Sea into which its disgorges its self Tweer is something greater than Torstock and is built on the side of a Hill from whence it has it's name Here is also the Place where the River of Torstock incorporates with the Wolga making a great and loud noise where the Floods are hurried in together This City like Torstock makes a greater Show abroad than it does within being neither well built nor at all fortified save only with a Wall of Wood and 2 or 3 Brass Cannon on the Land side Here we took out our Baggage and laid it again upon Sledges taking our way through the Woods where we were assail'd by two Russians a foot but upon what account I know not First they began to make a quarrel and so boldly offered to strike with their Axes saying that they were upon their own Ground and that we were a parcel of Rogues and Vagabonds c. To which some of our Company who could speak the Language prai'd them not to molest us as they tendred their Welfare and that we had no time to stand disputing and answering their impertinent Objections This not availing or perswading them to be quiet but rather made them worse for they came closer and closer to us which Capt. Butler observing fell a caning them whereupon they retired a litle as if they would go away but all on a sudden came running in upon us full drive with their Axes upon which three of our Company levelled their Musquets but the Captain forbad to fire and let the Mastive loose upon them The Mastive flies directly at one of them and had him so fast by the Throat that we had much ado to get him off the other seeing his Mate so hard put to it ran away as fast as he could but the Dog being loose flew after him and tore off his left ear and had we not done our indeavour to take him off had rent him all to pieces So soon as we had got rid of them we proceeded on our way and at night came to Gorodna where we staid till morning On the 24 ditto we went forward passing over 2 Rivers where we came to a Village called Sawidowa and at night came to Saulka Spaz which was our Stage Here we provided our selves again with fresh Horses but not without much difficulty for in the mean time we were very uncivilly treated by the Inhabitants whom we found mightily inclined to quarrel with us although without occasion On the 25 we took our leaves of Saulka Spaz going over a large plain and at night came to a village called Klien where for want of Moneys we were forced to stay till we had an Express from Moscou which came not before the 4 of December following at which time came also one of the Domesticks of the Heer van Sweden Kinsman to Captain Butler bringing the unwelcom news of his Masters Sickness whom the Physicians judged to be past recovery The Captain upon the opening of the Letter was sadly dejected and immediatly took Horse and rode post for Moscou leaving us Order the next day to follow with the Baggage In the mean time it began to snow hard insomuch that we were forced to tarry 6 days at Klien On the 11 we set forward having fair Weather which at our setting out seemed to be durable On this days Journey we met with Rivers which we were to pass over that hindred us not a litle by reason that the Floats were so litle not able to carry above 3 or 4 Horses at a time with Sledges and Wagons At night we arrived at Serkisowo where we took up our Night-lodging In the mean time it froze so hard that we were all benummed and fain to run after the Waggons to keep our selves Warm On the eleventh ditto we went through several thick Woods of Juniper where we saw abundance of Foxes playing together in the Sun About 3 in the afternoon we arrived at Nicholo Direverno from whence we could see the long-wish'd-for Moscou About Evening we entred the Suburbs where by one of our own Nation we understood that the Heer van Sweden was deceased and that the Ship was fit for Lanching On the 12 th we had order to come into the City and had Appartments provided us near the House of the Heer van Sweden Our Landlady had so little satisfaction in the Guests that were appointed to have quarters with her that she addressed herself to Court to desire that we might be brought some where else but instead of obtaining her Request was sent home with a hundred strokes on the Ribs for her pains When she came in she ran into a back-room where was the Image of St. Nicholas painted upon a Plank and falling down prostrate before it shed a shower of Tears However she was forced to content her self for 14 days longer during which time we made good chear and spared not for Fewel in the Stoves And albeit the Woman was so dissatisfied at our being there yet her Husband could have wish'd us there the whole year round for our Brandy and Tabacco sake On the 27 we had order to go into the House of the late deceased Gentleman even now remembred which was a very commodious House and provided with a great Stove which was by reason of the bitter Weather very welcome to us the more because the said House was well furnished with Wood and other fewel for the Winter We stayd here three weeks during which time there was care taken for what we had need of when that time was expired we received sudden Orders forthwith to depart for our wharf at Astrachan On the 19 of Ianuary we brought our Baggage aboard a small Ship that lay about 3 Miles without Moscou At this Place was the Court of the Emperours Sister being a fair Palace but of Wood built after a quaint and artificial manner Here was also the Emperours Bear-Garden being accidentally when we were there a great Concourse of Gentry from Moscou and other places to see the Pastime and the Evening before came the Emperour with the whole Court and Retinue The Theatre was only environed with Stakes and Pales that the People might also see that were without Before they began were brought out about 200 Wolves and Bears and almost twice the number of Dogs all which were drawn in their Kennels set upon Sledges The Emperour and the prime of his Nobles sate in a Gallery made on purpose in a very convenient place to see on every side So soon as the Emperour was set a sign was given upon which a litle Wolf and an old Bear were turned out loose together that after they had encountered about half a quarter of an Hour were parted which notwithstanding their being in the heat of the Fight were easily brought asunder and led to their Kennel The Wolves were afterwards engaged with Dogs of which many lay dead upon the place and others so wounded that they were no
rent with Nails and Splinters having according to the report made by the Chirurgeon above Fifty Wounds and Holes in her Body yet notwithstanding all this was more grieved to hear of the loss of her Husband than sensible of her own calamity However considering the extreme cold season and her weak condition we covered her Warm with cloaths and Bedding The other Woman that was saved was the wife of a Privat Soldier who was great with child had driven Six and Thirty Hours upon a piece of the Hulk and to our great admiration was taken up alive It was certain that she could not have endured any longer being already stiff and benummed and us pale as a Corps So soon as she was brought aboard the Saint George and warmed was delivered of an Abortiv Child but her self revived being cherished by the help of other Women aboard that Ship Shortly after the Ship-wrack came all the Moveables and Goods ashoar Being now come aboard the Saint George and a litle refreshed we steer'd away for Candy where we arrived in safety but what by our unhappy lingring at Argentero and increase of Folk the Victualling grew very low upon which we desired the Governour to supply us with what we had occasion for but Answer was returned us That Candia was of it self but very meanly provided and that they were not in a capacity to assist us We then desired that we might have a Tartan to transport us to the Armade in order to admit our selves again into the service of the Common-wealth To this the Governour gave his assent and with a Ship and 15 men and some Ammonition dispatched us for the Armade On the 3 of May we set Sail from Candy but were put to our allowance at the rate of 2 lib. of Bread each man a day upon a Calculation of 10 days and so consequently 20 lib. the Voyage On the 8 ditto we came close under Mytilene and found that our Provision was already spent so that it was resolved by the major part of the Company that we should go ashoar and see out for something to supply our Wants although we knew that the Island was under the Jurisdiction of the Turkish Emperour However seeing there was as much Danger on the other hand we chused rather to adventure our selves on land than to starv aboard and accordingly 12 Hollanders and 15 Greeks stept ashoar and seeing a drove of Cattel we took 6 fat Kine which we led to the Boat and so got them hoys'd aboard one by one This fair beginning encouraged us to go further within land and about a mile from the Creek where the Tartan lay found a small village of about 10 or 12 Houses but â—ot any appearance of either man woman or child who we concluded had hid themselves for fear In the mean while finding no scarcity of Bread Meal Butter Cheese Honey Wine and Oil we pick'd and chus'd each what he had a mind to and having pack'd up more than we could carry we thought it a sin to leave any thing behind us we therefore went a litle out of the Village where we found about 20 Asses these we took and loaded with our Spoil and in our return to the Shallop espy'd a Castle which before we had not seen and thither we supposed that the Peasantry of that Hamlet were fled to secure themselves But in coming forwards we found that there was but one high way to the Boat from the Village and that close by the Castle for every man had fenc'd in his Ground with a high Flint-wall nevertheless coming past the Castle we met with no obstruction or annoyance in the World till being got about half-way I looked about and spied 200 Troopers following us as hard as they could drive whereupon I cried out Gentlemen Here comes a Command of Horse see what you have to do and resolve without much loss of time for if you do not behave your selves couragiously we are all dead men Be valorous and keep together let us be faithfull and if we must submit to death at this time let it be in a honourable manner The Turks in the mean while drew nearer and nearer and we loath to part with our Plunder made a faint-hearted fellow that was good for nothing else drive the Asses before whilest we drew up into a Body and put our selves into a Posture of defence Our men unanimously gave me for the time being the honour of a Chieftain in lieu of a better As for the Greeks they were greater Strangers to martial Discipline than we and ran confusedly up and down without any order When the Turks were just come upon us I gave charge that they should not fire all at once but by 5 at a time and that not till they had taken good aim and the Enemy within shot With that the Turkish Commander being a Moor advanced upon a stately Horse was bound to level his Carbine but to anticipate him I gave the Word to the first Rank who brought him down to the Ground and three more besides him This falling out luckily the second Rank gave fire and so following the third till we saw above 20 of the Enemies Party dead that gave us no small encouragement but on the contrary so disheartned the Enemy that they began to retreat for besides the great advantage we had of the High walls of Flint which served us for a Rampart our Arms were large Musquets and theirs but small Carbines which at that distance could not do much Execution When they were gone a good way back we climbed over the Wall marched along the high way with four in a Rank and kept our selves together The Turks seeing that faced about on a sudden clapt spurrs to their Horses and came driving upon us with a most horrid shouting thinking so to bring us out of our Ranks and to put us into a disorder which if they could have effected had served their turn But our men the second time faced about and levelled their Musquets till we had them at a due distance and so we fired for a good while together without either gaining or loosing ground till at last the Enemy seeing themselves considerably weakned by the loss of their Leaders were forced to retreat again till they were out of shot but so soon as we began again to march they followed us but in a very easy pace intending as we had colour to beleeve to surprize us at taking our â—es aboard but they seeing us too near the Boat were content to let us alone for that time for had they come we had four small brass Pieces in the Shallop which would have done more service than the Musquets So after this small Bickering we got our Spoil aboard with the loss of 2 dead and 3 wounded in the Conflict CHAP. III. The Authors Arrival at Sante Monte and at Troy The Galleys of Bay come with the Turkish Armade An English Ship ingaged with the Turks defends
a 3d of the currant value which was bought up of the Persian and Armenian Merchants I bought a Gold-chain of one of them which was almost a fathom long and in joynts like a Bracelet between each piece were precious stones the price I gave for it was not fully 7 pound sterl Shortly after their Arrival Captain Butler went to visit him taking 2 bottles of Brandy along with him which he thought might be an acceptable present since they had been so long at Sea and presented them to him and his Minion whom the Russians called Devils-whisker by a Nick-name When we came to his Tent and desired admittance he sent to know who we were Answer was returned him that we were Dutch and imployed in the service of the Czaar upon a Ship in the Caspian Sea He forthwith gave order to a Gentleman to conduct us into his Tent where himself and some of his Council sat and caused us to sit down took our present in good part and drank the Emperours health Another time we went through the Camp where we saw him going aboard a Yacht to divertise himself upon the Water with some of his Officers he had with him a Persian Princes which he had taken together with her Brother The Brother he presented to the Waywod of Astrachan but the Sister he kept for his Concubine Being now in the heighth of his Cups and full of Frolicks bragged of the many presents he had given and received since his being restored to the Emperours favour and on a sudden brake out into those Extravagant terms speaking to the Wolga VVell said he thou art a noble River and out of thee have I had so much Gold Silver and many things of Value Thou art the sole Father and Mother of Fortune and advancement but unthankfull man that I am I have never offered thee any thing well now I am resolved to manifest my gratitude With those words he took her into his Arms and threw her into the VVolga with all her rich Habit and Ornaments her attire was of rich Cloth of Gold richly set out with Pearls Diamonds and other precious Stones The Lady was of an angelical Countenance and amiable of a stately carriage of Body and withall excellently well qualified as to her Parts being of a singular wit and always pleasing in her demeanor towards him when he was in the heat of fury and yet at last became the instance of his Cruelty However there is no man so addicted to any one Vice but there are ever more some sparks of vertue His own outrages as to the sin of Adultery he would allow himself but would not indulge or dispence with it in others It happened that a certain Soldier of the Cosacks had been taken in the action with anothers wife this being made known to Stenko he caused them both to be instantly apprehended and the man to be thrown into the River with great stones made fast to his neck and heels but for the Adulteress he provided another punishment which was to erect a Pale on the Water side and tying her by the feet caused her to be so drag'd along the Earth and from the Tent to the Pale which was almost 2 English miles and there hoised up where she hung 48 Hours before she died and yet nevertheless the great torment of which she must needs be sensible all that time she never was heard to shriek or cry out Besides the many Robberies and great insolencies they had committed as well within Land as in Sea-Towns in Persia as at Nisabath Scabaran Mardore and Tackusi situated near the famous Hill Barmach from hence they went to Astrabath and Bachu which they surprized took in and plundered committing many barbarous actions in massacring of the Inhabitants and setting the Houses on fire Here they found a great Quantity of Wine which they divided among themselves and caroused so long till they were all besotted and drunk being about 6000 Men in all In the mean while the Persians had drawn down several Companies and all on a sudden fell on this Rout and made such a slaughter that the twelfth part or litle more were left alive and Stenko himself 5 times in danger of being taken The Remainder betook themselves to the Stroegs This so much weakened them that they were not in a capacity to do any considerable damage by land the more by reason the Persians watched their Coast with very great vigilancy as did also the Cosacks and Dagestan Tartars so that they were constrained for some time together to keep off at Sea and keep close to Pyracy where every one was well warned of them and consequently so cautious that they got but very litle Booty But finding that they could not long subsist they were forced to land at Satyry Boggere an Island of which before where they waited for what Providence would allott them CHAP. XIV Stenko returns back and is followed by many Russes but opposed by an Order from Psoforoski which Stenko disobeys He returns again with a greater Power The Waywode of Astrachan sends out a Fleet against him which shamefully yields The Officers murthered A great Perplexity at Astrachan Power and Aw of Stenko His cruelty and Pride His Legates are devoured of Dogs in Persia Kumuskinka surrendred by Treachery STenko Radzin whose implacable fury against some that had interposed themselves to incite the Emperour against him and to deprive him of his favour would not suffer him to remain still but their bodies being now somewhat asswaged which before were swollen with drinking of salt Water and their Vitals again revived with fresh Diet which were almost spent with long fasting during the time of their extravagancies they resolved to go for Don and to visit their respective homes Radzin gives them a short warning to prepare for a March and in order thereto gets all things in a readines himself Some discontented Russians seeing the Cosacks ready to depart they came and desired to list themselves under his Conduct to which he readily assented and by fair Promises drew abundance after him It happened sometime before he designed to leave the Town that meeting with about 20 or more Russians whom he could see by their countenance to be inclinable to follow him these he fell in discourse with and liberally distributed a Bag of Gold among them promising them that if they would follow him they should fare no worse than he This was encouragement enough for them who did not only list themselves but perswaded also many of their Friends to take the like Course and joyn their Fortunes amongst whom were divers that were in the Emperours Service The Governour of Astrachan coming to understand that several Persons in the service of the great Duke his Master had withdrawn and listed themselves among the Rebells he sent one Wederos a Captain of the Strelitzers to Radzin with Instructions to demaund the Russians and to will him to send them back upon pain of the
