America The Sugar-canes are planted all the year loâ—g and yield better Sugar when refin'd though not altogether so white than that of Brasile Nor is there wanting here store of Tobacco in which also a considerable Trade is driven The chief Fruits besides what are familiar here with us are Pomegranats Citrons Dates Oranges Limes Macows Iâ—niper-apples Papayers Custard-apples Momins Acaâ—ous Monbains Indian-figs Prickled-apples Prickled-pears Icacos Cocos Plantinâ— Bonanos Guavers and Pine-apples accounted the most delicious of Indian-fruits The other most peculiar trees are the Locust-tree the Mastick-tree Redwood the Prickled yellow-wood the Iron-wood-tree the Cassia Fistula Coloquintida Tamarinds Cassaâ—y the Poison-tree the Phystick-nut the Calibash a sort of Gourd the Mangrass-tree of a large compass the Roucon of whose bark ropes are made the Lignum vitae before-mentioned and the Palmâ—to The other Plants are but the same with what are common here so likewise the Beasts except Asinegos and Birds Some sorts of Fish there are peculiarly belonging to this and the rest of the Caâ—ibbess as Snappers Terbums Cavallos Parrat-fish Coney-fish and Green Turtles esteemed by many a very great delicacy Likewise some kinds of Insects as Musketoes Cockroches Merrywings which sting much in the night but the most remarkable is a very little Fly term'd Cayonyoâ— whose wings cast such a sparkling light that the Indians catching them have been observed to make use of them in stead of candels by tying them to their hands or feet As small as this Island is it is said to have been divided in former times into several petty Nations who with their puny Kings used to go to War each against the other selling the Prisoners they took to the Europeans that came thither to traffick Their habitation is thought to have been chiefly in Caves of which there are several in this Island both very deep and large enough to hold each of them 500 men they are now become the refuges and sculking-places of the Negro-slaves that run away The most usual drinks of the Countrey are Mobby which is an infusion of Potatoes in water as Plantiâ— of Plantins in water Perino of Casaru-root Beveridhe a drink made of spring-Spring-water juice of Oranges and Sugar also Crippo Kill-devil and Punch but above all Wine of Pines a most delicious drink doubtless as made of so delicious a fruit The whole Island is so taken up in Plantations that there are no more vacancies of building than what the ground imployed requires is divided into eleven Precincts or Parishes containing in all 14 Churches and Chappels four of these Parishes are very well built and have the name and repute of noted Towns as 1 St. Michael heretofore called Bridge-Town or Indian-Bridge having several fair Streets of handsome well-built Houses though seated in a place somewhat low and moorish and by consequence unhealthful namely in the bottom of Caerlisle-Bay in the Southern part of the Island a very large Bay and capable of giving harbour to no less than 500 Ship at a time secured with two strong Forts opposite to each other with a Platform in the midst well mounted with great Guns and commanding the Road. The chief of these â—orts called Charles-Fort is seated on Nedhams Point this Town being the principal Emporium of this Isle is grac'd with the Courts of Iudicature the residence of the Governor or his Deputy the Store-houâ—es of Merchants and Factors whence the Inhabitants are furnished with forreign Commodities for those which are the product of the Isle which they bring in exchange 2 Sprights-Bay now Little Bristol about four leagues from St. Michaels Southward it is a place of good Trade and concourse well guarded by two strong Forts 3 St. Iames's not far from Bristol it is a place of good Trade fortified with a large Platform and Brestworks and affording a safe Harbour â—ot Ships here are kept the monthly Courts for this Precinct 4 Charles Town seated on Oyster-Bay two leagues from St. Michâ—el Northward and guarded by two strong Foâ—ts the one on the North-side the other on the South-side of the Town with a Platform in the midst In this Town are kept weekly Markets and the monthly Courts for the Precinct also along the Sea-coast are these places of note viz. Maxwels-Bay Austins-Bay Fowl-Bay the Hole Spikes-Bay Black-Rock Balises-Bay Long-Bay Clarkes-Bay and Constance-Bay The water which supplies this place is chiefly in Pools and Ponds besides Wells and Cisterns belonging to most houses for the receâ—t of rain-water but of Rivers there are only reckoned two if the first be not rather to be accounted a Lake since it runs but a very little way into the Land the other they call the River Tuigh on the surface of whose waters there swims an Oil which being gathered thence is usually burnt in Lamps The Estate of a Master Planter here consists chiefly in servants and Negro-slaves and of these three Classes or Orders the whole Islands consists the Masters live not only in all manner of plenty and delight for besides Beef Mutton Pork Kid Pease Beans and excellent Roots they have all variety of Fish and Fowl and plenty of Wine Strong-waters