ON three sides it is bounded with the Occean , which beareth diuers names according to their Coastes : At the sunne rysing , with the east Occean , on the south with the Indish , and on the North with the Scithish . The Countrie of Asia it selfe , facing the East with a large and continuall front , dooth there spreade as much in widenesse , as is the breadth of Europe & Affricke , and the Sea that is let in betwéene them both . After it hath procéeded from thence , kéeping his full bredth , it receiueth out of the saide Indish Occean , the Arabian and Persian Sea , and out of the Scithish Occean , the Caspian Sea : and therefore where it receiueth those Seas , it is somewhat narrowed , but by and by it wideneth againe , and becommeth as broade as it was before . Lastlie , when it is come to his owne end , and to the marches of other Lands , the middle part of it butteth vpon our Seas , and the rest of it , runneth on the one side vp by Nilus , and on the other side by * * Nowe called Don. Tanais . The vttermost boundes thereof , come downe with the channel of Nilus , along the riuers side into the Sea , & a great while together keepeth chéeke by chéeke with it , as the shore goeth . Then steppeth he foorth to meete the Sea as it commeth against him , and there first bendeth himselfe with a great bought . Afterward he beareth himselfe foreward with a huge front , to the streight of Hellespont . From thence againe he bendeth askew to the * * Of Thrace . Bosphor , and bowing likewise by the side of Pontus , turneth backe , with an elbowe to the enteraunce of Maeotis : and thencefoorth imbracing the Lake , as it were in a bosome , euen vnto Tanais , he becommeth the banke of Tanais , euen to the head of it .

Neuerthelesse , it is more in length then in breadth : and it is broadest , where it boundeth on the Riuer . And as it procéedoth from thence , so rysing higher and higher , with mountaines , speciallie in the middle , it bendeth askew toward the West , and gathereth softlie into a ridge , and therefore in continuaunce , groweth somewhat narrower : where it endeth , there is it narrowest . As much of it as is inhabited , is excéeding fruitfull . But for as much as most places of it are vnmanured , and eyther couered with barreine sandes , or left vntylled , by reason of the drought of the ayre and the soyle , or else with many kindes of beasts : it is rather waste , then well peopled . The Sea wherewith it is inclosed , on the North we call Lybik●● , on the South Ethyopish , and on the West Athlantish . On that side that butteth vpon the Lybike Sea , next vnto Nyle , is the Prouince which they call Cyrene . Cyrene . Then followeth Affricke , whereof the whole Countrie taketh his name . The rest is possessed of the Numidians and Moores : of whome the Moores extend to the Athlantish Occean . Beyond are the Nigrites , and Pharusians , vnto Ethyope . The Ethyopians possesse both the rest héereof , and all that side which faceth the South , euen vnto the borders of Asia . But aboue those places that are beaten vpon wth the Lybike Sea , are the Lybiaegyptians , and the white Ethyopians , and the populous and manifolde Nation of the Getulians . From thence lyeth a great wide Countrie together , all vtterlie waste and vnhabited . Then the first that we heare of Eastward , are the Garamantes , and next them the Awgyles and Troglodikes , and lastlie toward the West , the Athlant● . Innermost ( if ye lyst to beléeue it ) the Egypanes , Woodwardes , or Wyldemen . Blemyans , Gamphasants , and Satyres ( scarce men , but rather halfe Beastes , ) wandring vp and downe without house or home , rather haue the Landes then inhabite them .

This is the vniuersall platte of the World , these are the great partes , these are the fashions , and the Nations of the partes . Now that I must speake of the boundes and borders of them seuerally , it is most handsome to begin , where our Sea entreth first into the maine Landes , and specially at those Countries that lye on the right hand , as it commeth in , and so to scoure the Sea coast in order as it lyeth , and when I haue perused all thinges that butte vpon the Sea , then also to cast about those quarters that are enuironed with the Occean , vntyll that hauing trauailed about the world , as well within as without , the race of my attempted worke , returne to the place where it began .

Then is there a verie high Mountaine , The pyllers of Her●ules . set directlie ouer against that which is in Spaine , That in Spaine is named Abyla , and the other is named Calp● , and both of them b● called the Pillers of Hercules . Uppon the naming of them so , Fame hath forged a Fable , that Hercules cutte a sunder those two hylles , which erewhiles grewe whole together in one continuall ridge , and by that meanes did let in the Occean , which erst was shut out by the force of the Mountaines , vnto the places which it now ouerfloweth . From hence the Sea spreadeth wider , and through his great violence , eateth winding gulfes into the maine Landes , which he disseuereth farre a sunder : Howbeit the Realme is vnnoble , and hath scarce any thing famous in it , it is inhabited with small Uillages , and sendeth foorth small brookes : it is better of soile then of men , & altogether vnrenowmed , by reason of the slouthfulnesse of the people . Notwithstanding , among the thinges that I maye vouchsafe to report , are certaine high Mountaines , which being set on a rowe one by an other , as it were for the nonce , are ( by reason of their number and likenesse one to an other ) called the seuen brethren . There is also the riuer Tamuada , and Rusicada , and Siga , lyttle Citties , and a Hauen , which for the largenesse thereof , is syr named the great Hauen . The foresaide riuer Mulucha , is the bound of the Kingdomes of Bocchus and Iugurth , which were puissaunt Realmes in olde time .