they were in boiling Cauldrons or in sweeting Tubs so that I have known many who not able to endure the Heat would jump into the Sea and remain there till the Heat of the day be over During the time of my abode there the Heer Padberg came as Envoyé from the Lord General to establish the Commerce and Trade of the Company on a better foot at Moschate but he had not made an end of that Affair when we left the Place On the Third of August we set sail and on the 22 got sight of the fast Land and Cape Comorine which is a fair Promontory on the Malabar Coast We directed our course thence for Ceylon and so for Batavia On the 28 we got the Straits of Sunda where we met several Javaners that came aboard us and bartered Fish Coconuts Piesang Ananasses and other Fruits for Iron Hoops The Day following we got the height of Toppers Angle and on the 30 came into the Road of Batavia On the first of September I went ashoar and so directly to the General and Council to return them my humble Thanks for their unspeakable Favour and Goodness in redeeming me from the wofull Estate of Slavery with promise of returning the Moneys disbursed upon my return home which in the year 1673 I faithfully performed On the 27 I went to list my self in the Companies service for Sail-maker for 18 gild per Moneth aboard the Ship called De Hollandtsche Tuyn On the 15 of October we received Order with 6 other Ships to cruse upon the English and French Ships before Bantham Mean while I longed so to see my Wife and Children that I had no more enjoyment my self so long as we made such delay wherefore I assumed 〈◊〉 boldness to send 2 Letters one to the Heer Spelman then Ordinâ— Council for the Indies and another to the Heer Pieteâ— van Hoorn huâ—bly begging that I might be dismissed my present service and be seâ— home which they were graciously pleased to assent to and gave ordâ— that I should imbarque my self aboard the Flyboat Nieuw poort â— return to Batavia and so to go aboard the Ship Europa wherewith set sail on the 4 of February 1673 in Company with the Ship Teâ—veer as Admiral The Alphen Vice-Admiral and Pynaker Rere Admiral besides the Ships Starmeer and Papenburg We directed our Course W. and by S. thrô the Straits of Sunda On the 5 we came before Bantham and found there the 7 Ships which were crusing before that place for the English and French On the 6 we found our selvs without the Straits of Sunda and seâ— our Course directly South-South-West till we came in the height of â— degr then altered and bore up W. S. W. till we came at 28 degr aâ— then set our course directly South till we came at 32 degr which is the height of C. de Bona Esperanza where on the 15 of April we arriveâ— in the Bay and found theresom Ships that were bound for the Indiâ— coming from Holland Here we first heard the doleful news that the French had already made themselvs Masters of 3 of the 7 Province that the 2 De Witts the Pensionary and Ruart of Putten were sadly massâ—cred in the Hague as also that his Royal Highness the Prince of Oraâ— was made Erf-Stadt-houder or Lord Deputy Haereditary CHAP. XXXVII Their Departure from the Cape of Good Hope The Ship Europa taken by thâ— English The English take the Island of St. Helena and 2 Dutch Ships more Thâ— Author warns the rest of the Ships Three Dutch Ships scape a scouring Arrival at Ascension Abundance of Tortoises on that Island A Descriptioâ— of the said Island It 's Vnfruitfullness and want of fresh water A Debate â—eâ— among the English to leav the Dutch upon the Island Departure from Ascension Arrival at Kingsale in Ireland Their Departure from thence Arrival at Briâ— and finally at Home WE tarried here till the 17 of May on which day we received an Order from the Governour to depart with the Ship Europâ— for the Island St. Helena which Island he had taken from the English about 14 Weeks before The rest of the Ships were to follow us in 7 or 8 days time and so to sail together for Holland Thus having a brisk Gale of wind we hoised sail and had aboard us one Captain Brâ—denbach who was to be Governour of St. Helena We set our course North-West and on the 21 of May being Whitsuntide came before Saint Helena but coming just in at the Bay we found we had got a wrong Sow by the Tail finding instead of our own 7 great English Men of War with a Fireship and 3 Merchant Men. The English finding us within Shot did so welcom us with their upper and lower Tires that we were presently quit of Hopes Ship and Goods They gave us Nutmegs enough but those were so cruel hard that we could not grate much less digest them with our wills In short they shot so hotly upon us that we had several Men on a sudden killed and many wounded We had aboard us about 50 Men and had not above 5 or 6 Guns that we could use Being thus in a great Strait and not knowing what to do having no leisure to consult it was resolved that we should board the Assistance an English Friggat of 48 Guns which followed us with the Fire-ship Hereupon our Captain gave order that the Hatches should be shut and nailed up that none might creep out of the way but unanimously to fall upon our Enterprise yet when all was don we came short of Ammunition and were at last fain to surrender our selvs Ship and Goods to the Mercy of the English who never left firing upon us with 12 and 18 Pounders The English were no sooner com aboard but they fell a plundering us searching so narrowly that I knew no longer how to conceal the Jewels which my Patroness Altine had given me being Ten Bruto or rough Diamonds for I had sold one at Batavia which was the meanest for about 1000 gl And now that good Treasure which I had so long hid and secured from Theevish hands lay at Stake for an Offering to impious Mars and finding that they began to make a new Search I called an Englishman aside and told him that I had so many rough Diamonds which if he would please to take and hide for me I would give him 5 upon further Condition that he would be faithfull to me and redeliver me the other back again when we arrived in England but abov all to keep the matter secret He promised me with many Protestations that he would In the meaâ— while the English continued plundering and breaking up the Chests throwing the rich Silks and Cottons so on Heaps that we coulâ— hardly yet a passage through My Tresurer was a while very faithfull and still but coming accidentally to get drunk revealed our Secrets to another of
entertainment of Friends Neatness and cleanliness in their Houses and Bodies Their way of dressing themselves both men and Women Strange Contracts of Matrimony Early marriage Education of their Children Learning and learned Men had in great veneration Rites about their deceased Urbanity in their Conversation The great Affection of the Emperour towards Strangers c. Pag. 37. CHAP. VIII The Sieur van Muyden invited to the Exequies of the Princess A stately Scaffold erected for the Solemnity of the day A magnificent and sumptuous Altar Ornaments of the Corps The Train attending the Ceremony Order of the same Money thrown among the people Stages erected for the Almosners Artificial Fireworks The vast Charges of this Preparation Pag. 41. CHAP. IX The Body of the Princess burnt A remarkable token whereby it was concluded that she was poysoned The Kings fury against all the Domestics of the Princess who are committed to custody The cruel Punishment of the suspected Parties A strange way to find out the guilty Elephants used as Executioners Fifty men and Women executed in one day some by Elephants others buried in the Earth to the Head where they are suffered to starve A Young Lady with her Brother taken and dispatched Their Candour and free resolvedness to die Pag. 44. CHAP. X. The proud and blasphemous Titles of the King of Siam The great Preparations used to asswage the Waters of the Ganges Pag. 50. CHAP. XI Departure from Siam They take a Junk The Cambodiers put in a Ship without Rudder or Sails Arrival at Formosa The Junk and all the Men cast away A Description of Formosa with an account of its Products and the Nature of it's Inhabitants as also their Houses Habit and Customes Pag. 54. CHAP. XII The Author departs from Formosa His arrival at Japon The Description of Nanguesaque The Condition of the Town A dreadfull fire at Nanguesaque The Stature Nature Habits and Customs of the Japoneezes Departure from Japon Arrival at Formosa the second time Their return to Siam where they take in Elephants The Author beat with a ropes-end at the Main-mast and why His return for Holland and End of the first Voyage Pag. 59. The SECOND VOYAGE CHAP. I. AN account of the Authors undertaking his Second Voyage A great Sea Storm His arrival at Yarmouth and at Leghorn with a Description of that Town as also of Pica and Florence and lastly of Bologne Pag. 65. CHAP. II. The Author departs from Bologne and arrives at Ferrara Assail'd by a Robber His Arrival at Venice where he lists himself in the Armade He arrives at Sante A great storm between Milo and Argentero The Ship called The Golden Cock split upon Rocks A sad Shipwrack A Woman wonderfully sav'd The Authors arrival at Candia Departs with a Tartan to the Venetian Armade Their Appearance before Mytilene where they obtain much Spoil and Provision at last assaulted by 200 of the Turkish Chevalrie Their Encounter and return aboard the Fleet. Pag. 73. CHAP. III. The Authors Arrival at Sante Monte and at Troy The Galleys of Bay come with the Turkish Armade An English Ship ingaged with the Turks defends her self manfully and at last burned The Author made Slave and put in a Galley with an old Russ Consult to escape Betake themselves to Water and are discovered The Russ shot with an arrow They come both to the Venetian Armade Pag. 78. CHAP. IV. The fugitiv Slaves brought before the General The manner of their Encouraging their Men. Number of the Venetian Ships and Galleys Names of the Commanders and Chieftains The Malteezes joyn with the Armade The Turkish Fleet sail up endeavour to break through and are hindred by the Malteezes The Turks throw up two Batteries A dreadfull Engagement and playing off the Cannon for three days together The Turks begin to settle The Stability and valour of the Venetians The Turks loose their Courage Pag. 82. CHAP. V. The Wind turns in favour of the Venetians The Turks flee and are obstructed The brave Courage of the Galleys of Bey General Marcello kill'd The manly Behaviour of Lazaro Mocenigo who looses one eie Two Dutch Ships to wit Het Wapen van Nassan and Den David en Goliath blown up with their own Powder The Turkish Capitana yields The General and disorderly Flight of the Turks Their total overthrow and loss on both sides Pag. 87. CHAP. VI. The Siege of Tenedos The two Castles surrendred A description of Tenedos Lemnos it 's Situation and taking in The present state of Greece I. Struyl's arrival at Pathmos and Samos Taken by the Turks with 6 of his Companions and soon after ransom'd Pag. 90. CHAP. VII The Author admitts himself again into the Service of the Venetians Arrival at Corfu with an account of it's Strength Bulwarks Sconces and other Fortifications near and about the City Fertility of the Island Arrival at Cephalonia it 's Fertility Situation and Strength Arrival at Sante an account of its Strength its Villages Scarcity of fresh Water Arrival at Cerigo Situation of that Island Reliques or Ruins of the Temple of Venus Pag. 96. CHAP. VIII The Author's arrival at Sante or Xante It 's admirable Strength Villages and great Scarcity of fresh Water Their Dough for bread kneaded with Wine in stead of Water Arrival at Cerigo Situation of that Island Reliques of the Temple of Venus Arrival at Candia with it's Situation A Description of the Citie as to it's Strength Inhabitants the most eminent Buildings and Churches Climat Soil Vintage Fruits Vegetables Cattel Fowl Plenty of Silk and other Commodities as also the modern Habit and Attire of the Candians A Description of Standia The famous Fight between Lazaro Mocenigo and the Tributary Auxiliaries of Argiers Tripoli Theunis and Zoëli The Fort of Zouaschi taken in by the Proveditor Mocenigo The Turks attacque Tenedos but in vain The Turkish Armada come out of the Dardanelli The Beginning of the Ingagement The Turkish Emperour comes with an Army of 20000 Horse and 80000 Foot down to the shore where from a high Tent he sees the Ingagement The Turks loose their Posts and Sail off The incomparable valour of Mocenigo and Bembo who are unluckily kill'd by the fall of a Sail-yard Their Galley blown up with 400 Men. The Loss and Gains both on sides Pag. 98. CHAP. IX The Venetian Armade appear before Napoli di Malvazia where they attack a Redoubt which is surrendred The City treats with the Govèrnour The Fleet appears before Santorini 2 terrible Earthquakes Wine good and cheap The Author sent ashoar to buy Provision The Fleet under Sail. The Turks come upon the Island the Author in danger of being made Slave hidden by the Greeks and brought to Embro with a Barque Arrival before Nicsia The Ruins of Apollos Temple Arrival at Metelino it 's Situation and Strength plenty of Marble Cypres wood Wine and Cattel Nicsia the Winter-haven for the Turkish Galleys S. Georgia de Scyro Delos Reliques and Ruins of Heathenish Temples and
four Galleys ready upon all Occasions for Defence of the Havens besides a considerable number more which they have in their Arsenal in good equippage these are often imployed as Auxiliaries for the Venetians against the Turks On the Sea-side stands a Watch-Tower on which by night they set a Beacon and just at the Entrance of the Haven stands a huge piece of Ordnance mounted upon a Carriage continually guarded with a Sentinel The Dukes Person is guarded with a Body of 500 Soldiers who with their Colonel have a place allotted them in the Palace The City is generally well built with stately Houses and magnificent Structures more especially on that side which is seated near the Sea having besides the more eminent Hostels and Public Buildings 30 fair Parish Churches of which that dedicated to St. Laurence claims the priority as Cathedral In the Church dedicated to the H. Eucharist they show'd us a Key made of an Emerald being of the unusual bignes that â—t's worth may not be computed Coming to the Church of St. Bartholomew we saw a handkercheif with which they told us our Saviour wiped the sweat from his face and as they say has done abundance of Miracles The City is very populous their Merchants rich and numerous and their Manufactury also very considerable especially in Velvets there being according to the relation given us above 8000 Looms in the Town so that considering the Magnificency of Building the Riches of her Merchants Commodiousness of Situation and Splendor of her Court and Palace may be reckoned as a Town of the first Magnitude On the 12 of April we set sail directing our course for Velez Malaga where on the 15 we arrived On the 18 we hoised sail and made for Malaga and on the 24 came to cast anchor in the Bay where almost all the Banditti were set ashoar Here we took in a hundred Pipes of Wine with candied Fruits and other Refreshments for the sick On the 29 of May we weighed Anchor and with a brisk gale of Wind reached the Straits mouth on the 2 of Iune When we were past Gibralter we steer'd our Course towards the Salt Islands which was designed for another place of Refreshment from whence we gathered that our Voyage must needs be longer than at first we thought for till then none aboard the ship unless the Officers knew whither we were bound or upon what account we were sent out On the fourth of Iune we met with 9 Turkish Men of War about the 3d. Watch in the night who Hail'd us asking from whence our ship we answered From Genua and asked them From whence they were they made answer From Argiers Our Commander hearing that unwelcome Eccho was not a little alarm'd and could have wish'd himself at a further distance however he resolves to exchange a ball or two with them by break of day and in order thereto gets all in a readiness commands every man to his Post and gave us all the courage he could by his own Example The Corsairs who although better man'd and mounted than we had no great stomach to go so early to breakfast for observing such marks of Courage in our Officers and that they were absolutely resolved to fight'um