and English Beer and Ale but also in full stretching ease having their Overseers to manage their business for them who calls the Servants and Slaves to their work by ringing of a Bell at six a clock in the morning and one after dinner and dismisses them at eleven at noon and six at night orders them their several tasks and corrects them for all misorders and neglect of their duties The Servants have this advantage of the Slaves that their servitude lasts but for five years which time being expir'd they either acquire Plantations of their own or have good allowances for working under the chief Planters The Negroes on the other side who are bought like beasts in a Fair are kept in perpetual bondage they and their children and therefore though the Christian Servants are also bought yet double the price is given for the Negroes viz. twenty pound a piece for the men fifteen for the women The diet clothing and lodging is very hard both for servants and slaves but the servants have a double allowance of clothes and their accommodation of lodging much better Sunday which is allowed as a day of respit from the Masters labour the most ingenious spend in some kind of manufacture for their own benefit others in wrestling dancing and such like recreations For the better administration of Government and putting in execution the Laws of this Countrey which if not the same have a very near correspondence with ours in England excepting some that are peculiar to the place The Island is divided into four circuits in each of which there is a Court of Iudicature for civil Causes from whence appeals may be made to the Supreme Court which Supreme Court is in the nature of our Parliament both as having a Legislative Power and consisting of three Estates namely the Governor or his Deputy ten
sâ—ored with Votaries and revenues for life were in this Shire no less than fourteen most stately seated in the places as followeth at both the Herefords Barroâ— Ewayot Câ—â—fford Mâ—nemue Acornbury Lemster Linbroke Peterchurch Kilpeck Dâ—râ— and VViggermore and suspected of hypocrisie were called in question by King Henry the Eighth and so strictly pursued that some faulâ—s were apparent whereby they were laid open to the general Deluge of the Time whose streams bare down the walls of all those Foundations carrying away the Shrines of the dead and defacing the Libraries of their ancient Records 9 This County before the Conquest being accounted in VVales was then strengthened with Forts against the English and being once made a Proâ—ince to England was fortified with Castles against the VVelsh wherein we find no less than twenty eight though many of them now are ruinated to nothing Such were Alban at both the Ewyats Godridg Grosmond Herdly Hereford Old Castle Dorston Brampton Bredwarden Saint Brivels Ledbury Lenals Snowdâ—â— Harlewois Huntington VVilion VVigmore Richards Monemue Corâ—t Kilbeck Clifford Skensfred VVâ—teney Radenwer and Kâ—nevenleis and is traded with eight Market-Towns being diuided into eleven Hundreds and in them seated one hundred seventy and six Parish-Churches containing in compass an hundred and two miles Worcestershir VVORCESTER-SHIRE CHAPTER XXV WORCESTER-SHIRE is a County both rich and populous and lyeth circulated upon the North with Staffordâ—shire upon the East with Warwick and Oxford-shires upon the South with â—locesterâ—shire and the West by Malverne Hills is parted from Herefordâ—shire the rest lyeth confronted upon and in part divided from Shrop-shire by the River Dowles 2 The form thereof is triangle but not of equal proportion for from North to South are thirty two miles from South to North-West twenty two and from thence to her North-East point are twenty eight the whole in circumference is one hundred and twenty miles 3 The Air of this Shire is of a favourable temperature that gives an appetite for labour diet and rest The Soyl is fertile and to me seemed inferiour to none other in this Land for besides the abundance of Corn in every place spread the Woods and Pasturage in her hills and Plains sweet Rivers that water the Vallies below the Cattle that cover the tops of higher ground the Fields Hedge-rows and High-ways are beset with fruitful Peaâ—-trees that yield great pleasure to sight and commodious use for with their juyce they make a bastard kind of Wine called Perry which is both pleasant and good in taste Many Salt Springs also this County affordeth yea and more than are commonly in use such with the Germans our ancient Predecessors were esteemed most sacred and holy so that as Tacitus writeth to such they wontedly resorted to sâ—pplicate their Gods with their devout praâ—ers as to places neerest the Heavens and therefore the sooner to be heard And Poets in their feignings will have the Nymphs residence in shady green groves and banks of sweet Springs if so then as Helicon this County affords both such are the Forrests of Wire and Feckeâ—â—am the great Woods of Norton and most fair Chase of Malvern And for waters to witness what I say is the Severn that cuts this Shire in the midst Teme Salwarp and Avon all of them making fruitâ—ul their