At the other are Laelyes campe , Cornellis campe , the riuer Bragada , Vtica , and Carthage . the Citties of Vtica , and Carthage , both famous , and both builded by the Phaenicians : Vtica innobled with the destruction of Cato , and Carthage for the destruction of it selfe : now a frée Towne of the Romanes , and in old time a striuer with them for their Empire : euen now againe wealthie , and euen now more famous for her former destruction , then for her present recouery . From hence the * * Or Whashe . Syrt , stand Leptis , Clupea , Abrotanum , Taphre and Naples , as among bace thinges the famousest . The mouth of the Syrt , The lesser Syrt , or short Whashe . where it taketh in the open Sea , is almost a hundred myles broade , and it is thrée hundred myles compasse by the bankes of it : but it is harbroughlesse and rough , and partlie by reason of the numbers of shallowes , quicke sandes , and flattes that are in it , but more for the changeable alteration of the sea , in his ebbing and flowing , it is excéeding daungerous .

Aboue this is a great Poole , which receyueth into it the riuer Triton , and the Poole it selfe is also called Triton , Whereof Minerua hath one of her syr names , The Poole and riuer Triton . because ( as the inhabiters thereabouts suppose ) she was bred there . And they make the tale to haue some likelyhood of trueth , because they kéepe holie the same daye , which they thinke she was borne on , with solemme Ioustes and Tourneies of young Maidens . Beyond that , is the Towne Oea , and the riuer Cimphis , which runneth through most fruitfull féeldes .

Then is there an other Leptis , and an other Syrt , of like name and nature to the former , The greater Syrt , or Whash . but almost halfe as bigge againe as the other , both at the mouth and in the compasse of it . Unto this belongeth the Foreland of Boreon : and the coast beginning at the same , Loteaters . ( which the Loteaters are reported to haue possessed , ) from thence foorth to Phycus , ( which also is an other Forelande ) it is altogether harbroughlesse . The notable zeale of the Philens , toward their Countrie . The Altars aforesaide , tooke their name of two brethren , called Phile●s , who being sent from Carthage against the Cyrenians , to make a finall end of warre that had béene long betwéene them , for the bounds of their Countries , to the great slaughter of both partes : when couenaunt was not kept according to agréement , ( which was , that wheresoeuer the Ambassadours mette , which were sent out of both Citties at a time prefixed , there should be the boundes of both the Realmes ) vppon couenaunting a new , that whatsoeuer was on this side , should fall to the lotte of their owne countreyfolke , suffered them selues to be buried quicke in this place : a wonderful thing , and right worthy to be had in remembraunce .

The Troglodites , The manners of the Troglodites . possessing not any goodes at all , doo rather iabber than speake , dwelling in Caues vnder the ground , and féeding vpon Serpentes .

Among the Garamants , Of the Garamantes . also are those kinde of Cattell that graze sideling , with their neckes awrie , for their hornes growing downe to the groundwarde , will not suffer them to féede right foreward . No man there , hath any Wife of his owne . They that are euerie where borne , of this vncertaine and confused companying together , take those for their fathers , whome they most resemble in countenaunce and making .

The Awgyles thinke there are none other Gods , The Awgyles . but the Ghostes of dead men . By them they sweare , at them they aske counsell , as at Oracles : and when they haue prayed what they would haue , they lye downe vppon their graues , and receyue dreames for aunsweres . It is a solempne custome among them , that their Women , the first night they are married , shall abandon themselues to the common abuse of all men that come with reward : and it is counted the greatest honour that may be , to haue had to doo with many , at that tyme : but euer after , they kéepe themselues excéeding chaste .

The Gamphasantes are naked , The Gamphasantes . and 〈◊〉 vtterlie ignoraunt o● all manner of armour : knowing neither howe to shun a Darte , nor yet howe to throwe it : and therefore if they méete any bodie , they runne away , and dare not eyther come in companie , or 〈◊〉 communicate with any other , then such as be of their owne disposition and nature .

The Blemmyes are without headdes , The Blemmyes . and haue theyr faces in theyr breastes . Satyres or Woodwardes . The Satyres haue nothing of man , sauing shape . The shape of the * * Panes or Gotefeete . Aegypanes is such , as it is reported to be . And thus much of Affricke .