made all the sail they could and left us On the 14 we pass'd the Flemmish Islands and on the 6 of July we arrived at Boa Vista where we came to Anchor in the Bay On this Island were several of the Banditti who brought us such Provision as they had aboard we took in also ten boats of salt About this Island is such plenty of Fish that at one draught we got 1500 Corcoads and Salmon-Fry Boa Vista is one of those Islands which are called Cabo Verdo Islands having obtained that appellation from it's delectable prospect from the Seaward and lies 7 leagues to the northward of Ilha del Sal and is reckoned to be about 20 leagues in circumference stretched out in length South-east and North-west That part which lies near the sea is all sandy and hilly ground but within altogether montanous and high land On the north end is a long Bank near half a league in length which repelleth the billows of the sea with great violence There are yet besides this several other Foords which are often the occasion of Shipwrack On the South is also another where the Rocks sometimes appear above water and points out towards the East and E. and by North. The best and safest place to come to Anchor in is at the Southwest Point where is a very commodious Road for Ships of the greatest burthen having at lest 16 or 17 fathom Water and a fine sandy ground In this Road we lay at anchor 6 days and then set sail for Majo St. Iago Fuogo and Brava which are the nearest Islands to Boa Vista The Island Majo lies about nine leagues S. S. W. or rather moâ— Westerly from Boa Vista and is the smallest of all the rest being about 7 leagues round Within land are several steep hills and on the North a Plain about a league in breadth from whence reaches out a long Bank towards the North-east and another towards the West which cause impetuous Breaches of the Sea and consequently great danger for Ships that sail that way The Island is almost round in circumference having its breadth and length almost equal and is full of small Capes or Promontories which make so many Inlets The common Road belonging to this Island is on the South-west Coast where you have 15 and 16 fathom Water and a sandy ground having the Western point of the Island at N. and by W. and another Point at E. S. E. and the South end of St. Iago S. W. On the North side of the Island behind a litle black Cape lies a small Bay or Road for Anchorage at 5 or 6 fathom water and upon the lowest point on the East is a Village of 10 or 12 houses This Island is very rocky high and dry having litle grass upon it but what grows in the clefts of the Rocks It is also very barren of Fruit neither Lemmons nor Oranges will like there nor no other fruit whatsoever unles sigs and those by reason of the drought of the Season and Ground seldom ever come to maturity or return to profit There are in this Island some Cotton-trees and good plenty of Goats so that there are many thousands of those Hides transported yearly from hence There are also some wild Horses Kine and Asses good plenty of Fowl as Patridge Heath-hens Bustards Wild-geese and other Fowl not known with us in Europe There are also many Saltpans on this Island where the Salt by the Ground Water and the Ingress of the Sea with the help of the Sun is well concreted yet is somewhat too yellow in colour The Inhabitants are a mixt folk of Negros and others who follow Goat hunting using Wolves in stead of Dogs Some also follow the
and put out a white Flag in token of Friendship which they observing did the like But we were greatly dismay'd when we saw a great number of men running down the Hills toward us with Bows Arrows and Darts so that we not daring to trust our selves to them concluded our safest way was to return and row back again to our Ships but they perceiving that one of them cried out Be not afraid but come boldly to land we will do you no harm we give you liberty to come ashoar Capt. Maas told us that he had been there in that Island before and that a Slave of his whom he had taught to read and write had run away from him there having taken his opportunity when the Ship was ready to set Sail and that he had heard how the Slave was come to great Advancement and by the Natives elected King So soon as we were got to land we were introducted by the King himself and his Attendants into his Pallace which was in the midst of a Sconce reasonably strong and environ'd with Palizados The House was hung with neat Mat-work and the Floors covered with the same The King presently began to inquire What for People that we were and to what place our Ship belong'd for he could see by her Colours that we did not come out of Holland The Commander made answer that we were Hollanders but were then in the service of the Duke of Genua to whom the Ships belong'd After they had exchanged a few Words together the Commander assumed the liberty to ask him Where he had learned to speak Dutch I have been quoth he formerly in East India and was at that time a Slave to one Iohn Maas a Marriner and intending for Holland we were surpriz'd with a dismal Hurricano which disabled us of our Masts and made us in such a Condition that we were forced to put in here to Calk and fit us out again but I having no great appetite â— proceed on our Voyage deserted my Master when I saw the Ship was ready to sail Well quoth the Captain was not your name Diembro Yes replies the King do you know me Why said the Captain do you not know Iohn Maas The King was hereupon in a great stupor but viewing him thorowly began to remember his Countenance and with that embraced and kissed him While they stood mute a while and staring one another earnestly on the face both stupifyed at this strange meeting the King began thankfully to acknowledge how good a Master our Commander had been to him and presented him all necessary Provision gratis but the Commander courteously declined it saying He estemed it a sufficient Favour to exchange Wares for Wares The King according to the custome of that Country presented our men the use of his Wives and Concubines who coming forth made choice of such as they would have and went aside with them This kind Tender was as freelâ— accepted as offered by the greatest part of our Ships-folk whâ— were not very shy to enter into Conjunctions with that tawny Brood but what monstrous Complexions they afterward brought into thâ— world I only guess since our aboad there could not be long I may not ommit the fatal Difference and Misunderstanding of our Offiâ—cers among themselves occasioned upon the Decease of Capt. Johâ— Benning who commanded the S. Bernard The Chief Commandeâ— Maas together with the rest of the Officers thought fit to pâ— Henry Christians Master of the St Iohn Baptist in his place and Hoâ—man Voogt in the placc of H. Christians but Voogt did not approveâ— this Transposition and let the Chief Commander know that â— would not abandon his Board and Right unless he would fetâ— him away by force thereupon he brought up all the Guns out â— the Hold and put himself in a Posture of defence The next moâ—ning by break of Day our Commander with some of the Oâ—cers descrying that the Red Flag was put out aboard the St. Bâ—nard were not a litle alarm'd immediately gave order that we shoâ— also with all possible expedition put our selves in a Fightinâ— posture which was don in a moment Our Commander undeâ—standing that Vooght had sent off a boat with intent to fetch wateâ— sent out the Shallop as full of men as could well stand all wâ— armed who row'd as hard as they could till they overtook the othâ— boat which they brought back The men being come aboard tâ— Commander gave order to put them in Fetters till he could haâ— better information about their intention with that the Commanâ— made as if he would lay the St. Bernard aboard closing up wâ— her Bow Harman Voogt seeing himself in a great Strait and for wâ— of men hardly in a capacity to maintain his Pretences was muâ— disheartned and after he had advised the matter more fully wâ— himself thought good to let out the Shallop and go aboard â— Commander the men incessantly crying out Let our Captain and Mâ— return without any molestation or by Heaven and Earth we will either sink be sunk we are resolved either to loose our own lives in his Vindication or yours an Expiation without either giving or taking Quarter Yet notwithstandiâ— all this their Schipper was no sooner come aboard but the Commanâ— gave order to bring him upoÌ„ the Quarter Deck where he was made â— hand and foot and after him the first and second Mate together with the rest of the Officers were brought up and immediatly clapt into shakles The foremast men seeing themselves outwitted by the Commanders Politie began to loose their Courage and after a mature deliberation among themselves concluded it the safest way to surrender themselves and Ship to the Commander This done a Council of War was held and the Captive Officers Voogt himself only excluded were brought into the great Cabin where the Council for the time being was assembled and asked which they would rather chuse To burn with their Ship or To serve the Commander faithfully without murmuring They conceiving that there was no hopes of avoiding some severe Penalty or other which the Council perhaps had designed in case of their continuing refractory chused the latter and with one humbly begged pardon for their misdemeanours promising for the future not to be factious in any Uproar or the Occasion of Tumult Upon these Supplications the Council sat again and came to this Result That their former misbehaviour should be connived at but Voogt the Master to continue in Irons till we came again to Genua where he should be banished upon the Galleys during the term of life as a condign Punishment for his obstinate Rebellion However to prevent any mutinous consultations which might otherwise find opportunity and detard our Voyage the Ships companies were mixed and counterchanged some of our men sent aboard the St. Bernard and others from the St. Bernard in lieu of them brought over to us In the mean while we recreated our selves with the
Worship and Sacrifice Besides their Opinion that there is a God and an evil Spirit they have a third Power which they call Dian Manans or Lord of Wealth at whose disposing will they think that they are made rich and prosper in their affairs They seem also to have some light of invisible Angels and of the first peopling of the World after the Creation by Adam Eve and the repeopling thereof after the great Deluge by Noah as also some glance of a Saviour who was made a Piaculum for some great offence committed by all mankind in general They have also their Fasts and Holy-days Circumcision is also a rite in use with them which they do at one certain time of the year with great solemnity The day before all the Friends and Acquaintance meet together and drink Metheglin till they grow raging mad and then draw up upon the beating of a Drum exercising with their Darts and Assagays the Youngmen and Women all the time dancing in Masquerado and in the Evening conclude with a luxurious Banquet and open table for all that please to come At night the mother takes the child to bed with her in a little House made for that purpose about a moneth before the day of Circumcision by the Father and Uncles of the Child The next morning by break of day the Woman riseth and baths her self afterwards her child which done she dresses it with Corral and Precious stones and thereupon they fall a drumming again after which a great silence is made and all the Guests which are there must withdraw as also all such as have any thing about their body that is red thinking that if such were present the blood would not stench Assoon as all are withdrawn except these that are nominated to assist the Priest takes his knife and ties a white towel about his left legg that done the Father and Uncles of the Child take each of them a Child under the Arm enter in at the West-door and out again at the East and so sitting down the Priest performs the work If it be the Son of a Slave or Bondwoman the Prepuce is thrown away but if otherwise it is preserved by the Uncle of the child who lays it up in the Yelk of an Egg for some Inchantment or other these people being reputed very active Exorcists and much inclined to Necromancy and lastly theâ— apply a mixture of Cocks-blood and the juyce of some Herbs tâ— the wound which done they march home with great Exultatioâ— and joy and so ends the Ceremony This Island is divided into many Kingdoms and Dominions which are the Occasion of perpetual discord and warrs among theâ— Their Arms are Bows and Arrows Javelins and Targets which they can use expertly well They are for matter of courage anâ— valour second to none but fight without any Discipline or Order breaking in with the main Battalion upon the Enemy till theâ— grow so confused that they cannot distinguish their own froâ— the contrary Party During the time of War They run out â— small Companies to plunder and pillage the Towns and Cottage of their Enemies and afterward set them on fire When the Maâ— is in Battel or under March the Wife continually dances anâ— sings and will not sleep or eat in her own House nor admit of the Use of any other Man unless she be desirous to be rid oâ— her own for they entertain this Opinion among them That if they suffer themselves to be overcome with an intestin VVar at home their Husbands must suffer for it being ingaged in a forreign Expedition but on the contrary if they behave themselves chastly and dance lustily that then their Husbands by some certain Sympathetical operation will be able to vanquish all their Con-combatants During the time of our aboad there we saw the King Diembrâ— several times ingaged with his Enemy who had a more powerfulâ— Army than he his own not exceeding 7000 men So soon as thâ— Enemy gave battel Diembro with his Battalion ran upon him after they had done with the Javelins in a promiscuous order every one pitching upon his man and after a short Ingagement gave over with the loss of some of the best on each side although Diembro considering the great imparity of men had the better Success and honour of the Camp When the Battel was done our party returned with great Joy for the Day and every one that could bring the Heads of the Champions with whom they were particularly ingaged laid them at the feet of the King who either gave them a noble recompence or honoured them with some Dignity They have a very quaint manner of making Peace The Parties inclined to adjoust their Quarrels send first a Herald with Presents who desire to have communication with the Hostility which when it is granted them they nominate Time and Place where they may have conference in order to bring their Discord to some amicable composure The Messenger having performed his charge returns to the King his Master who gives the General order to put himself in a Posture of marching the General in obedience thereto musters up all his Forces and sits down before some River where the Enemy faces him on the Bank on the other side When both parties have made their appearance they kill each of them a Bullock take out the Liver and roast it and send each other a piece which is interchangeably received and eaten in presence of the Heralds or Legates which are sent on purpose to see that the Ceremony be effectually performed binding themselves with a solemn Oath and under a Curse never to break the Truce which is agreed upon between them and at the same time repeat some mutual Articles as Not to kill one anothers Men. Not to steal one anothers Cattel Not to burn Villages Not to poyson one anothers Rivers and Fountains c. And afterwards utter many bitter Execrations as That the Liver they eat may be their poyson if they do not faithfully hold all the Articles specified both sacred and inviolable CHAP. III. The Author's departure from Madagascar Arrival at Sumatra Four Prizes belonging to Atchin taken The beastly Sensuality of some of the Ships-company upon a Woman The Ship whereon the Author was taken as Prize and brought up to Batavia The men plundered and their Chests broken up The Author admitts himself into the Service of the East India Company his Voyage to Siam An accurate description of that Kingdom HAving stay'd fully 5 moneths at Madagascar we set sail for Sumatra on the 16 of March 1649 where we arrived on the 12 of Iune then following We came to anchor in the Bay of Sillaba where we exchanged some Commodities for Pepper and otheâ— Spices On this Coast we took two Iunks belonging to Atchin but all the people jump'd over board and sav'd themselves except one Woman whom the Italians ravished the Officers not able to restrain them The Woman