passage and stored with Fish of most delicious taste 4 The ancient people possâ—ssors of this Shire were the CORNAVII inhabitants of Cheâ—shire Shrop-shire Stafford and Warwick-shires subdued by the Romans in Claudius Caesars time and after their departure made a portion of the Merciâ—nâ—Saxons Kingdom and in Beda's time were called the VVicii whereof it may be this Shire had the name unless you will have it from the Salt-Pits which in old English are named Witches or from the famous Forrest of Wyre Howsoever true it is that the County doth hold the name from the Chief City VVorcester 5 Which is most pleasantly seated passing well frequented and very richly inhabited This was the Branonium mentioned by Antonine and Ptolomy called by the Britains Câ—er-VVrangon by Ninius Câ—er-Guorcon and by the Latines Vigornia This City is seated upon the East bank of Severâ—e and from the same is walled in triangle-wise about extending in circuit one thousand six hundred and fifty paces thorow which seven Gates enter with five other Watch-Towers for defence It is thought the Roâ—ans built this to restrain the Britains that held all beyond Sâ—verne This City by Hardy Canute in the year of Christ 1041 was soâ—ely endangered and set on â—â—re and the Citizens slain almost every one for that they had killed his Collector of the Danish Tribute yet it way presently repaired and peopled with many Burgesses and for fifteen Hides discharged it self to the Conquerour as in his Doomesdays is to be seen But in the year 1113 a sudden fire happened no man knew how which burnt the Castle and Cathedral Church Likewise in the civil â—royles of King Sâ—ephen it was twice lighted into a flame and the latter laid it hopeless of recovery Notwithstanding from those dead Ashes a new Phenix arose and her building raised in a more stately proportion especially the Cathedral dedicated to S. Mary first laid by Bishop Sexwolfe in Anno 680 â—ince when it hath been augmented almost to the River In the midst of whose Quiâ—e from his many turmoiles resteth the body of King Ioâ—n the great withstandeâ— of the Popes proceedings under a monument of white Marble in Princely Vestures with his portraiture thereon according to life And in the South-â—ide of the same Quire lyeth entombed Prince Aâ—thur the eldest Son to King Henry the seventh his Monument is all black Iett without remembrance of him by Picture This City is governed by two Bayliffs two Aldermen two Chamberlains and two Constables yearly elected out oâ— twenty four Burgesses clothed in Scarlet assisted with forty eight other Citizenâ— whom they call their Common Councellâ—rs clad in Purple a Recorder Town-Clerk and five Sergeants with Mace their Attendants Whose Geographical Position is distant in Longitude from the West Meridian 18 degrees 10 scruples â—aving the North-Pole elevated in Latitude 52 degrees and 32 scruples 6 Places of further note for memorable antiquity is Vpton of great account in the Roman time where some of their Legions kept as witness their Moneys there often found the admirable Ditch upon Malvern Hâ—lls drawn by Gilbert Clare Earl of Glocester to divide his Lands from the Church of Worcester the Saxons or Augustines Oke where he the English Apostle met with the British Bishops for the uniform celebration of Easter from whence both parts departed with discontented minds after many hot words and thwaâ—ting disputes 7 Neither is it wiâ—hout admâ—ration to me that many places of this Shire lye far within the Precincts of other Provinces as Aulston Washborâ—es Cuttesden Paxford Hanging-Easton Northwickâ— Blockley Eurlode in Glocester-shire and Goldcote Aldermeâ—ston Newâ—old Steddenton Armiscote Blackwell Darlings-cote Shipton Tydminâ—on Olbarrow in Warwick
Archiepiscopal Seats grounding his conjecture on the saying of Pope Lucius who affirmeth that the Ecclesiastical Iurisdictions of the Christians accorded with the precincts of the Roman Magistrates and that their Archbâ—shops had their Sees in those Cities wherein their Presidents abode so that the ancient Seats of the three Archbâ—shops here being London in the East Câ—erleon in the West and York in the North Londons Diocess as seemeth made Britain prima Caerleon Britain secunda and York Maxima Caesariâ—nsis 15 But in the next age when the power of their Presidents began to grow over great they again divided Britain into five parts adding to the three former Valentia and â—lavia Caesariensis the first of which two seemeth to have been the Northerly part of Maxima Caesariensis recovered from the Picts and Scots by Theodoâ—lus the General under Valence the Emperour and in honour of him named Valeâ—tia and Flavia may be conjectured to receive the name from Flavius the Emperour son of Theâ—dâ—sius for that we read not of the name Britain â—lavia before his time 16 So these five partitions had their limits assigned after this manner Britaine prima contained those coasts that lay betwixt Thamesis the Severne and the British Sea Britaine Secunda extended from Severne unto the Irish Seas containing the Countrey that we now call Wales Flavia Caesariensis was that which lay