of our Lord 1456 liued herein a certaine learned Doctor of the Lawes which being Proconsul or Burgomaster of the towne obtained for the same many goodly priuiledges and licence to erect an Vniuersitie which being by him onely begun was perfited and enlarged by the great care and diligence of Phillip Duke of Pomerland in the yeare 1547. Friburge FRiburge is a noble and conspicuous citie at this day the Metropolis of Brisgew which Prouince belongeth to the Earles of Furstenberge It was first a little village in the yeare 1120. was walled about by Bertholdus Duke of Zeringe as by those olde rithmes appeareth Anno milleno centeno bis quoque deno Friburge fundatur Bertholdus dux dominatur There was in times past not aboue a mile distant from this towne a mine of siluer whereby the citizens were so greatly enriched that they began to adorne beautifie their citie with temples monasteries sundrie other edifices built in most pompous and magnificent manner Amongst the rest at that time was erected that costly curious Pyramis or Tower of stone vpon our Ladies Church the like whereof is not in Germany to be seene the steeple of Strasburge excepted which by the Gentiles was numbred among the miracles of the world Then did the citizens through the affluence of their wealth take vppon them the degree of nobilitie and the noble men gentlemen of the countrey sued to bee made free of that incorporation insomuch that they ordinarily had 12. knights sitting in their Senate house At that time was the Citie able to produce into the field of their owne cittizens 30000. armed men There remaine yet therein 14. religious houses besides a Temple of Croitzhiers or Knights of the crosse and an other belonging to the knightes of the Dutch order In the yeare of our Sauiour 1250. or as some write 1460. Albert Duke of Austria founded in this Citie an Academy and liberally endued the same with large reuenewes and possessions In the yeare 1467. this vniuersitie receiued many statutes and ordinances from Vienna in Austria from whence also came many great learned clerkes here publikely to professe Theologie the Lawes Ciuill Canon the other Artes. And at length the Emperour Fredericke in the yeare 1472. much augmented and encreased the same the chiefest colledge herein is that which is called â—omus sapientiae In this place is great plentie of the stones called Chalcedonij whereof they vsually make beads which being halfe blacke halfe white when they are polished resemble Ieat and Iuory glewed together They are digged out of the ground at Westrich in Lorrayne and are in this citie cut and garnished There runne through Friburge many little brooks the channels whereof are diuided into euerie streete which purge the citie of all noysomnesse and are in the winter time when all the riuers without the citie are congealed neuer frosen Neere vnto the walles hereof is a riuer replenished with sundrie kinds of fishes called Triese which springeth out of the same mountaine from whence the Danow ariseth The Danow carrying his current with great celerity toward the East and the Triese softly sliding to the West Martpurge MArtpurge is the Metropolis of Hessen vnder the Laudsgraue his dominion is situate in the middest thereof on the banke of Lon a small riuer falling into the Rheine Some are of opinion that it was so called from Mars the God of warre among the heathen Others think it receiued his name from Marcomire Prince of the Franckes An vniuersitie was in this citie instituted about the yeare 1526. which was afterward repayred and reinstituted by Philip the Landgraue in the yeare 1536. It
Moone whereupon the Turke diuerted his ordinance from thence the Citizens kept their word In this Citty are yet to be seene the ancient ruines of a goodly Basilique erected by Charles the great in honour of S. Peter Henry the first Duke of Austria founded herein an Abby to the vse of the Scottes Richard the first surnamed Ceur de Lyon king of England being by Lupoldus Duke of Austria taken prisoner about the yeare 1192. in a small village neere to Vienna called Erdpurge as he returned from the holy land was enforced by the sayde Duke if their owne Chronicles be true to enuiron this cittie with a new wall which included the former About that time also was therin an Empory for marchāts constituted wherby the citizens increasing dayly in wealth obtayned of the Emperour Fredericke the 2. liberty and were adorned with the emperiall Armes and numbred among the free towns of the Empire THE VNIVERSITIES of the Low Countries Louaine LOuaine one of the fower townes of the Marquisate of the sacred Empire is the principall and mother of all the townes in Brabant and maketh the first member of the third estate of that Prouince It is builded in figure round contayning fower miles compas within the walles and sixe in circumference without among many other beautifull and sumptuous aedifices therein the church of S. Peter and the publike pallace are wrought with greatest magnificence and most curious arte It was called Louaine as some say from the Dutch word Louen which signifyeth to praise or honor because the Idoll Mars was there helde in time of Paganisme in great honor and estimation This towne is situated neare to the riuer Dele the houses and streetes thereof are not closely compacted together but wide open and scatteringly builte by