after she had been thus treated by these sensual bruits that rather than to deny their beastly appetite made a Bawdy house of our Ship was after much intreaties put ashoar and delivered to her Husband who inhumanly mangled heâ— till she died On the 28 we weighed anchor and set sail for Indraepoura taking by the way two Iunks more loaden with Pepper Camphiâ— and other Druggs and Spices On the 29 we arrived at Indrapoura where we took in some necessary Provision and Refreshments thinking by the way to meet with more small Prizes but had noâ— our expectation On the 2 of July we left Indrapoura and so set sail for thâ— Straits of Sunda When we had got the height of Toppers hook wâ— met 14 Sail of Ships belonging to the Dutch East-India company which were sent out by express order of the General and the Council to bring us up whether willing or unwilling So sooâ— as our commander had received the Message he returned answer That he was not under the command of the General and thaâ— if they should assail him he was resolved to fight in his owâ— defence The Dutch commander was hereat in a doubt and sent â— Batavia for new Instructions It was not long before he got an Ordeâ— from the General with a Ship of War to assist him in case of Opposition and thereupon imperiously commanded him to strike threatning to fire a whole tear of Guns in case of refusal Capt. Maas who seeing himself now in a great Strait and the uneasiness of his Ships-folk called together all the Officers to consult the matter when after mature deliberation they concluded it more safe to surrender themselves and give their Masters a true account of the business seeing they were not able to defend themselves against such a number of Ships This Resolution was very acceptable to the Ships-company who since that division and uproar at Madagascar were still at odds continually jarring among themselves and long'd for this or the like opportunity The Company now made Masters of our Ships brought them up to Batavia where we arrived the 12 of Iuly Our Ships outsail'd the rest by far we arriving at the Haven 6 or 8 hours before them so that if we had been willing might have left them and made our escape by night On the 15 came Captain vander Meulen aboard with an Order from the Heer vander Liin then General to take possession of the Ship Assoon as he was aboard went into the great Cabin where he examin'd us one by one All the Dutch were brought abaft and afterwards committed to the Javans Corps du Garde The Italians and other Strangers remain'd aboard and in the mean while pillaged our Chests and took all the money they could come at They being now at liberty and dismissed went every man where he best liked the Italians mostly to Goa or Banthem but the Hamburgers and others imbarqu'd themselves for Europe Shortly after the Commander died and by several tokens he had on his body was supposed to be poysoned and as some conjecture was done by those which were left aboard the Ship when we were carried ashoar After we had now lain about 14 days in prison we delivered a Petition desiring Inlargement which was not only granted but by Order of the General all our Arrearages pay'd us to the utmost penny and a Choice preferr'd us Whether we would return home or List our selves in the Companies service some rather chused to go home but I with the most part of the men accepted of the latter I hired myself as Sailmaker for the Term of three years at 18 Gild. per moneth On the 15 Ianuary I was put aboard the Black Bear bound for Siam where we safely arrived and cast anchor in the Bay The Kingdom of Siam lies in the most Easterly part of East India from 7 to 8 degr Northerly Latitude There are many Cities and Towns of note in it and those very populous among which India is the chief being the Metropolis of India extra Gangem and the city where the King has his Court and Residence The land is very fertile affoarding all that may serve for the delight and sustenance of human Bodies the Fields stored with many sorts of Cattel the Rivers with Fish and the Towns with Magazines of rich Merchandizes The Inhabitants are of a tawny and yellowish complexion and superstitious Pagans in Religion as appears by their great Zeal in adorning of their Temples and strict Reverence for their Priests which are here too great and numerous for the Laity Their Government is Monarchical and the King for many ages has been absolute Sovereign over this and the neighbouring Territories and Dominions and that with as much Power Grandour and Reverence from the Subject as any Potentate or King under the canopy of Heaven In short Siam in regard of it's Fertility Wealth Number of Inhabitants and subordinat Principalities may paralel any other Empire iâ— the Universe Iudia which as we have already said is the Imperial Towâ— of Siam lies about 16 degrees Northerly Latitude from the Aequâ—tor and is seated on one of the fairest Rivers without doubt in all the Eastern World where a Ship of the greatest burthen may come up close to the Kay to load or unload without fear oâ— sustaining dammage The Land is for the most part level of a clay and sandy earth â—ew Hills appear or any thing else seems to surmount the Horizon â—ve the high Towers and Pyramids whereof we found an increâ—ible number About 8 leagues up the River is a small City of a triangular Plat-â—orm and environed with a wall called Bankok In the same City 〈◊〉 the Kings first Toll-or Custome-house which they call the Canon â—ankok and every Ship and Junk to whomsoever they belong are â—bliged to come to anchor there and give in their information upon â—hat account they come and from whence as also what Men and â—oods they have aboard Having performed that Duty they pay â—eir Toll and receive their Billet with Letters of Conduct to â—o so far up as they list till they come within a League of Iudia â—here the second Toll-house is called the Canon Bantenau and â—ere they are a second time bound to anchor and exhibit their Cocâ—ets which having shown they have their liberty to go further This â—cond Canon is erected only to see that the Prince have his due â—nd to examin whether that the Stranger be not defrauded by the commissioners of the first and to give Licences to enter the Town â—nd traffique It is also to be understood that when any Ship is â—utward bound they are to pay their Toll at the Canon Bantenau â—hich at coming up was the second now the first Custome-House and are to pass an Examen at the Canon Bankok as they did â—efore at the other without paying any thing if they can manifest 〈◊〉 their Cocket that they have already paid and this every
havâ— known who had 2 Children and both their ages could not makâ— up 25 years Polygamy is here allowed for every man may marrâ— so many Wives as he lists unless he be under some particusâ— obligation to the contrary They are sometimes divorced for sleder reasons but alwaies when they cannot procreate Children and being seperate they may severally marry again Their Mâ—riages are not confirmed by the Spiritual but Temporal Magistraâ— yet always the Priest must be present to do Sacrifice on behaâ— both the Parties They are very punctual in observing all the Aâ—ticles specified in the Covenant of Matrimony without the câ—stringency of the Law They regulate themselves in Hous-keâ—ing Education of their Children and the like mostly after Law of Nature without restraint or compulsion Their Childâ— are very flexible and obedient without beating or other sevâ— chastisement When they are young their Parents commit the to the Bonzi who instruct them in all Sciences and good manneâ— as also mechanical Professions and Trades whereby they afteâ—wards get their living Although most of them desire ratherâ— stick to their studies and so embrace the Function of Priest-hooâ— such being among them esteemed honorable that have any tinctâ— of Learning Their Dead they bury not but after the manner of the oâ— Romans burn them which is celebrated with great pomp and eâ—pences proportionable to the merits or abilitie of the Partie Tâ— Ashes they conserve in an Urn which they inclose in a Pyramâ— erected to the Memory of the Deceased others out of Zeal caâ— Churches and Monasteries to be built or bequeath large Reâ—nues to the Pagods and Bonzi nay there is hardly a Slave amoâ— them but gives something for Religious uses or perhaps all tâ— he was master of and upon these occasions they are burned at 〈◊〉 charges of the Convent Those that die of any disease which they repute unclean as Small-pox Feavers c. are not burned but either thrown into a River with a stone about their neck or given to the Beasts of prey The same they do with Children if they come to die before a certain age for that they say That for want of discretion they could not rightly Worship their Deïty and consequently do not deserve an Urn. They are of a very liberal nature and civil to converse withall but especially to Strangers English Portugueezes Hollanders and Moors without respect to their Profession have liberal access to enter inhabit and traffic in the Land by order of the King and enjoy as much Liberty and benefit of the Law as his own natural subjects which draws abundance of Forreigners from all Countreys who come thither either upon the account of Commerce or to seek Protection This concurrency of so many several sorts of People doth not only daily teach new Politie but renders the Prince formidable to his neigbouring Potentates who know his Kingdom to be so populous and the people so deeply ingaged to their Sovereign The Crown is successiv yet during the minority of the Heir which is at 15 years the Uncle or some Guardian nominated by the King takes place as Administrator By this Praecedent also are all the Officers in the Kingdom regulated that are successiv CHAP. VIII The Sieur van Muyden invited to the Exequies of the Princess A stately Scaffold erected for the Solemnity of the day A magnificent and sumptuous Altar Ornaments of the Corps The Train attending the Ceremony Order of the same Money thrown among the People Stages erected for the Almosners Artificial Fireworks The vast Charges of this Preparation ON the 23 of February the Sieur van Muyden Consul for the Company was sent for by two Interpreters to wait upon the King who invited him to attend the Ceremony of burning the Corps of his sole legitimat Daughter I went my self also to see the Exequies performed but by the remissness of the Messengers came too late to see the Train for the Corps was brought to the place before we got thither but yet came in time enough to get to the stage which was erected for us On the middle of the Parade before the pallace were erected 5 Towers upon each Tower a poll that which stood in the middest was 30 fathom high the other 4 that stood in a quadrangular form each 20 fathom The Fabric of those Towers was very artificial Round about under the Architraves they were neatly painted with Foliage rais'd with Gold and depress'd with Umber and burn'd Ivory On the Stylobat were carved Heads of Leopards Tygres and Panthers Under the Projecture Supporters in antic-work and emblematical to that occasion the Scima or Cornish with close Leaves suitable to the Phrisâ— and Architrave but could not at the distance I was at perceive whether it was carv'd or painted Within the great Tower which stood in the midle was a very costly Altar covered with Gold and set with Sapphirs and other stones being about 6 foot high from the Ground Upon this Altar was the Corps of the Young Lady laid after it had lay imbalmed about 6 Moneths within the Pallace The Body was attired in a Royal Garb with Gold chains Bracelet and Collars of Gold and fastned with Diamonds She was set in a Coâ—fin of solid Gold in which she sate upright with her Hands coâ—joyned and her face looking upwards upon her head was a Crowâ— of Gold very richly set with stones Then came all the Mandoriâ— or Grandees of the Nation with their Ladies attired in White without any ornament for White is their Mourning colour they feigneâ— themselves sorrowfull for the Dead and passing by strow'd thâ— Corps with Flowers and odorous Waters When these Ceremonies were done the Corps was brought out of the Tower and set upoâ— a Chariot of Triumph richly gilded and shown to the Grandeesâ— the Empire whereupon all the Ladies began to weep aloud whicâ— was not altogether real but feigned every one aemulating to shoâ— a greater appearance of Sorrow than the rest which was with sucâ— earnestness that it might have been heard all through the Towâ— After the Chariot had stood there about 2 short hours it was râ—moved to another place where the Body was to be burned and wâ— followed by the Mandorins and their Ladies who went softly afteâ— In the first rank went the Kings eldest son aged about twenty Years who was only brother to the Deceased and was mounted upon a Young Elephant all in White next him were two brethren of his by another Queen mounted also upon Elephants on each side one each of these had a long silk Scarf fastned to the Herse in their hand On each side the Herse were 14 of the Kings Sons with green twigs of palm in their Hands who all the time went in a heavy posture their eies dejected to the Ground framing a sad Countenance and uttering many sighs and expressions of Sorrow On each side of the way by which the Herse must pass that was about 6
foot broad were erected several stages for the Mandorins of a meaner rank These at the passing by of the Herse threw Oranges among the common people in some of which were Ficols and Mases this occasioned such a throng of People that several lay under foot and 7 Persons trodden to death When they were come to the Altar the Corps was taken down by the Mandorins with Waits and Wind-Music which made a melancholic noise and was carried with great Solemnity to the Altar where it was set down and laid round with aromatic Woods and Drugs amongst which was poured many sorts of perfumes and odorous balsams When this was done the Princes of the blood and the Mandorins returned to the Kings Palace but the Ladies were injoyned by the Emperour to remain at the Altar and bewail the Dead for two days longer at which time the Bodie was to be burned and accordingly they stay'd there till the time was expired striving who could manifest the most sorrow hoping so to obtain the greater favour from the Emperour But the greatest folly I could observe among them was that when any of them could not dissemble or let down tears they were whipped with thongs by some persons thereto appointed till they wept indeed and this was duly executed without having regard to their Persons Near those Towers was erected a stage covered with thick gilded paper whereupon sate the Chief of the Bonzi and a litle lower sat the Priests of a lower degree and rank of which there was a great number these like those under the Hierarchy of Rome were imployed to pour forth praiers for the Soul of the Deceased Which when they had done by order of the King there were several Gifts sent them which for the most part consisted in Apparrel House-furniture and mechanical Implements of every sort At the going down of the Sun there were several Fire-works play'd off which issued out of Twenty Turrets covered with gilded paper All these preparations besides what was that day given to the Bonzi and distributed among the poor according to the relation given to the Heer van Muyden by the Kings Agent amounted to 5000 Catti of Siam Silver which is about 66000 pound Sterl besides the Images that were bestowed on the chief Temple whereof two were of Gold about 4 foot high which also amounted to a great sum for what Gold Jewels or other Gifts were in her life time presented her by the King or Mandorins were expended upon these exequial Rites CHAP. IX The Body of the Princess burnt A remarkable token whereby it was concluded that she was poysoned The Kings fury against all the Domestics of the Princess who are committed to custody The cruel Punishment of the suspected Parties A strange waâ— to find out the guilty Elephants used as Executioners Fifty men and Women executed in one day some by Elephants others buried in the Earth to the Head where they are suffered to starve A Young Lady with her Brother taken and dispatched Their Candour and free resolvedness to die TWo days after the Corps were brought forth the King went himself in person and gave fire to the wood with a Torch which was done with great Solemnity and Music of all sorts that all the time play'd very dolefull Airs The Chest of Gold together with all the Costly Ornaments wherewith she was attired when she lay in state were burn'd with the Corps and reduced to dust We may not ommit to relate a very remarkable passage which happened about these Exequies for when the King went to gather up the Ashes which were to be put in a golden Urn he found a piece of Flesh about the bulk of a Young childs head fresh and unconsumed This seeing he was mainly altered and turning about to one of the Magi who stood at his left hand Asked him What his opinion was and What might be the reason that this gobbet of flesh remained unburn'd The Sage judging it to be done by some Enchantment durst not declare his opinion about it but to satisfy the King replied That his Majesty could not but be sensible of the Cause since nothing could ly occult from his searching Wisdom the more in regard it was a thing so palpable and open The King by the Saying of this Parasite concluded with himself that she had been poysoned cries out with great raging At length I have discovered the certainty of what I ever had in suspicion My Daughter is without doubt poysoned Upon that in great discontent he went into his Mourning appartment whence he issued an Order for the sudden Apprehension of all the Ladies that attended the Princess in her Life time who were in obedience to his Royal Will immediately secured On the day following divers others of the greatest rank were siezed and committed to Custody who were wont to converse with the Princess although they had not been in her presence for the space of a whole year Shortly after it was my fortune to be Spectator to such a cruel Tragedy as ever I have seen elsewhere The King being now possessed wthi Jealousy and suspecting several to be factious in the matter yet could not find out any certainty in the thing he therefore to sift it out who â—hose should be that were concerned in the deed practised this cruel Stratagem and impious way of Trial. The king sent a Messenger to â—ummon up some of the chief Nobility in the land to Court where being come to give attendance were shut up in Prison till the Prison would not hold any more so that he was fain to find a new place where to committ those unhappy Gentlemen When the principal Officers and Courtiers were taken into Security The king not contented so â—ent also for their Wives and several Young Ladies who were known â—o be familiar with the Princess some time before her death these were part that they might not have the benefit of Communication â—lso secured in a place When the Emperour had as many Persons in Custody as he or others that advised him suspected he gave order to â—ake several Pitts in the ground about 20 foot square one near another which the Soldiers were commanded to fill with Charcoal kindle and â—low it up with long Fans such as the Slaves in Siam do fan their Lords â—nd Ladies with When all was performed according to the Comâ—andment of the king they brought forth some of those Personages that were impeached with their hands tied behind their backs bâ— all the time guarded with a Body of Soldiers and being come toâ— place they stript them naked and put their feet in warm Water make them tender after that the Soldiers paired of the skin vâ—razours Afterwards they were brought before certain Officers â—minated by the King as Examinators for that day and were assistâ— by the chief of the Bonzi who insisted upon them to confess the Faâ— but upon their stedfast denial had the Rigoloza pronounced agaiâ— them