betwixt the Rivers Humber and Tyne and Valentia from the said River and Picts wall reached unto the Rampire near Edenburgh in Scotland the farthest part that the Romans possessed when this division was in use For the several people inhabiting all those parts with their ancient Names and Borders whether designed by the Romans or the old Britains together with our modern Names and Shires answerable to each of them we will refer you to the Tables thereof elsewhere 17 This whole Province of Britain as in our History shall appear was highly esteemed of the Emperours themselves assuming as a glorious surname Britannicus coming thither in person over those dangerous and scarce known Seas here marrying living and dying enacting here Laws for the whole Empire and giving to those Captains that served here many ensigns of great honour yea Claudius gave Plantius the first Prefect of that Province the right hand as he accompanied him in his Triumph and his own Triumph of Britain was set out with such magnificence that the Provinces brought in golden Crowes of great weight the Governours commanded to attend and the very Captains permitted to be present at the same A Naval Coronet was fixed upon a Pinnacle of his Palace Arches and Trophies were raised in Rome and himself on his aged knees mounted the staires into the Capitol supported by his two sons in Law so great a joy conceived he in himself for the Conquest of some small portion of Britain 18 Now the Romans found it held it and left it as times ripened and rottened their success with the Names the Inhabitants Manners and Resisters I leave to be pursued in the following Histories and will only now shew thee these three Kingdoms that are in present the chief Bodies of Great Britains Monarchy two of which Scotland and Ireland shall in their due places have their farther and more particular Descriptions THE KINGDOME OF ENGLAND ENGLANDS General Description CHAPTER II. THE Saxons glory now near to expire by his appointment who holdeth both times and Kingdoms in his all-ordering hand their own Swords being the Instruments and the Danâ—s the mauls that beat their beautiful Diadem into pieces the Normans a stirring Nation neither expected nor much feared under the leading of William their Duke and encouragement of the Roman Bishop an usual promoter of broken titles made hither suddenly into England who in one only battel with the title of his sword and slaughter of Harold set the imperial Crown thereof upon his own head which no sooner was done but the English went down and the Normans lording it became Owners of those Cities which themselves never built possessed those Vineyards which they never planted drunk of those Wells which they never had digged and inhabited those Houses filled with riches for which they never had laboured for they found it to be as the land whereupon the Lord set his eye even from the beginning to the end of the year not only drinking water of the rain of Heaven but having also rivers of waters and fountains in her valleys and without all scarcitie whose stones are Iron and out of whose mountains is digged brass This made them more resolute at first to settle themselves in this fairest and fruitfullest part of the Island the conquerour using all policy both Martial and Civil to plant his posterity here for ever How he found the Land governed we shewed in the Heptarchy but his restless thoughts were not contented with conquering the Nation and their Land unless he also overcame their very Customes Laws and Language 2 Touching the distribution of the Kingdome whereas other Kings before him made use of it chiefly for the good of the people and better ministring of Iustice he made use of it to know the wealth of his Subjects and to enrich his Coffers for he caused a description to be made of all England â—ow much land every one of his Barons possessed how many Knights fees how many Plow-lands how many in villanage how many heads of beasts yea how much ready money every man from the greatest to the â—ast did possess and what rents might be made of every mans possession the Book of which inquisition yet in the Exchequer was called Doomesday for the generality of that Iudgment on all the Land Whereunto we may add his other distribution of this Land worse than any former when thrusting the English out of their possessions â—e distributed their inheritances to his Souldiers yet so that all should be held of the King as of the only true Lord and possessor 3 For the Laws by which he meant to govern he held one excellent rule and purpose which was that a people ought â—to be ruled by Laws written and certain for otherwise new Iudges would still bring new Iudgments and therefore he caused twelve to be chosen out of every County which should on their oath without inclining one way or other neither adding nor deâ—racting open unto him all their ancient Laws and Customes By whose relation understanding that three sorts of Laws formerly were in the Land Merchelenage West-Saxonlage Dane-lage he had preferred these last himâ—elf and people being anciently derived from those Northern people had not all the Barons bewayling to the King how grievous it was for a Land to be judged by those Laws which they understood not altered his resolute purpose yet in bringing in the strange â—orms of Norman Processe and pleading in the French tongue which continued till Edward the thirds time that grievance was buâ— slendâ—rly prevented So likewise did he much alter the old Courts of Iustice where these Laws shouâ—d