which meanes there are within the same many fayre gardens valleis mountaines medowes springes and vines the land about this towne is pleasant and fruitefull and the ayre temperate for which cause our auncesters not without great iudgement and discretion chose out this place as most fitte for the habitation of the Muses We finde written in the Chronicles of Colen that Iohn Duke of Brabant obtayned of Pope Martin the fift the approbation of an Vniuersitie in this Cittie that letters and good discipline beganne there publikely to be taught about the yeare 1426. Afterwards Pope Eugenius the 6 licensed therein the profession of Theologie This Academy in processe of time by the bounty and magnificence of Popes Emperours Kinges Cardinals and Bishops whereof some graunted thereto ample priueledges and prerogatiues some erected therein stately and magnificent Colledges others bequethed to the same for the vse of the students goodly landes and legacies is now growne to that higth of glory and celebrity that it worthily hath vsurped the name of a most flourishing Academy and renowned Empery of learning Iohannes Goropius affirmeth that no Vniuersity of Italy France or Germany may with this bee compared for pleasant ayre and delectable walkes And that although Salamanca in Spaine farre excelleth all other Christian Academies in magnificent and sumptuously builded Colledges yet it is farre inferior to Loucine for the delightsome and beautifull situation thereof Pope Adrian the 6. erected in Louaine whereof himselfe had beene Rector and Chancelor a goodly colledge for studentes and professors of Diuinity Charles the fift Emperour of Germany and Philip the second king of Spaine did extend the vttermost of their endeuors to encrease amplifie and a dorne this royall Vniuersity In it are for the vse of the studentes 20 Colledges the principall whereof are fiue Lilium Castrum Porcus Falco Trilingue This Cittie is the first that receiueth and giueth oath to the Prince It was sometimes an Eatledome but in the yeare 1247. Henry the second of that name Earle of Louaine deceasing Henry his successor vsurped the title of Duke of Brabant Douay DOuay is a good and strong town in Flanders Gallicant one mile distant from Cambray It was founded as some write by one Arcanalkus in the yeare of our Lorde 500. it is now a Chasteleny hauing iurisdiction ouer a good country and a great number of villages it is accommodated with many fountaines and adorned with many fayre sumptuous aedifices the manner and forme of building therein is an inuincible argument of the great antiquitie thereof In this Cittie not long since was erected a famous Vniuersitie by Philip late king of Spaine and authorised with the priuiledges of Louaine where Theologie Philosophy and the inferior artes are learnedly professed At Douay is a staple of corne brought thether out of sondry regions wherof as also of diuerse other marchandizes in this cittie is great traffique Leige LEige is a citty fayre and large comprehending within the walles thereof many hils vallies riuers and vine groundes which Philip de Comines Lorde of Argenton accounteth to containe in circuite foure Italian miles and maketh it in circumference equall with Rouen It is situated on the side of the riuer Mouse which entreth into it with 2 branches and maketh therein many pleasant Isles all which are frequented and enhabited Many other little riuers passing through this towne doe clense the streetes thereof namely the Leige from which riuer the cittie is thought to haue receiued her name Also three litle brookes Vte Vese Ambluar all three replenished with exceeding store of excelēt fish especialy Vte wherin are taken certaine delicate fishes named by the inhabitants Vtins these people speake a kinde of barbarous French and are of the Frenchmen called Ligeois of the Germans Lutticherne and Luicknarren Leige is a cittie imperiall but their tenure is onely to furnish the Emperour with some few men at armes in his wars against the Turke The Bishop thereof is Lord spirituall both of the towne and countrie but the people haue so large priueledges that they liue almost in perfect liberty and freedome Their appeales spirituall go to Collen The Archbishop thereof is their Primate and from thence to Rome Their temporall appeales goe to the Emperiall chamber at Spire In this Citie flourished in times passed a most famous and renowned Academie wherein as Hubert Thomas writeth were studentes at one time the children of 9. kings 24. Dukes 29. Earles besides the sons of many Barons and gentlemen This worthy vniuersitie by the iniurie of time often subuersion of the citie it is at this day decaied and almost vtterly extinguished onely some triuiall schooles for the institution of youth in the inferior studies are there remayning In this cittie are 8. collegiall Churches the Canons whereof are inestimable rich and held of the citizens in great reuerence and reputation especially the Canons of the Collegiall Church of S. Lambert the patron of the towne who are ioyned with the Bishop in gouernment of the state and haue so great libertie that they may at pleasure giue ouer their places and marrie before they haue taken the
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
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
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