stong Tide and most of them were carried to the Seaward that we met whole Shoals of them driving in the stream and amongst them many Christian Slaves which we took up with our Shallops In the mean time the Turks continued their Flight endeavoring with their Galleys to tow away some of the ablest Ships but the Venetians fell so furiously upon them that they were anticipated and only made their escape with 14 which got the Castle for their Refuge Lazaro Mocenigo who was Volunteer and commanded the Sultan formerly taken by the Turks made in with great Courage and cut off their Passage where he lay thundring and firing his Cannon till the General Marcello broke through the middest of the Enemies Armade put them into disorder and kept his own Fleet in good Condition holding still in the Nombril or Center of the Crescent joyntly with the Proveditor Barbaro Baâ—oer the Squadron of Maltha with the Ships and Galeasses of Ioseppo Morosini The Right Wing or Horn was commanded by Anthonio Barbers a Captain of the Gulf the left by Pietro Contarini The Turks seeing themselves environed on every side with the Christians and their Passage obstructed began to fight with better courage than before and defended themselves very bravely as sometimes desperate Soldiers do But above all the Galleys of Bey appeared signally stout and for their laudable behaviour and singular valour merited as much the Honour as the Turkish Mustapha the Dishonour of the Day But with a Lion-like Courage and as wise a Conduct did a certain Bassi manifest his generous spirit who was the same that had promised the Grand Seignior to present him with Marcello's head or to forfeit his own in lieu thereof being a Greek Renegado and assuredly he gave none reason to tax him with Remissness on his own behalf yet fail'd in the Atchievment of his well-intended Enterprize for when he was bound to board him the General got assistance and offered to enter the Bassas Galley but was unfortunately killed with a Cannon ball and four Gentlemen that stood next him Zuanni Marcello seeing this held all in silence for fear of discouraging the Christian Armada took the Command upon himself and pursued the Battel hotly after the same Order till he had privately signified the General 's death to Barbaro Badoer Proveditor of the Navy who without loss of time stept over and succeeded him still holding the same Order which the General had designed Lazaro Mocenigo in the mean while busy to obstruct the Passage of the Turks with the Sultan ran her unluckily upon a Sand near the shoar and at last too eager in shooting set the â—hip on fire having a litle before lost his Eie with a splinter The Sultan had aboard her divers Persons of Quality and Voluntiers who maximis ad minimos quitted themselves well and honourably amongst which was Capt. Zorzi Dadick The Sieur Ebert Capt. Lieutenant Gremonville and Bernardino Canal a Reformado Captain whereof the two last were irrecuperably wounded During the Fight was the Dutch Ship called 't Wapen van Nassauw under the Command of Capt. Faustino Riva blown up with her own Powder as also another Dutch Ship called Den David en Goliath by an unfortunate shot in her Powder Chamber when she was ingaged with the Galleys of the Bey and lay so close to the said Galleys that 5 of them were blown up with her Aboard the same Ship were 44 Hollanders and 22 left being just the half lost The Prince of Parma was so forward that his Companions were fain to restrain him by force running himself oftentimes into a needless jeopardy of his Person Remarkable was that of the General Borri being aboard the Galeass of Marco Riva who having his young Son by him carried him up and down to see what was worthy of note When the Night came on they unanimously left off on both sides and all was still but the next Morning by break of day they fell on amain and seem'd for some hours to be equally match'd as that the Day was thought dubious but at last the Turks were fain to give over only the Capitana held out very manfully till the Admiral Marco Bembo came to close up with his Lar-board where he saluted him so with Broad-sides that he was forc'd to yield as well as the rest The Venetians seeing the Capitana yield gave a great shout that the Castle and Banks rang again and so well encouraged they were that they fell furiously in one entire Body upon the Saracens that they forthwith betook themselves to flight and retired to the Fort but the Christians had so hindred their passage that few of them got clear The Sieur Barbaro Badoer who succeeded the General concealed his death so long untill that the Fight was over and he able for to give the Fleet an account of the Enemies Overthrow which was in the second Evening pretty late The Venetians having now made themselves Masters of so many Ships and Galleys were at a loss for Men enough to manage them that they were fain to set the most part on fire reserving only such as were left disabled as a token of this notable Victory which had cost the Common-wealth above 400 Souls and amongst those their most faithfull and valiant General Marcello whose unhappy Death can never be enough lamented The number of those that were wounded was great but uncertain The Sultan and the 2 Dutch men of War which as we have already said were unfortunately destroyed with their own powder was all their loss of Shipping They took 18 Galleys and the Maltheezes 11 Ships besides 54 Ships that were burn'd so that of 97 Galeasses Ships and Galleys only 14 were saved on the Enemies side By this laudable Enterprise and Victory of the Venetians above 5000 Christian Slaves were restored to Freedom But how many of the Infidels lost their lives was uncertain only by a rude conjecture and a modest Calculation were computed between â— and 6000 Men. When we went to ruminate for Spoil among their Dead we found the Fretum or Mouth of the Dardanelli floating so thick with Bodies that we could not force our Boat through but with our Oars and Boat-hook were fain to drag and draw them behind the Shallop which again with the force of the stream were thrown on heaps one above another like Shoals of Ice and so came tumbling into the Boat in spite of all the means we could use CHAP. VI. The Siege of Tenedos The two Castles surrendred A description of Tenedos Lemnos it 's Situation and taking in The present state of Greece J. Struys's arrival at Pathmos and Samos Taken by the Turks with 6 of his Companions and soon after ransom'd The said Articles were mutually counter-changed and ratified by the Heads of both Parties and all the Turks and Moors drawn out even the Greeks too who were suffered to stay upon the Island but not within the Castle The Heads of the
Land 't is true affoards not only Salt and Lactuaries for the Inhabitants themselves but also for the neighbouring Islands in the Archipelago whence they draw considerable profit But far greater profit they have from their Silk for Mulberries grow here in vast plentie of which every School-lad knows the Silk-worm is fed and nourished Cotton Wool Honey Wine Vinegar and Fruits are exported hence to every Maritim Countrey in Europe As for the Candians or Cretians they are naturally inclined to Laziness and more addicted to vouluptuous lives than their neighbours They are also great affecters of a glass of Wine yet not so easily subdued as the Phlegmatic Hollanders As for their Habit those that are of the best quality ape the Venetians the vulgar sort and Pesantry retain still the old Greekish mode only their heads are for the most part shaved which to supply they wear a thin Silk vail about the breadth of an ordinary handkercheif and above that a great heavy hat Our Proveditor having finished his Charge at Candy we set sail and steer'd away for Standia an Island lying about 2 or 3 Leagues from the North-coast but not inhabited However the Venetians in their ordinary Course and Traverse through the Archipelago put in here because of it's commodious Road or Bay and therefore used as a Rendevouz for the benefit of Communication After we had lay at anchor a few days we weighed and sail'd with the whole Fleet for the Dardanelli to give the Turks battail But I must mind you how that by the way we met with a Squadron of Ships which were sent by those of Argiers Tripoli Thunis and Zoile for the Assistance of the Turkish Armada So soon as we had got sight of them we put out Turkish Colours and hover'd a little that they might come up to us which they seeing made all the Sail they possibly could till they came near us at what time they began to suspect that they had got a wrong Sow by the tail and so indeavoured to go off but Lazaro Mocenigo the General seeing them steer to the starboard made towards them and coming within Cannon shot fired a Gun which did so disorder them that they thought better to stay together in one entire Fleet and try their valour than to break their Squadron and accordingly put themselves in a convenient Posture in order to receive Battel Upon this fell a very hot Ingagement which lasted more than a full Watch by which time the Venetians had taken and sunk 4 Ships 3 whereof were of their first Rate and the remainder being 12 in all were fain to betake themselves to the Turkish Havens but were so disabled that they were not in a long time fit either for Sailing or Service After this fortunate Enterprise the General sail'd directly for Zouaschi being a strong and well fortified Sea-Town and a Nest of Turkish Pyrats lying on the coast of Anatolia which after a short attacque we took in and plundered From hence we departed for Tenedos where to our great Joy we had the report which we heard before our departure from Venice confirmed which was That the Turks were sadly foil'd in in their attacquing of that Island which we had taken in not long before as was said Pag 91 The Sum of the Attacque was after this manner When the Turks had got notice that Tenedos was surrendred to the Venetians they sent a Fleet consisting of 33 Galleys 3 Galeasses and several Brigantines to retake it where so soon as the said Fleet was arrived they lay Siege to the Castles both by Water and by Land but were at last fain to remove the Siege leaving some Hundreds of Dead behind them upon the Island besides all the damage which the Fleet received who also according to the relation given us must necessarily have many Dead and Wounded When they haâ— drawn off the Siege and imbarqued their Land-forces the Weatheâ— grew very tempestuous and the Sea boistrous high insomuch that 3 Galleys and 4 Saiks were cast away and few of the men saved Four moneths long we tarried at Tenedos before the Infidel Armade came out which happened on the 27 of July Their Fleet consisted of 33 Galleys amongst which was one of an unwonted greatness called the Royalio 9 Maons 22 Ships and 150 Saiks with a huge number of Soldiers and Marriners At the Approachment the Turks weather'd us and kept to the Windward and indeavoured to break our Order but the Venetians to get the Advantage of the Wind tacked and turned so long that they brought the Turks to the Lee-ward which having gain'd they fell upon the Enemy very hot and with the dawning of the day made the Turks yield their Posts and betake themselves to the Cape of Troy upon which the Fight ceased till the next morning when the Ingagement held on sharper and heavier than the day before The Turks for a while had the advantage of the Wind which nevertheless turned against them as it did the year before about the same place mentioned Pag. 75 Meanwhile Oron then Primo Vizier of the Turkish Empire came down to secure the Strand with an Army of 20000 Cavalry and 80 Thousand Foot and set down near Troy where he had caused two Sconces to be made as well as the shortness of this Warning would allow The Maltheezes were the first that drew on to give battel and so seconded by the Venetians The Ottoman Armada knowing that the Emperour was himself a Spectator who together with the Primo Vizier stood upon a high Tent made on purpose behaved themselves admirably well However the Venetians without respect to the Land Forces which battered them heavily with their Cannon came so close to the Enemies Fleet and withall ply'd their Guns so rank that they stranded several of their Galleys upon which the Men stept ashoar and joyn'd themselves to the Land Army The Primo Vizier seeing the Fleet continually loose men partly by their forsaking the Navy and partly by the great Slaughter aboard the Shipping used his utmost diligence to stop the Deserters and recruit the Naval Army but all to little advantage for the Christians pursued their Enterprize with such an ardency and vigour that they prevented them and not to be slack when such an apt occasion presented fired and sunk a considerable number of the Galleys and Saiks the Turks still retiring further and further towards the Coast And such was the Zeal of the renowned Mocenigo when he saw them close to the Coast he made an intercourse with 3 Ships and 5 Galleys to fetch them off that he made himself an unavoidable scope for the Enemies Cannon at Land which was so tended against his Galley that she took Fire and himself with the valorous Marco Bembo Admiral of the Ships both killed with the fall of a Yard upon which of an instant the Galley was blown up with 400 Souls aboard This fatal mischance was seconded
soon as the Party is departed they open the Windows and set Basons of Holy-water together with several Dishes of meat beside the Body to relieve his Wants on so long and tedious a Journey as do the Circas Tartars which seems to be the Reliques of Heathenism not long since professed in many parts of Russia Imediately upon his departure they send Brandy and Beer with other Liquors and Presents to the Priest who is to pray for his Soul The Body they wash from Head to foot as doe the Jews then winding it in a sheet put it into a Coffin which is hollowed out of a Tree and so carried to Church where they besprinkle it with holy Water and perfume it with Incense which done they say Mass and with several Hymns commit it to the Ground But if a Person die without administration of the Extreme Unction be Murthered or Frozen to death or die by any unnatural or violent means whether casual or thereto condemned to satisfy Justice the Corps is not permitted to enter the Sanctuary but carryed to a place to that end appointed which they call Zemski Precaus where it is exposed to public view and if it be a person unknown is to remain there 3 or 4 days to see if any will own the Body which if none come to claim it is immediately carried to another Place without Town which they call Boghze Dome that is Gods House and there thrown into a great Pit where sometimes a Hundred or more Bodies lie on a Heap uncovered till about Midsummer at what time the Priests go and cover them with a few Rites and Ceremonies The Ceremonies which are used in some places in Russia differ from others About Moscou the Corps is follow'd by a Train of Gentlewomen who are nearest in Consanguinity or Affinity who with a great Noise and Howling bewail the early departure of their Friend then presently all are silent that not one is so much as heard to whisper or give a Sigh and then on a sudden elevate their Voice and yell out like some of the more bruitish and savage Irish. On each side the Herse go the Priests Chaplains and Monks bearing Images Torches and a Thurible or Incense-pan which is all the while waved to and again to expell Evil Ghosts which they believe still haunt the Body of the Deceased After the Corps follow the Friends and Acquaintance without any order each carrying a Wax-tapour in the Hand When they come to the Grave the Coffin is opened and the Incense pan swing'd 3 times over the Corps in remembrance of the H. Trinity and then the Image of that Saint which he in his Life time made choice of for his Patron is thrown into the Coffin with him upon which all his Relations come near and take their last view of him kiss the Coffin and go backward When the Friends have so taken their leave the Priest delivers him a Letter superscribed to Saint Nicholas containing a hearty recommendation of the Deceased A copy of one of these came once to my hand which before I had Transcribed it out was taken from me by a Priest being the Brother of the Gentleman who lent it me for it is not lawfull for a Russian himselfe to know the Contents much less for a Heretic The Paraphrase of the Fragment was after this Manner Great and Powerful Saint Beloved of Men and Angels Our immaculat Brother and Partaker of Mortality who leaves us in this World more worthy than to dwell amongst men below desires to be commended to thy Tuition whom we heartily commit to thy Protection and Care Receive him we intreat thee Oh Wonderfully Great and Powerfull Saint and let him rest with immortal and glorious Angels Piety was his Ioy Shrift his Delight Earth what he hated and Heaven the Object of his love prayers were his Exercise and This fragment is all I can give you of the Letter which as I told you was taken from me The body being interred they return home where they junket and drink till they forget their Sorrow This feast dures sometimes