such as think their censures worthy to pass for currant and credible yet let us suppose that haply they be possessed with the disease and malady that the Physicians call Lycanthropy which begetteth and endangeâ—eth such like phantasies through the malicious humours of Melancholly and so oftentimes men imagine themselves to be turned and transformed into forms which they are not Some again embrace another ridiculous opinion and perswade themselves that he who in the barbarous acclamation and out-cry of the Souldiers which they use with great forcing and straining of their voices when they joyn battel doth not showre and make a noise as â—he rest do is suddenly caught from the ground and carryed as it were flâ—ing in the Air out of any Country of Ireland into some desert vallies where he feedeth upon grass drinketh water hath some use of reason but not of speech is ignorant of the present condition he stands in whether good or bad yet at length shall be brought to his own home being câ—ught with the help of Hounds and Hunters Great pity that the foul fiâ—nd and father of darkness should so grievously seduce this people with misbelief and that these errours be not chased away with the truth of Christian Religion whereby as they carry much grace in their countenances they may also not be void of the inward grace of their souls and understanding 9 This Province hath been sore wasted in the rebellions of Desmond to whose aid Pope Gregory the thirteenth and Philip King of Spain sent câ—rtain companies of Italians and Spaniards who arrived not far from Dingle fortified themselves and gave it the name of Fort de Ore sounding loud threats against the whole Country But Arthur Baron Grey Lord Deputy of Ireland at the first onset decided their quarrel by sheathing his Sword in their bowels and Desmond fearfully flying into the woods was by a Souldier cut shorter by the head And again when the Kingdom of Ireland lay bleeding and put almost to the hazard of the last cast Don Iohn D'Aquila with eight thousand Spaniards upon confidence of the excommunications of Piuâ— the fift Gregory the thirteenth and Clemenâ— the eight Popes all of them discharging their curses like unto thunderbolts against Queen Elizabeth of blessed memory landed near unto Kinsale presuming that the rebellions of Tyrone had turned the hearts of the Irish for Rome Sir Charles Blunt Lord Mountjoy in the depth of Winter and with his tired Souldiers so daunted their Spanish hearts that with one victory he repressed their bragging â—oldness and recovered the Irish that were ready to revolt 10 God hath oftentimes shewed his tender love and affection to this people in laying his fatherly chastisements and afflictions upon them sometimes by winds sometimes by famine and dearth and sometimes again by opening his hand of plenty into their laps to convert them to himself and to divert their hearts from superstitions In the year 1330 about the feast of Saint Iohn Baptist there began such a dearth of Corn in this Country by the abundance of rain and the inundation of waters which continued until Michaelmas following that a Cranoc of Wheat was sold for twenty shillings a Cranoc of Oats for eight shillings a Cranoc of Pease Beans and Barley for as much The winds the same year were so mighty that many were hurt and many slain out-right by the fall of houses that was forced by the violence of the same The like whereof were never seen in Ireland In the year 1317 there was such a dearth of Corn and other Victuals that a Cranoc of Wheat was sold for twenty three shillings And many Housholders that before time had sustained and relieved a great number were this year driven to beg and many famished In the time of which famine the mercy of God so disposed that upon the 27 th day of Iune in the year 1331 there came to land such a mighty multitude of great Sea-fishes that is Thursheds such as in many ages pâ—st had never been seen that the people were much comforted in this distress and received great relief and sustenance by the same 11 Places of Religion in this Country were the two Abbies at Toghall calleth the North-â—bbey and South-Abbey The two Abbeys at Limerick S. Francis Abbey and S. Dominick Abbey The two Abbeys at Cork the Abbey of the Isle and S. Frances Abbey and the famous Abbey in times past for the holy Cross which hath had many priviledges and liberties granted unto it in honour of a piece of Christs Cross that was as they say sometimes preserved there Thus were Christians perswaded in ancient times And it is a wonder in what Troops and Assemblies people do even yet conâ—low thither upon devotion as unto a place of holiness and sanctity so firmly are they setled in the Religion of their Fore-fathers which