EGipt , the first part of Asia , lying between ●atabathmos and Arabia , draweth altogether inward * * That is to say , of the mid-land ●ea . from this shore , and runneth styll Southwarde , vntyll it beare vppon Ethyope with his backe . This Land is alwaies without raine , but yet woonderfull fertyle , and a very fruitfull mother , both of men & other liuing wights . Of Nilus , the great ryuer of Egipt . The cause héereof is Nilus , the greatest riuer of all those that fall into our Sea . This streame springing out of the Desartes of Affricke , is neyther by and by sayleable , nor by and by called by the name of Nile : but when he hath come downe a long way , single , and yet rough : about Meroe a verie large Iland , it is sheaded into Ethyope , and on the one side is called Astaboras , and on the other side Astapus . Where it commeth together againe into one channell , there it taketh the name of Nile . From thence , partlie rough , and partlie sayleable , it falleth into a great Lake , through which it sweepeth with a violent course , and imbracing another I le called Tachempso , runneth downe to Elephant , a Cittie of Egipt , all the way as yet styll rough and raging . Then at length wexing somewhat mylder , and now in manner sayleable : first about the Towne of Cercassye , it beginneth to haue thrée channelles . Afterward , deuiding it selfe once or twise more , at Delta and Metilin , it passeth on wandring , and dispearsed through Egipt , and at length parting it selfe into seuen channels , and yet continuing verie huge in euerie of them , it falleth into the * * That is our mid-land Sea . Sea . It dooth not onelie wade through Egipt , but also ouerflowing it in the chéefe of summer , moysteth it with waters so effectuall to engender and nourish , Water-horsses , and Crocodiles . that ouer and besides that it swarmeth with Fish , and bréedeth Water-horsses and Crocodiles which are huge monstruous Beastes , it also sheadeth life into the cloddes , and shapeth liuing creatures of the verie moolde . Which thing is héereby manifest , for that when he hath ceased flowing , and is fallen againe within his channell , there are séene in the moyst féeldes , certaine creatures as yet not perfect , but then first beginning to receyue breath , in some part hauing already their full shape , and in part as yet starke earth .

Moreouer , Opinions of the flowing of N●le . it increaseth , eyther because the snowe , being melted with the great heate , falles more aboundantly from the great high Mountaines of Ethyope , then that it can be receyued into his bankes : or else because the Sunne , wich in winter time was néerer the ground , and therefore abated his spring , now in summer time mounteth higher , and suffereth it to ryse whole and full , as it should be : or else for that the North east windes , which ordinarilie blowing in that season of the yéere , driuing the clowdes from the North into the South , doo powre downe showres vpon the head of his spring , or méeting his streame by the waye with contrarie blastes , doo staie his course in the comming downe , or else stoppe his mouthes with sande , which they driue to the shore together with the waues : and so it becommeth greater , eyther because it loseth nothing of it selfe , or because it receyueth more then ordinarie , or because it vttereth lesse than it should doo .

But if there be an other World , and that the Anticthones . goe féete to féete against vs in the South , it were not much vnlyke to be true , that the riuer rising in those Landes , after it hath pearced vnder the Sea in a priuie channell , should vent againe in our World , and by that meanes increase at the standing of the 〈◊〉 , for as much as it is winter at that time he springeth .

Other meruailous thinges also are in this Land . Woonders of Egipt . In a certayne Lake , there is an Ile A swimming Ile . called Chimmis , which bearing Woods and Forrests , & a great Temple of Apollos , floteth , and is driuen which way so euer the winde bloweth . Bridges builded of Stones ▪ thirtie foote square a péece , High Bridges . whereof the greatest ( for there are thrée of them ) containeth well néere foure acres of ground at the bottome , and is full as much in height .

Maeris , A Feeld turned into a Lake . sometime a plaine féeld , and now a Lake of twentie myle compasse about , déeper of water then any great Shippes , full fraughted doo drawe . Also a Maze A Maze . made by Sammetichus , conteining ( within the compasse of one whole entire wall ) a thousand houses and twelue Palaces , builded wholie of Marble , roofe and all : which hauing but one going downe into it , had within it waies almost innumerable , turning hither and thither , with many windlasses , altogether doubtfull with continuall steppes , and often réere-vaultes , which winding rounde one aboue an other , and eftsoones retyring backe , as much as they had gone foreward , made it so busie and entangled , that a man could not deuise how to winde himselfe out .

The inhabiters of the Realme , The manners of the Egiptians . demeane themselues farre otherwise then other men . In mourning for theyr dead , they besmere themselues with doong , and they thinke it not lawfull to burne them or burie them : but by the aduise of Poticaries , they kéepe them preserued in their priuie chambers . They write their Letters awkelie . They temper claie with their hands , and knéede dowe with their féete . Their Women pleade matters in Courtes , and looke to forreine affayres , and the men spin and carde , and take charge of the house at home . The Women beare burthens on their shoulders , & the men on their heads . When the Parentes fall in pouertie , the women are bounde of necessitie to finde them , the men are at choice . They eate their meate openlie , and without their doores , and doo their naturall néedes in the innermost partes of their houses .