a Moneth or 40 days according to the ability of the Person among others it is not customary to make one long Feast at the Funeral but an anniversary Meal and celebrate that same day every year in remembrance of the Deceased CHAP. VII The Religion and Church-Government of the Russians The Patriarch and his Office Of their Sacraments c. THe Moscovians are professedly Christians but tainted with many superstitious Ceremonies about Imagery and other Relicts of Gentilism which the good Emperour Basilius about the year 989. rooted out of his Empire baptizing himself and causing all his Subjects to do the like They boast mainly of their Continuance and Conformity with the Primitive Church which they say is still the same in purity without the stains of Innovation as indeed in many things it seems to be nearer than the Church of Rome aswell in matter of Faith as Government of the Church The Church of Moscovia has like that of Rome one supreme Head who is the Patriarch Under the Patriarch are 4 Metropolitans 4 Arch-Bishops besides many other Bishops Abbots and the Inferior Clergy The Patriarch is almost Sovereign in Spiritual Affairs having an absolute and immediate power without any appendency on the Temporal Government unless it be in case of inducing Heresy upon which he must Submit to a Synod as in the year 1662 a General Council was called and the Patriarch summoned to make his appearance at what time he was impeached for Innovations and indevouring to alienate the present condition of the Church and reform it's Government by diminishing Image-worship which he held for litle better than Idolatry After many days sitting that Council thought fit to confine him to his Mansion-House and ordain the First Metropolitan in his room who was then living when I was at Moscou The Revenues of the Patriarch as also of the Metropolitans are very great out of which they are obliged to levy and Maintain an Army of 15000 men during the time of War The Habit of the Patriarch and the Metropolitans differ but litle The Patriarch has always a great Crosier born before him or a litle one in his hand and sometimes both this they call a Posok Mitres they wear only upon Convocations or high Assemblies and upon solemn Occasions Abroad they are distinguished by a high Cap flat at top like the Switzers or Yeomen of the Guard Next their Bodie they wear a Cassoc and above that a long Gown or rather a Pall which is born up by two Gentlemen The Inferior Clergy and Priests wear a Cap but not so high as that of the Superiors This Cap is given them when they are ordained by the Bishops at what time they shave their Heads and suffer it to grow no more save in two litle tufts just above their ears There is a Law among them that whosoever beats one of those Clerks so that his
Valley where we were espied by a Company of Troopers being about 15 or 16. These made up towards us and drove harder and harder till coming near at hand we began to consult about the point of Safety yet could not come to an unanimous Resolution till it was too late some were for Defence others for yielding which Advice was thought best and approved on by the major part for that we thought if the kind Heavens had given us the Field for that time yet we were sure that some must loose their lives and that they might in the mean time be seconded by another fresh Party who when all was done would take the remainder and use us the more unkindly for our obstinacy We therefore upon their approachment freely surrendred our selves into their hands and implored their Mercy after the best manner and with all the signs we could When they had got us into their Power they drove us into the Jurisdiction of the Scemkals for we were then within the Confines of the Osmin When they had brought us within their own limits they allighted from their horses and plundered us yet not with that rigorous usage we feared for having stript us of our upper Garment they let us go taking only what we had with us that was thought to be of any value They took from me a Parcel of rich Silk which I had bought of the Rebells at Astrachan but my gold Chain which I had fastened in the inside of my Garter they did not find When they had thus pillaged us they directed us which way to go for our Safety Dagestan is a Countrey subject to divers Princes and Lords who are independently Sovereign but the most principal Provinces are Scemkal and Osmin already mentioned and of those two the former is the more eminent the Government whereof is not hereditary but by lot which is after this manner The High Priest first appoints a day of Election to which several of the Princes or Myrses as they term them are assembled these being set all in order round about him he throws up a litle Apple but whether of Gold or Gilded I cannot be positiv upon this they all grabble to catch it and he that getts it is chosen for their Prince altho he can favour any he has a mind to by casting it that way Which may also serv for an Embleme to represent Elections in other places where Policy seems to be more refined By that time we had travelled an hour we were aware of another Troop of Horse greater than the former who fell suddenly upon us stripped us to the shirts and ravished the wife of my Countrey-man Brak before our Eies and left her naked My shirt and Drawers which were left me I gave to the Woman on whom I had more compassion than on my self Upon this deplorable accident we took our leaves of each other and departed being naked and unfit to assist each other any more going two or three in a company together Els Pieterson and Mr. Tolk chused to go with me and by that time we had travailled 2 or 3 hours further we were set upon by another Company of Horse belonging to the Osmin These took us tied our hands behind our back made us fast to their Horses Tails and so to trot after them through Thistles and Thorns backwards so that the Horse men driving on apace sometimes dragged us forward for it was not possible that we should keep pace with them After they had brought us a good way they untied me and binding me fast to a Tree shot me with their Arrows which they had broken off and made stumped on purpose to urge me to discover the rest of our Company But when they could not move me to detect them they continued shooting that I often wished that they would have dispatched me and rid me of that misery The marks and pits remain still in my Body as I have shown them to many hundreds since my arrival at home These Torments I endured with incredible patience not willing to detect my Countreymen Torments I say that none without experience could be able to imagine how great When they insisted hard that I should tell them which way they went I told them that they went toward the Hilly Countrey altho I was certain on the contrary for they had determined to go along the River that they might have their shelter in the Woods After they had used us so inhumanly and out of hopes of getting any thing from us they took me and Els Pletersz tied us legg to legg with a small Iron Chain and so brought us up to the Prince Osmin often threatning that they would tear us limb from limb sustaining that Opinion of us that we were of Stephen Radzin's Company and sent out as Emmissaries on his behalf and therefore were resolved that his Insolencies should be lay to our charge When I understood that their Opinion and Intentions were such I was in a great consternation not that I was affraid of Death for that was what I chiefly longed for at that time but that we were liable to such a bad Censure and could not explain our selves so well as to satisfy them to the contrary and besides all that to be kept alive and suffer so many Tortures as they threatned us to detect what we were utterly ignorant of and unable to satisfy them in When we came to the Princes Palace they led us thro the Guards that stood on each side with naked Scimmatars in their hands these we expected to be our Executioners to hew us in pieces altho afterwards we understood it was the manner there when captives are brought before the Prince So soon as my Companion saw this wofull sight he turned his head about and stared upon me with a very frightfull look which I beleeve was the first time and the occasion of a Frenzy which he has been often since possessed with and I beleeve if he be alive continues with him till this day Being come before the Prince we threw our selves down at his feet he thereupon asked us Whence we came and to what end we were come thither We answered Dutch and fled from Astrachan to avoid the Cosacks who upon our departure were about to lay siege to that City and now come to implore your Highnesses gracious Protection All this I hear very well quoth the Prince but I am certain that you are your selves Cosacs and of that Rout which not long ago depopulated my Countrey and made Havoc of my Subjects and now the Villain your Master having taken in Astrachan has sent you as Spies and Explorators to visit my Towns Our reply was Sir we know nothing of the Designs of the Cosacs but served as Marriners in a Ship which some of our Countrey-men have built for the Emperour of Moscovia When the Prince heard that he was some what appeased hearing us with more attention and that we might the
bought them for the value of 100 Crowns These he kept for Warming Pans and would upon Occasion when he made any Feast cause them to dance nor did they much seem to be concern'd at the loss of those heavy burthens called Maidenheads althô the Art is to know where they first got rid of 'em CHAP. XXII The Hatred and Churlishness of the Ambassadour against the Polish Gentry A Polish Gentleman murthered in his bed The pitiful case and condition of the Polanders who were in the Retinue of the Legate The Ambassadours Greediness He indeavours to turn Mahometan The Authors intention to make his escape Captain Butler and others of his old acquaintance come to Scamachi where they do what they can for the Captivs The Ambassadors Brother goes for Ispahan where he desires to be admitted as a Mahometan but is not received William the Masters Mate of the Ship Eagle comes to Scamachi A great Earth-quake Consecration of Water among the Armenian Christians A great concourse of People and remarkable Ceremonies ON the 2 of November came the Sister of the Ambassador and his Brother with a great Retinue and Pomp their Reception was with an Extravagant Banquet which dured several days So long as this Junketting lasted was such Gluttony Drunkness and Prodigality yea such beastliness shown that I almost abhorred the name of a Christian when on the other side I saw the Mahometans point at them who are themselvs very abstemious and temperate Yet this only was to gratify the Georgians and Persians for he demeaned himself very churlishly towards the Polish Gentry who were sent to grace his Person as a Retinue Scarce were they ever admitted into his presence and besides that pinched in their allowance as well in Diet as Habit and at last having spent the Money they brought with them out of Poland were reduced to such poverty that they went up and down like Beggars being ashamed to com into honest Company for besides their costly Attire which he always kept locked up he would not allow them a sufficiency of Linnen to keep them clean If any offered to complain he threatned to sell them for Slaves which tended to the great detriment of those his Domestics and Dishonour of the King and Crown of Poland This bred in the Polish Gentry such dissaffection that they resolved oftentimes to have revenge but as those who know themselvs conscious of such ill demeanor are ever in fear of their Persons so he who knew himself guilty of such wicked doings had always a certain number of his own Nation to secure and guard him However they once finding opportunity and being already com to the very Catastroph of Patience began to hew him with their Scymiters and Axes as he should go out of his Dining-Room where they chopt and mangled him so that he lay for dead upon the Floor in the Portic having received 17 grievous Wounds and lost three Fingers of his Right hand yet by the great diligence and skill of his Chirurgeon who was then at hand he was restored to his former Health and Sanity This outrage as it could not but ingender bad blood so it rendred the Ambassadour much more despightfull than before and that very night to be revenged sent a Georgian Soldier to Paniegros a Polish Gentleman who was as Assistent in this Ambassage and equally impowered to treat with the Ministers of State at the Persian Court and therefore reckoned by the other as an obstruction in the Promotion of his Interest as well as his being ready to represent the Occasion of these Tumults to the King in such manner as might tend to his disadvantage yet it ought to be understood of this Gentleman that he neither gave incouragement nor knew any thing of that extravagant Action The Georgian having obtained entrance ran to his Bed-side and there most inhumanly murthered him whilst asleep This Paniegros was a Gentleman of a brave conduct and withall of a meek temper having purchased the Love even of those that seemed to be his Lot-enemies for his prudent and civil deportment He had lived for som years together at Amsterdam and spoke very good Nether-dutch The rest of the Polish Nation were taken and secured som whereof were fast in Chains Nor with this did the Ambassador hold up but dayly revenged himself of the Poles which he used as Slaves and the more to over aw them listed several Georgians-Soldiers to guard his Body The Prince of Scamachy now sensible of the Differences and sad disorder of affairs took upon himself the Office of a Mediator and adjousted the matter so well that the imprisoned Parties were set again at liberty yet were no better used than before as to their Sus-and Maintenance whereas one Man might easily eat the Allowance he gave for 8. He on the Contrary continued a Junketting with those of his own Nation that an Ox a day would not have been too much if it were not for varietie and change of Diet. He bought 13 Kine which he sent out into the Field and set me to look after them but finding my self at a loss for Victuals I assumed the liberty to tell his Excellency that he must please to send me somthing to eat in the Field His answer was If you will have any thing steal a cow from the Persians and help your self so But that Commission I took occasion to let alone being sensible that my masters Order would not excuse me Thus I suffered more hunger than in all my life and sore against my will intimated the matter to my former Patron Hadsi Biram who gave me this reply I told you of it before-hand what a villain that Georgian is That he was but a Christian in show and far too base to be a Musulman And certainly the Gentleman had good reason on his side for this Ambassadour well knowing what Beer was brewed for him at the Court in Warsaw dispatches his Brother to the King at Ispahan to supplicate that they might both be circumcised pretending that now knowing better things than he had hitherto don therefore could not have Peace or Rest in Conscience but continual Horror and Inquietude if he were not admitted as a member in Mahometanism But they had such ample and clear Information at Court of his Life and Behaviour that they easily perceiv'd upon what account he did it and consequently declined his Request Shortly after he also received a Mandate from Ispahan to depart immediatly for Poland which was acceptable news for the Polish Gentry hoping at once to be rid of that Slavery and Misery they suffered After my old Patron had discoursed me a litle about this affair took his leav of me saying John I am very sorry for your condition pre'thee therefore com twice a day to my house and eat or at what time you are hungry I shall give my wife order upon my Absence to give you Victuals The sweetest music I must confess I heard in Persia