hath been increased beyond all measure by the negligent care of their Teachers who should instruct their ignorance and labour to reduce them from the errors they persevere in This Province is governed by a Lord President who hath one assistant twelve learned Lawyers and a Secretary to keep it in duty and obedience It was in times past divided into many parts as Towoun that is North Mounster Deswoun that is South Mounster Hierwoun that is West Mounster Mean woun that is Middle Mounster and Vrwoun that is the Front of Mounster But at this day it is distinguished into these Counties Kerry Desmond Limerick Tiperary Holycross Waterford and Cork which County in times past had been a Kingdom containing with it Desmond also for so in the Grant given by King Henry the second unto Robert Fitz-Stephen and to Miles de Cogan it is called in these words Know ye that I have granted the whole Kingdom of Cork excepting the City and Cantred of the Oustmans to hold for them and their heirs of me and Iohn my son by the service of sixty Knights The County of Waterford King Henry the sixth gave unto Iohn Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury with the name stile and the title of Earl of Waterford which was afterward again assumed to the Crown Touching the County of Holy Cross as the opinion of that much frequented Abbey is much lessened so that County is swallowed up altogether in the County Tipperary It is fortified with five strong Castles traded with six Market-Towns and divided as followeth MOVNSTER Limerick Kerry Cork Waterford Desâ—ond Holy-Cross in Tipperary LINSTER LEINSTER CHAPTER III. THis Country the Natives call Leighnigh the Britains Lein in Latine Lagenia in the ancient lives of the Saints Lagen and in English Leinster It lieth Eastward along Hibernicum Sea on Connaught side Westward it is bounded with the River Shaenon the North with the Territory of Louth and the South with part of the Province of Mounster This Country butteth upon England as Mounster and Connâ—ught do upon Spain 2 The form thereof is triangle and sides not much unequal from her South East unto the
from the report of 〈…〉 and other ancient Writers But the reason I hold not good for â—owsoâ—ver it might be true in 〈◊〉 times of some and the most part perhaps of 〈◊〉 as it was then 〈◊〉 that it wâ—s 〈…〉 yet now she hath changed her 〈…〉 6 By her first Geographers she was 〈…〉 tongue and Empire exercised over the Region of Prussia South-ward she reacheth beyond Danubius to the very Alpes which border upon Italy Northâ— ward she hath ever kept her own but hath been curb'd indeed from seeking new Kingdoms in that tract by the main Ocean which divides her in part from Swevia Norway c. And to these limits we apply our Description No marvelâ— if it give her more honour than she had in former times For her compass now is reckoned to be 2600 English miles Her ground fertile enough of it self and yet besides enjoyes the benefit of many Navigable Rivers which enrich her with traffique from other Kingdoms 7 Those of greatest fame are 1 Danubius the largest of Europe called by Pliny and others Ister It takes in sixty Navigable Rivers and is at last discharged by many passages into the Pontus Euxinus 2 Rhene which hath its rising from the Alpes and runs into the German Ocean From thence have we our best Rhenâ—sh Wines and upon his banks sâ—ands the City Strasburge 3 Amaâ—us Fms which glides by Wâ—stphalia into the German Sea 4 Maemu Megu whose head is in the Mountains of Boâ—emia and from thence passeth by Francfort into the German sea 5 Albis Elve which riseth from the eleven Fountains meeting into one about the Sylva Hircinian 6 Odeca which hath not his passage immediately into the Sea but inâ—o the River Albis The middle mark of this Country is the Kingdom of â—ohemia encompassed with the Sylva Hircinia 8 The chief commodities of Germany are Corn Wine Salt Metals of all sorts Fruits good store Safron c. The Aire wholsome her Bathes healthful her Gardens pleasurable her Cities fair her Castles strong and her Villages very many and well peopled 9 The Inhabitants have put off their ancient rudeness as the Country her barrenness They are as goodly of person as ever as stout as ever and far more civill than in the time of the Romans It seems they were then esteemed but an ignorant and simple people more able to fight than to mâ—nage a battle They were ever hardy enough but wanted Commanders of their own of skill and â—udgement Since they had commerce with other Nations and have suffered the upbraid asit were of their Predecessors dulness they have been in a manner shamed out of it and are now become rather by industry than wit a most ingenious people and skilful in the Latine Greek and Hebrew learning famous beyond any others in Europe unless Belgia for the invention of many notable and â—seful Engines The Gun and Gun-powder was first brought to light by one Bertholdus Swart a Franciscan which hath almost put by the use of any other warlike Instrument in those parts of the world where the practice is perfectly understood Generally the poorer sort are excellent Mechanicks and the rest for the most part Scholars 10 It bred Albertâ—s Mâ—gnus Appean Geâ—ner Munster Luther Vrsin Zuinglius Scultetus Iunius Keckerman and many others in their several kinds and Religions some Papists some Lutherans some Calvinists and among the rest many Iews 11 The Government of this Germany is Imperial as once that of Rome was though it flourish not in so full glory The right descends not by succession nor is the election continued by the like suffrage as in old Rome The power of choice was conferred by Pope Gregory the tenth upon seven German Princes three Spiritual and four Temporal These are the Arch-bishop of Mentâ— Chancellour of the Empire through Germany Archbishop of Cullen Chancellour of the Empire through Italy Arch-bishop of Triers Chancellour of the Empire through France The Temporal are the King of Bohemea who hath the casting voice only in case of equality among the other six his office is to be chief Cupâ— bearer at the great solemnity Next him the Count Palatine of the Rhene Arch-sewer to the Emperour Duke of Saxony Lord Marshal and Marquess of Brandenburge chief Chamberlain Each of these perform his own Office in person upon the day of Inauguration The Duke of Saxoâ—y bears the sword The Count Palatine placeth his meat on the Table The King of Bohemia bears his Cup and delivers it him to drink Marquess of Brandenbâ—rg serveth him water to wash And the three Bishops bless his meat He receiveth three Crowns before he is fully setled into the Majesty of the Empire The first is of Silver for Germaâ—y The second of Iron for Lombardy And the third of Gold for the Empire the last is set on at Rome For to this day it pretends to the name of the Roman Empire and gives the title oâ— Caesar or Roâ—ani imperii Imperator 12 The first which enjoyed the institution of Pope Gregory was Radulphus Nabs Purgensis 1273. after twelve years interregnum The last before him was our Richard Earl oâ—â— Cornwall and brother to Henry the third King of England Since it hath continued firm in this course of Election howsoever not with that liberty as was intended For commonly the Emperour in being while he hath his power about him and can at least intreat if not command the subjects of the Empire promise a choice of the Rex Roâ—aâ—orum who is no other than a Successour designed to rule after his death or resignation And by this means it hath a long time continued in the house of Austria without any intermission 13 Thus we â—â—e much plotting great state many ceremonies to the making up of an Emperour and yet when it is well weighed it is little better then a bare title For howsoever these outward obâ—ervances of the Gâ—rman Princes make show of an humble subjection to the Emperour yet when it comes to trâ—all it hath very little to do in their Governments But each of them takes upon â—im as a â—ree and absolute Commander in his own Country permitteth or suppresseth the Beligion which he â—ither likes or dislâ—kes makes and abrogates Laws at pleasure stamps Coyn raiseth souldiers and sometimes against their great Master as the Duke of Saxony against Charles the fiâ—th and at this day divers others in defence of the Princâ— Pâ—latine For of this qâ—ality and power there are many Dukes Marquesses Counts c. besides 64 Franc Cities which make only some slight acknowledgment to the Emperour appear perhaps at his â—arliaments and they say are bound to â—urnish him at need with 3842 horse amonge them and 16200 foot 14 The cheiâ—est Regions of Germany best known to us and noted by our Geographers with a more eminent Character than the rest are these 1 East Frizeland 2 Westphalia 3 Cullen 4 Munster 5 Triers 6 Cleve 7 Gulick 8 Hassis 9 Alsatia 10 Helvetia 11 Turingia
to be observed to be full with Mines of all sorts of metals Gold only excepted Their Tin was found out by an Eâ—glish man of Cornwall in the year one thousand two hundred and forty one belike which hâ—d been skilled in that work in his own Country for it is said That at that time there was no Tin known elsewhere in Eâ—rope The earth gives good Corn and their pastures breed as good Cattle There is Wood good store as there are Woods which harbour multitudes of wile Beasts Foxâ—s Bears Harts Bulls and others which afford them sport in the hunting and meat for the best manâ— Table Among the rest there is a wild Beast which they call Lomi armed by nature with a strange defence against the hounds which â—ollow her For they say she hath a kind of bladder hanging under her â—aws which in the hunting she fills with a sâ—lding hot water and â—asts it upon the Dogs with thâ—t nimbleness that they are not able to avoid or pursue her but oft times have their veâ—y hair â—all off as from a drest Pig The Coâ—nâ—ry is generally 〈◊〉 in Saffron and other medâ—cinal drugs Wine it hath too but not so kind or pleasiâ—g as in other places â—nsomuch that the richer sort furnish themselves out of Aâ—stria Hâ—ngary and the Regâ—on about which they in lieu of it supply with excellent Beer For they are held very good at the art of brewing and not behind hand at drâ—nking when thâ—y have done It is said of the 〈◊〉 sort I 〈◊〉 that if once they set