Commissioners had Order from the King to complete the number of 500 of the best featured complexioned and shaped Virgins that were to be found in all the whole Muster The manner of it is thus Some time before the King issues a Mandate which is published thrô every Province of his Realm and Dominions That all the young Maids from 2 to 17 years if there be any of that age shall be drawn up to their respectiv Metropolitans or Chief Towns as these in Media were brought to Scamachy where the Kings Commissioners shall make choice on the Kings behalf This Mandate is duly and with all reverence obey'd by the Parents of such Children who if they have but one Child are obliged upon pain of Death to bring her to the Place appointed where the said Commissioners are to view and censure them if they be worthy to be culled out for the Kings use Deplorable it was to see the dejected Countenance of the Parents who brought their Children where they must take their last leavs of them never thinking to see them again and as remarkable it was to consider the various tempers and differing humors of the People whereas som who having a great love and esteem for their Children would attire them in the ougliest Garb and use what Arts they could to make them seem deformed and mishapen whilst on the contrary others thinking it a Honour and being either overburthened with their Children or void of that tenderness which by nature all are injoyned to have over their Issue would use every mean they could conceiv to render them handâ—m and spend their utmost mite for Ornaments to add a Grace to their corporal qualifications that so they might be rendered as an Emphasis among the rest When this Muster was certified and published which is but a short warning I knew a very rich Merchant whose greatest solace and imaginary happiness was in one onely Daughter who was already marriageable and courted by a young Gentleman of no slender Fortune but the Father whether he thought her a Match in regard of her Dowry Beauty Wit and other Accomplishments fitter for a greater Personage or that the youth had som Property which he the said Merchant took dislike at I cannot determine yet certainly he courted her long before he could gain the will and consent of the old Man which till these Summons came he quite despaired of But no sooner did the old Gentleman hear of the Mandate but he sent for the Youth and not only gave him his Daughter for his Bride but made him in Post-hast to bed with her that so he might juramentally declare she was no Virgin The Youngman did not desire many Moneths to deliberate the business but suddenly accepted of his Offer and so anticipated the King Yet this did not altogether excuse them for it was not so universally known but that som Pick-thank Neighbour thinking that the Gentleman concealed his Daughter to escape the Censure went and informed the Commissioners that such a Virgin was not brought to the Test being a great Beauty and well bodied The Commissioners immediatly send out a Privat Summons to the Old Gentleman to bring his Daughter into the Chans Antichambre where they held the Rendez-vous the Old Gentleman makes his Appearance with his Son in Law and Daughter together with som Persons of Quality to make use of in case Evidence were required where being come he presents his Daughter and pray'd them to take his Son too for he was the Person that had her Maiden-head which was the only thing the King desired In fine he declared the matter so circumstantially that she was dismissd All this while I saw little hopes of ever enjoying my Freedom so that I began to despair of Redemption After I had consulted all means I concluded it my best way to dispatch Letters to som of my own Nation and accordingly sent one to the Dutch Consul at Smyrna and another to the Sieur Molives at Leghorn humbly entreating them to send them forward for Holland with one acquainting them that I was in Slavery at Scamachy and could not send any Letter with safety and conveniency thrô Moscovia which was the reason of my being so importunate as to direct them that way On the 9 th we had very tempestuous Weather high and impetuous Winds mixed with Thunder and Lightning so that all shaked again On this day went all the Woman to the Sepulchers of their deceased Friends to perform the customary Rites The next day was a great Festival or Holy day among them which was solemnized with Beating of Kettle-drums sound of Trumpets and Playing on all sorts of loud Wind-Music On the 11 th was one of Radzins chief Officers brought into Scamachy being with 3 more of the Cosac Commanders sent upon an Ambassage to Boulat a Prince of the Circas-Tartars to desire his Assistance of som Auxiliaries promising not only to spare his Subjects but also to give him a considerable Reward The Prince having understood the sum of their Instructions caused immediatly Three of those to be beheaded and their Bodies to be thrown to the Eagles and Ravens The Heads he caused to be embalmed and put in a Bag which he compelled the Fourth to carry to Ispahan and present the King His one Hand and his Neck was nailed to a Wooden Collar made like a Y with 2 Branches between which his Head was supported so that he continually looked upwards This Cosac or rathér Renegado for he was a Russ born I knew very well at Astrachan He was mounted on a bay Horse and attired in a Garment of yellow Silk and notwithstanding the unexpected severe Usage he met with did not seem by his Countenance to be at all concerned When he was brought into Ispahan was put into close Prison and loaden with massy Fetters and Manicles but shortly after got his enlargement promising to impart som weighty and important affair to the King I have already made mention how that about 2 years before Radzin had dispatched 7 Ambassadors to the Court at Ispahan desiring a Supply of Men and Ammunition as also to enter into a League with the King but by reason the Cosacs had plundered Astrabath Ferrebath and Lenkeran and committed many insolent Outrages within his Majesties Territories and that Radzin was not by any acknowledged as a Soveraign Prince his Ambassadors found a very unkind Reception at Court and meeting with some menacing Sentences in their Instructions the King caused their Heads to be severed from their Bodies reserving only one to bring back the Tidings who was upon his delivery of the Message ordered by Radzin himself to be chop'd into Gobbets as may be read more at large in Pag. 192 193. So that I held it strange that Stephen Radzin would assume the freedom to send any more Legates without other Ground of Hope that they should have better success than the former had On the 25 was a
Merchants where they ordinarily find all things at an available price The Slaves being brought to Market the Buyer goes about and seeing one he likes the first thing he does is to look him in the mouth as we do Horses causes him to be stript and feels him all over but especially his Wrists and Muscles thence collecting what strength he is of and what service he is able to do him If the Buyer intend to imploy him about Messages he causes him to run out 10 or 12 Paces others make them to stand in all Postures and so value them according to their Age soundness of Body and strength If the Buyer chance to find any reasonable fault failing or blemish in his Slave within the space of 3 daies he may return him to the seller and receive the value again and this advantage has the Buyer also in most other things or if I am not mistaken in all save damageable Commodities On the 12 the Calenter who is next to the Chan in Power and Office came to our Ambassador with an Order from the Scach to bid him make preparation for his Journey and in all hast to depart But the Ambassador returned him his wonted reply That he was at present destitute of Money and not able to undertake the Journey unless the Chan would pay him what he was owing him upon the receipt of which he would immediatly go without more or further delay CHAP. XXVI A dreadfull Tempest Great Balls of Fire fall upon the Earth A most fearful Deluge whereby Houses Men and abundance of Cattel are carried away The Chan receivs another Robe of Favour The Offerings of the Banjans for the Fowl and Fish The Religious Exercise of the Persian Women The Author's Discourse with the Chan. The Author meets with one of the Tartars who had made him Slave He gets out of the service of the Polish Ambassador The great Bounty and Kindness of his Patron Hadzi Biram and of Altine his Patroness One of his Company made free ON the 13 was a violent storm with Thunder and Lightning which very much endamaged the Ambassadours House and took away the Roof of many other Houses round about The Air was as if it had been all Fire and a Sulphury flame and somtime were seen great balls like burning Brimstone falling down About 8 in the Evening I saw a great massy lump of Fire which made the Earth shake again when it fell and so burst all to pieces Formidable I thought were the great Ordnance in the Dardanelli when they were discharged being reputed the greatest in the World But there was as much difference between this and them as there is between a Mountain and a Mole-Hill About 2 hours after fell down 6 more which were as big as Hogs-heads these consumed and wasted a great part of the ground where they light This Tempest continued about 48 hours after which followed a very calm season On the 15 we had news from Ardebil how that Monsr Termund with P. Arentsz his servant were arrived there safe and well althô not without som difficulty by the way meeting with some Robbers but the Konjack telling them that he was sent to the Schach on an Express they let him go without further trouble The next day fell abundance of Rain that all the whole Face of the Countrey round about Scamachy lay under Water and the streams coming from the Mountains brought down huge Pieces of Rocks and Stones which came down into the Town and carried away several Houses with them as also many People who were on every side environed with the Floods that they could not help themselves This Tempest concluded with fearful Thunder-claps and Lightning as if the last day were com On the 17 the Chan had a Robe of Favour sent him from the King The Envoyé who brought it being arrived at the Kings House without the City sent notice and acquainted the Chan with his coming who according to the Custom set his House in order and took leav of his Friends fearing that this was upon a sharper Errand than the last the more I suppose because my Patrons Brother had been at Ispahan to acquaint the King that his Brother the Polish Ambassador had such a sum of Money due to him from the Chan and could not for the want thereof undertake his Journey for Warsaw The Chan makes preparation to go and know the Kings Pleasure being mounted on a stately Arabian Horse and followed with a great Retinu of Nobility and Courtiers all well mounted as before So soon as he was com there the Envoyé fulfills his Commission and delivers the Robe after the same manner with the same Ceremonies as were before mentioned and having taken his leave of the Courier returned into the City with variety of Wind-Music Kettle-drums and Trumpets On the 18 of August we had a great Earth-quake which raged a long time together in which many Dwelling Houses Stables and Barns without the Walls on the East-side of the Town were thrown down and abundance of Men crush'd to pieces When the Earthquake was past it began to rain very hard and blew extremely The same day I had occasion to go without the Walls where walking a litle towards the Fields I saw about 100 Benians performing Sacrifices to the Fowls and Fish They lay upon their knees and strowed Rice and Beans upon the Land and in the River These Indians will never kill any living Creature not so much as Lice which althô they take yet set them down in som place or other to pasture and let them shift for themselvs When they see any Person go out a Birding with a Fowling-piece Ginns or other Implements they will give him Money to go home again or if they perceiv any one about to shoot they will be sure to spoil his Game by chacing away the Fowl insomuch that if the Party be a Choleric man they are in danger of their Lives The like they doe with the Fish when they see any com to Angle and trouble the water When they are about to make water or ease themselvs they alwaies look about them if there be no Vermin or any thing that hath life upon the Ground which if there be they remove it away very carefully lest they should do it harm During the time of these Festival Days which happens 8 times a year they will burn no Candle Tapour or Torch lest Muskettos and other Insects that fly about the Flame should singe their Wings They have also offered the Chan a considerable sum of Money that no Beast should be slain during the time of these Feasts but the Chan would not listen to any such thing These people are also very superstitious in many other things and withall strict and zealous They will not use either Dish or any other Vessel belonging to such as are not of their own Sect yet will suffer others to make use of theirs They abstain
a House in all Ispahan but has somthing of a Garden behind it more or less whence it coms that this City is so great in compass As to the manner of their Hous-keeping and other peculiar Customs I hold it needless to treat any thing about since it may be collected out of what I have already said in the foregoing Chapters They are in general very sociable and for their Urbanity towards strangers draw many Forreigners thither They are also Lovers of all kinds of Discipline and the Gentry very ambitious in Arts and Sciences The Land about Ispahan is very fertile and affoards all that is necessary for human sustenance in good plenty But the Town being very populous thrô the great concourse of Strangers from all parts of the World makes all things very dear but especially Fewel insomuch that Wood and Charcoal are sold by the Pound and notwithstanding it may seem to be in a warm climat yet in the Winter it is very cold or at lest so seeming to them who are used to the great heat of the Summer Solstice During the time of my being there they were very busy about gathering their Ice which is got and preserved after this manner First they dig a great Pit in the Earth about 40 Foot deep which they encompass with a Wall about 10 Fathom high which is commonly made of Clay but that side next to the North is lower than the rest that the cool North Winds may allay the violent Heat of the Sun then they dig or plow certain furrows in the Plains round about which when it freezes they set all over with Water and so gather the Ice and when they have enough cover it with straw This Ice is very common in use among the richer sort in the Summer time not only for cooling the Wines but aswell for lying upon their Dishes of Fruit when they are brought up to the Table which is only laid on a heap in the middle of the Dish and so dissolves it self through all the Fruit. This is reckoned for a good commodity if it be a hot Summer and is sold as well along the Streets as in Houses On the 16 of February was the Epiphany celebrated by the Armenian and Georgian Christians So soon as I heard what was the matter I rose pretty early in the morning with intent to see the Solemnity of the Day The first I met was the Jesaulcor or Great Marshal with all his subordinat Officers who were ordered to prevent Tumults and not to suffer Horses and Camels with any Burthens to pass over the Bridges and thrô the Streets that lead to Tzulfa and Tzarbag which was not only don for the sake of the Christians but upon the account of one of the Kings legitimat Wives whom he entirely loved being a Georgian by birth and educated in the Christian Religion and had a desire to go and see the Solemnities performed which the King would not deny her for that she was great with Child About 8 in the morning were all the Christian Ladies in Balconies which were all hung with Tapestry and those of the greatest rank with Canopies over head Those of meaner degree sate on each side the River Senderus and had a Guard of Soldiers under the Command of an Officer to secure them from being abused by the Mahometans and to suffer no Men to crowd in upon them About 9 assembled all those under Spiritual Orders and the Clergy belonging to the 10 Churches of Tzulpha and the 2 Churches of Ispahan Those were all attired in white Stoles and Capps of Cloth of Gold upon their Heads with long Labels hanging down to their middle but more gorgeous was the Attire of the Patriarch being all over richly embroydered with Gold and adorned with costly Gems Every Priest carried a Silver Cross hung with litle Silver Bells and Basons The Crosses which were carried by those of higher degrees and in the formost Ranks were supported each by 3 Men. The Inferior Clergy followed after with lighted Tapours in their Hands accompanied with the most eminent of the Laïty The Superior Monks of Ispahan adjoyned themselvs to the Patriarch 5 of them bearing up his Pontifical Robes 2 on each side and one behind About one a clock came the King mounted on a stately Arabian Horse without any considerable Retinu save only the Chancelor and Grand Marshal the the Guards and the rest of the Court having order to keep behind the Procession The Begum or Queen before mentioned was carried before as a privat Gentlewoman in a Sedan to a great Merchants house accompany'd only with one Gentlewoman the Master of the Eunuchs and 4 of his Company for the King ever reposes great Confidence in the Christians and esteems them as the most loyal of all his Subjects as appears by his adventuring his person among them without any Guards But before the Procession was ended it began to snow very hard which did not only cause the King to leav them but put a stop to the further Celebration of this great Festival which by the preparations seemed to be intended to be solemnized with very great Pomp for besides the Contribution of all the Christians who as I have elsewhere noted are very rich the King sends the Patriarch a considerable Sum of Money som time before in order to the carrying on and maintaining this anniversary Custom The Patriarch and Superior Clergy seeing there was no hopes of the Weather growing better they departed without performing the ritual Ceremonies but the Laïty continued Dancing and Singing all the Night long In the mean while the Caravan was in a readiness to depart for Gammeron and the Heer Bent gave order for Horses and Camels to be bought up for us to carry our Provision and Baggage He also took care to buy us all Necessaries we had occasion for on our Journey and was pleased to appoint me as Caffil Abassi or Overseer of the Provision About this time it frose very hard and as I not without wondring saw Ice 3 Foot thick which was averred never to be known in that Countrey in any mans Age. How hard a season it was for poor People may be gathered from what I have already said how scarce all kind of Fewel is is Ispahan CHAP. XXXIII The great Civility of Hadsi Biram The Authors Departure out of Ispahan Their incommodous Travelling thrô the Snow Wells and Pits of Water abounding with Fish They are much incommodated in their Travailing The Caravan assailed by Robbers Their Superstitious horrour of Swines Flesh Sepulchre of Schach Solyman's Mother The Sepulchre of Noah his Wife Children and Childrens Children Tzilminar The Pompous Relicts and Ruins of the famous Persepolis and the noble Fort thereof The Statue of Rustan a Persian Champion ON the 17 of February we had order to make ready for our Journey wherefore that morning I went to return my hearty Thanks to my good Master Hadzi Byram where coming and finding him at