to a Veâ—â—el of good lâ—quor they will not looâ—e it tâ—ll they 〈◊〉 â—ound it â—â—pty 〈…〉 before them as oft as he was heard though in a dead sound by the enemy whom he had so often crushed while he was yet living 10 For matter of learning they have not been very famous heretofore howbeit now the better parts are not now behind with the other parts of Germany The chief of note were Iohn Hussâ— and Hiâ—rome of Prague two worthy members of the Church They were condemned for Heretiques in the Council of Constance one thousand four hundred and fourteen for attempting a reformation of such errours as they held not agreeable with the word of God But yet their sufferings could not dead the good seed which they had sown in the true hearted It lives still among them in some measure though they have been often assayed by strange Impostures in Religion such as the heart of man could not conceive without a strong and extraordinary working of that great Deceiver 11 I cannot pass the most wicked cousenage of Picardus who posâ—est great multitudes of these silly people with an opinion that he could recall them to that perfect state in which Adam was created placed them in an Island for that purpose which he called Paradise caused them to walk naked and named this Sect Adamites Horrible sins were committed under that pretence promiscuous whoredome and incest at their very Divine Service It is feared that at this day there are many secret professors which live under ground meet at their solemnities have their prayers framed to their own humour and when the Priest pronounceth the words of Genesis as his custome is Crescite multipliâ—amini replete terram the lights are suddenly pop 't out and without any respect had to alliance or kindred or reverence to their exercise they mingle like Beasts and when they have acted their wickedness and are returned to their seats the Candles are again lighted and they fall to their pretended prayers as if there had been no harm done 12 The King is one of the seven Electors of the Emperour and in case the other six be equally divided he gives the suffrage which carrieth it It is to be thought that his power was conferred upon 〈◊〉 not without great counsel and good reason For besides that the place it self is by naturâ— strong the people to have a special inbred love to Germany and defence of her liberties At Coronation he is Cup-bearer and performs it himself in person if he bepresent His revenues are cast up to be three Millions of Crowns which are not gathered all within the compass here limited but part out of other Principalities which are annexed to this Kingdom For there are four Regions which make up his Title and are subject to his government 1 Bohemia it self as we have described it 2 Lusatia 3 Silesia 4 Moravia They were named in the Map of Germany as being parts of the whole Country but will admit here a more particular tract as belonging properly to this Kingdom 13 First then for Bohemia it self it contains about thirty Cities which are immediate subjects to the King as Quadus calls them besides many others which are held in possession of the chief Princes Primates Barons Counts and Nobles of the Country The Metropolis is Prague heretofore know by the names of Bubienum and Morobudum saith Maginus but rather I think by the situation it should be the same which Ptolomy calls Casurgis It was compassed with a wall by Primaslans their third King and received the name of Prague by the wise Lubussa a Limine which they say is called Prague in the Bohemian language It is indeed a very stately City seated in the middle of the Country in the River Multaria and compared by some to Florence It consists of three Cities which are called the old Town the new Town and the little Town The old Town is the chief and is adornâ—d with may illustrious buildings The new Town is divided from the old by a large ditch And the little Town stands on the other side of the River Mulda but is joyned to the old Town by a stone bridg of twenty four Arches It was made an Arch-bishops See by Charles the Emperour and King of Boâ—emia was once the chief University but that now is removed to Lipsia in the Province of Misnia It is the Regal seat of Bohemia and here was the King and Queen when it was taken by the Imperialists 14 The other Cities of this Region which are worth the noting are 2 Egra It stands upon the River from whence it beares the name before it was called by Ptolomy Monosgada on the West end of Sylva Gabreta that part of the Hircinia which portends toward Franconia It was a City Imperial till the right was sold by Lodovicus Bavares to Iohn King of Bohemia It is a very strong City fortified as well by Nature as Art for the most part is built upon a Rock It is in compass two miles within the walls and with the Suburbs three Not far from it there is a fountain of a kind of sharp waâ—er which the Inhabitants drink Instead of Beer 3 Krens toward Austria on the North side of Daâ—ubius 4 Piâ—sen on the West of Bohemia a City which long held out against General Tilly by the defence of the now Count Manâ—â—ield but was at last betrayed by some of his