Island is white with the Dung of Mews Cormorants and a sort of Wild-geese that com thither to build and breed as also to prey upon the dead Fish which lies in heaps upon the shore and in the small Inlets and Creeks There is no fresh Water upon the Island which if there had we had bin very unhappy for the English had intended to leav us there with a little Provision till our own Ships should come to fetch us off but seeing there was none they were so kind as to carry us for England The reason of their design to do so was because they had very many sick aboard and grew every day weaker and weaker by the Death of their Men fearing therefore that we should rise and make our selvs Masters of the Ship when we found an Opportunity being about 300 Dutch in all On the 23 of June we left Ascension Island and set our Course N.W. till we came under the Aequinoctial and then North till we came in 13 degr which is the height of the Barbados then steered N. and by E. till we came in 43 degr where we altered our Course N. E. till we found that we were in 48 degr then changed our Point N. E. and by E. till we came at 51 degr 11 min. then steered East till we had 51 degr 20 min. and the next day got sight of Ireland and the day following arrived safe at Baltamore which is a very fair Haven and good Anchor-ground as also a safe Harbor for Shipping against all Winds Being arrived here the Captains gave us liberty to go where we liked so that som of our Men went over Land for Kingsale On the 26 we had news of the Engagement between the English and Dutch The day following I set forward with som of our Company afoot over land passing through many fair Towns as Balthamore Top Ross and others On the 28 we came at the Castle Til Britton where we stay'd all night and the next morning betimes set forward on our Journey and about noon came to Kingsale being one of the most commodious Havens and strongest Place that I had seen in all Ireland The Haven is sufficient to contain a considerable number of Shipping as at our being there were 80 or 100 sail laying at Anchor all Ships of a great Burthen The City it's self is also strongly Wall'd and has an impraegnable Fort. We tarried here 10 days and set forward again for Cork where we happily found a Ship ready to sail for Bristol Cork is a fair City and the Metropolitan of the Province of that name being also a Bishops Seat The Master received us aboard and in the Afternoon set sail and that night came to Anchor before Cow which lies about 5 Leagues from Cork On the 10 betimes in the Morning we weighed and had a brav◠Gale of Wind. About Noon we descried a small Vessel which w◠praesumed was a Dutch Privateer but ours being a good sailer outstrip◠her far The next day we found ourselvs in St. Georges Channel and about the Evening came before Bristol On the 12 I went ashoar and pursued my Journey afoot to London where on the 15 I arrived and stayed 3 Days viewing to my great astonishment the City all rebuilt after a magnificent manner being not long before in Rubbish and Ashes by a dreadfull Fire that happened in the year 1666 but now appearing with a far greater lustre than before From London I travailed to Harwich passing thrô many fair Villages and a most delightfull Countrey And from hence imbarqued for Holland where after many Miseries and Perils by the Goodness of Almighty GOD I embraced my Wife and Children on the 7 of October in the year 1673. Anchora de prora jacitur stat littore puppis THE END The Copy of a NARRATIV Written from aboard the Ship EAGLE belonging to his Imperial Majesty the Czar of Moscovia riding at Anchor before ASTRACHAN upon the River Wolga bearing date September XXIV M DC LXIX O. S. ON the 28 of May we left Moscou and with a small Boat fell down the River Occa till we came at Dedenof being the Wharf where the Ship and Yacht were built which we found ready for a Launch ON the 6 of Iune we set sail with our Ship and Yacht coming the day following before Nisen Novogorod where the River Occa incorporates with the Wolga In the mean while we had run our selvs a ground three or 4 Times but that was more thrô the unskilfullness of the Pilot than the Badness of the River which is deep and navigable as also on each side inhabited and grown with Woods The name of the Gentleman who resided at Nisen as Waywood or Governour was Maxim Ivanowitz Nachokkin who made us very welcom and according to their custom sent us several Dishes of Meat also during the time we lay there at Anchor came several times aboard us and at our departure convoy'd us down som part of the River and supplied the Officers with Necessaries and Refreshments HAVING the advantage both of Wind and stream we arrived the First of July before the mouth of the River Casanka which is about a mile from Casan Here we broke our Cables and with much ado made fast to the shore with a single Rope We had also lost our Bowspriet among the Trees in falling down the Occa. The Waywods name of Casan was Iurien Petrovitz Trobieskay a liberal Gentleman and not at all incomitable he treated us several Times at his own House and upon our Departure gave us som Provision aboard us After 15 days aboad here we loosed and passed by several fair Towns as Camuschinka Dosoroska and others too long to relate This said Camuschinka is lately built by Order of the Czaar being fortified Diamond wise by Collonel Thomas Bailey an English Gentleman It 's end is to prevent the Irruption of the Cosacs the River Camuschinka running into the Don. ON the 13 of August we got sight of Astrachan and on the 14 came before the Town where we gave the Salvo with all our Cannon and 60 Musquets and in the Evening dropped Anchor in the Road near the Town We had before got Intelligence how that the Cosacs had appeared upon the Wolga but coming to Astrachan were further informed how that the Russes were gon out against them in which Expedition were 50 Stroegs and about 3000 Men under the Command of Knees Simeun Ivanowitz Geboof who was the third Voyce or suffrage of Astrachan It is now 3 years since the first rising of the Cosacks in which time they have depopulated many fair Towns upon the Caspian Sea and about a year agon had taken in Iaick a City belonging to the Czar where they had besides many Insolencies committed killed and dispatched abov 8000 Men by cruel and unheard of Torments amongst whom was one Dutch Officier of known fame for his good Conduct IN Persia they had taken in and demolished 3 Citys
to acquaint the Waywod with the matter before he should come to hear â—t from others and with one to let him know the reason But he who was my Interpreter was also fled with them so that I was fain to make use of the Chirurgeon before mentioned Having acquainted the Governour with what had passed he â—ow'd himself outwardly not to be much concerned especially when I told him that they were not gone over to the Cosacks THE same day came a Courier with an Express from Moscou being the same Gentleman who had brought the news how that the Russes about Zaritsa were revolted This Gentleman's name was Danile Tourlekojof and had been formerly with me aâ—oard our Ship upon the Wolga between Casan and Astrachan and intimated me with privacy how that the Revolting Party had used the Lievtenant General and other Russian Officers after a most barbarous manner and that Astrachan it self as well as all the Countrey round about was already betray'd but further said he not THE day following being the 9 th of June I received an order from the Governour â— visit the Fortifications of the City The like orders had an English Colonel â—ho was come hither from Terki which City was was also fortified anew by the said Coll being situated in the Land of the Circas-Tartars about 2 Leagues from the Caspian Sea The old City or Castle as Adam Olearius writes was first built and fortified by one Cornelius Claasz a Hollander This Gentleman had the charge of one Quarter committed to him and my self the other to repair it so that the Men might be secure Soon after came the Waywod himself in person and desired our Advice what to do for Security of the Town The English Gentlemans advice was to make some Outworks without the Walls but I advised him to make Proclamation that all such as had any way revolted or engaged themselvs to the Cosac Party should be pardoned and declared free Remmissionaries in case they would come and submit themselvs to the Governour and that the Townsmen should have some money distributed among them and the most popular to be drawn in by promise of Advancement and the like so that those being leading Men might appease the rest However my advice in that was rejected MEAN while a narrow Watch was held and the Soldiery lay all night upon the Walls and 2 Men at every Port-hole to be ready in case of a silent Attacque THE Persians Calmuc-and Circas-Tartars under conduct of a Persian Gentleman who was there upon his way to the Court at Moscou upon an Ambassage from the King of Persia did also their utmost indeavors to assist us and passed away the night with Music Dancing and other Mirth The Post assigned them was the Poet Nietze Basna being the Bulwark where they usually torture their Malefactors ON Sunday being the 15 th of June I was invited to dinner with the Waywod When the Table was done he gave me a Present to wit a yellow Silk Coat 2 pair of Breeches and 2 shirts that being the Custom of the Russians upon extraâ—dinary Occasions forsooth He also made me many fair promises besides the frâ—dom of his House and Table for my Good service having about 100 Men unâ— my Conduct nor did I appear too remiss in my duty for I went the Rounds eveâ— night ofter than my Order and Injunction was THE Thursday following being the 19 th we had Intelligence how that the Cosâ— Forces were greatly increased and that they were a Marching towards us which neâ— continued and was confirmed by a continual recourse of Land Tartars and Fisheâ— into Astrachan There was also a false rumor spread about the Town as if oâ— Men that were fled had loaden the Cannon that lay upon the Walls with loose Poâ—der others that it was with Balls and no Powder and a third that it was first wâ— Balls and then with Powder all which coming to the Governours Ear he sent hâ— me but coming to worm the Guns in his presence found it was but a false and malicious report raised by some prejudiced Persons to cast an odium upon them and 〈◊〉 turn me out of Favour ON Friday the 20 th of June the Waywod made me Lieutenant Coll. in place of James Wondram which by provision I took upon me but being not well pleased with my Charge the Coll. who observed it seem'd a little discontented and said in presence of the Governour That it was not now a fit time to solicit in for sâ—d things whence I collected that be thought that I had made it my business to be advaâ—ced but was soon after better informed when he would himself have confirmâ— me in the Regiment and I with great earnestness declined it The Post which waâ— assigned me was in the same Quarter with the Coll. on the Tartarian side wheâ— the Fort was the weakest ON Sunday June 22 came the Cosacks within sight of Astrachan and sent Cosac Trumpetter with a Russian Priest to demand the Town The said Cosac had also a Letter for me in Dutch wherein I was advised not to fight with my Men if I hoped for Quarter or Mercy at their hands The said Letter was taken from me by the Waywod before I had read it quite out and torn in Pieces The Trumpetter and Priest had Gaggs put in their Mouths that they should cause no commotion or alteration among the Commons and were soon after beheaded ON Munday came the Cosac-Army with about 300 Keels great and smal close to the City puting in at a River near the Vineyards that ly about half a Leagâ— from the Walls of the Town Upon this we set the Tartarian Tents on fire Meanwhile I stood upon the top of the Governours house with the Governour himself and casually espied several Boats in the River before the Town I therefore advised the Governour not to let them tarry there for althô they were but Fishers Boats yet they might give intelligence to the Enemy wherefore he gave order immediatly to sink them which was forthwith put in execution That afternoon the Persian and Circas-Tartars had taken 4 Cosacks who were put to the Rack and after confession two were hanged up and other two beheaded in presence of the Governour THE day following the Collonel would have confirmed me in the Office I theâ— supplied to wit as Lieutenant Colonel which I nevertheless declined as before This same day about noon the Great Dukes Factor presented us with a Pipe of strong Beer and a Quantity of Tobacco which we distributed among the Soldiers to give 'em Courage and keep them content In the forepart of the night I went with the Chirurgeon to do the Rounds which don I lay me down to sleep a little in my Tent but was quickly awaked with the Alarm which gave notice how that the Cosacks approached to begin their first storm which happened about 3 a clock at the Wosnasinske Gate where our Ship-master and the Waywods Brother had the
great Storm AUG 1669. * VVhich is also called Tanais and divides Europe from Asia its course is from North to South See Strabo lib. 2. AUG 1669. AUG 1669. Situation of Astrachan Air and Soil of Astrachan Salt how gotten A strange kind of Fruit. SEPâ— 1669. Two sorts of Cosacks AUG 1669. IUNE 1669. JULY 1669. JUNE 1669. AUG 1669. The Officers of the Astrachan Fleet murthered The great perplexity at Astrachan Radzins Power and Aw His kruelty when drunk SEPT 1669. The Legates of Radzin beheaded am their Bodies thrown to the Dogs APRIL 1670. Stariza taken in by the Cosacks MAY. 1670. JUNE 1670. A Description of Terky Bounds of the Circas Tartars Their Persons Complexions and Habits The Dagestan-Tartars Their Form Habit and VVay of living They surrender themselves A strange manner of electing a Prince They are assailed and plundered a second time They take their leaves of each other and depart The Author and two more taken and made Slaves The Heremites Attestation given to J. Struys He takes his leave of the Heremite Mr I. Struys sold to a Persian Great VVhirl-pools in the Bay of Gilan A further Description of the Caspian Sea Description of Derbent Derbent how divided Old Ruins about Derbent Walck Towers about Derbent Great market for Slaves The Author sold again His Patron in danger of his Life The Author taken and carried away by Robbers Their Iourney to Scamachy SEPT 1670. * Which is also called Median Oil Babilonish Bitumen of the nature of Marl which when once set on fire will burn more vigorously if water be poured upon it but is quenched with Earth Dust or any other thing that is dry This oil is very good to preserv any mettal from Rust and as Ammianus saith the Persians were went to anoint their shafts therewith * Perhaps from the Greek words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Oil 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Rock Scamachy described NOV 1670. The Ambassador hacked almost to death Panicgros â— Polish Gentleman murthered on his bed The Prince of Scamachi makes peace Ceremonies used by the Christians in Consecration of Water JAN 1671. The Corps of a rich Indian burned with a Woman Slave The Priests give the Woman a Potion and with an Engine throw her into the Fire JAN 1670. Two Men murthered FEB 1671. A fellow Cau'd to Death Another great Earth-quake at Scamachy The Chan sent for to receive some noble Presents New Intelligence from Russia A Conflict between a Polish Gentleman and a Renegado The Ambassadour receives a Mandat to depart MAR. 1671. Celebration of New-years day News from Astrachan An Order to levy 500 Wenfor the Scach APRIL 1671. A Merchant looses his Daughter to find her The Cosac gets his Enlargement MAY. 1671. A Persian Saint murthered A Tragical Passage at a wedding Another Earth-quake A man beat to Death Death and Funeral of one of the Chans Children Tempestuous Weather News from Astrachan A Narrativ from Russia JUNE 1671. Great Storms and Hail The Ambassadors Brother goes to Ispahan The great Slave-Fair Slaves how bought and tried The Polish Ambassador receivs another Order to depart A great Storm A great Deluge Many people drowned AUG 1671. Superstition of the Banjans OCTOB 1671. The Author obtains his Freedom OCT. 1671. A Description of the River Araxes NOV 1671. Multitudes of Tortoises about Baltharu A famous stone Bridge Lice and Fleas Arrival at Ardebil Strange Whirl-winds Good Wheat and Bread A great Toll imposed upon Sheep The Place of Refuge The Market and Maydan A Description of the Sepulchre of Zide Tzaybril Description of the famous sepulchre of Scach Sephy at Ardebil Revenues of the Sepulchre The fast Revenues of the Sepulchre * As Caesarea from Caesar DEC 1671. The Temple of â—smael Sultan * Which is just 13 Foot lower than the Monunument lately erected near London Bridge in memory of the sad Conflagration in the year 1666. The Author shorn after the Persian manner Charamdekiâ— Caswin described The Palace of Schach Tamas The Exchange of Whores The Feast of Bairam DEC 1671. Arrival at Saba Arrival at Khom JAN 1672. Situation of Kaschan c. A great and venemous sort of Spider An Antidot for their venom Arrival at Ispahan * Or Arak as Mercator calls it others call it Chorasan and others Lexa The Metzid of Schach Abas described The Palace FEB 1672. FEB 1672. Departure of the Author from Ispahan Mayar The Caravan surprized by Robbers The Sepulchre of Schach Solymans Mother * For it was Leap year MAR. 1672. * See Josephus The Image of Rustan a Persian Champion Great store of Dates The strange manner of procreation of those Trees The Caravan assaulted by Robbers in the Carawansera The Robbers beg Quarter Their Punishment Great plenty of Partriges A most precious Balsem proceeding a Rock Abundance of Wild Swine and Eagles The Caravan assaulted by Robbers Description of Gammeron The Strong Trade at Gammeron Of the Inhabitants of Gammeron IUL. 1672. The Author taken very sick of a burning Feaver He recovers AUG Arrival at Batavia SEPT OCT. OCT. 1672. FEB 1673. Arrival at Cabo de Bona Esperance MAY. 1673. The Ship Europa taken by the English and plundered JUN. 1673. AUG 1673.